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Happy New Year

I wasn' sure if i am ready for another year to come. ( that means i am a year older whoaaaaa).
But anyway... Its another year.. its a year to start a new beginning in our lives. Sometimes we have to leave behind whatever nightmare we had in the last year and we have to face the present and make it better.

I just want to wish everyone A Happy New Year and I wish everyone of you a Great beginning of the year and may the Lord bless you and May you achieve your goals in life.

**Happy New Year Everyone***
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New Year's Resolution Tips

Like many things in life, New Year's resolutions are easy to make—and easy to break. Follow these strategies to make your goals last.

1. Keep it real. If you've been a couch potato for years, it's unlikely you'll morph into a bodybuilder after the ball drops. Instead, set your sights on hitting the gym a few times a week.
2. Put yourself on notice. You shouldn’t wait until the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to declare your resolutions. Instead, make them at least a week in advance so you'll have time to plan.
3. Break it down. When resolutions seem overwhelming, they’re harder to keep. So, instead of vowing to shed 30 pounds, break it down into more manageable mini-goals of five pounds a month.
4. Talk about it. When friends, family, and coworkers are aware that you've resolved to eat more healthfully, they'll be less likely to stop by with a Big Mac and large fries.
5. Reward yourself. If you've managed to swear off cigarettes for a month, you may not be completely out of the woods, but there's certainly cause to celebrate. Acknowledge your success with healthy rewards, like a day at the spa.

If you haven't made your resolutions yet, don't worry—there's still time..... well you do have until midnight.
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A birthday Greetings for my Very Best Friend "GLADYS"

I have known a friend for 6 years now. She had been there for me for all time. We cried and laugh on the phone I remember. You are very dear friend to me Gladys.

This Poem is for you my Friend.



When I cry you help me out
When I'm happy you hear me shout
When I grin you know
I'm really madbecause you are my best friend
You can tell when I'm sad
You're there in thick and thin
You're my best friend
You hear me out when I want to talk
You help me out when I get mad
You are the bestest friend I've ever had
So hear me out when I say
You're the light in my day
You are the moon in my nightYou shine very bright
You are the bestest friend I have and I am glad I have a Best friend like you.
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Holidays

Everytime Holidays ( Thanks giving , Christmas etc. ) comes everyone get's to stress up and busy. I have been. Been busy helping out my inlaws for those holidays. Had been going to bed late at night. Holidays was nice , its because it will give family to get together and catch up what's going on on everyone's life. But sometimes Holiday's bring's family together just to act like a "freak" and everyones mood sometimes gets ruin.

But ... Thankgoodness its over. Oh wait its not over. I still have one party to egt too. Its a Debutante Ball. My step daughter is on a debutante ball for tomorrow, and we have to go to rehearsal ( i wonder if i spell that right ). anyway yeah! The Ball is tomorrow night. I have to wear a long gown, and walk on those high hell ( i hope I won't fall down) . But Anyway i am if its over so that everybody can relax for the new year.
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Joke Of the Day

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. Pastor Mike was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures. Immediately, Pastor Mike turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. Pastor Mike walked up to Jimmy and said, "Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little infant?"Jimmy replied, "I got him from the church." "And why did you take him?" With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it."
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HOW TO CONQUER MINDLESS EATING

You’ve just finished a pasta dinner, and you’re stuffed. So you put on your sweatpants and plop down in front of the TV to relax for the night. But before you know it, you’ve finished half a bag of potato chips. Welcome to the world of mindless eating.

If you’re ready to stop eating everything in your line of sight and take control of your eating behaviors.

1. Fill up. You’ll feel fuller if you eat foods that are low in calories but high in fiber, and you’ll be able to pass on those chips without a second thought. Drinking more water also does the trick.
2. Downsize. Remember, you don’t need the biggest plate and the biggest spoon. Eating isn’t a race to see who can eat the most with each bite. Instead, use smaller plates and serving utensils to control portion sizes.
3. Pass the plate. Research indicates that 92 percent of Americans eat anything that’s put in front of them. But just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Pack the rest in storage containers, and save it for lunch the next day.
4. Beware the buffet. Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets, which encourage people to push the limits on how much pizza, pasta, and dessert they can eat before getting sick. This completely destroys any notion of portion control.
5. Slow down. Always remember to eat slowly, even if you’re busy. Your brain needs 20 minutes to sense that you’re full, and slowing down will enable you to enjoy your meals. You’ll feel better afterward too.
6. Don’t get distracted. If you’re eating, just eat; don’t watch TV, drive, or talk on the phone to a friend. Distractions often result in overeating.
7. Give in…occasionally. It’s OK to give into temptation every once in a while. So if you just can’t get those chips off your mind, then by all means, have a few. But instead of polishing off the entire bag, establish some limits. You’ll realize that a single portion is all you really need to satisfy your craving.
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

This year, you've vowed to lose weight, shape up, and cut back on caffeine. Or perhaps you're determined to quit smoking for good. Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to get to bed early, no matter what. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—more than 100 million Americans make New Year’s resolutions every year

The bad news: Nearly 60 percent of those same well-intentioned Americans abandon their pledges by the six-month mark. Why the high drop-out rate? Most people don't properly prepare to see their pledges through. Want to defy the odds and achieve lasting change? Follow these tips to make resolutions that stick.• Keep it real. If you've been a couch potato for years, it's unlikely you'll morph into a bodybuilder after the ball drops. Instead, set your sights more realistically—on, say, hitting the gym three times a week and logging 10,000 steps a day on your pedometer.• Put yourself on notice. According to experts, you shouldn’t wait until the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to declare your resolutions. Instead, make them at least a week in advance so you’ll have time to prepare.• Make a plan. Simply announcing that you're going to quit smoking during "Auld Lang Syne" isn't enough. To break the habit, you'll need a plan that includes, for example, talking to your doctor about smoking-cessation aids and removing all the ashtrays from your home.• Break it down. When resolutions seem overwhelming, they can be harder to keep. So, instead of simply vowing to shed 30 pounds, break it down into more manageable mini-goals of five pounds a month.• Seek out support. Once you’ve settled on your resolutions, tell everyone what you intend to achieve. When friends, family, and coworkers are aware that you're trying to eat more healthfully, they'll be much less likely to stop by for lunch with a Big Mac and large fries.• Create reminders. When you wake up feeling groggy on New Year's Day, you'll know exactly why you need to get more sleep this year. Come February, though, you might not remember. To remind yourself, create a journal describing how much better you feel when you go to bed early.• Reward yourself. If you've managed to swear off cigarettes for a month, you may not be completely out of the woods yet, but there's certainly cause to celebrate. Acknowledge your success with healthy rewards, like a day at the spa, a new iPod, or a cool pair of sneakers.• Visualize it. If you’re determined to shape up, remember that it’s not only a matter of sweating and crunching the numbers. It's important to picture yourself as a fitter, sleeker, stronger person. Mental imagery can be a powerful motivator, reminding you that your goals are well within reach.
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Cancer Fighting Foods

While there’s no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.According to the Cancer Cure Foundation, it’s best to eat a balanced diet that includes a rich assortment of the following foods and spices:

• Carrots. Carrots contain beta carotene, which may help to prevent cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate, and breast. Falcarinol is another substance found in carrots that may reduce the risk of cancer. Just be sure, however, to your carrots raw, as cooking will inhibit the benefits of falcarinol.
• Grapefruit. Citrus fruit contains monoterpenes, which are believed to help prevent cancer by ridding the body of carcinogens. Some studies have shown that grapefruit, in particular, may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells.
• Nuts. Nuts may suppress the growth of cancers because they contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol. The Brazil nut, for example, contains 80 micrograms of selenium—a key supplement that may fight prostate cancer.
• Tomatoes. Lycopene is an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules that are suspected of triggering cancer. Tomatoes are full of lycopene, as well as vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help to prevent cellular damage. An increased amount of lycopene may reduce your risk of breast, prostate, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer.
• Avocados. Since they’re rich in glutathione, avocados are considered a cancer-fighting “superfood.” Glutathione is an antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. In addition, avocados contain beta-carotene and more potassium than bananas.
• Garlic. Because garlic contains immune-enhancing allium compounds, researchers believe it may have cancer-preventing properties. These compounds increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer-causing substances. In addition, the compounds can help block carcinogens from entering cells and can slow tumor development.
• Mushrooms. Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms are among those that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system. They all contain a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying.
• Broccoli. Along with cabbage and cauliflower, broccoli contains a chemical component that may help to fight breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more productive variety. Broccoli, especially the sprouts, also features the phytochemical sulforaphanem, which is believed to aid in the prevention of colon and rectal cancer.
• Flax. Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to aid in the prevention of colon cancer and heart disease.
• Raspberries. Because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, plant compounds, and antioxidant anthocyanins, raspberries may protect against cancer. Black raspberries, which are incredibly rich in antioxidants, may be especially helpful in warding off colon cancer.
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Happy Holiday to all


I Just wanted to greet everybody a Merry Christmas / Happy holiday to you all. And May the Lord bless eveyone of you .Hope everyone have a great one this year and the year to come. Merry X Mas
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7 Holiday stressbuster

Which holiday activities cause you stress? Spending time with your in-laws? Preparing holiday meals? Making sure all the gifts are wrapped in time? If these tasks leave you feeling overwhelmed, follow these tips to make the season more enjoyable.

1. Be realistic. Existing family problems don't magically go away around the holidays. In fact, the pressure to be together can make them seem worse. It's OK to take a step back or spend time with a friend who can calm you down.

2. Write it down. Make a list of things you need to do, and plan your time so you can take care of several errands on one trip.

3. Prioritize. You don’t have to attend every party. Instead, focus on the events that matter the most to you and your family.

4. Eat right. It's tempting to indulge when you're surrounded by treats. Take the time to eat balanced meals, and keep snacks to a minimum. Not only will it prevent you from overeating; healthy meals will also help you maintain your energy level.

5. Don't drink too much. Excessive drinking can make you feel more anxious. When you're intoxicated, you're also more likely to do or say something you may later regret.

6. Set limits. Figure out your gift-buying budget, and stay within it so you don’t stress out when the credit card bills arrive. Or, better yet, pay in cash.

7. Get a head start. If you’re sending gifts, buy those first—and do it early—to make sure they arrive at their destination on time.
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Holiday Shopping on a Budget

Technorati Profile

With the holidday shopping season around the corner, many consumers are evaluating their holiday spending activities. Often shopping budgets can soar into the thousands of dollars which may leave many consumers paying for gift purchases well into the New Year. For those on a tight budget, holiday shopping often becomes a point of stress and frustration.Yet, it is very possible to cover your holiday shopping list on a shoestring budget and actually save money in the long run. Take these top 10 tips and apply them to your shopping routine. If used correctly, these helpful hints can save you hundreds of dollars and many hours of lost of lost sleep.1.Make It: My favorite standby. When in doubt, cover as many people on your shopping list as possible with homemade gifts. Many cringe when hearing this suggestion; however, it is possible to offer unique and popular gifts by simply putting together a few key items. This will save your budget and keep costs down.Have a favorite cookie recipe? Gather all of the dry ingredients, and wrap them in decorated butcher paper. Put those into a decorative jar and provide instructions on the jar for mixing and baking the cookies. Such items often sell at specialty stores for $15 – 20 dollars. This can easily be made at home for a fraction of the cost.2.Give action based coupons: This works best for family and close friends and is particularly good for a spouse or significant other. Create a coupon book from supplies around the house. Each coupon can be “turned in” for a specified favor or treat. From a massage for a spouse to extra television time for a child, the possibilities are endless. Have fun with it.3.Shop the discount stores: Think long and hard before doing your holiday shopping at the major retailers. Think about frequenting discount outlets for the majority of your purchases. Retailers such as Big Lots, TJ Maxx and Value City often provide the best bang for your buck. At prices that can be 50% less than the department store equivalent, it is well worth the trip.
4.Trim down the list: Do you really need to purchase a gift for Aunt Mary’s mailman? It may sound silly but our shopping lists become bloated to the point of insanity. Gift giving should be fun but not everyone expects or even needs a personal gift. Be sure to evaluate your list every year.5.Get creative: It is a cliché saying but think outside of the box. Get creative with your holiday shopping plans. In fact, you many not need shop at all. Throw a party and have everyone bring a dish. It is perfectly acceptable and even refreshing to provide life long memories rather an unwanted gift that will sit in a corner. Don’t stick to traditional gifts; think of what will have meaning for your family.6.Repurpose existing items: This can be a dicey one and takes careful planning, but it can be done. Make sure you mark down who gives you what gift. If the gift is unwanted, rather than throwing it out, give it to someone else on your list. The musical clock you got from Grandma not fit your taste? Give it at the office gift exchange or to a musically inclined friend. You are happy and so is the recipient!7.Save on wrapping: Wrapping paper and bows are expensive! Get creative with how you package your presents. Homemade wrapping does not always have to mean wrapping a package in the funnies from the newspaper. Get a large roll of plain butcher paper and some basic ribbon and stencils. Wrap and decorate your own presents. Not only will you save on wrapping and reduce waste, but you will be creating a person touch to your gifts. There are many possibilities!8.Go virtual: Opt for sending ecards instead of paper cards to as many people as possible. The sending of ecards is becoming the norm for holiday communications. Sites like hallmark.com offer free ecards in a variety of styles. This saves on cards, envelopes, stamps and car trips!9.Buy early: Shop throughout the year and keep an eye out for good specials. Always a good stand by, who says holiday shopping actually has to occur during the holidays? Stocking up all year long can save your sanity and your pocket book.10.Buy late: Just the opposite as buying early is shopping late. Congratulations to the procrastinators, it does pay to wait until the last minute. Stores will often deeply discount items in the few days before a holiday, hoping to squeeze out the last bit of profit for the season. Take advantage of this and keep your eyes open for those sUsing these tips can help to create a peaceful and stress free holiday shopping experience while saving money for the cash strapped consumer. We often forget the true meaning of the holiday season. Gift giving should be fun, not something that you are paying off for months down. pecial sales.
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Weather Changing

Weather change to Spring to Summer; Summer to Fall; Fall to Winter.

Like the weather, our climate is changing all the time. Some changes come about naturally as a result of global climatic cycles. Others may come about because of human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels.
Much in our lives depends on our climate. At the same time, our actions can have marked effects on our climate. We depend on water stored underground and in lakes and reservoirs for our drinking water and crop irrigation. If the climate warms up for any reason, the ability of the land to store moisture changes.
As we discover more about the processes that drive our climate and weather systems, we also learn more about our role. We can't control natural events, but we can study them. We can strive to understand Earth's complex systems of air, water, and life, and we can learn how our actions fit into the puzzle of weather and climate.
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Fraud Email

I was checking my email this morning and I got this email about me winning the Lottory From British Lottory International. I Have heard some of fraud email before. I was curious so I Google their website and i was right it was a fraud. My advise to those people who are getting this kind of emails. " Do not" send any of your information out. This is just a way that they can get your information to hassle some moneyfrom you .

******************************************************************************

CONGRATS!!! Fortunate Winner....Contact immediately for Winning Confirmation !!!‏
From:
BRITISH LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL (mkt@hkbridge.cn)
You may not know this sender.
Mark as safeMark as unsafe
Sent:
Mon 12/17/07 10:49 AM
Reply-to:
britishlottery_claimsintdept@yahoo.co.uk
To:
BRITISH National Lottery,PO Box 1010Liverpool,L70 1NL,United Kingdom,Draw Date 17/12/2007Ref: XYL /26510460037/05Batch: 24/00319/IPD=========================WINNING NOTIFICATION:We happily announce to you the draw (#1167) of the BRITISH NATIONAL LOTTERYonline Sweepstakes International program held on 17TH of DECEMBER,2007.Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 56475600545188 with Serial number5368/02 drew the lucky numbers: 04 10 21 22 25 38 31(Bonus ball) whichsubsequently won you the lottery in the 1st category i.e. match 6 plus bonus.You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of 1,532,720 (OneMillion, Five Hundred And Thirty Two Thousand, Seven Hundred And Twenty PoundsSterling) in cash credited to file XYL/26510460037/05 This is from a totalcashprize of 4,596,411 (Four Million,Five Hundred And Ninety Six Thousand, FourHundred And Eleven Pounds Sterling) shared amongst the Three(3) lucky winnersin this category i.e. match 6 plus bonus. Your lucky winning number falls within our European booklet representativeoffice inEurope as indicated in your playcoupon. In view of this,your (One Million, Five Hundred And Thirty TwoThousand,Seven Hundred andTwenty Pounds Sterling) will be released to you byany of our payment offices in Europe. To file for your claim,Please contact our Fiduciary Agent forVALIDATION. Mr. Andrew Charles .Foreign Services Manager, Payment and Release order Department,CLAIMSPROCESSING LOTTERY AGENT. E_mail:britishlottery_claimsintdept@yahoo.co.uk

FULL NAMES:
COUNTRY:TELE/FAX IF ANY:
MARITAL STATUS:
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How you need your winning funds.
1.Bank to Bank Transfer
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Choose one as soon as possible
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ANIMAL RIGHTS

In nature, some animals, including humans, must kill others for food to survive. Other animals, like humans and housecats, kill for pleasure. This is natural, but many people feel that as human beings we must not be cruel or kill unnecessarily. Human rights are fundamental to most people’s understanding of how societies function. There are international standards, which must be obeyed, as to how to behave towards other people. However, there are not these same standards for animals and attitudes about how animals should be treated vary widely.For millennia, people had a very strong connection to the animals that fed them. Today, we are losing our connection to the animals that provide us with our food. Factory farming is a new type of agriculture which many people are worried about. Animals are kept in very small indoor pens or cages, and fed poor quality food, most often the leftover parts of other animals. The farmers have very little personal connection to the animals they raise, and the people consuming them have no connection to the animals or farmers. Factory farming is cruel, and it is also unsustainable.Animal testing is another practice that creates controversy. Some of the most unpleasant tests on animals have led to scientific progress, allowing crucial products like medicines to be produced. However, many animals are tested on so that companies can find out how their cosmetic products, which contain new chemicals that are potentially harmful, affect humans. An alternative to this are companies use only natural ingredients which are known to be safe, or do not require animal testing. Buying these products is a way to support humane alternatives to animal testing.In cities and other places where many people live, there are often problems with animal and pet overpopulation. As a society we love our pets, but many people do not understand the huge responsibility that comes with a companion animal. Many owners abandon their animals when they are no longer able, or no longer want to care of them. Animal shelter over-crowding can be a big problem, and many shelters have to make a difficult decision about whether to kill their sick and older animals or to let all of them live in overcrowded conditions. You can help to reduce these problems by only bringing a pet into your family when you are prepared for the responsibility of looking after it, and consider adopting one from your local shelter instead of buying from a pet store or breeder. If you do have a pet, make sure that it is spayed or neutered.While cities may have problems with over-population, many other species are beginning to disappear. Many species are endangered not because they were over-hunted or poached, but because they had no place to live and raise their offspring. Peace means a safe and happy life for all living creatures, animal and human. War, poverty, and environmental destruction are all powerful, inhumane weapons that kill animals and humans alike. By living sustainably and treating nature with respect you are helping to support the rights of humans and animals alike.
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Next wintry blast 'much more powerful'


Residents in the Northeast were digging out of a major snowfall Friday and the midsection of the country was still without power after a deadly ice storm as both regions prepared for another major wintry blast.
As the ice storm moved east from the Midwest it changed from ice to snow and dropped anywhere from 2 inches to a little more than a foot across the Northeast region on Thursday.In places like Binghamton, N.Y., the snowstorm brought between 6 and 10 inches of snow, closed schools and businesses and is being blamed for a traffic fatality in the area.
And more snow is on the way for the region.It's going to be pretty ugly," said Tom Moore, senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel. "The next storm is much more powerful, windier, messier."
The National Weather Service in Binghamton predicts that up to 7 more inches could be on the ground by Sunday, left behind by the Nor'easter that should arrive late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
The snow is expected to be heavy on Sunday. Snow could mix with sleet in northeastern Pennsylvania, but a foot of snow or more is possible where the precipitation remains all snow, the weather service said.
Ithaca, N.Y., had up to a foot of snow Thursday and predictions of near-blizzard conditions by Sunday morning had people scrambling to get ready.
While the snow in the Northeast didn't cause the same problems as it did in the middle of the country, it made travel difficult. Flights were delayed or canceled and the heavy snow snarled traffic with fender-benders from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts. Most schools canceled classes.
In Massachusetts, commuters spent hours in gridlock on roadways.
On Friday Gov. Deval Patrick defended the state's response to the heavy snowfall.
Patrick said he advised state workers to leave for home no later than 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and private businesses were encouraged to send employees home early too.
But the governor said he suspected many workers waited until snow already was falling. As a result, roads became clogged with slow-moving traffic, making snowplowing difficult.
Thursday's storm left 6 to 10 inches of snow across much of Massachusetts, and up to a foot south of Boston.
Some drivers abandoned cars, while others waited at highway rest areas for the traffic to clear.
The storm brewing in the Rocky Mountains was expected to bring between 2 and 6 inches of snow to parts of Kansas and Oklahoma, said Ken Harding, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Topeka, Kan. The weather service issued winter weather watches for the northwest two-thirds of Oklahoma from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.
The system could complicate restoration efforts to the some 500,000 homes and businesses in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri still without power after the first storm darkened 1 million customers at its height earlier this week.
In Missouri, the weather service said two waves of snow Friday night and Saturday could dump up to 7 inches of snow.
The storm that hit the nation's midsection earlier was blamed for 35 deaths, mostly in traffic accidents.
In Oklahoma, many emergency shelters already were filled, with some residents on their fourth or fifth day of waiting for power to return. Kim Harrel has been staying at an American Red Cross shelter in downtown Tulsa since Monday.
"It's a very humbling thing in life," Harrel said, watching her kids play a game of Twister in the gymnasium on Thursday.
More than a foot of snow was predicted for places in Vermont, New Hampshire, upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania.
"It's a pretty wild storm,"Moore said. "There will be a lot of very strong winds in coastal New England and Cape Cod. It will wreak a lot of havoc."
David Rose expects to be one of the few beneficiaries of the snow.
Rose owns an auto body and repair shop.
"We'll have a lot of collision repair, batteries, tires and a lot of things people realize they needed, wipers for the snow," said Rose, whose shop is in Columbia, Conn.
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Life is what we make it

This is a saying that really meant something. Sometimes we choose things for our lives eventhough its worth it or not .Sometimes it is up to us to deal with it. We cannot blame someone for our lives if it turn up bad. It was our own choice, we choose our path for a reason. That why the called it" Life Is What We Make It".
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CLIMATE CHANGE

You may have heard people talking about how the weather is very different today than it was ten years ago. You may have noticed changes in the weather yourself. The earth's climate has changed many times over millions of years, sometimes slowly, sometimes very quickly. What makes climate change different today? The world's scientists agree; human activity - mainly greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for energy - is now causing the Earth's climate to change incredibly fast, taking us far outside natural ranges and towards 'tipping points' beyond which very large-scale consequences may be irreversible.

The latest research from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for its work, has found that the impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world. The impacts are overwhelmingly negative and will affect poor and vulnerable communities first and hardest. These communities are often the least responsible for causing the problem and have the fewest resources to adapt to the rapid changes. Present day warming has caused a broad range of negative consequences and will continue to create far more unless stopped. The most direct effects of current climate change are on temperature and precipitation patterns. As of 2006, all eight of the hottest years ever recorded were from the last 10 years. As this warming continues, established weather systems will shift and become more extreme, resulting in both more droughts and floods. As sea surface temperature rises, weather-disturbing El Niño events will become more frequent and powerful. Meanwhile, larger, more severe hurricanes, which feed on the heat of ocean waters, will threaten coasts. This trend may already be visible: the last two decades have seen a sharp increase both in the frequency and power of hurricanes.Shifts in temperature and precipitation will be a shock to fragile ecosystems which depend on specific climatic conditions. Many species will be unable to adapt as fast as their environment changes and face sharply reduced numbers or extinction. Scientists estimate that a warming of just 2˚C will put as many as 30% of the world's species at risk of extinction.Plants and animals aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure of changing ecosystems. Many regions will face severe water shortages in a warmer world, creating the potential for conflict. It is believed that the genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region is at least in part a response to water shortages resulting from global warming.Climate change is arguably the greatest danger facing humanity in the years ahead.

In many ways, its effects are already being felt and it is too late to prevent warming entirely. However, the situation is not without hope. Though urgent action is needed, through the combined efforts of governments, businesses, scientists, and individuals, it is still possible to stop even greater tragedies and protect the health of our planet for future generations.You can find out about what other young people are doing to make a difference about climate change on the TakingITGlobal network, or through incredible regional groups such as Stop Climate Chaos (UK), Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, SustainUS, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and many more. Greenpeace SolarGeneration has very active chapters in many countries around the world.
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"The Age of Easy Energy is Over"

Right now, oil prices are higher than they theoretically should be. They should sit around the level of production costs – around 55 to 60 dollars a barrel - but they aren’t because of fears over supply shortages. Despite a weak U.S. economy, where oil demand is down about two percent on last year, the world still appears to be consuming all the oil it can produce.

For oil prices to come down, one of two things has to happen: either high prices cut demand so that the world ends up producing more oil than it is consuming, or new supplies have to be brought into production. There is a big oil field in Saudi Arabia starting up this month, and there should be more projects coming in the next year, particularly outside Saudi Arabia and the rest of OPEC. If these things happen, then we should see reduction in oil prices to a lower level, but I still expect next year’s average prices to be higher than this year’s.

Some say we are already seeing a “peak oil” scenario where global oil production has reached its all-time high and will drop from now on, leading to constantly rising prices.
I don’t think we are in a peak oil scenario. I see the investment the industry is making will deliver new production ahead of demand growth- not this year, but almost certainly next year, the year after, and probably the year after that, as well. So, the best forecast I can give is that oil production will rise not by much, but steadily until 2015. And then it will be much harder for new developments to offset the decline in existing production. Then I think we will see global oil production peak and start to decline between 2015 and 2020.

And then what will happen?
We have seen that fear of shortages can drive up oil prices much faster and much further than anyone could have expected. It is reasonable to assume that if peak oil scenario emerges, you will see a similar thing happen. Could oil prices spike to 120 or 150 dollars a barrel? Possibly. You would have thought there would have been an increasing amount of energy demand fulfilled by renewable energy by then. It becomes a much more complicated interplay between how much demand gets limited because of high prices, how much demand for fossil fuels can be substituted by renewables, and how people respond in that sort of scenario.

It is not clear how people will react. You will certainly see increased levels of resource nationalism. People will say “this is our energy - we will use it ourselves and not export it,” which could aggravate supply shortages. You can paint a quite bearish scenario of a world running out of oil that doesn’t have enough alternative energy sources and a disastrous impact on economic growth, the trend of globalization completely stops and reverses, and resource protectionism increases.

What can you say about the oil-rich tar sands in Canada?
Potentially, this is a huge hydro carbon resource. It would make Canada the second-largest energy resource holder after Saudi Arabia. It is heavy oil that is trapped in large deposits in the soil in the far north of Canada. And because it is in the far north and it is heavy oil, it always had low value and been very costly to extract. It costs around 20-25 dollars a barrel just to extract the oil, compared to 3-5 dollars in Saudi Arabia.
And there are environmental pressures as well. Oil sand extraction needs a lot of water - you use two barrels of water for every barrel of oil you process, and water resources are limited. You have to get that water from somewhere, and you have to be able to treat it after it has been through the production process. Obviously, when oil was at 30 dollars there was little money in oil sands developments. With the oil price rise, there has been an awful lot of investments - which in itself, has pushed operating costs up significantly.

What is your outlook for oil companies for the coming decades?
As long as oil prices stay high, oil companies will be among the world’s most valuable companies simply because of the high profits and cash flow they produce. It won’t just be Western oil companies either, but a much more international mix. It will be companies like PetroChina, the Russian Gazprom, or Petrobras from Brazil, because they own the energy resources in the ground. They will be some of the world’s largest companies in the 21st century.
I think the major western oil companies will be among the losers. Established western oil companies have older producing fields, and they require more investment every year just to hold production volumes flat, let alone try and grow them. So even despite rising oil prices, the cash flow these businesses generated for shareholders has not increased much, because it has all been reinvested just to try and stand still.

What are the other impacts on the oil industry?
The cost of new projects has gone up. The age of easy energy is over. Oil is harder and more expensive to extract than ever before. The increasing amount of oil coming from deep, offshore oil fields where development costs are much higher is an example of this. Operating costs are rising, as well. There is a shortfall of investment: there aren’t enough people entering the oil industry, and there isn’t enough capacity in a number of important oil service businesses that the oil companies have to use to develop new projects, therefore cost inflation is significant: 10-15 percent annually.
And lastly, taxes have been rising. Because of high oil prices, governments want to take a bigger share of revenue through taxation. So you have a steady trend of rising tax rates for oil companies all around the world - some recent examples include Russia, Britain, Algeria, and Canada.

You mentioned Gazprom. How reliable is Russia as an energy supplier for Europe?
We are dependent on Russia for gas, but I don’t really see an alternative. I think Russia will be a reliable supplier to Europe as long as it can meet its domestic demand for gas. What I see happening is Russia building new pipelines and investing in new producing fields, so there is limited risk of supply disruption. In addition, industrial users of gas in Russia will be forced to pay higher prices in the future, which will promote energy efficiency and reduce wasteful use of energy within Russia. So, I see enough supply for Europe.

Against this backdrop, does investing in nuclear energy make sense?
The world will have to invest in nuclear energy, because there are not enough alternatives to meet energy demands. The concern is that investment in nuclear energy takes longer and is more expensive than the budget allows. But that investment will have to happen. I do not see how energy demand can be met over the next 50 years unless nuclear is part of the supply mix. We will see it in Western markets, but also in emerging economies like India and China.

How about renewables? Are they a viable alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear?
My fund is not focused on renewables; Allianz has another fund whose primary investments are renewable energy, though I do see some areas as attractive for investment by my energy fund.

However, there is a certain amount of speculation within the renewable energy market, and there is uncertainty regarding subsidies, because a number of these business models only make sense if they continue to receive government subsidies during the early part of their development. In the short term, that enables them to build up a critical mass, but discussions about reducing subsidies faster than expected can hit stock prices.
Among the renewable energy sources, which one attracts most interest from investors?
That’s a bit like asking what your favorite color is. All renewable sources are interesting in a different way. Wind and hydropower have low operating costs, but they are already being exploited in terms of potential sites. Solar or geothermal have higher costs, but much more growth potential. So there is no simple answer.

There is one fossil fuel we have not talked about so far, coal. What’s its position?
Some of the best performing energy stocks this year were Chinese coal producers. Some have more than doubled in six months. Coal will have to be part of the future energy mix, particularly in developing markets. There simply isn’t enough natural gas, other fuels or renewable energy to go around. But this has to go together with clean coal technology and maybe even carbon dioxide sequestration. This will be adopted in Western markets first before developing markets follow
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Ovarian Cancer



Ovarian cancer usually happens in women over age 50, but it can also affect younger women. Its cause is unknown. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early.
The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. Many times, women with ovarian cancer have no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage and hard to treat. Symptoms may include:
Heavy feeling in pelvis
Pain in lower abdomen
Bleeding from the vagina
Weight gain or loss
Abnormal periods
Unexplained back pain that gets worse
Gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Treatment is usually surgery followed by treatment with medicines called chemotherapy.
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WaMu exits subprime business and lays off workers

SEATTLE — Washington Mutual (WM), the nation's largest savings and loan, is closing offices and laying off workers in response to problems in the mortgage and credit markets.
The Seattle company says it's closing 190 of 336 home loan centers and sales offices. It's closing WaMu Capital, its broker dealer business.
It's cutting 2,600 home loan positions — about 22% of those workers — plus 550 corporate and other support positions.
WaMu is discontinuing all subprime mortgages.
The company says it expects to take a fourth quarter after-tax charge of $1.6 billion, resulting in a net loss for the quarter.
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More companies focus on preventing staph infections

Employers are beginning to react to the new health risk posed by antibiotic-resistant staph infections, a hazard that has spread beyond hospitals into schools and now workplace environments.
•This fall, an employee in the office of the Will County circuit clerk's office in Joliet, Ill., contracted a case of antibiotic-resistant staph. County health department spokesman Vic Reato says his agency disinfected the facility. "There's a very acute fear, which is why they elected to do a more thorough cleaning, to make the employees feel more comfortable," Reato says.
•Two correctional officers with the California prison system developed staph infections last year, prompting the creation of a work group that is looking at new procedures to help prevent infectious skin conditions such as staph infections among prison workers and inmates.
Several organizations that consult on health-prevention services say they're seeing a surge in calls from businesses wanting to know how to reduce risks associated with antibiotic-resistant staph, or MRSA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted information on its website (
cdc.gov) about MRSA in the workplace.
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Winter


Winter is here. Its cold I am still trying to adjust to the weather in US eventhough I been here for almost 12 years. Snow is very pretty specially at night. Winter snow it can pretty but it can nasty too.
You can snow boarding and sking, slading make a snow man, and a lot more And its more fun more the kids.
But if the snow freeze up that can't be good for all of us .Water pipe will freeze up and crack and its very hard to commuters.
But still snow is prett, enjoy it and watch for it.
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First Born

It hasn't long ago long ago when i had my first child. It was amazing feeling to glance your first baby at the first time. You will have a mix feelings that cannot explain. But it was all good.
Today my fisrt child " a son" is turning 11. They grow so quick. It hasn't long ago that they were cocoing , trying to learn how to crawl, and now seems like they are all grown up. And sometimes they dont want to be kiss in public. But anyway my son is 11 today and great him a Very Happy Birthday.
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Washington Storm

OLYMPIA — Major flooding and high winds that downed trees and knocked out power left two people dead and closed a major interstate highway in Southwestern Washington, officials said Monday.
Gov. Chris Gregoire declared a state of emergency in response to the brutal winter storm that hit Western Washington, and said “we haven’t seen the worst yet.”
“It hasn’t peaked,” Gregoire said Monday afternoon. “We are concerned with what Mother Nature has in store for us.”
Most of the Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap County and southwest Washington were hit particularly hard by the storm. Gregoire said nearly 80,000 people had lost electric power across Western Washington.
Rescue helicopters from the Coast Guard and the Navy were dispatched to rescue people stranded at their homes because of heavy winds and flooding, officials said.
About 150 people were stranded at some point Monday across the region, Gregoire said, with about half of them reported rescued by early Monday evening.
All lanes of Interstate 5 near Centralia, the main route between Seattle and Portland, were closed because of flooding.
When the Chehalis River crests today, its expected peak of nearly 75 feet would put the surface of I-5 under about 5 feet of water, state Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said.
The highway agency also said the closure could last at least 36 hours.
In Lewis County, where the swollen Chehalis River closed the freeway, emergency crews were working well after sundown to monitor and rescue people trapped at their homes.
Boats were used throughout the day, with GPS-equipped helicopters taking on a bigger role after dark — in some cases plucking people from the roof of a house, sheriff’s Detective Matt Wallace said.
“We’re still plugging away. We’ll be going all night,” Wallace said. “As long as people need help, we’re going to get them out.” Nevertheless, no fatalities were reported in the county, Wallace said.
Mudslides halted Amtrak passenger train service between Portland and Vancouver, B.C.
Farther east, snowslides temporarily closed the major Cascade Mountain passes carrying traffic on Interstate 90 and Highway 2.
Both passes were reopened Monday evening.
Much of Grays Harbor County was without power.
Roads leading into the county’s population centers were cut off for most of the day, but one patched-together route from Olympia to Ocean Shores was finally punched through Monday evening.

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Women's Heart Advantage

Cardiac Services at California Pacific Medical Center
The Women’s Heart Advantage (WHA) is an initiative sponsored by the Sutter Health in conjunction with the Women’s Heart Advantage program. WHA seeks to increase awareness and knowledge about the nature and risks of heart disease in women. Through WHA we hope to help save the lives of more women through patient education of early warning signs recognition and symptoms and by stimulating patient-physician communication regarding behavioral changes. A majority of women in Northern California have one or more risk factors for heart disease, but many of them do not consider themselves to be at risk for a heart attack. Most women are not even aware that heart disease is their greatest health threat. In fact, since 1984 more women than men have died from heart attacks. Taking steps to prevent heart disease is important, but you also need to recognize the symptoms more common in women.
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating
Indigestion or gas-like pain
Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
Unexplained weakness or fatigueIf you answered yes to one or more of these questions, or experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. Find out what you can do to lower your risk.
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Holidays brings heart attacks along with the revelry


Those lords-a-leaping and ladies dancing may want to consider the downside of the holidays: Heart attack season has arrived.December and January are the deadliest months for heart disease, and many of the things that make the season merry are culprits: Rich meals, more alcohol - and all that extra stress.But what may make the Christmas coronary more deadly than the same-size heart attack in, say, August, is a double dose of denial. It's not uncommon for people to initially shrug off chest pain as indigestion. Research suggests they're even more reluctant for a run to the emergency room when it means disrupting a holiday gathering, or if they've traveled to a strange city - meaning they arrive sicker.Minutes matter."You have only a short window of opportunity to save heart muscle," warns Dr. William Suddath of Washington Hospital Center in the nation's capital - where a cardiac team on-duty 24 hours a day aims to start clearing victims' clogged arteries within 15 minutes of their arrival in the emergency room.How bad each year is varies widely, but some hospitals say they saw an upswing in heart attacks start on Thanksgiving weekend. At Suddath's hospital, it started with a surprise spike the weekend before Thanksgiving - with so many critically ill patients that doctors ran out of a key heart-pumping machine and had to rent two extras.Doctors have long braced for the seasonal upswing. A 2004 study confirmed it was a nationwide phenomenon, with peaks in death coinciding around the Christmas and New Year's holidays.Why is harder to pin down. Vanderbilt University cardiologist Dr. Keith Churchwell says a "hurricane of factors" can tip someone at risk of a heart attack over the edge during this busy time of year."You can't be too busy to ignore your cardiovascular health," he says - but that's a key excuse he hears from his own patients.Consider:-Busy revelers tend to skip their medications, forget them when traveling or be unable to get refills far from home.-What dieter can resist holiday goodies? The few extra pounds so many people gain will haunt you long-term. Right away, a particularly heavy meal, especially a high-fat one, stresses the heart as it is digested. Blood pressure and heart rate increase. There's even evidence that the lining of arteries becomes temporarily more clot-prone.-Too much salt has an even more immediate effect, causing fluid retention that in turn makes the heart have to pump harder.-Alcohol in moderation is considered heart-healthy. But if a round of holiday parties leaves you tipsy, that, too, makes your heart pump harder to get blood to peripheral arteries.-Worse is something called "holiday heart syndrome," where alcohol literally irritates the heart muscle to trigger an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. If a-fib goes unchecked for too long, it in turn can cause a stroke.-People say they're too busy to exercise, especially as it gets cold and darkness falls earlier. It can take months to build back up to pre-holiday exercise habits.As for cold weather, it can constrict blood vessels, and the extra exertion of snow shoveling can cause a heart attack. The usual winter rise in respiratory diseases is another risk, adding further burden to a stressed heart - another reason to get a flu shot.But the holiday spike happens even in warm climates.And delay in treatment plays a role.Hospitals may be short-staffed during the holidays, slowing the time it takes to diagnose a heart attack and start clearing the blocked artery, says Dr. Alice Jacobs of Boston University, past president of the American Heart Association.The good news: The nation's hospitals are undergoing a major shift to speed care to heart attack sufferers. It's called "door to balloon time," and the aim is to reopen blocked arteries with angioplasties or other procedures within 90 minutes of arrival.Only about a third of people suffering major heart attacks get such fast care now. But more than 900 hospitals have signed on to meet that challenge - sites that either are forming 24-hour cardiac catheterization teams like Suddath's, or making sure on-call doctors arrive within minutes, or ferrying patients to those angioplasty centers.But for the hospital overhaul to work, patients can't hesitate when symptoms strike."If you have symptoms, don't ignore them, wherever you are," Jacobs stresses.Yet realizing you're having a heart attack can be hard. Terry Bieber was just 50 when she woke up two days after Thanksgiving 2006 feeling what she thought was indigestion, got some Tums and returned to bed. Sometime later her husband realized she was sweating heavily while her skin was cold to the touch. Still, she argued when he went to call 911.Like many women, Bieber didn't feel classic chest pain or pain radiating down her arm. She had to be helicoptered from the hospital near her Prince Frederick, Md., home to Washington Hospital Center for emergency angioplasty of two arteries."Don't take any chances," she now advises. "I had no clue at all that's what it was. ... If I had been by myself, I probably would not have called 911."
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Too Much Sodium in Diet Harmful to Americans' Health
It's recommended that Americans eat a teaspoon or less of salt per day. But most of us eat about twice that much.
Later today, the Food and Drug Administration will hold hearings to discuss whether it should create warning labels or even set limits for sodium in packaged foods.
Hidden Culprit
It's not the table salt you sprinkle from your shaker, but the salt hidden in everyday foods that's the real danger.
Experts say 75 percent of the sodium we consume comes from packaged foods. There are obvious ones, like salty snacks. But did you know bread, chicken broth, cheese and chocolate can be high in salt? Some TV dinners contain several times the recommended daily dose.
Serious Health Concerns
Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure and lead to heart disease. In fact, the American medical association says cutting people's sodium intake in half could save 150,000 lives a year.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest wants the government to limit the amount of sodium manufacturers can put in various categories of food. And it wants warning labels on high sodium products.
The food industry says it is already taking steps on its own, such as offering low sodium versions of popular products and even secretly removing sodium without telling consumers.
The FDA hasn't indicated whether it will take any action on sodium. By contrast, the British government is setting reduced sodium targets for foods and even running catchy educational ads.
What Can You Do?
Start by paying more attention to how much salt you're eating. Read labels at the grocery store and choose low-sodium alternatives.
Avoid certain foods that are notorious salt culprits, such as canned soups and meats, salted nuts, frozen dinners, salad dressings and snack foods like pretzels, potato chips and cheese.
Be careful when you cook. Substitute fresh meat and vegetables for canned alternatives. Skimp on the salty seasonings like soy and steak house. If you have to use canned products be sure to rinse and drain them first.
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Global economies resilient amid US financial turmoil: Citigroup

SINGAPORE: The global economy will see a slowdown in growth next year but not a collapse, says banking giant Citigroup. It says the global economy will be able to withstand current stresses from the US housing sector, high oil prices and a weak US dollar. At the same time, Citigroup expects growth in emerging markets like Asia to remain strong. Amid the US housing crisis and financial turmoil, Citigroup is positive that the global economy will remain resilient. In its outlook for 2008, the banking giant says that many important emerging economies have found the formula for sustaining rapid growth, and over the years, they have also reduced their vulnerability to external financial shocks. But Citigroup notes that inflation could be a concern for Singapore. Citigroup Global Markets' chief economist, Lewis Alexander, said: "With the Federal Reserve expected to ease policy substantially, that is gonna have pressure on those countries that have close links to the US dollar, including places like Singapore where, because of the need to keep their exchange rates under control, they'd probably have to lower interest rates when the US does as well." "That does raise risks for economies like Singapore that may have to lower rates and potentially generate more inflationary pressures," he said. Citigroup is expecting the Federal Reserve to continue cutting rates. It sees a 25 basis point cut later this month, with another slash of 50 points in the first quarter of 2008. The banking giant is forecasting inflation in Singapore to average 3.8 percent next year, in line with the government's 3.5-4.5 percent projection. For the first six months, though, inflation could go as high as 5% due to higher energy, food and labour costs. The full extent of inflationary pressures in Singapore will be more visible next year, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflecting the surge in the housing component. CPI in October rose to 3.6 percent on-year. However, Citigroup says inflationary pressures should come off in the second quarter of 2008. On the US economy, Citigroup says it does not expect it to go into recession because global slowdown will dampen increase in energy prices. Citigroup's Lewis Alexander said: "The US economy is going to slow fairly sharply over the next couple of quarters, partly due to the housing problems as well as high energy prices. "But we think that it is actually going to recover in the second half of next year. That's important for Asia because the US is an important source of demand for the region." Citigroup expects the Singapore economy to grow by 8 percent this year, which is on the top end of official forecast of 7.5-8 percent. For next year, it expects the Singapore economy to expand by 6.2 percent
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Holiday shopping guide

Gift CardsBefore you hit the shopping mall, hit the gift card mall. In most cases you don't even have to leave your own neighborhood. Safeway, QFC and some major drugstores sell gift cards for movies, the Mariners, bookstores, dozens of major department stores, even Disneyland and eBay.Right off the bat, you're eliminating the guess work. You're saving yourself a lot of time and you're saving gas money not having to drive around to all these places.By law, in the state of Washington, gift cards cannot expire nor have deductible monthly fees. Just be careful about buying gift cards from the major credit card companies. They're a great option for people who live in other states, but Visa, MasterCard and other major credit card companies have different rules, with fees that can rapidly drain your balance.One downside of gift cards is that many people never use them, so be sure to match the card with the person, so it's something they'll put to use. Hot SellersAs for actual gifts, Nintendo's Wii is again the hot pick of the season.With units flying off shelves at $250, don't count on any price cuts. Unlike last year, retailers say supply is good, but they do run out. So if the Wii is on your list, buy it now to avoid having to wait for new shipments. Ditto for the top selling Wii game, Super Mario Galaxy.Another hot seller: Tickle Me Elmo, the Extra Special Edition. TMX Elmo is so hot, it may be in short supply as we get closer to Christmas. Regular price is $40, but watch the ads and you'll find it for $35.
Coupons aboundDo not miss the Thanksgiving Day edition of the Seattle Times / PI. It'll be stuffed with coupons and specials for nearly 50 retailers this year, more than ever before.And here's a tip that can help you get a jump on the sales: If you see an ad for something on sale that's coming up later in the week, head to the store after 6 p.m. the night before the sale officially begins. A lot of times, the prices are already marked down. For extra savings, shop online and find the special coupon codes -- especially next Monday which is Cyber Monday, when as many as 75 percent of the retailers will offer special promotions.Online shopping expert Hillary Mendelsohn is author of "thepurplebook," a comprehensive directory of thousands of the best online retailers and services and how to get good deals."Log onto your favorite search engine, type in the site that you want to shop at, the plus sign, and the words 'coupon code,' and all the coupon codes and deals will be pulled up on your search," Mendelsohn said.Time to talk turkeyGrocery store sales are in full gear for the holidays, so watch the newspaper coupons, clean out the freezer and make room in the pantry.Keep an eye out for items on sale that you can either freeze or store, to use months from now. Especially butter -- this is one time butter comes on special, guaranteed.One of the biggest money traps you can fall into at this time of year is not knowing what you want ahead of time. Your uncertainty means more money left at the store because you're more likely to buy on impulse.If you're looking for specific items in an ad, take the ad with you so you go to the correct store. Take a supply of paper clips so you can clip all the receipts and guests receipts together. Keep them in one envelope in a safe place. And always keep your purse or wallet closed and close to your body and never leave packages inside your car in plain view.
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Stalked by a cell phone: Who's spying on you?

For most of us, the cell phone is our lifeline, but in the wrong hands it's can be a high-tech snooping device.Somebody could be watching or listening with software that could turn your cell phone into their eyes and ears to track your every move. "Your phone can basically spy on you in a heartbeat," says security expert Howard Schmidt.A man we'll call "Dirk," who spoke on condition of anonymity, says he worried about his cyber stalker -- his ex-girlfriend. Even when Dirk's cell phone was off, his ex spied on him. She managed to access his cell remotely without him knowing. With Dirk's cell phone she knew his every move: when he was alone at the corner coffee shop, what he bought at the grocery store, who he ate dinner with -- even details about his dinner conversation. "She always seemed to know where I was at -- 'So you're with so-and-so' -- and I would be with that person, all the time," says Dirk. At first, Dirk chalked it up to a good guess and blamed himself for being paranoid. "She would say 'I'm psychic. I know how you think.'" He believed it. But when his ex knew things he intentionally didn't tell her, that's when it clicked: his cell phone was her microphone. "She knows too much, there is no way she could know this, without having a listening device," Dirk said.Sneaky Software"You don't know what your mobile phone is doing beyond what you think it's doing," insists Schmidt, who worked as a cyber security adviser to the White House and Microsoft's chief security officer.He insists it all comes down to one word: software. If a stalker gets a hold of your phone, he can install it."Some of the software is designed so it will take that conversation and send it through the Internet to a Web site and you can click on the Web site and listen to it," says Schmidt.Schmidt says once the software is installed, you can listen in on conversations from anywhere in the world. And in Dirk's case, even if the phone was off, his ex could hear any conversation taking place within the vicinity of the cell phone.'This Could Result In Something Catastrophic'Schmidt says software already controls every function on cell phones, but spy software can add other functions, like allowing the snoop to remotely and silently turn on a cell phone's microphone while the phone appears to remain off."I said 'how do you know that? How do you know?' " Dirk said. "She said, 'I just know who you are, I know who you are.' "Schmidt says it can result in something catastrophic: "We've seen stalking things go bad where people actually lost their lives over it."And high-tech surveillance isn't limited to a jilted lover. As long as your cell phone is capable of Internet access, Schmidt says it can be hijacked -- and so can confidential e-mails, financial transactions and intellectual property, all without you ever knowing. "It's a mobile PC," says Schmidt.The best defense? Never let your cell phone out of your sight. Schmidt says spy software can be installed in minutes. Dirk thinks that's how his nightmare began. He wants to warn others because the consequences can be long term and severe. "I still can't see myself being in a relationship," says Dirk. He says if you think you're paranoid, check it out -- it could be the eyes and ears in your pocket watching and listening to you. Even when he got a new phone or new number, it didn't stop. "I actually changed it 4 times in one week, she found my number every single time."Dirk says more than year ago he moved out of state and eventually the stalking stopped. As an extra layer of precaution, when he's not using his phone he takes the battery out.Cyber Stalking A Misdemeanor CrimeAccording to court documents filed last year, the FBI arrested two alleged mobsters by using their cell phones as listening devices -- even when their phones were off.Cyber stalking is a misdemeanor crime in Washington unless the perpetrator threatens the victim. Then it becomes a Class C felony.Schmidt also warns you can be tricked into putting spyware on your phone, so know who you're downloading from. When you download things like ring tones or programs for stock quotes, you're giving someone else access to your cell phone.If something doesn't seem right, experts insist it's unlikely you'll be able to detect it on your phone. You may need hi-tech help.
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Unusual ocean conditions force Sea Launch to call off launch

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Sea Launch Co.'s oceangoing launch platform and control ship were sailing back from the equator to their home port Tuesday after unusually strong Pacific currents and winds stymied the company's attempt to put a commercial satellite into orbit for the first time since a damaging rocket explosion in January.The launch of the mobile voice and data services satellite for Abu Dhabi-based Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co. will be rescheduled, Sea Launch spokeswoman Paula Korn said.Sea Launch is owned by Boeing Co., RSC-Energia of Moscow, Aker ASA of Oslo, Norway, and SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.The vessels had been at the Pacific Ocean launch site since Nov. 10, initially aiming for a Nov. 14 blastoff.But the countdown was repeatedly put on hold because ocean currents up to twice as strong as normal and high winds did not allow the self-propelled Odyssey platform to maintain its launch position."We were just using up fuel trying to stay still," Korn said.The countdown was finally stopped and the decision was made Monday to bring the vessels back to Long Beach, Calif."We determined we would come back, resupply, realign ourselves and reschedule the mission," Korn said.The Sea Launch system is designed to take advantage of physics that allow a rocket launched from the equator to carry a heavier payload into orbit than it could if the launch point was elsewhere on the Earth's surface.The vessels have been sailing to the equator for launches since 1999."We've never had conditions like this before," Korn said.Among unusual observations noted by the captains were a drop of sea temperature by several degrees while the vessels were at the equator, she said, noting that the Pacific is in the grip of the La Nina phenomenon.During La Nina, cold water that usually lies along South America moves out across the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean, altering global weather.A successful liftoff of the Boeing-built Thuraya-3 satellite would have put Sea Launch back on track.The Odyssey had to undergo repairs after the January accident in which one of its Zenit 3SL rockets blew up seconds after ignition during Sea Launch's 24th mission.The platform remained seaworthy, but its massive gas deflector, an approximately 300-ton steel structure suspended below the launch pad, was lost in the blast and had to be replaced, among other repairs.The cause of the rocket failure also had to be determined - debris in a liquid oxygen turbopump - and corrective action taken to prevent it from happening again.The Odyssey has a crew of 67 and the control ship Sea Launch Commander has about 240 people aboard. The ship will reach California next week; the slower platform will arrive in about two weeks.
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How to Prevent Identity Theft

The best way to prevent identity theft is to protect your identification and financial information from prying eyes. Don’t keep all of your identification and financial information in one place and never write down your PIN (personal identification numbers) anywhere. The same thing goes for Internet passwords and member ID information, especially if the password and ID leads a person to a financial site.
When dealing with payment on the Internet you should never do business with a site unless it has “secure socket layer” protection. The letters in your URL in your browser window that begin htpps:// indicates this. Web sites that do not have this protection are called htpp://
You should also never respond to emails or snail mail that requests personal information such as passwords or PIN numbers. You should also avoid requests for your social security number or employee identification number as bogus credit cards and access to your personal information can also be obtained through those numbers. Other information you should avoid giving out is your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name or any other details that could be used as part of a security verification question on your account.
You should know where your credit cards, bank statements and other important documents are at all times and keep them either with you and under lock and key. The same thing goes for your birth certificate and social insurance card.
Another security measure would be to put your mailbox under lock and key. This prevents thieves from rummaging through it and stealing documents such as pre-approved credit card offers which can make it very easy to steal your identification from you.
To prevent identity theft you should never carry your wallet in your back pocket if you are a man and if you are a woman you should always remember to zip your purse up tight as a wallet that is exposed is a temptation for identity thieves.
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What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft, also known as ID theft is a crime in which a criminal obtains key pieces of personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to pose as someone else. The information can be used to obtain credit, merchandise, and services using the victims’ name. Identity theft can also provide a thief with false credentials for immigration or other applications. One of the biggest problems with identity theft is that very often the crimes committed by the identity theft expert are often attributed to the victim.
There are two main types of identity theft – account takeover and true name theft. Account takeover identity theft refers to the type of situation where an imposter uses the stolen personal information to gain access to the person’s existing accounts. Often the identity thief will use the stolen identity to acquire even more credit products by changing your address so that you never see the credit card bills that the thief runs up.
True name identity theft means that the thief uses personal information to open new accounts. The thief might open a new credit card account, establish cellular phone service, or open a new checking account in order to obtain blank checks. The Internet has made it easier for an identity thief to use the information they've stolen because transactions can be made without any real verification of someone’s identity. All a thief really needs today is a series of correct numbers to complete the crime.
Some types of identity thieves hack into databases to steal personal information. However this type of thievery is much rarer than the use of old fashioned methods such as scouring the garbage for old receipts or looking over someone’s shoulder while they are doing a financial transaction. You should also be wary of such criminals at the Department of Motor Vehicles or anywhere else where filling out a long application could provide a thief with enough information to inspire an identity theft.
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What do we need to know about AIDS/HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is deadly if left untreated. An HIV infection damages the immune system, your body's defense against disease and infection. A person can die from "opportunistic" infections from bacteria, viruses and other types of microscopic organisms that are usually harmless to healthy people. Because the immune system is damaged, the body of someone with this condition cannot defend itself well. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when opportunistic infections occur because of a greatly weakened immune system.
The white blood cells (lymphocytes) in our bodies work to protect us against infection. Lymphocytes include B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies that destroy organisms invading the body. T cells help regulate the production of these antibodies.
Some T cells are helper cells; others are suppressor cells. T helper cells help create antibodies and so-called cell-mediated immunity that also assist in the defense against certain infections. Suppressor cells end the immune reaction. The HIV virus targets a specific kind of T helper cell called CD4 cells. HIV attacks CD4 cells and uses them to make more copies of the HIV virus. As CD4 cells are destroyed, the immune system fails and AIDS develops.
In the United States, more than half a million people have died from AIDS, and about 40,000 people are infected annually. As of 2005, an estimated 438,000 Americans were living with AIDS.


Prognosis
Since 1996, the introduction of powerful antiretroviral therapies has dramatically decreased the number of people who develop AIDS. Before better therapies and medical treatments existed to take care of complications, it was thought people could live an average of 10 years after HIV infection.
Early detection of HIV infection can extend your life if you are treated with antiretroviral therapy, but to date, this infection cannot be cured. These medications must be taken for life.
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What is AIDS? What causes AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
An HIV-positive person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition.
Over time, infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.
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Dancing with the star

I have been watching Dancing with the star for four season. Last night was a shocking night . Jenny and Derek was my favorite couple and they shouldn't have been voted. DWTS is became a joke. It was supposed to be about the talent not papularity. I've had just about enough of the Marie Osmond saga. It has gone from one sympathetic thing to another (give me a break please). I'm so disappointed in the show. It's unfair how the voters are manipulating the show. The viewers calling-in voting has become a breeding ground for the voters to abuse this privilege. In the case of Marie Osmond it's how much sympathy can be gathered .It should have been Marie Osmond who voted off. Its just so unfair. I will be voting for Mel B.. and i just hope they win this one.
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You can Lower your risk for heart disease and stroke

If you have diabetis, you are high risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease strikes people with diabetis more than twice as often as it strikes people without diabetis. It hits them earlier in life and it hits them harder. In fact, two out of three people with diabetis die from heart disease or stroke.

You can help to lower your risk by managing your ABC of diabetis.

A is for A1C, test that measures your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
B is for blood pressure; and
C is for cholesterol.

Talk to your Doctor or other member of your health team about diabetis and heart disease.
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Family and Holiday Stress

Some of our greatest stress during the holidays comes from falling short of our own expectations. Images of happy, harmonious families surround us, and those images reach fever pitch around the holidays.
We are led to believe that other families get together and share great love and joy, in a picture-perfect setting. In fact, few families are really like that, except perhaps on TV.
Our families bring out our deepest passions, not always our happiest. People in families have conflicts, both trivial and major. These conflicts don't go away just because we wish they would.
So what's the best way to handle all this when everyone gets together?
First of all, don't try to control others. You can't make others behave or even get along. But, you may be able to influence things in the direction you want.
For example, you can't make kids behave. But if you schedule the family party at a time when you expect them to be well-rested and in a good mood, you'll improve the chances of good behavior.
Be realistic about your expectations for family behavior. Do you really expect feuding relatives to get along just because of some cookies and eggnog? But, you might leave the alcohol out of the eggnog if you know Uncle Bill always drinks too much and spoils the party.
Think about the conflicts in your family. Some are probably petty grudges and personality conflicts. But some may run deeper. Most of the minor disagreements can be bridged with diplomacy, distraction and good humor.
Bigger conflicts can't be glossed over so easily. Different visiting times is one possible solution. Maybe there are people in your family who really shouldn't be in the same room together.
It's really not a good idea to force these things for the sake of some ideal image of family togetherness. It won't work anyway.
Women can be especially stressed around the holidays. We often feel that we bear the responsibility for shopping, food, decorating and ensuring family harmony. When the party isn't perfect or we can't do it all, women may feel disappointed and guilty, and also resentful of the expectations.
Men are often willing to help but resist taking on women's unrealistic expectations of perfection, which they may see as unnecessary and silly. Perhaps the best advice is to do what you can, ask for help where you can get it, and let go of the rest.
Everyone will have a better time if you're relaxed, cheerful, and getting along with your spouse much more than if the tablecloth is wrinkle-free.
Last of all, many families have members from different cultures, some of whom don't celebrate Christmas. They can feel left out of a holiday season so dominated by Christmas.
Those of other faiths and those who are not religious can embrace Christmas as a secular and largely commercial holiday. If your family has such members, you may want to emphasize this aspect of Christmas when celebrating it with them.
It's important to customize your holiday celebrations to who you and your family are, and to not try to live up to some fantasy image. Doing this will reduce your stress, and help the holidays truly be a time to enjoy.
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Ways to get ready for Thanksgiving


With just six days until we slice our turkey, watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and cheer on our favorite football teams, now is the time to start planning ways to make your Thanksgiving celebration go as smoothly as possible. Here are some ways you can do right now to start preparing for your holiday festivities.
1. Create an autumnal home
Autumn is such a warm time of year. No, I'm not talking temperature wise, but rather feeling wise. Make your guests feel that warm autumn feeling the minute they arrive at your home. Fill the air with some seasonal scents by purchasing a few candles — maybe in pumpkin spice or harvest apple. Just don't mix too many scents together or your guest may lose that warm feeling and instead just end up with a headache. Also, place a few pumpkins outside. Hang an autumn wreath on the door. Fill a bowl with beautiful red apples or miniature pumpkins and gourds and place it on your coffee table. You can find many decorating ideas at your local craft store. Just don't be afraid to use your imagination to create the feel of fall.
2. Plan a menu
Whether you are playing the role of host or guest, typically you will be making a dish or two, or even the whole meal. Sit down now and figure out what you are planning to make for the dinner and plan your list of items you will need from the grocery. By organizing your dishes, you can pace your time in the kitchen better and ultimately feel a little less overwhelmed. (And if you don't want to cook this year, see our suggestions for dine in and carry out in Thursday's Life section.)
3. Clean your fridge
Now is the time to start cleaning out your refrigerator. We all have had that moment where our fridge is jam-packed and we have to spend precious time rearranging things to figure out how to put in the other three dishes we created. By clearing out or eating the food in your refrigerator a week or so in advance, you can leave your fridge fairly open for all the casseroles, gelatin molds, pies — and of course turkey — that you will have.
4. Precook
There are some items — pies, casseroles, stuffing — that can be made before Thanksgiving Day. After figuring out what your menu will be, go through your dishes and decide what can be done ahead of time. Even if it is just making the pie crust or stuffing, it will cut down on things you have to do on the actual day.
5. Thaw the turkey
Nothing is worse than having a turkey frozen solid on the day of Thanksgiving. To properly thaw a turkey — depending on the size — it takes about three to four days in the refrigerator to be ready for Thanksgiving Day. Be sure to plan for this by placing your bird into the fridge with plenty of time to thaw before the big day. Remember, the larger the turkey the longer it takes to thaw. Ask your butcher how long you should allow for the size bird you are purchasing.
6. Set the table
If you are the one hosting Thanksgiving dinner, go ahead and set your table before the big day. Get all your dinnerware set out, napkins folded and glasses in place. By doing this you will be able to focus more on the meal and less on the atmosphere on the big day.
7. Make a centerpiece
Nothing is better than a breathtaking centerpiece for your Thanksgiving Day table. And what's even better is that you can create an easy centerpiece that will look like you spent hours and hours designing it. A day or two before Thanksgiving, go to your local flower store and find your favorite autumn flowers — preferably in a pot and not just a bouquet. I recommend mums, which you can find in many beautiful colors and sizes. Now, find a pumpkin that is tall enough to hide the pot that your flowers are in. Hollow out the pumpkin and make a hole at the top large enough to fit the flower pot directly into the pumpkin. Scatter a few leaves around the table to bring together all the autumn colors. You also can add some miniature pumpkins and gourds around the larger one to give a little more character to your creation. If that doesn't work, go to your local craft store and purchase a cornucopia basket. Fill it with pine cones, flowers, greenery, fruits and vegetables. Depending on your table size, you can even stretch your design out by adding more things to make it appear that the bountiful basket has spilled down the entire length of the table. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that your centerpiece is not so tall that your guests are unable to see one another across the table.
8. Keep guests entertained
Whether you have a bunch of football fans coming over or a bunch of children, you don't want your guests to be bored out of their minds the whole day. Be sure to plan activities or have things on hand to keep everyone comfortable and entertained throughout the day. Have a few child-friendly board games on hand or have a deck or two of cards ready for an impromptu game of euchre. Also, make sure you have plenty of seating, especially around the TV if people are planning to watch football games.
9. Prepare speech or prayer
Are you the person who always is called upon to say a speech or prayer before the Thanksgiving Day meal? If so, this year come prepared. Start thinking now about what you are going to say. If you need a little holiday inspiration, many Web sites offer ideas for both speeches and prayers for Thanksgiving. Whatever you choose to say, make sure that it is from the heart and meaningful. Nothing is worse than a speech or prayer that looks too practiced or memorized. It is OK to get inspiration from different sources, but ultimately have the speech come from your heart.
10. Pack up leftovers
There is only so much you can do with turkey and stuffing. Let's face it, there are always leftovers. Why not give some food to your guests to take home with them so that the food doesn't end up going bad in your refrigerator? Go to your local dollar store or grocery store and pick up some inexpensive, disposable containers. Before your guests leave, you can plate them up a leftovers care package to enjoy once they return home. And since you bought some disposable containers, you don't have to worry about never getting your "good" containers back.
Happy Thanks Giving!!!
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