America's new president, Barack Obama


Barack Obama began his victory speech Nov. 4 by proclaiming the greatness of America. "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, " he said, "who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

All of America hopes, however, that Barack Obama's presidency is notable for reasons other than his race, that he goes down in history not just as the nation's first black president but as an undeniably successful one.

Today's inauguration stands to be an even louder affirmation of America's great promise.

Fittingly, the president-elect has invited some Americans whose bitter experiences with segregation may have turned them into the doubters Mr. Obama addressed in his acceptance address.

He has invited the surviving Tuskegee Airmen, the successful but unappreciated black World War II pilots who escorted bombers into an occupied Europe. He also has invited the nine black students who endured mob violence to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957. Ruby Bridges, who at age 6 braved a gantlet of bigots to integrate William Frantz Elementary in the 9th Ward, is also expected to be at the inauguration, as a guest of Sen. Mary Landrieu.

Those guests will comprise a living timeline of America's move toward freedom, equality and full participation -- a timeline that will be amended today when Barack Obama becomes the first man of African descent to assume the presidency of the United States.

One of the Tuskegee Airmen, 82-year-old Lt. William Broadwater, told the Washington Post, "Now we feel like we've completed our mission. This inauguration will be the ultimate result."

It is, indeed, an opportunity for America to celebrate itself, an opportunity to remind ourselves and the rest of the world that while this country has never been perfect, it has held fast to a set of ideals that moves us in that direction.

Our country is at war in Iraq and Afghanistan and on the domestic front is dealing with a recession that some fear could worsen into a depression. Our state, like so many others, is facing an enormous budgetary crisis and, on top of that, is being washed away by an encroaching Gulf of Mexico. Our community, almost four years after the levees failed during Hurricane Katrina, is still recovering from that cataclysmic event and still asking to be better protected from future storms.

The challenges facing the new president are multiple, severe and urgent, but he will need to be equal to them all. He does not have the luxury of easing into the job or failing at any of these tremendous tasks.

Coastal Louisiana's needs are pressing, and the president-elect has given strong signals that he's heard them and intends to act. During a New Orleans campaign stop, he decried the ineptitude that defined FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina and committed to helping protect this area from future flooding.

"I promise you that when I'm in the White House I will commit myself every day to keeping up Washington's end of this trust, and I will make it clear to members of my administration that their responsibilities don't end in places like the Ninth Ward -- they begin there."

The work is vast. Thousands of homes still need to be rebuilt, a replacement for Charity Hospital in only the early planning stages, and the public schools are in the midst of a transformation that will take some time to complete.

Despite its notoriously inauspicious start, the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina improved dramatically once President Bush created a Gulf Coast recovery office and appointed Donald Powell to its top position. Mr. Powell was succeeded by retired Marine Gen. Douglas O'Dell, who has been crucial in helping local officials communicate with federal bureaucrats and vice versa.

It is important that the new president keep the Gulf Coast recovery office open and that its top position be filled with a person he listens to, trusts and respects. He may find that Gen. O'Dell meets all those qualifications, but if there's another dynamic leader who's more likely to have the new president's ear and confidence, that's the person Mr. Obama should appoint to lead the recovery office.

Going back to the days when he was campaigning, Barack Obama has both acknowledged his importance to black Americans who celebrate him as a historical first and promised to represent Americans of all stripes. He promised to be inclusive, and his appointment of a Cabinet both racially and ideologically diverse suggests it's a promise he means to keep.

During his Nov. 4 speech, he said, "And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president too."

This country is experiencing tough times and will likely be facing them well into this new president's administration. If Barack Obama can pull this nation together and help us overcome those challenges as one, not only will he be exhibiting the qualities of a great president, but we'll in turn be demonstrating why America is the envy of the world.

Source : http://blog.nola.com


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'ilmore Girls producer sues WBTV


"Gilmore Girls"
'Tis the season for lawsuits.

A day after Warner Bros. Television filed a $49 million complaint against CBS over hit comedy "Two and a Half Men," the studio itself became the target of suit by "Gilmore Girls" executive producer Gavin Polone over the quirky WB dramedy.

The breach-of-contract lawsuit, which names WBTV; the WB, which aired "Gilmore Girls" from 2000-06; and the CW, which ran the series' final seventh season, was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Hofflund/Polone, Polone's company with Judy Hofflund.

The complaint accuses vertically integrated Time Warner companies WBTV and the WB of "self-dealing at all levels" and claims that they "have colluded to defraud the originator of hit 'Gilmore Girls' television series with a scheme that rivals the greed and bravado of any story line defendants could script."

The suit refers to a 2000 agreement between Hofflund/Polone and WBTV and its 2002 amendment that guaranteed the producing company a percentage of the "modified adjusted gross," the money the show earns after costs are deducted.

While Hofflund/Polone agrees that early in its run "Gilmore Girls" was in the red, the company disputes WBTV's 2006 statement that through the first six seasons the series' modified adjusted gross was still a $53 million deficit.

A third-party audit commissioned by Hofflund/Polone in October 2006 alleges that the balance, as calculated by WBTV, was understated by $45.5 million through "collusion among defendants to set below-market license fees" and a series of improper charges.

The majority of the audit's findings were disputed by WBTV at a meeting in June.

The lawsuit asks for "tens of millions of dollars" in damages.

WBTV had no comment.

Source : http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/


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Was it okay for Sam Adams to lie?


The Willamette Week is now reporting that Portland Mayor Sam Adams lied after all. He did have sex with Beau Breedlove back in 2005, the summer when Breedlove turned 18-years-old.

Earlier, Adams had denied any sexual relationship with Breedlove, and the story transformed from one focused on Adams' judgment and possible criminal wrongdoing into one focused on the motives of Adams' accuser, Portland developer Bob Ball, and the tragedy of smear-filled politics.

It turns out Ball was right. Not only did Adams lie, but he convinced Breedlove to lie as well. And he kept on lying right up until today, the start of a week when WW was going to release an update on the subject parading forth a ton of evidence showing the truth.

This is a black eye on Sam Adams. His defense? Twofold. First, Adams says he didn't have sex with Breedlove until after Breedlove turned 18 and so didn't commit any crimes. Guess we'll have to trust him on that one.

More importantly, however, Adams seems to have believed all along that the Breedlove issue was just a smear and distraction from the "real issues" as he saw them. In Adams' view, whether or not he had sex with Breedlove after Breedlove turned 18 was a purely private matter that had nothing to do with Adams' qualifications for mayor. Nonetheless, Adams feared that, if he had admitted to the relationship from the start, his campaign would thereafter have been tarred and consumed by a sex scandal that would have drowned his themes of sustainability, jobs, and the arts.

He has some good arguments. But with the city as his jury, it will be up to Portland to decide whether Adams was right to fear a distracting scandal and whether he was justified in lying to avoid it.

Portland, Oregon's just-inducted openly gay mayor, Sam Adams, 44, has confessed to having had a sexual relationship with teenage former staffer Beau Breedlove in 2005. Adams was a county commissioner at the time. Although Adams and Breedlove met when the teen was 17 years old, Adams maintains that he and Breedlove did not have sex until Breedlove was 18. Adams apologized to the local press today:

Beaubreedlove_3"Until today I have not discussed the true nature of the relationship with anyone. Not my friends, family, staff or colleagues on the council. I have apologized to Beau Breedlove for asking him to lie for me. I want to apologize to my colleagues for my dishonesty and especially to the people of Portland for my dishonesty. I should have been truthful from the beginning,"

Adams had been questioned about his relationship with the then-teen before his November election, but both he and and the young man told the press at the time that their relationship had only been platonic. It not yet clear why Adams has now admitted the relationship or whether he intends to stay in office. Adams' election in 2008 was hailed by LGBT activists, as Portland had become the largest city in the country with an openly gay mayor.

UPDATE: After the jump is a radio interview that Adams made with a Portland station today. The sound is a bit garbled at times, but Adams says that he doesn't yet know whether he'll be keeping his job. Asked if his apology is enough to satisfy the voters, Adams replies, "That's up to the people of Portland."

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WSOC

Although WSOC shares its callsign with the city’s ABC affiliate WSOC-TV (Channel 9), the TV station is owned by Atlanta -based Cox Enterprises. The station is owned by New York City -based CBS Radio.

Register here for your chance to win a pair of tickets to the Easyriders Bike Show January 24-25 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The station’s studio is located at North Tryon and 23rd Streets, just north of Uptown Charlotte, and is shared with sister station WAXN-TV (channel 64).

WSOC-FM 103.7 is, a Country radio station in Charlotte, North Carolina.

It was Charlotte’s third television station, after WBTV and WAYS-TV, which broadcast on channel 36 from 1954 to 1955.

WSOC-TV (”Channel 9″) is the ABC affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina.

It is owned by Cox Enterprises.

In 1991, WPEG became Charlotte’s top station and remained in that position, though WSOC was still one of the top country stations in the United States.

Keith Urban has revealed the 58 cities for his summer tour, but no specific dates have been announced.

She would continue as “Inside NASCAR” host on The Nashville Network as well as covering NASCAR for Sports Illustrated.

Originally, Channel 9 was a primary NBC affiliate, and shared ABC programs with WBTV.

The radio stations were sold off in the early 1990s; the AM station is now owned by Bible Broadcasting Network, and WSOC-FM by CBS Radio.

WCCB moved to channel 18 in 1966, but it continued to be at a competitive disadvantage because many Charlotte-area homes did not yet have sets with UHF tuning capability.

It was originally owned by the Jones family along with WSOC radio (AM 1240, later on AM 930 and now WYFQ; and FM 103.7).

Sources:
[1] WSOC-FM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] WSOC 103.7
[3] WSOC-TV: Information from Answers.com
[4] WSOC-TV - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[5] WSOC-FM - Homepage


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Cabarrus County Schools


Cabarrus County Schools is a local education agency headquartered in Concord, North Carolina. All Cabarrus County Schools including Kids:Plus will be closed today, January 20th 2009, due to inclement weather. Cabarrus County Schools schools - use Yahoo! Real Estate to search for schools in Cabarrus County Schools.

Cabarrus County School Employees may review the “Snow Days Flyer” for detailed information regarding reporting requirements during a schedule change.

The following lists the high schools of the system, including their feeder elementary and middle schools. The system presides over the vast majority of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, the exception being an area of Kannapolis in the northern part of the county that operates its own district.

JMRHS continued to exhibit growth and success for 2007-2008 with at least 80% of students’ test scores at or above grade level and meeting all 17 AYP goals under the No Child Left Behind Legislation.

In 2001 the county opened Robinson High School, the first new high school in Cabarrus County in 35 years.

In our eighth year of educating youth in Cabarrus County, JMRHS is enjoying success in academics, career technical education, fine arts, and athletics. [...] Two students, a teacher and a support person from Jay M. Robinson High School were selected to receive Impact Through Education Awards sponsored in partnership with Cabarrus County Schools and the Cabarrus Regional Chamber, Corning, Phillip Morris USA, Windstream Communications and Benham Real Estate.

No doubt students, teachers, staff and parents at Mount Pleasant Elementary School are buzzing today after Jessica Davis, a 5th grader at the school, won the Cabarrus County Schools Annual Spelling Bee.

In addition, the Board of Education recently approved the construction of a new high school in the Hickory Ridge community near Harrisburg, a new middle school, and two new elementary schools. [...]… new schools at all three levels tend to become quickly overcrowded (Robinson High School, built for 1,500 students, opened in the fall of 2005 with nearly 1,800 students enrolled).

CCS STUDENTS AND STAFF NOW HAVE ACCESS TO ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA ONLINE! The Cabarrus County Board of Education officially named the school “Cabarrus County Schools Performance Learning Center” and is now referred to as the “PLC”.

Sources:
[1] Cabarrus County Schools - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] Jay M. Robinson High School - Concord, NC
[3] Cabarrus County Schools on Yahoo! Real Estate
[4] Cabarrus County Schools - District Home Page


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Bolt Gun


The captive bolt gun (sometimes referred to as simply "bolt gun") is a device for efficient, quick and effective slaughter of livestock. It is used in abattoirs to stun livestock such as sheep, cows and pigs before they are put to the knife for processing and packing. The advocates of bolt gun use claim that it works quickly enough that the animal is unable to feel any pain; the brain function is disrupted so quickly and completely that there is no pain from the bolt gun itself or from the slaughter that follows.

There are two general categories of bolt gun: pneumatic and cartridge-based. The former uses compressed air to drive a short metal rod at great speed out the business end; before firing, the device is placed directly against the skull of the animal. The location is important and varies with the species; the goal, in all cases, is to produce the maximum disruption as quickly as possible. The location is chosen for thinness of the skull, proximity to important nerve centers, and access for the slaughterman.


Cartridge-based bolt guns operate on the same principle, but instead of using a charge of compressed air (which requires compressors, hoses, high-pressure holding tanks, and the like) this version uses a blank cartridge to drive the bolt. After each use, the cartridge is ejected just as in a projectile firearm, and the next cartridge automatically loaded. The mechanism is similar to that of a cartridge nail gun.

The bolt gun allows modern industrial slaughterhouses to process upwards of two hundred and fifty cattle per hour per line. Usually, the animal is driven or conveyed down a chute into a narrow pen; the bolt gunner stands to the side, raised above the beast and reaches over to place the bolt gun. The limp corpse is then moved out of the pen and the next animal slotted. Assembly lines (dis-assembly lines?) come to death and groceries.


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Presidential Inauguration Day 2009 Schedule


Presidential Inauguration Day 2009 Schedule of Events - Presidential Inauguration Day 2009 Schedule of Events have been officially announced. It will be great celebration for Barack Hussain Obama. Well he spent 150 million dolar for this celebration isn’t it too much although there are a lot of poor and homeless people around the US? Imagine how many house you could built with 150 million dollars.
Anyway congrats goes to President Obama! Hope he brings peace all over the world . Young and black president as Martin Luther King dreams. Below you can check Presidential Inauguration Day 2009 Schedule of Events!
Presidential Inauguration Day 2009 Schedule of Events

Formal Program begins at 11:30 a.m. EST
Musical Selections
The United States Marine Band
Musical Selections
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
The Honorable John Paul Stevens
Musical Selection, John Williams, composer/arranger
Itzhak Perlman, Violin
Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
Gabriela Montero, Piano
Anthony McGill, Clarinet
Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama
By the Chief Justice of the United States
The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr. | Related: Text of the Oath of Office
Inaugural Address
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama | Related: Barack Obama Speech about Abraham Lincoln |Key Obama Speeches
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander | Related: Elizabeth Alexander Q & A About Poets in the Age of Obama
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters”

Inaugural Luncheon
After the ceremony is completed, President Obama will attend the traditional Inaugural Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol following the departure ceremony for George W. Bush. Neither is open to the public.
Inaugural Parade
After this luncheon, according to tradition, President Obama and Vice President Biden will lead the Inaugural Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The President, Vice President, and their wives and guests review the parade from a special platform.
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
President Obama has initiated this ball as the first-ever during an Inauguration. It will be the “premiere” ball of the Inaugural Day evening events. It will be held at the Washington Convention Center - Hall D. The ball will include webcasting, text messaging and other interactive components. It will be the first ball that Barack and Michelle attend. It will be broadcast on ABC TV. Doors open at 5 p.m. EST and the event begins at 7 p.m. EST. Ticket required.
Commander-in-Chief’s Ball
This ball will be held at the National Building Museum. Invited guests will include enlisted active duty and reserve military. Ticket required.
Youth Inaugural Ball
This ball is for Americans ages 18 to 35. It will be held at the Washington Hilton. Ticket required. Kanye West and Kid Rock headline. It will be broadcast on MTV at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PT.
Obama Home States Inaugural Ball
Invited Illinois and Hawaii friends and invited guests attend this ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall E. Ticket required.
Biden Home States Inaugural Ball
Invited Delaware and Pennsylvania guests attend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom. Ticket required.
Eastern States Inaugural Ball Invited guests from CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, PR, and USVI will celebrate at Union Station. Ticket required.
Midwestern States Ball
Will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall C. Ticket required.
Mid-Atlantic States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from MD, VA, DC, NY, NJ, WV, and Dems Abroad at Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall A. Ticket required.
Southern States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and TX will celebrate at the National Guard Armory. Ticket required.
Western States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, OK, GUAM/AS will celebrate at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall B. Ticket required.

Source : http://www.chismopoly.com

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Obama Inauguration Watch Party


DOORS OPEN AT 9:30AM

Let's put aside all our political bickering and even the fact that, no matter who you are or how you look at it, the inauguration of Barack Obama is a monumental historic milestone for our great Nation.

Rather, let's raise a glass together and give thanks that we weren't hyped as much as Barack Obama, and together we'll nervously shoot back the bitter...

Enjoy this historic event
As a Public Service, all are invited to
President Barack Obama's Inauguration
TV Watch Party
-----Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009 ----
-----11:30 AM to 2:30 PM----
Free Refreshments
2600 Hollywood Blvd
The Old Library, First Floor
RSVP Kathryn 954-987-0356 or
elaineschwartz@gmail.com


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Layfield Energy


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Baywood International, Inc. (OTCBB:BAYW) announced today that, through Layfield Energy, it is launching MamaJuana Energy, a new virility energy drink for men.

Layfield Energy has assembled a talented, experienced sales force of 30 independent sales reps that cover 80% of the country, including 90% of all U.S. golf courses and golf retailers.

The Legend Press Releases About Layfield Energy Buy Mamajuana Now!

Layfield Energy is a targeted nutrition company based in Scottsdale, Ariz. MamaJuana Energy is an energy drink inspired by the legendary Caribbean cocktail. It was created by John Layfield, better known as John “Bradshaw” Layfield or JBL on World Wrestling Entertainment ’s Raw brand.

Energy “for 18″ has an all natural anti inflammatory built in along with cognitive ingredients for focus. Mamajuana Energy is a virility in a bottle 2 oz shot produced by Layfield Energy.

418 Energy is a triple spectrum energy drink with a blend of natural ingredients that act as an energy, anti-inflammatory and cognitive support formula.

The product is effective, uniquely packaged, tastes great and brings a whole new perspective to the energy drink market.

?The product is effective, uniquely packaged, tastes great and brings a whole new perspective to the energy drink market.

Mamajuana Extreme offers revolutionary Web Partner Program!

MamaJuana Energy’s proprietary blend includes Maca, a herb traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and to increase sexual performance in men.

Formula Ingredients Product Fact Sheet Buy Mamajuana Now!

Working with John and the team at Layfield Energy has been just terrific.

John Layfield better known as JBL or John Bradshaw Layfield to WWE fans has released a number of healthy alternative drinks through his company Layfield Energy. Right now the new Layfield Energy product is "Drank" which is actually an anti energy drink that is meant to help people relax. Other products from Layfield Energy include "Energy Plus" and "Mamajuana Extreme". John Layfield credits his recent 100 pound weight loss to his product "Energy Plus"

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Penthouse Pet of the Year


NEW YORK, Dec. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Penthouse magazine’s 2008 Pet of the Year Erica Ellyson is starring in NBC’s primetime hit reality show “Momma’s Boys.” Ellyson is one of 32 women vying for the attention and love of three eligible bachelors whose moms move into the mansion to try to control their son’s choices. Some of the women invited to the mansion are stereotypical “good girls” (nurses, teachers) and others, like Ellyson, have salacious pasts.
“Erica chooses to keep her adult modeling career a secret from the moms in the hopes of having a fair chance with them and the sons,” reveals Executive Producer Andrew Glassman. “The moms will come to know her as the ‘girl next door’ first and foremost, and the question becomes what happens when her past catches up to her, and what will her potential mother-in-law do if and when she finds out.”

Erica Ellyson is the breakout star of the series. She struggles to keep her past a secret and makes a conscious effort to befriend Lorraine, the mother of fireman Michael Sarysz. Erica has fallen for Michael and is conflicted about revealing her Penthouse past. In the last episode, Erica convinced Michael’s mom that she is a catch and Lorraine even singled her out as “wholesome” and has asked her son to give Erica a serious chance.

“This storyline figures prominently into the series,” said Glassman. “There is a very real Joe Millionaire moment when mom learns that her son is falling for the Pet of the Year.”

“Momma’s Boys” is a new dating series that centers on three possessive, yet loving mothers who must help their complacent sons choose the perfect woman — and ultimately poses the question: “Who is really the most important woman in every man’s life?”

Over the course of six weeks, viewers will watch the intense, emotional showdowns and rivalries, as well as the raw, personal moments between mother and son. All of this will unfold as 32 single women — some classy and some brassy — vie for the attention of the three eligible bachelors and their mothers who live with them throughout the series. “Momma’s Boys” will uncover the conflicts between a mother’s wishes and a son’s desires and reveal the truth about who plays a more crucial role in a young man’s life — his mother or his significant other.

“Momma’s Boys” is a production of Ryan Seacrest Productions and Glassman Media. Glassman and Seacrest are the executive producers. Eliot Goldberg and Grant Julian serve as co-executive producers.

Publicity Contact for "Momma's Boys"
Meredith Fitzpatrick
818.777.2879 or Meredith.Fitzpatrick@nbcuni.com

Publicity Contact for Penthouse Magazine
Lainie Speiser
212.702.6151 or lspeiser@ffn.com
Source: Penthouse Magazine


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