The Balunywa Blog

STELLA AWARDS 2011

2012-01-28T01:52:00.000-08:00

It is once again time again for the annual 'Stella Awards'! For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico , where she purchased coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving.
Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right? That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.

SEVENTH PLACE

Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The
store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son. Start scratching!

SIXTH PLACE

Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles , California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.
Scratch some more...

FIFTH PLACE

Terrence Dickson, of Bristol , Pennsylvania , who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT days and survive on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental Anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish Keep scratching. There are more...

Double hand scratching after this one…

FOURTH PLACE

Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.
Pick a new spot to scratch, you're getting a bald spot…

THIRD PLACE

Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?

Only two more so ease up on the scratching...

SECOND PLACE

Kara Walton, of Claymont , Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her
$12,000....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.

Ok. Here we go!!

FIRST PLACE

This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was: Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her, are you sitting down?
$1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy a motor home.

If you think the court system is out of control, be sure to pass this one on.

Kampala Woman MP Nabila survives accident

2012-01-27T17:47:00.000-08:00

Kampala Woman MP Nabila survives accident

How Much We Share In 60 Seconds (Infographic)

2012-01-27T15:43:00.001-08:00

Cassette Vs Ipod!

2012-01-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

Ritemail: Celebrities Then and Now

2012-01-27T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ritemail: Celebrities Then and Now: Unfortunately, we all grow old and inevitably yield to the action of time. Let's see how some of the stars looked like as a child in his yo...

10 Love Lessons Learned from the Movie Love Guru

2012-01-27T05:31:00.000-08:00

Who says Hollywood doesn’t make socially redeeming movies anymore? Just take a look atLove Guru, the Mike Myers film. It’s loaded with romantic advice. In fact, we’ll list 10 love lessons you can learn from the movie Love Guru.

Acts of kindness should never be motivated by expectations of reciprocal gestures. For instance, it’s OK if your Uncle Jack helps you off an elephant, but you really shouldn’t return the favor. Just saying.
Until a man learns to love himself, he may only date three girls named Ann: Ann Visible, Ann Flatable, and Ann Job.
Wisdom of Guru Pitka Part 1: “Intimacy is like putting your wiener on a table and having someone say ‘That looks like a penis… only smaller’.” Speaking of intimacy …
Wisdom of Guru Pitka, Part 2 enlightens us as to the true definition of intimacy : “I speak of Intimacy, or ‘Into me, I see’.” The guru is telling us that we need to know ourselves before we can become intimate with another. Or at least that’s what we think he’s trying to say.
If you love someone, you will make for them a Quebec pizza. It may not seem like much on the surface, but there’s love in there. And some ketchup.
If your boyfriend looks as though he’s smuggling a schnauzer, don’t be alarmed. That’s a good thing; though you may want to keep him on a short leash, away from your girlfriends.
Wisdom of Pitka, Part 3: Love means having a lot of Clarity, Organization, Charm, and Knowledge. In fact, the more you have, the more love you are likely to get.
Wisdom, Part 4: When your partner is being disrespectful of your feelings, it is important that you tell them, “Be Loving and Openhearted With My Emotions”.
Another important love lesson learned from the movie Love Guru is that you must truly love Mike Myers to be willing to watch this film. But a more important lesson is this …
If you have any hopes of having a second date with her, don’t take her to see this film on your first date.

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Source: (http://www.bestdatingsites.org/blog/2012/10-love-lessons-learned-from-the-movie-love-guru/)

Before and After Marriage!

2012-01-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

Besigye calls for Regime Change

2012-01-27T02:44:00.000-08:00

Besigye Teargassed

2012-01-27T02:37:00.000-08:00

Remember the Google Colours?

2012-01-27T02:32:00.000-08:00

Face Book Wall!

2012-01-27T02:25:00.000-08:00

10 Reasons People Forget They are in Love

2012-01-27T02:12:00.000-08:00

Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being “in love” which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.

– from the novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, by Louis De Bernieres

How do lovers ever manage to forget that they are in love? Can such devotion slip one’s mind? In a manner of speaking, yes it can. There are circumstances under which love can be forgotten, lost sight of, or simply neglected. Here are 10 reasons people can forget that they are in love:

Status Quo – When two people have loved one another long enough, it can easily be taken for granted. After the initial fireworks subside, the flame of love needs to be stoked occasionally.
Anger – A person who is given over to their anger is prone to forget or ignore all other feelings, It can even lead us to convince ourselves that we are not in love.
Lust – Call it a temporary loss of memory, or selective amnesia; however you describe it, a person focused on the physical allure of someone else will often forget their commitment to their partner.
Amnesia – Of course, there are clinical cases in which a person can genuinely lose their memory, including knowledge of their loved ones. Another example of this …
Alzheimer’s Disease – There are few experiences more tragic than to witness the loss of a loved one, into an irreversible loss of memory, and self.
Drunkenness – Then again, there are other “clinical” instances which aren’t so permanent, innocent, or readily explained.
More Than a Feeling – For some, it’s a matter of misunderstanding what love really is. Thinking that love is an emotion rather than a commitment, they interpret a loss of that sensation of being “in love” to mean that they no longer love the other person.
Separation – For all the sentimental declarations that love endures, lasts forever, etc., the reality is that it does need nurturing. Being apart for any length of time means having to work that much harder at keeping love burning.
Skewed Priorities – Life has a way of distracting us at times from those things that are really important. It may be time you left a slot open on your daily planner for love.
Changed Perspectives – Here is a situation where one or both of you have grown apart in some ways, leading you to forget what it was that had drawn you together in the first place. The love may still be there, but it doesn’t come as easily as it once did.

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Source: (http://www.topdatingsites.com/blog/2012/10-reasons-people-forget-they-are-in-love/).

7 Home Remedies for a Kid with a Belly Ache

2012-01-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

2012 JANUARY 24

tags: stomach ache, tummy ache

by Ken

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Kids have belly aches for all kinds of reasons and not all of them have to do with illness. Sometimes stress or anxiety is to blame. Finding out the basic cause of the discomfort can help in deciding which remedy you want to use. Here are a few tried and true remedies that have been passed down through the years.

Warmth – Whether you use a heating pad, hot water bottle or a sock filled with uncooked rice and heated in the microwave oven, putting a warm pad on the tummy seems to help in many cases. If you use a heating pad make sure there is at least one layer of cloth between the pad and your child’s skin and use the lowest setting. Hot water bottles can be covered with a towel and if you choose to use the rice in the sock method make sure there are no holes in the sock. Put in just enough rice to make the pad flexible and make sure it is securely tied before heating. Check the temperature before you place it on the child’s belly.
Ginger ale – Sipping on ginger ale can help calm an upset stomach and also help reduce nausea. For the most effective result look for ginger ale that is made from real ginger as opposed to an artificially flavored drink.
Salt water – Older folks swear by this remedy: take a spoonful of salt and mix it in warm water and drink it down. The tummy ache should be relieved within minutes.
Apples – Kids will love this one for a tasty remedy. Core an apple and cut it up with the skin left on. Sprinkle a little ground ginger and sugar on the pieces and heat in microwave oven for around 30-45 seconds. Have them eat it while it’s warm and soon your little one’s belly should feel good again.
Burnt toast – This sounds a bit drastic but it works. Slightly burn a piece of toast in the toaster or oven. To make it more palatable you may want to put some butter or a bit of jam on it. The charred bread absorbs toxins in the tummy and makes it feel better.
Ginger root – Though it’s a bit spicy and some kids may not like the taste, it’s definitely worth a try. Chewing on a piece of fresh ginger root is best, however, sliced crystallized ginger works also and can be found in the produce section of the grocery store. Just be aware that the crystallized ginger is covered in sugar. Have your child chew on a piece or two. This also works very well for motion sickness or tummy ache due to anxiety.
Tea – There are some specific homeopathic teas expressly made for tummy aches and these can be found at larger grocery stores or co-ops. For more readily available teas try mint or ginger. Adding honey and/or lemon also helps.

Sometimes all a kid needs to feel better is a little TLC. If the tummy ache continues or gets worse see a doctor to make sure there is not a more serious problem involved.

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Forgive Me Father....!

2012-01-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

Girl: "Forgive me father for I have sinned."
Priest: "What have you done my child?"
Girl: "I called a man a son of a bitch."
Priest: "Why did you call him a son of a bitch?"
Girl: "Because he touched my hand."
... Priest: "Like this?" (as he touches her hand)
Girl: "Yes father."
Priest: "That's no reason to call a man a son of a bitch."
Girl: "Then he touched my breast."
Priest: "Like this?" (as he touched her breast)
Girl: "Yes father."
Priest: "That's no reason to call him a son of a bitch."
Girl: "Then he took off my clothes, father."
Priest: "Like this?" (as he takes off her clothes)
Girl: "Yes father."
Priest: "That's no reason to call him a son of a bitch."
Girl: "Then he stuck his you know what into my you know where."
Priest: "Like this?" (as he stuck his you know what into her you know where)
Girl: "YES FATHER, YES FATHER, YES FATHER!!!"
Priest: (after a few minutes): "That's no reason to call him a son of a bitch."
Girl: "But father he had AIDS!"
Priest: "THAT SON OF A BITCH!!!"

10 Ways To Find Out If Your Love Wants Kids!

2012-01-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

Even the happiest couples can run into a serious roadblock when one person wants children and the other doesn’t, but broaching the subject can be sticky. Opening the discussion too soon can make your partner feel like they’re being rushed into very serious commitments, but avoiding the topic for too long can lead to disappointment. Here are ten ways to find out if your lover wants children in the future.

Invite Them To Family Dinner – Dinners or other gatherings where the extended family will be together are a great way to expose your mate to the little ones in your family. If they ignore the kids altogether, they might not be interested in any of their own.
Take a Trip to The Park – A romantic day at the park can also serve as a barometer for parental instincts. If your lover avoids the kids or seems irritated by them, they might not be parent material.
Point Out Cute Kids – The next time you’re enjoying a shopping trip or dining out with your honey and you spot a particularly adorable tyke, point them out. If they seem disinterested or change the subject, starting a family might not be on their to-do list.
Talk About General Plans For the Future – Asking your sweetie where they see themselves in ten years or what their long-term goals are might turn up the answers you’re looking for. If they want children in the future, they’ll probably say so in their response.
Mention Friends’ Children – Talking about your friends’ kids can elicit a response from your significant other in a general sense; if you relay a particularly cute anecdote, they may mention how they’re looking forward to children of their own one day. Conversely, they may firmly state that they never want kids.
Start a Discussion About Birth Control – The issue of birth control is one that every couple has to address; it’s a great opportunity to say things like, “I want children one day, but definitely not yet.” Statements like this can get the conversation off the ground without feeling like you’re pushing too hard.
Visit Friends or Family in the Hospital After a Birth – Few things stir up the parental instincts like a newborn. If a friend or family member has a new baby, bring your mate along for the visit. Simply seeing new parents in action might cause the conversation to develop naturally.
Pay Attention To Their Language – The words that a person uses and their inflection can often clue you in to their thought processes. When the subject of children comes up, watch their facial expressions and listen to the way they speak. If their tone is derisive or disgusted, it’s a good sign that they’re not interested in parenting.
Observe How They Interact With Their Nieces and Nephews – While introducing your mate to the little ones in your family can give you some clues, their behavior can be colored by the desire to make a good impression or anxiety from meeting the whole clan. Watching how your lover interacts with the children in their own family can be more telling, as they’re likely to be more comfortable and genuine.
Just Ask – Taking the plunge and asking this question can be nerve-wracking, but so can analyzing their every move and trying to decode their statements. If becoming a parent (or not) is a deal-breaker for you, you should take the bull by the horns, so to speak.

In the early stages of a relationship, tackling the big issues can be a bit too forward. These situations might call for careful handling; however, if you’ve been together for quite some time, you should feel comfortable enough to talk about things that affect your lives and your future together.

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Walk-to-work-reloaded rally foiled

2012-01-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

Gov't reacts to W2W arrests

2012-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

Work Station

2012-01-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

Source: MakeUseOfGeeky Fun

Music piracy hurts Artists!!

2012-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

.....oh, does it????

Source: MakeUseOfGeekyFun

Ingrid Turinawe is new W2W face

2012-01-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

10 Reasons Our Kids are Not Nearly as Tough as We Used to Be

2012-01-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin | in Nanny

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard an adult say, we didn’t do that when we were a kid and we lived to tell about it. It does seem that we have become a society of over protective parents. If we could wrap our kids in bubble wrap we would just so they wouldn’t get hurt. It seems somewhere along the line our world started revolving around our children. Instead of children being seen and not heard like when I grew up, now my life involves running from one activity to another for my kids. Check out 10 reasons our kids are not nearly as tough as we used to be.

No seatbelts: We grew up before seatbelts were mandatory in every car. (At least I did.) On family vacations I used to sit at a small table and chair in the back of the family van and played with my dolls. There was no such thing as a car seat or being strapped in. We could fall asleep in our mom’s lap or across the back seat and it was no big deal to leave us there. We lived to tell about it.
No helmets: When we learned to ride a bike we did so by trial and error. You would get on and ride and if you fell over then you dusted yourself off and got back on until you mastered it. There weren’t 10 year old kids around that rode bikes with training wheels on them. We would have so teased them back then.
The principal or teacher could spank us: When I was in school I knew that if I misbehaved the teacher or the principal could get the paddle and spank me with it. My parents would have applauded if I had it coming. Back then kids didn’t talk back to their teachers or cuss at them. And we certainly wouldn’t have dreamed of hitting a teacher. As far as I know no one ever died from getting a spanking at school. We were a whole lot more respectful back then.
We knew how to lose: These days we are so afraid that little Johnny’s psyche is going to be damaged if he loses a game and that his self-esteem will be low. The kids don’t know how to lose. They go out for sports and they play games, but no one keeps score. (Wink. Wink.) Heaven forbid someone wins and someone loses. Kids need to toughen up and take their lumps. This whole thing about everyone getting a participation trophy is a farce.
Kids got into fights: When we were young, kids would occasionally get into fights after school. Was it a good thing? No, but no one died from it. We didn’t have to worry about a kid pulling out a knife or a gun. Things were settled the old fashioned way of fists flying. Kids today wouldn’t have a clue what to do in a fight.
Kids were disciplined when and where they needed it: Back then we knew if we acted up at the store that our parents would not hesitate to spank us. People expected you to discipline your child. These days parents are afraid to discipline their kids for fear that someone will call CPS on them or tape it and put it on YouTube.
Knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards…: The list goes on and on with safety items for our kids. When I was young I learned how to roller skate by falling down and getting back up. Yes, I had my share of bruises, but so did everyone else, so no one noticed. It was normal to be a bit bruised and scraped up, we were kids. We have kids so bundled up now when they go out to play I’m surprised they can move with all of the padding on.
We went outside and played all day: When I was young our parents would say go out and play. I didn’t have to stay in the yard and I didn’t have to be watched by an adult every minute. I knew how to entertain myself. I would ride my bike and when I got tired I would do something else. When it was time to eat, mom would let out a yell for me to come in. We are so afraid someone is going to kidnap our kids that we never let them have any freedom just to play.
Teachers gave A’s and B’s: Some schools today don’t give a letter grade to the students. They don’t want to “label” them. So instead they grade with a point system as if you were at a job. 4 means you walk on water, 3 means you are at grade level, 2 means you are below grade level and a 1 means you just aren’t getting it. What happened to F’s? What happened to failing? Kids don’t get held back in school nearly as often either. No child left behind, kind of means that kids get pushed on that shouldn’t be.
We drive our kids everywhere: Again, we’re so afraid that someone is going to kidnap our kid that we don’t let them ride their bike to practice or to school. This is another reason kids aren’t getting the exercise that they need. We coddle them and we certainly weren’t coddled when we were growing up. Source: (http://www.nanny.net/blog/10-reasons-our-kids-are-not-nearly-as-tough-as-we-used-to-be/).

Future President?

2012-01-20T03:26:00.001-08:00

FDC president and Uganda's leading opposition leader in a police cell where he was incarcerated yesterday for attempting to walk to walk protesting government's handling of the economy.

10 Tips for Maintaining Your Home Appliances

2012-01-20T02:39:00.000-08:00

On January 19, 2012, in electricity, by admin

All those devices we have in our home, and often use every day, are easy to take for granted. We can open the door to the refrigerator, or put a load of clothes in the washer, and never give thought to if they might have any possible problems. Too often, it just seems we wait until they breakdown to realize there is something that needed repair. That can be very costly, if the damage is the type that causes the appliance to be replaced. Avoiding those types of situations is something that really can save money. Here are ten suggestions for ways you can maintain your home appliances.

Inspection. Taking a few minutes once a month to examine your appliances will help to reveal any possible problems. Look at things such as the electrical cords to see if they have any cracks, and also check for any other obvious damage.
Batteries. If you have an appliance that runs off of batteries, such as small radios or the remote for your television, it would be helpful to keep some kind of list to let you know when you last replaced them. That will save you picking up the portable radio and finding out it needs new batteries.
Cleaning. It is so easy for dust and dirt to collect on appliances. Too much dust collecting on something like refrigerator coils can affect how well it works.
Replacing Filters. If you’re appliance has some kind of filter, then replacing them when needed can help them to function correctly. Like batteries, it is something helpful to have on a list.
Checking Surge Protectors. A surge protector is a wonderful option to use in order to help avoid the risk of a power surge affecting your appliance. This is very important when you are talking about things like televisions and computers. Checking them to make sure they are really working properly can spare you the loss of the appliance if a power surge happens.
Upgrades. Sometimes we rely upon an appliance that is outdated and consuming a great deal of energy. It can save us money on electrical bills by replacing them with a more efficient model.
Checking Outlets. It is a good idea to periodically test outlets to make sure they are working correctly. If one stops working or is faulty it can affect your appliance.
Turning Off Appliances. Making sure we turn off something, like a computer that is not in use, can save energy and cut down on possible problems from it being on for too long of a period, when not in use.
Read All The Manuals. This is often something we fail to do. We just plug in some appliance and don’t bother to read the instructions. It can lead to missing out on instructions that help to maintain the appliance properly.
Pick Appliances With Care. It is very important, especially with something like a washing machine, to pick one that fits your needs. Buying a washing machine that you can easily overload is likely to cause problems that can lead to it breaking down.

It is necessary to invest the time in maintaining your appliances to keep them running properly. It is easy to get out of that habit, and it can be costly when we do.

Source: (http://compareelectricityrates.com/blog/2012/10-tips-for-maintaining-your-home-appliances/)

Uganda Opposition Leaders Arrested as Walk to Work Protests Resume

2012-01-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

Uganda Opposition Leaders Arrested as Walk to Work Protests Resume

5 Differences Between Home Burglary and Robbery

2012-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

The terms burglary and robbery are sometimes used interchangeably to describe crimes involving theft.

True, in most cases they do both involve theft. Nevertheless, there’s a reason you’ve never heard the term “highway burglary” used; and though the name may be more phonetically relevant to their product, the McDonald’s character Hamburglar is nevertheless a misnomer. That is, if this is any indication of his typical M.O.

Allow me to explain.

The following are 5 distinct and important legal differences between burglary and robbery:

1. Specific legal definitions of burglary vary, but generally speaking it refers to the willful entry into a structure without permission, with the intent to commit a crime. Note that there is no specificity regarding what that intended crime might be. We’ll clarify this in just a bit.

Robbery is defined as theft of money or property against an individual by force or by threat of force.

2. In a burglary, the victim need not be present, and frequently isn’t. Most burglaries, in fact, are committed with the expectation that the burglar will never be confronted by the victim. Further, theft isn’t always the intent of the burglar for entering the premises in the first place.

Conversely, for a crime to be deemed a robbery, by definition the victim must be present. Without a victim present, in the eyes of the law there can be no robbery.

3. Burglary is judged based on intent. So a person who otherwise has permission to be on the premises is guilty of burglary if it can be proven that their intent for being on the premises at the time was to commit an offense. Even though the person was otherwise authorized to be in the building, their intent for being there was to commit a crime, which constitutes burglary.

Robbery, on the other hand, is based not on intent, but on result. In other words, robbery is only robbery if a theft occurs, else it would be deemed attempted robbery. (It should also be noted, thatforce must be involved to distinguish the crime from simple theft.)

4. Burglary is referred to as an inchoate offense, which means that the offense was committed in preparation for completion of another crime. As above, the other intended crime need not have been accomplished if it can be proven that the burglar did indeed intend to commit it.

Robbery is considered an end unto itself, in that the sole intent of the offender is the actual crime of robbery, the taking possession or ownership of property to which they are not entitled by force or by threat of force.

5. Burglary can be classified as a felony, dependent upon the perpetrator’s intent for entering the premises. If the intent was simply to commit petty theft, however, the offense would likely only be classified as a misdemeanor.

Robbery is always a felony because it always, by definition, involves force or the threat of force.

So next time someone tells you that their house was robbed, you can say, “I hope it didn’t put up a fight and just handed over its wallet.”

http://www.homealarmmonitoring.org/year/5-differences-between-home-burglary-and-robbery/)

10 Books to Get Kids Reading Again

2012-01-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

2012 JANUARY 18

by Ken

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Kids are constantly bombarded with visual images from television, movies, video games and the internet. All this vivid imagery can make reading books seem dull and boring. Unfortunately, children who don’t read much suffer in other academic areas as well. Spelling is the area where kids who don’t read suffer the most. Reading exposes children to a wide range of words and just knowing what the words look like helps them with their spelling skills. If you know children who don’t show and interest in books, here are 10 books that could help get those kids reading.

Killing Lincoln – This recently released book by Bill O’Reilly is highly recommended for middle school aged kids. Killing Lincoln gives an in depth and realistic depiction of the last days of President Abraham Lincoln in a way that will not only get kids interested in reading, but American history as well.
Being George Washington – Another historical book that could capture a kid’s imagination is Being George Washington by Glenn Beck. Textbooks just don’t do justice to the amazing life of our first president. Young people can gain a real appreciation of our early American history by reading this riveting book.
Harry Potter – For children who are more captivated by fantasy, the Harry Potter series of books by J. K. Rowling will get them hooked on reading. What kid can resist a story about a young wizard coming of age. Get the box set of all 7 because once your child finishes the first book, he’ll want to dive right into the next.
Just So Stories – An ageless classic, Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories is great for getting children interested in reading. The fanciful stories include How the Elephant Got His Trunk and How the Leopard Got His spots that will get kids giggling with glee.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Set in the fantasy land of Narnia, this book by C.S. Lewis will get your kid hooked on reading. Recommended for ages 8 and up, even though The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was written over 50 years ago, it will hold your child spellbound.
Sherlock Holmes – Another classic that could get your kids reading is any of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Children will be fascinated by how Holmes can solve mysteries without DNA or any of the modern scientific methods used in shows like CSI. They will not only hone their reading skills, but their powers of observation as well.
Treasure Island – Young boys have been enthralled with this book for generations, but that doesn’t stop young girls from loving it too. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is the classic pirate story about Long John Silver and his crew of rogues who lead young Jim Hawkins on an adventure of a lifetime.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – This timeless classic by Mark Twain is another novel that gets children interested in reading. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a humorous and captivating way for kids to learn about life in America during the pre-civil war era of the 1800’s.
Gulliver’s Travels – Although it was originally written as a political satyr, kids will be enchanted by this classical fantasy by Jonathan Swift. Gulliver’s Travels is about a shipwrecked traveler who ends up in various imaginary lands with strange inhabitants from the very tiny Lilliputians to the huge giants of Brobdingnag.
Oliver Twist – No child’s appreciation of the classics would be complete without reading Dickens. The orphan Oliver Twist endures a miserable existence in a workhouse until he escapes to London and is caught up in the criminal underworld of the notorious characters Artful Dodger and Fagin.

For children who are resistant to reading, the secret is to find books that they are interested in. Stories about young people help them identify with the characters and relate to the plot. Fantasy and humor are also good ways to get kids hooked on books. Giving them a variety to choose from will help determine what genre captures their imagination. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t succeed. Once kids find the wonders available to them in books, they’ll be ready to devour every one they can get their hands on.

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20 Hottest Hashtags for Teachers on Twitter - Best Colleges Online

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

20 Hottest Hashtags for Teachers on Twitter - Best Colleges Online

Some implications of SOPA

2012-01-18T23:57:00.001-08:00

The End of the Blog?

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 07:10 AM PST

By James Kwak

As you may have noticed by now, Wikipedia’s English-language siteis (mostly) down for the day to protest SOPA and PIPA, two draconian anti-copyright infringement laws moving through Congress, and Google’s home page looks like this:

Under existing law (the DMCA), if someone posts copyrighted material in a comment on this blog, the copyright holder is supposed to send me a takedown notice, after which point I am supposed to take the material down (if it is in fact copyrighted).

SOPA and PIPA are bills in the House and Senate, respectively, that make it much easier for “copyright holders” (like the big media companies that back the bill—or, come to think of it, authors like me) to take action not only against “bad” web sites that make copyrighted material available (against the wishes of the copyright holders), but also against web sites that simply link to such “bad” web sites. For example, the copyright holder can require payment network providers (PayPal, credit card networks) to block payments to such web sites (in either category above) and can require search engines to stop providing advertising for such web sites—simply by sending them a letter. That’s SOPA § 103(b).*

Another controversial provision is the one in § 102 that allows the Justice Department to order domain name servers to stop translating URLs (like “www.google.com”) into the IP addresses that actually point your browser to the web sites you want to go to—essentially without due process. This has been described by some as tantamount to “breaking the Internet” because it would break the integrity of the domain name system that keeps the Internet organized. (For overviews of the bills, see Brad Plumer and the EFF; for the case that it violates the First Amendment, see Mike Masnick, who quotes extensively from and links to Lawrence Tribe’s argument).

Naturally, I was wondering how the bill would affect me. Many people think it would impose a requirement that web sites police not only the content they produce themselves, but the content contributed by visitors (e.g., blog comments), and all the content on all the sites they link to (including links in blog comments). I think this is based on § 103(a)(1)(B)(ii)(I) (don’t you love bill numbering?), which puts your site in the wrong if it “is taking, or has taken, deliberate actions to avoid confirming a high probability of the use of the U.S.-directed site to carry out acts that constitute a violation of section 501 or 1201 of title 17, United States Code.” What does it mean to take actions to avoid confirming a high probability that someone is using your site to link to copyrighted material?

Now, § 103 only allows copyright holders to cut you off from payment networks and advertising, and since we don’t do either one here, I don’t think it would mean the end of The Baseline Scenario. But it could mean the end of every commercial blog, or at least the end of comments on any commercial blog that doesn’t have the staff to police comments and sites linked to in comments. And if it passes, I will at least turn off comments until I can get an opinion from a real IP lawyer whom I trust.

So if you like the Internet the way it is, tell your representatives that you oppose SOPA and PIPA, via the EFF, Google, orWikipedia. Thanks.

(I know it’s been a slow start to the year on the blog. I had a wedding to go to out of the country and an intensive week of edits on an upcoming book. Things should return to normal slowly.)

* Section 103, in bipartisan Orwellian fashion, is entitled “MARKET-BASED SYSTEM TO PROTECT U.S. CUSTOMERS AND PREVENT U.S. FUNDING OF SITES DEDICATED TO THEFT OF U.S. PROPERTY.” What’s market-based about a system that allows one party to cut off the revenues of another party simply by sending a letter to PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express?

Wikipedia Joins Anti-SOPA Blackout

2012-01-18T23:51:00.000-08:00

9 Tech Millionnaires Under The Age Of 30

2012-01-18T23:47:00.000-08:00

I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0…

2012-01-18T23:37:00.000-08:00

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 04:02 PM PST

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance — Particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.
In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable programs such as Football league 5.0, drinking joints 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I’ve tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.
What can I do?

Signed, Desperate

Dear Desperate:

First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, While Husband 1.0 is an Operating System.
Please enter the command: “http: I Thought You Loved Me. HTML” and try to download Tears 6.2 and don’t forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1.

Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.
Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources). Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance We recommend Food 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck,

Tech Support

Source: unknown, HT to Sayfuna

Dude, Where Is My Land?

2012-01-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

View from the plot of land
The tractor (Grader) leveling the area

On Monday 16 January 2012, my brother who lives in London, but is now on holiday in Uganda called me in the morning. He wanted me to escort him to his plot of land he bought 10 years ago. I had a few things I was doing, but I respect matters of personal development, so I accepted.

The land is located in Busabala, in Wakiso district close to Kampala city. We live close by, so at the appointed time, I walked to his apartment. We set off at around 11.00am. We drove for almost 40 minutes and we reached the place. He could not easily find the access road that is off the main road. After several trials, he finally got his bearings.

We drove uphill for a couple of minutes only to find that the road that he was familiar with had been blocked. We parked at someone’s homestead nearby. My brother asked the owners of the home where the new road to his land was. He was told that some Arabs had bought the land where the previous road was and had fenced it off. Now owners of land behind that property had to make a longer detour to access their land.

The lady allowed us to go through her homestead in order to get to the property. When we reached at the top of the hill, we found an earth-moving tractor busy leveling the land. My brother approached the men and asked them who gave them the authority to level his land. They responded in a polite way that they were just assigned the job by the owner of the land. They actually called him on mobile phone to come and settle the conflict.

Within 20 minutes the boss had come accompanied by 3 people. He was calm and asked us what we wanted. My brother also acted cool and told him that there seemed to be some mistake as people were leveling his land! The guy explained that he had bought that piece of land from a certain professor of Makerere University. He explained to my brother that his neighbor was a guy who worked in Uganda Breweries. It then occurred to my brother that he had made a mistake. Because the drive way had been changed, he assumed the first plot was his!

“All's well that ends well”. Prov. Cliché An event that has a good ending is good even if some things went wrong along the way. (This is the name of a play by Shakespeare.)

We were happy to realize that there was a mistaken identity, and the land was still available, and that we had a very good considerate neighbor. I other parts of the country, land cases are determined by who is stronger. Many deaths have been reported over minor land ownership quarrels. We were lucky to leave the place with all our faculties intact.

Major Websites Protest US Anti-Piracy Legislation with Blackout

2012-01-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

Major Websites Protest US Anti-Piracy Legislation with Blackout

10 Common Medications your Child Should Never Take

2012-01-18T02:54:00.001-08:00

Parents want to do everything they can to help their sick child feel better, but they need to be very careful about giving them medications. Many medicines are made for adults only and never should be given to a young child or baby. Even some medications specifically made for children can be dangerous if given improperly or in the wrong dosages. Before giving any medicine to your kids, please review these 10 common medications your child should never take.

Aspirin – The number one medication to avoid using for kids is aspirin since it’s been linked to Reye’s syndrome. Although most parents know this, they may not be aware of all the products that contain aspirin. Check the ingredients of all medications before giving them to children to make sure they don’t contain aspirin.
Vicks – A common home remedy to relieve congestion in infants was to put Vicks on the baby’s feet or chest. This is no longer recommended for kids under 2 since several children ended up in the hospital with respiratory problems. Never put Vicks around a child’s nose or let them swallow it because it can harm their eyes and is poisonous.
Antihistamines – Many cold medicines contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine or loratidine that have been found to be ineffective for treating cold symptoms in children. Why give your kids something that could cause more harm than good? You should only give children antihistamines if they are prescribed by your pediatrician for allergies.
Sudafed – This common decongestant has also been found to be ineffective for relieving cold symptoms in children. Since Sudafed has no proven benefit for common viral illnesses, it’s generally not worth the potential side effects of irritability, restlessness and nervousness.
Cough medicines – Coughing is how a body clears out the lungs, so cough suppressants are never a good idea for children. You’re much better off treating the underlying cause of the coughing than trying to stop it. You should always check with a doctor before giving your child a cough medicine.
Pepto-Bismol – This common remedy for stomach discomfort and diarrhea should never be given to young children since it contains aspirin. Using Pepto-Bismol to relieve vomiting or diarrhea can definitely do more harm than good.
Alka-Seltzer – Another product that contains aspirin is Alka-Seltzer, so your child should never take this medication. The information on the box clearly indicates that it’s not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Sleeping pills – Most sleeping pills and PM medications contain diphenhydramine which, as previously noted, is not recommended for children. Although this antihistamine is commonly used to cause drowsiness, in children it can have the opposite effect and cause them to become restless, irritable and have difficulty sleeping.
Antibiotics – Although antibiotics have been routinely prescribed for viral infections, the risk can outweigh the benefits. They will not cure or shorten the duration of the illness and overexposure to antibiotics has lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Pseudoephedrine – This nasal decongestant is a common ingredient in children’s cough and cold medications and is not recommended for children under the age of 2. Pseudoephedrine has never been shown to have any beneficial effect yet it can have significant harmful effects.

Parents should read labels of all OTC (over the counter) medications for the recommended children’s dosages. They will clearly state which drugs are intended for adults and not for children under the age of 12. Also check the ingredients listed to make sure they don’t contain aspirin or any of the other medications that can be dangerous to children. Kids will get sick, but it’s important to remember that common illnesses are only temporary. It’s much better to be safe than sorry and give your child something that will only make them feel worse.

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Kyoka Google!

2012-01-18T01:42:00.001-08:00

Gmail Offline beta
Gmail Offline beta is a Gmail app built to support offline access, allowing mail to be read, responded to, searched and archived without network access. After first start-up, Gmail Offline will automatically synchronize messages and queued actions anytime Chrome is running and an Internet connection is available. More than just an offline app, the streamlined user interface, based off Gmail’s popular tablet interface, provides extremely fast response time with a pure, email focused experience.

To start Offline Gmail after installing, open a new tab in Chrome; In the new tab pane you will see a Gmail Offline Icon. Click on the icon, and Offline Gmail will load.........

https://mail.google.com/

10 Tips For Being Patient With A New Relationship

2012-01-18T01:36:00.000-08:00

For some of us, new relationships come with a sense of urgency. We’re eager to reach the next big milestone, especially as we get older. This same feeling of immediacy can cause us to push too hard or come on too strong, putting a strain on the fragile bonds formed in the early days. If you’ve ever been accused of being too intense, here are some tips to ensure that your next relationship isn’t smothered in its infancy.

Step Away From the Cell Phone – In our constantly-connected society, it’s easy to flood a new partner with Facebook wall posts, texts and emails from a cell phone. While keeping a line of communication open is vital, it’s equally important to allow a new relationship some breathing room.
Spend Time With Friends – Don’t be a cliché by ignoring your friends in favor of a new honey. If you have a long-standing tradition of poker with the boys or girl’s night margaritas, keep it. Your friends will be more likely to accept a mate that doesn’t take up all of your time, and these outings will give the two of you something to talk about the next time you get together.
Focus On Your Hobbies and Favorite Pastimes – Losing yourself completely in a new relationship can easily be the kiss of death; your interests and pastimes are likely a big part of what attracted your new mate. Letting them fall to the wayside to spend every moment together leaves very little material for conversation and can cause your lover to feel stifled.
Avoid “The Talk” – It’s natural to wonder where a new relationship is headed, but it’s a good idea to hold off on having “The Talk” for a while. Letting things develop naturally can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s necessary.
Keep It Light – In the early days of a relationship, it’s best to avoid the heavy plans for your future and talk of marriage and children. Don’t introduce your long-term plans when a coupling is new, or it may not last very long.
Be Careful With the Booze – There’s a reason why alcohol is also called “Truth Serum.” One phone call after a night of drinking can undo all of your cautious work when you’ve just started dating someone.
Don’t Change Your Plans – Before you met your new love interest, you probably had some long-term goals and plans for your future. Avoid the temptation to change those plans to suit a brand-new relationship; despite how you feel in the honeymoon phase, there is always a chance that things won’t work out.
Keep Your Priorities Straight – Though it’s difficult in the first blush, try to keep your priorities in line. Don’t let your new relationship take a toll on your work or other obligations, as it can very easily cause resentment when things inevitably begin to cool down and you’re forced to play catch-up.
Don’t Play Mind Games – When things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d like, don’t resort to passive-aggressive mind games. Slyly referencing others that are interested in you or the ex that still has feelings will almost always blow up in your face.
Hold Off On Introducing the Family – Even if you have the most welcoming and interesting family on the planet, your new love interest shouldn’t be meeting them for a while. Family members will ask questions that you may not be ready to answer, which will put undue pressure on you both.

No matter how desperately you want to find The One, it’s always best to go with the flow and let things develop naturally. If your new lover feels stifled, they’re more likely to lose interest altogether.

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Source: http://www.bestdatingsites.org/blog/2012/10-tips-for-being-patient-with-a-new-relationship/

Calibrate Your Mouse

2012-01-15T22:26:00.001-08:00

Posted: 15 Jan 2012 02:03 PM PST

You should actually do this every year. Even more often if you spend a lot of time on the computer. I was shocked to see how well this works, and how far off mine was!

To re-calibrate your mouse, place your curser on the capital H below, left click and hold, then drag it toward the small g

If it doesn’t work immediately, you might want to clean your mouse, as the calibration is off.

H o l y S h i t!!! You’ll believe anything

Chinese President to Inaugurate New African Union Headquarters

2012-01-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

Chinese President to Inaugurate New African Union Headquarters

7 Cool Ways to Charge Your Cell Phone in a Pinch

2012-01-10T02:22:00.001-08:00

We rely on our tech gadgets for so many things that we feel lost without them. Where would we be, for example, if our cell phones (gasp!) ran out of juice in the middle of our day? It’s not always possible to recharge them via standard means like a travel charger or car charger accessory, so it helps to have a plan B, just in case. Here are 7 cool ways you can charge your cell phone in a pinch:

It’s possible to generate a minimal charge on a depleted battery by warming it up a bit first. This helps to excite a sufficient number of electrons within the battery to make at least one emergency phone call. Placing the battery within your hands will generally do the trick.
You can charge your cell phone via a USB cable through any laptop, PC or other device which has USB ports.
For a real-life, last resort MacGyver-style charge in a pinch, you can use a standard USB cable in lieu of one designed specifically for your phone. It requires stripping the wires at the end of the cable to the external device, and connecting them directly to the battery terminals – black to negative and red (or white) to positive.
Cellboost offers disposable power solutions that can provide a one-time charge to your device; which may be all you need for it to pay for itself in an emergency.
XTG Technology developed a solar-powered alternative for charging your phone. Why not take advantage of Mother Nature when you’re on the beach in Maui and your phone charger is on your desk in Cleveland?
A hand-cranked emergency phone with cell phone charging port like this one, can be the difference between being in touch or being isolated during a power outage.
If research at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea is developed, you may soon be able to just talk your way out of this low battery dilemma. They’ve devised a charging method comprised of a sound absorbing pad and strands of zinc oxide which will transform the sound waves from the user’s voice into an electrical charge.

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 12:06 pm and is filed under phone. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Childhood Differences

2012-01-10T01:02:00.001-08:00

Source: MakeUseOf Geeky Fun

10 Reasons Facebook Wants to Verify Your Identity

2012-01-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

When social networking giant Facebook instituted an identity verification policy, many users were confused and upset by the development. The idea of sharing our cellphone numbers with an internet entity, regardless of its size, flies in the face of everything we’ve been told about identity protection and privacy. If you’ve been troubled by this development and unsure of the ramifications, here are ten of the reasons why Facebook wants to know who you are.

One Account Policy – Facebook’s policy regarding multiple accounts is very clear: they only allow one per person. By requiring an identity verification, they can eliminate a large percentage of superfluous profiles in one fell swoop.
Ensuring That Accounts Are Individual – Just as Facebook policies state that each person can only have one active account, they’re also vocal about their stance on shared accounts. In the interest of compromised security, Facebook insists that only one person use a profile or timeline.
No Pet or Inanimate Object Profiles – While creating a fan page for your pet (or pet rock) is acceptable, an active personal profile for pets, children and inanimate profiles is forbidden. Requiring that each identity attached to a profile be verified greatly reduces the number of incorrectly-built timelines.
To Avoid Fake Celebrity Profiles – Though they may seem harmless, false celebrity profiles are prohibited by Facebook policy. Reputation management is a priority for those in the public eye, and those reputations can be damaged by the actions of someone posing as a celebrity. By requiring that accounts be verified, Facebook has made it much more difficult to create and maintain these timelines.
Sex Offender Prohibitions – When a convicted sex offender’s profile is reported to Facebook, they require proof of the conviction before the profile is removed. By verifying the identity of Facebook users, they can ensure that a case of mistaken identity won’t lead to the loss of a timeline.
Curbing Spam – In the heyday of MySpace, there were more fraudulent spam bot profiles than legitimate ones. Facebook is actively taking measures to prevent a similar problem with spam by requiring an identity’s verification.
Personalizing Data Collection – While this sounds nefarious, it’s important to realize that most websites participate in some sort of data collection in order to personalize advertising. When Facebook collects information, they’re connecting it to a specific online persona to tailor the experience.
Identity Fraud Protection – Identity fraud isn’t limited to theft for financial gain; your online presence is also valuable and should be guarded. By instituting the verification policy, Facebook is helping to protect your online presence from anyone posing as you and maligning your reputation.
To Maintain the “Real Life” Connection – You may have noticed that Facebook asks if you know a person in real life before adding them; this is because they are committed to maintaining the “Real Life” social connection tenets that they were founded on. Verifying an actual identity ensures that profiles belong to real people.
Memorializing a Profile – When a loved one passes away, being bombarded by reminders of them can make a tragic situation even more upsetting. Verified members of a deceased user’s family can request that a profile is memorialized, which preserves the account but ends notifications that are randomly generated.

Facebook is a constantly-evolving network, with security measures that change periodically. It’s important to be sure that your security measures are customized and that you monitor these settings each time the Facebook model is updated.

Source: http://www.dslserviceproviders.org/blog/10-reasons-facebook-wants-to-verify-your-identity/

Honest iPhone Wall Papers!

2012-01-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

Smart Thief Caught on Cam

2012-01-08T23:46:00.000-08:00

How to Piss Off Mac Users

2012-01-08T23:36:00.000-08:00

Source: MakeUseOfGeeky Fun

Cell Phone Ancestors!

2012-01-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

10 Safe Ways to Use the Internet in Your Car

2012-01-08T22:53:00.001-08:00

As we become more dependent on the internet to keep us connected to the things that are important to us, considerations must be made for the safety of ourselves, our passengers and those sharing the road. If you can’t bear to be disconnected during a long commute, here are a few tips for using the internet safely while in the car.

Pull Over – The simplest way to keep in-car internet use safe is to pull over. Many automakers are rolling out web-browsing capability in their newest models, but most of the more distracting features are only available when the vehicle is in park.
There’s An App For That – Mobile connectivity is always at the tips of your fingers with an iPhone or Android powered smartphone, and most of these phones have apps available that keep internet use safe while driving. Apps that allow the user to compose text messages, Facebook status updates and tweets via speech-recognition technology make it easy and safe to stay connected on the go.
In-Dash Systems – An in-dash internet system is predicted to be a standard feature in new vehicles within the next five years. These fully integrated systems come equipped with safety features that make choosing a restaurant while at a stop-light or finding the nearest gas station a breeze.
Carpool – In addition to being an earth-friendly choice, carpooling allows passengers to safely use in-car connectivity to their hearts’ content while the driver focuses on the road.
Listening To Internet Radio – Scanning internet radio stations offers a huge selection of music at the tap of a screen. No more dangerous than using a traditional radio while driving, the world of music is opened up with online radio.
Online Navigation Systems – Navigation and GPS systems that run on a broadband signal rather than a satellite one can be more accurate, which actually boosts the safety of using these devices. More accidents may be avoided by eliminating slow or inaccurate flow of navigation information.
Driver’s Assistance Tools – Web-based warning systems can alert drivers to traffic problems and other driving hazards ahead audibly, eliminating the need for hands-on browsing and increasing safety.
Weather Updates – In addition to navigation and traffic hazard alerts, there are applications available for in-car use that warn of severe weather along an itinerary audibly. These features are especially useful for long roadtrips where drivers may encounter several changes in weather along the route.
Text-To-Speech Email – Drivers anxiously awaiting an important email can now have incoming messages read to them through in-dash systems or an enabled smartphone. Instead of scrambling with a phone and taking your eyes of the road, you’ll be able to stay on top of your inbox without taking your hands off of the wheel.
Smartphone Linking Systems – Systems that link the in-car computer with a smartphone via wireless network bring all of the bells and whistles of your phone to the dash, making it a snap to safely access stored music and compose messages through speech recognition.

However you choose to stay connected in the car, be sure to adhere to all local laws regarding phone/device usage while in motion and to restrict all use in hazardous conditions. Even the safest systems can be a distraction, especially in inclement weather or in construction zones.

Posted Under Cell Phones, Cellular Phones Knowledge Center, Internet Service.

Source: http://www.phonetvinternet.com/insider/10-safe-ways-to-use-the-internet-in-your-car/

HTC Marketing Tactics Fail!

2012-01-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

Source: MakeUseOfGeeky Fun

WTF...!!!!!

2012-01-04T09:54:00.001-08:00

College of Logic

2012-01-04T09:48:00.001-08:00

Two Men are driving down the interstate when one notices a sign that says "College of Logic 5 miles." Neither one knows what it means and are both curious. The two men take the exit to the college and the driver goes in to investigate. He quickly finds a professor to explain...

Driver: "What does 'College of Logic' mean?"

Prof: "Well, I can best answer your question by asking you a question, Do you own a Lawn mower?"

Driver: "Yes, I do."

Prof: "Well, then I can logically assume that you have a yard."

Driver: "Yes, I have a very big yard."

Prof: "Then I can logically assume that you have a house."

Driver: "I have a very big house."

Prof: "Then I can logically assume that you have a family."

Driver: "I have a wife and two kids."

Prof: "Then I can logically assume that you are heterosexual."

Driver: "Yes Sir, staight as a board, always have been. I think I understand what this school is all about, thank you for your time."

Then the driver heads back out to the car to continue on his way. When he gets back to the car, the passenger asks about the school...

Passenger: "So, what's it all about?"

Driver: "Well, I can best answer your question by asking you a question, Do you own a Lawn mower?"

Passenger: "No."

Driver: "Then you're gay!"

Airline Anecdotes

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Occasionally, airline flight attendants make an effort to make the "in-flight safety lecture" a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

"As we prepare for takeoff, please make sure your tray tables and seat backs are fully upright in their most uncomfortable position."

"There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 6 ways out of this airplane..."

"Your seat cushions can be used for floatation, and in the event of an emergency water landing, please take them with our compliments."

"We do feature a smoking section on this flight; if you must smoke, contact a member of the flight crew and we will escort you to the wing of the airplane."

"Smoking in the lavatories is prohibited. Any person caught smoking in the lavatories will be asked to leave the plane immediately."

Pilot - "Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we land... it's a bit cold outside, and if you walk on the wings it affects the flight pattern."

And, after landing: "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express.

We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

As we waited just off the runway for another airliner to cross in front of us, some of the passengers were beginning to retrieve luggage from the overhead bins. The head attendant announced on the intercom, "This aircraft is equipped with a video surveillance system that monitors the cabin during taxiing. Any passengers not remaining in their seats until the aircraft comes to a full and complete stop at the gate will be strip-searched as they leave the aircraft."

Once on a Southwest flight, the pilot said, "We've reached our cruising altitude now, and I'm turning off the seat belt sign.

I'm switching to autopilot, too, so I can come back there and visit with all of you for the rest of the flight."

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Washington National, a lone voice comes over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella...WHOA..!"

"Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the bag over your own mouth and nose before assisting children or adults acting like children."

"As you exit the plane, please make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

"Last one off the plane must clean it."

And from the pilot during his welcome message: "We are pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry...

Unfortunately none of them are on this flight...!"

Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake City: The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump and I know what ya'll are thinking.

I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault.....it was the asphalt!"

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, give a smile, and a "Thanks for flying XYZ airline." He said that in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for this little old lady walking with a cane.

She said, "Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?" "Why no Ma'am,"

said the pilot, "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land or were we shot down?"

Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day. During the final approach the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant came on the PA and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seatbelts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"

Another flight Attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing:

"We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced:

"Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."

From a Southwest Airlines employee.... "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight XXX, to YYY. To operate your seatbelt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seatbelt, and if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised. In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with two small children, decide now which one you love more."

Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but they'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."

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