Today is the winter solstice and the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It's all due to Earth's tilt, which ensures that the shortest day of every year falls around December 21.
But it's not all about astronomy.
Since ancient times people have marked the winter solstice with countless cultural and religious traditions—it's no coincidence the modern holiday season surrounds the first day of winter.
Solstice in Space: Astronomy of the First Day of Winter
During the winter solstice the sun hugs closer to the horizon than at any other time during the year, yielding the least amount of daylight annually. On the bright side, the day after the winter solstice marks the beginning of lengthening days leading up to the summer solstice.
"Solstice" is derived from the Latin phrase for "sun stands still."
That's because—after months of growing shorter and lower since the summer solstice—the sun's arc through the sky appears to stabilize, with the sun seeming to rise and set in the same two places for several days. Then the arc begins growing longer and higher in the sky, reaching its peak at the summer solstice.
The solstices occur twice a year (around December 21 and June 21), because Earth is tilted by an average of 23.5 degrees as it orbits the sun—the same phenomenon that drives the seasons.
During the warmer half of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun. The northern winter solstice occurs when the "top" half of Earth is tilted away from the sun at its most extreme angle of the year.
Being the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice is essentially the year's darkest day, but it's not the coldest.
Because the oceans are slow to heat and cool, in December they still retain some warmth from summer, delaying the coldest of winter days for another month and a half. Similarly, summer doesn't hit its heat peak until August, a month or two after the summer solstice.
Winter Solstice Marked Since Ancient Times
Throughout history, humans have celebrated the winter solstice, often with an appreciative eye toward the return of summer sunlight.
Massive prehistoric monuments such as Ireland's mysterious Newgrange tomb (video) are aligned to capture the light at the moment of the winter solstice sunrise.
Germanic peoples of Northern Europe honored the winter solstice with Yule festivals—the origin of the still-standing tradition of the long-burning Yule log.
The Roman feast of Saturnalia, honoring the God Saturn, was a weeklong December feast that included the observance of the winter solstice. Romans also celebrated the lengthening of days following the solstice by paying homage to Mithra—an ancient Persian god of light.
Many modern pagans attempt to observe the winter solstice in the traditional manner of the ancients.
"There is a resurgent interest in more traditional religious groups that is often driven by ecological motives," said Harry Yeide, a professor of religion at George Washington University. "These people do celebrate the solstice itself."
Pagans aren't alone in commemorating the winter solstice in modern times.
In a number of U.S. cities a Watertown, Massachusetts-based production called The Christmas Revels honors the winter solstice with an annually changing menu of traditional music and dance from around the world.
"Nearly every northern culture has some sort of individual way of celebrating that shortest day," said Revels artistic director Patrick Swanson. "It's a lot of fun for us to dig up the traditional dance and music and even the plays [honoring] that time of the year."
Of course, as the name suggests, The Christmas Revels mix ancient winter solstice traditions with customs of the holiday that largely replaced winter solstice celebrations across much of the Northern Hemisphere—Christmas.
Winter Solstice's Christmas Connection
Scholars aren't exactly sure of the date of Jesus Christ's birthday, the first Christmas.
"In the early years of the Christian church, the calendar was centered around Easter," George Washington University's Yeide said. "Nobody knows exactly where and when they began to think it suitable to celebrate Christ's birth as well as the Passion cycle"—the Crucifixion and resurrection depicted in the Bible.
Eastern churches traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 6, a date known as Epiphany in the West. The winter date may have originally been chosen on the basis that Christ's conception and Crucifixion would have fallen during the same season—and a spring conception would have resulted in a winter birth.
But Christmas soon became co-mingled with traditional observances of the first day of winter.
"As the Christmas celebration moved west," Yeide said "the date that had traditionally been used to celebrate the winter solstice became sort of available for conversion to the observance of Christmas. In the Western church the December date became the date for Christmas."
Early church leaders endeavored to attract pagans to Christianity by adding Christian meaning to existing winter solstice festivals.
"This gave rise to an interesting play on words," Yeide said. "In several languages, not just in English, people have traditionally compared the rebirth of the sun with the birth of the son of God."
Montag, 21. Dezember 2009
Donnerstag, 17. Dezember 2009
Vinny Cerrato resigns as Redskins executive vice-president
For the second straight winter, change is coming to Washington.
Vinny Cerrato, the much-maligned Washington Redskins executive vice-president of football operations, resigned this morning, nearly two years after becoming the organization's de facto general manager. Fans in D.C. are treating the news as an early Christmas present.
To understand Cerrato's bizarre role in D.C., one would have to understand the bond between he and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, something I'm not sure anyone has been able to do. The two were friends, we know that, but how did the obviously-in-over-his-head Cerrato maintain his job status with an owner known for his fondness for making sweeping personnel moves at the drop of a pass? There were always jokes that Vinny had "something" on Danny, but that was probably closer to the truth than we realized. Not in a "I'm holding this over your head" way, but in a "look what I can provide" way.
Cerrato's presence allowed Snyder to still pull the strings, all while providing a front and a lightning rod for criticism. Who else could do that? Cerrato gave Snyder all the appearances of a GM, while providing all the benefits of a yes man.
Unlike other infamous owners like Jerry Jones and George Steinbrenner, Snyder largely stays out of the limelight, declining interviews and not parading around on the sidelines. Thus, for a while, most of the criticism of the team's personnel moves went to Cerrato even though he was, at most, a partner in these decisions with Snyder, not the guy who pulled the trigger. He couldn't sneeze without Snyder's approval it seemed.
His departure doesn't necessarily mean things are going to get better in Washington, since Snyder has been the problem all along. But it is a sign that things are going in the right direction for the first time since Joe Gibbs retired two years ago. Snyder is finally shedding the dead weight and realizing that something -- anything -- needs to change.
It's been obvious to fans for years that the biggest problem with the Redskins isn't Jim Zorn or Jason Campbell(notes) or a confusing offensive playcalling system or missed tackling, it's the disorganized, incompetent front office that drafts three pass catchers in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft, all while ignoring the aging offensive line ... the front office that goes after Albert Haynesworth(notes) (not a bad decision) but incorrectly assumes that he's the missing piece to the puzzle ... the front office that played footsie with two quarterbacks in the off-season and then had to tuck its tail between its legs and stay stuck with the supremely-adequate Campbell ... the front office that ignores special teams players right up until they actually cost the team a game, rather than contribute to it ... the front office that hired its seventh choice to be head coach. We could go on for thousands of words. (And I have.)
The timing of the resignation is strange, but what else would you expect from the Redskins front office? It likely means that Snyder has a beat on Mike Holmgren or Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan and wants to strike now while he still can. Dragging his feet is only going to lead to getting a guy he doesn't really want, sort of like what happened two years ago when he was forced to hire Jim Zorn against his will.
What this means for Zorn is anyone's guess. Cerrato hired him so you'd figure this would be it for him, but if Holmgren comes to D.C., could he play Parcells to Zorn's Tony Sparano?
Those are all questions for later though. For now, all Redskins fans need to care about is the fact that Vinny Cerrato is finally gone. Hope and change are just around the corner.
Vinny Cerrato, the much-maligned Washington Redskins executive vice-president of football operations, resigned this morning, nearly two years after becoming the organization's de facto general manager. Fans in D.C. are treating the news as an early Christmas present.
To understand Cerrato's bizarre role in D.C., one would have to understand the bond between he and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, something I'm not sure anyone has been able to do. The two were friends, we know that, but how did the obviously-in-over-his-head Cerrato maintain his job status with an owner known for his fondness for making sweeping personnel moves at the drop of a pass? There were always jokes that Vinny had "something" on Danny, but that was probably closer to the truth than we realized. Not in a "I'm holding this over your head" way, but in a "look what I can provide" way.
Cerrato's presence allowed Snyder to still pull the strings, all while providing a front and a lightning rod for criticism. Who else could do that? Cerrato gave Snyder all the appearances of a GM, while providing all the benefits of a yes man.
Unlike other infamous owners like Jerry Jones and George Steinbrenner, Snyder largely stays out of the limelight, declining interviews and not parading around on the sidelines. Thus, for a while, most of the criticism of the team's personnel moves went to Cerrato even though he was, at most, a partner in these decisions with Snyder, not the guy who pulled the trigger. He couldn't sneeze without Snyder's approval it seemed.
His departure doesn't necessarily mean things are going to get better in Washington, since Snyder has been the problem all along. But it is a sign that things are going in the right direction for the first time since Joe Gibbs retired two years ago. Snyder is finally shedding the dead weight and realizing that something -- anything -- needs to change.
It's been obvious to fans for years that the biggest problem with the Redskins isn't Jim Zorn or Jason Campbell(notes) or a confusing offensive playcalling system or missed tackling, it's the disorganized, incompetent front office that drafts three pass catchers in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft, all while ignoring the aging offensive line ... the front office that goes after Albert Haynesworth(notes) (not a bad decision) but incorrectly assumes that he's the missing piece to the puzzle ... the front office that played footsie with two quarterbacks in the off-season and then had to tuck its tail between its legs and stay stuck with the supremely-adequate Campbell ... the front office that ignores special teams players right up until they actually cost the team a game, rather than contribute to it ... the front office that hired its seventh choice to be head coach. We could go on for thousands of words. (And I have.)
The timing of the resignation is strange, but what else would you expect from the Redskins front office? It likely means that Snyder has a beat on Mike Holmgren or Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan and wants to strike now while he still can. Dragging his feet is only going to lead to getting a guy he doesn't really want, sort of like what happened two years ago when he was forced to hire Jim Zorn against his will.
What this means for Zorn is anyone's guess. Cerrato hired him so you'd figure this would be it for him, but if Holmgren comes to D.C., could he play Parcells to Zorn's Tony Sparano?
Those are all questions for later though. For now, all Redskins fans need to care about is the fact that Vinny Cerrato is finally gone. Hope and change are just around the corner.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry injured in auto accident
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry suffered injuries described as life-threatening when he fell from the back of a truck during what police called a domestic situation Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C.
Henry has been on the season-ending injured reserve list since Nov. 9 because of a dislocated forearm and reportedly was in Charlotte because his fiancée's parents live there.
The Bengals called Henry's injuries "very serious" but did not provide further details.
The Charlotte Observer reported that Henry suffered life-threatening injuries after jumping into the back of a pickup truck during a domestic incident with his fiancée.
Police found Henry in the road after receiving a call just before noon, the Observer reported. Paramedics took Henry to a nearby hospital, according to the newspaper.
Henry and his fiancée reportedly were staying at her parents' home and planning their wedding. A woman who identified herself as the mother of Henry's fiancée told the Observer that her daughter was by Henry's hospital bedside.
According to the Observer, police said that Henry was involved in a "domestic situation" with his fiancée. She drove the truck away from the home. Henry jumped into the back of the truck while it was moving, the Observer reported, and later "came out" of the back of the truck, according to police.
Henry was found by police about half a mile from the house where he and his fiancée were staying, the Observer reported.
Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan told the Associated Press: "We are aware he was in an accident and that his injuries are very serious. We are obviously staying in touch with the situation and are ready to offer whatever assistance we can."
Henry, 26, has played five seasons for the Bengals and has 119 catches in 55 games. He had 12 catches in eight games this season.
The Bengals re-signed Henry to a two-year contract in August 2008 even though he'd been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of last season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Coach Marvin Lewis said at the time that Bengals owner Mike Brown had made the decision to give Henry another chance to play for the team. The Bengals had released Henry in April 2008 after he was arrested and charged with assault. Prosecutors later dropped that charge. Henry was alleged to have hit an 18-year-old man in the face and to have broken the man's car window with a beer bottle in an incident in Cincinnati.
Henry has been on the season-ending injured reserve list since Nov. 9 because of a dislocated forearm and reportedly was in Charlotte because his fiancée's parents live there.
The Bengals called Henry's injuries "very serious" but did not provide further details.
The Charlotte Observer reported that Henry suffered life-threatening injuries after jumping into the back of a pickup truck during a domestic incident with his fiancée.
Police found Henry in the road after receiving a call just before noon, the Observer reported. Paramedics took Henry to a nearby hospital, according to the newspaper.
Henry and his fiancée reportedly were staying at her parents' home and planning their wedding. A woman who identified herself as the mother of Henry's fiancée told the Observer that her daughter was by Henry's hospital bedside.
According to the Observer, police said that Henry was involved in a "domestic situation" with his fiancée. She drove the truck away from the home. Henry jumped into the back of the truck while it was moving, the Observer reported, and later "came out" of the back of the truck, according to police.
Henry was found by police about half a mile from the house where he and his fiancée were staying, the Observer reported.
Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan told the Associated Press: "We are aware he was in an accident and that his injuries are very serious. We are obviously staying in touch with the situation and are ready to offer whatever assistance we can."
Henry, 26, has played five seasons for the Bengals and has 119 catches in 55 games. He had 12 catches in eight games this season.
The Bengals re-signed Henry to a two-year contract in August 2008 even though he'd been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of last season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Coach Marvin Lewis said at the time that Bengals owner Mike Brown had made the decision to give Henry another chance to play for the team. The Bengals had released Henry in April 2008 after he was arrested and charged with assault. Prosecutors later dropped that charge. Henry was alleged to have hit an 18-year-old man in the face and to have broken the man's car window with a beer bottle in an incident in Cincinnati.
Dienstag, 15. Dezember 2009
Juan Pierre
Juan Pierre will be an everyday player again.
The Dodgers sent their No. 4 outfielder and $10 million in cash to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players to be named. Signed to a five-year, $44-million contract prior to the 2007 season, Pierre is still owed $18.5 million over the final two years of his deal.
"Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said in a statement released by the team. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an opportunity presented itself in which his chance to play would be enhanced, we would pursue it and that's what we've done. He deserved the chance to play more."
Long vilified by fans in large part because of how much money he made, Pierre turned himself into a crowd favorite this season for the way he performed in place of Manny Ramirez during Ramirez's 50-game suspension. Pierre hit .308 and stole 30 bases in 145 games for the Dodgers this season, 76 of them starts.
Pierre's tenure with the Dodgers was a tumultuous one.
He was the Dodgers' starting center fielder in 2007, but was relegated to a bench role a year later when the club acquired Andruw Jones to take his place.
Jones performed poorly but the acquisition of Ramirez kept Pierre on the bench. Pierre asked for a trade at the end of the 2008 season.
Because the Dodgers and White Sox share a spring training complex in Arizona, the Dodgers will continue to see plenty of Pierre. Also on the White Sox's roster is Jones, who will be paid by the Dodgers through 2014.
The Dodgers sent their No. 4 outfielder and $10 million in cash to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players to be named. Signed to a five-year, $44-million contract prior to the 2007 season, Pierre is still owed $18.5 million over the final two years of his deal.
"Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said in a statement released by the team. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an opportunity presented itself in which his chance to play would be enhanced, we would pursue it and that's what we've done. He deserved the chance to play more."
Long vilified by fans in large part because of how much money he made, Pierre turned himself into a crowd favorite this season for the way he performed in place of Manny Ramirez during Ramirez's 50-game suspension. Pierre hit .308 and stole 30 bases in 145 games for the Dodgers this season, 76 of them starts.
Pierre's tenure with the Dodgers was a tumultuous one.
He was the Dodgers' starting center fielder in 2007, but was relegated to a bench role a year later when the club acquired Andruw Jones to take his place.
Jones performed poorly but the acquisition of Ramirez kept Pierre on the bench. Pierre asked for a trade at the end of the 2008 season.
Because the Dodgers and White Sox share a spring training complex in Arizona, the Dodgers will continue to see plenty of Pierre. Also on the White Sox's roster is Jones, who will be paid by the Dodgers through 2014.
Montag, 14. Dezember 2009
John Lackey
Top free agent pitcher John Lackey is said to be in agreement on a five-year, $85 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, sources say. Lackey has scheduled a physical with the team.
Lackey's deal with the Red Sox is similar to the $82.5 million, five-year contract A.J. Burnett got with the Yankees last offseason. "That's what they were looking for,'' an AL executive said.
Lackey has had a couple minor issues with his shoulder and back in recent seasons, so the Red Sox will want to check him out. But nothing serious is expected to be found.
Lackey would enhance an excellent rotation for Boston, which already has Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. The Red Sox had been trying to re-sign Jason Bay, but that seems unlikely now. They have talked to free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, among others.
The Mariners, Yankees and incumbent Angels were among others that showed interest in Lackey.
The Yankees are one of at least three teams that's been showing interest in star Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, so perhaps the Lackey deal will spur them to get more involved.
AOL FanHouse first reported news of Lackey's physical.
Lackey's deal with the Red Sox is similar to the $82.5 million, five-year contract A.J. Burnett got with the Yankees last offseason. "That's what they were looking for,'' an AL executive said.
Lackey has had a couple minor issues with his shoulder and back in recent seasons, so the Red Sox will want to check him out. But nothing serious is expected to be found.
Lackey would enhance an excellent rotation for Boston, which already has Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. The Red Sox had been trying to re-sign Jason Bay, but that seems unlikely now. They have talked to free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, among others.
The Mariners, Yankees and incumbent Angels were among others that showed interest in Lackey.
The Yankees are one of at least three teams that's been showing interest in star Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, so perhaps the Lackey deal will spur them to get more involved.
AOL FanHouse first reported news of Lackey's physical.
Sonntag, 13. Dezember 2009
BJ Penn vs Diego Sanchez Video Recap
Once the weigh-in results we knew that we would have a great Saturday night, and UFC 107 did not disappoint. One of the best fights of the evening had to be between B.J. Penn and Diego Sanchez, the guys had been doing the business for some time but Penn took Sanchez in the fifth-round. From the first-round it was obvious that Penn was going to win this main event fight, but getting to that fifth-round was great to watch.
For those who watched the fight, you will agree with ESPN when they say that Penn has no equal in at his 155-pound weight. We cannot show you a full video of the fight, but ESPN has a great video recap for you.
From the first round Penn was all over Sanchez, his fists seemed to be a permanent fixture on his chin. This was the same for the first four-rounds, but it was the fifth when the best was saved too last. The start of that round was great as you could hear Penn shouting across to his opponent above the noise of the screaming fans.
Penn decided to charge at Sanchez and landed a sweet kick to his head, as a result Sanchez was left with a cut on his forehead. Penn did not stop there and went for more, but once the two fighters had split it was obvious that the fight could not go on, as the gash on Sanchez’s head was too bad. You will agree that Penn is a great champion.
For more details head over to http://sports.espn.go.com
For those who watched the fight, you will agree with ESPN when they say that Penn has no equal in at his 155-pound weight. We cannot show you a full video of the fight, but ESPN has a great video recap for you.
From the first round Penn was all over Sanchez, his fists seemed to be a permanent fixture on his chin. This was the same for the first four-rounds, but it was the fifth when the best was saved too last. The start of that round was great as you could hear Penn shouting across to his opponent above the noise of the screaming fans.
Penn decided to charge at Sanchez and landed a sweet kick to his head, as a result Sanchez was left with a cut on his forehead. Penn did not stop there and went for more, but once the two fighters had split it was obvious that the fight could not go on, as the gash on Sanchez’s head was too bad. You will agree that Penn is a great champion.
For more details head over to http://sports.espn.go.com
Samstag, 12. Dezember 2009
Hanukkah Candle
The Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah, began at sundown Friday this year and continues for eight days.
As Hanukkah starts, there is a lot of excitement for its celebration especially amongst the Jewish community.
Hanukkah Candles have a significant significance for this day as a Hanukkah symbol. According to Wiki, The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others.
Two blessings are recited as the Hanukkah candles are lit.
“Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle theHanukkah light[s].”
“Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time…”
As Hanukkah starts, there is a lot of excitement for its celebration especially amongst the Jewish community.
Hanukkah Candles have a significant significance for this day as a Hanukkah symbol. According to Wiki, The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others.
Two blessings are recited as the Hanukkah candles are lit.
“Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle theHanukkah light[s].”
“Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time…”
Freitag, 11. Dezember 2009
Duggar Baby 19
Michelle Duggar is a mom for the 19th time, and this time, it's to a micropreemie. Josie Brooklyn Duggar entered the world at 6:27 PM last night via emergency c-section, weighing in at just 1 lb 6 oz.
Michelle, who wasn't due to deliver her baby girl until March 20, was at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences facility coping with gallbladder-related issues when doctors decided Josie needed to make her appearance.
A TLC network spokesperson for the Duggar family released a statement saying the Duggar baby is "stable" and that both Michelle and Josie are currently resting. Josie has been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
As far as premature deliveries go, Duggar baby 19 had just edged her way into the realm of viability before being born at 25 weeks' gestation. The official golden number for preemies is somewhere between 23 and 24 weeks; prior to that age, most doctors and hospitals will refuse to administer life-saving treatment, saying that the children are too young to survive or that they will grow up facing too many challenges.
According to the Endowment for Human Development, 24 weeks is the target minimum age of gestation because of lung development. Around the 24-week mark, a baby's lungs will begin to produce surfactant, "a substance absolutely necessary for gas exchange" and by extention, successful breathing.
As medical technology continues to improve over time, though, there's a substantial amount of gray area and controversy surrounding whether or not a seriously premature baby should be entitled to life-saving efforts by medical professionals. As a parent, I can't imagine allowing my own perfectly healthy premature baby to die, even knowing that down the line, he or she would likely face physical and/or mental issues. Faith would play a role in my own decision, as it will for Michelle Duggar and husband Jim Bob and the rest of the Duggar family.
Michelle, who wasn't due to deliver her baby girl until March 20, was at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences facility coping with gallbladder-related issues when doctors decided Josie needed to make her appearance.
A TLC network spokesperson for the Duggar family released a statement saying the Duggar baby is "stable" and that both Michelle and Josie are currently resting. Josie has been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
As far as premature deliveries go, Duggar baby 19 had just edged her way into the realm of viability before being born at 25 weeks' gestation. The official golden number for preemies is somewhere between 23 and 24 weeks; prior to that age, most doctors and hospitals will refuse to administer life-saving treatment, saying that the children are too young to survive or that they will grow up facing too many challenges.
According to the Endowment for Human Development, 24 weeks is the target minimum age of gestation because of lung development. Around the 24-week mark, a baby's lungs will begin to produce surfactant, "a substance absolutely necessary for gas exchange" and by extention, successful breathing.
As medical technology continues to improve over time, though, there's a substantial amount of gray area and controversy surrounding whether or not a seriously premature baby should be entitled to life-saving efforts by medical professionals. As a parent, I can't imagine allowing my own perfectly healthy premature baby to die, even knowing that down the line, he or she would likely face physical and/or mental issues. Faith would play a role in my own decision, as it will for Michelle Duggar and husband Jim Bob and the rest of the Duggar family.
Donnerstag, 10. Dezember 2009
Shaq Retires
Is Shaquille O’Neal retiring for good? There are unconfirmed rumors of Shaq retiring from basketball. If the rumors are true, this basketball giant will surely be missed by a lot of basketball fans.
Just 734 days to go before Shaquille O’Neal hangs them up for good.
The Phoenix Suns center announced that he will retire after his contract is up following the 2009-10 season.
You still have two more seasons of Shaq clogging the paint and slowing down your high-octane offense.
Where does Shaq rank among the greatest big men of all time?
In my eyes, nobody was better than Wilt, but Shaq is easily one of the Top 3-4 centers of all time.
Even with his shoddy free-throw shooting and questionable cheap shots at former teammates.
Just 734 days to go before Shaquille O’Neal hangs them up for good.
The Phoenix Suns center announced that he will retire after his contract is up following the 2009-10 season.
You still have two more seasons of Shaq clogging the paint and slowing down your high-octane offense.
Where does Shaq rank among the greatest big men of all time?
In my eyes, nobody was better than Wilt, but Shaq is easily one of the Top 3-4 centers of all time.
Even with his shoddy free-throw shooting and questionable cheap shots at former teammates.
Chris Cuomo leaving ABC morning show
NEW YORK — ABC says Chris Cuomo is leaving "Good Morning America" to co-host the newsmagazine "20/20."
The move paves the way for the announcement — expected imminently — that George Stephanopoulos will join the morning show.
Cuomo has been the newsreader on "Good Morning America." His last day will be Friday, the same day as co-host Diane Sawyer, who is replacing the retiring Charles Gibson on "World News."
Cuomo had been considered the main competition to Stephanopoulos for Sawyer's old job. His move to the evening will pair him with co-host Elizabeth Vargas.
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.
The move paves the way for the announcement — expected imminently — that George Stephanopoulos will join the morning show.
Cuomo has been the newsreader on "Good Morning America." His last day will be Friday, the same day as co-host Diane Sawyer, who is replacing the retiring Charles Gibson on "World News."
Cuomo had been considered the main competition to Stephanopoulos for Sawyer's old job. His move to the evening will pair him with co-host Elizabeth Vargas.
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.
Mittwoch, 9. Dezember 2009
Seabrook Explosion
A large chemical plant explosion near Seabrook early this morning sent a gigantic plume of smoke billowing into the air. No serious injuries have been reported.
The explosion occurred at an American Acryl facility at 11600 Port Road near old Texas 146 about 8:50 a.m., according to the Seabrook Police Department. A short section of Texas 146 near the blast site was closed in both directions, as is Port Road.
An hour later, firefighters appeared to have the fire out, and no smoke was visible from the charred wreckage at the plant. Two people went to Memorial Hermann Hospital Southeast complaining of discomfort, said Seabrook police Lt. Sean Wright.
Shoreacres Police Officer D. Cantu, who was in the La Porte area at the time, said he heard the blast and turned in time to see "a ball of fire going up into the air." Reports indicate the blast was heard or felt as far away as Baytown and Pearland.
American Acryl was permitted in 2000 to build a $150 million chemical plant in the Bayport industrial district.
American Acryl was formed in 1997 and is a 50-50 joint venture between NA Industries Inc. and Atofina Chemicals Inc., who are the North American subsidiaries of Nippon Shokubai and Total Fina Elf S.A., respectively.
The explosion occurred at an American Acryl facility at 11600 Port Road near old Texas 146 about 8:50 a.m., according to the Seabrook Police Department. A short section of Texas 146 near the blast site was closed in both directions, as is Port Road.
An hour later, firefighters appeared to have the fire out, and no smoke was visible from the charred wreckage at the plant. Two people went to Memorial Hermann Hospital Southeast complaining of discomfort, said Seabrook police Lt. Sean Wright.
Shoreacres Police Officer D. Cantu, who was in the La Porte area at the time, said he heard the blast and turned in time to see "a ball of fire going up into the air." Reports indicate the blast was heard or felt as far away as Baytown and Pearland.
American Acryl was permitted in 2000 to build a $150 million chemical plant in the Bayport industrial district.
American Acryl was formed in 1997 and is a 50-50 joint venture between NA Industries Inc. and Atofina Chemicals Inc., who are the North American subsidiaries of Nippon Shokubai and Total Fina Elf S.A., respectively.
Peter Gammons leaving ESPN
Peter Gammons is leaving ESPN after 20 years to become an analyst for MLB Network.
Gammons will offer commentary for breaking news and big events such as the postseason, winter meetings, amateur draft and the trade deadline. He will appear on the network's news shows as well as develop short documentary-style pieces. He also will write regularly for MLB.com, becoming part of its new columnist Web site.
"To be involved with people whose network is devoted to baseball, and baseball only, is something I look forward to with excitement," Gammons said in a statement Tuesday.
Gammons joins Bob Costas as a major presence at MLB Network. In addition, Gammons will become an analyst and reporter for NESN, the regional sports network in New England affiliated with the owners of the Boston Red Sox.
"It's hard to imagine a reporter who is more deeply associated with a sport than Peter is with Major League Baseball," MLB president Tony Petitti said. "Having Peter associated with MLB Network is an incredible opportunity and another great step for MLB Network as we head into our second year on Jan. 1."
Gammons joined ESPN in 1989 and has been an integral part of its baseball coverage. He wrote for the Boston Globe starting in 1969 and also worked for Sports Illustrated (1976-78, 1986-90).
"My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted," Gammons said. "ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am."
Gammons will offer commentary for breaking news and big events such as the postseason, winter meetings, amateur draft and the trade deadline. He will appear on the network's news shows as well as develop short documentary-style pieces. He also will write regularly for MLB.com, becoming part of its new columnist Web site.
"To be involved with people whose network is devoted to baseball, and baseball only, is something I look forward to with excitement," Gammons said in a statement Tuesday.
Gammons joins Bob Costas as a major presence at MLB Network. In addition, Gammons will become an analyst and reporter for NESN, the regional sports network in New England affiliated with the owners of the Boston Red Sox.
"It's hard to imagine a reporter who is more deeply associated with a sport than Peter is with Major League Baseball," MLB president Tony Petitti said. "Having Peter associated with MLB Network is an incredible opportunity and another great step for MLB Network as we head into our second year on Jan. 1."
Gammons joined ESPN in 1989 and has been an integral part of its baseball coverage. He wrote for the Boston Globe starting in 1969 and also worked for Sports Illustrated (1976-78, 1986-90).
"My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted," Gammons said. "ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am."
Samstag, 5. Dezember 2009
John 16 33: Tim Tebow's Eye Black Bible Passage (PHOTO)
Tim Tebow frequently wears eye black that references Bible verses. In last week's game against Florida State, his eye black said "Heb 12 1-2." This week he has written "John 16:33" referencing a passage from the Gospel of John from the New Testament.
John 16:33 reads:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
No. 1-ranked Florida faces No. 2-ranked Alabama in a critical game today. The winner captures the SEC championship and will advance to the BCS National Championship Game for a shot at the college football national championship.
John 16:33 reads:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
No. 1-ranked Florida faces No. 2-ranked Alabama in a critical game today. The winner captures the SEC championship and will advance to the BCS National Championship Game for a shot at the college football national championship.
Nike Cross Nationals
Only one sport throws the polls away and lets the athletes decide who the real national champions are. This year, as always, those champions will be crowned on December 5 at the 6th annual Nike Cross Nationals. Eight regional championships – including one held near you – qualify both teams and individuals into one race for all the marbles over the whoop-dee-doos and hay bales at Portland Meadows.
Nike cross nationals is an invitational cross country meet that serves as the unofficial team national championship of United States high school cross country. It was designed to heighten competition between high school cross country teams nationwide. NXN is a part of the Nike Nationals Series, which includes Nike Indoor Nationals, Nike Outdoor Nationals and Nike Web Nationals for track and field. Nike sponsors the event.
Nike cross nationals are happening today in Portland Meadows, Portland, OR.
Last year, Straneva placed 11th out of 197 runners, completing the 5K course in 15 minutes, 32.7 seconds. Reed Connors of Woodlands, Texas was the individual winner last year with a time of 15:13.6.
Straneva qualified for this year’s Nike Cross Nationals by virtue of his third-place finish at last weekend’s New York State Regional championship at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls.
Nike cross nationals is an invitational cross country meet that serves as the unofficial team national championship of United States high school cross country. It was designed to heighten competition between high school cross country teams nationwide. NXN is a part of the Nike Nationals Series, which includes Nike Indoor Nationals, Nike Outdoor Nationals and Nike Web Nationals for track and field. Nike sponsors the event.
Nike cross nationals are happening today in Portland Meadows, Portland, OR.
Last year, Straneva placed 11th out of 197 runners, completing the 5K course in 15 minutes, 32.7 seconds. Reed Connors of Woodlands, Texas was the individual winner last year with a time of 15:13.6.
Straneva qualified for this year’s Nike Cross Nationals by virtue of his third-place finish at last weekend’s New York State Regional championship at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls.
Freitag, 4. Dezember 2009
Becky Griggs lost 200 pounds and is now a personal trainer
Becky Griggs lost 200 pounds in the last few years, became a personal trainer and recently competed in a body building competition, and her before and after photos are amazing (see video below for photos). CNN ran a report about Becky Griggs Friday morning, and it has gained national attention.
Becky Griggs said that she thought she was always the pudgy kid, but looking back on realized she was just a little overweight. Griggs life is completely different now and her day’s begin at 5:30 am when she meets clients at the gym.
"We are taught what is slim and skinny and pretty and right," she said and CNN reported, "but in reality, what is fit and healthy is a different thing."
Becky Griggs, 43, lives in Oregon City, Oregon and she is the mother of two. Griggs first concern when she topped the scale at 352 pounds was her blood pressure, when it began to climb. Then she worried about the fact that she needed help just walking around the house. Earlier this year, Griggs competed in a body-building contest and weighed 139 pounds, but her weight has stablized at 150 pounds.
Griggs said that she lost the weight with a basic “calories in versus calories out” system. She ate five simple meals a day, with about 80% of that being protein. No sugar and flour, she referred to it as clean eating. Currently, she said she doesn’t always eat clean, but plans ahead when she knows that will happen. And she works out frequently.
She became a trainer because she knew it would help to keep her working out regularly. And she tells her clients that the most important thing is to lose body fat, which comes from working out regularly and focusing on building muscle. She also tells her clients to find friends who want to lose weight and work out, because it will keep you both motivated.
Becky Griggs said that she thought she was always the pudgy kid, but looking back on realized she was just a little overweight. Griggs life is completely different now and her day’s begin at 5:30 am when she meets clients at the gym.
"We are taught what is slim and skinny and pretty and right," she said and CNN reported, "but in reality, what is fit and healthy is a different thing."
Becky Griggs, 43, lives in Oregon City, Oregon and she is the mother of two. Griggs first concern when she topped the scale at 352 pounds was her blood pressure, when it began to climb. Then she worried about the fact that she needed help just walking around the house. Earlier this year, Griggs competed in a body-building contest and weighed 139 pounds, but her weight has stablized at 150 pounds.
Griggs said that she lost the weight with a basic “calories in versus calories out” system. She ate five simple meals a day, with about 80% of that being protein. No sugar and flour, she referred to it as clean eating. Currently, she said she doesn’t always eat clean, but plans ahead when she knows that will happen. And she works out frequently.
She became a trainer because she knew it would help to keep her working out regularly. And she tells her clients that the most important thing is to lose body fat, which comes from working out regularly and focusing on building muscle. She also tells her clients to find friends who want to lose weight and work out, because it will keep you both motivated.
Forex Trading Made Easy - Its Possible!
Hello my fellow traders.
I have been trading forex myself for well over 2 and a half years now. The beginning was hard and I had to learn that forex isn't as easy as it may seem at first glance.
However after some time success came and I was making good money.
Not a get rich quick scheme, but if you are willing to learn then you will eventually succeed - as in most things. Try hard and it will work.
Now I found a website which is actually the perfect solution if you want to win large in forex and at the same time spread your risk amongst various traders and not having to sit in front of the computer all day.
At Zulutrade you can choose from a great number of traders and pick the best of them. Those traders will give signals every once in a while. Some give a few signals daily, some a few a week and some a few a month. What's most important is the performance of those signals.
Zulutrade helps a lot to distinguish between good and bad or lets say between suitable and less suitable traders, because it all depends on how much risk you are willing to take. You can find traders and check their gained pips, their biggest draw down, number of trades they took, monthly profit/loss, and an overview of the most popular currency pairs of each trader. This helps a lot to decide for or against certain traders.
Once you have chosen your traders the signals will go through your Zulutrade account directly to your forex broker and will be executed in your account. How much every signals is worth is completely up to you as you can choose if you want to trade Lots, Minilots or Microlots. You can even limit certain signal provider's maximum open trades or the total open trades so you can fully control your own risk.
If other people making you money while not having any work with it (except choosing a few good traders) sounds interesting to you, be sure to try Zulutrade for free with a $50,000 demo account now!
Click here to try it.
I have been trading forex myself for well over 2 and a half years now. The beginning was hard and I had to learn that forex isn't as easy as it may seem at first glance.
However after some time success came and I was making good money.
Not a get rich quick scheme, but if you are willing to learn then you will eventually succeed - as in most things. Try hard and it will work.
Now I found a website which is actually the perfect solution if you want to win large in forex and at the same time spread your risk amongst various traders and not having to sit in front of the computer all day.
At Zulutrade you can choose from a great number of traders and pick the best of them. Those traders will give signals every once in a while. Some give a few signals daily, some a few a week and some a few a month. What's most important is the performance of those signals.
Zulutrade helps a lot to distinguish between good and bad or lets say between suitable and less suitable traders, because it all depends on how much risk you are willing to take. You can find traders and check their gained pips, their biggest draw down, number of trades they took, monthly profit/loss, and an overview of the most popular currency pairs of each trader. This helps a lot to decide for or against certain traders.
Once you have chosen your traders the signals will go through your Zulutrade account directly to your forex broker and will be executed in your account. How much every signals is worth is completely up to you as you can choose if you want to trade Lots, Minilots or Microlots. You can even limit certain signal provider's maximum open trades or the total open trades so you can fully control your own risk.
If other people making you money while not having any work with it (except choosing a few good traders) sounds interesting to you, be sure to try Zulutrade for free with a $50,000 demo account now!
Click here to try it.
Mittwoch, 2. Dezember 2009
Transgressions
One measure of Tiger Woods' drawing power, if we needed any, is the fact that this afternoon the word currently topping the Google Trends most-searched list is "transgressions."
The word figures prominently in Woods' statement today apologizing publicly for his behavior following reports that he had been carrying out several affairs, including a relationship with Jaimee Grubbs, a 24-year-old Las Vega cocktail waitress.
Excerpt from his statement:
I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves.
The word figures prominently in Woods' statement today apologizing publicly for his behavior following reports that he had been carrying out several affairs, including a relationship with Jaimee Grubbs, a 24-year-old Las Vega cocktail waitress.
Excerpt from his statement:
I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves.
Dienstag, 1. Dezember 2009
Super Adventure Club
There has been a lot of interest in the title the Super Adventure Club.
The name started when on an episode of South Park it was used to mock the religion Scientology.
The club was said to dedicated to travelling all over to molest children. The references and hints were in relation to real life situations in the episode in which Issac Hayes (Chef) , was leaving the cast of Southpark. The hints were in relation to Chef leaving Southpark (As was Issac quitting the show,) Chef’s Death ( Haye’s final show) and Comments made at his funeral (How the other cast members actually felt about his quitting.)
Hayes had been linked to the Church and Religion and the episode portrays the cast, feeling like Scientology is brainwashing him (The Super Adventure Club.) The episode told of the “The Greatest Explorer Ever” who supposedly founded the Super Adventure Club.
Although everything had already been explored by other people before him, so everything he had done was old news. So he decides to do something no-one else had done and molest children worldwide. He believing that children contained a special substance which granted you immortality, by having sex.
The show, not known for it’s political correctness nor their tact. Has the Chef being hypnotised, captured and falls to his death all in the one episode.
Using the cartoon, for a way back at Hayes seems the obvious reason for the episode. And to promote child abuse as humour is not something that is even remotely funny.
But anyone being a fan of the show, which it has many. Would know that the show does not make sense or cover issues in the public eye lightly.
The name started when on an episode of South Park it was used to mock the religion Scientology.
The club was said to dedicated to travelling all over to molest children. The references and hints were in relation to real life situations in the episode in which Issac Hayes (Chef) , was leaving the cast of Southpark. The hints were in relation to Chef leaving Southpark (As was Issac quitting the show,) Chef’s Death ( Haye’s final show) and Comments made at his funeral (How the other cast members actually felt about his quitting.)
Hayes had been linked to the Church and Religion and the episode portrays the cast, feeling like Scientology is brainwashing him (The Super Adventure Club.) The episode told of the “The Greatest Explorer Ever” who supposedly founded the Super Adventure Club.
Although everything had already been explored by other people before him, so everything he had done was old news. So he decides to do something no-one else had done and molest children worldwide. He believing that children contained a special substance which granted you immortality, by having sex.
The show, not known for it’s political correctness nor their tact. Has the Chef being hypnotised, captured and falls to his death all in the one episode.
Using the cartoon, for a way back at Hayes seems the obvious reason for the episode. And to promote child abuse as humour is not something that is even remotely funny.
But anyone being a fan of the show, which it has many. Would know that the show does not make sense or cover issues in the public eye lightly.
Tiger Woods girlfriend Joanna Jagoda
It seems that controversies wont leave Tiger Woods back. At first the crash and then the mistress and now the girlfriend Joanna. Recently Tiger Woord, the world most highest paid athlete and the best golfer ran out into many controversies after he managed to crash his car in his neighbor’s tree.
And now, Tiger Woods' ex-girlfriend Joanna told to Britain’s Daily Mail that “Elin is exactly what Tiger needs to get stability in his life. She is mature for her age, humble, and has both feet on the ground.”
And it was not so startling revelation because we are learning now that Tiger Woods may have cheated on Joanna Jagoda, his ex-girlfriend, with his wife, Elin Nordegren.
After all of this, no one except Woods knows the real story. We even do not know how many girl he has in his life and once he speak out in public, this will clear up all the issues and controversies.
And now, Tiger Woods' ex-girlfriend Joanna told to Britain’s Daily Mail that “Elin is exactly what Tiger needs to get stability in his life. She is mature for her age, humble, and has both feet on the ground.”
And it was not so startling revelation because we are learning now that Tiger Woods may have cheated on Joanna Jagoda, his ex-girlfriend, with his wife, Elin Nordegren.
After all of this, no one except Woods knows the real story. We even do not know how many girl he has in his life and once he speak out in public, this will clear up all the issues and controversies.
Abonnieren
Posts (Atom)
