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  • And the winners are…

    Sorry I’m late with this, I am setting up a new Microsoft Exchange 2007 environment for some clients, and my mind has been completely wrapped around that. Enough jibba jabba though. I am sure you want to know who won their Google Voice Invites.

    In order to pick the winners, I plugged everyone’s name into an Excel spreadsheet and then using a random number generator, I picked the names corresponding to their number in the spreadsheet. The more entries, the better chance of winning.

    The three winners are:

    Thank you all for participating! Please DM me by 12/4/09 at midnight with your email address so I can send you the Google Voice invites!

    Technorati Tags: ,,,

  • Serbian team reportedly in talks to take over Toyota F1

    Filed under: ,

    Reports of Toyota F1’s demise may prove to have been exaggerated as the latest rumors from the racing world suggest that the Japanese automaker is in discussions with a Serbian outfit about taking over the Cologne-based racing team.

    Stefan Grand Prix is backed by Serbian engineering firm AMCO and headed by one Zoran Stefanovic, who, like N.Technology, filed an official complaint over the FIA’s selection process for new teams. His suit was rejected, but Stefanovic remained determined. The departure of Toyota from the scene and the availability of its assets – including its 2010 car design and the all-important entry slot for next year’s championship – may prove to be his way in. The deal could involve Toyota sticking around to supply engines for the next few years, and Kamui Kobayashi could be part of the package, operating from the current facility in Cologne, Germany, until the move to Serbia could be completed.

    For its part, Toyota is likely trying to find a way to get around its commitments under the Concorde Agreement to remain in the series, the failure of which to honor could cost Toyota hundreds of millions in fines. Meanwhile if Stefan Grand Prix manages to pull it off, they’ll have successfully circumnavigated the allegedly flawed selection process and secured their spot on the grid. Stefanovic denies the prospect of his outfit simply stepping in to Toyota’s place, but confirmed that negotiations are under way.

    Meanwhile Sauber – which just reacquired itself from BMW in the wake of the failed Qadbak deal – was hoping Toyota would default on its agreement, thereby giving them the green light. If the Stefan deal goes through, Sauber could be locked out, unless the powers-that-be opt to let them in as an unprecedented 14th entry.

    [Source: F1-Live | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

    Serbian team reportedly in talks to take over Toyota F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • American Dad! – s5 | e9 – Rapture’s Delight

    Stan and Francine fight to see another Christmas.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Sun Dec 13 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 21:54
    Closed captions available.

  • The Cleveland Show – s1 | e9 – A Cleveland Brown Christmas

    Christmas chaos erupts in Stoolbend.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Sun Dec 13 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 21:43
    Closed captions available.

  • Family Guy – s8 | e9 – Business Guy

    Peter celebrates the season as a corporate mogul.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Sun Dec 13 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 21:07
    Closed captions available.

  • The Simpsons – s21 | e8 – Oh Brother, Where Bart Thou?

    Bart wishes for a brother this year.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Sun Dec 13 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 22:01
    Closed captions available.

  • Bones – s5 | e10 – The Goop On the Girl

    Brennan spends the holidays with a distant relative.

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    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Thu Dec 10 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 43:40
    Closed captions available.

  • The League – s1 | e5 – The Usual Bet

    It’s the playoffs but instead of watching the games Pete and Kevin get stuck at a terrible Christmas party.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Thu Dec 03 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 21:20
    Closed captions available.

  • Glee – s1 | e13 – Sectionals

    It’s make or break as the club competes in Sectionals.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Wed Dec 09 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 44:39
    Closed captions available.

  • Cougar Town – s1 | e10 – Mystery Man

    A wealthy man tries to get Jules’ attention.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Wed Dec 09 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 21:45

  • Mercy – s1 | e9 – Some of Us Have Been to the Desert

    Veronica discovers that her dad’s Alzheimer’s is worse than she thought; Harris faces hysterical paralysis; and Sonia helps a teen mother decide who should care for her baby.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Wed Dec 09 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 43:12

  • Modern Family – s1 | e10 – Undeck the Halls

    Claire and Phil threaten to take away Christmas when the kids get in trouble; Cameron and Mitchell take Lily to get her first picture with Santa.

    Add this to your queue
    Added: Mon Nov 30 21:58:05 UTC 2009
    Air date: Wed Dec 09 00:00:00 UTC 2009
    Duration: 21:36

  • Primeira rede social do Brasil voltada para a área de saúde e qualidade de vida*

    banco de saude

    O Portal Banco de Saúde, site dedicado a oferecer informações de confiança em saúde, lançou recentemente a primeira rede social do Brasil que trata de qualidade de vida e bem-estar.

    Fundado em 2008 pelo médico José Hamilton Vargas, com objetivo de revolucionar a forma com que as pessoas cuidavam da própria saúde e da de seus familiares, o site conta com uma equipe de médicos, programadores, nutricionistas, dentistas, enfermeiros, profissionais de educação física, fisioterapeutas, profissionais de marketing e jornalistas, todos colaborando para levar mais saúde e qualidade de vida para dentro e fora da internet.
    Agora o portal lançou-se como o primeiro site do Brasil a ter uma rede social voltada para a área de saúde e qualidade de vida, as Comunidades de Saúde. Um ambiente onde os membros podem compartilhar informações, trocar experiências de vida e obter apoio mútuo, tendo a sua disposição um conteúdo de confiança sobre saúde.

    Entusiasta da nova geração que transformou a internet usando os blogs, redes de relacionamento e comunidades na Web 2.0, o Banco de Saúde está introduzindo uma nova forma de pensar em saúde e qualidade de vida.
    Por meio das Comunidades de Saúde o site vem revolucionando o uso das redes sociais, que antes eram usadas basicamente para fins de entretenimento e diversão, buscando assim , incentivar uma vida mais saudável.
    As Comunidades de Saúde foram criadas para as pessoas poderem compartilhar idéias, tirar dúvidas, apoiar umas às outras e espalhar uma vida melhor, transformando informação em atitude.
    Além de proporcionar um espaço com mais qualidade para quem quer trocar informações sobre saúde na internet, a rede social conta com a participação e o apoio de diversos profissionais da área de saúde, que se disponibilizam em tirar dúvidas e oferecer um conteúdo relevante para os usuários.
    Nas Comunidades de Saúde você tem a oportunidade de trocar idéias, conversar sobre saúde, contar a sua história, buscar apoio e também fazer de sua experiência inspiração para uma vida melhor.  Para fazer parte da rede social basta acessar www.bancodesaude.com.br e trocar experiências com diversas outras pessoas que incentivam uma vida com mais qualidade.

    *Release publicado a pedido.


  • Why Black Friday Data Points To A Grim Holiday Season

    From TheAtlantic.com…

    If you were counting on what Glenn Reynolds calls “the retail support brigade” to come riding over the hills, you might want to rethink. After last year turned in one of the worst holiday shopping seasons in decades, people were hoping that things might perk up this year, but Black Friday’s results don’t look too good for retailers.  Sales were up a paltry 0.5% from last year, and that only because a lot more people came out bargain-hunting.

    Sales on the day after Thanksgiving rose just 0.5% to $10.66 billion, according to ShopperTrak RCT Corp., a research firm that monitors sales at more than 50,000 stores. That compared with a 3% year-over-year Black Friday increase in 2008 and an 8.3% surge in 2007.

    “It’s a positive sign that we had an increase in sales, but the numbers certainly don’t indicate that those will be sustained,” said Britt Beemer, chairman of consumer behavior firm America’s Research Group.

    Nationwide, 195 million shoppers visited stores and websites over the four-day weekend, up from 172 million last year, the National Retail Federation said Sunday.

    It’s too early to be certain, of course, but to me this points to a brutal trend:  everyone is looking for bargains, and refusing to buy anything else.  That means that profit margins are likely to be thin, and even with aggressive discounting, retailers may not be able to drive much volume. 

    What’s bad for retailers may be good for us, of course.  The amount of consumer credit outstanding has fallen pretty dramatically, but because of the buying binge we were on, it’s still kinda high, as is the ratio of debt service payments to income.  On the other hand, many of us are retailers, or work for them, or for companies that sell all the things that Americans aren’t buying.  The contraction is probably necessary.  But it is not going to be pleasant.

    Join the conversation about this story »

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  • News Sentinel: Lovable ‘Little Brown Dog’ healing from skin grafts

    The story of Little Brown Dog, who about a month ago was brought to UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine after being dragged for several miles behind a pickup truck, shook the Knoxville community. In this News Sentinel story, assistant professor and attending physician Patricia Sura, discusses the dog’s treatment and recovery.

  • Diet Drug Meridia Has Possible Cardiovascular Risks, Including Stroke, Heart Attack, And Cardiac Death

    FDA Early Communication About Meridia (Sibutramine) Side Effects Issued by Agency In November 2009

    (Posted by Tom Lamb at DrugInjuryWatch.com)

    On November 20, 2009 the FDA issued an “Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review of Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride)” to let patients and their doctors know about a possible increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events associated with the obesity drug Meridia.

    As background, Meridia was approved by FDA in 1997 for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet.  Meridia is marketed by Abbott Laboratories in the U.S.

    A November 21, 2009 article, “Early Data Link Diet Drug to MI, Stroke, and Cardiac Death”, published online by MedPage Today, provides a good summary of the basis for this Meridia safety alert:

    Preliminary analysis of data from a placebo-controlled study of sibutramine (Meridia) suggested an excess risk of cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and cardiac death among patients taking the diet drug, according to the FDA.

    The findings come from a trial of 10,000 high-risk patients who were randomized to sibutramine or placebo. The FDA said there was a 1% absolute difference in the rate of heart attack, stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or death with 11% of the sibutramine patients reaching that endpoint versus 10% of the placebo patients.

    The difference, while small, “is higher than expected, suggesting that sibutramine is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in the study population,” the FDA said….

    The findings come from the SCOUT trial (Sibutramine Cardiovascular Morbidity/Mortality Outcomes in Overweight or Obese Subjects at Risk of a Cardiovascular Event) which had a combined primary endpoint of heart attack, stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or death.

    The study, begun in 2002, was conducted as part of a postapproval agreement with the agency that oversees drug approvals for the European Union.

    We last wrote about cardiovascular side effects being associated with Meridia use back in October 2007, when Health Canada provided an update on reports of suspected Meridia adverse reactions.

    P.S.  An update by means of this December 3, 2009 Reuters article: “US consumer group asks FDA to ban Abbott diet drug — Public Citizen says Meridia increases heart risks”.  (12/4/09)

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    DrugInjuryLaw.com: Legal Information And News About Prescription Drug Side Effects














  • Watch: Bayonetta’s "witch time" gameplay

    PS3 (http://ps3.qj.net/category/Bayonetta/cid/5070),

  • REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano

    Filed under: , , , ,


    Tata Nano – Click above for high-res image gallery

    Once again, Tata chairman Ratan Tata has confirmed via the South Korean Maeil Business Newspaper that his company intends to launch a hybrid version of the Nano. While it’s impossible to know for sure, we’d imagine that starting off with the World’s Least Expensive Automobile may very well equal the World’s Least Expensive Hybrid.

    We’re also unsure what kind of hybrid system Tata is developing – we wouldn’t expect to see a full hybrid system with an electric motor and battery pack large enough to power the vehicle for long periods of time, but we’d still hope for something more substantial than a simple stop/start micro system.

    Previous reports indicate that a diesel engine is also in the works for the Nano, and we have high hopes that the inexpensive machine will make its way in somewhat modified form to the United States. Even with its current drivetrain, the gas-powered Nano delivers well over 50 U.S. miles per gallon, which would surely make for a welcome option here in America.

    Gallery: Tata Nano

    [Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req’d]

    REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Protein info

    Found this on a site and figured it would be helpful.

    http://www.muscleandstrength.com/sup…s/protein.html

    Whey Protein:
    The ultimate source of protein! It’s the highest quality of protein available. Whey protein is a rich source of BCAAs) containing the highest known levels of any natural food source. This is also one of the best in a whey isolate or hydrolized whey isolate.

    Casein Protein:
    Micellar Casein is a slow digesting and rich protein source that continues to feed your muscles long after whey proteins have dropped off.

    Egg Protein:
    Egg protein is made from pure egg white. It’s fat-free, fast digesting and rich in BCAAs and glutamic acid.

    Soy Protein:
    Fast digesting form of protein with a solid BCAA profile. Made from non-animal sources, Ideal for lactose intolerant and vegans!

    Protein Bars:
    Need a quick hit of protein? Protein bars give you 20-40g of protein, with little fat and carbs, in a delicious tasting and easy to eat bar.

    Meal Replacements:
    Meal replacement products combine protein, carbohydrates and fats to create a complete meal! Ideal for busy lifestyles, weight gain and weight loss!

    How much protein do I need to build muscle?
    Studies have shown that 1-1.5 grams of protein, per pound of bodyweight, per day is the optimium amount of protein for muscle building. Protein should be consumed over 6-8 meals/shakes throughout the day.

    What is the difference between whey protein and casein protein?
    The main difference between whey and casein is disgestion time. Whey protein is a fast acting form of protein with a high bioavailability (BV). It’s perfect for first thing in the morning and after training where you need to get nutrients into your system quickly. Casein protein is much slower digesting, in fact it can take up to 7 hours to fully digest. This time release property of casein protein makes it ideal for before bed and meal replacements, when you don’t need all the protein to be absorbed quickly.

    What is the best type of protein?
    Whey protein is far superior to any other type of protein. Whey has a complete amino acid profile for muscle building and has a very high biological value (BV), making is the fastest digesting protein source.

    When should I take protein shakes?
    There are 3 main times when you should consume protein. These are first thing in the morning, immediately after a training session and before bed. If you goal is to gain weight, you may also you whey protein (or meal replacement shake) throughout the day to increase your protein/calorie intake.

    Does taking protein supplements help with weight loss?
    Adding protein shakes, protein bars and/or meal replacements to your diet is a great way to jump start your weight loss. Protein supplements can give you quality protein without the extra calories. Meal replacement shakes can provide you with a well rounded, low calorie liquid meal that will keep you going for hours.

    Can protein be mixed with other supplements?
    Yes, in fact it’s encouraged! Mixing protein with other ingredients (like dextrose) can increase the rate which protein is absorbed. A good post workout shake typically includes whey protein, creatine monohydrate, dextrose and glutamine. You should always read the label before mixing supplements

  • Deutsche Bank: Sports Authority Was Wildly Busy On Black Friday, Pottery Barn Not So Much

    DB analyst Mike Baker released a report today on how well retailers did during Black Friday in terms of busyness. He uses the unscientific “busyness” indicator to measure what percentage of a store’s locations he would characterize as busy. Across the board, busyness was a bit better than last year.

    Deutsche Bank: Over the weekend, we called our visited close to 300 hardline stores (Figure 1) across a variety of concepts to gauge holiday traffic patterns, with over a 67% response rate. This is similar to the calling program that we have conducted in each of the past several years, giving us the ability to compare results versus past holidays. We also compare individual companies to gauge market share trends.

    Admittedly, this is an unscientific survey with some randomness, and judging a store’s busyness based on a quick conversation with a store associate certainly has its pitfalls. But, with over 200 responses and a similar number in past years, we believe the survey is a useful tool among other fundamental pieces of analysis. Also, note that as much as possible, we do attempt to call the same stores at the same time each year, to minimize the impact of the timing of the call.

    busyness_Factor

    busynessfactor2

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