THE INTERNATIONAL VOICE TRIBUNE (Ivoice Tribune.com)

Book Reading &Review Competition

2012-01-09T23:27:00.001-08:00

Book Reading &Review Competition for Book Clubs

Title of the Book: Lullaby- A Collection of Poems & Stories

Category: Poems & Stories

If you are intent to take part and win a $50 Prize here is a chance from The IVT-Press.

Unbelievable???

It is true!

IVT-Press is organizing a Book Review Completion from 10th January -2012 till 30^th January -2012.

How it works?

You will get an opportunity to read and review a Book and post your independent opinion (good or bad) 100-150 word review on Amazon.com.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Lullaby-Collection-Stories-Bright-Saigal/dp/1257908715/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1326178052&sr=8-4

It is simple and easy.

What will you get?

A $50 Prize and an Author Signed Copy.

First Prize: $50 and a Copy of the Book- Hard Bound. (Author Signed Copy)

Second Prize: $25 and a Copy of the Book- Paper Back. (Author Signed Copy)

How many readers can participate?

No limit.

How to get your Copy for reading and review?

Please send a request to Mike: ivoicetribune@gmail.com

He will E-mail you a Digital Copy of the Title to be reviewed.

Joint Pain - A Serious Problem of Today

2011-01-26T05:15:00.000-08:00

Joint Pain - A Serious Problem of Today
By: Medicaux - NY
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, preventing 50 million adults from having an active lifestyle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder, causing stiffness and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis is caused by the growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage in joints. Arthritis commonly occurs in adults over 45. Women develop arthritis more often than men. Based on data gathered by the NHIS, by the year 2030, a projected 67 million adults over the age of 18 will have diagnosed arthritis. Of those 67 million, about 25 million will report a limitation in activity due to arthritis. The most common symptoms of arthritis are tenderness to the touch, swelling or inflammation of the area, a bruised feeling, and/or restriction in movement. All of the symptoms may have several causes. A physical exam, medical history, X-rays, MRIs, bone scans, and urine tests help a doctor diagnose the problem. Another cause of joint pain is bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions bony prominences. These sacs allow muscles and tendons to move freely over the bone. Treatment for bursitis may involve surgery to open the affected joint and drain infected fluid. The most pain common treatments doctors prescribe in the U.S. are non-steroidal anti-inflammatorys (NSAIDS). These quickly relieve pain by reducing swelling and are also analgesic treatments. A common side effect is stomach irritation after use over a couple of days. After extended periods of use, they may cause ulcers, bleeding in the stomach, as well as other gastrointestinal problems. Other drugs commonly used to treat joint pain are corticosteroids. They are administered either orally or by injection directly into the inflamed joints. These drugs can cause lasting and significant side effects. With long-term use, collagen production is affected, which can speed up joint decay. Corticosteroids can also cause dermatitis and acne on the skin, and lead to vast changes in the nervous system. Acufit Foot Mats combine three forms of alternate therapy (acupressure, pyramid, and magnet) that may be beneficial for adults suffering with arthiritis. Energy flows throughout the body in twelve energy channels called meridians. Each one is associated with particular parts of the body. When pressure is applied to critical points, the flow of energy is stimulated, which frees blockages and restores good health. Benefits of Acufit Magnetic Foot Mats A session with an acupuncturist can cost anywhere from $85-$150, but Acufit magnetic mats cost half the price and can be used from the comfort of home for about 5 minutes a day. You have to stand on this and it really uses reflex muscles of the foot. Acupressure therapy releases blocked energy into the body by stimulating acupoints. Traditional Chinese medicine says that imbalance or obstruction in the energy flow of the meridian causes the organ it’s associated with to not function properly. Acupressure is designed to get the energy flow back to normal in the affected meridian and organ so that they may resume normal function.

Maintaining Your Living Room

2010-04-06T22:44:00.001-07:00

The living room is the first place that a visitor sees when being welcomed into our homes. It is the gateway to our house and gives the first impression of what can be expected in the rest of the house. If clutter tends to accumulate in your family room, adding a wastebasket can reduce the congestion. Many do not think to place a wastebasket in the family room but they in fact can be very aesthetically pleasing. Select a basket that suits the décor of the room. If food will be placed in the wastebasket, make sure to select one with a lid and deodorized garbage bags.

The family room gets cluttered more because it tends to be the central gathering place in the house. Due to the amount of electronics in the family room, such as televisions, video game consoles, DVD players and surround sound, cords can become entangled and unattractive. You have several options for taming cords. Then most attractive option, in my opinion, is the thin Cableyoyo. It coils up to six feet of cable and comes with adhesive that sticks to most any surface. To increase storage, cubes, rolling baskets or bins can be placed under a table. Behind the sofa is a great place for a trunk, cabinet or low bookcase. A corner can be a great place for a small library or a child's corner for toys. I find that adding wheels the to the child's toy storage keeps them from feeling limited to one area.

A nice décor can add to any living area. Hiring an interior designer can help those who may not be good at decorating themselves. I can create a theme in your living room that comprises all furniture, fixtures, décor, drapery, rugs, lighting and even plants. It's ideal for the living room to be in the east, not southeast corner, or in the north. However, it's more beneficial if the room is in the north side of the house. Any sloping in the flooring of the living room should be towards the east or north. It's important to keep neutral color combinations in order to maintain decorative flow. The color of the walls and the tile shouldn't be white, yellow, blue or green. I find that a neutral feel can also be incorporated by opening up the room and letting in natural light. I designed a wood frame with a gauzy, cream fabric stretched across it for light and privacy. The television should be in the southeast corner. An air conditioning vent should be in the western part of the living room. If you're thinking of adding a fancy chandelier to the room, do not center it but keep it slightly towards the west. A desk can be a great place for paper storage and a computer monitor.

If you want to add texture to your room, I find that adding stripes from ceiling to floor gives depth. I've added banners of inexpensive cloth, like calico, and stapled or battened it at ceiling height at regular intervals along a bare wall and it will add both a lineal and textural addition to the room. One couple I worked with didn't want neutral colors but wanted something calming and uncluttered. I was able to maintain their need by using a pear hue and keeping the room's accent pieces black. I also find working with contrasts gives depth. Some ideas to keep in mind are polished stone against sub linen, rough wood against devour velvet, and wicker against muslin. If you have an extraordinarily geometrical or sharpened rimmed space, using textures to tone and soften is the way to go.

Always consider what you're working with when thinking about an interior designer. If you have inherited an old house along with old furniture and drapes then I may think about sticking to a Victorian-themed interior. The dark colors associated with the Victorian era are romantic and classy. So if you're thinking of a different style interior it may not work well with what you've already got.

If you no longer listen to the music or haven't seen the movie in ages (and don't plan on seeing it again), it's time to let go.

Dining Room Arrangements That Make Magic

2010-04-06T22:43:00.001-07:00

A well decorated dining room can really impress guests at a dinner party. It is a room that is always evolving to keep the pace with changing lifestyles. The current trend that will only grow in popularity is the return to a scaled-back, more simplified way of life. The demand for smaller scale furniture is on the rise driven by younger consumers, baby boomers and second home owners.

To create a more glamorous dining area, I would use an elongated chandelier, a lot of glass, and painted furniture embellished with gold. A mirror adds a nice touch and opens the room up. A plain glass table with white leather chairs creates a captivating room. For lighting, I would use ceiling down lights so that it focuses on the table. Don't overdo the lighting because it can hurt the eyes.

For a modern dining room, I find that a simple metallic table with black chairs works wonderfully. Again, I would suggest using ceiling down lighting to focus on the table and soften the surrounding areas. A nice, delicate flower arrangement will complete the look.

Lighting is key in a dining area. It's important to not only have carefully positioned down-lights to bathe the walls in light but also pieces like antique chandeliers or fiber optics set into the glass surface of the table. The background should match the rest of the home, so that it creates a nice flow and consistency.

If you have a small area to work with, there are several ways to give the illusion of a larger space. Large windows and doors allow a lot of sunlight, creating a brighter room. So your window glass now becomes a decorating material. Transparency creates the illusion, as the outer and inner space have no limits. So, the room which once felt cramped, now feels more spacious. Adding glass doors to the entrance way can allow for a larger, more open feel as well. I would use a neutral shade of paint in a smaller room, too.

I always start the decorating of a dining room with painting the walls and skirting boards the same color. Then I measure the room to see what size furniture will fit comfortably. After measuring, it's important to reserve at least 2-2.5 feet of space between the walls and the edge of the table. A round shaped table may not always be suitable in a small space. For rooms that are awkwardly shaped or long and narrow, a bench-like table would be suitable. Also before adding furniture, the color scheme should be taken into consideration. I think of the rug as the first layer to consider, followed by the chair seat covers. When picking out furniture, I always advise people to go with something that is timeless looking.

Some of my favorite looks and pieces for a dining area include; a stone floor, steel banded chairs, a glass top table, a modern metal light fixture, and granite layering the curved buffet. All of the varying textures create a memorable room. For an interesting divider, in a room that's large enough, a water wall fountain can be used.

The way the room and furniture is positioned is very important to its appeal. A dining area should not be adjacent to a bathroom. A console or buffet used for storage of crockery and utensils should be on the southern or western wall. Ideally, the room itself would be in the western corner of the house as morning sunshine is good for your health. Should you decide to place a refridgerator in the room, it should be facing southeast.

When you are ready for a Baby Photo Contest

2009-11-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

Baby Got Shot: Photography Contest
Do you think your baby boy/girl has what it takes to be entered into a photo contest? Well if you answered yes then by all means grab a hold of your camera and shoot, shoot, shoot!
But there some guidelines you should of course follow, for instant do not under any type of circumstances upload a nude or even semi-nude photo of your child in any way possible. The baby photo judges are often looking at the camera look for close up facial expression shots that are truly eye catching. This contest being aimed towards a particular holiday or special event, so be sure to fit it well to the theme. Thus the picture shot and submitted should leave the judges completely speechless, allowing it to jump out at them if you will.
Now being creative can coax that particular "magic moment" that's currently happening, but for instance take your baby out to the park for a ride on the swing set - there's nothing more beautiful than to see a smile shine brightly upon that child's face while they're enjoying the time of their life.
Pictures that have a background will be fine, but the main focus is upon the child. Be sure that the lighting is good, and the deliberate soft focus works well, while some images become carelessly blurry or blog effective that do not go into the winning rankings. If your children are twins or triplets, that can be a difficult task but you can mix-match the pair or combination quite easily - by dressing them in different outfits or the same attire in different colors! Make the results for the judges as easy as possible, by keeping the pictures plain and simple, need be the ones where your baby is smiling brightly, good idea would be to get your child to pose for the picture if possible or just grab for the moment you never know what could happen.
You may need a profession photographer to get the job done, but the rules don’t say you need one. Note no professional photos are allowed. Do not allow studio photos as submissions, i.e. Wal-mart, JC Penny, etc. If you do upload a photo such as these, that will not be accepted let alone judged. Send in a shot that YOU took of your child it will be a lot more meaningful. Some other good guidelines to keep the picture in focus is to ensure that your child is alone in the picture obviously, as with every contest, every judge has their own preferences, look at part entries and you'll get the idea of what those preferences are. Photos with props are adorable, but not always suitable for baby contexts. Props that hide the baby's face make it a lot harder for the judges to see the "true" beauty of your baby.
Some tips pictures of kids in grownup’s clothing is always a great hit to strike, shooting the eye level of your child makes the image appear a lot more enticing and expressive. These judges and modeling agencies are quite often looking for the "happy smiling babies" and hence a good temperament is a must have. Do not let your photos get lost purely due to the size of quality - try to even it all out by entering the largest image allowed. A winner will be chosen from each of the categories: Baby (0-12 months), Toddler (12-24 months), Preschooler (2-4 years), and Big Kid (4-8 years).
Judges may often pick various themes and make the whole situation a more relaxed atmosphere, altogether - the entry date requirements, (images sizes, formats, model releases) are often broken. The wonderful wit of love and spontaneous for the cute baby photo shot should aim towards the happier moments if not funny baby shots making the judges that more eager to place them right into the main page! Be sure to include correct information when entering and don't add too much makeup or attempts to make the child appear "adult-like" this is not advisable. Your camera should have a high shutter speed avoiding taking blurry shots digital cameras are the best outlet.

Dining Room Renovation

2009-10-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Dining Room Renovation

By: Kosi Durueke
Editor: Natalie Perez

It was on a cool Saturday night, my wife and 2 kids went on a holiday and were to come back in the one week. I was all alone in the house that night so I prepared a garden egg stew served with ripped boiled plantain, which has always been one of my all time favorites. That Saturday night was full of fun, as I enjoyed the wonderful dinner I have made for myself. At the same time I was also enjoying one of the hits of the Islay Brothers, which had put me to be calm and relaxed. Then an unexpected event occurred. Suddenly, the dining on which I was sitting, eating and enjoying myself broke, and everything on it poured away including myself who was then on the floor.
My face was looking like one that went stiffly. The fun that I was enjoying suddenly turned into sorrow. How sad! Truly sad for a young man whom was having a good time. I thought to myself, what must have caused the dining table to break? Just like that - but could not think anything positive at the moment so I stopped jogging my memory. As I went to have my sleep and as I was lying on my bed, I got an insight… something positive struck my min. So I decided to use that as an opportunity to welcome back my beautiful wife and kids. I planned on renovating our dining room totally different so that it will look spick and span (smart and clean).
Firstly, I said to myself that the dining room that was going to be renovated. It would not only be a place for my family and me to congregate, but to eat as it was before. The new dining room was going to be spacious so that it could accommodate quite a number of people. Secondly, I started to pick and choose (select carefully) the things needed to be in my new dining room, that was going to be renovated. After that, I started evaluating their cost and putting them under consideration. I finally came out with all that were needed to make my dining room look simple yet beautiful.
In my dining area, I put in a new solid mahogany table with three leaves that can seat up to ten people, and dining room chairs backed with the same starburst patterned fabric I used on the daybed. I then put up a wall of open cabinetry that will showcase fabulous china and crystal. I put up gorgeous linen damask panels with some light sheers to let in the natural light. To further lighten things up, I hung a traditional crystal chandelier in the dining room and two mini chandeliers near the front door, and put in some small ceiling lights and under cabinet puck lights. After adding a few more details and accessories, this grand-scale dining room renovation was complete. By opening things up, mixing modern features with traditional touches and making the spaces more conducive for entertainment. Finally, my dining room was set and looking exquisite.

Colorado Divorce Law Provisions

2009-10-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Colorado Divorce Law Provisions
To file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Colorado, one determines whether the District Court has jurisdiction over the case. If so, the filing may be made. Although ten to twenty other documents may be filed, the primary documents involved are the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. These documents are required to begin and to finalize the dissolution.
It is only a concern for the spouse who has moved or is planning on moving that they meet the Colorado residency requirements. Both parties must make a sworn statement disclosing all personal assets to one another. An automatic temporary restraining order prevents each spouse from getting rid of any property prior to the issue of the Decree of Dissolution. When no minor children are involved and the wife is not pregnant, dissolution of marriage can be obtained by an affidavit by one or both spouses. Or, if both parties are represented and are in agreement of granting custody and child support, then it can be issued. There are to be no disputes and no marital property, otherwise they must agree to the division of the property. The spouse that did not file has to have been served the dissolution papers, and a signed affidavit stating the facts of the case must be filed with the Petition.
The court can take the dissolution if it finds that one of the parties has been domiciled in the state for ninety days prior to the start of the proceeding. The couple must file in the county where they reside. Grounds for filing are that the marital relationship is not able to continue because of discord and/or conflict. If one parent is considered a danger to the children, the other parent will have a considerable say in the placement of the children and parenting time. The court allows for joint decision-making only when it finds that both parties are able to come to a decision about the child/children without confrontation.
The grounds for dissolution must have substantiated evidence or testimony. If not, the court may dismiss the case. A court maintenance order considers the financial resources of the party looking for support, the time needed for training or education to find employment, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the age, and the physical or emotional condition of the seeking spouse. So is the ability of the supporting spouse to meet their needs as well as the others.
The Petition can be filed singly or jointly, and separate forms apply for those with children and those without. The Case Information Sheet is required in many counties, and it summarizes the case’s facts. The Summons for Dissolution of Marriage is required if the two parties are not filing jointly. The spouse that does not file is given 20 days to respond or 30 days if they do not reside in Colorado. The Waiver and Acceptance of Service are used when the Respondent agrees to accept the Petition without a notification or summons. It also certifies that the Respondent is not entitled to protection from the Service Members Civil Relief Act. Under the law, when a respondent signs the Waiver, they agree to an uncontested divorce.
Child support is called maintenance. Maintenance ends when either death or remarriage occurs, unless stated otherwise. It may be ordered to be paid for an indefinite amount of time, for a fixed time period, or on a temporary basis while the case is pending. Maintenance of the child continues until emancipation, until graduation from high school, or it can continue beyond the age of nineteen if the child is physically or mentally disabled. Postsecondary education support may be ordered on both parents. And, if the court determines continual and substantial changes in the parent or child’s circumstances, a new order for maintenance can be made.
A nonvested military pension is held as marital property and is based on the amount available when the pension holder retires, not at the time of the divorce. Also, divorce does not end the debt liability of both parties, even if one spouse is ordered to pay. If the responsible party fails to pay the joint debt or goes bankrupt, the creditor will come after the other spouse.

How to do your own PR?

2009-07-04T05:34:00.001-07:00

You have started a company, but you don't have funds to hire a PR-Company or a publicist. You don't have any connections in media houses or in the corporate world to push information about your company to the public. You need affordable and effective PR to kick-start your company, but what can you do? For the time being, be your own PR person!
In a Nutshell
To build a solid client base, gain the attention of prospective buyers through third-party endorsements, join social networking websites, and promote and maintain a positive and persistent press image.
Third-Party Endorsements—Better than Advertising
Before choosing to do business with your company, the market needs to know who you are and what you can provide or do for them. An effective and time-honored way to attract customers is to tell stories about what your company has done to solve the market's same or similar problems. Third-party endorsements carry the persuasion of human interest and the credibility of objective news, they often work better than paid advertising, and they can be published in print and electronic media. To promote this type of business-generating publicity, you must develop genuine, cordial relationships with journalists. Being honest, forthright, and personable lets reporters know the company's officer is approachable.
Become Familiar with Journalists and Editors
Help journalists and editors who cover your line of business understand the issues of the industry you're an expert in to encourage them to promote you and your business. Read their articles and public responses to their work. Ask editors if your story has been assigned and how to go about contacting writers directly with information and leads. As you promote your agenda, be sure to remember that journalists need time to prepare adequate articles for publication.
Get Involved Locally and Join Social Networking Websites
Journalists in smaller media outlets are often involved with community activities. Investing time and energy in community efforts will likely spawn the sort of relationships with the press that can further your business. Marketing through online communities can also forge relationships and bring awareness to your brand. Link websites to blogs and pages to provide access your company information.
Organize Networking Dinners
Look into public relations firms and find out who they've represented and how much they charge for services. But also consider organizing networking dinners to make connections with bloggers, journalists, and public relations groups. A year's worth of networking dinners may cost about the same as a month of PR work.
Reality Check
Although it's easy to become frustrated when dealing with the media, success requires devotion of time and an uncompromising belief in your idea. Weekends, vacations, and lunch breaks are rare luxuries while trying to attract the attention of journalists and prospects. Patience and tranquility play a key role. But as you begin to see your efforts creating results, the pinch of grueling hours and sleepless nights will become a distant memory. Positive thinking combined with quality products and services will bring your company business by word-of-mouth. Repeat customers confident in your company's abilities will bring you the success and future stability you have worked so hard to achieve.

Seek Enlightenment with Ashtanga Yoga

2009-02-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Seek Enlightenment with Ashtanga Yoga

The benefits of yoga are renown, and people have benefited from practicing yoga for many years. Yoga is a healthy form of exercise for anyone, providing opportunity to improve joint movement, muscle strength, and flexibility. Yoga increases stamina and posture and provides warmth to the body. Yet, the ultimate benefit of practicing power yoga comes from the mental and spiritual improvements you can gain. For the dedicated practitioner, mental focus, clarity, and concentration increase along with the inner strength to deal with and relieve stress.
Yoga is a spiritual tradition that seeks to unify—or link together as a yoke might—the human mind, body, and spirit. Although considered a philosophy unto itself, yoga is practiced in accordance with several different styles ranging from extremely active and stressful to relatively passive and mild. In all its forms, though, mental and physical exercises serve as a holistic system to carry the serious yogi to enlightenment.
Effective practice follows a series of workouts in the following sequence---sun salutation, seated poses, poses in the twisting order, and head stands. Ashtanga yoga synchronizes the breath using a series of postures that produce internal heat, causing sweating that purifies and detoxifies the muscles and organs. This effort ultimately improves circulation, strengthens the body, and calms the mind. Its goal is to develop discipline and vigor in the practitioner. The firm rules of yoga practice extend to the lifestyle of the practitioner, including sleeping and eating habits, sexual practices, spirituality, and medical treatments.
Ashtanga yoga is based on the Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali, a practice developed across hundreds of years. If you decide to practice it, the longer you do it, the more you will be amazed. The Yoga Sutra says that the philosoa form of practice and a key ingredient of the path to freedom is physical enquiry. The physical disciplines of yoga include Samadhi, which is attained by suspending the extremes of solar (pingala) and lunar (ida) minds. This state occurs when the inner breath, or prana, enters the central channel, or sushumna. In this state truth is realized.
Everything leaves an impression (samskara) on the mind. These samskaras determine who we will become. Vinyasa serves the purpose of internal cleansing. The warming of the blood through breathing and movement keeps it clean, so it may circulate freely and not cause disease. The asanas, movement and breath combined prevent bodily pains by allowing circulation of the blood around the joints. The heated blood also removes impurities and toxins from the organs. Therefore, sweat is very important. Three places that require attention are posture, respiratory system and focusing place. They are also called the Tristhana. They are very important in yoga practice and cover the purification of the body, nervous system, and mind.
Ashtanga yoga is one of the more active yogic styles, one that generates energy, heat, and sweat. According to Patanjali, Ashtanga yoga follows an eight-limbed path. The eight limbs, or royal (raja) yoga paths, include Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The limbs/paths provide guidance and suggestions that help the practitioner achieve Samadhi, which is a blissful state of unity with consciousness.
Yama, the first limb, contains five principles of morality. Ahimsa is the principle of nonviolence; Satya, the principle of truthfulness; Asteya, the principle of not stealing; Brahmacharya, the principle of continence or celibacy; and, Aparigah, the principle of not being greedy. These ethics seek to ensure that yogis interact harmoniously with their surrounding communities.
Niyama, the second limb, contains the five personal disciplines. Abiding by Niyama disciplines ensures that the body and mind are not polluted once they've been purified. In yoga, purification refers to the sustainability of the body and mind. Shoucha refers to mind and body purity; Santosh, to contentment; Tapa, to endurance; Swadhyaya, to self-study and the study of sacred texts; and, Eshwar Pranidhan, to dedication and the acceptance of a supreme being. These first two limbs are applied from the outside and become the platform for the entire Ashtanga yoga practice. Once established, the disciplines become second nature.
Asana, the third limb, encompasses the Yoga postures and positions. Yogic metaphysics holds that many of the obstacles to knowing one's true self are manifested within the body. Diseases, exhaustion, and lack of focus are some examples of these manifestations. The body is profoundly influenced by the functioning of the mind and understanding. With the practices of yoga asanas, the body will become "strong and light like the body of the lion," says Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who is credited with developing the Ashtanga style of yoga. Yoga positions and postures are designed to be comfortable and allow the attainment of mental balance. In this balanced state, then, the body provides the ideal channel for the path of yoga.
Pranayama, the fourth limb, refers to yoga breathing. Prana is the life force, or inner breath. Pranayama means the extension of the life force. Yogis discovered that the pulsating of prana happens in conjunction with the movements of the mind, or chitta vrtti. Practicing pranayama means to study and exercise one's breath to the extent that it is satisfied and does not disrupt the mind.
In the Vinyasa system, pranayama is practiced by applying what is called the ujjayi breath. When the glottis is contracted, the breath stretches long. It is taught to let the movement follow the breath, which leads to the body to breathe effortlessly. When this occurs, the body is not consciously moved by yogi, but by the power of prana. We are then able to breathe into all parts of the body, spreading prana throughout the body. This expansion of prana throughout the body is called ayama, or the extension of the breath.
Pratyahara, the fifth limb, is called the withdrawal of the senses. This state is a mental preparation meant to increase the power of the mind. The Maitri Upanishad says that if one becomes preoccupied with objects, the mind is fuelled, leading to delusion and ultimately, suffering. However, if the feeding of the senses is withheld, then like a dying fire, the mind retreats into the source, or as it is referred to in yoga, the heart. In yoga, "heart" is not a metaphor for emotions but for the center, meaning consciousness or the self.
In Vinyasa Yoga, sense withdrawal is done through drishti, a focal point. Instead of letting the eyes wander during asana, leading to senses reaching outward, yogis remain internal by focusing the attention towards set locations. Hearing is drawn inward by listening to the sound of the breath, which in turn provides feedback on the quality of the asana. By not allowing attention to reach outward, the centre (madhya), as the tantric philosophy refers to it, develops. As the centre develops, the mind eventually adjourns and the prana ceases to oscillate. Bhairava, or the divine state of consciousness, is then realized.
Dharana, the sixth limb, focuses on concentration. If one attempts to meditate during the emptiness between two thoughts, the mind has a tendency to attach to the next thought that arises. Since all objects have a form and the consciousness is without form, it is easily overlooked by the mind. Much focus is required to avoid distractions and remain watchful of the consciousness.
The practice of concentration prepares one for proper meditation. Training of concentration involves remaining focused on a given object. It begins with simple objects in preparation for the formless consciousness. In Vinyasa Yoga, concentration is practiced by focusing on the bandhas. Externally, the focus is on the pelvic and lower abdomen, or the Mula and Uddiyana Bandha. On the internal level, it refers to the bonding of movement, breath, and awareness. Bandha, therefore, means "bonding." To achieve this state, the practitioner must let go of the normal brain-wave pattern that accompanies concentration and shift focus to a pattern that allows multiple foci and awareness of everything. This state is what is meant by "meditation," or being in the moment.
Dhyana, the seventh limb, is meditation. Meditation means to rest without influence between the extremities of the mind—a state if just "being" rather than "becoming." The difference between Dharana, the previous limb, and this limb is that during concentration an effort is made to exclude any thoughts that aren't relevant to the given object. With Dhyana, or meditation, a constant stream of impressions flow from the given object and awareness toward the object, with no effort from the person. The typical objects that are chosen include the heart lotus, the inner sound, the breath, the sense of self, the process of perception, a meditation deity (ishtadevata), or the Supreme Being.
In Vinyasa Yoga, meditation starts when, instead of doing the practice, the person is being moved. It is then that the realization of not just being a body but of being a deeper-lying witnessing entity occurs. The Vinyasa practice is the continuous coming and going of postures, changing of form, which is not held onto. It is a meditation on impermanence. When it is realized that everything known to us is constantly changing, the meditation of intelligence or buddhi is reached.
Meditation does not only occur in Dhyana but in every stage of the practice. The Ashtanga Vinyasa system is a movement meditation. First, the position of the body in space is meditated on, which is asana. Then, the life force which moves the body is meditated on, called Pratyahara. Then, there is meditation on the binding of all aspects of concentration, which is dharana.
Samadhi, the eighth and final limb, consists of two kinds—objective and objectless. In objective Samadhi, for the first time, the mind reflects faithfully what it is directed at. It does not produce a replication of reality. The mind is cleansed to the point where it does not alter sensory input at all. The practitioner must let go of the negative and restrictive codes from the past. Patanjali says, "Memory is purified, as if emptied of its own form." At this point, all that can be known about an object is known. The highest form of yoga is objectless Samadhi. It does not depend on an object in order to arise but on the awareness, our true nature reveals itself. Thought waves are halted, leading to a knowing of the consciousness. This final state is of pure euphoric being, called kaivalya. Here exists a state of total autonomy from external stimulation, and enlightenment is reached.

Tips for Men

2009-02-21T23:10:00.000-08:00

Tips for Men
Tender hearts bear buds of dream and slowly blossom. A little love, holding hands under a tree, steal a vacation to the shore and the discarded forts. Dream lovers’ dating is more of a fashion today. Still, there are places where you can find someone who understands you!!! A Dating Site for Everyone is here !!!!!!

Your days with a love coach are now over!

There you were, just chilling out with your friends in a café, when she entered the room. Your eyes made four and then she smiled. Your mouth dropped opened, but you’re obvious to it. She turned away and your eyes followed her to the table where she joined a group of people.

Immediately, you headed over to her table but as you walked, you found that your body begun to act strangely. Your empty palms became clammy and as you opened your mouth to introduce yourself, your throat became dry and a croaking sound escaped from it.

At this point you lost your courage and shyly retreated to your drink and curiously friends as you verbally kick yourself.

“She could be the one, she could be the one,” you kept telling yourself, but alas, that was the last time you saw her.

Incidences like these are very common, but they do not need to be. Many men find it very difficult to approach and talk with a woman, but in fact, it need not be so difficult.

(1) Be positive, no woman wants to see an unconfident man.

Before you approach a woman, always see yourself in a positive light. That is, do not think badly about yourself. In fact, see yourself as an important person because you are important. Yes, important and not offensive. She will see your confidence and this will open the door to a longer conversation.

(2) Be interesting and attentive

Women are also attracted to interesting men, men who have something to share in the conversation. So share, but also be attentive. Attentive to whatever they are saying. If you only pretend to be listening to them, you would have dropped the ball and this may cause them to end the conversation quickly.

(3) Open-ended questions will keep the conversation going.

When talking with a woman, it is best to ask her open-ended questions and not closed questions. In some cases, closed questions are necessary and during those times, quickly follow up with an opened-ended question or statement.

Open-ended questions are questions that will keep both of you, but especially her, talking. Closed questions on the other hand are questions that will cause the conversation to come to a stand still.

(4) Don’t hang around, say goodbye first.

One way of making sure that you remain on a woman’s mind long after the two of you separates, is by being the first one to say goodbye. Talk with her, but as soon as you have captured her interest, politely, but casually excuse yourself from her presence.

(5) Give sincere and not flowery complements.

Women like to be complemented, but an insincere complement is the same as a terrible one. So, unless what you are about to say to her is genuine, don’t say it. Leave the complements for your first date.

(6) Be Cool, don’t appear to be desperate.

Don’t appear to be a man who is desperate for a woman’s attention. Instead, play it cool, relax, and appear to be someone who is out to have good time with her and not at her expense.

Tips on Dating

(1) Dress to impress, let your clothes do the talking.

When you’re taking a woman on a date, always “dress to impress” as the saying goes. Dress to impress but not to deceive. Dress nicely and appropriately. For example, if you’re taking her to a formally dressed restaurant, don’t grab on jeans and a tee shirt. Visit the barber if you must and spray on some nice cologne, one that is subtle in smell and not overpowering. Women always notice a man’s attire.

(2) Show variety.

Try not to take your date, three dates in a row, to the same kind of places. For example, do not take her to three different theatres in a row. Instead, take her to the theatre, a restaurant and a bar, but not necessary in that order.

(3) Financial security is very important to a woman.

Women are attractive to men who are career oriented, because financial security is very important to them. So, be sure that you are consistently employed.

(4) Show that you care.

When your date is talking, pay attention to whatever she is saying and when you do this, it will make it easier for you to remember many things about her. She will appreciate this and it will open a wider gate to a longer relationship.

(5) Share the conversation.

When you’re on a date, it’s never a good idea to take over the conversation. Share a little about yourself with her and allow her to share a little about herself with you.

(6) Calm the sexual urges and be polite.

Resist the urges to have sexual intercourse with her on your first date. Treat your date well by opening doors for her and bringing her flowers, just to name a few.

(7) Be knowledgeable and be handy in the kitchen.

Be knowledgeable about what is going on around you and this will help to keep the dating conversation going. You can also learn something new; for example, you can take a cooking course or two and impress her by cooking a meal for her on one of your dates.

A Few Signs of Attraction

Observe the signs.

When you’re wondering if a woman is attracted to you or not, you can look out for a few signs.

(1) The smile.

If she smiles and is happy to see you, then this is a good sign. On the other hand, if she’s upset at seeing you, this is not too promising.

(2) Observe the eye contact

If her eyes linger on you, before she slowly turns away with a slight smile, this is excellent; but, if she physically turns her body away from you, this may imply that she is not interested.

(3) Feel her touches.

When she gently touches you as she speaks, this speaks volumes. She is attracted to you. On the other hand though, if she keeps her physical distance, this also speaks volumes.

Tips on Seduction

(1) Write love notes
Write some love notes and slip them under her plate when the food is served in the restaurant.

(2) Use aphrodisiac

Spend a quiet evening at home, eating and feeding her foods that will arouse her, for example strawberry and chocolate.

(3) Weekend getaway

Take her to a hotel for a weekend and make sure that both of you take advantage of the spa facilities.

(4) Flirt with her

Always flirt with her by gentle touching her hair and or holding her hands.

Turning point in the life is a truth.
Every moment of your life has to be inspiring.
Fascinating moments share scintillating dreams.
Sometimes, ill luck cracks down all these!!!
Shattered hope and broken heart is a burden for life.
Some people carry on with it; others find a ray of hope in every dark arena. Finding someone speaks to your heart, feel your feelings; share a table, gift a rose and a clasp on your hand to the shore for a plod. You need a dream date! A Dating Site for Single Parents and Divorced is here !!!

Child & Mother

2007-10-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

Child and Mother

By :John Odebiri.

A child is an offspring given to by a woman. The pre-developmental stage of a child is referred to as pregnancy which takes about 34-38 weeks before delivery in some cases.A child is a gift from God. In the biblical injunction, it was written that “every good and perfect gift comes from the Father” It is one of the things our creator cherishes.A woman finds herself pregnant, who chooses life for her child by taken necessary precautions during the pregnancy period. By taking proper care of the pregnancy she becomes a mother. She will not only be the baby’s parent but also the mother.A mother can also be a woman who has taken up the responsibility of another child. She becomes the joyful mother and parent to a child given in adoption. She is always there to take care of the child at all times. They call her a mother.A mother is happy to be seeing carrying about the pregnancy. It is a thing of joy for a woman to be pregnant as many women out there are willing but are yet to be pregnant.It is certainly not easy to be a mother but if one endures, the joy and dividends attached to it cannot be quantified.What a blessing from God to be called a mother!

2007-07-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

As part of a plea, Eve pleaded no contest to DUI charges stemming from an April 2007 arrest when she crashed her Maserati on Hollywood Blvd. As a result, Eve must now wear a SCRAM alcohol monitoring device on her ankle for 45 days, as well as having 36 months of probation and must pay $1400 in penalties and fines; she must also enroll in an alcohol education program. If anybody is actually interested—it's official—The Spice Girls announced a reunion tour of 11 shows in December and January beginning in Los Angeles. According to sources, it seems as though Prince William and Kate Middleton are back together as the former couple have been meeting in secret.

Paris Hilton was released from jail on Tuesday, June 26th as promised. Later that week, she appeared on Larry King for an interview and is now enjoying some sun in Hawaii.

World Wrestling Entertainment star Chris Benoit was involved in a double homicide/suicide over the June 22nd weekend in his Atlanta home. According to the police, Benoit's wife, Nancy, was strangled probably on the 23 rd . Her body was found in their home office with her hands and feet bound, some blood at the back of her head indicating a struggle. A Bible was found placed by her side. It is believed Benoit may have watched WWE's pay-per-view on the 24 th with his 7-year-old son before suffocating him with a pillow. The boy was found on his bed also with a Bible at his side. Late Sunday night/Monday morning Benoit sent a number of text messages from his and his wife's cell phones to WWE friends stating his home address and that the dogs were locked in the pool area. Sometime later, Benoit hanged himself with one of the pulleys from an exercise machine in his gym. WWE notified local authorities on Monday the 25 th regarding concern for the family and requested that they check the Benoit residence-- and that is how police found the scene early that afternoon. It is presently unclear why Chris Benoit would have done these terrible things.

2007-06-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni kelley

More details on the Paris Hilton saga as an LA Sheriff's spokesman announced on June 22nd that Hilton will be released from jail on June 26th. "Skating with Celebrities" star and the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kristy Swanson was arrested on June 16th for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend's ex-wife. Swanson and her "Skating" partner Lloyd Eisler began having an affair last year while Eisler was still married. The couple now has a son together.

Celebrity Baby News

Hot twists and joyful moments are on tap in the topic of celebrity baby news as DNA tests have proven that Melanie Brown's (also known as Scary Spice) two-month-old daughter is definitely Eddie Murphy's child. "Wedding Crashers" star Isla Fisher and fiancé, "Borat" star Sacha Baron Chone are expecting their first child, rumored to be a girl. Julia Roberts and husband Danny Moder welcomed their third child into the world on June 18th. Henry Daniel Moder joins 2-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus.

Celebrity Weddings

"Two and a Half Men" star Jon Cryer married reporter Lisa Joyner in Mexico on June 16th. Friends and family attended a momentous occasion as Rod Stewart and model Penny Lancaster married on June 16th in Italy. The couple have been dating for the past seven years and have a 19-month-old son.

After 17 years of marriage, actor Dermot Mulroney filed for divorce from actress Catherine Keener. According to divorce papers, the couple has been separated since May 2005. They have a son, 7-year-old Clyde. "Desperate Housewives" star Dougray Scott and actress Claire Forlani married on June 8th in Italy. The couple has been dating over a year. After all the commotion Isaiah Washington made by using a defamatory word against homosexuals twice, "Grey's Anatomy" has decided to fire him. The first time he used the word was in reference to co-star TR Knight. Two days after firing her manager, singer and first American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, has cancelled her summer tour.
Paris Hilton Update
On June 8th Paris Hilton was brought back to the LA County jail where she is to complete her 45 day sentence. On June 13th she was transferred out of the Twin Towers Correctional Facility where inmates with mental illnesses are held. Hilton is now in a private room within the medical clinic of Lynwood's Century Regional Detention Facility where female inmates are usually transferred once their medical conditions begin to stabilize. It has been reported that Hilton was suffering from extreme panic attacks and on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Health & U

2007-06-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

Yoga

By:Cm_a

Editor: Toni Kelley

Half Pigeon pose

This pose helps stimulate the spine by activating proper circulation around the region. The chest is well expanded and the diaphragm is lifted up enabling the heart to be massaged and strengthened. Pose To achieve this pose, start by Kneeling on the floor keeping the knees together and no more than hip distance apart. Next, place the hips on the floor with feet placed on either side of the thighs, toes pointing back and touching the floor. Finally, place palms on the thighs facing upwards. Hold this position and take a few deep breaths. Recline back on the floor by holding on to the ankles of both the feet and bending the elbows on the floor. Stretch the arms over the head then bend and place the palms near the ears with finger tips pointing towards the shoulders. Exhale; bearing the weight of the body on the arms, stretch the arms and raise the body from the hips. As the thighs arc the spine, place the crown of the head on the body. Hold this position as long as it is comfortable and then release.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-06-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

Ending months of rumors that the two had hooked-up during the filming of his movie "Planet Terror" and that he was cheating on his wife; Robert Rodriguez and actress Rose McGowen arrived hand-in-hand at a premiere in Cannes. Former child star of "Married With Children", David Faustino, was charged with possession of marijuana by the Florida State District Attorney. The charges stem from an incident where Faustino was found drunk and arguing with his estranged wife in the middle of the street and was then arrested by police. If convicted, the former "Bud Bundy" could spend up to a year in jail. From heartache to wedding bells, singer Amy Winehouse married Blake Fielder-Civil in Miami on May 18th. The couple dated for a while before breaking up, giving her inspiration for many of the songs on her latest album. They recently reconciled and got engaged before marrying less than a month later.
According to multiple sources, Jessica Simpson and John Mayer are together as a couple yet again. Paula Abdul broke her nose over the weekend when she tripped while trying not to step on her Chihuahua, Tulip. Despite the popular video of a very drunk David Hasselhoff which then resulted in his being stripped of visitation rights of his two daughters, Hasselhoff has been granted full custody of his daughters at least until the next hearing in two weeks. Sources say Hasselhoff’'s ex, Pamela Bach, was an abusive parent and refused drug testing. Hasselhoff'’s custody rights were restored after he agreed to alcohol testing.

Former lead singer of the band Creed, Scott Stapp, was arrested on May 20th on suspicion of domestic assault with intent to commit a felony. The incident occurred when Stapp arrived at their Florida home around 8am and proceeded to get very angry when his wife asked if he had been using drugs. Stapp yelled at his wife before throwing a bottle at her which did not hit her. After Stapp spent a night in jail, a judge lowered the charge to a misdemeanor. Just another “Oops I Did it Again” for Britney Spears when during her lip synching tour in Orlando on May 19th, the backing track skipped five separate times during one song in her fourteen minute show. Throughout the skips Spears turned her head away from the audience, further proving she was never singing to begin with. Sources also state that on that same night her headset microphone broke and was hanging down around her neck and then later up by her forehead when she tried to fix it.

On May 28th Lindsay Lohan's representative released a statement saying that Lohan "admitted herself to an intensive medical rehabilitation facility." Lohan was driven to Promises rehab facility by her lawyer where she is supposed to remain for 30 days of treatment, excluding any outpatient treatment she may need. All of this stems from Lohan being arrested early in the morning of May 26 th when after leaving a club at 3:30am Saturday, Lohan sped her Mercedes over a curb and into a row of trees. Since she suffered only minor injuries her friends removed Lohan from her car and took her to the hospital where police caught up to her and arrested her for a misdemeanor of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police also say they found a "usable amount" of a drug they believe to be cocaine at the scene of the accident. Recently, pictures had come out of Lohan using cocaine in a bathroom in March, after being in rehab earlier this year. Promises is the same rehab facility Britney Spears used.

Mischa Barton checked out of a hospital late May 28th after mixing prescription antibiotics with alcohol at a party she was attending with some friends. Barton was in the hospital for five hours.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-05-24T04:47:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

According to sources, Jessica Simpson is alone again as she and John Mayer have recently decided to go their separate ways. Looking to make a come back, Britney Spears recently underwent having blonde extensions added to her inch-long hair. Apparently, there is still more work to be done on them as they're not looking very good. Back to her old habits again, Spears has been spotted spending late nights out in Hollywood, but she'll be without her latest boyfriend, Howie Day, (whom she met at rehab) since he will reportedly be going back for more treatment. It seems as though the tears of Paris have finally paid off as LA Sheriffs have agreed to reduce Paris Hilton's jail time from 45 days to 23 days. They have also agreed to keep her out of the general population. Hilton's attorney has dropped their appeal of the jail sentence. Another celebrity break-up in the news as Denise Richards and Richie Sambora announced they broke up two months ago, but didn't say anything sooner so they could have their privacy. Sylvester Stallone pleaded guilty to bringing 48 vials of a banned human growth hormone into Australia. The fires are brewing again as Bobby Brown has filed a lawsuit against his ex-wife Whitney Houston for custody arrangements of their daughter for whom Houston was recently granted full custody.

Music & U

2007-05-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Album Review – Amy Winehouse, Back to Black

Kylie Watts

Back to Black is British sensation, Amy Winehouse's second album. And what an album it is. A mix of jazz, soul, Motown and swing that is as catchy and poppy at times at any pop music album. And underpinning the whole thing is Winehouse's sublime vocals. Listening to Amy sing, you can be forgiven for forgetting that you're listening to a 23 year old. Her voice is smoky, sulty and sexy. Winehouse wrote the album while she was nursing a broken heart, and the theme's of love and loss are prevalent throughout the album.
Back to Black has been a little overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Winehouse herself. Since her first album, the singer songwriter has dropped 4 dress sizes. There were rumours of trouble with her record company who were unhappy with her drinking. Only a few weeks ago, she reunited with her former boyfriend Blake Civil-Fielder, who she married in Miami last weekend. But this shouldn't stop this album getting the respect it deserves. The opening track "Rehab" is an extraordinarily catchy Motown style of song. Horns and strings give a sophisticated sound to which Winehouse purrs and growls along to, telling us in no uncertain terms that there's nothing she can learn in rehab that she can't learn in the real world. "You Know I'm No Good" has a sexy soulful sound that seduces the listener, telling the story of the girl who keeps going back to the wrong guy. "I cheated myself, like I knew I would. I told ya I was trouble, yeah ya know that I'm no good". Winehouse is a first class songwriter and her songs invite favourable comparisons to many of the soul classics from the 1950's. But she is undeniably a modern girl. The song "Me and Mr Jones" could be a sophisticated soul song from that era until you hear Winehouse purr the opening line "What kind of fuckery is this"? It's the dichotomy of such sophisticated sounds and her thoroughly modern, often pissed off lyrics that intrigues. And works. Very well. "Love is a Losing Game" is one of the highlights of the album, as is “Back to Black”. The understated emotion and smoky vocals from Winehouse tells the story of lost love that we've all felt before. The uptempo "Tears Dry On Their Own" is a change of pace in the album, and my favourite track. This track will be the next single to be released, and it's sure to get some attention. Listening to the album, it's easy to picture Winehouse holding her own against the greats, such as Diana Ross or Aretha Franklin. This album has also pushed her out of the shadows of other jazz/soul singers such as Norah Jones and Katie Melua, who seem, quite frankly just a little dull in comparison. Overall, things are looking pretty bright for Amy Winehouse.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-05-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

Hollywood Babies
Jaime Pressly, star of "My Name Is Earl", and her fiancé Eric Cubiche gave birth to their first baby on the morning of May 11th. The baby's name is Dezi James and he was born in LA. Also on May 11th, Sheryl Crow announced on her website that she adopted a baby boy named Wyatt Steven; named after her father and brother. The baby was born two weeks ago. This is Crow's first child. A new addition to the Costner family as Kevin and wife Christine had a baby boy on May 6th who they named Cayden Wyatt Costner. This is Christine's first child and Costner's fifth.

Celebrity Mishaps
Ty Pennington, star of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", has been charged with two DUI counts after being arrested on the morning of May 5th. Actor Tom Sizemore spent some more time in jail after using crystal meth outside a California hotel. Sizemore is currently on probation due to previous problems with drugs dating back to 2004. Days after Paris Hilton fired her PR rep, Elliot Mintz, after claiming in court he told her she could drive with a suspended license as long as it was work-related; Hilton changed her mind and decided to continue using Mintz as her media representative. Meanwhile, Hilton is appealing her 45 day jail sentence which is set to start June 5 th. In other celebrity hot seat news, singer George Michael plead guilty to an October arrest in North London for "driving while unfit" due to use of prescription medication. Michael will be sentenced on May 30 th after more drug tests have been completed. David Hasselhoff'’s visitation rights have been suspended by an LA County Superior Court judge after a video of a drunk Hasselhoff lying on the floor appeared on the news. The video was filmed by one of Hasselhoff'’s daughters and she can be heard speaking to him about his drinking. Hasselhoff is now only allowed telephone contact with his daughters until May 21 st when the judge will hold a hearing on the video and determine future visitation rights.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-05-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

Celebrity Problems
Sandra Bullock and her 10-year-old stepson watched as Marcia Valentine attempted to run over Bullock's husband, Jesse James, three or four times with her silver Mercedes Benz outside of Bullock's California home on April 22 nd. Sources say that Valentine is obsessed with Bullock and has also lain in Bullock's driveway and would not move on several occasions. Valentine fled the scene before officers arrived but was caught the next day. Valentine is being held on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Well known female rapper, Eve was arrested for a DUI after she crashed her gold Maserati into the center divider on Hollywood Blvd at 2:45am on April 26th. Eve was released from LA County jail after posting her $30,000 bail. Police sources say Eve's blood alcohol level was double the legal limit. Hugh Grant is in the news again after he was arrested in London over an allegation that he assaulted a photographer by kicking him and throwing a large container of baked beans at him.
Beyonce is pulling her re-released album "B'Day-Deluxe Edition" due to a lawsuit claiming she recorded someone else's song without permission. The song is "I'm Kissing You" by Des'ree, re-titled "Still in Love (Kissing You)" by Beyonce. Beyonce's people tried to obtain permission to re-record the song, but when negotiations failed, Beyonce put it on her album anyway. Beyonce and her label have agreed to stop distributing the album and an accompanying music video DVD that includes the song at least until a preliminary injunction hearing on May 4 th. In other news, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, star of Showtime's "The Tudors", has recently entered a rehab facility for alcohol-related treatment.
The LAPD has confirmed they are investigating an incident that happened between a couple and Sean Stewart, son of Rod Stewart, and two of his friends. Witnesses say that around 4am on April 22 nd Stewart and his friends began throwing bricks, rocks, a mailbox and a trash can at a Ford F150 pickup truck after not being allowed into a private home in Hollywood for a party. Stewart then attempted to open the truck door -which then resulted in Stewart and his friends punching the husband and wife who were sitting inside. The wife was treated later at a local hospital for "massive lacerations to her legs" from the shattered windshield glass.

Hollywood News
In a petition filed on April 16th in LA County Superior Court, Angelina Jolie requested a name change for her recently adopted son to Pax Thein Jolie-Pitt so it will reflect the last name of her partner, Brad Pitt, and be the same as their three other children.
Nick Lachey and his girlfriend of one year, Vanessa Minnillo, have taken the plunge and moved in together. The couple now shares a two bedroom condo in Manhattan.
Drew Barrymore has been named People Magazine's “Most Beautiful.” It is Barrymore's fourth time on People's annual "100 Most Beautiful People" list, her first in the top spot. Barrymore is also one of eleven celebrities photographed for the issue without makeup.

Science & Life

2007-05-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Inconsistencies in Microdermabrasion Regulations and Training Requirements

By: Tatiana McGarry

Microdermabrasion, a non-surgical cosmetic procedure developed in Italy in 1985, has long been heralded as a revolutionary skin care technique. During this procedure, a microdermabrasion machine is used to spray tiny crystals of abrasive material, usually aluminum oxide, onto the face. The crystals exfoliate dead skin cells, and are then vacuumed away. The procedure can revitalize dull skin, clean and shrink pores, as well as reduce the appearance age spots, pigmentation irregularities, fine lines and wrinkles. It takes about 30-45 minutes to perform and requires virtually no recovery—you can have it done on your lunch break and be back to work with fresh skin. Provided, of course, that the procedure is done properly.
The Food and Drug administration classifies microdermabrasion machines as a category 1 prescription cosmetic devices, and does not require that their operation be supervised by a physician. This is because the microdermabrasion procedure is only intended to involve the exfoliation of the dead outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, and not the deeper levels of the dermis. Therefore, it is up to each individual state to set up their own regulations and determine microdermabrasion training requirements. The problem is that the calibration of the machines varies greatly, and it can be very easy for even an experienced technician to delve beneath the stratum corneum, possibly damaging delicate living tissue. In states where microdermabrasion training requirements are less stringent, this possibility becomes more likely.
In South Carolina, a spa professional trained in microdermabrasion can only perform the procedure under the supervision of a doctor. In California, however, any esthetician, regardless of whether or not they have had microdermabrasion training, is legally allowed to practice it. Colorado requires 14 hours of microdermabrasion training at a vocational school. The State of Florida allows the procedure to be performed by spa professionals on only the head, neck, and scalp. Some states have no regulations at all, leaving it up to individual spas and manufacturers of microdermabrasion machines to train technicians themselves. Even where legal regulations do exist, course requirements vary so much from state to state that it is difficult to guess how well, or how poorly, a technician may have been trained. Well respected organizations of estheticians, such as the National Coalition of Esthetician and Related Associations (NCEA) have long stated that they would like to implement a unified standard of microdermabrasion training, but given the current state of disorder, this could be a long and difficult process. Until they are successful and microdermabrasion training becomes more uniform, it would be wise for individual consumers to do their research before undergoing the procedure.

OPINION

2007-05-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

Socializing… or Spying?

By: Melissa Therrien

Editor: Toni Kelley

The woman of today has many faces; in fact, she is constantly confusing the men who exist within her circle of associates. It is funny, how they know us, but yet do not truly.
Perhaps we can say this has something to do with the way men function. Most men in general feel that the time needed to get to know the details revolving around a person's life is in fact a considerable waste of time. In fact, due to the prejudices of the men (so blatantly exposed throughout history), women have been able to gather intelligence and even assist in warfare. In a way, this prejudice happens in everyday society as well.
It seems to be in a woman's nature to listen in on others conversations. Listening, in order to pick up on any negative or positive references to herself or anyone she knows.
Being a woman myself, I find that I have an uncanny knack for remembering everything a person tells me about their personal history and/or life. It is not that I try to memorize everything, I just do. Now if only it had worked that easily with my schooling… But alas, it was not so.
Another trait of women I constantly see no matter where I go, is asking 'the questions.' Questions are a man's worst fear. You see, they are the questions we ask when we really mean to ask something else. For example, a harmless question such as 'how are you doing?' means in fact that the person wants to know if you have accomplished your goals and are now even more a rival than before; or they are looking for any clues as to some things that might have gone wrong in your life -- which they can then use against you. Another question such as 'did you have fun tonight?' can mean that the individual asking the question is very mad at you or trying to figure out where you have been and if you're telling the truth.
Be aware, appearances are everything. We are deceived by those from whom we expect it the least. That harmless neighbor, who doesn't seem all too smart, could pick up more than we want them to know due to an unconscious slip of the tongue. Often, people know more than they lead you to believe they know. Like I said before, that is how women used to fool their male counterparts. But everybody can use it to fool anyone.
How do you know when a person is telling you the truth? Perhaps that homeless guy is a genius, or maybe that waitress has a photographic memory. Can you truly tell what lies within simply by looking at them from the outside?
One must be very careful what information one releases to acquaintances and even friends-- because all too often, people aren't who you think they are. We do not live in a world of unselfish people who solely want to do the right thing. On the contrary, we live in a world filled with people scavenging around for any kind of information which can be used to their own advantage. Even a friend has motives, and sometimes, values other things such as career or possessions higher than friendship.
Unfortunately, in today's world, anyone and everyone could be fooling you at any given moment. However, make sure you always remember two can play at that game. Pay attention to the details and I am sure you will soon realize more about the good and the bad than you ever did before.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-04-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

Anna Nicole's Baby Daddy Revealed!
After months of speculation, DNA results have proven that Larry Birkhead is in fact the father of Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn. Howard K. Stern, who is listed on the birth certificate as the father, said he would not fight Birkhead for custody and will instead do everything possible to ensure that Birkhead gets sole custody of the baby. Stern, who plans to remain in the Bahamas, said Birkhead is free to come to Horizons and spend as much time with Dannielynn as he wanted and that Birkhead should bring his family—his brother, sister, niece and nephew—to meet her. Stern says he would like the transition for Dannielynn to be as easy as possible since she has been with him since birth and he loves her very much. Meanwhile, Smith's estranged mother, Virgie Arthur, has suggested that she will seek dual guardianship with Birkhead. Birkhead feels that, as father, he should not have to share custody of Dannielynn with anyone and that doing so would make him appear to be an unfit father, which he is not.

Celebrities in Court
"Prison Break" star Lane Garrison will plead guilty to manslaughter. Garrison was charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of a 17-year-old last December. Cops say that Garrison's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. He faces up to six years in jail. In other news, Elizabeth Hurley's lavish Indian wedding to Arun Nayer has caused her father-in-law to cut all ties to the couple. Vinod Nayer feels his family was treated "shabbily" and "that Liz and Arun behaved shamefully and placed more importance on showing off than they’re own family." A Hindu religious activist has also filed a complaint in a western Indian court saying the wedding made a "mockery of Hindu customs." Three witnesses, including Vinod Nayer, have said they will testify against the couple. If found guilty; the newlyweds could spend up to three years in jail. Looks like pop singer Marc Anthony will be singing the IRS Blues as he has agreed to pay $2.5 million in back taxes to federal and state governments after failing to file his tax returns five years in a row. Anthony was not charged with any offenses and was shocked to learn that his corporate and personal taxes had not been filed or paid.

Hollywood Hook-ups and Break-ups
On April 10th former "Partridge Family child star Danny Bonaduce announced on the Adam Carolla radio show, (which Bonaduce joined in January) that his wife Gretchen had begun divorce proceedings. The couple met on a blind date in 1990 and married that very same day. Bonaduce chronicled his troubled marriage as well as his struggle with substance abuse on the reality show "Breaking Bonaduce". On April 18 th Bonaduce will celebrate one year of sobriety. Bonaduce says he does not want a divorce, and that he still loves her. Gretchen is seeking custody of their 12-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son.
Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds have been seen at different New York hot spots lately looking very cozy. The two actors had recently been rumored to be dating Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel respectively. Meanwhile, Timberlake showed up at a friend's party in Malibu with Biel and they were seen kissing. Rekindled sparks fly as on-again-off-again couple Ashlee Simpson and Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz are back on. They have been spotted kissing and holding hands at various Los Angeles locations.
Friends close to Reese Witherspoon say that there is a "definite romance" between her and Jake Gyllenhaal. The couple became close during filming of the movie "Rendition" together and sources report that Witherspoon pursued Jake after her separation from Ryan Phillippe. Gyllenhaal, who is four years younger than Witherspoon isn't concerned that she has two children (whom he has already met), since according to a friend of his, he understands the importance of family and has never been the partying type.

Hollywood News
Brandy has been replaced as a judge on the next season of "America's Got Talent" by none other than Sharon Osbourne. More drama for Britney Spears as her relationship with her manager Larry Rudolph has reportedly been strained since she left rehab. Rumors are that Spears would like to fire him since she can't stand him, but she signed a five year contract with Rudolph. If Spears does fire him, that would leave her without any real representation. Sources say that Madonna wants to adopt another child from Malawi, this time a three-year-old girl named Grace who has no living relatives. Madonna is leaving soon for Africa with her three children, but her representative claims she is "absolutely not adopting" another child. Earlier this week, Justin Timberlake was working with Madonna on her new album in a London recording studio. The album should be out later this year.
Although Courtney Love claims her rapid and dramatic 44 pound weight loss is due to yoga and a macrobiotic diet, rumor has it she actually had a rubber band gastric bypass procedure done, something normally performed only on clinically obese patients. Love, who has been vacationing in Hawaii with her daughter Francis Bean, intends to lose another 11 pounds so she can fit into couture clothing.

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
By: Vanessa Grassi
Richard Gere and Indian actress Shilpa Shetty have been accused of committing “an obscene act” in a public place when Gere took Shetty in his arms and kissed her three times on the cheek during an AIDS awareness event in Mumbai. Residents of several Indian cities burned effigies of Gere in response to his actions.
Rumors are spreading that Britney Spears is blaming everyone from her family to possible former manager Larry Rudolph to Paris Hilton for her insane behavior which finally landed her in rehab. Spears does not feel she needed to go to rehab. Spears also recently rehired the publicist she fired last year, Leslie Sloane-Zelnick.
Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony are filing several lawsuits against the National Enquirer in the UK regarding a March 2007 article which said the couple was “caught up in a heroin scandal”. According to the Associated Press, the couple is demanding a six figure settlement, an apology and a retraction.
Hawaiian singer Don Ho, famous for “Tiny Bubbles”, died of heart failure on April 14th. He was 76.
Prince William and longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton have broken up. The couple met at the University of St. Andrews where they began their studies in 2001. Sources say the split was amicable for the couple who was together almost five years and rumored to be getting engaged.

HollyWood Gossip

2007-04-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Hollywood Divorces

On April 4th an Orange County judge granted Whitney Houston a divorce from Bobby Brown as well as sole custody of their 14-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina. While a teary-eyed Houston was present at the hearing, Brown did not attend. Brown’s attorney says he will seek to overturn the judge’s ruling. Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown married in 1992.
Actress Anna Faris, famous for her roles in the “Scary Movie” films, has filed for divorce from her husband, actor Ben Indra. The couple married in June 2004 and has no children.
Celebrity News
Bob Clark, director of “A Christmas Story” and a producer of the “Porky’s” films was killed on April 4th with his 22-year-old son, Ariel, on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Clark’s Infiniti was hit head on by a GMC Yukon when 24-year-old Hector Velazquez-Nava steered into the wrong lane. Velazquez-Nava was found to be drunk and will be booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter once he is released from the hospital.
“Family Ties” child star, Brian Bonsall who played Andy Keaton, was arrested on April 4th in Boulder, CO for assaulting his girlfriend. Bonsall’s girlfriend claimed on the 911 tapes that he poured whiskey on her face while she was sleeping and then threw on the ground five or six times when she tried to leave. Bonsall has been charged with second degree assault and false imprisonment.
Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown gave birth on April 3rd to a baby girl that she claims is Eddie Murphy’s baby. No news on the baby’s name yet.
The Hollywood home of John Taylor, bassist of Duran Duran, was burglarized on April 2nd. Several items were missing from Taylor’s home including his personal safe. The break-in was discovered by the housekeeping staff since Taylor and his family are currently in England.

2007-04-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni kelley

Anna Nicole Smith Update

On March 26th Florida Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Perper announced that Anna Nicole Smith died of an accidental overdose of medication. No illegal drugs were found in her system and she did not take methadone the day she died but, Dr. Perper did find evidence that she had taken it several days earlier. Dr. Perper concluded that it was combined drug intoxication, including anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication, Valium, Ativan and antihistamines, as well as chloral hydrate, a strong sedative, which was a major component in her death. Ironically, Smith's idol Marilyn Monroe also died of a chloral hydrate overdose. An intestinal flu and a bacterial infection, possibly from an injection with a contaminated needle, were also contributing factors in Smith's death. Anna Nicole Smith died on February 8, 2007; she was 39 years old and still mourning the loss of her son Daniel- who at the young age of 20 died last September in the Bahamas three days after Smith gave birth to a daughter, Dannielynn. Howard K. Stern filed an appeal in his paternity battle over Dannielynn. The appeal will delay the reveal of the DNA results between Dannielynn and Larry Birkhead. The next hearing is scheduled for April 3 rd. The inquest into Daniel Smith's death has been placed on hold for at least two weeks. Stern's lawyer argued that it was impossible to get a fair and impartial jury due to the considerable amount of publicity surrounding the deaths of Anna Nicole and her son. The inquest judge is allowing Stern's lawyer to go to the Supreme Court of the Bahamas to argue for permanently blocking the hearing.

Britney Spears News

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline have finally reached a divorce settlement. Federline will receive approximately $1 million due to their pre-nuptial agreement. In regards to the custody battle over their two sons, they will share joint custody at 50/50, instead of Spears having primary custody as she initially wanted. Spears, visited an LA hospital twice this week after experiencing significant pain in one of her molars. She is currently being treated by Dr. Bill Dorfman who was featured on "Extreme Makeover".

Celebrity Problems

Rock star Scott Weiland's wife, Mary, is claiming an imbalance of medications for bipolar disorder as the cause for her to trash hotel rooms at the luxurious Graciela Hotel in Burbank on March 24 th as well as later being arrested for allegedly burning $10,000 worth of the Velvet Revolver rocker's clothes outside their home. Mary Weiland expressed her apologies and made payment for damages to the Graciela Hotel. She then stated their children were not present when these outbursts occurred. In other news, “Laguna Beach" star Jessica Smith, 19, has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of DUI after being arrested on March 26th during a crash on the Santa Ana Freeway near LA.
Taboo, a member of the Black Eyed Peas was arrested for a DUI on March 27th after he crashed his car about 20 miles east of LA. Taboo was also cited for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana as well as possession of a prescribed medication without a prescription. Another celebrity break-up is on the horizon as country star, Wynonna Judd filed for divorce from her husband, D.R. Roach, one week after he was arrested at a rehab center on charges of child sex abuse. Judd is devastated by the three counts of aggravated sexual battery charges against Roach who was being treated since February for drug and alcohol addiction. The couple married in November 2003. Judd cited irreconcilable differences on the divorce papers. A case of too fast too furious for comedian Eddie Griffin as he smashed a rare Ferrari Enzo worth $1.5 million into a concrete wall when he drove too fast around a curve during a March 26th charity event. The automobile was part of a promotion for the film "Redline". Griffin did not suffer any major injuries.

Hollywood News

Actor Wesley Snipes and his wife, Nikki, had a son on March 26th named Alimayu Moa-T. This is the couple's third child together. Model Petra Nemcova and singer James Blunt have ended their relationship. The couple split in February 2007, but still remain friends. They dated just over a year. James Blunt was quick to recover as he was recently seen leaving a Hollywood nightclub with Lindsay Lohan who has been spotted drinking alcohol and partying heavily despite recently coming out of rehab and supposedly attending regular AA meetings. Lohan has also been linked to actor Jude Law recently and she told People magazine that she is in fact in love but didn't reveal with whom.

Poem

2007-04-08T01:49:00.000-07:00

Never Ending Quest (Poem)

By: V Bright S

kissing ripples of love rising again
Like ripened fruit on afig
Echoing the jingles of your laughter
Still my heart weeping in forlorn
The feather of hope falling like
Shedding rippen leaven in mapple
Yellow and red thy fallen with a weep
Showing my eyes resemble the monsoon
With a weep of seperation as the
Bird's flying up in a rhythm
The rhyme of breeze wizzling
In my ears with a trumpet of winner
Where you vanished behind
the veil of destiny hidden you from me!
The weep in my heart thrusting four
walls of my heart breaking.
Still the stood as impeccable mountain
come again and dance in the blossom
Bearing the spring in my life ever!
2nd March-2007

Hollywood Gossip

2007-03-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor:Toni kelley
Celebrity News
Actress Vivica A. Fox was arrested on March 20th for a DUI after officers pulled her over for driving approximately 80 mph on a California freeway. In a statement released by Jive Records, Britney Spears left Promises rehab facility on March 20th "after successfully completing their program." Sources claim Spears has made an amazing turnaround since entering Promises on February 22 nd and that she and Kevin Federline have agreed to share custody of their sons as they finalize their divorce. After collapsing again on the set of "The Simple Life", Nicole Richie's publicist has issued a statement saying that Richie "has recently been diagnosed with hypoglycemia." Naomi Campbell completed her week of community service as custodial labor at Manhattan District 3 Garage at Pier 36 on the East River. Campbell received the order after throwing a cell phone at her maid's head.

Anna Nicole Smith Update
Dr. Joshua Perper will hold a news conference March 26th at 10:30am EST to reveal the cause of Anna Nicole Smith’s death. A spokesperson for the Seminole Police Department said the findings "are going to be a significant announcement" and that the case continues to be a non-criminal, unexplained death investigation. Both, Smith's six-month-old daughter, Dannielynn, and Larry Birkhead had DNA samples taken on March 21st after a Nassau judge ruled a paternity test should be done. Howard K. Stern does not need to provide DNA; by law it is presumed he is the father as that is what is indicated on the birth certificate. If Birkhead's DNA matches Dannielynn's, he can challenge for Stern's DNA and fight for custody of the child. DNA results should be back in the next four days.

HollyWood Gossip

2007-03-21T23:57:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

Hollywood Babies

On March 13th Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott welcomed their first child, Liam Aaron McDermott. The birth seems to have ended the feud between Spelling and her mother Candy who was at the Los Angeles hospital. Another addition to the Jolie family was made as Angelina and her 5-year-old son Maddox were in Vietnam on March 15th to pick up a 3-year-old boy she has named Pax Thien Jolie-- who was abandoned by his family when he was a month old. Jolie did this adoption by herself since in Vietnam it is not permissible for an unmarried couple to adopt as she and Brad Pitt have done in the past. Celebrations are abundant as Salma Hayak has announced her first pregnancy as well as her engagement to Francois-Henri Pinault, the Chairman of French luxury goods empire PPR SA which owns Gucci amongst other high-end fashion houses. According to the rumor-mill, supermodel Gisele Bundchen is pregnant with NFL quarterback Tom Brady's baby. The couple began dating shortly after Brady left his newly pregnant girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynihan in December.

Anna Nicole Smith Update

Florida Medical Examiner, Joshua Perper, has delayed reporting his autopsy findings regarding Smith's death due to two pieces of evidence. He did not state what this evidence was, but it might have something to do with her computer. Smith used her laptop to communicate with her doctors about drugs. Bahamian and Florida police met this week to discuss the contents of this computer which was in her room the day she died. Multiple investigators continue to maintain that foul play is not suspected in her death. Smith's detested and estranged mother, Virgie Arthur, will be in the Bahamas on March 16th to ask for guardianship of 6-month-old Dannielynn pending a ruling on who is the father. Bahamian Social Services is performing a background check on Arthur as well as Smith's partner Howard K. Stern and ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead. The findings will be revealed in court.

Celebrity Trouble

Sylvester Stallone has been officially charged with illegally importing performance and image enhancing drugs in Australia. During a random baggage check, several vials of the steroid, HGH were found at the Sydney Airport. Customs Officials claim they found 48 vials of HGH (human growth hormone) after raiding Stallone's hotel, limo and private jet. HGH is sometimes used by bodybuilders to improve size and strength. It has also become a popular prescription medication for anti-aging therapies. If found guilty, Stallone faces a maximum fine of $20,000 Australian. In other news, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have reportedly reached a settlement agreement on their divorce. The settlement includes $48 million in cash, plus an $8 million mansion for Mills, and joint custody of 3-year-old Beatrice. Mills had previously asked for more money and sole custody of their daughter and allegedly turned down a higher offer from McCartney in January. Hollywood’s ultimate Bad Girl, Courtney Love is currently being sued by a rehab facility she spent 3 months at in 2005, for allegedly not paying the bill. The lawsuit claims Love owes $181,286 to Beau Monde's Recovery Retreat in Orange County, CA. They state they received $10,000 from Love a week after entering but nothing more.

Celebrity News

No broken hearts here as Mandy Moore and DJ AM have split. The split took place earlier this month and they claim to remain friends. Everybody’s favorite morning talk show host, Regis Philbin is undergoing bypass surgery this week after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains. He says he will return to "Live with Regis and Kelly" in 5 weeks. After several longs weeks, James Brown has finally been laid to rest in a crypt at the home of one of his daughters in South Carolina. Brown's children are interested in turning his home into a Graceland-like museum and if that happens, his body may be moved to a mausoleum at that location.

Celebrity Deaths
Comedian Richard Jeni, a regular on the "Tonight Show", died of a gunshot wound on March 10th in Los Angeles. Police responded to a call from his girlfriend saying he shot himself in the head. Jeni died later in an LA hospital. Although the coroner said an official cause of death would not be announced for several weeks, Jeni's family has confirmed that this was a suicide. Jeni's family stated that he had been diagnosed earlier this year with clinical depression and suffered from bouts of psychotic paranoia. Richard Jeni was 45. A solemn note for legendary rock group, Boston, as lead singer, Brad Delp committed suicide on March 9th in his New Hampshire home. His fiancée, Pamela Sullivan, called police after noticing a dryer vent tube connected to the exhaust pipe of Delp's car. A note taped to the door leading to the house said "To whoever finds this I have hopefully committed suicide. Plan B was to asphyxiate myself in my car". Police found Delp's body on the bathroom floor, his head on a pillow, where he had sealed himself inside with two charcoal grills. Toxicology tests showed he died of carbon monoxide poisoning. A note paper-clipped to Delp's shirt said "Mr. Brad Delp…I am a lonely soul". Brad Delp was 55

Child & U

2007-03-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

Parental Power

By:Melissa Therrien

Just how easy is it to influence our children? The answer is simple: too easy. We often influence them without even realizing. But just how far does this power go? A young child is easy to influence because they do not know how the world works. They rely on their parents to tell them and to lead the way. By setting examples we show them how things should be. However, how can a child without experience tell when we are wrong?
There are two types of influence, positive and negative. Negative influences can be divided into two categories, conscious and unconscious negative influences.
Take smoking for example. If we are smoking in front of our child, they will see it as perfectly normal. After all, according to the logic of a child if their mother or father smokes then how could it be a bad thing? It is highly likely they will grow up to do the same. Try to talking to them to exert some positive influence and to gently push them in the non-smoking direction.
Even when it comes to the way we do the everyday things we should be more careful. Every time we cut a corner when it comes to safety measures, or do not wait for the light to turn green before we cross the street. What happens when our child is alone and does the same? We have years of experience and know what to look for (most of us), does our child share that knowledge?
As children grow older they will start to explore and discover; it is a natural part of life. I knew a girl who was held back by her parents’ fears. She was not allowed to go play outside until she was over thirteen. She was not to go anywhere. Her mother was afraid of the dark. She just recently got over that (when she was 19 years old).
And then there is negative influence with a purpose. All too often mothers or fathers influence their child to either think negative about themselves or about the significant other. Divorces are particularly messy because it creates a tug war between mother and father and the child is torn between the two, not wanting to have to choose.
But positive influence would be a clear set of rules and consistency. A child must become grounded. Set the rules clearly and stick to them so that they know what they are up against and feel safe. Do not be afraid to give them a gentle push in the right direction! It is especially important to have consistency, a daily routine as it were. It helps our children find their way in life, because no matter where they go they will carry that bit of security with them. They will know who they are and where they came from.
Get involved in their life; find out what makes them happy. Find out what you can share and when it is time to let them go on their own. Always remember, it is never too late for some bonding. Influence them positively by showing them you have faith in their capabilities and approve of their choices.
It would even be a good idea to start working on their diet. Though it is true you are only young once, a bad diet now can influence the rest of your life and lead to dangerous conditions when you are older such as diabetes and high cholesterol. I am sure every parent wants their child to live a long and healthy life.
It is too easy to influence our children. All we can do is try our best to consider their feelings and show them what we believe is right. Mistakes are bound to be made, even parents are only human. Learn your lesson and pass it on.

HollyWood Gossip

2007-03-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
By: Vanessa Grassi

Music News
Eddie Van Halen has checked himself into an alcohol-related rehab. Velvet Revolver will perform a Van Halen tribute at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony next week which David Lee Roth now says he will not attend since he was told by producers that he would not be allowed to sing.
James Brown’s body still has not been buried. Brown’s trustees want DNA samples taken before the burial in order to satisfy several paternity claims.
Bobby Brown is saying that the Washington DC radio station that claimed to bail him out of jail last week is lying. Brown’s lawyer says she spoke with Hot 99.5 about the deal but “they never paid a penny” and that Brown’s brother is the one who footed the bill.
Blues Traveler front man John Popper and a friend were arrested in Washington State, where he lives, on March 6th for speeding. While searching his car, officers found a small quantity of marijuana and multiple hidden compartments which held a total of 14 weapons including rifles, handguns, a taser, a switchblade knife and night-vision goggles. Popper told the officers that he had these items in case of a natural disaster he did not want to be left behind.

Celebrity News
Lane Garrison of “Prison Break” was charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection to the fatal car crash in December that left one of his teenage passengers dead. On March 8th Garrison appeared in court but did not enter a plea. Afterwards he surrendered to authorities at the Beverly Hills Police Station. If convicted he faces 6 years in prison.
Nicole Richie was rushed to the hospital on March 2nd for dehydration while filming her TV show “The Simple Life”. She returned to work the next day.
On March 2nd, Elizabeth Hurley and businessman Arun Nayar surprised everyone by getting married a day before planned.

OPINION

2007-03-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

The Perfect Gift

By:Melissa Therrien

Editor: Toni Kelley

How many times have you heard the phrase, “I need the perfect gift?” Whether it is for a lover, friend or family member we are all looking for something to please them. Buying a gift entails a lot more than just simply going to a random store and buying the first item you see. Though, where do you start? Here are some tips to help you out.
Who am I buying a gift for?
Phase one is realizing who you are buying the gift for as well as what you know about this person. If you do not know the first thing about them, then it is best to ask someone close to that person for advice. If you wish to remain unnoticed, try observing their behavior and casually questioning those closest to them. Find out what they like, from their favorite color to their favorite animal (that alone could solve your problem so you know what to look for).
Personality
However, it does not stop there. Consider the personality of the person you are buying the gift for. Ask yourself questions such as:
Does he/she have a sense of humor?
Is he/she high maintenance?
Do they prefer practical things or do gifts have to have a special meaning?
Age
Age is another factor to consider. Am I buying chocolate for my grandmother who cannot eat it any more but I know she loves it? That could be considered torture to some degree, and why would you buy a four-year-old child a collection of the works of Shakespeare?
Gender
Then there is gender. At the risk of sounding discriminating both genders have a completely different idea about presents. Men would rather get tools and other practical utensils than a sweater. They care more about sports than cologne. But not all women enjoy getting perfume or clothing. Gift buying can be a variable mine field at times.
Culture
And never forget cultural differences. What seems harmless and nice in your culture can have a very different meaning in another. Take black cats for instance. In our society they are seen as bringers of bad luck whereas in the Sri Lankan culture they bring good luck. If someone from their culture were to give us a gift which represented that cat, they would be wishing you luck; instead we (those of us who are superstitious) would view it as if they were wishing us harm.

Where can I buy a gift?
Phase two is determining where you could possibly buy items which would be on their wish list. If you want to buy clothes why start at a supermarket? Get a global idea of what you want and where it can be found. It saves you time which might have otherwise been wasted by strolling around hoping to discover gold in the process.
See if there are specialized stores or perhaps, if you just want an item which goes with a shared memory between the two of you, a dollar store often offers a solution. A mall is handy because it offers a variety of stores all in the same location.
Then again, some people would be offended to receive presents bought in a dollar store, so you must never forget, phase one.
Why am I buying a gift?
It may seem obvious, but exactly for what purpose are you buying the gift? Is it for a birthday, or a holiday? Are you buying the gift to make up for what you have forgotten? Or are you just buying a gift just because?
If you are buying a gift for the holidays, such as Christmas, try to find out what they truly want (what their inner child wants). If you are trying to buy a gift to make up for a previous faux pas, you are really going to have to try to impress. Show them you truly know them and pay attention to the details. When you are buying a gift just for the fun of it, "who cares?" Just find something you think they will like and hope for the best.
Be careful with general presents that are perceived as 'safe' when one has no clue what to get. Proceed cautiously, for others may not share the same view as you.
Money, for example, often comes across as being very impersonal. Though it is easy and often avoids having to waste time on finding a gift that would be suited, it is far from the ideal gift. Truth be told, I would not mind getting money, but it shows many things which people often do not realize. For one thing, it shows that the person giving the money either does not know the first thing about you, or you are so unimportant they did not bother to find the time to at least try and get you a gift.
Yet in the hands of someone who needs the money this could be a blessing. And, when you encounter those people who would rather shop for themselves than receive presents, money would be perfect. That is why it is so important to know who you are dealing with and why you are buying them a gift.
4. Personal limitations. Money
Do not forget to consider your own limitations, such as price. We do not all have a lot of money to spend. Thus, keep in mind just how much you can and are willing to spend. I have seen a lot of people go into debt just to finance the presents they buy. I find that not only unimaginable but also impractical. Why not just buy what you can afford? The argument is that you can repay it over the following months, but what harm could it do to save in advance or buy presents more in your price range? Because, though it may seem you can just borrow money and repay it later; reality shows all too often that people spiral down a hole they cannot climb out of.
Time and transportation
Now, another very prominent limitation is time. Where do we find the time to go search for a present? Most of us have busy lives already so we cannot just take a day off to hang around in hopes of finding something. It is a waste of time. We must develop a strategy so we can fit it into our schedule, succeed and avoid having to dwell any more on getting gifts. Try the mall. Malls are wonderful things, they have a diversity of stores all molded in one location. It is one-stop-shopping. If they are too busy for you, try to go early in the morning when very few people are there.
The final obstacle is transportation. Though it may strike you as slightly odd that I am mentioning this, not everyone is as mobile as we think. I do not solely mean the elderly, children, or, the disadvantaged. What about those without a driver's license? Getting everywhere through public services is tiring and extremely time consuming. The problem with that is that it also means you have to adapt what you want to do so that it fits into the schedule of others.
Do not fret. There is a perfect present out there for everyone. Sometimes one finds what one seeks in the most unexpected of places. If people truly care, they will appreciate the gift because of the thought behind it, not what it is. And just being there for loved ones is the greatest present of all, even with little things such as showing up to a friend's baseball game.
You can have all the diamonds in the world and you will still be lonely. For true friendship and love cannot be bought.

Life is like that

2007-03-10T01:55:00.000-08:00

LIFE AND TIMES

By: Rupali Sinha

Editor: Toni Kelley

Coming to think of it, this happened so many years ago that I don't even remember the name of the person or whether she is still alive or not .But, that ten minute news clipping seen many years ago is still etched in my memory. The flashes of an old haggard female sitting in a wheelchair because both of her legs were severed in an accident are still vivid in my mind. In the background, some reporter was narrating her life story. Widowed early in life, poor and illiterate she had herself and four more mouths to feed. An accident crippled her ,but, undaunted she fought back .Doing odd jobs she managed to keep the family together and somehow with great difficulty married off her two daughters. All her children are well settled, however, she is on the road again. None of her children want her. Alone and old she again fought back and preserving her dignity makes ends meet by selling tobacco products.
Not a single tear dropped from her eyes while she talked to the camera. But, I still remember that vacant and daring look in her eyes. Over the years I have often thought of her and wondered "why?" I have yet to receive my answer.

Life & U

2007-03-10T01:51:00.000-08:00

Developing a Study Pattern

By : Angela Linton

Editor: Toni Kelley

You know, often times we excel in whatever hobbies we pursue. While on the other hand, we struggle in developing a study pattern that produces results.
Whenever we fail at passing our exams, we tend to beat ourselves over the head, as we wonder what we are doing wrong. Sometimes it is just a matter of implementing the same principles and techniques we follow in performing our hobbies. With that being the case, let us take a look at a few of the positive things that we do in our hobbies that we can carry over into developing a study pattern.
A Study Partner
For many, a partner has proven to be a vital part of succeeding at any hobby. Therefore, having a study partner will be helpful.
Look for a person who is taking the same subject(s) that you are. In addition to that, it is also a good idea to choose someone who is serious about studying. Do not just settle for a study partner who has only one of those requirements. Both are vital to your success.
When you have a study partner who is taking the same subject(s) that you are, he/she will be faced with the same topics that the teacher will put forth; therefore there will be more of an understanding as to what you are dealing with. As for having someone who is serious about studying, well, that speaks for itself. Your aim is to study because your goal is to succeed in your courses.
I would also like to add that you should choose someone with whom you are comfortable. You need to be able to say to this person, "I am still having some trouble with this topic; I’d like us to go through it once more."

Have a Guideline
It is highly beneficial for you and your study partner to set up a study guideline that both of you are comfortable with. Set specific guidelines. For example, do not just say you will be studying Mathematics the next time you meet. Instead, have a guideline that says on Tuesday we will study division.
Also, please do not try to cover everything all at once. For example, if you are struggling with simultaneous equations in Mathematics tackle that; do not try to tackle that and something else at the same time.
It is also reasonable to give your study partner and yourself an adequate amount of time to understand what you are studying. That is, do not study a topic for only a few hours and then give up, saying that it is too hard for you to understand.
Meet Regularly
Set aside a regular time for you and your study partner to study. You know the saying about practice makes perfect, well it will come into play here. For example, if you are learning how to swim and you can only go to swimming lessons once a month then it will take a bit longer for you to learn how to swim than if you were able to attend lessons four times a month. Therefore, the more often you and your study partner meet to study, the better and quicker you will be able to reach your goal.

HollyWood Gossip

2007-03-10T01:42:00.000-08:00

HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

By: Vanessa Grassi

Anna Nicole Smith Update

After a Florida appeals court upheld the decision to allow Smith’s body to be buried in the Bahamas, Smith’s estranged mother, Virgie Arthur, dropped her case for control of her daughter’s body.
Both Virgie Arthur and possible baby-daddy, Larry Birkhead, have been allowed to visit 5-month-old Dannielynn for the first time this week at Horizons, the Bahamian oceanfront estate Smith lived in and partner Howard K. Stern is currently residing.
The owners of Horizons are putting the property up for sale for a reported $10 million. It was purchased last October by Smith’s ex-boyfriend, South Carolina real estate mogul, G. Ben Thompson for $950,000.
Anna Nicole Smith’s funeral is set for March 2nd in the Bahamas. Services will be closed to the public, “over the top”, with lots of pink flowers, and Smith will be in a custom-made gown. About 300 guests will be allowed at the church, only 30 at the burial. It is currently unknown if it will be open casket or not.

Celebrity Arrests

Singer Bobby Brown was arrested in Massachusetts on February 25th at his daughter’s cheerleading competition for failing to appear at a child support hearing in October. Brown owes $19,100 in back support payments to Kim Ward, mother of two of his teenage children. After spending three nights in the Norfolk County Jail, Brown was released on the 28th after a Washington D.C. radio station paid the support and court fees with the agreement that Brown would work for them for one week.
On February 27th Paris Hilton was pulled over for speeding down Sunset Blvd without headlights on. Once she was stopped it was discovered that she was driving with a suspended license, she was arrested and her Bentley impounded. Driving with a suspended license is a violation of Hilton’s probation and could land her in jail for up to 90 days.

Celebrity News

The Van Halen reunion tour has been cancelled; some sources are saying that money is the issue. Also it is rumored that none of the Van Halens will be in attendance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, only David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and former bassist Michael Anthony will attend.
Britney Spears had some visitors at rehab this past weekend. Kevin Federline, their two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and her mother Lynne visited her at Promises in Malibu. Sources say that doctors at Britney’s rehab facility believe she may be suffering from post-partum depression and that her drinking is how she is coping with a bigger problem. Spears was allowed to leave Promises briefly to attend an AA meeting with her assistant, but then returned afterwards.
“Studio 60” actress Amanda Peet and her husband, screenwriter David Benioff, welcomed a baby girl, Frances Pen.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have filed papers to adopt a boy from an orphanage in Vietnam.
Singer Charlotte Church and her rugby star boyfriend, Gavin Henson, are expecting a baby.

2007-02-27T00:56:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Gossip

By: Vanessa grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

Ray Liotta crashed his silver Cadillac Escalade on February 17 th into two parked cars before being arrested for driving under the influence of something other than alcohol.
After supposedly breaking up a few weeks ago, Owen Wilson flew to Australia to spend Valentine's Day with Kate Hudson where she is currently filming a movie.
Nicole Richie entered a plea of not guilty to a DUI charge incurred from her December 11 th arrest for driving the wrong way on a California freeway.
James Brown's body will finally be laid to rest. His partner and six adult children have agreed on an undisclosed location for the burial. Brown died on Christmas day 2006.

Anna Nicole Smith Update

Shane Gibson, the Bahamas Immigration Minister who granted Anna Nicole Smith residency, resigned on February 18 th. Speculation increased that he gave Smith preferential treatment after photos emerged of them in an embrace, forcing Gibson to resign, although he claims no wrong doing. Video footage from a West Hollywood gay bar in 2005 shows Smith with the doctor who prescribed her methadone under a known alias while she was 8 months pregnant. The footage displays a shirtless Dr. Sandeep Kapoor groping and licking Smith while Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern look on. Finally, on February 22 nd, Judge Larry Seidlin in Florida ruled that attorney Richard Milstein, the court appointed guardian of 5-month-old Dannielynn would receive the body of Smith and determine her burial site as Dannielynn is Smith's only surviving next of kin. An emotional Seidlin recommended that Smith be buried in the Bahamas saying he wants her and her son, Daniel, to be together. Milstein announced that Smith will be buried alongside her son in the Bahamas. Smith's long estranged mother, Virgie Arthur, plans to challenge this in court as she wants Smith to be buried in Texas.

A Long, Strange Trip for Britney Spears

Last week, Britney Spears entered a rehab facility in Antigua and checked herself out the following day. Rumors state that afterwards her estranged husband, Kevin Federline, told her he was going to test her hair for drugs which then lead to her showing up at a salon in California on Friday the 16th and shaving her head, followed by a trip to a tattoo parlor. The following day Spears' mom was seen arriving at the airport from Louisiana. After a weekend of partying in a wig, Spears checked into Promises treatment center in Malibu on February 20th, but, checked herself out in less than 24 hours. With her credit cards placed on hold, she stayed at the Hotel Bel Air which said she could stay only one night. Meanwhile, Federline's attorney scheduled an emergency court hearing for February 22nd allegedly regarding full custody of their two sons, but cancelled at the last minute when Spears' mother drove her to Promises to re-enter rehab. Federline has had custody of the children since last week and will continue to do so during Spears' inpatient rehab program which is supposed to last between 30-45 days.

Hollywood Babies

"Desperate Housewives" star Macia Cross gave birth to fraternal twin girls, Eden and Savannah on February 20th at a Los Angeles hospital. They are the first children for Cross and her husband Tom Mahoney who married in 2006.
Country singer Brad Paisley and his wife actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley welcomed a baby boy on February 22 nd in Nashville.
Actress Bridget Moynahan is three months pregnant with ex-boyfriend Tom Brady's baby. The NFL quarterback is currently dating supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

HollyWood Gossip

2007-02-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Romance

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Sarah Mulder

• Radio "shock jock" Howard Stern proposed to his longtime girlfriend, model Beth Ostrosky. It will be his second marriage and her first. Stern states they will have a long engagement.
• Actress Keri Russell and her fiancée, Shane Deary, married on Valentine's Day in New York City in an intimate ceremony of about a dozen people. Their first child is due this spring.
• Rumors are circulating that Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler are rekindling their romance after being seen cuddling together at Barker's Famous Stars and Straps Fashion Showcase at Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas.

Anna Nicole Smith Update

• Prince Frederic von Anhalt, husband of Zsa Zsa Gabor, filed papers to establish paternity of Smith's 5-month-old daughter Dannielynn, claiming they had a relationship for ten years.
• Smith's personal physician prescribed her methadone under a known alias while she was eight months pregnant.
• Smith's estranged mother Virgie Arthur has flown to the Bahamas to fight for custody of Dannielynn and has been granted an injunction preventing Smith's partner, Howard K. Stern, from removing the child from the Bahamas.
• Arthur and Stern are battling over rights to Smith's body that has now been released for embalming. A Florida judge will not release the body to either party until determining next of kin. Stern states Smith would want to be buried in the Bahamas next to her son Daniel, while Arthur wants to bring Smith's body back to Texas.
• Stern is the executor of Smith's will that was written before Daniel's death and listed Daniel as her sole heir.
• A former nanny filed an affidavit in December stating she was order to underfeed Dannielynn to make sure the baby was "sexy" and that during her brief employment Smith attempted suicide on two separate occasions.

Entertainment News

• In an acrimonious statement Chris Cornell has quit Audioslave, claiming "irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences." The split was not unexpected as the rest of the band is reuniting with Zack de la Rocha to resurrect Rage Against the Machine for a California music festival.
• "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan pleaded guilty this week to misdemeanor DUI charges after being arrested November 28th for drunk driving. This is his second drunk driving arrest.
• Beyonce will be the first non-model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition.
• British pop star Robbie Williams checked into a US rehab for prescription drug addiction. He had previously been treated for drug addiction in the 90s.
• Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's Hollywood Hills mansion was robbed over the weekend. The singers were not home at the time and an unspecified amount of money had been taken.

OPINION

2007-02-25T00:33:00.000-08:00

Life is Too Precious

By: Drea Jacobs

Editor: Sarah Mulder

It may seem like forever since I’ve written anything in the past couple of weeks, whether it was homework, a decent article, etc. A lot has taken course recently in my life. I may have had one of the most scariest times of my life. I really don't want to go into too much depth with it, but just know that whatever it was that helped me experience the scare will not happen again-- if I have anything to with it.
A lot has also happened in the media world-- Anna Nicole Smith, the Grammys. What is this world coming into when a well-known celebrity such as Anna Nicole Smith is met with such an early death? Personally speaking, I liked her as a celebrity. She really didn't seem to have bothered anyone. She just did her own thing and I think that was what I liked about her. It's like you knew who she was, she was there in the spotlight, but you really didn't hear too much about her up until the timing of her death. I don't know, I guess I was just shocked. That goes to show you that life is way too precious to waste and you should live it like it’s your last. I think if she knew that on the day of her death that she would be gone, I believe that she would have used very wisely.

Music World & U

2007-02-25T00:28:00.000-08:00

The delectable Chris Cornell has announced that he has quit Audioslave.

By: Kylie Watts

Editor: Toni Kelley

The former front man for Soundgarden formed Audioslave in 2001 with former Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford. The band's self-titled first album (and their best in my opinion) was well received, selling 3.2 million copies. Despite being solid offerings, their subsequent albums weren't as popular, selling 1 million 400,000 copies respectively.

Chris Cornell is releasing his second solo album on May 1, 2007 entitled "Carry On". He released his first solo album "Euphoria Morning" in 1999 after Soundgarden broke up.

The break up of Audioslave doesn't come as a big surprise. There have been rumors for a while that the band would break up due to tensions within. Cornell has said that the band is more like a sociology experiment, due to the band member’s rather complex relationships with each other.

Tom, Brad and Tim have reunited with former Rage Against the Machine front man Zach De La Roche to resurrect the band. Rage will play its first show in 7 years at the Coachella Music Festival. Whether the band will play on after this is unknown.

Cornell's solo album sounds interesting, and thankfully better than his first attempt. It will include "You Know My Name", the main title song from the movie Casino Royale as well as a cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean".

HollyWood Gossip

2007-02-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ryan O'Neal Arrested at His Malibu Home

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Sarah Mulder

Ryan O'Neal was arrested February 3rd and booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm against his son Griffin. O’Neal was released after posting $50,000 in bail.
According to sources, O’Neal returned from dinner late on February 2nd to find his son Redmond tethered to a staircase with handcuffs on his ankles. Griffin believed his brother had overdosed, called 911 and later tied him to prevent him from buying drugs. When the paramedics arrived, Redmond was awake and said he had been sleeping. The paramedics left. Law enforcement sources believe O’Neal initially began swinging the fireplace poker and struck Griffin's pregnant girlfriend before Griffin was able to wrestle the poker away from his father. Griffin and his girlfriend then left but returned and O’Neal fired a gunshot.
Sources claim that Redmond, whose mother is Farrah Fawcett, checked into rehab on February 5th.

Anna Nicole Smith Dead at 39

Anna Nicole Smith died on February 8th during a trip to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida with her partner Howard K. Stern. She had been suffering from flu-like symptoms and was found unconscious in her hotel room by her private nurse who called the hotel operator at 1:38pm EST. Smith's bodyguard performed CPR before paramedics arrived. One of the first paramedics to arrive claimed she was dead when he arrived.
Smith's 5-month-old daughter Dannielynn Hope is being cared for in the Bahamas where, per Bahamian law, Stern is now her legal guardian since he is listed as father on the birth certificate. Smith's death comes one day after an LA judge ordered her to submit Dannielynn to DNA testing. After news of her death, an emergency hearing was scheduled for February 9th regarding Dannielynn’s paternity. Smith's autopsy will be conducted this same day.
Hollywood Break-ups
• Kylie Minogue and her boyfriend of four years, actor Oliver Martinez, have ended their relationship. Rumors are that the "Unfaithful" actor was cheating on Minogue with actress Michelle Rodriguez who had previously been in a lesbian relationship.
• Actor Ryan Reynolds and on-again off-again fiancée Alanis Morissette have broken up.
• According to her publicist, actress Mischa Barton and Cisco Adler have decided to part ways due to their demanding schedules and Barton's relocation to the East Coast.

Hollywood News

• On February 6th a judge issued a warrant for Daniel Baldwin's arrest after he failed to show in Orange County Superior Court in California on stolen car charges from last November. Baldwin is currently in Detroit shooting a movie titled "Little Red Devil".
• Charlize Theron is being sued by watchmaker Raymond Weil for breach of contract. Her contract states she is to wear only Weil watches in public.
• David Lee Roth is officially returning as lead singer for Van Halen. The band is planning a summer tour in most major US cities. The band will include new bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's 15-year-old son.
• Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey and his wife Jillian welcomed twin boys, Sullivan and Darby, to their family that also includes their 5-year-old daughter Talula.

Music World & U

2007-02-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Clippings

By:Kylie Watts

Editor: Toni Kelly

Ok! Go has the distinction of making my favorite music video of 2006. The film clip of their synchronized treadmill dancing is nothing short of brilliant. It was on the strength of the song 'Here It Goes Again' and this film clip that I purchased the bands second album, Oh No. I was afraid that the album might be a bit gimmicky or even worse, fail to live up to the high expectations set as a result of 'Here It Goes Again'. Thankfully, the album is neither of these things. Instead it is an infectious and fun pop rock album. The sound is a little raw but still forceful, with great hooks to reel you in. From the first track, 'Invincible' to the last track 'The House Wins' the album is engaging and eminently listenable (is that a word?). The first three tracks are fun enough and will have you tapping your toes. But, it’s the tracks that come after this that really impress. From 'A Good Idea at the Time' through to ‘Maybe This Time', Ok Go really shines while at the same time, showing what they can do. There are smooth bluesy sounds, dance beats and soaring falsetto's that prove this is no 'song writing by numbers' kind of band. Considering a lot of successful bands seem to only have one kind of song (hello Evanescence and Nickelback), it's refreshing to hear a band with real depth. There's no track on this album that instantly jumps out as my favorite. I can't say I prefer the almost Dandy Warhol sound of 'Maybe This Time' to the bluesy 'No Sign of Life' or the sunny 'Here It Goes Again'. Instead, I will say, it’s an album packed with solid songs that will keep you interested from start to finish.

Personal Investments

2007-02-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

Term Insurance vs. Permanent Cash Value Life Insurance

By: Tatiana MacGarry

Term life insurance, or term insurance, is life insurance which covers the bearer for a specified period of time, or term. A term can be virtually any length of time, but typically, term insurance policies are designed to be held for periods of five to thirty years. If the bearer dies during the policy term, a death penalty is paid. These policies can be held for short periods of time or renewed into old age. Their extreme range and versatility makes them a good choice for almost any insurance candidate.
Permanent Cash Value Insurance
Permanent, or “cash value” life insurance is nothing more than term insurance combined with a tax-sheltered savings plan. These insurance plans should be held for life. You pay a higher premium for these plans than for term insurance policies, because a portion of your premiums goes into a savings account. However, accessing funds from this account before your death can be difficult, and usually results in heavy tax penalties, so it might be wiser to buy term insurance and invest whatever additional money you would have spent on a cash value insurance premium elsewhere.
Insurance agents can be very savvy when trying to get you to purchase a cash value policy over term insurance, stressing that these more expensive policies “always pay out.” Well, term insurance always pays out as well—if you continue to renew it at higher premiums as you age—premiums you would be paying anyway with a cash value policy.
Guaranteed Renewable Term Insurance
The option to renew your term insurance without a medical exam is probably the most important factor in choosing a policy. Those who do not consider this component before purchasing life insurance could very well find themselves in undesirable situations. If, for instance, a person were to contract a terminal disease in the 9th year of a 10 year policy in which renewal without a medical exam was not guaranteed, they would be considered uninsurable once the policy expired. No one would sell them another policy, and all the money they had spent on life insurance would have been wasted. This is obviously something to be avoided, so be sure to talk to your agent and read the fine print before purchasing a policy.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-02-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

Paris Hilton Files Federal Lawsuit to Shut Down Web Site

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Sarah Mulder

Paris Hilton filed a Federal lawsuit against ParisExposed.com, a subscription web site that includes sex photos and videos, sensitive medical records, diary entries and audiotapes of her conversations. Everything was stored by Hilton at a warehouse and purchased at a foreclosure auction for $2,775 after the storage bill went unpaid. The contents were then sold to Bardia Persa for $10 million who allegedly created the web site. Lawyers for Hilton are calling this "one of the most reprehensible invasions of privacy every committed."

Hollywood News

Angelina Jolie's mother, Marcheline Bertrand passed away after a long battle with ovarian cancer on January 27th. The former actress and model reportedly died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
According to Star Magazine, Kevin Federline turned down a $25 million divorce settlement from Britney Spears. The settlement allegedly stipulated that he would not continue for custody of their two children; which he refused to do.
Brandy has been sued for $50 million by the parents of the woman killed in the car crash Brandy was involved in. Authorities have recommended that Brandy be charged with a misdemeanor of vehicular manslaughter.
Jennifer Anniston had a nose job on January 20th by the same plastic surgeon that reportedly did Ashlee Simpson's nose.
Anne Heche split from her husband of five years, Coley Laffoon. They have a four-year-old son, Homer. Rumors are swirling that Heche is now romantically involved with her "Men In Trees" co-star James Tupper.

News on "Prison Break" Star's December Crash

Blood tests reveal that Lane Garrison, 26, of "Prison Break" had more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system and was under the influence of cocaine during the fatal car crash. Garrison's Land Rover jumped a curb and struck a tree on December 2nd, killing a 17-year-old boy and injuring two 15-year-old girls who were also in the vehicle.
A spokesman for the Beverly Hills Police Department stated the department recommended the Los Angeles County District Attorney file a felony charge of gross vehicular manslaughter.

Story

2007-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

The Shuttle Train (Short story)

By:V Bright S

I was waiting at the railway station, a wetty, cloudy, smoggy day. Smoking a thick cigar and wearing a long coat and a thick cap I stood looking at the light post.
“ You are here quite long time I suppose” a female voice.
I turned back, wearing a knee length black suit and tilted hat a sweet woman. Any one will like her, if look at her lovely blue eyes.
“ No, just less than fifteen minutes” I
“ I feel I missed the train to Empire,” she said.
Empire: an industrial town of the country. Thickly populated, educated and the most skilled people travels from different places to here in the early morning in the crowdie shuttle train.
“ I too waiting for the same train “ I said.
“ Thank God, I didn’t miss the train I suppose, in fact I was running” She
Leaving her heavy brief case on the platform, she opened her handbag and dug out a small had mirror and a lipstick, started applying on her lovely lips.
“ I was in hurry” again she said.
“Without this Yu are beautiful,” I said.
“ I am flattered’ she.
“ Thank you for your complements”
Widening her lips she smiled, then I felt, her lips got a form of magnetic power.
“What do you do?” She asked me.
“ I am an engineer” I
“ Engineering is a prestigious profession”
Once I wanted to be, But I lost that tempo” she.
“ Where to?” I
“ My husband is in Metropolitan. I visit now and then” she
“ Now and then? Are you still not married?” I
“ Yae, but we are not very close”
“ Husband and wife are the closest people have I ever seen” I
“ May be, but there is a cliff between us, you can say a form of apathy” She added, looking away at the light post, shining its red eye.
“ Care, it has to come from ones own heart” I added.
“ Anyhow, my life is a shuttle service, the concept of care I never seen I our relation, instead, we are just pulling the cart” she.
“ Compromise is good and he may love you more than you realize” I
“ If it was there, I would have saved the train fare” she
“ Didn’t you file for divorce?’ Again I asked
“ No’ she said…
“ But you love him” I
“ Yes, so long as this shuttle train takes me unto there” she
“ You didn’t say where he works” I
“ He is in merino hospital” she
The Merino, it shocked me.
I too was going there. But I didn’t say. Instead, I hid my surprise with a smile, then bit the cigar, took a puff.
“ The merino, admits mental patients. I suppose,” I said.
“ Your husband must be a doctor,” I added after a pause.
She went silent, and then changed the subject.
“ Where are you to?”
She asked me
“ The same place, my wife is there” I
“ Oh!” I got a company; I am scared of going there. I am sure she must be a doctor.
“ Medical profession ids a noble profession” She said again.
But it didn’t excite me.
The train arrived from far, and stopped in front of us with a hiss.
Both of us got into different compartments.
After a week, I met her, at the corridor of the hospital The Merino. Then she was pushing a man in a wheel chair.
An unexpected encounter!
She turned her face away and hid tears.
“ See, you are not alone in this world” I tried to console her.
Without saying anything, she pushed the wheel chair through the corridor
Then, the man in the wheel chair was talking to the nearest pillar and laughing louder.
Nearby, another woman was standing. My wife. She was talking to the lamppost in the garden and crying.
V BRIGHT SAIGAL 6th June 2006.

Health & U

2007-02-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Human genome facts

By: Cm_a

Editor: Sarah Mulder
98% of genes of men and sheep are same
Men share half of his genes with a banana
It is predicted that man has far fewer genes
Few diseases in the human being directly relate to a fault of a particular gene
For the first time in four billion years, man has read his own genetic recipe
This incident has brought much closer the prospect of truly curing cancer preventing Alzhemer's disease and depression
If parents suffer from any genetically transferable diseases like Huntingdon's disease, pre-implantation of genetic diagonisis can prevent gene mutation,
Children have a 50% chance suffering from these diseases if the parents have it already

Hollywood Gossip

2007-01-28T04:30:00.000-08:00

Hollywood News

By: Vanesa Grassi

Editor: Sarah Mulder

• Mama and the Papas singer Denny Doherty died from an undisclosed illness at his home outside Toronto on January 19th. He was 66.
• Former "Felicity" star Keri Russell and her fiancé Shane Deary are expecting their first baby this summer.
• Jenna Elfman and actor husband Bodhi are expecting their first child. They have been married for sixteen years.
• Cameron Diaz has been spending a lot of time with surf champion Kelly Slater in Hawaii. She has also been staying at his home.
• Britney Spears announced to the paparazzi that she and her latest boyfriend Isaac Cohan are over.
• Close sources say actress Mandy Moore and DJ AM – Nicole Richie's ex—are a couple.

Brandy Involved in Fatal Car Crash

On December 30th at 10:30 a.m. R&B singer Brandy was involved in a fatal car crash on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. Brandy was driving her 2007 Land Rover at 65 mph when the traffic slowed considerably and she struck a 2005 Toyota that hit a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Toyota then slid sideways and hit the divider, as it came to a stop it was hit by a 1988 Acura. The driver of the 2005 Toyota, Awatef Aboudihaj, a married mother of one, was taken to the hospital and died the next day.

Celebrity Trouble

• Deadline for paternity testing for Anna Nicole Smith's daughter was January 23rd. Smith's lawyers were in court that morning to block the test. The judge granted a stay pending a February 7th hearing.
• On January 22nd Paris Hilton pled no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving for her DUI arrest on September 7th. She was placed on a 36 month probation, must pay fines totaling $1450 and attend an alcohol education program.
• Mike Tyson pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of drug possession and two misdemeanor charges of DUI even though he reportedly confessed to the crimes during the arrest per the police report.

Child & U

2007-01-26T04:46:00.000-08:00

Help In Preventing Kidnapping

By: Angela Linton

Editor: Toni Kelley

The fear of our child or children disappearing one day lives with us all. With that being expressed, there are several things that we as parents and protectors can do to help in the prevention of our children becoming kidnapped. In this article I will discuss three things.
Keep Them Close
Our homes should be the safest place for our children. Nevertheless, disturbingly, our children are sometimes snatched from inside of our homes. After burglar proofing, we should also keep our children close to us inside our homes. For example, if you and your four-year-old child are alone at home and you need to take a shower, take your child with you. Let him or her sit at the slightly opened bathroom door and play. Also, during the night, when you get up to use the washroom, peep in on your kids to make sure that all is well.
Door To Door Companion
Let's no longer allow our children to go door to door for sponsorship or any other reason without a trustworthy adult. We may see our neighbors on a daily basis but, unless you have developed a personal friendship with that neighbor, he or she is still a stranger to you. Let's continue to teach our children to be polite to our neighbors, while at the same time reinforcing that they should not enter their homes, their vehicles or even accept a snack from them. That is, without you or someone you trust being present. Kidnappers use their consistent presence around the neighborhood to deceive us into thinking that we know them.
Don't Let Go
Many of our children disappear while riding their bicycles. One way to help in preventing this from happening is to teach our children to hold on tightly to their bicycles if someone tries to pull them off of it. It will take up too much of the Kidnapper(s) time to wrestle with your child and the bicycle. Time is a vital factor for a kidnapper. Also, encourage your child to cry out for help even if they cannot see anyone in sight.
Let's never become discouraged as we do everything possible to keep our children and ourselves safe

OPINION

2007-01-25T03:51:00.000-08:00

Writing

By:Drea Jacobs

Editor;Toni Kelley

Writing is a very special and wonderful craft that brings words together to form exquisite sentences. Writing has been present in my life ever since I can remember. I started writing stories and poetry when I was fifteen and I've been writing continuously ever since. The other day, I was at work and the day wasn't going too well. So, to make a long story short, I was thinking about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life as far as a career is concerned. I would love to be a writer for a well known magazine. I am presently in school studying writing and I know that I'm going to have to put in many more years to perfect and better my writing. But, right now I really don't mind the many years of schooling to obtain this career anything is better than what I'm doing now. I hope to pursue and achieve this dream. Being able to write for V Bright has helped me tremendously as well as preparing me for the real thing. Now, getting back to writing; writing helps me in numerous ways. It's quite therapeutic, rewarding, and it's just all around delightful. Sit one day if you have some time on your hands and think of your favorite word or a favorite location and do a free write on your topic of choice. Give it a go; you'll be surprised what you might come up with.

Today's Talk

2007-01-25T03:36:00.000-08:00

By: Ian

Editor: Sarah Mulder

On August 15, 2006 I woke up around eight o'clock in the morning. Considering my activities the night before, 8 a.m. is very early. The night before included multiple less than couth decisions on the behalf of my friends and a midnight run to the local Taco Bell (a full twenty minute drive from my hometown). I had to drive as I did not partake in the uncouth activities.
Why wake up so early? A summer tradition awaited us, and we could not be late. Holiday World beckoned -- and so we traveled.
However, Holiday World isn't the important part. The important part is what happened when I awoke that morning as I lay there, one part of a five body collage on my friend's bedroom floor. I saw something that morning when I awoke that embodied everything I had felt during the summer. I saw the face of my friend's younger brother staring at us through the open door. He prepared for his second day of his first year of high school. Toothpaste dribbled down his chin as his eyes stared and said in confusion: "On a school night?" I realized at that moment I was not a student of any institution. I had for three months been without a moniker. No longer could I call myself a student. In a couple of weeks I would attend Hanover College and be a student once again. Yet, in the intermittent time between high school and college, I had lost such a title.
In other summers the student title had stayed with me; the summer only broke up the time where I would actively participate as a student. Throughout the whole summer I had floated in limbo. I was a floater. I didn't have a real job. I just drifted, waiting for school. I thought about how cool that seemed, but then again I really wanted to move on. I went on to realize that everything I had done throughout the summer was to get closer to school. I read the required reading, I posted on the on-line forums, I contacted teachers, I checked for updates almost every day and I even went so far as to reach out to the editor of this paper. So, I sit now and write to hopefully distract me from my wait. I am trying to swim, but I am supposed to float. It's like the lazy river at Holiday World. As soon as I try to get a little bit active the somewhat attractive lifeguard blows her whistle on me.
I got over the whole feeling and brushed it off as ridiculous in a matter of seconds. We went on to cause a complete ruckus at Holiday World. If you know not of Holiday World, it is a simple wonderland with free soda pop, roller coasters with the W.A.S.P.iest of holiday themes and a quaint water park. We traveled to Holiday World as one last friendly adventure before our collegiate departures. And so in the following days my friends all settled in to whatever college they would call home for the next year. They left me, still floating and waiting for my chance – because, as we all know, Hanover starts just a little bit later than the rest.
Now, I leave for school in three days and can see the end of the lazy river. I hope some freshman can relate. Let us enjoy the rest of the day. I am Ian McCabe and for the last three months I have been, just a person.

Child & U

2007-01-21T01:23:00.000-08:00

How To Become Our Kid’s Best Friend

By: Angela M. Linton

Editor: Sarah Mulder

As parents we desire to be closer to our children than we presently are. Our children live in the same house as we do, day in and day out. Yet, we are closer to our co-workers than we are to our kids. Many, many of our kids are deeply hurting and we do not know how to reach them. What can we do to ease their pains? How can we share in their joys? How can we become our children's best friend?
The present age of our child/children is not of great importance. It is important to understand that becoming our children's best friend will not suddenly happen. This process takes time and work on our part. It will take work on their part as well, but first we will work on our part, that is, the parent's part.
There is not a timer on the length of time that it will take to become our children's best friend. So we should not place a timer on it either. They are our children; we can never stop seeking the best for them. Keeping this in mind, I have three ideas to put forth.
Leave Out Comparison
Though well-known, it is crucial not compare our kids to other kids. I am not just talking about saying things like, "Why can't you be more like…", though we should not practice that technique either.
I am referring to the kind of thinking a parent may encounter such as, "Paul or Jenny is so smart or well behave, why can't my child be like that?" The problem with us, as parents, thinking these things is that sooner or later we will start treating our kids as though they were the worse children on the earth.
Let us admire the beauty that we see in other kids, but let us also admire the beauty in our own children. Appreciate their beauty and build on it. Build on that beauty with every contact that you have with your child.
Be Supportive
When I say to be supportive, I am not talking about agreeing with everything that children say. Rather, I mean to become a person that they can count on. Let me give an example.
One day, for the first time in maybe three years of attending school, your child called you at home. You are at home because it was your day off. Your child said, "… I forgot my gym clothes, can you bring it to school for me?" In this case, let us not give them a lecture. Let us not say to them that our other plans are more important to us that they are. Instead, let's say, "I'll be there before you know it."
Give them Space
As parents, give our children room to be by themselves. If they are doing the dishes, let us not hang around the kitchen to help out, nor to make sure that it has been done our way. Leave them to do the dishes.
If your children are hurting emotionally for one reason or the other, let them hurt. Let us not encourage them to bury their pain by forcing them into a festive activity. What we can do instead is to let them know we are available to listen if they want to talk.
Many more things can be done to become our children's best friends. Your children are worth it, so let's work on it.

2007-01-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

This Week in Music

By:Kylie Watts

Editor: Joseph Dargay

People’s Choice Awards Wrap-Up

On January 9th, the 33rd Annual People’s Choice Awards were hosted by Queen Latifah. The People’s Choice Awards honor Movie, TV and Music artists. The award winners, as the title suggests, are decided by the public rather than a committee or an academy. So the winners aren’t necessarily one’s you’ll see winning Oscars, Emmy’s or Grammy’s this year. But even though the awards don’t carry the same clout of a Grammy, they’re sure a lot of fun.
The celebrities were out in force for the event, and many took the opportunity to poke fun at Britney Spears. Award winners Halle Berry and Jenifer Aniston, both in short and tiny dresses, made it know in their acceptance speeches that they were, in fact, wearing underwear. Even Robin Williams joined in, saying, “Britney—underwear—remember that.”
Musical winners of the night:
Female singer—Carrie Underwood
Male singer—Kenny Chesney
Group—Nickleback
Pop song—Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira
Rock song—Who Says You Can’t Go Home by Bon Jovi
R&B song—Sexyback by Justin Timberlake
Hip-Hop song—Shake That by Eminem
Favorite Movie Song—Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts, from the movie Cars.
Favorite Remake—Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts.
Britney Spears
Things haven’t been going so well for Britney Spears, lately. First, the pictures of her partying in miniskirts without underwear—for which Spears apologized to her fans on her website last year. This week it was announced that her largest fansite, World of Britney, is closing because the site’s founder is unhappy with the way she has been portraying herself. Britney left a message for fans on her website, admitting her behavior has been less than perfect, but she said that she’s now more mature and she pledged that she’d be back bigger and better than ever with a new album.
However, there is speculation that there may be trouble with her new album. Page Six is reporting that Britney’s record label, Jive Records, is unhappy with the tracks that she’s recorded so far and is insisting that the tracks be re-done. There’s talk that Jive is worried that Britney’s non-stop partying since her separation has alienated her fanbase and Jive is concerned that they may be spending money on an album that won’t sell.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see . . .

Science & life

2007-01-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

Science & life

By: Tatiana McGarry

Editor: Lanette Tyler

Physicists Jingquan Wei of Tsinghua University in China and Bingquig Wei of Louisiana State University are currently experimenting with prototypes for a new light bulb. These prototypes are single-walled nanotube (SWNT) bulbs.
In SWNT bulbs, the tungsten filaments of conventional incandescent light bulbs are replaced by carbon nanotube filaments. Carbon nanotubes are microscopic cylinders of carbon that have several remarkable properties, including extremely efficient energy conduction and extraordinary strength. The thickness of the tungsten filaments in conventional light bulbs generally varies across the length of the filament, resulting in "hot spots" which are prone to breakage. When the filament breaks, the light bulb burns out. Because of the cylindrical shape of carbon nanotubes, their filaments are much more uniform in thickness. This elimination of "hot spots" prone to breakage suggests that nanotubes could be used to develop a light bulb that would last almost indefinitely.
Furthermore, due to the efficient energy conduction of carbon nanotubes, SWNT bulbs emit more light per volt than their tungsten-filament counterparts, so an SWNT bulb uses less energy than a conventional light bulb of the same brightness.
Though more work needs to be done to perfect the design, scientists estimate that nanotube light bulbs could be available to the public within a few years.

Family & U

2007-01-16T05:01:00.000-08:00

Does Supermom Really Exist?

By : Sunday Schenck

Editor: Lanette Tyler

Beautiful in every way, with a body that could grace the cover of a fashion magazine, supermom is the ultimate woman. She is poised, well educated, and multilingual. Her children are always perfectly dressed and well mannered. Her house is perfectly arranged and immaculately clean. She has a prestigious career in which she continues to advance. She is always available for her children and volunteers regularly at the school and PTA. She is known for her extensive charity work. She handles the taxes and saves her family thousands of dollars per year. She is a mother and career woman by day and her husband's temptress by night. She is a loving daughter, sister and friend. Supermom is perfect, but does she exist?
With today's pressure on the family, there is even more pressure on women who feel that supermom exists to mold themselves into that ideal. Although I cannot speak for all women, I can draw from personal experience and say, candidly, that no, supermom does not exist. I am not saying women cannot and should not continually better themselves and their families, but I am saying that in trying to be everything to everyone the joy of life can be lost.
I am a thirty-something mother of five children, ranging in age from two to eleven years. I own my own business, am currently finishing my degree in accounting with a minor in English with a 3.9 GPA, do volunteer work, and have a wonderful marriage with a great husband. Even considering all of that, I find that I fall far short of the supermom ideal. Years ago I tried desperately to embody this picture of what I thought a woman should be, but somewhere between diapers and teacher conferences, I realized that it was not happening. My body is not going to be on the cover of any magazine, unless the title is along the lines of Get This Broad on a Diet Digest. My only claim to fame when it comes to speaking a different language is about three words of Spanish. If you were to visit my house without warning, you might think that the world wrestling federation had recently staged a match in my living room. My kids often sport smudged faces and sticky hair. Dirt and mud are their favorite playthings. My mother is convinced that I have abandoned her because I have not called in so long. I have only one friend and we usually talk on the phone instead of meeting in person because we cannot find babysitters. My situation is not completely ideal.
The funny thing about it is that I am happy. Everything in life is a tradeoff, and each woman must choose her own tradeoffs. My house does not have to be perfect, but my children do need to be a priority. Although I am trying to exercise regularly, I do not expect to be a supermodel. At some point, we must all accept the fact that no one is perfect. There is beauty in being content with prioritizing and fulfilling the important roles and letting the unimportant roles slide. Trying to fulfill the unimportant roles may be what is holding you back.
Perhaps there really is a supermom. She just she does not look, speak, or act the way we think. When I kiss my children goodnight and tuck them in bed, they do not care about my credentials and qualifications. My husband still thinks I am a hottie, and I have absolutely no intention of telling him otherwise. To my family, I already am supermom. Instead of aiming for an unrealistic and unattainable ideal, let's focus on the important things and find contentment doing the best we can with them. Supermom does exist. We just have to learn to recognize her.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-01-16T04:54:00.000-08:00

More Hollywood News

By: Vanessa Gracy

Editor: Toni Kelley

An amazing display of maturity on the part of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline as they have both agreed to temporary joint custody of their two sons for the month of January. Federline will be allowed to spend time with his sons on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon – 4pm at Britney's residence.
Former SNL cast member Chris Kattan and model Sunshine Tutt celebrated Christmas Eve with Kattan’s proposal of marriage to Tutt. They plan to marry next year.
Raging fires are the cause for Suzanne Somers' somber mood as her beachfront home was completely destroyed in a fast-moving fire that also engulfed several other multi-million dollar homes in Malibu.
Drew Barrymore and Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti have decided to call it quits on their four year relationship. The couple had been dating since April 2002.

Celebrity Awards

Kylie Minogue has been immortalized forever in a scented wax statue on display at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London. The wax is scented with Minogue's just released perfume "Darling". The pop star was also named Best Dressed by Glamour Magazine this week.
Not so “Hot” for Paris Hilton and Britney Spears as both women topped Mr. Blackwell's Worst-Dressed list.
This year's inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are Van Halen, REM, Grandmaster Flash, the Furious Five, the Ronettes, and Patti Smith.
A great start to the New Year for two time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank as she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 8, 2007.

Dita Von Teese Divorcing Marilyn Manson

Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese filed for divorce on December 29th from controversial rock-star Marilyn Manson. Teese is citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the break-up. Sources say she wanted to file before Christmas but was unable to get a hold of Manson to notify him. Another source claims that Manson's excessive drinking and his relationship with 19-year-old starlet Evan Rachel Wood is what caused the couple to split. Manson, 38, and Von Teese dated for seven years before marrying in December of 2005. While there were no children, it is rumored that the couple will be fighting for custody of their pets, 2 cats and 2 dogs, which Dita took when she moved out of their home.

Hollywood News

"Desperate Housewives" actress Marcia Cross has been ordered to bed rest by her obstetrician as a precautionary measure. The actress is expecting twins in April of this year. The remaining two episodes Cross was to film for the show before she left on maternity leave will now be filmed at her home.
Verne Troyer, "Mini-Me" from the "Austin Powers" movies, has checked into rehab for alcohol-related issues. This will be his second stint in rehab.
Brooke Burke gave birth to a bouncing baby girl, Heaven Rain Charvet. The father is "Baywatch" actor David Charvet. Burke also has two daughters with her former husband a plastic surgeon who has appeared on ABC's "Extreme Makeover".

Joke

2007-01-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

Today’s Joke:

By: V Bright Saigal

One fine morning, I had dialed up my girl friend; unfortunately her mother picked the receiver. In order to save myself, I said, ‘There is fire in my home’. ‘This is not the fire station’, her mother, then she angrily threw the receiver onto the receiver. Happily I returned to my work. After fifteen minutes, there was a siren in front of my gate. The fire engine already arrived and the firemen jumping out and searching for my home. It took half an hour to pacify them and send back. Again my phone rang, my girl friend’s mother ‘ How do you feel now? Don’t try to seduce my daughter again. ‘Her grueling voice from the other side’. I lost my words. V Bright Saigal. 3rd Feb.2006

Story

2007-01-13T01:25:00.000-08:00

A Delayed Spring (Story)

By: V Bright Saigal

I met this woman on a railway platform. Elegant, beautiful, blessed with melodious voice, I can enumerate, many of her qualities.

Hi, I greeted her.
Hi, how do you do? Lifted her goggles, she kept above her plaited hair. That brown shade lipstick, I felt matching her complexion.

‘Where are you from’? I implored.

‘Quite far off’, she said, as if she doesn’t have any specific destination.

‘I am from Nerula’, I said

‘Oh! I heard of it, one of the most populous cities, you must be a businessman’, she wondered.
‘No, I am a surgeon’
Oh! You don’t look like, dressing like a businessman.
I accepted the complements with a bit of conceit.
‘What do you do’? I,
‘ Business, I took a room in the nearest hotel, since five days I have been here, drop in sometime. She said. My room is 5 O 5.Hotel Nero’

Nero is a famous hotel.

‘Sure’, with a conceit, I got into my compartment, so did she. Sitting opposite to me, only we both, I was quite puzzled.
‘How many children do you have?’ I asked
‘None’, she said.
‘What about your husband?’ Again I

‘Left me, quite long ago, I am a loner’, looking at the horizon, she said

‘Why don’t you marry again?’ Again I

‘Sure, there is, there is a possibility, a marriage of conveniences’, hiding her wetty eyes with goggles, she whispered.
I kept silence for some time, while she was looking at the meadows through the window.

“Life takes us through different gullies, sometimes we may get injuries, deeper one will be in the heart” she added

‘ How is your wife and children?’ She asked me

‘I am a bachelor, where are you going now?’

I was curious

‘Nowhere, I travel now and then’

“Traveling is a good hobby and fascinating,” I said

“ There is nothing fascinating in my case, instead, I am running away from my life” she added

“Be patient, I said, who knows you won’t find someone good on your way!”

I encouraged

“It is fine like this”. She swept her nose.

“See, the Sun rise, every Sun rise is a promise of a new day” I said

She smiled

Then I offered her a flower, she accepted, the lips widened with a smile again, as if a new sunrise in her heart.
After three months we met again, not on the platform, but to share a wedding ring.
Then I heard a warble in her heart, as if a new spring arrived in her life.
V Bright Saigal
31st Jan.2006

Poem

2007-01-13T01:21:00.000-08:00

Poem
A Cradle in My Heart

Delicate heart, still cradle those days;
The stream of perennial love, prevailed once
Deep in my heart, prevail those jingles;
The stream of never ending love, perennial
Deep in my heart prevail, those smiles;
Once echoed in my heart, waking up love
Still hope prevails as refulgent full moon, ever;
Forgotten days are the fallen flowers
Flying up in my heart, as scattered clouds
The starlit sky still winking at me;
As if they teasing, my unending quest

V Bright Saigal, 31st Jan 2006

Music World & U

2007-01-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

Lily Allen—Alright, Still

By:Kylie Watts

Editor: Joseph Dargay

This album has been out for a while now, but Lily Allen’s debut album Alright, Still is, in my humble opinion, the best female album of 2006.

Many of you probably a little about Lily Allen’s background. After a reasonably tough childhood that included getting expelled from a few schools, Allen headed to Ibiza and downed a truckload of party drugs and had a grand old time. She also wrote some amazing songs about London life and became a MySpace darling where she happily blogged away about how rubbishy everyone else was. Her first single Smile debuted on the UK charts at No. 1 on the back of her MySpace popularity.

All this by the time she was 21.

Allen’s music is an infectious blend of bubblegum pop, reggae and a touch of hip-hop. The production is a little raw around the edges, but personally I think that only serves to make it more interesting. In Allen’s case, unlike many releases of 2006, slick production was required to hide the artist’s deficiencies.

The first single off the album, Smile is so musically upbeat that you honestly do have to smile when you hear it. Then you notice the lyrics: “At first when I see you cry, it makes me smile.” Yes, don’t get in the way of a scorned woman. She’ll rip you to shreds. And she’ll do it with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

OPINION

2007-01-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

A Ruthless Man

By: Drea Jacobs

Editor: Sarah Mulder

It has recently been brought to my attention that a very ruthless ruler was put to rest on Saturday December 30th, 2006. I was slightly surprised by this news because I have not heard much about Saddam Hussein. Perhaps I was overly busy and really didn't have much time to pay attention to the news.
I have heard how much of a horrible man Hussein was and I realized that he was indeed a very bad person. But, if you will, I think hanging someone is a bit irrational. I do not believe someone should be put to death for his wrong doing. I do believe in putting someone in jail for life. Maybe he should have been put in a solitary asylum.
I am not saying I am for Hussein because just from what I’ve heard about him, I can’t stand the sight of him being on the television. I just simply believe that what you do comes back to you in some way or another. I don't like Hussein simply because of how he treated his country, of how he didn't care about any of his people. How can you be a ruler of a large mass of people and simply kill them? He was a very sick, sick man.

2007-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Tinsel Town Tidbits

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Toni Kelley

According to sources, it was a not so Merry Christmas for Cameron Diaz as Justin Timberlake made the decision to break off their steamy relationship around early/mid December of 2006.
The men’s fashion industry is set for a hot and spicy new fashion trend for 2007 as Wilmer Valderrama plans to launch a "Latino-inspired" men's clothing label called Calavena.
The spotlight shines once again as the ultimate prevayer of good will and giving, Oprah Winfrey, opened a school for underprivileged girls on January 2 nd in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lindsay Lohan has recently gone under the knife, not for the purposes of glamour however as she has taken an unexpected trip to the hospital for an operation to remove her appendix.
On January 3rd 2007 diners at the famous Mr. Chow’s were given the opportunity to witness a public display of affection as Shanna Moakler and porn star/ex-husband of Jenna Jameson and Jay Grdina were seen leaving the restaurant together holding hands.

Hollywood Happenings

Several celebrities rang in the New Year with happy celebrations, while others embarked on a not so favorable beginning.
Jessica Simpson and John Mayer were among those who rang in the New Year with happy memories in NYC. Several sources witnessed the pair making out, thus, confirming that they are indeed a couple.
Another “Oops I Did It Again” for Britney Spears as her start to the New Year was less than lady-like. Britney’s enjoyment of the festivities at the New Year's Eve party she was hosting at Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas resulted in her passing out and having to be carried out of the building just after midnight.
A new addition to the Ferrell family is cause for celebration as Will Ferrell and his wife had a baby boy, Mattias on December 30th. The happy couple also has a 2-year-old son Magnus.
There is no better way to start a new year than with the exchanging of wedding vows. After meeting on her show “Las Vegas” and becoming engaged in February of 2006, Jay Mohr and Nikki Cox celebrated the New Year as a happily newly married couple.

Singers in Trouble for Violence

It's a rocky start to 2007 as Los Angeles police are conducting a criminal investigation into allegations of domestic violence by R&B singer Tyrese. Allegedly it was reported that Tyrese punched his three month pregnant girlfriend in the arm and thigh in their LA home on the morning of January 4, 2007.
Busta Rhymes turned himself in to NYPD on January 3rd after a man accused the rap star of assaulting him in a dispute over money.

Story

2007-01-02T23:34:00.000-08:00

The spring in my memories

By: V Bright S

Editor: Sarah Mulder

Sitting at the corridor I peeped through the partially opened window and hid behind a colorful window curtain swinging to and fro in the freezing wind blowing from the west, watching the falling snow flakes. The oak trees stood motionless covered with the snow, and I saw the lad buried under the now up to knee deep snow.

She was walking through the oak grove more than a half kilometer wearing a long coat, thick long gum boots and a tilted wide hat. Holding the leash of her dog with thick fur, walking in front of her occasionally hopping to avoid small gullies between the snow covered rocks.

I was waiting in that hotel more than three hours to meet her. Still I remember that day when her father refused my request to marry her. Rose, that is her name, my sweet heart. My class mate, buddy and the one I want to start my life with. Today after a long night in the court the judge declared in favour of Rose and I; leaving her ego striken father to walk through the court room and disappear in his Mercedes, never again to show.

Now she is walking through the oak grove. But she turned left in my surprise, instead of entering into the courtyard of the hotel, she walked slowly, the started to run towards the bridge. I ran from the hotel and when I reached the bridge everything was over. The dog was standing near the post looking into the violently flowing river. I saw her lovely hat slowly flowing in the river. Nothing else. Holding the leash of the dog I walked silently. Weeping for memorable days-- the days we were together.

Opinion

2007-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

A Nice Break

By: Drea Jacobs

Editor: Lanette Tyler

Now that Christmas is over, I am looking forward to spending my paychecks on things that I want. I do like buying things for people I love because seeing them happy makes me happy. For me, Christmas is an excuse to splurge, but this is the only time of year that I splurge on others because I love money. I work hard for my money, so I should be able to buy what I want.
This time of year is not only about buying gifts. It is also the time of year for us college students to take a rest from our hard work studying. We especially need a rest now after finals. I for one can say that I definitely busted my buns for my exceptionally good grades. Now that I'm finished, I'm trying to concentrate on making some extra cash for next semester's books, clothes and other necessities. I hope that everyone experienced the joy of this wonderful season and that other students obtain rest from their hard work last semester.

Hollywood Gossip

2007-01-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

Mike Tyson Arrested

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Lanette Tyler

Early in the morning on Friday, December 29th, Mike Tyson was arrested for driving under the influence and drug possession in Scottsdale, AZ. According to the arresting police officer, tests revealed Tyson to be "under the influence of a depressant, stimulant and cannabis." No alcohol was detected in his system. Tyson admitted to possessing bags of cocaine, a drug he admitted to being addicted to. He was charged with one count of narcotic drug possession, a felony, and released without bail. Tyson has been ordered to stay away from alcohol and nonprescription drugs and not to leave Arizona while the case is pending.

Hollywood Gossip

· Julia Roberts and her husband Danny Moder are expecting their third child next summer. They currently have two-year-old twins Phinnaeus and Hazel.
· On December 21st Anna Nicole Smith was ordered to bring her three-month-old daughter to California for paternity tests sought by her ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead.
· After officially divorcing last June, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey have signed a "written stipulation" on their financial dispute. Since there was no prenup, under California law they would have to split the reported $36 million earned during their marriage. Reportedly Simpson originally offered Lachey $1.5 million, which he rejected.

James Brown, Godfather of Soul, dead at 73

James Brown, highly regarded as the Godfather of Soul, died of congestive heart failure on Christmas morning in an Atlanta hospital at the age of 73. On December 28th Brown's body was laid out at the Apollo Theater in New York City where thousands came to honor him. The body was then driven down to South Carolina for a private ceremony on the 29th. There was a public memorial for him on the December 30th at the 8,500-seat James Brown Arena in Georgia.

Hollywood Gossip

2006-12-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

Miss USA Keeps Her Crown, MADD cuts ties to Miss Teen USA

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Joseph Dargay

On Tuesday, December 19th, Donald Trump announced that the current Miss USA, Tara Conner, will be entering rehab and will be able to keep her crown. The recently turned 21-year-old Conner has been plagued recently with allegations of drug use, underage drinking and sexual misconduct after being seen making out with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.
Meanwhile, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has decided to cut ties with 18-year-old Katie Blair since they do not feel she can be an effective spokesperson due to allegations of her own underage drinking.

HarperCollins Fires Judith Regan

Publisher Judith Regan, who was most recently behind the O.J. Simpson book "If I Did It", has been fired by HarperCollins. CEO Rupert Murdoch says Regan was fired because she made anti-Semitic remarks in an argument with a HarperCollins lawyer.
On Tuesday, December 19th Regan's attorney Bert Fields stated he will be filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, NewsCorp and HarperCollins for his client. Fields claims Regan was given "no severance, no notice, no warning and no statements of what she did," and that armed guards had closed down her office. Fields also states that Regan "does not have an anti-Semitic bone in her body".

Hollywood Gossip

• Sean "Diddy" Combs and long-time girlfriend Kim Porter had twin girls on December 21st in Manhattan. Mother and daughters are doing well. Diddy also has two sons, one with Porter and another with an ex-girlfriend.
• The rented Hawaiian home of actress Lily Evangeline of "Lost", burned to the ground
on December 20th. The fire began early in the morning and engulfed the
house in 30 minutes. Evangeline was not home at the time.
• Actress Lara Flynn Boyle married businessman Donald Ray Thomas in a small
backyard wedding at his home in San Antonio last weekend.

Health & U

2006-12-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

Motor Neuron Disease

By: Cm_a

Editor: Sarah Mulder

MDN or motor neuron disease, also known as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a fatal disease. This disease is prominent among middle-aged men and women, but men are more potential victims.
This disease causes degeneration of spinal cord anterion horn motor neurons, the cerebral pathways and brain stem motor nuclei.

The victims face problems of impaired speech, swallowing, limb movements and respiration. The victims may not survive more than four years, though in rare cases more than ten years. The disease is caused by mutation of the super-oxide dismutase gene (SODI).
At early stages muscle cramps and clumsiness are visible.

Music World & U

2006-12-23T00:22:00.000-08:00

Review Paris Hilton by Paris Hilton

By : Kylie watts

Editor: Joseph Dargay

Paris Hilton’s eponymous album is rather like Paris herself—mostly style with very little substance. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not fun. In fact, I liked this album more than I expected to. (Of course, my expectations were very low.)
The production team of Scott Storch and Greg Wells should be congratulated for producing a very slick dance album. Unfortunately, while production is slick, it doesn’t quite make up for the fact that Paris obviously can’t sing. She sings in a breathy whisper through most of the songs and the large amount of computer work done over the vocals gets irritating after a while.
The first single off the album, “Stars are Blind,” is a catchy pop song with a strong Caribbean feel. It’s a feel-good summer hit that’s rather like eating Chinese food; it’s nice at the time, but twenty minutes later it’s like you never ate anything at all.
The rest of the album is very similar. It’s catchy, has good dance beats and is solid bubblegum pop. The lyrics are pure Paris: fun, but not terribly deep. There’s lines like, “Everybody’s looking at me. But that’s alright—I like the attention.” Or the reason the boys are “Fighting Over Me” is “maybe because I’m hot to death and I’m so so so sexy.”
Songs such as “Nothing in this World,” “Not Leaving Without You,” “Screwed” and “I Want You” are fun dance songs that will have you humming along, even though you want to hate them.
Paris’ one foray into a slightly more heartfelt area is the song “Jealousy.” With lyrics such as “I thought you were my best friend. I thought we’d be together till the end. You’re not the girl I once knew,” one wonders whether it’s Paris’ attempt to tell her side of the split with best friend Nicole Richie.
One truly cringe-worthy moment of the album is when Paris attempts to reinvent Rod Stewart’s classic, “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” Worth a listen, only because of how spectacularly bad the song is.
Overall, Paris Hildon’s album is kind of fun to listen and dance to, but it’s unlikely to be and dance to, but it’s unlikely to be an album you’ll remember in a year’s time.

Today' Talk

2006-12-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

Discovery Mission STS- 116

By: Sarah Holt

Editor : Lanette Tyler

On December 9, 2006, at 8:47 pm the space shuttle Discovery lifted off from platform 39B of the Kennedy Space Center. This launch marked NASA's 117th flight and 29th night flight. The Discovery's twelve-day mission is part of the three-year race to complete the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is scheduled for completion in 2007, by NASA's planned shuttle retirement date. The flight, which was originally scheduled for Thursday, December 7, carries the latest and most important addition to the space station. After docking into the space station, crewmembers rewired the electrical grid, installed the station's Port 5 (P5) truss, delivered more than two tons of equipment and exchanged astronaut Thomas Reiter with replacement astronaut Suni Williams.
Although the P5 truss seems to be the smallest and least impressive part of the space station, it is actually the most important because it comprises the station's backbone bridging the segments on the left side of the central truss. The crew made one space walk to install the truss and two additional space walks to rewire the main electrical grid, permanently powering the station. The shuttle left the ISS at 5:10 pm EST transporting back over two tons of unnecessary equipment and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter. The shuttle is scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center shuttle runway 3:56 pm EST Friday.
This mission is notable for several reasons. The launch was the first night launch since Endeavor in December of 2002. The crew is inexperienced, with five of the seven crewmembers on their first flight. The crew is also culturally diverse with two members of African descent, a Swede, a Brit, an Alaskan, a New Jersey native and an astronaut of Indian descent. The Discovery's current mission is the fourth since the Columbia accident. This Discovery mission's predecessor, the 1983 Challenger mission that was NASA's first nighttime launch, was also notable. In addition to being the first night launch, the Challenger carried the first African-American in space, and several tests were conducted on the shuttle under different space-flight conditions.
NASA set nighttime flight restrictions for safety after the incident with the shuttle Columbia. New additions to safety precautions include more than 107 visible and infrared cameras, three new launch radars for monitoring launch debris and a special camera used specifically to observe birds in the flight path of the shuttles. Once NASA engineers approve the safety changes, night flights will resume. These flights are critical to the completion of the ISS to meet the 2007 deadline.

OPINION

2006-12-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

Freedom of Speech

By: Drea Jacobs

Editor: Sarah Mulder

If there's one thing I love about living in this country, other than it being the land of opportunity, is the freedom that was given to me. What, unfortunately, was not granted to my ancestors, has thankfully been granted to me: The freedom of speech.
I recently stumbled upon an article in the New York Times that upset me in a way. A group wrote an article that the government obtained and as a result, wants to ban a form of freedom of speech. I do not believe the government was trying to "fully" ban our freedom of speech, but it was something along the lines of that idea. If the government tries to ban freedom of speech, it contradicts everything that America stands for. Banning freedom of speech takes away democracy, and if we don't have democracy we might as well be a communist nation.
I believe in my freedom to express whatever I want, as long as it does not physically harm anyone. Yes, someone should have the right to speak freely about something they feel strongly about. I love how in the United States I am able to vent and say what I want to say. I feel that I am in no way causing any bodily harm to anyone by doing this. The government should not be able to ban or censor anything. I hope I am not the only one who feels this way, but if I am, so be it. That is what I love about living in the United States of America-- freedom of speech.

OPINION

2006-12-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

Is the vegetarian diet the best diet?

By:Drea Jacobs

Editor:Lanette Tyler

Vegans are so passionate about animal rights
that they are sometimes fanatics. I should know because I was
once a strict vegetarian. I would not eat
anything that was even close to being meat. I thought meat was the most
repulsive thing on earth, and I still do to some extent. I would not
say that I was a fanatic, but my whole family knew what I ate
and why I did not eat almost anything that they ate. Although I am no longer a
vegetarian, I would not mind going back to
that lifestyle. I loved being vegetarian. For me, the value of eating vegetarian is clearing your body of hormones and not gaining unnecessary weight, as long as it is done the right
way. That's how I lost almost all of my extra weight. I for one recommend trying a vegetarian diet if you have not done so already. Try it for one week and you will feel like a new person.
The vegetarian diet is definitely the best diet around.

Diana Again

2006-12-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

Allegation: Americans and French spied on Diana and Dodi

By:Cm_a

Editor:Lanette Tyler

Lord Steven's report says that the Americans were spying on Diana and her rich boy friend without even informing their British counterparts. They were listening in on her calls, which may give more grounds for Dodi's father's allegation of a conspiracy for their deaths.

2006-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Top Albums of 2006

By: Kylie Watts

Editor: Sarah Mulder

It's the time of the year when everyone is looking back at the year past: 2006. What a year it's been! Untimely deaths of Steve Irwin and
Peter Brock, the birth of little Shiloh Jolie-Pitt and Suri Cruise, and Britney finally wised up and dumped K-Fed. More importantly, let us not forget the music. Two thousand and six saw the release of some fantastic albums and UK music magazine NME has put the best in its list of the Top Albums of 2006.
Coming in at Number 1 was the Artic Monkeys - Whatever You Say I Am,
That's What I'm Not, a fantastic album that NME described as "a
stripped-down, punk rock record with every touchstone of Great British
Music covered: The Britishness of The Kinks, the melodic nous of The
Beatles, the sneer of Sex Pistols, the wit of The Smiths, the groove
of The Stone Roses, the anthems of Oasis, the clatter of The
Libertines." While NME does a penchant for overhyping everything, the
fact remains that this is a bloody good album!
In a year when rock took centre stage, its not surprising to see that
rock albums dominated the list of Top Albums with artists such as The
Strokes, Muse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Aussie act Wolfmother making an
appearance.
The Top 20 Albums of the Year according to NME are:
1. The Artic Monkeys - Whatever You Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones
3. Muse - Black Holes and Revelations
4. Hot Chip - The Warning
5. CSS - Cansei De Ser Sexi
6. Gnarls Barkley - St Elsewhere
7. Long Blondes - Someone to Drive You Home
8. The Strokes - First Impression of Earth
9. Kasabian - Empire
10. My Chemical Romance - Black Parade
11. Howling Bells – Howling Bells
12. The Killers – Sam's Town
13. Panic! At the Disco – A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
14. TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie
15. Thom Yorke – The Eraser
16. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
17. The Futureheads – News and Tributes
18. The Rapture – Pieces of the People We Love
19. The Longcut – A Call and Response
20. The Streets – The Hardest Way to Make An Easy Living

Hollywood Gossip

2006-12-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

"Prison Break" Star Involved in Fatal Car Crash

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Joseph Dargay

Lane Garrison of "Prison Break" drove a Land Rover across a median and

into a tree Saturday, December 2nd, in Beverly Hills. The accident

killed 17-year-old Vahagn Setian and injured two 15-year-old girls,

one critically, who were riding in the SUV. Garrison suffered minor

injuries. Reportedly Garrison, 26, drank several shots of vodka before

getting into the vehicle to buy more alcohol for the party they were

attending. Garrison's attorney says his client only had one drink at

the party and would not drive inebriated. Results of a blood alcohol

test will be ready in two weeks.

Celebrity Hook-ups and Break-ups

** According to Us Weekly, Nicole Richie and Good Charlotte's Joel

Madden have been secretly dating for weeks.

** Rumors of Ralph Fiennes and Ellen Barkin's romance have

intensified after they were seen together in NY.

** A day after Lance Bass's rep said he and Reichen Lehmkuhl split,

Bass claimed on MySpace that they are trying to work things out.

** Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston have officially called it quits.

Rumors of an earlier split had been defended by Aniston to People and

on Oprah in October. They have only spent a total of one week together

in the past three months.

** Eddie Murphy and former Spice Girl Melanie B. have broken up. The

pregnant 'Scary Spice' has claimed that Murphy is the father of her child.

Hollywood News

** Madonna and H&M have announced plans for a Madonna designed

collection of clothing which would hit stores in March 2007.

** Gwen Stefani is coming out with her own fragrance for her L.A.M.B.

label. The Coty fragrance is due fall 2007.

** Britney Spears's 55 hour ex-husband, Jason Alexander, is writing a

tell-all book about his time with her.

** Lindsay Lohan's mother, Dina, revealed on a radio interview that

Lindsay attends AA meetings.

** The Laugh Factory has placed a ban on comedians using the "n-word" and now charges $20 for every offense. Damon Wayans was their first offender after dropping it 16 times in his 20 minute appearance during a showcase of African-American comedians called "Chocolate Sundaes".

McCartney Divorce Update

Paul McCartney has stated he is seeking the help of a psychiatrist to

deal with the breakup of his marriage to Heather Mills. Heather Mills is representing herself in some aspects of the divorce in an effort to cut legal costs. She appeared in High Court for an application to keep McCartney out of her home while gaining access to his. Mills is still being advised on the financial aspects of the case by Anthony Julius, who represented Princess Diana in her divorce from Prince Charles, and has retained the services of a London law firm in her main battle over money and the custody of three-year-old daughter Beatrice.

Hollywood Gossip

2006-12-07T22:12:00.000-08:00

Anna Nicole Evicted.

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Joseph Dargay

A Bahamian court has ordered Anna Nicole Smith to vacate the house that she has been living in, with her lawyer/partner and three-month-old daughter. The house is owned by G. Ben Thompson, a former boyfriend. Smith told Thompson that he was the father of her child only to find out that Thompson had a vasectomy several years earlier. Smith claimed the house in the Bahamas was a gift from Thompson, but he has stated that it was not and that he expected payment. Earlier in the month, Thompson had the electricity to the house temporarily shut off since Smith had not made any mortgage payments.

Hollywood Relationships

“Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria and NBA ster Tony Parker, her boyfriend of two years, have gotten engaged. Parker flew to LA to surprise Longoria and the proposal was “romantic and perfect.” They plan to wed in France in 2007.
Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo have reportedly been house hunting in LA.
Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock each filed for divorce on November 27th. They were married four months ago in a series of ceremonies in St. Tropez, Nashville, and Beverly Hills.
Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen are now officially single; their divorce, which was filed in March 2005, has been finalized.

Celebrity Mess-ups

For the third time in two months, Snoop Dog has been arrested. This time, Snoop as arrested on November 28th, after leaving The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, for allegedly possessing drugs and a firearm.
For at least ten nights in a row, newly single Britney Spears has been partying hard, missing recording sessions, and apparently forgetting her underwear. According to a source, her label, Jive Records, is very worried. Spears has supposedly been telling friends that, after being pregnant the past two years, she wants to party. Kevin Federline is still pursuing custody of their two children.

Happy X-mas from all writers, editors and management of Cm_a

2006-12-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorations

By: Cm_a

Editor: Sarah Mulder

So Christmas is at your doorstep. You will be wondering, how do I decorate my house for Christmas?
Christmas Comes with Happiness
When you plan to decorate your home for Christmas, the first and the foremost thing is to choose a theme. Start collecting decorations such as bows, candles and ribbons that all match your chosen theme. And of course, all of us try to choose everything bright. To add brightness, add glitter into the decorations, including garlands, door swags, hang wreaths and swag netting.
Start your Christmas decorations with decorating the rooms in the house. Children’s rooms will look lovely if you place a Christmas tree decorated with toys, dolls, colorful ribbons, twinkling lights etc. Now the guest room; it needs a well-lit Christmas tree of an average height of 2-3 feet to welcome your guests. Keep a small Christmas tree at the kitchen counter, with small kitchen items collected from stores. After all, the kitchen is the important area for your Christmas decoration.
Place wreaths or swag on each door of yours, starting with the front door to welcome your guests and others; do the same with other doors. Don't ignore the back doors and bedroom doors; they are still important. Arrange the pillar candles in all bathrooms, sinks, wash basins and tubs. Christmas decorations are incomplete if you leave your stairs empty. Along the railing of the stairs, tie netting and decorate with clusters of fresh flowers, green colored items and ornaments. Don’t forget the glitter! Attach different colors of ribbon in different lengths to the railings and include ornaments for fashion. Decorate the steps with small Christmas trees. Light many series lights on the garden plants, the terrace and the roof to give your Christmas decorations a complete festive look.
All finished?
Now, invite all your friends and celebrate Christmas. Happy Christmas.

OPINION

2006-12-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

STRESS: IS IT REALLY HARMFUL?

By: Drea Jacobs

Editor: Toni Kelley

The answer: no one really knows. When we talk about stress, it’s very rare that we actually talk about such a topic. But, when we do, we talk of how it almost ruins our day. I personally can say that I do experience a little stress from time to time if I am overwhelmed. But, I have to be extremely overwhelmed, I mean swamped. I feel that stress may become very deteriorating to your health.
From stress, many health ailments may occur. Stress can cause anxiety, which may than result in panic attacks, which in turn may also resemble a heart attack. I can speak from my own personal experiences about the symptoms that I have had. With anxiety, at some point I actually thought I was going to die as a result of a panic attack. I now believe that I may have overreacted. I think that it had been due to the hustle and bustle of my lifestyle as well as how I lived. I was attending school full time; I was working a full time job and was trying to maintain a clean and presentable home. These tasks were quite difficult to accomplish. So, stress may start off as one thing and then consequently turn into something more alarming.
There are several methods available to assist in conquering this debilitating illness. So, to answer the question “Is stress really harmful”? The answer is maybe, just maybe.

World-AIDS Day- Dec.1st

2006-12-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

Aids- Watch the symptoms

By: Cm_a

Editor: Sarah Mulder

The origin of the AIDS (Aquired Immune Defeciency Syndrome) virus is still a mystery. Scientists believe that the transferred Simeon immuno- Deficiency Virus (SIV) into the human body can be the cause of AIDS in the human body.

Though the African Green Monkeys are resistant to this SIV, when the virus that causes AIDS was injected to the Asian macque monkey, it was infected badly. HIV infections in the beginning starts showing a sero-conversion illness within a few weeks of infection. However, the full blown syndrome may wait for months or even years to appear. Generally observed minor symptoms are a persistent cough for three weeks or more, cancer and hairy leukoplakia followed by symptoms of fever, rash, sore throat, tender lymphodenopathy and headache accompanied by meningitis. Medical professionals refer to this stage as seroconversion illness. Progressive weight loss of more than 105 of the body weight as result of malabsorbtion is very common. Many patients misjudge these symptoms as a common cold and avoid consulting a doctor, creating the start of a potentially deathly problem.

Some patients show a form of oral cavity problems. At least 60-805 patients suffer from either oral thrash or hairy leukoplakia within one or two years of time of infection. Aphthous ulceration can result in considerable morbidity with painful ulcers on the soft plate. The symptoms of dental abscesses and intra oral warts are common in some acute cases.

Oral thrush usually appears as white plaques on the hard and soft palates while the underlying mucosa may be either normal color or angry red in appearance. Along the sides of the tongue hairy leukoplakia appears like a ribbed whiteness. Some cases even show recurrent painful bleeding gums with erosion of gingivia. Very painful Aphthous ulcers may appear on the soft palate.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, a form of skip eruption, may form on the face of an AIDS patient. The upper outer arms and central chest area are other places this eruption can be noted. Another common form of skin eruption is Papulaparitic eruption, which is very irritating to the patients.

Malabsorbtion of fatty acids leads to xeroderma, also called dry skin. Among the young patients a noticed form of skin eruption is shingles. If shingles is noticed among youngsters, there is an elephant chance of a HIV-infection.
Herpex- Simplex is common among homosexual men and is very painful. More evidence of HIV positive is continuous mucoectaneous-ulceration form herpes. Other than common symptoms such as pale nail heads, elongation of eye lashes, regular hair loss and rapid aging in two to three years gives adequate evidence of HIV positive on a patient. Continuous post nasal drip and coughing can be noticed.

HIV- doesn't stop only on tissues and internal organs. It is equally prone to damaging nervous system, leading to acute cases paralysis, slushed speech, memory loss, a change in one's personality and appearance. The patient's eyes are not sparred as Cyto-megalo virus retinitis affect vision leading to blindness. Some patients show the symptoms of acute diarrhea, oesophagitis and progressive anal herps, while HIV-positive children show Bi-lateral parotid swelling.
Once any of these symptoms are noticed, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediatly.

Music Award

2006-11-30T22:36:00.000-08:00

American Music Awards Wrap Up

By: Kylie Watts

Editor: Tony Kelley

The 2006 American Music Awards, held in Los Angeles yesterday were possibly most notable for the number of stars who did not appear at the ceremony. The Black Eyed Peas, who accepted their awards via satellite link from Costa Rica, took home the awards for: Favorite Group Rap/Hip and Favorite Group Soul/Rhythm & Blues categories as well as taking out Favorite Album Rap/Hip Hop for their Monkey Business Album. Red Hot Chilli Peppers also accepted their award via satellite, for Favorite Alternative Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock categories. Kelly Clarkson, who wasn't in attendance either, took out Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Best Adult Contemporary Artist.

Despite a number of artists failing to attend, the awards still managed to draw out celebrities. Gwen Stefani performed her new single "Wind Up". Beyonce was there along with Nicole Ritchie and surprise presenter Paris Hilton. The highlight of the evening was perhaps when American Idol Clay Aitken presented with a very pregnant Tory Spelling and they re-enacted the now famous 'Regis & Kelly' hand clapping incident (earlier in the week, Clay was a guest presenter on Regis & Kelly). To shut Kelly up at one point, Clay clapped his hand over Kelly's mouth prompting Kelly to say "I don't know where that hand has been."(A supposed slur against the “yet to come out as being gay” Aitken). The disappointment of the evening would have been Faith Hill winning Best Country Female Artist with many hoping for a re-enactment of her tantrum when she lost out to Carrie Underwood for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Awards earlier this year. The list of winners is shown below:

Pop-Rock

Male artist: Sean Paul

Female artist: Kelly Clarkson

Band- Duo or Group: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Album: "All the Right Reasons" Nickelback

Soul-R&B

Male artist: Jamie Foxx

Female artist: Mary J. Blige

Band- Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas

Album: "The Breakthrough" Mary J. Blige

Country

Male artist: Toby Keith

Female artist: Faith Hill

Band- Duo or Group: Rascal Flatts

Album: "Greatest Hits Volume 2" Tim McGraw

Rap/Hip-Hop

Male artist: Eminem

Band- Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas

Album: "Monkey Business" The Black Eyes Peas

Adult Contemporary

Artist: Kelly Clarkson

Latin Music

Artist: Shakira

Alternative Music

Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Breakthrough New artist: Carrie Underwood

Hollywood - till Now

2006-11-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Updates

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Tony Kelley

Black Crowes front man, Chris Robinson, filed for divorce from actress Kate Hudson on November 17th after almost six years of marriage. The couple has a two-year old son, Ryder. They separated in August amid rumors linking Hudson to her co-star Owen Wilson.
On November 21st Heidi Klum gave birth to a baby boy, Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel. This is her second child with husband Sea. Klum has another daughter from a previous relationship.
Anna Nicole Smith's partner Howard K. Stern has been re-interviewed regarding Smith's son's mysterious death. Law enforcement officials in the Bahamas expect to make a major announcement by December 15 th.
Celebrity News
Director Robert Altman died November 20th in a Los Angeles hospital. The five time Academy Award Director Nominee was 81. His last completed film was this year's “A Prairie Home Companion.”
Fox has pulled the plug on OJ Simpson's book and TV interview special entitled "If I Did It, Here's How it Happened,” and apologized to the relatives of the victims. Simpson was reportedly paid $3.5 million for what he claims was not a confession and was only done for the cash.
Musician John Mayer and Jessica Simpson could be back together. They were seen together at LAX November 22nd along with her family.
Seinfeld Actor's Racial Tirade
At a comedy show at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, Michael Richards who played the character Kramer on the NBC sitcom “Seinfeld” broke into a racial tirade after being heckled by two men in the audience.
The filmed footage shows Richards getting very angry and arguing with the two men. At first the audience seemed to believe it was part of his act since they were still laughing. As the racial slurs escalated it was obvious something was wrong and eventually Richards left the stage.
On November 20th Michael Richards appeared via satellite on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and issued an apology stating he is not a racist.

Tom Cruise Again

2006-11-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

Some children are blessed to witness their parent's marriage....

V Bright S

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Set to Marry

By:Vanessa Grassi

Editor:Lanette Tyler

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arrived in Rome earlier this week in preparation for their Scientologist wedding on November 18. The couple has been engaged since June 2005; their daughter Suri was born on April 18.
Interestingly, Oprah was not invited to the wedding. There has been speculation that Oprah was not invited because of her comments to Diane Sawyer about Cruise's couch jumping on Oprah's show last year. Oprah felt the couch jumping was faked.
Brooke Shields, who Cruise blasted last year for her use of anti-depressants to treat postpartum depression, will attend along with other notable Hollywood stars.

Celebrity Baby News

While Madonna is still waiting for a Malawian court to rule on whether she can adopt one-year-old baby David, she is already considering adopting a baby girl from the same country.
Actress Jaime Pressly announced on the November 16 Tonight Show that she is four months pregnant with a boy by her fiancé, disc jockey Eric Cubiche. The couple has been dating for about 18 months.
Tobey Maguire's fiancée, jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, gave birth to a girl on November 9. Maguire and Meyer have been together since 2003.

Hollywood Tidbits
The Advocate says per an interview with openly bisexual actress Kristanna Loken (The L Word), that Michelle Rodriguez (Lost) is her long rumored girlfriend. This would be the second Hollywood outing in a month since Neil Patrick Harris stated he is "a very content gay man" to People earlier in November. Rodriguez has yet to address the rumors.
George Clooney has been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for the second time. The first time was in 1997.
Nicky Hilton and Kevin Connolly have broken up after three years of dating. It is rumored she left him after discovering he cheated on her with an 18 year old.

Poems & Stories

2006-11-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

V Bright S
Poem
Ripples of Love

Ripples of love never subside,
Till the graveyard honor, and beyond
Sun and stars, smile and wink,
Yet, the showering tears, and smile prevail
Blurred vision and weeping heart mourn,
Before you lay silent, and beyond
The ocean of love, and legacy, prevail,
You left behind, and far
Leaving behind the day’s memories,
Hugging me still, the fragrance of past
Smile once , as you did ever,
From this coffin, before you leave

Short Story
The Last Supper
Still, I remember, the night along with others; we were having the supper. My father that night talked a lot, he made all of us laugh. When he came, it was an hour late for the supper. My younger sister had already slept. Mom was in the kitchen; I heard the noise of shower, while he was taking bath. From the bed, he grabbed my sister, still she was asleep. He took a piece of bread, dipped in stew, put into her mouth; she was chewing while closing her eyes. I laughed at her.
That night, my father was trying to distribute sweets, I asked the reason, he said ‘ I like it ‘. Again I didn’t try to explore; there was no meaning. Mother scolded me; ‘ otherwise he wants to know everything. I can’t let you ask anything and everything ‘.
My father stopped her, ‘ he is curious, that is what I like in him ‘. Again he told, ‘you don’t desert, your mother and sister, if ‘am not here, you are the only one they have’. My mother tried to stop him. He continued, I have some debts, ‘I couldn’t settle them, you should not ignore them. In the south side we have some property, I had mortgaged them, for my sister’s marriage. It was my father’s liabilty. I settled them in a descent way. We lost two cows; I had to sell them for her marriage’. After that my father didn’t talk, he went to bed.
Now, in front of us there, wrapped in a white cloth, closing his nose with cotton, tied toes, lying, as if, he is talking to me about his debts.

Hollywood Gossip

2006-11-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

Reese Witherspoon Files for Divorce

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Joseph Dargay

Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce on Wednesday,
November 8th from her husband of seven years citing irreconcilable
differences; there is no prenup.
Witherspoon asked the court to terminate its ability to award spousal
support to Ryan Phillippe; she is one of Hollywood's highest paid
actresses. Witherspoon is also seeking custody of their two children
and exclusive use of the family residence.
On Wednesday Phillipe made a statement regarding the rumors of his
infidelity, claiming that although he is not perfect, he is not guilty
of many of the things the news has accused him of.

Music World - Welcome Kylie Minogue

2006-11-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

The Princess of Pop Makes Her Comeback

By: Kylie Watts

Editor: Joseph Dargay

In 2005, Kylie Minogue cut her Showgirl Tour short when she was
diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Almost 18 months later, treatments
completed, she's now ready to make her comeback with her Showgirl
Homecoming Tour.
The Pop Princess kicked off her tour on Saturday, November 11, in
Sydney. Some of the fans at the show had been holding onto their
tickets for nearly two years.
The show started with Kylie slowly rising from a trap-door in the
stage wearing a concoction of sequins and ostrich feathers. For a
moment she stood, taking in the rapturous applause of her adoring
fans. Then came that famous smile, before kicking off with her
classic song "Better the Devil You Know", then "In Your Eyes".
At a time when many pop stars use the stage as their personal soapbox,
Kylie Minogue keeps the chatter short and simple. It's about the
music, the costumes and the show, not politics or sermonising.
The show lasted three hours, and the only concession to her health
problems were longer-than-usual costume changes dance routines
which seemed a little less vigorous than usual, and her new short hair.
Her legions of fans loved the show, enthusiastically singing and dancing along.
There were more surprises for fans who attended her second show;
U2 front-man Bono joined Kylie onstage to sing the song "Kids", a song
she originally recorded with Robbie Williams. Bono was in town for
the U2 Vertigo tour.
The first shows of the Showgirl Homecoming Tour appear to be
the comeback that both Kylie and her adoring fans were hoping for.

Hollywood Gossip

2006-11-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

Celebrities walk to the isle, but, run to the court....
V Bright S

Hollywood Gossip

By: Vanessa Grassi

Editor: Joseph Dargay

Hollywood Tidbits

Faith Hill claims her over-the-top reaction at Carrie Underwood winning
Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMAs was just a joke.
Musician Richie Sambora is hoping for a long-term commitment from his
seven month relationship with actress Denise Richards.
California courts have jurisdiction over Anna Nicole Smith, but it is
still unclear whether DNA testing can be done on her daughter,
Dannielynn, for the paternity suit filed by ex-boyfriend Larry
Birkhead.
Actress Rosario Dawson and actor Jason Lewis have reportedly split up.
The couple had been together since 2004 and moved in together last
year.

2.Britney Spears Files for Divorce

On Tuesday, November 7th Britney Spears filed for divorce from her
husband of two years, citing irreconcilable differences.
According to the prenup, Kevin Federline will receive 20% of the value
of their estate, worth approximately $10 million, plus support for 1
year, equaling to less than $250,000. Federline has responded by
asking for full custody of their two children. Rumor is that
Federline consulted an attorney regarding a divorce over a month
before Britney filed.
Meantime Britney has been seen with her former manager and is
currently working on a new album.

Music World & You

2006-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Album Review
John Mayer – Continuum

By: Kylie Watts

Editor: Joseph Dargay

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of John Mayer. The song, "Your Body is a Wonderland" was on such high rotation on the radio that I wanted to cut my own ears off to ensure I never heard it again. It was therefore a shock, albeit a pleasant one, to discover that Mayer's third album, Continuum, is a worthwhile listen. Mayer has amassed enough record sales and musical clout to be able to put out an album that is unlikely to be as successful commercially as his previous albums, but one that is much richer, more personal and more musical than his earlier works.
The album isn't a crowd-pleaser and there are those who possibly won't appreciate the understated more intimate feel of this album. But their loss is our gain.
The real highlight of this album is Mayer's song-writing skills, which are showcased beautifully, with moments of lyrical genius. He is at times rambling, political and simply voicing the anxieties of an entire generation.
The general tempo of the album is more laid back and done particularly well on songs such as In Repair, I'm Gonna Find Another You and Dreaming With a Broken Heart. Mayer's cover of Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love is one of the few moments of real energy on the album, and he reminds you that not only is a talent songwriter and singer, the man is also more than proficient on the guitar.
Overall, the album will probably struggle to appeal to the teeny-boppers he used to attract, but his very strong fan base will love it. And it's possible that he may just find a whole new, more grown-up audience who can appreciate his music.

Two Sides of Diabetes

2006-11-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

The Two Sides of Diabetes

By: Sarah Mulder

Editor: Tony Kelley

Diabetes is just one of the many chronic diseases gaining media attention. News reports depicting new medications as well as promising new studies have diabetics excited and full of hope; until the reports finally mention the help is for Type II diabetes only.
There are several variations of diabetes; with Type I and II being the most prominent. The primary influence for this disease is genetics. Type 1 diabetes causes the pancreas to produce miniscule to zero amounts of insulin. In a person without diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin when the sugar levels in the bloodstream are high. If there is not enough sugar present, sugar will automatically be released into the bloodstream. A Type I diabetic does not have this luxury. A person with Type I diabetes must check his/her blood sugar levels multiple times throughout the day and inject insulin as it is needed. Exercise, combined with the proper diet can greatly assist in the management of this disease but, will not suffice as the only management tools.
Type II diabetes causes the same problem as Type 1 only with less severity. Different factors cause this type of diabetes such as genetics, age and race. Environmental factors also play an influential role in acquiring this disease. The pancreas of a Type II diabetic may produce insulin, just not enough to live without some form of active management. This type of diabetes can be successfully managed with diet, exercise and medication. Many Type II diabetics do not require the use of insulin injections as a management tool.
News reports focus mainly on new medications or new ways to prevent the onset of Type II diabetes. Keep in mind when reading these reports what type of diabetes is being discussed. Type I diabetes can not be prevented nor can it be managed by medication alone, while Type II diabetes is generally preventable and is typically managed by combining diet, exercise and medication.

Sports - Hockey Gear

2006-10-27T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hockey Gear and Equipment

By: Cm_a

Editor: Shannon Pitman

So, you’re ready to play hockey. Before playing hockey you should perhaps know a little more about hockey gear. Let us start with the basics.
The main pieces of equipment for hockey consist of skates, shin pads, gloves, hockey pants or girdles and obviously helmets. The inside of the helmet shell, is lined with high density foam and provides impact absorption for hard knocks while the softer foam near the head absorbs smaller shocks. A helmet should also provide maximum ventilation.
Jerseys, shorts and socks are traditionally made of synthetic material like nylon though many professional players prefer a base layer shirt constructed with dri-fit fabrics. A player's hip and thigh bones can often be at risk so a perfect fit short should be worn while playing. Ventilation, stretch, mobility and durability are the main requirements of pants or girdles.
Your pants or girdle should be long enough to reach past the top of the shin pads for adequate protection. The latest pants/girdles also have the added benefits of a padded back, removable shin guard straps and PE-inserts in all key areas for additional protection.
Stretch attack under wear is advisable for extra protection, as they are a cross between hockey and roller hockey girdles. Ensure the padding of the underwear is perfectly proportional to avoid unnecessary bulk but still guaranteeing good protection.
Choose gloves which are made of synthetic leather as they always guarantee quality, durability and comfort. It is essential that your gloves fit these requirements in order to protect your fingers from any form of injury.
The main function of the elbow pad is to protect the forearm, elbow and bicep. They should also be flexible ensuring you can move faster and play without any problems.
The hard caps in shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shins must be intact and in good condition.
Skates are traditionally made of leather or nylon and protect the feet and lower legs from various forms of injury. When looking for a pair of skates, remember to tuck your heel back into the heel cup to feel the space for the ankle and toe. If the space is more than a quarter of an inch, they won't be comfortable. Skates with good ankle support are ideal for players with weaker ankles.
The goal keepers need helmet, neck guard, chest protector, gloves, a super padded chin guard and booties to cover the feet and to allow them to kick the ball. The mask is made from metal wire or transparent plastic and is attached to the helmet to protect the player's face. The outer part of the mask, except those made of metal wire, is made of a strong space polymer material and the inside of the mask is lined with foam. Finding a suitable mask demands a long painful search. Try to find a size and a style that fits you best. It is advisable to shop around and try a few different options until you find the one that is good quality, stylish yet affordable. Conventional hockey sticks are made of wood. However, the sticks made of Kevlar and composite plastic are also popular in the outlet stores these days. Sticks are available in three categories: light, medium, and heavy. Weight and blade size are two vital qualities to be taken into consideration while searching for a hockey stick.
Try different hockey sticks first to get the one right for you.

Health & You- How to work out?

2006-10-27T00:37:00.000-07:00

Beginners Complete Training Program for a New Body

By: Cm_a

Editor: Tonny Kelley

As a beginner when you think about a training program; understanding your metabolic rate is vital in maintaining a balanced weight. Metabolic rates are generally measured in two categories. The first is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and the second is Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). The RMR or BMR represents two- thirds of an individual’s total daily energy needs. Muscle movement consumes 23% of the body’s total energy, while 10% is Thermic Effect or energy and waste.
The most effective way to increase weight is to increase the mass of lean tissue. For every pound the body gains, one quarter of it is lean tissue. So, if you want to lose one pound of weight your body requires 10 less calories. Naturally, to reduce 10 pounds one should burn 100 calories.
While muscle burns 13 calories per kilogram of body weight per day, fat burns almost 4.5 kcal /kg /day and organs burn 200-400 kcal/kg/day. This shows your organs represent 60%-70% of metabolic rate while muscle movement consumes almost 16%-22%. If someone wishes to add muscle, it is realistically possible to gain 4-5 pounds in a year. This weight gain would add no more than 28-50 Kcals to the metabolic rate.
Every athlete is believed to have 8.5 gm of carbohydrate per kg of their body weight as they consume only 55% of the calories required from carbohydrates. This is essential to maximize Glycogen-Synthesis. Such a heavy loading of carbo for an average body weight athlete is not realistic. However, the effective and pragmatic solution is to add some bonus calories such as a cup of oatmeal with raisins sprinkled on top and a Power Bar performance bar each day.

Developing a daily nutrition chart is another task. Protein requires adequate consideration when you develop complete and effective sports nutrition. Proteins and amino acids have many vital elements such as synthesis hormones and enzymes. It also balances fluids and electrolytes providing for cellular and tissue maintenance and repair along with acting as a transport for molecules that keep the immune system equipped and provide energy.
When you consider the requirement of endurance exercise, fats and carbohydrates represent the dominant fuel. Endurance athletes need more than 0.8g/kg dietary protein to maintain their balance. When protein is combined with carbs, the protein balance is found to be positive during and after the exercise. Combining protein and carbs during long durations of activity can improve protein balance. During recovery, protein can help to maximize, store and improve glycogen balance. A carbo- protein beverage can improve muscle glycogen more significantly than a carbohydrate beverage alone. This effect appears to be due to the insulin response to the amino acids increasing the glucose uptake into the muscles.
Protein ingestion can help with muscle growth and repair. Meat, eggs and dairy products are the highest sources of quality protein other than Soya protein. Consuming 50 g of carbohydrate and 10-20 g of protein soon after a work out is ideal. During the exercise, a Power Bar or Endurance Sport Drink will also do a good job.
The third most important ingredient is Whole Grain food. Whole grain is important for Fecal Bulking Effect which promotes the rapid passage and elimination of potentially toxic digestive waste. The rich insoluble fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol level as well as the risk of heart disease. Since whole grain foods are processed in the Gastrointestinal System more slowly, its pre-exercise consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort during the work out. But, the new Power Bar Harvest: Whole Grain can add 10 g of protein and 5 g of fiber.
You will feel good as your body starts gaining energy and nutrients to promote a healthy heart. Zondorin is the whole, natural way to quicken the repair of Twitch Fibers in targeted muscles giving you explosive strength and power. Zondorin can allow the rare combination of speed and strength in the matter of a few short months. The unique formulation is completely safe and all natural. It is also legal as well as being recognized worldwide.
Last, but certainly not least is Cross Training; which is also called Transfer Training. This is a successful training tool for athletes of all levels. It will help you to avoid over training, reduce the risk of injury, enhance flexibility, work opposing muscles groups and strengthen the core. After resistance training work- outs, whether you are a cyclist or a marathoner, you need before, during and after workout supplements. Myoplex nutrition is an ideal choice. Cross training helps to increase range of motion, reduce lower back pain, improve posture, reduce soreness and promote muscular and mental relaxation.
So remember, work hard, be realistic, eat nutritious food and be healthy.

Today's talk

2006-10-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

An Eye Contact can convince a girl

Yes - these three words can initiate an alliance

No - these two words can proceed a divorce

A soft touch can sooth a bereaved heart

A Signature -can end a war
Veto - these four words can kill a peace initiative

The Power of Words Never Ends

v bright saigal
www.vbrightbooks.00server.com

America Economy-3

2006-10-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

American Economy Problems and Proceedures-3
The Chinese Factor

Currency manipulation of china causes problem in American trade deficit and the stubborn Chinese hardly done anything to let Yuan freely float in open market. China has genuine reason to hold down Yuan▓s value. First of all it would encourage Chinese export as China has turned the factory of the world, which once upon a time was posses by America, ever since the second war and Briton before the First World War. Secondly Chinese assets in dollar may be affected if Yuan fluctuate beyond a limit in the free market. However the US dollar had to sacrifice a lot, causing a huge trade deficit with the US. China▓s badly managed banking system, and bad loans & already: caused threat. in its system though Chinese economy is still growing.

As an escape route against the Policy maker's: opinion of a neutral on economic policy strictly guided by the economic data gives some relief to the American Economy at least for the time being.

V BRIGHT SAIGAL/ 29th Sep.2006
www.cmapr.00server.com

health

2006-09-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Perimenopause concerns TESTIMONIAL (7)
September 11, 2004 - Dr. Stoll - question on HRTs (15)
August 01, 2004 - strange sensations, should I be worried? (11)
September 17, 2003 - heavy pre-menopausasl bleeding TESTIMONIAL (7)
September 09, 2003 - One more time! Safe vs unsafe estrogens. (archive.) (5)
May 28, 2003 - Hormone therapy linked to Dementia (3)
May 10, 2003 - Perimenopause TESTIMONIAL (6)
April 18, 2003 - premerin (8)
July 17, 2002 - ERT and Ovarian Cancer (2)
July 11, 2002 - What Are The Alternatives To Premarin? (11)
July 10, 2002 - Hormone Replacement Study a Shock to the Medical System (10)
June 10, 2002 - Extreme PMS??? (10)
March 29, 2002 - early menopause (25)

Latest Stories & Poems

2006-09-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

DRIZLE OF LOVE (Poem)

The shower of love never drizzled yet

I waited as a desert

My heart yearned for a drop

Laughter concealed burning heart

Tears veiled behind the smile

Behind the door I wept

Buds and blooms lost hope

Love; it never drizzled yet

At last a silver line spread across

Am I dreaming? No; am not benumbed

Eastern horizon spread vibrant

Warbling valley simmered in dulcet

There is spring; what else!

A mango shower at last

Turning my heart an Eden

Flowers smiling conceived nectar

Cuckoo and Canary flying up

Wafting blossom bathed in moonlit aura

Starlit sky looks as diamond studded cloak

As if there is spring is perennial

A Drizzle of love arrived at last

V Bright Saigal

www.vbrightbooks.00server.com

My Husband (Short Story)

I honored him ever. If I am a bit more clear, ever since I had met him at the bus stop on that bright sunny day, I was waiting for the city bus, half an hour late, still it has not arrived. From the harbor, it took me half an hour to the bus stop. Generally, I hire a single horse cab, but today, I could catch none.

Straight away I reached the bus stop. Opposite to me, a man carrying some books, was coming, before I couldn’t notice him, both of us collapsed, after a hit. The books were strewn all over; I tried to help him out.

Before departure, I said, ’sorry’, a smile from that rosy face rose. He said, “Never mind”.

Again we met, until I walk to the isle and beyond, giving birth to his two children.

Now, the beloved man of mine, I heard going to marry a dancer.

Being my husband, he was very gentle and I never noticed him have another affair, which eroding the trust upon my family life.

One fine morning I received a divorce notice.

Now, both of us are standing, in front of the divorce court, counting the pillars, waiting for our turn.
Then I felt, these pillars are saying” Divorce court is the cemetery of marriage, where love and dreams are buried alive”

V Bright Saigal

www.vbrightbooks.00server.com

Latest Issue

2006-09-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

May 2006 issue…

The Rain Bow (Poem)

The rainbow in my memory still prevails
Beneath the depth of my perennial love
Ripples of laughter yet subside
Once filled my life in bosom
Fragrance of Spring -- still in the Breeze
Echoing those fallen flowers, weeping
Receding my desire unto the ocean
And unending quench submerged again !
Echoing your laughter in the depth of my heart
As the jingles on the foot of a dancer
Happiness vanished beyond the horizon
Leaving Unending Desire, in my courtyard again!
Weeping my heart and wetty eyes
Still waiting for you and that laughter

V BRIGHT SAIGAL 6th June –2006

The Shuttle Train (Short story)

I was waiting at the railway station, a wetty, cloudy, smoggy day. Smoking a thick cigar and wearing a long coat and at thick cap I stood looking at the light post.

“ You are here quite long time I suppose” a female voice.
I turned back, wearing a knee length black suit and tilted hat a sweet woman . Any one will like her, if look at her lovely blue eyes.

“ No, just less than fifteen minutes” I
“ I feel I missed the train to Empire,” she said.

Empire: an industrial town of the country. Thickly populated, educated and the most skilled people travels from different places to here in the early morning in the crowdie shuttle train.

“ I too waiting for the same train “ I said.
“ Thank God, I didn’t miss the train I suppose, in fact I was running” She

Leaving her heavy brief case on the platform, she opened her handbag and dug out a small had mirror and a lipstick, started applying on her lovely lips.

“ I was in hurry” again she said.
“Without this Yu are beautiful,” I said.
“ I am flattered’ she.
“ Thank you for your complements”
Widening her lips she smiled, then I felt, her lips got a form of magnetic power.

“What do you do?” She asked me.
“ I am an engineer” I
“ Engineering is a prestigious profession”
Once I wanted to be, But I lost that tempo” she.
“ Where to?” I
“ My husband is in Metropolitan. I visit now and then” she
“ Now and then? Are you still not married?” I

“ Yae, but we are not very close”
“ Husband and wife are the closest people have I ever seen” I
“ May be, but there is a cliff between us, you can say a form of apathy” She added, looking away at the light post, shining its red eye.

“ Care, it has to come from ones own heart” I added.
“ Anyhow, my life is a shuttle service, the concept of care I never seen I our relation, instead, we are just pulling the cart” she.

“ Compromise is good and he may love you more than you realize” I

“ If it was there, I would have saved the train fare” she

“ Didn’t you file for divorce?’ Again I asked
“ No’ she said…
“ But you love him” I

“ Yes, so long as this shuttle train takes me unto there” she

“ You didn’t say where he works” I

“ He is in merino hospital” she

The Merino, it shocked me.

I too was going there. But I didn’t say. Instead, I hid my surprise with a smile, then bit the cigar, took a puff.

“ The merino, admits mental patients. I suppose,” I said.

“ Your husband must be a doctor,” I added after a pause.

She went silent, and then changed the subject.

“ Where are you to?”
She asked me

“ The same place, my wife is there” I

“ Oh!” I got a company; I am scared of going there. I am sure she must be a doctor.
“ Medical profession ids a noble profession” She said again.
But it didn’t excite me.

The train arrived from far, and stopped in front of us with a hiss.
Both of us got into different compartments.

After a week, I met her, at the corridor of the hospital The Merino. Then she was pushing a man in a wheel chair.

An unexpected encounter!

She turned her face away and hid tears.

“ See, you are not alone in this world” I tried to console her.

Without saying anything, she pushed the wheel chair through the corridor

Then, the man in the wheel chair was talking to the nearest pillar and laughing louder.

Nearby, another woman was standing. My wife. She was talking to the lamppost in the garden and crying.

V BRIGHT SAIGAL 6th June 2006.

Today’s Joke

One fine chilly morning, I went a friend’s farmhouse. The servant had come and asked me
“ What would you take sir?”
I said “ send something hot”. I was shivering.

After ten minutes, he came with a chilled bottle Coca Cola.

Business- May Issue 2006…
Chronic Issues

Still the American economy is suffering, licking the wound of low margin, stiff competition and outsourcing. However, the chronic issues of American economy deserve an in-depth analysis.

In America, if the contemporary information is believable, the number of households belongs to the below average income is increasing much faster than before as compared to those of the above average income. It has a long-term negative impact. The gulf between the rich and the poor is widening, as 20% of the affluent population draws 50% total, consumer income which was never visible before, while 60% of the bottom level population has to survive with a meager 25% of the total consumer income. It can bring down the living standard of the entire society.
In 2004, the poverty was only 37 million, while it has been increasing by 17% in just four years.

The population with mean income $80,000+ is not increasing at all, while the best-educated American citizens are now 55-59 age group. Once they retire, the entire economy can collapse. It will end up in either hiring qualified people from other countries, else, the firms will start out sourcing the higher end jobs to the other locations. In addition, 65% men and 50% women are still working in their post retirement age, while; 141 million has to take care of 155 million growing old citizens.

Lower demand, lower out put and stiff competition from global rivals rivals cut short the profit margin of the surviving American firms. At the same time the global demand for “ Made in America " is dipping day by day.

Considering all these, one can say that, a tough time is ahead for the American economy.

V bright Saigal 12th may 2006.
http://www.vbrightbooks.00server.com/

Culture and Countries

Do not attempt to shake hand with a Japanese at any cost, as eye contact and physical contact are considered rude.

If a Japanese says YES don’t believe that he agreed with you and now you can sign the agreement. Instead believe that he says he heard what you said.

Slightly bow before superiors and elders if you want to win their good will.

Use suffix, SAN infront of the first name of the person.

Woman’s World 2006…

Aries Woman
She is the one committed and dedicated to any role she plays, both in the house and in her profession.

She approaches the life with a form of aggression, fighting her own battle, ultimately winning. I and me are her limitations. Still she keeps her head upright to prove herself.

Impatience is her limitation, yet she is energetic. Slow and timid people are not her choice.

She is true in deep passion and stronger in emotional relationship, demanding more love. If loved, she will return more than she takes.

Possessiveness is her limitation, still she is loyal and generous, which take her to build and maintain the relationship.

As a mother she is ambitious about her children and lead them to glory. Naturally she likes boys as the boys stand as her crown.

She She Loves Truly and madly always, deeply and more often. Once she is bored, she may search for a new pasture.

Her heart flooded with romance every moment. The person in love in first look is her limitations. They live and love for the moment.

She tries to balance disciline, which is her weak point, which is balanced with praise and physical affection.

She will never flourish with Virgo and Scorpio man.

She loves to maintain good garden and love! aesthetic furniture, and well decorated home.

Her artistic sense presents everywhere in her home and even in her personal life.

Cm_a
http://www.cmapr.00server.com/

Health & Fitness

2006-09-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

How to work out for a healthy body?
2006-09-03 02:24:29Beginnerâ€™s Special Complete Training Program: for a New Body.
As a beginner, when you think about a training program; understanding your metabolic rate is vital to maintain a balanced weight. Metabolic rates are generally two categories; the first one is basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the other one is resting metabolic rate (RMR). The RMR or BMR represents two thirds of oneâ€™s total daily energy needs. Muscle movement consumes 23% of the total energy, while, 10% as thermic effect or energy and waste. The most effective way to increase weight is to increase the mass of lean tissues as for every pound one gains, one quarter of it is lean tissue. So, if you want to lose one pound weight, your body requires only 10 fewer calories. Naturally, to reduce 10 pounds one should burn 100 calories. While muscle burns 13 calories per kilogram of body weight per day, fat burns almost 4.5 kcal /kg /day, and organs burn 200-400 kcal/kg/day. This shows your organs represent 60%-70% of metabolic rate while muscle movement consumes almost 16%-22%. If one wants to add muscle, realistically in a year it is possible only 4-5 pounds. This would add not more than 28-50 Kcals to the metabolic rate.
Every athlete is believed to have 8.5 gm of carbohydrate per kg of their body weight; and they consume 55% of the calories required from carbohydrates. This is essential to maximize glycogen re-synthesis. Such a heavy loading of carbo for an average body weight athlete is not realistic. However, the effective and pragmatic solution is to add some bonus calories; with a cup of oat meal with raisins sprinkled on top and A Power bar Performance bar each day.
Developing a daily nutrition chart is yours another task. Protein requires adequate consideration; when you develop complete and effective sports nutrition. Proteins and amino acids have many vital tasks, such as synthesis hormones and enzymes, balance fluid and electrolytes, provide for cellular and tissue maintenance and repair, act as transport molecules, keep immune system equipped and provide energy.
When you consider the requirement of endurance exercise fats and carbohydrate represent the dominant fuel. Endurance athletes need more than 0.8g/kg dietary protein; to maintain their balance. When protein was combined with carbs, the protein balance is found positive during and after the exercise. Combining protein and carbs during long duration activity can improve protein balance. During recovery, protein can help to maximize glycogen stores and improve glycogen balance. A carbo protein beverage can improve muscle glycogen store significantly than a carbohydrate beverage alone. This effect appears due to the insulin response to the amino acids increasing the glucose uptake into the muscles.
Protein ingestion; can help with muscle growth and repair. Meat, eggs and dairy sources of proteins are the highest protein quality sources other than Soya protein. Consuming 50 g of carbohydrate and 10-20 g of protein soon after a work out is ideal. During the exercise; a Power bar? Endurance sport drink will do a good job.
The third most important ingredient; is whole grain food. Whole grain is important; for fecal bulking effect promoting the rapid passage and elimination of potentially toxic digestive wastes. The rich insoluble fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol level and the risk of heart disease. Since the whole grain foods are processed in the gastronomical system more slowly, its pre-exercise consumption can cause gastronomical discomfort during work out. But, the new Power bar Harvest? Whole grain can add 10 g of protein and 5 g of fiber. You will feel good about it, as you are getting energy and nutrition healthy food to promote a healthy heart. Zondorin is the whole natural way to quicken the repair of fast twitech fibers in targeted muscles, giving you explosive strength and power. Zondorin can allow the rare combination of speed and strength in a matter of few short months. The unique formulation is completely safe and all natural. It is also legal and recognized worldwide.
Last, but not the least is cross training; which is also called transfer training is a successful training tool for the athletes of all levels. It will help you to avoid over training, reduce the risk of injury, enhance flexibility, work opposing muscles groups and strengthen the core. It can even protect you; from repletion nature of training providing improvements in your particular activity. After resistance training work out either you are a cyclist or a marathoner you need pre-exercise, during and post exercise supplements are for which Myoplex nutrition is an ideal choice. Cross training helps to increase range of motion, reduce lower back pain, improve posture, reduce soreness and promote muscular and mental relaxation
So, work hard, be realistic, eat healthy food and be healthy.
Creative & Media Alliance
http://www.cmapr.00server.com/

2006-09-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

Latest Fasion-Woman's World
2006-09-06 03:57:58
Guerlain "Glamour" fall 2006
Clinique fall 2006
Clinique Brush-Then-Comb Mascara
Helena Rubinstein fall 2006
LancÃ´me fall/winter 2006/7
Tom Ford for EstÃ©e Lauder
Vichy Blush-Mousse summer 2006
La Roche-Posay for irritated skin
Beauty Stores in Vienna
Givenchy spring/summer 2006
Louis Widmer eye demake-up

How to Live with Your Tough Knee? Health

2006-09-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

How to Live with Your Tough Knee?
29th May-2006
A tough knee is a major problem in the contemporary society as there are more than 20 million people of America is already victims of Osteoarthritis. There are many major causes like Knee Bursitis, Rheumatism, and Osteoarthritis known to the medical world today. Though there are many pharmaceutical and clinical arguments regarding the causes of tough knees, the genuine reasons at present the medical worlds is talking are, inflammatory bowel disease, genetic dietary, hormonal and environmental factors etc. Especially, eating refined foods, repeated athletic injury and under active thyroid are the other detected factors of tough knee problems.
There are many conventional treatments for tough knee problems like acupressure, balm application, physiotherapy etc. available, but none of them are reported to give that much satisfactory result. However, some supplements contains, Glucothiamine, Hydrochloride, Chndroitin Sulphate, Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil, MSM, Turmeric, Aloe gel, Boswella Seretta, Devils claw, Yucca, Hyaluronic Acid, Brome Lain, Microcrystallines Cellulose, Cross Cramellose Sodium, Steanic Acid, Magnesium Stearate,Silica and Pharmaceutical Glaze-are found more effective. Many of these ingredients are available in the form of tablets like Lurocil Advanced.
Lurocil Advanced Hyaluronic Acid (HA) combination with glucosamine is an effective formula developed for tough knee problems to rehydrate joints and connective tissue. HA holds over 150 times its weights in water and will aid to ease tightened, stressed joints. Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Silicon, Boron, and Strontium in Lurocil Advanced help in bone synthesis, break down and repair. In North America diet mineral deficiency is the part of the reason for the increasing incidence of tough knee problems. One needs to take about 900 mg per 100 pound of body weight in order to reap maximum benefit.
If you suffer from the joint and cartilage pain, then you may have problems of tough knee. Then, Lurocil Advanced is exactly what you need. Lurocil Advanced is the most powerful all natural and safe solution for joint lubrication, pain relief and rebuilding of healthy cartilage. Generally, Lurocil Advanced is administered as two capsules per day, but in most complicated cases especially those who suffer from diabetic must consult a doctor before trying Lurocil Advanced; as glucosamine derived from glucose may be harmful for a diabetic patient. Before administer any supplement contains glucosamine especially pregnant and nursing women suffering from tough knee problems should compare the concentrations of glucosamine and choose a well established brand like Lurocil Advanced that guarantees practically no risk. Glucosamine is labeled as a food supplement and therefore the amount and purity of Glucosamine in Lurocil Advanced is not regulated by Food and Drug administration. Yet, patients taking blood thinners should take extra care before taking Chondrotin as it can increase the blood thinning and may cause excess bleeding.
Cool Cream, is another effective solution available as a reliable relief for tough knee problems. As compared to other Cool Creams in the market Lurocil Cool Cream is more effective on tough knee when it is applied on the surface of skin. Along with other benefits Cool Cream has a pain relieving effect. Optimal pain management and flexibility of joints are the special features of Lurocil Cool Cream. The Cool Cream formulated from special esterised fatty acids which makes it soluble in fat and water alike. This benefit allows the Lurocil Cool Cream to be absorbed faster when applied on the joints. Generally absorption of Cool Cream takes 30-45 minutes. Deep absorption of Lurocil Cool Cream and its penetration gives the best result; especially those suffer from Arthritis symptoms get instant and continual pain relief. Cool Cream can work synergically with glucosamine. Lurocil Cool Cream has to be applied 3 times daily or as directed by a physician. Avoid Cool Cream contacts with eyes, open wounds or damaged skin either accidental or otherwise.
Since the statements of any creams are not evaluated by Food and Drug Administration, one should consult an expert before choosing a cream for tough knee problems. Most of the cream products are not intent to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent diseases but they are effective supplements for the suffering and to give relief for the patients.

Hockey Gear and Equipments
yes,you are ready to play Hockey, before buying hockey gear you should know a liittle more about Hockey gear. Let us start from the basics.The most important protection gear of hockey consists of skates, shin pads, gloves, hockey pants/girdles and obviously helmets. Close to the helmet shell, is filled with high density foam gives impact absorption for hard knocks; while, softer foam near to the head absorbs smaller shocks. In addition to protection, a helmet is expected to provide maximum ventilation.Jerseys, shorts and socks are traditionally made of synthetic material like nylon though many professional players prefer base layer shirt constructed with Dri-Fit fabrics. A playerâ€™s hip bones and thigh bones are at risk; unless, a perfect tested short is chosen while playing. Ventilation, stretch/mobility and durability are the main features of girdles/pants. The pants/girdles, long enough to reach past the top of the shin pads; can guarantee adequate protection. New models with added benefits like padded back, removable shin guard straps and PE-inserts in all key areas for additional protection are also available.Choose the gloves made of synthetic leather that guarantee quality, durability, fit and functions which are essential to protect your fingers from any form of injury. Elbow pads; are designed to protect fore-arm, elbow and bicep. Flexibility to move faster and to play without any problem is the USP of an elbow pad. The hard caps in shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shins must be intact and in good condition. Skate; is traditionally made of leather or nylon for the protection of feet and lower legs better from any form of injuries. When looking for a pair of skates, remember to have your heel tucked back into the heel cup to feel the space for the ankle and toe. The space more than a quarter of an inch wonâ€™t be comfortable. The skates with good ankle support are ideal; for the players whose ankle is weaker. The mask made from metal wire or transparent plastic; is attached to the helmet to protect the playerâ€™s face. Except in the masks made of metal wire; the outer part of the mask composed of a strong space polymer material, and the inside of the mask filled with foam. The conventional hockey stick is made of wood; however, the sticks made of Kevlar and composite plastic are also plenty in the outlets these days. Sticks are available in three categories like light, medium, and heavy. One should customize hockey sticks; trying different sticks to get the one with comfort. Weight and blade size are the two vital qualities to be taken under consideration while searching a hockey stick. The stretch attack jocks/under wears; is advisable to protect better, as it is a cross between hockey and roller hockey girdle. Its pads are perfectly proportional, to avoid unnecessary bulk, while guaranteeing good protection. The goal keepers need helmet, neck guard, chest protector, gloves, super padded chin guard and booties which cover their feet and allow them to kick the ball.Finding a suitable ..... demands a long painful search. Try to find a size and a style, that fits you best. It is advisable to shop around and try a few different options until you find, the one meets quality and style, yet, affordalbe.

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2006-09-11T23:18:00.000-07:00

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A STREET DOG (Short Story)

2006-09-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Story- Street Dog

A STREET DOG (Short Story)

This dog came to this street recently. He seems to be from a place where there is no food. His visible ribs tell me this truth. The skin covered the ribs like a cloth. His black marks on the white fur are beautiful. None has seen him before. On the first day his appearance was a tragedy. All other dogs in this area, chased him, his cry was louder. They have given him some bleeding marks. Now they seems to be accepted him in their group. In the morning he lays near the bus stop. If any one looks at him sympathetically, he waves tail, smells them and follows them until they force him back. Rain is the curse for him. He used to get wet. People never allowed him to take a shelter under any roof. He used to run one place to another until the rain stops. None' heart melted for him. At last the sky itself gives him shelter by stopping the rain. Still he loved every one. Waved tail in front of every one. His eyes sought sypathy. Someone given, others denied. Still he loved everyone, alike.
He never barked at anyone, nor did he growl

New year issue -Stories

2006-09-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

STORIES & POEMS
Free-e-Mail Magazine
http://www.vbrightbooks.00server.com/
V BRIGHT SAIGAL
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New Year Issue 2006 Permission for reprint available on request.

Poem
A Cradle in My Heart

Delicate heart, still cradle those days;
The stream of perennial love, prevailed once
Deep in my heart, prevail those jingles;
The stream of never ending love, perennial
Deep in my heart prevail, those smiles;
Once echoed in my heart, waking up love
Still hope prevails as refulgent full moon, ever;
Forgotten days are the fallen flowers
Flying up in my heart, as scattered clouds
The starlit sky still winking at me;
As if they teasing, my unending quest

V Bright Saigal, 31st Jan 2006

www.vbrightbooks.00server.com

A Delayed Spring (Story)

I met this woman on a railway platform. Elegant, beautiful, blessed with melodious voice, I can enumerate, many of her qualities.

Hi, I greeted her.
Hi, how do you do? Lifted her goggles, she kept above her plaited hair. That brown shade lipstick, I felt matching her complexion.

▒Where are you from▓? I implored.

▒Quite far off▓, she said, as if she doesn▓t have any specific destination.

▒I am from Nerula▓, I said

▒Oh! I heard of it, one of the most populous cities, you must be a businessman▓, she wondered.
▒No, I am a surgeon▓
Oh! You don▓t look like, dressing like a businessman.
I accepted the complements with a bit of conceit.
▒What do you do▓? I,
▒ Business, I took a room in the nearest hotel, since five days I have been here, drop in sometime. She said. My room is 5 O 5.Hotel Nero▓

Nero is a famous hotel.

▒Sure▓, with a conceit, I got into my compartment, so did she. Sitting opposite to me, only we both, I was quite puzzled.
▒How many children do you have?▓ I asked
▒None▓, she said.
▒What about your husband?▓ Again I

▒Left me, quite long ago, I am a loner▓, looking at the horizon, she said

▒Why don▓t you marry again?▓ Again I

▒Sure, there is, there is a possibility, a marriage of conveniences▓, hiding her wetty eyes with goggles, she whispered.
I kept silence for some time, while she was looking at the meadows through the window.

⌠Life takes us through different gullies, sometimes we may get injuries, deeper one will be in the heart■ she added

▒ How is your wife and children?▓ She asked me

▒I am a bachelor, where are you going now?▓

I was curious

▒Nowhere, I travel now and then▓

⌠Traveling is a good hobby and fascinating,■ I said

⌠ There is nothing fascinating in my case, instead, I am running away from my life■ she added

⌠Be patient, I said, who knows you won▓t find someone good on your way!■

I encouraged

⌠It is fine like this■. She swept her nose.

⌠See, the Sun rise, every Sun rise is a promise of a new day■ I said

She smiled

Then I offered her a flower, she accepted, the lips widened with a smile again, as if a new sunrise in her heart.
After three months we met again, not on the platform, but to share a wedding ring.
Then I heard a warble in her heart, as if a new spring arrived in her life.
V Bright Saigal
31st Jan.2006

Today▓s Joke:

One fine morning, I had dialed up my girl friend; unfortunately her mother picked the receiver. In order to save myself, I said,
▒There is fire in my home▓.
▒This is not the fire station▓, her mother, then she angrily threw the receiver onto the receiver.
Happily I returned to my work.
After fifteen minutes, there was a siren in front of my gate. The fire engine already arrived and the firemen jumping out and searching for my home.
It took half an hour to pacify them and send back.
Again my phone rang, my girl friend▓s mother
▒ How do you feel now? Don▓t try to seduce my daughter again.
▒Her grueling voice from the other side▓.
I lost my words.
V Bright Saigal. 3rd Feb.2006

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vbrightbooks

2006-09-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

vbrightbooks

Poems & Stories -July-2006 issue

2006-08-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

STORIES & POEMS
Free-e-Mail Magazine
http://www.vbrightbooks.00server.com/
V BRIGHT SAIGAL
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10,000 Readers & You, around the World. Forward to your friends and sign at www.vbrightbooks.00server.com , it is free and entertaining too.

July 2006 issue…

The Rain Bow (Poem)

The rainbow in my memory still prevails
Beneath the depth of my perennial love
Ripples of laughter yet subside
Once filled my life in bosom
Fragrance spring still in the breeze
Echoing those fallen flowers, weeping
Receding my desire unto the ocean
And those unending quench submerged again
Echoing your laughter in the depth of my heart
As the jingles on the foot of a dancer
Happiness vanished beyond the horizon
Leaving the unending desire in my courtyard again
Weeping my heart and wetty eyes
Still waiting for you and that laughter

V BRIGHT SAIGAL 6th June –2006

The Shuttle Train (Short story)

I was waiting at the railway station, a wetty, cloudy, smoggy day. Smoking a thick cigar and wearing a long coat and a thick cap I stood looking at the light post.

“ You are here quite long time I suppose” a female voice.
I turned back, wearing a knee length black suit and tilted hat a sweet woman. Any one will like her, if look at her lovely blue eyes.

“ No, just less than fifteen minutes” I
“ I feel I missed the train to Empire,” she said.

Empire: an industrial town of the country. Thickly populated, e