Dog Nurses Motherless Kittens Sunday, August 29, 2010

Kittens from three litters are being nursed by a dog at a shelter in Iowa after the kittens lost their mothers. (April 23)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz8vFqCC9dU&hl=en

Brandon Wegher Iowa halfback "The Machine" highlights Wednesday, August 25, 2010

First down and touchdown machine! Iowa's all time leading high school rusher picks up where he left off as a true freshman for Iowa. Had 967 all purpose yards which ranks 4th all time among freshman at Iowa. Scored 8 touchdowns while splitting time with other backs



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB5nG_HpYCk&hl=en

Top Insurance Companies - Selling Single Premium Life

New and professional insurance agents alike, often overlook selling single premium life. Some agents do not know who the top insurance companies offering the plans are. Other agents are unfamiliar with the advantages the coverage can provide the client. This will briefly explain the needed information on both

This is a great option for a client that has a lump sum of cash not needed right now, and desiring guaranteed life insurance protection. For provide the family or charity with a later payment, single-premium life insurance may be the ideal product for you. The minimum investment payment is usually $5,000.

Single Premium Life Insurance protects the financial security of individuals interested in preserving and transferring their wealth without passing along estate taxes. Single premium life insurance requires a one time, lump sum of money paid into the policy in return for a death benefit guaranteed to remain paid-up until the policy owner dies. With single-premium life insurance, the cash invested builds up quickly because the policy is fully funded.

The size of the death benefit depends on the amount invested and the age and health of the insured. At age 55, a $25,000 single payment on a female could carry a $60,000 death benefit. In turn a 50-year-old male may make a $25,000 single payment and have a $100,000 death benefit. Some SPL policies give tax-free access to the death benefit to pay for long-term care expenses. This super feature can help protect other assets from the overwhelming cost of long-term care. The death benefits remain in the policy, and when the policy owner dies, they pass income tax free to the beneficiaries.

 Investment Options   There are two popular single-premium policies that offer different investment options. First, there is single premium whole life, which pays a fixed interest rate. This rate is based on the investment experience and current economic conditions affecting the insurance company.  The other option is single premium variable life that allows policy owners to select from a wide number of professionally managed money market, stock, and bond or set up a fixed account.

The advantages of single premium life insurance include earnings that accumulate tax deferred, a beneficiary receives an immediate, tax-free death benefit, and policy owners are able to retain access to their money to meet unseen circumstances.

The disadvantages of singe-premium life are that is not a deposit that it is not FDIC insured by a Federal Government Agency. It is also not guaranteed by any bank provisions and could possibly lose value.

The Top Insurance Companies Actively Promoting SINGLE PREMIUM LIFE

1. Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company, all states but Al, AK, MS, NJ, NY, PA, WA

2. AmerUs Life Insurance Group, national

3. Assurity Life Insurance Company, national

4. Aviva Life $ Annuity Company, all states but MA. MT, PA, VT

5. Baltimore Life Insurance Company, all states but KY, MA, MT, NY

6. Catholic Family Life, these 20 states: AZ, CA, CT, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MN, MO, NE, NH, PA, RI, SD, VT, VA. WI

7. CSA Fraternal Life, these 17 states: CA,CO,FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MO, NE, NJ, OH, PA, TX, WI

8. EMG National Life Company, no NJ or NY

9. Equitable Life & Casualty, all states but AK, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, MD, MA, MN, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI

10. Illinois Mutual, all states but not AK, HI, NJ, NY

11. Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, national

12. Motorists Life Insurance Company, available in FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV, WI

13. Mutual of Omaha, all states but MD, MA, NJ, PA, VT

14. New York Life Insurance Company, national

15. National Guardian Life Insurance Company, all states but ME, NY, VT

16. Nationwide Financial, all states but CA, CT, HI, MA. MS, MT, NV, NJ, NC, PA, TX, UT, WA

17. Royal Neighbors, All states but AL, AK, HI, MA, NH, SC, VT

18. SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, most states

19. Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company, all states except AL, AK, ME, MT, NH, NJ, NY, SD

20. William Penn Association, all states except CA, CT, Fl, Il, IN, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NE, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WI

Well published author, Don Yerke likes to concentrate on what you don't know or what no one else dares to print. Tell it like it is.

Watch for his new paperback book debuting on Amazon early this summer. It is loaded with great insurance marketing and recruiting information.

Come and get your FREE "Think and Grow Rich" Ebook by Napoleon Hill instantly. The website address is http://www.agentsinsurancemarketing.com

Hope you enjoyed this article on selling single premium whole life insurance.

GROTTO OF THE REDEMPTION PART 5 Monday, August 23, 2010

GROTTO OF THE REDEMPTION was create by hand from father dobberstein in early 1900's in WES BEND IOWA, suffering from pneumonia,he prayed to our lady and promised her this GROTTO IF CHRIST WIL SPARE HIS LIFE.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-lAiVPef20&hl=en

Buick Lucerne CXL For Sale at Runde Auto Group -- Stock Number 9U118322 Saturday, August 21, 2010

If this link works, then the car is still probably available for sale www.rundeautogroup.com --- give us a call at 800-735-5200 if interested. Walk around video shot at Runde Auto Group in Hazel Green, WI on 7-06-10.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjlJynq-2g&hl=en

slipknot - i am hated Friday, August 20, 2010

slipknot - i am hated!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsIEpEAvlzY&hl=en

My Campaign Slogan? Yawn Thursday, August 19, 2010

390 days.

That's how long it's been since Barack Obama stood on the steps of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois and announced his presidency.

It's been even longer for Hillary Clinton, who has campaigned for 412 days since announcing her intentions on running for the highest office in the country.

Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain all announced their hopes for the presidency well over a year ago. That may be the reason that two of those three have since dropped out.

The fact of the matter is this year's presidential election process has been boring. It's the equivalent of watching grass grow everyday for six hours. Not that I don't love politics and the bickering and infighting and speculation that McCain or Clinton was out of the race months ago. But for this campaign to have lasted over 480 days by the time the conventions roll around, that's absurd.

The problem is the process. We've got this long drawn out primary and caucus garbage that gets us no where but to bed earlier each night. It lasts from early January until June a total of six months. And there was a total of 10 months of campaigning before the voting even started.

The democrats also utilize the dumbest process for electing a candidate. Their formula seems like it was set up to mold a long campaign. Here's the gist of it.

Each state holds a primary or caucus, just like every other state. The difference comes with how the delegates are tallied up.

On the democratic side the DNC decided that each state will do it the same way. Some delegates are rewarded based upon the percentage of the total vote won. For example, if Hillary Clinton won 51% of the vote and Barack Obama won 47% of the vote, Clinton would grab 51% of the delegates. But that's only the beginning.

Delegates are also rewarded based upon the results from each voting district. Each district is distributed a certain amount of delegates (usually three) and they are split up depending on the votes from each district.

Do you see why this is the dumbest process ever?

With this nominating procedure you're left with situations such as Texas, where Hillary Clinton won the overall popular vote, but it looks as if she'll draw with Obama on delegates if not fall short.

So the people that voted for Clinton will be represented at the convention with more Obama delegates. Does that make any sense?

To make it even worse democratic elites thought they should get two votes. So they invented super delegates.

Super delegates are extra special people in the democratic party that are so awesome that they get to vote twice. Well, not literally.

They're Americans so they can vote in their state's primary or caucus, but remember they're also kick ass democrats, so they can endorse any candidate they choose and that candidate picks up another delegate.

Power to the people! Or should I say, power to the DNC elite!

This sucking away of popular sovereignty on behalf of the left has put them in a little bit of a bind.

As of right now neither Obama or Clinton are anywhere near enough delegates to secure the nomination. And if the states continue to split, there's likely not going to be a clear nominee come convention time. But wait! There's a solution. Those flippin' sweet voters called super delegates. They'll sweep in and decide the nominee.

The problem? This country isn't based off of Washington bureaucrats that the DNC feels compelled to knight superior to the average man. It's based off of the American people, and they should decide the nominee.

So how can we do it right? Is there a process out there that would easily pick a nominee with no doubt in anyone's mind. The answer is yes. And we happen to execute the process the first Tuesday of every November.

Our primary voting needs to run just like our general election, minus the electoral college. That means every single state in the union votes for their party's nominee on the same day. We get rid of the delegates and who ever wins the largest percent of American's is the winner. Game, set, match.

We can still have time to evaluate each candidate. We can hold more debates, that actually engage the audience and aren't censored by the media. The candidates can have more rallies and the citizens of this country can ask more questions. But there's no sense in spreading out the votes across six months when most people have their mind made up after two.

Not to mention that a candidate can gain "momentum" and win states that fall later on the calendar. I'm sorry but last I checked this wasn't a game of basketball, this was electing the leader of the free world. A candidate shouldn't have to pick up momentum as strategy, that person should be elected based on their merits and their beliefs, not because they won Iowa or Ohio.

If we do that we'll be able to cut the number of days the electing process takes in half. Because while it's been over 400 days since this darn thing started, there's still 292 days left.

Jacob Bodnar is the host and producer of the weekly conservative podcast, The Current Podcast. His shows and columns can be accessed at http://www.thecurrentpodcast.com

New Iowa Casinos Won't Be Sure Bet Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver says he wants the racing and gaming commission to approve four new casinos in order to bring an economic boost to struggling communities.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03UKn0VgZgk&hl=en

Candidates scramble to the finish New Polls Chris Mathews Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Candidates scramble to the finish New Polls Chris Mathews Hillary Kucinich obama Biden Mccain Palin Richardson Giuliani Bush Keith Olbermann romney Huckabee Hunter Paul Thompson Tancredo Election 2008 Iowa New Hampshire Florida Huckabee Hunter Thompson Tancredo Iowa New Hampshire Florida...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8SlHwsUidM&hl=en

Relocate to Des Moines, Iowa for a Better Pace of Life Monday, August 16, 2010

The capital of Iowa, Des Moines is a sprawling city noted for kicking off the U.S. Presidential campaigns every four years. If you are looking for a more traditional place to raise a family, this may be the place.

Des Moines also serves as the seat of Polk County, and is the center of a growing metropolitan area. With an estimated 196,857 residents in 2006, Des Moines has experienced marginal growth since 1990. The core population peaked at 208,982 in 1960. Since then, outlying suburbs have boosted the overall metro population to over 534,230. While Des Moines has successfully annexed bordering areas, a plan to merge governments with Polk County was soundly rejected by voters. The median age of city residents was 35.6 years in 2006 with 76% of the population being White non-Hispanic. Another 8% were African American, 10% Hispanic and 4% Asian. The African American and Hispanic populations are significantly higher than the Iowa average. About 10% of residents were foreign born, significantly higher than the state average. Over 25% of residents claimed German ancestry. Families made up 62% of Des Moines households. The 2006 median income for households in Des Moines was $41,651, slightly under the state average. It was somewhat below the national average of $46,242. Unemployment in 2006, at 6.8% among the civilian workforce, was greater than the national trend. About 15% of the population lived in poverty, equal in percentage to the number of dropouts in Des Moines.

In 2007, Forbes magazine ranked the Des Moines metropolitan area 4th on its list of "Best Places For Business And Careers." They based it on factors such as the cost of doing business, cost of living, educational attainment and crime rate. The city has been nicknamed "The Hartford of the West", as the economy relies heavily on financial service and insurance industries. Des Moines' largest employer with 7,900 jobs is Principal Financial Group, the only Fortune 500 Company to have its headquarters in Iowa. The insurance industry brings over 150 company headquarters and regional offices to the metro area. Anchored by a strong health care sector, about one fourth of all jobs in Des Moines are attributed to the service industry. Some of the area's best-known manufacturers are Pella Windows, Maytag, Amana, and Rockwell Collins Avionics. Fiber optics is also an emerging industry. If you are moving to Des Moines, it boasts a well-educated workforce. However, wages are somewhat lower than average. The most popular jobs for men was in construction at 12% of the workforce, followed by finance and insurance at 7%. For women, finance and insurance accounted for 16% of their jobs, followed by health care at 14%.

Des Moines and surrounding areas are attractive for housing values and a favorable cost of living. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners in 2006 was $1,114, while renters were paying $631 monthly. About 54% of renters reported spending 30% of their income on housing, only 32% for mortgaged homeowners. Estimated median home value in 2005 was $106,300, on par with the state average. The housing market in Des Moines is incredibly affordable when compared with a national figure of $167,500. Even state and local taxes are lower than the U.S. average. In the third quarter of 2004, the ACCRA Cost of Living Index was just 94.9, about five points under average. While experiencing suburban growth, Des Moines has eye-catching upscale buildings and a rising skyline. Some of the tallest buildings are 30-45 stories high. Skyscrapers took over downtown during the 1970s and 1980s. Life in Des Moines was brought to a halt in 1993 when the city was declared a national disaster area. Flooding of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers caused over $250 million in damages. The resulting construction projects helped renovate and update the city, bringing it into the 21st century by changing the downtown appearance. Several existing downtown buildings are being converted to loft apartments and condominiums. By retaining its small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities that lend to its quality of life, Des Moines was renamed an All-America City in 2003. Hoping to increase tourism and conventions, the area has undergone $1.5 billion in development projects. Among these is a shopping complex, IMAX theater, state science center, riverfront amphitheater, and central library.

If you are moving to Des Moines, there many colleges in its midst. The most significant is Iowa State University, about 33 miles away, with its full-time enrollment of over 24,000 students. Crime in Des Moines took a sharp turn upward in 2005, rising 200 points above the national crime index of 325.2. However, serious offenses like murder have steadily declined in recent years to 2.6 murders per 100,000 residents in 2005, making it one of the safest big cities. On the banks of the Des Moines River, farmers in the Des Moines area enjoy fertile farmland. During the heart of the growing season (early May to early October), about 60% of the 33 inches of annual rainfall is recorded. Harvest time is met with conditions favorable for drying and harvesting crops. However, the weather can become harsh and drastically change.

Summer heat peaks at highs averaging 86 degrees in July and plummet to about 12 for the low in January. During winter, subzero temperatures and drifting snow can impede transportation with over 30 inches of snowfall annually. The area is a tornado zone with a 118% higher risk of a twister than the rest of the country. The city has notable natives like actress Cloris Leachman, members of the rock group Slipknot, famed fashion designer Halston, a female NASCAR driver, an NFL quarterback, a PGA Masters Champion and a former U.S. President, who was a local radio personality, Ronald Reagan.

Lou Ross writes articles about moving issues and moving companies for MovingCompaniesforyou.com.

2009 Texas Review

In 2009 it was almost like Texas got closer and closer to defeat as the season went on. They started the season with multiple blowouts over lesser teams. They continued to roll through Big 12 play unscathed, but were firmly tested in their final regular season game against Texas A&M. Some could possibly write off that close test as a rivalry game on an opponents' field where the rival played inspired football. In the Big 12 title game the Longhorns needed a replay review to set up a final, game winning field goal, but Texas survived to play in the National Championship game. Once there, fate finally caught up with the Longhorns. An injury to starting quarterback Colts McCoy cost them a chance at the National Championship as they fell to Alabama with a freshman playing most of the game. It was a cruel fate for a team that deserved better after the system denied them a chance at the title in 2008. It was also a cruel fate for McCoy, who may have been one of the best college quarterbacks ever, but never got the awards to prove it.

McCoy was a true talent from the moment he came to Texas. A four year start, he showed poise beyond his years and accepted the mantle given to him by previous starter Vince Young. Young has won a National Title in his senior season, and with the way McCoy played as a freshman many Longhorn fans felt that it would only be a matter of time until McCoy won a title or more. Unfortunately, he would only get one chance to do so. In 2008 Texas found themselves in a three way tie for the Big 12 south crown with Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Texas had beaten Oklahoma by 10, but lost to Texas Tech on the game's final play. Oklahoma had destroyed Texas Tech, but with the Red Raiders' win over Texas there was no clear separation among the three. The BCS computers rated Oklahoma higher, so the Sooners got to go to the Big 12 championship and subsequent national championship game. McCoy, who was a Heisman Finalist, led his team to a Fiesta bowl win over Ohio State, but he felt it should have been more.

In 2009 there was no such controversy. McCoy was once again a Heisman Finalist, but instead of losing to Oklahoma's Sam Bradford again he lost to Alabama's Mark Ingram. Late in the Big 12 championship with his team trailing by two he threw an incomplete pass that appeared to land as the clock expired. The officials reviewed the play and ruled that one second should remain on the clock. That one second allowed Texas to kick the winning field goal over Nebraska, sending them tot the tile game. Once there, they struggled mightily when McCoy suffered an injured shoulder in the opening quarter. A pinched nerve in that shoulder which caused numbness prevented McCoy from returning and possibly winning his long awaited national title. It was also a bittersweet ending to a fantastic career.

Writer and editor, Freddie Brister, is a former high school football coach of 25 years. His love of the game of football is reflected in his words and memories of growing up in the South and playing football in the back yard with his brother, cousins and neighborhood friends. His biggest thrill is watching former high school players he has coached play at the college level. His favorite pastime is watching college football on tv and attending the games in person every chance he gets. Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the SEC and college football.

Check out his Texas Rangers Blankets or his Dallas Stars Blankets.

Steve Sarkisian Puts the Washington Husky Football Program Back on Track to Succeed Sunday, August 15, 2010

In a scant 60 minutes, the University of Washington's entire football program went from a lingering negative impact since the departure of legendary coach Don James in 1993, to a positive impact when the Huskies opened their 2009 season against No. 11-ranked Louisiana State University.

Don James is affectionately known as the "Dawgfather" on the U-Dub campus. He is the role model for successful coaches at the University of Washington. James won 22 consecutive games from 1990 to 1992, a national championship, and took the Huskies to 6 Rose Bowls (4-2) and 15 bowl games (10-5) in 18 years.

His 153-57-2 record (a 72% winning percentage) is the standard by which all others are measured. When the Dawgfather speaks, even 16 years after being an active coach, hundreds of people line up to listen intently, and well they should. Fans greet him the reverence and respect he has earned.

Sixteen years of not performing up to Husky football standards had gone beyond tarnishing the image of Washington as an every-year Pac-10 contender and premiere national program to a dismal, inexcusable 0-12 team last year. Clearly, change was not only in order, it had become a "life and death issue" that was not going away.

Enter University of Washington's President Mark Emmert and new Director of Athletics Scott Woodward and "BAM!"-like Emeril Lagasse putting spice into a recipe-the Huskies had a new head coach, Steve Sarkisian, and a new defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, Nick Holt. Both came from University of Southern California's program, where Sarkisian was the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, and Holt was the defensive coordinator.

USC has been the most consistently successful football program in the country during the past 7 years. The Trojans have won at least 11 games a season for the past 7 years, and have been in 7 consecutive BCS (Bowl Championship Series) games-winning 6 of 7 BCS games, including the National Championship against Oklahoma in 2004. Their only BCS loss was to Texas in the 2005 National Championship Game.

Both the consecutive 11-win seasons and the number of BCS appearances are records. Along with head coach Pete Carroll, Sarkisian and Holt were an integral part of USC's success, and now they are patrolling the field and sidelines at Husky Stadium.

The doors which barred key boosters, parents, fans and supporters from attending Husky practice and participating in Husky nation under the old regime were thrown open again. No more silence and no more exclusion as the old brain trust systematically screwed up the program almost beyond repair.

In through the open doors flew new enthusiasm, a new start, a new system, and a new chance for the great unwashed and undisciplined to come back into the fold. Now former players and coaches are once again welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Huskies' drive to success.

The Huskies, who have had to endure 14 straight losses, endured another one in their opener at home against LSU. But there was a clear difference: the Huskies won the battle of ball movement but lost the war, 31-23, while something very important happened.

The LSU Tigers and their coaching staff said and did all of the right things leading up to the kickoff, but inside they were really full of themselves in spite of themselves, all smart and snotty and ready to stomp the Huskies silly. But, as Mark Twain once declared, "the news of his death has been greatly exaggerated."

The Tigers left Husky Stadium realizing they had to do everything humanly possible to come out with a victory. There would be no crowing on the flight back to Baton Rouge. Amen. Husky football is back with a roar, young talent, intensity and a newfound hope for excellent execution on every play.

Forget a play-by-play description of what happened when the No. 11-ranked LSU Tigers came to Seattle. Here is all you need to know to realize the Huskies are back:

1) Washington received the opening kickoff and promptly moved down the field in a 10-play, 79-yard drive that culminated with a 17-yard touchdown pass to James Johnson. Johnson, who is 6-0 and 193, is a true freshman. He had 6 catches for 63 yards in his first college game.

2) Chris Polk picked up 90 yards on 21 carries for a 4.2 average per carry, including a breakaway run of 33 yards, and other runs for 12, 12, 9 and 9 yards. Polk, who is 5-11 and 210, is a redshirt freshman.

3) Jake Locker went 25-for-45 for 321 yards and 2 touchdowns-the 17-yarder to James Johnson and a 9-yarder to Kavario Middleton. Locker, who is 6-3 and 226, is a junior who is learning to be an NFL pocket passer under Sarkisian's new system. Locker is a running threat with speed, and picked up 51 yards in 12 carries, including runs to convert first downs and keep drives alive.

Locker was responsible for giving up points in Washington's second drive of the night. He threw into coverage on a sideline pattern and Tiger linebacker Jacob Cutrera intercepted the ball and returned it untouched for 29 yards and a defensive TD. All things considered, Locker did well in his first attempt under a new system as an NFL pocket passer.

4) In addition to completing passes to James Johnson (6 catches for 63 yards) and Kavrio Middleton (5 for 45), Locker also completed passes to 7 other receivers-Devin Aguilar (4 catches for 76 yards), Johri Fogerson (2 for 58), Chris Polk (2 for 34), D'Andre Goodwin (2 for 19), Jermaine Kearse (2 for 12), Jordan Polk (1 for 12), and Paul Homer (1 for 2). Locker was going through his reads.

5) Homer is a senior fullback and Goodwin a junior wide receiver, but 5 others are sophomores-wide receivers Aguilar, Kearse and Chris Polk, tailback Fogerson, and tight end Middleton-while Jordan Polk is a redshirt freshman tailback, and Johnson is a true freshman. Ah, youth and talent.

6) Sarkisian's new look offense outgained LSU by 157 yards, 428 to 321, and the Huskies ran 83 plays to LSU's 48.

7) Sarkisian's offense went beyond midfield and into Tiger territory on 9 of 11 drives. The Huskies were moving the ball. Forgerson did let a ball drop in the end zone that should have been a Husky TD, and Chris Polk did fumble on the Tiger 5-yard line on another drive. The Huskies are still young, still inexperienced and did make mistakes, but they also put on a show that spelled P-R-O-G-R-E-S-S is on the way.

8) Five times the Huskies were in the red zone and had to settle for field goals and endure a turnover. The LSU Tigers had to be shaking in the cleats, wondering if they could hold the fort from a varied attack.

The message is now clear-Washington Husky football is back. Steve Sarkisian is going to spread the field, he is going to get a lot of players involved on the field, and he is not afraid to play young, talented position players immediately.

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Read more of my football coverage, including:

"College Football Wrap-Up - Week 1 - Brigham Young, Boise State, Alabama and Oklahoma State Are Huge Week 1 Winners"
"College Football - Last Season's Final Statistics Show How the Nation's Top Five Teams Can Be Beat"
"Back-to-Back Winning Seasons and Bowl Appearances Say Michigan State Is Back"
"Look for Steve Sarkisian to Turn Around Washington's Woeful Football Program"
"Not Being Selected Among the Top 25 in the Preseason Coaches' Poll Is the Kiss of Death - You Have No BCS Title Shot"
Find Out Which Division 1 School Had the Worst Football Team in 2008.
Find Out Which Division 1 School Had the Worst Coaching Staff in 2008.

http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/Sports.html

Science is Admitting When You Are Wrong

Have you ever noticed that folks get amnesia; it includes you and me,
when we have to say, the results are in, and I was wrong.

Neuroscientists go against type (Homo sapiens), and immediately publish
to the world when their research indicates they are on the wrong side
of the issue.

It does not matter how ancient and venerated the principle, these guys
find the biggest and baddest Journal and go public with the new findings faulting
their previous thinking.

It occurred recently for the treatment for ulcers, the two Australians got the Nobel. They were wrong about neurogenesis, growth of new brain cells, and neuroplasticity, changes in the function and structure of the brain.
Even the Federal Drug Administration admitted in 2007 some of their drug approvals were killing (heart attacks) the users.

For about three centuries the pro forma principle behind human decision-making, according to the international scientific community, was labeled cognitive, based on a reasoning Cost-Benefit-Analysis.

Philosophers and scientists agreed it separated us from other species, and played out in the advancements of western civilization. We think and act, and are not the puppets of our emotions and instincts.

Decision-Making

Professors Antonio and Hanna Damasio, in the year 2,000, while at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, published an article called Emotion, Decision Making and
the Orbitofrontal cortex.

They opposed the iconic vision of Homo sapiens as the embodiment of logic, reason and analysis, by what they called the Somatic Market Hypothesis. It is a fancy name
for adding your right-brain emotions and feelings to your left-brain reasoning skills.

The Damasios go on to propose emotions are represented by changes in your body state. For the geniuses: specifically two areas in your brain; your somatosensory cortex and your orbitofrontal cortex.

Who Cares

First, emotions and instincts occur through your right brain, and are at a non-conscious level (no awareness).

Second, your mental imagery is deeply involved in decision-making. When you
are beset by negative images, you decide differently than when your mental movies
are positive and offer successful reinforcement. Remember, images precede your
feelings and emotions, and result in different behaviors. Think about it.

One more once. Your orbitofrontal cortex is the basis of your reasoning,
logic and lineal Cost-Benefit Analysis. But it is only one piece of the jigsaw
puzzle.

Amygdala

It is your Amygdala, located in the Limbic system of your brain,
and responsible for your emotions and feelings, plus your somatosensory/insula
cortices,and peripheral nervous system, that are the other critical
structures for decision making. It is left and right brain integration.

When you say humans are reasoning creatures, I think, therefore I am, (according to Decartes), you quote the science of yesterday. The Damasios were the first to focused on the relationship between emotion, decision making and working memory.

They feared not the wrath of the scientific establishment in contradicting
the undisputed knowledge of a up to three centuries of science. They chose to destroy the myth of human cognition as the core of our decision making, and became the first iconoclasts of the 21st century by adding emotions and feelings.

Experience

Your brain stores in its long term memory neuropathways (circuits), your emotional
experiences. Could it be that all your experiences with others are recorded by your
amygdala and hippocampus because you always involved with your feelings and emotions?

The law of Association indicates you automatically access similar prior experiences to compare to present (new) experiences. When you must make a decision, your brain goes into information mode and Googles your circuits for hints and triggers of both past successes and failures to guide it.

You use Association and Mental Visualizations, the language of your brain, for decision making. It combines the skills and structures of your left and right brains.
Your non-conscious mind retrieves associated experiences (knowledge) to overlay
new decision making. It comes by way of mental imagery, intuition and feelings.

Plain folks call it our Gut Instinct, auto pilot, and being in your Zone and in the Flow. The Damasios are scientists, so they call it Body-Loop and an As-If Body Loop. It means the body is bypassed and emotional signals are reactivated.

Right brain emotional decision-making is swift compared to waiting for a left brain Cost-Benefit Analysis. When you are playing tennis, golf or hitting a baseball, do you have time to use your cognitive left brain skills? Life aint got time for chess.

In many required decisions in your life, right brain intuition and instinct are the correct decision making strategies.

Proof

How do we know the Damasios are correct in rejecting three-centuries of
belief in humanity as the continuance of the Rodan version of the Thinker?

Answer: fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imagery illustrates the activation
of the amygdala and other non-cognitive brain structures.

The research was funded by the National Institute of Health. The references are
a mile wide and long. See: Neuroscience Abstract 23: 1318 and Nature 378: 279-229
as an introduction.

Endwords

The Somatic Marker Hypothesis of the Damasios is online with other 21st century scientists who have added mood, attention, intention and emotions to human decision-making. After three hundred years, it is now considered obvious and unworthy of comment the Demasios are correct. Sure.

Speed reading was denied as physiologically impossible by university academics and vision specialists from its inception in the U.S. in 1959. Today, many American and international universities teach speed learning principles in independent courses. Evelyn Wood, a Salt Lake City schoolteacher, was its original advocate and populizer.

We suggest reading and remembering three books, articles and reports while your
peers can hardly finish one is a desirable competitive advance for students and
executives. It is our somatic market hypothesis after a half-century of scientific
rejection.

See ya,

copyright © 2007
H. Bernard Wechsler
www.speedlearning.org

Author of Speed Learning for Professionals, published by Barron's; partner of Evelyn Wood, creator of speed reading, graduating two million, including the White House staffs of four U.S. Presidents.

Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal and fortune Magazine for major articles.

http://www.speedlearning.org hbw@speedlearning.org

Car Accident Saturday, August 14, 2010

Car accident in Clinton, IA. Corner of 4th Avenue South and South Fifth Street



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALJnKjiI5jA&hl=en

Iowa High School Football UNI-DOME 2009-Marshalltown Dowling-1st Half Chanse Creekmur Friday, August 13, 2010

Iowa High School Football UNI-DOME 2009-Marshalltown Dowling-1st Half Chanse Creekmur



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qPk4_PlH9Y&hl=en

Top Ten Fighting Ships: Iowa Battleship

This ship has done it and and remains the best of the best! Find out why the Iowa Class Battleship takes the title as one of the Top Ten Fighting Ships of all time!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pDXk7oblfk&hl=en

Annuity News Now update 7/21/2010 -151A and Iowa Insurance Regulations 2011

www.annuitynewsnow.com Annuity News Now....151a vacated, Iowa state insurance regulation 2011 continuing education requirements and stock market plunge. The following topics are discussed on Annuity News Now 1. fixed indexed annuity 2. roth conversion 3. marketing organization 4. fixed annuities 5. annuity performance 6. retirement income 7. index annuity 8. tax deferral 9. equity index annuity 10.fixed index annuity 11.annuity products 12.news about annuities



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8cHYtHrlyg&hl=en

Scariest Places On Earth (Villisca, Iowa) Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Paranormal researchers pay a visit to a home that is reportedly haunted. As the story unfolds, the team visits a farmhouse where in 1912, someone hacked an entire family to death with an axe. The killer was never caught, and the crime remains a mystery to this day. Want to see more? Check out my page; I have more episodes available than anyone else offers! This series is no longer available and there is no DVD set. Here is what someone in Virginia wrote on a blog concerning this series: "Fox Family Channel by the turn of the century was bought out by ABC TV who is in turn owned by Disney. Disney being family friendly canned this show in 2001. There were a few designated replays of the show on Family Channel but that was just to finish out the obligations to the creators of the show. Today this shows' video tapes sits in the vault somewhere at Family Channel Studios collecting dust and waiting to be released on DVD uncut uncensored and unedited. But knowing Michael Eisner and Disney that ain't never going to happen."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T54lLMJ17kk&hl=en

(College Football) 1999 - Nebraska @ Iowa

September 4, 1999 - Highlights of the college football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes & Nebraska Cornhuskers.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B70MzD2Js38&hl=en

Autism Sings HD - I Can See Clearly Now

Hi I'mJason Halkias, a young man of 23 who at age 4 was thought to just simply have autism, then at age 9 was better understood to have high-functioning Asperger's Syndrome. I like to sing in my free time, and here I'm singing Jimmy Cliff's I Can See Clearly Now.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvIIVE9n3Kc&hl=en

St. Louisans travel to Iowa for Barack Obama

I spent 11 hours on a bus yesterday riding to and from Iowa to campaign in a snow storm for Barack Obama. I was one of 130 St. Louisans — including a statewide elected official, two state senators and a former mayor — that made the long trek on a snowy Saturday morning because we believe Senator Obama is the best person to restore America's promise of hope and greatness. After I get a bit more rest, I'll piece together some video and photos from the trip for you all to see. But here are a few thoughts about the journey. First, it was remarkable to see the wide range of people whose lives Obama has touched and to whom he brings personal inspiration. It was former St. Louis mayor Vince Schoemehl who told the rest of our group yesterday that every generation has a great and inspirational leader — in the same tradition as Presidents JFK and FDR For this generation, he said, that man is Barack Obama. Along with Mayor Schoemehl, other believers on board included State Auditor Susan Montee from St. Joe, MO; State Senators Maida Coleman and Jeff Smith (St. Louis City); St. Louis Aldermen Kacie Starr Triplett (6th Ward) and Sam Moore (4th Ward); Northwoods Alderman Errol Bush; Committeewoman Yaphett El-Amin (1st Ward); and dozens of students, professionals, educators, teens, and homemakers.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSldT3uZvRc&hl=en

Ron Paul's Speech at Iowa Straw Poll Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Ron Paul speaks to an enthusiastic audience in Ames, Iowa, Aug. 11, 2007



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXkVJtz0bNI&hl=en

Notable County Seats in Oklahoma Monday, August 9, 2010

A county seat is the administrative center of a county. This is a term primarily used in the United States. In England, Wales, and Ireland, the term county town is used instead. While most American states only have one county seat per county, there are states where this is not the case (for example, in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Iowa, Arkansas, and Alabama all have two).

Being the county seat is often a source of pride for a city. It is also a prime source of additional jobs. While every state has them, I would like to focus today on some of the important county seats in the historic state of Oklahoma.

Why Oklahoma? Well, I personally believe that it's often a much-overlooked state. Oklahoma is filled with culture and natural beauty. And for those who like to gamble, it's a virtual paradise. Due to a compact between the state and local Indian tribes, the landscape is dotted with both casinos and bingo halls.

So without further delay, here a few important county seats in Oklahoma which you may not be aware of.

McAlester, Oklahoma - Located in Pittsburg County, McAlester is the county seat and a city with a population of 17,783. It is the largest city in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and also home to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. It also has the distinction of being the birthplace of country music legend Reba McEntire.

Many people who follow the news remember McAlester as the scene of the 2004 trial for Terry Nichols in conjunction with the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing.

There are several points of interest in the city, including the Garrard Ardeneum, McAlester Ammunitions Depot, and the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Bingo and casino games can be found at the Choctaw Nation Gaming Center, located at 1638 South George Nigh Expressway.

Enid, Oklahoma - Located in Garfield County, Enid has a population of 47,045 according to the 2000 census. It is located 70 miles north of Oklahoma City.

Notable residents have included Sam Boyd (casino owner), Clyde Cessna (pilot), Thad Luckinbill (actor), Mark Price (NBA player), and Leona Mitchell (opera singer).

If you're looking to play some bingo while you're in Enid, there are four different places to get your fix. The first is the American Legion, where games are held every Thursday at 7:00 pm. Next is the Moose Lodge, where games are held every Monday and Wednesday at 7:15 pm. Next up is the VFW, where games are held Tuesdays at 7:00 pm and Saturdays at 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Finally, there's Palace Bingo. This bingo hall has games Tuesday thru Saturday at 5:30 pm, 7:45 pm, and 10:00 pm.

Newkirk, Oklahoma - Newkirk is the county seat of Kay County, located in far North Central Oklahoma. The population was estimated to be 2,243 at the last census. It is known as the "Gem City of the Plains." The city's entire business district was placed on the National Register in 1984 as a historic district.

Besides a great deal of historic architecture and monuments, Newkirk is also a great place to play bingo. Every Friday at 7pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 5:30pm, and the first Monday at 7pm, you can head on down to Kaw Bingo and play until your heart's content.

Altus, Oklahoma - Home to Altus Air Force base, this is the county seat of Jackson County and has a population of around 21,447. It is also the home of Southwest Technology Center and Western Oklahoma State College. Numerous world-class companies also make their homes there, including Bar-S Foods and Altus Athletic Manufacturing. And if you visit in December, be sure and catch their yearly Christmas in the Park (a holiday event which has received statewide recognition).

Altus also has a couple of fine bingo facilities. The first is the local VFW, which is located at 500 North Veterans Drive. Games are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7pm. Secondly, there's Bingo Oasis, where games are held every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 5pm.

No matter which county seat in Oklahoma you visit, you'll be certain to find a friendly city full of history and natural wonders. In addition, many have casinos and bingo halls to add to the excitement. As you can see, you just can't go wrong by visiting Oklahoma.

McAlester, OK Bingo
Enid, Oklahoma Bingo
Newkirk, OK Bingo

Tips on Finding College Football Predictions Sunday, August 8, 2010

There are tons of college football fans from your little sister to your best friend. Everyone just knows their team is going to win the championship bowl, but how can you really be sure? All you need to do is search for college football predictions on certain websites. They have the opinions of fans and professional sports commentators which will keep you informed about all of the college football predictions for the current season.  

Surf to coolegefootballpoll.com. This is one of the first places you should go to look for game predictions. It contains current football polls, picks and game scores. You can find out all of the most recent comments on college fooball, including pre-game and post-game discussions. If you follow the 'standings' link, found above, resources are available to aid you in making your game predictions. Read about your favourite team by due to clicking on the teams link. The forum on this page has a lot of fan predictions. Here you will find forums called "General Discussion", "Top 25 Voters" and "Picks", so you can potentially find any game predictions. Surf to cbssports.com/. If you are searching for college football prediction this is also another good website.

CBS keeps track of the game also so head to this website, then click on the 'College FB' link under the main banner. Or go to www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/bowls/predictions for a look at their bowl predictions for the upcoming year. You can even join in yourself - find a link called can 'Post Your Own Game Prediction'. Check outcome opinions generated by other fans, and also share your thoughts. You can then watch the game that week to see if your predictions were right!   Surf to msn.foxsports.com/cfb/. Another popular website where game fans can go to find college football predictions is at foxsports.

Found on MSN, the odds and predictions are stated for each college football game played each week. You can use these to make your weekly guesses, or to prove to your friends and college buddies that your team going to win this weekend's game.  You may also enjoy following the popular comments section found there. Have discussions with thousands of other game fans about who you think will be the next big winner. Find people just like yourself, who want to get the predictions and the odds about their favorite college football team.

Tiffany Provost writes about football and sports tips for HowToDoThings.com.

Will There Ever Be a Black President of the US?

If you're ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell you, you must accept, and finally reach for what you know is possible, then we will win these primaries, we will win this election, we will change the course of history...

Barack Obama, Kennedy Endorsement Event, January 28, 2008

America has a black man running for the highest office in the land, and it's not Bill Clinton.
To understand Senator Obama's future chances, it helps to look at the past. Although the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) prohibited voting discrimination, most southern blacks and minorities throughout the U.S. had effectively no vote from the post-Reconstruction era through the 1960s. Through Jim Crow laws, literacy tests and poll taxes legalizing violence and intimidation, southern states were able to keep blacks' votes out of the ballot box for nearly a century. Not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 did all African-Americans in the United States win the vote, allowing "unprecedented black participation in the United States political process" (Congressional Black Caucus Foundation).

It was impossible, then, for an African-American to run a serious campaign for the presidency until 43 years ago.

Since then a successful presidential run has proven elusive for all but the status quo, but several blacks have paved the way. By 1968, on the strength of the Voting Rights Act, Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to Congress and served seven terms, until 1983. In 1972 the little-known Chisholm became the first major party black candidate for President of the United States and received 152 electoral votes, ultimately losing the Democratic nomination to George McGovern.

When another black presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson, made a bid for the presidency in 1984 and 1988, he too surpassed expectations, garnering about 3 million and 7 million votes respectively. In 1984 he gained 21% of the popular vote but only 8% of delegates, and landed in third place for the Democratic nomination. By 1988 he won seven primaries and four caucuses to prove that, although marginalized, he was not the fringe candidate pundits had written off. In 1996, 2000 and 2008 Republican Alan Keyes ran for presidential office, and in 2004 Reverend Al Sharpton campaigned for the Democratic nomination, both less successfully. But all set precedents for today's black candidate.

Some maintain that the idea of a black president remains implausible in 2008. Today the only black senator serving in the U.S. Senate (one of five in history) happens to be running for president. Yet in Obama, this election has produced a viable candidate who is black (actually biracial, black-identified) - one who insists on being judged upon his individual merits. His eloquence, intelligence and charisma have all helped him to bridge the racial divide.

As the current black candidate reshapes the course of U.S. politics, winning primaries in Iowa and South Carolina, the nation may well ask itself: Are we about to witness the first black president? And what will this mean for future black presidential hopefuls?

No matter the outcome in 2008, we can be sure that a glass ceiling has been smashed. In 1990, Obama became the first black president of The Harvard Law Review in 104 years. Now, eighteen years later, he has positioned himself as one of two possible presidential contenders against the Republicans.

The senator has campaigned on the spirit of inclusiveness -- of races and religions, social classes and political parties. Refusing the slot of token black presidential candidate, he chooses to identify not only with African-American voters, but with all voters:

Our separate struggles are really one. If there's a child stuck in a crumbling school who graduates without ever learning how to read, it doesn't matter if that child is a Latino from Miami or an African-American from Chicago or a white girl from rural Kentucky - she is our child, and her struggle is our struggle.

Perhaps it takes a minority candidate to hold out the possibility of a post-race politics. Many voters have responded by overcoming ethnic and gender biases to choose the candidate that best speaks for them (and for younger voters, race simply seems to be less of a factor). With the Kennedy family's recent blessing, and wins in Iowa and South Carolina, America has continued to cheer Obama on. This black candidate is a first in that, against all odds, he has truly broken through.

There is no question that Obama's widespread appeal has made the idea of other black presidential candidates possible. Just as Senator Hillary Clinton awakens us to the real possibility of a woman becoming president, his candidacy too provides hope for a future in which race doesn't play such a divisive role in the political discourse. We are beginning to see that, yes, a black candidate can win in this United States. And soon.

At the same time, it must be said that this man is exceptional in his ability to cross over. He gives you the impression that all things are possible, but his success [http://jackgoodeii.blogspot.com] may have more to do with his charismatic style than with the nuts and bolts and substance of racial politics. In America, we are still living in a racist society - whether latent or blatant. Witness the immigration debate, which is all about race.

Past, present or future -- a minority candidate's power lies in appealing to our greater humanity. "I have a dream that my four little children will...not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," said Martin Luther King Jr., who also urged inclusiveness. This is nothing if not a step toward that dream.

Road Trip 2009 Day 1 (1 of 6)

From Chicago to Wall South Dakota and everything in between.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2JUkGhb-bg&hl=en

Should I Study At Ashford University? An Online Review Saturday, August 7, 2010

I will be looking at Ashford today. Ashford University is a private, for-profit, co-ed liberal arts university located in Iowa, accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. There are both physical campus courses and online courses, but I will be looking at and focusing on the online courses.

Associate, Bachelors, MBAs, and Masters are all offered by Ashford University. For instance, business, social science, accounting, sociology, MBAs, Masters of organisational management and Masters of teaching and learning with technology, are some of the courses that they offer here.

A brief look at the online degrees offered by this university suggests that their main courses are in the arts and social sciences; it is indeed an arts college that does specialise in the arts, after all. Please note that this is not to say that the other online or degree programmes offered by Ashford University that are not arts based are useless or not worth doing, so take note.

There is a benefit to studying with Ashford University, because the fees here are lower than other private online degree programmes and other universities. The website has all its fees for the various associate degrees, bachelors of arts degrees and masters programmes, and it is indeed one of the most inexpensive around. In addition, some classes are 5-6 weeks long and a few degrees can be completed in less than 2 years, which is really fast. That would mean that from a money viewpoint or an economics opportunity cost viewpoint, Ashford University offers one of the lowest costs for studying at a university. Financial viewpoint here means that because it seems to be cheaper, and you finish the degree earlier, you pay less as compared to other online degree programmes. Also note that in addition, there are veteran bursaries and scholarships available, and that might help you should you need aid.

This University's online programmes are affordable accredited programmes that are easy to do and accelerated. These three points make it distinct and unique and different from other universities and other courses. Yes the fees are lower, compared to Kaplan for instance. Yes, the degrees are accelerated, especially since some of them can be done in 24 months and yet others in 12 months, and they still possess the same validity as a degree from the physical campus at Ashford. These key points thus make Ashford a very good recommendation for arts subjects. You might want to consider this university. Cheers and all the best for your online education!

For more online education reviews, please visit Get Your University Degree Online. Studying online should be good!

Fibromyalgia - Can I Cope With This Chronic Medical Disorder at Christmas? (Yes, You Can)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical disorder that greatly impacts various areas of an individual's body. These areas include muscles, and soft tissue that is part of the muscles, such as the tendons and ligaments.

Each year, millions of people suffer with fibromyalgia through the Christmas holidays. This can be a very troublesome time for fibromyalgia sufferers everywhere. Here, you will learn how to cope with fibromyalgia at Christmas.

The most common explanation among sufferers with fibromyalgia of how they feel is that they feel as if they have the flu. This is because the most common symptoms include pain throughout the body, complications with sleep, and extreme levels of fatigue.

Fibromyalgia is not a condition that can be cured; however, there are many effective treatments that can help soothe the symptoms of this chronic condition. In order to cope with fibromyalgia at Christmas, it is important that you learn as much as you possibly can regarding the condition.

The ultimate cause of fibromyalgia is not known. However, many medical professionals have established a list of possible triggers for the onset of the condition. These theories include:

1) An individual who does not get the proper amount of sleep may experience the onset of fibromyalgia and the symptoms may become apparent in these situations. This is because sleeping is the body's time to repair and replenish itself. If it does not get this time to repair and replenish, an individual may experience an attack of fibromyalgia.

2) Many medical professionals account the onset of fibromyalgia to an injury that an individual received at some point in their life. This may be either a physical injury or some type of trauma that affected an individual emotionally. It is believed that these types of traumas have had a direct impact on the brain, nerves, and the spine.

3) Many believe that an abnormality in the chemicals in the nervous system that control the ability to become sensitive to pain may lead to the onset and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

4) Infections that are either bacterial or viral may be culprits to the onset of fibromyalgia. This is especially true if an individual has a genetic predisposition to developing this disease.

While it is common to see fibromyalgia occur in families, there is no conclusive evidence that states that this condition is a result of genetics. There is only evidence that certain families have more than one case of this condition.

Coping with fibromyalgia at Christmas can be extremely difficult for the sufferer and the friends and family members of the sufferer. This is because the individual often suffers from many uncomfortable symptoms that may limit the activities that they commit to.

Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia at Christmas often find it difficult to commit to family gatherings. The ability to engage in activities like Christmas shopping, preparing Christmas meals, and doing something as small as making Christmas cookies may be too overwhelming for the individual who suffers from the symptoms of this condition.

There is a wide array of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Listed below are just a few of the most common symptoms that may affect a person's ability to enjoy Christmas to its fullest extent:

1) An individual with fibromyalgia often experiences extreme muscle pain. This is quite common during the cold weather that is often experienced during Christmas. Having spasms of the muscles, and even cramps in the legs are common symptoms.

2) Many individuals experience sleep complications. This may include waking up at various intervals throughout the night. This can cause a person to feel completely exhausted and as if they have absolutely no energy to commit to anything during Christmas.

3) Many who suffer from fibromyalgia may find themselves struggling mentally. They may be unable to concentrate on a particular task for very long, have trouble remembering words, or even tasks that they must complete.

4) Sensitivities become very noticeable during the Christmas holidays. Lights, smells, noises, and cold weather can actually result in discomfort. Christmas lights, certain smells such as those associated with pine trees, and cinnamon, noises associated with Christmas carols, and even breezes can cause the fibromyalgia sufferer pain.

5) Many individuals suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and are easily prone to vomiting with fibromyalgia. This is especially true during the Christmas holidays because so many different types of foods and beverages are consumed.

6) Simple things - such as household chores, easy work assignments, and changes in schedules, may cause a person with fibromyalgia to experience high levels of stress and anxiety. This stress and anxiety can lead to a fibromyalgia attach at Christmas.

When dealing with fibromyalgia at Christmas, it is important to ensure that you take a few measures to avoid an attack. These measures include:

1) Explain to friends and family members that it may be difficult to commit to certain Christmas activities and gatherings. Having support from friends and family members is very important when you suffer from fibromyalgia at Christmas.

2) If you must shop for Christmas gifts, or prepare for Christmas activities, you should ensure that you do not push yourself. By doing more than you can handle, at inappropriate times, you may find yourself under an attack with fibromyalgia.

3) Enlist the assistance of others to help you with tasks that are related to Christmas. This may include Christmas shopping, baking for Christmas, and other Christmas preparations.

By using the information in this article, this Christmas can be an enjoyable time for you. Remember, when you suffer from fibromyalgia at Christmas, it does not mean that you have to endure the holidays full of stress and pain!

And, despite these issues, to help you get the best deals and discounts on high quality products along with the best choice of products available in the market, I invite you to take a look at my reviews cum shopping site, http://HonorableReviews.com

From Rajagopalan, A strong believer in purchasing only high quality products at the right prices.

Final Top 14 Poll For the 2009 College Football Season

Another great college football season has come and gone. Here is my final poll for 2009, and why I rank them where I do. It was my intention to do a Top 25 Poll as I normally do, however, after my 14th pick, I decided that there were too many teams qualifying for the last 11 spots. I decided not to pick the last 11, but rather highlight 3 teams that caught my attention, 2 of whom would never had made anyone's Top 25 Poll except mine.

1) Alabama (14-0) - Can there be any doubt left? I think not. There is a reason why I have had Alabama ranked No. 1 for the last 7 consecutive weeks of the season. Now you know why. The Crimson Tide beat Florida, last year's national champion, 32-13, to win the SEC Conference Championship, and then took down Texas, 37-21, to win Alabama's 8th national championship.

2) Boise State (14-0) - Both the AP Poll and the Coaches' Poll liked Texas No. 2 and Florida No. 3, but not me. They both lost. I think that really good teams that win bowl games should be rewarded, so I like the Boise State Broncos at No. 2, ahead of Texas and Florida. Boise State (13-0) and TCU (12-0) faced off in the first-ever prestigious BCS game as mid-major teams, and were also teams with unbeaten records. Boise State was ranked 6th going in and TCU 3rd; the Broncos won 17-10. Isn't it about time that we started treating mid-major teams as serious contenders, rather than weak sisters?

3) Ohio State (11-2) - Why not? Let's reward top bowl teams who win. I have been on the Buckeyes case for 3 years for playing and losing their last 3 BCS games. The 8th-ranked Buckeyes upset the 7th-ranked Oregon Ducks, 26-17.

4) Florida (13-1) - Florida lost to Alabama 32-13 in the SEC title game, and believe you me, it was not pretty. That said, the Gators stomped an absolute mud hole in 12-0 and unbeaten Cincinnati, 51-24.

5) Texas (13-1) - Fifth seems about right to me. I don't care that Colt McCoy got knocked out of their national championship game. That is Texas' problem, not mine. If they were so dependent upon one player to win, maybe they are not that good of a team.

6) Iowa (11-2) - Came in ranked 10th and upset a high-scoring, 9th-ranked Georgia Tech (11-3) team, 24-14, by playing great defense.

7) Penn State (11-2) - Came in ranked 11th and beat a very good LSU team, 19-17, when the Nittany Lions should have folded like a cheap, K-Mart deck chair. I can't stand Penn State and JoePa because they keep playing cupcake schedules to roll up victories, but I also cannot ignore a quality win, even if it was the first ranked team that Penn State has beaten all year. Penn State held LSU to 9 first downs, forced 3 turnovers, and caused LSU to commit 10 penalties. Again, Penn State won, a host of other teams may be better, but they lost.

8) Nebraska (10-4) - Might be 10-4 but the Cornhuskers were the last team anyone wanted to play at the end of the year. Bo Pelini's boys beat a good Arizona team, 33-zip, to record the only shutout of the 34-game bowl season. My best guess is that Nebraska is going to start kicking the snot out of some players and teams.

9) TCU (12-1) - Loss to Boise State was the Horned Frogs' first loss of the season.

10) Cincinnati (12-1) - Loss to Florida, as bad as it was, was the Bearcats first loss of the season.

11) Oregon (10-3) - Only lost to Boise State and Stanford during the regular season, and beat Oregon State in The Civil War to go to the Rose Bowl and face Ohio State. Had a terrible game against Ohio State, thanks to the Buckeye defense.

12) Virginia Tech (10-3) - Lost to Alabama, Georgia Tech and North Carolina in the regular season, but put a 37-14 whipping on Tennessee in their bowl game. There was not a lot of love for the Volunteers because of their dippy, turncoat coach.

13) Brigham Young (11-2) - Only lost to Florida State and TCU and, more important, ripped apart Oregon State 44-20 in their bowl game. Beating Oregon State by 24 points in a bowl game is no mean feat, no matter what Oregon State's record is.

14) LSU (9-4) - Louisiana State University is the toughest 9-win team in the country. Lost to Florida by 10, at Alabama by 9, at Mississippi by 2, and in their bowl game to Penn State by 2. How many other teams could lose to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Penn State by a combined 23 points? Answer: None.

Every rating of mine after No. 14 has no real basis in logical argument, which is exactly why I created my own poll, so I could create and cater to my own biased opinion rather than listen to someone else's biased opinion. Besides, I have big grapefruits-the prostate glands of all men grow larger as they get older.

15) Central Michigan (12-2) - I know the Chippewas play in the MAC and went to the GMAC Bowl. They also beat Ohio for the MAC title, beat Troy in the GMAC Bowl, and won 12 games. They joined only 6 other teams to win 12 or more games this season-Alabama (14-0), Boise State (14-0), Texas (13-1), Florida (13-1), TCU (12-1) and Cincinnati (12-1). The Chippewas could be in a lot worse company. I liked Central Michigan's gutsy season.

16) Idaho (8-5) - I don't care if the Vandals are 8-5 and compete in the Western Athletic Conference. Coach Robb Akey won 3 games his first 2 years and was 8-5 this year while winning the Humanitarian Bowl against Bowling Green, 43-42. So what is so special about Idaho that I should rate them as the 16th best team in the nation? Heck, nothing. It is not about the team, it is about the coach, Robb Akey, who chose to risk losing the Humanitarian Bowl by going for the victory on the last play of the game rather than settle for a tie and playing an overtime period. Man, Akey is my kind of guy. Let's shoot for the stars and, if we miss, we might hit the lighting rod on top of the barn. But if we shoot for the lighting rod on top of the barn, we might hit something on the floor of the barn we don't want. After being a doormat for years and years and years, Akey has put Idaho football back on the map. That feat alone deserves high recognition.

17) SMU (8-5) - I am impressed with Southern Methodist University and coach June Jones even more so. Like Idaho, SMU has been a doormat for years. Currently in Conference USA, SMU has gone from 1-11 last year to 8-5 this year and a 45-10 bowl victory over Nevada. SMU is on the rise. June Jones spent 9 years at Hawaii where he went 76-41 with 5 seasons of 9 or more wins, and won 4 of 6 bowl games. SMU got something special when they hired June Jones; now Mustang fans are finding out why.

I have no more picks from 18 through 25. You pick them as you see them. I am all done for the year. I just am not impressed with any of the rest of the teams. Thanks for your continued, loyal readership. I even appreciate the criticism and hate mail because I know you care as much as I do-we just disagree on some things. Be good, and strive to be happy-sports isn't everything in life, it is just one of the important things in life.

Read more of my 2009 college football coverage, including: Fourteen consecutive weeks of NCAA Division I wrap-ups covering the top teams and key upsets. Fourteen consecutive weeks of Ed Bagley's Top 25 Poll (heck, I figure I am as good at picking them as the writers and coaches who pick the AP Top 25 and the Coaches' Top 25 Polls, plus, I add some humor to lighten the load). Coverage of the Washington Husky and Michigan State Spartan football programs, including Washington's stunning 16-13 upset of Southern California early in the season.

http://www.edbagleyblog.com/Sports.html

Also find FREE articles and advice on resumes, cover letters, job interviews, negotiating pay, education, careers, handling objections, and how to find the high-paying jobs regardless of your educational level. Did you know that there are 23 critical elements on your web site that could be killing your business now? You can identify these elements with a 50-page, detailed audit of your Internet Marketing business by leading SEO experts. Act now because this audit, which costs $197, is free on my web site for a limited time.

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Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

Iowa Home Mortgage Loans - Should You Use A Broker Online (yes!) Friday, August 6, 2010

Iowa continues to have strong home sales, even while many other parts of the country have seen a weakening in the real estate market. With a slightly higher job growth rate than the rest of the nation, cities in Iowa are still attracting homebuyers. And with the insurance and technology fields continuing to grow in the state, homes sales look likely to remain strong. So for new homebuyers, it is important that you have your mortgage financing figured out ahead of time. An online mortgage broker can help you get pre-approved with a low costing home loan - all from the convenience of your home.

Better Mortgage Rates Online For Iowa Residents

Mortgage brokers sort through financing companies to give you the best deals that they can find. Some brokers have also worked out lower costing loans with financial companies, which you can't find anywhere else. You can save yourself time and money by working with a broker. So whether you live in the metro areas of Cedar Rapids or the rural farmlands around Perry, you have an equal opportunity of getting a low costing home loan.

Working With Multiple Brokers

To make sure that your mortgage broker is getting you the best deal, don't be afraid to request loan quotes from a number of different brokers. Based on your new Iowa address, income, and credit score, you should receive fairly accurate information on home loan rates and fees.

Easier Loan Process With An Online Broker

With the tight housing market and expected decrease in future home construction, getting pre-approved for a loan is one of the few ways you can edge out other homebuyers. Fortunately, with online brokers your mortgage application can be processed in just a few days. Paperwork is finalized through FedEx or USPS, so you don't have to travel to an office.

Visit Iowa Lending Center for a list of Recommended Iowa Home Mortgage Lenders, whether you are looking for home purchase, refinance or a home equity loan.

How to Be a Landlord - Master These Easy and Crucial Tips Now

Investing in rental property can be highly profitable but first you will have learn how to be a landlord. The good news is that as long as you take the right steps, becoming a successful rental property owner is both rewarding and highly doable.

Do You Have a Simple System to Keep Things Well Organised?

The first thing that you should think about when you want to learn how to be a landlord is to have a simple system for keeping things in order. Are you someone who can keep dozens of different payments straight and who has a clean desk to work on? A landlord should be well organised and efficient.

The more organised your paperwork and your maintenance schedules are going to be, the more your tenants will appreciate it and come back to renting with you. Being well organised also helps you save a lot of precious time.

Are You Going to Manage the Property Yourself or Leave it to Others?

What do you know about the upkeep of rental properties? Some people know nothing at all and leave it to property managing companies, while other landlords prefer to get their hands dirty. There is nothing wrong with either approach as long as you know what goes into the taking care of a building.

Be aware that taking care of a few single family homes is going to be vastly different than taking care of a large apartment building in a bustling city. Learning how to be a landlord involves figuring out what your property needs and how you can best take care of it.

Learning to Account for Your Cash Flow and Property Taxes is a Must

Are you someone who sends your taxes out, or do you prefer to do them yourself? When you are looking at becoming a landlord, remember that you are going to be dealing with a fair amount of cash. You might be looking after the mortgage of the place along with any fees or rents you charge.

Unless you can keep your bookkeeping in good shape and know where everything goes, you are going to be pretty stressed when it comes to tax time. Instead of having to guess, proper accounting and money management will help you know for sure if your rental property is bringing home the cash every month.

Do You Have the People Skills and will Enjoy Dealing with Tenants?

Part of being a good landlord is being someone that your tenants feel that they can trust and depend on. This will help you keep good tenants in your buildings and make sure that you are going to be able to get the results that you need.

Are you able to communicate well with people? Are you confident of handling your tenants if anything goes wrong? Being a landlord is a very people intensive job, so consider if you have what it takes to do a good job.

Teo Zhenjie has been showing landlords how to manage their tenants and rental property effectively on Propertydo, http://www.propertydo.com/ - To learn more important tips on how to be a landlord, visit his website today for step-by-step real estate guides, free resources and forms.

The Allure of Texas High School Football Thursday, August 5, 2010

Even if you've never been to a Texas high school football game, you probably know that these games and the fans who follow them are somewhat different than other high school football games and fans. In Texas, football isn't a sport and it isn't an extra-curricular activity. No, it's almost been elevated to the level of a religion. To say that Texas high school football fans are passionate about the spot would be an understatement; a huge understatement.

Friday Night Lights may have been first a popular book and then a film but it all started with the true story of one season with the Odessa Permian Panthers. Hollywood didn't need to pump up the real life story of this Texas high school team with fabrication; the real story was already enough of a legend to carry it all the way to the silver screen.

If you think you know high school football, you haven't seen anything until you've seen it from the Lone Star State. Even the smaller schools really get involved. It's not uncommon to see entire caravans traveling the Texas highways on Friday nights; the football team, drill team, cheerleaders, marching band and sponsor. All of that can easily require a dozen buses or so. And that's not even including the hordes of parents and fans that travel right along with them. In relatively few other events will you see devoted fans travel hundreds of miles for a playoff game; and keep in mind that in Texas that's entirely possible. The border from east to west stretches almost one thousand miles.

So, what is it exactly about Texas high school football in particular that seems to appeal to such a mass audience? While there may be no definitive answer for that question, there is definitely one certainty: nothing else on earth has quite the same intensity and passion to it. You can feel it reverberating in the air when you step into any high school football stadium throughout the state.

High school football fans in Texas are not just passionate about football; they live it and breathe it. On any given Friday night during football season in Texas you're likely to see just about as much violence in the stands as you are on the turf if one fan happens to aggravate another.

And that's not even mentioning the rivalry that can take place between teams in Texas. While it's not uncommon at all for neighboring towns throughout the country to form high school football rivalries, Texans take it to a whole new level. In many cases, extra policeman have to be called out during big rival games just to keep the peace among the crowd. In a few instances, some towns had to stop even playing one another at all because of the violence that ensued between fans in the stands and on the sidelines during rival games.

The exact allure of Texas high school football may be somewhat difficult to describe, but one thing is certain: you feel it when you experience it.

If the rest of the world loves soccer, Texans love football.

Joe Kenny is a fan of many sports but soccer is the main love of his life, he writes for the UK football forum [http://footballtalk.org/forums] site, FootballTalk.org. Join the soccer forum [http://footballtalk.org] for free today and have your say!

Visit today: [http://footballtalk.org]

Change Yes, Ron Paul No

Ron Paul's obnoxious supporters like more traditional political activists can spin and delude themselves about election results. But the Iowa caucus results could not be clearer: The vast national desire for political change is manifesting itself through support for both Democratic and Republican change-candidates. Despite Paul being flush with money and having a large number of workers in Iowa, he was solidly rejected as the leading change agent.

Even with a huge historic turnout of about 348,000 participants, Paul did not attract significant numbers of independents that could easily participate in the Republican caucuses. They went to Obama, Edwards and Huckabee.

On the Democratic side, of some 232,000 people that turned out for the caucuses, nearly doubling what it was four years ago, about 70 percent wanted change and went for Obama and Edwards, roughly 150,000 participants.

On the Republican side, of the 116,000 participants, about 40,000 change-voters went for Huckabee, compared to 11,600 that chose Paul, giving him fifth place. That 10 percent for Paul was very close to the 9 percent found in a Des Moines Register poll of likely caucus voters (margin of error 3.5 points). Interestingly, like Paul, Huckabee also wants to eliminate the federal income tax.

In both parties, change-voters totaled about 200,000. So Paul received just 6 percent of that large fraction, and just 3 percent of the total of all caucus participants in Iowa. Paul was first in only one county, Jefferson, with 36 percent

Edwards was absolutely correct when he summed things up this way: "The one thing that is clear from the results in Iowa tonight is the status quo lost and change won."

With all the hoopla from Paul supporters about younger people being for Paul, that's not what the Iowa results showed. Younger people seeking change and inspiration flocked to Obama, in particular. There was no demographic in Iowa that overwhelmingly went for Paul. Sure, Paul beat Giuliani, but Paul's effort in Iowa was much bigger than Giuliani's.

None of these results will impact Paul's supporters nationwide. Earl Ofari Hutchinson wrote a great article on Alternet.org: "Ron Paul is Scary, But Those Who Cheer Him Are Even Scarier." He was right when he said: "The scariest thing about GOP presidential contender Ron Paul is not his fringe, odd-ball racial views. It is that people take him seriously." But now Iowa has thankfully shown that the vast majority of Americans, especially those seeking political change, reject Paul.

After losing badly in Iowa Paul said: "The other candidates talk about tinkering with the status quo. We don't want to tinker; we want to change the status quo." He said that his campaign is on the upswing and gaining support among independents, frustrated Republicans and unhappy Democrats. Just one very big problem: The Iowa results show that all these people are much more likely to vote for other Democratic and Republican change-candidates.

Paul's supporters claim that he will do much better in New Hampshire where Libertarian Party members hold a number of offices. I don't think so. Several polls taken before the Iowa results found Paul at just 5 to 9 percent. Will Paul get a big boost from Iowa? I don't think so. Paul had predicted he could finish in third place in Iowa, and many of his supporters think he will do that in New Hampshire. I don't think so. Paul will likely finish fifth in New Hampshire, in large part because more independents will go to Obama and McCain.

When Paul first ran for president as the Libertarian Party candidate in 1988, he won just 0.54 percent of the vote. Iowa shows that his second presidential bid will not produce much better results. Paul is definitely not tapping in a major way into the national populist movement, major desire for political change, anti-status quo sentiment, or even the anti-Iraq war issue. Clearly, other Democratic and Republican change-candidates are doing much better. This reality will not affect Paul's passionate, cult-like followers that are solidified like cement in their belief that Paul can and should be our next president, something that Paul himself probably never really believed.

Iowa State Fair - Hobby Stock Car Racing Wednesday, August 4, 2010

If speed is what you like, our next item is right up your alley. Toby Kruse has the call for some more dirt track racing on the Grandstand track for the A Main feature for Hobby Stocks. It's the Deery Brothers Summer Series. For more Iowa State Fair 2008 Coverage visit www.iptv.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixqG6JrDtdA&hl=en

Where to Get Cheap Iowa Auto Insurance

Iowa has some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the United States, which is good news for Iowa residents looking for car insurance. Even so, insurance costs can vary widely from one insurance company to another and you want to make sure you're getting the cheapest rate possible. To save on your auto insurance, follow these tips:

Drop Extra Coverages You Don't Need

You may be paying for insurance coverage you never or rarely need, such as towing and rental coverage. Consider dropping these extra coverages to lower your insurance rate.

Depending on the age of your auto, you may also want to drop your comprehensive and collision coverage. Most insurance companies recommend dropping these coverages if your auto is more than five years old.

Get All the Discounts You Qualify For

Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that will lower your auto insurance rate. Ask your insurer if you qualify for any of these discounts:

* Multi-policy discount

* Multi-car discount

* Good student discount

* Good driver discount

* Anti-theft discount

* Safety features discount

* Low mileage discount

Also ask your insurer if there are any other discounts you might qualify for.

Shop Around for the Cheapest Iowa Insurance

You comparison shop for other major purchases, and at upwards of hundreds of dollars a year, auto insurance certainly qualifies as a major purchase. If you don't shop for the cheapest insurance rate, you're probably paying too much.

To make your comparison shopping easier, visit an insurance comparison website. Once you submit your insurance information, multiple A-rated insurance companies will give you insurance quotes and you can then choose the cheapest rate. On the best of these websites, you can even talk online or by phone with insurance professionals to get answers to your questions. (See link below.)

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get Iowa auto insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more auto insurance tips in their Articles section.

The authors, Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker, have spent 30 years in the insurance and finance industries, and have written a number of articles on Iowa auto insurance.

John Edwards - Endorsed by Mari Culver, Iowa's First Lady

Mari Culver, First Lady of Iowa, endorses John Edwards on Monday, December 17, 2007.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3JvobrMH8&hl=en

Finding Iowa Court Records Online

Many states, including Iowa, are starting to provide access to their court records online through comprehensive computer databases. This is good news for the average person or small business that needs to do background checks on people who they interact with everyday or prospective new employees.

Before online access to court records was available these types of checks had to be done manually. A request was made of each courthouse to do a search of their criminal records archives for the person in question. When you consider that there are 99 counties in the state of Iowa you would need to make 99 different requests if you wanted to cover the entire state. When you add in state and federal courthouses the number of requests gets even larger.

You will also need to take into account that many people move between states and may have criminal records that cross state lines. This makes it important to be able to look beyond just one state when doing a background check. While finding Iowa court records online can be what you need for your intended purposes you may be missing an important part of the background check puzzle if you limit yourself by staying inside state lines.

To do this you need to use one of the big online court records search websites. They provide comprehensive searches not only in the state of you choice but also nationwide. In many cases these sites will also provide data outside of the United States, with the most likely choice being Canada and the United Kingdom.

If you do decide to join a criminal records website there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. First make sure they charge a one time fee that is 100% refundable. You don''t want to spend your money only to find out they don't have the information they are looking for. You also don't want to end up at a site that charges by the month or even worse by the search. At the reputable sites a one time nominal fee will give you unlimited criminal record searches for the length of your membership.

To learn more about doing a state background check and to start your Iowa Court Records Search Click Here.