FUSION IT SERVICES: 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Swapnika, No More

Swapnika,a B.Tech final year student,who was injured seriously in an acid attack is no more.Swapnika was treated at Yashoda Hospitals,Secunderabad.She was declared dead around 5.15 am early morning today.

This Blog extends a heart felt condolences to Swapnika's family and wish no such incidents happen again to anyone.

It's known to all that the persons involved in the acid attack have been encountered.
source : http://trendsanalysis.blogspot.com

Labels: SWAPNIKA, SWAPNIKA DEAD, SWAPNIKA NO MORE, WARANGAL ACID VICTIM, WARANGAL ACID VICTIM DEAD

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

MASKA - LISTEN TO MASKA AUDIO SONGS ONLINE

Starring : Ram, Hansika
Music : Chakri
Director : B Gopal
Producer : MS Raju

XPERIA - SONY ERICSSON XPERIA REVIEW

There's a lot to fall for in Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1. Possibly the hottest looker of a PocketPC is also heavy on skill. Heavy enough to not just scratch out a living as a one-hit-wonder but aim for the WinMo top.

The extra solid metal looks, gorgeous screen and the right pinch of novelty called XPERIA panels look to us as good enough reasons for the X1 to be hyped and romanticized. By the way, romance or not, Sony Ericsson and HTC have hit their perfect shape with that one.

The XPERIA X1 is surely the most eagerly anticipated device in the world of Windows Mobile. Getting our review out was surely quite a wait too, we know. Better late than ever, as some folks say. We'll still have our say 'cause for the XPERIA it's a load of high expectations to live up to.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 official photos

Key features:

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support plus HSDPA 7.2Mbps
3-inch 65K-color WVGA touchscreen
Qualcomm MSM7200 528 Mhz CPU and 256 MB DDR SDRAM
3.15 MP auto focus camera with VGA video recording
Four-row full QWERTY slide-out keyboard
Wi-Fi and built-in GPS receiver with A-GPS
X-Panels interface
Optical trackpad
Exquisite and solid metallic body
Standard miniUSB port and Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
microSD memory expansion
FM radio with RDS
3.5mm standard audio jack
MS Office Mobile document editor
Opera 9.5 web browser
Excellent video playback performance
Superb audio quality

Main disadvantages:

Body is a bit on the bulky side
User interface is hardly thumb-optimized
Mediocre camera performance
No built-in accelerometer
Poor display sunlight legibility
Records low quality VGA@30fps video in 3GP format
No TV-out port
No full Flash support for the browser (hence no full-featured YouTube)

The XPERIA X1 is one of the best-equipped Windows Mobile devices to ever set foot on the market. But hey, is it not the most elaborate and charismatic PocketPC too? As to skills, the high-res 3" screen and the full QWERTY keyboard seem the most important parts of its magnificent ammo though its processing power is not to be neglected either.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 in our office

Many devices find their identity in standing up to a rival. The XPERIA though is fatefully bound to always have one foot on alien ground. The haunting name for the X1 is HTC - manufacturer and main competitor.

As you probably guessed by yourselves the main alternative to the XPERIA X1 is HTC Touch Pro. It has a smaller screen than the XPERIA X1 and features a slightly lower resolution. In addition it is heavier and, if we were to be asked, not nearly as hot as the XPERIA.

However, the QWERTY keyboard of the Touch Pro is well ahead of what the X1 has to offer. The Touch Pro accelerometer and active magnetic stylus are small but nice touches that add to its allure. There are other advantages too, but we'll try to list them in the dedicated chapter of this review.

HTC Touch Pro

Furthermore, the Touch Pro had a nice two-month advantage since it hit the shelves back in August and this could be quite decisive for the sales. After all two months is quite a long time in the world of mobile phones, isn't it?

Let's not waste any more time now and get rolling with the actual review of Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1. Unboxing is this little jump ahead.

Note: Sponsored advertising links are in green.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Ghana Closes Borders Ahead of Sunday’s Run-off Election

Ghana will today (Friday) close its borders with three neighboring countries ahead of Sunday's election run-off. According to the Ghana's national security secretariat, it was imperative that the country closes it borders with Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso to address any security concerns. But some chiefs in the Volta Region, close to the border with Togo have reportedly expressed stiff opposition to the move, claiming President John Kufuor's government failed to consult them before deciding to close the borders.

Sunday's run-off election is between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) after either party failed to garner over 50 percent minimum votes required to win the December 7th general election. Kweku Baako is publisher and editor in chief of the Crusading Guide Newspaper. He tells reporter Peter Clottey from the capital Accra that the security agencies want to ensure peace and stability during Sunday's run-off election.

"There is a statement issued by the National Security Coordinator, which reads, The National Security Council Secretariat announces for the information of the general public that in the interest of national security, Ghana's borders with the Republics of Togo, Cote D'ivoire and Burkina Faso would be closed from today Friday 26th December 2008 to 6am on Monday 29th December 2008. The public is hereby advised to take note and signed by Dr. Sam G. Amoo," Baako noted.

He said although no specific reasons were given for closing the borders, this would not be the first time the government has taken such a decision ahead of any security matters.

"Prior to the December 7th general election, the Togo border was closed. It wasn't the first time that the Togo border with Ghana has been closed in the wake of an election or other national security considerations. But in the wake of that particular decision, there had been a lot of complaints particularly from some chiefs in the Volta region," he said.

Baako said instead of closing just the three borders, Ghana should have closed all of its borders.

"What is significant to this particular one is that this time round it is not just the Ghana Togo border that is being closed. The statement of course does not tell us the reasons except to say that it was in the interest of national security. But I believe that any discerning mind would notice that it was because of the December 28th election. There may be other security considerations, but I think that is the paramount one," Baako pointed out.

He said there were reports which suggested that some people were planning to employ non-Ghanaians to rig the election run-off.

"I say this because three or four days ago, the National Security Coordinator issued a statement to the effect that it had come to the notice of the national security that some Ghanaians were in the process of recruiting non-registered Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians from the sub-region to vote in the Ghanaian elections, and that is supposed to be an illegal exercise," he said.

Baako said although the election run-off would be closely fought, the momentum seems to be on the ruling party's side.

"Well, a closely fought battle and I think that is undeniable. But as you now, at the first round, Nana Akufu-Addo of the incumbent party led on the first ballot and the flag bearer of the main opposition party, the NDC came close second with the 47.92, an impressive performance by all standards if you compare their previous performances. But what is going on is that it is a more difficult task in my candid opinion for Atta Mills to win that is if you are looking at the trend. It is easier for Akufu-Addo to win than for Atta Mills to win," Baako pointed out.

Some political analysts say the decision to close the three borders before and during the December 7th elections has been found to be in Ghana's security interest. Both local and international observers declared the December 7th general election, transparent, free and fair, which met international standards.

Meanwhile, President John Kufuor is asking Ghanaians, the Electoral Commission as well as the two leading political parties to ensure that fairness prevails in Sunday's election run-off.

j k election results - 18th December 2008

One seat changed hands in yesterday's local by-elections around the country.

Thrapston Lakes, East Northants District Council
Con - 63% (+6)
Lab - 23% (+23)
UKIP - 15%( -28)
Con hold

Ibstock and Heather, North West Leicestershire District Council
Con - 32% (+9 on by-election in January)
BNP - 31% (+3)
Lab - 29% (-2)
LD - 8% (-10)
Con hold

Kells and Sandwith, Cumbria County Council
Lab - 42% (-24)
BNP - 40% (+40)
Con - 18% (+1)
Lab hold

Weston super Mare Claremont/Uphill, North Somerset Unitary Authority
Con - 27.5% (-36.5)
Ind - 27.5% (+27.5)
LD - 24% (-2)
Ind - 13% (+13)
Lab - 8% (-3)
(Both Inds were former Conservative councillors)
Con hold after toss of coin!

Newchurch, Isle of Wight Unitary Authority
Ind - 22% (-15).
LD - 40% (+40)
Con - 39% (-7)
(Previous councillor had been elected a Conservative but defected)
LD gain from Ind

Glyncoch, Rhondda Cynon Taff Unitary Authority
Lab - 50% (-18)
Ind - 33% (+33)
Plaid - 11% (-21)
Con - 3% (+3)

UFC 92 RESULTS

The following are official UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 quick match results:

Patrick Barry def. Dan Evensen via TKO (injury) -- Round 1, 2:36.
Brad Blackburn def. Ryo Chonan via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Matt Hamill def. Reese Andy via TKO (strikes) -- Round 2, 2:19.
Antoni Hardonk def. Mike Wessel via TKO (strikes) -- Round 2, 2:09.
Yushin Okami def. Dean Lister via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Cheick Kongo def. Mostapha Al-Turk via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 4:37.
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson def. Wanderlei Silva via KO (punch) -- Round 1, 3:21.
C.B. Dollaway def. Mike Massenzio via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 3:01.
Frank Mir def. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira via TKO (punches) -- Round 2, 1:54.
Rashad Evans def. Forrest Griffin via TKO (punches) -- Round 3, 2:46

Rashad Evans

Rashad Evans wasn’t supposed to be here.
You know, in the main event of the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view of the year and one victory away from becoming the UFC’s light heavyweight champion.

An undersized heavyweight facing the once-highly regarded heavyweight prospect Brad Imes in the finals for the second season of The Ultimate Fighter, Evans was picked by many to lose. However, Evans showed heart and moxie and battled his way to a split decision victory and a six-figure UFC contract.
Evans then proceeded to go 4-0 following his official induction into the UFC, with a notable win over TUF 1 finalist Stephan Bonnar at UFC Fight Night 5.
Following a highlight reel high kick knockout over Sean Salmon at UFC Fight Night 8, the decision was made to push Evans up the ladder and into a headlining PPV bout against former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.
Despite Ortiz having peaked several years earlier, many once again counted Evans out. Ortiz is a fighter not known for having self-esteem issues and appeared as confident and cocky as ever leading up to their UFC 73 showdown.

forrest griffin

Live blog, play-by-play, action of tonight’s UFC 92 MMA results between Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans from Las Vegas.

Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans Main Event

Round 1: The first round could have gone either way as both fighters were aggressive and landed a number of punches. Evans finished the round really strong after delivering a devastating kick to Griffin’s ribs. (10-9 Griffin) - Ringside judges scored it 29-28 for Griffin.

Round 2: Griffin started out strong in round number two with some swift Thai clinch and kicking. Evans takes numerous punches before blowing Griffin a kiss and grabbing his nuts. A lot of low kicks from Griffin that are doing some damage to Evans. Evans lands at least one strong punch near the end of the round. (10-9 Griffin) - Ringside judges scored it 30-27 for Griffin.

Round 3: Griffin totally had this match under control until the third when he slipped and started having to fight off Evans from his back. Evans truly pounced on the opportunity and punches away with both hands. Griffin recovers for a bit before Evans belts him to the head with numerous jab blows. Griffin finally concedes by tapping out at the 2:46 mark.

Result: Rashad Evans defeats Forrest Griffin (3rd round 2:46) to become the light heavyweight champion.

Undercard Results:

Patrick Berry defeats Dan Evensen (1st round 2:36 TKO)
Brad Blackburn defeats Ryo Chonan (Decision 29-28)
Matt Hamill defeats Reese Andy (2nd round 2:19)
Antoni Hardonk defeats Mike Wessell (2nd round 2:09)
Yushin Okami defeats Dean Lister (Decision 30-27)
Cheick Kongo defeats Mustapha al Turk (1st round 4:37)
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackon defeats Wanderlei Silva (1st round 3:21)
CB Dollaway defeats Mike Massenzio (1st round 3:01)
Frank Mir defeats Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (2nd round 1:54)

The Lord’s Boot Camp!

CBS News 48 Hours has contacted us looking for an interview regarding their upcoming smear job, The Lord’s Boot Camp, to air during the Christmas season. You can see the trailer here.

That’s like Adolf Hitler calling to ask if you want to be featured in one of his latest “documentaries” on the Jewish issue. Opposing views are welcomed. Just don’t be surprised that when you finally screen the film you find that they have edited in lice crawling over your face.
Sorry CBS. We’re not going to help you in your vicious attack on Christians. We’ll also be waiting for your 48 Hours exposé on Islamic hate to be aired during Ramadan.
There’s a reason that old media is dying. My young adult children don’t even watch television of any kind. New Media, we welcome you.

nmat 2008 analysis

NMIMS Entrance TEST NMAT for admission to MBA course will be held on Sunday, 30th December, 2007

Admissions for Full-Time MBA Batch (2008-2010)
NMAT for the MBA Programme (2008-2010) Batch will be conducted between 10.00 am to 12.00 noon on 30th December, 2007 in 20 centers across the country. The sale of forms will commence from 17th September, 2007. For further details please watch out for the advertisements in leading newspapers. Also visit our website closer to the above date.

NMIMS Admission Test 2007
Executive Summary

This year’s paper was more or less along the expected lines with easy sections on Language skills and Quantitative skills. The Quantitative section included quite a few questions on the application of Vedic mathematics, which were similar to those asked by IRMA earlier this year. Logical Reasoning, however, was a bit tricky with respect to 2 sets; otherwise, even this was a scoring section. Overall, it was an easy paper.
The basic structure of the paper was exactly similar to that mentioned in the institute’s brochure, with a bit of variety thrown in, in the concepts tested by the questions posed.

Total no. of questions: 150
No. of options per question: 5
Time: 120 minutes
Negative Marking: 0.25
Number of sections: 3

TTD IN FULL SWING

Vykuntha Ekadasi falls on the 7th of January. The occasion is a pious day for the Hindus, as it is believed that the gates of the heaven open up on this day and anyone who leaves this world on this pious day would make a direct entry into the heavens.

Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam is making elaborate arrangements for this day in Tirumala. There would be special devotional programs in Tirumala and the TTD is expecting unprecedented crowds on this day at the temple. Bhajans are also being organized by the TTD at various temples across the state. Special books are also planned to be released on this day.

It is nothing new for TTD to conduct such programs but there is a huge demand and flow of pilgrims for this event. Bookings are happening tremendously and it shows that the devotional fervor has grown big among the people.

Omar Abdullah Omar Abdullah Prefers Alliance With Congress NC Chief Omar Abdullah

As Jammu and Kashmir headed for a hung assembly, the National Conference today said it would prefer to have an alliance with the Congress.
"Personally, I will prefer to have an alliance with the Congress," NC President Omar Abdullah said when asked whom his party would like to see as a coalition partner in the future government.

Ruling out any possibility of having a tie-up with BJP, Abdullah said his party would prefer to sit in the opposition rather than forming a government with the saffron party. NC was part of A B Vajpayee-led NDA government.

Abdullah said the NC would try to get the support of the independent MLAs first before mulling other options.

Asked who would be the next Chief Minister as the party had already projected Farooq Abdullah as Chief Ministerial candidate, he said a final decision would be taken later on.

Referring to the large voter turnout, Abdullah said people wanted to separate day-to-day problems from the Kashmir issue and that was why a large number of people came out to exercise their franchise.

"Importantly, this election was held without the fear of gun," he said.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Barack Obama Visits Military Base on Christmas

Barack Obama visited military families while they ate Christmas Day dinner, thanking them for their service and posing for pictures.

Obama on Thursday visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii near his rented vacation home and briefly chatted with enlisted members who ate turkey, ham and roast beef. He didn't make formal remarks or speak to reporters during the stop, one of the few public sightings of the president-elect on what aides call a private family vacation.

"Hey," Obama said as he walked into the mess hall wearing a short-sleeved shirt and slacks. "Just wanted to say 'hi.'"

Obama lingered a few minutes at each table as the Marines and sailors and their families stood to greet their next commander in chief. At other tables, the visitors ate candied sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, mashed potatoes and simmered corn and broccoli.

"What part of Indiana?" he asked one person. To another: "This is the East Coast table, huh?"

Obama and his family planned to spend their Christmas holiday mostly out of sight, an accomplishment given his two-year, high-profile marathon to win the presidency.

Obama, wife Michelle and their two young daughters opened presents earlier Thursday and planned their own dinner of turkey and ham, according to aides. They did not release any other details.

The Obamas arrived in Honolulu on Saturday with four aides, his Secret Service detail and a small group of journalists. Since then, he has been largely sequestered at the beachfront estate.

With less a month before Obama takes office on Jan. 20, he is taking every step possible to make sure this holiday is as private as possible — something he bemoaned while walking to a driving range last Sunday.

"OK, guys," Obama said, recognizing the photographers snapping pictures. "Come on. ... How many shots do you need?"

That was one of only a handful of trips Obama and his motorcade have taken. He and Michelle Obama have visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii for daily morning workouts. Twice, he and friends have played a round of golf. He attended a private memorial service for his grandmother on Tuesday and scattered her ashes into the Pacific Ocean.

And that's been it.

While the Democratic president-elect vacations in his native Hawaii through the New Year, he and his aides have taken careful steps to minimize his profile. He has no public schedule while vacationing, although he remains involved in transition plans and has received intelligence briefings.

While Obama's aides have taken steps to keep the vacation low-profile, he hasn't been entirely successful. Photographers captured images of him scattering his grandmother's ashes from a rock ledge on Tuesday while the press corps waited in a bus. Another photographer captured the future first family — including a shirtless Obama — in the backyard.

The Secret Service has blocked the street where he is staying, citing security concerns. A few cars a day have rolled into the dead-end street, but they did not get past the checkpoint. And a few neighbors who tried to walk past the house on Christmas Day were rebuffed by agents.

One man left with an aide a Christmas card addressed to the Obama family. It featured a palm tree with the word "peace" written on it.

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State Bank Of India s Urged To Raise Ceiling

President said State Bank Of India currently provides up to US $ 200 Million. He revealed that following his request, the Indian government has said that it ...

President Mohamed Nasheed, who returned to Male’ after concluding a three day official visit to India, has said that he has urged the Indian government to raise the ceiling of bank loans provided to Maldivian business community by State Bank of India to US $ 500 Million.

Speaking to Maldivian media from New Delhi, President Nasheed said Indian government has given positive indications to his request.

President said State Bank of India currently provides up to US $ 200 Million. He revealed that following his request, the Indian government has said that it will discuss the issue with the State Bank of India’s management and see what can be done.

He further said during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh he has asked the Prime Minister to afford facilities from the Indian Axim Bank to Indian business community so that they can export goods to Maldives.

“Then there is the issue of our students obtaining higher education here, we are looking at receiving a thousand scholarships from India” said the President briefing the Maldives media from Taj Mahal Hotel.

President Nasheed who is currently on his maiden trip to India after being sworn in as president over a month ago, said discussion were also held on developing human resources in sectors, like nursing, tourism.

President revealed that among the things that has been agreed between both countries include, improving the road systems of some islands, developing and improving the services provided by Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) built by the assistance from Indian government , developing the Hotel School and providing assistance to establish suitable sewerage systems in the islands of Maldives.

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TELUGU MOVIE REVIEWS : KING (2008) MOVIE REVIEW

Happy Christmas for King Fans and Others. Today, after the great expectations, the movie released with much hype. The most vital factor that boosted up expectations is the direction by Srinu Vaitla who made big hit 'Ready' this year. Let us see how far the film reached expectations.

Story:
King alias Chandra Pratap Varma (Nag) is the son of Raja Varma (Sobhan Babu). He becomes the heir of a large estate fatre the death of his father, where his uncles and aunts also live with him along with mother (Geeta). King faces a peril in the form of Swapna (Mamata Mohandas). That stands up to be a suspense element in the narration. Who is Swapna and why she becomes a danger point for King? What happens to King?

On the other hand Sravani (Trisha), an aspiring singer catches the eye of a guy whose name is Bottu Seenu (Nag), a goonda. What's the link between Bottu Seenu and King? That forms another layer in the film.

And last but not least, Sravani falls in love with a software engineer Sridhar (Nagarjuna). Is there any link between Sridhar, Bottu Seenu and King other than the similarities in looks? That's another layer all together.

'Gnan anna' aka Gnaneshwar (Srihari) portrayed the role of Sravani's brother.

Rest to be watched on screen to unleash this knot.

Performances:
Nagarjuna's magnitude is seen fully on silver screen. His grace pulled the attention of entire audiences. It sounds a wonder to know he is 50 now. There are no signs of that age on his face or body and he is looking 20 years younger to what actually the time claims. His performance in three different shades is hilarious and entertaining. He left his starry airs aside and performed up to the role as demanded (like getting bruises from Brahmanandam). That should inspire many younger heroes as well. And coming to dances, he has performed in his trade mark style.

Trisha is with full of elegance and the credit should be given to costume designer and cinematographer. She hasn't exposed anything big but touched the senses of audiences.

Mamata Mohandas looked voluptuous and witch-like as per the demand of the role. She once again proved her mettle as complete artiste with own voice for dubbing.

And coming to the most publicized eight-heroine song, except Genelia everybody looked hot (Anushka), romantic (Trisha), lovely (Priyamani), refined (Kamna), sexy (Mamata Mohandas), spicy (Sneha Ullal) and chubby (Charmy). The costumes used for Genelia are inferior when compared to others in that song. That made the difference.

Brahmanandam once again tickled the audiences with his role as music director Jaya Surya. He has been the vital factor in Srinu Vaitla's films since 'Dhee'.

Master Bharat also brought laughs with his role but that is not in the length of his role in 'Ready'. He justified in a small role in this film.

Jayaprakash Reddy also made his presence well with his Rayalseema style of dialogues. Sayaji Shinde and Krishna Bhagawan also portrayed in their trade mark style on negative side.

Sri Hari deserves very good mention in this flick. He worked really well as supporting artiste. He portrayed action and comedy in right doses. His hilarious role will be remembered as Painter Gnaneshwar for sure.

Coming to technical aspects, cinematography by Moorella Prasad is fantastic. The costume designer also deserves great mention. And the story writers Kona Venkat and Gopi Mohan once again grooved in their names for the characters of Sayaji Shinde and Krishna Bhagawan, like they did with their earlier films.

All in all, this Srinu Vaitla's show although inspired from different films (Chandramukhi, Chandralekha, Shankaradada Zindabad etc….), stands to be unique and a wholesome family entertainer.

Analysis:
The movie takes different twists and turns but no where strains the audiences. A laugh is promised at every 10 minutes on an average. Although the length of the movie seems to be long in second half, audiences don't get bored. Even the songs made the audiences sit in theaters by the blend of their right music and interesting choreography as well as costumes.

First half runs with ample humor while second half too does the same with added comedy.

Many films start rolling on mind's screen while watching this flick and that should be understood as parody-like inspiration by the director.

Interesting Comedy Tracks:
Srihari's painting episodes
Brahmanandam-Trisha casting couch
TV Show with Brahmanandam
Nagarjuna's Chandralekha and Chandramukhi parody

Best Scenes:
Bullet scene (although inspired from Hollywood flick 'Wanted')
Action sequences

It's a wholesome entertainer from Srinu Vaitla but here is one suggestion for him. He should change the style by not incorporating similar elements like that of his 'Ready' and 'Dhee'. There is risk as people may get bored watching similar comedy tracks again and again. The movie undoubtedly appeals for masses and entertains families.

Bruce Pardo: Covina California Santa Shooting

Bruce Jeffrey Pardo

This is Bruce Jeffrey Pardo. He’s the shooting Santa who plotted revenge against his ex-wife by dressing up like Santa Clause, going to his former in-laws’ Christmas Eve party, and slaughtering at least eight people before killing himself hours later. Read more about it below, see his photo, and watch a video.

In a really sick Christmas Eve rampage in Covina, California, Bruce Pardo dressed up like Santa Claus, opened fire on a gathering of his in-laws, and then quite methodically set their house on fire using a bizarre homemade device that sprayed some sort of flammable liquid. He killed at least eight people and injuring several others including an 8 year old and a 16 year old. At this writing, three additional people are listed as ‘missing’ after Bruce Pardo’s rampage — his ex-wife and her parents — and it is very likely their remains are among the ashes of the torched home.

Reportedly about 30 people, among them many children, were inside the home celebrating on Christmas Eve when Bruce Jeffrey Pardo knocked on the door. The gathering was a tradition for the family, an annual holiday party, and Pardo had apparently disguised himself as the hired entertainment to gain access into their home. When a guest opened the door, Pardo stepped inside the house, pulled out a handgun, and immediately started shooting people. Witnesses ran from the home into the neighborhood screaming.

Apparently Pardo and his wife Sylvia had filed for divorce in March, and Sylvia Pardo had been living in the home. The police began a manhunt for Pardo and were searching the area when his body was discovered in a car near his brother’s home in Sylmar which is a community about 40 miles northwest of Covina. He had shot himself in the head.
Bruce Pardo Santa Shooter Video

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BLACK FRIDAY 2: Stores Desperate To Salvage Holiday Sales

Holiday shopping is way down in some areas as shoppers grapple with a weak economy and face potential layoffs and work hour cutbacks.

The result is a desperate group of retailers hoping to lure consumers back into their stores for one last spree before the end of the year. The day after Christmas is now being referred to by some as "Black Friday 2:"

Department stores like Macy's and JC Penney are offering 50-80 percent off sales. Filene's Basement, up to 90 percent off with an extra 20-percent off coupon.

Retailers have their work cut out for them.

Nationwide, retail spending between November 1st and Christmas Eve was down 5.5 to 8 percent compared to last year.

Bloomberg reports on two particularly bleak categories inspiring some desperate "Black Friday 2" efforts:

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, women's clothing sales dropped 23 percent and men's fell 14 percent, according to SpendingPulse.

Combined electronics and appliance sales tumbled 27 percent, with purchases over $1,000 suffering the most, according to SpendingPulse data. Luxury sales, including jewelry, plunged 35 percent, the data showed.

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Thursday, December 25, 2008

Holiday promotion from IHOP

International House of Pancakes has launched a holiday promotion good through Jan. 4. Purchasers of a $25 gift card will receive a $5 coupon good for their next visit to one of the chain’s 1,375 locations in North America.
Local IHOPsare located in Clifton Park, Colonie, East Greenbush and Schenectady.

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Back from Walt Disney World, the Waidmanns know wishes can come true

Christmas 2008 is one the Waidmann family will remember always. It follows a memorable December trip to Walt Disney World, which 11-year-old Brock chose as his dream destination through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon’s wish-granting program. Parents Rhonda and Mel, along with kids Brock, Melvin, 8, and William, 5, were recently whisked to Florida for an unforgettable adventure.

“It was so fun. I don’t even know how to put it into words. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime,” says Rhonda, Brock’s mother.

Brock, an avid “High School Musical” fan, chose Walt Disney World so he could watch a “High School Musical” pep rally. During the second day of the trip, the Waidmanns went to Hollywood Studios at Disney World to watch one of the shows, which was followed by a parade.

“They kept pulling kids out of the audience,” says Rhonda. “At the end of the show, one of the girls from the cast came over and said, ‘Would you guys mind following us backstage?’ We said OK and so they had us parade down the street with the float. Then they took the float behind these two big doors. A guy came out and got us, we went behind the doors, and the whole cast from Disney World was standing there and they all said, ‘Hi, Brock!’ We got to spend about 10 minutes talking with them. We took pictures. It was just so awesome.”

For Brock, it wasn’t just awesome – it was a wish fulfilled.

And for Rhonda, seeing his wish fulfilled was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

“Of course I was crying, which the kids all thought was funny, that Mom was crying,” she says.

As previously reported, Brock has spina bifida and agenesis of the corpus callosum, or ACC. With the spina bifida, he has no feeling from the ankles down and uses crutches or a wheelchair to get around. With the ACC, he is missing his corpus callosum, the band that connects the right side to the left side of the brain. This causes a comprehension delay.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon aims to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its inception, the chapter has helped to grant the wishes of more than 2,000 local children, including Brock.

The trip was timed perfectly – they were there for the annual Christmas party at the Give Kids the World Village. Mickey, Minnie and Santa mingled with everyone and the kids enjoyed cookie-making stations, donated wooden toys and an elaborate Christmas buffet prepared by the Florida Association of Chefs.

Rhonda says that Brock made friends with a little girl with cancer from Cleveland, Ohio, who was also there for a wish trip. A year older than Brock, the two bonded and exchanged e-mail addresses. Rhonda says it was fun to watch him make friends.

When volunteer wish granters Karen Koch and Dixie Amos first told Brock his wish would be granted, they promised a special experience. Rhonda says that experience far surpassed any of her expectations.

“With Make-a-Wish, everybody knows the name. When we flew to Florida, we waited for his wheelchair to get off the plane, so we were the last ones off. The pilot let them come up and sit in the cockpit and put on the captain’s hat, so that was really cool. On the sailboat cruise ride at Disney World, they let Brock steer the boat, so that was really fun.”

Brock and his brothers enjoyed going on the rides, which took them from the Caribbean to Kilimanjaro and everywhere in between. They played in a life-size Candy Land game, where they acted as the game pieces. The Waidmanns enjoyed going to Sea World, where Brock especially liked petting the dolphins and learning the hand signals. The kids met one-on-one with Disney characters, like Minnie, Mickey and Pluto. Each day during the week-long trip, a new adventure awaited the family.

“When we were leaving, Brock was crying. He didn’t want to leave the Village. He just wanted to stay there,” says Rhonda.

As soon at the Waidmanns returned to Beaverton, they had to begin packing for their move to California. In the midst of packing and prepping for both a move and the holidays, Rhonda took a moment to reflect on what the experience meant to her.

“The treatment and attention we received – not only just Brock, but our whole family – it was so fantastic and it really made it special for him. I am just so grateful,” she says.

For more information about the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Oregon, visit
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Inauguration To Highlight Martin Luther King Jr. Week

The inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States will highlight Alma College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week Celebration Jan. 18 through 22.

Public viewing of the televised inauguration ceremony will occur on campus Jan. 20, followed by a panel discussion on this year’s theme, “Where Do We Go From Here?”

Other activities include the fourth annual MLK Poetry Slam, student reflections on the legacy of Dr. King, a campus blood drive, and community service opportunities.

“The inauguration of an African-American president was a dream of Martin Luther King Jr.,” says Jamie Smith, faculty coordinator of this year’s MLK observance at Alma. “When our original speaker, Spencer Overton, postponed his scheduled Jan. 19 campus appearance because of his appointment to the Obama Transition Team, we determined that an official observance of an historic American inauguration would be the most ideal way to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday.”

Overton’s keynote speech at Alma has been rescheduled for Feb. 2 in the Remick Heritage Center. A leading election law scholar and frequent media commentator, Overton is a law professor at the George Washington University Law School and the author of “Stealing Democracy: The New Politics of Voter Suppression.”

A variety of MLK events are scheduled at Alma College. All are free and open to the public.

Jan. 18/Nick Piccolo, vice president for student life, speaks at the weekly Alma College Chapel service at 9 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Dunning Memorial Chapel.

Jan. 19/Alma College Service Learning classes sponsor a campus blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 in the Stone Recreation Center Multipurpose Room. Call (989) 463-7971 to register and volunteer.

Jan. 19/The fourth annual Alma College Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Slam features an open microphone and audience participation by faculty and students reading original and published poetry at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 in the Tyler-VanDusen Rotunda.

Jan. 20/Alma College celebrates the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20 with public television viewings at various campus sites. Following the inauguration, a panel discussion with faculty members and civil rights activists on “Where Do We Go From Here?” takes place at 4 p.m. in the Dow Science Center Room L-4. The discussion focuses on placing President Obama’s inauguration into an historic context.

Jan. 20/Students present their reflections on Dr. King and his legacy at Dreamfest ’09 (formerly known as the Reflections Contest) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Clack Theatre. Submissions, focused on this year’s theme, “Where Do We Go From Here?” will be judged, with cash prizes awarded to three presenters. Pizza is provided.

Jan. 20/Michigan Service Scholars (MSS) training takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Dow Science Complex Room L-2. MSS is an AmeriCorps program that encourages students to serve on their campuses and in their communities. Students who volunteer 300 hours of service are eligible to earn a $1,000 AmeriCorps education award. Contact Anne Ritz, ritz@alma.edu, Service Learning Office, for information.

Jan. 22/Students, faculty and staff are invited to join Alpha Phi Omega to serve the Community Cafe meal provided by Sodexho through meal/point donations from students, faculty and staff. The meal is served from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 at First Presbyterian Church in Alma.

Jan. 24/Alma College students volunteer with youth at Kids Night Out at Alma High School from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Volunteers supervise games, movies and recreation.
Click here to contact

www.trb.tn.nic.in - Teachers Recruitment Board

Teachers Recruitment Board , Chennai Tamil Nadu (TN)website at the link below.
check information about Current Recruitments 2007 - 2008.
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[Official] IRMA PRM ( 2009-10) Written Results out

Result of written test conducted on November 09, 2008 for admission to PRM course (2009-10) has been announced.

Please check your result here

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Lance Armstrong baby with girlfriend Anna Hansen

Anna Hansen and Lance Armstrong are expecting! Armstrong, the multiple-time Tour de France champion, is expecting a fourth child with his current girlfriend Anna Hansen.

"Lance and Anna have been quietly dating since July," a source told Perez Hilton. "They met through Lance's charity work. Anna works at a non-profit for cancer survivors."

Armstrong has three other children conceived after his battle with cancer was won but those pregnancies were the result of artificial insemination using sperm that had been saved before chemo treatments began.

The baby that Armstrong and Hansen are expecting was allegedly naturally conceived.

Armstrong and Hansen are said to be "thrilled" with the baby news.

"This is a hopeful thing for testicular cancer survivors," CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said.

"It means his body healed from the chemotherapy and surgery."

A Colorado native, Hansen enjoys the outdoors, which includes mountain biking and snowboarding.

Anna Hansen is a Program Manager and Recruiter for First Descents. She graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Meet Anna Hansen, Lance Armstrong’s girlfriend. The couple just announced they are expecting a baby! Read the rest of the story and a biography of Anna Hansen below, and see photos and video.

Cancer survivor and cycling phenom Lance Armstrong is expecting a baby with girlfriend Anna Hansen. Lance froze his sperm prior to receiving cancer treatment in 1996, and he has three other children with ex-wife Kristin, who conceived using those frozen swimmers and in vitro. This baby with Anna is the first he’s conceived naturally. (Lance clearly has super magic sperm!) Anna is due in June 2009, and the couple is said to be “thrilled.”

Anna Hansen Biography

I couldn’t find a ton of biography information on Anna Hansen. She is a Colorado native, and she graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Biology. She is a Program Manager and Recruiter for First Descents, an organization that provides whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure experiences to promote emotional, psychological and physical healing for young adults with cancer. She has been a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital in Denver and serves on the board of directors of Camp Wapiyapi, a foundation providing support for families with childhood cancer. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding.

Anna Hansen met Lance Armstrong through charity work, and they have been quietly dating since July 2008, shortly after his relationship with Kate Hudson ended. Their baby was unplanned (obviously), and indicates that after all these years, testicular cancer survivor Lance’s sperm are working again. This is rare and only happens to a small handful of survivors.

More photos and a video of Lance Armstrong are below.

Lance Armstrong 4

Lance Armstrong 6

Lance Armstrong NYC marathon

Lance Armstrong Photos

Fugitive Manuel Benitez shot and killed by police after standoff with police, holding his son hostage as well

The man killed was 38-year-old Manuel Benitez, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Mark Everett aka Manuel Benitez

Mark Everett aka Manuel Benitez

Mark Everett aka Manuel Benitez

Authorities had been seeking Benitez since the slaying of Stephanie Spears in Hawthorne more than four years ago. Benitez had a son with Spears, and the child had not been seen since the mother was beaten to death with a dumbbell, according to his fugitive profile on the FBI Web site. The Web site said Benitez may have been traveling with the son, Benjamin.

The FBI Web site said Benitez, who was featured on the television show "America's Most Wanted" earlier this year, had been a child actor who went by the name Mark Everett, one of several Benitez aliases listed in the sheriff's department statement.

The boy suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh in Tuesday's standoff but was expected to survive, said sheriff's Lt. Liam Gallagher.

Benitez was declared dead at the Chinese restaurant in an El Monte strip mall after police threw a flash-bang grenade inside then exchanged gunfire with him, Gallagher said.

Gallagher would not say who shot the boy.

Police said Benitez, who wore a camouflage jacket and had two handguns, took the boy into a back room of the restaurant where he held him hostage.

The sheriff's statement said Benitez also went by the names Mike Evers and Manuel Velasco. It said detectives are seeking the public's help in finding his mother, Elizabeth Velasco, who authorities believed he may have been traveling with.

Benitez was charged with murder and a California warrant was issued for his arrest in May 2005, the FBI Web site said. A federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued in March 2006. The FBI had offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

As child actor Mark Everett, Benitez had small parts in the television shows "Highway to Heaven" and "Trapper John, MD," and the movies "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" and "Stand and Deliver," according to the FBI and The Internet Movie Database Web site.

El Monte police Detective Ralph Batres said the standoff began after a police officer noticed a man take a boy off the sidewalk and head to the restaurant. Benitez ignored the officer's orders to stop and barricaded himself inside, Batres said.

Elizabeth Velasco - Mark’s mother, thought to be with him

age progressed to 6 years old

Benjamin Everett in 2004

A man shot and killed by police after a two-hour standoff near Los Angeles where he held his 7-year-old son hostage in a restaurant was a suspect wanted for the 2004 murder of his girlfriend, authorities said Wednesday.

Police closed nearby streets and shoppers were evacuated from neighboring stores as dozens of police officers and other emergency crews surrounded the restaurant.

One employee of a nearby Mexican restaurant said Benitez had the boy in a headlock and held a gun to his head as he sought a place to hold him.

Gallagher said Benitez told police during negotiations that he was going to shoot police and harm the child. Police later found Benitez had a semiautomatic pistol and a revolver.

El Monte is a city of about 116,000 people 13 miles east of Los Angeles.

Mark Everett Child Star Dead! | Mark Everett Child Star!

Mark Everett former child star now Benitez is DEAD, shot to death in an El Monte restaurant bathroom during a hostage standoff.

He went also by the names of Mike Evers, Manuel Velasco, and Manuel De Velasco, according to the FBI’s Web site.

As a child actor, he started in movies “Stand and Deliver” and “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” In tv he appeared in “Galactica 1980″ and “Highway to Heaven.” Benitez was a fugitive for the June 21, 2004 murder of then girlfriend Stephanie Spears.

Mark Everett is dead. Mark Everett is also known as Manuel Benitez. He was a child star. Mark is one of America's most wanted men. The LA County Officers killed him at a restaurant. He had a hostage who was 7 years old, and according to reports it was his very own son.

Flashbang grenade from the police blinded Benitez and later he was killed after the exchange of shots. The hostage was safe. Manuel "Mark Everett" Benitez was also allegedly involved in the death of his girlfriend Stephanie Spears with a dumbell (remember this story?) 4 years back.

We don't have the Mark Everett photos for now but we will have it.

RAMALINGA RAJU RESIGNS??? SATYAM FOUNDER RAMALINGA RAJU RESIGNED..

The reports also suggested that Mr Raju had put in his papers and that he was awaiting the company board's decision on the issue.

When contacted, a Satyam spokesperson said: "We are still awaiting news from the management. We will let you know once there is an announcement to make."

Incidentally, a Satyam board meeting is scheduled for December 29. According to analysts, Mr Raju's resignation wouldn't make much of a difference to investors. "He is not to be blamed alone...the responsibility lies with the entire board. It was a unanimous decision and this board is in no place to decide on the issue," said Prabhudas Leeladhar analyst Apurva Shah.

SOURCE : ECONOMIC TIMES .. READ MORE AT ECONOMIC TIMES

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Paparazzo snaps shirtless Obama

source : http://www.politico.com
A paparazzi picture of a buff and shirtless Barack Obama Monday prompted a decidedly un-presidential reaction on the Web.

“Dang, my President is SMOKIN' HOT. Who else has such a fine leader? France? Great Britain? Eat your heart out, Sarkozy,” wrote one commenter on The Huffington Post, one of a select few outlets to receive the images Monday.

Peter Moore, the editor of Men’s Health magazine who interviewed Obama on his workout habits for a November cover story, told Politico his nearly seven-day-a-week regimen seems to have paid off. “No love handles to speak of on the sides. You see the definitions in his arms. He’s a dude. Wow.”

Beyond playful interest in Obama's physique, the photographs are bound to raise questions within Obama’s inner circle about the family’s privacy. The Obamas have been fiercly protective of their daughters, in particular, reaching agreements with news organizations during the campaign about when they could be photographed.

But Bauer Griffin, a Los Angeles photo agency, was not bound by any agreements and released 37 shots of the Obamas and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, at their beachfront vacation home Sunday.

The images, which were given to the Huffington Post, TMZ.com and Celebuzz.com, show Michelle Obama and their daughters in bathing suits, carrying towels and playing with friends. They are the images of any normal beach vacation, but such an unmanaged peek into the Obamas’ world is highly unusual.

An Obama transition spokesman declined to comment on Obama's reaction.
Obama has been photographed several times without his shirt as a presidential candidate but he’s about to step into the White House — so how much skin is too much? There is a fine line, experts said, and this time at least, Obama was on the right side of it.

“He is being authentically Barack Obama,” said Howard Bragman, a Los Angeles public relations expert and author of “Where’s My Fifteen Minutes.” “I don’t see it as disrespectful of the office. If he was wearing Speedos? Yeah. A thong? Maybe that wouldn’t be the best look.”

Despite living under a microscope for more than two years, Obama routinely bristles at the interest in his every move and takes to scolding photographers who try to capture him in unscripted settings.

On Halloween, he bolted from photographers as he walked through his Chicago neighborhood with his daughter. In Hawaii, he showed annoyance Monday with the press corps as he set out for a round of golf, saying “OK, guys, come on. How many shots do you need?”

GHAJINI Movie Reviews and Story Lines

Mr.Perfect! An Amir Khan is finally coming with his blogbaster movie GHAJINI. GHAJINI, the Tamil version is a enormous hit and only dubbed in Tamil Language. Now it is in Hindi Language with Bollywood on 24th December A.R. Murugadoss and Starrer by Mr.Perfect! An Amir Khan and Asin Thottumkal south actress a Remake of GHAJINI.
Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, GHAJINI is a remake of the 2005 Tamil film Ghajini is a romantic action thriller movie. The Movie is explorers the life of a once-rich businessman who suffers from anterograde amnesia disease which make a loss of memory for temprory basis. Amirkhan (Sanjay Sighania), is a rich businessman and Asin Thottumkal) Kalpana an advertisement model girl eventually falls in love with him.

once, they went mumbai Kalpana is mudered in which sanjay arrives in the fight scene where Pradeep Rawat (Lakshman) the downcast during the fight hit with metal rod on the Sanjay's head. Sanjay survives but he aquires anterograde amnesia due to the brain injury in which he remember his memory on temprory basis for 15 minutes only, although he frewuently has flashbacks of Kalpana's murder. He determines to take revenge on those responsible for Kalpana's death. The rest of the story is about how Sanjay, along with a medical college student Jiah Khan (Sunita), goes about finding Lakshman and the goons
GHAJINI Movie 2008 Info:-

Star Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin,Jiah Khan, Pradeep Rawat,Khalid Siddiqui
Producer: Allu Arvind,Madhu Varm
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Story / Writer: A.R. Murugadoss
Release Date: December 24, 2008
Genre: Romantic Action Thriller
GHAJINI Movie Song List

* Guzarish
* Aye Bachchoo
* Kaise Mujhe
* Behka
* Latoo
* Kaise Mujhe (Instrumental)

Watch GHAJINI Movie Theatrical Trailer

Monday, December 22, 2008

Radio host Michael Bandy dies

Country radio personality Michael Bandy, the co-host of Bandy and Bailey in the Morning on Lexington's WLXX, 92.9 The Bear, died Saturday afternoon. He was 37.

Mr. Bandy had suffered from a long illness, according to a news release issued Saturday by Cumulus Broadcasting. He died in the hospice unit of St. Joseph Hospital.

"This is a terrible loss for country music radio, our station and Central Kentucky," said Hal Hofman, market manager for Cumulus.

Mr. Bandy's family is not releasing further details about his illness, he said.

Hofman said Mr. Bandy's last time on the air was about a month ago. Jason Bailey and on-air personality Deidre have carried the show since then and will continue for "the foreseeable future," he said.

Mr. Bandy, a native of Cookeville, Tenn., was working mornings at a radio station in Cookeville when he met Bailey, who worked afternoons. The two became partners when they faked an audition for a morning show at another station and ended up getting hired.

The Bandy and Bailey show had aired in Lexington, Louisville and Atlanta since 1994.

"He was one of the most talented guys I've had the privilege to work with," Robert John, operations manager for Cumulus, said in the news release. "This is indeed a sad day for all of us."

Mr. Bandy is survived by his mother, his stepmother and a stepsister. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

MICHAEL JACKSON ON DEATH BED SUFFERING FROM LUNG DISEASE

Pop legend Michael Jackson is suffering from a rare lung condition and is "close to death", a British newspaper has claimed.

Jackson needs to undergo an emergency transplant operation but he is too weak to be rushed into surgery and may even be fighting for his life, the Sunday Express quoted Ian Halperin, who is penning a biography on the singer, as saying.

According to Halperin, 50-year-old Jackson has been diagnosed with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that can be fatal in severe cases, and the singer is now so ill he can barely speak and has lost as much as 95 per cent of the vision in his left eye.

"He has had alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency for years but it's gotten worse. He needs a lung transplant but may be too weak to go through with it. "He also has emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, which his doctors have had a lot of trouble stopping.

It's the bleeding that's the most problematic part. It could kill him," Halperin said. Author Halperin has also claimed that Jackson's lung conditions, which affects only one in 5,000 Americans, has been difficult to treat due to its associated health problems.

"For years, Michael has been working with his own doctors to try to make sure it doesn't progress. He has been on many medications that have stabilised him," he was quoted by the British newspaper as saying.

Though Jackson's official spokeswoman wouldn't comment on Halperin's claims but his elder brother Jermaine seemed to have confirmed that the singer has serious health issues. "He is not doing so well right now. This isn't a good time," he told Fox TV News.

SNAP 2008 ANALYSIS KEY AND SOLUTION KEY

SNAP 2008 ANALYSIS OF PAPER AND ANSWER KEY 2008

EXAMINATION HELD TODAY (ON DEC 21ST 2008) AND THE

UPDATED :

ANSWER KEY

ANALYSIS

picower foundation

source : http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss

Jewish liberals luv reproductive rights, and AIPAC

From Adam Horowitz:

Another blow to Jewish continuity. Bernie Madoff, that 7-letter-word that begins with an "a" (or "b"), killed the Picower Foundation. A description of Picower's aims:
The Foundation's grantmaking areas are in education, medical innovation and an equitable and inclusive society. . . The Foundation's efforts to achieve a more equitable and inclusive society consists of supporting projects in human rights, reproductive rights and Jewish continuity.

Per the Times, Picower funded the Jewish Outreach Institute. Or JOI. Ala JOI to the world. Welcoming non-Jews into Judaism, because they're marrying Jews. Picower also supported Social Action.com, a "Jewish online resource for repairing the world," which, curiously, separates its "human right/civil rights" work from its "Israel and World Jewry" work. This might be because they recommend that people get involved with AIPAC as part of their Israel work.

Joss Stone & Mavis Staples, I'll Take You There

In the divide of whether Joss Stone is the real thing, I'm in the confirmed camp. She holds her own with Mavis Staples, in a duet on the Staples Singers' own I'll Take You There ... a gutsy move, unless you know you can throw it down at that level. (Joss Stone, meanwhile, will play Anne of Cleves in the upcoming season of The Tudors ... which would seem to throw out all that babble about the supposedly homely appearance of Henry VIII's fourth wife.)

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Akron police: Five arrested for 30 robberies in Summit and Portage counties

AKRON -- Four Akron men and a Columbus man are now behind bars in connection with a string of robberies in Summit and Portage counties.

Akron police say the arrests were made in connection with 30 robberies that started in Feb. 1, 2007 and ended April 30, 2008.

Arrested were:

* Richard A. Delaney, 20, of Akron
* Timmie D. Hubbard, 20, of Akron
* Desmond A. Billingsley, 19, of Akron
* Jeremie J. Jones, 20, of Akron
* Jason R. Smoot, 21, of Columbus

Police say the majority of the robberies happened at fast food restaurants such as Arby's, Dairy Queen, KFC Little Caesars, Subway, Wendy's, Taco Bell and McDonalds. Also hit were an Alltell store, Foot Action and Foot Locker as well as Marathon and Speedway stations.

The suspects have all be convicted or pled to various robbery charges related to the crime spree. Police say the suspects were linked to the robberies mostly in part by information given by witnesses.

Departments involved in the investigation were the Barberton Police Department, Brimfield Township Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Fairlawn Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Fairlawn police Department, Kent Police Department, Norton Police Department, Portage County Sheriff's Department, Springfield Township Police Department and Summit County Sheriff's Department.

Directorate Of Technical Education Maharashtra

Three higher education boards reluctantly approved budget cuts Thursday that will lead to faculty furloughs, reduced class offerings and higher tuition and fees.

The moves were taken to implement their portions of a $109 million reduction in higher education funding for the second half of this school year. Board members said that what makes it worse is that they are looking at a cut three times that size in June when a new state budget is adopted.

Cuts approved by the executive committees of the boards that oversee the University of Louisiana System, Community and Technical College and Southern University systems account for about $58 million of the total.

The LSU System, which has not yet approved its reduction plan, is to cut $50.5 million from its campuses, hospitals, research facilities and law and agriculture programs.

UL is set to cut $7.3 million, while South Louisiana Community College would have to reduce its budget by more than half a million and LTC Region 4, which includes Lafayette's campus, would make about $1 million in cuts.

"This is a problem that has short-term gain but long-term pain," said ULS Board Member Andre Coudrain after approving $33.5 million in cuts to ULS campuses. "We've got to rethink the way state government acts toward higher education."

Higher education has to absorb more than one-third of a $341 million statewide budget cut brought on by falling revenues. State colleges and health care are the two largest budget items that do not have constitutional protection against cuts.

Layoffs likely

ULS President Randy Moffett said 70 percent of college funding is personnel, so layoffs are probable.

Besides the cuts, all colleges and universities will have to absorb the $10 million cost of tuition that would have been funded by the state for high school students who are co-enrolled and for low-income students who receive a new assistance called GO Grants and the cost of merit raises for civil service employees. The state underfunded the programs.

During the ULS executive committee meeting, campus presidents spelled out the steps they are taking. Most said there are reducing adjunct faculty, increasing teaching loads on full-time faculty, cutting of spending on equipment, library purchases and new construction, freezing travel, eliminating unfilled positions and rescheduling classes that would have been taught by adjunct faculty.

UL president Joe Savoie said UL will also consider eliminating Friday classes to shut down the university and save on utility costs. The university already shuts down at noon on Fridays. Staff would work longer hours Mondays through Thursdays to keep 40-hour work weeks.

Tough choices

Savoie said he hopes Gov. Bobby Jindal looks at other ways to reduce spending than cutting so much from university budgets.

"I'm hopeful he will exercise some prudence and spread it around more," he said. "We got a direction to cut 7.8 percent but that's not an official directive and there are ways to spread it around."

He also is looking at outside activities of the university, like federal economic development arms that require UL funding - $350,000 for the federal Manufacturing Extension Program of Louisiana and $385,000 for the Louisiana Technical Assistance Center - as possible sources of savings.

"If I have to make a decision between the history department and MEPOL, I'm going with the history department," he said at the meeting. "If I have to decide between the English department and PTAC, I'm going with the English department."

The governor's preliminary higher education plan asks for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to slash $14.18 million from its seven community colleges, two technical community colleges and eight technical college regions.

But at the meeting Thursday, LCTCS President Joe May said he had only identified $8.14 million that could be cut from the schools without reducing programs and classes. An official order from the governor is expected in January. Before that time May will try to negotiate the final reduction.

"We don't want to hurt our ability to help the needs of workforce development," he said.

Reductions in stages

May outlined how the LCTCS would be impacted by both the $8.14 million reduction and an additional $6 million, which would equal the probable $14.18 million cut. The board passed a resolution authorizing campus presidents to implement the first plan. The additional cuts will be implemented if ordered by the governor.

South Louisiana Community College will reduce its budget by $306,528, or 4 percent, in the first round of cuts. It will limit institutional support and plant operations and curtail new program development. LTC Region 4, which includes Lafayette's campus, will reduce its budget by $570,531 and limit support costs.

If the executive order requests $14.18 million in cuts for the system, SLCC will reduce its budget by 7 percent and cut $533,149. LTC Region 4 would increase its cuts to $1.08 million.

Neither SLCC Chancellor Jan Brobst nor LTC Region 4 Director Phyllis Dupuis returned calls late Thursday afternoon.

The LCTCS board also discussed what will be eliminated next fiscal year when the state will have to overcome a shortfall that is projected to equal between $1 billion and $2 billion. At that point the whole system would reduce its budget by almost 10 percent.

First Vice Chair Vincent St. Blanc III said he has been unable to sleep for the past two nights and wonders where people who lose their jobs will go to be trained in a new field.

"These are people that are staying in my community, paying my taxes," he said. "Boy, this is a hard pill to swallow."

A Dangerous Imbalance For The GOP

Congressional Republicans risk creating a vicious cycle that will keep them in the minority.

Congressional Republicans' resounding vote against the auto bailout this month captured a dynamic that could drive much of the party's response to Barack Obama and compound the threat to the GOP in the Northeast, the Midwest, and other regions where it is already retreating.

In both the House and the Senate, the auto vote underscored a regional imbalance that could define, and constrain, the party's agenda through the Obama presidency. In both chambers, the GOP caucus is increasingly dominated by members from the country's most conservative regions. And, as the vote to block federal assistance to the beleaguered auto companies demonstrated, those members are likely to steer the party on an ideologically aggressive course in 2009 that makes it tougher for Republicans to recover in swing or Democratic-leaning states where they have lately lost ground. "That's going to be a serious problem for the Republicans," says Gary Jacobson, a political scientist at the University of California (San Diego) who studies Congress.

It's telling that so many Republicans from reliably conservative places were willing to attach the party to a policy that could economically devastate Rust Belt states.

The auto vote precisely illustrated the dynamic. Federal intervention to keep General Motors and Chrysler out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy drew respectable support from Northeast and Midwest Republicans. In the Senate, six GOP senators from those areas favored federal help and three opposed it. In the House, Northeast and Midwest Republicans divided fairly closely, with 26 backing the loans and 38 opposing them.

But Republicans from more-conservative (and virtually union-free) regions overwhelmingly said no. The Senate's Southern Republicans voted 16-2 against the bailout; Republicans from the Mountain West and Plains voted 12-2 against it. Southern House Republicans voted 76-3 against the assistance -- and each supporter had a General Motors plant in or near his district. Those decisive votes stamped the congressional GOP as the principal obstacle to the aid.

President Bush could still protect congressional Republicans from the potential consequences of that position with his decision Friday to resuscitate the auto companies with funds from the financial bailout package. But it's telling that so many Republicans from reliably conservative places were willing to attach the party to a policy that could economically devastate Rust Belt states where the GOP is already declining.

That gamble shows how the party's loss of regional and ideological equilibrium can reinforce itself. Because Republicans from swing and Democratic-leaning states now constitute such a distinct minority in the party caucus, they lack the numbers to prevent it from adopting positions unpopular with their voters. The caucus majority can impose a direction that solidifies the party where it is already strong but further endangers the minority.

This isn't the first time a party has fallen into this debilitating cycle. The classic example came after 1854 when Congress approved the Kansas-Nebraska Act, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise that had limited slavery's spread in the territories. Until then, congressional Democrats were divided closely between Northern and Southern members. But the backlash against the Kansas-Nebraska Act destabilized that balance by provoking severe losses for Northern Democrats; as Southerners gained the advantage in the Democratic caucus, they repeatedly identified the party with pro-slavery policies that further undercut Northern Democrats already struggling against the emerging Republican Party. As the late David M. Potter recounted in his magisterial history of the 1850s, The Impending Crisis, the House's Northern Democrats didn't entirely recover until the New Deal.

The reverse essentially happened to Southern Democrats from the 1960s through the 1990s, when the party's deepening Northern tilt associated it with civil rights and other liberal measures that hastened the Republican advance across Dixie. Congressional Democrats have recently re-established greater balance between members from liberal and centrist areas. Now, Republican legislators in the most competitive states face the risk of being defined by an agenda that reflects only the priorities of bedrock conservative places. November's election results increased that danger by eliminating even more congressional Republicans who represented moderate regions. After those losses, the northern Mountain West and the South, both staunchly conservative, will supply nearly half of House Republicans next year -- and fully three-fifths of Senate Republicans. "They will be the face of the party," Jacobson says. That's ominous for more-centrist Republicans.

In congressional caucuses so skewed toward the right, it's not clear who will have an instinct for what might rebuild the GOP in Connecticut or California. Judging by how many Republicans were willing to risk the chaos of an auto-industry collapse, the early answer may be: no one who's in control.

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