The town Cramlington can be found in Northumberland. It is approximately nine miles north of Newcastle and six miles southeast of Morpeth.

There is easy access to the city by car public transport and rail. Commuting time is approximately twenty minutes.The town is served by Cramlington railway station, with services to the Metro Centre, Morpeth and Newcastle provided by Northern Rail. Local bus services are provided by Arriva Northumberland and the town has good road transport links being situated between the A1 A19 and A189 roads.

Cramlington is also notable for its many roundabouts especially the notorious Moor Farm roundabout which links the A19 and A189 as well as other roads to Cramlington. As of 2006 it has been announced that Moor Farm roundabout is to be traffic controlled as traffic lights will be installed working on a similar operation to those at the A19 Silverlink roundabout, due to continuous congestion and also frequent accidents on a severe scale. The river Blyth is close by as is Plessey Woods Country Park.

The origin of the name Cramlington has been suggested to mean homestead. Cramlington has had settlement for many years as early as 1270. However it was redeveloped in the sixties and named Cramlington New Town. The population reaches twenty nine thousand.
Historically in the twenty century, the area centre around the development of mining. However like many other areas the decline in coal brought with it, many struggles. New industries now include Air Filtration Equipment, Merck Sharp and Dohme and Pharmaceuticals. There is also a number of Far East companies. This large-scale mining brought an enormous amount of people to the area.

The present Anglican church of St. Nicholas, built in the Gothic style, was consecrated in 1868 responding to the rapid increase of the population in the area.
The town centre has a large attractive shopping mall and the Concordia Leisure Centre and swimming pool complex. Market Day is Wednesday. There are also a number of bars and restaurants surrounding the village square.

At East Cramlington are the beautiful Project 2000 Botanic Gardens.

Education in schools is to a high standard. At present the education system is changing from a three tier system to a two tier system. This change will affect all schools in the town possible closures of some first and middle schools. There has been concern from local residents over traffic and parking arrangements at the new sites.

In the South west coast of England, East Devon can be located. It is easily accessible by road, rail or air. Road involves taking the M5 which has links with major motorways. If travelling from the South or East take the scenic route from the M3/M25 and then A303/A30. Rail involves access and frequent services from all over the country. The closest airport is Exeter International Airport. It takes flights from various UK airports and various international airports. A small airport Plymouth City Airport also serves flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford, Bristol and Jersey operated by Air South West. Public transport by bus is easy to use and the firm travelline can provide all up to date information.

The landscape is rolling and spectacular. Everywhere you go, the countryside is within view and certainly within easy reach. It is characterised by a vast areas of heath land, fertile river valleys and breathtaking ridges and hilltops. It is a living working landscape which has been shaped by many centuries of farming activity.

Enjoy the most breathtaking views from the South West Coastal Path. Exmouth is one of Englands oldest holiday seaside towns. The first World Heritage Coast Site is located in this region.

Tourists can find ancient monuments, general attractions castles, cathedrals churches of historic or architectural interest, heritage sites, botanic gardens, cinemas, art galleries, museums, stately homes, theme parks, theatres, gardens and palaces and a zoos. There is a lot on offer throughout the year.

The rural way of life and market towns of East Devon make this a vibrant community in which to live. A community project fund has been set up. It organises small grants for local people, to carry out improvements to their own part of the region. It is hoped that it will bring social, environmental and economic benefits.

The organisation COSMIC has been delivering IT services and support to the community for the past ten years. It is home to the Uks best social enterprises. It is a non profiting company which aims to benefit individuals, business and communities. In 1998 East Devon Net was launched. Its has now been redesign it provides a better than ever source of information for everybody, providing a wide range of information, from the opening times of your local doctors surgery to viewing our breathtaking collection of East Devon photographs.

Thankfully East Devon remains a relatively low crime area in comparing to other regions.

Somalia is located on the Horn of Africa, and is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the north west and Kenya on its south west. This is a country with a troubled past and the present and future does not look bright either. Civil war, military coups, border disputes and warlords are the general course of events here. The removal of the Islamic Courts from power has created a power vacuum and the situation in Somalia is highly unstable at the moment

The country has been without an effective central government since President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991. In the main part of the country, a Transitional National Government was elected in July 2000 by representatives of the countrys major clans, political and religious movements. The government is led by Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed and Ali Mohamed Ghedi, who hold the titles of President and Prime Minister respectively. It has UN recognition but, if the 2004 accord holds, will be replaced under a new constitution

Somalia is most emphatically not a tourist destination and not safe for independent travel or sightseeing. Most foreign governments advise against non essential travel. Those visiting for business, research, or international aid purposes should consult with their organization and seek expert guidance before planning a trip.

The simple fact of the matter is that tourism to Somalia is not an option. This is not a country in which tourism can be done with military escorts or carrying guns. This is a country to which tourists should not think about going. The only exception would be the Somaliland area, where travel is possible, although going there still belongs in the bad ideas box.

Subsistence agriculture and livestock rearing occupy most of the working population, although development is hampered by primitive techniques, poor soil and climatic conditions, and a chronic labour shortage. Bananas are the main cash crop and provide nearly half the countrys export earnings, cotton, maize, sorghum and other crops are produced for domestic consumption. Animal products, particularly hides and skins, are another key source of revenue, mainly from Saudi Arabia.

Fishing has dwindled to the level of individual small boats, but there are provisional plans to restore this to full commercial capacity. Oil and gas deposits have been located but their exploitation has been in abeyance due to the lack of an effective central government. There is little industry other than small scale operations to meet domestic needs, mainly food processing and oil refining.

Most economic assets remain in the unstable hands of clan based militias, with frequent competition for control of particular industries.

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country at the base of the African continent. Its neighbours are Mozambique to the east, South Africa and Botswana to the south and west and Zambia to the north. It lies on a high plateau, and its terrain consists primarily of grasslands bordered on the east by mountains.

A tourist destination is once again increasing in popularity with lots of overseas tourists as well as thousands of African tourists flocking there each year. Its a very popular stop off point for over Landers doing trips through Africa in safari type trucks. The capital, Harare, is modern, bright and bustling, but my favourite city is Bulawayo, where the people are particularly friendly and the atmosphere is typically laid back African.

Zimbabwe boasts some amazing natural sites. The Victoria Falls are without a doubt one of the worlds grandest natural spectacles and every viewpoint reveals something new. Running from northeast to southwest down the centre of the country, and connecting its two largest cities, is the Highveld, a chain of low mountains and Zimbabwes most populous area.

The best wildlife parks in southern Africa. From the forested mountains of the Eastern highlands to the sun washed grasslands of Hwange National Park, from the hot Mopani Forest to the shores of Lake Kariba, more than 11 percent of Zimbabwes land 44,688 sq km has been set aside as parks and wildlife estates.

There are also several botanical gardens, sanctuaries and more than a dozen national safari areas for hunting.

Present day Zimbabwe was the site of a large and complex African civilisation in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was populated by descendants of the Bantu tribes, who had migrated from the north around the 10th century. Evidence of their mainly pastoral lifestyle may still be seen in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, near the present day town of Masvingo.

Modern Zimbabwe is in a terrible state. The economy has all but collapsed. There is widespread famine, which has been cynically manipulated by the government so opposition strongholds suffer the most.

The government lacks the resources or machinery to deal with the ravages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which affects an estimated one quarter of the population. With all this and the forced and violent removal of white farmers in a brutal land redistribution programme, President Mugabe has earned himself widespread scorn from the international arena.

Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from August to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing.

Protesters disrupt Gore book-signing event in Chicago
Article: Truth Is Contagious

Justin Mangano, from Australia, was beaming after Al Gore signed his book Tuesday when his star-struck moment was interrupted by a protester being hauled out of the Borders bookstore in the Chicago Loop.

Gore was at the book store promoting the just released “Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis.” Fans were there to get his autograph and opponents came to challenge his message. Members of the group, We Are Change, were the most outspoken of Gore’s naysayers at the former vice president’s appearance at 150 N. State St. Gore’s security guards escorted the protesters from the store.

The We Are Change group contends that Gore’s message of global warming is a hoax, that he is a puppet of a new world order and that he is propagating a eugenics program.

The group claims it is “a citizens based grassroots peace and social justice movement working to reveal the truth behind the events of September 11th, as well as the lies of the government and corporate elite who remain suspect in this crime.”

“We need to wake up to this now, or it’s going to be too late. They want to tax the air we breathe and the meat we eat,” said activist Saad Ali, one of about 30 protesters at the event. ‘There are 30,000 scientists trying to sue this bum,” he screamed as he was escorted from the building.

But Gore’s fans weren’t interested in what the protesters were shouting.

Monika Hinterman, who got Gore to sign her book, said she was impressed that he was paying so much attention to climate change.

Gore’s fans weren’t interested in what the protesters were shouting because? Because they’re probably a bunch of mindless liberal drones who don’t care about facts, scientific evidence, and anything that proves that “global warming” is, in fact, a complete hoax. Just like “Barack Obama is BLAAAACK” is a lie. He’s so not. Of course Monika was impressed he’s paying so much attention to climate change. Teen fiction literature is one of today’s hot topics. He’s been busy writing these fictional books and making up fraudulent evidence… it takes a lot of work to fool this many people. Well, actually it doesn’t. It takes a lot of work to educate the libtards on the TRUTH.

“I think he’s trying to make people more aware of the issues that have gone unnoticed for too long,” Hinterman said.

Some who came to meet Gore at the book signing said that while they support free speech, the event was not the best place for a protest.

“If you have a point of view, put some facts and figures to it. Express yourself with support behind it,” said Sabolch Horvat, who carried a signed copy of the book under his arm.

Nicole Lynch bought the book to make up her mind about the science that the protesters questioned. She said she approves of his efforts to get people to take better care of the planet.

“I’m not saying he’s perfect, and I would call him out if I knew he screwed up,” Lynch said. “I’m not afraid to speak my mind.”

Well, Nicole; allow me to help you. Read my post on Al Gore and his fraudulent global warming scam HERE: An Inconvenient Al.

- BBC has found that we have not observed any increase in global temperatures for the last 11 years. Yes, that’s over ONE DECADE

- The average temperature of the water near the top of the Earth’s oceans has significantly cooled since 2003

I’m sure most of you are familiar with these images that have been circulating the blogosphere:

First, let me point out that Al Gore has failed at proving that Global Warming exists. That’s like trying to prove that Santa exists. Sure, wouldn’t it be dandy? But facts are facts and fiction is fiction. So, what does a has-been politician do when his life’s work has been proven time and time again to be a fraud? Well, if this has-been politician is Al Gore; he resorts to Photoshopping “evidence”. I mean, Photoshop trumps science, right? Wrong. Sorry, Al. It doesn’t. Just like whining about pregnant chads doesn’t win an election. YES, we all remember your whiny ass complaining about pregnant chads and dimples on ballots.

In the images above you can clearly see that several massive hurricanes have been Photoshopped. It’s been proven that hurricanes are at a 30 year low. Here are some graphs I found at Watts Up With That:

Both Northern Hemisphere and South Hemisphere AND therefore overall Global hurricane activity has continued to sink to levels not seen since the 1970s. Even more astounding, when the Southern Hemisphere hurricane data is analyzed to create a global value, we see that Global Hurricane Energy has sunk to 30-year lows, at the least. Since hurricane intensity and detection data is problematic as one goes back in time, when reporting and observing practices were different than today, it is possible that we underestimated global hurricane energy during the 1970s.

Using a well-accepted metric called the Accumulated Cyclone Energy index or ACE for short (Bell and Chelliah 2006), which has been used by Klotzbach (2006) and Emanuel (2005) (PDI is analogous to ACE), and most recently by myself in Maue (2009) , simple analysis shows that 24-month running sums of global ACE or hurricane energy have plummeted to levels not seen in 30 years.

Why use 24-month running sums instead of simply yearly values? Since a primary driver of the Earth’s climate from year to year is the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) acts on time scales on the order of 2-7 years, and the fact that the bulk of the Southern Hemisphere hurricane season occurs from October – March, a reasonable interpretation of global hurricane activity requires a better metric than simply calendar year totals. The 24-month running sums is analogous to the idea of “what have you done for me lately”. During the past 6 months, extending back to October of 2008 when the Southern Hemisphere tropical season was gearing up, global ACE had crashed due to two consecutive years of well-below average Northern Hemisphere hurricane activity. To avoid confusion, I am not specifically addressing the North Atlantic, which was above normal in 2008 (in terms of ACE), but the hemisphere (and or globe) as a whole. The North Atlantic only represents a 1/10 to 1/8 of global hurricane energy output on average but deservedly so demands disproportionate media attention due to the devastating societal impacts of recent major hurricane landfalls.

Interesting, indeed. Visit Watts Up With That for more information. Unless you’re a liberal. From what I understand; you liberals aren’t all that interested in facts and information. But, it’s there if you ever decide to quit being morons.

If you look at the second image I posted; the one with the faux-hurricanes… you’ll notice that the Arctic has magically disappeared! Funny, since the Arctic ice is currently at the SAME levels as 1979. The good people at Daily Tech pointed this out.

(click to enlarge)

Rapid growth spurt leaves amount of ice at levels seen 29 years ago.

Thanks to a rapid rebound in recent months, global sea ice levels now equal those seen 29 years ago, when the year 1979 also drew to a close.

Visit Daily Tech for more information.

Also, NASA points out that the average temperature of the water near the top of the Earth’s oceans has significantly cooled since 2003. CLICK FOR NASA ARTICLE

BBC has found that we have not observed any increase in global temperatures for the last 11 years. Yes, that’s over ONE DECADE. CLICK FOR BBC ARTICLE

So… tell me… Why does Florida appear to be dissolving in Al Gore’s lame Photoshopped images? What the hell happened to CUBA? Last time I checked; Cuba still exists. Also; look at the SIZE of those faux-hurricanes. Anyone who actually believes this Global Warming bullshit simply WANTS to. There is no other conclusion.

Here’s something fun:
Letting Al Gore know we aren’t falling for his junk science, Portland, Oregon 11/18/09

Wake up, people. He’s cashing in and making BILLIONS off of easily influenced MORONS.

The thirteenth arrondissement of southeastern Paris is situated on the Left Bank of the Seine River. Its land area is relatively large by Parisian standards, and measures more than two and three quarter square miles (over seven square kilometers). This district has a population over one hundred seventy thousand and is home to about ninety thousand jobs. Both population and employment figures are growing, largely due an influx of Asian immigrants.

Les Olympiades is a residential high-rise district built well over thirty years ago on a huge, elevated pedestrian esplanade complete with a shopping mall, the Pagode (Pagoda) at the center. To many people this complex looks like a smaller version of La Defense, Europe’s largest business district, situated just west of Paris. A driverless Metro (subway) feeds the complex, running every four minutes during the extended rush hour. Nearby is the huge Paris Rive Gauche project built on and near old railroad yards. Once again we are talking mostly high-rises. If that’s your bag, be my guest.

The Bibliotheque nationale de France (National Library of France) is another resident of the new thirteenth district. It was founded by Charles V in the mid Fourteenth Century at the Louvre Museum, described in our companion article on the First Arrondissement. Later the library moved to its own quarters in the same district. The new library, said to look like an open book, opened to the public in late 1996. Despite being located in a modest neighborhood, accessing library materials costs money. A famous French historian was refused a library card. Although there are many complaints the library does contain ten million volumes.

The Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital started out as a gunpowder factory and was converted to a dumping ground for the Parisian poor, serving as a prison for prostitutes, the criminally insane, and others of that ilk. During the French Revolution many prostitutes were freed but other residents-inmates were murdered. On the upside the hospital’s reknown professor, Jean-Martin Charcot, nicknamed “the Napoleon of the neuroses” has been considered the founder of modern neurology. Furthermore it was the site of Paris’s first vaccinations, way back in 1800. La Salpetriere has become a teaching hospital. This was where Diana, Princess of Wales, breathed her last. If you are in the neighborhood you should visit the Seventeenth Century Chapelle de la Salpetriere (Hospital Chapel). By the way, the word chapel is misleading as the complex can hold four thousand people.

Unless you are a Princess Diana freak, who can blame you for not wanting to tour a hospital once famous for its rats? Don’t miss the next sight, unknown to many. The Butte-aux-Cailles (literally quails hill) is located in the west end of the district, fairly close to the very busy Place d’Italie. The hill is about 200 feet (65 meters) tall. Cailles was the family name of people who once farmed the land. In 1783 the first hot-air balloon carrying people landed on this little hill. It was one of the strongholds of the Paris Commune in 1871, memorialized in a city square by that name. There has been so much excavation that the hill can’t support the high-rises that mar so much of this arrondissement and so much of the “new” Paris. So you’ll have to be satisfied with the co-op restaurants, trendy bars, and nightclubs that haven’t erased the village atmosphere. The Butte is home to an art-deco public piscine (swimming pool) fed by a natural hot spring. You can even enjoy vaudeville and Brazilian music. If you fall in love with a little house in the neighborhood remember, it was once inexpensive.

The Gare d’Austerlitz (Austerlitz Station) is one of the most important Parisian railway stations. It was named for a small Czech town in which the sorely outnumbered French and allied troops under Napoleon defeated the armies of Austria, Russia, and Great Britain in 1805. This railway station was first built in 1840 and extended a generation later. There are plans to rehabilitate and upgrade Austerlitz station doubling its capacity by 2020. The complex is moderately attractive but if you aren’t a railroad buff, don’t go out of your way to see it.

The Manufacture des Gobelins (Gobelins Factory) makes exceptional tapestries and has been doing so for centuries. It supplied the kings of France starting with Louis XIV. The company founder, Jehan Gobelin, discovered a special dye during the Fifteenth Century. Detractors called his company la folie Gobelin (Gobelin’s folly). I guess he showed them. Some of his descendants purchased titles of nobility and abandoned this unnoble trade. Other family members branched out to the tapestry business and later into carpets and upholstery. The complex includes a museum offering guided tours.

Of course you don’t want to tour Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food – An Alsace Riesling I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Schniederspaetle (Onion Ravioli). For your second course savor Brochet d’I a la creme (Pike in White Wine and Cream Sauce). And as dessert indulge yourself with Strudel aux Pommes (Apple Strudel). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.

Noticed this guy on the train the other day. Looked kind of tough but maybe a little worn.

Buy this drawing at my Etsy store

Brantford, Ontario, hosts a number of homegrown media outlets: newspaper, radio and television are all covered. Its proximity to the city of Hamilton, Ontario means that it also receives much of its media from there, along with Kitchener and Toronto, which is about an hour’s drive away. Brantford also shares its media with some of the surrounding locales in the Grand River area.

Print Media

Brantford’s local newspaper is the Brantford Expositor. Besides Brantford itself, the Expositor serves Paris, Buford and the rest of Brant County. Founded in 1852 the newspaper is a proud city tradition, having been a part of the community for well over a century and a half. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002. It is published six days a week (Monday through Saturday) and has been publishing continuously, without interruption, for all of its 150 years of history.

Radio Stations

The city boasts three radio stations. The oldest of these is CKPC (AM). It was founded in 1923, and has been serving Brantford and the Brant area ever since. Found on frequency 1380, CKPC (AM) currently plays oldies. The station also provides local news as well as sports information as part of its format. The station is notable as in 1940 Florence Dolph Buchanan, daughter of the station’s previous owner Cyrus Dolph, took over ownership and operation of the station. She was the first woman in Canadian history to own and operate a radio station.

In 1949, CKPC (AM) extended to the FM frequency, founding CKPC (FM). Originally it simply provided a simulcast of the CKPC AM station, however it has been running independent programming since 1961. It currently plays adult contemporary music. Its tagline, like that of its predecessor is “Simply the best.” It is currently located at frequency 92.1

The third radio station serving the Brantford area is CWFC-FM. It is a religious station and primarily plays Christian music. It is at frequency 93.9 and calls itself “Power 93.9.”

Television Stations

While much of Brantford, Ontario’s television is provided by cities Hamilton, Kitchener and Toronto, Brantford does have one television station of its own. This station is a local community channel which is provided by Rogers TV. It is cable channel 20 from Rogers Cable.

Movies

Aside from media serving the local area, the city has also made an impact on media serving a larger audience. Many movies have had scenes shot within the city, as well as some television shows. An example of a television series which has been shot in Brantford was the episode “Dr. Long Ball” of the joint American/Canadian effort “Due South.”

Recent films shot in Brantford include Weirdsville, shot in 2006. The video game based horror film Silent Hill was also shot in downtown Brantford in 2005. Other films shot in Brantford, Ontario include Welcome to Mooseport and Where the Truth Lies, both of which were filmed at the Brantford Airport.

Copyright (c) 2008 Wes Fernley

The health and fitness of the UK population is a regular topic on national news and many of us are strongly aware of the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. From eating the right things including our five pieces of fruit or vegetables a day to getting enough exercise, there are whole host of things to do to help keep us healthy.

Those in the health professions make continuous pleas to us to ‘exercise more’ and ‘cook healthy, nutritious meals’ yet the public replies that there is no time within their already overloaded schedules. Work and family commitments take priority and if there’s any time ‘spare’ then going to gym is often the last thing on people’s minds. Leisure time is a precious commodity and it would seem our desire to relax vs. our knowledge that we need to keep fit are totally contradictory. Or are they?

‘Health spa’ is a term that surely appeals greatly and with the rising popularity of spa amongst men and women it would seem that the industry has come up with a winning combination. Statistics reveal that the spa industry is growing faster than the fitness industry and offers so much opportunity many are diving in with both feet to make the most of this market.

But why is spa so popular? With today’s hectic lifestyles – long hours at the office, busy women who ‘have it all’ and stress being another hot topic – the idea of retreating to a haven of peace and relaxation sounds like total luxury. Add to this our desire to hold back the years and look forever young – and some of the facials out there promise a lot – it’s no doubt we’re booking at and staying at more spa resorts than ever before.

A visit to the spa is no longer just about a quick manicure of pedicure. Those choosing to visit a spa can stay for a day or evening, overnight (or longer) or perhaps visit for a hen party or even corporate day.

Choosing what treatments to have during your spa visit can be a tricky choice. Like reading a menu in an award-winning 5-star restaurant you’ll find the choices staggering as words such as relaxing, revitalising, refreshing and moisturising jump out from all over the pages with promises of soothing away all aches, pains and worries – and wrinkles too.
The other benefit of visiting a spa is that, if you choose the right location, you needn’t leave the resort for your entire stay. Location is an important consideration and many independent hotels have excellent spa facilities while also benefiting from superb positions.

Nestled in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, a new spa has been developed at Barnham Broom Hotel. A beautiful country hotel the addition of The Spa has been well considered and carefully planned culminating in a successful development.

Through the use of soft lighting and natural materials including mahogany and granite, The Spa at Barnham Broom oozes calm from the moment you enter. Professional, friendly therapists are ready to greet you and listen to your needs as you discuss the very tempting treatment menu while their attention to detail is apparent through their choice to use the very luxurious ESPA range of products.

Set amongst 250 acres of countryside, peace and quiet is available in spades while the hotel has excellent facilities including a fitness centre, award-winning restaurant and cosy bar area. For a relaxing spa break Barnham Broom is definitely worth a visit.

There has been some confusion about the relationship between acne and stress. You could say the jury is still out on the issue of whether acne can be caused by the stresses and strains of everyday life. In the final assessment, it has been established through research in certain cases, there could be some truth in this statement.

Facts about acne and stress. But we have already seen that acne cannot be caused by stress. So what are we trying to say here? This is how it works. When the body is under stress, the secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal glands is stepped up. It is quite well known that the adrenal gland is stimulated to produce adrenaline when the body is being prepared for ‘fight or flight’.

Production of these hormones is controlled by the brain. They are secreted along with androgens, which stimulate the production of sebum, which in turn encourage the development of acne.

The other fact has been established is that stress can slow down the process of healing, which also applies to acne. In fact, the rate of this slowdown could be as high as 40%, which seems to suggest that acne could be connected to stress.

Other ways that stress can affect acne. Apart from all this, poor eating habits in times of stress are thought to have a bearing on the outbreak of acne and the extent of the problem. Stress seems to exacerbate the acne problem and could also have a damaging effect on the overall health of the skin.

In times of stress, the adrenal cortex is stimulated to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid that activates the secretion of sebum, which in excess, tends to encourage the development of acne. An experiment conducted in 2002 proved that stress could be instrumental in the way acne developed and the intensity of the breakout among students taking an examination.

There is also a condition called acne urticata that affects middle aged women. This condition, despite its name, actually qualifies as a kind of eczema rather than acne, and troubles women who have been under stress or are prone to some kind of depression.

Beat stress to cure your acne. In view of all these observations, it is better for people who have a tendency to break out with acne to avoid situations of stress, tension, worry and anxiety, all of which could play a part in making their acne problem worse.

If you have a stressful way of life, you may just end up making your acne worse. This does not mean that acne is a direct consequence of stress. On the other hand, simply that the way you live your life is bound to affect your skin. And skin is generally regarded as the largest organ in the body. To some extent, predisposition to acne can be triggered by stress.

It is also been seen that people who work in areas where there is plenty of grease can develop acne. If the environment is also stressful, such as that of a fast food restaurant, chances of developing acne are pretty high.

Other ways to soothe your acne. You could minimize the possibility of developing acne through stress consciously taking time out to relax and unwind. Make sure you take in a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Do remember that you must have some regular exercise every day, however mild it may be. Make a conscious effort to relax every day by reading, doing yoga etc., in short whatever activity helps you to release tension.

It is sure to make a difference to your general health and will definitely have a positive impact on the health of your skin as well. Well, the apparent link between acne and stress is rather thought provoking, even if it is not very direct?

Article on botox:

There are various uses of botox and a clear overview about them can be of immense help. One of the most poisonous naturally growing substance Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by a bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. For commercial purposes this substance is sold under a brand name called botox and these days it is widely used for varied purposes. Botox injection is most commonly used during plastic surgeries in United States, for rejuvenation of skin, use of botox is indeed indispensable. When you have wrinkled skin, use of botox can be an ideal solution and in most of the cases results have been satisfactory after use of botox. Most of the plastic surgeons are now using botox for its effective results without any side effects. With the use of botox, the neuromuscular junctions of the body or the synapses get rejuvenated. Actually the facial wrinkles are caused as a result of muscular contractions and the muscular contractions usually take place in the presence of neurotransmitter chemical acetylcholine.

Botox help in denervation of acetylcholine and ultimately paralyses the process that creates wrinkles within the skin. There are eight types of boltulinum bacterias and mainly the used ones are A,B and E. There are specific mechanisms of the synapses and different types of botox influences the skin changes in a different manner. The plastic surgeons are well aware about the accurate use of these bacterias.

It is said that botox has been used for even biological warfare but now it is widely used for beatification purposes. To gain a look of forever, use of botox can be ideal. The poison has been turned towards a fantastic anti-aging drug with the constant development of medicinal science. Botox fulfills consumer’s desires and this has been the prime reasons behind its wide popularity. Uses of Botox have spreaded and at present it is a tool for the physicians for effective pain management. If you are rattled and in search of effective suggestions regarding use along with after effects of botox, it is best to do some self-research. There are numerous web portals that offer different articles and online journal on botox. Botox is now approved in different parts of United States by FDA.

There are various plastic surgery parlors that can provide necessary information about the use of botox during removal of wrinkles. There may be mild headaches after use of botox but this can remain for a short span pf time. Botox as cosmetic injections have attained high popularity as it has revolutionized the concept of plastic surgery. Still there are certain medical guidelines that need to be followed during the use of botox as cosmetic injections and excessive use can be detrimental. For best results it is wise to consult with the plastic surgery parlors and the beauticians.

iSpit says:“I tried to warn you LL….now look what you’ve done to your career…smh….F*ck outta here”

The new CBS drama NCIS: Los Angeles starring rapper LL Cool J has been sold into syndication just seven weeks of being on the air.

According to reports, NCIS: Los Angeles, which stars LL and Chris O’Donnell, has been licensed to the USA Network, which also airs off-network runs of the original series, NCIS.

USA reportedly paid over $2 million per-episode to air the hit new series staring weekly in 2011, until Fall 2013.

Just last month, CBS announced full season orders for NCIS: Los Angeles, which airs every Tuesday night on the network.

NCIS: Los Angeles is the most-viewed new show of the Fall season, averaging over 17.5 million viewers each week.

Props: AllHipHop

Body piercing, has been practiced since olden times by different cultures and the purposes of body piercing long ago were commonly related to spiritual as well as cultural. But nowadays, piercing other parts of body beside ear like navel, tongue, lip, and nose have become mainly for decorative reasons and for self-expression and you will find almost everyone today, young and old, girls and boys alike possess ear piercing.

Standing at the crossway you can notice the passersby racing down the street in either brown or black leather footwear, similar-looking cell phones on their ear or more or less similar business suits pacing fast to reach their destiny on time. You will find that almost everyone pacing down the street walk, dress, act, and look the same. However, you will also find people who refuse to follow the others in the same way instead they create their own world where everything is different. They belonged to emo groups following different lifestyle.

Regarding fashion emo people can go for anything that differentiate them from other normal people. For instance the earring-like pieces that is actually worn on ear has been given a new direction, which has ultimately given, arise to body piercing. Body piercing has now become a form of body art, done through deliberately piercing a particular part of the body and inserting a particular piece of body jewelry and it is done for ornamental purpose. There has been a paradigm shift in the purpose of body piercing from spiritual as well as cultural reason to ornamental purpose. The simplest and widely used method is the standard needle method but there are also other methods that are executed for the same purpose and they are scalpelling, piercing guns, dermal punching, and indwelling cannula method are some of the common and unique in terms of the tools and techniques used.

Though the present purpose of body piercing is to beautify oneself but there involves several risk and few of which are serious. Such beauty obtained by involving risk can be termed as lethal beauty. One can conceivably acquire bacterial infection from contaminated needles and piercing tools and may experience dental damage, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, and allergic reactions and worst of all, one could contract HIV if the piercing tools used were not properly sanitized. Therefore in order to possess such lethal beauty you need to avail of body piercing services only from the most reputable body piercer to ensure a trouble-free body piercing experience.

man muss alles mitnehmen was geht. scheiss scheiss baby.

link. new times

Anmelder: Michael Meier

William Shatner - Has Been

“I can’t get behind A FAT ASS!” disse smukke ord vil berige dit liv i lang tid efter at William Shatners (Captain Kirk!) vidunderlige lille perle af en plade fra 2004 er løbet ud.

Shatners selvironiske hyldest, evaluering og nærmest post-traumatisk erkendelse af eget liv og stjernestatus er simpelthen både rørende, sjov og ørehængende musikalsk.

Exceptionally common
Albummet lægger ud med et overraskende og forrygende cover af Pulps Common People med gæstevokal på omkvædet af den engelske musiker Joe Jackson.

Heldigvis forsøger Shatner sig hverken her eller på resten af albummet med skønsang, i stedet laver han en let croonende spoken word performance, hvor betoning, artikulation og Shatners erfaring som skuespiller tager sangene hjem.

On the Rollins
Det indledende citat stammer fra albummets stupidt seje andensidste nummer, det jazzede amokløb I Can’t Get Behind That, hvor Shatner bistået af selveste Henry Rollins harcelerer over alt, hvad der er galt med verden fra ungdommen, benzinpriser, gud osv. De to byder på den ene geniale citeringsværdige replik efter den anden. Det er selvironisk, satans godt ramt og vanvittigt sjovt.

Bred tematisk palet
Fra It Hasn’t Happened Yet om ensomhed og urealiserede drømme og ambitioner til det det rørende nummer That’s Me Trying om den fraværende far, der efter mange år forsøger at skabe kontakt til sit nu voksne fremmedgjorte barn. What Have You Done om selvmord og tragisk kærlighed? Ja, Shatner kommer emnemæssigt vidt omkring, og fornemmelsen af emnernes selvbiografiske karakter slettes aldrig helt, hvilket blot får værket til at fremstå endnu størrere.

Manden bag manden
Musikken er arrangeret af Ben Folds, tidligere frontmand for alt. rockbandet Ben Folds Five. Musikken bærer da også præg af en baggrund indenfor den alternative rock, men trækker ligeså meget på jazz og easy listening.

På trods af at musikken hovedsageligt blot er den fungerende scene, hvor Shatner kan få lov til at folde sig ud og stjæle hele opmærksomheden med al sin pragt og larger than life star quality, så er det stadig musikalsk velfungerende med fundament i gode melodier.

Selvironi kommer med årene
Skulle du virkelig blive grebet af dette album, så prøv eventuelt den endnu mere bizarre The Transformed Man, som Shatner udgav i 1968. Ganske uden den senere erhvervede humor og selvironi blander Shatner her på fascinerende pinlig og prætentiøs vis klassisk poesi og datidens moderne poplyrik. Selvfølgelig fremført med samme spoken word patos. Utroligt underholdende, men mildest talt knap så musikalsk vellykket og lyttevenligt som Has Been.

An unlikely partnership between the wife of a deployed National Guardsmen and video gamers across America has been created to support the troops. Molly Johnson, who is best likened to a human dynamo, has been working tirelessly to involve video gamers in the support of U.S. servicemen and their families.

Within the last couple of centuries, seeing the growing popularity of playing lotteries, it has been finally legalized and implemented in pretty much in every country in the world. Lottery is not a modern sport but has been sported for a long time back. The history of playing lottery is mentioned in the Bible. Even Caesar himself is known to have boosted lottery games in Rome to help pay for repair work that needed to be done in the city. There are some other important historic events that stand as a witness for lottery being played during that time. For instance Great Wall of China was paid for by the proceeds of lottery games. Several other events like in 1420 people of the French town of L’Ecluse raised money using a public lottery with a purpose to increase the town’s defenses and in the year 1466 officials in Belgium city of Bruges hold a lottery to raise money for the poor and needy.

Thought to be originated from the Italian word

La lucidez es una virtud cara de ver,  más aún en la música. Cuando se da, suele ir acompañada de un sanísimo sentido de la autoparodia y la ironía. La de William Shatner es una carrera tardíamente lúcida: sobrevivir a base de convenciones decadentes, ser reverenciado por niños de cuarenta años, convertirse en icono camp, empeñarse en defender un absurdo proyecto musical… todo eso ha hecho del viejo capitán Kirk de Star Trek un tipo de lo más cachondo. Y, tras mucho empeño, un ¿músico? a tener en cuenta.

¡A por ellos, Bill!

Eran los años 60, la década camp por excelencia, la del Batman de Adam West, los hippies y la psicodelia para las masas. Richard Nixon era presidente de los EE.UU. de América. Aún no habían matado a John Lennon. El fenómeno Star Trek acababa de hacer eclosión y algunos de sus protagonistas intentaban expandir fronteras; así, Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock) se cascaba una chorrada del tamaño de “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” sin parpadear. El bueno de Shat, por su parte, fue mucho más ambicioso.

“The Transformed Man” aparece en 1968 con una propuesta estrambótica hasta decir basta. Shatner, en pleno éxtasis beatnik, casa a trompicones fragmentos de literatura clásica con canciones pop del momento. Así, tal cual. Shakespeare, The Beatles, Rostand, Dylan. La cosa aún podría funcionar, pero no: el actor se obceca en recitar (en ningún momento pretende ser cantante) en un spoken word forzadísimo, afectado e involuntariamente cómico. Y los arreglos, virgen santa, los arreglos. El disco es un éxito, pero no como Shatner deseaba: aparece en listas de los peores álbumes de la historia, en recopilatorios de celebridades rebajándose, se convierte en un chiste recurrente que aún hoy perdura.

Pero si una cosa no le falta a nuestro amigo Bill es tenacidad. Se escuda en un halo de incomprensión y no ceja en la defensa de su “estilo” personal, aunque a nadie más le guste. Y luego llegan las convenciones de trekkies. La menospreciada película “Galaxy Quest” (aquí “Héroes fuera de órbita”, dios) esboza un acertado relato de lo que debe de suponer ser un ex-Trek: convenciones, supervivencia, estoicismo y más convenciones: ahí se debió forjar la peculiar introspección iniciática de Shatner. Sigue adelante, como puede, con su persona espacial, mientras los años le convierten en un preparabarbacoas sonrosado y bonachón. Y el tiempo, que no cura nada pero al menos da perspectiva, le acaba haciendo entrar en razón. Y deja de tomarse en serio a sí mismo.

Como recompensa a sus infames logros y a su sabiduría forjada a fuego llega un día su amigo Ben Folds y le produce y arregla un disco autoconsciente desde su mismo título, “Has Been” (“vieja gloria”). Un album que, para sorpresa de todos (diría que hasta del mismo Shatner), no sólo no es ridículo: es asombrosamente cautivador.

“Has Been” es una excepción dentro de la trayectoria de su protagonista, del panorama musical y de sabe dios qué otras cosas más. Sin abandonar su amado spoken word, pero con una mano firme guiándole, Shatner se muestra arrollador en lo sonoro y en lo textual. Esta vieja gloria consciente del papel que le ha tocado en el reparto se destapa: sombrío, gruñón, resignado, tierno, débil y, sobretodo, ácido, muy ácido. “Has Been” es el trabajo de un cómico experto, esta vez sí, voluntariamente, que acaba emocionando más que levantando sonrisas.

Comienza el asunto con una redonda versión del “Common People” de Pulp, tema ya de por sí redondo. Shatner no sólo capta a la perfección el desprecio y el cinismo que requiere la pieza: diría que incluso supera a los de Cocker. Su forma de recitar (acompañada vocalmente por Joe Jackson, unos arreglos guitarreros sincronizadísimos y unos coros en su justo lugar) es cruda, distanciada y epifánica. La pomposidad de su “estilo” cobra sentido. Quizá este sea el único defecto del conjunto: arranca tan fuerte que en ningún corte vuelve a impresionar de la misma manera. La única queja de un CD completísimo.

Shatner recita en solitario pasajes de puro terror gótico (“What Have You Done”), reflexiona sobre su figura (“It Hasn’t Happened Yet” o la emotiva “Real”), se pone elegante para anunciarnos, sardónicamente, que todos vamos a morir (“You’ll Have Time”, en la que unas coristas repiten “you’re gonna die” alegremente mientras Shat repasa nombres de celebridades defenestradas) y suelta toda la bilis en un dúo de cascarrabias con Henry Rollins (“I Can’t Get Behind That”) que por momentos alcanza cotas de monólogo de George Carlin.

“Has Been” es la obra de un perro viejo que a base de ser una estrella de tercera ha alcanzado la gloria. Directo, sincero, sin resentimientos y, ante todo, entrañable, Shatner consigue al fin lo que lleva intentando desde hace más de cuarenta años. A veces hay que pasar por abortos antes de ser padre.

Shat, viejo cabrón, te diría lo que te dicen todos, “larga vida y prosperidad”, pero a ti no te hace falta. Porque sabes que todos nos morimos, pero tú lo harás justo en el sitio en el que querías estar: en el pequeño solar de poesía de este chiste que es la vida. Y recitando.

V the Wanderer

Virginia is known as much for its many products and resources as it is for it rich Colonial heritage and history. As early as the 1600s the commonwealth has been a center of production for many goods and luxuries. Historians tell of our forefathers growing tobacco along the cobbled streets of Jamestown, and for nearly a century Suffolk has been regarded one of the peanut capitals of the world. Cotton, ham, and seafood are also popular exports, as is wine. Few people outside the bacchanalian world realize that Virginia is popular wine country, ranking tenth among US states in grape production!

There are over one hundred active wineries in the commonwealth of Virginia, covering nearly 2500 acres of land, and producing as many as three hundred thousands cases a year. On average, over four thousand tons of grapes are produced annually to make Virginia wine. You’ll find nearly every variety of red and white grown in Virginia, from the sweetest Rieslings and tart Chardonnays, to the sharpest Merlots and Cabernets this side of the Mississippi River.

Wine festivals are hosted all over the state, as many as three hundred annually, with many state vineyards taking home national and international awards for their produce. Wine making has been a devoted practice in Virginia since the dawn of the early colonies; it is a tradition well-preserved in the thousands of bottles sold each year to wine enthusiasts. Not only is Virginia the first state to produce US presidents, it is the first to produce wine, and over the centuries the practice has aged as well as the vintages!

In Northern Virginia in particular, one doesn’t need to travel “sideways” to enjoy a pleasant winery tour. From Stafford County to the lip of the DC beltway one can over 30 wineries, many of which offer tours and tasting specials. As the majority of Virginia wineries are small, family-owned enterprises, it is strongly recommended to contact ahead of time for operating and tour hours. On occasion, some wineries may schedule events in conjunction with other local businesses – a quick internet search on Virginia wines and the Virginia Wine Association will lead you to a wealth of information to help you plan a fun wine tour. Once you’re on the road, look for the road signs bearing a purple cluster of grapes that indicate the directions to your destinations. You are more likely to find them off the beaten path, on state and local roads, rather than the interstates.

When you plan your next Virginia wine tour, be sure to take a few detours to the Northern Neck region near Stafford and King George Counties and Washington, DC. Here are a few popular picks which are certain to please the palate:

Hartwood Winery: Fredericksburg

This historic farm has been producing fine wine since ‘89! Hartwood Winery hosts many tastings and events throughout the year, allowing visitors to sample their crisp Chardonnays and Clarets.

Lost Creek Winery: Leesburg

Lost Creek offers unusual but delicious blends to savor, from apple and grape wines to late harvest wines made from high-sugar grapes.

Three Fox Vineyards: Delaplane

Three Fox specializes in Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and Viognier vintages on their fifty-acre farm. Wine aficionados are also invited to subscribe to a special vintner’s circle, where one can “sponsor” vines and be trained in the winemaking process.

Linden Vineyards: Linden

For over twenty-five years, Linden has produced some of the finest Bordeaux wines in the Commonwealth. Tours and seminars on wine making and growing are hosted in the winter and summer, making Linden the perfect spot for an education as well as recreational stop on any Virginia wine tour.

If you enjoy what you taste at these and other Northern Virginia wineries, be sure to take a few bottles home with you, especially if you are out of state. Presently, Virginia wines are mainly available within Virginia, though the state has reciprocity agreements with thirteen states to allow the wine to be sold elsewhere in the country. Salud!

Once upon a time, there was a new and innovative television show written by a longhair named Al Franken featuring comedy from the Not Ready For Prime Time Players. It was called “Saturday Night” and first aired in 1975 on NBC.

At the same time Saturday Night aired, there was a rival show Named: “Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell” that was unhip, uncool and part of the reactionary establishment that the people behind “Saturday Night” wished to avoid.

The Howard Cosell show was shortly cancelled and “Saturday Night” soon became the “Saturday Night Live” we all know today.

Speaking of today, times have surely changed since 1975. The Longhair Al Franken has long since cut his hair and became Senator Al Franken(D), a politician with no sense of humor and a ideological axe to grind. And Saturday Night Live is now just as uncool as the old Howard Cosell show was. In addition to all of this, The people behind SNL are resorting to generating phony controversies like having cast members saying “Fuck” on the air. Gee, as if Charles Rocket wasn’t doing this 30 FUCKING YEARS AGO. oooh, those SNL people are sooo hip, sooo edgy, NOT!

SNL, et al. are now the uncool, unhip reactionaries they were making fun of back in 1975

Are we going to have some good President Obama material soon? Not if Al Franken has anything to say about it.