Technology Slice Blog

Coupon Clipping Service Becomes Popular - The Coupon Mom Stephanie Nelson, has shown us on TV and in her books how to save in many areas, including groceries, restaurants, online shopping, gifts, and entertainment. Printable coupons, grocery coupons and a coupon clipping service have not only make a comeback this year but have become one of the biggest business venture of our time. Groupon is currently the fastest growing company in the world and has been touted by the big boys such as Google. Coupon Clipping Service Becomes Popular For her part the Coupon Mom has been around since 2004. She has appeared on most of the big daytime shows such as: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, CNN, CBS Early Show, Fox Business, The View, Dr. Oz and The Doctors Coupon mom offers advice on how to not only find coupons but how to manage them and most importantly how to take full advantage of the coupon. Some of the things she does when she goes into...

Social Media Etiquette - Please don’t send every little app you try. If you’re not aware that you’re doing it, you probably still are. Be sure to click “no” or “skip” or whatever lets you not invite me to yet another little green patch, zombie biting experience, or buy my friends experience. Don’t write obnoxious links back to your stuff on people’s walls. Use them to be human. Starting multi-user messages in Facebook is tricky, because then almost every reply becomes a “reply all.” Think about that. Consider who you tag in which photos. This shows up on the user’s profile as well, and can sometimes become a bit awkward. Sending endless promotional emails via your group gets old quick. Be mindful of this. Social Media Etiquette

Top Facebook Faux Pas - Social media is a key part of the lives of most Millennials, and Facebook is the biggest player. As such, there are some basic rules of Facebook etiquette every Millennial should know and follow. According to InsideFacebook.com, as of Feb 1, 2010, over 24 million Millennials (those aged 18 to 34) have Facebook accounts, which accounts for 52 percent of all Facebook users. That means there is a ridiculous amount of status updates, picture posting and messages sent by Gen Y’ers via the social media powerhouse. Hopefully most Millennials know not to do these things. Top Facebook Faux Pas One of the best features of Facebook is its ability to make the world a little smaller and allow you to spread important information (when was the last time you sent an evite, we all just use Facebook these days); however, that can be abused so easily. No, we don’t care if you love Mafia Wars. Chances are if your friend isn’t already playing it, he/she doesn’t want to. And, ...

Fired over Facebook - How many times have you updated your Facebook status to say "…is bored at work"? Probably at least once, though statistically that number averages at 3.4 times a week.* (*Not a real statistic.) But can you imagine getting fired for it? Because that's what happened to Briton teen, Kimberly Swann. She was summarily sacked after her boss learned -- via her updated status -- that she was "bored at work." In this hilarious CNN segment, a journalist does a search for the terms "bored" and "work" on Facebook and Twitter, and finds that Swann certainly isn't alone. (Further research would no doubt dig up folks saying far worse things about their place of employment). Her boss, meanwhile, says Swann's admission of boredom revealed that "she just wasn't happy here" and thus "it wasn't going to work out." We're no experts, but why was the boss perusing Facebook on company time? Was he, p...

Mccaughey Septuplets Documentary - The "Today" show's Ann Curry has been covering the McCaughey family's seven children—the world's first surviving septuplets—since they first got on the media's radar in November 1997. Parents Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey graced the cover of Time magazine in Dec. 1997, just weeks after the children were born. And the family's personal struggle not only struck a chord with the public but also sparked discussion and debate about the use of fertility drugs. Mccaughey Septuplets Documentary The arrival of the septuplets also prompted well wishers to donate some crucial gifts to the McCaughey home in order to aid the parents contending with the challenge of seven new mouths to feed. The donations included a large new house, a van and a two-year supply of diapers. The state of Iowa also offered the kids free tuition at any state university after their graduation from high school. The septuplets' birth also inspired some ...

Chris Brown Twitter Argument - The troubled singer and sometimes actor spent Wednesday in a Twitter shouting match with singer Raz-B over some unsolicited comments the former member of the R&B group B2K made. The first shot was fired by Raz-B earlier in the afternoon when he randomly tweeted, "Im just sittin here Thinking how can n---- like @ebenet [Eric Benet] and @chrisbrown disrespect women as Intelligent as Halle Berry, Rihanna." It didn’t take long for Brown to fire back on his own Twitter account. Chris Brown Twitter Argument In several tweets that would best be described as racially offensive, not to mention homophobic, Brown laced into Raz-B, essentially questioning the 25-year-old’s sexuality. Brown referenced allegations Raz-B made about being molested by several of his band's former managers, including one who was his cousin. Raz-B responded with his own tweet that also questioned Brown’s sexuality and later added, “I luv (sic) how u resort 2 dis...

Suge Knight Killed Tupac - The internet was sent into a mini-frenzy today when a report "broke" that stated Death Row head Marion "Suge" Knight had been arrested in connection with the murder of Tupac Shakur. Despite obvious over-dubs and a date of "May 20, 2010" present in the video, many seemed to buy into the hoax. However, The Source is here to put all rumors to rest. The video and report were fakes and Knight has not been arrested for the murder of Shakur. Suge Knight Killed Tupac

Christie Brinkley Humor got me Through Divorce - Christie Brinkley has insisted that her sense of humor was key to surviving her divorce from ex-husband Peter Cook. The pair ended their marriage in 2008 following reports that Cook had been unfaithful. The supermodel admitted to Prevention magazine that laughing helped her to get though such a difficult time. "You've got to find a way to keep laughing, even if it's black humor, and my friends are very good at that," she said. "Some people think of happiness as a luxury, but it's a necessity, and you need to make space for it in your life." Brinkley further suggested that she is not actively pursuing romantic relationships at the present time. She explained: "Most of the time, I've got my kids with me, so I'm not as prone to meeting people… And then, you never really know if someone is talking to you because you're a celebrity. It's not my number one priority." Christ...

Nintendo Warns 3D not Safe for Kids - 3D is the hot new media trend as of late -- but is it safe? Not for children under 6, warns Nintendo. In anticipation of the impending Nintendo World 2011 and the launch of its upcoming portable console, the Nintendo 3DS, the influential video game company has posted a cautionary note on its Japanese website. “Vision of children under the age of six has been said [to be in the] developmental stage,” Nintendo warned. The company fears that 3D content “delivers 3D images with different left and right images, [which] has a potential impact on the growth of children’s eyes.” Nintendo Warns 3D not Safe for Kids But users of all ages can succumb to the perils of 3D experience. Since the 3DS creates the illusion of 3D without the need for glasses, it can add extra eye strain, causing users to feel sick or nauseous after extended use. In July, Sony warned of similar issues with its PlayStation 3, amending its terms of service to offer a stark warn...

Are Barefood Running Shoes Effective? - Nike is one of the biggest sporting brands in the world, renowned for its innovative yet practical and effective sportswear. Securing the services and support of some of the world’s biggest sporting superstars such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer has only helped reinforce the brand’s global influence and industry dominance. At Nike, innovative design and unique styling is everything, company spokesman Ryan Greenwood: “We are tireless in our pursuit of innovation. At Nike, we constantly challenge ourselves to think the ideas nobody else thinks of ideas nobody else thinks of, to create products and services nobody else creates, or to improve things that already exist.” Are Barefood Running Shoes Effective? For decades, Nike has pioneered a range of footwear solutions to suit every athlete and training style. In 1972, the company’s founder, Bill Bowerman created the legendary ‘waffle’ outsoles, which had waffle-type nubs fo...

Steve Harvey Multi-Media King - LET'S review Steve Harvey's year. (This may take a while.) His syndicated radio show has an audience of six million, and President Obama has been one of his guests. A version of the show appears in prime time on the Centric cable channel. He became the host of the long-running "Family Feud" game show. His advice book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" spent a good part of the past two years on The New York Times's hardcover advice best-seller list, was No. 1 for 23 weeks, and is being made into a movie by Screen Gems. The recently published sequel, "Straight Talk, No Chaser," had an initial printing of 750,000 copies and makes its debut at No. 1 on the advice list on Sunday. ...Mr. Harvey has become "a legitimate, genuine American media star," said Michael Harrison, the publisher of Talkers magazine, which covers the radio business. "He's a successful radio host for the African-American com...

Queensland Floods Continue - Mass evacuations will be carried out in Emerald with floods expected to hit 80 per cent of the inland Queensland town on Friday. To the east, floodwaters have split the coastal city of Bundaberg in two, inundating 120 properties and forcing about 400 evacuations. And it's feared Rockhampton, north of Bundaberg, could be isolated by the end of the week as floodwaters peak there. "I think it's without precedent in our recorded history, with so many places in so many diverse parts of the state each affected so critically all at once," Premier Anna Bligh told the ABC on Thursday morning. Queensland Floods Continue "There is weeks left in managing this crisis," she said adding that communities could remain inundated for up to 10 days after flood levels peaked. (Read more: Farmers, miners brace for flood impact) "I expect that we'll still be managing some of this right until the end of January. This is a disaster ...

Owen Wilson Death is a Hoax - Have no fear. Owen Wilson and Eddie Murphy will (probably) make you laugh again. Both actors are alive and well, despite death hoaxes crafted Wednesday to make fans think otherwise. Like the Charlie Sheen prank launched just after Christmas, a faux news organization called Global Associated News spread false reports claiming the stars had died in tragic accidents. Owen Wilson Death is a Hoax "Actor Owen Wilson is reported to have died shortly after a snowboard accident earlier today," read one of the stories. But the claim is "absolutely false," Wilson's rep told the Daily News. The exact same article was written about Murphy and – guess what – he's fine, too. Even ailing Aretha Franklin, who is recovering from surgery reportedly for pancreatic cancer, was a "victim" of a similar false rumor Tuesday. Thankfully, "Aretha is doing fine," her rep confirmed to the News later that day. GAN's...

Prehistoric Tumors - Prehistoric tumors that were found 10 years ago in a Scythian burial mound have come to light in the news recently. Their existence is leading to questions about modern cancers and how much we've really been doing to ourselves. The case for cancer existing prior to the Industrial Revolution certainly did not need to be made. It's been known for some time that cancer has always been with us. But how much we've been doing it to ourselves is where opinion diverges. The Scythian prehistoric tumors or--better put-- the remnants of same, were found in the skeleton of a middle-aged man who apparently died of metastasized prostate cancer. The pain he must have felt from the tumors in his body is hard to imagine. Prehistoric Tumors The New York Times notes researchers have found about 200 possible cancer deaths out of thousands of skeletons over the years. But are such prehistoric and pre-Industrial Age tumors proof we've always had cancer a lot or ...

Police Fatalities Jump 2010 - Two officers in a remote Alaska town were ambushed as they chatted on a street. A California officer and deputy were killed by an arson suspect with a high-powered rifle as they tried to serve a warrant. Two other officers doing anti-drug work were gunned down by men along a busy Arkansas highway. These so-called cluster killings of more than one officer helped make 2010 a particularly deadly year for law enforcement. Deaths in the line of duty jumped 37 percent to about 160 from 117 the year before, according to numbers as of Tuesday compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit that tracks police deaths. There also was a spike in shooting deaths. Fifty-nine federal, state and local officers were killed by gunfire in 2010, a 20 percent jump from last year's figures, when 49 were killed. The total does not include the death of a Georgia State Patrol trooper shot in the neck Monday night in Atlanta as he tried to make...

California Thieves Television Too Big - Police in California say thieves who stole a large television from a Sacramento home were thwarted when it wouldn't fit in the getaway car. Investigators say the burglars entered the home through a back window, removed the TV and tried to load it into their Lexus. When it proved too big, they left it on the curb and drove away. The Sacramento Bee reports that a neighbour witnessed the crime and called the police, who traced the car to a 19-year-old man. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property. Police are still looking for two suspected accomplices. California Thieves Television Too Big

Michigan Store Explosion - Rescue workers sifted through the debris of a furniture factory looking for two workers after the building was destroyed Wednesday by an explosion blamed on a gas leak. The blast collapsed William C Franks Furniture store near Wayne, Michigan, and triggered a precautionary search for the source of the leak or other leaks. John Zech, Wayne's city manager, said in broadcast remarks that there was a report of someone smelling gas before the explosion. Michigan Store Explosion Gas officials evacuated city hall and additional homes after finding a second gas leak in the neighbourhood where the store was located, according to the Detroit News newspaper. The explosion and collapse seriously injured owner William Franks, who has operated the store for nearly four decades. He was pulled out of the debris. The debris removal and danger of further collapse at either end of the building, where building remnants remained standing, made for a 'very slo...

Avril Lavigne Free Download - Avril Lavigne loves her fans. The sassy, newly single singer will be offering a free download of her new song, "What the Hell," for 48 hours on her Facebook page starting January 1, 2011. The free download will follow the broadcast debut of the single on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. Fans can go to here and click "Like" in order to access the free download after midnight on New Year's Eve. Lavigne's fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby, will be released via RCA on March 8. Working with longtime collaborators Deryck Whibley (also her ex-husband), Evan Taubenfeld and Butch Walker, as well as songwriter/producer Max Martin, Lavigne continues to share her personal experiences through her writing and music with a more organic and raw sound. Are you planning to take advantage of the free download of "What the Hell" on New Year's Day? I think it's a sassy way to ring in 2011 and I'm going to mak...

Champion Liar of 2010 - David Milz, 40 of Bristol, Wisconsin is this years Champion Liar, beating out 500 other entrents to The Liars´ Club annual contest with the lie of: "I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met." Ed Impens, club vice president, said, "It had all three of the things we think are important: It´s fairly short, humor is very important, and it´s timely." Milz said, "I was shocked when I heard I won. Hey, it´s a resume builder." "My neighbor´s scarecrow was so good that the crows brought back the corn they stole last year." was entered by Daryl Lockwood of Waupaca, and Ellen Everts of New London entered: "My luck is so bad if I bought a cemetrey, people would stop dying." Champion Liar of 2010

Kathy Griffin Sarah Palin - Kathy Griffin says she mocks Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, and her daughter Bristol Palin, who she has called the "white Precious," because "it's just fun." The comedienne's nickname is based on Gabrielle Sidibe's role as an overweight and abused teenage mother in the 2009 drama movie "Precious." Bristol Palin, a 20-year-old recent "Dancing With the Stars" contestant, gave birth to her son Tripp at age 18 and her teenage pregnancy was a controversial issue discussed during her mother's 2008 vice presidential campaign. Kathy Griffin Sarah Palin "I just love these ridiculous larger than life characters," Griffin said on "The Late, Late Show" on CBS recently. "I just think the whole family is a riot. I'm not safe in Wasilla, I know that." "Half the fun is knowing that I'll irritate Elisabeth Hasselbeck and then maybe the other ladies on 'The...

Polish Twins Different Fathers - A mother of twins got pregnant after she was sleeping with both her husband and a lover, separately. She gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The woman then filed for divorce after her husband said he was not the father and that he did not want to pay child support. However, DNA tests show that the husband was the father of the baby boy, while the lover was the father of the baby girl. The doctor who conducted the DNA tests said it is only the seventh such case in the world. Such rare cases are possible when an ovulating woman produces two eggs and has sex with two partners in a short period of time. Local media reports that the woman is now living with both babies and her lover. Polish Twins Different Fathers

Isabelle Caro Anorexia Dies - Isabelle Caro, the French model and actress who allowed her skeletal frame to be photographed and placed on billboards as a warning about the dangers of anorexia has died. Caro, who was 28, died on Nov. 17 after a working trip to Tokyo, People.com reports. Her acting coach Daniele Dubreuil-Prevot, Caro's longtime teacher told People that while she didn’t know the exact cause of death, Caro had been ill for many years. Caro allowed her 68-pound body to be photographed nude and at its most vulnerable by Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani in 2007. People were horrified by the sight of the model’s protruding bones, straining against her skin. Isabelle Caro Anorexia Dies

Janet Jackson - JANET Jackson is going back on the road. The sexy singer has announced she’ll be kicking off her upcoming world tour in Singapore. Janet asked her fans for suggestions on where to begin the jaunt on her website. “Your votes are helping me decide where to bring this very intimate, very different show,” she wrote. Jackson will take the stage in the country on February 7. She’ll also play Hong Kong on Valentine’s Day. Janet Jackson The star will play 35 dates across the globe where she will perform each of her 35 number one hits. Janet — who’s currently dating billionaire Wissam Al Mana – recently revealed she’s the “cool aunt” to her nieces and nephews. “They call me the ‘cool’ aunt,” she said. “I think it’s because when they get in trouble they come to me and I kind of protect them and give them advice that probably their parents wouldn’t want to give them. But I’m honest.” Janet Jackson

Best Winter Microbrews - McCray’s Tavern knows what our fans want…. more beer and more variety! In a mission to give our great patrons more of what they want we decided to bring in some of the world’s finest imports. Let’s see what’s on the menu today. Ommegang Abbey Ale (8.5% abv) This dark ruby colored beer was inspired by ancient traditions of Belgian Trappist monks. You can breathe in the deep hints of clove, licorice, fig, honey, and toffee that will delight your senses. Described as nothing less than chocolate indulgence, this is the perfect hearty companion for the cooler winter days. Best Winter Microbrews Black Chocolate Stout (10% abv) This American stout is brewed in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The aroma hints of roasted dark malts, molasses, toffee, dark chocolate, with a hint of alcohol. The flavor hits you with dark chocolate first, then heavily roasted malt with a hint of coffee beans and truffle-like sweetness. Best Winter Microbrews

Workouts for Bigger Arms - Dude, I’ve been there. You’re young, you want bigger arms by summer, and you’re ready to train yourself into the ground trying to get them. Believe me, I know. I come from a serious lifting background (I ran my own hardcore gym for more than 10 years), and I understand the mentality: “Never leave a rep in the tank and always lift heavy.” And while I wouldn’t say that way of thinking is all wrong (my old training buddies would kick my ass if I did), it does need to be controlled. Learning to harness your animal instincts in the gym will go a long way toward getting those arms this summer, and it's the key take-home lesson in the program that follows. Workouts for Bigger Arms After all, a lot of guys just like to do reps. They pick up some dumbbells and start curling until they can’t lift their arms anymore. Then they rest and repeat, knocking out set after set, all the while thinking more is better. But if brute effort were all it took to make progres...

Super Foods for Bones - A healthy body is clubbing of all healthy organs, muscles, tissues, and bones. It is very well said that a sound mind is the result of healthy body. To live a healthy lifestyle, it is necessary to have a proper body frame. Our body frame comprises of bones that help us in carrying out the daily task. The growth and development of our bones changes according to the change in age. Our body keeps building the bone mass throughout our twenties. They are like bank, where you can deposit as much as calcium and nutrients as you can. Super Foods for Bones Our bones continue to stay strong throughout youthful adulthood. But as we come across thirties, our bones begin to lean out. Generally, in women this phase arrives once they have crossed their menopause. Well, all these bones disease can be cured and prevented with the help of good diet. A good diet is very much essential for the growth and development of bones. Eat right food to enhance the growth and health of ...

Quick Fixes for Bed Head - Everyone at one point wakes up with disaster hair. It may be frizzy, stuck up, tangled, or just all-out unmanageable! This can be extremely frustrating, especially if it happens everyday. This problem is commonly referred to as "bed head". Luckily, there are ways to prevent and fix this reoccurring issue. The first way to eliminate bed head is by taking a shower in the morning right after you wake up. If you find that you take showers at night, you'll likely notice that your hair is a lot messier in the morning. Try switching it up! Quick Fixes for Bed Head If you have no time to shower in the morning and absolutely have to take a shower at night, take a shower in advance before bed and give your hair plenty of time to dry. You may even want to blow dry it and style it before bed. You won't be able to just wake up and head out the door the next morning by styling it before bed, but it will be a lot more manageable. Use a spray in co...

How to Keep a Food Diary - A food diary is a useful tool to help you understand your current eating habits or to help you stick to a diet. By keeping a food diary, you will find out a lot you didn't know about your eating habits and will be able to plan healthier habits for the future. Read on to learn how to keep a food diary. Establish your goals. Consider whether you are interested in achieving a certain calorie level each day, improving your diet overall or simply tracking your current eating habits. Decide whether you want to keep your diary on paper or online. A paper diary is easy to record your diet in, but it can be a difficult format to see changes over time. There are a number of food diaries you can use online, and some of them are free. However, an online diary still requires that you keep notes throughout the day. How to Keep a Food Diary Locate or create a format for your food diary that fits your goals. Based on your goals and habits, determine what categor...

MTV 'No Easy Decision' Controversy Abortion - MTV's new addition to the "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom" franchise, the abortion-themed special "No Easy Decision," has not actually aired yet. But that hasn't stopped it from raising a predictable stir. Pro-life groups are up in arms with "16 and Pregnant" alum Markai Durham's decision to terminate her pregnancy -- and MTV's choice to air her experience with the procedure. The New York Post reports that Durham has been forbidden to give interviews about the episode before it airs -- and only a handful have screened it -- but she is already addressing it on Facebook. MTV 'No Easy Decision' Controversy Abortion "I get sad from time to time thinking about it but then everything happens for a reason," Durham writes. "God gave me 3 paths to take abortion, adoption, or raising this baby along with another... I chose this path and I think about how s...

Bon Jovi Highest Grossing - While the concert business took a hit in 2010 (ticket sales dropped an estimated 12 percent from last year), some artists totally rocked it out on the road. The Los Angeles Times reported the figures from Pollstar about which acts made the biggest impact touring this year, and it's a veritable mix of tried-and-true legends with hot up-and-comers. Bragging rights for the highest-grossing concert tour of 2010 goes to none other than Bon Jovi, whose globe-spanning live shows helped them haul in more than $200 million ($108.2 million of which came from touring the U.S. alone)! Following close behind Bon Jovi were fellow 80's icons AC/DC at $177 million. Bon Jovi Highest Grossing Bono's back problems didn't hinder U2 from having a hot year, as they came in third grossing $160.9 million. The unstoppable Lady Gaga finished #4 with $133.6 million in sales and hard rockers Metallica rounded out the top 5 after raking in more than $110 million....

Rupert Everett Slams Jennifer Aniston - British actor Rupert Everett has bashed everyone from Elton John to George Clooney, so it only makes sense that he would take aim at Hollywood sweetheart Jennifer Aniston and in-demand leading man Colin Forth, right? In an interview with BBC Radio 4, Everett says people like Aniston are the problem when it comes down to business vs. talent. Jennifer Aniston will have one too many total flops, but she's still a member of that (A-list) club, and she will still manage to ... like a star forming in the universe, things will swirl around her and it will suddenly solidify into another vital tasteless romcom, you know, a little glitter next to the Crab Nebula. Rupert Everett Slams Jennifer Aniston Everett then muses about whether or not Firth, who seems to be on track for a second consecutive best actor Oscar nomination for The King's Speech, has robbed gay actors of coveted roles. Next, he critiques Firth's performance in the 2008 ...

Man Hits Teen on Plane Over iPhone - Police say a man on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas punched a teenager who refused to turn off his iPhone as the plane approached the Boise airport. Officers arrested 68-year-old Russell E. Miller, of Boise, on suspicion of misdemeanor battery Tuesday. He has been released from jail on bond. Witnesses told police the 15-year-old was playing games and listening to music on his cell phone when flight attendants instructed passengers to turn off their electronic devices because the plane was landing. Witnesses told police that when the teen didn't respond, Miller got angry and punched the boy in the arm. Miller says he "tapped" the teen on the shoulder after he refused to turn off the phone. He told the Idaho Statesman that he may have "overreacted," but that he did not punch the teen. Man Hits Teen on Plane Over iPhone

World's Oldest Dad India 94 - He believes the secret to eternal youth is half a kilo of butter washed down with three litres of milk every day. And Ramjit Raghav must be doing something right. At the age of 94, he claims, he has just celebrated the birth of his first child. Mr Raghav, from Haryana in northern India, hailed the arrival of son Karamjit as ‘God’s gift’. It would make him the world’s oldest father. He and his wife Shakuntala Devi, believed to be in her late 40s, hope to go one further by trying for a second child next year. World's Oldest Dad India 94 Mr Raghav, who was a wrestler in his youth, is confident that he will be around to see his little boy grow up, saying: ‘I will die only if a black snake bites me and that is very unlikely. ‘Visit me after ten years and you will find me in the same appearance. ‘My daily diet comprises three litres of milk, half a kilo of almonds and half a kilo of ghee [clarified butter].’ But some doctors have questio...

First Organ Donor Dies - As Richard Herrick lay dying in Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, he had second thoughts about making medical history. In another room waited his identical twin, Ronald, who was going to donate a kidney to Richard in the world's first successful organ transplant. "Ron got a note from Richard the night of the surgery telling him to get out of there and go home," said Ronald's wife, Cynthia. "Ron sent a note back saying, 'I'm here and I'm going to stay and that's it.' " And so it was. On Dec. 23, 1954, Dr. Joseph Murray removed a kidney from Ronald and implanted it in Richard. Years later, Murray shared a Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work. For the Herrick twins, the results were more immediate and personal. Ronald gave Richard about eight more years of life. First Organ Donor Dies The older and more serious of the twins, Ronald Herrick didn't talk about his key role in opening a new venue in medicine u...

UK Seeks Charity ATM Donations - Please take your cash. Now how about giving some money to charity? Britain's government said Wednesday it is considering plans which would see the public asked to donate to good causes each time they use an ATM. Ministers confirmed they are consulting with banks on the idea, common in Colombia and Mexico, to allow customers to give money to charities when they withdraw cash, or check their balance. The government will also discuss a plan to allow shoppers who pay for goods or services using debit cards in stores to round up the cost of purchases and donate the difference. UK Seeks Charity ATM Donations Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the proposals are among a host of potential policies aimed at increasing donations to British charities — including opening up landmark government buildings for public events, or adding a voluntary levy to orders at takeaway restaurants. A study by the Charities Aid Foundation published earlier t...

John Warhola Dies - John Warhola, the older brother who helped raise pop art icon Andy Warhol and later helped establish the Andy Warhol Museum in their native Pittsburgh, has died. He was 85. Warhola died on Christmas Eve after battling pneumonia at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to his son, Donald Warhola. The hospital is just a few blocks from the museum. Warhola lived in nearby New Sewickley. He was one of three founding members of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and was its vice president for 20 years. The foundation established the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh in 1994, seven years after the artist — whose given name was Andy Warhola — died at age 58 from complications following gall bladder surgery. John Warhola Dies After their father Andrij Warhola died in 1942, John Warhola was tasked with raising his younger brother, Andy, and making sure he attended college. Their father had purchased enough savings bonds to pay for Andy's...

Get Rid of Wrinkles Without Surgery - Everyone will get wrinkles as they age. Due to the sun's damaging rays, repeated facial movements and loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles form. There are various surgical procedures you can undergo to get rid of wrinkles, such as face lifts, brow lifts and eye lifts. You can, however, remove wrinkles without surgery. Here are some tips. Moisturize your skin. Loss of skin elasticity and moisture leads to wrinkles. You can counteract this loss by hydrating your skin. Apply a nutrient-rich moisturizer to your skin twice daily. Aim to apply it to clean skin first thing in the morning and again at night, just before bed. Since your skin can handle a heavier moisturizer at night, opt for a richer night cream. Protect against the sun's damaging rays. Every time you are in the sun, its rays contribute to your wrinkles. Protect your skin by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Wear the sunscreen daily. Get Rid of Wrinkles ...

Is 40 Really the New 30? - I always believed that 40 would be the new 30-and that's when I was 30! I always was one of the exceptions to the rule. Now that I am 43, I definitely know and feel it. I had been running since I was in my mid-teens (1980), swept up in the running craze that started in the 1970's. I maintained my running through almost three decades and it paid off in enormous health dividends, keeping that realization alive in me that age was just a chronological measurement. That we did not have to act (and sometimes look) like the seniors did in previous generations. We became more self aware of our health, physical appearance, and general well-being than during any time in modern human history. In part due to a quantum shift in thinking, partially brought on by the explosive exchange of information brought on by the Internet. Is 40 Really the New 30? I know that many of my generation did the same thing as I did, either running or some other form of athletic t...

How to Get Started in Voice Acting - A voice over is the voice of an unseen narrator, in a movie or a television broadcast. It is a recording performed by a voice talent that gives life to characters, tells a story, guides you on a tour, or directs your telephone calls. Usually, professional voice actors are enthusiastic, funny, charming, are flexible, and interact well with other people. They have the ability to take direction or criticism from others and can interpret copy to sell a product, concept, or a message. A voice actor is also the person who provides voices for computer and video games, puppet shows, amusement rides, audio dramas, dubbed foreign language films, and animation works (including cartoons, animated feature films, animated shorts), and radio and television commercials. How to Get Started in Voice Acting If producing your own voice-over work seems like a daunting task, there are professionals who work from their own studio and help you succeed. Voice act...

Best Voice Actors - Peter Cullen At the end of this day, one voice actor shall stand, and some...shall fall. TELL me you're capable of hearing that line in any other voice than the distinct booming timbre of Optimus Prime himself, Peter Cullen. While most famous for his voicing the iconic leader of the Autobot Transformers in both the original animated series and recent film adaptations, Cullen has a distinguished amount of voiceover work under his belt, in everything from TV and film advertising, to the Jetsons and Hagar the Horrible. In addition to reprising his role as the famous mack-truck in the latest cybertronian cartoon Transformers: Prime, Cullen can also be heard providing persuasive voice-over for Coors Light commercials. And when Optimus Prime tells you to drink a beer, you'd better do it, kids. John Ratzenberger We have to admit, we've got the man love for John Ratzenberger. He just seems like everyone's buddy, doesn't he? And it's not ...

Leann Rimes Denies Pregnancy Rumors - Leann Rimes denies pregnancy rumors. LeAnn Rimes has denied rumors that she is pregnant with fiancé Eddie Cibrian's baby. In a twitter post she writes: "This is such BS!!!! Lol, you people all report BS (sic)." In a blog post to fans, she wrote about, "Eddie and I got engaged over the holidays. That's the news. It's for real this time and the first time EVER! LeAnn Rimes has denied rumors that she is pregnant with fiancé Eddie Cibrian's baby. Leann Rimes Denies Pregnancy Rumors In a twitter post she writes: "This is such BS!!!! Lol, you people all report BS (sic)." In a blog post to fans, she wrote about, "Eddie and I got engaged over the holidays. That's the news. It's for real this time and the first time EVER! "Thank you for all your well wishes!! We are extremely excited and look forward to a beautiful future. It's been an incredible last few days, I was shocked!!! We...

Verizon HTC Thunderbolt 4G Leaked - Wondering what Verizon’s HTC Thunderbolt 4G looks like? Well, if these leaked photos show the real handset, it’s nothing more than a slightly different version of the Desire HD / Evo 4G. Of course, that’s not a bad thing. Like the Evo 4G (but unlike the Desire HD), the Thunderbolt has a kickstand on the back and a front-facing camera for video calling. The specs of the Thunderbolt 4G aren’t known at the moment. Anyway, the display seems to be a 4.3 inch WVGA one, the photo camera is likely an 8MP one, and the processor should be clocked at 1GHz or higher. Verizon HTC Thunderbolt 4G Leaked

New Trends Retirement Planning - Indeed, unstable stock market conditions in recent years have not only motivated legislators to fix some of the flaws in the system, but also inspired plan sponsors (meaning employers) to create better tools to help their workers meet long-term savings goals. "There's been a philosophical shift going on for several years from a 'if you build it they will come' mentality to a more paternalistic approach to offering (retirement) plans," says David Wray, president of the Profit Sharing/401k Council of America in Chicago. "After 2002, participants in 401(k) plans, who once believed they could outperform the market on their own, started looking for help. Employers are now coming up with solutions and you see that in a lot of the automated features now available." New Trends Retirement Planning Take automatic enrollment, for instance. This program enables employees to automatically enroll in their company's 401(k) --...

Asian Stock Markets - For the second consecutive day today, Asian stock markets have shown an upward trends on the backdrop of increased oil and gold prices as MSCI Asia Pacific Index has reached its highest point in 2 ½ years due to demand for the stocks of commodity companies, after the strengthening of gold and oil prices. Main gainers among commodity companies include Australian Gold major Newcrest Mining Ltd. (2.5%), Chinese oil company Cnooc Ltd.(2.6%) and PetroChina Co (2.3%) in Hong Kong Stock Exchange, reports Bloomberg. Asian Stock Markets The MSCI Asia Pacific Index on Wednesday gained 0.7 percent to 136.90 as of 5:02 p.m. in Tokyo, as most of the stocks have gained. Since the beginning of this year the index has rise thirteen percent as it closed Tuesday reaching its highest level since June 2008 upon expectations that Europe’s debt crisis is heading for a revival on the back of corporate profits, rebounding of US economy and measures taken by the Chinese government ...

Pilot Critical of Airport Security Chris Liu - The California airline pilot punished by the Transportation Security Administration for posting videos critical of airport security has revealed his identity. Chris Liu, who calls himself the "Patriot Pilot," says he was just trying to improve airport security when he released a recorded and posted online footage of San Francisco International Airport in which he criticized a number of procedures. Liu had been part of a federal security program allowing him to carry a gun in the cockpit. But after he posted the video, federal agents showed up at his house Dec. 2 to confiscate his weapon and suspend his Federal Flight Deck Officer credentials. Pilot Critical of Airport Security Chris Liu Liu originally declined to identify himself in fear of retaliation but says he’s now going public in hopes of changing major security flaws. One of those flaws, Liu says in the video, is that flight crews are subject to rigorous screen...

California Lottery Director Dismissed - Gov.-elect Jerry Brown has told California Lottery Director Joan Borucki that her services are no longer needed. Her last day is Sunday, according to a Dec. 23 e-mail obtained by The Bee and confirmed by lottery officials. Brown takes the oath of office the next day. The incoming administration has asked Linh Nguyen, chief deputy director, to stay on as acting director until a permanent replacement is named, according to Nguyen's e-mail to lottery staff. "As we know, changes in Administration often bring personnel changes," the e-mail states. "That is the nature of appointed positions." California Lottery Director Dismissed Brown spokesman Evan Westrup provided no insight into the reasons behind the change. "As is common during any transition, a number of the current administration's appointees have been informed that their appointment will conclude when the current governor's term ends," he sa...

Mega Millions Jackpot - The multi-state Mega Millions lottery game is sporting a giant jackpot for New Year's Eve, after yesterday evening's $200 million drawing went without a top winner. Friday evening's jackpot is now pegged at $237 million, after 14 straight bi-weekly drawings without a top winner. But 17 players in a dozen states won at least $250,000 each by matching 5 of the 6 winning numbers. Mega Millons is played in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The winning numbers drawn Tuesday evening were: 6, 18, 36, 40 and 49. The Mega Ball was 7. Mega Millions Jackpot

Chita Rivera Given Achievement Award - The League of Professional Theatre Women presents its 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors women exhibiting exemplary service to the theatre, to two-time Tony Award®-winning actress/singer/dancer Chita Rivera. The award will be presented by her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente, at the League's December 2010 Awards Luncheon. Chita Rivera Given Achievement Award Ms. Rivera's electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story (1957) brought her stardom, and her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, The Rink (Tony Award®), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award®), and Nine, among many others. In 2009 she was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, and in 2002 she received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, as the first Hispanic ever chosen to receive this award. Past recipients of the LPTW Lifetime Achievement Award i...

Pregnant Celebs Due in Early 2011 - There was a flurry of “secret” celebrity weddings this summer, followed by announcements of celebrity pregnancies. Some celebrities are becoming moms for the first time and some of them are following an American trend to have babies later in life. So which celebrity ladies are becoming a mom in 2011 and how does this match up to current birth statistics in the United States on when women are becoming pregnant? Celebrities who are becoming a mom for the first time in 2011 Celebrities became more protective of their privacy in 2010 and some of these mom-to-be's did not reveal their pregnancies immediately to the world's media, despite speculation. However, the following celebrity couples finally confirmed their pregnancies and are expecting in early 2011: Pregnant Celebs Due in Early 2011 Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon – just revealed they are expecting twins in spring 2011 Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom – after a quick engagement, fol...

Bristol Palin Arizona College - Sarah Palin may have Alaska, but daughter Bristol Palin has dibs on Arizona. With her recent purchase of a $172,000 foreclosed house in Maricopa, Ariz., many are saying that Bristol Palin is likely to become an Arizona State University Sun Devil next fall. TMZ reported this weekend that Palin has been telling friends she’s looking to enroll in broadcasting courses at Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Despite the buzz surrounding Palin’s scholarly endeavors, Chris Callahan, the dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism says that Palin has no plans to matriculate at the university. Bristol Palin Arizona College “She is not a student. She hasn’t applied. It is pure fiction,” Callahan said Tuesday, as reported by the Arizona Republic. Carrie Lukas, the executive director of the Independent Woman’s Forum, told The Daily Caller that Palin sets a good example for young unwed mothers. “It’s always p...

Stalled a Train 500 Passengers - The weather is causing several mass transit disruptions throughout our area. Some subways have stopped in the middle of stops. In Queens, an estimated 500 passengers were stuck on a disabled Manhattan bound A train that was stalled in snow drifts near John F. Kennedy airport. A transit spokesperson says that ice and snow drifts on the thrid rail stalled a train between the Aqueuduct and Broad Channel stops. Passengers were stuck on the train for six hours. The train was filled with travelers from JFK airport who already waited hours for flights that were ultimatly canceled. They then had to wait for someone to rescue them from a disabled train. The train was moved to the Aquaduct station but passengers had to wait to be released. Passengers aboard the train say they did not have food, water or heat. Stalled a Train 500 Passengers

Aretha Franklin Death Rumor - Aretha Franklin is not dead. The legendary soul singer's representative has confirmed Franklin is alive and well after she became the latest victim of an internet death hoax. Aretha Franklin underwent a successful surgery earlier this month at a hospital in Detroit, Mich. to treat an undisclosed ailment, with subsequent reports suggesting she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Fueled by Twitter rumors, Franklin's ailing health led to incorrect online reports stating she had passed away over the holiday weekend, but her spokesperson has vehemently denied the claims, telling Gossip Cop, "Aretha is fine." Franklin is the latest star who has had to respond to a death hoax; actor Charlie Sheen was incorrectly reported to have died in a snowboarding accident on Sunday, Dec. 26, and singer Aaron Carter was also forced to deny reports he had passed away last week. Aretha Franklin Death Rumor

Cilantro, Parsley Recalled - Certain herbs that have been grown locally are now being recalled because of a fear of salmonella that could be infecting them. The curly parsley recall which was issued recently was completely voluntary, although the producers are concerned that it could get a lot of people sick. The parsley as well as cilantro was packed on November 30th as well as December 6th under the brand name “Little Bear”. After the produce officially tested positive for salmonella, the recall was issued. Cilantro, Parsley Recalled Although no illnesses form the herbs have been reported as of yet, the company does not want to take any chances. The website of the J&D Produce, Inc. has a message posted from James Bassetti who is the president, saying that although the company has a good reputation for its quality-control standards, he says that they will be raising the bar even higher after this recent incident. The website also went on to state that after it was dis...

50 Cent Shoveling Snow - Rapper 50 Cent spent Monday afternoon shoveling snow for the folks in his neighborhood. The Righteous Kill star took his shoveling skills to his neighbors, posting to his Twitter account, "I'm going out to shovel snow and see if I can make me a few extra dollars today. I'm charging more if they want to take pictures." We presume 50 was shoveling out driveways in his Farmington, Conn. neighborhood; where his his home was broken into just over a week ago (with New York license plates on his SUV and from the info posted on his Twitter page that remains unclear). 50 Cent Shoveling Snow For the image above, he Tweets, "I want a hundred dollars per house. I bet anybody ill make a grand moving snow today. Lol" Fiddy later added that he had contracted his services to four other people on one of the streets in his neighborhood after they saw his work, and that he was looking to hire some employees. Curtis "50 Cent" Jack...

Amber Portwood Released - U.S. reality TV star Amber Portwood has pleaded not guilty to beating up the father of her two-year-old daughter. "Teen Mom" star Portwood was charged with two felony counts of domestic battery, one felony count of neglect of a dependent and one misdemeanor count of domestic battery in Madison County, Indiana on Monday, December 27 after a series of alleged attacks on Gary Shirley. The 20 year old was booked and jailed for 24 hours. She was released on Tuesday afternoon, December 28. Amber Portwood was under investigation for domestic battery after caught assaulting her ex-fiance and father of her daughter in the reality TV series. Worse, she did it in the presence of their one-year-old child. Amber Portwood Released

Ancient Remains Israel - The evidence of the oldest living humans on earth may have been discovered in Israel. Archaeologists state they may have found evidence of the oldest existence of modern humans on earth. A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel stated Monday that they found teeth estimated to be at least 400,000 years old. Up until the find in Israel, the earliest human remains were found in Ethiopia and estimated to be 200,000 years old. Archaeologist Avi Gopher said the further research was needed to validate the claim that the teeth are indeed that old. If the claim holds truth, the discovery would change “the whole picture of evolution.” Stated Gopher. Ancient Remains Israel Up until now, the accepted scientific theory of evolution states that Homo sapiens originated in Africa and migrated outward about 80 thousand years ago. Sir Paul MellarsPaul Mellars, a prehistory expert at Cambridge University stated that the find is “important” but it is p...

Jay Z Beyonce Birkin Bags - Beyonce scored big time this Christmas, and it's all thanks to Jay-Z's wallet. Reports are, Jay-Z purchased more than $350,000 worth of Birkin bags from Hermes. The news was reported by the New York Post. Huffington Post addes, "The rapper/mogul spent hours Friday in the brand's Manhattan store, shopping in a private room, a source told the paper." The celebirty couple is no stranger to dropping big bucks. Beyonce dropped $2 million on a Bugatti Grand Sport for Jay-Z's birthday in early December. Jay Z Beyonce Birkin Bags Back in September, Jay-Z gifted a private island off the shore of Florida to Beyonce that was reported to be worth $20 million. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4, 1981), often known simply by the mononym Beyoncé, is an American Pop/R&B singer, songwriter, actress and fashion designer. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to...

Adam Sandler Dead Rumors - Has he really died? Adam Sandler is the latest to be rumored dead, but let me clear it up for you: it is just another death hoax. What got this one going? According to the initial report, the actor was said to have had a terrible snowboarding accident that killed him. However, it is a complete lie! The Global Associated News stated that Adam Sandler was in Zermatt, Switzerland. They even claimed that he was seen by witnesses and ran into a tree going very fast. Funnily enough the exact same death hoax was spread about Charlie Sheen just a few days ago! Neither have turned out to be true. Adam Sandler Dead Rumors This type of gossip is not new and it is just irritating. Another celebrity who was said to have passed this weekend was Aretha Franklin. Her rumors however, may have just been a confusion about nicknames. Get more details on that mixup here. As for this actor he is alive and well and working on his new movie ‘Jack and Jill.’ If you haven’t...

Jimmy Carter Loggerhead Sea Turtle - Jimmy Carter has helped release a rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle during a family vacation in the Florida Keys. The former president participated in the release of Danger, a 102-pound loggerhead turtle, into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday. The turtle had spent three months at The Turtle Hospital. Carter also toured the facility, which is dedicated to treating and rehabilitating sea turtles. Jimmy Carter Loggerhead Sea Turtle Carter is in the Keys with wife Rosalynn and a number of family members as part of a holiday respite. The vacation in the Keys is not the first for Carter and his family. In 1996, the family had a New Year's Eve dinner at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West and returned there for a visit in December 2007 while on a cruise ship. Jimmy Carter Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Kennedy Center Honors Dec 28 - Five individuals were acknowledged by The Kennedy Center Honors, which aired on Dec. 28 on CBS, including country singer Merle Haggard, dancer Bill T. Jones, composer Jerry Herman, Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney. During the event Gwen Stefani and her reunited band No Doubt, Steven Tyler, Mavis Staples, James Taylor, Dave Grohl and Norah Jones all took the stage to serenade McCartney with Beatles tunes. Kennedy Center Honors Dec 28 Gwen Stefani and No Doubt performed a medley of "Hello Goodbye" and "Penny Lane," while Steven Tyler performed a medley of the final four songs from "Abbey Road," the group's last studio album: "She Came in Though the Bathroom Window," "Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight" and "The End." Tyler came back on for the finale performance of "Hey Jude" along with Mavis Staples and James Taylor, who also performed a duet of "Let It Be....

New Year Resolutions Finances 2011 - Nearly two thirds of Britons are planning to make a new year's resolution, with losing weight topping the list, research suggests. Around 64% of people said they will make a resolution for 2011. Of these, 55% said they wanted to lose weight and 49% planned to exercise more, according to price comparison website gocompare.com. Improving finances was the third most popular resolution, at 44%, followed by eating more healthily, 35%, and looking for a new job, 16%. New Year Resolutions Finances 2011 A further 16% planned to take up a new hobby, 15% hope to spend more time with family and friends, 14% will try to stop smoking or at least cut down on the habit and 11% plan to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink. Just under half of those who plan to make a financial new year's resolution said they hoped to reduce their outgoings, 30% want to reduce their debt and 28% hoped to save money towards a deposit for a home. One in 10 peopl...

New Year's Resolutions Dating Tips 2010 - After the “Naughties” decade, we are in for a great new decade, or at least I feel like we are! 2010 is going to be the year of revolution in dating, with many new online dating sites and online dating methods. We have come a long way in the last 10 years. Whoever heard of facebook, twitter, myspace and the like in the year 2000 (Look me up on facebook and twitter)! These methods of contacting others has spread far and wide, and now we find that we just can’t do without it. Through my experiences with picking up in bars, clubs compared with meeting great guys on good online dating sites, I often wonder whether its even worth getting dressed and going out these days! Of course, it is always fun to go out with the girls and meet new people, and listening to new pick up lines is hilarious! I can’t WAIT until 2010 brings me some novel ways to meet new guys! Here is a list of My 2010 New Years Resolutions for Dating. New Year's Resolution...

New Year Resolution Diet - One of the biggest New Year's resolutions many people make is to lose weight, but with so many different diets out there how do you really know which one is right for you? FOX31 looked into one diet that's gaining popularity. It's called the HCG diet and it's quickly becoming one of the most talked about diets today. But it is not without controversy and it's certainly not for everyone. New Year Resolution Diet Yet those who are on it are dropping the pounds and dropping them fast. Two ounce bottles of HCG are flying off the shelves at The Ascent Health Center in Denver. "Because it works," says Kim Genereaux, a patient at the center who lost 35 pounds in 35 days on HCG. "I've never felt better. I know what it feels like when you don't feel good about yourself and knowing how I felt before I lost the weight and knowing how I feel now, it's like night and day." Dr. Julie Marchiol, who owns The ...

New Year's Resolution Quit Smoking - With New Year’s just around the corner, this is the time when many come up with New Year resolutions. Every year-end, people plan endless lists of resolutions to enhance their lives. Be it curbing on the expenditure or weight loss, the kind of resolutions can range from the moderate to the bizarre. New Year is considered to be the time when changes are brought about in life. These changes are particularly considered to be difficult to tackle and perhaps, this is why people rely on resolutions to solve major pending issues! When one talks about major issues, it simply means getting rid of habits such as smoking or alcohol addiction. There are scores of people who plan to quit smoking on every New Year’s Eve. But how many actually stick by this resolution? Any kind of addiction is obviously difficult to get rid of but then resolutions need to be adhered to. If you have planned to quit smoking as a New Year’s resolution, here is a compilation of...

Auld Lang Syne Lyrics - Auld Lang Syne lyrics are familiar to many during the New Year. It is without question the go-to New Year's Eve tune. It has appeared in dozens of films and television shows. It once provided the melody to Korea's national anthem. It has been covered by U2, Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley. A poet named Robert Burns took a fragment of an old folk tune and crafted a song that would come to represent honoring the past, celebrating the future and the power of friendship and forgiveness. Auld Lang Syne Lyrics “I heard Professor James Chandler of the University of Chicago point out not only that ‘Auld Lang Syne' was America's (and the world's) favorite New Year's Eve song, but that it was also the song featured in more Hollywood movies than any other except ‘Happy Birthday,' ” said Robert Crawford is a professor of English at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and wrote the award-winning “The Bard,” a biography of Burns. “...

New Year's Eve Cocktail Recipes - The bubbly will be flowing on Friday night in Cary and across the world for New Years Eve. But whether you fancy Moet, a nice Cava or serene Prosecco, Champagne cocktails are all the rage. Champagne, Cava and Other Bubblies Champagne is a denomination controlee in France, which means only wine grown and produced in the region can call itself Champagne. Moet & Chandon is a classic. In the past few years, other sparkling wines have become popular, including Cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy. I had a wonderful sparkling Vouvray from France on Christmas, available from Sip for less than $20. All are good in champagne cocktails. Choose a sparkling wine that fits your taste and budget. New Year's Eve Cocktail Recipes Champagne Grand Mimosa This is just a Mimosa (champagne and orange juice) with the addition of Grand Marnier (an orange liqueur). * 1/2 oz Grand Marnier * 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice * 3 oz...

New Year's Eve Toasts Quotes - New Year’s Eve is only a few days away, and it has everyone thinking about a fresh start and New Year’s Resolutions. In order to make your toast extra special on New Year’s, we’ve compiled a list of some famous New Year’s quotes and Happy New Year’s resolutions from celebrities and notable people throughout history. New Year’s quotes are a great way to reflect on years past, and also to look forward to the future. Here are some of our favorite New Year’s quotes and sayings…a few are actually quite funny! New Year's Eve Toasts Quotes “New Year’s is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.” - Mark Twain “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” - Benjamin Franklin “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” - Oprah Winfrey New Year's ...

New DVD Releases - It’s a quiet week for new DVD releases, but there are a couple of gems hidden in the pack. First off is Resident Evil: Afterlife. Milla Jovovich stars in this fourth installment of the popular series which is based on a video game. Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller and Boris Kodjoe all join in to help stop a virus that turns people into zombies. If that’s not enough for you, then imagine it in 3-D! If you’ve got a 3-D TV at home, pick up the Blu-ray version and watch the action just pop off the screen. No 3-D TV? No problem. You can still watch it in regular Blu-ray or on DVD. Behind the scenes features will give you a closer look at how the film was made, and you won’t want to miss the zombie outtakes. New DVD Releases Archer: Season 1 is also new on DVD this week, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. This spy series may be animated, but it’s not for the kiddies. Imagine if Austin Powers had been written by a stand-up comic, and you’ve got the idea behin...

Thor's Chris Hemsworth Ties the Knot - Tis the season for romance, as Chris Hemsworth has reportedly married his longtime girlfriend Elsa Pataky. According to a report, the “Thor” stud and his Spanish actress lady tied the knot over the Christmas holiday, though they haven’t released any details. Hemsworth’s rep has confirmed that the nuptials did indeed take place, and that the newlyweds are thrilled to be husband and wife. Pataky is most noted for her role in “Snakes on a Plane” with Samuel L. Jackson, though her fame is more widespread in Europe. Thor's Chris Hemsworth Ties the Knot

Celebrity Plastic Surgery Disasters - Reality television star Heidi Montag has had more than 10 plastic surgery procedures and one year later — following her whole body extreme makeover — she says it was her addiction to perfection that ruined her career. During a photo shoot this month, Heidi Montag, the star who went way too far with beauty makeovers, told the mag photogs that the scars she now bears are a constant negative reminder she went too far in her insane quest for superficial perfection. Celebrity Plastic Surgery Disasters “I would love not to be a plastic girl or whatever they call me. Surgery ruined my career and personal life and just brought a lot of negativity into my world. I wish I could jump into a time machine and take it all back. Instead, I’m always going to feel like Edward Scissorhands.” Heidi Montag is back with her ex-husband and total jackass Spencer Pratt, presumably in an effort to keep their names swirling in the tabloid press. Everyone tried to w...

Robot Waiters China - While it sounds a little freaky at first, a restaurant in China just may be on to something brilliant with its robot staff. From servers to greeters and even entertainers, robots are doing the work typically done by humans at the appropriately named Dalu Robot restaurant. And yes, that includes real robots doing the Robot Dance. Besides being totally Jetsons-cool, there's a lot of practicality to be had by their use. At about $6,000 a pop, a robot only costs about as much as three or four months' salary for humans doing the same job. Assuming they're pretty robust and reliable robots, they seem like a screaming deal. Plus, think of all of the other amazing perks for restaurant owners and patrons if bitchy/moody/snotty/uppity/tired/lazy/etc. humans were removed from the picture. We might all enjoy our meals a little bit more. Robot Waiters China

Exploding Bakeware - Let's say your Christmas dinner ham has been cooking in a Pyrex glass baking dish at 350 F. Then, when you open the oven door, Boom! Shards of sharp glass explode toward you like some homemade bomb. According to a shocking investigative report in the January issue of Consumer Reports, it's a possibility when using Pyrex or Anchor Hocking. Exploding Bakeware "The baking dish just exploded as my daughter was about to touch it," Patricia Szczcenia of Lansing, Illinois told the magazine. She's not the only one to report such an event. So many complaints have been filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and others that World Kitchen, the Illinois-based manufacturer of Pyrex in the U.S. (since 1998, when it purchased Pyrex), and competitor Anchor Hocking have found it necessary to post pages on their websites that attempt to debunk the reports. Consumer Reports' new study is going to make the debunking a whole lot harder. ...

Forever Stamps - Postal patron Sean Swilling is tired of the inconvenience that comes with every change in the price of mailing a letter. That makes him just the type of customer the U.S. Postal Service wants to please with a policy designating all new first-class stamps as "forever." Beginning in January, all new stamps good for 1 ounce of domestic first-class mail will forgo a printed denomination and be acceptable for the typical letter regardless of the current postal rate. "I think that's a great idea," Swilling, a research analyst for commercial property, said Tuesday during a mail run at a downtown Washington post office. "For me, a guy who uses snail mail regularly, it's a hassle to get 1- or 2-cent stamps. Streamline things — that would be perfect." Forever Stamps The move is designed to help customers cope with postage increases, a Postal Service official told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The official requested anonymity to d...

Tax Refund Loans - Are the tax gods conspiring against tax refund anticipation loans? It appears so. The partnership between the nation's largest tax preparation firm and its refund loan lender is over. These short-term loans, often referred to as RALs, have long been popular among impatient taxpayers who don't want to wait for the Internal Revenue Service to send them their tax refund checks. Instead, they get the loan, usually offered via a tax preparer, based on the amount of money they expect they'll receive from Uncle Sam once their tax returns are processed. Ideally, when the refund money arrives, the taxpayer would take the cash and repay the RAL, which usually has a higher than average interest rate. But too many times, that doesn't happen. Tax Refund Loans In recent years, the IRS has taken steps to limit advertising of such tax-related financial products. This year, the tax agency also announced it would no longer provide RAL lenders with debt indic...