Indian Test-Fire of Medium-Range Missile Fails

NEW DELHI: India's first nighttime test of a medium-range missile was a failure, missing its target, a defense ministry official said Tuesday.

India test fired the surface-to-surface "Agni-II (Fire) missile from Wheelers Island in the eastern state of Orissa on Monday.

"It could not hit the target," the official told The Associated Press is a condition of anonymity in line with ministry rules.

"The liftoff was smooth, even the first stage of separation was smooth. But there was some problem during the second stage of separation and it deviated from its path coordinated," the official said.

The Agni-II, with a range of up to 1.250 miles (2,000 kilometers), is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 2.200 pounds (1,000 Kilograms), the official said.

India has a variety of missiles including the short-range Prithvi ballistic missile, the medium-range Akash, and the supersonic Brahmos.

India's missiles are mostly intended for any Confrontation with archrival Neighboring Pakistan, but the Agni-II can put areas in southern China within striking range.

India's previous missile tests have been done during the day.

Man Robbed Of $2 Million Bank Withdrawal

TAIPEI: A man in Taiwan was robbed of more than $ 2 million in cash that they had just withdrawn from the bank, a police official said on Tuesday.

Three masked gunmen robbed the 50-year-old victim on Monday afternoon in the southern city of Tainan, logging the highest-value robbery in city history with a heist of T $ 77 million (2.39 million), said a police investigation official surnamed Chang.

The gunmen approached the victim, surnamed Tsai, as they drove from the bank to his watch shop nearby, Taiwan's Central News Agency said. One shot a shop employee in the foot during a scuffle to Fight off the gunmen, the agency said.

Police are looking for the three men while advising people in the 769.000-population city to Be More Vigilant.

"We're putting out a notice is public safety, telling citizens that we're ready stand beside them for protection as they use the bank," Chang said.

Chefs Turning Pumpkin Into Everything But Pie

This season's feared shortage of canned pumpkin caught my eye, but not "Because of the time of year - when I cook Thanksgiving dinner, pumpkin is never involved - nor" Because the word itself - Pumpkin! - Was once a favored term of endearment. It caught my eye Because ever since news hit that home cooks may face difficulties making pumpkin pie, pumpkin is the one ingredient I have not been Able Thurs shake.

Not that I would have wanted to. A story in the San Francisco Chronicle last month urged cooks Thurs Embrace the seasonal bumper crop - "some of them heirlooms with rich flavors, velvety flesh and wondrous colors" - and put pumpkin on my brain. But that was before reports that Nestlé, Whose brand is Libby, according to The New York Times, "Far and away the nation's most popular canned pumpkin," was a warning of canned pumpkin shortage. A Nestle spokesman told the Wall Street Journal last week, "Our calculations indicate that we may deplete our inventory of Libby's canned pumpkin as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday."

It's Safe to assume restaurant chefs Looking to showcase pumpkin's nuanced, nutty flavor profile Are not poking around the same patches as the folks at Libby. Multiple news sources cite heavy rains as a primary culprit behind a poor pumpkin harvest in the Midwest, particularly in pumpkin-rich Illinois.

Yet earlier this month, when I pulled a chair up to the bar at avec in Chicago, one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, the kitchen was slathering smashed pumpkin is a wood-fired flatbread. The flesh was spread generously with embedded with crumbles of house made pheasant sausage and loosely covered by a pumpkin seed salad, and both its sweetness and texture brought to mind the late breakfast and I'd enjoyed earlier in the day at Toast Two in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood: downy a stack of pumpkin pancakes.

more read:

Rare, Heavy Rains Soak Hajj Pilgrims

DDAH, Saudi Arabia: Rare, heavy rainstorms soaked pilgrims flooded the road and into Macca, snarling, Islam's annual hajj as millions of Muslims headed for the holy sites. The downpours add an extra hazard is the top of intense concerns about the spread of swine flu.

Pilgrims in white robes holding umbrellas, some wearing face masks for fear of the flu, circled Kaaba in Macca, the opening rite for the hajj. But the shrine - Islam's holiest site - and the nearby, rain-soaked streets did not see the usual 'Massive Crowds, because many tried to stay inside or nearby hotels were caught up in the traffic jams heading into the city.

In the past, the Rites have been Plagued by deadly stampedes caused by congestion as the Massive Crowds perform the Rituals - and Saudi authorities on Wednesday were clearly what concerned the rains could worsen the potential dangers. Civil authorities urged pilgrims to move cautiously and not to rush.

This year has brought the added worry that the Massing of more than 3 million people from around the world could bring a swine flu outbreak. For months ahead of the Pilgrimage, the Saudi government has been working with the United States' Center for Disease Control and Prevention to set up Clinics and precautionary Measures to stem any outbreak.

So far, four pilgrims have died from the H1N1 virus since arriving in Saudi Arabia in recent days, and 67 pilgrims have been diagnosed with the virus, the Saudi Health Minister, Abdullah al-Rabeeah told the Arab news network Al-Jazeera English.

Shahul Ebrahim, a consultant from the Atlanta, Georgia-based CDC at the hajj, said it was too early to tell if the rains could exacerbate the spread of H1N1, the flu virus.

More Read: http://www.thearynews.com/english/newsdetail.asp?nid=38146

Obama To Address Nation On Afghanistan Tuesday

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will unveil his new strategy for the war in Afghanistan in an address to Americans on December 1, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said on Wednesday.

Gibbs said Obama would deliver the address from West Point Military Academy on December 1 at 8 pm (0100 GMT December 2).

U.S. Officials have said Obama may say he is sending around 30.000 more troops to Afghanistan as part of a broader strategy Thurs arrest a deteriorating security situation there.

Asked Whether Obama's decision included an exit strategy from the eight-year-old war, Gibbs said the United States would not be in Afghanistan eight or nine years from now.

He said Obama planned Thurs brief members of Congress next Tuesday, before delivering his address.

US Won't Be In Afghanistan 'Another 8 or 9 Years': White House

WASHINGTON: The United States will not be in Afghanistan "another eight or nine years," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday.

The U.S. spokesman said that U.S. President Barack Obama will announce his new Afghan strategy in an address to the nation Tuesday evening from the prestigious West Point Military Academy.

In what will be the defining moment of Obama's young presidency, he is Widely expected to send some 34.000 more troops into battle to try and quell an increasingly fierce Taliban Insurgency.

The announcement will take place at 8:00 pm Tuesday (0100 GMT Wednesday) at the U.S. elite officer school of West Point in New York State, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told Reporters.

A day after Obama vowed to "finish the job" in the eight-year conflict, an outline of the president's plans began Thurs emerge, with Gibbs, promising they will include an exit strategy.

The U.S. would not remain in Afghanistan for "another eight or nine years," he said, adding that increasing the training of Afghan security forces was "imperative in the strategy.

"Throughout this process, the president has repeatedly pushed and prodded, not simply for how we are going to get a certain number of troops in, but what is the strategy, what has to be implemented ultimately to get them out."

Obama's decision will come three months after his war commander sent a grim assessment to the president warning that the U.S. Mission Likely would fail without the infusion of tens of thousands more troops within a year.

Gibbs said he anticipated that Obama would brief members of Congress is the new strategy at the White House before going up to West Point.

The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, is said to have favored a "medium-risk" option Thurs dispatch about 40.000 more troops to the Afghanistan Cauldron. His "high-risk" option 80.000 called for more boots on the ground.

Taliban insurgents and their allies are on the rebound, already making 2009 the deadliest year for foreign troops in the war-torn country as public support wanes for the conflict.

Some key players, including Washington's Ambassador to Kabul, Karl Eikenberry, have expressed reservations about any U.S. Troop buildup without a reliable partner in Hamid Karzai's government, Whose legitimacy took a blow in the fraud-marred elections in August.

Kurban Dialogue Promo

White House Throws Party in Honor of Indian Prime Minister

Desis are taking over the White House! The Obamas are holding their first state dinner at the White House and it's in honor of India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh!

So who will be seen tonight at the White House's South Lawn? Well, apart from anyone who's anyone in Washington, like the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton turned actor and Associate Director of White House Office of Public Engagement Kal Penn, Hollywood's best will also gather Thurs PM Singh like honor director and producer Steven Spielberg.

Last but not least, Desis from the entertainment industry will be mingling and partying with the president at this black tie "event! CNN's Sanjay Gupta, the managing editor of the Washington Post, Raju Narisetti, Hollywood director M. Night Shyamalan, president of the Asia Society Vishakha N. Desai, and "Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto, all got the invitation reading: "The President and Mrs. . Obama request the pleasure of the company of Mr. _____ at a dinner in Honor of His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and Mrs.. Gursharan Kaur, to be held at The White House is Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at seven o'clock. "

Rachel Ray in Wilmington, Ohio

Today, Rachel Ray's daytime program hit close to home. Rachel did a show from Wilmington, Ohio, to show the plight of this small town since industry left the area. The DHL Hub, Which employed almost 10.000 people, closed last year, and the effect of that is this town has been Devastating.

During the broadcast, a representative of the local food pantry / soup kitchen, Sugartree Ministries, stated they used to feed about 200 people a week, but since DHL closed up, it is more like 200-300 a day.

Rachel Ray, along with Nick Lachey, (hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, just a few dozen miles down the road), swooped upon in Wilmington to help this ailing community. Rachel's show donated a new kitchen to the Sugartree Ministries, and Sara Lee donated enough food Thurs keep the food pantry afloat for the next year.Ray also hosted a grand Thanksgiving Dinner for the entire town, with Lachey, and the band "The Fray" providing entertainment.

I mentioned that this hit close to home, and it did. My daughter-in-law's mother lives in Wilmington. She is a Beautician, who has her own shop, but she is Struggling. With the closing of the DHL hub, not too many can afford a haircut, not to mention the pricier services such as color and perms.She speaks of the Multitude of Which businesses have went under since the plant closed, and Fears for Hers. The downtown area is close to a ghost town these days, so many have closed.

The show today made me well up several times, and by the end, tears were streaking down my face. I know what it is like to be afraid of losing your home. I know the fear of being homeless, and I know the hope something like this can bring to a family.

God Bless Rachel Ray and her merry band of helpers, for making Thanksgiving in Wilmington something to be thankful for.

Party Pics: Mon Jin Lau Shanghai Christmas

The appeal of Mon Jin Sat's subtly romantic atmosphere was Intensified Wednesday night as the Troy hotspot transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland with glowing lights in red and green, Delightfully wrapped presents and, of course, Santa. If the sounds of DJs Matt A, and Tom T and percussions by Bruce Cobb did not put you in the holiday spirit at Christmas Shanghai, the beautifully wrapped guys and girls at the party probably did.

Toys R Us Releases Black Friday Deals

Toys R Us stores in the Orlando area are opening their doors at midnight for their Black Friday sale this year, instead of the usual early morning openings.

You may want to get in line early: The store generally draws a crowd for deals that include many popular toys off 50 percent or more. This year, Toys R Us is the marketing Zhu Zhu Pets as the hottest toy of the year, and the first 100 people in line will get a ticket to purchase one.

Click here to see the doorbuster deals. If you're an early riser instead of a night owl, there are also doorbuster deals that start at 5 am Toys R Us is also offering a free 64-pack of Crayola Crayons with any purchase.

Toyota Recalls Gas Pedals

Thurs quell rising consumer worries from its largest recall ever, Toyota Motor Corp. will shorten the gas pedal and install a new brake system is of some 3.8 million vehicles recalled Because of the risk they may Accelerate Without Warning.

The problem, of Which allegedly has caused more than a dozen Fatalities and search resulted in more than 100 formal complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has presented the most serious challenge yet to Toyota, aos reputation as the auto industry, aos quality leader.

Wednesday, aos announcement came one day after Toyota recalled 110.000 Tundra pickup trucks from model years 2000 through 2003 Which have experienced under body rust that in some cases may Loosen spare tires mounted beneath the trucks.

For 2005 through 2010 model year Toyota Avalons, 2007 through 2010 Camry and Lexus ES350, the automaker will reconfigure the floor surface beneath the pedal to create more space between the pedal and the floor.

The action is Designed to address the root cause of the Unintended Acceleration, "Which Toyota previously blamed on floor mats becoming trapped between drivers, ao feet and the gas pedal.

The brake over-ride system that will be offered on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES and IS models should Ensure the car stops if both the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time. Many of the reported incidents involved sudden increases in speed when the cruise control system is engaged. Drivers have reported that their brakes could not stop their vehicles when they experienced the phenomenon.

Toyota intends to make the brake over-ride standard feature throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines beginning in January 2010.

Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the company, aos largest ever recall Sept. 29, covering Toyota and Lexus models, including the Camry, Prius, Avalon, and Lexus ES and IS cars and Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks.

Dealers will begin the repairs in January by shortening the gas pedals as a temporary measure. Replacement pedals should be available in April 2010, Toyota said in a statement.

Toyota continues to activate owners of the recalled vehicles to remove driver, aos side floor mats and not replace them until the company provides additional information.

The brake over-ride system that will be offered on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES and IS models will Ensure the car stops if both the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time. Many of the reported incidents involved sudden increases in speed when the cruise control system is engaged. Drivers have reported that the brake systems could not stop their vehicles when they experienced the phenomenon.

Toyota intends to make the brake over-ride standard feature throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines beginning in January 2010.

Thanksgiving inspirational quotes; Thanksgiving knock knock jokes !

It's that time of the year again. Families get together, get the turkeys cooked, the smell of Joy and Happiness is in the air. Some prefer keeping it original and compose their own lines to say it to their family before they start eating, and others act smart and search the internet for a nice one, just like you! No matter what you do, it's always the thought that counts. And there is no better feeling than sitting in that table all together with your near and dear ones. Here are some inspirational thanksgiving quotes that we have collected from here and there.

Epictetus - If you would cure anger, do not feed it. Say to yourself 'I used to be angry every day then every other day now only every third or fourth day. "" When you reach thirty days offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Gods

Ayn Rand - Thanksgiving is a typically American holiday ... The Lavish meal is a symbol of the fact that abundant consumption is the result and reward of production.

More: http://www.entertainmentandshowbiz.com/thanksgiving-inspirational-quotes-thanksgiving-knock-knock-jokes-2009112624048

Navy Seals Face Court Martial for Alleged Terrorist Bloody Lip?

NEW YORK (CBS) - Three members of the elite Navy SEALs, who were hailed as heroes for capturing one of Iraq's most wanted alleged terrorists, are now being court martialed for roughing him up, according to Fox News.

The detainee claims he was punched during the operation and suffered a bloody lip, reports Fox.

(PATRICK BAZ / AFP / Getty Images)

The network said the complaint was made by Ahmed Hashim Abedm, the alleged mastermind of the 2004 Gruesome murder and mutilation of four American contractors in Fallujah. The four worked in the security division of Blackwater USA. The bodies of two were hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River.

Abedm, Whose military code name was "Objective Amber," had evaded capture until September.

They made the accusatio when he was in the hands of Iraqi authorities. Abedm has since returned to American custody, reports Fox, and his allegations led to a military investigation. "

The three enlisted men facing charges are Petty Officers Matthew McCabe, Jonathan Keefe and Julio Huertas.

They have refused non-judicial punishment - called an admiral's mast - and have requested a trial by court-martial, according to the network.

The three will be arraigned on December 7 in separate hearings.

SEAL Commandos are members of the elite Special Forces unit for the U.S. Navy who are trained for unconventional warfare on sea, air, and land.

The four murdered Blackwater agents were Transporting supplies for a catering company in 2004 when they were caught in an ambush and killed by gunfire. Their bodies were then burned and dragged through the area. The attack sparked international outrage when photos of the Mutilated victims hanging from a bridge were televised.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Central Command, confirmed Thurs Fox News that "three SEALs have been charged in connection with the capture of a detainee" and that "their court martial is scheduled for January."

According to Fox, one of the Commandos submitted a handwritten statement to investigators. In it, he described the mission, and the events on Abed's capture.

They says that they had showered, went to the kitchen, and later looked in on the detainee.

"I gave the detainee a glance over and then left," the SEAL wrote. "I did not notice anything wrong with the detainee and he appeared in good health."

American Nightly Scoreboard for November 24, 2009 - Part 2

But here of course what we're talking about is forced, compulsory seizures of properties that will be given to a private developer.ASMAN: And how many of those you represent property dos or do you think are out there?

BRINCKERHOFF: I represent about 22 percent of the southern three blocks of the footprint, about 10 property owners and condominium owners and Tenants who live in that area and have lived in that area for years and who liked the area the way it was and have no Desire to move, nor should they have to by government Compulsion.

ASMAN: By the way, do we have pictures of that footprint, producer? The picture from the Google map?

All right, Rebecca, bottom line is, I do not believe we do. We can not show it. All right, we do not. But the fact is, in addition to the empty space, and there's a lot of empty space in these lots, there are also a lot of individuals who want to stay there.

And they are being forced not for the sake of some government project, but this is a wealthy private developer who wants a little more property. Are not their rights as property owners more important or at least as important as his?

More Read: http://www.pddnet.com/news-ap-american-nightly-scoreboard-for-november-24-2009--112509/

Blues Top Guns are Failing

1. There's no mystery to the Blues' unimpressive start. Their best forwards Are not getting it done. I've written it and said it before and will Continue to pound home the message until it changes. Some want to blame coach Andy Murray, for all that is wrong with the Blue Crew, and I understand the frustration. And at some point this season, if the team Fails to respond, then the coach's performance will be a legitimate point of discussion. But it's too soon for that. I'm sticking to my guns on this one by holding the players accountable.

2. Here's a tricky question about the Blues: Do you consider trading one of your kids to get a goal-scorer in here? The Blues love their youngsters. But they can not keep all of them. Salary-cap issues will come into play down the road, sooner than we think. If this offensive malaise continues, the organization would try something bold like dangling Defensemen Alex Pietrangelo to see what he'd command in a trade? I'm not endorsing this. I'm just wondering if things are heading that way. What do you think?

3. Stan Musial and Albert Pujols: Is not their great relationship? One is 89, the other 29 The two greatest offensive players in the history of a storied franchise. Pujols Musial loves and goes out of his way to defer to The Man "when talking about the Cardinal Greatest of Them All. Pujols Wants to make sure that everyone knows that Musial is No. 1, and Will Always Be Well. 1. I think that's a terrific reflection is Albert. From early in Pujols is a career, Musial has frequently compliments and even offered advice to the current Cardinals' icon. I think this is just another example As to why this is such an extraordinary franchise.

Moderate Drinking And Heart Health

Yet another study has shown that long-term moderate drinking of alcohol may decrease the risk of heart disease in men by up to one-third. It also decreases the risk - less often - in women.

Many of my friends are interested in such studies and it may be a topic of conversation at upcoming parties and get-togethers.

The news was published over the weekend in the Heart, The Journal of the British Cardiovascular Society. The study was done in Spain and used 10-year data is nearly 15.500 men and 26.000 women who were participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer study. It came my way via an e-mail from Dr. Raymond Scalettar, the medical chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council, Washington, DC, and former chair of the American Medical Association.

Researchers did not find differences in the type of Alcohol Consumed: Beer, wine or spirits. In men, there was a point when the coronary benefits of alcohol declined and risks started to rise again.

The rate of heart disease in non-drinking women was 56 for each 100.000 individuals. For those who are light drinkers, it was 42; moderate drinkers, 36, and high or heavy drinkers, 12 Researchers said the results for women were not statistically significant, probably "Because the numbers were too small in many categories.

In men, the rate for non-drinkers was 398 Fri 100.000; it was 318 for light drinkers, 255 for moderate drinkers, 278 for high drinkers and 334 for heavy drinkers.

An American researcher, Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, said this is one of 60-70 studies done around the world with the same basic results.

The American Heart Association guideline is that it is okay to drink, if it's done in moderation. That's 1-2 drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women.

Turkey Talk Line To Answer Your Turkey Questions

TUCSON, AZ (Kold) - If you're in charge of cooking that big Thanksgiving meal and run into problems, there's help available for your turkey. 55 Butterball Turkey experts will be on hand to Answer Questions on the company's live "Turkey Talk-Line."

The toll free number is 800-288-8372. The phones are Manned by trained professionals with degrees in nutrition, food science or home economics. Plus, they're backed up by thick binders covering everything from thawing Thurs cooking times.

Got Brined Turkey Recipes, Now What The Hell Is Brined Turkey?

Seems like every year there's a new phenomenon Thanksgiving about how to cook your turkey. From deep fried, to smoked, grilled, Boiled, flambeed, and wokked out, it feels like we've heard it all.

Well this year it's brined. Brined turkey this, soak your turkey brine that, but what the hell is brine anyways, and how do you brine a turkey?

Well, for starters, brine is basically

salt water, or water or nearly Saturated Saturated with salt. Brine has historically been Used to preserve vegetables, meats, fish, and cheese through a process called brining.

Brining is like marinating in that you soak your (in this case) turkey in the solution, but it's benefit in addition to flavoring is that it's supposed to facilitate the cooked meat stay moist. The explanation for why has to do with osmosis and denaturation ..... boooring. Let's just say As Long As It Is not dry, who cares why.

A simple brine can be easily made with sugar, salt, water, ice, and Flavor like herbs and spices. So now that you know what is brining, and why it might be worth a try, here are some recipes you can use to brine your own turkey this Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or whenever.

Pakistanis’ Fear of Terrorist Attacks Eclipses Pre-Eid Shopping

KARACHI - Eid-ul-Azha is just weeks away, but major markets in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and other cities look deserted as people are Reluctant to go shopping, merchants said on Nov. 16.

"Recent attacks in NWFP markets have claimed hundreds of lives and terrorised people throughout the country," said Azam Khan, a shop keeper at the Ashiya clothes market in Karachi. The few customers who show up Leave the market a few minutes later amid security fears.

"Our daily sale these days is 40 to 60 percent less than what we earned a couple of days ahead of Eid holidays last year," said Rashid Ali, a shop keeper in Karachi.

Terrorist attacks in the NWFP, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore have eclipsed the pre-Eid shopping Festivities throughout Pakistan, Which will bring big losses Thurs merchants this year.

Traders have hired extra security guards, but customers are still fearful of suicide attacks, they added.

"We are not willing to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha this time, as people are being mercilessly killed in terrorist attacks," said Nayar Qayum, a housewife living in Karachi. "We are Reluctant to send our kids to school Because of the terror threat, so how can we take the risk of going to the markets with Violent Extremists targeting shopping centers?"

Animal markets are also deserted. "People usually start buying animals a month ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, but not this year," Muhammad Tariq, a resident of Karachi said. Security fears and price hikes are keeping buyers away from the animal markets. "Violent Extremists are the enemy of humanity and they must be eliminated from Pakistan forever," he asserted.

US Retailers Jostle For Black Friday Business

In Manhattan's trendy Soho district, Gap Inc. 's (GPS) Old Navy chain has a prominent window sign telling shoppers it's open for business is Thanksgiving Day. Across the street, the British retailer Topshop promises early birds a free English breakfast Friday morning.

In fact, while retailers like Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) have been touting their holiday-season offerings since as early as summer time, and industry behemoth Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) Unfurled a Black Friday-style promotion a week early, the jostling will come to a climax Sunday with the official KickOff of the industry's most critical period. It's called Black Friday "Because it's the date is" Which retailers are traditionally expected to become Profitable for the year.

Against the backdrop of a Still-Struggling U.S. economy marked by a 26-year-high jobless rate, retailers from Target Corp. (TGT) to Best Buy Co.. (BBY) are opening their doors earlier than ever grieve or making their highest-profile specials, $ 3 from the slow cooker at Target to the $ 197 Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) laptop at Best Buy, Enticing and are competitive enough to drive their traffic Thurs Stores and set an upbeat tone for the season. Wal-Mart has emphasized in its ads that it will match prices in any local competitor's print ad.

Plan Of Attack

"You have to make your plan" for Black Friday weekend, said Barclays Capital analyst Robert Drbul in an interview, adding this weekend can be expected to generate 10% of total holiday season sales. "It's hard to play catch-up. A lot of what you are seeing (in terms of store promotions) is surgical and tactical. It's well-planned."

SkiFree Returns To Our Consciousness (Link to Play Ski Free Online)

A few months back, I actually went on a kick of trying to locate and download all the early computer games I played in 90's. SkiFree was one of those games - it came with Windows 3.11 on my family's first PC. It was a very simple game. You would guide a stick-figure Skier with your mouse or the arrow keys down an endless mountain. Eventually, a yeti will dart out from behind a tree and eat you.

My best guess for why this is Trending in web searches this morning is the web comic XKCD. Who knew that all you had to do was press the F key to speed up and escape certain doom?

What an idea! Google google google google

Google Google Google Google is supposedly here to quadruple your productivity! So instead of wasting your time switching across 4 different pages to search for 4 things at the same time, you do it on one page only. The great part of it is that there must be over 10 millions of people in the world including you and me who at one time of their lives thought about this idea and yet no one did it.

GoogleGoogleGoogleGoogle: Four Times The Google, But Why?

Out there, on the Internet, there's a search engine more whacked than the Nefarious Mystery of Google that turns up totally bogus search results. The newest oddity is GoogleGoogleGoogleGoogle.com. That's no typo - and it turns up the correct search results. If you're willing to type all that into your browser, you'll be taken to a page with four mirrors that of Google.

Now you can totally geek out by four conducting searches at the same time.

The creators are Erty Seidel, Matt Freitag, Brendan Krull and Kegan Leizerman. You can Google the four is their crazy-ass site.

Why are there four Googles? Here's the site's answer: "Alex and Erty were chatting on Google Talk one night, and wondered if Erty Googlegoogle.com was taken. They jokingly wondered if they could set up a search service for Google itself. Unfortunately, Googlegoogle.com was taken, but Alex pointed out that GoogleGoogleGooglegoogle.com was available. In a impulse buy, they purchased the domain (Alex already had some hosting) and someone had the idea of putting four Googles is the page. Thus, Google Google Google Google was born. "

Pilgrims Begin To Gather In Makkah

Makkah: More than 2.5 million Muslims from around the world have collected to the desert of Saudi Arabia to make the annual Pilgrimage Thurs Holy Kaaba, AAJ News reported.

Muslims have been making this journey for the past 14 centuries.

Pilgrims will spend the next few days reflecting as they travel between the holy city of Makkah, the city of Mina, and Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon more than 13-hundred years ago.

The last day includes the symbolic "stoning of the devil" in Mina before the pilgrims head back to Makkah to walk around the most sacred site in Islam, an ancient building in the holy city of Mecca known as the Kaaba.

The final day of the Hajj is also at the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, Which Will Fall on Saturday here in Pakistan.

Islam And Pakistan Can Not Be Separated: COAS

PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani on Wednesday Parvaiz has said that Pakistan was achieved in the name of Islam and the religion can never be Expelled from the country, AAJ News reported.

Addressing a gathering here at Police Line, the COAS said that no one can separate Islam from Pakistan as the country was achieved in its name. They said that Pakistan Army will succeed in its bid to root out extremism from the country in cooperation with the nation and the media.

Announcing Rs 200 million for the Martyrs of NWFP Police, General Kayani said that the all kinds of needed weapons and ammunitions would be provided Thurs Police, to make its progress better.

COAS also earlier visited Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Thurs inquire after the health of the bomb blast victims.

On arrival at LRH, he was received by Provincial Minister for Health Syed Zahir Ali Shah, Azam Khan, Peshawar Commissioner and Chief Executive LRH.

Michelle Obama Offensive Pictures Create Google Stir

Michelle Obama's pictures are usually graceful and stylish and they make us realize that her beauty stands as a counterpoise to the power and status of her husband, President Barack Obama. However, there is one Michelle Obama's image on the internet, Which is has caused serious Brouhaha.

We are talking about the Michelle Obama Monkey photo, Which according to media reports is a crudely altered photo of the American First Lady and as it resembles monkey. If one searches Michelle Obama pictures on Google, then the first image that appears on the search engine is this crude Alteration.

The image first appeared on a blog but it has since been removed, however the Google search results still have the records of the image. And surprisingly, the search giant has refused to remove the Michelle Obama's picture from its search results.

However, with a huge stir caused by this offensive picture, Google has been forced To put online ads explaining why the distorted picture Michelle Obama with racial connotations is appearing in the search results.

Thurs pertinent note is the fact that this Michelle Obama's picture was removed earlier by Google as It Violated some technical norms. But, this picture has emerged again is another site, it appears Which does not Violate the Google guidelines.

State Dinner PHOTOS!

This was Obama's first State Dinner, they welcomed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wife Gursharan Kaur .. How many state dinners normally does a President have? George W. Bush had only 6, Bill Clinton had over 20

Following the State Dinner last night, the top subjects of discussion online were Michelle Obama's dress, designer Naeem Khan, and Kate Couric arriving with boyfriend Brooks Perlin.

First Michelle's dress. The floral pattern was, the work you see is all custom beaded. Above is a picture from behind, below is a picture from the front.

Pakistan Win U-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tourney

YANGUN: Pakistan defeated Malaysia 4-3 in the final of the Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament to win the gold medal.

The final between Malaysia and Pakistan was played in Yangun, a city of Myanmar, on Sunday.

Pakistan was leading the first half 3-1 but Malaysia displayed splendid performance in the second half and made the sensational match scoring two successive goals in the final moments.

However, the Green Shirts and Fought Bravely emerged Victorious in the end by 4-3.

President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia, secretary Asif Bajwa and selector Mujahid Rana congratulated the team is winning the Asia Cup.

The PHF president also announced a cash prize of Rs50, 000 for each player of the triumphant team.

Good News of 17th Amendment Repeal soon: Kaira

Chiniot: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sunday Qamar Zaman Kaira said that President Asif Ali Zardari will soon be announcing a good news regarding the 17th amendment of the Constitution and his other powers.

Talking to Reporters here, the Information Minister said the President will address the joint session of the Parliament in March 2010.

They said that mere leveling of charges can not take away the rights of any person. Even today there are people in the Assemblies who have cases against them, they added.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said all the candidates who contested general elections of 2008 were eligible and that the government will accept whatever decision the court announces is the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

"Our government has been neutralized to a good extent the harm caused to the country by the previous government," he claimed, adding, the government has come up with Balochistan package for resolution of the province's issues.

Kennedy Says Bishop Told Him Not to Receive Communion

WASHINGTON - Growing a widening rift, Rep.. Patrick J. Kennedy, a Rhode Island Democrat, said on Sunday that the Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence had instructed him to refrain from receiving Communion Because of the Congressman's stance is abortion.

Rep. Kennedy said that Bishop Thomas J. Tobin 'instructed me not to take Communion and said that he has instructed the Diocesan priests not to give me Communion, "according to The Providence Journal, Which first reported the article.

But Michael K Guilfoyle a spokesman for the Diocese, said Sunday that the Bishop has "never addressed matters relative to public officials receiving Holy Communion with Pastors of the Diocese of Providence."

Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23kennedy.html

NRC Investigating Radiation at Three Mile Island

MIDDLETOWN, Pa.. - The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is sending investigators to the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant after a small amount of radiation was detected there.

About 150 employees were sent home Saturday afternoon after the radiation was detected at the central Pennsylvania plant.

Officials say there is no public health risk.

Exelon Nuclear spokeswoman Beth Archer says investigators are searching for a cause of the release. She says the radiation was contained quickly.

Tests Showed the contamination was Confined Thurs surfaces inside the building.

The unit has been shut down for refueling and maintenance since Apr. 26. Officials are testing workers for radiation exposure.

A partial meltdown occurred in the Three Mile Island's Unit 2 reactor in March 1979.

Breast Cancer Study 'Identifies Tumour-Causing Enzyme'

Scientists have identified an enzyme that is crucial for turning into breast tissue tumors, according to a study published in the journal Cell.

The Institute of Cancer Research says blocking the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX), reduced the size and frequency of tumors in mice.

They Say LOX stiffens collagen, a major component of the supportive tissue in the breast.

A cancer charity said the study added to Knowledge about how tumors develop.

The supportive tissue surrounding cancer cells is shaped differently Thurs healthy tissue as well as being stiffer and more fibrous.

These properties have helped doctors Thurs detect breast cancers, but until now scientists have not known what was causing these changes.

'Clear physical change'

The team at the Institute for Cancer Research, using mice, found that LOX caused the collagen to change in a process known as cross-linking, which makes the more fibrous tissue.

Read More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8369377.stm

Pie for Life : Royers Round Top Cafe

Few minutes ago until now, Royers Round Top Cafe became the talk of the town and the most searched in the internet. Why is it so? Maybe Because many people now love to eat pie and Royers Round Top Cafe has plenty of their option for their customers pie lover. And these includes Bud, s Butterscoth Chip Pie, Bud's Chocolate Chip Pie, Pecan Pie, Ann's, Cafe's Buttermilk Delight Pie are some of the special pie for Life "to choose.

Now the "Pie for Life" is the most awesome pie that is in the list of plan by Royers Round Top Cafe. "We are working on this plan but we have not heard back from our Actuarial Consultant! We are having issues of Longevity and the effects of eating pie is the heart. "

And this is no joke at all Because Royers Round Top Cafe will send you a pie every month for the rest of your life. Although the website says that the Pie for Life Plan cost $ 10,000, that is based on the assumption that you are between 40 and 50 years old. And it was confirmed that the Royers Cafe will have a real deal of price based on your age, so the younger you are, the more you'll have to pay. You also need to pay extra to have it shipped outside the Texas via UPS.

Example, if you are a 30-year-old in Texas, you will pay $ 23.498 and would be set, pie-wise until you die. Take note that it is non-transferable, making it just like a pie-insurance policy so you need to live forever in order for you to beat the system and that is the discount pies. Die Tomorrow "and yet Royers Cafe will make out like Bandits.

Royers Round Top Cafe : Pies For Life !

In these recessionary times, they also offer ROYERS 'Stimulus PIE-BAIL OUT PLAN! They say "No denying what is happening in today's world! So me for decided to do our part, however small it may be, to help doin 'the job of "Spread' the calories around!" It is not too late to order And now would be a good time to help out. Our plan is Simple, Easy, Stress-Free, & LEAVES A Delish TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH! So here's a SWEET Incentive ~ Get a buck ($ 1) off for quantity discount of ten (10) or more pies ordered. ($ 25.50 Fri pie) "

However, the most awesome is the Pies for life plan. Royers "says" We are working on this plan but we have not heard back from our Actuarial Consultant! We are having issues of Longevity and the effects of eating pie is the heart ....

Read More: http://www.newspostonline.com/world-news/royers-round-top-cafe-pies-for-life-2009112376599

Philadelphia Marathon is Completely Sold-Out

Philadelphia, Nov. 22. The historic Philadelphia Marathon starts at 7:00 am from the 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It is 26.2 miles long and is completely covered in the legendary history and culture of Philadelphia.

There are many students who are also participating in this great marathon and they have been diligently preparing for it since February. Running leader Cedric Edwards, said that, "We get students from around the city to train for the marathon. It's the only program in the country that does this. So it's a great thing for students to get out of their normal sedentary lives and run a full or a half marathon. "Running leader Cedric Edwards said," What's the incentive for a kid to run 26.2 miles? "
 
" To Cross the Finish Line ".

Along with students, Competing serious runners, other running enthusiasts include vegans too. The thirty-three old Clark is now a vegan, and is one of 25 vegans and vegetarians from Philadelphia and the suburbs running as an unofficial team for the Humane League of Philadelphia. Vegans are those people who eat no animal products at all, including dairy and eggs.

Nick Cooney, director of the Humane League of Philadelphia, said that over the past few years, some top professional athletes, including baseball, football and hockey players, have gone vegan or vegetarian.

Philadelphia Marathon is going to be a treat for the eyes runners as well, as they will run through various establishments like shops and hip boutiques in Manayunk and University City, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell.

Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/philadelphia-marathon-is-completely-sold-out_100278461.html # ixzz0XbHPgsEb

Scientists Thrilled as Repaired Big Bang Machine is Restarted

GENEVA: Scientists moved Saturday to prepare the world's biggest Atom Smasher for exploring the depths of matter after successfully restarting the machine a $ 10 billion following more than a year of repairs.

The nuclear physicists working on the Large Hadron Collider were surprised that they could so quickly get beams of protons whizzing near the speed of light during the restart late Friday, said James Gillies, spokesman for the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

The machine was heavily damaged by a simple electrical fault in September last year.

Some scientists had gone home early Friday and had to be called back as the project jumped ahead, Gillies said.

At a meeting early Saturday "they basically Had to tear up the first few pages of their PowerPoint presentation Which had outlined the procedures that they were planning to follow," he said.

"That was all wrapped up by midnight. They are going through the paces really very fast. "

The European Organization for Nuclear Research has taken the restart of the collider step by step to avoid further Setbacks as it moves toward new scientific experiments - probably starting in January - regarding the makeup of matter and the universe.

CERN, as it is known, had hoped by 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Saturday to get the beams to travel the 27-kilometer (17-mile) circular tunnel under the Swiss-French border, but things went so well Friday evening that they had achieved the operation seven hours earlier.

Praise from scientists around the world was quick. "First beam through the Atlas!" Whooped an Internet message from Adam Yurkewicz, an American scientist working on the massive Atlas detector is the machine.

More: http://arabnews.com/?page=4&section=0&article=128708&d=22&m=11&y=2009&pix=world.jpg&category=World

Ward Grabs WBA Title

The fight, part of the Super Six tournament, was stopped in the 11th round "Because of a cut to the Dane's face.

It was a surprise defeat for Kessler (42-2), who was well fancied to win the super middle weight tournament.

"Right now, I'm dreaming," Ward said. "I can not compare this to winning the gold medal, because it's going to take a while for it all sink in Thurs.

"Everyone said we got the bad draw, but we just beat the toughest guy."

Ward admitted there were two head butts Which Contributed Thurs Kessler's injury, but said they were accidental.

"I'm not a dirty fighter, everybody knows that," he added.

More: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12183_5711278,00.html

Glenn Guilbeau: Miles of Mismanagement Sinks Tigers

OXFORD, Miss. - LSU football coach Les Miles looked as lost after the game as he and his side-line looked during the game.

And when they tried to explain what happened in his confused offense's 25-23 loss Thurs Ole Miss Saturday afternoon, he made one thing very clear. His offensive line is a connective chaotic, mismanaged mess.

Or as a caller to the LSU Radio Network was asked before he abruptly hung up on by the host on the game, "Do they drug test coaches?"

Trailing 25-23 with 1:04 to play, LSU had a first down on the Ole Miss 32-yard line with two timeouts to use. If LSU kicks the field goal right there, it's a 49-yard attempt for Josh Jasper, who just kicked a 50-yard field goal for a 17-9 lead midway in the second quarter is the same side of the field.

But Miles let his offensive coordinator, Gary Crowton, call pass plays, "Which begs another question.

Do they drug test coordinators?

Any sensible coach would have kept the ball on the ground and inch forward making that 49-yard attempt a 47-yard attempt or 45 yards or 42 yards.

Instead, Jefferson got sacked as he has all season "Because of an often weak offensive line and" Because he is not always adept at Stepping up in the pocket "To avoid a sack. It was his 28th sack of the season, and probably 24 of those were the fault of the offensive line.

Miles tried to blame Jefferson for taking the sack, and they may be right. As soon as his first receiver was not open, they should have thrown the ball away as Miles said.

More: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20091122/SPORTS0402/911220333/1036/SPORTS0402

Koscheck, Johnson, and Nogueira Awarded UFC 106 Bonuses

Josh Koscheck, Anthony Johnson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and were the recipients of the "Fight Night" bonuses for Saturday's UFC event is 106 Las Vegas, UFC President Dana White announced at the card's post-fight press conference.

Koscheck earned "Submission of the Night" by forcing Johnson Thurs tap to a rear naked choke in the second-round of their UFC 106 co-headliner, the bout while the pair also earned "Fight of the Night" Honors. Nogueira took home "Knockout of the Night" for his first-round KO of Luiz Cane in his UFC debut.

With $ 70,000 being awarded for each bonus, Koscheck receives an extra $ 140.000, while Johnson and Nogueira each earned an additional $ 70,000.

Click here for complete UFC 106 results and coverage.

Death Tally in China Mine Blast Touches to 87

BEIJING: The death toll from a coal mine blast in northeast China rose to 87 is a Sunday, with 21 Trapped Miners Still, in the nation's deadliest mining disaster in two years, state media reported.

Rescuers have located the site where eight workers remain trapped in the mineshaft, but it is unclear if they are alive, the China News Service reported.

The explosion occurred at 2:30 am Saturday (1830 GMT Friday) at a mine near Hegang City in Heilongjiang province, according to a statement issued by the State Administration of Work Safety.

According to local news reports, the blast was felt as far away as 10 kilometers (six miles).

A total of 528 Miners were working in the pit at the time, the State Administration said.

"I was with a group of 10 Miners (when we were told Evacuate Thurs), right now I do not know if they made it out," a mining veteran Fu Maofeng, 48, told the media from his hospital bed.

Miners near the shaft entrance were told on Thurs Evacuate gas levels in the mine rose sharply, they told the paper.

When he and two others reached the entrance to report the rising gas levels, a huge blast ripped through the main shaft, he said.