Monday, December 31, 2012

Northern California having wet Christmas

With 2013 around the corner, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds motorists of several new laws that will ring in the New Year.

Among the new laws that take effect in January is AB 2020, which deletes the option for persons alleged to be driving under the influence of drugs to choose a chemical test of their urine for the purpose of determining drug impairment, with certain exceptions.

Other new laws will establish a new license plate, protect car buyers from buy-herepay- here car dealers in purchase transactions, establish safety standards for autonomous vehicles and impose a new fee on vessel owners.

The following is a listing of selected motor vehicle and driver-related laws that will take effect on January 1, 2013.

---- Driving Under the Influence.
Drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs will no longer have the option to choose a chemical test of their urine to determine drug content. By requiring a blood test, with a few exceptions, AB 2020 will help law enforcement and prosecutors to better identify and convict persons driving under the influence of drugs. If a blood test is unavailable, then the person is deemed to have given his or her consent to a urine test. (AB 2020/Pan)

---- California Legacy License Plates.
Effective January 1, 2013, DMV will accept applications for a series of three specialized license plates that replicate plates from California's past. Motorists

will be able to choose from a minimum of three styles: yellow background with black lettering, black background with yellow lettering, and blue background with yellow lettering. (AB 1658/Gatto)

---- Buy-Here-Pay-Here Car Dealers.
Two new laws are directed at used car dealers that assign less than 90 percent of their conditional sales and lease contracts to third party lenders; and therefore provide direct financing to car buyers. One of the new laws defines these used car dealers as buy-here-pay-here dealers.

AB 1447 further prohibits these dealers from requiring buyers to make payments in person, except for the down payment, and limits the circumstances under which buy-herepay- here dealers may track a vehicle using electronic tracking technology (GPS tracking). Buy-here-payhere used car dealers will not be allowed to disable a vehicle with starter interrupt technology without first notifying the buyer in writing at the time of sale.

In addition, buy-here-pay here used car dealers will be required to provide a 30- day or 1,000 mile warranty as part of any purchase or lease of a used vehicle. (AB 1447/Feuer)

AB 1534 requires buy-here- pay-here used car dealers to affix and prominently display a label on any used vehicle offered for retail sale that provides the reasonable market value of the vehicle. The label must contain specific information from a recognized pricing guide used to determine that value and the date the value was determined.

The prospective purchaser must also be provided with a copy of the information that the dealer used to determine the vehicle's value. (AB 1534/Wieckowski)

---- Traffic Violator School.
AB 1888 will allow commercial drivers to attend traffic violator school (TVS) for violations that take place when operating non-commercial vehicles. The conviction would not count as a point for determining whether a driver is presumed to be a negligent operator unless it was considered a serious violation. The record of the conviction would not be held confidential and would be disclosed to employers, and to insurers for insurance underwriting and rating purposes. (AB 1888/Gatto)

---- Veteran License Plates.
An increase in fees for the issuance, renewal, and personalization of veterans' organizations license plates will benefit the County Veterans Service Officers Fund. The fund is used by local agencies to assist veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services accrued through military service.

This new law also clarifies the plate's availability to veterans and non-veterans, requires DMV to make decals available for the plate that indicate an applicant's service in a particular war or armed conflict and decals honoring veterans of a particular war or conflict.

Additionally, the law will require DMV to make available a yellow ribbon/support our troops decal to be issued in lieu of the above-described service decals. (AB 1550/Bonilla)

---- Autonomous Vehicles.
This new law allows for testing of autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, by designees of an autonomous technology manufacturer, provided certain requirements are met. Prior to the public operating autonomous vehicles, a manufacturer is required to submit an application to DMV, and certify that specified insurance, vehicle safety, and testing standards have been met.

The legislation authorizes regulations to specify any additional requirements deemed necessary by DMV, such as limitations on the number of autonomous vehicles deployed on the states highways, special vehicle registration and driver licensing requirements, and rules for the suspension, revocation, or denial of any license or approval issued by DMV pertaining to autonomous vehicles. (SB 1298/Padilla)

---- Vessel Registration Fees.
An increase in vessel registration fees, as yet to be determined by the Department of Boating and Waterways, will be collected by DMV to fund the implementation and administration of dreissenid mussel monitoring, inspection, and infestation prevention programs in California waterways.

The fee may not exceed ten dollars and will not be imposed on vessels operated exclusively in marine waters. (AB 2443/Williams)

Source: http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/ci_22261317/northern-california-having-wet-christmas?source=rss_viewed

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Chinese court orders Apple to cough ?100k to writers for violating copyright

The Register writes, Fruity tech maker comes a cropper in China Apple got a nasty post-Christmas present in China on Thursday when a Beijing court hit it with a 1.03m yuan (?102,000) fine after ruling the fruity tech titan was responsible for applications which appeared on its App Store containing unlicensed content.?

Continue reading Chinese court orders Apple to cough ?100k to writers for violating copyright at The Register

Source: http://technewstube.com/the-register/148743/chinese-court-orders-apple-to-cough-100k-to-writers-for-violating-copyright/

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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Exclusive: Phil Davis Discusses Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos & Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche

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UFC 155 and the main event pitting UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos vs. former champion, Cain Velasquez is what everyone in the world of mixed martial arts is concentrated on. Velasquez is another UFC fighter who is represented by Zinkin and like Davis is a decorated collegiate wrestler. Davis explained to us that he is a fan as much as he is a fighter and he?s ready to see these two top heavyweights go at it once again.

?I like both guys so much and I feel like the challenger is the way to go in this one,? offered Davis. ?I knew going into the last fight that Cain had really hurt his knee. I respect him so much for going in there and I don?t think he was the one who said he had injured his knee. He was never going to mention it. He has a durable mindset and he?s going to go in there, win, lose or draw, hurt knee or not, like a warrior to compete and to win. That to me shows who he is, he?s that tough and a lot of guys wouldn?t have done that. I?m not saying that it was the right thing to do, but he did it and I respect him for it.?

Another hot button topic these days is the main event of UFC 157. For the first time in UFC history they will promote a women?s MMA bout as UFC Women?s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey defends her title against Liz Carmouche. The ladies have made a huge impact this year and caught the attention of a lot of MMA?s top fighters, including Davis.

?I?m a big fan of women?s MMA, I really am,? Davis admitted. ?It?s interesting because a lot of times women end up in positions a lot of guys don?t end up in. It?s a different dynamic, like mens tennis vs. womens tennis, it?s a different speed and they do different things. I?m a huge fan of Rousey, she snaps arms and I love that.?

With the end of 2012 coming upon us in just a few days, it?s time to look back upon some of the greatest moments that took place over the last 12 months. With so many great fights and a lot of fighters making names for themselves, it really is tough to choose because you know that you are bound to leave some things out. Davis found it difficult to remember whether some of these fights took place this year or last!

?Now that you put me on the spot with this, I?m thinking did that take place in 2012 or was that 2011,? joked Davis. ?When did Nate Diaz fight Cowboy Cerrone? How about Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua? Ok, let?s do this, any time Anderson Silva steps into the cage that?s one of my favorite fights. Anderson vs. Chael number two was definitely this year, don?t try and cheat me because that was 2012. I enjoyed the flyweight championship fight between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson, that was probably the fastest paced fight ever and it was pretty awesome to watch.

Those guys were literally flying around the cage and there?s a picture of both of them punching and neither of them had their feet on the ground! I was like what?s going on here, are they using their super powers? I was expecting a lot when Jose Aldo fought Chad Mendes and it may not have been one of my favorite fights of the year, but it was still a pretty good fight. Then of course you have Ben Henderson just a couple of weeks ago, he looked fresh, he looked awesome.?

For Davis the year began with a main event fight against former champion Rashad Evans on the UFC on Fox 2 card in February. He may have lost, but he was exposed to a whole new audience of MMA fans in the process. They say every great fighter has to experience losing to become better and Davis is no different.

?In the last year I feel like I?ve improved all over,? Davis said. ?There?s no one place that I can say that it?s the only place I improved. I improved everywhere, absolutely everywhere. If I had to choose one, I would say I have made some nice gains in my standup.?

Looking forward to 2013 Davis explained some of his short and long term goals he has in mind for the new year.

?I just want to wrap up as many wins as I possibly can,? said the four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler. ?I want to be in the title hunt and it?s weird because it could be a win or it could be three wins.?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjpenndotcom/~3/74icS0nNTaM/

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The Week In Arts & Culture: Worst Of 2012, Best Of 2013 And More (PHOTOS)

  • Pinaree Sanpitak: Temporary Insanity - Austin Museum of Art

    <a href="http://amoa-arthouse.org/2012/pinaree-sanpitak-temporary-insanity/">Pinaree Sanpitak: Temporary Insanity</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> Exhibition of Southeast Asian artist, Pinaree Sanpitak, who combines organic symbols and brightly colored sculptural installations to reflect on themes of spirituality, femininity, and equality in the region. <strong>WHEN: </strong>January 12th - March 3rd, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://amoa-arthouse.org/">Austin Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> One hundred amorphous, squeezable sculptures that you can play with. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Pinaree Sanpitak, Temporary Insanity, 2003-4 (installation detail) Silk, stuffing, motion sensors and devices, dimensions variable, Courtesy of the artist and Tyler Rollins Fine Art

  • Enrico David - Hammer

    <a href="http://hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions/detail/exhibition_id/228">Enrico David</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> An exhibition of Italian-born artist, Enrico David, known for his figurative multimedia works that reveals a dark underworld of surreal, craft-informed creatures. <strong>WHEN:</strong> January 12th - May 5th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://hammer.ucla.edu/">Hammer Museum</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Paper mummies, hand-crafted tapestries and cavernous paintings <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Enrico David Untitled 2012 Acrylic on canvas. 103 3/4 x 91 3/4 inches. 281 x 233 cm. Courtesy Michael Werner Gallery, New York and London. Michael Werner Gallery, New York and London.

  • American Vesuvius: The Aftermath of Mount St. Helens - The Cleveland Museum of Art

    <a href="http://www.clevelandart.org/events/exhibitions/american-vesuvius-aftermath-mount-st-helens-frank-gohlke-and-emmet-gowin">American Vesuvius: The Aftermath of Mount St. Helens</a> <strong>WHAT: </strong>An exhibition dedicated to the volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State. <strong>WHEN:</strong> January 13th - May 12th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.clevelandart.org/">The Cleveland Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for: </strong>Many photographs revealing the transformation of Mt. St. Helen's surrounding landscapes taken throughout the 20th century. <strong>IMAGE: </strong>Inside Mount St. Helens Crater, Base of Lava Dome on the Left (detail), 1983. Frank Gohlke (American, born 1942). Gelatin silver print; 45.3 x 55.9 cm. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of museum members in 1989 1989.433

  • Alexandre Singh: The Pledge - The Drawing Center

    <a href="http://www.drawingcenter.org/exh_upcoming.cfm?exh=899">Alexandre Singh: The Pledge</a> <strong>WHAT: </strong>The first North American museum exhibition of New York-based artist, Alexandre Singh. <strong>WHEN:</strong> January 17th - March 13th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.drawingcenter.org/">The Drawing Center</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Collage art accounts of interviews conducted by the artist with noted scientists, artists, writers and filmmakers. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Alexandre Singh, Assembly Instructions (The Pledge- Leah Kelly), 2011. Framed inkjet ultrachrome archival prints and dotted pencil lines, 18 x 24 inches, #6 from a set of 37. Courtesy Art: Concept, Monitor gallery, Spr?th Magers

  • The Artist and the Poet - Art Institute of Chicago

    <a href="http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/artist-and-poet">The Artist and the Poet</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> Planned to coincide with the institute's "Picasso and Chicago" exhibition, the array of prints and drawings reveal the collaborative relationship between artists like Pablo Picasso, Robert Motherwell and David Hockney and poets such as Max Jacob, Rafael Alberti and Wallace Steves, respectively. <strong>WHEN: </strong>February 1st - June 2nd, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">The Art Institute Chicago</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> "Skin with O?Hara Poem" (1963?65), a print by Jasper Johns that was inspired by the poet Frank O'Hara.

  • Shinique Smith: Firsthand - LACMA

    <a href="http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/shinique-smith-firsthand">Shinique Smith: Firsthand</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A exhibition of Shinique Smith's work that reflects on the artist's Baltimore upbringing and early desire to work with fashion and design. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 8th, 2013 - ongoing <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/shinique-smith-firsthand">Los Angeles Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> A combination of costumery and textiles tangled into sculptural installations like "Swaying Beauty." <strong>IMAGE: </strong>Shinique Smith, Swaying Beauty, 2007, clothing, foam, rope, and twine, 60 x 22 x 22 in., Los Angeles County Museum of Art, gift of Schiff Fine Art, ? Shinique Smith.

  • Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui - Brooklyn Museum

    <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/el_anatsui/">Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> The first solo exhibition in a New York museum by the Ghana-born artist El Anatsui. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 8th - August 4th, 2013 <strong>WHERE: </strong><a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/">Brooklyn Museum</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Twelve giant wall and floor sculptures made from metal, wood and appropriated objects. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> El Anatsui (Ghanaian, born 1944). Earth?s Skin, 2009. Aluminum and copper wire, 177 x 394 in. (449.6 x 1000.8 cm). Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Photograph by Joe Levack, courtesy of the Akron Art Museum

  • Angles, Demons, and Savages: Pollock, Ossorio, Dubuffet - Phillips Collection

    <a href="http://www.phillipscollection.org/exhibitions/2013-02-09-exhibition-pollock-ossorio-dubuffet.aspx">Angles, Demons, and Savages: Pollock, Ossorio, Dubuffet</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> An exhibition of work by American artists Jackson Pollock and Alfonso Ossorio, as well as French painter Jean Dubuffet. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 9th - May 12th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.phillipscollection.org/index.aspx">Phillips Collection</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Around 53 paintings and drawings that show a visual friendship enjoyed by all three artists. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Number 7, 1952 1952 Enamel and oil on canvas 53 1/8 x 40 inches The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

  • Eye Level in Iraq: Photographs by Kael Alford and Thorne Anderson - de Young

    <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/eye-level-iraq-photographs-kael-alford-and-thorne-anderson">Eye Level in Iraq: Photographs by Kael Alford and Thorne Anderson</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> The photographs of Kael Alford and Thorne Anderson, two American-trained photo journalists who documented the aftermath of the US-led allied invasion of Iraq in 2003. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 9th - June 16th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/">de Young</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Images taken outside the confines of the U.S. military's embedded journalist program. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Thorne Anderson, Thawra, Baghdad, Iraq, April 18, 2003. Digital inkjet print. High Museum of Art, Atlanta. ? Thorne Anderson

  • Gutai: Splendid Playground - Guggenheim

    <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/upcoming/gutai-splendid-playground">Gutai: Splendid Playground</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> The first U.S. museum retrospective of Gutai, a postwar Japanese artist collective and influential avante-garde proponent of the 1950s and '60s. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 15th - May 8th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york">Guggenheim</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> A whirlwind of paintings, conceptual art, experimental performance and film, indoor and outdoor installations, sound art, mail art, interactive art, light art... and kinetic art. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Murakami Sabur? Passing Through, 1956 Performance view: 2nd Gutai Art Exhibition, Ohara Kaikan, Tokyo, ca. October 11?17, 1956 ? Makiko Murakami and the former members of the Gutai Art Association, courtesy Museum of Osaka University

  • William H. Johnson: An American Modern - Georgia Museum of Art

    <a href="http://georgiamuseum.org/art/exhibitions/upcoming/william-h.-johnson">William H. Johnson: An American Modern</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> An exhibition of the work of modern American artist William Henry Johnson, the self-described "primitive and cultural painter." <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 16th - May 12th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://georgiamuseum.org/">Georgia Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Twenty landscapes, still-lifes and portraits including the iconic "Blind Singer" and "Aunt Alice." <strong>IMAGE: </strong> William H. Johnson (American 1907?1970) Aunt Alice (detail), ca. 1944 Oil on compressed board 33 3/4 x 28 5/8 inches Collection of Morgan State University

  • NYC 1993: Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star - New Museum

    <a href="http://www.newmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/nyc-1993-experimental-jet-set-trash-and-no-star">NYC 1993: Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A time capsule-esque exhibit that centers on the art, pop culture and politics of 1993 in New York. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 13th - May 26th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> The New Museum <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Time-specific references to the ongoing conflict in Europe, attempts at peace in the Middle East, the AIDS crisis, and national debates on health care, gun control, and gay rights. <strong>IMAGE: </strong> Art Club 2000, Untitled (Conrans I), 1992?93. Chromogenic color print, 8 x 10 in (20.32 x 25.4 cm). Courtesy the artist and the Estate of Colin de Land

  • Chagall: Beyond Color - Dallas Museum of Art

    <a href="http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/View/FutureExhibitions/dma_488367">Chagall: Beyond Color</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A look at the paintings, sculpture, ceramics and collage of the Russian-French artist, Marc Chagall. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 17th - May 26th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/">Dallas Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> A display of costumes made by Chagall in 1942 for the production of the ballet "Aleko," choreographed by L?onide Massine with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Marc Chagall, Double Portrait with Wine Glass (Double Portrait au Verre de Vin)1917-1918 Oil on canvas Overall: 92 17/32 x 53 15/16 in. (2 m 35 cm x 137 cm) Framed dimensions: 97 1/4 x 58 21/32 x 2 3/4 in. (2 m 47 cm x 149 cm x 7 cm) Centre Pompidou Photo : (c) Centre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI, Dist. RMN / Adam Rzepka. (c) 2012 Artists Rights Society. (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

  • Kehinde Wiley: The Memling Series - Phoenix Art Museum

    <a href="http://www.phxart.org/exhibitions/69dc7ab9-a14b-4eac-dfea-2d73f0e5b946">Kehinde Wiley: The Memling Series</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A new series of paintings by the New York artist Kehinde Wiley, who is known for his knack for re-envisioning classical styles of portraiture. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 20th - June 23rd, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.phxart.org/">Phoenix Art Museum</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Eight paintings based on the work of Hans Memling, the Flemish master painter of the Northern Renaissance. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Kehinde Wiley, Marechal Floriano Peixoto (The World Stage: Brazil), 2009. Oil on canvas, 96" x 84." Phoenix Art Museum. Museum purchase with funds provided by Contemporary Forum in honor of the Museum's 50th Anniversary.

  • Color Rush: 75 Years of Color Photography in America - Milwaukee Art Museum

    <a href="http://mam.org/exhibitions/details/color-rush.php">Color Rush: 75 Years of Color Photography in America</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A history of color photography in the United States from 1907 to 1981, including magazine images, gallery works, advertisements, and photojournalism. <strong>WHEN: </strong>February 22nd - May 19th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://mam.org/">Milwaukee Art Museum</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> References to Life, Vogue and Kodak. <strong>IMAGE: </strong> Edward Steichen (American, b. Luxemburg, 1879?1973) Bouquet of Flowers, January 8, 1940 Dye transfer print image: 9 9/16 x 6 5/8 in. (24.3 x 16.8 cm) Collection of George Eastman House (Bequest of Edward Steichen by Direction of Joanna T. Steichen) Permission of the Estate of Edward Steichen, Courtesy of George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film

  • Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2013/impressionism-fashion-modernity">Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A survey of the fashion trends that appeared in the works of the Impressionists and their contemporaries. <strong>WHEN:</strong> February 26th - May 27th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">The Metropolitan Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for: </strong>Around eighty major figure paintings seen in conjunction with period costumes, accessories, fashion plates, photographs, and popular prints that also show the relationshi between fashion and art at this time. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Claude Monet (French, 1840-1926) Women in the Garden 1866 Oil on canvas 100 3/8 x 80 11/16 in. (255 x 205 cm) Mus?e d'Orsay, Paris

  • Workt by Hand: Hidden Labor and Historical Quilts - Brooklyn Museum

    <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/quilts/">Workt by Hand: Hidden Labor and Historical Quilts</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> The exhibition examines the impact of feminist scholarship on historical quilts, giving focus to the ways in which ideas of anonymity, authorship and collectivity affected the interpretation of the craft. <strong>WHEN:</strong> March 15th - September 15th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/">Brooklyn Museum</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Thirty-five American and European quilt masterpieces. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Elizabeth Welsh (American). Medallion Quilt, circa 1830. Cotton, 110 ? x 109 in. (280.7 x 267.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society, 78.36. Photo by Gavin Ashworth

  • James Turrell: A Retrospective - Museum of Fine Arts Houston

    <a href="http://www.mfah.org/exhibitions/james-turrell-retrospective/">James Turrell: A Retrospective</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A collection of the many light installations of American artist James Turrell, concurrently presented by the MFAH, LACMA and the Guggenheim <strong>WHEN:</strong> June 9th - September 22nd, 2013 at MFAH (May 26th, 2012-April 6th, 2014 at LACMA and June 21st-September 25th, 2013 at Guggenheim) <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.mfah.org/">Museum of Fine Arts Houston</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> "Vertical Vintage", a grouping of a dozen interactive, light-based installations. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> James Turrell, The Light Inside, 1999, neon lights, gypsum board, plaster, glass, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, museum commission, gift of Isabel B. and Wallace S. Wilson. (c) James Turrell

  • Claes Oldenburg: The Street and the Store - MoMA

    <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1320">Claes Oldenburg: The Street and the Store</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> A retrospective of Claes Oldenburg, an artist who once rented a storefront in New York City and filled it with handmade, painted sculptures that mimicked the everyday commercial products sold in stores throughout the neighborhood. <strong>WHEN:</strong> April 14th - August 5th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.moma.org/">Museum of Modern Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> A selection of Oldenburg?s past "Store" performances, seen through films projected throughout the exhibition's halls. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Claes Oldenburg (American, born Sweden 1929). Two Girls? Dresses. 1961. Muslin soaked in plaster over wire frame, painted with enamel. 44 1/2 x 40 3/4 x 6? (113 x 103.5 x 15.2 cm). Private collection. ? 1961 Claes Oldenburg. Photo: Gunter Lepkowski

  • Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Masterpieces of Modern Mexico - The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

    <a href="http://www.nelson-atkins.org/art/Exhibitions.cfm?id=157">Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Masterpieces of Modern Mexico</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> An exhibition of works collected by Jacque and Natasha Gelman, Eastern European ex-pats who became Mexican citizens in 1942 and subsequently acquired art by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro and more. <strong>WHEN: </strong>May 25th - August 18th, 2013 <strong>WHERE: </strong><a href="http://www.nelson-atkins.org/">Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> More than 100 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and drawings. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Frida Kahlo (Mexican, 1907-1954). Diego en mi pensamiento (Diego on My Mind), 1943. Oil on Masonite, 29 7/8 x 24 inches. The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection. The Vergel Foundation. Conaculta/INBA. ? Banco de M?xico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust. Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

  • Mika Taanila - Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis

    <a href="http://camstl.org/exhibitions/main-gallery/mika-taanila/">Mika Taanila</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> An exhibit dedicated to Finnish artist Mika Taanila, who has created works in film, video, photography, sound, and installation that explore technological innovations and human's innate desire to continuously advance. <strong>WHEN: </strong>May 31st - August 11th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://camstl.org/">Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> The CAM show will feature large multi-channel video installations, 35mm film presentations, and new photographic works.

  • Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes - MoMA

    <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1321">Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> The works of Le Corbusier (aka Charles-?douard Jeanneret), whose work spanned architecture, interior design, visual art, city planning, writings, and photography. <strong>WHEN:</strong> June 9th - September 23rd, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.moma.org/">Museum of Modern Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> The exhibition will place particular focus on the ways in which Le Corbusier imagined landscapes, in his early watercolors of the Mediterranean, his sketches of India, and his photographs of architectural projects. <strong>IMAGE: </strong>Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret) (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965) with Pierre Jeanneret (Swiss, 1896?1967). Villa Savoye Poissy-sur-Seine, France. 1929-31. Wood, aluminum, and plastic. 16 x 34 x 32? (40.6 x 86.4 x 81.3 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Purchase. ? 2012 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris / FLC

  • Future Beauty: Thirty Years of Japanese Fashion - Seattle Art Museum

    <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibit/exhibitDetail.asp?eventID=23201">Future Beauty: Thirty Years of Japanese Fashion</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> An entire exhibit dedicated to revolutionary Japanese fashion designers who are credited with influencing Western couture as we know it. <strong>WHEN:</strong> June 27th - September 8th, 2013 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/default.asp">Seattle Art Museum</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Eighty gowns by designers like Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto and Jun Takahashi. <strong>IMAGE: </strong>ISSEY MIYAKE ( Naoki Takizawa) + Aya Takano / Kaikai Kiki Autumn/Winter 2004 Collection Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute,Gift of ISSEY MIYAKE INC.

  • Fernand Leger and the Modern City - Philadelphia Museum of Art

    <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/766.html">Fernand Leger and the Modern City</a> WHAT: Using Fernand L?ger?s 1919 work, "The City," as a jumping off point, the exhibit showcases the French artist's array of paintings, all of which incorporate forms of cultural production central to modern cities, like graphic and advertising design, theater, film, and architecture. WHEN: October 2013 - January 2014 WHERE: <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/">Philadelphia Museum of Art</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Over one hundred Leger works from collectors and institutions across Europe and the US. IMAGE: The City, 1919. Fernand L?ger, French, 1881 1955. Oil on canvas, 7 feet 7 inches x 9 feet 9 1/2 inches (231.1 x 298.4 cm). Philadelphia Museum of Art, A. E. Gallatin Collection, 1952. ? Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art

  • Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris - National Gallery of Art in D.C.

    <a href="http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/marvilleinfo.shtm">Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris</a> <strong>WHAT:</strong> The first retrospective exhibition in the United States of 19th-century Parisian photographer Charles Marville, which serves as a biographical account of his life as well as an artist survey of his career. <strong>WHEN:</strong> September 29th, 2013 - January 5th, 2014 <strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.nga.gov/home.htm">National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.</a> <strong>What to look out for:</strong> Around one hundred photographs, mostly of Paris, that range from city scenes and landscapes to architectural studies of Europe in the early 1850s. <strong>IMAGE:</strong> Charles Marville H?tel de la Marine, c. 1870 Diana and Mallory Walker Fund

  • Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/29/the-week-in-arts--culture_n_2379418.html

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    Friday, December 28, 2012

    White House meeting a last stab at a fiscal deal

    President Barack Obama waves to reporters as he steps off the Marine One helicopter and walks on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, as he returns early from his Hawaii vacation for meetings on the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

    President Barack Obama waves to reporters as he steps off the Marine One helicopter and walks on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, as he returns early from his Hawaii vacation for meetings on the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

    House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer of Md., pauses during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, where he urged House Republicans to end the pro forma session and call the House back into legislative session to negotiate a solution to the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

    Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. walks to the Senate floor on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

    (AP) ? Amid partisan bluster, top members of Congress and President Barack Obama were holding out slim hopes for a limited fiscal deal before the new year. But even as congressional leaders prepared to convene at the White House, there were no signs that legislation palatable to both sides was taking shape.

    The Friday afternoon meeting among congressional leaders and the president ? their first since Nov. 16 ? stood as a make-or-break moment for negotiations to avoid across-the-board first of the year tax increases and deep spending cuts.

    Obama called for the meeting as top lawmakers alternately cast blame on each other while portraying themselves as open to a reasonable last-minute bargain.

    Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid all but conceded that any effort at this late date was a long shot. "I don't know timewise how it can happen now," he said.

    For Obama, the 11th-hour scramble represented a test of how he would balance the strength derived from his re-election with his avowed commitment to compromise. Despite early talk of a grand bargain between Obama and House Speaker John Boehner that would reduce deficits by more than $2 trillion, the expectations were now far less ambitious.

    Although there were no guarantees of a deal, Republicans and Democrats said privately that any agreement would likely include an extension of middle-class tax cuts with increased rates at upper incomes, an Obama priority that was central to his re-election campaign. The deal would also likely put off the scheduled spending cuts. Such a year-end bill could also include an extension of expiring unemployment benefits, a reprieve for doctors who face a cut in Medicare payments and possibly a short-term measure to prevent dairy prices from soaring, officials said.

    To get there, Obama and Reid would have to propose a package that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell would agree not to block with procedural steps that require 60 votes to overcome.

    Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said he still thinks a deal could be struck.

    The Democrat told NBC's "Today" show Friday that he believes the "odds are better than people think."

    Schumer said he based his optimism on indications that McConnell has gotten "actively engaged" in the talks.

    Appearing on the same show, Republican Sen. John Thune noted the meeting scheduled later Friday at the White House, saying "it's encouraging that people are talking."

    But Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., predicted that "the worst-case scenario" could emerge from Friday's talks.

    "We will kick the can down the road," he said on "CBS This Morning."

    "We'll do some small deal and we'll create another fiscal cliff to deal with the fiscal cliff," he said. Corker complained that there has been "a total lack of courage, lack of leadership," in Washington.

    Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, McConnell cautioned: "Republicans aren't about to write a blank check for anything the Democrats put forward just because we find ourselves at the edge of the cliff."

    Nevertheless, he said he told Obama in a phone call late Wednesday that "we're all happy to look at whatever he proposes."

    If a deal were to pass the Senate, Boehner would have to agree to take it to the floor in the Republican-controlled House.

    Boehner discussed the fiscal cliff with Republican members in a conference call Thursday and advised them that the House would convene Sunday evening. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., an ally of the speaker, said Boehner told the lawmakers that "he didn't really intend to put on the floor something that would pass with all the Democratic votes and few of the Republican votes."

    But Cole did not rule out Republican support for some increase in tax rates, noting that Boehner had amassed about 200 Republican votes for a plan last week to raise rates on Americans earning $1 million or more. Boehner ultimately did not put the plan to a House floor vote in the face of opposition from Republican conservatives and a unified Democratic caucus.

    "The ultimate question is whether the Republican leaders in the House and Senate are going to push us over the cliff by blocking plans to extend tax cuts for the middle class," White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer said. "Ironically, in order to protect tax breaks for millionaires, they will be responsible for the largest tax increase in history."

    Boehner, McConnell, Reid and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi are all scheduled to attend Friday's White House meeting with Obama. Vice President Joe Biden will also participate in the meeting, the White House said.

    Despite the urgency to act, the rhetoric Thursday was quarrelsome and personal.

    The House of Representatives is "being operated with a dictatorship of the speaker," Reid said on the Senate floor. He attributed Boehner's reluctance to put a version of Senate bill that raised tax rates on incomes above $250,000 for couples to fears he could lose his re-election as speaker next week.

    "Harry Reid should talk less and legislate more if he wants to avert the fiscal cliff," countered Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Boehner.

    If a deal is not possible, it should become evident at Friday's White House meeting. If that occurs, Obama and the leaders would leave the resolution to the next Congress to address in January.

    Such a delay could unnerve the stock market, which performed erratically Thursday amid the developments in Washington. Economists say that if the tax increases are allowed to hit most Americans and if the spending cuts aren't scaled back, the recovering but fragile economy could sustain a traumatizing shock.

    But a sentiment is taking hold that despite a black eye to its image, Congress could weather the fiscal cliff without significant economic consequences if it acts decisively next month.

    "Going over is likely because at this point both sides probably see a better deal on the other side of the cliff," Jared Bernstein, Biden's former economic adviser, wrote in a blog post Thursday.

    By letting current tax cuts expire and rise, Bernstein and others say, Republicans would be voting to lower taxes next month, even if not for all taxpayers. Democrats ? and Obama ? would be in a stronger position to demand that taxpayers above the $250,000 threshold pay higher taxes, instead of the $400,000 threshold that Obama proposed in his latest offer to Boehner.

    And the debate over spending cuts, including changes to politically sensitive entitlement programs such as Medicare, would have to start anew.

    ___

    Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Charles Babington and David Espo contributed to this report.

    ___

    Follow Jim Kuhnhenn on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jkuhnhenn

    Associated Press

    Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-12-28-Fiscal%20Cliff/id-d2144b78ffdb4c88add874cb3e04d9ec

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    Clippers roll past Celtics 106-77

    LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Matt Barnes tied his season high with 21 points off the bench, Chris Paul had 11 assists and the Los Angeles Clippers defeated Boston 106-77 on Thursday night, becoming the first team to win 15 consecutive games since the Celtics four years ago.

    Fellow reserve Jamal Crawford added 17 points, Blake Griffin had 15 points and Caron Butler 14 to help the Clippers improve the NBA's best record to 23-6.

    Kevin Garnett scored 16 points for Boston, which never led in dropping to .500 at 14-14 with its fifth loss in seven games. Paul Pierce and Jeff Green added 12 points each to go with 10 apiece from Jason Terry and Rajon Rondo.

    Boston's winning streak extended to 19 games in 2008-09.

    Barnes had the Clippers' first five points in a 9-0 run that opened the fourth quarter and boosted their lead to 90-67. Willie Green briefly played; otherwise the Clippers' other starters rested to close out the game.

    The Celtics were held to 10 points in the final 12 minutes.

    Garnett had six points in the third when the Celtics were narrowly outscored 22-20, but still trailed 82-67. The Clippers' 9-0 run pushed their lead to 21 points before Boston went on a 10-4 run, including 3-pointers by Courtney Lee and Rondo to end the quarter.

    The game got chippy at times. In the third, Jared Sullinger was called for a flagrant-1 foul for grabbing the front of Griffin on his way up to dunk. Then Butler and Pierce emerged from a big mass both holding onto the ball, leading to a jump ball. In the first, Rondo was lying on the ball and Paul tried to take it out from under him on the sideline, leading to a testy moment.

    The Celtics cut their deficit to four points early in the second quarter ? the closest they came after the opening quarter ? with consecutive 3-pointers by Terry and Lee before the Clippers' second unit rebuilt the double-digit lead the starters had created. Crawford scored 13 points for Los Angeles, highlighted by a fast-break floater and a rainbow 3. He scored the final four points to keep the Clippers ahead 60-47 heading into halftime.

    The Clippers came roaring out of the opening tip, outscoring the Celtics 24-9.

    NOTES: The Clippers are assured of finishing December as their best month ever with two games remaining, including the second half of a back-to-back at Utah. They've already surpassed the franchise record for most wins in a month, bettering the old mark of 12 shared by the 1974-75 Buffalo Braves and the 1991-92 Clippers (which included Celtics coach Doc Rivers). ... Boston fell to 5-9 on the road. ... The Clippers' last loss was on Nov. 26 at home against New Orleans. ... Justin Bieber (who had Paul's young son sitting on his lap), Billy Crystal and Olympic 200 sprint champion Allyson Felix were among the Clippers' 67th consecutive sellout crowd.

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/clippers-roll-past-celtics-106-77-062716724--spt.html

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    Vacation Support - Recreation and Sports - vinonucid&#39;s posterous

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    Whilst luxury diamond jewelry, a terrific way to and also hues are generally well-liked by fanatics of custom, no stylish accent recommendations consideration that is comparable to the particular custom bag. Nowadays, Coach Outlet Online ?examines several of the extremely desirable custom bag labeling from around the world.
    (PRWEB) December 19, Next year
    Even tho it?s a Chanel quilted buckskin glenohumeral joint tote or maybe a Lv clutch system in the centre of each lover of high-finish girls????s trend is an interest in traditional custom totes. Nowadays, Rodeo Drive Second-hand, top merchant of 100% traditional certain Lv totes, Chanel Purses, and other luxury items explains to you one of the most much loved custom luggage on earth. The majority of the brands are mainly on Coach Outletcom inside a specific reduced rate to the getaways. Furthermore, luxury fanatics can easily gain free delivery on specific purchases.
    1) ? ?Coach ???C One of the most well-known brands inside custom totes, Coach took its begin in The early 1940?s making modest buckskin items. Right now a way large, the business is now well-known due to the sort of Coach glenohumeral joint luggage, suitcases along with stylish items. Depending on Rodeo Drive Second-hand co-founder Raya Jaffer, Coach delivers luxury layout inside a aggressive cost. ???Coach implies high quality plus a custom think about a cost lowered compared to some other custom luggage in the comparable value.????
    2) ? ?Lv ???C Every single luxury tote lover features their desire, however, many concur: If it requires style and also position, couple of brands can easily match up the particular standing in the This particular language trend content label. Old-fashioned Lv luggage, handbags and also add-ons have grown to be the particular defacto standard regarding style, also, since the particular content label seems to be to hold its placement as the top trend model between Cina????s growing luxury industry, fascination with LV, founded inside 1854, continues to be strong remember. Due to their uncompromising offering method (LV hasn?t already has a buy inside 154 decades), mid-range consumers looking for a deal head for you to internet sites by way of example Coach Outletcom, that provide buyers the chance sell or buy 100% traditional custom totes in a small percentage in the cost.
    Three or more) ? ?Chanel ???C Founded at the begining of last century by trend experienced Gabrielle ???Coco???? Chanel, the particular Chanel garments and also add-ons are generally adored with regards to elegance and suppleness. The particular Chanel 2.Fityfive glenohumeral joint tote was introduced inside 1955, after Coco made a decision your woman necessary any tote to discharge the woman?s palms. Up-to-date inside 2007, the particular tote stays really well-liked by Chanel fanatics around the globe.
    4) ? ?Prada ???CExclusive, deluxe and immediately well-known, Prada, founded inside 1921, has developed into indication of standing to the wealthy and efficient. Put on by this sort of famous statistics since Artist superstar Bette Davis and also former 1st Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, an italian language gentleman , business????s sort of timeless totes nevertheless resonate together with buyers of stylish trend, as the Prada Hobo Bag has developed into rapidly favorite between model loyalists.
    A few) ? ?Longchamp ???C Rounding your chance of most-looked bag brands is Longchamp, any This particular language buckskin and also luxury items business founded inside 1948. ???People adore the tranquility of Longchamp,???? Raya claims. ???It is impeccably produced from the greatest high quality leathers and also textiles nevertheless incorporates a quite delicate seem. It?s not fancy, or perhaps logo design covered that is certainly more widespread together with Coach luggage.???? In addition to totes, the corporation additionally produces garments, diamond jewelry, and other trend add-ons.
    Rodeo Drive Second-hand has generated a status of offering excellent delivers on totes, garments and also add-ons inside the leading creative designers of stylish trend. The organization gives a 100% guarantee of genuineness on the products supplied, and also performs daily using a system of clientele looking to get, promote, or perhaps shops in the luxury items.
    Coach Outletcom adores high-finish trend, and also believes obtaining a high quality, basic piece needs to be a straightforward, pleasant ? and even more importantly ? hassle-free shopping expertise. For your finest in Lv, Chanel, Prada, Prada, St. Steve Knits, Louboutin, Tiffany & Company. plus more, check out RDR on the web from Coach clearance web shop.

    Source: http://millonariossite.com/vacation-support-coach-outlet-gives-vacation-bag-discount-rates-in-common-designer-makes.html

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    Source: http://vinonucid.posterous.com/vacation-support-recreation-and-sports

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    Thursday, December 27, 2012

    Where in the World Are Josh Simpson s Planets?

    Volunteers have hidden 1,700 of his glass globes worldwide


    glass planet image GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL MONUMENT, Colo., Glass planet left there by Jackie Burnett and Karlan Schneider. Image: Jackie Burnett and Karlan Schneider

    Glassblowing artist Josh Simpson creates imaginary planets that have landmasses, oceans, mountain ranges, volcanoes, even clouds. His big mega-planets, shown at a variety of museums, are 30 centimeters in diameter and weigh 23 kilograms. But he also makes small orbs a couple of centimeters across, which are being placed surreptitiously around our own Earth.

    Simpson?s inspiration for his clandestine Infinity Project came from some marbles he found a long time ago on his property in Shelburne, Mass., which appeared to have been lying there for decades and yet were still as brilliant as ever, thanks to the long-lasting properties of glass. Today, more than 1,700 people have hidden his small planets in all sorts of locations?from the gravesite of John Belushi to a castle in Lithuania to an abandoned British fort in Bundi, India?and Simpson still provides them to applicants who present a novel plan.

    Each globe is marked with an infinity symbol. Some are meant to be discovered quickly, others are likely to remain hidden for centuries. ?I hope future archaeologists will be confused about the meaning and purpose of the little spheres, wondering what they are and how they got there,? Simpson says with a smile.

    >>View a slide show of people leaving Simpson?s little planets in spots around the world.

    The slide show here identifies people who have placed planets, and the locations they chose. All photos have been submitted by the volunteers and were taken by them or anonymous friends. Related photos showing Simpson?s work can be seen here.

    Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=fb3f0ec5b5b3db4ad5357807721a64ed

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    Three questions to ask before choosing an elder care facility ...

    Christy Weatherspoon ? The decision to move into an elder care facility for yourself or for your loved ones elder carecan be very daunting. After living alone for so many years, it may be a difficult decision to make after building a life in one place for such a long time. Family, house maintenance, and personal safety are all things to consider when making this important decision. It?s always possible to reverse such a big decision, but it?s less stressful to know that what you?re doing is the right thing from the get-go. The following are some tips to help decide if assisted living is right for you.

    Can family and friends help?

    If you are already receiving help from family and friends, you may be well enough staying in your own home with some adjustments for your comfort and safety. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren?t many family members living close by and it?s just too difficult to do it all on your own. The temptation may be to ?wait it out? and see if things get better; but in these sorts of situations, it?s always better to be proactive.

    Talk to your family and friends to see if some may be able to drop by to assist you with some tasks around the home. Oftentimes, small adjustments like having someone help around the house or cook several meals a week is all that is needed. Don?t be afraid to reach out to family or friends; the only way to explore these options is to ask.

    Are you worried about your safety?

    Are you worried about what may happen if you fell in the shower? Would you be able to get the help you needed in case of an emergency? Safety is a big concern for seniors with limited mobility. This is especially the case after sustaining any serious injury, such as a broken hip, or anything that might limit your ability to get to a place of safety. Using equipment such as a walker and wheelchair aren?t always options, especially in older homes with more confined halls and doorways. Consider your mobility in making this decision. Just one accident after the age of 60 is a warning sign that you should be very careful. Injuries heal much more slowly in mature adults and should be heeded as caution to take preventative steps for the future.

    Is Transportation Difficult?

    During the 1950s and 1960s, many small towns suddenly burst forth with waves of growth. Especially in the Southwestern United States, cities exploded outward, fueled by the availability of cheaper vehicles. This means that cities are more spread out than ever. Public transportation has yet to catch up and is not as accessible as in the East. If you are unable to drive or cannot afford a taxi getting around could be a very good reason to think about an elder care facility. Trips to the grocery store, doctor, and elsewhere are necessary but nearly impossible without a reliable form of transportation. Mobility issues can make this even tougher by making access to buses and other forms of public transit less convenient.

    The above questions are designed to get you thinking about basic necessities that, in the past, were non-issues but should now be thought out. Where there?s a will there?s a way and moving into an elder care facility isn?t the only option for seniors who have difficulties associated with aging. However, the amenities of an assisted living complex can also be very inviting and big stress-relievers. Maintaining a home may just be too much work to keep living alone. There is also the companionship that comes in living close to similar folks. Keep an open mind when asking these questions and you?ll be sure to find a solution that works for you.

    About the Author

    Christy Weatherspoon is an artist and a writer from Reno, Nevada. She enjoys spending time with her young daughters and occasionally teaching music classes at the local YMCA. Wedding photography and writing take up most of her time, of which she is thankful. She writes on topics that can enhance life of disabled and aged people using mobility equipments like pride mobility scooters and mobility lifts for cars.

    Source: http://greenheritagenews.com/three-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-an-elder-care-facility/

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    Finally, the Right Wing Wants to Prosecute Someone for Violating Gun Laws (Little green footballs)

    Share With Friends: Share on FacebookTweet ThisPost to Google-BuzzSend on GmailPost to Linked-InSubscribe to This Feed | Rss To Twitter | Politics - Top Stories Stories, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

    Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/273217088?client_source=feed&format=rss

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    AP: Veteran character actor Charles Durning dies

    Mark J. Terrill / AP

    By Bob Thomas, The Associated Press

    Charles Durning grew up in poverty, lost five of his nine siblings to disease, barely lived through D-Day and was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge.

    His hard life and wartime trauma provided the basis for a prolific 50-year career as a consummate Oscar-nominated character actor, playing everyone from a Nazi colonel to the pope to Dustin Hoffman's would-be suitor in "Tootsie."

    Durning, who died Monday at age 89 in New York, got his start as an usher at a burlesque theater in Buffalo, N.Y. When one of the comedians showed up too drunk to go on, Durning took his place. He would recall years later that he was hooked as soon as heard the audience laughing.?

    He told The Associated Press in 2008 that he had no plans to stop working. "They're going to carry me out, if I go," he said.

    Durning's longtime agent and friend, Judith Moss, told The Associated Press that he died of natural causes in his home in the borough of Manhattan.

    Although he portrayed everyone from blustery public officials to comic foils to put-upon everymen, Durning may be best remembered by movie audiences for his Oscar-nominated, over-the-top role as a comically corrupt governor in 1982's "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."?

    Many critics marveled that such a heavyset man could be so nimble in the film's show-stopping song-and-dance number, not realizing Durning had been a dance instructor early in his career. Indeed, he had met his first wife, Carol, when both worked at a dance studio.?

    The year after "Best Little Whorehouse," Durning received another Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of a bumbling Nazi officer in Mel Brooks' "To Be or Not to Be." He was also nominated for a Golden Globe as the harried police lieutenant in 1975's "Dog Day Afternoon."?

    He won a Golden Globe as best supporting TV actor in 1991 for his portrayal of John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald in the TV film "The Kennedys of Massachusetts" and a Tony in 1990 as Big Daddy in the Broadway revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

    Durning had begun his career on stage, getting his first big break when theatrical producer Joseph Papp hired him for the New York Shakespeare Festival.?

    He went on to work regularly, if fairly anonymously, through the 1960s until his breakout role as a small town mayor in the Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning play "That Championship Season" in 1972.?

    He quickly made an impression on movie audiences the following year as the crooked cop stalking con men Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the Oscar-winning comedy "The Sting."?

    Dozens of notable portrayals followed. He was the would-be suitor of Dustin Hoffman, posing as a female soap opera star in "Tootsie;" the infamous seller of frog legs in "The Muppet Movie;" and Chief Brandon in Warren Beatty's "Dick Tracy." He played Santa Claus in four different movies made for television and was the pope in the TV film "I Would be Called John: Pope John XXIII."

    "I never turned down anything and never argued with any producer or director," Durning told The Associated Press in 2008, when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.?

    Other films included "The Front Page," "The Hindenburg," "Breakheart Pass," "North Dallas Forty," "Starting Over," "Tough Guys," "Home for the Holidays," "Spy Hard" and 'O Brother Where Art Thou?"?

    Durning also did well in television as a featured performer as well as a guest star. He appeared in the short-lived series "The Cop and the Kid" (1975), "Eye to Eye" (1985) and "First Monday" (2002) as well as the four-season "Evening Shade" in the 1990s.

    Getty, Reuters, Getty

    "If I'm not in a part, I drive my wife crazy," he acknowledged during a 1997 interview. "I'll go downstairs to get the mail, and when I come back I'll say, 'Any calls for me?'"

    Durning's rugged early life provided ample material on which to base his later portrayals. He was born into an Irish family of 10 children in 1923, in Highland Falls, N.Y., a town near West Point. His father was unable to work, having lost a leg and been gassed during World War I, so his mother supported the family by washing the uniforms of West Point cadets.?

    The younger Durning himself would barely survive World War II.?

    He was among the first wave of U.S. soldiers to land at Normandy during the D-Day invasion and the only member of his Army unit to survive. He killed several Germans and was wounded in the leg. Later he was bayoneted by a young German soldier whom he killed with a rock. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and survived a massacre of prisoners.?

    In later years, he refused to discuss the military service for which he was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts.

    "Too many bad memories," he told an interviewer in 1997. "I don't want you to see me crying."

    Tragedy also stalked other members of his family. Durning was 12 when his father died, and five of his sisters lost their lives to smallpox and scarlet fever.?

    A high school counselor told him he had no talent for art, languages or math and should learn office skills. But after seeing "King Kong" and some of James Cagney's films, Durning knew what he wanted to do.

    Leaving home at 16, he worked in a munitions factory, on a slag heap and in a barbed-wire factory.

    Durning and his first wife had three children before divorcing in 1972. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Amelio.

    He is survived by his children, Michele, Douglas and Jeannine. The family planned to have a private family service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

    Related content:

    Source: http://todayentertainment.today.com/_news/2012/12/25/16143700-ap-charles-durning-veteran-character-actor-dies-in-new-york-at-89?lite

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    Global banking to be joined by &#39;Google Bank&#39; and &#39;Apple Bank&#39; ? RT

    Reuters / Courtesy Square / Handout

    Conventional banking could soon become a thing of the past with the use of the internet and mobile devices booming. They are gradually replacing usual banking cards as a means to pay a bill, Deutsche Bank warns.

    Following a technological revolution in payments the web services could take the final step by developing their own facility for allowing credits and taking deposits, says Interfax news agency referring to a research by Deutsche Bank.

    A ?Google bank? or ?Apple bank? that?ll certainly emerge will swallow the greatest part of the traditional banking market. Despite falling incomes and tightened regulation, the existing banks need to invest into new technologies to remain competitive at a time when new technology is advancing, the research says.

    Traditional banks are getting unexpected rivals like Google, Apple, Amazon and Paypal that are working out mechanisms to effect mobile payments. The client base of Paypal is already comparable to that of many banks.

    The ongoing crisis has made many banking systems in the West suffer huge losses, with customers increasingly doubtful a bank is worth relying on. In countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany and Great Britain between 60% and 80% of people asked said they had become less confident about banks in 2012, according to the Deutsche Bank research. Also non-cash settlements through on-line purses are developing fast. Non-banking structures account for about 6% of total settlements, with the figure projected to increase to 8% in 2013.

    Most recently, Google said in November it wanted to make virtual accounts in its Google Wallet service real by introducing plastic cards linked to its online payment system. Reports said then it could turn the world?s largest search engine into a sterling bank.

    Source: http://rt.com/business/news/google-apple-banking-acquisition-795/

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    Finless Porpoises in Peril

    A survey has found that fishing, pollution and other human activities along the Yangtze River in China are driving a freshwater mammal, the Yangtze finless Porpoise, to the brink of extinction


    dolphin photo The Yangtze finless porpoise is in decline in the wild, with the latest estimate suggesting it might be critically endangered. Image: http://www.nature.com/polopoly_fs/7.8165.1356108785!/image/web-72578595.jpg

    Fishing, pollution and other human activities along the Yangtze River in China are driving yet another species of freshwater cetacean to the brink of extinction. That is the conclusion of a six-week survey of the river?s middle and lower stretches by the Chinese Academy of Sciences? Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) in Wuhan and the conservation group WWF in China.

    The final results of the survey will be announced in March. But the preliminary findings are worrying: the survey team spotted fewer than half of the Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) that were seen during a similar expedition in 2006, which found 1,225 living in the river.

    ?This is really bad news,? says Wang Ding, an ecologist at the IHB who is the survey's chief scientist. ?The finless porpoises are doing much worse than previously thought along the Yangtze mainstream.?

    The Yangtze finless porpoise is one of the world?s few remaining freshwater cetaceans. It is found only in the Yangtze, as well as in two adjoining lakes, called Poyang and Dongting. Scientists hope that the porpoises can avoid the same fate as the Yangtze river dolphin, or baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), which was declared effectively extinct after the 2006 survey.

    Endangered ecosystem
    The latest survey also found that a population of about 450 porpoises in Poyang Lake has been stable for the past six years. But only 90 of the animals remained in Dongting Lake, a decline of 40% since 2006. This means that there is a total of only around 1,000 finless porpoises in the Yangtze River basin ? making them even rarer than giant pandas in the wild.?

    ?Losing these big, top carnivores in the Yangtze is a pretty good indication of the terrible state of the river ecosystem,? says David Dudgeon, an ecologist at the University of Hong Kong in China, who was not involved in the survey.

    "Intense human impact is to blame," says Lei Gang, director of WWF China's freshwater program. "The conflict between conservation and economic development along the Yangtze is overwhelming."

    Overfishing has caused a big decline in the porpoises? food sources, says Wang, and the animals are vulnerable to unregulated fishing methods such as electro-fishing, which involves sending electrical currents into the water to stun fish before they are caught.

    Pollution problem
    Pollution is another major, long-term threat, says Dudgeon. The Yangtze, regarded by Chinese people as their ?mother river?, supports 40% of the country?s human population, and its riverbanks are lined with large cities, factories and power plants. According to Dudgeon, about 20 billion tons of waste are discharged into the Yangtze every year. ?This doesn?t even include diffuse pollution from agriculture or pollution caused by ships,? he says.

    Like other cetacean species, the Yangtze finless porpoise uses sonar for navigation, ranging and foraging. But the high density of shipping along the Yangtze creates high levels of acoustic pollution, which interferes with the animals? sonar. ?This affects their feeding and many are also wounded or die because of ship strikes,? says Lei.

    Other human activities such as dam building, land reclamation and sand dredging have contributed to large-scale habitat loss and degradation in the Yangtze River basin in recent decades, says Lei.

    The Yangtze finless porpoise is currently listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. ?The new estimate may qualify them as critically endangered,? says Wang. ?If the situation does not improve significantly, they may follow the fate of baiji in 15 years.?

    Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=c968e63a66d6ef22ad7230a7c7016346

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    Monday, December 17, 2012

    PFT: Angry Ben? Roethlisberger rips playcalling

    San Francisco 49ers v New England PatriotsGetty Images

    Benching a quarterback who rarely turned the ball over and usually won was a tough call.

    And at times during the 49ers? 41-34 win over the Patriots, it looked like it was going to backfire.

    But for all the discussion about the transition from veteran Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick under center, the man taking snaps almost doesn?t matter with the way the 49ers play defense.

    The league?s top-ranked defense bludgeoned the league?s top-ranked offense for the first 35 minutes or so, making the Patriots look like they were the ones on the road in adverse conditions. They pressured Tom Brady. They forced turnovers. They made Wes Welker disappear.

    That?s not defense. That?s magic.

    The Patriots entered the game averaging 36.3 points and 425.7 yards per game, and they showed why while erasing a four-touchdown deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

    But the 49ers showed some resilience, taking that shot and answering, stopping Tom Brady at a point where it almost seemed fated to become another chapter in his legacy.

    The shots they were doling out all night had a cumulative toll on the Patriots, who looked gassed at the end. The 49ers improved to 10-3-1 and clinched a playoff berth, and they proved they can come up with a stop, which will be helpful when they?re playing people not named Tom Brady.

    Here are five more things we learned during Sunday Night Football:

    1. Kaepernick does some amazing things. That?s why 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh made the change.

    But he might also do things that shorten the season.

    Like many young quarterbacks, he will lock onto his first read, and he will throw interceptions. That?s fine, when he?s playing with a lead. But at some point in the next month (actually next week), he?ll see defenses which make him pay for it more than occasionally.

    And Frank Gore?s not always going to be there to pick up his fumbled snaps and carry them for touchdowns. He needs to play a cleaner game if the 49ers want to make good this potential.

    Kaepernick can make big plays, but there were some troubling signs in the midst of the win.

    2. Take away the simple fact the 49ers changed quarterbacks in mid-stream.?They are a nightmare to prepare for because of the way they?re constantly changing personnel.

    From the modified pistol formation they which caters to Kaepernick?s skills to empty backfields to traditional two-tight end, one-back sets, they present a constant challenge.

    It?s hard to match up when you don?t know where people are going to be, and having tight ends as varied as Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker makes it that much harder.

    3. Devin McCourty looks completely at home playing safety.

    If the Patriots had a few more players in their secondary as good at their jobs, they would be much better off. Since converting from cornerback, he?s made plays, and they badly needed someone in the middle of the defense who could.

    4. You know what else the Patriots could use? A running back with better hands.

    Stevan Ridley is talented enough, but you wonder how many more chances he?ll get when turns it over twice in a significant game.

    There?s a reason the Patriots have been a home for wayward veterans like Kevin Faulk and others over the years. Trust is important to coach Bill Belichick, and Ridley just burned a good share of his tonight.

    5. At different points in the last few weeks, the Packers and 49ers have taken turns looking like they might be the best team in the league.

    But both teams have a quiet problem that could loom large in the postseason, with kickers they can?t trust enough.

    The Packers keep propping up Mason Crosby, but it?s telling some of the kicks the 49ers don?t let David Akers try any more.

    He?s been shaky on all but the short ones all year, and you can easily see it changing play-calling in a close game.

    Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/16/ben-roethlisberger-seems-unhappy-with-the-steelers-playcalling/related/

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    Saturday, December 15, 2012

    Pet Dogs | Dogs And Cats Friends Or Enemies | Puppy Dog

    What people probably do not know is that dogs and cats share similar characteristic traits where both of them are considered among the predator group of animals. This means that they are preying animals or looking to catch an inferior animal for food. By nature a dog or a cat get very much excited once they sense strange or sudden movements around them. This is the reason why some cats are wont to leap at any moving object, for instance a moving curtain that is being blown by the wind. They get excited by flying objects and swift moving tiny animals like rats which have become their favorite target for food.

    Dogs, on the other hand have the preying instinct to catch animals that are smaller in size than themselves, also termed as the prey drive. So then people should always watch out and be careful even if their pet dogs are considered tame because their prey drive is just dormant.

    In the meantime, kittens get their training in catching prey when they play around with moving objects, even chase their very own tail. When they grow older, their animal instinct takes over.

    Meanwhile dogs are motivated to start a chase when cats disturb the dog?s peace. It would be very wise for the owners to protect these animals from hurting each other by practically putting them away from one another like separate areas in the house.

    Nevertheless if you plan to have both the pet dog and pet cat together inside the house and at the same time expect them to coexist peacefully then you better do some good dog training for your pet. There are many ways to train a dog and perhaps the first thing that it has to learn is to get acquainted with a future friend in the house which is the cat.

    You shouldn?t forget though that the animal instinct in the dog or the cat may come to play when any of these pets detect each others presence. A fight will of course ensue and expectedly a chase between the two pets will surely follow. There will be chaos all over the house because of this and the peace that you long for is abruptly shattered.

    Therefore you better start the training of your pet dog before any untoward disaster occurs in your house. The next step in training the pet dog is to make it familiarize itself with the presence of another predator inside the house. You should be able to show appreciation for the dog?s behavior as it get used to having the cat around. You may give the dog a pat or a treat whenever it is able to ignore the taunting of the cat.

    A single cat should never be mingled or brought together in the company of two or more dogs. Remember that there is always the danger that any of the dogs might want to play catch a prey with the cat. Distancing the dog and cat from one another should be brought to mind particularly during feeding time. Their animal instinct is for survival so they really get harsh when their food is being eyed by another animal.

    The leave it command should be obeyed by the dog at all times especially when its preying instinct is triggered. You should treat both animals equally with kindness and reward them with their good behavior.

    On the part of the owner, patience is required because of the limited means of communication with the pets. Instruction is usually made through body language and done over and over until the dog learns. The prize is worth your while anyways because you will attain a peaceful and harmonious coexistence with your pet dog and cat.

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    Source: http://dog.petsgo.org/pet-dogs-dogs-and-cats-friends-or-enemies/

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