Say what?

The other day, Politico ran an article noting that Barack Obama had carried the "affluent vote" - those voters making more than $200,000 a year - with 52% of the total and wondering breathlessly if, or more exactly when, his support among such influential people would collapse in the face of Obama daring to do what he said he would do during the campaign, such as raising taxes on those making more than a quarter-million dollars a year.There was a lot of tut-tutting about how "these voters are not being repaid for their support" and hand-wringing about the concerns and feelings of those such as couples making more than $250,000 who won't be able to deduct the sales taxes on new cars they buy this year on their 2009 returns. Amid all that comes this gem:“A person making $250,000 isn’t wealthy,” said Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “They still have to work for a living.”And I have to ask: Who the hell are you people? What world do you live in? Where is this magical kingdom where being able to deduct the sales tax on your new Lexus or Jag is a matter for attention and the the definition of "wealthy" is, apparently, never having to work at all but just clipping coupons?* It sure as hell is no place I've ever been.According to US Census Bureau figures for 2006 (the most recent available), households with incomes of $175,000 or more were in the richest 5% of all American households. Of a little over 116 million total households, only 2.24 million had incomes in excess of $250,000 - that puts them in the richest 1.9% of Americans.And they're griping about how tough they have it? I don't care one whit that most of the households making that quarter-mill-plus are clustered at the lower end of that range. It still means their household income exceeds that of more than 98% of their fellow American households and they are making over five times the median household income. That's not wealthy?Put it another way: The article states that there were 4 million tax returns for earners of more than $200,000 in 2006. It also says that in that same year, there were 92.7 million tax returns filed. That means those $200,000+ earners were the richest 4.3% of filers; they made more than over 95% of the people who filed returns. Add the fact of those who didn't even have to file because they didn't make enough, and the percentage of those who they out-earned grows. That's not wealthy?Put it a third way: Look at this graph. It was from a letter sent out by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in September 2007. It tracks the ratio of earnings of two different sets of income percentiles from 1967 to 2005. The meaning is not immediately obvious, so I'll explain. The dotted line represents the ratio of the 50th percentile income level to the 20th percentile income level. The ratio remained fairly steady at about 2.4:1 over that time: That is, the yearly income at the 50th percentile was roughly 2.4 times that of the 20th percentile and remained so over that 38-year period.The solid line is the ratio of the income of the 95th percentile to the 50th percentile. In 1967, that ratio was 2.6:1. Those at the 95th percentile earned about 2.6 times as much as those at the 50th percentile. But that ratio did not remain even roughly constant; it grew steadily until by 2005 it was 3.6:1. Simply put, in comparison to the rest of us, the rich, those at the 95th percentile, were getting richer. Pulling away. They were not just richer than the vast majority of us, they were getting more richer than the vast majority of us.Yet even the generally progressive Center for Economic and Policy Research is insisting someone making $250,000 a year "isn't wealthy," almost like they were just another working stiff. And that is pathetic nonsense which shows how distorted not only our economy is but our perceptions as well, as people making a quarter-million dollars a year "don't feel rich," apparently because they have costs to meet and bills to pay - without recognizing that the fact they can afford those expenses for things far beyond what most can have is what makes them rich. Yes, the rich "were disproportionately hit" by the banking collapse but they were also the ones who disproportionately gained over the preceding four decades and it never seems to register with them or with those who observe and fret over their condition that what they lost was more than most of their fellow citizens will ever have.Our sense of values is seriously, seriously out of whack.*The phrase "clipping coupons" is old slang for the activities of the idle rich whose income was derived from dividends and thus did not depend on their own work but on the labor of others. In his poem "Advertisement for the Waldorf-Astoria," Langston Hughes had these lines:Have luncheon there this afternoon, all you jobless. Why not?Dine with some of the men and women who got rich off of your labor, who clip coupons with clean white fingers because your hands dug coal, drilled stone, sewed gar- ments, poured steel to let other people draw dividends and live easy.

ATV Safety Workshop Sept. 13th 2008

Alachua CountyPublic Safety / 4-HATV Safety EducationWorkshopsFor youth ages 8-16Learn atv safety knowledge and skills in a fun, safe, fast paced classroom atmosphere!Mebane Middle SchoolSept. 13, 20089:00 am-3:30 pmTo register call 352-384-3106or email lsw@alachuacounty.usThere is no ATV riding in these workshops. This is not the state required certificationcourse for riding on public lands. The same safety information is presented in hands-on, dynamic activities without the actual ATV riding. This workshop is a good prep for the ASI ATV Ridercourse.Cost is $5.00 Free for 4-H and FFA members.Bring a lunch, snacks will be provided.For information on the state required certification course for ATV riding please contact the ATV Safety Institute at 800-887-2887 or at www.atvsafety.orgFor persons requiring special accommodations to 4-H activities contact (352)955-2402 or TDD/TYY (352)955-2406. Please call at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. Upon request, for persons with print-related disabilities, this information is available in alternate formats. 4-H is for youth ages 5-18. Membership is open to all youth regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, handicap or geographic location within Alachua County.

Fish shape dress

Wingnut DeMint’s Anti-Dem Specter “Spin”

And you guess it - I also posted here.)I’m sure you’ve read, as have I, a variety of explanations as to why Arlen Specter switched from a U.S. Senate Repug from PA to a Dem, but I have to tell you that the one from Specter’s former party colleague Jim DeMint may be the biggest stretch of all.As TPM tells us here…(DeMint) attributes the non-viability of the Republican party in states like Pennsylvania to the fact that voters have fled "forced unionization" in the northeast for the safety and comfort of the southern motherland.("the southern motherland" - tee hee...)I would say that that type of non-thinking has led the party to its current state of near collapse, particularly in the northeast, as kos tells us here.Well, maybe instead of criticizing all of us in the Keystone State for allegedly driving out those Repugs voters with our nasty unions and prevailing wage law, DeMint should pay more attention to his own backyard, as it were, particularly given this story which tells us…According to the Economic Research Service, the average per-capita income for all South Carolina residents in 2006 was $29,767, although rural per-capita income lagged at $27,004. Estimates from 2007 indicate a poverty rate of 19.2% exists in rural South Carolina, compared to 13.8% in urban areas of the state. Data from 2000 finds that 29.1% of the rural population has not completed high school, while 21.8% of the urban population lacks a high school diploma. The unemployment rate in rural South Carolina is 7.7%, while in urban South Carolina, it is 5.3% (USDA-ERS, 2008).Also, this tells us that “about 4.6 percent of the population of South Carolina currently lives at or below the poverty level, despite working 40 or more hours per week, compared with the national rate of 4.1 percent” (not sure of the exact time periods for some of these numbers, but they are fairly recent and do not paint a pretty picture).And here’s a WaPo update providing even more bad news…On Day 88 (of the Obama presidency), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that South Carolina had set a record for its highest unemployment rate in state history, at 11.4 percent. Greenwood's unemployment is 13 percent -- more than twice what it was (in 2007).Also, South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, making it easy prey for the Walton family and other corporate vultures; this tells us that the company with the yellow smiley face settled a lawsuit for wage nonpayment dating back to 2000 nationwide, including in The Palmetto State (I have to admit that the state did create this rather interesting tourism promotion, though).But anti-unionism is as natural as breathing for DeMint; as noted here, he blocked a Democratic attempt to implement one of the 9/11 Commission recommendations that would have “require(d) that all containers on U.S.-bound vessels be screened in foreign ports for radiation, and all cargo loaded onto U.S. airliners be screened for explosives”…see, the “problem,” as far as DeMint is concerned, is that the bill would have allowed the Transportation Security Agency screeners to unionize.I would say that a union would have been able to provide for at least some of the residents of Greenwood, SC, were they to join through their employer (the town was profiled in the WaPo story); I’m sure Councilwoman Edith Childs, also profiled, could convince DeMint of that fact if she had the opportunity.But of course, DeMint would have to admit that she and her issues even exist at all (I would guess that that’s part of the reason why DeMint hasn’t even cracked the 50-percent incumbent approval mark, as Nate Silver notes here, with DeMint defending his seat next year – looks like the incumbent is only one credible Democratic challenger away from being retired from public life…we can only hope).Update: I meant to note this earlier concerning this notion DeMint is trying to propagate that all workers in PA are unionized; as noted here, "Union density in Pennsylvania rose from 15.1 percent in 2007 to 15.4 percent in 2008. In 2007 there were 830,000 union members in Pennsylvania among 5.496 million employed workers. In 2008 the number of union members increased to 847,000 among a workforce of 5.504 (million) employed workers."

What Are The Causes Of Food Poisoning

What Are The Causes Of Food PoisoningFood poisoning is more common in areas with poor sanitation or living conditions (often occurs in community feasts, cooked and served under unhygienic conditions or food stored under such conditions for several hours). Most cases of food poisoning are from common bacteria like Staphylococcus or E. coliWhat Is Food PoisoningFood poisoning refers to poisoning that occurs due to eating foods contaminated with toxins or poisonous substances secreted by some bacteria. Contaminated food or water infected with or carrying micro-organisms can food poisoning. Improper cleaning and washing of fruits and vegetables, and improper cooking of food can also cause food poisoning.What are the Symptoms of Food PoisoningFood poisoning generally occurs within 2 to 3 hours of eating or drinking infected food or water. However it may also occur earlier or later. The symptoms include nausea or a feeling of vomiting, vomiting, pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. Other symptoms are fever, cold sweats, weakness, headache and dehydration.Types of Food Poisoning1.Bacterial food poisoning - Here the micro organisms called bacteria are responsible.The food material may contain the pathogenic bacteriae or their toxin and will be ingested along with the food.2.Non bacterial food poisoning - Due to the presence of toxic chemicals like fertilizers, insectisides, heavy metals and ect.Since bacterial food poisoning is common it is discussed here.3.Bacterial food poisoning - All bacteria are not harmful.There are some pathogenic bacteria which secrete toxins and cause clinical manifestations.These organisms enter the human body through food articles or drinks.How Food Poisoning Occurs1.Presence of bacteria in the water.2.The raw materials for the food may contain toxins.3.Premises where the food is prepared may contain micro organisms or toxins.4.Food handlers may have some infectious diseases.5.Some animals like dogs,rats may contaminate the food.6.If prepared food is kept in the room temperature for a long time and heated again can make a chance for food poisoning.7.Purposely some body mixing toxins in the food.Some Common Bacterial Food Poisonings1.Salmonella food poisoning - There are three different varieties of salmonella bacteria.(salmonella typhimurium,salmonella cholera suis,salmonella enteritidis) These bacteria are present in milk, milk products and eggs. Symptoms of this food poisoning include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Fever is also common.2.Botulism - This is the dangerous type of food poisoning caused by clostridium botulinum. The spores of these organisms are seen in the soil and enters the human body through pickles and canned fish ect.Compared to other food poisonings here vomiting and diarrhoea are rare Mainly the nervous system is affected.The symptoms starts with double vision,numbness with weakness.Later there will be paralysis with cardiac and respiratory failure ending in death.3.Staphylococcal food poisoning - It is caused by staphylo coccus aureus. These organisms usually cause skin troubles like boils and eruptions.It causes mastitis in cow.Through the milk and milk products it enders and causes gastroenteritis.There will be vomiting,abdominal cramps with diarrhoea.4.Closteridium food poisoning - This is caused by closteridium perfringens.They are present in stool,soil and water. They enter the body through,meat,meat dishes and egg ect.If food articles are cooked and kept in room temperature for a long time and heated again before eating can result this food poisoning.Symptoms include vomiting ,diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.5.Bacillus cereus - The spores of these organisms can survive cooking and causes enteritis. Diarrhoea and vomiting is common in this infection.How to Investigate Food Poisoning?1.Examine each and every person affected.2.Water sample should be tested.3.Kitchen, store room and food samples should be examined.4.The cook and food handlers should be questioned and examined.5.Samples of vomitus and stool of all victims should be tested to identify the bacteria.How to Prevent Food Poisoning1.Only purified water should be used.2.Hygiene should be maintained by all persons keeping contact with food.3.Workers should use masks, cap and gloves during cooking and serving.4.Sick individuals should not come in contact with food materials.5.Kitchen and premises should be neat and clean.6.Utensils should be washed with soap and hot water.7.Should not keep the prepared food for a long time in room temperature.8.All food materials should be kept in closed containers.9.Animals like dog, cat, rat ect should not come in contact with food materials.10.Vegetables should be washed before cooking.11.Meat should be fresh and should be purchased from recognised slaughter house.Paul Hata is active in various community programs aimed at providing education,health and jobs to all.Paul has over 10 years experience in managing a multi-million dollar advertising company.Access 1000s of affordable healthcare here - EarlyPlanet.com and TradePlanets.com

Pretty Mantis Pumpkin Patch!

My sister is CORRRRECT!!! I need to post a picture of my munchkins on my blog!Since the temperatures dropped nearly 40 degrees yesterday, the fall chill whispered in my ear...... GO PICK PUMPKINS!!!So off we went to the Faux Pumpkin Patch! There is only one REAL patch in Las Vegas... and it is at the far extreme end of town and is only open during the mornings hours. So we went to the KMart shopping center pumpkin patch instead.To our delight... the pumpkins had just arrived and were not picked over yet. We selected a nice plump pumpkin and a taller oblong pumpkin. When Shaela picked up a cute pint size pumpkin, it had a bonus gift! A little praying mantis was perched on it! She still calls this bug a 'Pretty Mantis' and I don't want to correct her... it's just too cute!Shaela - 5Devin - 7 (for 7 more days)Dominic - 9Mommy - Angels don't AgeStampingly Yours & His, Shauna! www.StampinglyYours.stampinup.net Ask me about Stampers Six!!!

Girl show her rich

3 x "wandering albatross"

Mais uma vez o Manila cria o contexto para mais um projecto....começamos a delinear o que irão ser 3 Albatroz de grande porte com quattro fins a pensar nas esquerdas da cabeça do preto...the next 3 wandering albatross 1x9'2, 2x 9'4...experimenting diferent widths and outlines flows...quattro fins to shred the northest point break of PortugalManila and Kikas unpack the prototype that we made at my placeManila starts to correct all the shit that i made... and lies saying: " oh you just made one little mistake" lol...anyway his skill made our blank/bottom prototype into a believable formnão adianta, por mais que olhemos para o monitor não há forma de termos bom tempo para umas merecidas surfadas... We can search all we want but the weather has been shit and so the waves for the last 15 days...oh well back to foam...

Linux Foundation takes over Stewardship of Intel's Moblin OS

It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I guess being the kind of organization that people love to leak news about might be the next. That seems to be the case with the Linux Foundation, which for the second time in a matter of weeks has seen an enterprising reporter scoop the opposition (and our own internal planning) by releasing a story ahead of our planned schedule. Who knew that an open source foundation could attract paparazzi?Last time, it was Steven Vaughn-Nichols announcing our acquisition of the Linux.com site, and this time it's the New York Times (no less) announcing a day ahead of time the fact that the Linux Foundation has taken over stewardship of Intel's Linux-based Moblin mobile operating system. If you've been following the mobile space for awhile, this is news worth noting, on which more below. First of all, what exactly is Moblin? There are several answers to that question. Competitively: Along with Google's Android, Nokia's Symbian and the LiMo Foundation's Limo, Moblin is one of the major Linux-based contenders to control the mobile space. That space includes (in ascending order of form factor) phones, network devices and netbooks. Important note: not all of these systems was originally intended to cover the full mobile space (Moblin, incidentally, was). Architecturally: The Moblin Architecture is designed to support multiple platforms and usage models, ranging from Netbooks to Mobile Internet Devices (MID), to various embedded usage models, such as the In Vehicle Infotainment systems. The central piece of the architecture is the common layer that we call Moblin Core, a hardware and usage model independent layer that provides one uniform way to develop such devices. Underneath Moblin Core, sits the Linux kernel and device drivers specific to the hardware platform, and above Moblin Core are the specific user interface and user interaction model for the target device. (Read more here.) Developmentally: Historically, Moblin had been under the roof, as well as the control, of Intel. Now, Moblin's further development will be hosted by the Linux Foundation (more details on this tomorrow, when LF issues its own press release)That said, why move Moblin to the Linux Foundation, and why now? The following can be found in the Times piece:“This is a departure for Intel,” said Jim Zemlin, the executive director of the Linux Foundation. “This is a company that has the resources and internal staff to create innovative technology on their own. They obviously see Moblin as a strategic platform.”...Mr. Zemlin is thinking that broad interest in Moblin could help spur the sales of Intel’s Atom processors, which the company has aimed at netbooks for now and all types of small devices including phones, cars, refrigerators and elevators in the future.“It’s so hard to figure out when the next big thing will happen,” Mr. Zemlin said. “By opening it up to many people as possible, you increase your odds of participating in whatever turns out to be big.”With Moblin in the Linux Foundation, the four Linux-based mobile OS systems become more comparable from an "openness" perspective, although important variations beyond the length constraints of this blog entry remain. Android was launched by Google, but is now hosted by the Open Handset Alliance. Symbian was launched by Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola and Psion through the joinly owned Symbian, Ltd., but Nokia later bought its other partners out, and the participation of other developers is today welcome via the Symbian Foundation. Similarly, the LiMo Foundation was formed by six initial partners, with additional members joining later. So while the degrees of control vary from organization to organization, it makes good sense for Moblin to be hosted in a neutral environment as well. That control won't switch 100% day one, just as it didn't in any of the organizations noted above when the management changed. That's not surprising, because, as someone who's big in software once said, it is, after all, all about developers. Or, as noted by Jim in the Times piece:Intel will maintain strong control over the software since it employs the top Moblin developers. But that could change over time as outside developers show interest in the software. “As people earn their stripes, it will open up,” Mr. Zemlin said. As you might expect, Jim (and Intel's Doug Fisher) have been giving a lot of interviews today as the news has spread, including to Eric Lai, over at ComputerWorld. Details from that interview include the following:...The Moblin open-source project already has "thousands of active developers," including an undisclosed number of Intel employees, says Doug Fisher, a vice-president in Intel's software and services group. Under Intel's management, Moblin developers already had the freedom to port the OS to ARM or Nvidia's Ion, Fisher said. However, judging by a search of the Moblin.org site, no such projects exist today. While a "big percentage" of Moblin's developers are Intel employees, Zemlin expects that to change. "Intel gets that the most successful open-source projects are those that governed judiciously, where code is based on merit," he said. Zemlin cited the OpenOffice.org project that has been criticized by IBM and outsiders for Sun Microsystems Inc.'s continued strong grip as "a specific and good example ... of what they [Intel] are trying to avoid." Feature-wise, Zemlin touted Moblin's power efficiency and lower price against Windows XP and Windows 7. Against Android, Zemlin points out that the smartphone OS only runs on ARM processors, and ARM-based netbooks have yet to ship.Needless to say, things will continue to be extremely active and dynamic in the mobile space, and in particular in the Linux-based mobile space. Clearly, a great deal of strategic commitment, an enormous number of dollars, and a great deal of hype are being lavished on this new space - and why not, with more or less a billion platforms per year (and rising) to be sold for the indefinite future, and plenty of the OS landscape still up for grabs?While, as always, I'm not speaking for the Linux Foundation, on a personal note, it's been fun being involved in the pre-planning of this, and it will continue to be interesting to be part of the action as the fun continues.That's all for now. After all, the press release won't be out until tomorrow.For further blog entries on Open Standards and Open Source click heresign up for a free subscription to Standards Today today!

Spicy Chicken Stew Noodle Soup

Spicy Chicken Stew Noodle Soup 1 package rice noodles 8 cups water 2 TB vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 whole chicken, cut into large pieces or bite sizes chunks 1 TB Oriental beef spice powder 1 TB soy sauce 2 TB fish sauce 1/2 tsp. salt 1 TB sugar 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 can (8 oz.) Hunt’s tomato sauce 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1" pieces 1 taro root, approx. 2 lb., peeled and cut chunks bite sizes 8 cups waterBring 8 cups water to a boil, in a large pot. Add noodles to boiling water and cook till it tender. Pour cooked noodles in a colander, rinsed under cold water, drained and set it a side. Preheat a large soup pot. When soup pot is hot, add oil, garlic, onion and chicken, stirs. Seasoning meat with Oriental beef spices, soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, sugar, cayenne powder and black pepper, stirs well. Add tomato sauce, carrot, taro root and water, stirs, simmering until chicken meat and taro root tender. Serve hot with noodles, rice or hot crusty Italian or French bread.TO SERVE WITH NOODLES: Place some cooked noodles in a bowl and pour hot spicy chicken stew over noodles. Serve immediately along with fresh bean sprouts and sweet basil leaves.

Dragonfly.

Spanning the State: "It Won't Be Long, Me See Me Love"

A long-standing war between the music industry and the broadcasting industry may have its final battlefield here in Oregon. Sort of: Jack Ely, the singer whose 1963 version of "Louie Louie" still makes the rounds on oldies radio, lives with his wife in a mobile home on a horse ranch in Oregon. Ely says they share $30,000 a year from her teacher's pension and his Social Security checks. They are paying down a mortgage. So sometimes it bothers Ely, 65, when he hears his voice singing "Louie Louie" on the radio or in sports arenas, knowing he's not getting paid. "It gets played twice a day by every oldies radio station everywhere in the world. And I get nothing," said Ely, who recorded the song with the Kingsmen before getting drafted by the U.S. Army and leaving the band. "I got one check for $5,000. That's all I ever saw from the sale of 'Louie Louie.' " Since the advent of radio in the 1920s, songwriters have made a little money every time their tunes are played on stations in most industrialized countries. The six children of "Louie Louie" songwriter Richard Berry today share more than $100,000 in royalties every year. But performers like Ely don't get a dime. Songwriters get their cut through ASCAP/BMI. But performers don't, meaning that Jack Ely doesn't make a dime, no matter how many toga parties dance to his classic performance. Radio stations, through their lobbyists in the National Association of Broadcasters, have managed to drive back every legislative and regulatory attempt to change the situation. And with the recording industry taking a beating these days--CD sales are down, and digital online sales aren't coming close to making up the difference--performers the recording industry are especially motivated to get a piece of the ad revenue their songs create for the stations. [T]he music industry thinks it can win. In the last two decades, recording companies have secured royalties from other formats: Internet radio, satellite radio and music channels on cable TV services. Mitch Bainwol, the chairman of the Recording Industry Assn. of America, says he's prepared for a "multiyear" fight. The bill has the support of the Judiciary Committee chairman, Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), and is set for final revisions this month before possibly being sent to the House floor for debate. And it's the radio stations--who, to be fair, are also having a tough time of it these days--who are the holdouts: The recording labels have already made inroads. In the late 1990s, they won the right to collect royalties for performers when songs are played on satellite, Internet and cable radio. A body called SoundExchange collected $151 million for performers from those formats in 2008. Meanwhile, there's a more fundamental reason why this cobbled-together arrangement of labels and stations--with the performers themselves floating out on the edge somewhere--is a poor state of affairs, and Jack Ely himself recently gave his take on it, with a radical solution: In the early '60's when I was recording, records were thought of as a tool to help promote live performances. The live performances were the main revenue stream and the records were just promotional tools to get people to come see the shows. Somewhere this mode of thinking got turned upside down. Consequently in years hence, record companies, producers, et. all, have made recordings, hoping to profit from the sale of those recordings alone, regardless of whether or not the artist could ever pull it off live. [...] The suggestions that recordings are produced today just to sell recorded music is all backwards and the sooner the record companies and producers and artists figure this out the sooner they will all quit sniveling over the fact that the entire world is freely sharing their music digitally and isn't willing to stop; and in fact will do anything to circumvent their efforts to get paid for the recordings alone. The days of producers and musicians putting bands together just to get a recording deal so they can get paid by the record company for a product that usually never even gets released; those days are over. [...] The solution is to give the world all the free music it wants, but to give the recording entity, whether it be a record company or a producer, or whomever, a cut of every live performance. That will do at least two things and maybe more that I haven't even thought about yet. First it will give everyone involved in the recordings a source of revenue (pay day) for all their hard work of producing and promoting the recordings. Second, it will weed out all the so-called "recording artists" who couldn't, in a live venue, perform their way out of a paper bag.

CW pinpoints narrow audience with possible 'Gossip' spinoff

Monday's Gossip Girl (8 ET/PT) flashes back to 1983 to set up a proposed spinoff centering on the turbulent teen years of Lily Rhodes. But CW executives probably wish they could flash back to the heady years of predecessor WB, a young-viewer magnet in its heyday a decade ago.CW, which replaced both WB and UPN in fall 2006, has struggled to build an identity, and only a year ago was the subject of industry speculation it might shut down.It survived, but in a retrenchment, it dropped wrestling its No. 2 show last fall, will stop airing comedies next season, and last week confirmed plans to pull the plug on its Sunday lineup, where it had never found an audience.With Next Top Model as its top series, CW is now laser-focused on a narrow audience: women 18 to 34. Shows such as One Tree Hilland Gossip Girl found buzz, if not ratings, by appealing to that crowd and setting trends in music and fashion. And a remake of Beverly Hills,90210 premiered strongly last fall, though its ratings have since dropped by more than 60%."We found that this was white space where (that audience) wasn't spoken to specifically, certainly not in the broadcast arena," says CW chief Dawn Ostroff. Yet only one in five of CW's viewers falls into that category, and CW like WB is still perceived as a network for teenage girls, the subjects of many of its shows.With on-the-bubble Privileged looking increasingly likely to survive, the Gossip Girl spinoff is one of six dramas being considered for three available time slots on the network's weekday lineup. Though a Hollywood website last week pronounced the project "dead," Nancy Tellem, a top executive at CW parent CBS, which owns the network with Warner Bros., says the show is "definitely still a contender."Producers have been asked for a spinoff since Gossip began in fall 2007, "but we only wanted to do it if it was an idea that stood on its own," says co-creator Stephanie Savage. "We didn't want to diminish Gossip Girl by taking any of the actors away, and we didn't want to shoot in contemporary New York City." Plus, says partner Josh Schwartz, there was always "the fear that spinoffs could be lame."But they zeroed in on the idea of doing an "origin" story about teenage Lily (Brittany Snow) and her wayward sister, Carol (Krysten Ritter), "a prequel where you could seed characters in one world and have them reappear in the future" in the other, Schwartz says.Juggling past and present the prequel and Gossip's prom in Monday's episode is "probably what they go through every week on Lost, but it was the single hardest hour of TV we've ever done."Other dramas vying for spots next season are a sure-bet reboot of 90210 spinoff Melrose Place; The Vampire Diaries, based (like Gossip Girl) on another teen book series; The Beautiful Life, about the "flip side" of life among glamorous models, designed as a Top Model companion; Light Years, about a teen who seeks out her biological parents; and Body Politic, about a young congressional aide in Washington. (CW's new schedule will be announced May 21.)Overall, CW's audience is small, averaging just 2 million viewers, down from 2.6 million last season. (Last month it ranked behind cable's USA, Fox News, Disney and TNT.) And among women 18 to 34, it claims just 400,000 viewers, down from 601,000 two years ago.Analysts say that the narrow programming strategy reduces chances for growth: With rival broadcasters' viewership all averaging 40 or older, "it seems like an opportunity to broaden to women and men," says Steve Sternberg, analyst at ad firm Magna Global USA.But Tellem says that the target audience is "very appealing to advertisers," and that the network has proved a "valuable launching pad for creating assets for CBS and Warner Bros.," enabling them to profit by selling buzzworthy shows overseas. CW series also are favorites on iTunes, streamed on the Web and watched on DVRs, so ratings "are not truly reflective of how these programs are being watched."Problem is, that extra viewing doesn't translate into financial success for CW. "What we're looking at is building our brand, building an audience and building a destination for women," Ostroff says. "How that gets monetized, everyone will figure out in the next few years."

Do I Really Need to Be on the Computer Now?

Two weeks ago, I tried a little social experiment in our house. I had realized that I was primarily using the computer for personal interests and hobbies (read blogging, digital scrapbooking, facebook, and unending games of Scramble) and that I was indulging in those interests during the day when I was suppose to be doing my work around the house. So I decided to see what would happen if I turned my computer off for the whole work week. I knew I had a few valid reasons to use the computer during the week but I tried to looked through my calendar and anticipate what I might need. I proceeded to print off the directions to a new park I was going to for a playdate, lesson plans I would need for working with the girls and my girl scouts, and phone numbers and addresses I needed for correspondence. I then actually powered down. I found myself sitting alot that week not quite knowing what to do with myself. But I also found myself responding much quicker when those around me asked for something. I didn't need, "just a second while I finish..." In all I enjoyed the week and felt much more productive. But I did also feel a little lonely and disconnected. It is amazing how the virtual connection is so important for those of use who are at home by ourselves for most of the day. Coincidentally, the topic of moms finding escape through the Internet is making the rounds this week. For more on the topic, check out:CNN's "Why Moms Are At Risk for Internet Addiction"TornadoChaser's "Moms Hooked - Internet Addiction"

Do I Really Need to Be on the Computer Now?

Two weeks ago, I tried a little social experiment in our house. I had realized that I was primarily using the computer for personal interests and hobbies (read blogging, digital scrapbooking, facebook, and unending games of Scramble) and that I was indulging in those interests during the day when I was suppose to be doing my work around the house. So I decided to see what would happen if I turned my computer off for the whole work week. I knew I had a few valid reasons to use the computer during the week but I tried to looked through my calendar and anticipate what I might need. I proceeded to print off the directions to a new park I was going to for a playdate, lesson plans I would need for working with the girls and my girl scouts, and phone numbers and addresses I needed for correspondence. I then actually powered down. I found myself sitting alot that week not quite knowing what to do with myself. But I also found myself responding much quicker when those around me asked for something. I didn't need, "just a second while I finish..." In all I enjoyed the week and felt much more productive. But I did also feel a little lonely and disconnected. It is amazing how the virtual connection is so important for those of use who are at home by ourselves for most of the day. Coincidentally, the topic of moms finding escape through the Internet is making the rounds this week. For more on the topic, check out:CNN's "Why Moms Are At Risk for Internet Addiction"TornadoChaser's "Moms Hooked - Internet Addiction"

Do I Really Need to Be on the Computer Now?

Two weeks ago, I tried a little social experiment in our house. I had realized that I was primarily using the computer for personal interests and hobbies (read blogging, digital scrapbooking, facebook, and unending games of Scramble) and that I was indulging in those interests during the day when I was suppose to be doing my work around the house. So I decided to see what would happen if I turned my computer off for the whole work week. I knew I had a few valid reasons to use the computer during the week but I tried to looked through my calendar and anticipate what I might need. I proceeded to print off the directions to a new park I was going to for a playdate, lesson plans I would need for working with the girls and my girl scouts, and phone numbers and addresses I needed for correspondence. I then actually powered down. I found myself sitting alot that week not quite knowing what to do with myself. But I also found myself responding much quicker when those around me asked for something. I didn't need, "just a second while I finish..." In all I enjoyed the week and felt much more productive. But I did also feel a little lonely and disconnected. It is amazing how the virtual connection is so important for those of use who are at home by ourselves for most of the day. Coincidentally, the topic of moms finding escape through the Internet is making the rounds this week. For more on the topic, check out:CNN's "Why Moms Are At Risk for Internet Addiction"TornadoChaser's "Moms Hooked - Internet Addiction"

34D

Will Russia and Georgia Go At It Again?

Last August, Russia and its neighbour Georgia had a short-lived squabble along their border that did not, by and large, go well for Georgia. The region was fairly uneventful during the winter, but now that warmer weather is upon us, might fighting flare up once more? A new paper out from the UK Defense Academy, entitled Provocation, Deception, Entrapment: The Russo-Georgian Five Day War (PDF!), suggests that such is a distinct possibility. Georgia isnt getting a lot of media coverage in the west, and when they do, its mainly about the countrys domestic political unrest. Less noticed is their aggressive territorial stance, as evidenced by the latest seizure of a Russian cargo vessel off their shore - the tenth such seizure this year. Theres no doubt that Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili would very much like a successful, victorious rematch with Russia, and sooner rather than later; amid domestic unrest, and ahead of potentially ugly opposition protests, its probably fair to say that his job as President depends on such a victory, as the crushing defeat Georgia faced last year seems to be one of the principal causes of domestic dissatisfaction with him and his administration. Starting a war to distract the populace from domestic troubles is certainly a cynical ploy, but hardly a new one. Given the state of affairs in Georgia, Saakashvili probably doesnt even need a military victory - a protracted conflict, and anything less than a August 2008-style crushing defeat, are probably enough to be spun domestically into a victory, of sorts. What, if anything, will happen between Russia and Georgia this year is anyones guess. What seems clear, though, is that the ball is very much in Georgias court

Olden cartoons

still one of their kind

A year ago today I was in Amsterdam, as my trusty this date in '08 link tells me; a great trip in which I celebrated my Mom's 75th birthday with our extended family there, made a number of important business contacts, and presented at and attended a Pathology conference in Toledo, Spain. In between I did a great number of things; visited Eindhoven and Groningen and Berlin, on business, toured the Berlin wall (wow...), and while in Spain I ended up clubbing in church. But the most interesting thing was that while in Holland I [re]discovered I am one of their kind. Which brings me to this post. I have thought about this idea (being one of the Dutch kind) often, since... I'd been to the Netherlands any number of times in my life, and had always felt, well, comfortable there, but it wasn't until last years' trip that I realized why. That land and society is of its people, it was created by them and for them, and suits them, and it makes sense that as one of them (at least genetically) it would suit me, too. Multiculturism is all very exciting, but people are different, as are their societies, and people are generally most comfortable in their own element. Perhaps not a revelation to you, but it was to me :) Ik ben echt wel Nederlands.

$14,890, 2006 jeep grand cherokee VIN:1J4GR48K16C281230

Kasper Chevrolet Buick 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Price: $ 14,890.00 Interior Color: Medium Slate GrayTransmission: AutomaticCondition: UsedMake: JeepMileage: 59621Exterior Color: Bright Silver MetallicPrice: $ 14,890.00VIN: 1J4GR48K16C281230Body type: 4dr Laredo 4WDEngine: 3.7L 6-CylinderYear: 2006Stock No: KCBU2439Model: Grand Cherokee Have any questions about this vehicle? Call us at 866-727-0751 Features & Options Power Windows Keyless Entry Adjustable Pedals Intermittent Wipers Bucket Seats Power Door Locks Rear Reading Lamps Power Driver Seat Power Steering Brake Assist Full Size Spare Tire Power Tilt/Sliding Sunroof Pass-Through Rear Seat 4-Wheel ABS Air Conditioning Vehicle Anti-Theft System CD Changer Privacy Glass AM/FM Stereo Power Passenger Mirror Trip Computer Heated Passenger Seat Rear Defrost MP3 Player Adjustable Steering Wheel Luggage Rack 4-Wheel Disc Brakes Passenger Air Bag Cruise Control Aluminum Wheels Traction Control Power Driver Mirror Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch Electronic Stability Control Cloth Seats Heated Driver Seat Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers Driver Air Bag Phone: 866-727-0751 www.kaspercar.com Click here to inquire about this vehicle 300 Milan Rd.Norwalk, Ohio 44857 ~~095fd2a8-d1c4-43e2-82e8-7886834ae006

"Shop The Perimeter of the Supermarket"? I Don't Think So!

Earlier today at my dentist's office, I flipped through a fitness and nutrition magazine and spotted the ever-prevalent food shopping tip -- "stick to the perimeter of the store; that's where the healthiest items are."Alright, time out. I disagree.While the perimeters of most supermarkets offer fresh and frozen produce as well as lean protein (ranging from chicken breasts to tofu to shrimp), there are plenty of healthy options waiting smack in the middle of all those aisles!Branding aisle shelves as "evil" is overly simplistic -- and inaccurate. After all, that is where you would find these nutrition all-stars:* Canned beans* Lentils* Nuts and seeds* Nut and seed butters* Olive oil* Plain instant oatmeal* Quinoa* Brown rice* Whole grain pastas* Spices (a great way to reduce sodium in your cooking!)* Canned tuna and canned salmonSo go ahead, check out what's on sale in aisle four. Just be sure to glance over the nutrition facts -- and take a peek at the ingredient list!

Common capital vs TCEFelix Salmon

This chart comes from today's WSJ, and shows the big difference between tier-1 common capital, which is the criterion that Treasury ended up using in its stress tests, and tangible common equity, which is the criterion everybody thought Treasury was going to use in its stress tests. And you can see why Wells Fargo, in particular, was livid about the switcheroo: Negotiations with Wells Fargo, where Chairman Richard Kovacevich had publicly derided the stress tests as “asinine,” were particularly heated, according to people familiar with the matter. Government officials worried San Francisco-based Wells might file a lawsuit contesting the Fed's findings. Remember that the numbers in the chart are as of year-end 2008, not the year-end 2010 figures used in the stress tests. But judging by where Wells is right now, it's 90 basis points short of the 4% common capital ratio, but only 10 basis points short of what everybody thought was going to be used: a 3% TCE ratio. Banks like Bank of America and PNC, however, clearly benefitted from the change: they're both short on TCE, but have much more than 4% tier 1 common capital. Why did Treasury switch from TCE to the even-more-obscure common capital metric? Quite possibly to help Bank of America and Citigroup get the amount of capital they needed to raise down to a number within the realms of possibility. After all, these tests were designed so that they couldn't be flunked. And that might have seemed a real possibility back when Treasury was still using TCE.

Blues Britannia on BBC4

BBC4 continues its love-in with all things British and musical with a new theme - Blues Britannia.Kicking off on Friday 1st May, the mini season offers up a new documentary called Blues Britannia – Can Blue Men Sing The Whites?, which looks at the British love affair with blues from the 50s to the 1970s. Contributors include Keith Richards and Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones); Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness (Manfred Mann); Chris Dreja (The Yardbirds); Phil May (The Pretty Things); John Mayall (The Bluesbreakers); Jack Bruce (Cream); Mick Fleetwood and Bob Brunning (Fleetwood Mac); Ian Anderson and Mick Abrahams (Jethro Tull); Dick Taylor (The Pretty Things); and jazz trombonist Chris Barber. The doc is in three parts - Born Under A Bad Sign focuses on the arrival of American blues in Britain in the late Fifties and the first performances here of such legends as Muddy Waters and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Sittin' On Top Of The World charts the birth of the first British blues boom in the early Sixties, with groups like The Stones, The Yardbirds, Manfred Mann, The Animals and The Pretty Things, while Crossroads looks at the second blues boom of the mid-to-late Sixties. That's followed by a weekend of documentaries and concerts including Blues At The BBC, Blues On Later...With Jools Holland, and new films on Peter Green and Bobby Bland. The first of those looks the most interesting and follows directly after the documentary, with footage from The Beat Room and A Whole Scene Going from the Sixties, The Old Grey Whistle Test in the Seventies and The Late Show in the Nineties.Check out the BBC website for timings - them set that recorder.BBC Four website