National unemployment rates continue to rise

The natioanl unemployment rate rose again to 6.5%, the highest in 14 years.  All in all, over 1.2 million jobs were shaved from the US economy in 2008.  Over 240,000 jobs were lost in October alone.  Compaines such as General Motors, Ford and General Electric continue to cut jobs.   The stockmarket has also lost over 900 points in the 2 days since the election.  This is the largest 2-day decline ever.

Tags: rate, stock, unemployment

Barack Obama has though road ahead

In the days follwoing the US presidential election, the stock market began another sell-off, to the tune of over 500 points.  Obama portrayed a somber mood, even during his victory speech.  It has been reported that fireworks were planned, but Obama cancelled them.  He cited that this is no time for such a celebration, with all of the problems the country currently faces.  The economy continues to be the focal point of Barack Obama.  I commend Obama for this approach.  It shows the quality of his character and his commitment to his country.

I am not sure if any single man can really fix the all of the problems this country currenlty faces.  In that respect, Obama has many expectations to live up to.  One thing is for sure, the voters of the USA showed that they are tired of republican rule, especially George Bush.  In my opinion, that is the best aspect that has arose from the 2008 election - that America’s principles are still sound and ”A government for the people and by the people” still holds true.   The people have spoken and their voice was Barack Obama.

Perhaps the most controversial topic is that of assasination.  The media seldom covers it and for good reason.  The station that airs such a story surely would receive many complaints.  The fact remains, still remains.  People are talking, gun sales are up, the economy is faltering and we have our first “mixed-race” president.  That sure sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.  Consider that most of Obama’s votes were drawn from metropolitan areas.  America has very many rural areas, where old ideals are still clung to.  America also has a history of assinating good leaders.  John F Kennedy and Ronald regan are good examples.  The more popular you are, the more attention you attract, and the more reasons your enemies have to bring you to your demise.

The assasination of Barack Obama would only send this country into furter turmoil and most of us sincerely hope that there is no loss of life as a result of this election.  It is, however, a very real threat.  One usually makes some enemies on the climb to the top.  This, coupled with the “good ole boy” attitude that is still alive and well in rural America, creates a scenario for disaster.

Tags: barack, McCain, Obama, president

What is “Hit a Jew day”?

ST Louis, MO -

Several sixth-graders at Parkway West Middle School in Chesterfield are being punished for creating “Hit a Jew Day”.  The students were said to have conceived the idea from “Hug a friend day” held earlier this month.  The students then proceeded by hitting Jewish classmates.

The students slapped one Jewish person in the face and some others were punched in the back.  They may be suspended and will be required to undergo counseling.

There are an estimated 35 Jewish children at the school and less than 10 of them were actually hit.

District spokesman Paul Tandy was quoted as saying “The concern is a lot of kids knew about it and they didn’t take action or say anything.”

In my opinion, the kids didn’t say anything because they didn’t see it as a big deal.  It wasn’t all too long ago that I attended 6th grade and i can think of a least two “games” the boys would play in which you would punch each other on the arm.  Boys will be boys.  I suspect a similar concept here, except than when the media got word of this story, they saw financial gain from exploting the facts.

I have several Jewish friends myself and i often poke fun at their heritage and they do the same to me.  Let’s remember not to be too serious about these things.

Tags: hit, jew, school, st louis

Gossip Girl becomes a teen hit

Some of the most successful movies, and TV Shows originate from successful novels.  based on a series of novels originally created by  Cecily von Ziegesar, Gossip Girl  has become an instant hit for teenagers and adults alike.

The main story centers around the main character Blair Cornelia Waldorf played by Leighton Meester.  While an attractive, outgoing and sensitive character, she also has a dominant side that shows itself from time to time.  She idolizes Audrey Hepburn and this often shows through in her hopeless romantic ways.

Blair’s character epitomizes the essense of young american women.  She is vain, controlling and uses whatever advantage she may have such as social status and wealth as the means to an end.   Blair lives in a fairy-tale like world where she has no concerns about money and attends the most prestigous schools and social events.  A contributing facotr to her behavior is her father, who is a bit eccentric to say the least.  Her father, once an uptight lawyer, now lives in France with his boyfriend, Giles, and their adopted Cambodian twins, Ping and Pong. He shares a love of shoes with Blair. The situations suggests thatBlair and her father are held together by a feminine bond.  He raised Blair under the impression that she deserves everything she wants.  Her mother, Eleanor Waldorf-Rose, is a flaky social butterfly who married Cyrus Rose.  They say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

There is a deep cast of additional characters, each with their own quirks and nuiances.  The show has gathered a large teenage fanbase, which has drawn criticizm due to its sometimes sexual and graphic nature.  Supporters of the show cite that the series encourages reading amoung young women.

It seems that you either love Gossip Girl or love to hate her.  There are sure to be many more episodes for you to either love or hate.  Many websites now offer current and past episodes of the show.  You can watch Gossip Girl for free at ChannelBlender.

Tags: blair, cw, episode, gossip girl, show, tv, waldorf, watch

2008’s sexiest Halloween costumes for women

Halloween is just around the corner.  If you have a costume party on the horizon, you’re probably looking for a nice, sexy outfit to turn some heads.

Here is a list of the most popular cosumtes for 2008.

    * Catwoman - Perhaps the sexiest and most pupular Halloween costume for women of all time.  Not to mention everyone loves Batman and Catwoman!  You’re sure to get some looks when you crack your whip.
    * Native Squall - Make our fellow native Americans proud with a native American costume.  I am thinking dream catchers and a skirt made of beads :)
    * Alice in Wonderland - Make everyone who looks feel like they have fallen down the rabbit hole!
    * Nurse - The old favorite.  Very popular and you can use it after Halloween for an exciting evening.
    * Daisy Duke - You may already have the necessary clothes in your closet.  Water bra recommended!
    * Go-go girl - Be retro and venture back to the 1970’s with a tie die skirt, top and a hemp necklace.  The more hemp, the merrier.
    * French Maid - Every gentleman likes a girl who keeps a clean house.

These should give you some great ideas from which to start from.  Use your imagination and make sure you have an original costume to stand out from the rest.

Tags: catwoman, costumes, french maid, halloween, nurse

Barack Obama continues to climb in polls

With just over a week left before the 2008 presedential election, McCain continues to slip in the polls.  According to a poll conducted by the University of Michigan, Obama now leads McCain by 10%.  This decline is attributed to McCain’s recent and continuous blunders.  Barack moves along with his usual smooth and steady attitude while McCain and his campaign come apart at the seams.  Moreover, the Obama campaign is on the attack while John McCain and his campaign are busied with reacting to Obama’s latest move.

Yet another factor to consider is campaign funding.  While no one knows an exact number on the amount of money invested in either campaign, it has been said that Obama outspends McCain 3 to 1.  Perhaps one of the few solid strategic moves the McCain campaign has made is to revist traditional “blue” states such as Pennsylvania.  It may be too little, too late.  The only thing that can save the McCain bid for presidency now is a major headline.  With only a handful of days left before November 11, there’s not much opportunity left.

John McCain has improved third debate performance.

If you have been following the 2008 US Presidential race, you are sure to notice the late-race decline of Senator John McCain. With the world economy in shambles, Senator McCain appeared as aloof and even down right strange in the first two debates. MCain seemed off note and even angry towards Senator Obama. At one point in the second debate, McCain referred to Obama as quote: this one. During another line of questioning Tom Brokaw asked McCain who his economic advisor would be, if elected. McCain replied quote: Not you, Tom. While this was most likely an ill guided attempt at humor, it was perceived badly in the public eye.

McCain faired much better during the third and final debate. He appeared more relaxed and more on point. He even had a good one-liner when he told Obama – quote: I am not President Bush, if you wanted to run against him, you should have run 4 years ago. Both McCain and Obama had good performances which lead to a healthy debate. Barack Obama appeared once again as eloquent and confident. The performance of John McCain was much improved but will it be enough to sway public opinion back into his favor?

Free Internet TV, is it for real?

If you perform a Google search for free Internet TV, roughly 30 million results will be returned. You read correctly, 30 million! If you navigate to a couple, you will find mostly antiquated sites with video feeds that no longer work. Other times you’ll find that you have to submit an email address which may put your inbox at risk for SPAM. Even worse, many of these Free TV sites lure you in with one or two videos, only to require a credit card to continue.

At best, you will find a few working channels on various sites. That means a lot of wasted time, spending more time searching than actual viewing. This where websites like ChannelBlender.com come to the rescue. ChannelBlender.com is a totally free service and has hundreds of channels to choose from. The feeds are verified daily to ensure there are none that are broken. You even have a huge selection of videos and streaming TV to choose from. Channels and videos such as current news, sports, TV shows, movies and even adult movies are all FREE. The free TV section includes shows such as The Family Guy, Lost, 3rd Rock from the Sun and the Office.

ChannelBlender.com is totally free and will remain that way. New channels are being added daily. Browse, click, view at www.ChannelBlender.com.