EvictionRecords.com Achieves Highest Online Security Certification ...

EvictionRecords.com, an online provider of tenant screening background reports, has always recognized the importance of website security. As evidence of this, the site was recently awarded the highest online security certification by GeoTrust, one of the world?s largest digital certificate providers.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) December 31, 2012

GeoTrust ?, one of the world?s largest digital certificate providers, has awarded its highest online security certification to EvictionRecords.com, an online provider of tenant screening background reports. The certification confirms that the customers of Eviction Records may perform secure online transactions with complete security.

EvictionRecords.com offers tenant screening reports for landlord and property managers. Products include statewide and national eviction background reports, statewide and national criminal background reports, and court and county criminal background report searches. For most products, which range in price from $15 to $60, customers receive the results instantly after placing an order. Products and services are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days week, anytime of the year. EvictionRecords.com is owned by Screening Intelligence LLC, a leading company in the background screening industry.

Website security has become increasingly more important as people increasingly rely on the Web to purchase products and services, manage our finances, and connect with family and friends. Consumers should think carefully before making purchases or providing sensitive information to a website because there are criminals who create fake websites with the intent of stealing money or information. Companies can show consumers that their websites are trustworthy by having their sites reviewed by GeoTrust and other certificate authority companies such as VeriSign and GoDaddy. If a site is deemed trustworthy by one of these certificate authority companies, the website address will display a green-colored bar.

Another sign that a website is secure is if the address of the site starts with ?https? rather than ?http? since the ?s? stands for secure. In addition, a secure site will have a padlock icon in the web browser.

EvictionRecords.com has proven yet again to be a highly secure website by achieving the highest level of online security certification by GeoTrust. As such, its address bar displays the name of EvictionRecords.com?s parent company, Screening Intelligence LLC, in a green color. The company chose GeoTrust because of its reputation as a leading authority in the online security space.

Customers can find out more about the security of the site by clicking on the visiting the site?s Security page. Once there, customers can learn more about all of the site?s security certifications, including its GeoTrust certification. The site?s security has also been verified by TrustGuard and it has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

This past year, EvictionRecords.com began offering its customers the option of ordering with PayPal to provide its customers with the enhanced safety and security that PayPal offers.

About EvictionRecords.com

Eviction Records provides accurate and affordable background screening solutions to help landlords and property managers make informed tenant screening decisions. Tenant screening services include: eviction background reports, criminal background reports, federal background reports, county background reports, sex offender registry check, and identity verification address history trace.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebtenant-screening-security/ssl-background-reports/prweb10281867.htm

Source: http://paymentsmarket.com/news/evictionrecordscom-achieves-highest-online-security-certification-geotrust

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Obama boasts support of American people in ?fiscal cliff? fight

As Congress races to pass legislation before the Jan. 1 "fiscal cliff" deadline, President Barack Obama in an interview which aired Sunday publicly touted the support of the American people for the plan he offered to Republicans.

"We have put forward not only a sensible deal, but one that has the support of the majority of the American people including close to half of Republicans," the president told NBC "Meet the Press" host David Gregory in a taped interview.

The president said the American people support raising taxes on the wealthiest earners-- something the Republicans have staunchly opposed as a means to generate revenue and reduce the nation's deficit.

"At a certain point, if folks can?t say 'yes' to good offers, than I also have an obligation to the American people to make sure that the entire burden of deficit reduction doesn't fall on seniors who are relying on Medicare... families who rely on Medicaid to take care of a disabled child" and middle class families, he said. "There is a basic fairness that is at stake in this whole thing."

Obama held firm to his demands Sunday, blaming congressional Republicans for the failure to reach a deal to avoid the automatic spending cuts and tax increases set to go into effect Jan. 1.

The president conceded that markets will be adversely affected if America "goes over" the fiscal cliff, as Gregory phrased it.

"Businesses and investors are going to feel more negative about the economy," the president said, adding that employment will also "tick down." ?"But what?s been holding us back has been the dysfunction here in Washington."

Obama took no responsibility for that dysfunction in the interview, and repeated his argument that Republican leaders have difficulty "saying yes" to the president and are rejecting the desires of the American public.

Republicans say their "biggest priority" is the nation's debt, the president said, "but the way they?re behaving is that their only priority is making sure that tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans are protected."

The president announced Friday that he had tasked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell this weekend?with producing a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff before the Jan. 1 deadline.

The president remained optimistic that in the short term, congressional leaders can pass legislation to prevent tax increases on the middle class ahead of the Jan. 1 deadline. "That's something we all can agree on," he said.

Passing legislation to protect middle class tax rates will "take a big bite out of the fiscal cliff," the president said, leaving Congress to deal with the remainder of deficit reduction, spending and tax issues in the future.

Pivoting to his future final term in office, the president reconfirmed his commitment to gun control and other legislative action to prevent shooting tragedies such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.

"I?d like to get it done in the first year," he said.

When asked, Obama expressed doubt about the National Rifle Association's proposal to place armed security in every school in America to protect students and teachers.

"I?m not going to pre-judge recommendations given to me," Obama said. "But I'm skeptical that the only answer is putting more guns in schools."

The president also conceded that the circumstances surrounding the Sept. 11, 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya weren't ideal.

?There was just some sloppiness" in how we secure some embassies, he said and pledged to follow recommendations offered by the review board.

"We're not going to pretend that this was not a problem. This was a huge problem. And we're going to implement every single recommendation that's been put forward," he said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-boasts-support-american-people-fiscal-cliff-fight-161619855--politics.html

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Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko: Engaged!

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/12/alex-ovechkin-and-maria-kirilenko-engaged/

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Video: What does fiscal cliff impass mean?

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50326334/

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Private company to offer rides to moon by 2020

Golden Spike says it hopes to sell missions to the moon for over $1 billion.

By Clara Moskowitz,?SPACE.com / December 7, 2012

This undated image made available by NASA and photographed by the Expedition 28 crew aboard the International Space Station, shows the moon, at center with the limb of Earth near the bottom transitioning into the orange-colored troposphere, the lowest and most dense portion of the Earth's atmosphere.

NASA/AP

Enlarge

A new private venture aims to sell manned trips to the moon by 2020, its founders announced today (Dec. 6).

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The company, called Golden Spike (after the final spike built into the First Transcontinental Railroad), plans to sell each moon mission for about $1.5 billion ? a relative bargain, said the company's president and CEO Alan Stern, a former director of NASA?s Science Mission Directorate.

For the same price as many unmanned robotic missions, Golden Spike will provide a round trip for two humans to the moon.

"We're selling to nations, corporations and individuals," Stern told SPACE.com. "Get in line ? and I think it's going to be a long one." [How Golden Spike's Moon Landing Plan Works (Infographic )]

Stern and Golden Spike's chairman of the board of directors, Gerry Griffin, a former Apollo flight director and NASA Johnson Space Center director, announced their plans today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Shopping for a rocket

The company's leaders have not yet chosen a launch vehicle or space capsule to transport their passengers; Stern expects to make the final selections in 2014.

To keep costs low, Golden Spike will likely use existing or already-under-development rockets and spacecraft. However, the company will need to commission its own lunar lander and specially designed spacesuits. Stern called rumors that Golden Spike had already chosen SpaceX's Falcon 9 Heavy rocket "not true."

The company has been in the works, and under wraps, for two and a half years, Stern said.

"I don?t think anybody's got us beat," he added. "This is state-of-the-art cool."

The missions are being targeted at countries without their own space agencies or that can't afford to launch people to the moon independently, as well as scientific organizations and even private individuals looking to take the trip of a lifetime.

"We have spoken to space agencies from both Asian and European countries and found real interest," Stern said.

Private moon race

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/UbH0hPTO37Q/Private-company-to-offer-rides-to-moon-by-2020

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Last ditch effort to avoid fiscal cliff under way

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The end game at hand, the White House and Senate leaders took a final stab at compromise Friday night to prevent middle-class tax increases from taking effect at the turn of the new year and possibly prevent sweeping spending cuts as well.

"I'm optimistic we may still be able to reach an agreement that can pass both houses in time," President Barack Obama said at the White House after meeting for more than an hour with congressional leaders.

Surprisingly, after weeks of postelection gridlock, Senate leaders sounded even more bullish.

The Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said he was "hopeful and optimistic" of a deal, adding he hoped a compromise could be presented to rank-and-file lawmakers as early as Sunday, a little more than 24 hours before the year-end deadline.

Said Majority Leader Harry Reid: "I'm going to do everything I can" to prevent the tax increases and spending cuts that threaten to send the economy into recession. He cautioned, "Whatever we come up with is going to be imperfect."

Officials said there was a general understanding that any agreement would block scheduled income tax increases for middle class earners while letting rates rise at upper income levels.

Democrats said Obama was sticking to his campaign call for increases above $250,000 in annual income, even though in recent negotiations he said he could accept $400,000.

The two sides also confronted a divide over estate taxes.

Obama favors a higher tax than is currently in effect, but one senior Republican, Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, said he's "totally dead set" against it. Speaking of fellow GOP lawmakers, he said they harbor more opposition to an increase in the estate tax than to letting taxes on income and investments rise at upper levels.

Also likely to be included in the negotiations are taxes on dividends and capital gains, both of which are scheduled to rise with the new year. Also the alternative minimum tax, which, if left unchanged, could hit millions of middle- and upper-income taxpayers for the first time.

In addition, Obama and Democrats want to prevent the expiration of unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, and there is widespread sentiment in both parties to shelter doctors from a cut in Medicare fees.

The White House has shown increased concern about a possible spike in milk prices if a farm bill is not passed in the next few days, although it is not clear whether that issue, too, might be included in the talks.

One Republican who was briefed on the White House meeting said Boehner made it clear he would leave in place spending cuts scheduled to take effect unless alternative savings were found to offset them. If he prevails, that would defer politically difficult decisions on government benefit programs like Medicare until 2013.

Success was far from guaranteed in an atmosphere of political mistrust ? even on a slimmed-down deal that postponed hard decisions about spending cuts into 2013 ? in a Capitol where lawmakers grumbled about the likelihood of spending the new year holiday working.

In a brief appearance in the White House briefing room, Obama referred to "dysfunction in Washington," and said the American public is "not going to have any patience for a politically self-inflicted wound to our economy. Not right now."

If there is no compromise, he said he expects Reid to put legislation on the floor to prevent tax increases on the middle class and extend unemployment benefits ? an implicit challenge to Republicans to dare to vote against what polls show is popular.

The guest list for the White House meeting included Reid, McConnell, Boehner and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

The same group last met more than a month ago and emerged expressing optimism they could strike a deal that avoided the fiscal cliff. At that point, Boehner had already said he was willing to let tax revenues rise as part of an agreement, and the president and his Democratic allies said they were ready to accept spending cuts.

Since then, though, talks between Obama and Boehner faltered, the speaker struggled to control his rebellious rank and file, and Reid and McConnell sparred almost daily in speeches on the Senate floor. Through it all, Wall Street has paid close attention, and in the moments before the meeting, stocks were trading lower for the fifth day in a row.

The core issue is the same as it has been for more than a year, Obama's demand for tax rates to rise on upper incomes while remaining at current levels for most Americans. He made the proposal central to his successful campaign for re-election, when he said incomes above $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples should rise to 39.6 percent from the current 35 percent.

Boehner refused for weeks to accept any rate increases, and simultaneously accused Obama of skimping on the spending cuts he would support as part of a balanced deal to reduce deficits, remove the threat of spending cuts and prevent the across-the-board tax cuts.

Last week, the Ohio Republican pivoted and presented a Plan B measure that would have let rates rise on million-dollar earners. That was well above Obama's latest offer, which called for a $400,000 threshold, but more than the speaker's rank and file were willing to accept.

Facing defeat, Boehner scrapped plans for a vote, leaving the economy on track for the cliff that political leaders in both parties had said they could avoid. In the aftermath, Democrats said they doubted any compromise was possible until Boehner has been elected to a second term as speaker when the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3.

Further compounding the year-end maneuvering, there are warnings that the price of milk could virtually double beginning next year.

Congressional officials said that under current law, the federal government is obligated to maintain prices so that fluid milk sells for about $20 per hundredweight. If the law lapses, the Department of Agriculture would be required to maintain a price closer to $36 of $38 per hundredweight, they said. It is unclear when price increases might be felt by consumers.

______

Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Andrew Taylor contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/last-ditch-effort-avoid-fiscal-224121739.html

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China launches rival GPS satellite system (Update)

This file photo shows a China's Long March rocket blasting off from the Jiuquan launch centre in Gansu province, on September 29, 2011. China has launched commercial and public services across the Asia-Pacific region on its domestic satellite navigation network built to rival the US global positioning system.

China has launched commercial and public services across the Asia-Pacific region on its domestic satellite navigation network built to rival the US global positioning system.

The Beidou, or compass, system started providing services to civilians in the region on Thursday and is expected to provide global coverage by 2020, state media reported.

Ran Chengqi, spokesman for the China Satellite Navigation Office said the system's performance was "comparable" to GPS, the China Daily said.

"Signals from Beidou can be received in countries such as Australia," he said.

It is the latest accomplishment in space technology for China, which aims to build a space station by the end of the decade and eventually send a manned mission to the moon.

China sees the multi-billion-dollar programme as a symbol of its rising global stature, growing technical expertise, and the Communist Party's success in turning around the fortunes of the once poverty-stricken nation.

The Beidou system comprises 16 navigation satellites and four experimental satellites, the paper said. Ran added that the system would ultimately provide global navigation, positioning and timing services.

The start of commercial services comes a year after Beidou began a limited positioning service for China and adjacent areas.

Enlarge

This NASA file image shows the Great Wall of China and Inner Mongolia, photographed by Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao on the ISS, on April 22, 2009. China has launched commercial and public services across the Asia-Pacific region on its own domestic satellite navigation network, built to rival the US global positioning system.

China began building the network in 2000 to avoid relying on GPS.

"Having a satellite navigation system is of great strategic significance," the Global Times newspaper, which has links to the Communist Party, said in an editorial.

"China has a large market, where the Beidou system can benefit both the military and civilians," the paper said.

"With increases in profit, the Beidou system will be able to eventually develop into a global navigation satellite system which can compete with GPS."

In a separate report, the paper said satellite navigation was seen as one of China's "strategic emerging industries".

Sun Jiadong, the system's chief engineer, told the 21st century Business Herald newspaper that as Beidou matures it will erode GPS's current 95 percent market share in China, the Global Times said.

Morris Jones, an independent space analyst based in Sydney, Australia, said that making significant inroads into that dominance anywhere outside China is unlikely.

"GPS is freely available, highly accessed and is well-known and trusted by the world at large," he told AFP. "It has brand recognition and has successfully fought off other challenges."

Morris described any commercial benefits China gains as "icing on the cake" and that the main reason for developing Beidou is to protect its own national security given the possibility US-controlled GPS could be cut off.

"It's that possibility, that they could be denied access to GPS, that inspires other nations to develop their own system that would be free of control by the United States," he said.

"At a time of war you do not want to be denied" access, he said.

The Global Times editorial, while trumpeting Beidou as "not a second-class product or a carbon-copy of GPS" still appeared to recognise its limitations, at least in the early stages.

"Some problems may be found in its operation because Beidou is a new system. Chinese consumers should ... show tolerance toward the Beidou system," it said.

(c) 2012 AFP

Source: http://phys.org/news/2012-12-china-rival-gps-satellite.html

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Hybrid and electric car sales jump 73 percent in 2012

US sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars should reach 440,000 units in 2012 ? a 73% improvement over 2011 ? according to?market research firm Mintel.

By Richard Read,?Guest blogger / December 28, 2012

A row of 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles sit for sale in the car lot at the Toyota dealership in El Cajon, Calif., in this March 2010 file photo. Younger people are especially inclined to purchase hybrid and electric vehicles, Read writes.

Mike Blake/Reuters/File

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Eco-minded shoppers have seen environmental issues take up more space in the news, and they've known that it was simply a matter of time before those concerns began affecting the sorts of vehicles we drive. Now, mainstream consumers are?beginning to see the light.?

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The website focuses on the auto industry?s future, the evolution of cars beyond fossil fuels, and the green movement's relevance to car shoppers today. For more stories on green cars, click here.

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The change hasn't come overnight. Though the first hybrids debuted in the late 1990s, it's taken the public a while to warm up to?green?vehicles. The delay can be attributed to the higher cost of those cars, fear of the technology, and dozens of other factors.

According to market research firm Mintel, however, a shift is underway. Mintel says that U.S. sales of?hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars should reach?440,000 units in 2012 -- a 73% improvement over 2011.?

That's in keeping with the strong sales figures we've noted here. Alternative-fuel vehicles are?flying off the lots, and even with?a dip in November sales, automakers stand to move 50,000 electric?cars?this year.?

Mexico Urges 9th Circuit Court to Overturn Part of Arizona's ...

Illegal aliens sneak into the US near Sierra Vista, Arizona.

The Mexican government wants Arizona to get rid of its law that punishes those who harbor illegal immigrants.

The Mexican government urged the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday to block part of the Arizona immigration law. The Mexicans say it harms international relations.
The Arizona Daily Sun reported:

Saying it harms international relations, the Mexican government wants a U.S. federal court to keep in place an injunction that bars Arizona from punishing those who harbor illegal immigrants.

In legal filings Wednesday, attorneys for Mexico claim the provision of SB1070 ?poses a real threat to Mexico-U.S. bilateral relations.? The lawyers also said the controversial 2010 Arizona law illegally intrudes into issues of immigration that is solely the province of the U.S. government.

The brief drew an angry reaction from Matthew Benson, press aide to Gov. Jan Brewer.

?It?s not for Mexico to interfere in a United States judicial matter, especially when Mexico?s own immigration laws are significantly more heavy handed than this,? he said. Anyway, Benson said, the Arizona statute simply mirrors federal law and is not in conflict.

The provision makes it a crime for someone who is violating any other law to also transport or harbor an illegal immigrant, or to encourage or induce someone to illegally come to or live in the state. A suspect would have to know the person is in this country illegally or recklessly disregard that fact.

The original challenge to that section was rejected by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton. She said nothing in the language infringes on the right of the United States to determine who is admitted or who remains.

Earlier this year, however, Bolton had a change of heart, enjoining enforcement after concluding this is strictly the purview of the federal government.

Attorneys for the governor are urging the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn that ruling. But the Mexican government, in its own legal filing, said the appellate judges should leave things the way they are and that Bolton got it right.

Related? More families are returning to Mexico over US immigration laws according to a recent report.

?

Source: http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/12/mexico-urges-9th-circuit-court-to-overturn-part-of-arizonas-immigration-law/

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Reaction to death of Norman Schwarzkopf

Reaction to the death of retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf:

___

"Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation. A distinguished member of that 'Long Gray Line' hailing from West Point, Gen. Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized the 'duty, service, country' creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises. More than that, he was a good and decent man ? and a dear friend. Barbara and I send our condolences to his wife, Brenda, and his wonderful family." ? former President George H.W. Bush.

___

"With the passing of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, we've lost an American original. From his decorated service in Vietnam to the historic liberation of Kuwait and his leadership of United States Central Command, Gen. Schwarzkopf stood tall for the country and Army he loved. Our prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family, who tonight can know that his legacy will endure in a nation that is more secure because of his patriotic service." ? White House press secretary Jay Carney.

___

"With the passing of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, America lost a great patriot and a great soldier. Norm served his country with courage and distinction for over 35 years. The highlight of his career was the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm. 'Stormin' Norman' led the coalition forces to victory, ejecting the Iraqi Army from Kuwait and restoring the rightful government. His leadership not only inspired his troops, but also inspired the nation. He was a good friend of mine, a close buddy. I will miss him. My wife, Alma, joins me in extending our deepest condolences to his wife, Brenda, and to her family." ? former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

___

"The men and women of the Department of Defense join me in mourning the loss of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose 35 years of service in uniform left an indelible imprint on the United States military and on the country. The son of a decorated Army officer, Gen. Schwarzkopf followed his father's legacy of service by enrolling in West Point in the 1950s. His bravery during two tours in Vietnam earned him three Silver Stars, and set him on the path lead our troops into battle in Grenada, and then to take charge of the overall allied effort in the first Gulf War as commander of United States Central Command. Gen. Schwarzkopf's skilled leadership of that campaign liberated the Kuwaiti people and produced a decisive victory for the allied coalition. In the aftermath of that war, Gen. Schwarzkopf was justly recognized as a brilliant strategist and inspiring leader. Today, we recall that enduring legacy and remember him as one of the great military giants of the 20th century. My thoughts and prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family in this time of sadness and grief." ? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

___

"I was saddened to learn today of the passing of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, a fellow West Point graduate, former CENTCOM commander and one of the 20th century's finest soldiers and leaders. I join the civilian and military leaders of our country, and servicemen and women, past and present, in mourning his death. Gen. Schwarzkopf embodied the warrior spirit, serving with distinction in three conflicts over his 35 years of dedicated service. The hallmark of his remarkable career was the swift and decisive victory over Saddam Hussein's forces after they invaded Kuwait. The thoughts and prayers of the Joint Chiefs and the Joint Force are with Gen. Schwarzkopf's family and friends." ? Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/reaction-death-norman-schwarzkopf-014655500.html

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I am not an athlete | Kait Barnes

My favorite of all sports

Growing up, I played a lot of sports. More sports than one would imagine looking at me now, and more sports than you?d imagine looking at me then, when I tottered about with two left feet and the stature of a toddler. This does not mean I was any good at sports. I am not an athlete, never have been, never will be. Despite this, I have to say that participating in?sports from the age of 4 when I had my first ice skating lesson to the age of 17, when I had my last horseback riding show, were some of the best times of my life. Granted at the time it was embarrassing (I sucked at everything besides figure skating) but I had a BLAST! I never took myself too seriously and I remember those days as some of my greatest.

Figure skating?I figured skated for roughly 10 years. It was the only sport where I had talent and to this day, I can skate circles around 90% of the population. I could jump, spin, doing fancy footwork, and I skated competitively in singles and synchronized teams. I made it to roughly the intermediate level. My best friend at the time also skated and we constantly had contests to see who was better at the sport. I can no longer do many tricks, but I still skate today. I gave up skating because I grew 5 inches in 1 year and no longer had the body or natural ability of a figure skater. I still love it more than almost anything on this planet though. To me, being on skates is like flying. When I?m on skates, I?m free.
Baseball?I played coach pitch baseball for two years. I was one of two girls on the team both years. The other girl was much better than me. I was a puny, I couldn?t hit a ball 99% of the time (seriously, I almost ALWAYS struck out) and I was relegated to playing left field, which is where they put the people who sucked (8-9 year olds can?t hit a ball that far).
Softball?I played softball in 6th grad and then I did intramural softball in college. For some reason I was better at softball than baseball. Maybe it?s because it was all girls. I pitched and played second base. I still struck out a lot, probably 70% of the time. I gave up softball because I hated practicing.
Basketball?I was THE WORST at basketball. I only played for 1 year because I was SO BAD. Once I got shoved and bitten by a girl who later ended up playing at some big school in the NCAA. Basketball was my childhood humiliation. I couldn?t run, jump, shoot baskets, or do anything. When I played basketball, I never scored one point.
Volleyball?Volleyball was similarly humiliating as basketball, although I was somewhat better at it. I went to volleyball camp to lose weight and I did. This didn?t make me any better at volleyball and I was NOT surprised when I did not make the team. I can?t serve, hit, or do much of anything with volleyball.
Horseback riding?I horseback rode for roughly 5 years. Similar to ice skating, I was decent at it, although I was terrified of horses for the duration of my ?equestrian career.? Despite this, I love horses and rode in a few shows and took lessons weekly in elementary and high school. To me, cantering is the greatest thing on earth besides being on skates. You feel powerful on a horse, even though it?s false power, because it?s the animal that?s strong and not you. I still remember all of the horses I ever rode and which ones I loved and which ones I hated. There was an obese horse named Cass who was surprisingly fast for a chunker and I LOVED HIM. There was a horse named Chief who was a total ass and hated me. He once threw me three times in one lesson. He also peed on my $150 riding boots a couple of times. Chief was an asshole.

So there you go?my sports history. I am not an athlete, nor do I watch sports, nor do I actively involve myself in any sports besides recreational ice skating (and pilates? Is that considered athletics?) but I still love them. I will never be Venus or Serena or Michelle, but my childhood revolved around team and single sports and I wouldn?t have had it any other way.

Source: http://kaitbarnes.com/2012/12/28/i-am-not-an-athlete/

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Video: Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., delivers weekly GOP address (cbsnews)

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Photography Is An Art Form That Requires Practice And Dedication ...

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There?s a lot you can learn when it comes to photography, and you could spend years learning the craft. However, just knowing a few key tips can mean taking great shots with your camera. This article contains some sound advice on how you can start taking shots you are proud of.

When photographing children, the best angle to take the picture from is their own eye level. Kneel down and put yourself at their height, snapping photos from the child?s point of view. This will give you excellent pictures of a child, set in the world at their height. Most pictures of kids are taken looking down from an adult?s point of view. This lends itself to many, many pictures of the top of a child?s head or an awkward angle of their face.

When shooting at night, it?s best to steady your camera on a tripod. Whether shooting film or digital, when you?re working at night the chances are you?re going to be using long shutter speeds. Any speeds slower than 1/30th of a second will show blurring and vibrations from the camera shaking. Mount your camera on a tripod to avoid these detrimental affects of camera shake.

Keep your camera clean and put away when not in use if you want to ensure that it always takes the best pictures possible. There are delicate parts inside of quality cameras that can become easily damaged due to shaking or even something like high humidity. Keep your camera safe and put away when you?re not snapping shots.

Find people to shoot without being too judgmental. You do not want to be on the lookout for ?interesting? people only. People who only interest you may not be interesting to anyone else. Every person is unique, so shoot people in general and not just people you think will make a good shot.

Trying to learn a new skill can often be frustrating, and photography is no exception to that rule. It is important, however, to enjoy the learning process. Do not stress over missed shots, blurry photos or technically imperfect pictures. You learn by trying, so relax, and enjoy the process of becoming a better photographer.

As a photographer, it is important to make sure you have proper lighting. If you do not have proper lighting your pictures will turn out dark, gloomy and underexposed. Take the time to think about the lighting.

Sometimes taking the perfect photograph comes down to being quick. Becoming familiar with the functions of your camera can be extremely helpful in those moments when you only have a fraction of a second to get the perfect picture. When in doubt, just snap away. If you take the shot, then there is no chance of losing that perfect picture.

Like any science or art form, photography is something you could study and read about for a good portion of your life. Or, you could just apply what you have read in this article and improve your photography immediately. Keep these tips in mind the next time your camera is in your hands and you?ll see better images quickly.

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Source: http://www.songsforum.com/arts-entertainment/photography/photography-is-an-art-form-that-requires-practice-and-dedication/

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Ryan wants to be Jets coach for 'next 15 years'

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.

AP Sports Writer

Associated Press Sports

updated 3:42 p.m. ET Dec. 28, 2012

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) - Rex Ryan has no plans to go anywhere.

Doesn't want to, he said.

The feisty New York Jets coach opened his news conference Friday by denouncing a published report that said he would welcome being fired if owner Woody Johnson doesn't make significant personnel and coaching changes to the offense.

"There was a report that was untrue," Ryan said. "The fact is, and it's simple: This is the only team that I want to coach. Period. This is my team. These are my players. I don't want to coach somebody else's players. This is the team I want to coach."

With the Jets (6-9) out of the playoffs for the second straight season, Ryan's job status has become somewhat tenuous in his fourth year. But Ryan said he was "mad as a hornet" when he read the Daily News story, and immediately called Johnson to deny it.

The paper, which quoted unidentified sources, said it stood by the report. The back page carried a picture of Ryan and a headline that said: "Rex Wants Out ... Unless Woody spends on Jets' woeful offense."

"It's a very solid report," said Teri Thompson, managing editor for sports at the Daily News.

Ryan said he was contacted by the reporter Thursday night, but his response wasn't included. Thompson said it was an off-the-record comment and as such was not published.

"There's no bigger Jet than me," Ryan insisted. "I want to be the Jets' head coach for the next 15 years."

Several Jets players said Ryan talked about the story with them in the team meeting earlier in the day, but declined to elaborate on what was said.

The Jets are preparing to finish their season at Buffalo on Sunday. In limbo are the futures of Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum, offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez.

"Let's face it, I wear Jets stuff every single day," Ryan said. "I'm proud to be a Jet. Sometimes I'm proud to be a Jet more than others. I mean, this season has been a rough one. But this is my team that's how I approach it. I believe that we can accomplish what I set out to do when I took the job. And that's the truth."

---

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Prime-time win for?Redskins

PFT Picks: For the second straight year, the NFC East title game returns to prime time in Week 17. For the second straight year, the Cowboys come up short.

Kacsmar: A lot on the line in finale

Week 17 offers numerous playoff scenarios, the last two playoff berths, and one more attempt to rewrite the NFL record book. Here is your handy guide to what to watch for this Sunday.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46077643/ns/sports-nfl/

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Stomach bug knocks Nadal from Australian Open

FILE - In this June 26, 2012 file photo, Rafael Nadal of Spain returning a shot to Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil during a first round men's singles match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

FILE - In this June 26, 2012 file photo, Rafael Nadal of Spain returning a shot to Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil during a first round men's singles match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

MADRID (AP) ? Rafael Nadal will miss the Australian Open because of a stomach virus, further delaying his comeback after being sidelined since June.

The Australian Open, the year's first Grand Slam tournament, begins Jan. 14. The virus kept Nadal from making his return at Abu Dhabi this week.

The Spaniard said Friday his withdrawals had nothing to do with the tendinitis in his left knee, which forced him to take a break last summer following his second-round loss at Wimbledon to then 100th-ranked Lukas Rosol. Nadal also missed the London Olympics.

"My knee is much better and the rehabilitation process has gone well as predicted by the doctors," Nadal said in a statement. "But this virus didn't allow me to practice this past week, and therefore I am sorry to announce that I will not play in Doha and the Australian Open."

The former No. 1 player hopes to return at Acapulco, Mexico, starting Feb. 27. However, he did not rule out playing an earlier tournament if his recovery went well enough.

"I always said that my return to competition will be when I am in the right conditions to play," he said. "And after all this time away from the courts, I'd rather not accelerate the comeback and prefer to do things well."

Nadal, ranked No. 4, won the Australian Open in 2009. Last year, he lost to top-ranked Novak Djokovic in a title match that lasted 5 hours, 53 minutes, the longest recorded Grand Slam final.

Nadal's doctor, Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, said in the statement that Nadal needed at least a week to recover from the virus, ruling him out for the Qatar Open set to start on Jan. 2.

And Nadal's coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, explained that Nadal had opted against making his return at Melbourne since he wouldn't be physically fit to take on its five-set format.

"We consider not appropriate to play the Australian Open since we will not have enough preparation for a greater competition which is a Grand Slam tournament," said Toni Nadal in the statement. "It is simply not conceivable that his first event is a best of five sets event, he wouldn't be ready for that."

Nadal's knee injury prevented the 11-time Grand Slam winner from defending his Olympic singles gold at last summer's London Games, where he was supposed to be Spain's flag bearer in the opening ceremony.

He also had to pull out of the U.S. Open and Spain's Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic, and his teammates lost without him.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-12-28-Nadal%20Out/id-ed79cd54872746559c6de004bb66e562

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Reaction to death of Norman Schwarzkopf

Reaction to the death of retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf:

___

"Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation. A distinguished member of that 'Long Gray Line' hailing from West Point, Gen. Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized the 'duty, service, country' creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises. More than that, he was a good and decent man ? and a dear friend. Barbara and I send our condolences to his wife, Brenda, and his wonderful family." ? former President George H.W. Bush.

___

"With the passing of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, we've lost an American original. From his decorated service in Vietnam to the historic liberation of Kuwait and his leadership of United States Central Command, Gen. Schwarzkopf stood tall for the country and Army he loved. Our prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family, who tonight can know that his legacy will endure in a nation that is more secure because of his patriotic service." ? White House press secretary Jay Carney.

___

"With the passing of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, America lost a great patriot and a great soldier. Norm served his country with courage and distinction for over 35 years. The highlight of his career was the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm. 'Stormin' Norman' led the coalition forces to victory, ejecting the Iraqi Army from Kuwait and restoring the rightful government. His leadership not only inspired his troops, but also inspired the nation. He was a good friend of mine, a close buddy. I will miss him. My wife, Alma, joins me in extending our deepest condolences to his wife, Brenda, and to her family." ? former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

___

"The men and women of the Department of Defense join me in mourning the loss of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose 35 years of service in uniform left an indelible imprint on the United States military and on the country. The son of a decorated Army officer, Gen. Schwarzkopf followed his father's legacy of service by enrolling in West Point in the 1950s. His bravery during two tours in Vietnam earned him three Silver Stars, and set him on the path lead our troops into battle in Grenada, and then to take charge of the overall allied effort in the first Gulf War as commander of United States Central Command. Gen. Schwarzkopf's skilled leadership of that campaign liberated the Kuwaiti people and produced a decisive victory for the allied coalition. In the aftermath of that war, Gen. Schwarzkopf was justly recognized as a brilliant strategist and inspiring leader. Today, we recall that enduring legacy and remember him as one of the great military giants of the 20th century. My thoughts and prayers are with the Schwarzkopf family in this time of sadness and grief." ? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

___

"I was saddened to learn today of the passing of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, a fellow West Point graduate, former CENTCOM commander and one of the 20th century's finest soldiers and leaders. I join the civilian and military leaders of our country, and servicemen and women, past and present, in mourning his death. Gen. Schwarzkopf embodied the warrior spirit, serving with distinction in three conflicts over his 35 years of dedicated service. The hallmark of his remarkable career was the swift and decisive victory over Saddam Hussein's forces after they invaded Kuwait. The thoughts and prayers of the Joint Chiefs and the Joint Force are with Gen. Schwarzkopf's family and friends." ? Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/reaction-death-norman-schwarzkopf-014655500.html

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Gas prices rise in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Motorists in West Virginia are seeing higher prices following the Christmas holiday, increasing more than three cents since last week.

The Triple A's weekly Fuel Gauge says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is now $3.35 in West Virginia. That's about four cents more than a year ago.

The auto club says gas prices have been declining in recent months because of the switch to winter-blend fuel, increasing inventories, lower demand and cheaper crude oil prices. But whether prices continue to rise or fall will be impacted by the looming "fiscal cliff."

Nationally, gas prices average about $3.25 this week.

In West Virginia, prices at the pump range from a high of nearly $3.49 in Martinsburg to a low of about $3.31 in Weirton.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/gas-prices-rise-west-virginia-152747993.html

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Communication Having Wireless Adapters will be Strengthening ...

Many of us stay in each day as well as get older where by technologies are much more offered to you than ever before prior to, and also the technique of communicating to anyone at any time plus in which is usually added likely pc possibly has been. As we speak, all of our cell phone process features become astonishingly back logged because of substantial range of cell phone consumers in these modern times. It is assumed that will extra folks individual their own phone now in comparison with employ a traditional phone at your house. The cellular cellular phone offers become this sort of mandatory portion of our everyday life these days that most will likely not disappear property without one. One of the many advantages of your cellphone, is usually to make use of it if you are out and about in addition to even so have to connect.

The particular unlucky element of the following on the go communication is answer working with mobile phones whilst generating. Evaluation possesses instructed this cell phone make use of whilst driving a car, regardless of whether that is by way of txt messaging, sending a great Instant messaging, and also communicating for the phone, will certainly foriegn the motorist?s potential to look closely at higher depths compared to driving under the influence. As a result of most of these investigation, claims throughout the country are generally using mobile phone guidelines which in turn exclude the utilization of mobile phones whilst managing a motor vehicle. Which means individuals of your states this bring these kinds of cellular phone guidelines need to use a hands free of charge method of utilizing their mobile phone even though generating, in any other case not really employ a mobile phone in the least. Quote, should your condition possesses these kinds of laws and regulations they may not be comfortable about fines, and you will and will also be stopped plus charged for anyone who is caught driving a car while by using a cellular telephone.

Even so, do not allow this particular detour you in your favourite technological know-how if you find yourself on the road. Lots of companies right now are offering to you possibilities which could will let you takes place mobile phone or maybe portable fretting hand set palm trees no cost. The most frequent method immediately with possession free number dialing along with chatting on the phone is definitely the Wireless bluetooth card placed. When Wireless started, fractional laser treatments only agreed to be obtainable on more sophisticated and additional elite cellular phone models, nonetheless as a result of urgent characteristics involving mobile phone guidelines in addition to forbids, almost each individual phone that you can purchase is actually enabled by using Wireless know-how that could allow you to work with a Bluetooth adaptor along with even so chat on the telephone.

The most common form of Wireless bluetooth card is actually a stopper and also engage in variety in which will likely be ideal as well as your Bluetooth headset. This might allow it to be super easy to have both arriving and outward bound calling not having when needing to take your palms over rim, and in some cases take your eyes off of the path. This kind of adapter will grant ones cellphone to be able to broadcast in excess of just about any computer programming that may be in your radio station therefore, you?ll not have to be anxious about any kind of missing cell phone calls.

Measuring only one of many many different types of Wireless plugs available on the market nowadays. Depending upon your cellphone, there are many kinds offered to match your desires. A high level serious driver and employ your cell phone as opposed to operating, some sort of Wireless adapter can be a certain should to shield on your own along with people on your way plus in some declares, may be mandatory.

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Source: http://ezinepr.com/technology/communication-having-wireless-adapters-will-be-strengthening-online-connectivity/

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Ford to invest $773 million across southeast Michigan

(Reuters) - Ford Motor Co plans to invest more than $773 million on new equipment and capacity expansions across six U.S. manufacturing plants in southeast Michigan.

The plan is part of its commitment to invest $6.2 billion in U.S. plants by 2015 as part of the agreement reached in October 2011 with the United Auto Workers union, the automaker said on Thursday.

Ford said the investments will create 2,350 hourly jobs and allow it to retain another 3,240 hourly jobs. The new jobs are part of the 12,000 Ford previously said it would add or retain in the United States by 2015 under the UAW deal.

Some of the new jobs will earn entry-level wages, which start at just under $16 an hour. Traditional nonskilled UAW workers at Ford earn an average of just over $28. This year, Ford has added more than 6,500 hourly jobs and most of those were filled by people hired at the entry-level pay rate.

Over the next six months, Ford said it will upgrade stamping operations at Michigan Assembly Plant and Dearborn Stamping Plant, as well as finish work at Flat Rock Assembly Plant to build the new Fusion sedan. Some Fusion production was shifted from Mexico under the four-year pact with the UAW.

The work will include $59.4 million to expand the stamping press line at Michigan Assembly, $305 million for plant modernization and new equipment at Dearborn Stamping, and $161 million for new equipment in Flat Rock.

The investments also will include $86 million at Sterling Axle Plant, $87.7 million at Van Dyke Transmission and $74.7 million at Livonia Transmission, all for new equipment.

(Reporting by Sakthi Prasad in Bangalore and Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Daniel Magnowski and Maureen Bavdek)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ford-invest-773-million-across-southeast-michigan-133752777--sector.html

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Peyton Manning, Peterson make Pro Bowl

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning sets up to throw a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Denver. Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning sets up to throw a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Denver. Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2012, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson runs with the ball during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis. Peterson was selected to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. Griffin was selected to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Perez, File)

NEW YORK (AP) ? Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson want to cap their sensational comebacks with Super Bowl appearances. For now, they can be proud of Pro Bowl spots.

So can Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, one of two rookies chosen Wednesday for the Jan. 27 NFL all-star game.

Manning missed all of the 2011 season with neck and back problems that required several operations. He then signed with Denver as a free agent and has led the Broncos on a 10-game winning streak to take the AFC West.

"I know there's great players out there in the NFL, but there's some great players on this team this year that deserve to go," said Manning, whose 12th Pro Bowl is a record for quarterbacks. He ranks fourth in league passing this year, has thrown 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Four other Broncos made the AFC roster: DE Elvis Dumervil, linebacker Von Miller, CB Champ Bailey and tackle Ryan Clady. Bailey's 12th appearance is a record for defensive backs.

"My goal has always been to go out and help the team win and play at a high level," Manning added. "Anything that comes along with that, like being honored as a Pro Bowl selection, is very humbling."

Minnesota's Peterson tore up his left knee on Christmas Eve last year, underwent major surgery, then was back for the season opener. He's gone from uncertain to unstoppable, running away with the rushing title with a career-high 1,898 yards and lifting the Vikings toward an NFC wild card.

"Coming into the season after going through the rehab process, I just told myself that I wanted to lead my team to a championship and make sure that I contribute and do my part," Peterson said. "I've been doing it."

Griffin is one of three rookie QBs who had superb debut seasons, along with Andrew Luck of Indianapolis and Russell Wilson of Seattle. Luck and Wilson weren't voted to the Pro Bowl by players, coaches and fans, although their teams are in the playoffs; Griffin can get to the postseason if Washington beats Dallas on Sunday.

"You can't play down those kind of things," Griffin said. "I've always said my whole football career that you don't play for awards. They just come. You don't say you're going to win the Heisman. You don't say you're going to win MVP. You go out and you prove it on the field, and if everyone feels that way then they'll give you that award."

San Francisco had the most players selected, nine, including six from its second-ranked defense. Houston was next with eight, six on offense.

Kansas City, despite its 2-13 record that is tied with Jacksonville for worst in the league, had five Pro Bowlers, including RB Jamaal Charles, who like Peterson is coming back from a torn ACL.

One other rookie, Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh, was chosen. Walsh has nine field goals of at least 50 yards, an NFL mark.

The AFC kicker is at the other end of the spectrum: Cleveland's Phil Dawson earned his first selection in his 14th NFL season.

"I deliberately tried not to know," Dawson said. "We wanted to watch the show with my kids. I had a really good idea what was going on, but it was a pretty priceless moment when we saw the name flash up on the screen. My kids went nuts 'cause my wife went nuts. That makes these 15 years of waiting worth it."

Another record setter will be heading to Honolulu: Detroit WR Calvin Johnson.

Johnson broke Jerry Rice's single-season yards receiving record and has 1,892 yards with a game left.

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez set the record for Pro Bowls at his position by being chosen for the 13th time.

The league's top two sackmasters, DEs Aldon Smith of San Francisco and J.J. Watt of Houston, were first-time selections. Watt has 20 1-2 sacks, one ahead of Smith; the NFL record is 22 1-2.

Other newcomers, along with Griffin, Walsh and Dawson, were AFC players tackle Duane Brown and guard Wade Smith of Houston; safety LaRon Landry of the Jets; kick returner Jacoby Jones of Baltimore; and punter Dustin Colquitt of Kansas City.

For the NFC, first-timers were Giants WR Victor Cruz; Atlanta WR Julio Jones; Seattle tackle Russell Okung and center Max Unger; San Francisco guard Mike Iupati, linebacker NaVorro Bowman and safety Donte Whitner; Chicago cornerback Tim Jennings and defensive tackle Henry Melton; Washington tackle Trent Williams and special teamer Lorenzo Alexander; Minnesota fullback Jerome Felton; Tampa Bay DT Gerald McCoy; and New Orleans punter Thomas Morstead.

Eight teams had no Pro Bowl players: Carolina, Philadelphia and St. Louis in the NFC, Tennessee, Buffalo, Jacksonville, San Diego and Oakland in the AFC.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-12-26-Pro%20Bowl/id-4f9379e0216e4165b5e9391c6fba1bab

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Long-suffering Bankia shareholders set for more losses

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's Bankia will wipe out the investments of 350,000 shareholders, many of them small savers and pensioners, after it emerged that losses on bad loans at the troubled bank were even worse than expected.

The measure will hit small investors drawn in by aggressive marketing just last year after Bankia was formed from a merger of provincial savings banks. But it is described by officials as vital if the company, which was nationalized in May, is to return to profit in order to be sold on again.

Bankia will receive 18 billion euros of European Union money by Friday and launch a capital increase in the first half of January when current shareholders will lose practically their entire investment, a source close to the Bank of Spain said.

"Are we looking into leaving shareholders with something? Yes. How much? That's too soon to say. Will it be very little? For sure," the central bank source said on condition of anonymity.

"But that will be purely symbolic. I can assure you they will lose up to the shirt on their back."

Under the EU plan to prop up Spain's banking sector, devastated by a burst real estate bubble, shareholders must be the first in line to accept losses. That was the case in Ireland, another victim of the global credit crisis, where shareholders in Anglo Irish Bank were left with nothing.

Bankia had negative equity - or an excess of debt over assets - of 4.2 billion euros, Spain's bank rescue fund, known as FROB, said on Wednesday. That measure will be used to help determine shareholder losses. Bankia's parent company BFA had negative equity of 10.4 billion euros.

How much shareholders will lose will be unveiled when the capital increase takes place in January following discussions with EU authorities, the source said.

"A TOTAL COCK-UP"

Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards, some of them retirees with little awareness of financial affairs, ploughed savings into Bankia shares when the bank was listed in July 2011. The stock has lost more than 80 percent of its value since then.

Small savers also bought billions of euros of other Bankia instruments, such as preference shares or subordinated debt, on which they will also suffer steep losses.

"It seems to be to have been managed extraordinarily badly. It is a total cock-up," said Enrique Marquez, 66, a retired technician who invested 7,000 euros in ordinary shares and more than 70,000 euros in preference shares with Bankia.

"I've been duped on the preference shares and I've been duped on the ordinary shares. It's been an abuse of trust," added Marquez, who said he had been told by his bank manager the stock could be very profitable in the medium term.

Many of Bankia's more than 20,000 employees also invested in the shares in the 2011 initial public offering and are set to lose their money even as thousands face job cuts enforced as a condition of receiving European aid.

Speaking of his fellow staff at Bankia, one employee at a branch in northern Spain said: "I don't know anyone who didn't buy the shares. I did and my family heavily invested in them too." He spoke anonymously and said he now feared for his job.

About 6,000 workers will be axed in Bankia's restructuring while remaining employees are being asked to take a 40- to 50-percent pay cut, trade unions said.

Shares in Bankia fell a further 16 percent to 0.58 euros on Thursday after the FROB disclosure of its negative equity. Bankia will be taken out of Spain's blue-chip index, the Ibex 35 <.ibex>, as of January 2, the stock exchange said on Thursday.

SLIMMED DOWN, SOLD OFF

Bankia must reduce its balance sheet by 60 percent over the next five years as a condition of receiving aid.

Bankers say the lender could be put up for sale after it is slimmed down and stripped of its toxic property assets, which will be siphoned off into a special vehicle, or 'bad bank'.

However, the lender, which accounts for around 10 percent of Spain's banking market, is probably too big to be swallowed by a larger rival, as other state-rescued lenders have been: "The large Spanish banks would struggle to take on something of that size," one Madrid-based investment banker said.

Bankia is unlikely to be sold until around 2017, bankers said. Around 10 percent of a stabilized market, flush with rescue cash and stripped of toxic real estate assets, may be an attractive investment proposition for a foreign bank, they said.

Another possibility for the government to extricate itself from Bankia would be a public share offering, bankers said, although they admitted Spain would have to wait so any sales operation wouldn't come too soon after the ill-fated 2011 IPO.

Separately, the FROB also announced it would take over 99.9 percent of Banco de Valencia before it is sold to CaixaBank , while shareholders in other nationalized lenders NCG Banco and Catalunya Banc will be fully wiped out.

In the case of Anglo Irish Bank (AIB), shareholders whose equity was once worth 13 billion euros were left with nothing following the bank's 4-billion-euro recapitalization and immediate nationalization in January 2009.

AIB ultimately needed another 25.3 billion euros of state money, which was funded by a "promissory note", or government IOU, that Ireland is now trying to restructure.

Spain's four nationalized lenders will receive a total of 37 billion euros of EU funds. It will also tap another 4.4 billion euros to set up the 'bad bank' and recapitalize smaller banks. ($1 = 0.7563 euros)

(Additional reporting by Laura Noonan in Dublin and Sarah White in London; Editing by Giles Elgood and Alastair Macdonald)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/long-suffering-bankia-shareholders-set-more-losses-170756288--finance.html

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The hottest real estate market for investors

In true Monday morning quarterback fashion the national media is recognizing what those of us in the real estate trenches have been saying since 2009: Houston is probably the hottest real estate market for real estate investors at the moment. And it is projected to retain that status for the foreseeable future in 2013. If you are skeptical of that strong statement, tell me, where else can you get the following combination of investing conditions: A rock solid local economy 1 percentage point away from full employment (5.8%), high rental demand, minimal vacancy rates and rising rental prices, price to rent ratios on new (or less than 6 yrs old) properties under 8 and a steady and reliable local real estate market in full bloom? Not to mention that Texas is one of the most landlord friendly states with no state income tax that?s responsible for more job creation nationwide than most other states combined. There are other locations that do offer some of the benefits I just mentioned to investors but none that offer them all, like Texas.

Lately, I?m getting calls from investors who seem eager to engage in some ?amnesia investing? ? that?s when an investor forgets what just happened in that market just a few years ago and wants to risk his money in a location where history is sure to repeat itself. Examples? There are the usual suspects: Florida, Vegas, California and the like. Because prices there are off a gazillion percent from the utterly ridiculous highs of 2006. Here?s a piece of advice for you: Don?t fall for it. The price to rent ratios are still out of whack in every single one of those locations. In those markets, the fundamentals haven?t changed one bit and what?s puffing them up now is exactly the same culprit that did it last time. It?s merely the investors? expectation that prices are due to rise without any real economic underpinnings. Before you invest your hard earned capital in one of those markets ask yourself this: If the property you are buying would be worth exactly the same 10 years from now, would you still buy it? The answer is no and the only thing that makes that investment remotely plausible is the speculation of rising property values. Hoping to catch the wave on the way up is not a good investment strategy and there are droves of investors that discovered why just a few short years ago. What is a good strategy? Invest in a market where solid economics drives demand and returns aren?t dependent on price appreciation to get your goals accomplished. Invest in the real estate market that?s one of the hottest in the country for the right reasons.

Source: http://signaturehouston.com/investing/the-hottest-real-estate-market-for-investors/

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