Technology Slice Blog

JFK Passengers Stranded 11 Hours - Hundreds of travelers spent up to eleven hours stranded in cramped planes stuck on the tarmac at JFK International Airport early Tuesday, but it was not immediately clear why they were not allowed to deplane. A British Airways spokesman blamed a lack of gate space for a seven-hour ordeal for passengers on a flight from London, while a Port Authority spokesman suggested buses could have rescued travelers from JFK's icy tarmacs. JFK Passengers Stranded 11 Hours

Asian Flush Cancer Risk - Between the brisk cold and the holiday cheer, many of us get a little red in the face this time of year. But for some people of Asian descent, a New Year’s toast – or even a few beers after work – will trigger a bright red blush known as the “Asian flush,” which can also increase their risk of deadly esophageal cancer. “When I drink, the skin in my face and even all the way down to my waist will start to turn red,” says Patrick McMahon, a 30-year-old education director from Seattle, who’s half-Japanese. “I think the blood vessels dilate and I get very flushed. It’s often mistaken for a sunburn.” That response is typical for about a third of people from East Asian descent, says Philip J. Brooks, an investigator with the Division of Metabolism and Health Affects at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “It happens predominantly in individuals of Japanese, Chinese or Korean descent,” he says. “People who have this will get a facial flush a...

Jackie O Half Brother Held Jail - Jackie O's half-brother was held in jail this past weekend, spending Christmas with inmates instead of as a man on probation. Seems James Auchincloss just might have violated his terms of probation. Auchincloss was on probation after pleading guilty to two felony counts of encouraging child sexual abuse. He was caught with pictures of naked boys on his computer. Talk about a sad way to regain visibility. He went from carrying his sister's train in her wedding to that. His being held in jail is standard procedure, though not necessarily for committing a crime. This offender has strict rules he must follow while on probation. Jackie O Half Brother Held Jail According to the Mail Tribune, the Ashland resident was taken into custody December 21 and will be held in jail for 30 days. Nate Gaoiran, program manager of Jackson County Community Justice's sex offender unit, said Auchincloss failed to conform to the rules he was given. Nobod...

Rebecca Sedille Dead - An Oklahoma City man jailed on a murder complaint told police he and his wife were playing a fantasy sex game when he accidentally shot her to death. Rebecca Sedille, 50, was found with a gunshot wound to the head at 1304 Fleetwood Drive about 9 p.m. Dec. 21. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police arrested her husband, Arthur John Sedille, 23. A probable cause arrest affidavit filed in Canadian County states Arthur Sedille told investigators he and his wife often engaged in sexual fantasy involving a gun. Arthur Sedille told police he took a handgun from a shelf beside the bed and “racked the slide back causing the gun to cock,” the affidavit states. He said he placed the gun to her head and the gun discharged. He said he did not realize the gun was loaded, according to the affidavit. Rebecca Sedille Dead

Sugarloaf Ski Lift Accident - Dreamy ski conditions turned nightmarish in Maine Tuesday morning when a chairlift accident injured at least six and left dozens more stranded in frozen suspension. Five chairs were thrown to the ground beneath the Spillway East chairlift at the Sugarloaf USA ski resort after the cable supporting the chairs derailed, dropping an estimated 25 to 30 feet. "All injured guests have been treated and are being transported to area hospitals," a press release issued by the resort's management said. "At this point none of the injuries are believed to be life threatening." Sugarloaf Ski Lift Accident Approximately 220 passengers were on the lift at the time of the accident. Using ropes and harnesses, the mountain's ski patrol began evacuating those that remained stranded on the broken-down lift - but not before several of those stranded could post photos on social media sites and call news organizations to deliver first-person ac...

Tuesday Night Football - The debate has been raging since the NFL moved the Sunday Night game to tonight in Philadelphia, because of a blizzard that was scheduled to hit with full force on Sunday. Did the NFL and the home team Eagles do the right thing? Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania complained publicly yesterday, saying that “this is part of the wussification of America.” I think they should have played this game on Sunday night, and I agree with some of Rendell’s sentiments (those that deal with playing football in the elements and memorable games). I can comfortably say this as someone who would have watched the game on TV from a thousand miles away and didn’t have to deal with getting there. I’m not going to say that it represents anything larger about society, though. I’m also glad I wasn’t one of the decision makers responsible for making this call at the time it had to be made. Tuesday Night Football Let’s ask this question: are there any circumstances under which...

Elton John Baby - It’s a boy for pop superstar Elton John and Scarborough-born filmmaker David Furnish. The couple, who wed in an intimate civil union in 2005 after a 12-year relationship, welcomed Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John in California on Christmas Day, according to Us Weekly. “We are overwhelmed with happiness and joy at this very special moment,” the pair told the magazine about their 7-pound, 15-ounce infant, who was born to a surrogate. “Zachary is healthy and doing really well, and we are very proud and happy parents.” Elton John Baby Actress Elizabeth Hurley, who attended the couple’s star-studded wedding reception for 700, tweeted: “Massive congratulations to David and Elton on having their beautiful son. Can't wait for my first cuddle.” Furnish is godfather to Hurley’s son Damian. Their son’s middle name is a possible nod to John’s 1971 song “Levon,” whose lyrics were written by the rocker’s longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin and inspired by Levon Hel...

Ohio French Fry Dispute - Police say a dispute over the freshness of french fries got heated at a McDonald's in northern Ohio. Authorities say a customer refused fries waiting Sunday night in their serving pouches at the restaurant near Sandusky. The manager insisted the fries were fresh. Police say they were called when the customer said he wouldn't leave until he got different fries. He told officers a McDonald's employee struck him with a mop. The Sandusky Register reports that a witness said the worker acted only as though he was going to hit the man and said the customer called the employee a derogatory name. No charges were filed. Police say the man got his money back and left without fries. Ohio French Fry Dispute

Reagan New Postage Stamps - Two of America's favorite spacemen — the cool-headed Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard and the animated Buzz Lightyear of "Toy Story" fame — join movie stars, musicians and artists being honored in 2011 with stamps from the U.S. Postal Service. Ronald Reagan, an actor who had a more lasting impact as the 40th president, will be honored in February with a stamp on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Also getting a stamp for a 100th birthday: the Indianapolis 500. The Postal Service announced its 2011 lineup on Tuesday. Other events being commemorated with stamps include the 150th anniversaries of the beginning of the Civil War and of Kansas statehood and the 50th anniversary of U.S. manned spaceflight. In addition to a stamp featuring Shepard, the first American in space, is one noting the Mercury orbit of the spacecraft Messenger, expected to take place in March. Reagan New Postage Stamps Actress Helen Hayes, twice the winner of an Acad...

Strip Club Shooting Random - A man accused of opening fire in a Phoenix strip club, killing two people and injuring three others, told police that he had planned the crime and chose the victims at random, according to a court document released Tuesday. Gavin Macfarlane, 28, of Scottsdale, is accused of shooting four people with a .38-caliber revolver and physically attacking a fifth person at the Great Alaskan Bush Company shortly before midnight Sunday. Patrons tackled and beat him after he ran out of ammunition. Macfarlane's mug shot shows him with a torn shirt; a bloody nose, chin, and forehead; and the beginning of two black eyes. Macfarlane was jailed on a $2 million cash bond, and it was unclear whether he has a lawyer. Strip Club Shooting Random In the Maricopa County Superior Court document released Tuesday, Phoenix police wrote that Macfarlane had been a previous patron of the club and that he told investigators he planned the attack. "Gavin stated that he ...

Time Warner Sinclair Dispute - The new year seemingly can’t come without a fight over the fees paid for television programming. Last year there was an end-of-the-year dispute between Time Warner Cable and News Corporation. This year Time Warner Cable is fighting again, this time with Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns 58 television stations in 35 local markets across the country. Sinclair wants Time Warner Cable to pay more money for the right to retransmit 33 of its stations in 21 markets. The current contract between the two companies will expire in the final minute of the year on Dec. 31, and it is possible that the stations will be dropped in Time Warner Cable households at that time. It is also possible that the companies will reach a compromise before then. Time Warner Sinclair Dispute Fee fights have cropped up repeatedly in recent years because over-the-air stations want distributors like Time Warner Cable to pay higher prices for their content, just like cable chann...

Lily Allen Engaged - Lily Allen is reportedly engaged to her longtime boyfriend Sam Cooper. The Daily Mirror reports Cooper proposed on Christmas Day while they vacationed in Bali. An insider says Allen “burst into tears” when Cooper popped the question. Allen, 25, has not commented on the reports. She and Cooper were expecting a child in January, but Allen suffered a miscarriage in October. It was the second time the singer had a miscarriage. During her relationship with Chemical Brothers musician Ed Simons in 2008 she lost a baby. Allen began dating Cooper July 2009. Lily Allen Engaged

Isabella Boylston Ex Benjamin Millepied - Natalie Portman has been dating Benjamin Millepied for a year. Many fingers are now being pointed at their relationship. Natalie Portman met Benjamin Millepied on the set of "The Black Swan".It is being speculated that Benjamin Millepied is in relationship with Natalie Portman just to gain social climb.It is also being suspected that Benjamin Millepied dumped his ex-girlfriend, ballerina Isabella Boylston, so he could be with Natalie Portman.Benjamin Millepied was given an on-camera part and he was one of the ballet instructors for the film, but overall, Ben looked obsessed not with Natalie Portman, but with her fame.It has been reported that while working on the set of "The Black Swan", Benjamin Millepied paid less attention to other dancers on set and always kept his focus on Natalie Portman.In the midst of unpredictable relationships in Hollywood, it is also being rumored that maybe Natalie Portman is going to dump Benja...

Injured Actress Leaves Spider-Man - Natalie Mendoza, who suffered an offstage concussion Nov. 28 during the first preview of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," has left the company, effective immediately, according to published reports. Mendoza's rep, Shea Martin told Newsday a formal statement might be made later Tuesday about the actress. But he would not comment on The New York Times report about Mendoza's departure, which cited anonymous sources close to the production. The actress, who played the sorceress/spiderwoman Arachne in the beleaguered $65-million mega-musical, was out two weeks before returning to the show Dec. 16. But she has not been back since Dec. 20, the night Spiderman stunt double, aerialist Christopher Tierney, fell 30 feet off a platform. Tierney, the fourth actor to have significant injuries from the show, is recovering from multiple injuries, including broken vertebrae that required surgery last week. Injured Actress Leaves Spider-Man ...

Bernie Wilson Dies - Bernie Wilson, a baritone member of the rhythm and blues group that produced the 1972 hit "If You Don't Know Me by Now," has died. Wilson, 64, died early Sunday at Kresson View Center in Voorhees, N.J., following a stroke and a heart attack, his cousin, Faith Peace-Mazzccua, said Monday. Philadelphia International Records, the former record company for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, said Wilson's death leaves Lloyd Parks as the sole surviving member of the group's lineup at the time. The lineup also featured Teddy Pendergrass and Lawrence Brown. Bernie Wilson Dies The group produced a string of R&B hits in the '70s and helped define the Sound of Philadelphia. "If You Don't Know Me by Now" topped the R&B charts and made the top five on the pop charts. The hits that followed included "I Miss You," ''Bad Luck," ''Wake up Everybody," and the dance track "The Love I L...

Luke Worrall Osbourne Ex - Kelly Osbourne has vowed to quit posting on microblogging website Twitter.com after an online war-of-words with her ex-boyfriend Luke Worrall. The pop singer-turned-reality TV star dumped model Worrall in July, but admits she is still brokenhearted over their split. She took to her page on Twitter on Tuesday to launch a furious rant at Worrall, accusing him of sleeping with dozens of women since the break-up. Worrall hit back, branding Osbourne's claims "lies" and laughing when a fan congratulated him on his womanizing ways - and Osbourne has now decided to quit the website as she is still in turmoil over her ex. Luke Worrall Osbourne Ex

Hassan Malik Suitcase Killing - A New York man has been charged with robbing and killing a woman and dumping her body on the street in a suitcase. Hassan Malik, 55, allegedly admitted killing Betty Williams, 28, the New York Post reported, citing sources. He lives near where the body discovered in East Harlem. Malik was charged Monday night. A passerby opened the suitcase after it was left on the street at about midnight Wednesday. Neighbors said they recognized Malik when police released a security camera video showing a man pulling the suitcase, the New York Daily News reported. They also said Malik boasted about robbing prostitutes. "He had a lot of girls," one neighbor said. "He could talk. Sometimes it's not the looks. He's a people person." Hassan Malik Suitcase Killing

Herman Cain may run for President - He dropped off most voters' radar screens after losing a 2004 bid to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate. But conservative Atlanta radio show host Herman Cain has hardly forgotten about politics. In fact, he may be running for president in 2012. Cain, a Republican, said he is "one step closer" toward announcing a bid for president after the GOP's big sweep of the November midterm elections. For now, Cain said he is putting out feelers and "prayerfully considering" a run, and he will make a decision sometime early next year. Herman Cain may run for President "Right now I'm in the process of contacting people who are very enthusiastic about a campaign," Cain said. "Over the next few weeks, we'll be seeing if we can tap into the energy we saw [in November]," for a presidential bid. If he does launch a long-shot campaign, Cain, 65, could be one of two Georgians vying for the White Ho...

Leann Rimes Shows Off Engagement Ring - With the news of LeAnn Rimes' engagement to Eddie Cibrian still making waves, Celebuzz spoke to "Diamond Guy" to the stars David Mamane, CEO of MyJewelryBox.com, about LeAnn's brand new 5-carat oval diamond in a platinum and rose-gold setting. It's a gargantuan engagement ring he estimates as being worth $85,000. This ring is comparable to many other celebrities engagement rings. It's not on the same scale as say Kate Middleton or even Carrie Underwood [her country music competition] for that matter, but I’d put it in the same price range as Katy Perry's and Jessica Simpson's. Although it isn't as priceless as Kate's, whose ring was formerly owned by the late Princess Diana, or as valuable as Underwood's $150,000 ,five-carat sparkler, LeAnn's ring from CSI: Miami actor Cibrian still rivals Katy Perry and Jessica Simpson's to make it among the best celebrity engagement rings of 2010 based ...

Natalie Mendoza Leaves Spider Man - Broadway's most expensive, troubled production can add casting to its list of problems to solve before its official February premiere. The New York Times reports that lead actress Natalie Mendoza, who plays the villain Arachne, is currently plotting an exit strategy with producers and an official announcement is expected as soon as Jan. 4. After suffering a concussion at the first preview performance, Mendoza's participation in "Spider-Man" has seemed precarious at best. She's addressed her struggle on her Facebook page. "Thank goodness I had such a brilliant neurologist who made sure I recovered properly," she writes. "Nice to be almost back to normal ... almost anyway." Mendoza's representatives declined to address the rumors, but she has been absent from previews since the Dec. 20 incident that sent one aerial stuntman to the ICU. A total of four players have suffered injuries on the "S...

Jonathan Foster Missing - The parents of Jonathan Foster, a 12-year-old boy who disappeared in Texas on Christmas Eve, are being questioned by police on Tuesday. Police have impounded the couple’s car. Jonathan Foster lives with his mother and step father in Houston at the Villa Nueva Apartments. Police found a burned child’s body in Harris County Tuesday morning that has yet to be unidentified. Police say the body is too badly burned to be identified yet. Police say a passerby discovered the body at 9:28 a.m. near East Hardy Toll Road. Officials say the body was about 3 feet tall and found in a shallow ditch between two buildings. Police believe the body was burned elsewhere and dumped here. Jonathan Foster Missing

China to Cut Rare Earth Exports - China has announced a reduction in its export quota for rare earth minerals, further shrinking global supplies of metals used in a wide range of high-tech products. The Chinese commerce ministry said on Tuesday it will cut down export of the minerals by more than 11 per cent in the first half of next year. Beijing says its curbs are for environmental reasons and to guarantee supplies to domestic industrial consumers. In a short statement on its website, the commerce ministry said it had added more producer companies to the quota list, but had cut volumes allocated to trading companies. The new numbers say China is allocating 13,105 tonnes of rare earths among 31 companies, down from 14,790 tonnes allocated among 22 companies in the first batch of quotas this year. China, which produces about 97 per cent of the world's supply of rare earth elements, slashed its quota by 40 per cent in 2010. China to Cut Rare Earth Exports

Elliptigo Exercise Bike - For those who have been searching for just the right option to reduce that falling-off-my-bike-at-every-corner factor in bicycle commuting, or to get the most out of exercise time, ElliptiGO offers an attractive addition to the pallet of people-powered vehicles. On the other hand, if you still have a pair of powerisers in the basement, then think twice before jumping on this year's exer-commuting trend. Video showing how to ride ElliptiGO and a more detailed review of the benefits and disadvantages of ElliptiGO compared to travelling by foot or bike can help you make the right decision. Kudos to the ElliptiGO people for giving a clear overview of the plus and minus factors of an elliptiGO compared to traditional exercise and mobility choices. For example, the site points out issues like: Walking or running are simpler than ElliptiGO, with less equipment required, but ElliptiGO offers a low impact exercise that can still deliver the "runner's ...

Adam Sandler is not Dead - Adam Sandler death rumors accompany Charlie Sheen and Aretha Franklin in the list of celebs that have died today which trumps the Sugarloaf Mountain (Maine) ski lift accident. Screw the Sugarloaf Mountain Maine accident; let’s make up death rumors about various celebrities today. Adam Sandler dies is the latest trend to hit the internet as people with no life want to make the world go crazy. Sandler accompanies Charlie Sheen and Aretha Franklin who also died today… online. Adam Sandler is not Dead I already reported that both Aretha Franklin and Charlie Sheen are alive and well after their death rumors this morning. I am now here to report that Adam Sandler is not dead. Once again, some ass hat has decided to make up a death rumor. Sandler is the latest victim to Twitter demise and probably won’t be the last. Since I mentioned the Sugarloaf Mountain accident I guess I should explain what happened today in Maine. It seems that quite a few skiers were ...

Ed Rendell Eagles - Politicians normally preach safety first and an over-abundance of caution during a snow storm. Perhaps that’s why Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter declared a snow emergency at 2pm Sunday. The NFL subsequently postponed the Eagles game that was to take place that day. It’s a decision that was immediately second-guessed by fans across Pennsylvania, including the outgoing Governor, Democrat Ed Rendell, who thought the game should have gone on. The governor got in a verbal sparring match with the chief meteorologist on the Philadelphia Fox affiliate, arguing that Philadelphia missed most of the storm and the game shouldn’t be postponed for several measley inches of snow. The weather man at the Fox station interjected to say the snow was substantial. The Governor disagreed and argued that the legendary Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi is probably “spinning in his grave.” Ed Rendell Eagles

Pretty Little Liars - Last summer's guiltiest pleasure returns next week and the lives of those Pretty Little Liars are getting more dangerous and scandalous than ever! For years, TV viewers dreaded the month 0f May because we knew that once our favorite shows ended, reruns would invade our living rooms for the next several months. Thanks to the addition of original programming on the cable channels, the summer months have emerged as a viable television season -- and made us viewers very, very happy. Oddly enough, the cable channels do very well during the summer months with new drama series, while the networks tend to struggle with anything other than reality programming. Last summer, ABC Family brought us Pretty Little Liars, a drama based on a series of young adult books by Sara Shepard. The series was an instant hit and within a few weeks of the premiere, the network decided to add an additional 12 episodes to season one. The first half of season one was a whirlwind of sus...

Empire Strikes Back Film Registry - Not bad for a gang of scruffy-looking nerf herders. The Empire Strikes Back — perhaps the greatest sequel of all time, unless Michael Corleone decides to take it out for some late-night boating — has been inducted into the National Film Registry along with the 24 other films chosen by the Library of Congress. George Lucas fared particularly well this year: Both Empire and his student film Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB will join American Graffiti and the first Star Wars as part of the collection of culturally significant films marked for preservation. Empire Strikes Back Film Registry

Mark Sanford Mum About Plans - Things are looking up for Gov. Mark Sanford as he prepares to leave office on his own terms more than a year after the international affair that derailed his once-promising political career. He will be replaced by his chosen successor. Tea party supporters across the country have taken up his messages about fiscal responsibility. Friends say his mid-life crisis is over. Still, the two-term governor says he's not sure what's next and talks vaguely about writing a book or going back into business. "It's an interesting spot to be at, because my nature is always to have a next plan, but on this one I don't," said Sanford, a 50-year-old former developer-turned-congressman. All he'll say for now is that he plans to take his son's green pickup truck and head toward home on the state's southern coast, though he's not sure exactly where he'll live. Mark Sanford Mum About Plans "I'm driving east on 26...

Winter Storm Air Passengers - The winter storm that snarled thousands of flights and disrupted air travelers the day after Christmas continued to cause cancellations and delays here and at airports along the Eastern Seaboard on Monday. At Philadelphia International Airport, 600 departing and arriving flights were canceled Monday as the ripple effect of the snowfall bogged down travel plans, even to destinations under sunny skies. Jim and Mary Beth Ferrie and sons Jonathan, 22, and Brendan, 19, from Sparta, N.J., spent a second day trying to get to New Orleans to begin a cruise to Belize and Cozumel that was to leave at 4 p.m. Monday. Winter Storm Air Passengers After their flight Sunday from Newark was scrubbed, the family - joined by friends from Scotch Plains, N.J. - drove to Philadelphia and rebooked on an 11 a.m. US Airways Group Inc. flight to New Orleans. But that was canceled, too. "We were at the gate, 45 minutes from boarding, and they canceled the flight,"...

Neanderthals Ate Vegetables - What sounds like a put-down might actually be a compliment, at least when the conversation turns to culinary matters. A new study suggests that Neanderthals were more sophisticated in their eating habits than previously thought, dining not only on vegetables but on cooked veggies. So much for being savages. Neanderthals Ate Vegetables The study seems to contradict previous studies suggesting that Neanderthals were mostly or even completely carnivorous. Those studies were based on the chemical analysis of prehistoric bones. The new study, published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," revealed bits of cooked grains in Neanderthal teeth. "Our results indicate that in both warm eastern Mediterranean and cold northwestern European climates, and across their latitudinal range, Neanderthals made use of the diverse plant foods available in their local environment and transformed them into more easily digestible foodstu...

Sugarloaf Maine Ski Lift Injuries - Six people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a chairlift accident this morning at the Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort in Maine, the resort said in a statement. The accident happened at about 10:30 a.m. when the Spillway East chairlift derailed from the lift's eighth tower. Five chairs on the lift fell 25 to 30 feet to the ground, the resort said. The injured skiers were treated and were being transported to a local hospital. At the time of the accident, there were 220 people dangling on the lift in the frigid winds. The ski patrol responded to the resort and evacuated the people from the lift, the resort said in a statement at 1 p.m. Sugarloaf Maine Ski Lift Injuries The resort said the cause of the incident was under investigation. Nineteen-year-old Kaitlyn Dingley arrived at the scene of the incident minutes before Sugarloaf’s ski patrol, although she didn’t see it happen. Dingley, a 2009 graduate of Carrabassett Valley Acad...

New Sport Two Seater Reviews 2011 - The Boxster Spyder is an amazingly hot roadster. It is a Boxster with styling that screams Porsche, and with added flare to it. Remember the very handsome James Dean? How could we forget? The legendary bad boy and ‘Little Bastard’ was killed in a car crash driving a Boxster Spyder 550. Times have changed, and this Sypder has just gotten better. I am not the type to judge a book by its cover. Because this iconic car is handsome to look at, starts at just under $73,000 which is a few thousand dollars more than the Boxster S, I am expecting more from this car. New Sport Two Seater Reviews 2011 This two-seater is the featherweight member of the Porsche line up, weighing in at just 1,275kgs. The Spyder is 80 kg lighter than the Boxster S. The doors are aluminum and the 19-inch wheels are the lightest that Porsche makes. The biggest cut in weight has come from removing the fully powered, twenty-one kilogram retractable softtop from the Boxst...

Most Common Ski Snowbard Injuries - The ski-lift accident at Maine’s Sugarloaf Mountain Tuesday morning is the sort of incident that can convince an already timid skier never to sit on a lift again. Five chairs fell 25 to 30 feet to the ground when a cable derailed, injuring at least six people. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. The estimated 220 people remaining on the lift were stranded for several hours amid wind gusts of 30 to 50 m.p.h. as the resort’s ski patrol scrambled to evacuate them, using a pulley system to lower skiers to the ground. By mid-afternoon, the causes of the Sugarloaf accident were still unknown. Most Common Ski Snowbard Injuries But lift incidents – particularly ones involving actual derailment or falling chairs – are extremely rare. “It’s a complete freak accident,” says Troy Hawks, a spokesman for the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). “Our long-term data shows it’s far more dangerous to drive than to ride a chairlift.” ...

How to Cure a Hangover - This festive season splendor, if has not come down with the hangover of alcohol and at the same time hangover can’t be avoided tries having honey on toast states a recent study. The Royal Society of Chemistry stated that the natural sweetener is probably one of the best methods to cure toxins in the body post-binge. It has fructose, which can further be found in golden syrup, which is vital in case of the body break down alcohol that further goes into degradation into harmless by-products. How to Cure a Hangover “The happiness comes from alcohol. The hangover comes from acetaldehyde. This is the toxic chemical into which alcohol is converted by the body and it causes a throbbing headache, nausea, and maybe even vomiting,” the Telegraph quoted Dr John Emsley of the Royal Society, whilst stating. The hangover soon vanishes as the acetaldehyde is eventually transformed to reduced toxic chemicals. Honey is considered to be a potential source of potassium...

Blind Dating Tips - Going on a blind date may be an exciting experience, but it is necessary that you keep a few tips in mind. Since you are meeting a stranger on a blind date, it is necessary to ensure that you keep yourself safe from any mishaps by informing a friend beforehand. When you are on the date, you need to remember a few tips that might help to enrich the experience. Be Open - Meeting a stranger means that you have never met this person before. As a result, you will not know what to expect. However, if you go on the date with an open mind, and give your date a chance to express him or her, you might surprise yourself with your choice. It is essential to keep your mind open and be willing to accept your date so that they at least stand a chance. Blind Dating Tips Do not Hide Your Personality - When you are on a blind date, the thought of disguising your identity might seem very appealing to you. However, remember that your date wants to know who you are, rather than t...

Yoga vs Pilates - When people speak of the physical benefits of exercise, they tend to focus on the three S's: strength, stamina and slimming. With this in mind, their training programs usually consist of weight lifting to build muscle, with some form of aerobic activity to build cardiovascular endurance and burn calories. But there's a second tier of benefits we're starting to value. These include flexibility, coordination, posture and stress relief. It's not that these secondary benefits weren't always important -- it's just that they're more in the spotlight these days thanks to the growing popularity of so-called "softer" training modalities. Two of the most popular of these are yoga and Pilates. Yoga vs Pilates Yoga, of course, has been popular in the U.S. for decades. I started practicing yoga more than 20 years ago and it's still one of my favorite ways to tone my body and calm my mind. Pilates though is a newer trend that appare...

Penelope Cruz Shows Off Baby Bump - Actress Penelope Cruz was in New York City on Wednesday night where she wore a RED T-shirt with a Fall 2010 Calvin Klein Collection black shearling jacket which was covering her baby bump! Cruz was in attendance for the Empire State Building lighting ceremony which turned the buildings lights red in honor of World AIDS days. The RED campaign hopes to raise awareness about the disease, while hoping to ensure that no children by 2015 will be born with HIV. Back to that baby bump, Cruz and husband Javier Bardem are expecting their first child in 2011. Congrats to Cruz both for the baby and for taking time out of her busy schedule to support such a great cause. Penelope Cruz Shows Off Baby Bump

Social Butterflies Bigger Brains - Social butterflies often have bigger personalities than introverts. Now, new research suggests that parts of their brains might be bigger too. Scientists in New England have linked the size of the amygdala, an almond-shaped part of the brain tied to fear and fight-or-flight responses, to the size and complexity of one's social network. The bigger the amygdala, the larger and more intricate the person's social life seems to be, according to the team at Massachusetts General Hospital. Social Butterflies Bigger Brains The findings, published this week in the journal Nature Neuroscience, seem to fall in line with previous research showing that primates tend to be more social if they have larger amygdala, though none of the studies have determined whether a bigger-sized amygdala is the reason for the more extensive social network or the other way around. "We know that primates who live in larger social groups have a larger amygdala,...

Shia Labeouf New Girlfriend - Shia LaBeouf and his new girlfriend grab brunch together at Little Dom’s on Monday (December 27) in Los Feliz, Calif. The new couple seemed quite intimate, holding hands during their meal and smoking cancer sticks together. After breakfast, the couple walked over to Shia’s pick-up truck, where he opened the door for her before letting himself in. Earlier this month, the twosome was spotted lunching at Jinky’s Cafe. It was announced in October that Shia split with girlfriend Carey Mulligan. Shia Labeouf New Girlfriend

Was Jeff Bridges High while Accepting Oscar? - Bad Blake: was he good at least year's Oscars? Given Jeff Bridges' ultra laid back persona, his demeanor on the stage that night, and, of course, his legendary starring turn as stoner The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski,' MTV host Josh Horowitz just had to ask: was the star high on something when he accepted his award for Best Actor at last year's Academy Awards? Was Jeff Bridges High while Accepting Oscar?

Home Prices Tumble Largest US Cities - House prices fell across the US in October and have dropped roughly 2 percent nationwide since June, according to data released by Standard & Poor's Tuesday. The news sent a sharp reminder that real estate remains a weak spot in the recovering US economy, and that the price declines that began four years ago probably aren't finished. One potential reason for the decline: the impact of a temporary tax credit designed to lure home buyers has faded. Atlanta has fallen the furthest in the month since June. Prices in the Atlanta metro area are down 5.86 percent since then. That includes a 3 percent drop in October alone, which was also the most of any of the 20 cities in the S&P Case-Shiller index. Home Prices Tumble Largest US Cities Prices fell in October in every city in the index, from Miami and Washington to San Diego and Seattle. Overall, the 20-city index was down 1.3 percent for the month, and has fallen 1.8 percent sin...

MTA New York - Despite sunny skies Tuesday, rail and transit systems in the Northeast were still struggling to get back to normal operations. New York area commuters faced the biggest challenges, but milder problems stretched from Philadelphia to Boston. The MTA system in New York has advised would-be commuters to "consider traveling later in the morning if at all possible" and warned of possible crowding issues due to limited service on subways and commuter trains. MTA New York MTA officials warned of subway service outages, particularly where lines were directly exposed to the snow, including in Brooklyn. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has suspended service on some routes and is operating a Martin Luther King Day schedule on its Babylon, Huntington, Port Washington, and Ronkonkoma branches. The Metro-North Railroad (MNR) lines into New York are operating, but on a Saturday schedule on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines. Part of the challenge across the...

$5 Gas - The former president of Shell Oil thinks so—he predicts gas prices will continue to spike as the global demand for oil increases. John Hofmeister said that Americans could be paying $5 for gas by 2012, although he added that he was just predicting “the worst outcome over the next two years which takes us to 2012 with higher gas prices.” Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst with Oil Price Information Service concurred with Hofmeister that a $5 national average was possible—but not so soon. $5 Gas “I agree with him that we’ll see those numbers at some point this decade, but not yet,” Kloza said. Gas prices are the highest they have ever been in December, 76 percent higher nationally than they were in 2008, which was the last year that the national average for gasoline was over $3. Gas prices crossed the $3 mark last week for the first time since October 2008. The Mountain West has largely managed to avoid the $3 trend, as Utah, Colorado and Wyoming are currently topping the lis...

Last Supper - By the Last Supper is meant the final meal that Jesus shared with his twelve disciples before his death. The events of that evening are recounted in the canonical gospels and by the Paul the Apostle. According to what Paul wrote in his First Letter to the Corinthians, at that meal Jesus gave his disciples bread, saying it was his body, which was broken for them, and gave them wine, saying it was the new covenant in his blood, and told them to do it in his memory. In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus institutes a new covenant of his blood and body, the wine and bread. Many Christians describe this as the "Institution of the Eucharist" (see Maundy Thursday). Scholars have looked to the Last Supper as the source of early Christian Eucharist traditions. Others see the account of the Last Supper as derived from 1st-century eucharistic practice as described as early as the mid-50s of that century (the date of the writing of 1 Corinthians), 20–25 years after the death of ...

Priciest ZIP Codes - The neighborhoods around Friendship Heights have beaten the odds of a tough market. All three Zip codes in the area—20815 in Maryland and 20016 and 20015 in DC—had median sales prices above $700,000 in 2009. They also all earned spots in the region’s ten most expensive Zip codes. Real-estate agent Nancy Mellon says it’s hard to find a single-family home in the area for less than $700,000. Renovated houses and penthouse condos in established buildings such as Parc Somerset can go for more than $2 million. “The price range under $1 million doesn’t seem to have any problems selling,” says Long & Foster agent Suzanne Goldstein. Priciest ZIP Codes What makes the area so desirable? The neighborhoods surrounding Friendship Heights marry urban convenience and suburban comforts. The area claims two Metro stations (the other is Tenleytown-AU), three supermarkets, dozens of good restaurants, and some of the region’s best shopping. Lafayette and Turtle parks serve a...

California Real Estate - Perhaps you have been looking to buy yourself a new house? Generally this is no easy task. Searching for the ideal place to live can be rather frustrating as there are different factors that you would need to think before determining on the place that you think would suit you best. Firstly this could be where you want to live such as which state and what city you prefer to live in, in this case Central Coast California real estate. Another essential factor is what kind of house you are waiting for, whether it is a duplex a semi-detached house or an apartment, whether you want a place with a garden, and so on. The most primary component however would be your budget; how much you are willing to spend on your new house, or if you are merely waiting to rent one, how much you are willing to pay monthly. Central Coast California real estate internet sites are aimed at offering you with aid in finding your ideal home. To help you with this, the Central Coast Cali...

Mobile Meth Lab Chicago Cab - Chicago police arrested a man who passed out in the back of a taxi cab for possessing a mobile meth lab. Joseph Andrew Hoffman of Vancouver, Wash. was arrested about 2 p.m. on Christmas Day on felony drug charges. Hoffman passed out in the back of a cab. The cabbie drove to the 24th Police District in the Rogers Park area telling police that Hoffman would not wake up to pay his fare. Police searched Hoffman’s bags looking for the identification of the unresponsive man and found what the police report describes as “a mobile meth lab” as well as nearly $450,000 in methamphetamine, officials said. Chicago Fire Department’s Hazardous Material team found what appeared to be a power source attached to chemical bottles which where ‘holding clear, crystalline’ material in them. Mobile Meth Lab Chicago Cab

Daniel Craig Rachel Weisz - Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz were spotted together over the holiday weekend -- and they were getting pretty darn cozy. PEOPLE reports the pair were spotted in the countryside of Dorset in southwestern England. News of the romance comes only one month after Weisz announced her split from director Darren Aronofsky after nine years together. They have a 4-year-old son, Henry. Craig is also recently rumored to have ended a long-term relationship with movie producer Satsuki Mitchell, though he's never confirmed the split. Daniel Craig Rachel Weisz Photos of the couple walking hand-in-hand were first published in Britain's News of the World and featured a story titled, 'For Your Weisz Only.' It was reported that after taking a walk together, Craig and Weisz stopped by an Edwardian pub where they spent the afternoon. The co-stars -- who both appear in the upcoming movie 'Dream House' -- also reportedly stayed in a little cottage ...

Latest Trends in Jewelry - Bringing in line the latest trends in jewelry and your personal fashion preferences can be a tricky task. To stay in accordance with the most fashionable ideas or style, without making a fashion solecism needs integrating a new look into your personal preferences of styles carefully. Frequent Change in Jewelry Fashion Jewelry fashions tend to change as each new season commences, and choosing new jewelry is a fun and easy way to modernize your wardrobe. If you want to blend new styles into your appearance, you can choose two or three statement pieces which collectively reflect the best of a particular fashion. If the final appearance is bright and jazzy, choose a glistening oversized bracelet or pendant. But if you want a classic style and a conservative appearance, you can opt for staples such as pearl earrings and delicate chains; or may even choose vintage jewelry like chokers, brooches, and hair pins. Sport a voguish piece at a time so that your outfi...

Hottest Handbag Styles 2011 - With the year almost over, and the holiday craze just about behind everyone, it’s time to focus on the future. It’s been said that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it, but in the fashion world of handbags, that might be even more of an abject lesson for all of us to learn from, as the newest and hottest styles for spring 2011 are rolled out. The fact is that there are new designs being produced all the time, and those who fail to follow the trends are doomed to be left with immovable inventory. Here then, is a glimpse into the future of fashion handbags for next year’s fashionistas – and perhaps a brief history lesson for wholesalers who want to be ahead of the curve as they ramp up their own collections to mirror the trends. Hottest Handbag Styles 2011 So much has been said about Karl Lagerfeld’s designs that were inspired by the avant-garde movie “Last Year at Marianbad,” that the ragged edges and lattice perforations that hav...

Will your Gift Card Go Unused - With $2.5 billion lost through unused gift cards, many of us are letting what is practically free money expire. This year, don't procrastinate, know your rights, and get the most from your gift cards. Whether you like it or not, you probably received a gift card this holiday, and it should go without saying that it's wasteful if you don't put it to use. Nonetheless, we continue to let gift cards go unused in mass quantities every year. This doesn't have to happen, and there are things you can do to make sure your gift cards are not wasted each year. First, we're going to take a look at your rights as a gift card holder to help you avoid getting screwed (that's right, you actually have rights related to gift cards), and then we'll look at some good options to make sure your gift card is put to good use. Will your Gift Card Go Unused Consumer protection laws exist across the whole of the United States and many have specif...

Holiday Scams - Fraud experts say scammers are particularly busy this time of year as people spend more freely on Christmas, the annual sales and their holidays. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says travellers are vulnerable to holiday scams, where victims are approached by scammers who offer expensive memberships to fake discount hotel vouchers and scam travel clubs. It says flight booking scams are another trap. Consumers may think they have booked flights online, but the website they booked through is fake, and so are their bookings. Holiday Scams HLB Mann Judd fraud prevention expert Darryl Swindells says protecting yourself often requires just a few simple changes. "Most of us simply make it too easy for fraudsters and scam artists to rip us off," he says. "Fraudsters always look for an easy mark so often it's the careless or lazy people who are going to be targeted." Younger people are often a target because they trust t...

Jimmy Carter Eradicating Guinea Worm - Lily pads and purple flowers dot one corner of the watering hole. Bright green algae covers another. Two women collect water in plastic jugs while a cattle herder bathes nearby. Samuel Makoy is not interested in the bucolic scenery, though. He has an epidemic to quash. Makoy points out to the women the fingernail-length worm-like creatures whose tails flick back and forth. Then a pond-side health lesson begins on a spaghetti-like worm that has haunted humans for centuries. This fight against the guinea worm is a battle former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has waged for more than two decades in some of the poorest countries on earth. It is a battle he's almost won. Jimmy Carter Eradicating Guinea Worm In the 1950s the 3-foot-long guinea worm ravaged the bodies of an estimated 50 million people, forcing victims through months of pain while the worm exited through a swollen blister on the leg, making it impossible for them to tend to cow...

Kelsey Grammer Divorce Continues - As TMZ first reported, the couple never signed a prenup, which means all earnings during the marriage are divided 50/50. We're told during their 13 years of marriage, the couple amassed a fortune in excess of $100,000,000. Much of it was invested in real estate. They have homes in the Holmby Hills area of L.A., Malibu, Hawaii, the Hamptons, New York City and Colorado. Our sources say when they married Kelsey was strapped for cash, but turns out Camille is savvy in the business department and taught Kelsey a thing or two along the way. One person familiar with their finances says, "They made a lot of smart decisions. They were really a good team." Kelsey Grammer Divorce Continues Sources say the couple is working out a financial settlement, made complicated by the fact that some of the properties -- like Hawaii -- are in the toilet because of the economy. We're told no real "Cheers" money is coming in, but ...

David Paterson Fine World Series - Oft-embattled New York Governor David Paterson came under fire earlier this year for receiving free tickets to Game 1 of the 2009 World Series. Though as the linked article points out, Paterson tried to defend himself by saying attending the game was part of his “official duties,” he had dubious evidence to back that up, and indeed, it wasn’t nearly enough – yesterday, a state ethics commission hit Paterson with a fine of over $62,000 for accepting the tickets. According to the AP’s report, via HuffPo, Paterson’s “official business” excuse was insufficient because 1) he “performed no ceremonial function,” and 2) even if he had, he still wouldn’t have been entitled to free tickets (though he and staff members apparently later paid for four of the tickets). David Paterson Fine World Series Apparently, Paterson avoided the harshest possible punishment (the NPR piece linked above said the fines could have totaled up to $90,000), but ledes like the ...

Indoor Tanning Risks - Too many Americans are ignoring the dangers of indoor tanning, or they are unaware of the dangers, as evident by the number of people who do it and the fact that most don't acknowledge it increases their risk of skin cancer. Indoor tanning does, in fact, increase the risk of skin cancer, and may speed up the aging process in skin, causing wrinkles. Despite this, a new survey released today found that 18 percent of women and more than 6 percent of men said they have gone indoor tanning at least once in the previous year. Indoor Tanning Risks "It's the popularity of indoor tanning that's alarming," study author Dr. Kelvin Choi of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis told Reuters Health. And when he and his colleagues asked a subset of participants to list the steps people could take to reduce their risk of skin cancer, only 13 percent of women - and even fewer men - said skip indoor tanning. Indoor tanning was most popular amo...

Teen Charged Tyler Perry's Home - An 18-year-old woman has been charged with breaking into the Atlanta home of filmmaker Tyler Perry. Police said Perry's bodyguard caught Chloe Ware early Thursday morning, but two others escaped. A phone listing for Ware could not be found. It was unclear whether she had an attorney. She was charged with prowling and criminal trespass, then released. Police are still searching for two other suspects. Perry directed this year's film "For Colored Girls" and co-directed last year's "Precious" with Oprah Winfrey. Teen Charged Tyler Perry's Home

Larry King Maddow Hannity - Both Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow offered their best to outgoing legendary anchor Larry King on Dec. 16, his final broadcast night. But how does the outgoing CNN anchor feel about them? On CNN’s Sunday broadcast of “Reliable Sources,” host Howard Kurtz asked King about his competitors, which he was third to in the ratings at the tail-end of his career. King admitted they were good at what they did, but said he didn’t particularly care for it. Larry King Maddow Hannity “They got better ratings,” King said. “However, I don’t regret anything and I’m happy with what I did. I let it stand on its own, stand for itself. And I’m not objecting to what they do. They’re more what I guess what television is about today.” King has long said his style involved doing as little talking as possible during interviews – a very different construct from the Hannity and Maddow programs. “It’s just that my problem with it is – with those kin...

Lenny Kravitz Tribute Teena Marie - Teena Marie's sudden death is hitting many of the late R&B veteran's friends and family hard, including her onetime mentee-turned-rock star Lenny Kravitz. In a video posted on the rocker's YouTube channel, Kravitz, looking sullen in a dark hoodie, reveals that he woke up in Paris to the news of Marie's passing and opens up about her generosity and assistance when he was starting his career as a teen. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Teena. She took me in when I was around 16. I was just a musician on the street. I was living from pillar to post. She took me in, she gave me a bedroom, she fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play, she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am," Kravitz says. He added that although he hadn't publicly discussed their relationship before now and lost touch in the ...

Gibbs Obama Hasn't Smoked in 9 Months - President Barack Obama may have kicked a bad habit for good. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told CNN's Candy Crowley that President Obama has done extremely well in quitting, and hasn't smoked in about nine months. Gibbs said this is the longest Obama has gone without a cigarette since they met about eight years ago. “He has done enormously well in quitting,” Gibbs said. “It was a commitment that I think he made to himself at the end of healthcare with his two daughters in mind.” Gibbs added that the president still chews nicotine gum, but has used "stubborn willpower" to quit. Gibbs Obama Hasn't Smoked in 9 Months

Implant Might Cure Snoring - A snore busting implant might save your life. Loud snoring may keep your spouse awake and disturb your sleep, but also it is a signal that you may have sleep apnea, or you may suffer from daytime exhaustion and, even, a heart attack. If you have sleep apnea, you may have tried a c-pap machine. But many people can't handle the machine, so scientists have come up with this new device that zaps your tongue, causing your airways to open. Sleep Apnea Implant Might Cure Snoring According to MSNBC, "One of the main causes of obstructive sleep apnea is that the tongue and throat muscles relax too much during sleep, enough to temporarily collapse and block breathing for 30 seconds or so at a time. The person jerks awake and gasps, a cycle that can repeat itself 30 or more times an hour, depriving patients of crucial deep sleep." A sleep study is a way to be sure if you have sleep apnea or not, but even if you do, you might not be able to toler...

Marine Sends Ice Statue Home for Christmas - A warm-hearted US Marine stationed Afghanistan couldn't come home for Christmas or his sister's birthday - so he stunned his family by sending them a towering ice block carved in his likeness instead. The 7-foot-tall (2.13m) statue of 1st Lieutenant Neil Bucken holding an actual red rose arrived late Wednesday at his relatives' Staten Island home, a day before his 11-year-old sister's birthday, and in the nick of time for Christmas, the New York Post said. Marine Sends Ice Statue Home for Christmas "Half the family was all bawling their eyes out," said his mum, Donna McBrien, a physician who lives in Hawaii, but who returned to her native Staten Island for the holidays. "It was just amazing. It was very touching." Bucken, 27, has been stationed in Afghanistan for nine months after joining the Marines more than two years ago, something his mum said he had always wanted to do. The Xavier HS and Un...

Top E-mail Mistakes - You return to your office from an afternoon meeting and decide to check e-mail. An hour later, having downloaded your messages, selecting those you should read, deleting the ones that look like junk, crafting replies to the most important ones, filing others that you want to work on later, you wonder where your day went. It was like that when you arrived at work this morning, and tomorrow promises to be no different. You return to your office from an afternoon meeting and decide to check e-mail. An hour later, having downloaded your messages, selecting those you should read, deleting the ones that look like junk, crafting replies to the most important ones, filing others that you want to work on later, you wonder where your day went. It was like that when you arrived at work this morning, and tomorrow promises to be no different. Top E-mail Mistakes

Celebrity Death Hoaxes 2010 - For some reason celebrity death hoaxes seem to be a common occurrence on the Internet. The news spreads like wildfire and the fake death notice often ends up at the top of trending indexes. The most recent deception reported was the death of actor Morgan Freeman this past week. With the frequency of these hoaxes and with their ability to generate so much attention for the celebrity in question, one can’t help wonder if these inaccurate reports are actually misguided attempts at publicity. Then again, because of their frequency they have such a distinct “boy who cried wolf” quality that fans should be hard pressed to believe that their beloved public personality has actually departed this life. Celebrity Death Hoaxes 2010 One has to wonder what kind of person has nothing better to do than to prank call someone (as in the case of Ronnie Hawkins and Gordon Lightfoot earlier this year) and leave a message pretending to be a family member of the alleged ...

Michael Douglas Icon Award - Michael Douglas is set to be honoured for his achievements in the movie world. The 66-year-old actor, who was diagnosed with throat cancer earlier this year, will be given the Icon Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California on 13 January. Douglas has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps performance. Festival organisers explained that the prize 'honours a creative talent who, through the course of his career, has created a body of work which symbolises the highest level of achievement in the motion picture art form'. Michael Douglas Icon Award Festival director Darryl MacDonald added, 'We're thrilled to have the opportunity to honour Michael Douglas at a time when both his creative prowess and his contributions to world cinema have never been more evident - or more deserving of celebration. Simply put, he's an American treasure.' Michael Douglas Icon Award

Suitcase Person of Interest - As the medical examiner ruled the death of a woman found in a suitcase in East Harlem a homicide, police released surveillance video to help with the case Wednesday. Police wanted to talk to a person seen above, shown in the surveillance video pulling the suitcase. The medical examiner said the woman died from asphyxiation. Investigators said a passerby discovered the body Wednesday morning after seeing a black suitcase with a leg sticking out on East 114th Street, outside the famed Rao's Restaurant. The victim is described as between 25- to 35-years-old, and late Wednesday police were working on identifying her. Suitcase Person of Interest