If you are in to frozen foods you might want to read this! This week Nestle had to recall 3 types of frozen Lean Cuisine chicken meals, primarily in Oregon.
Utah-based Nestle Prepared Foods Company has recalled three varieties of frozen Lean Cuisine chicken meals, two of which were distributed in Oregon.
The entrees might contain small pieces of bright blue plastic, a high health risk, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Those meals are: Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, Chicken Mediterranean and Chicken Tuscan, all produced between August 18 to October 27 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.
The recall of roughly 1.2 million packages of food impacts Oregon shoppers who bought the products at Portland-area Albertsons stores and Clackamas Safeway stores.
One item -- the Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, production code "8280595912" marked "Best Before MAY 2010" -- was not sold in Oregon, according to Nestle spokeswoman Roz O'Hearn.
But the other items were sold in Oregon.
Lean Cuisine Chicken Mediterranean, production code "8231595912" or "8241595912" marked "Best before SEP 2010"; production code "8263595912," "8269595911" or "8274595912," marked "Best before OCT 2010"; and production code "8291595912" or "8301595912" marked "Best before NOV 2010," were distributed locally at Albertsons in Portland and Safeways in Clackamas.
Lean Cuisine Chicken Tuscan, production code "8234595911" and marked "Best before SEP 2009"; production code "8253595911" or "8269595912" and marked "Best before OCT 2009"; and production code of "8292595911" or "8296595911" and marked "Best before NOV 2009," were distributed to Safeways in Clackamas.
Each package bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number "EST P-9018."
Source: Oregon News
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Online retail spending slows to a crawl in October
Consumer spending on e-commerce sites grew just 1 percent during October compared with the same month a year ago, according to ComScore.
In fact, last month was the worst growth month for online retail spending since ComScore began keeping track in 2001.
Rising prices and unemployment rates, and the psychological impact of the chaos of the financial markets are to blame, according to ComScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni.
But the dip in spending can't be too much of a shock to those who watch ComScore's monthly reports carefully. The preceding six months featured declining growth rates--April saw 15 percent growth, and by August spending online had increased just 8 percent.
Spending has dropped off the most for households that make below $50,000 per year, according to ComScore's figures. From August to October this year, their spending dropped 3 percent compared with the same period last year. For households making between $50,000 and $100,000, their spending increased 1 percent. Households making more than $100,000 increased their spending during that time by 14 percent.
Retailers both online and off are fretting how the economic downturn will affect this year's holiday sales. E-commerce giants Amazon.com and eBay both offered dim holiday outlooks during their third-quarter earnings reports.
In response, earlier this month ComScore recommended that online retailers should seriously consider generous coupon offers and free shipping to encourage consumers to spend in the coming months.
Source: CNET NEWS
In fact, last month was the worst growth month for online retail spending since ComScore began keeping track in 2001.
Rising prices and unemployment rates, and the psychological impact of the chaos of the financial markets are to blame, according to ComScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni.
But the dip in spending can't be too much of a shock to those who watch ComScore's monthly reports carefully. The preceding six months featured declining growth rates--April saw 15 percent growth, and by August spending online had increased just 8 percent.
Spending has dropped off the most for households that make below $50,000 per year, according to ComScore's figures. From August to October this year, their spending dropped 3 percent compared with the same period last year. For households making between $50,000 and $100,000, their spending increased 1 percent. Households making more than $100,000 increased their spending during that time by 14 percent.
Retailers both online and off are fretting how the economic downturn will affect this year's holiday sales. E-commerce giants Amazon.com and eBay both offered dim holiday outlooks during their third-quarter earnings reports.
In response, earlier this month ComScore recommended that online retailers should seriously consider generous coupon offers and free shipping to encourage consumers to spend in the coming months.
Source: CNET NEWS
Goodbye Circuit City
When Circuit City announced on Monday that it was closing 155 stores amid financial trouble, it didn't surprise me at all. If you've been following this page over the past year and a half, you know that I've been saying since the beginning that Circuit City doesn't have the chops to stick around and compete with Best Buy.
Circuit City (Credit: Circuit City)
And although yesterday's announcement was probably a shock to some at the company, it shouldn't have been. For the past few years, Circuit City has been the victim of one of the steepest declines this industry has ever seen.
Right now, the stock is in danger of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, thanks to a share price that can't make its way above the $1 mark. In fact, even after announcing the closure of 155 stores, the company's shares rose only 10 cents in daytime trading, bringing its stock price to 36 cents per share.
We can't forget, upon analyzing Circuit City, that this isn't the end of store closures, nor the beginning of financial success. The company is now going to engage landlords in negotiations to "aggressively" reduce rental rates in stores nationwide.
Once that initiative fails--and it will--Circuit City will have no other option but to close even more stores as it tries to find the right balance between size and financial stability.
To make matters worse, it will be delisted from the NYSE. I simply don't see any way the stock price can gain almost 70 cents in a short amount of time to get regulators off the company's back. And once that happens, any influx of cash Circuit City was hoping for will be lost, and it will be forced to close even more stores.
The end is near for Circuit City. Its decision to close 155 stores was an opening salvo in the hopes that shareholders would take notice and believe the company had the ability to turn things around.
Unfortunately for Circuit City, the shareholders didn't fall for it.
The company may be an attractive target for at least one company in the industry. After all, CompUSA was picked up by TigerDirect, and now some CompUSA stores are open in Florida.
But then again, maybe Circuit City isn't as attractive to acquiring companies as it wants to believe. Maybe companies realize that Circuit City is a dog and will never be able to compete with Best Buy in brick-and-mortar stores or Amazon.com online. Maybe they realize that with a stock that's in serious danger of being delisted, it has no hope of repairing shareholder confidence. And maybe they realize that Circuit City's days are numbered, regardless of the amount of cost cutting and expense slashing in which the company engages.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Circuit City is a dying company with no viability to, well, anyone. With Best Buy and online retailers squeezing it out of the market, I honestly don't believe that Circuit City will be around even a year from now. Strapped for cash, facing an avalanche of competition, and in desperate need of solid revenue, Circuit City looks like company that simply can't survive in today's hotly contested environment.
The game is over. And Circuit City lost.
Source: CNET NEWS
Circuit City (Credit: Circuit City)
And although yesterday's announcement was probably a shock to some at the company, it shouldn't have been. For the past few years, Circuit City has been the victim of one of the steepest declines this industry has ever seen.
Right now, the stock is in danger of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, thanks to a share price that can't make its way above the $1 mark. In fact, even after announcing the closure of 155 stores, the company's shares rose only 10 cents in daytime trading, bringing its stock price to 36 cents per share.
We can't forget, upon analyzing Circuit City, that this isn't the end of store closures, nor the beginning of financial success. The company is now going to engage landlords in negotiations to "aggressively" reduce rental rates in stores nationwide.
Once that initiative fails--and it will--Circuit City will have no other option but to close even more stores as it tries to find the right balance between size and financial stability.
To make matters worse, it will be delisted from the NYSE. I simply don't see any way the stock price can gain almost 70 cents in a short amount of time to get regulators off the company's back. And once that happens, any influx of cash Circuit City was hoping for will be lost, and it will be forced to close even more stores.
The end is near for Circuit City. Its decision to close 155 stores was an opening salvo in the hopes that shareholders would take notice and believe the company had the ability to turn things around.
Unfortunately for Circuit City, the shareholders didn't fall for it.
The company may be an attractive target for at least one company in the industry. After all, CompUSA was picked up by TigerDirect, and now some CompUSA stores are open in Florida.
But then again, maybe Circuit City isn't as attractive to acquiring companies as it wants to believe. Maybe companies realize that Circuit City is a dog and will never be able to compete with Best Buy in brick-and-mortar stores or Amazon.com online. Maybe they realize that with a stock that's in serious danger of being delisted, it has no hope of repairing shareholder confidence. And maybe they realize that Circuit City's days are numbered, regardless of the amount of cost cutting and expense slashing in which the company engages.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Circuit City is a dying company with no viability to, well, anyone. With Best Buy and online retailers squeezing it out of the market, I honestly don't believe that Circuit City will be around even a year from now. Strapped for cash, facing an avalanche of competition, and in desperate need of solid revenue, Circuit City looks like company that simply can't survive in today's hotly contested environment.
The game is over. And Circuit City lost.
Source: CNET NEWS
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Astronauts to drink their own urine
Think about it, drinking your own urine! Ok, it may not taste like urine, but it's the thought of it - "drinking your own urine". Check out why it may be a good idea in space.
It's a water-recycling device that will process the crew's urine for communal consumption.
"We did blind taste tests of the water," said NASA's Bob Bagdigian, the system's lead engineer. "Nobody had any strong objections. Other than a faint taste of iodine, it is just as refreshing as any other kind of water."
"I've got some in my fridge," he added. "It tastes fine to me."
Delivery of the $250 million wastewater recycling gear is among the primary goals of NASA's 124th shuttle mission, which was due to launch at 7.55pm EST on Friday (0055 GMT on Saturday) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
With no technical issues, NASA managers told the launch team on Friday morning to fuel the shuttle for lift-off, a three-hour operation to pump 500,000 gallons (1.9 million litres) of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the spaceship's tank for the 8.5-minute climb into orbit.
If the shuttle lifts off on time, it would arrive at the space station on Sunday so astronauts could begin 11 to 12 days of home improvements.
In addition to the water recycler, Endeavour carries two small bedrooms, the station's first refrigerator, new exercise gear, and perhaps most important for a growing crew – a second lavatory.
"With six people you really do need to have a two-bathroom house. It's a lot more convenient and a lot more efficient," said Endeavour astronaut Sandra Magnus, who will take over as a space station flight engineer from Greg Chamitoff.
Mr Chamitoff has been aboard the outpost since the last shuttle flight in June.
NASA wants to make sure the water recycling system is working well before adding another three astronauts to the station's crew.
Reusing water will become essential once NASA retires its space shuttles, which produce water as a by-product of their electrical systems. Rather than dumping the water overboard, NASA has been transferring it to the space station.
But the shuttle's days are numbered. Only 10 flights remain, including a final servicing call to the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA is preparing to end the program in 2010, after which Russian Soyuz spacecraft will be the only way to ferry crew to the space station.
"We can't be delivering water all the time for six crew," said space station flight director Ron Spencer. "Recycling is a must."
NASA expects to process about six gallons (23 litres) of water per day with the new device. The goal is to recover about 92 per cent of the water from the crew's urine and moisture in the air.
The wastewater is processed using an extensive series of purification techniques, including distillation – which is somewhat tricky in microgravity – filtration, oxidation, and ionization.
The final step is the addition of iodine to control microbial growth, Mr Bagdigian said.
The device is intended to process a full day's worth of wastewater in less than 24 hours.
"Today's drinking water was yesterday's waste," Mr Bagdigian added.
Credits to Telegraph UK
It's a water-recycling device that will process the crew's urine for communal consumption.
"We did blind taste tests of the water," said NASA's Bob Bagdigian, the system's lead engineer. "Nobody had any strong objections. Other than a faint taste of iodine, it is just as refreshing as any other kind of water."
"I've got some in my fridge," he added. "It tastes fine to me."
Delivery of the $250 million wastewater recycling gear is among the primary goals of NASA's 124th shuttle mission, which was due to launch at 7.55pm EST on Friday (0055 GMT on Saturday) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
With no technical issues, NASA managers told the launch team on Friday morning to fuel the shuttle for lift-off, a three-hour operation to pump 500,000 gallons (1.9 million litres) of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the spaceship's tank for the 8.5-minute climb into orbit.
If the shuttle lifts off on time, it would arrive at the space station on Sunday so astronauts could begin 11 to 12 days of home improvements.
In addition to the water recycler, Endeavour carries two small bedrooms, the station's first refrigerator, new exercise gear, and perhaps most important for a growing crew – a second lavatory.
"With six people you really do need to have a two-bathroom house. It's a lot more convenient and a lot more efficient," said Endeavour astronaut Sandra Magnus, who will take over as a space station flight engineer from Greg Chamitoff.
Mr Chamitoff has been aboard the outpost since the last shuttle flight in June.
NASA wants to make sure the water recycling system is working well before adding another three astronauts to the station's crew.
Reusing water will become essential once NASA retires its space shuttles, which produce water as a by-product of their electrical systems. Rather than dumping the water overboard, NASA has been transferring it to the space station.
But the shuttle's days are numbered. Only 10 flights remain, including a final servicing call to the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA is preparing to end the program in 2010, after which Russian Soyuz spacecraft will be the only way to ferry crew to the space station.
"We can't be delivering water all the time for six crew," said space station flight director Ron Spencer. "Recycling is a must."
NASA expects to process about six gallons (23 litres) of water per day with the new device. The goal is to recover about 92 per cent of the water from the crew's urine and moisture in the air.
The wastewater is processed using an extensive series of purification techniques, including distillation – which is somewhat tricky in microgravity – filtration, oxidation, and ionization.
The final step is the addition of iodine to control microbial growth, Mr Bagdigian said.
The device is intended to process a full day's worth of wastewater in less than 24 hours.
"Today's drinking water was yesterday's waste," Mr Bagdigian added.
Credits to Telegraph UK
Friday, November 14, 2008
7 things you didn't know about Windows 7
The magic number is 7! While Windows 7 has gotten plenty of attention over the past two weeks, there are some features in there that haven't gotten as much attention. Here are 7 features that caught my eye.
1. Standard approach to mobile broadband
Windows 7 treats cellular modems as a standard connection, much like a Wi-Fi network, popping them up in the same available wireless networks dialog.
Sierra Wireless has already said it will support the new approach, which should make life much easier for road warriors (myself included). One of my few gripes about the prebeta Windows 7 laptop I'm using is that it doesn't recognize my relatively new USB Sprint modem.
2. Help with public Wi-Fi spots.
This was a little feature I discovered on my own. With many public Wi-Fi hot spots, once you connect to the network, you have to do something in your browser, such as agree to certain terms or enter a password. Windows 7 pops up a notification that tells you that, although you have to be connected to the network, more action may be needed and it gives you a direct link to open your browser.
When logging onto a Wi-Fi network that requires additional information via a browser, Windows 7 pops up this warning. (Click on image for a short photo gallery.)
(Credit: CNET News)
3. Windows Troubleshooting
Sure, it would be better if your computer worked problem-free. But, acknowledging that's not the case, Microsoft has added a central place in Windows 7 to try to figure out what went wrong and why.
Among the kinds of problems that Windows Troubleshooting aims to help solve are issues with networked printers, detecting hard drive problems, and even some proactive things, like figuring out how much life a laptop battery has before it will likely need to be replaced with a new battery.
4. New sensor support
Windows 7 adds base-level support for all kinds of sensors, from GPS, to ambient light sensors, to accelerometers. Light sensors, for example, can now be used not only to light up a keyboard, but an application could sense daylight and make type larger so that it's easier to read.
At WinHEC, Microsoft handed out 700 free sensor developer kits that included a light sensor, touch pad, and accelerometer. The kit was a big hit with the developers, prompting one of the only long lines of the show.
5. Improved battery life and playback of DVDs
Microsoft is trying to do a couple things to make the DVD-playing experience better in Windows 7.
First and foremost, it has changed things so that DVD movies just start playing, as opposed to bringing up a long list of options.
Second, the company has worked to adjust power settings while playing back movies to enable better battery life.
"I'm hopeful it will have battery life equivalent to a portable DVD player," Microsoft's Jon DeVaan said in an interview. The issue is personal, he said. If Microsoft can reach its goal, he might be able to only bring a laptop on outings. "I hope to spare my back on family trips," he said.
6. Windows Biometric Framework
According to a press release from fingerprint sensor make AuthenTec, the operating system features improved biometric support that should enable a more standard way for fingerprint management applications to work with fingerprint readers in Windows 7.
"This provides ease of fingerprint sensor integration for PC manufacturers and a more consistent user experience," AuthenTec said in its release.
7. Enhancements to Windows Media Center
Microsoft hasn't given up on its dream of having Windows gain a prominent spot in the living room and its main effort in this area--Windows Media Center--is back in Windows 7.
BetaNews has a look at some of the new features, including support for H.264 video, an on-screen keyboard, and better method of scrolling through large libraries.
No word on whether the new Media Center will offer the long-anticipated support for DirecTV.
Click here for more news on Windows 7.
Credits to CNET NEWS
1. Standard approach to mobile broadband
Windows 7 treats cellular modems as a standard connection, much like a Wi-Fi network, popping them up in the same available wireless networks dialog.
Sierra Wireless has already said it will support the new approach, which should make life much easier for road warriors (myself included). One of my few gripes about the prebeta Windows 7 laptop I'm using is that it doesn't recognize my relatively new USB Sprint modem.
2. Help with public Wi-Fi spots.
This was a little feature I discovered on my own. With many public Wi-Fi hot spots, once you connect to the network, you have to do something in your browser, such as agree to certain terms or enter a password. Windows 7 pops up a notification that tells you that, although you have to be connected to the network, more action may be needed and it gives you a direct link to open your browser.
When logging onto a Wi-Fi network that requires additional information via a browser, Windows 7 pops up this warning. (Click on image for a short photo gallery.)
(Credit: CNET News)
3. Windows Troubleshooting
Sure, it would be better if your computer worked problem-free. But, acknowledging that's not the case, Microsoft has added a central place in Windows 7 to try to figure out what went wrong and why.
Among the kinds of problems that Windows Troubleshooting aims to help solve are issues with networked printers, detecting hard drive problems, and even some proactive things, like figuring out how much life a laptop battery has before it will likely need to be replaced with a new battery.
4. New sensor support
Windows 7 adds base-level support for all kinds of sensors, from GPS, to ambient light sensors, to accelerometers. Light sensors, for example, can now be used not only to light up a keyboard, but an application could sense daylight and make type larger so that it's easier to read.
At WinHEC, Microsoft handed out 700 free sensor developer kits that included a light sensor, touch pad, and accelerometer. The kit was a big hit with the developers, prompting one of the only long lines of the show.
5. Improved battery life and playback of DVDs
Microsoft is trying to do a couple things to make the DVD-playing experience better in Windows 7.
First and foremost, it has changed things so that DVD movies just start playing, as opposed to bringing up a long list of options.
Second, the company has worked to adjust power settings while playing back movies to enable better battery life.
"I'm hopeful it will have battery life equivalent to a portable DVD player," Microsoft's Jon DeVaan said in an interview. The issue is personal, he said. If Microsoft can reach its goal, he might be able to only bring a laptop on outings. "I hope to spare my back on family trips," he said.
6. Windows Biometric Framework
According to a press release from fingerprint sensor make AuthenTec, the operating system features improved biometric support that should enable a more standard way for fingerprint management applications to work with fingerprint readers in Windows 7.
"This provides ease of fingerprint sensor integration for PC manufacturers and a more consistent user experience," AuthenTec said in its release.
7. Enhancements to Windows Media Center
Microsoft hasn't given up on its dream of having Windows gain a prominent spot in the living room and its main effort in this area--Windows Media Center--is back in Windows 7.
BetaNews has a look at some of the new features, including support for H.264 video, an on-screen keyboard, and better method of scrolling through large libraries.
No word on whether the new Media Center will offer the long-anticipated support for DirecTV.
Click here for more news on Windows 7.
Credits to CNET NEWS
Thursday, November 13, 2008
30 years after the Guyana Tragedy
It's been 30 years since a great tragedy occurred in Guyana. In 1978 918 followers of Jim Jones died after swallowing a Kool-aid which contained cyanide. The event was the origin of the term "drinking the Kool-aid" to describe close adherents of dogma.
Both MSNBC and CNN are revisiting the subject 30 years later.
Tonight CNN is launching "Escape from Jonestown" where they look at what happened in Guyana with the 'People's Temple.'
MSNBC aired it's own take on Jonestown on Sunday.
That's quite a bit of attention on an extremely disturbing moment in religious history.
Both MSNBC and CNN are revisiting the subject 30 years later.
Tonight CNN is launching "Escape from Jonestown" where they look at what happened in Guyana with the 'People's Temple.'
MSNBC aired it's own take on Jonestown on Sunday.
That's quite a bit of attention on an extremely disturbing moment in religious history.
Monday, November 10, 2008
CNN "hologram" spinning out of hand?
Did you see the CNN "hologram"? What is your oppion on the so called "hologram" that enabled Jessica Yellin to appear in the studio while really located in Chicago. Was it really a hologram, or is CNN trying to spin a great story??
According to CNN, it was real "hologram" technology that beamed Jessica Yellin, a CNN correspondent from Chicago, to the CNN press center in New York, where Wolf Blitzer could grill her about what was going on in Chicago.
First off, let me say that it wasn't even real "hologram" technology, which annoys me from the start. Don't say it's a "hologram" technology unless it really is. If CNN was truly using a "hologram," it would not have employed a green screen and overlay images. Instead, it would have captured scattered light and then reconstructed it back in the studio.
Oh, and it probably would have bankrupted CNN too.
But I digress. Everywhere I turn, someone is saying how "cool" CNN's so-called "hologram" was. Uh, no.
Allow me to explain something to those who probably also get excited about buying a new hammer or watching a new Starbucks open up in their neighborhood: the "hologram" technique made the show look shoddy and stupid, and made Ms. Yellin look like a well-designed video game character.
Now, I know what you're saying: "But Don, you see, by using its 'hologram,' CNN is embracing technology and taking news reporting one step further."
Sorry, but I think that if you believe that, it's time for you to stop drinking Wolf Blitzer's Kool-Aid.
Nothing about the CNN "hologram" made sense. Part of the value of sending reporters to different areas to cover what's going on is to allow viewers to look beyond the onscreen reporter, and see the raucous environment. And it also affords the reporter the opportunity to walk around and show viewers some of the visual highlights at the event.
But with the help of its "hologram," CNN destroyed the value in sending a reporter, and instead made it, in the paraphrased words of Wolf Blitzer, "a more intimate setting" for the interview that eliminated all the noisy people that would have been standing behind her.
Spoken like a true apologist.
Just because the idea of a "hologram" is interesting, it doesn't mean that every time that someone pretends to use one, we have to think that it's the greatest thing in the world. The "hologram" looked ugly, made Ms. Yellin look awkward, and it didn't provide any real value to the viewer.
I applaud CNN for at least trying something new. But if show producers are smart, they'll shelve their "hologram" idea, and move on to something bigger and better, like transporting Ms. Yellin back and forth between Chicago and New York next time. I think that'll keep them busy for a while, and help us enjoy some quality programming, while they're trying to figure out how to reconstruct atoms.
Credits to CNET NEWS, Don Reisinger
According to CNN, it was real "hologram" technology that beamed Jessica Yellin, a CNN correspondent from Chicago, to the CNN press center in New York, where Wolf Blitzer could grill her about what was going on in Chicago.
First off, let me say that it wasn't even real "hologram" technology, which annoys me from the start. Don't say it's a "hologram" technology unless it really is. If CNN was truly using a "hologram," it would not have employed a green screen and overlay images. Instead, it would have captured scattered light and then reconstructed it back in the studio.
Oh, and it probably would have bankrupted CNN too.
But I digress. Everywhere I turn, someone is saying how "cool" CNN's so-called "hologram" was. Uh, no.
Allow me to explain something to those who probably also get excited about buying a new hammer or watching a new Starbucks open up in their neighborhood: the "hologram" technique made the show look shoddy and stupid, and made Ms. Yellin look like a well-designed video game character.
Now, I know what you're saying: "But Don, you see, by using its 'hologram,' CNN is embracing technology and taking news reporting one step further."
Sorry, but I think that if you believe that, it's time for you to stop drinking Wolf Blitzer's Kool-Aid.
Nothing about the CNN "hologram" made sense. Part of the value of sending reporters to different areas to cover what's going on is to allow viewers to look beyond the onscreen reporter, and see the raucous environment. And it also affords the reporter the opportunity to walk around and show viewers some of the visual highlights at the event.
But with the help of its "hologram," CNN destroyed the value in sending a reporter, and instead made it, in the paraphrased words of Wolf Blitzer, "a more intimate setting" for the interview that eliminated all the noisy people that would have been standing behind her.
Spoken like a true apologist.
Just because the idea of a "hologram" is interesting, it doesn't mean that every time that someone pretends to use one, we have to think that it's the greatest thing in the world. The "hologram" looked ugly, made Ms. Yellin look awkward, and it didn't provide any real value to the viewer.
I applaud CNN for at least trying something new. But if show producers are smart, they'll shelve their "hologram" idea, and move on to something bigger and better, like transporting Ms. Yellin back and forth between Chicago and New York next time. I think that'll keep them busy for a while, and help us enjoy some quality programming, while they're trying to figure out how to reconstruct atoms.
Credits to CNET NEWS, Don Reisinger
Circuit City files for Chapter 11
"Another one bites the dust..." - This week opened with the bankruptcy of big electronics company Circuit City, a result of the downturn in the economy that recently has led shoppers to cut back on discretionary purchases.
Chapter 11 allows a company to hold off creditors while it attempts to restructure its finances. Circuit City said Monday that it has has negotiated a commitment for a $1.1 billion debtor-in-possession revolving credit facility to supplement its working capital.
Circuit City announced earlier this month that it would shutter 155 stores and lay off 17 percent of its workforce. The retailer said Monday that it will eliminate an additional 700 positions in addition to the reductions resulting from the store closings, bringing the total layoff projection to around 20 percent of its employees. According to the company's FAQ, in February it had approximately 45,900 employees, not including workers taken on during peak selling periods.
"We appreciate the support we have received from our lenders in the midst of such a tight credit market," acting CEO and vice chairman James A. Marcum said. "With this support, we believe we have the opportunity to leverage our market position and the strength of our brand to restore Circuit City to solid financial footing."
Credits to CNET NEWS
Chapter 11 allows a company to hold off creditors while it attempts to restructure its finances. Circuit City said Monday that it has has negotiated a commitment for a $1.1 billion debtor-in-possession revolving credit facility to supplement its working capital.
Circuit City announced earlier this month that it would shutter 155 stores and lay off 17 percent of its workforce. The retailer said Monday that it will eliminate an additional 700 positions in addition to the reductions resulting from the store closings, bringing the total layoff projection to around 20 percent of its employees. According to the company's FAQ, in February it had approximately 45,900 employees, not including workers taken on during peak selling periods.
"We appreciate the support we have received from our lenders in the midst of such a tight credit market," acting CEO and vice chairman James A. Marcum said. "With this support, we believe we have the opportunity to leverage our market position and the strength of our brand to restore Circuit City to solid financial footing."
Credits to CNET NEWS
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Charles Gordon suffers nasty injury
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Charles Gordon was carried off the field in the second quarter against Green Bay after an unpleasant ankle injury that occurred on a punt return.
Gordon fielded the punt inside the Vikings 10, headed upfield and was immediately met by two Packers. As he planted his left leg to change direction, one of the Packers rolled up on the leg, and the ankle gave way. He lay motionless on the turf while athletic trainer Eric Sugarman rushed out to see him.
Several teammates took a knee to say a quick prayer, and even coach Brad Childress went out to check on him.
Gordon had to lifted by several Vikings staff members on to the cart, and a host of Packers rushed over to greet him just before he was driven back to the locker room.
Gordon is in his third season out of Kansas and is the Vikings' top punt returner in addition to being their nickel cornerback.
Credit to Associated Press
Gordon fielded the punt inside the Vikings 10, headed upfield and was immediately met by two Packers. As he planted his left leg to change direction, one of the Packers rolled up on the leg, and the ankle gave way. He lay motionless on the turf while athletic trainer Eric Sugarman rushed out to see him.
Several teammates took a knee to say a quick prayer, and even coach Brad Childress went out to check on him.
Gordon had to lifted by several Vikings staff members on to the cart, and a host of Packers rushed over to greet him just before he was driven back to the locker room.
Gordon is in his third season out of Kansas and is the Vikings' top punt returner in addition to being their nickel cornerback.
Credit to Associated Press
Thanksgiving Recipes
It is time to prepare your Thanksgiving dinner if you are not already set and ready for the big feast. In the following you will find help and inspiration if you may be lost in your Thanksgiving preparation
BHG.com and Better Homes and Gardens magazine today unveiled Thanksgiving recipes and Thanksgiving crafts as the next phases of their 100 Days of Holidays program kicks off. The holiday program is aimed at helping families create a memorable Thanksgiving Day with Thanksgiving dinner recipes, Thanksgiving crafts for kids, a wheat centerpiece, and other decorating ideas.
BHG.com Senior Holidays Editor Debra Steilen said, "Mix and match your Thanksgiving menu from our collection of taste-tested recipes. From old favorites to new taste sensations, these menus will help you plan and serve the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner ever."
For example, the Thanksgiving recipes from Better Homes and Gardens editors include: 8 Cranberry Sauces We Adore; 26 Yummy Pumpkin Recipes; Festive Cranberry Desserts; Easy, Elegant Holiday Salads; Delicious Holiday Soups; Festive & Fun Holiday Drinks; Jazzier Cranberry Sauce; Our Best Fall Pies & Tarts; Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipes; Recipes for Leftover Turkey; Roast Turkey Stuffings; Spice-Rubbed Turkey with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce Dinner; and a Thanksgiving Wine Guide.
BHG.com has also updated its exclusive Turkey Roasting Guide with the latest timing information. Use this free roasting guide to quickly get customized defrosting and cooking instructions for turkey, as well as chicken, beef, pork, and other large cuts of meat. You can even select the time you want to serve your meal and get a personalized cooking schedule.
Steilen added, "Find heartwarming crafts projects you and your family can work on together. Create a memorable Thanksgiving and still have time to enjoy it with these helpful planning tips."
For example, the Thanksgiving crafts from Better Homes and Gardens editors include the following Thanksgiving crafts for kids: Color Me Thankful; Thanksgiving Coloring Pages; Thanksgiving Day Card; Thanksgiving History and Traditions; Thanksgiving Turkey Card; Turkey Day Games; Turkey Tic-Tac-Toe; and Wild Turkey.
Steilen concluded, "Set the mood for your Thanksgiving celebration with creative ideas for centerpieces, place settings, and more. Let the neighbors enjoy your love of Thanksgiving by decorating your home exterior."
For example, the producers at Better.TV offer a how-to video on creating a wheat centerpiece. This simple and dramatic arrangement uses wheat, one of the most enduring signs of the season. Check out the video of this project for helpful hints and tips.
The Thanksgiving decorating ideas from BHG.com editors also include: Easy Centerpieces for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Decorating with Nature, Thanksgiving Fruit Centerpieces, and Step-by-Step Holiday Napkins.
About BHG.com
Developed by the experts at Better Homes and Gardens, BHG.com is the premiere home and family site on the Web, and the interactive companion to Better Homes and Gardens magazine. BHG.com is for people interested in turning home, cooking, and gardening inspiration into action.
BHG.com is focused on decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, and gardening. It also has extensive information for women and families. In addition to providing useful tools and advice, BHG.com's trusted experts keep visitors up to the minute with information on the latest developments and trends around home and garden. BHG.com was designed with real people in mind. It has easy-to-use interactive tools, clear visuals, step-by-step instructions, and money-saving suggestions. It makes life easier and more enjoyable.
BHG.com and Better Homes and Gardens magazine today unveiled Thanksgiving recipes and Thanksgiving crafts as the next phases of their 100 Days of Holidays program kicks off. The holiday program is aimed at helping families create a memorable Thanksgiving Day with Thanksgiving dinner recipes, Thanksgiving crafts for kids, a wheat centerpiece, and other decorating ideas.
BHG.com Senior Holidays Editor Debra Steilen said, "Mix and match your Thanksgiving menu from our collection of taste-tested recipes. From old favorites to new taste sensations, these menus will help you plan and serve the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner ever."
For example, the Thanksgiving recipes from Better Homes and Gardens editors include: 8 Cranberry Sauces We Adore; 26 Yummy Pumpkin Recipes; Festive Cranberry Desserts; Easy, Elegant Holiday Salads; Delicious Holiday Soups; Festive & Fun Holiday Drinks; Jazzier Cranberry Sauce; Our Best Fall Pies & Tarts; Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipes; Recipes for Leftover Turkey; Roast Turkey Stuffings; Spice-Rubbed Turkey with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce Dinner; and a Thanksgiving Wine Guide.
BHG.com has also updated its exclusive Turkey Roasting Guide with the latest timing information. Use this free roasting guide to quickly get customized defrosting and cooking instructions for turkey, as well as chicken, beef, pork, and other large cuts of meat. You can even select the time you want to serve your meal and get a personalized cooking schedule.
Steilen added, "Find heartwarming crafts projects you and your family can work on together. Create a memorable Thanksgiving and still have time to enjoy it with these helpful planning tips."
For example, the Thanksgiving crafts from Better Homes and Gardens editors include the following Thanksgiving crafts for kids: Color Me Thankful; Thanksgiving Coloring Pages; Thanksgiving Day Card; Thanksgiving History and Traditions; Thanksgiving Turkey Card; Turkey Day Games; Turkey Tic-Tac-Toe; and Wild Turkey.
Steilen concluded, "Set the mood for your Thanksgiving celebration with creative ideas for centerpieces, place settings, and more. Let the neighbors enjoy your love of Thanksgiving by decorating your home exterior."
For example, the producers at Better.TV offer a how-to video on creating a wheat centerpiece. This simple and dramatic arrangement uses wheat, one of the most enduring signs of the season. Check out the video of this project for helpful hints and tips.
The Thanksgiving decorating ideas from BHG.com editors also include: Easy Centerpieces for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Decorating with Nature, Thanksgiving Fruit Centerpieces, and Step-by-Step Holiday Napkins.
About BHG.com
Developed by the experts at Better Homes and Gardens, BHG.com is the premiere home and family site on the Web, and the interactive companion to Better Homes and Gardens magazine. BHG.com is for people interested in turning home, cooking, and gardening inspiration into action.
BHG.com is focused on decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, and gardening. It also has extensive information for women and families. In addition to providing useful tools and advice, BHG.com's trusted experts keep visitors up to the minute with information on the latest developments and trends around home and garden. BHG.com was designed with real people in mind. It has easy-to-use interactive tools, clear visuals, step-by-step instructions, and money-saving suggestions. It makes life easier and more enjoyable.
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This opportunity is a new network marketing payout system leveraging advertising money from big corporations. This can be used as your new central business or to expand your already existing business. Home business tax help offering record keeping & IRS tax deductions that will offset the cost of your home business. Take the time to see all the videos, each one shows you how to start a new income stream. This is changing internet marketing forever. Free to join and operate, If nothing els, you should take this as a training course to help your endeavors at no obligation to you. I invite you to learn as much as you can while it is still a secret.
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Calzaghe adds his 46th victory
If there were any doubt before the big fight in Madison Square Garden, Joe Calzaghe made an effort to remove any trace of doubt when he defeated Roy Jones Jr. by points - great match only to add another convincing victory to Calzaghe's long list (46-0, 32 KOs).
Joe Calzaghe systematically broke down and put away a legend on Saturday, effectively ending Roy Jones Jr.’s career with a lopsided victory Saturday in their light heavyweight title bout at Madison Square Garden.
All three judges had it 118-109 in favor of Calzaghe.
Jones suffered the same fate that befell so many of the game’s greats before him. Just like men such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Leonard, the one-time pound-for-pound king was pummeled and beaten badly by a younger and fresher opponent.
Jones knocked Calzaghe down with a glimpse of his once-great hand speed, dropping the unbeaten Welsh star with a jab and a straight right in the first round. But after that, Calzaghe (46-0, 32 KOs) dominated the fight to such an extent that there were cringes from many in the media who had covered Jones for years as he had taken clean blows and fans began to stream to the exits by the 10th round.
Calzaghe, who has spoken of retiring, was typically brilliant in raising his record to 46-0 while retaining the Ring Magazine belt, emblematic as the world’s finest 175-pound boxer. He fired flurries that to the body and head that Jones, despite his pre-fight talk, could not answer.
The Wales native was so confident, he began to clown by the fourth round, dropping his hands and shaking his backside. Jones (52-5, 38 KOs) would occasionally crack him with a straight right, but Calzaghe neutralized Jones’ offense while landing a consistent series of blows round after round.
Calzaghe’s punches began to cause swelling around Jones’ left eye in the fifth round and by the eighth, it was all but closed. In the seventh, a cut opened over the eye that had blood streaming down Jones’ cheek in the second half of the fight.
He frequently retreated to the ropes, where he laid with his back and took punches from Calzaghe while offering little in return, the classic sign of a once-great fighter who no longer had the skills that had carried him to so many memorable wins.
“He won the fight, he definitely won the fight,” Jones said. “Those pitty pats were a little harder than I thought. I couldn’t see out of my left eye. I don’t know what is next for me. I worked so hard for me. I just don’t know. I couldn’t figure him out.”
credit to Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports
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