Barefoot Bandit: Colton Harris Moore

The authorities finally caught up with the infamous "Barefoot Bandit" in the Bahamas... but here is 5 reasons he will be buying a nice pair of shoes. We all love a good story and for two years Colton Harris-Moore gave us a heck of a yarn while managing turn himself into modern day folk lore with his Houdini like evasion of authorities. After avoiding police for over two years, they finally nabbed the Barefoot Bandit (yes he was actually barefoot when they caught him) after a high speed boat chase in the Bahamas yesterday.
While they say crime does not pay, in this case it may. Colton has amassed over 60,000 Facebook supporters over the past two years and it looks as though he is going to be able to buy himself a nice new pair of shoes in the end. Here are five reasons why:
1. Harris-Moore's crimes were not violent or serious in nature: While Colton is infamous for the grand nature of his thefts, from nabbing $600,000 Cessna airplanes (and flying them with little aviation experience) to highjacking just about every vehicle Consumer Reports covers... none of his crimes have been violent in nature. He has not physically harmed any of his victims. This has largely help feed his lore. In the end, Colton is looking at a large stack of larceny, burglary, theft and evasion charges (Nebraska has issued an arrest warrant). However, his theft of boats, cars, and small planes keeps him well out of the league of the world's criminals that eat liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
The list of Colton's latest alleged crimes include the following:
June 1st: Astoria, Oregon - stole boat and car
June 9th: McMinnville, Oregon - stole car
June 10th: Ontario, Oregon - stole car
June 18th: Yankton, South Dakota - stole car, reportedly broke into a house ate food and showered, homeowner caught him, Colton escaped
June 20th: Norfolk, Nebraska - Colton caught on surveillance tape, police say he stole another car and committed several burglaries including a restaurant and theft at an airport
June 24th: Dallas City, Illinois - police recover car believed to have been stolen by Colton
End of June: Danville, Illinois - police report Colton stole car he then drove to Bloomington, Indiana
July 4th: Colton believed to have stolen Cessna Corvalis from Monroe County Airport crashed off coast of Abaco
July 5-7th: Search for Colton Harris-Moore Continues in Bahamas. Includes FBI and Bahamian Police
2. Harris-Moore had a tough childhood: By all accounts, Colton had a miserable childhood. The product of a alcoholic mother and father, Colton became a skilled outdoorsman spending a great deal of time in the woods to the north of Seattle, in Pugust Sound. His mother has often stressed how difficult his childhood has been over the years and in fact Colton's spree started with his escape from after sneaking out of the window of a Juvenile detention centre over two years ago. Any judge or jury will surely take this into consideration.
3. Even some of Harris-Moore's "victims" are pulling for him: After John Miller had his $600,000 Cesna swiped by Colton, folks urged him to Google the "Barefoot Bandit"... so he did. Friends told Miller to google Barefoot Bandit. "And up pops this little baby face of a young kid that looks like he's 12-years-old." Miller said he started to soften up. He read Colton had had a hard life, with an alcoholic mother and father. He remains angry but also wonders how the kid pulled it off. Bottom line... if Miller's own victims soften on the kid, it's likely as judge or jury will as well.
4. Harris-Moore already has well known competent legal counsel: It was not long after his arrest before the Barefoot Bandit had a well known, competent entertainment lawyer by his side. Who needs a hefty retainer to plop down when the publicity this case will garner is all O. Yale Lewis (A Seattle entertainment lawyer who has represented the likes of Courtney Love and the family of Jimi Hendrix) will need to plunge head first into this case. Have no fear as it seems the Bandit is in good hands with his defense.
5. Let the entertainment deals begin to flow: Part of the reason Harris-Moore's mother obtained O. Yale Lewis is because the entertainment deals are already flowing. Colton's mother, Pamela Kohler says she needs an attorney to handle her "entertainment" interests, and she said a deal for a book about her son is in the works. Given Colton's popularity, the book deal is just a stepping stone to larger deals, interviews and likely a movie about his exploits.
In the end, telling his unique tale to the right people are finally going to get the Barefoot Bandit a nice pair of shoes.

Attorney Don McPartland is a litigation attorney with Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C. ([http://www.legalrazor.com])
Donald C. McPartland
[http://www.legalrazor.com]

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Winning the US Open Golf Championship

Winners of the U.S. Open receive the U.S. Open Golf Trophy, a monetary prize, and several opportunities for advancement and security within a golf career, such as:
• automatic invitations to participate in the other three majors for the next five years: Masters Tournament, British Open, and PGA Championship
• automatic invitation to participate in the Players Championship for the next five years
• ten year exemption from qualifying for the U.S. Open
• for regular members, five year exemption on the PGA Tour; for non-members of the PGA Tour, the option of either joining the PGA Tour within 60 days of their win, or before the start of the next five tour season
• automatic invitations to three out of five of the senior majors upon turning fifty years old: U.S. Senior Open for five years, Senior PGA Championship for life, and Senior British Open for life
There are several notable U.S. Open record-breakers:
• The record for the most U.S. Open wins is tied among four golfers, each claiming a total of four wins: Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus.
• The youngest U.S. Open qualifier in the history of the tournament has been Tadd Fujikawa, a fifteen year old from Hawaii, a qualifier for the 2006 tournament.
• The record for the youngest winner in the history of the U.S. Open has not been broken since 1911, when John McDermott won at nineteen years old.
• In 1990, the record was set for the oldest U.S. Open victor so far by Hale Irwin, at forty-five years of age, winning the third and final U.S. Open of his career.
• The record for lowest score over 72 holes is tied among Jack Nicklaus, Lee Janzen, Tiger Woods, and Jim Furyk, at the low score of 272.
• The record for the most strokes under par over 72 holes is held by Tiger Woods, who won in the year 2000 at 12 strokes under par.
The terrain these notable golfers have had to conquer in order to win their sports awards has not been mild. U.S. Open golf championship takes place at a variety of courses arranged in a manner that renders scoring very difficult and that demands accuracy in driving. The hosting courses are usually lengthy, comprised of rough, hilly greens, and pinched fairways in areas leading to holes that would otherwise be regarded as simpler and more straightforward. For this reason, scoring is usually tight among the leading players, and the winner does not often win by an extreme difference. Along with these requirements for a chosen U.S. Open Golf course are the infrastructure of the surrounding locale and the space available along and around the course, for media and other spectators.
Many golf courses aspiring to become a part of the U.S. Open rotation among hosts have actually had renovations in order to offer these desired landscape features. Throughout its history, U.S. Open tournaments venues that have met the rigid qualifications have included: Pebble Beach Golf Links, in Pebble Beach, California; Pinehurst Resort, in Pinehurst, North Carolina; Olympic Club, in San Francisco, California; Shinnecock Hills Golf Country Club, in Shinnecock Hills, New York; Oakland Hills Country Club, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and Canterbury Golf Club, in Beachwood, Ohio, which have all proudly hosted the event in multiple years, along with a select few others.

The author of this article is 10 year veteran in the crystal awards and recognition gifts industry.

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Unclaimed Money - Start Looking for Yours

Unclaimed money in this economy is certainly news worthy. We just had a recent week-long series on one of our local top nightly news channels that explained how and why unclaimed money happens. They even went as far as to research names, locations and amounts owed; releasing a new list every night of local individuals who were owed money. The existence of unclaimed money and property is not just a local issue specific to where I live, but it has a national reach with an estimate of over $30 billion dollars of money owed to individuals and companies.
I wondered how does unclaimed money and property happen, considering that, I think, I know where every penny I have and I am aware of all of my property and its location. The fact is that 70% of all Americans are owed unclaimed money and it will remain at that level unless we understand how and where to start looking for that which belongs to us. Much of the unclaimed funds reside within the states' coffers or the federal pockets and there is very little interest for any state or the government to locate the rightful owners of the money or property and return it.
Apparently, in many cases, people have simply forgotten about their missing money and the financial institutions where it was kept. Due to illness, disability, financial institutions closing and/or death there seems to be pots of abandoned money. Inheritances, life insurance payouts, credit balances, stocks, bonds, royalty payments and unclaimed utility deposits are some of the other sources of funds that currently make up the unclaimed money pools. Due to our increasingly hectic lifestyles and job hopping, many of us have lived in two or three states by the time we reach our middle years, possibly leaving a trail of money behind.
As highlighted on our nightly news, finding lost money or property that belongs to you has become much easier. There are outreach and awareness programs both locally and nationally that provide you with access to databases to search for funds that may be owed to you. Pro-consumer laws have been passed the have helped facilitate the process once you locate a possible source of money owed to you. The internet has also become a powerful resource helping individuals initiated the search process themselves.
Keeping accurate records about your finances and property is key to reducing the likely hood that you will find yourself, or leave your heirs, with lost money or property. However, in the current climate, searching at least once to see if there are any outstanding funds that should be in your pocket, and not the governments or your local state, certainly can't hurt.

To learn more about finding unclaimed money that might be out there with your name on it visit us today at http://www.unclaimed-money-digest.com
William Price is the owner of http://www.unclaimed-money-digest.com where you can learn more about the various ways to locate your unclaimed money and property. Learn about the different websites and tools that are available for you to begin your search and find your pots of unclaimed or forgotten money!

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James Arness of 'Gunsmoke' fame dies at 88

James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television landscape for two decades as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," died Friday. He was 88.
The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer.
Arness' official website posted a letter from Arness on Friday that he wrote with the intention that it be posted posthumously: "I had a wonderful life and was blessed with ... (so) many loving people and great friends," he wrote.
"I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years."
As U.S. Marshal Dillon in the 1955-75 CBS Western series, Arness created an indelible portrait of a quiet, heroic man with an unbending dedication to justice and the town he protected.
The wealth and fame Arness gained from "Gunsmoke" could not protect him from tragedy in his personal life: His daughter and his former wife, Virginia, both died of drug overdoses.
Arness, a quiet, intensely private man who preferred the outdoor life to Hollywood's party scene, rarely gave interviews and refused to discuss the tragedies.
"He's big, impressive and virile," co-star Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) once said of Arness, adding, "I've worked with him for 16 years, but I don't really know him."
The actor was 32 when friend John Wayne declined the lead role in "Gunsmoke" and recommended Arness instead. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it.
"Go ahead and take it, Jim," Wayne urged him. "You're too big for pictures. Guys like Gregory Peck and I don't want a big lug like you towering over us. Make your mark in television."
"Gunsmoke" went on to become the longest-running dramatic series in network history until NBC's "Law & Order" tied in 2010. Arness' 20-year prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammer's 20 years as Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 on "Cheers" and then on "Frasier."
The years showed on the weathered-looking Arness, but he — and his TV character — wore them well.
"The camera really loved his face, and with good reason," novelist Wallace Markfield wrote in a 1975 "Gunsmoke" appreciation in The New York Times. "It was a face that would age well and that, while aging, would carry intimations of waste, loss and futility."
Born James Aurness in Minneapolis (he dropped the "u" for show business reasons), he and brother Peter enjoyed a "real Huckleberry Finn existence," Arness once recalled.
Peter, who changed his last name to Graves, went on to star in the TV series "Mission Impossible."
A self-described drifter, Arness left home at age 18, hopping freight trains and Caribbean-bound freighters. He entered Beloit College in Wisconsin, but was drafted into the Army in his 1942-43 freshman year. Wounded in the leg during the 1944 invasion at Anzio, Italy, Arness was hospitalized for a year and left with a slight limp. He returned to Minneapolis to work as a radio announcer and in small theater roles.
He moved to Hollywood in 1946 at a friend's suggestion. After a slow start in which he took jobs as a carpenter and salesman, a role in MGM's "Battleground" (1949) was a career turning point. Parts in more than 20 films followed, including "The Thing," `'Hellgate" and "Hondo" with Wayne. Then came "Gunsmoke," which proved a durable hit and a multimillion-dollar boon for Arness, who owned part of the series.
His longtime co-stars were Blake as saloon keeper Miss Kitty, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams and Dennis Weaver as the deputy, Chester Goode.
When Weaver died in February 2006, Arness called it "a big loss for me personally" and said Weaver "provided comic relief but was also a real person doing things that were very important to the show."
The cancellation of "Gunsmoke" didn't keep Arness away from TV for long: He returned a few months later, in January 1976, in the TV movie "The Macahans," which led to the 1978-79 ABC series "How the West Was Won."
Arness took on a contemporary role as a police officer in the series "McClain's Law," which aired on NBC from 1981-82.
Despite his desire for privacy, a rocky domestic life landed him in the news more than once.
Arness met future wife Virginia Chapman while both were studying at Southern California's Pasadena Playhouse. They wed in 1948 and had two children, Jenny and Rolf. Chapman's son from her first marriage, Craig, was adopted by Arness.
The marriage foundered and in 1963 Arness sought a divorce and custody of the three children, which he was granted. He tried to guard them from the spotlight.
"The kids don't really have any part of my television life," he once remarked. "Fortunately, there aren't many times when show business intrudes on our family existence."
The emotionally troubled Virginia Arness attempted suicide twice, in 1959 and in 1960. In 1975, Jenny Arness died of an apparently deliberate drug overdose. Two years later, an overdose that police deemed accidental killed her mother.
Arness married Janet Surtees in 1978. Besides his wife, Arness is survived by two sons and six grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held.
___
AP Television Writer David Bauder and Entertainment Writer Jake Coyle in New York contributed to this story.

Decision on government shutdown would be on Dayton

GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch says the decision on a government shutdown "lies with the governor."
Koch, R-Buffalo, spoke to MPR's Morning Edition. She said she's looking forward to the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy hearing today.
"It's a way for people to fully understand the various budget proposals," she said. "We're looking forward to talking about our budget proposal and vet the governor's budget proposal."
Koch said Republicans want the revenue and finance commissioners to detail Gov. Mark Dayton's budget and proposed tax increases. She said she's also interested in hearing about a proposal to increase taxes in a way that wouldn't hurt small businesses.
"We're not interested in tax increases but we do want to talk about that proposal," Koch said. "It gets tossed around and people can offer compromises all day, but we really need to fully understand them."
Koch again argued that the GOP budget is increasing spending, despite the fact that federal stimulus money and a K-12 accounting shift was used in the last budget. She responded to that question in the interview:
"They used one-time federal stimulus money and a one-time gimmick shift as ongoing funding. That's not our fault, that's not the governor's fault, that was decisions made by other Legislatures and other administrations. One-time money should not be used as ongoing funding. Even if you count that in as reality, we're spending about the same," Koch said.
When asked about a possible government shutdown, Koch said it would be up to Dayton, because the Legislature already passed a balanced budget that he vetoed. But Koch said a budget deal can be reached.
"There's absolutely time to finish this out," she said.

Billy Bob Thornton’s Daughter Found Guilty in Same Courthouse as Casey Anthony Trial

Billy Bob Thornton‘s estranged daughter Amanda Brumfield has been found guilty of aggravated manslaughter of a 1-year-old girl in Orlando. Amanda was tried in the same courthouse as the more high profile case of Casey Anthony, the Florida mother accused of killing her two-year-old daughter.
Amanda, 32, was convicted last Friday, the Associated Press reports, and is expected to be sentenced in July.
OK! NEWS: BILLY BOB’S DAUGHTER INDICTED FOR MURDER
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Amanda received her verdict in the same Orlando courthouse where Casey Anthony is being tried for the murder of her daughter.
“In contrast to the more high-profile Casey Anthony trial, expected to drag on for months in a courtroom 13 floors above it, the Brumfield trial took less than a week,” the OS reports.
The prosecutors in the case maintain that Amanda killed her best best friend’s daughter during an overnight babysitting job in October 2008.
Amanda claims that 1-year-old Olivia Madison Garcia was trying to climb out of a playpen when she hit her head and sustained trauma. Her defense team suggests the fall may have “aggravated a previous injury, causing her death,” the AP reports.
However, prosecutors find it impossible that a fall from that low height would cause a three-and-a-half inch fracture on the back of the girl’s skull and the bleeding and swelling found in her brain.
OK! NEWS: BILLY BOB THORNTON SUPPORTS ANGELINA JOLIE’S DIRECTING ENDEAVOR; SAYS THEY STILL TALK
She will be sentenced in July and was found not guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated child-abuse charges.

Chest Workout Home Version

The " Chest workout Home edition " was designed to provide an easy and fun professional workout for everyone. These exercises are designed to tone main pectoral muscles (upper, major and minor pectoral muscles) and you can workout wherever you want: at home, in the park, on the beach or at the gym.
No special equipment is required for this workout: if you don't have a bench for elevated push-ups, use any elevated surface (chair, box, etc.).

Marilyn Monroe - The Career and the Controversies

One of the most well-known actresses of all time. A sex symbol. White dress flying up, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, and her many remarkable quotes. Red lips, breathless voice, platinum blonde hair and her voluptuous figure. Who comes into your mind? Without a doubt, the famous Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles General Hospital to Gladys Baker. As the identity of her father is undecided, she was later baptized Norma Jeane Baker. She spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages until 1937. Upon being released from the orphanage, she went to another foster home. She married her first husband at 1942 at the age of 16. By this time Marilyn began to model swimsuits and color her hair blonde. a variety of shots made their way into the public eye, especially those of RKO Pictures head Howard Hughes. He offered Marilyn a screen audition, but an agent suggested that 20th Century-Fox would be the better choice for her, since it was a much bigger and more prestigious studio.

From then on the name Marilyn Monroe sky rocketed into the scene. Her acting debut is in 1947 film. The Shocking Miss Pilgrim where she was given bit parts. Some of her famous movies includes Niagara (1953) where she starred as a femme fatale scheming to murder her husband, the comedy How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1954) that introduce one of her trademarks, Bus Stop (1956) a film where she played as a saloon singer with little talent who falls in love with a cowboy, the much criticized The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), Some Like It Hot (1959) another comedy, Let's Make Love (1960) another controversial movie, and her last film The Misfits (1961).

Another fact that made her controversial is her marriage to 3 different men. She married her first husband Jimmy Dougherty on June 19, 1942. Jimmy was 21 then and Marilyn was 16, they were neighbors and dated for six months. The marriage lasted for four years, they divorced in June 1946. Her second husband is Joe DiMaggio whom she married on January 14, 1954. Marilyn tied the knot with the baseball superstar in San Francisco City Hall. They had been a couple for 2 years before the marriage. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted for nine months due to "conflict of careers". The last husband is the playwright Arthur Miller; they make it official on June 29, 1956. Unhappily, the marriage between Marilyn and Arthur ended on January 20, 1961.

Another Controversial thing about the actress is her death. On August 5, 1962, she was found dead at her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. She was 36 years old that time. At the succeeding autopsy, the death was caused by a barbiturate overdose resulting to a suicide. Some speculations stated that it is murder due to some circumstances and the time trail after the body was found. Also conspiracy theories arise, involving even John and Robert Kennedy, CIA and the Mafia.

Truly, Marilyn Monroe became a big story. It became known that beyond her big success also lie big controversies. But despite all, she still manages to be a global phenomenon, her popularity spread throughout the world. And above all, she fulfill the most significant goal of achieving prominence.

For the next Halloween party put on Marilyn Monroe white dress and Marilyn wig and have a party Hollywood style.

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Sean Kingston Badly Hurt in Jet Ski Accident

Sean Kingston is reportedly in critical condition after a jet skiing accident tonight in Miami Beach.
A rep for the hip-hop star has confirmed the accident, although the extent of Kingston’s injuries is not yet known.
The hip-hop star is said to have crashed the craft into the bridge connecting Palm Island to the MacArthur Causeway.
Kingston was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he’s reportedly being treated in the trauma ward.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
According to local reports, a female passenger on the jet ski was also hospitalized.

UEFA Champions League 2011 - Barcelona-Man. United

Are Barcelona destined for greatness, or will Fergie's battalions storm the Catalan defence and send the Spaniards homewards to think again? It's the Champions League Final with the world's greatest player facing England's finest at the spiritual home of football. The game's afoot, but can Man Utd demolish the house of Pepe Guardiola?

FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC each won their first European Champion Clubs' Cup at the old Wembley and both are seeking a fourth title at the new Wembley on 28 May.
It was beneath Wembley's old Twin Towers that FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC both won their first European Champion Clubs' Cup but only one can claim a fourth title when these rivals meet at the new Wembley in a repeat of the 2009 UEFA Champions League final.

Previous meetings
• This is the clubs' 11th meeting and the record so far is three wins each and four draws; neither side has won consecutive games. The teams have contested two major finals, Barcelona prevailing in their last meeting in Rome in 2009 while United won their 1991 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup decider in Rotterdam.
• Samuel Eto'o (10) and Lionel Messi (70) scored when Barcelona beat United 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on 27 May 2009.
• The full lineups were:
Barcelona: Valdés, Puyol, Touré, Piqué, Sylvinho, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta (Pedro 90), Messi, Eto'o, Henry (Keita 72).
Man United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, Park (Berbatov 66), Anderson (Tévez 46), Carrick, Giggs (Scholes 75), Ronaldo, Rooney.
• Sir Alex Ferguson won his first European honour at United with a 2-1 win against Barcelona in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final 20 years ago. Former Azulgrana striker Mark Hughes scored twice (67, 74) before Ronald Koeman struck (79) for a Barcelona side reduced to ten men by Nando's dismissal.
• The lineups for that final on 15 May 1991 were:
Barcelona: Busquets, Nando, Alexanco (Pinilla 72), Koeman, Ferrer, Goicoechea, Bakero, Eusebio, Beguiristain, Laudrup, Julio Salinas.
Man United: Sealey, Irwin, Bruce, Pallister, Blackmore, Phelan, Robson, Ince, Sharpe, McClair, Hughes.
• Carlos Busquets, father of Barcelona's Sergio, was in goal for the Catalan club. Brian McClair and Mike Phelan – United's academy director and assistant manager respectively – were among the opposition.
• That was the second time Sir Alex had won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup against Spanish opponents, his Aberdeen FC side having defeated Real Madrid CF 2-1 in 1983.
• Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes struck in United's 3-3 group stage draw against Barcelona at Old Trafford in September 1998. Scholes, who got the only goal of the teams' 2008 semi-final, made his UEFA Champions League debut against Barcelona in a 2-2 draw in October 1994. Giggs and Josep Guardiola also appeared in the teams' 1994/95 group stage meetings.

Memorial Day Holiday

At 3pm on the last Monday of May, a national Moment of Remembrance takes place around the country in honor of all those American Soldiers who died performing military service. Although this tradition was only started in December 2000, the concept of Memorial Day has been around for much longer. This U.S. federal holiday honors the great men and women who have sacrificed their lives in war for the benefit of the country and protecting our freedoms. Until 1882, this day was known as Decoration Day and it was not until 1967 that Federal law declared 'Memorial day' as the official name. The reason it was known as Decoration Day was because the graves of American soldiers were strewn with flags, flowers and other decorations on this day, a tradition that is still continued. This day is seen as the start of Summer Season (the end of which is marked by Labor Day).

As part of tradition, the graves of these honorable people were decorated on this day. The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and some place American flags on the graves of those who have died for their country. All schools, and most businesses are closed on this day, and public transport doesn't run on its regular schedule. Originally the day was used to honour soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. However, post the First World War, it was extended to all men and women who died in any military action.

Traditional observance of this day has slowly diminished with a lot of commercial value being associated with it. When the date of the holiday was changed to a Monday, it began to lose its importance and became an extended weekend for many. Many people have picnics and family gatherings on this weekend. Some also choose to take short vacations out of town. It was upon realizing this that the tradition of a moment of remembrance was started so as to revive the traditional practices of Memorial Day.

Today Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery. Here the President or Vice President gives a speech and lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with about five thousand people attending the ceremony every year. Many houses put up flags on this day. Big or small, a flag is a way to participate and show your support on this day. However, there are many things to be kept in mind while dealing with a flag. For example, it should never be used as a drapery, or flown upside down. Families also take part in and encourage their children to participate in patriotic activities so as to teach them the importance and significance of this day. Be it as simple as coloring a symbolic picture, or taking the kids to visit the graves, such activities help to revive the spirit of this day and to imbibe the right values for future generations.

Clara McCleen is an expert on child education and related academic initiatives. She shares her expertise with several private schools in California, particularly elementary schools in Orange County. Currently she is associated with The Carden Academy in Mission Viejo where she is involved in preparing a congenial ambiance for the children so that they can nurture their natural talents along with achieving academic excellence.

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Casey Anthony Trial

One of Casey Anthony's prospective jurors broke down in tears and admitted she has been praying for the young woman.
"Honestly, I've been praying for her, the mother," said Juror 3042, a woman who appeared to be in her early 30s. "I feel bad about the whole situation."
The juror said her feeling could inhibit her ability to fairly weigh the evidence in the case. And Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry excused her soon after that admission this afternoon.
Her departure is the latest setback in the attempt to reach 12 jurors to be sworn in for the case. The count has been stuck at 11 for most of the day.

A couple of times now, defense attorney José Baez has used back strikes just as Judge Perry attempted to bring 12 jurors in to be sworn in. The situation still leaves it uncertain if the 12 will be sworn in today.
At one point Baez asked to have all the remaining jurors they have not questioned extensively, about 20 or so, to be seen so that Casey Anthony could take a more active role in choosing them, but Perry denied that request.
Instead, prospective jurors will continue to be added to the total count as long as they pass through the questioning about pretrial publicity, the death penalty and personal background.
Eventually, the defense will run out of its strikes. It is down to three left. The prosecution still has five.
Jurors chosen today
The other juror approved today was Juror 3308, a mechanic who served in law enforcement in the U.S. Coast Guard.
The 39-year-old juror told the attorneys he does not want to serve on a jury.
"I've got a good life. I'd rather not interrupt it," he said.
Earlier, Juror 3308 said he was a fan of the Bubba the Love Sponge Show and had found the derogatory song about Casey Anthony called 'My Trunk' — a parody of 'My Humps' by The Black Eyed Peas — funny; however, he didn't take it as fact.
"I do listen to Bubba the Love Sponge occasionally," he said. "I think it's an entertainment show. I don't look to it for a lot of fact."
Jurors excused
The first potential juror questioned after a 30 minute recess was dismissed due to cause.
Juror 3158, a middle-aged white man, said heard about the case on the news and could not presume Anthony was innocent. He was dismissed.
Juror 3206 was excused in the morning because she knew too many details of the case and already believed Casey Anthony is guilty.
Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry asked her if she can put her opinion aside and be an impartial juror.
Her response: "Your honor, I can't really honestly say I can picture my opinion changing…I have had this opinion for a while now."
Before today, a total of 17 people had been considered viable jurors, but both sides exercised their peremptory challenges to strike 11 of those candidates.
Once the panel of a dozen jurors is sworn in, they are locked in place, and both sides will have to keep that panel for the duration of the six- to eight-week trial in Orlando unless one or more is replaced by an alternate.
Perry seemed to indicate they may not reach his original goal of 20 — 12 jurors and eight alternates — that he desired when this process started May 9.
"I don't know if we will reach the original number that I wanted, which was eight [alternates], but we will have what we will have," Perry said at the end of the proceedings Monday.
Anthony, 25, is accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Marie in the summer of 2008. She faces a possible death sentence if convicted as charged.

Free Bachelorette Party Themes

So how can you be sure your bachelorette party will stand out?

Try adding in one of our customized bachelorette party themes. Bachelorette themes gives the party an identity and helps to break the ice for the evening to come.

Giving your party a theme, easily helps you add in related bachelorette party invitations, sizzling party decorations, interactive party games , delicious party food & mouth watering party drinks which will create an unforgettable girls night out. Your options are only limited by your creativity.

If you're feeling stumped on what to plan, see below to find some unique bachelorette party theme ideas to get you started. Here are a few to get you started. If you need more help visit bachelorette-partyideas.com or follow the link below. Good luck!

Playboy Themed Bachelorette Party

For a more risque bride a playboy themed bachelorette party is perfect. Time to bring out the sexy Diva attitudes out in all of your girlfriends (be sure to go over all the details of this theme with all of your girls so that no one is uncomfortable throughout the night). This is a great way for the bride and her entourage to dress up in provocative clothing for one last girl's night out on the town. Be creative! Try out a French maid costume or a sexy devil outfit. If that idea is too much try adding fish net stockings or a feather boa to your sexy night wear. There are even hot designer outfits made by playboy that will fit perfect with this party theme.

Next, pick the towns' hottest party spot to show off your sexy look. If you are planning to go to a hot dance club, take the girls to an exotic dance class beforehand. If that idea is too embarrassing for you, there is always in home DVD's or private stripper lessons.

Once you build your confidence up with your sexy look and new dance moves, hit the hot spot in style. Rent a luxurious limo to top off this sassy party theme. If you are really feeling naughty then tell your limo driver to find the nearest male revue. This bachelorette party theme will ensure that you and your squad will be the center of attention for the entire night.

If you are hosting the playboy themed bachelorette party at home, use the same concept for evening wear (this is where you can be as naughty as you wish). After you have had your personal stripper lessons or you've mastered them from you DVD, put up your portable stripper pole and create a contest for the best stripper.

To give your "strip club" a little more pizzazz, change your light bulbs to black light bulbs & red light bulbs. Even include a fog machine to complete the setting. And of course your homemade strip club is ready for when your hired entertainment arrives - the male stripper. Don't forget to decorate accordingly. Add in favorite bachelorette party decorations and party supplies.

Holiday Themed Bachelorette Party

Is there a festive holiday coming up? If so, you should consider a holiday themed bachelorette party.

Valentine's Day is a great example of a holiday themed bachelorette party. Have your girls dress as Victoria Secrets Angels. Turn this into a contest and appoint someone to be Cupid. She/he will judge each of the outfits and announce a winner followed by a Valentines surprise.

How about 4th of July themed bachelorette party? Try the American flag shot for this theme, yummy! The bachelorette can dress up in sexy military wear or everyone can dress up as 40's pin up girls. End the night with your "big bang" male stripper of course).

There are similar options for Halloween you can hold best costume contest, Mardi gras, Christmas, and even St. Patty's Day. This idea can be especially nice because you will always be able to find the perfect party supplies for each holiday party theme you choose.

This theme will let your creative juices flow, run with it!

Devil and Angels Theme

Devil and angels bachelorette party theme is one of my favorites. Have the bachelorette dress up as a sexy devil and her bridesmaids (or attendees) dress up as attractive angels.

You can even have other guests dress up as the devil servants. Send out your bachelorette party invitations with a touch of naughty or nice. Let each angel know what the required dress code is for the evening.

Be artistic with your party decorations. Split the party room into two themes, one as heaven and the other as hell. Create fake fire by coloring or painting poster board to resemble flames (use some glitter for a girly touch). Find some lava lamps and red Christmas lights on this side to give hell a perfect feel. Cut out a few clouds to hang from the ceiling on heavens side. String white Christmas lights on this side for a heavenly touch. Don't forget the balloons for both sides, red and black for the hell side and white and gold for the heaven side.

Create a thrown for the devil (bachelorette) to sit in for the evening. This way, later in the evening, the male stripper knows exactly who the sexy little devil/bachelorette is. Serve your guests a Bloody Mary as you signature drink.

Remember this is a devil and angels bachelorette party theme so the bride-to-be is allowed to be as naughty as she wants only to have her angels pull her back from the dark side.

Naughty School Girl Theme

Naughty school girl bachelorette party theme is a great attention getter.

Have the bachelorette and attendees dress as naughty school girls. Sexy Catholic outfits are one of my favorites but any short flannel miniskirts and white shirts will do. Make sure your shirt is a mid drift and you can tie it in a bow in the middle of your chest. The more cleavage the better!

You can go to the extreme if you want with this. Put your hair in pig tails and wear knee high stocking or socks & use bright red lipstick to get the full effect. If you're going out on the town, your are sure to turn heads. Remember this is one of guy's fantasies, & seeing an entourage of naughty school girls out on the town is jaw dropping.

If you are staying in for the night, consider playing rock n roll or pop music. A few favorites are Fergie Liscious, Brittany Spears, or anything that mentions school or naughty girls. Put up a chalk board in your party room to display the risqué bachelorette party games planned for the evening and what time the male stripper will arrive to teach them a lesson.

If you really want your naughty school girl bachelorette party to be a big hit, have a few rulers set out in case someone get really naughty and needs a spanking. Don't get sent to the principal's office, you might get a full lesson on anatomy!

Roman Theme Bachelorette Party

Ancient Roman times were full of festivities and grand celebrations. With a roman theme bachelorette party you can turn your party room into a palace and your bachelorette into a goddess.

First start out by creating the bachelorette party invitations with a roman theme. Think Gladiator to give you inspiration. The distinctive colors for this era are purple, gold, & white. Give all of the details in both Latin and English, including the date in time using roman numerals. Make sure to include the dress code of their favorite toga or stola wear.

Point them in the right direction on where to buy stolas (traditional Roman garment, basically a toga for women) or let them know making one of their own is acceptable. This should get everyone in the mood for your Roman theme bachelorette party.

Next turn your party room into a palace fit for your goddess.

Your party decorations can be extravagant or simple. Start by finding purple, gold, & white sleek fabrics. Hang these fabrics from your ceiling dropping down to the floor. Cover the entire room and large objects with your main color fabrics (quick tip: alternate between these colors to give a sleeker feel). Find large fluffy pillows for your guests to sit on.

If you're really crafty, you can make your own columns. Pay a visit to your local hardware or party store and pick up some sheets of faux-marble contact paper. Purchase a few oak tag and foam core. Start by taping it together with the contact paper on top, and you have instant roman columns.

Put these homemade columns by the front door to give the roman scene some pizzazz. You can find some white Christmas lights to accent the ceiling with. Now you have completed your Roman palace.

As you know ancient Romans loved to drink and feast. Prepare a few finger food trays with olives, cheese, & grapes. Provide some Italian bread with olive oil for dipping. Try serving your selection of wines in ceramic pitchers as they did in ancient Rome.

Plan for a few bachelorette party games but put a Roman twist on them. Give a door prize for the best dressed Roman Empress.

Play the game Gladiator, the movie drinking game. Or you can host chariots races. Split the girls into teams of two. One gets on all fours while the other girl rides across the room on her back.

This is really fun after a few shots. Now it's time to plan for the adult entertainment.

This is where hosting a roman theme bachelorette party can get a bit interesting! Have your male stripper show up as the Gladiator, or it's even better if you can find a Russell Crow look-a-like male stripper.

Point out the goddess/bachelorette & let the party begin!

For more information on free bachelorette party ideas check out http://bachelorette-partyideas.com
Follow the Party Info Diva on Twitter as well for new and upcoming ideas!

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Wild and Fun Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party is often seen as the last wild bit of fun a single woman has before her wedding day. This evening is usually shared with her sister(s), mother, bridesmaids, best friend(s), female cousin(s), and other female members of the wedding party. This salacious gathering often consists of gift giving, exotic dancers, drinks, food, and other special surprises. While these types of bachelorette parties are usually wild and nearly untamed, there are others that are subdued and reserved. But often times these parties can be categorized as a happy medium between the two extremes. In reality, the theme of the party really has a lot to do with the preferences of the bride and her family. However, despite the tone of the gathering, no bachelorette party is complete without the bachelorette party favors!

While the bride will receive many gifts, that will remind her of the fun evening, she must remember to give the guests a small token of her appreciation. This can be done by providing them with a small memento that will remind them of the joy they had on her last day of single womanhood. There are many great bachelorette party favors to choose from. Naughty gifts from the local novelty shop or lingerie store may be the perfect fit for those wild affairs. While providing more innocent party favors may be more appropriate for parties with a milder tone. In either case, think it through and purchase either individualized gifts or a bulk party favors that will suit any guest's particular tastes.

Favors For the Wild and Fun Affair

Today many women engage in wild and crazy bachelorette parties. These events are likely to include male strippers, mixed drinks, crazy music, and lots of fun. Such gatherings are often attended by all of those female friends that the bride holds near and dear. Party favors that match the wild theme of these parties are a must. Sometimes just shopping for such bachelorette party favors can be just as much fun for the bride as the party itself. A naughty novelty store or sexy lingerie shop may be a one-stop for these types of favors. There you may find shot glasses, t-shirts, stickers, gift bags, and other fun items. Also, many of these novelty shops have sections that are set up with the wild bachelorette party in mind. Additionally, one may also find whistles, pens, and other interesting shaped items that tie in with the wild and crazy, sexy bachelorette party theme.

Gifts for the Quiet Affair

There are still quite a few conservative brides out there who enjoy a subdued party theme. These ladies do not usually consider watching strippers, getting drunk, and playing with naughty novelty items to be their type of fun. While the bride may forego the wilder component of the party, she should not eliminate the bachelorette party favors! Brides throwing quieter affairs may consider candy tins, coasters, and other types of goody bags from the local party shop, or wedding theme store, to be more appropriate choices for their guests. A personalized beauty pack with the date of the bachelorette party may also be a unique and thoughtful gift for the ladies in attendance. Use your imagination; a quiet affair can be just a memorable as its wilder counterpart.

Regardless of the theme, all bachelorette parties share the same essential components. One such component is providing guests with a token of the bride's appreciation for their attendance. This token is often in the form of a bachelorette party favor. If you are planning such a party, please d o not over look this simple, yet powerful little reminder of your one last wild night as a single woman.

Looking for fun and wild bachelorette party favor ideas? HQweddingfavors.com has hundreds of choices, including wedding favors, wedding party gifts and wedding planning tips.

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Wild Bachelorette Parties

Bachelorette parties are intended to be full of fun and frolic for the bride-to-be and her friends. A wild bachelorette party to revel with her closest friends without any inhibition or guilt is the desire of most brides-to-be.

The conventional bachelorette party involves close friends, relatives, and bridal party members meeting at home, a friend's place, a restaurant, a far away beachfront location, or a resort to have fun. Guests at a bachelorette party generally include intimate pals, co-workers, and acquaintances who have not been invited to the wedding.

Anything related to fun goes well within the definition of a bachelorette party. In wild bachelorette parties, males are objectified and generally ridiculed to gleeful laughter. Male strippers and masseuses, female professional sex seminar speakers, lively concerts in bars, and dancing with strangers to funky music are all part of wild bachelorette parties. Hot items include special t-shirts or hats, erotic novelties, and male blow-up dolls. Buttered Peas, Apple Football, Balloon Sit, Hot Potato, Dirty Pictionary, Honeymoon Mistakes, Truth or Dare, and Pin the Tail on the Male are some of the hilarious games.

Thematic dressing always impresses guests. Scanty costumes and wild painting on party wear are other interesting ideas. Wild bachelorette party gifts include theme outfits, stunning lingerie, super-hot 'come-hither' shoes as well as outrageous wedding night decorations; these gifts also serve to create the ambience of a pre-honeymoon shopping spree. The general idea is to make the bride-to-be shy and blush in front of everyone. A wild bachelorette party often involves consumption of a lot of alcohol; it is, therefore, always advisable to arrange for transportation for the guests.

Spa bachelorette parties are special in that they offer mud baths, massages, manicures, pedicures, exfoliations, yoga lessons, and a health-conscious diet.

A wild bachelorette party is thus an occasion for the bride and her friends to really 'let their hair down.' An outrageously creative party is a truly inspirational way to "jump start" a passion-filled marriage.

Bachelorette Party provides detailed information on Bachelorette Party, Bachelorette Party Ideas, Bachelorette Party Games, Bachelorette Party Entertainment and more. Bachelorette Party is affiliated with Platinum Engagement Rings.

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Bachelorette Party Planning Tips

In recent years, bachelor and bachelorette parties have become more creative and more outside the box. Although drinking and sexually charged nights have always been popular, there is more emphasis now on creating memories and celebrating being with the guys or just the girls. If you are planning on hosting one of these before the wedding events, here are some tips to help you plan the bachelorette party.

The maid of honor usually plans, hosts the bachelorette party, and helps pay for it. In no case does the bride pay; the participants normally split the bill. Make sure to plan an activity which is affordable to those attending. Anyone who is on the guest list for the bachelorette party should also be on the wedding guest list.

Keep in mind this should be a very small gathering of the brides close friends and family. The guest list should be between ten to fifteen people. It is much harder to coordinate a larger group and a larger group will take away from the intimacy of this event. If you have questions as to who may not get along, consult the bride to be.

While it is ok to surprise the honoree, it is not ok to embarrass them. Respect their wishes and personality. However, these parties are also great for roasting the bride to be, so be sure to plan an amusing toast with a few funny jokes about married life.

Do not plan the bachelorette party for the night before the wedding. There is usually a ton of things to get done the night before, and the last thing a bride (or wedding party) needs is a hangover for the big day. Plan the event for at least a week before the big day.

Make arrangements for a paid driver or limousine if this party will involve drinking. Alternatively, depending on the destination of the party, you may also want to rent hotel rooms for the group to crash when the party is over. This can also extend the party to include an after party breakfast which everyone can rehash the previous night's activities before going home.

Depending on where your party is held, plan for some fun bachelorette party games. Games such as pin the hotdog on the man or pin the cucumber on the groom (using a cardboard cutout), suck for a buck, I know what it is, or a funniest story game will bring some levity and fun to the event. There are many games on the internet which can be adapted for the party.

Erica Tevis is the owner of Little Things Wedding Favors Visit them on the web and check out their large supply of wedding favors, themed favors, invitations, and wedding accessories.

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Joplin Missouri-An Old Mining Town

I am proud of the service of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, U.S. Marine Corps, who died defending the Constitution of the United States of America. He is one of a long line of American service members who have given up their lives so that all Americans can live in Peace with our Freedoms.

In my view, the behavior of the members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, who take it upon them selves to picket and protest at the funerals of service members killed in action, is hugely offensive to all Americans. I personally cannot understand how they envision that they in any way represent either the teachings of Jesus Christ or Almighty God.

Still, I believe the eight members of the Supreme Court of the United States who ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church were correct in their decision. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States is sacrosanct, and our Freedom of Speech is in the bedrock of what it means to be an American. It is precisely what gives the United States its strength. I pray that Matthew Snyder's parents will also see it that way some day.

Defending our Freedoms means defending ideas and opinions we hate. But what would happen if we did not? What would we think of our values as Americans if we failed to defend the right to express hated opinions? The risk is that we might find our own opinions hated by a majority, who want to silence us. All we have to do is look around the world to see the long-term performance of countries whose people are silenced by their governments. Too many of their people live in poverty, and harbor resentments that explode in revolutions like those seen in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, and now Libya.

What will be the result of those revolutions? Will they produce environments where people can speak their mind and hold to their beliefs, no matter how idiotic? Or will they revert to governments and systems that punish dissent? If the latter is the result, we know the outcome already. Those peoples will continue to live in countries that condone slavery, bigotry, and religious intolerance. They may succeed for a time, especially if they are blessed with natural resources, but will they serve their people well in the fullness of time? I don't think so, nor do most Americans.

This does not mean that the controversy of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas is finished. In the same sense that those Americans can exercise their Freedom of Speech, so can Americans who believe their behavior is inappropriate and damned by God now speak up and give that "church" a taste of its own medicine. As a retired Marine, if I lived in Kansas, I would be happy to stand my watch, picketing those people. Indeed, I believe many upstanding Christians, not to mention Americans of other Faiths, will be happy to show the members of the Westboro Baptist Church how they have lost their way in the sight of God, exercising their own Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly in the process.

The process that made the United States of America is a process like tempering steel. In that process impurities are removed from the iron until it is steel. When one group brings up a bad idea, the rest of us can shout it down and out of our system. It is time for the members of the Westboro Baptist Church to hear the rest of us exercise our Freedom of Speech.
Skip Conover is an International Executive, Author, and Artist. His art is in collections in more than 20 countries. His first New York opening was in 2005. He turned his long time interest in Jungian Archetype into the Archetype in Action Organization. Mr. Conover served to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and won the Bronze Star Medal for his Vietnam service.

Article Source:  http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Skip_Conover

Westboro Baptist Church

I am proud of the service of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, U.S. Marine Corps, who died defending the Constitution of the United States of America. He is one of a long line of American service members who have given up their lives so that all Americans can live in Peace with our Freedoms.

In my view, the behavior of the members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, who take it upon them selves to picket and protest at the funerals of service members killed in action, is hugely offensive to all Americans. I personally cannot understand how they envision that they in any way represent either the teachings of Jesus Christ or Almighty God.

Still, I believe the eight members of the Supreme Court of the United States who ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church were correct in their decision. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States is sacrosanct, and our Freedom of Speech is in the bedrock of what it means to be an American. It is precisely what gives the United States its strength. I pray that Matthew Snyder's parents will also see it that way some day.

Defending our Freedoms means defending ideas and opinions we hate. But what would happen if we did not? What would we think of our values as Americans if we failed to defend the right to express hated opinions? The risk is that we might find our own opinions hated by a majority, who want to silence us. All we have to do is look around the world to see the long-term performance of countries whose people are silenced by their governments. Too many of their people live in poverty, and harbor resentments that explode in revolutions like those seen in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, and now Libya.

What will be the result of those revolutions? Will they produce environments where people can speak their mind and hold to their beliefs, no matter how idiotic? Or will they revert to governments and systems that punish dissent? If the latter is the result, we know the outcome already. Those peoples will continue to live in countries that condone slavery, bigotry, and religious intolerance. They may succeed for a time, especially if they are blessed with natural resources, but will they serve their people well in the fullness of time? I don't think so, nor do most Americans.

This does not mean that the controversy of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas is finished. In the same sense that those Americans can exercise their Freedom of Speech, so can Americans who believe their behavior is inappropriate and damned by God now speak up and give that "church" a taste of its own medicine. As a retired Marine, if I lived in Kansas, I would be happy to stand my watch, picketing those people. Indeed, I believe many upstanding Christians, not to mention Americans of other Faiths, will be happy to show the members of the Westboro Baptist Church how they have lost their way in the sight of God, exercising their own Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly in the process.

The process that made the United States of America is a process like tempering steel. In that process impurities are removed from the iron until it is steel. When one group brings up a bad idea, the rest of us can shout it down and out of our system. It is time for the members of the Westboro Baptist Church to hear the rest of us exercise our Freedom of Speech.
Skip Conover is an International Executive, Author, and Artist. His art is in collections in more than 20 countries. His first New York opening was in 2005. He turned his long time interest in Jungian Archetype into the Archetype in Action Organization. Mr. Conover served to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and won the Bronze Star Medal for his Vietnam service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Skip_Conover

Remembering Oscar De La Hoya

For the first time in history since boxing became part of the Olympics, the US was almost shut out of the gold hunt in that event at the Barcelona Games in 1992. Thanks to Oscar De La Hoya, the US Boxing Team did not go home totally empty-handed. De La Hoya won the gold in the featherweight division and, from then on, the world would refer to him as the "Golden Boy."

After capping his tour in amateur boxing with a flourish, he turned professional late in that same year and fought twice. He became busier in the next 7 years, fighting at least 4 times each year. Throughout this period, his reputation as a world-class boxer has been validated many times over. His record was impeccable-no losses in 31 fights, 25 of them by knock out or TKO. He was not only winning big; he was also winning against big names. By this time, he had already beaten at least 19 world champions or top-ranked contenders, collecting world titles in 4 weight divisions along the way.

But the best for De La Hoya was yet to come. He spent the next 9 years of his professional boxing career seeking out top-level competition. In this period he faced 14 world champions, with at least 6 of them future Hall-of- Famers, and in the process collecting 2 more world titles in yet different weight divisions.

Although not as successful as in the first half of his career, his following has multiplied the world over. Endowed with looks and physique that made boxing fans out of movie fans, he attracted hordes of spectators into his fights like nobody before him ever did. People mobbed him. They adored him. Wherever he fought, boxing venues burst to the brim-and for the first time the boxing public had now constituted more and more shrieking female fans. On the May 5, 2007 fight with Floyd Mayweather, 2.15 million homes in America-a record-paid an average of US$ 56 to watch it via HBO's pay-per-view feed. There simply was no stopping the fans' attraction to the glitter of the Golden Boy. No doubt about it, Oscar was boxing's mega star.

De La Hoya got credit for being a performer. He had talent and skills that won fights for him. He has defeated the likes of Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez, Hector Camacho, among others-all at the top of most greatest-fighters-of all-time lists. His gait and competitive instinct, like that of the Roman Emperor, denied chances for the unfit to survive. He had a heart of a warrior that wowed the crowds.

What separated De La Hoya from the other all-time greats of boxing was the quality of fighters he fought. The career win average of his opponents was 88 percent, which was even higher than his own career win percentage at 86. For one who collected world championships in 6 different weight divisions, this meant not only testing his own limits, it also meant testing the limits of the best fighters out there.

At some point he started to touch base with the business side of boxing, projecting the image of one who thinks and manages things rather than one who thinks and brawls. In 2001, he put up Golden Boy Promotions (as part of Golden Boy Enterprises) to stage his own fights. In 2007, he bought The Ring Magazine, among other media outfits, and put up several business and not-for-profit organizations.

In time, his management skills, too, would be evident and in harness. His businesses, led by the Golden Boy Promotions, grew. Marquee names in boxing-Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins, Marco Antonio Barrera, Ricky Hatton-became part of his promotional outfit one way or the other. For years it seemed there was no major boxing event that did not have Golden Boy Promotions as one of its organizers. De La Hoya made tons of money both inside and outside of the ring. For many, he was like a whiff of fresh air, succeeding financially in a sport where most of the legends before him had gone bankrupt as soon as they retired.
Hermilando "Ingming" Duque Aberia is a social development worker by training and profession. He has worked for close to 23 years for government and non-government agencies in the Philippines. He has a master's degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management. Writing for him is both a hobby and a drain for emotional overflow. He writes on various subjects and has published some of his works in Philippine newspapers.

He maintains a website at http://pacquiaodgoat.ws
Emails can be sent to: pacquiadgoat@gmail.com

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Iceland Volcano

If Eyjafjallajökull was easier to pronounce it would probably be the most famous volcano of all time; as it is Vesuvius will probably retain that title, with Krakatoa coming a very close second. This Icelandic volcano has caused, directly or indirectly due to over reaction from many parties, the most disruption to global travel and commerce than any other single event since World War II. Flights from all around the world were cancelled, travellers, both business and pleasure, were stranded in places as far afield as Sydney, Australia and New York, all waiting for the imense cloud of ash the volcano had spewed into the atmosphere in April 2010, to disperse and the powers that be give the all clear.

The main fear cited by the experts, most notable the Meteorological Office of the UK that used computer models to assess possible dangers posed to aircraft, was that the dust would damage the engines of aeroplanes, causing damage and possible catastrophic failure.

Caution won the day with thousands of flights cancelled or delayed and many times that number of passengers left in parts foreign.

The impact to the economies around the world was estimated to run into the billions, with arguments raging as to who exactly would be picking up the bill, the taxpayer being the obvious place where the buck was likely to stop.

One small group unaffected by the disaster was owners of motorhomes. Most of these people simply stayed secure with a roof of their own over their heads or unplugged and drove home.

It might not have been a silver lining, but it was the best they could have hoped for under that cloud.
Roger Bear likes the idea of a motorhome holiday, being an easier and greener option than flying. This has lead him to study the harmful effects of aviation on the planet and write about holidays without flying.

Roger is a major contributor to http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk which is a web site concentrating on motorhome hire in the UK. If you would like to hire a motorhome, buy a motorhome or start your own motorhome business with a 'buy to let motorhome', please call 0800 612 8719, which is a UK Freephone number.

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