Up To The Minute News

Axis Honeydoll: Are Robots The Future Of Sex?

2008-04-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

“'Dream lover' has taken on a whole new meaning. By 2050, you could be falling for a humanoid.

Thanks to computer programming, robots will be almost indistinguishable from humans — they will have the same muscles, emotions, voices and talents.

Forget that you’re not exactly from the same mold. Sexually speaking, these sexbots will have proven themselves superior to us.

'Love and sex with robots on a grand scale is inevitable,' according to David N.L. Levy, author of Sex with Robots: The Evolution of Human-Robot Relations.

In the age of technology, who can deny that people love their gadgets? Is it a huge leap in logic to think that we will lust after sexbots, artificial skin and all?

Can these amour-inducing androids actually turn us into raging sex maniacs?

An expert on artificial intelligence, Levy certainly thinks so.

'Love with robots will be as normal as love with other humans, while the number of sexual acts and lovemaking positions commonly practiced between humans will be extended, as robots teach us more than is in all of the world's published sex manuals combined,' he writes.

Apparently, these inanimate objects of desire will trump the rest of us when it comes to sexual techniques; they will far exceed human companions when it comes to sexual gratification. (Normally, that would be a really hot thought, but right now I can’t shake visions of The Terminator.)

Among the ways sexbots will show us up under the sheets:

— You will have your very own personal sex tutor.

— You can have sex whenever you want.

— Your sex life will be full of variety and adventure, fueling your libido as never before.

— You will be able to fulfill your every sexual fantasy.

— You will never hear the words, 'I have a headache.' In other words, you won’t be rejected.

— You could have better sex than you ever thought possible.

It all sounds crazy — inconceivable — until you consider that the Japanese already have a multibillion-dollar robot industry.

One company, Axis, is already producing life-sized Honeydoll sexbots for men, which cost $7,000.

South Korean and Japanese rent-a-sex-doll services have proven themselves successful so far. In the very least, it’s safe to say that there will be a demand for these virtual beings, at least initially.

Still, I’m just not buying Levy’s suggestions that we’ll actually develop an emotional love relationship with these electronic objects.

While Levy claims that a benefit of android sex is that you can be intimate sans the emotional 'complications' of a human sexual relationship, he still proposes that we run the risk of falling in love.

Just as we love our pets, motorcycles and partners, we will fall head over heels for our sexy humanoids. Perhaps, then, this toy’s warning label should include: 'Caution: Having sex with this product could cause you to fall in love with it.'

Perhaps what is most amusing about Levy’s vision is that he’s way off on how women, in particular, will take these humanoids to heart. His book’s front cover highlights this with its illustration of a bride leaning over to kiss a robot. R2D2 was cute, but come on!

Given Levy’s gender stereotypes around female motivations for sex, love and intimacy, he fantasizes that women will be waiting with their arms wide-open 'to feel the robot’s virtual love for them.'

Levy’s rationale: In recent years, hordes of women have taken to battery-powered sexual enhancement products as never before. So robot-sex is just a natural extension of her titillating toy box. Grateful for the immense physical pleasures attained from their robot-induced orgasms, women will be enthralled with their virtual lover’s love-making skills.

Men, on the other hand, will lust after sexbots for purely physical reasons. They may, however, use the sexbots in exploring their feelings on a deeper level. Thank goodness, because if Levy’s crystal ball comes true, the genders are going to have major problems being intimate with fellow humans on a number of levels.

In going from the interpersonal to the sociological impact sexbots will have on us, Levy further imagines a world free of sexually transmitted diseases and prostitution. Who needs sex workers when you have your very own sex slave for pleasure and satisfaction? Forgetting the sheer joy some Johns get from just paying for sex — the power element involved — Levy sees the android as the ultimate sex worker. After all, a sexbot will do a much better job than a prostitute in pretending to be into you.

Perhaps most striking about Levy’s work is the presumption that the social stigma for buying and using a sexbot will be minimal.

Who of your friends has a blow-up doll that you know of? If you can’t think of any, then I’ve made my point.

In making this assumption, Levy completely discounts the fact that many people will have trouble getting past the idea that they’re having sex with an android and how society will judge.

He thinks sexbots will be like iPods — everyone will have to have one, and all of us will be having sex galore. In all fairness, he may not be too far off, given our love for our 'crackberries.'

While fascinating, I just don’t see Levy’s predictions coming true, at least not on a large scale. Call me old-fashioned, but I can’t imagine anything better than sharing absolutely amazing sex with another human being. Call me a cynic, but I think people will eventually get bored with their sexbots.

From: foxnews.com

Toyota Venza Revealed: Goes On Sale This Fall

2008-04-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Whichever label you want to give it, the new Toyota Venza looks like a winner.
The 2009 Toyota Venza goes on sale this fall, and Toyota calls it a 'crossover sedan.' That means a fusion of characteristics that lean more toward a car than a conventional sport-utility vehicle. Think of the Venza as a station wagon and you’ll probably get the point.

Whichever label you want to give it, the new Toyota Venza looks like a winner.

The 2009 Toyota Venza goes on sale this fall, and Toyota calls it a 'crossover sedan.' That means a fusion of characteristics that lean more toward a car than a conventional sport-utility vehicle. Think of the Venza as a station wagon and you’ll probably get the point.

Of course, it doesn’t look exactly like any station wagon we’ve seen before. Unveiled at Detroit’s North American International Auto show in January, Venza drew lots of attention. Among vehicles currently available, it reminds us most of the Ford Edge crossover.

There’s a lot of the Lexus RX350 in this Toyota, too, though the Venza is pressed down closer to the ground, and sleeker. Its front end is taller, but definitely molded in the theme of Toyota’s current Camry sedan. The Venza’s rear glass has a nice, long rake, and its taillights wrap around the rear fenders onto the hatch. Its standard wheels measure 19 inches in diameter, while 20-inch spoked alloys are optional. In sum, the Venza is one of the more handsome, interesting vehicles Toyota has launched in some time.

A look at its dimensions brings the crossover label into perspective. At 109.3 inches and 189 inches, respectively, the Venza’s wheelbase and overall length match both Toyota’s Camry sedan and Highlander sport-utility within fractions of an inch. In other words, the Venza’s footprint on the pavement matches both Camry and Highlander closely. Yet with an overall height of 63.4 inches, the Venza slots right in the middle of the Camry and Highlander. It’s ride height falls somewhere in the middle, too.

The 2009 Venza seats five, like the Camry, rather than seven like the Highlander. Its rocker height, or the lip around the bottom of its passenger doors, is low, making it easy to lift feet inside, yet the hip point for seated occupants is higher than the typical sedan’s. The combination should deliver a mix many buyers seek: easy ingress and egress, with a higher seating position for a better view around tall vehicles on the road.

Toyota hasn’t published cargo volume for Venza, but by appearances its capacity will fall somewhere between Camry and Highlander. There isn’t as much space behind the Venza’s second seat as there is in the Highlander, which has enough room for an optional third row. Yet the space in back of the Venza compares favorably to the Camry’s trunk, and it increases when the rear seat backs are folded flat. A couple of easy-to-use levers allow Venza’s 60/40 split rear seat to be folded from the back when the rear hatch is opened, without walking around to the side doors first. It’s load floor seems lower than that in the typical SUV.

The Venza’s base engine will be a big, new four-cylinder displacing 2.7 liters. Toyota hasn’t released its horsepower or torque ratings. The upgrade will be the same 3.5-liter V6 offered in several Toyota products, including Camry and Highlander, generating 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. Both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission, and Venza will be offered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. With the V6 and proper equipment, maximum towing capacity will be 3500 pounds.

We’d anticipate that Venza has a fully independent rear suspension, but it’s also possible that it’s equipped with a space-saving solid axle of some sort. Toyota isn’t saying yet and we weren’t able to crawl underneath for a look. A Toyota engineer on hand at the Detroit auto show said Venza is at least partially based on the Camry. The Camry has an independent rear suspension, though that doesn’t necessarily mean the Venza will.

We’re sure it’s fitted with a full complement of front, side and head-protection airbags, with a small knee-protection bag for the driver. It also features Toyota’s new STAR active safety system, which integrates anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control with a rollover mitigation system.

The Venza’s dashboard splits the front portion of the cabin into two figurative halves. A prominent center stack holds most of the buttons and controls, including the dash-mounted gear selector, and drops down into a long, wide console. The largest console compartment looks big enough to hold a laptop, and it’s fitted with an auxiliary audio jack and at least one 12-volt power point. The Venza’s rear seatbacks recline up to 14 degrees for an extra bit of passenger comfort.

Even the least expensive Venza will come well equipped. Standard features include automatic dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, a six-CD changer, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, an electro-chromatic rearview mirror with compass, rear wiper and privacy glass. The Venza will also be offered with at least a couple of new, big-ticket options. Toyota’s first panoramic sunroof has separate glass panels over the front and rear seats, with the one in front literally opening to the top of the windshield. The Automatic High Beam headlight system automatically dips to low beams for oncoming traffic, then returns to high beams when the road ahead is empty.

The 2009 Venza should reach showrooms with the traditional model year changeover in early fall 2008. It will be built at Toyota’s assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky."

From: cityautoworld.com

Child Perfume By Susan Is A Winner

2008-04-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Back in January at the Bendel’s Beauty Breakfast in New York, we met Susan, the creator of Child Perfume.

Before we had a chance to sniff her fragrance, we were mesmerized by the handwritten detail in her logbooks. She had brought the books along to show attendees the personalized care that goes into each vial of Child Perfume—the delicate mix of ingredients, the careful rotation and fermentation (does perfume ferment?!) of each batch. We were awestruck.

The scent itself is a heavy Hawaiian jasmine (Pikake) with a bit of musk. It’s a strong floral that could be too much for some noses, but, like many celebrities and beauty editors alike, we’re in love. The scent is uncomplicated in that it doesn’t change much after the dry down—and it stays on forever.

From: makeupbag.net

"Child Perfume" has been described as very floral, with a bit of sweetness. It also is compared to the Estee Lauder fragrance, "Pleasures."

Cookie Diet Caused Madonna's Husband To Stop Having Sex With Her

2008-04-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

"Madonna's husband Guy Ritchie went on the Cookie Diet ... and stopped wanting to have sex with her as a result, she told a Phoenix radio show recently.

'My husband went on that Cookie Diet, and it was such a turn-off because he didn't want to have sex,' she told 'The Johnjay and Rich Show.'

The 800-calorie-a-day diet — reportedly tried by Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson — did help Richie drop the pounds.

'He did lose weight, but he didn't really need to lose that much weight. I think he did it because all his friends were doing it and he wanted to see if he could do it.'

Sanford Siegal, the doctor who created the Cookie Diet way back in 1975, responded Monday to Madonna's comments, saying that he has 'treated more than 500,000 patients' and he 'can't recall any of them reporting a similar effect on their sexual appetite.'

He added, 'In the case of my cookies, they taste good enough but I can't imagine anyone preferring them to sex.'

Madonna's new album 'Hard Candy' debuts April 29.

From: foxnews.com

Studies Find The DASH Diet Improves Heart Health

2008-04-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

"Diet is a four letter word. The DASH Diet is an eating plan for life.

That's why the National Institutes of Health originally promoted the plan to lower blood pressure without medication. Hypertension affects one in four Americans over the age of 60.

Now researchers say the DASH diet also lessens your risk for coronary heart disease and stroke.

In this study, 89,000 women, part of the Nurses’ Health study, were followed over a period of 24 years. They were grouped by scores based on their dietary habits.

The high DASH score eater consumed lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and low-fat or no-fat dairy, more closely resembling a vegetarian diet with no junk food.

The low DASH scorers ate red meat, processed foods, sodium and sodas, in other words, the typical American fare.

During the 24-years, 2,317 of the nurses had strokes and 2,129 suffered non-fatal heart attacks. 976 had fatal coronary heart disease.

Those with the highest scores were 24 percent less likely to experience coronary heart disease and 18 percent less likely to have a stroke than those grouped in the bottom one-fifth.

None of the nurses had diabetes or heart disease at the beginning of the study.

While only women were included in the Nurses study, the results are thought to also apply to men.

To access their diet, the nurses reported their typical diet seven times of the 24-year study. The results are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, April 14, 2008.

'Our study provides, to our knowledge, the strongest evidence to date on the long-term benefits of the DASH diet in the primary prevention of CVD among healthy subjects,' writes Teresa T. Fung, ScD. Of Simmons College, Boston, the study’s lead author.

Blood samples showed that the higher DASH group had the lowest measures of compounds (interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP)) that are associated with inflammation and heart disease.

The typical U.S. diet is too high in salt and denatured or 'white' carbohydrates that rapidly convert to sugar and throw the body into an unbalanced state.

DASH which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension was developed as a dietary guideline for Americans to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity, all without medication. It was based on observations that the vegetarian diet, promoted by Dr. Dean Ornish, had less hypertention among followers.

Rich in fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy, whole grains, lean meats and fish nuts and beams. Most people find they also lose weight.

DASH supplies key nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium which are associated with lower blood pressure.

The CDC recommends 5 to 10 servings of fruits or vegetables a day, something few Americans achieve. 2-3 servings are more typical.

Researchers first published results from a DASH study in 1997. It found that Americans with high blood pressure were even less likely to follow a DASH diet several years later, with only 19 percent of Americans on the DASH diet.

Poverty, younger age, African American race and a body mass index of 30 or more predicted a lower DASH score."

From: injuryboard.com

15-Year-Old Refutes Global Warming In "Ponder The Maunder"

2008-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from Ponder the Maunder:

"Introduction

Global warming is an issue of great importance. Let there be no doubt, the evidence is overwhelming: Earth is warming.

The questions that remain are;
What is the cause of the global warming? Is it man made atmospheric carbon dioxide? Or is the cause of global warming natural variability?

How will politicians spend money while waiting for the answer to question #1?

I will demonstrate that the Earth’s warming climate is a result of natural variance and that man made changes in the warming climate in the last 40 years are negligible at best. I will insert pieces of the puzzle from new scientific studies that were not available or were ignored in previous global warming studies.

I add a possible piece of the puzzle, nuclear weapons testing in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, that may have made a small contribution to cooling at that time.

After reviewing numerous scientific studies and observing data, it is clear that the theory that 'man made increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide are causing global warming' is not likely.

I will demonstrate that a negative trend in the El Nino Southern Oscillation (more and stronger La Ninas) from 1945 to 1975 and a positive trend in the ENSO from 1975 to present (more and stronger El Ninos) correlates better with global temperature changes than greenhouse theory. Thus, ENSO is probably the largest contributor to global warming in the past 30 years.

The economic and political climate surrounding this issue has made it nearly impossible for scientists and researchers to objectively view the mountain of recent data.

While I will use much of the available and updated scientific data, I will also interject common sense, something that is seriously lacking in the debate on this issue. For instance, you might notice my use of the one ten-thousandth figure. Were you aware that the total man made CO2 increase in the atmosphere over the last 150 years is just that, one ten-thousandth of total atmosphere?"

From: globalwarminghoax.com

Snap On Smile Is The Key To An Instant Makeover On Your Teeth

2008-04-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

"In this 'Age of Botox,' there are many things women (and men) can do for an 'instant makeover,' but Dr. Marc Liechtung has discovered that 'upgrading your smile' can do more to transform the quality of a person's life than most people would ever imagine. It's all about self-esteem, and Dr. Liechtung made this discovery through a remarkable invention called the 'SnapOn Smile.' This invention is a quick, modestly priced dental appliance that helps not only those who wish their teeth were a few shades whiter, but is a great solution for those with crooked teeth, missing teeth, and countless other dental problems. This approach has become so popular that more than 6,000 dentists throughout the U.S. now offer their patients 'SnapOn Smile.'

(PRWEB) March 27, 2008 -- If 'the eyes are the windows to the soul,' then certainly a bright and cheerful smile is a reflection of joy and happiness - and a comfortable smile makes all the difference in the world when it comes to that elusive quality we call 'beauty.' (In fact, when someone gives us an open and heartfelt smile, they immediately become 'more beautiful' to us, regardless of whether they'd ever 'make it' on a fashion runway!)

Nevertheless, millions of men and women - of all ages and backgrounds - are self-conscious about their smile, and have grown accustomed to delivering only a 'partial smile' or even masking their mouth with their hand when they might otherwise smile 'for all the world to see.'

Over the past few years, New York City dentist Marc Liechtung, D.M.D. has heard countless stories from people who have cut back on socializing with friends and family, withdrawn inside their homes for months at a time, and even gained excessive weight - all because of embarrassment about their teeth and the quality of their smile. Even a large number of very wealthy men and women - who can easily afford the $20,000 to $50,000 cost of extensive implants and veneers - avoid the process of "improving their smile" because of their fear of visiting the dentist.

Two years ago, Dr. Liechtung introduced a solution that has now literally transformed the quality of life for thousands of men and women of all ages and all backgrounds - thanks to what he calls the 'Snap-On Smile.' It's a thin, flexible, resin shell of perfect teeth that fits over a patient's actual teeth much like a retainer. The entire process requires no adhesive or drilling, and a patient's Snap-On Smile is ready mere days after fitting.

Dr. Liechtung's patients who have been fitted with the 'Snap-On Smile' range from a young lady who is a top model for the Ford modeling agency, to a rugged fellow who works as a professional stunt man, and countless others who share one thing in common - an embarrassment about the quality of their smile. Dozens of these patients have written Dr. Liechtung extremely moving letters describing how their lives have been transformed once they felt free to smile once again. (Many of these individuals would be happy to share their stories on the air, because they have a great desire to help others who may be in a similar situation. We also have photos of these patients, to help illustrate the 'before' and 'after' transformation.)

Prior to having this option available to them, those who sought to improve the appearance of their smile through cosmetic dentistry had no choice but to resort to expensive (and sometimes uncomfortable) drilling and capping - a process involving anesthesia and drilling.

The cost is much less than alternative approaches - approximately $1,000 to $3,000 - a fraction of the cost of reconstructive surgery. Patients can choose from a range of 18 shapes and 17 colors - all the way to 'Extreme White Buyer Beware!' For some people with discolored teeth, Snap-On Smile is a perfect solution and a major transformation. It's no wonder they have reason to smile!

While many patients simply want a Snap-On Smile modeled on their own natural teeth, some patients bring Dr. Liechtung a photo of their favorite celebrity. Dr. Liechtung does say, however, 'I did not come up with the Snap-On Smile so people could mimic celebrities.' His goal was an affordable, minimally invasive dental tool. Thanks to licensing arrangements with Dr. Liechtung, nearly 6,000 dentists currently offer Snap-On Smile to their patients.

For more information, visit www.snaponsmile.com

Also, 'before & after' photos of a wide range of patients is available, and also emotional stories of the amazing results achieved by those benefitting from Snap-On Smile."

From: emediawire.com

Lyric Hearing Aid Is A Breakthrough For The Hearing Impaired

2008-04-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

"Few products are hated as much as hearing aids.

The devices can squeal with feedback and overamplify background noises like the click of a turn signal or whir of a ceiling fan. They must be removed for showering or sleeping, and their batteries die frequently. Many users, out of exasperation, decide they’d rather live with hearing loss.

But now scientists have come up with a different kind of hearing aid. While the device, called the Lyric, is being used in only 500 patients, it appears to have overcome many of the problems associated with traditional hearing aids — without the expense and uncertainty of surgery and anesthesia.

The Lyric, made by InSound Medical of Newark, Calif., is hidden deep inside the ear canal, just four millimeters (about one-sixth of an inch) from the ear drum. While doctors for years have been implanting hearing devices in the middle ear, the Lyric is not an implant: it can be removed with a small magnet. It is worn 24 hours a day, and its batteries last one to four months.

Typically, anything that clogs the ear canal would trap moisture and pose an infection risk, but the Lyric is surrounded by a spongy material that allows moisture to escape. Because it sits so close to the ear drum, doctors say that it works more efficiently and that sounds are more natural because they don’t have to be amplified as much.

When the Lyric’s battery dies, the entire device is replaced. Patients do not pay for a new device every time; instead, they pay an annual subscription fee of $2,900 to $3,600 for both ears (less if the hearing loss is in only one ear). Insurance plans typically do not cover the cost of the Lyric, or any other hearing device.

A magnet is used to control the volume, turn it on and off and remove it when the battery runs out. It takes only a few minutes for a doctor to insert a replacement device.

The Lyric does not work for everyone. In particular, some ear canals are too narrow to accommodate it, and the company estimates that it is not suitable for up to half of potential patients. A planned newer version should work for about 85 percent of patients, it says.

Still, it is already getting an enthusiastic reception from patients and from hearing specialists not connected with the company. 'There are a certain number of patients who just can’t get over having something in their ear, just as there are a certain number of patients who can’t wear contact lenses,' said Dr. Chester F. Griffiths, chairman of the department of surgery at the Santa Monica U.C.L.A. Medical Center. 'But that’s the minority. The patients that have them love them.'

Dr. Griffiths says he has no financial ties to the Lyric, nor does he receive a commission for referring patients.

One patient who swears by the device is Mike Waufle, the 53-year-old defensive line coach for the New York Giants. After a stint in the Marines and regular exposure to the sounds of gunfire, Mr. Waufle suffered hearing loss that grew worse and worse as he aged.

On the football field, he just turned up the volume on his headset. But the locker room was a different story. Some voices were impossible to hear (including that of his last boss, Jon Gruden, the former Oakland Raiders head coach). Players learned they needed to face him when they spoke to him. Using a traditional hearing aid, he found it difficult to control his own voice.

'I teach a lot in a classroom as a coach, but when I would wear a hearing aid my voice pattern wasn’t very good,' he said. 'It was all over the place. I just took it out most of the time. I missed an awful lot.'

As it happened, a team doctor was one of a handful of physicians test-marketing the Lyric, which has been available for about 16 months. Mr. Waufle tried it, and he says it has changed his life.

'My voice pattern is so natural, and I hear so much better,' he said. 'Obviously, it’s easier to carry on normal conversations without having to always say, ‘Huh? What did you say?’ And it helps just enjoying life over all and being able to hear the simple things like birds and other sounds you take for granted.'

Mr. Waufle says he has no financial ties to the company and receives no benefit for talking about his experience with the device. (The company says none of the people featured in testimonials on its Web site, www.lyrichearing.com, receive any form of compensation for their endorsements.)

Right now, the Lyric is offered only through a dozen clinics in California, Florida and New Jersey, but it should be available at about 100 sites by the end of the year. Some patients who don’t live near a clinic simply fly or drive to a site four or five times a year. InSound is a privately held firm, although the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is a major investor.

Dr. Robert A. Schindler, a co-founder of InSound and chairman emeritus of the department of otolaryngology at the University of California, San Francisco, says he has had hearing loss most of his life and has worn a Lyric since 2005. He says he remembers listening to an orchestra and hearing the light ping of the triangle.

'I realized I hadn’t heard it before,” he said. “That was a very exciting moment for me.'"

From: nytimes.com

How The Northwest-Delta Merge Will Affect WorldPerks Members

2008-04-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

From A Private Email To A Northwest WorldPerks Member:

"As a valued Northwest Airlines customer and WorldPerks® member, I wanted you to be among the first to hear that we have announced a merger with Delta Air Lines. Subject to regulatory review, our two airlines are joining forces to create America’s premier global airline which, upon closing of the merger, will be called Delta Air Lines.

By combining Northwest and Delta, we are building a stronger, more resilient airline that will be a leader in providing customer service and value. Our combined airline will offer unprecedented access to the world, enabling you to fly to more destinations, have more flight choices and more ways than ever to earn and redeem your WorldPerks miles.

You can be assured that your WorldPerks miles and Elite program status will be unaffected by this merger. In addition, you can continue to earn miles through use of partners like WorldPerks Visa®. And once the new Delta Air Lines emerges you can look forward to being a part of the world’s largest frequent flyer program with expanded benefits.

The combined Delta Air Lines will serve more U.S. communities and connect to more worldwide destinations than any global airline. Our hubs – both Delta’s and Northwest’s – will be retained and enhanced. We will be the only U.S. airline to offer direct service from the United States to all of the world’s major business centers in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa and around North America.

Both airlines bring tremendous strengths to this new partnership. Our complementary service networks form an end-to-end system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. This is a merger by addition, not subtraction, which means all of our hubs – both Northwest’s and Delta’s – will be retained. In addition, building on both airlines’ proud, decades-long history of serving small communities, we plan to enhance global connections to small towns and cities across the U.S.

All of these positive benefits of our combination mean that we can:

-Offer a true global network where our customers will be able to fly to more destinations, have more schedule options and more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles in what will become the world’s best and most comprehensive frequent flyer program.

-Continue to serve our current roster of destinations and to maintain our hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

-Improve our customers’ travel experience, through new products and services including enhanced self-service tools, better bag-tracking technology, more onboard services, including more meal options, new seats and refurbished cabins.

While we work to secure approval of our merger, which may take up to 6 to 8 months, it will be business-as-usual at both airlines. We will continue to operate as independent airlines and the people of Northwest will remain focused on providing you with the very best in safe, reliable and convenient air travel. At the same time, both airlines will be planning for a seamless integration of our two airlines, one that delivers to you the enhanced benefits that will earn – and retain – your preference.

As we work through this process, we will keep you informed at every step along the way. Thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you on your next Northwest flight.

Sincerely,

Bob Soukup
Managing Director, WorldPerks"

The HP LT3200 (or the HP LT3700) Makes A Great Gift - To Yourself!

2008-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Have you decided what to do with that tax refund yet? How a brand new widescreen, high definition TV?

The HP LT3200 is a 32-inch Widescreen LCD TV, in 720p. It features Advanced on-screen RS-232 controls and user programmable picture and audio settings, as well as an integrated NTSC/ATSC/clear QAM tuner.

At only $826.13, this is probably the lowest price you'll find on the web. And from a trusted online retailer like Amazon, you can't go wrong.

Click here to order your HP LT3200 now.

And if the 32-inch screen just isn't large enough for you, you can really splurge on the HP LT3700, which has a full 37 inches.

At $1021.03, it has a heftier price tage than the 3200, but Amazon will save you $678.96 off the retail price, a full 40%.

The 3700 has basically the same features as the smaller 3200, so you can choose which one will suit you best. This great piece of equipment has been available for a few months now, but is still one of the best high-definition televisions you can get for the money.

Here's what CNET has to say about the HP LT3700:

"Description: The HP LT3700 is a 37-inch, liquid crystal display television.Compared to other liquid crystal display TVs on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,025.This flat-TV is an LCD display, which is generally the best kind of flat-panel screen for viewing in brightly-lit rooms.

Pros: With built-in HDTV compatibility, this TV set can display images that are significantly sharper and more realistic than regular television, as long as the source is high definition.(It can easily render standard-resolution digital TV broadcasts and also depict the full resolution of widescreen DVD video.)The 3:2 pulldown feature of this set reduces artifacts that can occur when motion pictures are transferred to a digital format such as DVD.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Built for those who want to enjoy an ultra-sharp picture from an ultra-thin TV.In general, a wide aspect display such as this one is ideal for DVD movies recorded in the popular 16:9 format, as well as high definition programming.

Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this TV has good features for the money."

To order your huge 37" widescreen TV, click here.

Compassion Forum: Hillary and Barack Reveal Their Beliefs

2008-04-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

"The questions asked of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama at the Compassion Forum on Sunday night, from journalists and religious leaders, touched on personal matters of faith.

Clinton was asked for a favorite Bible passage. She cited Esther, the Jewish wife of the king of Persia who saves her people from annihilation:

'For me, the recent Purim holiday for Jews raised the question of Esther. And I have been—ever since I was a little girl—a great admirer of Esther.'

Obama was asked what he would tell his daughters if they asked him about the Book of Genesis account that God created the world in six days. He answered:

'What I've said to them is that I believe that God created the universe and that the six days in the Bible may not be six days as we understand it. It may not be 24-hour days.'"

From: chicagotribune.com

Rock Of Love 2 Winner Is Chosen

2008-04-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

"Rock of Love 2 Winner! Amber or Daisy? Everyone is clamoring to know who the winner of Rock of Love 2 was. Well, you’ve waited long enough. You’ve seen the catfights and the all out drunken brawls–how about Daisy! Yep, she won in my world. Actually the more well adjusted Amber won for real. You knew she would. They had chemistry. They deserve each other. All the women who do these kinds of shows swapping spit with a man who didn’t even get to swallow good before he slobbed the next one deserve each other. We’ll see if their chemistry is stronger than a check to do Rock of Love 3 though. You know it’s coming. Surely you couldn’t think that television would create a wedded bliss scenario. C’mon now."

From: princessdominique.com

Has John Kanzius Found The Cure For Cancer?

2008-04-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

"What if we told you that a guy with no background in science or medicine-not even a college degree-has come up with what may be one of the most promising breakthroughs in cancer research in years?

Well it's true, and if you think it sounds improbable, consider this: he did it with his wife's pie pans and hot dogs.

His name is John Kanzius, and he's a former businessman and radio technician who built a radio wave machine that has cancer researchers so enthusiastic about its potential they're pouring money and effort into testing it out.

Here's the important part: if clinical trials pan out-and there's still a long way to go-the Kanzius machine will zap cancer cells all through your body without the need for drugs or surgery and without side effects. None at all. At least that's the idea.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The last thing John Kanzius thought he'd ever do was try to cure cancer. A former radio and television executive from Pennsylvania, he came to Florida to enjoy his retirement.

'I have no business being in the cancer business. It’s not something that a layman like me should be in, it should be left to doctors and research people,' he told correspondent Lesley Stahl.

'But sometimes it takes an outsider,' Stahl remarked.

'Sometimes it just - maybe you get lucky,' Kanzius replied.

It was the worst kind of luck that gave Kanzius the idea to use radio waves to kill cancer cells: six years ago, he was diagnosed with terminal leukemia and since then has undergone 36 rounds of toxic chemotherapy. But it wasn't his own condition that motivated him, it was looking into the hollow eyes of sick children on the cancer ward at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

'I saw the smiles of youth and saw their spirits were broken. And you could see that they were sort of asking, Why can't they do something for me?' Kanzius told Stahl.

'So they started to haunt you. The children,' Stahl asked.
'Their faces. I still remember them holding on their Teddy bears and so forth,' he replied. 'And shortly after that I started my own chemotherapy, my third round of chemotherapy.'

Kanzius told Stahl the chemotherapy made him very sick and that he couldn't sleep at night. 'And I said, There’s gotta be a better way to treat cancer.'

It was during one of those sleepless nights that the light bulb went off. When he was young, Kanzius was one of those kids who built radios from scratch, so he knew the hidden power of radio waves. Sick from chemo, he got out of bed, went to the kitchen, and started to build a radio wave machine.

'Started looking in the cupboard and I saw pie pans and I said, These are perfect. I can modify these,' he recalled.

His wife Marianne woke up that night to a lot of banging and clamoring. 'I was concerned truthfully that he had lost it,' she told Stahl.

'She felt sorry for me,' Kanzius added.

'I did,' Marianne Kanzius acknowledged. 'And I had mentioned to him, Honey, the doctors can't-you know, find an answer to cancer. How can you think that you can?'

That's what 60 Minutes wanted to know, so Stahl went to his garage laboratory to find out.

Here's how it works: one box sends radio waves over to the other, creating enough energy to activate gas in a fluorescent light. Kanzius put his hand in the field to demonstrate that radio waves are harmless to humans.

'So right from the beginning you're trying to show that radio waves could activate gas and not harm the human-anything else,' Stahl remarked. 'Cause you're looking for some kind of a treatment with no side effects, that's what's in your head.'

'No side effects,' Kanzius replied.

From: cbsnews.com

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword Review

2008-04-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

"It’s a safe bet that none of us will ever throw shuriken, swing blades or disappear with the aid of a smoke bomb as did ninja, black-clad stealth assassins from Japan. We can, however, experience this fantasy with Tecmo’s Ninja Gaiden franchise — first on the Nintendo Entertainment system, with protagonist Ryu Hayabusa’s wall-scaling abilities, then on the Xbox and PlayStation 3 where quick, brutal and precise sword combat took center stage.

In bringing Ryu’s adventures to the Nintendo DS, developer Team Ninja takes the series a small step towards grace and fluidity – specifically with regards to how you physically interact with the game — with Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. Perhaps more importantly, Team Ninja has also proved that the action for which Ninja Gaiden is known can be translated successfully to the DS touch screen.

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword tells of the events that transpire between the Ninja Gaiden re-incarnations on the Xbox and PlayStation 3, and its upcoming sequel. The Fiends from the Vigoor saga and the Black Spider clan, rivals to the Hayabusa clan, are seemingly in cahoots. In order to quell a potential fiend uprising, Ryu sets about collecting the Dark Dragonstones scattered about the land. In what is one of the game’s disappointments, minor though it may be, many of the locales you’ll visit are simply retreads of those found in Ninja Gaiden: To complete the quest, you will have to guide Ryu through such familiar areas as Hayabusa Village, The Monastery and its underground passage.

Despite the familiar environments, this adventure in fact manages to feel quite fresh, something easily attributable to the smooth control mechanics. With the exception of blocking and accessing the inventory screen, not a single button is used. Running to a location is a simple matter of pointing at it with the stylus and holding that position. Jumping requires an upwards swipe, and attacking the myriad creatures you’ll encounter needs only a simple swipe — or tap, if you prefer to use a shuriken or arrow — on the enemy itself. These are quick, short and relaxed strokes we’re talking about here — wild scribbling will likely get you killed.

Those worried about the lack of direct control over Ryu’s movements in the midst of combat need fear not. Swiping on an enemy to attack sends Ryu dashing and swinging in the appropriate direction, and you can’t fall off of a platform unless you specifically jump off of it, making the quibbles of indirect control a near non-issue.

The focus on stylus controls also means that Ryu’s arsenal of techniques — all of them two-button combinations performed in a manner similar to fighting games like Virtua Fighter — are mapped to vertical and horizontal swipes. It’s regrettable in the respect that you’re not afforded the same grocery list of combos, but you’re still able to do many of the powerful attacks from the console versions. Swiping horizontally in the air has Ryu flying across the screen in his Swallow Swipe, blades extended; swiping up twice — one to lift an enemy in the air and another to follow it — executes the powerful Izuna Drop, a ninja’s version of the Spinning Pile Driver.

Even without the set list of combo moves, or perhaps because of it, chaining together attacks with a variety of horizontal and downwards swipes feels organic. Your thumbs are no longer performing tap-dancing numbers on face buttons; rather, you’re a conductor orchestrating death and destruction with your stylus. There are other DS-exclusive tricks, such as blowing into the mic to put out flames or make fans spin. Ultimately, though, it’s the elegant combat that makes Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword a tactile experience that’s simply impossible to replicate on any other console with the same effectiveness — the Wii included.

Team Ninja has also managed to create an aesthetic experience that is faithful to Ninja Gaiden’s console offerings. The DS can’t be expected to handle the high-resolution polygonal worlds that are offered on the Xbox or PS3, so only characters are rendered in three dimensions — the backgrounds are completely pre-rendered, save for boss battles where everything is polygonal (at an unwavering 60 frames per second). It looks excellent for the most part, though a little grainy dithering and pixelation in some places might pull you out of the experience a bit. Whatever little slack this represents, though, is picked up by the excellent audio work. The music follows the Eastern- and Industrial-inspired work that you might be familiar with in the console games, and Ryu’s battle cries sound as frenzied and intimidating as ever.

If only the game offered the option to start off with the same brutal challenge that Ninja Gaiden is known for, it would truly have something for everyone. As it stands, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword’s default difficulty level goes easy on the challenge and the harder difficulty isn’t available until you finish the game once. While it still takes technique, timing and evasion to complete the game, the seven hours it takes will still go by rather quickly. It’s not that the game is too short — in fact, it’s a perfectly digestible chunk for a portable game. Rather, especially with the boss battles being a dodge-dodge-swipe affair, there won’t be as much of a sense of accomplishment as you’d like if you’re in it for a gritty challenge. To be fair, the difficulty is perfect for the majority of the DS audience, and unlocking Head Ninja mode will give you a worthy challenge. It’s just a shame that it wasn’t available at the outset.

Nevertheless, with the potential issue of challenge being Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword’s most noticeable shortcoming, the game couldn’t be easier to recommend for those looking for some brutal hack-and-slash action. It takes the example of execution set by The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass and adds a healthy injection of speed and viciousness, confirming that the Nintendo DS is indeed a viable platform for intense action titles."

From: anothercastle.com

Rossano Rubicondi and Ivana Trump In Spectacular Wedding

2008-04-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

"With 50 attendants and a $1 million diamond ring, Ivana Maria Trump married Rossano Rubicondi Saturday before 500 friends and family members at Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach estate of her ex, Donald Trump.

'I am so happy my friends from around the world came to be with me on my wedding day,' Ivana Trump told PEOPLE before the ceremony.

Under a 15-ft. arch covered in orchids and roses, Trump, 59, and Rubicondi, 35, an Italian model-actor she has dated for six years, shared short kisses after exchanging vows. The ceremony was conducted by Judge Maryanne Trump Barry, The Donald's sister, and was attended by the man himself.

Their sons, Donald Jr., 30, and Eric, 24, gave the bride away, while daughter Ivanka, 26, served as mom's maid of honor.

Taking inspiration from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Trump was prepared for a colorful night with three pink dresses: a silk Zuhair Murad wedding gown, a cocktail dress and a dinner dress.

Guests, including actor George Hamilton and Kathy and Rick Hilton, will dine in the gold and white Grand Ballroom amid thousands of flowers, the same room where Donald and Melania Trump hosted their wedding dinner three years ago. A 12-ft.-high chocolate wedding cake was flown in from Germany.

Also imported: the 24-piece orchestra, which flew in from Paris. Says wedding planner Cheryl Clisby: 'It proves that no matter what the age of the bride, she gets whatever she wants on her wedding day.'

As for how the bride – who was wed to Donald Trump for more than 13 years – is approaching her new marriage, she told PEOPLE last fall at her engagement party: 'It just feels right. I have no fears.' She called her fiancé 'a great guy with a lot of talent' who 'always has a smile on his face.'

For Rubicondi, he's in as much awe. 'She's an amazing woman. Beautiful, smart, sexy, powerful, successful, young in spirit,' he told PEOPLE. 'We have fun together – otherwise I wouldn't be getting married!'"

From: people.com

Lose Weight 100% Fad Free

2008-04-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

"From low-carb to faith-based, there are a number of weight-loss options available for consumers, but which diet, if any, is the best for you? Finding the best choice involves looking beyond the bookshelf and developing a plan that’s tailored to fit a person’s specific health background and nutrition needs, that means working with an expert—a registered dietitian.

'Registered dietitians know the science of nutrition. Our required degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or related fields such as biochemistry, medicine or a nutrition specialty in family and consumer sciences come from well-respected, accredited colleges and universities,' says registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Milton Stokes.

During National Nutrition Month® and beyond, ADA encourages consumers to go 100% Fad Free and achieve lifelong success through proven, science-based approaches to healthy eating.

RDs have the skills and knowledge to translate nutrition science into practical meal planning. A registered dietitian can assist with eating disorders; work with your health-care team by helping you change your eating plan pre- or post-surgery; and help you set goals for athletic performance – whether you're running a marathon or jogging with your dog.

'By looking at a person’s specific health issues, we’re able to craft a nutrition plan that works specifically for them,' Stokes says. 'While most fad diets might give short-term success, most people aren’t able to maintain the plan over a long period of time. An RD can provide a weight-loss plan that will easily fit into a person’s tastes and lifestyle.'

Many RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education. Approximately half of all registered dietitians hold master’s degrees or beyond.
National Nutrition Month® reminds consumers that registered dietitians are their most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information.

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org."

From: eatright.org

Gayego Wins Arkansas Derby

2008-04-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

"HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Gayego held off hard-charging Z Fortune down the stretch to win the $1 million Arkansas Derby in a race that should bolster both colts' Kentucky Derby prospects.

Gayego, the morning-line favorite, went to the lead along the backstretch but had to hold off Z Fortune. He won by about a half-length, covering the 1 1-8 miles in 1 minute, 49.63 seconds — slightly faster than 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin ran the race last year.

In years past, the Arkansas Derby has been a proving ground for some of the world's finest 3-year-olds. Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Lawyer Ron and Curlin all won it, cementing the race's status as one of the top Kentucky Derby preps."

From: ap.google.com

Brandt Snedeker Takes Masters?

2008-04-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

"Brandt who?

That question will be heard in living rooms across the country today as viewers check the Masters leaderboard to see Brandt Snedeker (7-under par) one off the lead and in the final paring with Trevor Immelman (8-under).

For the record, Snedeker, 27, is the 2007 PGA Rookie of the Year who's best known for his opening-round 61 at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in 2007. He also has unkempt blond hair (think early-'80s Larry Bird) and an easy manner that plays well to the galleries. But his coach Todd Anderson says the one thing fans need to know about Snedeker is that he's as competitive as anyone on the course, including Tiger Woods.

'He's a scrapper,' Anderson said. 'If he's struggling with something, he'll make an adjustment and find a way to get in the hole. He doesn't get discouraged, and the bigger the stage, the better he'll play.'

The other thing to watch for is Snedeker's imagination. Anderson said that his charge plays shots that wouldn't even occur to other players, like the one he hit on the par-3 6th on Friday. Snedeker put his tee shot on the back-right of the green, with the pin positioned back-left. No sweat: He lobbed a wedge off the green to carry a slope and sank the shot for birdie — without taking a divot.

'I was more nervous over that shot than I was all day because I knew if I messed it up people were going to have a field day with me,' Snedeker said. 'I knew there were a couple members worried when I took out the lob wedge, but I figured it would be OK if I didn't take a divot, and I didn't, so the green is no worse for wear.'

Snedeker said he developed his shot-making creativity playing municipal courses around his hometown of Nashville, Tenn., a talent that's serving him well at Augusta National.

'You don't really have a choice here — if you're not imaginative you're not going to be able to [get] a lot of shots up-and-down,' Snedeker said. 'I've played here enough to realize that you can use a lot of these slopes [on the green] to your advantage, and that's what I tried to do here.'

He showed his sense of humor when asked if his on-course creativity extended to other areas of his life. The answer: No.

'I don't sing, I don't do anything like that,' Snedeker said with a laugh. 'I don't know why, on the golf course, I somehow have some imagination and find shots. I am pretty much as 'plain Jane' as you can get off the course.'

Snedeker has only teed it up in the Masters once — as an amateur in 2004 — but he's played the course about 50 times as a guest. Anderson says that Augusta National is a perfect course for Snedeker to take advantage of his strengths, and he's not at all surprised to see his star pupil enter the weekend just one shot off the lead.

'Brandt's a feel kind of player and he's very good around the greens,' Anderson said. 'Driver is probably his weakest club, but when he's driving well, he's going to be up there [on the leaderboard].' "

From: golf.com

The Latest Hot Meucci Shoe

2008-04-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Sesto Meucci has come out with a gorgeous new ballet shoe. Here is the description from James Inglis.

"The latest twist on the Ballet Pump, a peep-toe, here complimented by a moccasin vamp and decorative buckle, Fabulous styling from Sesto Meucci with all leather upper, lining and insole on a manmade sole unit. This is the very latest in Italian design on the Ballet Pump theme. Heel: 3/4"."

From: jamesinglis.com

TreadStone Unveils New Technology in Fuel Cells

2008-04-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

"The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) has called for lightweight, high-performance fuel cell stacks to be an integral part in the upcoming hydrogen transportation system. TreadStone’s LiteCell technology is answering this call.

The LiteCell corrosion resistant metal plate technology allows fuel cell manufacturers to design and produce PEMFC stacks that are 40 to 50-percent lighter than other stacks currently on the market. According to TreadStone, the new technology will be useful in “…substantially lowering manufacturing cost of the stack, increasing durability and energy density.”

The TreadStone LiteCell technology offers an alternative to other heavy graphite fuel cells currently available that also have issues of poor thermal management. LiteCell allows inexpensive, lighter metals to be used that are corrosion resistant, durable and exceed DOE standards.

The switch from graphite to metal bipolar plates is the key to size and weight reduction in the fuel cells. The LiteCell technology protects these less costly metal bipolar plates from degradation. In one of the company’s feasibility studies, over 5,000 hours of corrosion protection was achieved where no degradation of the metal was detected."

From: hydrogencarsnow.com

"Chicken On A Chain" Will Compete At PBR Event

2008-04-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

"Chicken on a Chain, owned in part by comedian Larry the Cable Guy and weighing close to 1,900 pounds, was the 2007 World Champion bull. Since emerging on the Built Ford Tough Series in 2005, Chicken on a Chain has been ridden only four times.

Chicken on a Chain's owners hope he will become the first bovine to be named the PBR World Champion Bull in consecutive years since Little Yellow Jacket earned the title three years running, from 2002 to 2004.

He will be competing in this week's PBR event, which is nicknamed the 'toughest sport on dirt.' According to PBR, 'The rules are simple. Place a wiry 150-pound cowboy on the back of a hulking, snorting, temperamental 2,000 pound bull and see if he can ride the beast for an eternal eight seconds -- with one hand strapped to the bull's massive backside.'"

From: blog.al.com