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Saturday, October 27, 2012
iPad Mini: The Difference Is in the Details
Feature for feature, the iPad mini mainly bests its rivals in the 7-inch tablet market, but it does so at a price that's 65 percent higher than those competitors. The mini has a larger display than Amazon's Kindle Fire HD and Google's Nexus 7. Its screen measures 7.9 inches diagonally, while the Fire and Nexus have 7-inch displays. Apple's tablet is longer than both its competitors and wider than Google's slate.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Why Lebanon violence might not spiral, despite funeral protests (+video)
Violence broke out in Lebanon following the funeral of Gen. Wissam al-Hassan. Whether his assassination will directly spur prolonged and deepening unrest in Lebanon is doubtful, however.
Sons and relatives of slain intelligence officer Wissam al-Hassan mourn over his coffin at al-Amin mosque where he is set to be buried next to former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri in Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut October 21. Violence erupted in downtown Beirut on Sunday as protesters tried to storm the offices of Prime Minister Najib Mikati after the funeral of an assassinated intelligence chief whose death they blame on Syria.
Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters
EnlargeTens of thousands of Lebanese gathered in central Beirut Sunday for the funeral of a top Sunni security chief whose assassination last week in a car bomb explosion has revived fears in Lebanon of a renewed spate of sectarian bombings and killings.
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Lebanese police fired teargas at crowds after thousands of protesters attempted to storm the offices of the Prime Minister. Deborah Gembara reports.The death of Gen. Wissam al-Hassan, the head of the intelligence wing of the Internal?Security Forces, has sparked protests, some violent, across the country and calls for the government?s resignation. But whether it will directly spur prolonged and deepening unrest in Lebanon is doubtful.
The leadership of the anti-Syrian and Western-backed March 14 parliamentary coalition has shown little appetite for confrontations on the street which will only aggravate rising tensions between Lebanese Shiites and Sunnis. Furthermore, the militant Shiite Hezbollah is the strongest political and military force in the country and there is no other faction in Lebanon that that can successfully confront it.
However, Lebanese Sunnis are seething with rage and resentment toward the powerful Hezbollah and areas of Lebanon where Sunnis and Shiites live beside each other are certain to remain tense and could witness periodic clashes.
For many Sunnis, General Hassan?s death has left them feeling vulnerable.
?He represented security for all of us. He caught traitors, Israeli spies, [Syrian President Bashar] Assad?s spies,? says Maher Anadouli, a Sunni from the Tarek Jdeide neighborhood of Beirut who attended the funeral. ?I don?t want to sound pessimistic about the situation, but his death has left us feeling afraid.?
Christian and Sunni demonstrations
A highly-charged crowd, mainly Christians and Sunnis allied to the March 14 coalition, converged on Martyrs? Square Sunday in scenes reminiscent of the funeral of Rafik Hariri, a former prime minister killed in 2005, and the subsequent anti-Syrian rallies that eventually compelled Damascus to withdraw its troops from its tiny neighbor.
Hassan died on Friday when a car bomb consisting of an estimated 110 pounds of TNT exploded beside his car in a narrow street in the Ashrafiyah quarter of Beirut. Another seven people died in the powerful blast, including General Hassan?s bodyguard, Ahmad Sahyouni. The March 14 coalition has accused Syria of carrying out the bomb attack.
In a speech during a funeral ceremony held at the ISF headquarters Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said Hassan?s assassination targeted the Lebanese state and called for unity among rival factions.
?Enough! Unveil the crimes, starting with the assassination of Rafik Hariri and the rest of the figures,? President Suleiman said.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
KNX On Your Corner: Residential Real Estate ? CBS Los Angeles
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Source: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/10/19/knx-on-your-corner-residential-real-estate/
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Fact Check: Yes, Pregnancy Can Kill
A Republican congressman's claim that advances in science and technology mean pregnancy no longer threatens a woman's life and health doesn't stand up to scientific scrutiny.
In fact, conditions ranging from ectopic pregnancy, in which an embryo implants outside the uterus, to preeclampsia, which causes skyrocketing blood pressure and can lead to strokes and seizures, can and do threaten the lives of pregnant women. Preeclampsia and gestational high blood pressure occur in about 6 percent to 8 percent of U.S. pregnancies, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) told reporters Thursday night that he is anti-abortion without exception for rape, incest, or life or health of the mother, Radio 720 WGN in Chicago reported. He defended his stance on the life-and-health exceptions by saying, "This is an issue that opponents of [pro-] life throw out there to make us look unreasonable. There is no such exception as life of the mother and as far as health of the mother, same thing, with advances in science and technology, health of the mother has become a tool for abortions for any time under any reason."
Statistics tell a different story. In fact, though pregnancy-related deaths fell dramatically in the 20th century, they have been on the rise since 1987, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 7.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1987. By 2003, that number had risen to 14.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. [6 Politicians Who Got the Science Wrong]
Better recordkeeping may account for some of the rise, according to the CDC, but an increase in chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity may also explain the increased risk of complications.
And despite Walsh's comments, pregnancy complications can't always be solved by modern technology. Ectopic pregnancy, for example, affects 19.7 out of every 1,000 North American pregnancies, according to a paper published in February 2000 in the journal American Family Physician. In these cases, embryos almost always implant in the fallopian tubes, the connection between the ovaries and the uterus. The fallopian tubes aren't capable of supporting a pregnancy; a growing embryo will rupture them, which can cause uncontrollable bleeding. There is no technology available to save these pregnancies.
Some ectopic pregnancies miscarry on their own, but most require a surgical or medical abortion to prevent those life-threatening ruptures.
Preeclampsia is another pregnancy condition that stumps modern medicine. The condition usually develops after 20 weeks of gestation for reasons not fully understood. The only treatment is delivery.?
Embolism (when a clot blocks a blood vessel), hemorrhage and the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are the top causes of pregnancy-related death, according to a 2003 paper published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. That study also found that pregnancy complications are not equal-opportunity killers. Black women were nearly four times as likely as white women to die because of pregnancy. Teens and women in their late 30s or older were also at higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths.
Walsh joins several other politicians this election cycle in glossing over scientific fact in pursuit of an ideological point. In August, Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) claimed that the female body "has ways to try to shut that whole thing down" in regards to pregnancy from rape. (Akin walked back his comments after a public outcry.) And earlier this month, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.), a member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, said that he believes the Earth is 9,000 years old, calling evolution, the Big Bang Theory and embryology "lies straight from the pit of hell."
Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitter @sipappas?or LiveScience @livescience. We're also on Facebook?& Google+.
Copyright 2012 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Source: http://news.yahoo.com/fact-check-yes-pregnancy-kill-165925878.html
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Video: Chipotle Gets Grilled on Weak Earnings
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Friday, October 19, 2012
German party open to giving Greece more time
BERLIN (AP) ? A senior figure in Germany's governing coalition whose party has talked particularly tough on Greece has signaled that he's open to giving Athens more time to get its finances in order.
Over the summer, prominent officials in the Christian Social Union, the Bavaria-only sister to Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, called for Greece to leave the euro.
But party leader Horst Seehofer said in an interview with Bayern 2 radio Friday that he sees "no reason for that at the moment." Talk of a Greek exit hasn't amused Merkel, who has made clear recently that she wants Greece to stay in the 17-nation shared currency.
European leaders are awaiting a report from Greece's debt inspectors before authorizing the release of the country's next batch of bailout cash.
Asked whether the CSU would go along with a possible recommendation from the inspectors that Athens be given more time, even if that costs more, Seehofer replied: "I think we can talk about that, if it is guaranteed that the cause of the problem ? namely the Greek state's excessive debt ? is really removed through reforms and austerity measures."
Greece has called for a two-year extension to its economic recovery program, due to end in 2014 ? an extension that creditors fear would cost them extra money.
Seehofer's CSU has taken a tough line on Europe's debt crisis as it looks ahead to state elections in Bavaria expected next September, just before Germany is due to hold national elections.
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Top 10 most visited cities outside the US
10 hrs.
Where do Americans travel most outside the states? That was the question asked when compiling Budget Travel's?top 10 most visited cities by U.S. travelers. Paris? Definitely, no doubt. Florence? Maybe? what about Bermuda? Thanks to the travel experts at Expedia and their analysis of U.S. hotel bookings and flights abroad, we now know the answers. And to go along with our top 10 most visited list, we've created a mini-guide for each city with the three must-see, must-do attractions for both new arrivals and return visitors. Can you guess all 10 top cities? Some of the answers may surprise you.
Slideshow: See the cities?Americans love
#10?NASSAU, BAHAMAS
The Bahamas attracts millions of U.S. visitors to its busy capital ever year with picture-postcard promises of beautiful beaches and lazy seaside resorts. The reality?a busy capital filled with cruise ship day-trippers and beaches that are sometimes less than pristine?is a bit different, but the city still has its historic charms and the real paradise is just a boat ride away.
- Bay Street The main concourse of downtown Nassau is a pleasant waterfront promenade with great dockside caf?s and shops, although it can get overcrowded with tourists when cruise ships are in port.
- Beaches of Andros Island Sadly, the beaches in Nassau leave much to be desired, with the exception of Saunders Beach and Cable Beach to the west. Going further west, off the island and out to sea, a fast ferry ride to Andros Island (around three hours) will deliver you to the castaway beaches you were promised when you booked your trip.
- Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle Built by freed slaves in honor of Queen Victoria for emancipating the islands, the 65 limestone steps off an alley in downtown Nassau are a journey back to the 18th-century Bahamas, rising to Fort Fincastle, a defense fort for the British Royal Navy during the Caribbean's pirate days.
- Fishing on the Bahamas The Bahamas is big fish country, with blue marlin, wahoo, billfish, and tuna all offshore and waiting for a lure. Renting your own charter boat for fishing is a bit pricey, but you can jump onto a group trip with other anglers through local companies like Born Free Fishing.
- Graycliff Manor The famous Graycliff Manor is a bit formal (jackets required for the gents). But for a taste of the Bahamas high life, it's an enchanting setting to enjoy an evening cocktail or glass of wine on the terrace of the 18th-century plantation house and watch the sun set over the Caribbean sea.
- Atlantis Resort Okay, so you skipped it last time, but if you have the cash ($100 for a non-guest day pass), head across the Nassau causeway to the ridiculous mermaid castle/casino/resort that occupies Paradise Island. Atlantis is a must-see for the sprawling extravagance of the beachfront megaplex, with many secret beaches for relaxing in the sun.
Our favorite hotel: The antithesis of the big-money resorts in Nassau, Orange Hill Inn on West Bay Street is a quiet family-owned inn right on the beach (orangehill.com; doubles from $135).?
#9?PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The secret is out on Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Already a popular beach destination for Europeans, the beach town is now on the American holiday radar as an inexpensive paradise within flight-hopping distance (it's just a two-hour flight from Miami).
- Bavaro Beach It's the busiest beach in Punta Cana, crowded on the weekends with resort guests and lively with restaurants and shopping plazas along the shore. But it's also one of the prettiest?a white-sand beach of crystal-clear water and offshore coral reefs that stretches for six miles, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to claim your own private spot in the sun.
- Santa Domingo The historic capital is a must-do day trip for any first-time visitor to the Dominican Republic. As evidenced by the numerous statues of Ponce de Leon and Christopher Columbus, the city takes its history seriously and many of the Spanish colonial buildings date back to the discovery of America, in 1492, when Columbus made landfall on Hispaniola (the island shared by Dominican Republic and Haiti).
- Indigenous Eyes Park Just inland from the beaches in Punta Cana is this jungle park of beautiful waterfalls and lagoons for swimming. It's a private nature reserve run by Punta Cana Resort & Club (non-guests can buy a pass, for $65, to spend the day hiking and swimming in the lagoons, which are also known as "indigenous eyes").
3?must-see attractions for return visitors in Punta Cana:
- Surfing on Macao Beach The sea may be rougher at Macao Beach, a stretch of golden sand shaded by palm trees to the north, but it's a much calmer and quieter beach than Bavaro. It's better for surfing, too; you can rent gear and take lessons at Macao Surf Camp (two-hour lessons from $60 per person) and afterward reward yourself with fresh grilled fish, fried plantains, and cold El Presidente beer at one of the local beach shacks on the sand.
- Canyoning in CordilleraSeptentrional Adventurous travelers should head into the Cordillera Septentrional mountains for a chance to rappel down waterfalls into the gorgeous river canyons. (Tour outfitter Iguana Mama runs trips from $195 per person.)
- Casa Ponce de Leon Ponce de Leon may be buried in Puerto Rico, but the best museum dedicated to his life is located in his historic house in Santa Domingo (011-809/551-0118, $1.27 to enter).
Our favorite hotel:?NH Punta Cana is a colorful and stylish resort on Bavaro Beach with plenty of modern perks like complimentary Wi-Fi and satellite TV (nh-hotels.com; doubles from $60).?
#8?BARCELONA, SPAIN
Barcelona beats Madrid for the top city in Spain visited by U.S. travelers, especially 20-somethings on holiday in Europe. It's an arty, youthful city on the sea with a labyrinth of narrow streets and gorgeous plazas, branded by fairy-tale architecture from the quirky godfather of modern Catalonian architecture, Antoni Gaudi.
- Las Ramblas This wide boulevard slopes through Barcelona from Pla?a de Catalunya in the city center all the way to Port Veil on the shore. The tree-shaded sidewalks are lined with shops, caf?s, and souvenir kiosks; in the center of the road, street performers entertain the daily parade of tourists.
- Barceloneta The seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta is a perfect spot for an afternoon of wandering the quaint channel streets with a view of the ocean through gaps between tenements. Once you find your way to the beach, sit down and enjoy a glass of vino and tapas at Bar Electricitat in the market square.
- Parc G?ell Set on the outskirts of the city, Barcelona's version of Central Park is a storybook land of strange stone pavilions designed by Gaudi among the green hills and trees. The park trails meander through the 37 wooded acres with mythical mosaic sculptures and curved terraces that look out over the city.
- El Born This lovely neighborhood of narrow labyrinthine streets is a great spot to hang out with the locals, shop for vintage fashions, and taste the best of Catalonian cuisine at cubby-hole caf?s and bars such as Casa Delfin.
- Sagrada Familia Love it or hate it, there's no escaping the sight of Gaudi's gargantuan drip-castle cathedral wherever you are in Barcelona. So if you skipped a visit the first time, it's worth a trip to the neighborhood of Exiample for a view of Sagrada Familia up close. It's a playful and profound structure that blends the whimsical curvature of Art Nouveau with the dark angularity of Gothic architecture.
- Barri Gotic This historic neighborhood of Gothic monuments reminds visitors of Barcelona's medieval past, before Gaudi put his stamp of eccentric modernity on the city. The wide plazas provide impromptu venues for Dark Ages-themed street performers.
Our favorite hotel:?Hotel Curious is a friendly boutique hotel near Las Ramblas in central Barcelona (hotelcurious.com; Doubles from $115).?
#7 MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
The all-inclusive resorts on Montego Bay (and a chance to experience Rastafarian culture) make Jamaica one of the top Caribbean destinations for U.S. travelers. "Liming" (otherwise known as relaxing) on the beach is the order of the day and many vacationers don't venture far from their umbrella-shaded lounger. But if you do, there's plenty to explore on this Caribbean island.
- Liming on Doctor's Cave Beach and Seven Mile Beach Doctor's Cave Beach is the most popular beach in Montego Bay and chances are your hotel will be within flip-flop distance. If you have wheels, Jamaica's most famous stretch of sand, Seven Mile Beach, is a short drive away in Negril. On either beach, be sure to look out for the famous jerk stands and kick back Jamaica-style with spicy grilled chicken and the national beer, Red Stripe.
- Montego Bay Marine Park The coral reef from Tropical Beach to Rum Bottle Bay is an underwater nature reserve that's shelter to a wide array of exotic fish and sea anemones? and great snorkeling territory for visitors. Watch out for the Lion Fish, cute but poisonous!
- Dunn River Falls Nearby in Ocho Rios, a short adventure into the rain forest will bring you to Dunn River Falls, a 180-foot waterfall that you can climb down, passing from lagoon to lagoon as the river rambles downstream.
- Liming in Port Antonio So you've seen the tourist beaches of Montego Bay and you're looking for something more low key? Head east to Port Antonio and its magnificent beaches for a day in the sun.
- Rose Hall Great House One of the oldest plantation estates on the island, the 18th-century Georgian mansion on the hill is a glimpse at the colonial past of Jamaica when it was a British stronghold for the export of sugar cane. Beware: The house is said to be haunted by the ghost of Annie Palmer, a voodoo practitioner and wife of the plantation owner, who was murdered in her sleep during the slave uprising of 1830. If you're feeling brave, book the night tour ($30 per person for a two-hour tour).
- Blue and John Crow Mountain National Park A hike through the forests of this misty mountain park will introduce you to the oldest inhabitants of Jamaica?its species of exotic birds, monkeys, lizards, and the rare Giant Swallowtail Butterfly.
Our favorite hotel: Casa Blanca Beach Hotel is a classic Jamaican hotel with old-world styling situated in the middle of Montego Bay's Hip Strip near Doctor's Cave Beach (876-952-0720, doubles from $80).?
#6 ROME, ITALY
A modern city risen among the ruins of the greatest empire in history, Rome is No. 6 on our list as Italy's most popular destination for U.S. travelers. From the stone amphitheater of the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, where Caesar once spoke, and the immaculate Vatican City, Rome is a living monument to the ancient history of Europe.
- Ancient Highlights: the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon Follow the shouts of the tour guides and trinket hawkers to the ruins of the Colosseum, where the spectators of ancient Rome cheered on gladiator death matches and lion fights from the stands. The historic steps of the Roman Forum and the House of Nero just around the corner, and the massive temple dome to the pagan gods, the Pantheon, is a short walk west with many lesser ruins along the way.
- Vatican City One of the most beautiful plazas in Rome leads to St. Peter's Basilica and the entrance to Vatican City. Of course, we sinners aren't allowed inside the Holy See, but the soaring marble interior of St. Peter's Basilica is a marvel worth its copper and no stop to Rome would be complete without a gander inside the Sistine Chapel at Michelangelo's Last Judgment.
- Villa Borghese North of the city center is Rome's largest public park, which is just as grandly designed as any of Rome's wonders, with 148-acres of trees from all over the world, lakes, and ancient villas.
- MAXXI The 21st Century of the Arts museum, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2010, is Rome's grand foray into the modern art world. There are two museums here: the MAXXI collection of contemporary art featuring the likes of Maurizio Cattelan, and the MAXXI museum of architecture, dedicated to the art of architectural design and the modern-day wonders of the world (entrance $14 per person).
- Circus Maximus & Avertine Hill The former chariot-racing grounds aren't much to look at these days when compared with the other ruins, but the verdant Avertine Hill above Circus Maximus is an amazing lookout perch and great retreat from the tourist hordes.
- Testaccio & Ostiense These twin neighborhoods across the aqueduct from the ancient city center are the perfect place to wander, eat, drink, and experience modern-day Roman life (click here for a quick guide to the neighborhoods.)
Our?favorite hotel:?Hotel Mimosa is a cheery 14-room palazzo within a short stroll of Vatican City (hotelmimosa.net; doubles from $92).?
#5?TORONTO, CANADA
The modern city of Toronto straddles the shore of Lake Ontario with its blocky downtown of skyscrapers and needle-nose CN Tower. The fifth largest city in North America, the diverse population creates a vibrant cultural scene with many culinary delights.
- Kensington Market Squared between Dundas Street W. and Spadina Avenue, this market neighborhood lined with ethnic groceries, fresh produce and spice stands, and tiny caf?s is a great place to taste Toronto's amazing food scene. Be sure to stop by on Sunday when Kensington Market becomes a no-car zone.
- CN Tower The CN Tower, an olive-on-a-toothpick skyscraper rising 1,122 feet up into the Toronto skyline, has breathtaking views over the city, especially from a glass-walled elevator that takes you to the top at a snail's pace. There's even a rotating 360-degree restaurant for a sit-down meal afterward, if you can stomach it without getting dizzy.
- Distillery District The 19th-century warehouses and distilleries that once produced the famous Gooderham & Worts Canadian whiskey have new life as a meandering 13-acre complex of vaulted-ceiling restaurants, patio caf?s, and art galleries set inside the historic brick buildings.
- Hockey Hall of Fame Even if you're not a fan of the game, this hallowed hall of hockey inside Brookfield Place is a uniquely Canadian experience. Moody lighting fits the cathedral-esque interior, where visitors wander halls of lithograph portraits of NHL greats like Wayne Gretsky, gander at trophies and jerseys from championship games, and perhaps try their puck skills in the Be a Player exhibit (entrance $18 per person.)
- Queen Street West The center of the Canadian broadcast television and film industry, the neighborhood of Queen Street West has more than its share of artsy cache in a clutch of contemporary galleries, hip bars and restaurants, and trendy boutiques.
- Art Gallery of Ontario The turn-of-the-century museum holds the largest collection of Canadian art in the world, with more than 80,000 works from the first century A.D. to today, including a sculpture center dedicated to the work of Henry Moore. Especially impressive is the new glass-fa?ade by Frank Gehry on Dunda Street West.
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Victoriais a century-old grand dame with a modern interior in central Toronto (hotelvictoria-toronto.com; doubles from $130).?
#4?PARIS, FRANCE
Millions of U.S. travelers flood the city of Paris every year to walk the romantic cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter, kiss on the pedestrian bridges over the River Seine, marvel at the Gothic facade of old Notre Dame, or ride the elevator up the elegant iron legs of the Eiffel Tower for a grandstand view of the City of Light.? And then, of course, there's the food? whether it's nibbling a fresh baguette from a riverside bakery or tucking into steak b?arnaise at a tiny Montmartre bistro, everything tastes better in Paris.
- Explore the Latin Quarter It's hard not to fall in love with Paris's famous Latin Quarter. Whether you're sipping espresso at the Caf? de Flore (once the squatting grounds of Simone de Beauvoir and John Paul Sartre), listening to jazz at the underground club on Rue de la Huchette,? or browsing books at Shakespeare & Company, you'll soon be lost in the nostalgia of Paris's storied past.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower You don't have to visit the Eiffel Tower to appreciate its 1,050-foot-high majesty of iron; it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. But you should: The lines can be long and the surrounding area mobbed with tourists, but it's worth a ride to the top to see the City of Light from above ($11 to the 2nd floor observatory, $18 to the top).
- Wander Jardin des Tuileries and check out the Louvre (if you can get in)Mus?e du Louvre is by far the most famous museum in Paris (if not in all of Europe), so don't be surprised if you wait for hours to explore the Egyptian collection or for that glimpse of Mona Lisa behind glass (entrance $13 per person, closed Tuesdays). If you tire of the wait, don't distress: the grounds of the Louvre Palace and its adjoining Jardin de Tuileries is one of the most beautiful spots in Paris.
- Notre Dame The cathedral of Notre Dame on the ?le de la Cit? is something to behold even if you're just passing by on your way to the Latin Quarter. Inside, the soaring Gothic chamber of stained glass, pillars, stone crosses, and statues of the saints high above the grand altar are a treasure that the city holds dear.
- Rodin Museum The Rodin Museum is elegant in its simplicity, especially when compared with the Louvre Palace across the River Seine (entrance, $8). The 18th-century mansion of Hotel Biron holds a collection of Rodin's greatest work inside and out in the estate's gardens where visitors can explore and ponder for a while with The Thinker and other sculptures.
- Nightlife in La Bastille Still an icon of the French Revolution, the neighborhood of La Bastille is a nightlife playground for the youth of Paris, chockful of bistros, bars, music venues, and tiny nightclubs, especially along Rue de la Roquette.
Our favorite hotel: But wait, what about the Montmartre? Well, if you take our advice, you'll be staying in Montmartre at Ermitage Hotel Sacre-Coeur, a 12-room B&B set inside a turn-of-the-century apartment building that's within walking distance to that beautiful white cathedral on the hill, the Sacre-Coeur (ermitagesacrecoeur.fr; doubles from $130).?
#3 SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Yes, it's a U.S. territory, but Puerto Rico can feel like a world apart. The laidback atmosphere of San Juan with its narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-color houses will make any traveler feel at home, especially after a night in Old San Juan, where young and old drink, play music, and dance to salsa music until the early hours.
- Nightlife in Old San Juan It can get rowdy late at night in Old San Juan, especially on weekends, when everyone and their uncle mobs the streets for a wandering bar crawl with drinks in hand. But there's no better time to drink up the culture alongside the locals?join in with the locals at bars like Bodega Chic and Nono's and possibly get silly enough to participate in a sing-along in Plaza del Mercado (a.k.a. La Placita).
- El Morro This beautiful old citadel fort commands a sweeping view of the Caribbean Sea on the northwest tip of Puerto Rico and has held its own against time and the island's seaborne enemies since the 16th century (entrance $3).
- Beaches of Condado The seaside neighborhood of Condado has the most popular beaches in San Juan proper, a stretch of golden-sand shore on the eastern side of the city. Arrive early on the weekends to claim your beach-towel territory against the droves of resort guests and local families.
- Salsa Dancing at the Nuyorican Caf? Hidden off an alley inside a former Spanish convent, this tiny nightclub has been an Old San Juan institution for decades, renowned for its jazz music and weekend salsa dancing. A eclectic crowd of locals and tourists brave the crowds on the weekend to test their moves on the dance floor; if the line is too long or too tedious, pop over to Rumba, a newer salsa club down the street.
- Catedral de San Juan Bautista The second oldest Cathedral in North America is a rather modest Spanish colonial structure. Inside, you'll find the hallowed chambers of stained glass and statues worthy of worship (and the tomb of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon underneath).
- Day trip to Vieques Island In a paradise like Puerto Rico, where do the locals go to vacation? The answer is the castaway island of Vieques, a 45-minute ferry ride from the port of Farajado on the east coast. The main town of Isabella is quiet and pretty, but the real reason for the trip is the pristine beaches on the south coast (be sure to pack a picnic basket? there are few places to eat nearby the beaches).
Our favorite hotel: Numero Uno Guesthouse is a darling 15-room inn right by the beach in the Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan (numero1guesthouse.com; doubles from $99).?
#2?LONDON, ENGLAND
London certainly hasn't lost its regal charms in the long march to modernity. And because the city is a gateway for further excursions into Europe, millions of travelers spend at least a day or two visiting the historic sites on the red double-decker lorries, attending theatre performances by Britain's greats, and enjoying a cool English pint (or three) while munching on fish-and-chips at one of the city's famous pubs. Just remember to mind your manners and your wallet: The British pound reigns supreme, at nearly twice the value of the U.S. dollar.
- Royal Highlights: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London The throne of the British Empire and the city's most famous historic sites are clustered within a short walk of one another in central London. Commoners can tour Buckingham Palace from July through September (or sneak a peek through the gates any other time of year); just down the road is Westminster Abbey, the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. A short cab ride along the Thames brings you to the Tower of London (which arguably offers the best tour and a chance to see the Crown Jewels).
- West-End Theaters London's West End neighborhood is the Broadway of England, known affectionately as "Theaterland." New London Theatre and Queen's Theatre are two great venues for new plays performed by Britain's greatest thespians, while smaller theaters like the Noel Coward Theatre often showcase well-known plays by British playwrights (like, say, Noel Coward), including new productions of Shakespeare plays.
- British Museum It was once said that the sun never set on the British Empire, and this museum dedicated to British history is true to that globe-spanning scope, with a collection that ranges from the armor of William the Conqueror to the 19th- and 20th-century colonial history of British ambitions.
- Tate Modern Converted from a riverside power station on the Thames, the Tate Modern is a marvel of contemporary architecture and one of the most impressive art museums in the world, famous for its enormous (and often interactive) art installations and a collection of modern art from the early 1900s to today (entrance is free).
- East End Nightlife The once-gritty East End has been gentrified into the new epicenter of London nightlife?a haven of hip pubs, edgy art galleries, and nouveau restaurants, especially in the neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Hoxton.?
- The London Eye Who wouldn't want to get into a Ferris wheel that soars up over 400 feet in the air? Don't worry, the wheel moves at a turtle speed and the bird's-eye views over London from the enclosed-glass observatories are absolutely spectacular ($24 per person).
Our favorite hotel: Umi Hotel is a simple and fashionable hotel comprised of adjoining 150-year-old townhouses in London's Notting Hill neighborhood (umihotellondon.co.uk; doubles from $99).?
#1?CANCUN, MEXICO
Cancun remains the No. 1 top destination for U.S. travel abroad, thanks to cheap flights from the States, 14 miles of beaches, and carnival-style nightlife that transforms the Z-shaped islet off the Yucatan Peninsula into a 24-hour party scene for college students every Spring Break.? But if you think this former Mayan trading city is just a sloppy boozefest on the beach, you haven't experienced the real Cancun.
- Sun, Sand, and Waves at Playa Tortugas and Playa Delfines The beaches of Playa Tortugas and Playa Delfines offer the full-spectrum of the Cancun beach scene: Playa Tortugas is a festive party beach with calm, tranquil water and bungalow restaurants/bars under the palms; Playa Delfines is an escapist beach with white sand for travelers looking to get away from the crowds (and perhaps catch a few waves).
- Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins Integrated into the downtown area, the plaza ruins of El Ray remind travelers of the city's ancient history as a Mayan trading port and give the urban layout a uniquely mythic look (and a kitschy cache to bankroll tourist dollars). But for a more immersive experience, take a day trip drive down Riviera Maya to the beachfront ruins of Tulum and the jungle temples of Coba (they're far less crowded and closer than Chichen Itza).
- Coco Bongo It would be a shame to leave Cancun without a glimpse of the most explosive, extravagant club the party city has to offer. Coco Bongo is a temple of excess to ridiculous proportions?a massive 1,800-person nightclub with nightly trapeze acts, rock-star impersonators, a rainbow blitz of roving spotlights, and hundreds of partiers dancing to DJ-spun hits on any platform they can climb onto.
- Isla Mujeres This tiny island off the coast of Cancun is a quiet escape from the madness of the mainland. The palm-shaded beaches are perfect for laying out in the sun after an intimate lunch at one of the island's restaurants, and the azure water seems made for an afternoon swim.
- Dipping Into the Cenotes The rain forest of the Yucatan peninsula creates a unique experience for travelers looking for adventure in the form of sunken cenotes?subterranean rivers and lakes that you can access via rappelling into caverns.
- Underwater Museum of Art Sure, Cancun and the Riviera Maya have plenty of offshore dive sites. But if your tank skills are up to par, one of the coolest spots to scuba dive is the Underwater Museum of Art, designed by British artist Jason de Caires Taylor, which, true to its name, is an underwater museum of sculptures laid out at the bottom of the sea. New to scuba? No problem. Scuba Cancun can set you up with a beginner's diving lesson and then a museum dive for $80.
Our favorite hotel: The Royal Islander is a beachfront resort with humdrum d?cor but a great location (and a seaside pool) in the Zona Hotelera of Cancun (royalresorts.com; Doubles from $120).
See more from Budget Travel:
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Classifie WordPress Theme For Any Business Niche
Classified business is very cost-effective marketing solution for any business or service you wish to promote through internet. This concept doesn't only provide you the huge traffic but it helps you to grab targeted traffic through it's advanced system. The reason for it's wide popularity is ease to locate any thing you are looking for. Suppose you wish to buy a cell phone below 200$ then you can specify that in search criteria or filter from the available list, compare the features with other products and watch the received review.
Different products are available for Classified business in the market, if you will look for the list then visit any search engine and write the query and hit the search button. But with the number of products you will become confused which one is best and all products will be claiming it's superiority than other competitors. There are certain factors to look for before you buy classified theme for WordPress.
The best product I can suggest is WordPress Classified Script designed by SiteMile. This theme transforms you WordPress website into fully automated classified platform where everything is managed smoothly. This is possible because of the latest features integration, and advanced coding practice.
The theme is regularly updated by the developer so you will receive free update automatically when it's released.If we talk about specialty of the features then it has specially Ads posting format to easily generate ads posting and release it with relevant tags, categories, price and other details. The whole platform works on drag and drop concept so you can easily add or remove any functionality at your will, whether you are novice user or experienced it will be suitable for any one.
Special email notification system is available to notify the user upon posting new ads, or a violation is happened. Social platforms are also supported for twitter and facebook to get in touch with your clients and share the latest news. Blog section is also given so that you can announce new release or latest talk with users.
All users have to register to create a profile and manage everything from there. Profile section allows them to add information and other bio details, it displays received rating from other users and various details. Moreover google map is supported with street view feature so you can display location of ad. Google analytics is supported where you just need to enter tracking code to start tracking automatically.
Last but not least dedicated customer support is available to all buyers from Sitemile and if you come across custom website requirements then you can ask for that which you won't get from other product developer, because of this specialties WordPress Classifed Theme is better than other products in the market
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Source: http://product.ezinemark.com/classifie-wordpress-theme-for-any-business-niche-7d37ed55d9b2.html
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
My boyfriend and his female friend - Talk About Marriage
| Anxiety, Depression and Relationships Marriage and relationships are difficult by themselves, but coping with anxiety and depression can make them even more challenging. |
Today, 08:41 AM
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| Registered User ?Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 5 | Hi all, I have been with my boyfriend for 2 years and we are in our early twenties. He has a friend who he met just before he met me, when we started seeing each other they were not very close. From about 6 months into the relationship i noticed her name quite a bit through social media and in his phone (Not stalking, just noticing over his shoulder). This friendship became quite close towards the one year mark. They saw each other in friendship groups and began to see each other alone. They went for 'drives in his car' and to local fast food outlets other than hanging out in pubs and clubs in groups. I began to notice she contacted him quite a bit through social media and texting. I told him that it bugged me a little she contacted him so often. He palmed it off as no big deal. All of a sudden she was contacting him daily and they were hanging out more than him and i hung out. They even went to the drive ins together!!!! I became very upset at this point and told him this friendship was very uncomfortable for me and was crossing the line in certain aspects. We had a huge fight, he told her and she got angry at me as well. She blocked me from facebook and im still blocked to this day! (She had always been pleasant to me before this btw). She has shown in so many ways that she likes him but he rejects that. I came to the point where i wanted him to not have contact with her at all (yes i know i cant control his friendships etc). We ended up fighting for a few weeks about it and he was willing to make sacrifices for me such as seeing me more etc. I still wasn't happy at this point. He then got to the point where he told her they couldnt be friends, they had a massive fight and didnt speak for 2 months. One night he was bored while i was at work and messaged her to meet up as i found out through a friend. He did not tell me this and lied when i asked him what he did that night. I then became upset because he promised he would do that for me but went back on his word and in turn lied to me. I realised then that i couldnt control what he does and that he has made moderate sacrifices for me so why should i not do it for him? It has been a few moths since then and ive communicated to him that im still upset with how i was treated by both of them. He is reassuring that he is not attracted to her whatsoever and i have nothing to worry about at all. I believe he wouldnt cheat on me because he knows the pain of being cheated on himself. He has morals and respect too which makes me feel a bit better. They are now only hanging out rarely, maybe once a month and im still blocked on facebook by her. I feel now i have much resentment in this relationship but im still very much inlove with him. Im convinced by her actions that she likes him very much and im scared he's emotionally attached to this woman and enjoys the 'attention'. I agree she is unattractive however they get on well and have the same interests. She is saved in his mobile as a guy friends name when i went snooping and he fails to tell me when they hang out. He says so i dont become upset yeah right just to save his arse! He wants his cake and to eat it too? Or am i the irrational and controlling girlfriend? Should i be still worried that he will develop emotional feelings for her? Will she cling onto him forever? |
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| Member ?Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 11,191 | Sunset--dump him STAT. You said they were not close but only grew close WHILE you were having a relationship with him. Going to dinner, drive-ins, drinking together and lying about it to you means they were "dating." Those are the things you do when you are dating someone. Their relationship is completely inappropriate. If she were a better woman she would have totally backed off. Bl-cking you from her FB was a complete and total b*tchy move. She has boundary issues but guess what--so does your "boyfriend." He does not respect you enough to have a mature, committed relationship. Talking daily and texting? Hanging out more than he does with you? (Even if that curtailed since the big fight you had-it's completely inappropriate). You are not happy with the status quo. And you will never trust their relationship. And with good reason. So I say dump him and never have any contact with him again. He is not the one for you. I recently dated a guy who is best friends with his ex girlfriend (who is married!) They speak & text daily, sometimes even while he and I were out on dates they'd be texting! They go to lunch & hang all the time. We had to end it cause that was not going to work for me. I later found out it has caused massive problems in both her marriage and relationships he's had. You are not the weird one. They are. Let her have him. You deserve so much better. Cut this zero and find a hero! Tell him: "Boyfriend--this relationship isn't working for me. We have very different views about relationships and what it means to be in one. Our boundaries are very different. I don't think we should see eachother anymore." If he presses, then yes, explain to him very clearly. (but don't go crazy, be emotionless?the calmer you are, the better, tell him: " I feel your relationship with X is inappropriate and the fact that you've lied to me about things before makes me not want to see you anymore. I want to be with someone who doesn't lie to me." That's it. You don't have to justify anything any further. Dump him and carry on with your life. No contact, ok? You have already spent 2 years (omg) in this fvckery and foolishness so GET OUT NOW so you don't waste any more time!
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Woman tops ArtReview "power 100" list for first time
LONDON (Reuters) - A U.S.-born Italian-Bulgarian curator little known outside the art world has topped ArtReview magazine's annual Power 100 list, the first female to do so in its 11-year history.
Previously topped by familiar names like artists Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei and gallery supremo Larry Gagosian, the 2012 title went to Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev best known for curating the marathon Documenta 13 art fair staged in Kassel in Germany.
An art historian who wrote for newspapers before taking up curating in Italy, Christov-Bakargiev has been widely praised for staging a critically acclaimed edition of Documenta, held every five years and lasting for around 100 days.
Some 860,000 people visited the Kassel show, spread across the city's parks, galleries, cinemas and train station in what Christov-Bakargiev likened to "an exploded museum".
Another 27,000 attended a satellite event in Kabul in a bold extension of a fair founded in 1955 by an artist who was banned by the Nazis and whose aim was to revive culture.
"I don't think you get extra points for being famous," said Mark Rappolt, editor of ArtReview, commenting on a less than obvious choice of the art world's most powerful individual.
"Art is about people who have an influence over what other people are producing."
He praised Christov-Bakargiev for the "global scale and great ambition" of Documenta, and suggested that some members of the panel which came up with the 100-strong list had argued for more commercial figures in the art world to be at the summit.
"It's not like it wasn't contested," Rappolt told Reuters. "I think the power of money is always pushing, as it were, but she was a contender all along.
"There are two strands, and both reflect the proximity of art to the real world. One is a quest for bigness, monumentality and globalization and the other is a belief that art needs to be socially responsible and interactive."
Underlining his argument was the fact that in second place this year, up from fourth in 2011, was Gagosian, with fellow gallery owners Iwan Wirth and David Zwirner in fourth and fifth.
Dissident artist Ai, who has been in the headlines for his ongoing confrontation with the Chinese authorities, was placed third after being first in 2011.
And German artist Gerhard Richter, who set an auction record for a living artist earlier this month when an abstract painting fetched $34.2 million at Sotheby's, rose to sixth from 11th.
But the biggest mover was Sheikha al-Mayassa al-Thani, daughter of the Emir of Qatar who also heads the Qatar Museums Authority which has gone on an aggressive expansion and acquisition drive to fill new museums with art.
She jumped to 11th place on the power list from 90 last year, largely due to Qatar's spending spree on some of the world's most expensive works of art.
The Economist estimated that the al-Thani family has spent at least $1 billion on Western art over the last seven years, including a version of Paul Cezanne's "The Card Players" for over $250 million, believed to be a record for a work of art.
Asked whether he thought women were finally approaching equal footing in a traditionally male-dominated world, Rappolt replied: "It's difficult to answer that question as a man, but it's probably changing more slowly than some people would like."
Russian punk band Pussy Riot was a new entry on the list at 57, recognizing the jailed members' success in highlighting the issue of free speech internationally.
And Rappolt noted the rise of art world figures from Asia and Latin America, reflecting the comparative strength of economies and culture in those regions.
"The list is more diverse than it has been in the past, and to an extent it reflects the real world more closely."
(Reporting by Mike Collett-White)
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/woman-tops-artreview-power-100-list-first-time-000220639.html
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Guest Post: You Have To Know Your Numbers ? It Just Makes ...
credit: Instagram @jrayt07
In my professional life, I am a scientist (nutritional biochemistry), a pharmacist, the author of 10 books and a health educator. I am also a CrossFit athlete. For years one of my greatest professional passions has been staying on the cutting edge of the science and technology in the ?eld of life extension. I want to share some of my scientific knowledge with athletes because it can help you slow down your aging process.
Most of the athletes I?ve met are passionate about improving their physical ?tness and also understand the importance of eating a healthy diet. Yes, diet and exercise are critically important. However, to really achieve and maintain optimal health, you must also learn how to optimize your internal biochemistry.
I begin many of my lectures and seminars with the following quote:
Life Is The Only Game
In Which The Object of The Game
Is To Learn The Rules
Top athletes are usually in excellent physical condition. However most don?t realize that their intense competition and/or workouts can actually accelerate their aging process. Unfortunately, when it comes to health, many people haven?t had good role models or good teachers. Many people don?t realize that we have a great deal of control over our immune system and our aging process. Gaining this mastery requires learning about and applying some fundamental Rules of Health. Here are some important health topics:
- The Free Radical Theory of Aging: The high energy output required for intense exercise dramatically increases the production of free radicals in the mitochondria (the power houses) of muscle cells. It is important to understand how to use therapeutic levels of antioxidant nutrients to reduce free radical damage and slow down your aging process.
- SNPs: Learn about your own unique genetic abnormalities. These are called SNPs (pronounced ?snips?) which stands for single nucleotide polymorphisms. Everyone has SNPs. Learning about your SNPs enables you to make diet, nutritional and lifestyle changes that will improve your long-term health.
- Know Your Numbers: How high is your homocysteine? What?s your level of C-Reactive Protein? How about your small dense LDL cholesterol particles? How high (or low) is your 25-hydroxy vitamin D level? What is the level of hemoglobin A1c in your blood? Do you have a genetic mutation in your folic acid gene?
You Can Only Improve What You Measure
You have to know your numbers
Traditional medical doctors generally do not provide these answers. The medical profession in America is not a health care system, it is a disease care system. Most doctors do not teach you how to be healthy, they wait for you to get sick, and then they prescribe a medication to treat the symptoms. Don?t play that game. Instead, take personal responsibility for your health.
Dr. Ross Pelton, R.Ph., Ph.D., CCN?is a practicing pharmacist, clinical nutritionist and health educator in Southern Oregon. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin and received his Ph.D. in Psychology and Holistic Health from the University for Humanistic Studies in San Diego, California. A Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), Dr. Pelton was named as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Pharmacists in the United States by American Druggist magazine for his work in natural medicine. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board for the Life Extension Foundation. Dr. Pelton has authored numerous books and teaches continuing education programs for health care professionals to utilize and integrate natural medicine into their practices.
Source: http://blog.wellnessfx.com/2012/10/17/guest-post-you-have-to-know-your-numbers-it-just-makes-sense/
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Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Google toasts Dart's one-year anniversary with first stable SDK (video)
It's not a real birthday party without a present, so Google has just pulled the wraps off the first stable version of the Dart structured programming language, one year after it was launched. Along with "thousands" of bug fixes, the rejuvenated version will have a faster virtual machine; new JavaScript translator; HTML, server-side I/O and interoperable JavaScript libraries; the Pub package manager; and Dartium, a Chromium build with native Dart support. Mountain view promised to keep the improvements coming "while maintaining backward compatibility" for the language, so if you feel frisky enough to jump JavaScript's ship, check the source below (or video after the break) to see how to grab it.
Continue reading Google toasts Dart's one-year anniversary with first stable SDK (video)
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Google toasts Dart's one-year anniversary with first stable SDK (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The MAiZE: Brett Herbst Creates Incredibly Elaborate Corn Mazes ...
Spotted over at Wired Design, Brett Herbst might just be the King of Corn. He made his first corn maze in 1996, and since then he?s created over 2,000 spectacularly elaborate labyrinths as the founder of the company MAiZE. Using computer software, GPS technology, and a heck of a lot of imagination, Herbst has reinvented the traditional, autumn pastime into a work of art. As the one-time holder of the Guinness World Record for largest corn maize and the mastermind behind hundreds of sites across the country, Herbst has proven that he is head and shoulders above the rest of his field.
As a Master of Maize, Brett Herbst puts an incredible amount of thought into each of his amazing pieces. Beginning with GPS coordinates and CorelDRAW design software, he marks out fields on a grid system that ranges in size from anywhere between 8-60 acres. Once marked out with flags, he spray-paints dots on the ground to indicate where the cuts in the corn crop should be made. Herbst?s crew then carves out the pathways with rototillers and riding lawn mowers. As if gigantic vegetable portraits of President Obama or Star Wars scenes were not enough to impress, Herbst also features words in the overall design of his mazes. He sometimes even uses ?reverse cuts? in which the cornstalks themselves form blocked letters, creating positive space in the overall image.
While the designs look complicated, Herbst makes sure that they are simple enough to navigate. ?You don?t want people to be lost for three hours.? he told Wired Magazine. Mazes sometimes incorporate bridges to lead visitors in the right direction, although they may guide patrons back to the entrance for another go-round. In some of the more difficult layouts, the correct pathway could appear as an unassuming trail next to larger thoroughfares, and dead ends transport wanderers across the field. QR codes attached to posts can be scanned with a smartphone to offer clues on how to solve the maize.
To find one of Herbst?s maize mazes near you, visit his website to view a work in your state.
+ The MAiZE
Via Wired
Lead Photo from Smith Rock Ranch
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Romney?s 'binders' quote goes viral
Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/photos/romney-s-binders-quote-goes-viral-slideshow/
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012
BullGuard Antivirus 2013
The minimalist look is becoming more and more popular in antivirus products. Showing the user exactly what's necessary and no more can make for a more pleasant experience. BullGuard Antivirus Plus 2013 actually has one more button on its main screen than last year's edition. That brings the total to two, though, so it definitely qualifies as minimalist. More importantly, it scored better than last year's edition in a number of areas.
One of BullGuard's big buttons is an icon that reflects overall system status. A green check means everything's fine. An orange i indicates there's some information you need to act on. And if you see a red X, something's wrong. In each case clicking the button gets you more detail and, when the status isn't green, a list of action items. The other button gives you the choice of launching a quick or full antivirus scan.
In addition to the simplicity of its interface, BullGuard also defaults to quiet mode, which means it does its job silently, keeping popups and notifications to a minimum. You can reconfigure it to let you know what it's doing, but many users will prefer the default set-and-forget protection.
Installation Problems Solved Remotely
As is often the case, installing this antivirus on several of my test systems proved difficult. One system is only functional in Safe Mode, and BullGuard won't install in Safe Mode. A tech support agent remotely controlled that system, located the threat that prevented booting into regular Windows, and neutralized it manually.
Malware on two other systems I use for testing actively prevents Internet connections to known security sites, including BullGuard's. Normally the tiny BullGuard installer checks your language and operating system and downloads the correct installation modules. With no connection possible, the install failed.
Tech support supplied an offline installer, which worked. However, because I could not activate the product over the Internet it wouldn't run. Once more tech support had a solution?a special command line to run a scan without requiring activation. If you bought BullGuard to clean up an infested system, the same thing could happen to you.
After I ran a full scan, one of these two systems still couldn't connect with BullGuard for activation or updates. Tech support launched a lengthy remote control session and ended up using a third-party tool called ComboFix to solve the problem. The same combination of remote control and ComboFix straightened out another system where BullGuard just wouldn't install.
After cleanup, one of the test systems rebooted but didn't display the desktop. I brought up Task Manager and tried using it to launch Windows Explorer, only to find it was gone. Fortunately I managed to launch BullGuard's support system via Task Manager. The support agent restored Windows Explorer and got the system working again.
The biggest problem happened after a seemingly successful scan and clean operation. After the required reboot, Windows kept logging on and off indefinitely. Tech support eventually solved this one by using a still-in-testing CD-based bootable environment to replace an essential Windows file that had been whacked by the antivirus scan.
I was definitely impressed by the skill and persistence of BullGuard tech support, but less impressed that I needed their services so much. Half of the twelve systems I used to test BullGuard needed tech support intervention to install, to scan, or to repair collateral damage after a scan. I have to assume that means a fair number of regular users would face the same challenge when using BullGuard to clean up an existing malware problem.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/JQDbOpHLN2M/0,2817,2410871,00.asp
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Stock market is?good gauge of election
Richard Drew / AP
Hmmm. I wonder who will win in November? Specialist Edward Zelles check prices at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The stock market is a much better predictor of presidential re-election bids than the gauges investors have traditionally consulted, according to a new study.
By Roland Jones, NBC News
If you want to know who?s going to win the White House this November, your best bet might be to fire up your laptop and download some stock market tables.
According to a new study by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN), which distributes social science research from specialized research institutions, the stock market is a much better predictor of presidential re-election bids than the gauges investors have traditionally consulted, such as the nation?s unemployment rate.
In their study, titled ?Social Mood, Stock Market Performance and U.S. Presidential Elections,? by Robert Prechter, Deepak Goel and Wayne Parker of Emory University and Matthew Lampert of the University of Cambridge, the researchers studied every presidential re-election campaign in U.S. history going back to George Washington's successful bid of 1792.
They found that incumbents who served during periods of rising stock prices typically do better in the elections than those who served during periods of falling stock prices.
?The best single predictor of presidential re-election results that we found was the percentage change in the stock market during the three years that preceded Election Day,? said Emory University?s Goel, adding that the jobless rate ?had no predictive value in any of our tests.?
In 1996, for example, President Bill Clinton saw a landslide win after the stock market, as measured by the Dow Jones industrial average, surged 63.8 percent in the three years ahead of the election. By the same measure, Herbert Hoover saw a landslide loss in his re-election bid in 1932 after the stock market sank 77.3 percent in the previous three years.
The findings could be good news for President Barack Obama?s re-election campaign. Since mid-October 2009, the Dow has risen 34.8 percent -- that isn?t as robust as the returns cited as examples in the researchers? paper, but it may be enough to see Obama returned to the White House for four more years.
The researchers set out to test something called ?the social mood? -- essentially, how voters feel -- and whether it can influence the outcome of an election.
Voters doubt either candidate can help their personal finances
When the trend in the social mood is positive, investors tend to push stock prices higher and when they vote they tend to retain incumbent leaders. Conversely, when the social mood is negative, stock prices tend to decline and voters oust incumbent leaders.
When they attempted to quantify the impact of the social mood the researchers found that, to use an analogy, if the incumbent election outcome were a dollar of income, the stock market?s performance would contribute just shy of 33 cents of that dollar, whereas the nation?s unemployment rate would contribute just over a penny.
The results do not depend on whether or not people ever actually own or trade any stocks, according to the researchers.
To test the robustness of their findings, the researchers went on to test the predictive ability of the so-called ?big three? economic indicators: gross domestic product (GDP), or the nation?s aggregate economic output, the inflation rate and the unemployment rate. They also tested the inflation-adjusted GDP.
The three indicators were tested individually and in combination with the stock market. The researchers found that the market outperformed each indicator over specific time frames.?Inflation and unemployment had no significant ability to predict the outcome of an election. Economic growth was a significant predictor of elections, but not as significant as the Dow?s performance.
?We believe our study helps demonstrate that aggregate voting at the margin -- swing voters -- are not so much rationally weighing the potential value of each candidate but rather voting primarily based on how they feel,? Emory?s Robert Prechter wrote in a blog on the findings of the research.
?When a positive trend in social mood induces investors to push the stock market upward during the three years prior to an incumbent?s re-election bid, it also induces voters to credit the incumbent for their good moods and vote to retain him in office,? he added.
The findings of Prachter and his colleagues jibe with what economists have called the ?wealth effect? -- the idea that a rising stock market makes people feel wealthier and more confident about the broader economy.
Why voters are right to be skeptical of either candidate about economy
Sam Stovall, chief equity strategist at S&P Capital IQ, notes that since 1900 there have been 28 presidential elections, with Democrats winning the White House 13 times, or 46 percent of the time, and Republicans triumphing 15 times, or 54 percent of the time.
In most instances, ?the stock market has proven to be a reliable predictor of things to come,? with the broad S&P 500 stock market index -- if it rose in the three-month period from July 31 through Oct. 31 -- signaling ?the re-election of the incumbent,? Stovall wrote in a research paper titled ?The Presidential Predictor: Stock Price Performances Have Typically Presaged Victors.?
The S&P 500 has been especially good at predicting a changing of the guard at The White House, he said.
In eight elections since 1900, the party in power has been replaced 88 percent of the time -- a turn of events predicted by a price decline for the S&P 500 from July 31 through Oct. 31. It has failed only once -- in 1956, when the S&P 500 fell 7.7 percent during this three-month period, yet Adalai Stevenson did not replace President Dwight Eisenhower.
?Two reasons could have contributed to the atypical market slide: The Suez Canal Incident and the Soviet putdown of the Hungarian uprising,? Stovall said. ?On average, during all election years that pointed to the incumbent?s replacement, the S&P 500 declined in each of the three months, and recorded a July-August sell-off of 5.1 percent.
This year, the S&P 500 is up 4.1 percent since July 31, suggesting an Obama victory on Nov. 6.
Matthew Lampert of Cambridge University notes that, even though the stock market has trended higher during Obama?s tenure, something that should bode well for his re-election chances, a potentially complicating factor is that the current stock market advance could be a bear-market rally -- that is, a shorter-term uptrend within a long-term decline.
Presidents who have served during bear-market rallies have tended to enjoy less popular support than those who served during bull markets, he wrote in an e-mail message.
?We won't know for a while if President Obama has been serving during a bear market rally, but even if he has, the president can seek initial solace in one historical case,? Lampert said.
?Richard Nixon was re-elected in a landslide near the top of a bear market rally in 1972,? he continued. ?But the news isn't altogether good because Nixon's popularity plummeted, and he resigned from office less than two years later after the larger-degree bear market resumed.?
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