Got a new Windows Phone? Here are your must have apps going into 2013.

Windows Phone Central Year Ending App and Game Roundup

The New Year is soon approaching and with Christmas out the way it's time to look at filling your brand new Windows Phone with apps and games, but what are the 'must-haves' for heading into 2013? Windows Phone Central has now published highly recommend choices that offer unique functionality, features and experience for consumers.

In the roundup, we'll take a look at the apps and games that are worth the time and effort to download and try out. It's difficult to get lost or bewildered on the Windows Phone Store, especially with the catalogue of apps and games growing at a steady rate. There are gems that are often overlooked due to consumers opting for listings that are more prominent on the store. We've added our favourites, but note that there are many more out there.

?

Productivity

NAVIGON?($46.99 / $69.99 / $29.99): One of the more expensive, yet highly rated navigation apps for Windows Phone. NAVIGON is currently available in Australia, Europe and the US, with three separate apps available for each market supported.

Sporting text-to-speech, turn-by-turn navigation, route planning, offline maps and more make NAVIGON a worthy choice for those who are on the road often and require a bit more in terms of functionality and features. Using NAVTEQ mapping for drawing up all routes and locations, users can feel confident the app will get them from A to B.

NAVIGON can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Store. Three versions are available, one for Australia ($46.99), Europe ($69.99) and the US ($29.99). If NAVIGON isn't really for you, there are many other turn-by-turn clients, including the likes of Navigation.

?

Package Tracker ($2.49 / trial): Keeping on top of arranged deliveries can be relatively difficult when things go wrong or alternative routes are taken by drivers, but should you wish to make life easier (or simply to remind yourself as to what's expected to arrive any given day) there's always Package Tracker for Windows Phone.

Sporting not only a client for the mobile platform, but an app for Windows 8, users of Package Tracker will be able to synchronise content between the solutions available. Supporting more than 60 carriers, Package Tracker provides a useful service to those who require being up-to-date with deliveries and transfers.

Live Tiles are utilised to provide instant alerts and updates for any given package and the app includes a map for checking last known location and scanning functionality for barcodes, etc.

You can download Package Tracker from the Windows Phone Store for $2.49.

?

Weather Flow ($1.99 / trial): There's nothing worse than to be out and about when it starts to rain and there's no available umbrella. This is where Weather Flow for Windows Phone comes in, offering weather forecasts in an intuitive and stunning user experience. The app can provide weather readouts in the rich format (with animated background) or simplistic with a blank background and more emphasis on information.

The app also makes use of Live Tiles in all sizes to provide further details about upcoming days, but the real gem is the lockscreen integration. Not only does the app load the weather forecasts onto the lockscreen, but it also changes the wallpaper depending on the day's forecast. It's a well presented app from the developer of Cocktail Flow.

You can download Weather Flow from the Windows Phone Store for $1.99. As well as Weather Flow, Amazing Weather HD is also a superb app for Windows Phone that sports similar (if not arguably better) functionality.

?

Commerce

Amazon Mobile (free): Amazon Mobile is the official app from the online retailer, enabling Windows Phone owners to connect to their accounts and purchase products from the website. Searching, comparing prices, reading reviews and sharing products with contacts is all supported within the app.

While the interface leaves much to be desired, it does provide all relevant information for consumers to make decisions on which items to go for. An Amazon barcode scanner is also included in the official solution, which is accompanied by full account access, which includes existing shopping basket, wish list and 1-Click settings.

You can download Amazon Mobile from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

eBay (free): The massive world of eBay is available on Windows Phone in an intuitive, functional app. Available on the store for free, eBay enables those who hold registered accounts to manage bidding, buying and selling on the website. Should you wish to stay on top of account management while on the go the eBay app is a must-have.

The Live Tile support provides users a quick insight to whether a current bid has been relegated, or if a purchase and sale has been made. Searching through the app for listings is relatively straight forward and messaging is presently available for communication to take place between eBay users.

You can download eBay from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Groupon (free): While consumers can't get anything for nothing, Groupon does provide means to slash prices on food, products, places to visit and more. The service boasts a number of enticing deals that can be utilised by those who wish to save some money when heading out and about.?

The app for Windows Phone sports such functionality to allow payments to be made straight from the device and purchased Groupons are displayed with location and expiration dates. The Groupon service itself is available in more than 500 cities around the world, which makes it a handy app for anyone to own.

You can download Groupon from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Media

Photostream (free): Lockscreens are a personalised welcome experience for anyone who uses a smartphone. It's also a way to show off a public view of the Windows Phone without revealing any information or details about the owner, but leaving enough clues for someone to form a quick guess on the likes, dislikes and personality of said person - they say pictures can say a number of words, right?

Photostream takes the new customisation options for lockscreen wallpapers to the next level by offering Flickr and 500px integration. Users can choose from a variety of categories, depending on current mood or likes and the ability to lock a wallpaper for some time is present, just in case you come across an image you happen to be particularly fond of.

You can download Photostream from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Fhotoroom (free): Fhotoroom is a photo editor for Windows Phone. The app is focused on post-enhancing images taken by a Windows Phone, utilising technology such as their custom EV, Grid and Level come together to extend the ability of the camera. Over 50 different filters are available for application on photos, while 18 powerful effects are on hand with over 50 styles and 27 custom designed frames.

It's an interesting app that helps make the most of photography when it comes to Windows Phone. Social integration is available through the submission of photos to networks for others to check out. Do you own a super-duper DSLR to snap the perfect shot? No? Well your Windows Phone and Fhotoroom may well be up your street.

You can download Fhotoroom from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Audible (free): The company by Amazon enables one to listen to a wide range of books available in the catalogue. The digital audiobooks are available on Windows Phone through the official app, which is listed for free. It enables one to download from an Audible library, detailed listening stats, access to the Audible mobile store, and more.

Perfect for long journeys and times where headphones and a cup of tea are required on a cold Sunday afternoon. The Audible app sports bookmarking, sleep mode, button free mode (speech recognition and commands), as well as play as books are downloading. Social integration is also included with links to Facebook and Twitter for users to share what they're currently listening to.

You can download Audible from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

IMDb?(free): Everyone should know of IMDb if they're into films, video games and television. The website is a library of media where actors,?production crew personnel and fictional characters are listed, discussed and pictured. It's one of the more popular online movie databases and has an official app for Windows Phone.

The app itself enables users to view showtimes, watch trailers, browse photo galleries, receive US TV listings, find latest DVD and Blue-Ray-ray releases, explore popular charts and share movie information. The top charts are present, while all information stored on servers are accessible to anyone with the app loaded.

You can download IMDb?from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Metrotube ($0.99 / trial): Checking out YouTube videos on a Windows Phone can prove difficult should you be unaware of any third-party apps that are currently available. Metrotube is one of the best Windows Phone YouTube apps to-date, sporting an intuitive simple user interface while retaining much of the features a frequent YouTube user would expect to see.

Live Tiles are utilised with double-sided notifications, and those with accounts can login and access all areas that are present on the website. Playlists, favourites, and the ability to share with friends are all part of the package. It's one of the best experiences to view YouTube videos on Windows Phone.

You can download Metrotube from the Windows Phone Store for $0.99.

Netflix (free): Netflix is a service used for subscription-based television and movie viewing, and a Windows Phone app is available that enables streaming to any supported device. Should you already own a Netflix account, thousands of TV episodes and movies can be streamed to the Windows Phone.

Featuring a simple, but easy-to-use interface, Netflix enables users to search and watch the entire collection of content that's available on the website. An interesting feature is the ability to resume watching a movie or episode on one device and then continue where left off on another. Perfect for use when traveling home to resume playback on the big screen.

You can download Netflix from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

PODCASTS! / Pro (free / $1.99): PODCASTS! comes in two versions, one free and the other a premium offering. The apps enable Windows Phone owners to tune in and stream podcasts (both video and audio-only). The service doesn't require a connection to PC prior to loading the shows, which can be viewed over both WiFi and mobile connectivity.

Podcast playback has been a concern for many on Windows Phone where the store doesn't enable any way for such media to be synchronised onto hardware not in the limited number of supported markets. PODCASTS! allows users to subscribe to feeds, download episodes for offline viewing / listening and more.

You can download PODCASTS! and PODCASTS! Pro from the Windows Phone Store for free and $1.99 respectively.

?

Social

Rowi (free / $1.49): Twitter is a popular social network that millions of users log into each and every day. While Windows Phone sports unique integration with said web services, it's a requirement to use a Twitter app to enjoy a full experience. There's an official app available for Windows Phone, but we've got a few third-party favourites.

Rowi is one of them, with it's incredibly good looking layout and interface. The app ensures that using Twitter on a Windows Phone is an enjoyable experience, but a short one at that so consumers can spend less time on the smartphone. Instead of going all out to pump as many features into the app as possible, the team has developed a simple, yet efficient client.

You can download Rowi and Rowi [lite] from the Windows Phone Store for $1.49 and free respectively. Should you require slightly more from a Twitter client, be sure to check out gl??k!, which is a popular app with similar functionality but many twists.

?

Facebook (free): There's little more important than keeping in touch with friends and family when using an Internet capable mobile phone, and Facebook is generally the top destination for many consumers. Microsoft has developed an in-house Facebook app that offers a unique experience to Windows Phone owners.

Complimenting the integrated social experience, which already enables the viewing of photos, pulls down information for contacts, etc. the Facebook app opens up the rest of Facebook in a single location. This makes it much easier to browse around the network and keep in touch with others. The app also sports Live Tile functionality, as well as lockscreen integration.

You can download Facebook from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

4th & Mayor (free): This free Foursquare app provides Windows Phone owners a clean and simple interface for check-ins and interaction with friends to take place. Taken your new smartphone somewhere new? 4th & Mayor will ensure it gets recorded with all the necessary information for friends to know where you've been.

Live Tiles and toast notifications are supported for users to be updated with new check-ins. Searching for nearby locations is fairly easy too. Overall it's a nice and simple client that enables users to get in, sort out location-based stuff and get on with life. A must-have for anyone who uses Foursquare.

You can download 4th & Mayor from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Baconit (free / $1.99): Baconit is a popular, and well rated Reddit app that pulls down all content from the popular news source. For those who aren't aware of Reddit, it's a massive community where users submit links and content of interest. Topics include?events, politics, technology, gaming, humour and more.

Sporting not only an intuitive and pleasant interface, Baconit also takes advantage of Live Tiles in Windows Phone. Subreddits and stories can be pinned to the start screen, which are updated nightly. All Reddit functionality and features are present within the app. It's a useful app where users can add comments, rate stories, message other members, and load all submissions quickly.

You can download Baconit from the Windows Phone Store for free (a 'donation' version is also available).

?

Gaming

Wordament (free): The Xbox Windows Phone game Wordament is a free word puzzle title that puts all players against one another in a two-minute tournament. Each player competes in real-time, on the same board, against everyone else playing. Each round is unique and offers challenges or optional goals that add extra points to the end score.

The object of the game is to find as many words as possible in the grid of letters. The only downside is each letter has to be joined to the corresponding follow-up to create the words. It's a difficult game when the brain freezes and no words can come to mind, but is highly addictive and bags of fun. Warning: you'll need more than two minutes as your eyes wont want to leave it.

You can download Wordament from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

??

Rainbow Rapture (free / $1.49): Rainbow Rapture is an indie game by Kindling Games that puts the player in control of a rainbow that glides, bounces and slides across a world in need of cleansing. He's basically upset with Humanity and has decided to wipe them from the planet. The landscape is of both countryside and metropolitan areas.

The object of the game is to keep rainbow in the air and last as long as possible. The rainbow bar on the left decreases continuously and rainbow slows down while he remains on the ground. It's an addictive game that can be played among friends to see who can achieve the best score.

You can download Rainbow Rapture Free and Rainbow Rapture from the Windows Phone Store for free and $1.49 respectively.

?

Trine's Hangman (free / $0.99): Arguably the best hangman game available for Windows Phone, Trine's Hangman is a feature-rich title that boasts scoreboards, accounts, addictive gameplay and more. It's hangman, but much more. As well as attempting to guess the correct word before the poor sod is hung, points are awarded for a variety of bonuses.

These points are then added to a personal profile that's used to rank up in the leaderboard. It's not only addictive for the gameplay, but to improve the ranking of said profile too, which makes Trine's Hangman a title that many return to countless times.

You can download Trine's Hangman and Trine's Hangman Pro from the Windows Phone Store for free and $0.99 respectively.

?

Sport

ESPN (free): The official ESPN app for Windows Phone is a breath of fresh air for sports fans who require their handset to keep them up-to-date with latest news, scores and fixtures in a variety of sports. Basketball, football, hockey, cricket, racing, tennis, gold and more are supported in the ESPN app.

The app allows users to add favourite teams to follow which helps cut down on irrelevant content. Live Tiles are utilised to provide quick-glance information on any pinned team. It's a solid offering from a popular destination for those who enjoy sport. If you're into ESPN then their official Windows Phone app is definitely for you.

You can download ESPN from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Sky Sports News (free): Sky is also offering a free Windows Phone app for its online sports services. Sky Sports News, much like the ESPN app above, is a news, fixtures and results solution that helps keep fans in the loop on what's happening. The only downside is the limited number of supported sports:?Football, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Golf, Tennis, Formula 1 and Boxing sections.

Sporting the usual Sky interface (which isn't appealing at its best on the big screen) is featured in the Windows Phone app, as well as familiar iOS-esque icons and UI elements. It's not as feature-rich as the ESPN app, but gets the job done and is the official app from Sky.

You can download Sky Sports News from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

News

BBC News Mobile (free): The BBC News Mobile app for Windows Phone is an unofficial client that pulls down the latest headlines from BBC News. As well as the top stories, the app also displays images from the photos blog. Users are able to read articles within the app or via Internet Explorer.

Voice integration is presently available for articles to be read out loud, and Live Tiles are supported that display the latest updates. The user interface is fast, responsive and clean. It's a simple client, but effective at carrying out tasks to ensure users are able to read the news in a good looking UI.

You can download BBC News Mobile from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

CNN (free): The official app from CNN enables Windows Phone owners to stay informed with the latest headlines. Breaking news alerts and live video are present in the app, as well as a variety of topics to suit everyone's needs. CNN iReport allows users to upload photos and video directly from the app to contribute to a story.

The CNN app supports Live Tiles that show the latest headlines while on the go and font sizes can be altered when configuring settings. Like other news sources, the stories are pulled down from the cloud and displayed in a simple, yet effective interface. There's little to get in the way of the consumer and the breaking news.

You can download CNN from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

USA TODAY?(free): The USA TODAY app for Windows Phone is a superb looking client. Showing the latest weather report for a set location (US-only), the app also sports an intuitive and attractive colour scheme to separate the categories covered by the news source. Windows Phone owners can read up on news, money, sports, life, tech and travel.?

Again, Live Tiles are supported. Sport is also covered with?NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, college football and college basketball all supported with the latest headlines appearing in the feed within the app. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with news.

You can download USA TODAY?from the Windows Phone Store for free.

?

Windows Phone Central ($0.99): What sort of roundup would this be without our own Windows Phone app? Should you be interested in Windows Phone and wish to keep up-to-date with the latest headlines, be sure to download our app. It sports commenting and account support, as well as access to the community forum within the intuitive UI.

You can download WPCentral from the Windows Phone Store for $0.99.

While this is by no means a definitive list that will cater for all needs (you may know of an app that should have made the list), but if we were to roundup every single app worth mentioning from the store, we'd be here for a very long time indeed. Let us know your favourite apps in the comments.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/wmexperts/~3/HXfpy1Fq4dE/story01.htm

lehigh walking dead season finale matt flynn denver news frozen planet creighton new smyrna beach

Essential Tips To Choose Right Budget Web Hosting | Veritas India

Posted on December 30, 2012 by dufttuey508 in Internet

Wanna select a far better internet hosting provider? Will not decide upon any web hosting provider until you may have thoroughly look at this content. For a Webmaster, make sure you fully grasp regarding the services offered from website hosting expert services and will also avert concealed bills to float your site at little fee with greatest many advantages.

Precisely what is hosting supplier?

A service provider who offers you you with room for hosting your webpages is known as web hosting supplier. Nearly all of the online websites are released for different uses starting from exclusive identification to company id.

Now a days there are certainly innumerable personal online pages particularly for their friends and family. These individual internet site personnel will often technique affordable web hosting supplier who provide solutions that holds decent for his or her spending plan.

Even if many of the webmasters are fond of windows software, Linux and Unix servers are attaining its value owing on the relevance of cost effective of software systems included and routine maintenance of internet site may be very hassle-free using the app of php and Asp.

Linux web hosting providers are mushrooming like whatever, given that the hosting is very reasonably priced in case of Linux internet hosting. When you are well versed in internet developing devices, which get the job done clearly in windows surroundings, you can easlily opt for windows server. But internet hosting vendors for UNIX server, Linux server and windows server can be obtained inside the advertise.

Value of web hosting providers

The price of website hosting exclusively relies upon on the kind of server that you?re choosing. Are you aware of that there exist differing types of programs provided for each form of web hosting? Just do investigate on the Web to find out less costly and very best internet hosting vendors.

Different programs can be obtained from differing web hosting vendors. Different types include things like Cutting-edge Method, Online business Strategy, Unique Prepare and Starter Strategy. These policies are tentative only. The majority of the internet hosting providers provide a number of names with the programs being a piece of their selling method.

If you?ve got opted higher finish plan, you will get a bunch of attributes and components bunched with that organize. Consequently you should to look at the to choose from abilities with each and every bundle. You then can consider your appropriate offer.

You may have to groundwork within the amenities available in the market with the determined package deal. You ought to view the type of database which is supported for a precise strategy, the sheer numbers of emails that will be supplied to get a distinct program, the sheer numbers of sub domains supported inside the arrange, the information transfer that is certainly allowed in a very month to get a domain, additionally, the volume of space for storing which is provided.

Many of these internet hosting vendors will charge you separately with the databases like MS SQL server with their packages. More over these amenities are certainly not out there with all the complimentary hosting vendors.

Do verify the testimonies in their potential consumers to get to understand regarding their treasured expertise. Moreover, you could examine their client?s domain for getting an idea regarding their products.

It is possible to contact the online internet hosting suppliers not simply by using mail and also via toll free numbers for purchaser company. As a particular stage more, a number of the website hosting suppliers offer 100 percent free domains for just about any packages you buy.

Like a bottom line, don?t forget to test the program from the hosting providers most definitely uptime on the server given it is crucial for uninterrupted website hosting service.

How To Decide On An Online Hosting Company can give you maximum details for Search Engine Marketing Internet Hosting And Sophistication C Ips.Be sure to drop by and see the post for additional facts!

Tags: best web hosting with free cpanel interface 2013, best web hosting with free whm on linux 2013, discounts for top web hosting firms in 2013, promotional offers for 2013 web host, web hosting for medium size websites 2013, web hosting guide in selecting the best host 2013, web hosting reviews for excellent web host 2013

Source: http://www.veritasindia.com/essential-tips-to-choose-right-budget-web-hosting

miss universe canada don draper gallagher madmen james cameron liam hemsworth miss canada

Murphy High band plans pep rally, JJP makes repairs as tornado cleanup continues

MOBILE, Alabama -- As Day Four wound down after the Christmas Night tornado, neighbors and business owners continued cleanup efforts, and several folks even had some good news to report.

Over at the Loop, Sahmi El-Farkh was working on his windows and roof at his hair salon, Amadeus Art of Hair and Beauty, which took a hard hit, as did Cantrell Photography next door. He was hoping for dry weather in the next few days so that he could complete more patches on the roof.

In Midtown, members of the Joe Jefferson Playhouse Board of Directors are hopeful that repairs can be finished in time to open their January show, "Wait Until Dark." The theater, at 11 S. Carlen St., built in 1961, lost its HVAC units in the storm, and its roof was damaged from the terra cotta tiles that were blown from buildings down the street at Murphy High School.

Right now, the theater is seeking generators so that the show will go on, according to Danette Richards, president of the board of directors. If all goes as planned, "Wait Until Dark" will run Jan. 11-27.?

Angie Gulledge with the Murphy High School Band Boosters reported a successful fundraiser on Saturday morning, raising $653 with sales of school T-shirts, car flags and MHS 75th anniversary Christmas ornaments. (The ornaments are sold out, but if you'd like to buy a T-shirt or flag, email her at agulledge@thebeehive.us.)

The Mighty Marching Panthers will perform a pep rally concert at 6:15 on Jan. 2 at Mobile Civic Center before the start of the Murphy High parent meeting, Gulledge said. The concert was the brainchild of her daughter, Lily Gulledge, 13, whose older brother, Tripp, plays in the band.

The Gulledges live near Murphy and headed over to the campus to see the damage right after the storm struck.?

"It was awful," said Lily, who's in eighth grade at Phillips Preparatory School and plays percussion in the band. "I'm going to be in the Murphy band next year," she said.?

Her original idea was to have the concert in Murphy's practice field, but the campus is now a construction site and closed to visitors.

The pep rally is not supposed to be a fundraiser, Lily said, but of course donations will be welcome. For details, visit the "Rebuild Murphy Pep Rally" Facebook page.

"Everyone should come," she said, promising that the concert will include the tunes dear to Panther hearts -- the Alma Mater and "I'm So Glad," along with "Amazing Grace."

Source: http://blog.al.com/live/2012/12/murphy_high_band_plans_pep_ral.html

the sound of music celebration church

American University vs. Kansas: Game time, TV schedule and more

American University will attempt to end a three-game losing streak on Saturday night when the team travels to Kansas to challenge the Jayhawks.

American University will attempt to end a three-game losing streak when the team travels to Kansas to challenge the Jayhawks on Saturday night.

Currently possessing a 4-8 overall record, American has lost seven of their last nine games and has amassed a 2-6 record on the road this season. The team has been inactive since challenging Georgetown last Saturday. American lost the game by a final score of 65-48.

Kansas will be entering Saturday night's game in the midst of a nine-game winning streak and has assembled a 6-0 record at home. Boasting a 10-1 overall record this season, the game will mark the first of a three-game home stand for the Jayhawks. The team has been inactive since last Saturday when they defeated Ohio State by a final score of 74-66.

Saturday night's game is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., ET. The game will be televised on ESPN Full Court, as well as streamed on the service's website.

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Source: http://dc.sbnation.com/2012/12/29/3811782/american-university-kansas-game-time-tv-schedule-preview

live free or die hard carlos pena amanda bynes arrested f 18 jet crash in virginia beach john tortorella nicki minaj beez in the trap video

India rape victim's body cremated in New Delhi

NEW DELHI (AP) ? The body of a woman who died after being gang-raped and beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated Sunday amid an outpouring of anger and grief by millions across the country demanding greater protection for women from sexual violence.

The young woman's body was cremated in a private ceremony soon after its arrival on a special Air India flight from Singapore, where she died at a hospital Saturday after being sent for medical treatment.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, head of the ruling Congress party, were at the airport to receive the body and meet family members of the victim who had also arrived on the flight early Sunday.

Hours after the victim died Saturday, Indian police charged six men who had been arrested in connection with the attack with murder, adding to accusations that they beat and gang-raped the woman on a New Delhi bus on Dec. 16.

The victim, who has not been identified, was taken Thursday to Singapore's Mount Elizabeth hospital, which specializes in multi-organ transplants, in extremely critical condition, and her condition took a turn for the worse, with her vital signs deteriorating.

After her death, thousands of mourning Indians lit candles, held prayer meetings and marched through various cities and towns, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, on Saturday night to express their grief and demand stronger protection for women and the death penalty for rape, which is now punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment.

Women face daily harassment across India, ranging from catcalls on the streets, groping and touching in public transport to rape.

New Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said the six suspects face the death penalty if convicted, in a case that has triggered protests across India and raised questions about lax attitudes by police toward sexual crimes.

The tragedy has forced India to confront the reality that sexually assaulted women are often blamed for the crime, forcing them to keep quiet and discouraging them from reporting it to authorities for fear of exposing their families to ridicule. Police often refuse to accept complaints from those who are courageous enough to report the rapes, and the rare prosecutions that reach courts drag on for years.

Prime Minister Singh said Saturday that he was aware of the emotions the attack has stirred, adding that it was up to all Indians to ensure that the young woman's death will not have been in vain.

The woman and a male friend, who also has not been identified, were on a bus in New Delhi after watching a film on the evening of Dec. 16 when they were attacked by six men who raped her. The men beat the couple and inserted an iron rod into the woman's body, resulting in severe organ damage. Both were then stripped and thrown off the bus, according to police.

Dipali, a working woman who uses one name, said the rape victim deserved justice. "I hope it never happens again to any girl," she said.

Gandhi, the governing party chief, assured the protesters in a statement that the rape victim's death "deepens our determination to battle the pervasive, the shameful social attitudes and mindset that allow men to rape and molest women and girls with such an impunity."

Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said the woman's death was a sobering reminder of the widespread sexual violence in India.

"The outrage now should lead to law reform that criminalizes all forms of sexual assault, strengthens mechanisms for implementation and accountability, so that the victims are not blamed and humiliated," Ganguly said.

Singh said he understood the angry reaction to the attack and that he hoped all Indians would work together to make appropriate changes.

"It would be a true homage to her memory if we are able to channel these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action," the prime minister said.

Indian attitudes toward rape are so entrenched that even politicians and opinion makers have often suggested that women should not go out at night or wear clothes that might be seen as provocative.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/india-rape-victims-body-cremated-delhi-045328410.html

cpac powell the last lecture kim jong un josh powell madonna halftime show linsanity

Twitter Ye Not: Louis keeps his MBE a secret as he heads for a night out in Peterborough before the honour is announced

Louis Smith celebrates his historic Silver Medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games

By John Elworthy Saturday, December 29, 2012
1:24 PM

A LITTLE after 9pm last night, Strictly Come Dancing winner and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith tweeted to his followers: ?Going out in Peterborough tonight?.

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

For once the 23 year-old silver medallist ?who famously tweeted a Strictly result before it was aired- kept his own counsel by not revealing he was to made an MBE in the New Year?s Honours list.

Quite where he was at midnight when the world was able to share his joy, Twitter ? and his personal account now with 194,698 followers- doesn?t record.

A clue as to how he was feeling came via the BBC who Louis had told earlier the MBE was ?without a doubt the proudest moment of my life?.

His Team GB coach, Paul Hall, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was appointed MBE.

Smith told the BBC: ?To receive this honour is out of this world and something I never would have dreamt of as I grew up in the sport of gymnastics.

?This year has been like no other for so many reasons.

?I?ll never forget and I wasn?t sure it could get any better, but to be awarded an MBE is the icing on the cake.?

Smith said he was ?absolutely overjoyed? for Paul especially because of what he had done for himself, his team mates and the Huntingdon Gymnastics Club.

Source: http://www.wisbechstandard.co.uk/twitter_ye_not_louis_keeps_his_mbe_a_secret_as_he_heads_for_a_night_out_in_peterborough_before_the_honour_is_announced_1_1755706

stefon diggs nazi ss naomi watts andrej pejic steve jobs fbi safehouse brown recluse

Stock futures fall ahead of "cliff" talks restart

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures fell on Friday, putting the benchmark S&P 500 index on track for a fifth straight decline as legislators prepared to resume talks to avoid the "fiscal cliff."

President Barack Obama and lawmakers are launching a last round of talks before a New Year's cliff deadline, when a series of tax hikes and spending cuts that could send the economy into a recession are set to begin.

U.S. stocks fell for a fourth straight session on Thursday but managed to recover most of their earlier losses after the House of Representatives, in the barest sign of progress, said it would return to Washington on Sunday night to work on avoiding the cliff.

Highlighting market sensitivity to cliff headlines, on Thursday stocks fell more than 1 percent earlier after Senate Majority Harry Reid warned a deal was unlikely before the deadline.

S&P 500 futures fell 4.9 points and were below fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures lost 40 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 11 points.

Economic data expected on Friday includes Chicago PMI for December at 9:45 a.m. (1445 GMT) while the National Association of Realtors issues Pending Home Sales for November at 10 a.m. (1500 GMT). Economists in a Reuters survey forecast a reading of 51 for the main PMI index and a 1 percent rise in pending home sales.

European shares edged lower as investors waited to see if a deal to avoid the U.S. "fiscal cliff" would be reached before further boosting their exposure to equities. <.eu/>

The yen fell to its lowest level in more than two years, lifting Japanese stocks to 21-month highs on expectations of drastic monetary easing, while shares in the rest of Asia rose as Washington races to avoid a fiscal crisis.

(Reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/stock-index-futures-steady-budget-talks-eyed-103953896--finance.html

nevis

Putin signs ban on U.S. adoptions of Russian children

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Friday that bans Americans from adopting Russian children and imposes other sanctions in retaliation for a new U.S. human rights law that he says is poisoning relations.

Washington has called the new Russian law misguided, saying it ties the fate of children to "unrelated political considerations", and analysts say it is likely to deepen a chill in U.S.-Russia relations and harm Putin's image abroad.

Six children whose adoption has already been decided in court will go to the United States, while 46 other children whose adoption was still underway must stay in Russia, Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told Dozhd television channel.

The new law, which has also ignited outrage among Russian liberals and child rights' advocates, takes effect on January 1.

The legislation, whose text was issued by the Kremlin, will also outlaw some non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. funding and impose a visa ban and asset freeze on Americans accused of violating the rights of Russians abroad.

Pro-Kremlin lawmakers initially drafted the bill to mirror the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which bars entry to Russians accused of involvement in the death in custody of anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and other alleged rights abuses.

The restrictions on adoptions and non-profit groups were added to the legislation later, going beyond a tit-for-tat move and escalating a dispute with Washington at a time when ties are already strained by issues such as the Syrian crisis.

U.S.-based human rights organization Freedom House called the law an "attack against one of the most vulnerable groups in the Russian society."

The adoption ban may further tarnish Putin's international standing at a time when the former KGB officer is under scrutiny over what critics say is a crackdown on dissent since he returned to the Kremlin for a third term in May.

"The law will lead to a sharp drop in the reputation of the Kremlin and of Putin personally abroad, and signal a new phase in relations between the United States and Russia," said Lilia Shevtsova, an expert on Putin with the Carnegie Moscow Centre.

Peskov said earlier the Magnitsky Act - the U.S. bill which prompted the new Russian law - had "seriously undermined" the "reset", the moniker for the effort U.S. President Barack Obama launched early in his first term to improve relations between the former Cold War foes.

Putin has backed the hawkish response with a mixture of public appeals to patriotism, saying Russia should care for its own children, and with belligerent denunciations of what he says is the U.S. desire to impose its will on the world.

SHARP CRITICISM

Seeking to dampen criticism of the move, Putin also signed a decree ordering an improvement in care for orphans.

Critics of the Russian legislation say Putin has held the welfare of children trapped in a crowded and troubled orphanage system hostage to political maneuvering.

"He signed it after all! He signed one of the most shameful laws in Russian history," a blogger named Yuri Pronko wrote on the popular Russian site LiveJournal.

A Twitter tag that translates as "Putin eats children" was being widely circulated in Russia on Friday, and pro-Kremlin microbloggers hit back with: "Putin supported orphans".

Russian officials say the deaths of 19 Russian-born children adopted by American parents in the past decade motivated the law, as well as what they perceive as the overly lenient treatment of those parents by U.S. courts and law enforcement.

Russia's investigative committee on Friday opened nine criminal cases against American families "threatening lives and health" of 12 Russian children and issued summonses for four American citizens as defendants in abstentia.

The U.S. government has so far refused to provide documentation in any of the cases.

Critics of the bill say Russian orphanages are woefully overcrowded and that adoptions by Russian families remain modest, with some 7,400 adoptions in 2011 compared with 3,400 adoptions of Russian children by families abroad.

More than 650,000 children are considered orphans in Russia - though some were rejected by their parents or taken from dysfunctional homes. Of those, 110,000 lived in state institutions in 2011, according to government figures.

Americans have adopted more than 45,000 Russian children since 1999, including 962 last year.

In a poll conducted on December 23 by the Moscow-based Public Opinion Foundation, 75 percent of respondents said Russia should place additional restrictions on foreign adoptions or ban them.

The acquittal on Friday of the only person on trial for Magnitsky's death will fuel accusations by Kremlin critics that authorities have no intention of seeking justice in the case.

A Russian court acquitted Dmitry Kratov, the former deputy head of a jail where Magnitsky was held before his death in 2009, after prosecutors dropped charges against him.

Lawyers for Magnitsky's family said they will appeal and called for further investigation.

Magnitsky's colleagues say he is the victim of retribution from the same police investigators he had accused of stealing $230 million from the state through fraudulent tax refunds -- a similar charge to the one Magnitsky faced.

The case against Magnitsky was closed after his death but was reopened again in August 2011.

In an unprecedented move, Russia is trying Magnitsky posthumously for fraud, despite protests from his family and lawyers that it is unconstitutional to try a dead man. A preliminary hearing is scheduled next month.

"It is the first time in my practice when a dead man is put on trial, and it's absolutely unlawful," Nikolai Gorokhov, lawyer representing Magnitsky's family, told Reuters.

"The guilty verdict is needed to show to the whole world that Sergei Magnitsky was a criminal, and not a man who uncovered a systematic theft of Russia's budget money," he said.

Magnitsky's death triggered an international outcry with Kremlin critics saying it underscored the dangers faced by Russians who challenge the authorities.

The Kremlin's own human rights council said Magnitsky was probably beaten to death, but Putin said in a televised press conference last week that he had died of heart failure.

(Additional reporting by Alexei Anishchuk, Maria Tsvetkova, Kiryl Sukhotski and Nastassia Astrasheuskaya; Editing By Steve Gutterman and Roger Atwood)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/putin-signs-bill-banning-american-adoptions-russian-children-095131598.html

gia la riots new jersey devils

Body of missing girl found in empty Las Vegas lot

LAS VEGAS (AP) ? Authorities said Friday they believe a casino worker killed a 10-year-girl several days before Christmas, then went to the Bellagio resort on the Las Vegas Strip and slashed the face of a co-worker with a pair of razor blades.

The search for Jade Morris ended Friday afternoon when officials confirmed that her body had been found Thursday in an undeveloped housing tract.

She died of multiple stab wounds, the Clark County coroner's office said.

Jade was last seen Dec. 21 with family friend Brenda Stokes Wilson, who picked her up to go Christmas shopping.

Wilson, 50, returned the car she had borrowed for the outing to a friend two hours later. Jade never came back. Investigators later found blood on the driver's door and steering wheel of the 2007 Saab sedan.

Later that night, Wilson was wrestled to the ground with razors in each hand after allegedly slashing the face of a female co-worker at the Bellagio casino.

A judge raised her bail to $60,000 from $600,000 Friday morning after she was identified as the prime suspect in the child's killing.

"It's no secret the defendant is the suspect in the murder of 10-year-old Jade Morris," prosecutor Robert Daskas told Senior Clark County District Court Judge Joseph Bonaventure at the hearing.

Later Friday, Las Vegas police homicide Capt. Chris Jones said investigators were still moving forward.

"As soon as we get all the evidence in that we need, we'll book her on the murder charges," he said.

Wilson has been jailed since the 21st on felony battery with a weapon, burglary and mayhem charges that could get her decades in prison.

Police said she offered no help in the search for the missing girl. Murder and kidnapping charges could get her life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

On Thursday, Las Vegas police responding to a 911 call found a girl's body in unkempt brush near palm trees in a small traffic circle about 10 miles from the downtown Las Vegas outlet mall where Stokes was to have taken the girl shopping.

On Friday evening, Jones called the slaying "unfathomable."

"Even having our jobs, we still can't wrap our heads around this," he said. "A lot of people think that just because of our positions we can understand it, but we can't."

In court Friday morning, Wilson stood flanked by eight police officers as her lawyer, Tony Liker, clutching a Bible and a copy of the charging documents, asked the judge to postpone arraignment until Wednesday to give him time to meet with Wilson.

Wilson, who had been identified by police and prosecutors as Brenda Stokes, told the judge Friday that her full name was Brenda Stokes Wilson.

Jade's father, Philip Morris, was removed from court Wednesday by armed court officers after shouting questions about his daughter's whereabouts to Wilson. He did not attend Friday's hearing.

The two dated for several years, and Jade had a long and trusting relationship with Wilson, according to the girl's grandfather, Philip Tucker.

Tucker said Philip Morris lived in Billings, Mont., and worked at a Flying J truck stop for more than a year. He would stay with Wilson when he visited Las Vegas, Tucker said.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the slaying. But Tucker said Wilson appeared to believe that the face-slashing victim had become romantically involved with Philip Morris.

Wilson picked up Jade up for their shopping expedition around 5 p.m. Later, she got a ride with a friend to the Bellagio. She allegedly attacked her co-worker, Joyce Rhone, at around 9:30 p.m.

Rhone, 44, was hospitalized with deep cuts on her face, including one from her ear to the edge of her mouth.

Wilson told investigators that she visited her doctor last week, seeking to be admitted to a hospital "due to feeling like she wanted to hurt someone."

___

Associated Press writers Hannah Dreier and Michelle Rindels contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/body-missing-girl-found-empty-las-vegas-lot-010336090.html

critics choice awards super pac dre kirkpatrick mls superdraft school cancellations bald barbie peoples choice awards

Would-be adoptive parents look beyond Russia

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Russia's new ban on U.S. adoptions is the latest setback for hopeful American parents as countries increasingly impose restrictions.

Other countries, including China and Guatemala, have erected hurdles for adoptive families as they create their own domestic adoption programs. The signing of the Hague Convention on adoption in 2008 drastically improved regulation of the process, which had been rife with corruption. But it has also led to a slowdown in adoptions or shutdowns in some countries. Internal politics and abuse concerns are additional reasons why countries have tightened controls.

In 2004, U.S. citizens adopted 22,991 children who had been born abroad, an all-time high, according to Adoptive Families magazine. By 2011, that number had fallen to 9,319. (For a graphic view of how international adoptions have fallen in various countries, see http://link.reuters.com/tut84t)

There are still other options for Americans wanting to adopt an international child. Bulgaria, Columbia and many African nations are some of the new, go-to countries for U.S. adoptions.

But even that's not a sure thing. For would-be adoptive parents the best bet is to widen their search to include special needs kids, sibling groups and older children.

AFRICA'S ADOPTION EXPLOSION

Africa, which represented 22 percent of adoptions in 2009, is expected to be a bigger player in the future. "A decade ago, there were very few adoptions (in Africa)," according to Susan Soonkeum Cox, vice president policy and external affairs at Holt International, a Christian adoption organization. "Now, there's an explosion."

African countries seeing an increase in adoptions include South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya and Ivory Coast.

Adoptions in Ethiopia, meanwhile, have declined from a peak of 2,511 in 2010 as the country overhauled its oversight process. But it is still a viable option, Cox said.

Cox advises working with an adoption agency that has staff on the ground in Africa and other countries to handle paperwork and advocate for U.S. families.

Other countries that still welcome American adoptions include Bulgaria and Colombia, said Megan Montgomery, international adoption coordinator for Adoption Star, based in Amherst, New York. Adoption Star primarily deals with adoptions from Bulgaria, a country that has gone from five placements in 2008 to 75 adoptions in 2011.

Placements from Vietnam and Cambodia, which shuttered their U.S. adoption programs, should resume soon, adoption experts say.

FAMILIES CAN'T FLIP A SWITCH

Adoptions of Russian children peaked in 2004, according to Dale Eldridge, coordinator of adoptive services at Jewish Family Services' Adoption Choices, a non-profit adoption program based in Framingham, Massachusetts. Right now, fewer than 50 U.S. adoptions of Russian children are formally in the works while another 250 U.S. families have identified kids they would like to adopt, adoption experts said.

Unfortunately, families that already have started an adoption in Russia can't just flip a switch and redirect their efforts to another country. "I wish it was as simple as taking some families who have been waiting (for Russian children) to just move over to another country," said David Nish, chief program officer at Spence-Chapin, a U.S.-based adoption agency that finds homes for children in the United States and around the world. "But it's a whole other process."

That's because every country has its own eligibility requirements. Criteria can include parents' marital status, age of the parents, employment, financial status, medical issues, and even the age difference between the adoptive parents and adoptee child. The adoption process remains restrictive for single-sex couples.

And the cost can be prohibitive. For example, the median fee in 2011 was $8,000 for the Dominican Republic, $15,355 in Panama and $26,063 in South Africa, according to the U.S. State Department's Intercountry Adoption Annual Report. Adoption fees for many of the 30-plus countries on the State Department's list are in the range of $20,000. That's not including travel costs.

Even so, international adoptions are often cheaper than domestic ones for newborn babies, which can cost $40,000 or more.

OLDER CHILDREN

To speed up the process, would-be adoptive parents should consider a school-age child, experts say.

According to the State Department, 233,934 international adoptions were made by Americans from 1999 to 2011. Nearly 94,000 of those adoptions involved children under the age of one. Just about 20,000 children aged three or four were adopted during that period. And for kids aged 5 to 12, it was 29,712.

The benefit of adopting a school-age child is that it is easier to identify developmental and emotional problems ahead of time. "There's more you can do to prepare and put resources in place to support what they need," Spence-Chapin's Nish said.

School-aged children can be challenging if pre-adoptive experiences affect their development, he said.

A special needs child is also a possibility. One way to fast-track an international adoption may be to apply for a child with known medical or special needs, said Adoption Star's Montgomery. "For families with resources, it can be great option," Montgomery said. "Of course, you really have to find the right family to take on that kind of known medical need."

Special needs can range from a baby born with a minor medical problem, such as a cleft palate, to more serious issues, such as a heart condition, blindness or spina bifida. "It's not about families getting a child quicker," Nish said. "It's about a family accepting a child into their household that they can provide for and love and nurture."

China's Waiting Child program, which includes children who have special needs or correctable medical conditions or are part of sibling groups, has wait times that are typically much shorter than the traditional program, according to Adoptive Families magazine. In 2011, more than half of adoptions from China were through this program.

Would-be parents must be prepared to wait. The Associated Services for International Adoption, a non-profit adoption group, says the wait time for an adoption referral in China is 73 months as the country has clamped down on U.S. adoptions. "If the wait time is becoming impractical, it's better to close the intake process" and start again, advised Holt's Cox.

Tracy Downey and her husband, Jason, who live in suburban Des Moines, Iowa, tried to go the traditional international Chinese adoption route in 2006. But after waiting for 18 months to bring home a baby from China, Tracy switched gears and started combing the official Chinese list of children with special needs along with additional lists from adoption agencies and orphanages.

The Downeys have since adopted a daughter, Angel, along with two sons - Corban and Tegan - from China, all with large, potentially disfiguring moles known as a giant congenital nevi. They started the process to bring home the two boys, now aged 3-1/2, last January. It took about 10 months.

Aside from their large moles - which are on two of the children's faces and on the other's lower body - all three kids are healthy and thriving, Tracy said.

"If we wanted a non-special needs child, we'd still be waiting," Tracy said.

(Follow us @ReutersMoney or at http://www.reuters.com/finance/personal-finance; Additional reporting by Chelsea Emery and Beth Pinsker Gladstone; Editing by Linda Stern and Steve Orlofsky)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/adoptive-parents-look-beyond-russia-192952945.html

aspirin 21 jump street illinois primary results acapulco mexico hines ward alex smith alex smith

10 Things to Know for Today

Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Yahoo!, try visiting the Yahoo! homepage or look through a list of Yahoo!'s online services.

Please try Yahoo Help Central if you need more assistance.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/10-things-know-today-101340019.html

ozzie guillen ozzie guillen

Amber and Scott: Radvent Day 19: Speaking

Irony is: writing about "speaking" when I've lost my voice again. My poor larynx.
I could go on and on about my larynx, which just can't seem to catch a break ... but I won't.

I do have a couple of interesting items to mention regarding this topic.

Say what you?ve been meaning to say.

Today I'm going to tell someone how much I want to be in their life again (after essentially being absent for the last few months). I'm going to tell someone else how much I want to shoot their show again. And I'm going to tell a third person my reservations about becoming involved with their show again. People deserve to know what I'm thinking; silence isn't always golden.

Think about the way you use language.
I was thinking yesterday on the bus about how I want my words to be more intentional in 2013. I have a ?habit of blathering on about everything and anything, and I want my words to be more meaningful and purposeful next year. I know there's probably only so much I can stem the tide of my babbling, but as I am so fond of mentioning ... if I don't try, I'll never know what I'm capable of.

Of course, now that I've said that, I don't want to say any more, because once I start going down that?road, almost all communication seems frivolous.

Add something to your vocabulary.

I checked my email right after reading this to find a truly bizarre word of the day. I've subscribed to the Dictionary.com word of the day for ... it seems like the better part of 15 years, though I'm not really sure if that's true or not. Anyway, sometimes it's more useful, and sometimes it's ... not. Today's word could go either way, actually, so I guess that's a good thing (and also ... up to me).

Today's word of the day is a linguistics term: antepenultimate.

Word of the Day for?Friday, December 28, 2012

antepenultimate?\an-tee-pi-NUHL-tuh-mit\,?adjective:

1.?Third from the end.
2.?Of or pertaining to an antepenult.

noun:
1.?An antepenult.

When I looked up "antepenultimate" online, I eventually got to some more interesting information:?In linguistics, the ultima is the last syllable of a word, the penult is the next-to-last syllable, and the antepenult is third-from-last syllable. In a word of three syllables, the names of the syllables are antepenult-penult-ultima." (Souce: Wikipedia).

So there you have it. The more you know?

? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
I'm participating in Radvent this year via the ever-awesome?Princess Lasertron, and you should too!

Source: http://marriedcatpeople.blogspot.com/2012/12/radvent-day-19-speaking.html

park slope food coop anchorman sequel safety not guaranteed lifehouse

2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid [w/video] Review

With its subtle badging out of sight, and from a distance greater than 30 feet, Volkswagen's flagship Touareg Hybrid can hardly be differentiated from its entry-level Touareg V6 sibling. But pop the hood or take it for a quick spin, and the gasoline-electric utility quickly reveals itself as one of the most complex vehicles ever to grace the German automaker's showroom.

Predictably, there is always downside to such technical wizardry. Comprehensive development and revolutionary components, including a large nickel metal-hydride battery pack, don't come cheap. As a result, the Touareg Hybrid is the most expensive vehicle in today's Volkswagen lineup, with a base price eclipsing the standard Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and even the Porsche Cayenne.

So why would someone spend more than $60,000 to put this particular Volkswagen in his or her driveway? To answer that question and to learn more about the automaker's flagship softroader, we spent a full week with it.

Volkswagen's Touareg Hybrid is one very complicated machine. To best understand it, one needs to back up a few years and take into account Volkswagen's ongoing relationship with Porsche. Before both became siblings under the umbrella of the VW Group, the two were working together to develop a hybrid on their shared first-generation SUV/crossover platform (sold as the VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7). Early gasoline-electric prototypes emerged in early 2009, and we were fortunate enough to get seat time in Porsche's Cayenne Hybrid prototype in March of that same year. Consumers, however, weren't allowed behind the wheel of a production Touareg Hybrid until the 2011 model year when the SUV rolled into showrooms on a shared second-generation platform (Porsche rolled out its mechanically identical Cayenne Hybrid around the same time).

Volkswagen has positioned its new Hybrid at the top of its food chain.

Volkswagen has positioned its new Hybrid at the top of its food chain ? a flagship of technology and innovation ? with a base price for the 2012 Touareg Hybrid of $62,865 (including a $870 destination fee). That figure not only makes it Volkswagen's most expensive offering today (the W8-powered Phaeton sedan's last year was 2006, and it departed with a base price of $68,655), it slots well above the base price of the standard naturally aspirated Touareg V6 ($44,245) and Touareg TDI ($47,745) models.

The sticker is a bit easier to swallow when consumers realize that the Hybrid arrives loaded with just about everything as standard equipment. The upgrades over lesser Touaregs include Vienna leather upholstery, walnut trim, 12-way power seats, an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth audio and smartphone connectivity, panoramic moonroof, keyless access and start, 19-inch alloy wheels and much more. This loaded Touareg Hybrid is effectively a halo model for the Volkswagen nameplate, and its low volume (less than five percent of sales) ensures its exclusivity. For lack of a better comparison, consider it today's version of the discontinued (yet memorably awesome) Touareg V10 TDI.

Volkswagen touts its Touareg Hybrid as the world's first gasoline-electric hybrid with a forced induction engine. As such, combustion power comes in the form of a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque (it's the same basic engine found under the hood of the Audi S4 and several other models). Supplementing the gasoline engine is a 47-horsepower electric motor, pulling its energy from a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack fitted beneath the luggage compartment (the battery consists of 240 individual cells and offers an energy density of 1.7kWh).

Volkswagen touts its Touareg Hybrid as the world's first gasoline-electric hybrid with a forced induction engine.

Things get much more innovative at this point, as the standard eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission is separated from the engine by a decoupling clutch ? electronics are able to completely sever the ties between the engine and transmission on demand, thereby allowing the Touareg Hybrid to "coast" (glide free of engine drag) to improve efficiency. Lastly, Volkswagen's 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system, with a limited-slip Torsen differential, sends the power to all four wheels with a standard torque split of 40:60 (front:rear) on dry pavement.

The Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid's curb weight is a hefty 5,135 pounds, but the combined power rating of the system provides an impressive 380 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain does its best to negate the mass. Pedal to the carpet, the five-passenger utility will hit 60 miles per hour in just over six seconds flat with very little drama, making it VW's quickest Touareg, quicker even than the aforementioned V10 TDI model.

But the Touareg Hybrid isn't just a new powertrain shoehorned into an internal combustion chassis. Volkswagen has enhanced the brakes to accommodate this model's additional weight and power. The stoppers are upgraded with six-piston monobloc calipers in the front (14.2-inch rotors), and the rear wears four-piston monobloc calipers (13.0-inch rotors). The suspension, with fixed damping and a single ride height, features upper and lower control arms with coil springs up front and a multilink design with coil springs in the rear. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels wear 265/50R19 all-season tires at all four corners.

We found its hybrid mannerisms predictable, its talent and poise commendable, but its fuel economy less than impressive.

Based on the week we spent with Volkswagen's largest hybrid, we found its hybrid mannerisms predictable, its talent and poise commendable, but its fuel economy less than impressive.

The Hybrid boots up almost silently after a press of the start/stop button (one may also insert the key into a redundant slot in the traditional fob slot). As the electric motor and combustion engine are able to run both independently or together this Touareg will choose pure electric mode (EV) if hard acceleration is not called for and the battery pack is sufficiently charged. Volkswagen says the Touareg Hybrid is capable of cruising at up to 30 mph in EV mode, though we had trouble keeping the gasoline-fed V6 from firing up with even light pressure on the accelerator.

Like its standard non-hybrid siblings, the Touareg's mid-size five-passenger cabin is very comfortable. The all-black upholstery and black dash in our tester was a bit dour and ominous looking, but the lighter wood and splashes of bright aluminum offered a welcome contrast. Adults found the second row comfortable with air vents in the center console, and the cargo area is cavernous and easy to load (kudos to VW for putting a metal scuff plate at the top of the bumper).

Forgetting the fuel economy issue and punching the throttle really brings the Hybrid to life.

Cruising sedately on the highway was a no-brainer, but almost boring, as this Volkswagen has an underlying sporty demeanor. Forgetting the fuel economy issue and punching the throttle really brings the Hybrid to life. The torque of the combined system is very strong, with a very linear power delivery. We applaud VW Group for sticking with a traditional torque converter automatic gearbox with its hybrid, as it cracks off firm shifts with a nice solid feel that no continuously variable transmission will ever be able to match. Without question, we found the Hybrid fun to drive.

Like other hybrids, the Touareg Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking to recover energy back into its batteries. We didn't feel the heavy drag common to many other gasoline-electrics under deceleration. The VW also features a standard start-stop system, to conserve fuel while at a red light or stopped for more than a few seconds.

Unlike other hybrids (with the exception being its near-twin Cayenne Hybrid), the Touareg Hybrid is able to electronically disengage its transmission from the engine when the throttle is lifted at higher speeds. This special "coasting" mode works brilliantly and without any operator input (the only way the driver knows it's working is by keeping a close eye on the tachometer as it drops to zero).

Most consumers would be hard-pressed to realize that they are driving a hybrid.

Along those lines, most consumers would be hard-pressed to realize that they are driving a hybrid. Most of our passengers couldn't tell the difference from the second row (of course, anyone behind the wheel would have to overlook the bright green "READY" script in the center of the primary instrument cluster). The soundtrack from the supercharged V6 is also pleasant.

Overall, the ride is firm but still very comfortable. Body roll is minimal, with the all-season tires being the Touareg's Achilles Heel. The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is understandably meant to be the more athletic sibling of the two.

Braking is also very strong, thanks to the massive rotors and strong calipers. Unfortunately, and this is another issue common to all hybrids, there is a small feeling of disconnect introduced by the regenerative braking system. We wouldn't say the brakes felt weak or untrustworthy, but there is a millisecond between pedal application and the firm braking feel we have grown accustomed to in other VW products. On the other hand, the variable-ratio electric power steering felt good whether tracking straight on the highway, negotiating city streets or maneuvering in a parking lot.

The Touareg is more of a speed demon than a frugal pacifist.

Despite the fashionable blue and chrome "HYBRID" badging on the rear decklid that telegraph miserly fuel consumption, we found the Touareg more of a speed demon than a frugal pacifist. Its EPA fuel economy rating is 20 city / 24 highway, and we averaged just over 18 mpg overall during our week. Compare that to the standard V6 (16 city / 23 highway) and the TDI (19 city / 28 highway) and the hybrid advantage is slight, if any. In fact, we suspect that the oil-burning TDI model ? our hands-down favorite in Volkswagen's Touareg lineup ? will very likely consume less fuel overall and offer much greater highway range. Plus, it stands to accomplish both with far less complexity.

After seven full days, we found ourselves impressed with the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid. The more we learned about it, the easier it became to marvel at the technology concealed beneath its steel skin. This VW is much more than a solid unibody platform containing a comfortable five-place interior. It's a low volume flagship with a unique powertrain developed with Porsche and sold as a halo vehicle. Its objective is not to be our favorite Volkswagen, but to be the most avant-garde and innovative model in the company's portfolio. And with that as its objective, it succeeds.

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/2012-volkswagen-touareg-hybrid-review-video/

bulls heat goldman sachs brandon carr knicks coach encyclopedia britannica pi white lion

A wet end to a busy Louisiana weather year | NOLA.com

The end of a busy weather year promises two more chances of rainfall, including on New Year's Eve. It will mark a wet end to 2012, which began with near-drought conditions in New Orleans.

Forecasters with the Slidell office of the National Weather Service are expecting another cold front to usher in showers and thunderstorms to the area Friday and Friday night."A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and early evening hours," says the service's hazardous weather outlook message. "The main threat will be damaging winds."

Expect highs in the upper 60s on Friday, accompanied by winds of 15 to 20 mph out of the southeast, with an 80-percent chance of precipitation. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s Friday night, with winds shifting to out of the northwest at 15 to 25 mph after midnight.

Saturday will be cooler under partly cloudy skies, with highs in the 50s, and winds out of the north at 15 to 25 mph. The temperature will drop into the upper 30s in New Orleans and lower 30s on the north shore overnight Saturday, and reach only the lower 50s during the day on Sunday.

By Monday, the chance of rain begins to increase again, as high temperatures rise into the lower 60s. There's a 40 percent chance of showers for New Year's Eve, continuing into New Year's Day and Tuesday night, with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 40s.

Things get cooler again on Wednesday, with highs only in the 50s, still under mostly cloudy skies with a continuing chance of rain.

While rain has been a significant story during 2012, it's the storm surge delivered by Hurricane Isaac on Aug. 29, exactly seven years after Katrina, that was the top weather story of the year, according to Louisiana State Climatologist Barry Keim.

?"The two areas hardest hit were Braithwaite and LaPlace, where several neighborhoods were inundated," he said. "It occurred amidst a busy 2012 hurricane season that was headlined by Hurricane Sandy."?Although only a Category 1 on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, Isaac again proved that scale's limitations, as its slow forward speed and direction resulted in surge levels of more than 13 feet at the Lake Borgne barrier on the edge of eastern New Orleans and water heights of 7 feet in Lake Pontchartrain, Keim said.

Sandy had lost its tropical characteristics, but not its storm surge, as it hammered a significant portion of the East Coast, including the New York and New Jersey shorelines, in late October.?

?The second biggest weather story of the year was one that few people in the New Orleans area probably noticed: the unusually low level of the Mississippi River during much of the year.

"Obviously, that had nothing to do with drought conditions in Louisiana, but rather drought that was experienced across the Great Plains and the Midwest," Keim said, resulting in low rates of rainwater runoff entering the river.

Ironically, river water levels were so high in 2011 that the Army Corps of Engineers was forced to open both the Bonnet Carre Spillway west of New Orleans and the Morganza Floodway adjacent to the Old River Control Structure north of Baton Rouge.

But by mid-year 2012, water levels in the river were so low that Plaquemines Parish had to stop drawing drinking water from the river and switch to an alternative water supply, because saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico had traveled upstream to the parish's river water intake structures.

In August, the corps awarded a $5.8 million contract to a dredging company to build an underwater dam in the river channel at mile marker 65, to block the salt water before it reached the drinking water intakes for the city of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish.

Corps officials continue to check the dam at least once every two weeks to assure it hasn't eroded away, although higher water levels in the river during the past two weeks have helped keep the leading edge of salt water farther downstream.

On Thursday, the Mississippi was still at only 3.2 feet at the Carrollton Gauge in New Orleans, and is forecast to rise only to about 5 feet before dropping to 3 feet again by Jan. 18, according to the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center.

The third biggest weather story has been the state's flirtation with drought conditions during the year, Keim said.

"Statewide, rainfall amounts are going to be above normal for the year, but the timing and geographic location of the rain was irregular," he said. "We're still seeing regional drought conditions, with water levels above normal in the south, but not in the north, and vice versa for drought. But the majority of weeks this year had some part of Louisiana listed in drought conditions."

As of Thursday, New Orleans International Airport had measured 67.7 inches of rain, or almost 6 inches above normal, while Shreveport had measured 49.9 inches, almost an inch below normal.

Still, total rainfall amounts statewide were significantly higher this year than last, when more severe drought conditions were experienced throughout the state.

Last year, Shreveport had only 33 inches of rain, or close to 18 inches below normal, while the New Orleans airport saw 54.6 inches, or 7 inches below normal.

Indeed, the recent outbreaks of cold weather may stave off a record for the average statewide temperature for the year, Keim said. According to the National Climate Data Center, the average temperature for 12 months through November was 69.9 degrees, which was 1.9 degrees warmer than the 20th Century average annual temperature, and ranked as the 5th warmest similar 12-month period. The record for the same period was in 1927, when the average temperature was 70.6 degrees.

Source: http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2012/12/a_wet_end_to_a_busy_louisiana.html

lsu alabama lsu game lsu game beezow doo doo zopittybop bop bop cordova demaryius thomas transtar

Russian parliament endorses anti-US adoption bill

A protester argues with police officers outside the Federation Council on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Several protesters were detained Wednesday morning outside the upper chamber of Russia's parliament as it prepared to vote on a controversial measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children. The poster held by the protester reads: ?Children get frozen in the Cold War.? (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

A protester argues with police officers outside the Federation Council on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Several protesters were detained Wednesday morning outside the upper chamber of Russia's parliament as it prepared to vote on a controversial measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children. The poster held by the protester reads: ?Children get frozen in the Cold War.? (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russian police officers detain a protester outside the Federation Council Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Several protesters were detained Wednesday morning outside the upper chamber of Russia?s parliament which is set to vote on a measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

A demonstrator holds a poster reading "We are for Dima Yakovlev Bill" outside the Federation Council on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Several protesters were detained Wednesday morning outside the upper chamber of Russia's parliament as it prepared to vote on a controversial measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children. The bill is named in honor of Dima Yakovlev, a Russian toddler who was adopted by Americans and then died in 2008 after his father left him in a car in broiling heat for hours. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, presents a state award to famous Russian actor Konstantin Khabensky wearing a badge that reads "Children are outisde politics!" during an award ceremony in the Kremlin in Moscow, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The upper chamber of Russia's parliament on Wednesday unanimously voted in favor of a measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children. It now goes to President Vladimir Putin to sign or turn down. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, Presidential Press Service)

MOSCOW (AP) ? Defying a storm of domestic and international criticism, Russia moved toward finalizing a ban on Americans adopting Russian children, as Parliament's upper house voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of a measure that President Vladimir Putin has indicated he will sign into law.

The bill is widely seen as the Kremlin's retaliation against an American law that calls for sanctions against Russians deemed to be human rights violators. It comes as Putin takes an increasingly confrontational attitude toward the West, brushing aside concerns about a crackdown on dissent and democratic freedoms.

Dozens of Russian children close to being adopted by American families now will almost certainly be blocked from leaving the country. The law also cuts off the main international adoption route for Russian children stuck in often dismal orphanages: Tens of thousands of Russian youngsters have been adopted in the U.S. in the past 20 years. There are about 740,000 children without parental care in Russia, according to UNICEF.

All 143 members of the Federation Council present voted to support the bill, which has sparked criticism from both the U.S. and Russian officials, activists and artists, who say it victimizes children by depriving them of the chance to escape the squalor of orphanage life. The vote comes days after Parliament's lower house overwhelmingly approved the ban.

The U.S. State Department said Wednesday it regretted the Russian parliament's decision.

"Since 1992, American families have welcomed more than 60,000 Russian children into their homes, providing them with an opportunity to grow up in a family environment," spokesman Patrick Ventrell said in a statement from Washington. "The bill passed by Russia's parliament would prevent many children from enjoying this opportunity ...

"It is misguided to link the fate of children to unrelated political considerations," he said.

Seven people with posters protesting the bill were detained outside the Council before Wednesday's vote. "Children get frozen in the Cold War," one poster read. Some 60 people rallied in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city.

The bill is part of larger legislation by Putin-allied lawmakers retaliating against a recently signed U.S. law that calls for sanctions against Russians deemed to be human rights violators. Although Putin has not explicitly committed to signing the bill, he strongly defended it in a press conference last week as "a sufficient response" to the new U.S. law.

Originally Russia's lawmakers cobbled together a more or less a tit-for-tat response to the U.S. law, providing for travel sanctions and the seizure of financial assets in Russia of Americans determined to have violated the rights of Russians.

But it was expanded to include the adoption measure and call for a ban on any organizations that are engaged in political activities if they receive funding from U.S. citizens or are determined to be a threat to Russia's interests.

Russian children's rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov told the Interfax news agency that 46 children who were on the verge of being adopted by Americans would stay in Russia if the bill is approved ? despite court rulings in some of these cases authorizing the adoptions.

The ombudsman supported the bill, saying that foreign adoptions discourage Russians from adopting children. "A foreigner who has paid for an adoption always gets a priority compared to potential Russian adoptive parents," Astakhov was quoted as saying. "A great country like Russia cannot sell its children."

Russian law allows foreigners to adopt only if a Russian family has not expressed interest in a child being considered for adoption.

Some top government officials, including the foreign minister, have spoken flatly against the adoption law, arguing that the measure would be in violation of Russia's constitution and international obligations.

But Senator Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the Council's foreign affairs committee, referred to the bill as "a natural and a long overdue response" to the U.S. legislation. "Children must be placed in Russian families, and this is a cornerstone issue for us," he said.

Margelov said that a bilateral Russian-U.S. agreement binds Russia to give notice of a halt to adoptions 12 months in advance. Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the president would consider the bill within the next two weeks.

The measure has become one of the most debated topics in Russia.

By Tuesday, more than 100,000 Russians had signed an online petition urging the Kremlin to scrap the bill.

Over the weekend, dozens of Muscovites placed toys and lit candles in front of the Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament after it approved the bill on Friday, but security guards promptly removed them. Opposition groups said they will rally against the bill on Jan. 13, and several popular artists publicly voiced their concern about the legislation.

While receiving a state award from Putin on Wednesday, film actor Konstantin Khabensky wore a badge saying "Children Are Beyond Politics." Veteran rock musician Andrey Makarevich called on Putin Monday to stop "killing children."

During a marathon Putin press conference Thursday, eight of the 60 questions the president answered focused on the bill. Responding angrily, Putin claimed that Americans routinely mistreat children from Russia.

The bill is named in honor of Dima Yakovlev, a Russian toddler who was adopted by Americans and then died in 2008 after his father left him in a car in broiling heat for hours. The father was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter. A Russian television report showed Yakovlev's blind grandmother who claimed that the U.S. family that adopted her grandson forged her signature on documents allowing them to take the boy outside Russia.

Russian lawmakers argue that by banning adoptions to the U.S. they would be protecting children and encouraging adoptions inside Russia.

In a measure of the virulent anti-U.S. sentiment that has gripped parts of Russian society, a few lawmakers went even further, claiming that some Russian children were adopted by Americans only to be used for organ transplants and become sex toys or cannon fodder for the U.S. Army.

Americans involved in adoption of Russian children find the new legislation upsetting.

Bill Blacquiere, president of New York City-based Bethany Christian Services, one of the largest adoption agencies in the U.S., said he hopes Putin won't sign the bill.

"It would be very sad for kids to grow up in orphanages," Blacquiere said. "And would hurt them socially, psychologically and mentally. We all know that caring for children in institutions is just not a very good thing."

Joyce Sterkel, who runs a Montana ranch for troubled children adopted abroad and has adopted three Russian children herself, said she is concerned for the estimated 700,000 children who live in state-run institutions in Russia.

"I would prefer that the Russians take care of their own children. I would prefer that people in the United States take care of their own children," Sterkel said Wednesday. "But if a suitable home cannot be found in that country, it seems reasonable that a child should be able to find a home outside."

___

Associated Press writers Matt Volz in Helena, Montana, and Libby Quaid in Washington, contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-12-26-Russia-US-Adoptions/id-104ed134624f454a8f0b496adfd6dc06

weight watchers google play george h w bush Django Unchained merry Christmas Jack Klugman Christmas Story