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On Sunday, President Obama spoke about healthcare reform from the church pulpit of the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington D.C., calling the impending bill a victory for "decency."

"This will be a victory not for Democrats," Obama said. "It will be a victory for dignity and decency, and for our common humanity. It will be a victory for the United States of America."

The president also acknowledged his sense of frustration with the slow pace of change seen in his first year in office.

Looking back, Obama recalled his hope that "life would be better from the moment I swore that oath," he said, quoted by CNN.com. "We know the promise of that moment has not been fully filled."

Meanwhile, Democrats working with the president have agreed to exempt union workers from the 40 percent "Cadillac" tax on expensive insurance plans that will help pay for healthcare reform, Fox News reports.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the "special deal" exemption will encourage people to join unions and is unfair to 92 percent of the private sector workforce.

The current recession has revealed significant and dire shortcomings in the nation’s approach to retirement savings, TIAA-CREF has said.

The organization recently reported on research conducted by McKinsey and Company which found that the average American couple will fall $250,000 short of their necessary savings and will only have approximately two-thirds of the income that they will need at the time of retirement.

"It’s time to think of 401(k)s as income in retirement accounts, and to begin with the end in mind, by asking how much income in retirement people need," said Roger Ferguson, TIAA-CREF’s chief executive.

Ferguson recommends a holistic system where incentives are offered to employees and employers to encourage contributions of between 10 and 14 percent of annual income to help people reach the target of replacing 70 percent of pre-retirement revenue.

He also believes that companies should offer a wider variety of 401(k) investment options to provide appropriate diversification in order to properly manage risk.

Moreover, Ferguson feels that the U.S. should provide opportunities for people to begin saving for medical expenses associated with retirement.

A major embarrassment may be brewing for the U.S. government as researchers have allegedly found evidence that NASA scientists manipulated data in order to claim that the year 2005 was the warmest year on record, KUSI-TV has reported.

The San Diego-based TV station presented these findings in a one-hour special that aired on Jan. 14. It told the story of how computer expert E. Michael Smith and meteorologist Joseph D’Aleo discovered extensive manipulation of the temperature data by the government’s two primary climate centers—the National Climate Data Center in Ashville, N.C., and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies at Columbia University in New York.

Smith and D’Aleo claim these centers engaged in data manipulation in order to give the appearance of warmer temperatures than actually occurred by reducing the number and locations of weather observation stations from about 6,000 in the 1970s to about 1,000 now.

"That leaves much of the world unaccounted for," D’Aleo said, with his colleague adding that comparing data from years when the figure was produced by averaging a large number of temperatures with those produced from a small temperature base "is like comparing apples and oranges."

The revelations follow the controversy that accompanied the recent Climate Summit in Copenhagen and which revolved around leaked emails from environmental scientists casting doubt on the validity of the data behind global warming.

Dubbed "Climategate," the issue prompted some conservative members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to call for the rescinding of the Oscar won by former Vice President Al Gore for the environmental movie An Inconvenient Truth.

Brooke Mueller, the wife of Two And Half Men actor Charlie Sheen, is battling a case of pneumonia after being rushed to an Los Angeles hospital Tuesday night with a fever of 105-degrees, according to her mother Moira Fiore. Mueller, who is being treated with antibiotics in the Intensive Care Unit, has pneumonia in both lungs and her kidneys are filled with infection, Fiore says.

“I talked to her doctor, and they are filling Brooke with antibiotics,” Brooke’s worried mom told PEOPLE late Wednesday. “She waited too long to get her impacted wisdom tooth removed and the infection has spread all over. It is in her bloodstream.”

Fiore says Charlie has been visiting Brooke at the hospital, although the actor is technically barred from contacting his wife per a court order issued last month. Sheen was arrested for assault in Aspen on Christmas Day. Mueller claims her attacked and choked her at knifepoint. The couple has 9-month-old twin sons, Bob and Charlie.

Best wishes to Brooke…..

Filed under: Morning Scoop

Each morning, we dish out a few links we love.

Is drunk skiing as dangerous as drunk driving? That’s what some experts in Europe are suggesting. Best to leave the partying for after the ski holiday.

Parents, you’re not totally to blame for your … Read more

 

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Android’s stock homescreen is fine; usable, not thrilling. SlideScreen, a homescreen replacement, is a wild departure that totally changes how you use your phone. It’s a mix between Zune, MotoBlur and HTC’s Sense. And I just made it my default.

Instead of the standard grid of icons and widgets we’ve seen in handhelds since Palm OS, SlideScreen integrates information from various sources—Google Reader, Twitter, email, text messages, calendar appointments, and stocks—right onto the homescreen. It’s sort of like Blur, the social-networking-focused Motorola skin seen on the Cliq, taken to an extreme. Each of these information sources is given a color-coded section and shows new information as it comes in.

In the middle of that is the app’s namesake, a slider (itself displaying date, time, weather, battery, and signal strength) that can be moved up and down to reveal and highlight each of the other sections in full. Tapping the menu button takes you to a traditional list of apps, with space for eight favorites at the top. It’s pretty confusing to explain, but it’s really easy to use. Check out this video for a nice walkthrough.

I love how the app frees you from the standard homescreen. No longer does your home button lead you to a portal for opening other apps; SlideScreen gives you access to the information within the apps that you want. Tapping on any individual update, like a tweet or an email, takes you into the corresponding app (in this case, it might be Twidroid and Gmail), but you can just look at the homescreen and get the gist of what’s happening in your phone.

It’s also incredibly fast—even on my Droid, which is a pretty swift little bugger, the stock app launcher and notification shade both have a tendency to stutter, but SlideScreen is perfectly smooth. That’s not to say that it’s perfect, however.

SlideScreen is not very customizable—I’d love to be able to move or add some sections (right now, you can only remove them). I want to add Facebook/AIM/Gtalk, or put my email in the top position instead of phone calls, but no such luck. Also, it doesn’t work with Google Apps (only normal Gmail accounts work), so my Gizmodo email account doesn’t show up on the homescreen—a serious problem. Luckily the SlideScreen team says they’re working hard on releasing a fix for that issue. The built-in Twitter reader is very barebones, and displays only an excerpt on the homescreen (an excerpt of a tweet? Is 140 characters really too long?). But it’s got a ton of potential, and it’s interesting to look at, which stock Android is not, particularly.

SlideScreen isn’t just one of the most polished Android apps I’ve ever seen, it’s also in itself an argument for how great Android can be. Not everyone will like it, but it’s pretty amazing to have the option to totally transform one of the most basic parts of your phone. Not in a million years will you see SlideScreen in the iPhone App Store. I just hope Larva Labs, the makers of the app, keeps developing so it can achieve its potential. It’s available now in the Market as either a free version (with an ad) or a $7 pro version. [SlideScreen, video from MobileCrunch—Thanks Justin Dove!]

Found under: T-Mobile, BlackBerry, Bold, 9700, Curve, 8520,

Thats right ladies and gentlemen T-Mobile is ready to offer you cheaper but still very hot BlackBerry smartphones. RIMs flagship phone the BlackBery Bold 9700 alongside the Curve 8520 are going to be available for just 129.99 and 79.99 respectively. The move comes as a surprise response to ATTs and Verizons new cheaper data and voice plans. T-Mobile is definitely interested in keeping its loyal subjects close and with prices like these Im sure that customers will be thri

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Filed under: Advice, Healthy Eating, Holistic Recipe

I love to cook, but must admit that occasionally the thought of making a meal that takes longer than 15 minutes for one person can discourage me. Then along came this ancient grain into my joyous kitchen and life got a little bit easier. If you’re … Read more

 

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NREL study shows 20 percent wind possible by 2024 – Half a million jobs, 25 … Energy Collective (blog) And what is the benefit to the nation of each household spending under 2 pennies a day to hit the 20% target? Reduce carbon dioxide emissions from … and more »

This post is part of the IT Innovation series, sponsored by Sun & Intel. Read more at ITInnovation.com.
Of course, the content of this post consists entirely of the thoughts and opinions of the author.

Back when the iPhone first came out, there were all sorts of stories about how it was no good for the enterprise. While it’s certainly gotten better, it still does seem like the Blackberry is the enterprise smartphone of choice. Yet, many people really do like using the alternatives, and while the solution for many is to now carry around multiple devices, others are beginning to push for companies to support their own devices (iPhone or others). And this is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. These days, many technologies used in the office are coming from “the bottom up,” meaning that they’re personal technologies (hardware, software or services) that individuals are using/buying on their own first, and then realizing they’re so useful, that they start using them at work too.

And that, of course, raises the inevitable question of whether or not the IT department should support those technologies. The easy answer (which I’m sure we’ll hear many times over in the comments) is “of course not.” But it might not be that simple any more. Ignoring or holding back those technologies entirely may actually harm overall productivity in some cases, and limit what employees can and should be doing. Now, obviously, I recognize the argument that a large part of IT’s job is to keep things running and protect the overall setup from problems — and letting in any technology and supporting it can make that very, very difficult. But it ignores the flipside of IT’s role: enabling companies and their employees to be more productive through the use of technology. And, even if IT officially decides to not allow things like the iPhone, as the article above points out, it might not matter much:

Likely scenario: An employee is denied an iPhone (or possibly any company-provided smartphone) and decides to get his own personal iPhone for use at work. This surreptitious infiltration is actually a bigger concern than a handful of managers; at least with them you still get to control the configuration and deployment process. If you don’t know that workers are using iPhones in your company, you can’t secure them at all. You can’t even be certain what data might be stored on them.

And since the iPhone is fairly easy for even novice users to set up — they can sign onto wireless networks, access intranets, and even gain access to an e-mail server — it’s no stretch to imagine that a lone, unauthorized iPhone could seriously compromise confidential data, as well as access to your network and the services running in it.

So, a flat-out ban isn’t going to do the trick, but actively supporting any technology people bring into the workplace is too much to handle and causes too many problems. So where is the middle ground?

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When looking for an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day dress check out used and vintage choices or dresses made with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, organic bamboo, or hemp. Below are some picture perfect eco-friendly Valentine’s Day dresses, all of which will make you look extra sweet no matter what the day brings.

My favorite Valentine’s Day dress of the moment is from Posh Girl Vintage. Red is not my favorite color; not even close, but I can’t resist this totally sweet 1950’s Red & Beige Organza Party Dress that’s sure to make a splash at any Valentine’s Day event. Because it’s reuse this dress carries a much smaller eco-footprint than a new dress too. One thing to note; because Posh Girl Vintage is, well, vintage, they carry one-of-a-kind items. If you LOVE a dress there swoop it up fast. On the plus side they have so many awesome vintage dresses you won’t have a problem finding a new one to adore if your first choice sells.

Other ideas…

• jonano ecoKashmere Assymetrical Hem Bandeau Dress Chili Red – Organic Bamboo Spandex blend, made with sweatshop-free labor, sustainable company.
• Mountains of the Moon ‘The Edie Dress’ Maroon & Black Cotton Twill Mini Dress – 100% organic cotton twill, low-impact dyes, made in the USA sweat-shop free, sustainable company.
• Poolside dress meant for summer, but so lacy and cute it’d be perfect with tights for Valentine’s Day – 100% organic cotton, 100% silk trim.
• Holly Dress – 64% Viscose from Bamboo, 28% Organic Cotton.
• Organic Cotton and Tencel Little Knit Dress-Ruby – extra adorable dress made with Organic Cotton and Tencel.
• Barbara Dress in purple haze – a little different, but still ultra sweet and dressy with a frilly see-through appeal. Good for a unique Valentine’s Day look – 55% Organic Cotton. 45% Silk.

Post from: Blisstree

Eco-friendly Valentine’s Day dresses

Our eyes are one of the first things that other people notice about us. Regarded as one of the most important features on one’s face, the eyes are capable of helping people to connect and communicate with others. Unfortunately, due to hereditary factors and signs of aging, the eyes may not be able to communicate as effectively as we mature. If your lower or upper eyelids have drooping, puffy, or extra skin that makes you appear tired or sad, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be right for you.

So why do users keep expecting to consume it, reuse it, share it and store it without paying for it?

Let me explain: Someone, somewhere ends up putting out money for everything you do online, every piece of news you read, every web app you use. It takes professionals and hardware across a gigantic industry to make these things work. In terms of overhead alone, content costs a lot. So why do some users always kick and scream at the first suggestion of paid content? Do you think content is worth paying for, and if so, what are you personally willing to pay?

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[Image courtesy of Flickr user SFDenverLV.]

This trend has been a common one in our virtual newsroom lately. Whether we’re praising the latest startup that’s had the sense to launch with a freemium model or wondering how old-media models (see News Corp. and the New York Times) are dealing with new media revenue possibilities, the subject of who pays for content and how is a hot one.

As a journalist who came of age career-wise during the print era and as a musician who first recorded songs on these things called “tapes,” I understand the cultural value of great content, and I admire the men and women who make it. I also love being able to support the creators and publications that bring me the content I love.

On the other hand, as a typical NMD and one who lives almost entirely online, I have done my share of content scalping, whether that be lifting a copyrighted photo for a design project, illegally downloading a single or two from a multiplatinum artist or diving deep into the world of torrents, where all the films are gloriously free and inconveniently subtitled in Hungarian.

Like any petty thief, I tried to justify my actions to myself by saying that I’m only taking from those who can afford it. But let us speak frankly: The creative and publishing industries are all at a crisis point because of hundreds of millions of people like me who say the exact same thing. I’ve lately started to come to grips with my hypocrisy and start paying for content, whether that be a legitimate iTunes purchase or a Netflix subscription. I tell you, it feels like I’m giving money to a feed-the-children charity when I’m really just paying for something that should have never been free in the first place.

Today, YouTube has announced its plan to help indie filmmakers (and increase its own revenues) by asking users for a $5 fee to watch a selection of Sundance Film Festival movies. I’m wondering how many users will balk at the fee, and what will go through their heads when they do so.

Will they be thinking about the months or years each filmmaker spent creating the movie? Or the time the actors spent preparing for and performing their roles? Will they think about filming equipment rentals? Will they consider the cost of hosting online videos at a scale that accomodates huge volumes of traffic around the globe and around the clock? Will they think about the developers who work tirelessly to make the magic of online video possible?

Or will they simply knee-jerk and proclaim a loud “How dare they!” at the thought of paid content?

(As a side note, I’m also curious to see a Venn diagram showing the overlap of people who object to paying for online content while vigorously complaining about “distracting” online advertising.)

So, what makes the difference between the analog days, when creators charged for their creations and theft was theft, and these digital times, when anything that’s been transformed into ones and zeroes is fair game for free consumption, piracy, remixing and redistribution?

I’m curious: What kinds of online content, if any, are you willing to pay for? And how much will you pay for them?

Would you pay for news? Special, in-depth reports? Entertainment and multimedia? How about a blog subscription? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Discuss

Did you know that Ayla Brown, the daughter of Massachusetts State Senator-Elect Scott Brown, competed on the fifth season of American Idol? Though she was only 17 at the time, the brunette — who counted her Mom and Dad as her “American Idols” — managed to advance to the Top 16 when she appeared on the show in 2007. Here’s a clip:

Found under: Clearwire, WiMAX, WiMAX 2, LTE, 4G, ,

Clearwire is currently busy deploying its WiMAX network but at the same time its thinking about the near future. It would seem that although most people see LTE as the future of high-speed communication Clearwire will still rely on WiMAX. The company is expected to trial WiMAX 2 next year and deploy it in 2012. Until then were waiting to see the potential of WiMAX and most importantly the upcoming equipment needed to take advantage of this 4G standard. WiMAX 2 also known as 8

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While plastic surgery does have its risks – how accurate is notorious famewhore Heidi Montag-Pratt’s claim that she nearly died shortly after dropping $30,000 to turn her body into a Tupperware collection last November? Heidi’s surgeon, Dr. Frank Ryan, fires back at her statements. Dr. Ryan adds that although he will not perform any more surgeries on Heidi, he does not think that the reality star is addicted to plastic surgery. Really?

Filed under: Happiness, Health, Fitness

Physical activity has many commonly known benefits including weight management and the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. Perhaps a lesser-known fact is that physical activity helps keep the mind sharp, too. A … Read more

 

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