arnbackco.com Blogs Posts

Affordable Search engine optimization Is It Feasible?

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:04:56 +0000

Affordable search engine optimization is the hottest topic for YOU in 2011 and, if it isn't, it should be!. A lot of web sites with any materialistic objective whatsoever long to be in the top percentile of SERPS or search engine page results or might as well not be there. This is the hard rule that no website master wants to be aware of but has to abide with. The bone of contention has ceaselessly been the bare fact that any SEO agency or service provider worth their salt will on the whole charge $2,500 per month upwords for their servces due to the sheer body of work dictated today to succeed in improvements in placement or rank. There are some SEO Gurus who have been doing search engine optimization, promotion and website marketing since 1996 which makes them very proficient indeed! They were significant in bringing the likes of FT.com, Priceline.com, TravelNow.com (to mention only a few!) to the public "online eye" where today all of these are now household names known by all. In short they know what they are doing! Because of some key streamlining of their methods using state of the art solutions they say they are able to open their doors for a very limited period only and take on 30 new clients who want to be at the top of the search results in Google that really cut some ice. Will YOU be one of the lucky few? They are also offering today the "Holy Grail" in Affordable SEO and that is 100% Money Back Guarantee and a tiny investment required instead of the normal $2.500! Most SEO companies will never offer a moneyback guarantee so these guys surely are confident and that is only good news as far as you are concerned as it means there is no risk. There are only 30 places on offer and once these sought after slots are filled then they say they cannot approve any more clients so ACT NOW or risk losing out.. Over 37 billion searches happen every month on Google! If you wish searchers to find your business, you need to become known at the top! Search engine optimization is the absolute way to accomplish top natural search engine rankings and hugely increase the number of visitors to your website. With 90% of search engine users visiting sites from the first three pages of search results, SEO is the perfect way to get your website found and substantially increase your traffic High placements enduringly lead to sites gaining an increase in traffic. 78% of users give up their search if the first 3 pages don't deliver an answer to their question thus top search engine placements are essential. 28% don't even concede scrolling past the 2nd page of results. High traffic can be translated to earnings through sales, advertising revenue, referrals, votes or whatever call to action is invoked on landing pages. Smart, professional Search Engine Optimisation yielding high organic returns (70% of search engine users prefer organic search returns to sponsored links or PPC) can bring forth extremely powerful results. Proper keyword choice is the base of any accomplished search engine effort. If you choose the wrong keyword, there is either too little search volume or poor conversion rates. In either case the result is the same: NO CLIENTS! Search engines treat quality, significant links from other sites of value in terms of being able to infer site popularity. Links can also be valuable in driving befitting traffic directly to your web site. The Off-Page strategy is 90% of the task and defines the approaches mandatory to fulfill relevant links from other related web sites to acquire rankings in the short term and the long term. Elements employed by Search Engine Optimation services include: * Article syndication * RSS feeds * Blogs * Directory links * and much more Most websites in at least a semi competitive arena will need several thousand backlins or votes building up consistently and carefully over time to achieve high rankings. You can absolutely rank highly in the search engines and it is important, indeed imperative, that you do so and hold the high ground before your competitors do... More information is available on their website http://affordableseo101.com where you can discover all the benefits of: Affordable SEO

It Can Be Fun and Easy to Learn Spanish in Hotels

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:20:52 +0000

Learn Spanish - Tips for Quick Learning

Many people may feel Spanish is difficult if they're not comfortable with learning languages. Maybe someone told you to begin with Spanish as it's easiest to learn. The good news is that it's not hard to learn almost any language. You'll just need to decide on what tools and tricks for learning you want to use. Lots of suggestions and helpful tips are available to help you learn Spanish much easier. You can give these tricks a try:

Work on your "Spanish tongue" this means working on your pronunciation of Spanish vocabulary. You can say the words all you like and you can be great with grammar but if you don't know how to go from a word to the next while speaking you won't get far. You can improve your speaking by getting Spanish books or magazines and reading out loud from them. Read out loud from Spanish magazines and practice repeating phrases you hear in Spanish from fluent speakers. By doing this, you'll start to instinctively use the right words and inflections when you speak. This is actually a very enjoyable thing to practice once you get into the spirit of it. It can be a kind of game, or like making music. Go online! There are a lot of sites offering great information to help you learn Spanish. Here's a fabulous tool: Babelfish, it's a translation bot. You can type your sentence into Babelfish and have it translated to Spanish. You'll find this very useful because you can take any sentence, translate it, and then you can learn it in Spanish. But just keep in mind that English and Spanish sentence structures are different from each other. Using a translation tool will show you how the words get moved around to make sense in Spanish. It's also easy to find different online apps to help you understand and learn Spanish.

It helps if you follow a plan. There are many ways to approach learning a language, but all demand a certain focus. You can't learn everything at once; you have to start somewhere and move forward bit by bit. If you start with the fundamentals, like how to pronounce each letter and how to count, you'll have a foundation. It also makes it simpler if you learn individual words before trying to put them together into phrases or sentences. Whether you are using a book, tape or video, follow it as much as possible the way it is presented. If you want your study of Spanish to go smoothly, you will discipline yourself and use the material as it was meant to be used. If you jump from one lesson to another you might really hinder your learning process!By trying to change the order, you can become confused. It doesn't make sense to try to change a proven method. We've looked at just a few of the many possible ways you can make learning Spanish easier. You will most likely need some kind of help when start learning a new language. You will find that some methods will work better for you than others. Your best bet is to look around and try out as many methods as you can find. Be patient with yourself and use the tools that work best for you; sooner than you think, you'll find that you can speak, read and understand Spanish.

Learning Spanish Does Not Have to be Hard in Hotels

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:19:31 +0000

Why Learning Spanish Is Not Difficult

If you don't speak a second language, thinking about learning Spanish may seem a little intimidating. You could have heard somewhere that learning Spanish is the way to go because it's less difficult than other languages. The good news is that it's not hard to learn almost any language. You'll just need to decide on what tools and tricks for learning you want to use. You'll find there are many helpful suggestions that will make it easier to learn Spanish. You can give these tricks a try:

First, be sure to get a CD course. Courses on CD are a great way for someone who is shy to learn how to speak a new language. You'll hear a fluent speaker use the words and sentences together. You'll find the CD courses are equal in quality as a classroom, yet there's no stress about making mistakes in front of everyone. Another good reason to invest in a good CD course for learning Spanish is that you can take the courses with you! Great convenience because you can listen in MP3 format or use your CD player. No problemo! You are not limited to one central location for your learning.

Work on improving your "ear" for the language. A lot of languages tend to be more 'oral' than written. You will still need to learn how to 'hear' a language as long as it's still alive. Correctly reciting the alphabet or composing a sentence will only take you a certain distance. You'll still have to understand it when you hear it spoken. The best way to do this is to listen to as much of your chosen language as possible. When you find yourself being able to identify your language after hearing just a few words you'll know you are on your way to really learning Spanish (or whatever language you have chosen)!

Immerse your life in the new language.

Is there a nearby place where Spanish is mainly spoken? Listening to fluent speakers talk is a great training device. You may find a lot people really are happy to help others communicate in Spanish. You'll be able to practice Spanish without traveling to some place far away.

Learning Spanish, or any new language, does not have to be a terrible experience. Just starting out is the toughest part, but it will get much better in time. You can become fluent if you stay with it and use the hints and tricks.

How to Learn Spanish Easily in Hotels

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:19:25 +0000

Desperately Seeking Help Learning Spanish

Many people have anxiety about learning a new language, but it does not have to be hard. The truth is, you can have a great time learning a new language! Think of the doors a new language will open. If you travel, it can make communication much less of a problem. It's also very likely that you'll be able to communicate more easily with many residents of the city or town where you live. Many jobs require applicants to know at least two languages. If you live in the United States that second language is usually Spanish.

Many people living in America today do not even speak English; many of these people are Spanish speaking. Knowing how to speak and translate Spanish into other languages is a valuable skill to have.

You should hire a tutor. No question, CDs and books can be very good. But a tutor can answer questions that often times a CD/book cannot.There's nothing wrong with a CD, or book. However a tutor can provide the kind of help you may not receive from a book/CD. Naturally, a language tutor should be fluent in the language they're tutoring. Any good tutor will be knowledgable of the different dialects in the language.

You understand and be understood better if you take the time to learn local dialects. More importantly, a tutor can tell you about the casual uses of the words you will be learning. Books and CDs tend to be very formal in their language teaching. But a tutor can teach you the slang words. Whenever you can, start to think in Spanish rather than your native language. It may not be easy when you first try, but take any thoughts you can and turn them into Spanish. You won't be able to do this very well at first, but be patient. Periodically throughout your day ask yourself how you would say the words you are thinking in Spanish. if you do this often, you'll find that you get much more skilled at it. The more you do it, the more quickly your mind will be able to convert words into the new language. You will know you have mastered this when you find that you sometimes think in the new language when you aren't even intending. The next stage is to take your internal thoughts and speak them out loud, so you learn how to converse in Spanish.

Practice some organization. There are many ways to approach learning a language, but all demand a certain focus. You can't learn everything at once; you have to start somewhere and move forward bit by bit. If you start with the fundamentals, like how to pronounce each letter and how to count, you'll have a foundation. Learning vocabulary before grammar makes the learning process easier. Follow the steps that are laid out for you and try not to jump around. The people who put together these programs know the best way to lay it all out. Changing the order can cause you to miss something important. There's no reason to do anything that will slow down your progress.

Learning Spanish, or any new language, does not have to be a terrible experience. You may feel it's hard when you start, but with a little patience is gets easier. You will become fluent if you persist and make good use of as many tricks and tips as possible.

It Can Be Fun and Easy to Learn Spanish in Hotels

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:18:21 +0000

Time-Shaving Tricks To Learn Spanish Easier and Faster

For many people who are new to learning languages, learning Spanish can feel like a difficult task. You could have heard somewhere that learning Spanish is the way to go because it's less difficult than other languages. The secret is that almost all languages are fairly easy to learn, you only need to decide what tricks to use for learning. You'll find there are many helpful suggestions that will make it easier to learn Spanish. Here are a couple tricks you can use:

Hiring a tutor is a great idea. No question, CDs and books can be very good. But a tutor can answer questions that often times a CD/book cannot.There's nothing wrong with a CD, or book. However a tutor can provide the kind of help you may not receive from a book/CD. Naturally, a language tutor should be fluent in the language they're tutoring. Any good tutor will be knowledgable of the different dialects in the language.

If you'll be visiting a country where Spanish is spoken, it's a good idea to learn the local dialect to you'll be able to communicate better. And what's more important, a tutor can help you understand informal meanings of certain words. Language CD's and books are usually more formal in what they teach. A tutor can teach you slang! You can use the web! There are a lot of sites offering great information to help you learn Spanish. One great translaton tool is Babelfish. It's a website. Just type in your sentence or word, and it will translate into Spanish. You'll find this very useful because you can take any sentence, translate it, and then you can learn it in Spanish. Always remember the sentence structure in English is not the same structure in Spanish. Using a translation tool will show you how the words get moved around to make sense in Spanish. There are other tools available on the net to help make learning Spanish a little easier.

Keep in mind that perfection comes from practice. Even if you feel shy you practice speaking as much as possible. It will help you a lot if you substitute your native language with the words you do know in your new language. For example, if you are learning Spanish try using "cena" instead of "dinner" or "uno" for "one." If you do this as much as you can, the new words will soon feel like 'old' words. You'll be able to recognize the spoken words when you hear them. You'll be amazed at your ability to understand your new language when you hear it spoken.

Learning Spanish, or any new language, does not have to be a terrible experience. Getting started seems the hardest part sometimes, but it'll become a lot less difficult in a little time. You can become fluent if you stay with it and use the hints and tricks.

Don't Forget the Swiss Memory USB

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:58:36 +0000

Gone are the days when computer files were stored and transferred via "floppy disk." Now the easy and ubiquitous USB port allows computer users to open their files on virtually any computer. There are a bevy of USB drives to settle from, but I've found the Swiss Memory USB to be practical and fun.

Yes, the "Swiss" in the title refers to a Swiss Army Knife, which is included in the USB drive. In fact, the drive is a number of gadgets in one. Besides the USB flash drive and the Swiss Army Knife, the narrow rectangle (it only comes in red) also contains a LED light, a nail file, a miniature pair of scissors and a ballpoint pen. According to the website, there is also a screwdriver, but I have either not used the screwdriver or my model is slightly different.

The flashlight shines fairly radiant and the scissors, though miniscule, really do cut. The downside, though, is the ballpoint pen as the ink literally ran out after one use - but what to expect with such a small pen? The keychain makes it easy to always keep with you, so that your files never leave your side.

Someone remarked to me that the knife part makes the Swiss Memory USB impractical for anyone who travels. I checked the website, and it says that the USB portion can be removed so that users can take it with them on an airplane.

When I bought my USB flash drive, it was only available in 512MB or 256MB, and the latter was enough room for me. Now it is also available in 1GB. There are no extra cords needed, though it came with a microscopic cord you can use if needed (if your USB port is on the back of your computer, for instance, a cord might be easier to connect the USB drive.) It also came with an already-installed program to help organize your files, but I found it easier to bypass it and save directly to the flash drive. I use the USB drive to save writing files, and simply saving the files with clear title names is organized enough for me!

Various websites offer the Swiss Memory USB for between $55 and $99, depending on the storage size. (I bought mine in the mid-range from QVC.) There is a fresh model with an aluminum case instead of red, and from the picture, it looks pretty snazzy. However, there is no flashlight included (and no pen.)

I haven't ever regretted the purchase, and I've never been tempted to buy another USB flash drive. It fits even in my smallest purses!

Satellite Radio Receivers

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:02:12 +0000

Pioneer has debuted six new AV receivers for home theater fans including the new Elite SC-37, VSX-30, VSX-31, and VSX-32 units. The line has some lower priced units as well as the high-end SC-37 flagship receiver.

The VSX-30 and VSX-31 are prices at $550 and $650 respectively and have iPhone and iPod touch control with Bluetooth streaming audio capability with an optional adapter. The receivers also support HDMI 1.4a for 3D content. The high-end SC-37 receiver sells for $2200.

The receiver has a Home Media Gallery feature that lets the user access photos and music files from a computer on a local network and it supports satellite radio and Rhapsody. The VSX-32 has the same features as the other VSX receivers and adds Marvell Qdeo video processing technology.

Technology vs. Tyranny

Posted by David Boaz

The Wall Street Journal reports Saturday that Turkey and Pakistan are blocking, monitoring, and threatening such websites as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Yahoo, and Amazon. At least you’ve got to give them credit for going after the big guys! The Journal notes, “A number of countries in the Islamic world, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, have banned Internet content in the past for being sacrilegious. But those countries have authoritarian governments that closely monitor the Internet and the media.” Of course, it’s not just Islamic countries that try to protect their citizens — or subjects — from dissenting thoughts. China has been involved in well-publicized battles with Google, Rupert Murdoch’s Star TV, and other media companies.

But it’s hard to make your country a part of the world economy and keep it closed to outside thoughts and images. North Korea may be able to do it — though recent stories suggest that even the benighted people of the world’s most closed society know more about the world than we have previously thought. Countries that don’t want to be North Korea have a harder time. The latest example: Thomas Erdbrink reports in the Washington Post that Murdoch’s Farsi1 satellite station is

pulling in Iranian viewers with sizzling soaps and sitcoms but has incensed the Islamic republic’s clerics and state television executives.

Unlike dozens of other foreign-based satellite channels here, Farsi1 broadcasts popular Korean, Colombian and U.S. shows and also dubs them in Iran’s national language, Farsi, rather than using subtitles, making them more broadly accessible. Its popularity has soared since its launch in August….

Satellite receivers are illegal in Iran but widely available. Officials acknowledge that they jam many foreign channels using radio waves, but Farsi1, which operates out of the Hong Kong-based headquarters of Star TV, a subsidiary of Murdoch’s News Corp., is still on the air in Tehran.

Viewers are increasingly deserting the six channels operated by Iranian state television, with its political, ideological and religious constraints, for Farsi1’s more daring fare, including the U.S. series “Prison Break,” “24″ and “Dharma and Greg.”

Those who want to build a wall around the minds of the Iranian people denounce Murdoch and his temptations:

Some critics here hold Murdoch responsible for what they see as this new infestation of corrupt Western culture. The prominent hard-line magazine Panjereh, or Window, devoted its most recent issue to Farsi1, featuring on the cover a digitally altered version of an evil-looking Murdoch sporting a button in the channel’s signature pink and white colors. “Murdoch is a secret Jew trying to control the world’s media, and promotes Farsi1,” the magazine declared.

“Farsi1’s shows might be accepted in Western culture . . . but this is the first time that such things are being shown and offered so directly, completely and with ulterior motives to Iranian society. Does anybody hear alarm bells?” wrote Morteza Najafi, a regular Panjereh contributor.

The Iranian state — Akbar Ganji calls it a “sultanate” in Weberian terms — has tried to block access to Farsi1. It jams foreign channels, it sends police out to confiscate satellite dishes, but it can’t seem to prevent many citizens from tuning in to officially banned broadcasts.

Way back in 1979, David Ramsay Steele of the Libertarian Alliance in Great Britain wrote about the changes beginning in China. He quoted authors in the official Beijing Review who were explaining that China would adopt the good aspects of the West — technology, innovation, entrepreneurship — without adopting its liberal values. “We should do better than the Japanese,” the authors wrote. “They have learnt from the United States not only computer science but also strip-tease. For us it is a matter of acquiring the best of the developed capitalist countries while rejecting their philosophy.” But, Steele replied, countries like China have a choice. “You play the game of catallaxy, or you do not play it. If you do not play it, you remain wretched. But if you play it, you must play it. You want computer science? Then you have to put up with striptease.”

North Korea and Burma choose to “remain wretched.” That’s not the future Iran’s leaders want. But they too will find it difficult to keep their citizens in an information straitjacket while participating in a global economy.

Footnote: In all this discussion of how authoritarian governments try to protect their citizens from offensive images, alternative ideas, and what’s going on in the rest of the world, I am for some reason reminded of the “30 Rock” episode in which NBC executive Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) is trying to figure out how to deal with a high-strung performer. Another actress tells him, ”You’ve got to lie to her, coddle her, protect her from the real world.” Jack replies,”I get it — treat her like the New York Times treats its readers.”

Random Access Memory (RAM)

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:53:22 +0000

Samsung has introduced a more capable version of its 10.1-inch N220 netbook, the N220 Plus Premium. Improvements include a doubling of RAM, to 2GB, a larger, 320GB hard drive, Bluetooth 3.0 and a chiclet keyboard. There is also an SDXC memory card slot.

The same 1.66GHz Atom N450 powers the Plus, and battery life remains at up to 11.5 hours. The regular model isn't expected to be discontinued in favor of the Plus Premium, so both will be sold at the same time. The new version is expected to cost 399 euros ($500), or 50 euros more than the regular model. When and if the netbook ships in North America remains unknown. [via UberGizmo]

Ah, the once mighty Power Mac G5. It used to be the envy of film editors and art designers everywhere. With a 1.6 GHz CPU, a whopping 256MB of RAM, and an 80GB hard drive, it was once the tower-iest of PC towers.

Just seven short years later, it's reduced to grating cheese in some nondescript office environment. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Actually it's just the case doing the grating -- you have to admit, with all of those tiny holes for ventilation, the case works pretty well. It does make a mess, though, and there's quite a bit of cheese still left on the unit. It may not be able to run 10.6, but the old G5 will spruce up your salad if you so choose.

Thanks, sivil!

Sennheiser RS120 926 MHz Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Cradle

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:52:36 +0000

Electric Fans

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:49:19 +0000

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RTL by ktsub
Rasmussin agrees with you. by pilgrim
I live in Stillwater by wrenhal
Okay, I give..... by muffin
Vasser, I read this (your best, imho) as a call to arms for Liberty-lovers to lead the GOP as the vehicle by Mike gamecock DeVine
interesting way to avoid the debate by irishrebel2000
I share your frustration with Angle by jonreagan
great info 'joan - Go Handel! - nt by Mike gamecock DeVine
Bravo Fred! I was put on the defense with a lot of folks by Mike gamecock DeVine
Thanks... by irishrebel2000
What's next from the Obummer admenstration? by izoneguy
Agreed, pilgrim. The days of conservatives being able to by eburke
Election breakdown has Deal and his supporters worried by jstjoan
More than that by Menlo
Talk about shooting feet. by itrytobenice
Deal has repeatedly touted his Pro-Life rating but by jstjoan
You're right, Vassar, this post couldn't wait. by penguin2
Not the Catholic Church... by merryj1
That's easy. They either don't pay taxes or their "campaign contributions" come with special tax carve-outs... by acat
Actually John OXY was leading by chihank
The next time. . . by msctex
It's right there in the Book of Job by kowalski
Chuckie Schumer just gave $10,000 to Rangel last month. by SoFiMil
"If Glenn Beck quotes MLK Jr. but mocks social justice..." by merryj1
Change the "wise" to "dumb", and it will fit perfectly. nt by Locked and Loaded
There's almost some kind of SONG about this by kowalski
With an 11% approval rating of Congress by Scope
Something's wrong with those numbers by SirGladiator
I'd prefer softening by Menlo
Why do bad things... by swami7774
Social Justice. . . by msctex
Who Knew? by kowalski
Actually, no... by merryj1
I've never understood by Menlo
I grew up drinking fluoride and I don't think it by Tbone
Vassar- Even before I read your post, why the heck are you posting when you are on vacation? by Scope
Let's Cut to the Chase by pirate55
No, that's not accurate by merryj1
Same battle. by larueladue
you will not last long here by Doc Holliday

Scoreboards have come a long way since the turn of the 20th century, when operators climbed ladders to update boards with chalk or hang a different number to indicate the start of a new inning or quarter. Manually operated boards slowly gave way to more efficient electric boards, which eventually incorporated video and grew bigger and brighter by the year. Here’s a look at how scoreboards have evolved over the past 100+ years.

Early Scoreboards

Leave it to a couple of Ivy League schools to pioneer the use of scoreboards, or score boards as they were known at the time. Harvard claims that its athletic association unveiled the nation’s first scoreboard during a football game on Thanksgiving Day 1893, while others credit Penn, which opened Franklin Field in 1895, with that distinction. For what it’s worth, one of the earliest mentions of a score board in the New York Times was on November 11, 1894, in an account of Penn’s 12-0 win over Princeton at the Trenton Fairgrounds.

Scoring Goes Electric

In 1908, Chicago inventor George A. Baird developed an electric baseball scoreboard that recorded balls, strikes, and outs. While Baird’s invention was tested by Boston’s two major league clubs, it didn’t immediately catch on across the league. Team owners were hesitant to provide information to fans for fear that it would cut into the sale of scorecards, but the electric scoreboard signaled an eventual shift in the in-game experience at stadiums and arenas. Over the next two decades, manually operated scoreboards evolved to feature more information than the score. Lineups with player names and numbers were displayed, along with scores and pitchers’ numbers from games around the league.

The Origins of Gametracker

While baseball teams weren’t initially keen on electric scoreboards, newspapers embraced the technology. Before games were broadcast on the radio, fans could gather outside of newspaper buildings to follow games that were reproduced using lights and simple graphics on boards operated by workers who received telegraph messages from the site of the game. Crowds in excess of 10,000 would sometimes gather in front of these scoreboards for World Series games.

Scoreboard Watching at the Theater

Around the same time that newspapers debuted their own electric scoreboards, fans could pay for admission to theaters and clubs to follow games on even fancier scoreboard contraptions. As early as 1901, college football fans gathered in New York’s Knickerbocker Athletic Club to track games taking place across the country on a scoreboard invented by Arthur Irwin, the brains behind the scoreboard that Harvard reportedly unveiled in 1893. The “Coleman Life-like Scoreboard,” which is pictured above and featured in a series of fascinating photos on Shorpy.com, debuted in 1913 at the National Theater in Washington, DC. Advertisements for Coleman’s invention, which took 10 years to build, heralded it as “the greatest baseball invention in the world.” Operated by five men, including a telegraph operator, the scoreboard featured 19,000 feet of wire and 400 stereopticon slides. Light bulbs translated play-by-play information received via telegraph into graphical displays on a 30-foot screen. “You see every play as it is made upon the field, with life-like pictures of players that hit the ball, run the bases, get put out or slide to safety,” the ads proclaimed. “The ball sails through the air, actual players run, catch, or pick up the ball and make the play…Bring the ladies.”

Dial-a-Down

Stadiums primarily featured manually operated scoreboards throughout the 1920s and 30s. This diagram from a 1932 issue of Popular Mechanics depicts an innovation that allowed a single operator to update a football scoreboard while remaining hidden from view. The operator would watch the game through a peephole and rotate numbered metal disks that displayed the score, quarter, down, and yards to go.

Yankee Stadium and the “Electronic Miracle”

When Yankee Stadium opened in 1923, it featured a large manually operated scoreboard in right field that was visible to every spectator in the park. In 1950, the Yankees unveiled an electric scoreboard that the team called “the most efficient scoreboard ever built and, in general, a big stride forward.” The Yankees’ new scoreboard was operated by two men as opposed to five and featured a non-glare enamel covering.

Before the 1959 season, the Yankees made another upgrade, installing the first scoreboard to feature a changeable message display. The New York Times, which dubbed the new scoreboard “the electronic miracle,” provided the specifics: “The board will contain 11,210 lamps with a wattage of 115,000, 619,000 feet of electric cable, will weigh 25 tons (not including the steel supporting structure), will have more than 4,860 push buttons on the master control console and will have a total face area of 4,782 square feet.”

Clearing the Scoreboard at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field’s iconic 89-foot scoreboard was built in 1937 under the direction of flamboyant club treasurer and future White Sox owner Bill Veeck, whose father was team president until he died in 1933. Most of the original Wrigley Field scoreboard, which still stands today, is manually operated, but the batter’s number, balls, strikes, and outs are displayed electronically in the center portion of the board. The original control panel is still in use. While no baseball player has managed to hit the scoreboard, golfer Sam Snead cleared it with a drive from home plate in 1951. Snead was invited to take aim at the scoreboard while he was in Chicago to get an X-ray of his broken right hand. According to newspaper accounts, Snead hit the scoreboard with a 4-iron before clearing it with a 2-iron.

“What’s baseball coming to?”

That’s what former White Sox manager Jimmy Dykes asked after Comiskey Park’s exploding scoreboard, which featured multi-colored pinwheels and shot off fireworks after every home run by a Chicago player, was unveiled in 1960. “All I know is that if I was a pitcher whose home run ball had started that Fourth of July celebration, I’d fire my next pitch at the head of the next hitter,” Dykes told a reporter. While some opponents resented the extravagant display, which was another one of Veeck’s ideas, the unique scoreboard design was retained when Chicago’s current stadium opened in 1991.

Bigger and Better

When the Houston Astrodome opened in 1965, its 474-foot wide scoreboard was the largest in all of sports. The scoreboard featured 50,000 lights that erupted in a 45-second animated display of cowboys, ricocheting bullets, flags, steers, and fireworks after every Astros home run or victory. The display was set to a soundtrack that included “The Eyes of Texas.”

Diamond Vision

The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled a $3 million, 875-square foot video board at the 1980 All-Star Game. Mitsubishi’s Diamond Vision, which enabled operators to show replays using a VCR, was the first video board of its kind and a sign of things to come. Similar video boards soon became standard in stadiums and arenas, as the resolution and functionality of the screens improved and Sony entered the market with its popular JumboTron. In 2009, the Dallas Cowboys unveiled the world’s largest high-definition video display, an LED scoreboard developed by Mitsubishi.

Other Iconic Baseball Scoreboards

In baseball more than any other sport, the scoreboard helps define a stadium. Here’s a look at some of the more famous baseball scoreboards from the past and present:

Ebbetts Field

The scoreboard at Brooklyn’s Ebbetts Field featured a “Hit Sign, Win Suit” advertisement for Abe Stark. The ‘h’ or the ‘e’ in the Schaefer beer sign would flash to indicate the official scorer’s ruling on hits and errors. Oriole Park at Camden Yards pays homage to that creative detail by flashing the ‘h’ or the ‘e’ in the sign atop its scoreboard.

Crosley Field

The 58-foot tall scoreboard at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field was installed in 1957. Houston’s Jimmy Wynn, a Cincinnati native, hit what is considered the longest home run at Crosley Field in 1967. Wynn cleared the scoreboard with a blast than landed on I-75.

Fenway Park

The manually operated scoreboard at the base of Fenway Park’s Green Monster was installed in 1934. The initials of the team’s former owners, Thomas A. Yawkey and Jean R. Yawkey, are written in Morse code in two vertical stripes on the scoreboard.

Anaheim Stadium

The Big A, the 230-foot high scoreboard support in Anaheim, cost $1 million and was unveiled in 1966. It was moved to the parking lot in 1980.

Kauffman Stadium

The Royals replaced their 12-story, crown-shaped centerfield scoreboard as part of their $256 million renovation to Kauffman Stadium in 2007. The new scoreboard, which was unveiled on Opening Day 2008, is 8,736 square feet, more than twice the size of the original.

Herschel Greer Stadium

Minor league ballparks feature some noteworthy scoreboards, too. The guitar-shaped scoreboard at Herschel Greer Stadium, home of the Nashville Sounds, was installed in 1993.

Have you been to a ballpark with a scoreboard that deserves to be mentioned?

More from mental_floss…

What’s in a Nickname? The Stories Behind All 30 MLB Team Names
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It Curves! A Brief History of Wiffle Ball
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19 Weird Clauses in Baseball Contracts
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Making Ice Nice Since 1949: A Brief History of the Zamboni
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Where Are They Now? High School Kids Immortalized By Sports Illustrated

TV and Video

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:06:50 +0000

YouTube is not only expanding its reach on mobile devices, but it has its eye on your living room, too. Today, the company is launching the beta version of YouTube Leanback, the company’s biggest attempt yet to dominate the TV screen and the living room.

YouTube Leanback was actually revealed back in May at the Google I/O conference as part of the announcement of Google TV. Now, the made-for-TV version of YouTubeYouTube has made it into TestTube, the video site’s version of Google LabsGoogle Labs.

While YouTube has already proven its popularity on mobile devices (100 million mobile video views per day), one giant question remains: Can YouTube Leanback compete with traditional TV shows and video games to become a mainstay of the living room?

The Leanback Experience

Leanback is a simplified YouTube experience designed for TV screens, especially ones equipped with Google TV. In a demo we received from YouTube Product Manager Kuan Yong and UI Designer Julian Frumar, we learned that pretty much all actions come in the form of four buttons: up, down, left and right. The down button opens up a navigation menu, where you can browse a collection of videos based on categories such as entertainment or music. You can also access your video playlists or just watch random videos. Hitting “up” opens up the quick search box.

As you would expect, the design is very simple and intended to allow users to “lean back” and watch YouTube videos one after the other. It was very simple for me to use and understand in my hands-on demo.

But Will Regular People Use It?

Leanback is just a part of Google’sGoogle larger strategy to dominate the living room, but it’s a very crucial part. If people aren’t interested in browsing YouTube on their TVs, then how interested can they be in surfing the web or checking their e-mail from Google TV?

YouTube has addressed the TV screen in the past. Last year, the company launched YouTube XL, another stripped-down version of the live video destination optimized for bigger screens. According to Yong, Leanback is actually the evolution and successor to XL, although it will remain live for the foreseeable future.

Here’s the problem with YouTube in the living room: The site’s catalog is mostly composed of short clips. Most of these clips are just two to five minutes long. The average person doesn’t go to YouTube to be entertained for two-hour blocks; more often, people turn to TV, where hour-long episodes of House or Saturday Night Live keep them entertained with a single story. If you watched YouTube Leanback for an hour, you’d probably get 15-20 different videos with their own stories.

We’re not saying consumers won’t embrace Leanback; this product is the next logical step for Google. However, unlike YouTube’s mobile efforts, Leanback is a gamble — an assumption of risk based on the premise that YouTube can be more than a video destination, it can be an operating system for videos. It means that when you think of video, you think of YouTube. It becomes the central point for your video entertainment.

Will we be couch surfing YouTube a year from now? Or will the novelty of Leanback quickly die out in favor of the traditional TV viewing experience we have all come to know and love? Google has a steep hill to climb.

For more Web Video coverage:

Follow Mashable Web Video
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Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Today, Roku and MP3tunes announced a partnership that will bring your iTunes music library to your television. MP3tunes, for those not familiar, is a company that provides “secure online music space” and features “unlimited listening.” The company’s website boasts, “With just a couple clicks, Locker users can sync their personal digital music and video up to ‘the cloud’ for enjoying from any web browser and a wide variety of mobile and home entertainment devices.” And starting today, you can add the Roku to that list. MP3 offers 10GB of storage for free — ad supported of course — with paid options all the way up to 200 GB. Hit the jump for the full press release.

MP3tunes and Roku Partner To Bring Personal iTunes Music Collection To TVs

An Industry First: No PC or home server required to play iTunes music libraries on Home Entertainment Systems

San Diego, CA – For the first time, music lovers can play their personal iTunes music collection on their TV without a home server. Roku, the market leader in streaming entertainment devices has added expanded support for personal music collections with the addition of MP3tunes. Available now on all Roku players, the MP3tunes channel connects securely to a customer’s personal music stored online in their MP3tunes Locker. After a few simple steps to connect and sync music to a web-based locker, any Roku becomes a rich music player.

“Now customers can get their music library to their TV without the complexity or cost of a home server,” said Michael Robertson, CEO of MP3tunes. “For less than $100, iTunes users or any music enthusiast can turn a TV into a home stereo and take advantage of the best speakers in their house.”

Roku customers can find the free MP3tunes channel in the Roku channel store. By adding this channel to their Roku, customers can access their song libraries and playlists which have historically been available only on their PC in iTunes or portable players which they sync. The MP3tunes channel defaults to a one-click shuffle mode, which immediately plays a random mix of music along with a visual display of accompanying cover art. Customers may choose to browse their music and select artists, albums or playlists to hear.

All Roku customers receive 10GB of free storage space for their music which, on average, will store music libraries up to 2,500 songs. Additional storage for larger music collections is available with MP3tunes premium locker accounts up to 200GBs. For a limited time, customers may also buy a Roku player with a $20 discount and get a free MP3tunes Premium Locker. See www.mp3tunes.com/rokubundle for more information.

“Roku customers are increasingly taking advantage of streaming music services, and now with MP3tunes we are giving them access to their full iTunes music library right on the TV,” said Jim Funk, vice president of business development for Roku, Inc. “In addition to being a terrific video player with support for Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and a whole host of other great sports and entertainment content, the Roku player is also a gateway to rich audio entertainment thanks to MP3tunes.”

By choosing Roku as its first launch partner in the home entertainment category, MP3tunes joins major streaming services like Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX), Amazon Video On Demand (Nasdaq: AMZN), MLB.TV, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship®. The Roku digital video player joins a growing family of devices that play music from a secure MP3tunes locker including Apple iPhone, iTouch, Google Android and Logitech radios. MP3tunes’ unique open music API (www.mp3tunes.com/api) allows any net aware device for car, home, mobile to play a personal music collection.

A video tour of the service can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/user/mp3tunes#p/u/6/ctn4Dx0IGPE

Read

Tags: Audio, itunes, Media, mp3, MP3tunes, music, roku, streaming

Miscellaneous

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:42:22 +0000

You've probably seen an episode or two of Hoarders, a program which left us with a strong desire to clean, organize, throwout everything and live a spartan lifestyle with one USB cord and a can opener. But even though we're far from being a bona fide tech hoarder, upon review and reflection, we've got a fair share of tech clutter that is dampening our rep of having a clean abode. What to do when your tech accessories are out of hand?

• Read the full post at Unplggd

As our federal tax code gets more and more complex, it can be challenging to navigate through all of the ways you can save money by lowering your income taxes. Two of the more common methods people use to reduce their income taxes are tax credits and tax deductions. Although similar in intention, these two tax-reduction techniques have fundamental differences and are not interchangeable. Knowing the difference can have a big impact on your bottom line.

Basically, tax credits lower your tax amount, dollar for dollar, whereas tax deductions reduce your taxable income. The ultimate value of a tax deduction depends on your tax bracket. Simply put, if you're in the 25 percent tax bracket, $1,000 in deductions might lower your tax bill by $250 (25 percent X $1,000); but a $1,000 credit can lower your tax bill by the full $1,000, no matter which tax bracket you are in.

Read on for more differences between tax credits and tax deductions:

Tax Credits. There are two basic types of tax credits: refundable and non-refundable.

With refundable tax credits, if you owe less in income tax than your eligible tax credit(s), not only do you pay no tax, but you actually get a refund for the difference. So for example, if you owe $750 in income tax but have $1,000 in refundable credits, you will receive a $250 refund.

Common refundable credits include:

Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers -- amounts vary based on family size and income (Click HERE to see if you are eligible)

Additional Child Tax Credit for certain people who get less than the full amount of the regular child tax credit (See IRS Publication 972 for details)

Excess Social Security Withheld Tax Credit -- for people who had more than one employer during the year and too much Social Security tax withheld. (Click HERE for details.)

Most tax credits are non-refundable, which means they can't reduce taxes owed to less than zero (i.e., they can't generate a refund when the credit amount is greater than taxes owed). Common non-refundable credits include:

Standard Child Tax Credit -- up to1,000 per qualifying child
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
Credit for elderly or disabled people
American Opportunity Credit -- an enhanced version of Hope Scholarships. Note: This credit is up to 40 percent refundable for most people
Lifetime Learning Credit
Adoption Credit
Residential energy efficiency credits
Retirement savings contributions for low-income families

Tax Deductions. There are many different types of income tax deductions. For many people, it's more advantageous to take the standard deduction, which is subtracted from gross income to determine taxable income. Others, with large medical, state and local tax, charitable donation and/or other expenses are better off itemizing deductions.

Among the more common tax deductions are those for:

Medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income

Deductible taxes you paid elsewhere (for example, state, local and foreign income tax, property tax, sales tax, etc.)

Home mortgage points

Charitable contributions

Casualty and theft losses

Certain education and work-related expenses. Some miscellaneous deductions, like unreimbursed employee expenses, professional dues, job search expenses and tax preparation fees, must exceed a combined 2 percent of your adjusted gross income to be claimed; others, like gambling losses up to the amount of winnings or casualty/theft losses from income-producing property, are not subject to that limit.

Click HERE for a more complete list of deductions.

It's important to note that you cannot claim a credit and a deduction for the same expense. For example, you may be able to claim work-related tuition as a miscellaneous business expense deduction or as a Lifetime Learning Credit, but not as both.

Your eligibility for tax credits and deductions may change from year to year due to tax law modifications and changes in your income or family situation. For example, some tax credits phase out for people whose adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain levels. With the American Opportunity Credit, for example, single filers whose AGI exceeds $80,000, will see their available credit amount gradually deecrease until at $90,000, the credit is no longer available (the range is $160,000 to $180,000 for couples filing jointly). It pays to check the IRS website for such details before filing your tax return.

This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how tax laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.

Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

Serial Adapters

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:39:17 +0000

Verdict: Hamachi offers lots of configuration options that the other programs do not offer. It offers better privacy thanks to the fact that only clients who know the network name and password will be able to join it. The downsides are that it may require some troubleshooting before it can be used and that there is no option to play with strangers.

Tunngle

Tunngle uses a similar system to offer a virtual LAN to clients. Users need to create a Tunngle account before they can connect to the software and the virtual networks.

Tunngle is a different breed of program. Every user connects to the same server that offers access to channels and community features via the network explorer menu.

Channels are divided into gaming categories and chat lobbies. Gamers who want to play a round of Warcraft 3 would for instance need to click on Strategy, then Warcraft 3 Frozen Throne to join the virtual LAN and chatroom for that game.

Every client who joined the channel is available for gaming, the maximum number of clients is 255 for every channel.

The basic game setup works like this. The client launches Tunngle, switches to the channel of the game, and starts the game afterwards.

All people in the same game room will be available for LAN play. The main advantage of Tunngle, and Garena for that matter, over Hamachi is the fact that they provide access to a gaming community on top of the virtual LAN gaming capabilities. This makes it possible to play games even if friends are not available at that time.

Tunngle uses 256-bit AES encryption just like Hamachi does to secure the computer connections.

Tunngle is currently labeled beta. The developers have announced plans to offer a free basic version and a premium version with advanced features after the beta phase.

Garena

Garena is similar to Tunngle in many regards. It was available before Tunngle and offers additional community features and a bigger community at this point.

Tunngle

Tunngle uses a similar system to offer a virtual LAN to clients. Users need to create a Tunngle account before they can connect to the software and the virtual networks.

Tunngle is a different breed of program. Every user connects to the same server that offers access to channels and community features via the network explorer menu.

Every client who joined the channel is available for gaming, the maximum number of clients is 255 for every channel.

The basic game setup works like this. The client launches Tunngle, switches to the channel of the game, and starts the game afterwards.

Tunngle uses 256-bit AES encryption just like Hamachi does to secure the computer connections.

Tunngle is currently labeled beta. The developers have announced plans to offer a free basic version and a premium version with advanced features after the beta phase.

Garena

Garena is similar to Tunngle in many regards. It was available before Tunngle and offers additional community features and a bigger community at this point.

Rework

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:38:55 +0000

Maison Martin Margiela 2010 Fall/Winter Replica Sneaker

by Alex Milner, July 19, 2010

Here is the latest rework of the Maison Martin Margiela Replica Sneaker model. Inspired by the army trainer form from Austria in the 70s, the Replica features a one-piece upper in an all white colorway, furthering the traditional clean and modern Margiela aesthetic. The shoe is available now from Dover Street Market.

Photography: Hypebeast

As is always the case when news of a Child adaptation comes up, the question is: who plays Jack Reacher? He’s a tall, broad, smart and crafty ex-military cop. (Huge is really the word.) His size is a crucial part of the character, in the sense that he spends a lot of time downplaying his cunning and letting the assumptions other characters make about his nature work in his favor.

Dwayne Johnson has the size, but not the nature. There are other big guys, but none seem quite right. This has been a sticking point for years — One Shot isn’t the first Reacher novel to go into development, and it might not be the first to get stuck in development hell, in part because sticking close to the original character description makes Reacher very difficult to cast.

Here’s the synopsis from Lee Child’s website, which also points to excerpts from the novel:

A lone gunman hides in a parking garage and shoots into a crowd in a public plaza in a small Indiana city. Five random people die in a senseless massacre. The shooter leaves a perfect trail behind him and the police quickly track him down. His name is James Barr. It’s a watertight case. After his arrest, James Barr refuses to talk. Then, to his lawyer, he utters a single phrase: “Get Jack Reacher for me.” But Reacher’s already on his way. What could connect this obvious psychopath with our wandering ex-army cop?

By the time Reacher hits town, Barr’s been beaten badly enough to forget everything about the day in question. So Reacher begins to piece together the wealth of evidence; he does the math and comes to a few conclusions of his own.

Coby CSP96 300

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:37:53 +0000

Scanners

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:35:51 +0000

Full Body Scans have been promoted heavily by lobbyists to every member of Congress, who, (it is well proven), will sell their very souls for the dollar. Everyone is concerned with 'privacy' but we have been forced to virtually strip naked to satisfy the greed of companies manufacturing these half-assed, unproven machines and essentially useless machines. The manufacturers have admitted that these machines would not have detected the 'underwear bombers' stash of explosives. So why is our government spending tens of billions of dollars to install them in airports ? The answer is that the greed of individual congress people over rides any consideration for the 'gismos' need or effectiveness, but it puts money in the corrupt pockets of 99.9% of congress. We have despots running this country, all sold out to the highest bidder. Obama is no better than anyone else. Why do you think congress people spend tens of millions to get elected for a $170,000 a year job ?. The reason is the 'backhanders' and bribes they get to sell their support for a particular bill so that on leaving congress they are all multi millionaires. The answer is vote all of them OUT and CLEAN HOUSE regardless of who replaces them, because the incoming people can't be any worse than what we now have. I voted for and used to support Obama but he is gutless and timid and is unsuited for the job. Forget Republicans, they have zero ideas about anything. Bottom line, get rid of ALL of them.

Say what you will about feeling like you're being watched, but these license scanners do seem to be doing a good job. The 100 or so mobile license-plate readers mounted on top of NYPD patrol cars have helped cops recover 2,683 stolen vehicles since they were implemented in 2006, according to the Post. It's also lead to at least 1,000 arrests for felony crimes. But are they an invasion of privacy?

The NYCLU previously called the stationary license scanners invasive, and said the city shouldn't be spending money on "indiscriminate videotaping of millions of people." But the NYPD calls them "another useful tool against crime," and plans to install more as a part of the city's "Ring of Steel" initiative. According to the latest NYPD statistics, Grand Larceny Auto is up 0.9% this year to date, with 5,331 cars reported stolen citywide. If only they could all be recovered totally pimped out.

Irons

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:53:32 +0000

Irons’ previous work as a former drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam does nothing to prepare the listener for Attention Dimension. An appropriate title because if you listen long enough and attentively enough, your mind will travel to another dimension.

The album starts off with “Jackie Groove,” a jazzy little number that features flute and soprano saxophone played by Irons’ partner-in-crime, Alain Johannes, who plays on most of the tracks, co-wrote a couple of songs and was involved in the mixing and engineering.

Then we move into an interesting percussion piece, “Suluhiana,” which means “make peace.” It is one of the few tracks with vocals, but that doesn’t mean it has lyrics except for when the title can be made out. Instead of singing, Johannes provides tribal chanting. Later in the piece, the vocals are reminiscent of qawwali vocalizing, which totally works with the song’s world music flavor.

“Hearing It Doubled” was my favorite track, but that might be because it’s as close to rock ‘n’ roll as anything on the album. It starts with some intense, fast drum work that you would hear in a drum line. Then you hear the blues, which I first thought was guitar, but looking at the liner notes it turns out it was either an electric mridangam or a sigfiddle. Then the piano kicks in for a little boogie-woogie.

Almost unrecognizable is a part of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” The distinctive four-note guitar has been transformed, sounding as if it’s underwater. The drums kick in strong, taking center stage and speeding up the tempo. Eddie Vedder sings the vocals and Les Claypool lays down some very nice bass. It won’t supplant the original, but an effort was made to make something different out of it.

Next, Irons delves into his 14-minute solo epic, “Underwater Circus Music,” which would have been a more apt album title if there hadn’t already been a band with that name. The piece is repetitive, self-indulgent and doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Every time it was on, I found myself drifting and focusing on something else, which could have been the song’s purpose. It would certainly be helpful in those contemplative and/or hallucinogenic moments when your trying to sort the universe out, but it’s too much and almost kills the album.

I liked “Dunes” with its Middle Eastern flair, and also “Come Running,” which is the most radio-friendly song on the album due to Irons’ lilting vocals and Johannes’ slide guitar. It makes you wish there were more tracks in this mode rather then the bloated “Underwater Circus Music,” but unfortunately, the next track is the 12-minute “Water Song.” This time he is joined by Flea and Stone Gossard, but even with that star power, it still suffers from the same problems that make “Underwater Circus Music” intolerable.

“Attention Dimension” is an eclectic percussive mix filled with mostly instrumental pieces that are so diverse in sound and style that I suggest you listen to a sample of every track before you purchase it. The album will be too schizophrenic for some, but those with wide ranging musical tastes, especially percussion work, might enjoy the audio expedition that Irons leads you on.

Panasonic SC

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:51:36 +0000

Panasonic showed off the new SC-BT230 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2010 in Las Vegas. In early February I was shopping for a Home Theater System as a companion to my Panasonic plasma TV. I was planning to buy the predecessor Panasonic SC-BT230 (the SC-BT200). While doing my research online, I found the articles about the new SC-BT230 (and the SC-BT330 and SC-BT730). I decided to wait and I'm glad I did.

For less than $400, the SC-BT230 packs a huge value. It includes a rock-solid Blu-ray player as well as an audio/video iPod dock and six speakers (Center, Front L/R, Surround L/R, and subwoofer). One of the features I liked best was the ability to setup the surround speakers as a second set of front speakers. Running the cables to the back of the room where our TV is would have been unsightly as well as not-particularly toddler-friendly. You can, of course, do that with any Home Theater system, but the Panasonic SC-BT230 makes it easy to make it sound right by including that option in the easy setup wizard.

The sound is pretty good. It isn't fantastic, but when you consider all of the components you're getting for the price, some very-good-but-not-perfect sound is more than acceptable. If you're looking for better sound, it might be worth considering the SC-BT330 or SC-BT730. Those models include bigger/better front speakers and the SC-BT730 includes wireless rear speakers. I chose the SC-BT230 because of the wife-friendly super-tiny speakers. My wife didn't like the appearance of the larger speakers included with the higher models. We both liked the lower price of the SC-BT230.

One of the best features of the SC-BT230 is the integration with Panasonic TV's through their proprietary VIERA Link. When used with a Panasonic TV, the VIERA Link functionality can turn the Home Theater System on and off whenever you turn the TV on or off. It also changes inputs when you switch from viewing the TV to viewing a DVD or Blu-ray and allows you to control the volume of the Home Theater speakers from the TV remote. The VIERA Link feature alone made the Panasonic offerings stand out above other brands (at least for owners of Panasonic TV's). Having the tight integration makes the SC-BT230 very easy to use for everyone in the house.

The setup was pretty easy. The speakers connected very easily with color-coded connectors. The wires for the front speakers were a little short for my preference, just barely reaching from where I wanted to put the speakers to the main unit. The center, surround, and subwoofer cables had plenty of length. The setup wizard was very easy to use and well illustrated. My only frustration was that it took me about 20 minutes of fiddling with the VIERA Link settings on the TV to get the tight integration I'd hoped for. It wasn't too hard, but I expected it to be just a bit simpler.

Overall the SC-BT230 is a nice, attractive, easy to use, compact Home Theater System that is an especially good buy for anyone that has a recent-vintage Panasonic TV.

Lingerie

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:51:29 +0000

I was just reading an interesting article entitled "Wearing Your Lingerie in Public" at a website called Spicy Relationships. What I learned was that wearing your lingerie in public is quickly becoming a hot fashion trend according to many experts that I have talked to. “Boy shorts sets, the lacey version of daisy dukes, can be worn around in lieu of regular shorts and tank top, but you’ll want to make sure you aren’t revealing too much. Boy shorts are definitely made to augment your “assets” and can be a great fashion statement.” This gives me a great incentive to continue spoiling my girlfriend. Also, it should give other guys an incentive to spoil their woman.

Underwear is like what you wear to the beach, except one little difference. For women, it has lace. For my girlfriend, walking around in public in lingerie is actually quite natural for her. She loves wearing it in public, and I actually love seeing her do it. She even wears thongs out in public. I personally find peek-a-boo panties sexy, though. Showing a thong is definitely an attention grabber. As my girlfriend constantly says to me and her friends, “I have a great body, and I want to show it off.” Well said.

Types of Lingerie for the Holidays

Christmas: Christmas is the season of giving, so go all out and have a lots of fun with it. Red, white, and green are your colors of choice for this holiday. Silk or velvet also works nicely for this holiday. Tinsel from the Christmas tree, or even some ornaments can be used as accessories. Not to mention the candy canes...yum! You can have her be your Mrs. Clause, or dress her up like a naughty little elf.

New Year's: Bright, clashing colors and designs work well. See what you can do with a party favor can lead to some fun times that will be talked about and remembered for sometime. If you are looking to get your girlfriend or wife aroused, then buy some champagne and chocolates from Godiva and bring in the New Year with a bang.

Lingerie Gift Ideas

If you are a guy and you are looking to have your girlfriend make heads turn at your next Christmas party, then Panties.com has some great gift ideas. Try these on for size:

See-Through Sexy Sequin Chemise. An eye catching chemise lavishly embellished with dangling brilliant sequins, trimmed in velvet, adjustable straps makes a great statement for your next Christmas party. It comes with matching double strap velvet G-string! There are some styles that actually look exactly like and can be used as a cocktail dress. Try wearing this Chemise to your next Christmas party. It is guaranteed to make heads turn.

Mrs. Clause. If your Christmas party is a themed event, then this adorable little red dress, also by Panties.com, is a perfect choice. It comes with a lace up front and fur trim and adjustable straps.

Women want to be spoiled. Women want to feel sexy. They like it when you buy them intimate apparel. It shows her that you really do think she is sexy. You are only limited by your imagination, and the only limits to your imagination in life are self-imposed.

Whiplash

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:45:50 +0000

Amusement parks span across the United States and are a key part of family vacations each year. For many families, local amusements parks provide a nice form of entertainment without spending large amounts of money on vacations to far away destinations. If you are considering a visit to the an amusement park, and you plan to ride a roller coaster, be sure you are familiar with the health risks including the symptoms and risks associated with whiplash.

Whiplash is a cervical, or neck, injury that results in significant neck pain. For individuals who suffer from the condition, the neck pain can be long term and lead to complications including headaches, visual disturbance, and even numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. For many whiplash sufferers, the injury could have been prevented and may not be covered by any type of liability insurance claim.

Riding roller coasters often leads to complications with whiplash. While most roller coasters are designed to prevent this type of injury, there is no guarantee the complication will not occur and, when visiting an amusement park, you are assuming this risk and there is very little opportunity for filing a claim for liability after suffering whiplash. To ensure your visit to the amusement park is as safe as possible, there are a few items you can do to reduce your risk for whiplash.

First, examine the roller coaster in motion carefully. Beyond the actual piece of machinery, you will want to pay attention to the individuals riding the roller coaster and take note of their head movements. While roller coasters move rather quickly, it is possible to view the motion of the individuals. If you see large amounts of jolting, this may be indicative that the roller coaster is a whiplash risk.

When approaching the area to get on the roller coaster, observe the way the roller coaster comes into the port after a prior group of riders has completed their roller coaster ride. Often, roller coasters jolt when coming to a stop and this can cause whiplash in riders as well.

If you opt to get on the roller coaster, be sure your safety harnesses are in place. Also, brace your arms against the frame of the roller coaster to ensure you have the bed opportunity for maintaining control over your body. With proper control, you can reduce the risk for whiplash and, ultimately, reduce the long term pain and complications that may arise. When neck pain does occur after visiting an amusement park, be sure to visit with a medical professional immediately as you may need muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory to reduce the long term impact of whiplash.

Sources: Journal of Orthopedics 2007; 2: 47-53.

TV Accessories

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:45:38 +0000

If you have just purchased a brand new 42" LCD TV and do not plan on mounting it on the wall, you will need to find a suitable TV stand. Some TVs already come equipped with a stand provided by the TVs manufacturer; if yours did and it suits your styling preferences, then you don't have to worry about purchasing one. However if it did not, you will want to find a stand that is heavy and big enough to support the TV. If there ever comes a time where you accidentally bump the TV, you will want the stand to be strong enough that it doesn't let the TV fall over.

A 42" TV is quite heavy, so you will want a stand that is capable of handling the weight. As you look around in the store, the stand's box and packaging will always specify the biggest size of TV it can handle. You can even look in the TVs manual and they should provide you with a list of specifications to go by when choosing a TV stand.

However, there are many other things to consider about your TV stand besides how tough and strong it is. Let's take a look at those things now.

You will need to decide whether or not your TV stand will hold other equipment other than the TV itself. If you will use a home theater system, a DVD player or game systems like a PS3, then your TV stand will need enough space to house those things. In this case, your TV stand should have a few shelves that you will be able to place these items on, and maybe items that you plan to own in the future.

The next thing you will need to decide is the viewing level you would prefer your TV on. This is a personal choice, so you will have several height options to choose from. Some TV stands have the feature of being adjusted, so you may be able to go with that option. If not, you will need to measure your preferred height and then find the appropriate stand. A good way to measure the height you want is to sit in your couch, or the place you will be watching TV from the most, and choose what your eye level will be. Once this has been determined, center your TV on that level.

You may find that many of the stands are all around the same height. This is because they were built to suit the viewing level of the average person. That is why it is important to make sure you are satisfied with that height. If you will not need any extra space for your TV accessories, then perhaps you can opt for a pedestal. These are made to hold a TV only, and can also be adjusted.

Another important factor in choosing a TV stand is cable management. If you purchase a TV stand with a closed back, this will not be a problem, as all the cables and wires can hide behind there. But if you are getting a pedestal or another stand with an open back, make sure it has some sort of feature that will allow you to manage your cables. If you plan on having quite a few extras with your TV, such as a cable box, speakers, a DVD player, etc. it is recommended that you purchase a stand with a closed back or cable management, since those extra components will create a mass of cables.

Once you have found a stand that meets all the technical requirements you need, it is also important that it fits your style and home décor as well. After all, it will not only be about your enjoyment of the TV as it is on, but also when it is turned off.

Sources:
http://tvmountsltd.com/
http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-Lcd-Tv-Stand
http://ezinearticles.com/?LCD-TV-Stands---How-Important-is-it-to-Pick-the-Right-One-and-How-to-Do-It?&id=3707240
http://www.uberarticles.com/home-and-family/choosing-your-lcd-tv-stand

Memory Adapters

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:11:22 +0000

Ratings: Ease of Use, Performance: 23/25, Look & Feel: 24/25, Features & Software 20/25, How much I enjoy 24/25
Total: 91/100

Hauppauge has been bringing TV functionality to the PC since 1992 and they know what they are doing. The WINTV brand has been evolving and bringing television to PC's with great quality, easy installation and superb features.

HDTV is the best and newest technology that is sweeping the world and will be the standard very soon. How soon? In 2008 the US government will start sending households coupons to purchase digital to analog converters so people can transfer the digital signal that broadcasters are sending out over the airwaves. These converters will be needed for televisions that are not digital television ready. And that means most of those big CRT televisions that are now going on sale everywhere. Companies like Samsung, Sony and others are stopping production of those older CRT televisions and making the switch to LCD TV's with the newer digital technology.

This means that broadcast stations will no longer be required to send out analog or the old standard television signals but will have almost completely switched over to digital. Why would they do this you might ask? Digital television is so much crisper and clearer, with no ghosting or static in the picture. If the signal is not being received as well as needed all you will get is a stuttering in the video and audio instead of white noise. The picture quality just does not compare with analog television, crisp clear picture and very good audio is the result of the better technology.

The company broadcasting also have several advantages for themselves as well. With each channel they can piggyback three of their channels onto the same digital signal. The equipment is also better and less expensive than analog broadcast due to the newer technology. This equates to less cost and better selection for each company broadcasting. I have been surfing local channels since hooking up my HDTV and finding some of the local channels due use all three of their channels. One is their main channel and on one it is another main channel that broadcasts reruns of popular shows. The third is usually an all news and weather channel that is nice for people who do not have cable and would like to quickly find out weather forecasts.

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600 is currently the most featured PCI card addition for receiving HDTV for a desktop computer. I have even read on the internet where people set up a computer and Windows Media Center as a home entertainment system using one of these cards and a barebones windows system. Using a simple setup and easy to follow instructioons you can have digital TV on your monitor in no time. You do not even need expensive antennas or cable television to receive digital television.

Here are the features straight from Hauppauge:

WinTV-HVR-1600: The WinTV-HVR-1600 is a single slot PCI board which brings analog and ATSC digital TV to your PC. The WinTV-HVR-1600 has two tuners: a 125 channel cable ready tuner and an ATSC digital TV tuner. ATSC digital TV is the new over-the-air high definition TV for North America.
System requirements:
Processor requirements: 2.2 GHz P4 or equivalent (minimum) required for displaying ATSC high definition TV.
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home, Pro or Media Center Edition. Also Windows Vista Premium certified.
Graphics with 64 MB memory (or greater)
Available PCI slot
Sound card.
Included in this package:
WinTV-HVR-1600 PCI bus card with 125 channel cable-ready TV tuner, ATSC receiver, hardware MPEG-2 encoder, dbx-TV stereo decoder, S-Video/composite and audio inputs.
IR remote control receiver.
IR Blaster (infra-red remote control transmitter), to control satellite and cable TV set top boxes.
WinTV-HVR-1600 CD-ROM includes:
WinTV2000 application for TV in a window plus TV recording, pause and playback.
WinTV-Scheduler for scheduling your TV recording, and with link to TitanTV.com*.
WinTV MPEG editor for high quality cutting and pasting of your standard definition video movies.
Ulead® DVD MovieFactory™, to create your own videos on DVD or CD*

The WinTV 1600 comes with the PCI TV receiver board, a remote control, a driver CD, a Ulead DVD MovieFactory program and some cables for the remote. The card is very easy to install and set up with the enclosed cd drivers. Simply install the PCI card in an available PCI slot and run the drivers. A few programs will install including a IR remote controller program that sits in your taskbar tray. Once the programs are installed you have to go through some setup of the card digitally.

The card connects to an antenna, cable or satellite TV system using the two rear connections. Once your antenna or other connection is made simply run the WinTV program and the startup will run through a channel setup. The program will ask what connection you use for your receiver such as the antenna in my case. I found out that the antenna for the digital and analog signals are the two separate coax cable connections on the rear so once I had that I found several local channels. The analog section found all my local channels plus one that does come in very well on my other televisions but does work very well with the WinTV.

The digital section found several digital channels and all of them come in beautifully. I can only describe the difference of digital by comparing it to the difference between black & white and color television. The digital television is that good and it does work even better than an HDTV that I also have to review. The reason this card works better is the Hauppauge WinTV includes a fine tuner that the regular HDTV does not so the channels can be fine tuned for even better reception. Simply enter the channel manager and you can fine tune the channels using a slider bar for the best reception.

For an even easier setup you can use the Windows Media Center that will setup and tune your Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600 for you with even less hassles. Simply install the PCI card and run Windows Media Center after installing the drivers for the card. Media Center will go through some setup questions and tune the channels for you. It will even fine tune the channels for the best possible reception for digital TV.

The WinTV is a truly easy to use and great way to get digital TV without having to purchase a new and expensive television. You can use the regular antennas that the old analog signal for television uses. I have two antennas that I have been using for years, one I purchased new at a hardware store and another that I bought at a garage sale for a few dollars. I have both set for different station reception and get fairly good analog channels.

The digital stations I receive using WinTV is fantastic and I have not had to do anything to the antennas or my current TV setup. I simply branched off the cable that goes to the TV in my office and used a three way adapter to have two cables go to the back of the WinTv card. The signal for digital is clear and strong and I often watch my favorite shows while doing things for work. The signal comes in very well using these old antennas and there is no need to purchase much additional hardware except a couple of adapters and short coax cables for a few dollars.

The Ulead DVD MovieFactory is also a nice program for editing and creating your own movies and recording them to CD, DVD or a hard drive. The program is easy to use and edit you home videos or recorded TV. The WinTV also includes a handy recorder to record your favorite TV shows or movies and playback at your leisure. The setup will record your shows to your hard drive and you can record them to a DVD using the Ulead DVD MovieFactory. Using the WinTV or Windows Media Center you can set up record times to even record shows while your away or to record shows on a regular basis.

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600 is a great way to watch and record digital and analog television whether you have antenna, cable or satellite television reception. You can quickly and easily be watching the best quality digital television in literally minutes after installation of the card. This is a great way to get digital TV on your home computer without the cost of a new television. I highly recommend the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600 hybrid video recorder.

Best of Bordeaux Appellations for White Wines

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:50:07 +0000

Bordeaux, France is known for it famous eight appellations along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and the numerous other sub-region appellations that beget wines of distinct quality and characteristics to that specific area (for a way of all 57 appellations click here). There are eight famous appellations in Bordeaux, along the left riverbank from north to south you have Saint Estephe, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Margaux, Graves/Pessac-Leognan, and Sauternes and Barsac. On the right bank you have Pomerol and Saint Emilion, and for the sake of this article I will only refer to wines from these eight main appellations and leave the sub-region appellations for you to discover on your own.

While most of Bordeaux produces red grapes a few specific appellations are known for their white grape growing and famous dessert wines. We will mask those appellations that are producing some stellar white wines.

Graves/Pessac-Leognan Appellation - Known for the regions gravelly soils and smoky wines Graves/Pessac-Leognan produced both standout red and white wines.

Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc 2003 - Starting at $782 a bottle this rich harvest styled well balanced white wine is a knock out. Unbelievable honey aromas and peach and apricot flavors dance on the palette and finishes with a nice dry bite.

Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc Pessac-Leognan 2004 - Starting at $55 a bottle this very current and fruit Graves white wine is filled with the flavors of a Bordeaux summer that play out in a complex dance on the palette revealing deeper layers of fruit as each second passes. You must decant this wine for about an hour or the broad nose may not come off as refined.

Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2006 - Another fantastic white wine starting at $80 a bottle this one is a tad more sophisticated than the above mentioned wine, full of lemon, herbs and other citrus and berries notes, with warm vanilla and spices making their way through the finish makes this a Bordeaux favorite.

Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc Pessac 2005 - Starting at $40 this steal of a deal has a wonderfully crisp acidic punch off the bat that lead the drinker through its flavor profiles of peach, lemon, and other stone fruits, very refreshing.

Sauternes and Barsac Appellation - Known for the regions decadent dessert wines that are both sophisticated and delicious.

Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1990 - Starting at $494 a bottle this is one of the best offerings from the Sauternes Appellation that is under $1000. Exquisite nose of caramel and honey with bright vibrant flavors of tropical fruit and apricot that is resinous and toothsome.

Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes 2005 - Starting at $44 a bottle this is another well balanced dessert wine with a nice caramel and honey nose and flavors of pear and other summer stone fruits, very refreshing, lustrous and well balanced especially for the price.

Chateau Guiraud 2005 - Starting at $38 a bottle another well balanced, extremely fruity dessert wine with a nice finish and acidic punch that comes through the sweetness of this wine.

Chateau la Tour Blanche 2003 - Starting at $57 this is a steal, wonderful complex flavors work in perfection with one another in a chewy body that is rich and satin like. The nose is of honeysuckle and floral, very classic Sauternes white wine for a big trace.

Clos Du Roy 2005 - Starting at $22 a bottle this is a great place to start your adventure into dessert wines, featuring strong flavors, a mixture of pear, citrus and herbs, with a nice long nutty finish that balances the sweetness of this wine.

History of U.S. Since 1877 Important People, Terms, and Events

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:46:45 +0000

1st Hundred Days- In the 1930's, this time renewed confidence in individuals by having a regulatory structure meaning the government agencies are watching the economy. Laid a foundation. Psychological stimulus created jobs, programs, social safety net. Built things peaceful in use today. Many acts passed at this time. Repeals prohibition. Expand scope of federal government and jolt economy. At this time Roosevelt said "the only thing we have to panic is anxiety itself."

13th amendment- In 1865, this amendment abolishes slavery and frees the slaves of America. Obviously the blacks were the most affected by the new freedom, but whites also had to collect the new freedom of the blacks. The amendment affected all of the US and is incredibly important because slavery was no longer legal and supported by the government.

14th amendment- In 1866, the amendment was passed and gave blacks the right of citizenship in America. This affected the blacks because they are finally citizens and whites must understand this new change and deal with it. This is important because it is one of the most important provisions in the Constitution for defining and enforcing civil rights.

14 Points - In the 1910's, the 14 aspects of Wilson's new plan to maintain another WW1 from happening. Some points include freedom of the seas, a worldwide open door policy, and the most important was the establishment of the League of Nations. This was designed as a way for countries to mediate one another.

15th amendment- The amendment prohibits states from denying the right to vote on grounds of race or color. Blacks are affected because they now have a voice in what the government does and whites must cope with the changes in the Constitution. Final ratification in 1870, the Constitution becomes colorblind for the first time in history while women are considerably upset for the lack of notice concerning sex.

17TH PARALLEL - a 1950's conference in Geneva decided to split the country of Vietnam at the 17th parallel.

18th Amendment- In the 1920's, the amendment went into affect and prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol in America. Many Americans supported the law in the beginning, but there were not enough police to stop the drinking habits of so many Americans. People who wanted to drink found a way through brewing their absorb beer or finding alcohol at speakeasies and bootleggers. Organized crime added alcohol to its portfolio, and by this time most agreed the Prohibition was doing as much to encourage law-breaking as abstinence.

19th amendment- In 1920, the amendment gave women the right to vote. All of the US is involved and women are happy while men must deal with the large amount of unusual voters. 144 years after the founding of the nation, this amendment is a major political achievement.

19th Amendment- Extending the vote to women happened in the 1920's. Many believed that the enfranchisement of women would enhance the quality of both public and private life without insisting they were the equals of men in all respects. Although giving women the right to vote did not cleanse politics of corruption and voter participation rates continued to decline, the 19th amendment became a major political and civil rights achievement.

38th Parallel-(1950's) Practically wiped out South Korea after swarming the
parallel. Soviet Union takes North and US takes South. North Korea- Soviet Sphere- Kim II Sung- Chose a Korean communist to lead. 2) South Korea- US Sphere- Syngman Rhee- Old and had not been in Korea for very long. Despite being split along an arbitrary line, Korea remained a single society, divided by political factions and religious differences as much as by geography.

Advertising Industry - In the 1890's, advertising became a major American industry. Advertisements were distributed by catalogs, booklets, posters, cigarette cards, and magazines. This is important because magazines with advertising pioneered impressionism and realism, developed the short chronicle, and revolutionized newspaper journalism.

"All Quiet on the Western Front- In the 1930's, a movie based on a book. Anti-war novel and movie. A soldier in German army in WW1 was shot six times. Best-selling novel. First major war film of the sound era. Portrayed conflicts as selfish power game who duped the approved people into participating.

American Federation of Labor (AFL) - A loosely affiliated association of unions organized by trade or craft. The AFL was mostly skilled workers obvious to accept better conditions, higher wages, shorter hours, and safety. Although the union was growing greatly in the early 1900's, they had little success due to the diminutive representation of the industrial workforce and the racist policies.

Andrew Carnegie - Important in the 1890's. owned U.S. steal. Biggest manufacturer of steel at the time. Started out as assistant to a railroad tycoon. Controlled every aspect of his business.

Appeasement (Munich Compromise)- In the 1930's, French and British leaders agreed to Germany's seizure of the Sudetenland in return for Hitler's promise to gape no more territory. This is important because the compromise gave hope to future peace in Europe; however Hitler broke the peace by annexing the rest of Czechoslovakia the next year.

BARRY GOLDWATER - 1950's and 1960's, a man who said what he wanted. Fierce critic of liberalism. Was born in Arizona in 1909 when it was not yet a state. Felt government should stay out of states business. Said there were too many regulations on business. Very much an anti-communist. Said if we act tough they will back down. Runs against LBJ and loses.

BAY OF PIGS - considered the worst fiasco of the Kennedy presidency. In the 1960's U.S. backed forces made up of mainly Cuban exile landed at the Bahia de Cochinas (Bay of Pigs). There aim was to oust the anti-American leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro. Forces genuine to Castro captured the invaders. Kennedy at first denied U.S. involvement and did not provide the air support that was initially promised to the invaders.

BERLIN WALL - 1980's, the wall that separated east and West Germany. At the end of the cold war the Germans tore it down. During Kennedy's presidency there were negotiations for the soviets to get West Berlin. Kennedy refused and they started to build a fence that lead to the wall.

Birth of a Nation (1915 film) - A film made it 1915 involving Americans going through Civil War Reconstruction. The first real full-length feature ever that glorifies the Ku Klux Klan and amplifies interpretations that shapes historical plan for Americans.

Black Codes- In 1865, the Dark codes where enforced in southern states of the US. The codes involve blacks, racist whites, and the state governments who enforced the laws. The sad codes limited the rights of African Americans which is significant because the equality of men is apparently not established at this time.

"Black Tuesday"- Stock Market Crash of the 1920's- occurred and depression happened one year later. Called Black Tuesday. Periodic decline of about a week. People panicked and sold shares. Black Thursday- something is evidently defective on this day, 6 million shares sold on a day. Many people killed themselves on October 24th and after. Closed the exchange on noon on October 24th. At this time, no one wanted to buy. 16 million shares, 4 billion dollars wiped out on Tuesday. Prices dropped 50%. Only 3% of Americans owned stock- eventually the crash affected all Americans. More people buying on credit- can not pay back the loans after crash. Things driving consumption have vanished.

Booker T. Washington - In 1895, Washington is one of the most powerful black leaders of the time. He believed segregation to be a temporary accommodation between the races in return for white help of black efforts for education, social uplift, and economic progress. He built a secondary school and industrial training institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. Although many blacks did not like his ideas, Washington desired improvement through self-help and uplift.

Boxer Rebellion- Began in 1898 and caught fire in 1899 and 1900. A Chinese organization known as the Boxers wanted to rid China of all foreign influences. Many Europeans and Chinese were killed. This rebellion is important because after the US helped stop the rebels, countries were more willing to glean the open door policies the US wanted.

BROWN VS. BOARD OF EDUCATION - a set of court cases that decided that segregation in the schools violated the rights of blacks because it did not provide equality. This occurred in 1950's.

"Bullmoose" Party- In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt and supporters withdrew from the Republican Party to form the new Progressive Party where Roosevelt was nominated for President. The new party affected all of the US, because Roosevelt revealed his New Nationalism that called on the government to control the remarkable corporations for the common people of America.

Cattle /longhorn Industry - In 1866, cowboys hit the trail with longhorns to sell for a lot of money in the north. Farmers, ranchers, cowboys, northerners, and most of the US were alive to somehow. Texas and Kansas played a substantial role in the industry. This is notable because explosion of railroads made the industry possible and the cowboy became image of American well-liked culture.

Centennial Exposition of 1876- The Philadelphia fair became a defining moment for middle class Americans as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of their country with a large economic fair. The celebration was indispensable because inventions and growth were displayed which proved how far the American industry and technology had become. Graham Bell's telephone and Christopher Sholes' typewriter were displayed to the public for the first time.

Chinese (communist) Revolution-(1940s) Jiang, supported by the United
States, steadily lost ground to the communist forces of Mao Zedong, who
promised land reform and commanded wide support among China's peasantry. Mao's armies forced Jiang onto the island of Taiwan and it became anticommunist. It represents a remarkable symbol of the Cold War.

Chosin Reservoir-(1950s) MacArthur is arrogant. He did not assume Chinese would earn alive to. Chinese surrounded and slaughtered the US at Chosin Reservoir.

CIVIL ACTS Just (1964) - Passed under LBJ it strengthened federal remedies against job discrimination and in public places, and barred discrimination based on sex.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - In the 1930's, conservation in park services. Set up camps. Education to benefit farmers. Most importantly, the program put more than 2 million single young men to work planting trees, halting erosion, and improving the environment in other ways.

Civil Service Reform/Pendleton Act - Government and civil service reformers are eager and it is during the Grant Administration in the 1880's. This stops civil appointments and can not appoint unqualified people. Garfield is assassinated, political power is lowered, and civil service exams are still given today.

Compromise of 1877 - in the 1876 election Hayes wins the electoral and not the popular vote. To make up for this they decide to pull union troops from the south thus ending the reconstruction period. This is necessary because the south is under a looser survey to adhere to the new laws after the Civil War.

Congressional Reconstruction - This is significant because under congressional reconstruction the 14th and 15th amendment was passed, the southern states were divided into military districts, Andrew Johnson was impeached, and the move towards reconstruction of the country went faster. This reconstruction happened from 1865-1877.

Containment-(1940s) George Kennan, the US diplomat in Moscow defines the strategies to be dilapidated against Soviet Union. Containment became the catchphrase for global, anticommunist, national security policy.

Court Packing Plan- In the 1930's, Roosevelt asked Congress to give him the power to appoint one unique Supreme Court justice for every court judge who was older than age 70 and who had served for at least 10 years. His fake reason was that the judges were too old to handle the abundance of cases, but the real reason was to prevent the conservative justices and securing a pro-New Deal majority in the courts. Roosevelt's reputation suffered from the proposal because many sensed he was trying to gain too much power, plus the fiasco was unnecessary because many judges either retired or supported his ideas within a few years.

Crazy Horse - Indian chief who takes over after Red Cloud. Wanted war unlike his predecessor. Led the Sioux along with Sitting Bull against Custer at the battle of Little Bighorn.

CREEP - stands for Committee to Re-elect the President. Considered to be a very fitting name for Nixon's group. Associated with a lot of the scandal with Watergate. Took illegal funds during the campaign to get Nixon re-elected in the 1970's. The head of CREEP, John Mitchell, was associated directly with the Watergate scandal.

"Unfavorable of Gold" Speech - speech by Bryan in the 1896 democratic convention. Compares himself to Jesus being crucified on gold faulty. Wants no more gold standard. Brings together populists and democrats.

CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL - giant church created by Robert Schuller. Completed in 1980.

CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS - started in the 1960's when the Soviet Union started sending sophisticated weapons to Castro. Spy-planes discovered launching silos and Kennedy told the Soviet Union that he didn't want nuclear war heads so terminate to American soil. Decided not to attack Cuba in fear of war. Instead Cuba was quarantined. Secret negotiations took area between U.S. and Soviet Union. On October 28, 1962 an agreement was settle upon and the missiles in Cuba were dismantled.

Dollar Diplomacy- In the 1910's, foreign policy by Taft that was directed towards opportunities for corporate investment overseas was known as Dollar Diplomacy. The dollar diplomacy worked in the Caribbean where no major powers existed. Taft's lack of balance of power and leadership in foreign affairs increased hostility in Central and South China. This is well-known because the dollar diplomacy hurt the United States' Open Door policy.

Dust Bowl- In the 1930's, heart of the dust bowls are in the Midwest. Dust storms on a regular basis which forced many off farms. Black Blizzards- dust storms of dust and dirt. Ruins irrigation ditches. The storms blackened the sky, suffocated cattle, and dumped thousands of soil on homes and streets. The government created the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in order to help the plains farmers with their difficulties.

Edmond Richardson - Late 1890's and early 1900's, he bought cheap land and needed free labor. State pays him 18, 000 to house prisoners. He lies about prisoner reports. This is important because it is like a current system of slavery since labor is needed badly at this time.

Edward Bellamy- A writer who wrote a book called Looking Backward in 1887 that takes position in 2000 and contrasts the America of 1887. His book showed his view of Nationalism where there is no class conflict because everyone works for equal pay. The book is important because it started a group called Christian Socialists who affected Protestant denominations and helped towards the rise of the Progressive era.

Edward Lansdale-(1950s) One of America's most influential spies during the Cold War. He did a lot of oversees strategical work in Vietnam and used his strategy of "psy-ops," or psychological operations against an uprising led by a communist oriented peasant army called the Huks.

Eleanor Roosevelt- Primarily in the 1930's, Eleanor was dedicated to nursing FDR back to health, and displayed a talent for political organization and public speaking. She was an activist first lady who got involved with different groups of Americans to learn about their condition and how the Novel Deal could help them. She spoke out frequently against racial injustice. She was considered the eyes and ears of the president, because of how much she helped FDR. She is considerable for her numerous amounts of volunteer work through the American Red Cross and Navy Hospitals, and of course her activism in the civil rights of women and minorities.

Eugene V. Debbs - The speech made by Debs in 1912 terrified some progressives. Progressives wanted to improve working and living conditions for the masses but not cede political control to them. Thanks to Debs the different socialist groups co-existing in one political party.

European Alliance System - a complex set of alliances that made it to where when one country were to go to war many others would have to come to back it up. Has been in place for over a century before WWI. The reason so many countries were involved in the war.

Filipino War- the Filipino War is important because there was four years of fighting with 4200 US soldiers dead and a cost of 160 million. MacArthur gained close relations with island's economic elite while Taft became the colony's first "governor general" with the intention of preparing the Philippines for independence. The time period was between early 1900's to 1913. This is important because this is another example of the US becoming a world power.

Freedman's Bureau - In the 1860's, started after the civil war to help freed slaves. Started up schools, housing and other important things for the blacks. Even set up a healthcare system for the blacks. Started by Oliver Otis Howard and staffed by Northern liberals, facilitators, no making up rules by southerners. Getting word out to 31 million slaves that they are free. Find jobs and schools for blacks.

GENEVA ACCORDS - Took place in the 1950's. America refused to sign them. Split Indochina into 3 current nations: Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They also split Vietnam into the north and south until elections could unify the country.

GEORGE WALLACE - 1960's, becomes nationally illustrious. Runs for president 4 times. Was literally in the heart of poverty during the great depression so he has a enormous deal of sympathy for the working class. Was originally a very strict democrat but then Truman came along and he started to contemplate twice. Runs for governor of Alabama a bunch of times. First time he ran for Gov. he lots on basis that he was not strong enough against integration and speed. Next time he runs and uses segregation. Bobby Kennedy comes to talk to him and he says he will stand at the school doors so that segregation will not go through. He actually does and the National Guard comes in. he eventually gives up.

Gifford Pinchot- A specialist in forestry management and Roosevelt's discontinuance friend, he led the drive for scientific management of natural resources in 1905. Pinchot was fired by Taft for going public with a scandal bright Ballinger. Pinchot created the National Forest Service and implemented a new strategy involving livestock ranchers paying user fees for lands.

GLOBALIZATION - 1980's-present, the spread of culture, people, trade or products to other parts of the world.

Haymarket Square - In Chicago during the 1870's, a brawl and bombing between the police and strikers. Many people died and 8 people were convicted for conspiracy to murder. This is important because books were made after the incident that kept the idea of equalitarian social order alive.

GREAT BBQ - In the 1960's journalists are summoned to a busy intersection in Vietnam. Leaflets are passed out by local monks. Before the journalists have time to read what's going to happen, a monk sets himself on fire in protest. He doesn't disappear or scream, just burns to death.

GREAT SOCIETY - 1960's, this was an idea of LBJ's. It was his idea that he could improve the living conditions and the over all lifestyle of Americans. There were many different programs instated as well as an emphasis on ones that helped others that were already enacted. It did become controversial though because of the fact that the government took control of a lot of things they did not have control of before.

GULF OF TONKIN RESOLUTION - In the 1960's two ships outside of Vietnam were gathering intelligence when they were attacked. Johnson felt that something needed to be done and went to congress to get permission to take action. Congress authorized that Johnson could take all necessary measure to repel armed attack.

Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act- In the 1930's, the act raised tariffs to the highest level ever in the US. Average tax was 59%. Figured then more likely to select US goods. Rest of countries and their economies were affected. Destroyed trade with other countries.

Heart of Darkness (real and fictional) - Fictional book based on historical reality. The book was based on the cost of countries taking over other territories. The book was vital because it influenced Americans at the time.

Henry Frick - Important in the 1890's. Carnegie's second hand man. Left in charge when Carnegie goes to Scotland. Cuts workers pay and refuses to gain union. Workers revolt against him. Calls in the Pinkertons and eventually state guard to decide everything down.

Henry Morton Stanley- A journalist and explorer who worked to open up Africa to European colonization. "The Huge White Hunter." He was the first white person to travel the Congo and chart the river along with its surroundings. Most of his work was done in the 1870's or 1880's.

HO CHI MINH - 1950's, the communist leader of North Vietnam. Supported by the Soviet Union and scared the U.S. because we thought he would take over the South. America feared he would get the election and create a chain reaction of communism.

Hollywood 10-(1940s) HUAC opened hearings to demonstrate alleged communist infiltration in Hollywood. Known as "the Hollywood Ten," this group claimed that the First Amendment shielded their political activities from HUAC's scrutiny.

Homestead, PA - In the 1890's, a town built by Carnegie to house all of his employees. Nice town outside factory that had everything a normal suburb would. Kept nice for a while then went down the drain.

HOOVER, J. EDGAR - 1920's-1970's, president when the great depression hits. He I very indecisive about what to do when the depression hits. Underplays what is actually happening. Said that this will be over in 60 days. Agrees to the Smoot-Hawley tariff, raises tariffs to highest in American history.

HUAC-(1940s) House Un-American Committee. They opened hearings to expose alleged communist infiltration in Hollywood. Committee members seized on the refusal of 10 screenwriters, producers, and directors who had been or still were members of the Communist Party to testify.

Huey Long- In the 1930's, Long was a former Louisiana governor and an accomplished orator who attacked the New Deal. He proposed breaking up the fortunes of America and distributing the wealth to provide each American family a $5,000 estate. His views inspired many to join different Share the Wealth programs, but Long was assassinated before he could further his political career.

Hull House- In 1889, the Hull House was made into the first US settlement house by Jane Addams and other progressive activists. The Hull House started the settlement house movement which spreads the progressive ideas of the time.

Impeachment of Andrew Johnson- In the 1860's, Johnson was officially impeached for violation of the Tenure of Office Act for removing Stanton but the real reason was Johnson's stubborn defiance of Congress on Reconstruction. This occurred in Washington D.C and the case took awhile and finally fell short of the 2/3 majority from the Senate to be removed from office. This is important because it shows the determination of the House and Senate to move through Reconstruction smoothly and efficiently.

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)- Founded by western miners in 1905 and led by William "Big Bill" Haywood, the IWW hoped to salvage all workers into one union instead of only focusing on the craft organization like the AFL. The union organized the poorest of workers, and although it rarely exceeded 20, 000, no other union provoked as much panic and violence. The union is important because the "Ludlow massacre" proved that American workers would do whatever it takes including risking their lives to improve the conditions of the workplace.

IRAN-CONTRA - during the mid 1980's the Nicaraguan government was taken over by a communist group. Before this it had been one that was friendly with the U.S. After this the United States decided to bring over contras (Nicaraguans who were against the new communist gov.) and train them through the CIA. When the contras went back the new gov. already had a new army ready and the contras lost. After this congress prohibited funding to the contras. In Iran CIA agents had been taken hostage and the Reagan administration decided to sell arms to Iran in exchange from the hostages. With this money they were not supposed to have they sent it to train the contras. A journalist in Lebanon found out about this and it reached back to the U.S. where the public learned about it. Reagan said he could not select giving the orders or of having any knowledge of this.

ISAAC WOODARD - (1940's) A soldier during WWII who fought honorably in the Pacific. In Feb. 1946 he comes back to the states. On a bus home to S. Carolina, gets in fight with the bus driver. At a stop the driver call the police who come to get him while he is off the bus. Beat him to the point where when he goes to court the judge sends him straight to the hospital. In very bad shape, blinded in one peer I think. NAACP recruits help to defend him in trial. Sheriff who beats him goes to court but is acquitted of all charges against him.

JACKIE ROBINSON - became the first baseman for the Brooklyn dodgers in the 1940's after segregation in baseball finally ended. Pressure mounted after this and months after Robinson joined many other African Americans were signed to other teams. Named rookie of the year in 1947 and National leagues MVP in 1949.

Jane Addams- She is the lady who establishes the nation's first settlement house in Chicago in 1889 called the Hull House. Jane Addams and her workers helped the poor, handicapped, and the delinquent while playing a role in the progressive movement.

Jim Crow Laws - In the 1890's, hampers ability of blacks to endure hardships. Segregated people. Brought about much racial violence in the south. Laws used to hamper the blacks ability to move and settle.

John Hay- Will US follow book Heart of Darkness or do otherwise? Great US policy maker. Secretary to Lincoln. Believed in open door trade policy. Fears long term effects after seeing strikes. In August 1898, Hay was named Secretary of State and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris. His contributions included the adoption of an start door policy in China and the preparations for the Panama Canal. He is also notorious for his comment describing the Spanish American War as a "lovely little war."

Joseph McCarthy-(1950s) Senator from Wisconsin. Believed he was the answer to the communist dilemma. Democrats are not tough enough. His politics plus personality make him popular. Sent tail gunning stories of him in the army back home to the US. Was a judge. McCarthy in Wheeling, WV (Feb. 1950) -Began talk about communism and blamed the government. Never actually identified a communist. Keys to McCarthy's Success- Opposition to elitism throughout the US. Goes after Dean and Truman. Partially because of McCarthy, Republicans gather in 1952. Army- McCarthy Hearings (1954) -Investigate Communism in the Army. McCarthy's Downfall- Left the Senate and died in 1957.

KENT STATE - 1970's, A mumble was held here by the students against the Vietnam War. The guard shows up to make sure the protest does not get out of control. During the mumble students start throwing things at the guards. One guard gets upset and starts shooting into the crow. The rest of the guard does the same. 4 students are killed in the incident.

Kim II Sung-(1950s) He was the communist leader of the North Korean Soviet Sphere. Kim moved troops across the 38th parallel June 25,1950, to attempt unification with S. Korea.

Knights of Labor- The main labor organization in the 1880's was the Knights of Labor founded in Philadelphia. Gave many unskilled and semiskilled workers union representation for the first time. This is important because the organization became a large and potent national federation of unions, winning and losing several strikes. Haymarket contributes to the fall of the Knights of Labor.

Ku Klux Klan- A secret group whose main goal was to destroy the Republican Party by terrorizing its voters and even murdering the leaders. The Klan was established in 1866 in Tennessee but had effects on the whole nation and had multiple movements. The majority of the Klansmen were white Democrats. This is distinguished because members tried to conclude control over the population and troops had to be sent to control the riots of the Klan.

League of Nations - One of the 14 points addressed by Wilson. Was a group of many countries who would advance together to regulate one another in an attempt to keep peace.

LEVITTOWN - located in Long Island, Recent York. Welcomed its first residents in the 1940's. Builders were bragging that a house was built every 15 minutes. By 1950 there were more than 40,000 residents and 10,000 homes.

Little Bighorn - Fight between Custer and Sioux led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse in the 1870's in Montana Territory. Terrain was awkward and could not see the ditches all around. Indians ambush Custer and kill him. Last stand for the Indians. Greatest defeat of Americans by Indians.

LITTLE ROCK, AR - In the 1950's Eisenhower was forced to use the pudgy force of his office to desegregate Central High School in little rock. The state governor, Orval Faubus, tried to blocks the black students from entering and used the AR location guard. Ike put AR guard under national control and augments it with U.S. army. Black students are then allowed in.

MADELINE ALBRIGHT - 1990's, first women to serve as secretary of region. Born in Czechoslovakia, she moved first to Great Britain and then to Colorado. Married and raised 3 children. Later she began graduate study at Columbia University. Listed divorce and Ronald Reagan as the lows in her life. Served as a UN ambassador during Clinton's administration as well as secretary of site.

Manhattan Project- (1940s) Creating the Atomic Bomb- Einstein tells Roosevelt to create a bomb because Germany was racing ahead of the United States in fission. Manhattan project begins, top secret. Product of WWII. J. Robert Oppenheimer was involved.

Marcus Garvey - In the early 1920's, Garvey called on dusky to give up their hopes for integration and to spot about forging a separate dismal nation. Garvey called for black separatism and self-sufficiency known as Black Nationalism. He founded the (UNIA), newspaper Negro World, Black Star Line, and spread his ideas to the country. He was disliked by some for supporting the Ku Klux Klan, and he went to jail for mail fraud.

Margaret Mead- A distinguished anthropologist who decided to study the Samoa people as well as many other people of the South Pacific throughout the 1920's and 1930's. Her book called the Coming of Age in Somoa praised the people, for their different lifestyle and lack of sexual apprehension unlike the Americans. She made several expeditions and realized that culture is the most important for determining the role of each individual. In the 1950's and 1960's, her arguments about human experience propelled a sexual revolution and rebirth of feminism.

Marshall Plan-(1940s) George Marshall. Under his plan, funds provided by the United States would enable governments in Western Europe to work together to design and carry out a broad program of postwar and economic reconstruction.

Merchants of Death- In the 1930's, it was the name of people blamed by Nye for the cause of WW1. The Nye committee endorsed claims that the nation went to war to preserve profits of American bankers and munitions makers. In the mid 1930's, public polls suggested that most Americans opposed involvement of foreign conflicts and being manipulated by the "merchants of death."

Mr. X-(1940s) George Kennan's character that first mentioned the term containment in the journal Foreign Affairs. Containment linked all leftist insurgencies, wherever they occurred, to a totalitarian movement controlled from Moscow that directly threatened, by its ideas or military might, the United States.

Muckrakers- A term coined by Theodore Roosevelt to describe newspaper reporters who wrote scandalous stories for monetary reward. Investigated journalism started in the 1870's and was dominant in the first decade of the 20th century in the US. Muckrakers wanted people to recognize the political, economic, and social affairs and to make people take action.

National Security Act-(1940s) Created several new bureaucracies. It began the process that transformed the old Navy and War departments into a new Department of Defense. It also instituted the National Security Council in the executive branch and established the Air Force as a separate service equal to the Army and Navy. Created CIA also.

NATO-(1950s) US, Canada, and 10 European countries formed North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Members pledged that an attack against one of its members was an attack against all of them. There was some controversy about being entangled with foreign problems.

NGO DINH DIEM -1950's, the United States supported leader of S. Vietnam. He has many powerful friends in the United States. Was educated in the U.S. and was a catholic which was not like the rest of his country. A resistance against him comes up and the U.S. gives its support to do what is needed. He is then executed by his own military in the 60's.

NSC-68-(1950s) Top secret policy paper officially identified as National Security Council document 68. It provided a contrivance for both rhetoric and the substance of future Cold War foreign policy. It endorsed the more vigorous use of covert action, economic pressure, propaganda campaigns, and massive military buildup.

Oliver Otis Howard - He is important in the 1860's because he starts the freedman's bureau which helps ex-slaves settle down more easily. Was a general in the civil war called the "Christian General." Founded Howard University.

"Open Door Policy"- John Hay, Secretary of Plot, designed the concept of the "Originate Door." The "Open Door" proposed allowing equal trade access for all nations. Hay designed the concept during the late 1890's. The Open Door initially targeted China, where the United States hoped to loosen European trade restrictions. The Start Door was designed to alleviate the US trade surpluses widely blamed for the economic stutter and bust cycles during the slack 19th century. These cycles fueled labor unrest and agrarian radicalism, such as Populism.

Operation OVERLORD-(1940s) Ultra tricks Axes about Normandy, takeover of Berlin, what to do with Jews, and Germany's surrender. Directed by Eisenhower, it began on D-day, June 6, 1944. During the months preceding D-day, probably the largest invasion force in history had been assembled in England.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Before WWII it was mostly farmland. After the war though it became a military outpost. Many businesses started to open up around here and it became a wealthy suburb. This is where Schuller got started and where the Crystal Cathedral is today.

Panama Canal- The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 was signed which granted the US a 10 mile wide canal zone in Panama for 10 million down and 250, 000 thousand dollars annually. If Panama objected to the treaty, the US might withdraw troops from Panama leaving the country at the mercy of Columbia. Everyone from doctors, engineers, construction workers, laborers from the West Indies, the President, Panama, and Colombia were involved. The canal dramatically reduced travel time, enhanced international prestige of the US, and made the US more determined to preserve order in Central America and the Caribbean.

People's Party/ Populist Party- Agricultural depression in wheat and cotton states produced the third-party Populist movement in the 1890's who met in Omaha, Nebraska. People involved included angry farmers and supporters of free silver in America. The party was important for representation of farmers and everyday laborers but was swallowed by the Democratic Party in 1896 through William Jennings Bryan's presidential run.

PERSIAN GULF WAR - in the 1990's Hussein invaded Kuwait, a major supplier of oil. Bush immediately moved 230,000 troops to Kuwait to protect them and went to the United Nations. There he got permission to use force to keep Kuwait's gov. if Iraq was not gone by Jan. 15 of 1991. An air attack started that helped to decimate Iraq and later Colin Powell sent in a ground force. This had lasted only 6 weeks, but took a great toll on the structures of both Kuwait and Iraq and 25,000-100,000 deaths on the Iraqi side. Bush decided to pull out before ousting Hussein because he was not given permission from the United Nations.

PHILADELPHIA, MS - this is the place that Reagan announces that he will run for president. Does this because it is where 3 northern civil rights activists are killed. Gives a speech about states rights to tap into the South's belief against the government's involvement in the civil rights movement.

Pig Law - In the slow 1890's, a law started to try and bring in more convicts into the jails because at this time convict leasing had come about. The more people in the jails the more free help that the farmers would get so they liked this law. Stated that stealing of anything with a value of 10$ or more was stout larceny.

Pinkertons- Private detective agency, military police force, which specializes in antiunion activities. The pinkertons were used in the Homestead Strike near Pittsburgh concerning the Carnegie Steel Company. Several Pinkertons were killed but the brute force used against the strikers lowered the hope of factory workers around the country.

Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896) - brought about segregation. Plessy was a white lawyer (7/8 white) hired by the blacks to defend them. Buys ticket on a train, find out he is part black, kick him off the train. He won't leave. Court finds segregation as natural. This is important because the government claimed that segregation was allowed as long as everything was equal.

PLUMBERS - (1970's) Group started by Nixon to seek out leeks in the white house. Included petty criminals and ex-CIA agents. Funding came from CREEP.

Political Machines - Politicians began building political organizations called machines in the early 1900's to guarantee their success in municipal elections. Machines provided poor neighborhoods with novel roads and systems and helped immigrants secure jobs. Such payments towards government officials were known as "grafts." Reformers hated the machines for cheating on elections and encouraging vice, but immigrants liked them for the new opportunities they provided. One example of this is President John F. Kennedy's family.

Potsdam-(1940s) Truman casually mentions atomic bomb to Stalin. On 16 July 1945, the "Big Three" leaders met at Potsdam, Germany, near Berlin. In this, the last of the World War II heads of state conferences, President Truman, Soviet Premier Stalin and British Prime Ministers Churchill and Atlee discussed post-war arrangements in Europe, frequently without agreement. Future moves in the war against Japan were also covered.

Presidential Reconstruction - Under this reconstruction, President Andrew Johnson refused to cooperate with Congress to pass new laws and begin the transformation of the country. In the early 1860's, Johnson intended to exclude upper-class whites and blacks from the reconstruction process and the black codes came into effect under Johnson. This is essential because it slowed the process and showed the country that Johnson was the wrong man to be leading the country at this time.

Pullman Strike- A boycott bewitching the Pullman workers in Chicago in the 1890's. 1/3 of the workers are laid off and the workers do not get what they want which is a symbol of the struggle between workers and employees.

Pusan Perimeter- (1950s) Where South Korea was pushed by North, all the way down to the tip of Korea. It was the farthest the North advanced. The UN, led by MacArthur, then stood up and pushed the North way befriend, but they went too close to China and were driven abet across the 38th parallel.

RICHARD RUSSEL - Georgia's senator when LBJ becomes pres. Days after LBJ is in office he brings him in to talk about his views on segregation. Says he must get out of LBJ's way. Russell threatens that LBJ will lose the south if he does this. This all has to deal with the passing of the Civil Rights Act of the 1960's.

Robert La Follette - A founder of the Progressive movement, "Fighting Bob" would not compromise to certain principles. In the 1890's, he even made a weekly magazine in order to spread the ideas of Progressivism. He ran for president under the populist party but lost.

ROBERT SCHULLER - 1950's, started out as a young Christian minister who gave his sermons in the parking lot of a drive-in theatre. Through time he became a very popular minister and amounted great deal of wealth. Eventually he creates the crystal cathedral which is one of the biggest churches in the world.

"Roosevelt Corollary"- In 1904, Theodore Roosevelt issued a "corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine which gave the US the apt to keep European powers from meddling in hemispheric affairs and that the US has the right to intervene in domestic affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere. Mainly America, Europe, and countries close to America are affected by this. This is considerable because it established the US dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

Samuel Gompers- Helped Acquire and the President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886 which was a loosely affiliated association of unions organized by trade or craft. The AFL was mostly skilled workers sure to get better conditions, higher wages, shorter hours, and safety. Samuel Gompers helped lead a growing union at the time work for better conditions throughout the workplace in America.

Sharecropping - In the 1860's, a system started after slavery so that farmers would still have someone to work the land. Gave portions of land to peoples to farm and in return these people gave them a section of their carve. Not a great system, many felt it was not much different from slavery. Interest rates from loans would be so high that most farmers would be in constant debt.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act- This act of 1890 made every contract, trust, or conspiracy involving trade or commerce in the US to be illegal. The act involved people in the oil, steel, tobacco, sugar, transportation, or any other monopoly corporations and of course the government. The government lost almost all of the cases brought before federal courts including the US v. E.C. Knight Company. The act attempted to control the monopolies but it was so big that the Sherman Act was almost a dead letter at the time.

Sioux Indians - The hanging of 38 Sioux in 1862 was the largest mass execution the country has ever witnessed. Fought against Custard in the battle of Little Bighorn under Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse and defeated him and all of his men. The Ghost Dance performed by the Indians provoked the US into confrontation leading to the massacre at Wounded Knee. Wounded Knee symbolized the death of 19th century Plains Indian culture. The Sioux were eventually confined to only the Dakota Territory.

"Social Darwinism"- This theory evolved in the US and scientists and supporters were involved. The belief of racially inherited traits and Charles Darwin's "survival of the fittest." A philosophy that relates the history of humans to that of animals. Began in the tedious 19th century when economic depressions created intolerance and suspicion of other races.

Social Security Act- In the 1930's, unemployment insurance, workers comp, money for elderly. It required states to set up welfare funds from which money would be disbursed to the elderly poor, the unemployed, unmarried mothers with dependent children, and the disabled. This is important because it provided a sturdy foundation on which future presidents and congresses would erect the American welfare dwelling.

Socialist Party - started by groups of farmers in the farmers' alliance who were fighting for better conditions for themselves. Eventually they began to work together and became the socialist party. Wanted the bimetallic system that used to be in place. Think it will attend with debt. In the 1906 election they choose Bryan who throws wait on behind republicans and the parties join. Ends socialist party.

Southern Industries, late 19th cent. - consisted mostly of agricultural farming and little bit of industrialization. Pretty much the opposite of the North at the same time period. Farmers, ranchers, and all southerners are involved and it shows the completely different way of life the Southerners maintained.

Spanish American War- In 1898, two things triggered the start of this war. The first was a letter stolen from Depuy de Lome calling McKinley weak, and the second was the explosion of the USS Maine. The war was over in a matter of months due to our naval superiority and American victory was complete in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The Rough Riders and the Negro Cavalries played a large part in the battles surrounding Santiago. The Treaty of Paris sold the Philippines to the US for 20 million and Spain also ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the US.

Spanish Civil War- During the 1920 and early 1930's, the Spanish Civil War caused a debate over foreign policy. Many conservative groups in America liked General Franco as a strong anticommunist whose fascist government would support religion and social stability in Spain, while the political left like the cause of republican Spain and hated the fascist repression coming over Europe. Americans began separating into isolationist and interventionist camps due to the differing views of how to avoid a wider war. Roosevelt then called for international cooperation to "quarantine" aggressor nations.

STAGFLATION - A term coined to describe the puzzling unprecedented convergence of economic stagnation and heed inflation during Nixon's presidency.

"Strange Alliance of WWII- In the 1940's, first an Asian War. US entering war put US in strange alliance. US, Great Britain, and Soviet Union. Stalin regarded as unequal partner and there is a sense of distrust. Soviet Union is communist. Only included Stalin when they needed him.

STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE (SDI) - 1980's, idea was to create a space based defense program. Some said that it would not work. Notion was to use satellites to shoot nuclear missiles out of the sky. The thing about it was that it had to be 100% accurate tot actually be useful.

SUEZ CRISIS - In the 1950's, Nasser took over the corrupt government of Egypt and helped out the economy of it and celebrated aid from the United States. He then purchased weapons from communist countries making America distrustful.

Syngman Rhee-(1950s) He was the leader of the South Korean US sphere. Rhee called on the US to get military backup, and assistance was rushed there to eliminate disloyal South Korean civilians as well as to repel the invading North Koreans.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - In the 1930's rapids made it hard to sail up the river. Dam area to make hydroelectric power and provide electricity to rural south. Finally have power lines. Rural Electrification and Ecological Maintenance. This is important because the program made more than 20 dams, reduced the cost of electricity, constructed waterways to bypass non-navigable stretches of river, reduced the dangers of flooding, and taught farmers how to prevent soil erosion and utilize fertilizers.

TET OFFENSIVE - (1960's). Tet is the Vietnamese Novel Year. America lets down its guard as a brand of respect for the holiday. The north sees the chance and launches a huge offensive against us. We demolish many Vietnamese but the public saw this as another big blow against us.

Theodore Roosevelt- Rough Riders- only 20th century president to appear on Mt. Rushmore. Redefined the role of the office. Expanded powers of president. Entered presidency through back door. September of 1901, Mckinley is killed. Extremely activist (TR). Big stance against trusts (monopoly). Declares war on trust. Went up against Northern Securities (R.R. monopoly). Launches suit against power of trust. Roosevelt wins against W.S. IN general, he only wanted to break up obvious trusts. Wanted to control these businesses, wanted government keen to get power. Set up food and drug administration. Largely helped set up National parks service. Created national Forest run by Richard Pinchot. Roosevelt notion of Taft as good choice.

Rough Riders were Ivy League and aristocrats who played an active role in three battles in Santiago during the Spanish American War (1898). Rough Riders were vital in Kettle Hill alongside the Negro Cavalries.

TO Acquire THESE RIGHTS - In the 1940's, Truman's committee's report entitled "To Secure These Rights", called for federal legislation against lynching, antidiscrimination initiatives in employment, housing, public facilities, and the desegregation of the military. This idea led to the attend of Truman from many African Americans.

Treaty of Versailles - The Big Four met including Wilson, Prime Minister David Lloyd George of Great Britain, Premier Georges Clemenceau of France, and Prime Minister Victorio Orlando of Italy. Belgian sovereignty was restored, Poland's set as a nation was affirmed, and the new nations of Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were created. Germany was stripped of almost their entire navy and air force, and claimed guilt for the war with the signing on June 28, 1919. This is well-known because it ended the first world war and established the League of nations as a first step to a new world order.

Trench Warfare - used in World War 1 in the 1910's. Miles of trenches were dug for the soldiers to stay in. on paper they were a great idea but in practice they ended up making the war much longer and harder. People derive sick in them and the conditions were horrible. This is important because it is a original style of war that proved devastating to the lives of millions.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire- Max Blonch and Harris owned the factory in New York City. The disaster involves children, women, immigrants, and American workers in general. 1911 fire. Terminate quarters and fabric everywhere, doors are locked from outside, Fire escapes are very terrible and collapsed. This is important because it leads to the government and everyone needing to deal with the problems in the workforce.

Triple Alliance - includes Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Italy for a short time. Mostly the central European nations who had previous alliances, and the bad guys of WWI.

Triple Entente - the good guys in the war including Britain, France, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Italy starting in 1915, US starting in 1917.

"Trust Buster" - a person who goes around in an attempt to get rid of the trusts that are present in the U.S. In 1902, Teddy Roosevelt became the nation's first trust buster. He believed the government should regulate the industrial giants and punish those that used their power improperly. Roosevelt and Taft both are famous for the trusts they broke up, Taft busted more. This is important because the presidents expand their powers and confirm that monopolies are not welcome in the US.

United Nations- In the 1940's, the new United Nations (UN) fulfilled Woodrow Wilson's vision of an international body to deter aggressor nations. The new organization would have 5 permanent members consisting of the US, Great Britian, the Soviet Union, France, and China, and six rotating members. The group had different councils but more importantly drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor guided the declaration which station forth "inalienable" human rights and freedoms as cornerstones of international law. This is important because it replaced the failed attempt of the League of Nations and tried to seek international peace.

USS Maine- Involves the American and Spanish. An American battleship in Havana harbor in 1898 and the USS Maine destruction led to war with Spain.

VIETNAMIZATION - 1960's and 1970's, the policy by Nixon and Kissinger to slowly launch pulling troops from Vietnam. At the same time they increased the attacks from air with bombing in hope to advance to a diplomatic solution to it. Along with this the invasion of Cambodia secretly came about. This original onslaught into Cambodia raised more protest both because we didn't want to get deeper into the war and it was kept a secret for a long time.

V. I. Lenin - In the 1910's, Lenin starts the concept of communism in Finland but decides to bring it wait on to Russia. Wants to extinguish the war and help the dreadful which is fair what the people want. Brings communism to Russia.

VOTING RIGHTS ACT (1965) - Passed under LBJ it mandated federal oversight of local elections in the South, and promised to strengthen the ongoing effort to end racial discrimination in political life.

WALTER WHITE - (During the Cold War era). Child of dim parents but looks very much like a white man. Went into southern towns to interview people about lynching that had just gone on. Kept a beneficial record of many of the lynching. While in Georgia he was almost caught and was warned to leave. Gets out of town just in time. Brings his findings to the president to review.

WATERGATE - In the 1970's 5 men were found going through the democratic rooms of the Watergate hotel. One was a part of Nixon's reelection committee. They had cash and surveillance equipment on them. The senate votes to investigate this when enough evidence comes about. Many of the players in the scandal are asked by Nixon to resign their positions. At first they say no. then they have to. Alexander Butterfield, Nixon's secretary, let's slip that Nixon records all of his conversations. They eventually get the tapes and shows Nixon as a bad guy. Nixon resigns before he is impeached.

William Randolph Hearst- Owner of the New York Journal accused of "yellow journalism." In 1898, a letter from Depuy de Lome calling McKinley weak was published in Hearst's journal. This is important because this is one of the two situations that led the US to war with Spain.

William McKinley- President from 1897-1901. He became the leading Republican tariff expert, and during his presidency enacted a very high tariff. Not prosperity, but foreign policy, dominated McKinley's Administration. His presidency is important because in the 100-day war, the United States destroyed the Spanish hasty outside Santiago harbor in Cuba, seized Manila in the Philippines, and occupied Puerto Rico. He was assassinated and Theodore Roosevelt took over.

William H. Taft- Sympathetic toward the Filipinos, he improved the economy, built roads and schools, and gave the people at least some participation in government. Largest president, more cautious, broke up more trusts than T. R. Taft goes after Pinchot, TR supporters get indignant. Pinchot is fired. In 1912, when the Republicans re-nominated Taft, Roosevelt bolted the party to lead the Progressives, thus guaranteeing the election of Woodrow Wilson. His policies were considered to be dollar diplomacy considering he worked towards expanding opportunities for corporate investment overseas.

Works Progress Administration (WPA) - In the 1930's artistic and intellectual works. Pump money into economy by hiring people for jobs that will benefit the US. 300 million dollars for programs for artists. Concerts and pictures paid for by the government. Artists, Theaters, and Musicians- theatres with unemployed actors. WPA Histories of Slavery- history from slave themselves.

World Fair/ Columbian Exhibition - The Chicago World Fair had 30 million admissions in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America. The first part was the White City which represented the middle class ideal for the future of America and inventions were displayed. The second fragment was the Midway Plaisance where displays, cabarets, and exotic dancers were displayed. This is notable because it showed the American middle-class desires and the Pledge of Allegiance by Bellamy was introduced at the fair.

Yalta-(1940s) Big Three ((US); Churchill (GB); Stalin (USSR)) meet to determine the shape of Europe after WWII. Russia needs protection on western front. Soviet Union will not ask for money from Germany after the war. Roosevelt died 2 months later.Zephyr Wright - 1960's, LBJ's cook, driver and did other things for him. He was a black ma with a college degree. Felt that he should not have to pee on the side of the road because a bathroom was segregated.

Ocean Holiday Motel in Ft Lauderdale, Florida - Well, at Least It's on the Beach

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:44:06 +0000

When I pulled into Ft. Lauderdale this trip, I had been driving for days and was just at that brain dead point. I was looking for somewhere affordable to stay a few days to get my bearings and decide what to do next when I spied a sign along A1A that promised really cheap rooms honest there on the beach. I ended up with a room for the week at the Ocean Holiday Motel for $280 plus tax. You really can't beat $40 a night true on the beach, right?

You get what you pay for.

The Ocean Holiday Motel is a three-story number with mostly enclosed parking (free). The office is only commence from 10AM to 8PM. The owner lives off-site so you're on your own if you have any problems the rest of the time. She does charge an additional $10 key deposit.

I had room 206, which was a small single with a full-size bed, a small fridge (which served as the TV stand), a long 6-drawer dresser, and a small built-in desk. Now about that desk... there are no outlets anywhere reach this desk, which pretty much renders it useless. There is no Internet access anyway though so I guess that makes the whole thing a mute point, eh?

The room décor was a mish-mash. For example the bed skirt didn't arrive anywhere near to matching the cheap comforter. This is an dilapidated building and it shows. The walls show many signs of being patched. The floor is tile rather than carpet, but that's pretty much par here on the beach. Sand would destroy carpeting in short order. Speaking of sand, there is an outside shower behind the elevator for rinsing off prior to returning to your room.

The TV is advertised as having cable, but the channel selection was poor at best. I think I got 2 regular stations, the weather channel, and a few Hispanic channels. That was about it. The real annoyance is that the TV wasn't programmed right. When cruising up and down it hit every channel, including the zillion that were nothing but snow.

The bathroom was small but adequate. The shower/tub combo had plenty of hot water and the pressure was good. It was surprisingly clean given how slipshod the place is otherwise.

The A/C is in the form of an old window unit that leaked excessively the whole week. They did send someone up one day to fix it but it calm leaked. They did come up daily to try to mop up the mess.

There is no smoking allowed in any of the rooms at the Ocean Holiday Motel, but there are tables and ashtrays on every floor outside. The second floor has a rather nice shared balcony with a picnic table that gives a very nice view of the ocean. There is a nice breeze that blows across that floor making it very relaxing to sit out there in the morning and evening.

Although there are signs everywhere giving phone rates, there is no phone in any of the rooms. This was the subject of distinguished amusement between me and a few other guests one balmy night on the balcony. There are also signs all over the room threatening moral action if so much as a towel is missing upon check out.

One more thing that may be of interest to possible Ocean Holiday guests is that it appeared to have a healthy hooker business. Whether that's a plus or a minus is up to you. Heh.

The last thing that I found quite odd was the parking station. The owner kept putting cones up in empty spaces so if you leave for a while it's a major pain to fetch parked again. I can't come up with one good reason why she would do this. It's just plain curious.

So no, even though it's fairly cheap in the low season and well located, I cannot recommend this state to you. There are too many very nice places in the area that really aren't all that noteworthy more. Go back one block to Birch and you can bag much better for less even. I'm saying 2 stars and feel that's pretty generous...

205 N. Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304

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Ocean Holiday Motel in Ft Lauderdale, Florida - Well, at Least It's on the Beach