Andre Drummond makes ridiculous defensive play against the Warriors

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Is it a block? A steal? A rebound? Yes.</p><br /><p>Andre Drummond is boundlessly athletic. We knew this, but this play he made in the Detroit Pistons' Tuesday game against the Golden State Warriors was just absurd. He didn't so much block David Lee's shot as snatched it out of the air. It should be scored as a block, a steal and a rebound.</p><br /><img src="http://images.ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/drummond.gif" width="600"/><br /><p>At 6-foot-9, Lee is only one inch shorter than Drummond. It isn't like he did this to Nate Robinson. How many big men in the league could even make this play? It's basically just Drummond and JaVale McGee.</p><br />Top Stories <img src="http://images.ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/USP-NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Series_-Coke-Zero-400-Qualifying-320x180.jpg" width="600"/><img src="http://images.ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/andrews-320x180.gif" width="600"/><img src="http://images.ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/308479-320x180.jpg" width="600"/><img src="http://images.ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/AP-Duke-Kansas-Basketball-100x79.jpg" width="600"/></div>

SPORTS Andre Drummond makes ridiculous defensive play against the Warriors

Is it a block? A steal? A rebound? Yes. Andre Drummond is boundlessly athletic. We knew this, but this play he made in the Detroit Pistons&#...

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Group of China Internet firms say to sue Baidu over copyright violations [ BeritaTerkini ]

<p><cite class="byline vcard"><span class="provider org">Reuters</span> – </cite></p> <div class="yom-mod yom-art-content" id="mediaarticlebody"> <div class="bd"> <p class="first">BEIJING (Reuters) – A group including Chinese Internet firms Tencent Holdings and Sohu.Com Inc as well as a top U.S. film industry body said on Wednesday it is seeking 300 million yuan ($ 49.2 million) in damages from China’s Baidu Inc and others for copyright violation.</p> <p>The group, which also includes Youku Tudou Inc, Dalian Wanda Group and the Motion Picture Association of America, said in a statement that Baidu and others had been using an automated process to obtain content from the other companies.</p> <p>Baidu was not immediately available for comment.</p> <p>(Reporting by Paul Carsten and Beijing Newsroom; editing by Jonathan Standing)</p> <p></p> </div> </div> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Group of China Internet firms say to sue Baidu over copyright violations [ BeritaTerkini ]

Reuters  –  BEIJING (Reuters) – A group including Chinese Internet firms Tencent Holdings and Sohu.Com Inc as well as a top U.S. film ...

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CyanogenMod Installer Lands in Google Play, Making it Easier than Ever to Try ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://images.latinospost.com/data/images/full/30302/cyanogenmod-logo.jpg?w=600" width="600"/><br /><p>(Photo : CyanogenMod )</p><br /><p>If you own an Android device, chances are you have either a) been frustrated by the snail's pace at which upgrades arrive, or b) wondered what all the fuss is about when it comes ROMS. Lucky for you, the new CyanogenMod Installer aims to change all that.</p><br /><p>Like Us on Facebook</p><br /><p>CyanogenMod Installer officially hit the Google Play store Tuesday, allowing for millions of would-be-but-too-scared Android users to begin testing out the world of unofficial firmwares. The app is downloadable for free and will take care of the painstaking process of unlocking the phone and installing an alternative bootloader. Users can then upgrade to the latest Cyanogen firmware with ease. CyanogenMod ROMs are among the most popular aftermarket downloads. As of Tuesday night, the app's rating is sitting at four stars out of five.</p><br /><p>Flashing Android devices to custom firmwares can be tricky for beginners due to the risk of rendering the device useless, otherwise known as 'bricking.'</p><br /><p>Of course, it's never quite that simple, and there are a number of restrictions to the process. For starters, the only devices the app will work with at the moment are Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Galaxy Note, and HTC One devices. Even then, the app seems to be limited only to U.S. variants of these phones. A full list of compatible devices can be found here.</p><br /><p>Bear in mind that of the devices that are compatible, most of the newer ones are already receiving an official Android 4.3 update. Using a custom ROM isn't just for getting updates faster, it's for trying out a new perspective on Android.</p><br /><p>There's also the matter of what Android firmwares you can use with the CyanogenMod installer. Naturally, you'll be relegated to CyanogenMod firmwares, which only go up to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean at the moment. The team of modders has said they are hard at work on an Android 4.4 KitKat ROM, but that isn't available yet.</p><br /><p>Oh, and you'll need a Windows PC. CyanogenMod Installer only works with Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. The CyanogenMod team has stated its working on a Mac OS X installer, but no release time frame has been given. And sorry Linux users, there's no word on whether the software will come to your machine.</p><br /><p>Let us know if you flash your device using CyanogenMod Installer and what you think of it in the comments section below.</p><br /><p>© 2013 Latinos Post. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.</p><br /><p>Latest Posts</p><br /></div>

Technology CyanogenMod Installer Lands in Google Play, Making it Easier than Ever to Try ...

(Photo : CyanogenMod ) If you own an Android device, chances are you have either a) been frustrated by the snail's pace at which upgrade...

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UN says Afghanistan producing record amounts of opium

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://a57.foxnews.com/global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/660/371/Afghanistan%20Opium_Cham.jpg?ve=1" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>FILE - In this May 10, 2013 file photo, Afghan farmers collect raw opium as they work in a poppy field in Khogyani district of Jalalabad, east of Kabul, Afghanistan.</p><br /><p>Afghanistan's opium production surged this year to record levels, despite international efforts over the past decade to wean the country off the narcotics trade, according to a report released Wednesday by the U.N.'s drug control agency.</p><br /><p>The harvest this past May resulted in a staggering 5,500 metric tons (6,060 tons) of opium, 49 percent higher than last year and more than the combined output of the rest of the world. Even Afghan provinces with some past successes in combating poppy cultivation saw those trends reversed, according to this year's annual U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report.</p><br /><p>The withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan next year is likely to make matters even worse, said Jean-Luc Lemahieu, the UNODC regional representative in Kabul. He warned that as international assistance falls off, the Afghan government will become increasingly reliant on illicit sources of income. Uncertainty is also driving up poppy production, as farmers worried about the country's future turn to the tried and true.</p><br /><p>The big increase in production began in 2010 when farmers rushed to plant to take advantage of soaring prices, a result of a crop disease the previous year, the U.S. military surge in the south and the announcement of the U.S. and NATO's transition out of Afghanistan, Lemahieu told newsandtalking.blogspot.com.</p><br /><p>Lemahieu said those who benefit from the drug trade include farmers, insurgents and many within the government. Often, he said, they work together.</p><br /><p>Khan Bacha, who cultivates a small plot of land in eastern Nangarhar province, a Taliban stronghold, told the AP this week that the insurgents charge farmers a 'religious tax' of one kilogram of opium for every 10 kilograms produced -- though the price is 'negotiable.'</p><br /><p>'They say we are going for jihad,' Bacha said. 'It is the God money we give.'</p><br /><p>Past attempts by the international community to combat opium cultivation have included introducing alternative crops and paying farmers in some areas not to plant poppies. That backfired when farmers elsewhere started growing poppies in the hopes of getting money if they stopped.</p><br /><p>Cultivation also appears to be spreading to new parts of the country -- with Afghans planting poppies in some 209,000 hectares (516,450 acres) across 17 provinces this year, compared with 154,000 hectares (380,540 acres) in 15 provinces in 2012, according to the report.</p><br /><p>The vast majority of Afghanistan's poppy cultivation takes place in the south, southwest and east, areas where the Taliban insurgency is thriving. But Kabul province in central Afghanistan saw a major spike: a 148 percent increase in cultivation between 2012 and 2013.</p><br /><p>But it wasn't all bad news in the report, which said Afghanistan has expanded its social services to deal with a growing addiction problem at home.</p><br /><p>'These are tangible and hopeful signs of improvement,' the report said.</p><br /><p>There are roughly 1 million drug addicts in Afghanistan, 15 percent of whom are women and children, said Kanishka Turkistan, spokesman for the ministry of public health.</p><br /></div>

Business UN says Afghanistan producing record amounts of opium

FILE - In this May 10, 2013 file photo, Afghan farmers collect raw opium as they work in a poppy field in Khogyani district of Jalalabad, e...

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David Tennant Stars In Richard II Live From Stratford-upon-Avon Tonight

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6VDj-tlrTaD9JjV-o8KplVFYv09F0gmThDdRGDPchei6-ifD4-eIJKCvTetfkp29-KMAZos0U2PVKaYFKsJgfreRCtxGaT1Hxl3_RrrKA_Vh1ovF6jgoxOE1oB9gxkGrf6bxrAuadRM/s1600/rich29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6VDj-tlrTaD9JjV-o8KplVFYv09F0gmThDdRGDPchei6-ifD4-eIJKCvTetfkp29-KMAZos0U2PVKaYFKsJgfreRCtxGaT1Hxl3_RrrKA_Vh1ovF6jgoxOE1oB9gxkGrf6bxrAuadRM/s640/rich29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">David Tennant's Richard II will be broadcast live in to cinemas from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon tonight.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The live broadcast of Richard II will be the first by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Richard II, directed by RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, stars David Tennant in the title role with Oliver Ford Davies and Michael Pennington. The production will be filmed this evening and simultaneously screened into over 100 cinemas around the country and available in North America, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on">Northern Europe</st1:place>. The RSC is also opening up its work behind the scenes, through a series of short films available online during the run-up to the screening and live footage on the night, before the show and during the interval.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The production will be filmed using multiple cameras around the stage and auditorium, with John Wyver as producer, having previously collaborated with Gregory Doran on the RSC's highly acclaimed filmed versions of Macbeth, with Antony Sher and Harriet Walter, for Channel 4 and Hamlet, with David Tennant, and the recent African Julius Caesar for the BBC.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talking ahead of tonight's history making performance David said:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">“It’s very exciting to think that this is going to be beamed around the world, it’s going to be like experiencing, I hope, the live event. We won’t be changing our acting, we’ll still be acting for the back row of the stalls…it’ll feel hopefully like you’re in the theatre live with us.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Watch him discussing the show below:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xxFi0rDcHJI?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Find out more about the live cinema broadcast at <a href="https://onscreen.rsc.org.uk/">https://onscreen.rsc.org.uk/</a></span>

David Tennant Richard II Royal Shakespeare Company Royal Shakespeare Theatre Theatre David Tennant Stars In Richard II Live From Stratford-upon-Avon Tonight

David Tennant's Richard II will be broadcast live in to cinemas from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon tonight. The l...

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Amazon PlayStation Network Store: Online Giant Launches PSN Digital ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_article_large/public/2013/11/12/playstation-network-amazon-store.PNG" width="600"/><br /><p>While Sony (NYSE:SNE) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) took market cues from the PC gaming market with digital downloads, their digital stores, the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace, respectively had no outside competition-until now.</p><br /></div>

Technology Amazon PlayStation Network Store: Online Giant Launches PSN Digital ...

While Sony (NYSE:SNE) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) took market cues from the PC gaming market with digital downloads, their digital stores, t...

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13-Nov-2013 07:47

Obama in Bind Trying to Keep Health Law Vow - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/us/bill-clinton-urges-obama-to-yield-on-health-law.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/us/bill-clinton-urges-obama-to-yield-on-health-law.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Hawaii says aloha to same-sex marriage - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57612067/hawaii-says-aloha-to-same-sex-marriage/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57612067/hawaii-says-aloha-to-same-sex-marriage/</a><br /><br><br /><br>China Pledges Bigger Market Role Amid State Dominance: Economy - San Francisco Chronicle :: <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/China-Pledges-Bigger-Market-Role-Amid-State-4979465.php">http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/China-Pledges-Bigger-Market-Role-Amid-State-4979465.php</a><br /><br><br /><br>Bacon Work Sells for $142.4 Million - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303460004579194631210253794.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303460004579194631210253794.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Israeli PM orders rethink on settlement construction - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24919030">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24919030</a><br /><br><br /><br>India's top policeman draws fire after over rape remarks - Fox News :: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/13/india-top-policeman-draws-fire-after-over-rape-remarks/">http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/13/india-top-policeman-draws-fire-after-over-rape-remarks/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Cardiologists recommend wider use of statin drugs - Los Angeles Times :: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-sci-statins-20131113,0,2368243.story">http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-sci-statins-20131113,0,2368243.story</a><br /><br><br /><br>Aid Groups in Philippines Fear Finding More Devastation - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/aid-groups-in-philippines-fear-more-devastation-has-yet-to-be-revealed.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/aid-groups-in-philippines-fear-more-devastation-has-yet-to-be-revealed.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>New World Trade Center deemed tallest US skyscraper - Livemint :: <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/DuTCDQE57fMQCUVjGTTD6M/New-World-Trade-Center-deemed-tallest-US-skyscraper.html">http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/DuTCDQE57fMQCUVjGTTD6M/New-World-Trade-Center-deemed-tallest-US-skyscraper.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Andrew Wiggins only part of NCAA's freshman revival - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2013/11/12/andrew-wiggins-jabari-parker-freshmen-duke-kansas-kentucky-michigan-state/3495459/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2013/11/12/andrew-wiggins-jabari-parker-freshmen-duke-kansas-kentucky-michigan-state/3495459/</a>

13-Nov-2013 07:47

Obama in Bind Trying to Keep Health Law Vow - New York Times :: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/us/bill-clinton-urges-obama-to-yield-on-h...

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Sony Allows Retailers To Sell Digital PS4, PS3, PS Vita Titles

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://cdn2.ubergizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/psn-digital-games-retailer.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita owners know all too well the process of purchasing a digital game on the PlayStation Network. The only way you can make your purchase is either through your PS3, PS Vita or online through the Sony Entertainment Network website. But starting today, a number of major retailers will allow its customers to buy digital content on the PlayStation Network.</p><br /><p>Sony is currently allowing online retailers to sell digital PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita titles, although at this time, PlayStation 4 titles have yet to be listed. Amazon is one such retailer who has launched their own storefront for digital PlayStation games and is even offering a $5 PSN credit which can be redeemed on anything within the PlayStation Network.</p><br /><p>If you were hoping to get your digital PlayStation 4 game today, you'll have to wait a few more days as digital versions will become available as soon as the physical titles launch, many of which will become available on November 15.</p><br /><p>This move will certainly help Sony's sales of PlayStation Network games as we're sure many of the partner retailers will be able to offer a better deal than Sony could for digital goods. We'll just have to wait and see where this takes Sony's digital games, although we only see good things coming from this launch.</p><br /></div>

Technology Sony Allows Retailers To Sell Digital PS4, PS3, PS Vita Titles

PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita owners know all too well the process of purchasing a digital game on the PlayStation Network. The only wa...

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Netflix's TV look gets a face

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The streaming-video site revamps the coding behind its television apps and the user interface fronting them, so it now looks the same -- and better -- across smart TVs, Xbox, PlayStation, Roku, nearly all the TV formats. Except Apple TV.</p><br /><p><img src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/06/03/JoanSolsmanHS2013urbanoutdoorSmilingSQUAREspinner_60x43.jpg" width="600"/> </p><br /><img src="http://asset1.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/11/12/netflix-new-TV-experience_610x343.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>(Credit: Netflix)</p><br /><p>Netflix has already recast itself as the Internet's leading television network. Wednesday, it overhauled how its service looks and behaves on actual TVs.</p><br /><p>Chris Jaffe, vice president of product innovation from Netflix, said the process was a two-year effort that makes users think there is more, better content available to them. It also has subscribers watching more.</p><br /><p>A new user interface was created specifically for the big screen; it's heavier on images and draws in more informative descriptions and personalized details about why Netflix is suggesting a particular title. For the first time, the new TV experience is rolling out simultaneously across multiple devices that deliver Netflix to a TV screen, which account for the majority of all Netflix viewing hours.</p><br /><p>The company also consolidated the coding behind the TV service. Previously each device had its own tailored app, which meant features took longer to roll out across devices. For example, Netflix Kids, a children-specific portal to watching videos, still isn't available to Roku users for this reason. The old system also wasted Netflix resources on re-creating the same feature multiple times, rather than coming up with fresh additions for all.</p><br /><p>The new infrastructure is also designed to work just as well on low-powered set-top boxes as high-end game consoles.</p><br /><p>The only exception is Apple TV, which in keeping with Apple's rigid standards for uniformity across its universe of devices, doesn't allow app developers to deviate far from the interface standards its sets.</p><br /><p>Netflix streams billions of hours of video to its customers -- 5 billion hours were watched in the last three-month quarter alone -- and most of the viewing is on televisions.</p><br /><p>Jaffe said the company already rolled out the new interfaces quietly to a few hundred thousand users in April. From those members, Netflix knows the new format has people watching more video and saying Netflix is cleaner and simpler.</p><br /><p>The new Netflix television experiences will be available to all members globally within two weeks. Supported devices include PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Roku 3, newer smart TVs, and recent Blu-ray players. Additional devices, including older Roku boxes, will be added over the coming months.</p><br /><p><img src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/html/news/clear.gif" width="600"/> </p><br /></div>

Technology Netflix's TV look gets a face

The streaming-video site revamps the coding behind its television apps and the user interface fronting them, so it now looks the same -- and...

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Asian shares, emerging currencies tumble on Fed jitters

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20131113&t=2&i=811390956&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=580&pl=378&r=CBRE9A3085100" width="600"/><br /><p>Credit: Reuters/Toru Hanai</p><br /><p>1 of 8. A visitor walks past logos at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo June 13, 2013.</p><br /><p>The Indonesian rupiah hit its weakest in more than four-and-a-half years as foreign banks sold the currency despite the central bank's surprise rate hike in the previous session, falling as much as 0.7 percent to 11,670 per dollar.</p><br /><p>The rupee slumped to a two-month low on Wednesday after surging consumer prices sparked fears the central bank would continue to raise interest rates and undermine economic growth at a particularly vulnerable time for the currency.</p><br /><p>The Reserve Bank of India is likely to have stepped in to prop up the rupee via state-run banks, to keep it from falling further after it opened at a nine-week low of 63.90 to the dollar, traders said.</p><br /><p>'Pockets of firm U.S. data will reignite QE (quantitative easing) tapering concerns, pulling dollar higher and vulnerable Asian currencies lower,' said Radhika Rao, economist with DBS in Singapore.</p><br /><p>'After a brief respite, the headwinds for the Indian rupee are back at the fore by way of rate tightening fears and elevated inflation,' she added.</p><br /><p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS skidded about 1.3 percent to its lowest in more than a month, on track to mark a fifth straight losing session. Japan's Nikkei stock average .N225 slipped 0.1 percent.</p><br /><p>Chinese shares got off to a rocky start, after the initial communique from a key Communist Party policy meeting to set a blueprint for the coming decade's reform agenda offered them few concrete details.</p><br /><p>'Despite setting the timeline for making decisive results by 2020, the communique is still lacking details and quantifiable indicators,' analysts at HSBC Global Research wrote in a note to clients.</p><br /><p>The China Enterprises Index .HSCE of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong was down more than 2 percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index .HSI fell 1.4 percent.</p><br /><p>U.S. S&P E-mini futures dipped 0.3 percent in Asian trade on Wednesday after the Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX posted modest losses in the previous session.</p><br /><p>Investors will also be paying close attention to any comments that Fed Vice Chair Janet Yellen makes at Thursday's Senate confirmation hearing on her nomination to become the first woman to head the world's most powerful central bank.</p><br /><p>'Since Yellen has become a candidate to succeed Ben Bernanke, she has hardly spoken about her view on monetary policy. Because the market doesn't seem to doubt she is a dove, there's a chance she is not as dovish as expected,' said Ichiro Asai, economist at Daiwa Securities.</p><br /><p>Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart told reporters on Tuesday that a reduction of the central bank's quantitative easing program remains a possibility at the Federal Open Market Committee's next policy meeting on December 17-18, although he did say policy should remain very easy.</p><br /><p>Data on Friday showed an unexpected surge in U.S. jobs growth in October, suggesting the labor market could be strong enough for the Fed to begin to pare its $85 billion-a-month bond-buying program sooner rather than later.</p><br /><p>Global markets have been buffeted since May over speculation of an imminent end to cheap dollars, a major driver of assets in recent years.</p><br /><p>Signals from central bank officials have been mixed, with Narayana Kocherlakota, president of the Minneapolis Fed, speaking about the need for aggressive action to foster growth.</p><br /><p>The U.S. dollar wobbled but stuck close to recent ranges. It was off about 0.1 percent at 99.45 yen after rising as high as 99.79 yen on Tuesday, its strongest level since September 13. The dollar faces resistance at 100 yen, above which it has not traded since September 11.</p><br /><p>The euro was slightly up from U.S. levels, holding well above lows set last week, when it suffered a heavy selloff on Thursday after the European Central Bank stunned investors by unexpectedly cutting its main rate to a record-low 0.25 percent.</p><br /><p>The common currency bought $1.3442, well above its two-month low of $1.3295 hit on Thursday, but still down nearly 3 percent from a two-year peak of $1.3833 set last month.</p><br /><p>The dollar index .DXY inched down about 0.1 percent to 81.113, moving away from a two-month peak of 81.482 struck on Friday.</p><br /><p>In commodities markets, gold was slightly higher but remained not far from the previous session's four-week low.</p><br /><p>U.S. crude for December delivery edged up to $93.16 a barrel after flirting with 4-1/2 month lows, while the benchmark three-month copper contract fell 0.7 percent to $7,067.50 a tonne on the heightened speculation that the Fed will taper its stimulus.</p><br /><p>(Additional reporting by Hideyuki Sano in Tokyo & Swati Bhat in Mumbai; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)</p><br /></div>

Business Asian shares, emerging currencies tumble on Fed jitters

Credit: Reuters/Toru Hanai 1 of 8. A visitor walks past logos at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo June 13, 2013. The Indonesian rupiah hit ...

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Travel Agents: Get Media Savvy! [ BeritaTerkini ]

<p><br> In several columns in this space over the past few years, I’ve briefly pointed out the value of public relations as one valuable tool that can contribute to your business success. But public relations is so cost effective and brings so much credibility to you and your business, it’s worthy of its own, more in-depth column. Here are some ways you can leverage this valuable tool.</p> <p><br><strong>Understand what PR is:</strong> It’s not advertising. You can’t control if or when you’ll be quoted or if the journalist has any interest, even though your significant other thinks your concept is ground breaking. A journalist’s interest will be tied to a topic or a story, not to how great your travel agency is. So you need to have a realistic expectation of what PR will produce, because over time—and it does take time—it can be highly beneficial to you.</p> <p><br><strong>Know who you are dealing with:</strong> <em>The New York Times</em> aside, you will almost always find that the travel editor of a newspaper or magazine is also the editor for automobiles or something completely unrelated. That person likely has little to no formal “travel background,” though he or she likely has had some travel experience, even if it’s almost entirely their own vacations. Don’t just reach out to them or keep sending them press releases that have no relevance. Do your homework and be a regular reader or viewer. Know what they tend to report on and get to know their apparent interests and hot buttons. When you do contact them, tell them how you might be able to further extend what appears to be an interesting topic to them.</p> <p><br><strong>Invest in building relationships:</strong> Just as you are continuously in communication with your customers—you are doing that, right?—you need to be regularly in touch with your media contacts. You don’t need to have a story concept to touch base. Just touch base. Use alternating methods (email, in person, phone calls, etc.) unless the person has advised you they much prefer a single means of communications. At least occasionally, ask if you can stop by their office or 10 minutes or offer to meet at Starbucks. And when your 10 minutes is up, leave. If they want you to stay to chat more, they’ll tell you. If they’re busy and need to get to work, they’ll appreciate and respect the fact that you did what you said you would. And as with all interactions, be authentic.</p> <p><br><strong>Make sure it’s a collaborative process:</strong> In years past, “pitching” was the commonly used verb when approaching a reporter or editor with a story line. To me, the word has the connotation of trying to hard sell something to someone who may not have an interest or the need. Today’s savvy writers and reporters will appreciate your approaching them as someone who will work with them to extend or further develop a topic. Treat what you’re doing as a collaborative exercise that will benefit the reporter, not just you.</p> <p><br><strong>Get to the point quickly:</strong> Time is the ultimate commodity. When you speak to a reporter or editor, deliver a short, powerful, well-thought-out overview of your concept. Reporters tend to be intrigued (or not) very quickly and most will offer no pretenses of interest if you don’t hook them almost immediately. You’ll hear it in their voices or see it on their faces. Ask me how I know.</p> <p><br><strong>Be responsive to journalist’s needs:</strong> When you’re the one receiving the call or email, the writer or reporter is frequently under a very tight deadline. If you’re going to set yourself up as the expert, you’ll have to be responsive and that may mean dropping everything for three hours to get them what they need. It’s just the price of becoming a great contact for the media. This is arguably the single most important “rule.”</p> <p><br><strong>Deliver consistent and reliable information:</strong> Just like selling to the customer, you’re not going to “score” on every try, but it’s important to consistently be out there with relevant and interesting topics. Give the reporter an exclusive or do something that will make it more intriguing to him or her. But remember that sometimes the topic is just not that interesting to that reporter or their focus is elsewhere. Accept the “no thanks” graciously and thank them for considering your idea. Again, it takes time and effort to build relationships with the media, so don’t get discouraged. Effectively leveraging of public relations and media relationships takes time, energy, homework, relationship building, responsiveness and creativity, but the benefits can be huge. Go for it and make it work for you!</p> <p><br><em>Jack Mannix, CTC, is head of his own consulting firm, Jack E. Mannix & Associates (</em><em>www.jackemannix.com</em><em>). He also serves as chairman of The Travel Institute. You can reach him by emailing</em> <em>jmannix@jackemannix.com</em><em>. This column is adapted from one set to appear in the September 2013 issue of Agent@Home magazine.</em></p> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Travel Agents: Get Media Savvy! [ BeritaTerkini ]

In several columns in this space over the past few years, I’ve briefly pointed out the value of public relations as one valuable tool that...

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13-Nov-2013 06:46

Rush Limbaugh: Bill Clinton undercuts President Obama - Politico :: <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/rush-limbaugh-bill-clinton-obamacare-99745.html?hp%3Dl8">http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/rush-limbaugh-bill-clinton-obamacare-99745.html?hp%3Dl8</a><br /><br><br /><br>Patrick Leahy Slams GOP For Blocking Another Nominee, Demands Filibuster ... - Huffington Post :: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/patrick-leahy-filibuster-reform_n_4263372.html?utm_hp_ref%3Dpolitics">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/patrick-leahy-filibuster-reform_n_4263372.html?utm_hp_ref%3Dpolitics</a><br /><br><br /><br>Israeli Move Over Housing Poses a Threat to Peace Talks - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/world/middleeast/netanyahu-halts-some-settlement-plans-but-others-to-proceed.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/world/middleeast/netanyahu-halts-some-settlement-plans-but-others-to-proceed.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>New guidelines could have far more Americans taking statin drugs for cholesterol - Washington Post :: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/new-guidelines-could-have-far-more-americans-taking-statin-drugs-for-cholesterol/2013/11/12/7f249318-4be4-11e3-be6b-d3d28122e6d4_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/new-guidelines-could-have-far-more-americans-taking-statin-drugs-for-cholesterol/2013/11/12/7f249318-4be4-11e3-be6b-d3d28122e6d4_story.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Francis Bacon Work Sells for $142.4 Million - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303460004579194631210253794.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303460004579194631210253794.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Hawaii Senate Passes Gay Marriage Bill - ABC News :: <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/hawaii-senate-vote-gay-marriage-20859216">http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/hawaii-senate-vote-gay-marriage-20859216</a><br /><br><br /><br>All-New 2015 Lincoln MKC Small Premium Utility First to Offer 2.3-Liter EcoBoost ... - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20131113-900072.html?dsk%3Dy">http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20131113-900072.html?dsk%3Dy</a><br /><br><br /><br>Aid operations pick up pace in Philippines - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57611886/aid-operations-pick-up-pace-in-philippines/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57611886/aid-operations-pick-up-pace-in-philippines/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Big-market bias fuels Farrell snub - Boston Herald :: <a href="http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2013/11/big_market_bias_fuels_farrell_snub">http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2013/11/big_market_bias_fuels_farrell_snub</a><br /><br><br /><br>Netflix service gets a TV makeover - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/11/13/netflix-service-gets-a-tv-makeover/3500353/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/11/13/netflix-service-gets-a-tv-makeover/3500353/</a>

13-Nov-2013 06:46

Rush Limbaugh: Bill Clinton undercuts President Obama - Politico :: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/rush-limbaugh-bill-clinton-obamac...

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Britney Spears Reveals Duet With Sister Jamie Lynn After Unveiling Track List ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20131012/rs_560x415-131112195129-1024.Britney-Spears-Twitter-Tracklist.ms.111213_copy.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Britney Spears</strong>' latest project seems to be a family affair!</p><br /><p>The singer tweeted out the official track list for her new album Britney Jean, and reveals that fans can expect a duet with her little sister <strong>Jamie Lynn Spears</strong> for a song titled 'Chillin' With You,' along with features from and <strong>T.I.</strong> </p><br /><p>'Sneaky hackers always trying to ruin my surprises. Here is the TRUE !!! My homie :).'</p><br /><strong>LOOK: Britney reveals cover art for Britney Jean</strong><br /><p>Britney Jean, Spears' eighth studio album, is set for release Dec. 3. Its first single 'Work Bitch' dropped in mid-September and the singer recently released another track, 'Perfume.'</p><br /><p>''Perfume is incredibly special to me because it hits close to home, and I think the story is relatable to everyone,' the pop princess exclusively told E! News of the ballad. 'Everyone's been through an insecure moment in a relationship that's left them vulnerable and I think this song captures that.'</p><br /><p>Here is the complete track list for Britney Jean:</p><br /><p>'Alien' 'Work Bitch ' 'Perfume''It Should Be Easy (feat. Will.i.am)''Tik Tik Boom (feat. T.I.)''Body Ache''Til It's Gone''Passenger''Chillin' With You (feat. Jamie Lynn Spears)''Don't Cry' (Deluxe Edition Tracks)'Brightest Morning Star''Hold On Tight''Now That I Found You''Perfume (The Dreaming Mix)'</p><br /></div>

ENTERTAINMENT Britney Spears Reveals Duet With Sister Jamie Lynn After Unveiling Track List ...

Britney Spears ' latest project seems to be a family affair! The singer tweeted out the official track list for her new album Britney Je...

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Google Nexus 7, Nexus 10 Wi

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://cdn.ndtv.com/tech/images/gadgets/sony-announces-and-4.4-big.jpg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>After almost two weeks from the 'release' of the operating system, Google has officially announced the rollout of Android 4.4 KitKat for its Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, available OTA (over-the-air).</p><br /><p>The search engine giant confirmed the news via Android's Twitter and Google Plus accounts. The announcement post reads, 'Starting today, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10 will be getting a tasty update to Android 4.4, KitKat. Stay tuned, Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 versions with mobile data will be getting the update soon!'</p><br /><p>Starting today, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10 will be getting a tasty update to Android 4.4, KitKat</p><br />-- Android (@Android) November 13, 2013<br /><p>Unfortunately, the latest incremental Kitkat update will be limited to only the Wi-Fi models of Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10 (2012) tablets. As per Google, both the 3G models of the Nexus 7 will have to wait a little more for the update. The Nexus 4 smartphone has also been left out of the update as well, but should get the Android 4.4 KitKat update soon. Google has not specified an exact date for the update for 3G-enabled Nexus 7 tablets and Nexus 4 in the post however.</p><br /><p>Stay tuned, Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 versions with mobile data will be getting the update soon! http://t.co/TTRzORl4js</p><br />-- Android (@Android) November 13, 2013<br /><p>The Android KitKat iteration brings some new features such as a new translucent menu bar, which is located at the bottom of the screen; new dialler and caller ID; unified Hangouts messaging app; smarter Google Now integration; step counter and detector, support for two new composite sensors, and support for screen recording.</p><br /><p>Google is expected to launch the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 10 in India soon. The Google Play store lists the Nexus 5 at Rs. 28,999 for the 16GB variant and Rs. 32,999 for the 32GB variant.</p><br /><p>The second-generation Nexus tablet, the Nexus 7 (2013) was listed on the Indian Play Store at Rs. 25,999 for the 3G LTE variant. The year-old, Nexus 10 tablet was also spotted on the Play Store, with a price tag of Rs. 29,999 for the 16GB model.</p><br /></div>

Technology Google Nexus 7, Nexus 10 Wi

After almost two weeks from the 'release' of the operating system, Google has officially announced the rollout of Android 4.4 KitKa...

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HyperX 3K 120 GB Solid State Drive with 540 MB/Sec Transfer Speed: Kingston

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Kingston offers its new invention in memory market, which will provide better transfer speed in less price. The storage capacity of this device is 120 GB and later it may be expanded according to the new launch. User can buy this from any online store and using any card even PayPal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzyqFRGh_72d3EYb5znaAJy9xnk2E7kSvAhodeXjhLG_wmfQ2CrsKDjhjb20f76HOXnrdxgFxS3J_6VSaSztmx8xVrbwM4hV7kt3NM3ffvLy2REk26rkjfaj66oKs-CaX2GBX7UHtJQo/s1600/kingston+hyperx+3k+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HyperX 3K 120 GB Solid State Drive with 540 MB/Sec Transfer Speed: Kingston" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzyqFRGh_72d3EYb5znaAJy9xnk2E7kSvAhodeXjhLG_wmfQ2CrsKDjhjb20f76HOXnrdxgFxS3J_6VSaSztmx8xVrbwM4hV7kt3NM3ffvLy2REk26rkjfaj66oKs-CaX2GBX7UHtJQo/s1600/kingston+hyperx+3k+drive.jpg" title="HyperX 3K 120 GB Solid State Drive with 540 MB/Sec Transfer Speed: Kingston" width="320" /></a></div><br />Kingston Technology Corporation, develops flash memory products and other computer-related memory products, headquartered in USA. Earlier in 2012, Kingston celebrated its 25 years in the memory business and also ranked world’s number one memory module manufacturer for the third-party memory market.<br /><br />According to the secret news sources, “This solid-state drive combines premium 3000 program-erase cycle synchronous NAND with 2 generation SandForce controller. Its low price means more users can experience ultra-responsive gaming, multitasking and multimedia computing power.”<br /><br />Kingston’s new technology will provide read/write speeds up to 540 MB/s and 450 MB/s for ultra-fast system boots and file transfer. The devices is backed by 3-year warranty, it means you can use service centre for any further issues with the device.<br /><br />The drive costs $74.99 with free shipping, means user will save shipping charges also. To buy this drive you can follow <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331042574901" target="_blank">Kingston solid-state</a>, that will redirect you to the eBay online store.</div>

Hard-Drive Kingston HyperX 3K 120 GB Solid State Drive with 540 MB/Sec Transfer Speed: Kingston

Kingston offers its new invention in memory market, which will provide better transfer speed in less price. The storage capacity of this dev...

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Are You Ready For The Holidays!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">*Sings* “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the wa…” Oh! Holaaaaaaaa! Or HO-HO-HO-La! Or something. It’s almost time for the Holidays again kids! Aren’t you excited? I know I am! You can tell by all the exclamation points I’m using! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I really do love this time of year. It’s finally cool, cold even! It was like 28 degrees when I woke up this morning. Damn near too cold to go commando, but not quite. Doesn’t the cold air make you feel alive? It does me. I feel all invigorated and shit when that cold November wind hits me in the face and makes me get all teary eyed and snot-nosed. It’s a wonderful feeling! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why was I out in the cold wind you ask? I had to go and get something for my sore throat and this cold that I caught being outside in the cold air so much last week. So now my throat hurts all the time, I’m sniffing and sneezing non-stop, snot is running down my nose constantly and my head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton. But, that’s a small price to pay for enjoying this wonderful and magical time of year. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbUQ6tKz5PamonnIbmKinuXh95H8fBpDpXWL3ahReHV6ylMP_Oueymr6AKdymYRGWKcHWcZy7ISMbT5ivCRrDO7-pMiMvENCAp5EN88BnhATUFW_db-O-a3JTq0DcwBUoksJ5u5J7-H61/s1600/cold+meds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbUQ6tKz5PamonnIbmKinuXh95H8fBpDpXWL3ahReHV6ylMP_Oueymr6AKdymYRGWKcHWcZy7ISMbT5ivCRrDO7-pMiMvENCAp5EN88BnhATUFW_db-O-a3JTq0DcwBUoksJ5u5J7-H61/s400/cold+meds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just love going into any store and hear Christmas music already. I LOOOOOOVE Christmas music! I also love to wander around and look at all the cheap Christmas crap made in China. Uh, I mean all the beautiful and expertly made Christmas stuff manufactured by our very good friends over in China. (Whew! That was a close one. I would hate to have to apologize to China three times, right Jimmy Kimmel?) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every year I go into Walmart or some other place thinking that I might get a few new Christmas decorations. I wander around and look at all the shiny stuff they have and end up getting nothing. Well, a couple of years ago I did get a new wreath for the door at an after Christmas sale, but that’s it. I’m sure this year will be the same. I’ll just put out that ceramic snowman, creepy Santa and of course Rudolph. The very same Rudolph who has been hung on the wall since I was like 10 years old. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZqbYUJXvygXhEQogcoVXSi9hKqARQ7Y9z2PqDv0S0aYN8wJIkkzgmgBBJ_wwcGQ_PMUlnio-yM5Mi0XzzbwN3sBFQheU3OsUlAzIRgoKCpZkvGclUi84wTOWBFBitFeFxNdlXKdN-ZW9/s1600/Rudolph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZqbYUJXvygXhEQogcoVXSi9hKqARQ7Y9z2PqDv0S0aYN8wJIkkzgmgBBJ_wwcGQ_PMUlnio-yM5Mi0XzzbwN3sBFQheU3OsUlAzIRgoKCpZkvGclUi84wTOWBFBitFeFxNdlXKdN-ZW9/s400/Rudolph.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Isn’t he cute? Why would anyone want to replace Rudolph? I guess I could get a NEW Rudolph, but what would be the point in that? Rudolph is Rudolph and that Rudolph will last another 35 years easy! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh don’t worry, none of these decorations will be going up until after Thanksgiving. I’m not a savage you know! Oh, that reminds me. I will once again be spending the week of Thanksgiving in beautiful, mysterious and exotic Omaha, Nebraska. (Weather permitting, of course.) So, that means I will be taking that week off from IWS related activities. No show on the 24^thunless Matt-Man wants to do the show by himself or get a special guest co-host, and no blogging that whole week by me. Try not to miss me too much, okay? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is almost my intention to once again get all my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. I will either do it here or in Omaha. That way I won’t have to worry about shipping anything and trusting the USPS to actually deliver the package. I have my doubts about their ability to do that. Anyway, that way just when things start getting really hectic for most people, all I will have to do is hang Rudolph on the wall, put up the tree and make the fudge. And THAT’S what makes the Holidays such a wonderful time of year!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*Sings* “Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Jayman3768@gmail.com">Jayman3768@gmail.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayman_68" target="_blank">My Facebook</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayman_iws" target="_blank">@Jayman_IWS</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

Are You Ready For The Holidays!

*Sings* “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the wa…” Oh! Holaaaaaaaa! Or HO-HO-HO-La! Or something. It’s almost time for the Holidays ag...

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13-Nov-2013 05:45

Senate Republicans Block Appeals-Court Nominee - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304868404579194394011325158.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304868404579194394011325158.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Israeli Move Over Housing Poses a Threat to Peace Talks - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/world/middleeast/netanyahu-halts-some-settlement-plans-but-others-to-proceed.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/world/middleeast/netanyahu-halts-some-settlement-plans-but-others-to-proceed.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>It's official: One World Trade Center to be tallest US skyscraper - CNN :: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/12/travel/one-world-trade-center-tallest-us-building/">http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/12/travel/one-world-trade-center-tallest-us-building/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Hawaii says aloha to same-sex marriage - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57612067/hawaii-says-aloha-to-same-sex-marriage/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57612067/hawaii-says-aloha-to-same-sex-marriage/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Aid operations pick up pace in Philippines - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57611886/aid-operations-pick-up-pace-in-philippines/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57611886/aid-operations-pick-up-pace-in-philippines/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Francis Bacon painting sells for record $142.4M at auction - Fox News :: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/11/13/francis-bacon-painting-sells-for-record-1424m-at-auction/">http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/11/13/francis-bacon-painting-sells-for-record-1424m-at-auction/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Troubled HealthCare.gov unlikely to work fully by end of November - Washington Post :: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/troubled-healthcaregov-unlikely-to-work-fully-by-end-of-november-as-white-house-vowed/2013/11/12/daf9670a-4bca-11e3-be6b-d3d28122e6d4_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/troubled-healthcaregov-unlikely-to-work-fully-by-end-of-november-as-white-house-vowed/2013/11/12/daf9670a-4bca-11e3-be6b-d3d28122e6d4_story.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Francona is Manager of the Year, but Farrell gets the Series ring - Boston Globe :: <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/11/13/indians-terry-francona-over-red-sox-john-farrell-for-american-league-manager-year-shocker/cDuDPzP2J96XpaYTIN32fN/story.html">http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/11/13/indians-terry-francona-over-red-sox-john-farrell-for-american-league-manager-year-shocker/cDuDPzP2J96XpaYTIN32fN/story.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>US heart panel recommends statins for a third of US adults - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24922155">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24922155</a><br /><br><br /><br>North Texas wins big in DOJ settlement - Dallas Morning News :: <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/business/airline-industry/20131112-north-texas-wins-big-in-doj-settlement.ece">http://www.dallasnews.com/business/airline-industry/20131112-north-texas-wins-big-in-doj-settlement.ece</a>

13-Nov-2013 05:45

Senate Republicans Block Appeals-Court Nominee - Wall Street Journal :: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304868404579194394011...

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Verizon admits network faces traffic pressure in big cities

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The company is pouring money into the problem, and a top executive says the issues will dissipate by the end of the year.</p><br /><p><img src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/12/05/Roger_Cheng_60x43.jpg" width="600"/> </p><br /><img src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/01/08/Verizon_LTEPower.png" width="600"/><br /><p>(Credit: Jessica Dolcourt/CNET)</p><br /><p>Verizon Wireless is feeling the crush of all of those LTE-enabled devices on its network.</p><br /><p>The carrier said it facing pressure to deliver increased amounts of bandwidth in big cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. In a rare admission, Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo admitted the rapid growth in traffic was starting to hamper the quality of the service.</p><br /><p>'There are certain pockets where we're absolutely going to experience that down tick from the LTE network down to 3G because of capacity constraints,' Shammo said during an investor conference.</p><br /><p>It's a surprising concession from a company that typically trumps its network superiority as a reason why customers should pay a premium for its wireless services. It has long touted itself as the nation's most reliable, but that claim has since been taken by AT&T, which also boasts the nation's fastest network. Verizon maintains it has the most reliable network, and cites a different study.</p><br /><p>The growth in data traffic is a result of its early move into LTE. Verizon boasts the nation's largest LTE network, and the longest running, which has meant more LTE customers than anyone. And LTE customers like their data. While LTE customers make up a third of the company's total base, they consume 64 percent of the traffic.</p><br />The carriers' not-so-secret weapon to improve cell service<br /><p>Shammo said that in big cities, that percentage is likely higher.</p><br /><p>The result has been a carrier struggling to keep up with data growth, something Shammo concedes has been tough. He said the carrier was taken by surprise in the growth in video traffic from LTE users. While he would say how exactly much more data an LTE user consumes versus a 3G customer, he said it was more than double. Relative to its competition, Shammo said Verizon was growing faster, so data consumption has likewise been accelerating.</p><br /><p>Verizon isn't standing still. Shammo said the company has poured more money into the network, including increasing its capital expenditures by $500 million this year. The company is also investing in small cell technology and turning on more spectrum as it works to build up network capacity.</p><br /><p>'By the end of this year you are going to see all those issues dissipate,' Shammo said. 'And then going into next year we will be ahead of the curve again.'</p><br /><p><img src="http://asset3.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/html/news/clear.gif" width="600"/> </p><br /></div>

Technology Verizon admits network faces traffic pressure in big cities

The company is pouring money into the problem, and a top executive says the issues will dissipate by the end of the year. (Credit: Jessica ...

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Sons of Anarchy's Dead End for Tara, Tyler's Villainous Turn on The Originals ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20131012/rs_560x415-131112154803-rs_1024x759-131112152141-1024.sons-of-anarchy.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Prashant Gupta/FX</p><br /><img src="http://www.eonline.com/static/columnists/bricks/watch_with_kristin.jpg" width="600"/> Spoiler alert! We're about to dig into the biggest moments from Tuesday night's TV. If you haven't yet watched a particular show and don't want to be spoiled, skip to the next!<br /><p><strong>Sons of Anarchy:</strong> Tara ( <strong>Maggie Siff</strong>) has lost all hope, y'all! Desperate to get her boys out of Charming and away from Jax (<strong>Charlie Hunnam</strong>), who is now having her watched 24/7 after learning of her plan, Tara once again hit a snag when she went to District Attorney Tyne Patterson ( <strong>CCH Pounder</strong>) to finally make a deal, only to be brutally rebuffed. You see, Tyne already made a deal with Jax (He'll turn in the IRA in exchange for the Sons being cleared in the school shooting case), meaning Tara was a little too late. In the episode's downer of a final scene, Tara leaves dejected and desperate, saying, 'No one can help me.'</p><br /><p>And no wonder she wants help after Jax learned the truth and Gemma ( <strong>Katey Sagal</strong>) threatens her life for turning her son against her. Oh, and Gemma took Wendy ( <strong>Drea DeMatteo</strong>) to a new kind of rehab: her own home where she will keep Wendy clean herself. (We bet she's thinking she's getting too old for this shit?!)</p><br /><strong>READ: Catch up on Monday night's OMG TV moments</strong><br /><p>Oh man, is this show hitting its sweet spot. Tonight's outing featured the first official The Vampire Diaries crossover as Tyler ( <strong>Michael Trevino</strong>) made his New Orleans debut and he was on a freakin' mission. In a dark, dark twist, Ty totally down to kill Hayley ( <strong>Phoebe Tonkin</strong>) and her unborn baby to exact revenge on Klaus ( <strong>Joseph Morgan</strong>). And raise your hand if you were literally squealing with delight during Tyler and Klaus' long-awaited faceoff, which revealed that Tyler was basically on a suicide mission after losing everything important to him. Of course, knowing he wanted death, Klaus let him live, compelling him to never forget that he 'means nothing' to him. Way harsh!</p><br /><p>But don't count Tyler out just yet as the revenge-seeking wolf teamed with Marcel ( <strong>Charles Michael Davis</strong>) by episode's end. Game. On. (How great was Trevino in this episode? We can't gush enough over his performance.)</p><br /><p>Other big reveals/shockers? Hayley's real name is Andrea (and she's 23, by the way!) and she's from a very powerful werewolf family (think wolf royalty!) and Klaus bit Elijah ( <strong>Daniel Gillies</strong>) after his brother and Hayley accused him of wanting to use the baby's blood to create an army.</p><br /><strong>VIDEO: Exclusive Originals scoop from Michael Trevino</strong> <img src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20131012/rs_560x374-131112154538-rs_1024x683-131112153615-Min.208.7.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Beth Dubber/FOX</p><br /><p><strong>The Mindy Project:</strong> Someone file a police report because the Fox hit nearly killed us tonight with all of the Danny ( <strong>Chris Messina</strong>) and Mindy (<strong>Mindy Kaling</strong>) goodness, especially that look he gave her when they hugged while pretending to be a couple (long story, don't ask). Clearly, that was the moment. You know, the one where the guy finally starts looking at the girl in different light, which made him learning that she actually has a crush on Cliff (I t's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's <strong>Glenn Howerton</strong>).Hurts. So. Good.</p><br /><p>Oh, and The Office fan favorite <strong>Ellie Kemper</strong> returned as Mindy's frenemy-turned-neighbor Heather who ends up hooking up with Cliff. Oh, what a tangled web The Mindy Project is weaving!</p><br /><p>Nothing too shocking happened in this week's episode, but the promo following the show featured an introduction to <strong>Cote de Pablo</strong>'s 'replacement': NSA Analyst Ellie Bishop ( <strong>Emily Wickersham</strong>). Love her or hate her, s he's sticking around the CBS procedural. Get your first look at Ellie in the promo below!</p><br /><strong>READ: Spinoff checkup! How Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, Ravenswood and The Originals Are Faring</strong><br /><p>Tonight, the NBC reality series debuted its new results show twist: the Twitter save. After revealing the bottom three ( <strong>Jonny Gray</strong>, <strong>Josh Logan</strong> and <strong>Kat Robichaud</strong>), viewers had five minutes to tweet the name of the singer that wanted to keep on the show with the hashtag 'VOICESAVE'. The results? Kat was instantly saved, and Jonny (Team <strong>Cee Lo</strong>) and Josh (Team <strong>Christina</strong>) were both eliminated. Further proof that Twitter is both a blessing and a curse.</p><br /><img src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20131012/rs_560x373-131112154651-rs_1024x682-131112152903-133831_1191_pre.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>ABC/Justin Lubin</p><br /><p>Yet another step closer to a question being answered on the ABC superhero series: what's the story with Skye ( <strong>Chloe Bennet</strong>) and her parents? Coulson ( <strong>Clark Gregg</strong>) finds the file on her parents, but all it reveals is that a unidentified, female S.H.I.E.L.D. agent dropped her off at an orphanage. He says he'll do more digging, but when he requests access, he gets denied. His clearance level isn't high enough. Someone obviously wants to keep Skye's backstory away from prying eyes.</p><br /><strong>PHOTOS: Unbelievable TV Moments!</strong></div>

ENTERTAINMENT Sons of Anarchy's Dead End for Tara, Tyler's Villainous Turn on The Originals ...

Prashant Gupta/FX Spoiler alert! We're about to dig into the biggest moments from Tuesday night's TV. If you haven't yet watche...

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The Long-Term Inactivity Index

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvf_bvFDXLg0eKsthPy1BcCaF9mTKL9guIDKJhdoMi3OkHA4q81bwLGy96PQ9EC3pz3DXgwecQ6f28e6BIxzoKW0boTJ22yeCXAp78rjjJS_0CygkA9UBghnZLzN0gevLWlyW_VZq8N0/s1600/CFNAI+v.3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvf_bvFDXLg0eKsthPy1BcCaF9mTKL9guIDKJhdoMi3OkHA4q81bwLGy96PQ9EC3pz3DXgwecQ6f28e6BIxzoKW0boTJ22yeCXAp78rjjJS_0CygkA9UBghnZLzN0gevLWlyW_VZq8N0/s320/CFNAI+v.3.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>A zero value for the index indicates that the national economy is expanding at its historical trend rate of growth; negative values indicate below-average growth; and positive values indicate above-average growth.</i></div><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/CFNAI">St. Louis Fed: Chicago Fed National Activity Index</a>

The Long-Term Inactivity Index

Click to enlarge. A zero value for the index indicates that the national economy is expanding at its historical trend rate of growth; negati...

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