http://uebbb.spoonylife.com SpoonyLife fr-FR http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/islam-in-america-s-public-schools-education-or-indoctrination-12257.html tent materialsWith fatal terrorist attacks on the decline worldwide and al Qaeda apparently in disarray , it would seem a time for optimism in the global war on terrorism.But the war has simply shifted to a different arena. Islamists , or those who believe that Islam is a political and religioussystem that must dominate all others, are focusing less on themilitary and more on the ideological. It turns out that Westernliberal democracies can be subverted without firing a shot. Nowhere is this more evident than in the educational realm.Islamists have taken what's come to be known as the "soft jihad"into America's classrooms and children in K-12 are the firstcasualties. Whether it is textbooks, curriculum, classroomexercises, film screenings, speakers or teacher training, publiceducation in America is under assault. Capitalizing on the post-9/11 demand for Arabic instruction, somepublic, charter and voucher-funded private schools areinappropriately using taxpayer dollars to implement a religious curriculum. They are also bringing inoutside speakers with Islamist ties or sympathies. As a result, notonly are children receiving a biased education, but possibleviolations of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause abound.Consider the following cases: Last month, students at Friendswood Junior High in Houston were required to attend an "Islamic Awareness" presentation during class time allotted forphysical education. The presentation involved two representativesfrom the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an organization with a record of Islamist statements and terrorism convictions.According to students, they were taught that "there is one God, hisname is Allah" and that "Adam, Noah and Jesus are prophets."Students were also taught about the Five Pillars of Islam and howto pray five times a day and wear Islamic religious garb. Parentswere not notified about the presentation and it wasn't until anumber of complaints arose that school officials responded with anapologetic e-mail. Earlier this year at Lake Brantley High School in Seminole County,Fla., speakers from the Academy for Learning Islam gave a presentation to students about "cultural diversity" that extended to a detaileddiscussion of the Quran and Islam. The school neither screened theALI speakers nor notified parents. After a number of complaints , local media coverage and a subsequent investigation, the schooldistrict apologized for the inappropriate presentation, admittingthat it violated the law. Subsequently, ALI was removed from the Seminole County school system's Dividends and Speaker'sBureau. As reported by the Cabinet Press , a school project last year at Amherst Middle School transformed"the quaint colonial town of Amherst, N.H., into a Saudi ArabianBedouin tent community." Male and female students were segregated,with the girls hosting "hijab and veil stations" and handing outthe oppressive head-to-toe black garment known as the abaya to female guests. Meanwhile, the boys hosted food and Arabicdancing stations because, as explained in the article, "thetraditions of Saudi Arabia at this time prevent women fromparticipating in these public roles." An "Islamic religion station"offered up a prayer rug, verses from the Quran, prayer items and acompass pointed towards Mecca. The fact that female subjugation waspresented as a benign cultural practice and Islamic religiousrituals were promoted with public funds is cause for concern. Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy, a charter school in Inver Grove Heights,Minn., came under recent scrutiny after Minneapolis Star-Tribune columnist Katherine Kersten brought to light concerns about public funding for its overtly religious curriculum . The school is housed in the Muslim American Society 's (the American branch of the Egyptian Islamist group the Muslim Brotherhood) Minnesotabuilding, alongside a mosque, and the daily routine includesprayer, ritual washing, halal food preparation and an after-school"Islamic studies" program. Kersten's columns prompted the Minnesotachapter of the American Civil Liberties Union to issue a press release expressing its own reservations about potential First Amendmentviolations. An investigation initiated by the Minnesota Department of Education verifiedseveral of Kersten's allegations and the school has since promisedto make the appropriate changes. In a bizarre twist, when a localtelevision news crew tried to report on the findings from school grounds, school officials confrontedthem and wrestled a camera away from one of its photographers,injuring him in the process. The controversy surrounding the founding of New York City's Arabiclanguage public school, Khalil Gibran International Academy, lastyear continues. Former principal Dhabah "Debbie" Almontaser wasasked to step down after publicly defending T-shirts produced by Arab Women Active inthe Arts and Media, an organization with whom she shared officespace, emblazoned with "Intifada NYC." But KGIA has othertroublesome associations. Its advisory board includes three imams, one of whom, New York University Imam KhalidLatif, sent a threatening letter to the university's presidentregarding a planned display of the Danish cartoons . Another, Shamsi Ali, runs the Jamaica Muslim Center QuranicMemorization School in Queens, a replica of the type of Pakistanimadrassa (or school) counter-terrorism officials have been warningabout since 9/11. Accordingly, several parents founded Stop the Madrassa: A Community Coalition to voice their contention that KGIA is an inappropriate candidate for taxpayer funding. Equally problematic are the textbooks used in American publicschools to teach Islam or Islamic history. Organizations such asSouthern California's Council on Islamic Education and Arabic World and Islamic Resources are tasked with screening and editing these textbooks for publicschool districts, but questions have been raised about the groups' scholarship and ideological agenda. The American Textbook Council , an organization that reviews history and social studies textbooksused in American schools, and its director, Gilbert T. Sewall , have produced a series of articles and reports on Islam textbooks and the findings are damning. They includetextbooks that are factually inaccurate, misrepresent and in somecases, glorify Islam, or are hostile to other religions . While teaching students about Islam within a religious studiescontext may be appropriate, the purpose becomes suspect when thetexts involved are compromised in this manner. Such are the complaints about "History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond," a textbookpublished by the Teachers' Curriculum Institute , to the point where parents in the Scottsdale, Ariz., schooldistrict succeeded in having it removed from the curriculum in 2005. TCI is based in Mountain View, and the textbook is nowbeing used in the state's public schools, where similar concernshave arisen. A Marin County mother whose son has been assigned"History Alive!" has been trying to mount an effort to call school officials' attention to the problem. Similarly, aSan Luis Obispo mother filed an official complaint several years ago with her son's school authorities over the useof Houghton Mifflin's middle school text, "Across the Centuries,"which has been widely criticized for whitewashing Islamic history and glorifying Islam. Its recent approval for use in Montgomery County, Md., public schools is likely tolead to further objections. But the forces in opposition are powerful and plenty. They includepublic education bureaucrats and teachers mired in naivete andpolitical correctness, biased textbook publishers, politicizedprofessors and other experts tasked with helping states approvetextbooks, and at the top of the heap, billions of dollars in Saudi funding. These funds are pouring into the coffers ofvarious organs that design K-12 curricula. The resultant material,not coincidentally, turns out to be inaccurate, biased and,considering the Wahhabist strain of Islam promulgated by SaudiArabia, dangerous. And again, taxpayer dollars are involved.National Review Online contributing editor Stanley Kurtz explains : "The United States government gives money and a federalseal of approval to a university Middle East Studiescenter. That center offers a government-approved K-12 Middle Eaststudies curriculum to America's teachers. But in fact, thatcurriculum has been bought and paid for by the Saudis, who may evenhave trained the personnel who operate the university's outreachprogram. Meanwhile, the American government is asleep at the wheel paying scant attention to how its federally mandated publicoutreach programs actually work. So without ever realizing it,America's taxpayers end up subsidizing and providingofficial federal approval for K-12 educational materials onthe Middle East that have been created under Saudi auspices. Game,set, match: Saudis." Along with funding textbooks and curricula, the Saudis are alsoinvolved in funding and designing training for public schoolteachers. The Saudi funded Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University now offers professional development workshops for K-12 teachers. The workshops take place at the hostinginstitution and provide teachers with classroom material. They arefree of charge and ACMCU throws in lunch to boot. But this generosity likely comes with a catch, for the center isknown for producing scholars and material with a decidedly apologist bent , both toward the Saudi Royal Family and Islamic radicalism . It's no accident that ACMCU education consultant Susan Douglass,according to her bio , has been "an affiliated scholar" with the Council on IslamicEducation "for over a decade." Douglass also taught social studiesat the Islamic Saudi Academy in Fairfax, Va., where her husband still teaches. ISA has come under investigation for Saudi-provided textbooks and curriculum that some have allegedpromotes hatred and intolerance towards non-Muslims. That someonewith Douglass' problematic associations would be in charge of training public school teachers hardlyinspires confidence in the system. While groups such as People for the American Way, Americans Unitedfor Separation of Church and State, and the ACLU express outrage atany semblance of Christianity in America's public schools, verylittle clamor has met the emergence of Islam in the same arena. Anoccasional press release, such as the one put out by the Minnesotachapter of the ACLU regarding TIZA, will surface, but by and large,the arbiters of separation of church and state or in this case,mosque and state, have gone silent. The same can largely be saidfor the federal government and, in particular, the State Department . No doubt, Saudi dollars and influence are part of the problem. Probably the single greatest weapon in the arsenal of those tryingto fight the misuse of America's public schools is communityinvolvement. As noted previously, a number of parental coalitionshave sprung up across the country in an effort to protect their ownchildren from indoctrination. The Stop the Madrassa Coalition hasexpanded its efforts beyond New York City by working on policyideas for legislation and meeting privately with members ofCongress. Also providing hope are Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), whose10-point " Wake Up America " agenda includes a call to reform Saudi-provided textbooks, andthe bipartisan Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus she co-chairs. Its focus on "jihadist ideology" demonstrates an all-too-rare governmental understanding of the nature of the current conflict. The power to educate the next generation is an inestimable one anda free society cedes control at its peril. The days of the "silentmajority" are no longer tenable in the face of a determined andclever enemy. The battle of ideas must be joined. Cinnamon Stillwell is a San Francisco writer. She can be reached at cinnamonstillwell@yahoo.com . She also writes for the blog at campus-watch.org. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:08:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/viaspace-subsidiary-dmfcc-receives-order-for-formic-acid-fuel-cell-...-12255.html subsidiary materialsVIASPACE Subsidiary DMFCC Receives Order for Formic Acid Fuel CellCartridges VSPC subsidiary Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Corporation (DMFCC) hasreceived an order from Lynntech Inc. of College Station, TX todesign and produce formic acid fuel cell cartridges. (EMAILWIRE.COM, June 11, 2008 ) PASADENA, Calif., VIASPACE Inc.(OTC Bulletin Board: VSPC - News), a company that transforms provenspace and defense technologies from NASA and the Department ofDefense into hardware and software solutions, announced today thatits Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Corporation (DMFCC) subsidiary hasreceived an order from Lynntech Inc. of College Station, TX todesign and produce formic acid fuel cell cartridges. CEO of VIASPACE and DMFCC, Dr. Carl Kukkonen, stated, "We aredelighted to work with Lynntech. Our design team will design thefuel cell cartridge, pouch, and valve for a formic acid fuel cell,which will involve selection and testing of new materials suited toformic acid. This work is under a U.S. Army development contract inwhich the Army plans to use Lynntech's fuel cell combined withtechnology developed at Vanderbilt University to create a fuel cellsystem that has a minimum of moving parts and support structure toproduce the complete power supply. The Army hopes that thiscombination will lead to a lightweight, rugged, reliable powersupply suitable for use with either one time use disposablecartridges or bulk fuel." Kukkonen continued, "Formic acid is also one of the liquids coveredby our extensive license on fuel cell patents from Caltech, and itis also one of the types of fuel cells recently approved by theDepartment of Transportation for crew and passengers to carry onboard commercial aircraft." About VIASPACE: Founded in 1998 with the objective of transformingproven space and defense technologies from NASA and the Departmentof Defense into hardware and software solutions that solve today'scomplex problems, VIASPACE benefits from important patent andsoftware licenses from Caltech, which manages NASA's Jet PropulsionLaboratory. For more information, please see http://www.VIASPACE.com , or contact Dr. Jan Vandersande, Director of Communications at800-517-8050, or IR@VIASPACE.com. This news release includes forward-looking statements. Theseforward-looking statements relate to future events or our futureperformance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties andother factors that may cause our actual results, levels ofactivity, performance or achievements to be materially differentfrom any future results, levels of activity, performance orachievements expressed or implied by these forward-lookingstatements. Such factors include the risks outlined in our periodicfilings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, includingour Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2007, as well as general economic and businessconditions, the ability to acquire and develop specific projectsand technologies, the ability to fund operations, changes inconsumer and business consumption habits, and other factors overwhich VIASPACE has little or no control. ________________________________________ Source: VIASPACE Inc. For an in-depth analyst report, please visit: www.WallStreetStockReview.com Other Stocks to Watch: VIASPACE Inc. (OTCBB: VSPC), UniversalEnergy Corp. (OTCBB: UVSE), SpongeTech Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:07:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/special-report-reconstruction-after-earthquake-12253.html military accessories materialSpecial report: Reconstruction After Earthquake By Qiu Lin BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- When Chongqing-based magazine NewTravel Weekly featured China's May 12 earthquake, it maintained itspopular themes of glamour and sex. Scantily-clad models draped themselves over the rubble, bloodiedbandages as accessories to their bikinis, tight tee-shirts andmini-shorts, under the headline "Reborn from the Ruins". The public reaction to this display of questionable taste andinsensitivity was immediate. The outcry at the newsstands quickly reached the city government,which suspended the magazine for "rectification", and the magazinepresident and chief editor lost their jobs for "unethicalreporting". It was an extreme case of poor journalistic judgment, but NewTravel Weekly was among the few media whose insensitive reportingduring their coverage of the devastating earthquake raised concern. The Chinese media has reacted to the disaster with unprecedentedopenness and determination to bring the full extent of thecatastrophe to the public. "The earthquake has been a test of the reporters," says Yu Guoming,deputy dean of School of Journalism, Renmin University. "The quake has proved that Chinese reporters are responsible,compassionate and they put their own safety aside to bring thereporting to their audience." However, Yu points out: "Just as a test shows one's weaknesses, theearthquake has also revealed weak journalistic ethics, theinexperience and naivety of some reporters when faced with an eventof such magnitude." Jiang Min, a policewoman in Pengzhou city near the epicenter ofWenchuan, lost 10 relatives, including her two-year-old daughterand her parents, at first became a symbol of fortitude in the faceof overwhelming tragedy -- then later became the face of mediaexploitation. Despite her loss, Jiang Min continued relief work with other policeand soldiers. But in one television report, the reporter pressed her to answerthe question, "Why are you still here?" A drawn-looking Jiang waspounded with further questions, such as, "Do you think of your ownparents and daughter when you see the rescued old people and thekids?" "I was furious when I saw the report on TV," says Ma Jianan, whoworks at an advertising company in Beijing. "The reporter was soinsensitive to Jiang's feelings and had little professionalethics." Later, Jiang was interviewed several more times on television. Ma says he could not continue watching. "How can these TV stationstorture her again and again by making her recount her story so manytimes? "Journalists should not ignore the feelings of their subjects justto make a good report." His thoughts are echoed in hundreds of posts on the Internet. "Themedia are inhumane. I strongly condemn those terrible reporters whohave hurt Jiang Min again and again with their stupid questions!"one post reads. Television and radio stations, newspapers and magazines senthundreds of reporters to Sichuan within hours of the earthquake.They filed stories from the front lines of the rescue and reliefeffort in Sichuan. Television stations broadcast live news programsof rescue work and newspaper and magazines published special copiesreporting on the earthquake. Images of shattered homes, tales of strong-willed survivors andfootage of People's Liberation Army soldiers working day and nightto rescue survivors have kept the nation abreast of the reliefwork. "I have not shed so many tears for a long time," said one post onthe Internet in reply to a series of photos from the quake zone. However, some reporters failed to meet the expectations of theiraudiences, who were concerned with the progress of relief work. Xu Na, a reporter with the CCTV, was branded by Chinese Internetusers "a deserter" and "unprofessional" after she filed a reportfrom a hotel room in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, rather than livefrom the worst-hit city of Dujiangyan, 60 km from Chengdu, where ahigh school had collapsed, burying more than 300 students andteachers. Coverage of rescue efforts and the survivors is generallyacceptable as long as it does not impede the rescue process orsafety, says Prof. Tom Brislin, who teaches media ethics at theUniversity of Hawaii. "Survivors shouldn't be required to have to recount their storiesover and over simply because various media outlets are competitiveor want exclusive interviews," Brislin says. He points out that it is common for U.S. media to "pool" coverageof survivors so they can tell their story only once, and then geton with their lives. Journalism schools in China do not offer complete courses onjournalistic ethics, says Prof. Chen Lidan, of the RenminUniversity School of Journalism. He says ethics is touched on in journalism theory courses. "Itmainly talks about not fabricating news or not violating laws andregulations." As for working journalists, they receive little training in how toreport disasters. Training programs at news organizations tend to focus more ontechnical skills such as how to write, or how to edit a story, butrarely touch on the issue of journalistic ethics. Reporters who flew to the quake-hit zones within hours of the quakesaid they had no training regarding disaster reporting becausethere was no time. Some reporters also exposed their ignorance when they covered theearthquake, in one case costing a man's life. Wang Gang, deputy director of the Wolong District Police, waskilled by the propeller of a plane carrying relief material afterhe pushed away a photographer who was standing too close to theaircraft. When the Russian rescue team saved an earthquake survivor, onerescuer shouted angrily to the cameras because the strong lightscould have damaged the survivor's eyes. On the Internet, posts condemning reporters who insisted on talkingto survivors after they were rescued after more than a hundredhours buried in the debris were repeated. One reporter pushed himself into an operating theater to interviewa doctor, who responded furiously that the reporter hadcontaminated his sanitized operation gown. Chen says ethical problems have come with the development ofChina's media. In the past, most media outlets were funded by thegovernment. As China's economy grows, the government has reduced its fundingand the media have become more profit-driven and commercialized.Though still owned by the government, media outlets operate moreindependently to finance themselves. They use stories that willmost appeal to their audiences, sometimes with sensationalheadlines or images. In 1991, the All-China Journalists Association issued the code ofethics that requires journalists to serve the people, adhere to the"right direction of public opinion", observe laws and regulations,ensure the accuracy and veracity of reports, resist corruption andpromote teamwork. "But this code has not been modified with the development ofChinese media," Chen says. "The earthquake has blown up somealready existing problems." He points out: "Cases of insensitive reporting attract attentionand they will surely serve as an opportunity for the media toreflect on strengthening their ethics." Yu Guoming suggests that news organizations begin to establishdetailed disaster reporting plans. These plans should includeguidelines for reporters when they arrive at the scene, how editorsin the newsroom work effectively with reporters in the front andcodes of ethics when covering disasters. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:05:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/chemtura-to-raise-pricing-for-flame-retardants-12251.html Fire Retardant MaterialsBOSTON (Thomson Financial) - Chemtura Corp. said Wednesday it plans to increase pricing for its Reofos BAPPand Reofos RDP flame retardants by 65 cents per kilogram in allregions, effective June 15. The company, which also removed all extended price validity, saidthe increase has become necessary because of the rising cost ofelemental phosphorus and 'significant' increases in other rawmaterials, utilities and transportation costs. Shares of the Middlebury, Conn.-based specialty chemicalsmanufacturer closed Tuesday at $8.32. Neither the Subscriber nor Thomson Financial News warrants thecompleteness or accuracy of the Service or the suitability of theService as a trading aid and neither accepts any liability forlosses howsoever incurred. The content on this site, includingnews, quotes, data and other information, is provided by ThomsonFinancial News and its third party content providers for yourpersonal information only, and neither Thomson Financial News norits third party content providers shall be liable for any errors,inaccuracies or delays in content, or for any actions taken inreliance thereon. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:02:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/trends-head-scarves-12244.html printed cashmereWhen Dolce and Gabbanna sent their models down the A/W 08 runway resembling a cloned armyof HRH bound for a hunting holiday at Balmoral, I immediatelydismissed their printed silk headwear as a a faddish trend. Storedaway with other novelty artefacts that I attempt to ignore untilthey inevitably pass onto their shadowy rest in the graveyard offashion, it took me a while to notice that they have returned tohover by my sleepy brain until I sit up and look properly. So here are my revised thoughts: yes, if teamed with cashmere,tartan and barbour your ensemble will appear to all as anill-advised fancy dress costume. But taken out of context, I must admit there is potential here.Perhaps they would be a welcome addition to my largely out ofcontrol scarf collection - a touch of old fashioned charm amongstmy babushka florals and summery chiffon. Any given second handstore has baskets and baskets of the wanted item and they can be adelightfully cheap way to transform a outfit. I don't, however, think I am quite ready for full headcoverage a la Her Majesty (although handy for a sudden downpour)and so I will be tying my heritage into bows and summery top knots.Ah, another faddish trend embraced...... Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:50:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/five-summer-looks-you-didn-t-know-12242.html Fabric PrintsIf the thought of lots of bare skin this summer makes you want tohide under a baggy cardigan, take a fresh look at how to makefashion work for you right now. Flirty Skirts: Don't be intimidated by skirts. The best skirts are cute andforgiving (not something that happens in fashion very often, sojump on this!) Try a flared, knee-length silhouette. It can be inany fabric with a soft hand (most denim doesn't qualify) likewashed linen, rayon or cotton. Gentle tiers or a fuller A-line silhouette that gently comes outfrom the hip looks great on most women. Solids and prints are bothgreat in a summer skirt. Pair with a fitted T or other soft top(washed linen, woven cotton, etc.) Wedge heels are fine fordressier looks, but flat sandals are easy for casual wear. In finding your perfect skirt length, remember that fashion wisdomsays a skirt should never be wider than it is long. Asymmetrical orhankie hems are a great camouflage treatment for bottom-heavyfigures. Pleats and flounces will you give you curves below thewaist if you lack them. Florals: If you've passed on head-to-toe blooms because you think onlygirly types can carry them off, take a look at some of the newerflorals. From watercolor to mod prints, these florals are anythingbut old fashioned. One easy way to try the trend is to pick up afloral print handbag. Keep prints in proportion to your shape: larger frames look best inbigger blooms; petite frames can carry off allover, ditsy (tiny)prints. Either way, prints that has the bloom closer together (lessblank space in between) will make your frame look smaller, whilewide-spaced flowers will make you look larger. Tank Tops: Many women keep bare arms under wraps all season just because theythink tank tops are too skimpy. One way to get rid of theskimpiness is to layer tank tops. Just pick two complementarycolors and layer away. Lightweight cotton jersey is ideal forlayering (skip the ribbed styles for this because even tiny ribbingadds bulk). Some tanks can go braless because they have a built-inbra; many manufacturers make camis with built-ins as well. Pass onthe urge to let your bra straps hang out (tacky, even if it slipsin and out of style). 2-Piece Swimsuit: Think a 2-piece swimsuit can only be a bikini? Nope, and actuallysome of the modern 2-piece swimsuits are actually more flatteringthan 1-piece swimwear. The new 2-pieces owe their flattery to alonger top and bottoms with lots of coverage. If you have a tummy bulge, then opt for a 2-piece that has a loosetop. To smooth out lower body flaws, choose a 2-piece with a shortskirt attached. If you're skeptical about the coverage of a longer2-piece, you can even find a mock 2-piece which has a fabric liningunderneath. It gives you the smooth lines, but more security. Shorts: If dimples, veins or pasty legs keeping you from airing out yourgams in the heat, opt for a compromise. There is a short for everywoman, it's just that you just have to find your perfectlook. One of the most wearable lengths is a walking short that is acouple of inches above the knee. Depending on your body type, youcan tweak the length of shorts to flatter your figure. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:48:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/price-of-gujjar-stir-rs-4500-cr-12241.html Industries Raw MaterialMost industries in Rajasthan are operating on 50 per cent of theirproduction capacity and incurring losses of Rs 400-500 crore perday. Since the beginning of the agitation, the loss incurred isover Rs 4,500 crore. The marble and oil industries, which together account fortwo-thirds of the workforce in the organized sector, are strugglingto cope with the twin effects of the market slump and Gujjaragitation. The worst affected are traders in perishable goods suchas fruits, vegetables and milk. Cement and steel too taken a hit,leading to rise in their costs. According to Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry secretaryPrem Biyani, industries are operating at half their normalcapacities. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:47:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/why-desktop-virtualization-is-a-bad-idea-12240.html Desktop FanDesktop virtualization is all the rage these days. Instead ofrunning applications and your favorite O/S from your desktop, your"desktop" runs in a VM on a server that is centrallymanaged by IT. Dozens of different desktops are crammed on to thisserver, and your desktop is streamed to the lightweight PC whenneeded. Several vendors (Citrix, VMware, even Sun) have products inthis space. Now, let's turn the clock back 12 years to 1996. The Macarena crazeis sweeping the nation, and a much-younger Larry Ellison is ravingabout how the network computer will change the computing landscape.All of your apps run on powerful, centrally managed servers (mostlySun servers running Oracle databases), and the network computerrenders the results in a browser. Wait a minute, doesn't that soundfamiliar? Now let's rewind another 9 years to 1987. U2 and Madonna aretopping the charts, and X11 is all the rage in the computing scene.(Okay, two out of three are still around and thriving.) Everystudent developer and every corporate developer has the latest XWindows terminal with a fancy windowing system and applicationsthat run on more powerful servers. As Yogi Berra would say,"It's déjà vu all over again." Here's why desktop virtualization is a bad idea in this day andage: The desktop is much cheaper than the server. I can go to my nearestFry's or Best Buy and buy a dual-core laptop with 2 GB RAM for$500-$600. Desktop hardware is a commodity, whereas servers arestill pricey. Have you priced a 4-socket server with 32 GB RAMlately? And add in the price for your favorite hypervisor. Yourfavorite server vendor still has to pay for their kids' bracessomehow. As a developer and as an end user, I like to install stuff on mydesktop/laptop: iTunes, Yahoo IM, Apache, Eclipse, you get thepicture. My former VP of HR wanted to actually regulate the IMclient used by everyone in the company. Now, he was anex-paratrooper who's now retired to become a surf bum. Go figure.But I'm glad we didn't standardize on IM clients. And how about unplugging your laptop and working from your patio,or your dining room, or your sofa during an NBA playoffs game? I'vegot 802.11g at home, but 54 Mbps is still way too slow to stream mydesktop (or any apps) from my corporate server over VPN. Now don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of virtualization. VM's aregreat to have on your desktop so that you can run Linux instanceson your Windows box. You can develop and test your app from thecomfort of your living room. Virtual desktops on the other hand,ain't such a hit in my book. Related Links: Citrix , VMware , Sun , Oracle Database , VDI - Redo or Breakthrough? , The Case Against Desktop Virtualization Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:45:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/news-ticker-50-cent-coldplay-judas-priest-and-buddy-guy-12239.html Disc BuddyA judge has ordered 50 Cent not to sell the property where a suspiciously burned down the $2.4 million house on Long Island, NY, occupied by 50'sex-girlfriend and his ten-year-old son. "Production delays" have caused Coldplay to postpone their North American tour by two weeks . The trek will now begin July 14th in Philadelphia. Judas Priest is streaming their entire double-disc new album Nostradamus over at VH1's The Leak . The album tells the story of the famed 16th century prophet. Eric Clapton, Robert Randolph and Derek Trucks have been recruited to join Guitar Hero Buddy Guy on his new album Skin Deep , due out July 22nd. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:42:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/au-optronics-to-exhibit-a-wide-array-of-leading-green-technologies-12237.html Ccfl BacklightHSINCHU, Taiwan, June 9, 2008 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall viaCOMTEX/ ----AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX:2409; NYSE: AUO) today unveiled the world's thinnest* 13.3-inchTFT-LCD, the world's lightest* 46-inch TFT-LCD with CCFL backlight,and the world's most power-saving 10.2-inch TFT-LCD. These new,leading-edge green technologies are designed to meet the growingworldwide demand for energy-saving 3C products. AUO will showcaseits latest green technologies at Display Taiwan 2008 (June 11-13 inTaipei, Taiwan), together with its novel free form technology andin-cell multi-touch TFT-LCDs. AUO continues to pave the way for thefuture FPD industry through its green innovations and solutions. With AUO's exhibition theme of "Experience the Innovation" atDisplay Taiwan 2008, Dr. LJ Chen, AUO's President and COO, noted,"We have recently announced many exciting technical advances todemonstrate our unflagging efforts under four major domains ofgreen innovations, including Energy Saving, Material Saving,Environment Friendly and Lean Design. Our implementation of fulllevel eco-designs provides clients and consumers withnext-generation green displays. Furthermore, AUO will continue toleverage its innovations in making users better enjoy digital life,with multi-touch technology, curved displays, and free formtechnology. AUO strives to make LCDs with unlimited possibilitiesto be applied everywhere." In addition to the latest ultra slim and energy-saving TFT-LCDs forTV applications, AUO debuted the world's lightest* 46-inch LCD TVmodule with CCFL backlight. The thickness of AUO 46" ultra lightLCD TV module is a significant reduction of almost 40%, with itsweight cut by over 30% comparing to conventional models, fulfillingthe stylish design trends and wall-mount requirements forlarge-sized TVs. AUO has been developing a series of lightweightTFT-LCDs which can save the usage of steel and yet maintain thesame mechanical strength and optical performance. By saving onmaterial and transportation costs, the lightweight innovation isalso reducing the impact on the environment. AUO is also showcasing at Display Taiwan 2008 the world's thinnest*13.3-inch TFT-LCD for NB applications. With polish techniques andmaterial replacements, AUO has successfully developed this whiteLED Notebook PC panel with a thickness of merely 1.9mm(approximately equivalent to a U.S. five-cent coin) and a weight ofjust 138 grams. This ultra thin, extra light NB panel maintains 300nits of high brightness and a 500:1 high contrast ratio. For power efficiency, AUO has developed a single chip 10.2-inchTFT-LCD with only one source IC on chip and embedded gate ICfunction in array process. Comparing to traditional 10.2-inchpanel, which have 3 source ICs and 1 gate IC on chip, AUO's10.2-inch TFT-LCD with GOA (Gate on Array) technology saves almost50% of the IC costs, but still retains the same performance andgives up to 60% savings in terms of power consumption. To meet the dominating design trends of the human interface in theCE market, AUO is debuting the world's first* 8-inch charge-sensingin-cell multi-touch LCD at Display Taiwan 2008. Unlike touch panelscurrently in the market, AUO's in-cell multi-touch TFT-LCDintegrates touch function features into the TFT manufacturingprocess without adding an additional glass. In addition, AUO isdemonstrating two different types of its in-cell multi-touchtechnology through 4.3-inch applications. The voltage-sensing typemulti-touch technology, available with either stylus input or nailinput, can provide better optical performance and anti-glarefeatures with up to 8 point coordinates. The charge-sensing type ismore similar to projected capacitive touch panels, offeringpressure-less finger input as well as multi-touch gesture inputrecognition, which make it a perfect solution for highlyinteractive applications. As the consumer demands for style are also increasing, in additionto curved display technology, AUO has successfully developed anelliptic shaped LCD display with display sizes of 54mm (height) x41mm (width). The elliptic shaped screen is ideal for mobile phoneswhich require ergonomic designs. The novel shape can also beapplied to various handheld devices with compact, space-savingrequirements. The free form displays can bring more flexibility andinnovation to product designs. In addition to the outlook designadvantage, the free-shaped LCDs can also improve the spaceefficiency of the display area and further reduce the materialsused in the manufacturing process. AUO is also revealing other technologies at Display Taiwan 2008, aslisted below: Pictures for the above news release can be downloaded from AUOcorporate website URL:http://auo.com/auoDEV/pressroom.php?sec=Photosetls=en Any use of photographs must cite the source thereof is from AUOptronics Corporation * Based on available market research information as of June 9,2008. ABOUT AU OPTRONICS AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO") is the world's 2nd largest manufacturer*of large-sized thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels("TFT-LCD"), with approximately 20%* of global market share inQ1/2008 and revenues of NT$480.2 billion (US$14.81 billion)* in2007. TFT-LCD technology is currently the most widely used flatpanel display technology. Targeted for 40"+ sized LCD TV panels,AUO's new generation (7.5-generation) fabrication facilityproduction started mass production in the fourth quarter of 2006.The Company currently operates one 7.5-generation, two6th-generation, four 5th-generation, one 4th-generation, and four3.5-generation TFT-LCD fabs, in addition to eight module assemblyfacilities and the AUO Technology Center specializes in newtechnology platform and new product development. AUO is one of fewtop-tier TFT-LCD manufacturers capable of offering a wide range ofsmall- to large-sized (1.5"-65") TFT-LCD panels, which enables itto offer a broad and diversified product portfolio. * DisplaySearch 1Q2008 WW Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report datedApr 24, 2008. This data is used as reference only and AUO does notmake any endorsement or representation in connection therewith.2007 year end revenue converted by an exchange rate ofNTD32.43:USD1. SOURCE AU Optronics Corp. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:40:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/yoga-workshop-for-women-over-40-core-and-more-focus-on-strength-11746.html Yoga Workshop for Women Over 40, core and more, focus on strength,flexibility, and balance; June 21, 10 a.m. to noon, Plasha YogaStudio. Cost: $15. Call 864-1114. Senior Women's Exercise Classes, ongoing every Monday, Wednesdayand Friday, 10 a.m., It Figures East, 2016 Station Road. Cost: $5per class, free for Foreverfit and Silver et Fit members. Call ItFigures 899-6333 for details. Stress reduction Recovery from Divorce workshops; For Women, Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m.;For Men, June 18, 7 to 8 p.m., Hamot Health Connection. Cost: $5,full reimbursement for HealthAmerica members. Call to sign up. Prevention Heading Off Migraines, Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m., Hamot HealthConnection. Cost: $5, full reimbursement for HealthAmericanmembers. Call to sign up. Highmark Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program, H.O.P.E.,six-week bone health program that includes exercise, nutrition andstress management; Wednesdays, June 25 to July 30, 10 a.m. to noon;Hamot Wellness Center. Cost: $90, full reimbursement for HealthAmerica members, no charge for Highmark members. Call to sign up. Nutrition Personal Nutrition Coaching by appointment, Hamot Wellness Center.Cost: $50 initial consult; $35 follow-up consults; free forHighmark members. Call to sign up. Safety First Aid, CPR, AED, adults and infants; also CPR, AED for theprofessional rescuer; all at Greater Erie County Chapter of theAmerican Red Cross, 4961 Pittsburgh Ave. Registration and advancedpayment required. Call 833-0942, Ext. 245. Eight-hour AARP driver safety class, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.to 1 p.m., Millcreek Municipal Building, 3608 W. 26th St.; alsoJune 18 and 19, 5 to 9 p.m. Call Judy Zelina at 833-1111 toregister. Four-hour AARP driver safety class, June 19, 9 a.m. to 1p.m., Erie Center on Health and Aging, 406 Peach St. All AARPdriving classes are offering a Bring-A-Friend special until June15. Bring a friend and class is only $10 for both of you. It isnormally $10 per person. Call Lois at 866-2072. Screenings Mammograms for Women Without Insurance; Tuesday, St. Mary's atAsbury Ridge, 4855 West Ridge Road.21 Call to schedule appointment,383-9000 or (800) 477-6647. Erie Center on Health and Aging screenings, free blood-pressurescreenings, $10 cholesterol tests, and $5 blood-sugar colorectalcancer test; Monday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Millcreek MunicipalBuilding, 3608 W. 26th St.; Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Erie WestSenior Center, 1210 W. Eighth St.; Thursday, 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.,Blasco Library Senior Program, 160 E. Front St.; Call 453-5072. Ongoing Noon-Time Classes, 12:10 p.m., at the Hamot Wellness Center; BodyBlast, Mondays; Cardio Step, Tuesdays; Cardio Step, Wednesdays;Strength Circuit, Thursdays; Basic Kickboxing, Fridays. Cost: $5,free for Wellness Center members. Call 877-7030. After-work group fitness classes, Hamot Wellness Center; BasicKickboxing, Mondays, 5:25 p.m.; Body Blast, Mondays, 4:45 p.m.;Step and Sculpt, Tuesdays, 5 p.m.; Core and Stretch, Tuesdays, 5:50p.m.; BOSU 101, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.; Head-to-Toe yoga, Wednesdays, 5p.m.; Body Blast, Wednesdays, 4:45 p.m.; Basic Kickboxing,Wednesdays, 5:25 p.m.; Step and Sculpt, Thursdays, 5 p.m.; AdvancedYoga, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.; Core and Stretch, Thursdays, 5:50 p.m.Cost: $5, free for Wellness Center members. Call 877-7030. Titleist Performance Institute Golf Screening, by appointment.Determines any physical limitations that might be impeding agolfer's swing and includes 18-session customized workout programand reevaluation. Lawrence Park Golf Club, 3700 East Lake Road.Cost: $90. Call Jennifer Eberlein at 572-7997. Fitness Basics, Tuesdays, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.; AbdominalStrengthening, Tuesdays, noon to 12:30 p.m.; Saint Vincent HealthCenter Medical Office Building. Cost: $20. Call to sign up. SilverSneakers classes; YogaStretch, Muscular Strength, CardioCircuit; Hamot Wellness Center. Cost: $5, no charge to eligibleHighmark members. Call to sign up. American Red Cross Babysitting Training, will schedule as peoplesign up, to be held at the Salvation Army, 1022 Liberty St. Free.Call 454-6497. Free blood-pressure screening, first Thursday of each month, 11:30a.m. to 1 p.m.; Hamot Health Connection. Call to sign up. Free blood-pressure check, second Tuesday of each month, TidiouteSenior Center, 174 Main St., 11 a.m. to noon. Call (814) 827-1851. Free blood-pressure check, first Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., Titusville Area Hospital Chapel. Call (814) 827-1851,Ext. 548. Free STD testing, Mondays, 9 to 11 a.m.; Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.;and Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.m., Erie County Department of Health, 606W. Second St. Testing is confidential. Call 451-6700. Yoga Classes, all levels from gentle to vigorous, Plasha YogaStudio, 10 E. Fifth St. Cost: $8 to $10. Call 864-1114 for classtimes and days. Multi-Level Flow Yoga for all Levels, Beginner Yoga, Advanced YogaVigorous and Challenging Flow Yoga, Barefoot Buddha, 2225 ColonialAve. Cost: $4 to $10. Call 838-0350 or visit www.barefootbuddhayogastudio.com . Personal Nutrition Coaching, Titusville Area Hospital, byappointment. Free to Highmark Members, $25 to $50 for nonmembers.Call (814) 827-1851 or (800) 950-1851, Ext. 548. Mommy and Me Playgroup, first and third Tuesdays of every month,10 a.m., Saint Vincent Women's Center. Free. Call to sign up. Breakfast Bunch Walking Program for adults 18 and older, breakfastafter walk, Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m., Erie Center onHealth and Aging, 406 Peach St.. Also Fit for Life Fitness Classeswith Nancy Adams, Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; Line dancingclasses with Charlyne Sebald, Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Free. Call453-5072. Breakfast Bunch Tai Chi and Strength Training Classes for adults18 and older through the Erie Center on Health and Aging, Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., classes held at MartinLuther King Center, 312 Chestnut St. Free. Call 453-5072. Healthy Steps, fall prevention and home safety one-day workshops,for men and women 50 and older, offered through Erie Center onHealth and Aging. Includes lunch. Free. Call Nancy Adams toschedule a workshop for your group or organization, 453-5072, Ext.21. Jin Shin Do Acupressure Services, heal physical and emotionaltension and pain, improve immunity, Hamot Health Connection. Cost:$75 for 75 minute session. Call to sign up. Menopause Coaching and Cholesterol Coaching, private consultationwith registered nurse, Hamot Health Connection. Cost: $40 forone-hour appointment. Call to sign up. Cardiac Fitness Club, instructor-led low-impact aerobics, strengthtraining, recreational volleyball, health education classes andsocial support activities; Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30p.m., Emerson Gridley Elementary School, 816 Park Ave. North. Free.Call Walt Hoener at 868-6437 or Dan Landsberg at 864-3672. Yoga at all levels, including for beginners, Saturdays, 8:30 to9:30 a.m.; head-to-toe yoga on Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.;advanced yoga on Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; YogaStretch --Chair-Assisted Yoga Exercises, Wednesdays, 10:15 to 11 a.m. andFridays, 9:15 to 10 a.m., Hamot Wellness Center. Cost: $5 perclass, packages available. Call to sign up. Free body-fat analysis, third Thursday of each month, 9:30 to10:30 a.m., Titusville Area Hospital, 406 W. Oak St. Call (814)827-1851. Childbirth preparation, breast-feeding, playgroups, CPR andgrandparent classes now forming, Saint Vincent Women's Center.Cost: $35 to no charge. Call to sign up. Cardio sculpting classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 5:30to 6:30 p.m.; fitball classes, Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.,Millcreek Cheer-n-Dance, 4919 Pacific Ave. Cost: $30 per month.Call 833-6299. Strength training, Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.; beginner Pilates,Tuesdays 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.; cardio combo, Tuesdays, 5 to 6 p.m.;abs, Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.; yoga, Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.;cross training, Thursdays, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.; Pilates/fit ball,Fridays, noon to 12:30 p.m. Saint Vincent HealthU Happenings. Costsvary. Call 452-5619. Group Fitness Yoga Classes, Beginners, Saturdays, 8:30 to 9:30a.m.; Head-To-Toe Yoga, Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; AdvancedYoga, Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hamot Wellness Center. Call tosign up. Exercise classes at Saint Vincent Health Center, StrengthTraining, Tuesdays, from 12:30 to 1 p.m.; Beginner Pilates,Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.; Cardio Combo, Tuesdays, 5 to 6p.m.; Abs, Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.; Yoga, Thursdays, 7 to 8:30p.m.; Cross Training, Thursdays, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $20 to$50. Call to sign up. Personal Fitness Coaching, Hamot Wellness Center, by appointment.Call to sign up. Self Defense for Kids, Mondays 6 to 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 to 11a.m., Hamot Wellness Center. Cost: $5 per class. Call to sign up. Kidz Get Fit, Saturdays, 11:15 to noon, Hamot Wellness Center.Cost: $5 per class. Call to sign up. Noon-time exercise classes, Mondays through Fridays, beginning at12:10 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center. Call to sign up. Body Blast, Mondays 5:25 to 5:55 p.m.; Wednesdays 4:45 to 5:15p.m., Hamot Wellness Center. Call to sign up. Cardio Step, Tuesdays, 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center.Call to sign up. Cardio Boot Camp, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., HamotWellness Center. Call to sign up. Free Breakfast Bunch Walking Program, for adults age 18 and older,Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m., Erie Center on Health et Aging.,406 Peach Street. Free breakfast after walk. Call Nancy Adams at453-5072. Free Breakfast Bunch Tai Chi et Strength Training Classes, Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Open to adults age18 and older. Classes held at Martin Luther King Center. Call453-5072. Prime Time Health Fitness Classes, Erie Center on Health et Aging,406 Peach Street on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Call 453-5072. Line Dancing classes, Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Erie Centeron Health et Aging, 406 Peach Street. $2 per class. Call 453-5072for further details. After-Work Water Aerobics Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30 to6:30 p.m., Villa Maria swimming pool, 2551 W. Eighth St. Call838-5451 Ext. 229. Lifeguarding Classes and Lifeguarding and CPR/PR Recertification,Villa Maria swimming pool, call 838-5451, Ext. 229, for dates,times, and cost. Aerobics, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Holy RosarySchool Gym, 1012 E. 28th St. Cost: $2 per class. Call 459-7567. Aquatic exercise program for people with fibromyalgia Tuesdays andThursdays, Eberle's Physical Therapy, Edinboro. Call 734-7444 fordetails. Gentle Exercise, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.,Hamot Health Connection. Cost $48 for 16 sessions. Call to sign up. Strength Training, Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:20 p.m. or4:30 to 5:20 p.m., Hamot Health Connection. Cost: $48 for 16sessions. Call to sign up. Water Aerobics Class Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., Wednesdaysat 10 a.m., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. VillaMaria Center Swimming Pool, 2551 W. Eighth St. Cost: $6 per classor $50 for 10 classes. Call 838-5451, Ext. 229. Arthritis Water Exercise Class Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.,Villa Maria Center Swimming Pool, 2551 W. Eighth St. Cost: $6 perclass or $50 for 10 classes. Call 838-5451, Ext. 229. Deep-Water Aerobics, Mondays 10 a.m., Villa Maria Center SwimmingPool, 2551 W. Eighth St., Cost: 6 per class or $50 for 10 classes. Advanced Yoga, Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center, 300State St. Cost: $5. Call to sign up. Just for Jocks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m., Titusville Healthet Aging, 714 E. Main St., Titusville. Call (814) 827-9134. Yoga for Seniors, Mondays and Fridays, 11 a.m., Titusville Healthet Aging, 714 E. Main St., Titusville. Call (814) 827-9134. Pilates, 6:30 p.m. daily, Saint Vincent Health Center's McGarveyLearning Center. Cost: $20 for six sessions. Call to sign up. Yoga, 7 p.m. daily. Saint Vincent Health Center's McGarveyLearning Center. Cost: $20 for six sessions. Call to sign up. Aquatics exercise program for people with fibromyalgia, Tuesdaysand Thursdays, Eberle's Physical Therapy, Edinboro. Co-sponsored bythe Arthritis Foundation. Call 734-7444. Aerobics and Strength Class Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30p.m., Saturdays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Holy Rosary Catholic Churchgymnasium, 1012 E. 28th St. Cost: $2 per class. Call 459-7567. Fitness class for men age 60 and older, Mercy Center on Aging, 444E. Grandview Blvd. Call 824-2214. After-Work Water Aerobics, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30to 6:30 p.m., Villa Maria Elementary School, 2551 W. Eighth St.After Wednesday, Tuesdays only. Call 838-5451, Ext. 229. Yoga Classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for various skilllevels, Studio at Panterra, 8579 Hardscrabble Road, Westfield, N.Y.Cost $90 for a nine-week course. Call (716) 326-3993. Mercy Center on Aging offers exercise classes for people age 60and older. Call 824-2214. Breakfast Bunch Tai Chi and Strength Training classes, Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Martin Luther KingCenter, 312 Chestnut St. Call 453-5072. Prime Time Health Fitness Classes, Tuesdays, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.,Erie Center on Health and Aging, 406 Peach St. Call 453-5072. Pi-Robics, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., Hamot WellnessCenter. Cost: $5. Call to sign up. Basic Kickboxing, Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:25 p.m., HamotWellness Center. Cost: $5. Call to sign up. Gung-Fu Self Defense classes for adults with Master Sam Copeland,Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center.Cost: $5. Call to sign up. Cardio Dance, Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:45, Hamot WellnessCenter. Call to sign up. Get on the Ball Workout, Wednesdays, 6 to 7 a.m., Hamot WellnessCenter. Call to sign up. Boot Camp Wednesdays, 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center.Call to sign up. Therapeutic Massage by appointment, Inner Balance Pilates Studio,2503 W. 15th St. Cost: $60 per hour or $40 per half hour. Call833-2300. Smoking Cessation Classes, Erie County Department of Health. Free.Call 451-7855. Also, Internet cessation class at www.quitnet.com and telephone cessation at (800) QUIT-NOW. Yoga for Women, Mondays and/or Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost: $8per class or $45 for six weeks. Call 452-4098 or e-mail juliazen02@yahoo.com . Yoga fitness class, Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Willie Blanks FitnessCenter, 2315 W. 12th St. Cost: $5 per class. Call 454-0975. Exerball class, Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Willie Blanks Fitness Center,2315 W. 12th St. Call 454-0975. Yogalates, Willie Blanks Fitness Center, 2315 W. 12th St. Call454-0975. Walking, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 9 a.m., by Erie Center onHealth et Aging, 406 Peach St., or at Gannon Recreation Center.Free. Call 453-5072. Tai Chi/Strength, Training Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 to10:30 a.m., Martin Luther King Center, 312 Chestnut St. Free. Call453-5072. Primetime Fitness, Tuesdays, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Erie Center onHealth et Aging, 406 Peach St. Free. Call 453-5072. Line dancing, Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Erie Center on Health etAging, 406 Peach St. Cost: $2 per class. Call 453-5072. Jazzercise, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m., Tuesdays andThursdays, 9:30 a.m., Kuhl Hose Co. Social Hall, Route 8, GreeneTownship. Call 825-7196. Kripalu Yoga Classes, Goddess Peach Skin Care, 1360 W. 11th St. Cost:$10 per class. Call 453-7847. Fun and Fitness class for special needs, Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m.,Erepa Grotto/Saga Club, 3828 Washington St. Cost: $35; free forcaregivers. Call 833-3419. After-Work Water Aerobics Class, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays,5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Villa Maria Center pool, 2551 W. Eighth St.Cost: $6 per class or $50 for 10 classes. Call 838-5451, Ext. 229. Tai Chi, Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 6 p.m., Whole Life Healthand Education Center. Cost: $35 per month. Call to sign up. Head-to-Toe Yoga, Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center.Cost: $5. Call to sign up. Boot Camp high-energy drills, Fridays, 5:15 to 6 p.m., HamotWellness Center. Cost: $5; group fitness package available.Designed for all fitness levels. Call to sign up. Tai Chi classes Tuesdays, 1 p.m., and Thursdays, 6 p.m., BethanyLutheran Congregation of Luther Memorial, 254 E. 10th St. Half-hourclasses led by Ed Matthews. Cost: $5 per person. Call 456-6254. Total Fitness conditioning classes for people age 60 and olderMondays, 9 or 10 a.m.; Tuesdays, 8:45 a.m.; and Fridays, 8:30 or9:30 a.m., Mercy Center on Aging, 444 E. Grandview Blvd. Cost: $3per class. Call 824-2214. Pilates on the mat, Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Thursdays,5:15 to 6 p.m., Hamot Wellness Center. $5 per class. Call to signup. Cardio Circuit, Tuesdays, 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., Hamot WellnessCenter. Call to sign up. Aerobics and Strength Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 7:15p.m., Belle Valley Fire Department Social Hall, 1514 Norcross Road.Cost: $3 per class. Call 875-3229. Pilates, Yoga and Fitness Ball classes, Mondays through Sundays,Nautilus Fitness et Racquet Club, 2312 W. 15th St. Cost fornonmembers: $8 per class or five for $32. Call 459-3033. Silver Sneakers I Muscular Strength Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays,9:15 to 10 a.m., Hamot Wellness Center. Cost: $5 for nonmembers,free for center and Highmark members. Call to sign up. Stroller Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 a.m., and Wednesdays,6:15 a.m., Millcreek Mall. Call 452-6441. Full-Figure Fitness Classes, YMCA, 31 W. 10th St. Call 452-3261,Ext. 228. Sibling Classes, third Saturday of alternating months, 10 to 11:30a.m., Titusville Area Hospital. 406 W. Oak St., Titusville. Free.Call (800) 950-1851, Ext. 548. Understanding Relationships Classes for women; various times forGirard, Union City and Corry residents. All classes, sponsored byMercy Center for Women, are free. Call 455-4577. Yoga Classes for women with certified yoga teacher, Mondays, 5:30to 7 p.m., White Tara Yoga, 1132 W. Ninth St. Cost: $45 forsix-week session. Call 452-4098. Simply Lite by Jazzercise, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. Cost:$25 per month. Call 835-0244. Team Dance by Jazzercise, Saturdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Cost: $25per month. Call 835-0244. Staying Fit, strength, cardio and flexibility classes, Tuesdays,6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Union City Senior Center, 27 Johnson St. Call438-7203. Step N' Sculpt, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:45 p.m., HamotWellness Center. Call to sign up. Cardiac Fitness Club et Family Support Program exercise program,Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Emerson-Gridley School,816 N. Park Ave. Call 453-4767. Clinician's Day Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m., Whole Life Health andEducation Center. Services offered by the center's practitioners.Call 833-7333. MS Swim Program, Gertrude A. Barber National Institute pool, 100Barber Place. Participants have choice of two of four classesoffered at various times throughout the week. Free. Doctor's noterequired stating that the person is able to participate in anaquatics program. Call 878-4071. Stott Pilates, Mondays and Fridays, 11 a.m., and Wednesdays, 1p.m., Marguerite's Academy of Dance, 4433 West Ridge Road. Call833-7553. Mat Pilates, Wednesdays, noon, Hamot Wellness Center. Call to signup. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:32:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/some-dishes-are-lost-in-translation-10476.html Tag: Chicken Bouillon Cube Fifth Floor is one of the highest-profile restaurants in the city.Four-star cuisine by George Morrone put it on the map, along with aclever name that proclaimed its hard-to-find location on the fifthfloor of the Palomar Hotel. After Morrone moved on, the restaurantcontinued to garner favorable publicity because of the Frenchtwists from another high-profile chef, Laurent Gras, followed bythe fresh American approach of Melissa Perello. However, these changes muddled the restaurant's focus. The KimptonGroup is attempting to regain the edge by reinventing therestaurant. The interior has been dramatically remodeled, and the menu has beencompletely changed under chef Laurent Manrique, who, ironically,took over Aqua after Morrone (and then Michael Mina) gave itfour-star status. Gone is the distinctive zebra-striped carpeting, heavy drapes andFrette linen. A dark wood floor replaces the carpet, linens havebeen banished in favor of dark wood tables softened with beigestriped runners, and the windows have been opened to reveal anatrium. There's also the scent of a British men's club from the brownleather banquettes and beige barrel-shaped chairs that replaced theupholstered seats. With the expansive glassed-in wine rack alongone wall, the interior looks sleeker, but it has lost some of itsintimacy. The stylish chairs are so deep that by the end of themeal your back is likely to be aching. The opening menu page gives an explanation: "Like a culinaryambassador, Fifth Floor brings together and showcases theremarkable similarities between the Bay Area and chef LaurentManrique's native Gascony in Southwest France." The chef was in the dining room on two of my visits, but he alsooversees the kitchens at Aqua and the more casual Cafe de laPresse, so he's turned over day-to-day cooking duties to JennieLorenzo, who was the opening executive sous chef at Ame. The a la carte menu features 10 appetizers and the same number ofmain courses. There's a six-course chef's tasting menu for $95,distinctive because each course is matched with two wines or otherbeverages for $85. I first ate Manrique's food when he was the chef at Campton Placenearly 10 years ago, and I still fondly remember his Gascon poachedchicken. He's reinterpreted that and other regional dishes at FifthFloor, giving them a nouvelle turn. The attempt is laudable, but I don't feel a soulful connectionbetween the man and the food. After the first visit, I probablywouldn't have returned if I weren't reviewing the place. Thecombinations seemed to be trying too hard to be different at theexpense of the diner's satisfaction. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:57:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/korea-says-renegotiating-on-us-beef-hurts-ties-10467.html Tag: Beef Meat South Korean President Lee Myung Bak said renegotiating a recent agreement to resume importing U.S.beef imports might provoke trade friction. Backing out of the beef deal may affect the nation's exports to theU.S., including cars and semiconductors, Lee said at a meetingyesterday with leaders of a local Buddhist community, according tohis spokesman Lee Dong Kwan . South Korea was the third-biggest buyer of U.S. beef before banningthe meat in December 2003 on concern mad cow disease, also known asbovine spongiform encephalopathy, could harm public health. Thegovernment postponed a resumption of beef imports on June 2, itsthird delay since an April agreement to end the ban. ``Any renegotiation may mean a breakdown in trust between the twocountries,'' said Suh Jin Kyo , a research fellow at the Korea Institute for InternationalEconomic Policy. ``Washington could demand renegotiation of othertrade deals with Seoul. South Korea must weigh the advantages anddisadvantages of such a move.'' The U.S. is South Korea's second-largest export market after China,with shipments of all categories of goods totaling $45.8 billion in2007. Imports from the U.S. last year reached $37.2 billion. South Korea bought 246,595 tons of U.S. beef valued at $815 millionin 2003, the most behind Japan and Mexico, according to the U.S.Meat Export Federation. There have been no reports of mad-cowinfected cases among South Korean cattle. ``Considering the concerns of South Korean consumers, both sidesshould find ways to ease the worries about U.S. beef,'' Suh said. Agriculture Minister Chung Woon Chun said on June 3 South Korea hadasked the U.S. not to export beef from cattle aged 30 months andolder. Local protesters said the request won't ease public fears asit isn't legally binding. Lee telephoned President George W. Bush at Camp David, Maryland, today to convey the public's concerns andasked for his cooperation to ensure meat from older cattle wasn'texported to Korea. During the 20-miniute conversation, Bush said he``fully understands'' the concerns and will make sure ``not toexport what should not be included in shipments,'' according to astatement on the Korean Presidential Office's Web site. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:55:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/packing-food-for-starving-children-a-family-affair-10456.html Tag: Food Packing Box In many parts of the world food is in very short supply, and it hasbeen reported that 18,000 children die each day from starvation orstarvation related cases. Jim Russell's involvement with Feed My Starving Children beganalmost three years ago while he was visiting his daughter and herfamily in St. Paul, Minn. His 15-year-old grandson told him that he was volunteering to packfood for needy children as a public service project, and invitedhim to go along. Russell and his grandson helped to pack 5,000meals and Jim became totally hooked on the importance of becoming apart of this vital relief organization. He "talks-up" the programwhenever an opportunity presents itself at his church, and duringhis other volunteer activities, in an effort to recruit volunteersto help with the packing at mobile packing events that are held atlocal churches, synagogues, schools and corporations, and at thepermanent site in Aurora. "I love children, and I feel this is a worthy cause," Russell said."Packing food for Feed My Starving Children is something that thewhole family can get involved in, and is a way of teaching thechildren by example that it is important to help people in need." Feed My Starving Children was founded in 1987, and is a nonprofitChristian organization with headquarters in Brooklyn Park, Minn.Their mission is "Feeding God's Starving Children Hungry in Bodyand Spirit." Volunteers of all ages pack highly nutritious mealsfor severely malnourished children that are distributed in morethan 50 countries around the world. The meals consist of rice,textured soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, 20 vitamins andminerals with a vegetarian chicken flavoring, and each meal has allthe nutrients a starving child needs for an entire day. The meals cost 17 cents each, and the ingredients are purchasedentirely through donations. The meals are hand packaged and sealedin bags by volunteers who work in teams to measure and weigh theingredients, and then packed into boxes for shipping. Feed MyStarving Children partners with missionaries in over 50 countrieswho help assure that meals are given to children who need them themost, and are distributed in schools, orphanages, refugee camps,and relief centers in Haiti, Tanzania, Indonesia, Sudan, Cambodia,Peru, Swaziland, the Philippines, and dozens of other countries. Permanent packing locations are located in Brooklyn Park, Eagan,and Chanhassen, Minn.; a new location is open in Aurora, and plansare underway to open a site in Rolling Meadows by the end of 2008. Last year, 40 million meals were shipped and their goal is to ship55 million during 2008. Because all the packaging of the food isdone by volunteers, 95 percent of all donations received during2007-08 went directly to the feeding program. Russell is very active at St. Raymond's Catholic Church in MountProspect, where he serves as a minister of care and takes communionto the homebound, and as a bereavement minister of care, whichinvolves assisting families to plan funerals and assisting toconduct funerals. He also volunteers as a PADS (homeless shelter)volunteer. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:54:00 GMT http://uebbb.spoonylife.com/condom-company-looks-to-sexual-art-to-stretch-sales-10449.html Tag: Packaging Tins CONTROVERSY and sex are a potent marketing mix. At least, thatseems to be the gamble of Melbourne-based condom company LegendsRubbers, which is about to launch prophylactic packaging featuringworks by controversial local artist Hazel Dooney. There's a long history of artists collaborating with products from the much-coveted Louis Vuitton stylings of TakashiMurakami to Australia's own Pro Hart and Stainmaster carpet. Now, Legends, a small operator that moves about 4000 tins ofcondoms a month, has struck a royalty deal with Hazel Dooney, whoseirony-tinged works explore sex and sexuality, often through theportrayal of semi-naked women. Legends, which sells condoms in colourfully decorated tin boxes,was founded by 36-year-old Daniel Moeschinger in 1999 and won abronze medal in last year's Packaging Design Awards. The judge's comments: "Legends are packed in a neat tin that hasthe utilitarian charm of a tobacco tin and the masculine cache of aZippo lighter." Mr Moeschinger says he approached Dooney with the idea because, hesays, he liked her artwork. He acknowledges the collaboration mayattract some controversy "to a degree". "It's skimming on the edge; it's pushing the boundaries of what wecan do," he says. "Controversy wasn't the main thing; it's that shepaints well, the images look fantastic on a tin and it's about themessage behind them that I really like." The works featured will form part of an forthcoming exhibition ofDooney's work. She says the Legends collaboration is consistentwith her approach of distributing her work outside the"conventional" art system. Adjunct professor of communications at RMIT University NoelTurnbull points to other campaigns where artists were linked toproducts. "The most famous in Australia has been in wine labels," he says. Helikened the Legends approach to a campaign launched in Australiafour years ago, called Snake Condoms, which used cheeky marketingto appeal to young indigenous Australians. "The real test for this is whether or not it actually enhancesproduct sales or whether it is just a question of being noticed,particularly as condoms have moved on from notoriety to utility,"he says. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:53:00 GMT