Monday, April 6, 2009
Cincinnati Reds
The traditional National League opener gets underway this afternoon at Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark, where the homestanding Reds begin what's hoped to be a promising 2009 campaign with a matchup against the New York Mets.
The Reds haven't delivered a winning season since 2000, but there's reason to believe the team is poised to improve upon last year's lackluster 74-88 record. Cincinnati sports a potentially strong starting rotation headlined by rising star Edinson Volquez, while second baseman Brandon Phillips, right fielder Jay Bruce and first baseman Joey Votto provide a talented and young offensive nucleus.
Original article posted at http://www.kansascity.com/
Rose Bowl Seating Chart
Sections 4, 5, 18, and 19 rows 1 to 59
This is where the best seats are located. They will cost you some money but they are worth it because they provide the best view. Be careful in the lettered rows in this area because the seats are too low for some fans.
Sections 2-3, 6-7, 16-17, and 20-21
These are the remaining yard line seats. You will still have a very good view of the game but the prices will drop considerably.
End Zone and corner seats in rows 1-59
There are no obstructions and no trouble seeing the entire field. The bad side to these seats is that the action is a little far away when the teams are at the opposite end.
Lettered rows on the end sides or high rows on the ends or corners
If you just want to get in to the game choose these.
Information in it's original form at http://www.tickco.com/
Sunday, April 5, 2009
What Is Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast which always falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. The feast commemorates an event mentioned by all four Canonical Gospels Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19: the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion.
In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses) to the assembled worshipers. The difficulty of procuring palms for that day's ceremonies in unfavorable climates for palms led to the substitution of boughs of box, yew, willow or other native trees. The Sunday was often designated by the names of these trees, as Yew Sunday or by the general term Branch Sunday.
According to the Gospels, before entering Jerusalem, Jesus was staying at Bethany and Bethphage, and the Gospel of John adds that he had dinner with Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha. While there, Jesus is described by the Synoptic Gospels as sending two unnamed disciples to the village over against them, in order to retrieve a donkey that had been tied up but never been ridden, and to say, if questioned, that the donkey was needed by the Lord but would be returned in a short period of time. Jesus then rode the donkey into Jerusalem, with the Synoptics adding that the disciples had first put their cloaks on it, so as to make it more comfortable. The Gospels go on to describe how Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and how the people there lay down their cloaks in front of him, and also lay down small branches of trees. The people are also described as singing part of Psalm 118 - ...Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father, David. ... (Psalms 118:25-26). Where this entry is supposed to have taken place is unspecified; some scholars argue that the Golden Gate is the likely location, since that was where it was believed the Jewish messiah would enter Jerusalem; other scholars think that an entrance to the south, which had stairs leading directly to the Temple, would be more likely (Kilgallen 210). According to Jewish tradition the one who is able to bridle and ride a colt (or donkey) has a status of Messiah.
Read original article at wikipedia.com
Bridget Marks
NEW YORK NEW YORK: Bridget Marks & John Aylsworth Custody Battle goes high class
About five years ago, ex playmate turned socialite Bridget Marks was in the fight of her life for custody of her twin daughters whom she had had with a gambling mogul by the name of John Aylsworth–a married philanderer by all accounts.
What happened was that John reconciled with his wife and both he and she proceeded to sue for custody of the girls he had with his consort Bridget and they won! The court felt that it was in the best interest of the babies to be raised by the father and his wife and not be their mother who was the father’s mistress in the past. And why? Apparently Bridget had accused the father of “molesting” the girls. And we know in New York there is an automatic transfer of custody if the court feels that the custodial parent invents charges of molestation and encourages the children to bring such charges (usually against the father) and essentially “poisons” and “alienates” the children from the non-custodial parent......
Read original story at - 24/7 Divorce Blog
NCAA Championship Game 2009
And then there were two. The NCAA Championship game matchup is set. And like you saw earlier today on KGMB9, tensions were high between Michigan State and UConn.
Pick it up late in the first half. Jeff Adrian is fouled hard by Delvon Roe and he takes exception to it. Then all the hub-bub begins, luckily after some pushing and shoving, cooler heads would prevail. But the story of the first half was Kevin Lucas. During the season, Lucas averaged three-points per game off the bench, but today he had 11 in the first half. The Spartans led by two points going into the break.
Seconnd half now. The Spartans came out running. Kalin Lucas, weaving his way for two of his 21-points. That gave Mchigan State the lead for good at 51 to 49. Moments later, Spartans on the break again, and lookout. Durrell Summers posterizes Stanley Robinson; he had 18. A bit later and Robinson throws one down on his own--that brings UConn within three. but on the inbounds, Summers gets free--and that's an and-one. Michigan State is going to pull away from there.
Read original article at http://kgmb9.com/
Alex Da Silva
Learn more about "So You Think You Can Dance":
So You Think You Can Dance is an American dance reality show and competition that is broadcast on the Fox Network in the U.S. and Japan, on CTV and MuchMusic in Canada, on Living, in Italy on Fox life (US Version), in United Kingdom and Ireland, on RTL5 in the Netherlands, on Network Ten in Australia, on AXN in India, on MBC 4 in the Middle East, on TVN in Poland, on MNET Series in South Africa, on KTN in Kenya.[1]
The series premiered on July 20, 2005 and has a similar premise to the American Idol series of singing competitions, with nationwide auditions leading to the discovery of the next big star. The show was created by Idol's Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is produced by 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions. A mixture of contestants are chosen for the show, ranging from unknown street dancers to winners of national championships. All contestants have to work their way through a rigorous audition process, and, over the course of the show, are assigned different dance styles and partners each week to test their versatility.
It was the #1 rated show in summer 2006 for adults aged 18-49, and in July 2007, while the fourth season is over, it was renewed for a fifth season.[2] The first season was hosted by Lauren Sánchez; the show is currently hosted by former British children's television personality, Cat Deeley. In August 2006, it was also announced that there are now spinoff versions of the show in New Zealand, Turkey, Israel, Canada, Germany, Greece, Poland, Malaysia, Norway, The Netherlands, South Africa and Australia, with several other countries in the works.
So You Think You Can Dance holds auditions in major cities across the U.S., looking for the top dancers in each city. All types of dance backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Salsa, ballroom, hip hop, street dancing, contemporary, jazz, ballet and many other types of dancers can be seen auditioning for a chance to win the grand prize—which, in the past, has included a new Hybrid SUV, $100,000 in cash, and a dancing role in Celine Dion's Las Vegas show—of US$250,000 and the title of "America's favorite dancer." In its four seasons, the winners have been Nick Lazzarini, Benji Schwimmer, Sabra Johnson and Joshua Allen.
Background info from wikipedia.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Mac Cosmetics
Spring is in the air with MAC’s new collection, A Rose Romance, set to release April 23rd, 2009. If I didn’t have spring fever before, I do now. Seeing what this collection has to offer makes me want to put on my favorite sun dress and flip flops and have some fun with the colors and products included in this collection. There is a little bit of everything from eye colors and lipsticks, to nail polish and perfumes; where do I begin? With my favorites of course!
I am in love with the eye shadow Crème de Violet. It is a vibrant and rich purple with a hew of pink. I think this color will look good with any eye color, but I think it has the potential to really make blue eyes pop. I can’t decide which lipstick color I like the best because they all look so beautiful. I am slightly leaning towards the color A Rose Romance mainly because I love a soft pink lip in the spring time.
Read whole article at http://www.sokissandmakeup.com/
Friday, April 3, 2009
My Flow So Tight
Gary Sheffield
Fast and Furious Review
The buzz: In the last seven years these actors' stocks have fallen like, uh, most actual stocks. The series has likewise trickled downward from the entertaining first installment to 2003's spotty "2 Fast 2 Furious" to 2006's ridiculously cliché, star-free "Tokyo Drift." At least "Fast & Furious" can't be as unnecessary as the latest "Street Fighter" movie. Right?
The verdict: Par for the course: Dumb dialogue and Walker possessing fewer rough edges than pudding. But "Furious" doesn't even emphasize heart-pounding races, the series' bread and butter. It also suffers from the charisma strike that Diesel seems to have launched after shooting the original. (This guy belongs in the dictionary next to the word "uninspired.") Gone is the fun, vicarious thrill of badass guys racing killer cars and rolling with gorgeous girls they actually care about. What remains is the saga of unhappy, amoral and unlikable morons fighting crime. Not the same.
Did you know? Brian's boss claims that the only difference between a cop and a criminal is "one bad judgment call." Interesting he doesn't fire Brian—who constantly acts in his own unprofessional self-interest—after five such incidents in a row.
Original article from: http://losangeles.metromix.com/
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Burress isn't the New York Giants' problem anymore.
The Giants released the troubled wide receiver today, after suspending him without pay for the final four games of last season after his arrest.
Burress is due back in court on second degree gun charges on June 15.
Original story from http://www.tmz.com/
Lou Perryman
ShockTillYouDrop.com received the news this morning that Texas-born actor Lou Perryman passed away on April 1st.To horror fans, Perryman was best known as "L.G." in Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. Prior to that, Perryman had worked with the director in Poltergeist and was a camera assistant on the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He also shared an assistant director credit with Sallye Richardson on Hooper's first film Eggshells.
"He was a wonderful man and was so happy to have you all in his life. He was blessed," writes Perryman's daughter, Jennifer, via his Facebook page.
$50 computer
With the growing popularity of Netbooks having already defied the pressures of the current economic squeeze, American communications titan AT&T is looking to concentrate the budget appeal of such ultra-portable computers by offering them to consumers through a subsidisation plan.
Most common utilised to sell mobile phone handsets, AT&T’s experimental business angle will see it providing access to a selection of attractive Web-centric Netbook systems for as little as $49.99 USD – just as long as the buyer is prepared to commit to a two-year online service contract through AT&T.
AT&T, which is the exclusive Apple iPhone carrier for the United States, will trial the deal through eight of its official retail outlets across Atlanta and Georgia and a further eight in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, reports The Register.
Considering the growing pressures of the recession on consumer pockets, AT&T’s shift to offer computer hardware as it does with mobile phones may prove a boon given that initial financial outlay will be small. However, the mandatory service contract will, of course, add to the overall impact over the following two years.
The systems being put forth to lure weak-willed or shallow-pocketed buyers are the Acer Aspire One, the LG Xenia and Dell’s Inspiron Mini 9 and Mini 12 – the latter of which loiters on the verge of being a fully fledged notebook due to its larger physical sizing and slightly stronger specifications.
Subsidised prices start at $49.99 USD and range up to $249.99 USD, providing a decent platter of hardware options, all of which will come firmly attached to AT&T’s wired/wireless Internet at Home or On The Go service plans (inc. DataConnect, Fast Access DSL and 20,000 AT&T hotspots), both of which carry basic subscription prices of $59.95 USD per month.
If that pricing is still a touch rich for those looking to use their newly acquired Netbook for little more than mobile Web surfing, which is what they’re primarily designed for, then AT&T is also prepared to offer a $39.99 USD monthly plan that restricts data downloads to a paltry 200MBs – a fraction of the usual 5GB ceiling.
Original article from thetechherald.com
Summer Breeze Lyrics
Seals & Crofts version
Released off the Summer Breeze album, Seals & Crofts' original version reached number six on the U.S. pop singles chart. Bruce Eder of Allmusic referred to it as "one of those relentlessly appealing 1970s harmony-rock anthems," "appropriately ubiquitous on the radio and in the memory".[1] One of the distinctive backing instruments on Summer Breeze is a child's toy piano. The single reached #6 pop, #4 easy listening in the Billboard magazine charts.
Seals & Crofts performed the song live on a 1972 Bobby Darin show.
The song was used in the 1993 cult film Dazed and Confused, and appeared on the second soundtrack to the film, 1994's "Even More Dazed and Confused." It was also used in the 2007 film King of California, starring Evan Rachel Wood and Michael Douglas.
The track was remixed by Philip Steir and Ramin Sakurai in 2004 as part of What Is Hip? Remix Project Volume One, an album featuring remixes of Warner Bros. Records 1970s hits [1]. This updated version, titled "Summer Breeze (Tsuper Tsunami Mix)", was also featured in two 2004 commercials by clothing retailer Gap starring models Bridget Hall and Jessica Miller respectively.
Credits
* Jim Seals: lead & background vocals, saxophone and guitar
* Dash Crofts: background vocals and electric guitar
* Larry Knechtel: piano
* Jim Gordon: drums
Isley Brothers version
The song was covered in a harder rock/soulful style by The Isley Brothers as a single in 1974. Issued also on their 1973 album, 3 + 3, it reached number sixty on the pop singles chart, number ten on the R&B singles chart, and number sixteen on the UK singles chart. The Isleys' version is notable not only for the harmonies of the three vocal Isleys O'Kelly, Rudolph and lead singer Ronald but also for the guitar solo by younger brother Ernie.
Credits
* Ronald Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Jr. and Rudolph Isley: lead and background vocals
* Ernie Isley: electric and acoustic guitar & percussion
* Marvin Isley: bass guitar and percussion
* Chris Jasper: piano, keyboards
* George Moreland: drums, percussion
Type O Negative version
Gothic-metal band Type O Negative recorded a slower, Doom Metal version of the song for their album Bloody Kisses, and this version was featured during the opening credits of the 1997 horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Other Versions
* George Benson & Al Jarreau (collaboration)
* Jason Mraz
* Three Tenors during their 1996 farewell performance at the Coach and Horses Tavern in Windsor, Ontario
* Spiral featuring Lisa Lamb, later the vocalist with Peach Union
* Nicki Richards
* Jackie Mittoo
* Shaw Blades (Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades), on their 2007 album Influence
* Main Ingredient
* Jed Madela , Only Human Album
* Ramsey Lewis, on his 1974 album Solar Wind
* Gabor Szabo, on his 1972 album Mizrab
* Sampled by Aphrodite – Drum&Bass Remix – Summer Breeze
* Sampled by The Whitlams – I Make Hamburgers
* Remade/Sampled by Jody Breeze - So Fly (Feat. Claudette Ortiz)
* Petty Booka
Original article from wikipedia.com
Life Magazine Online
From the Wall Street Journal Article:
Life.com, a joint venture of Life publisher Time Inc., a unit of Time Warner, and Getty Images, is opening its doors today to let Web users scan 7 million images from the magazine, many of which have never appeared in print. The site also boasts thousands of new daily news photos from Getty, the photo service whose work appears in many newspapers and Web sites.
In addition to photos of breaking news events, the Life.com editors have created thousands of photo groupings — a slideshow of Hawaiian beaches through the decades, or baseball players with odd names, or memorable war photos — that will change at least once a day.
Source: Wall Street JournalPhotos are arranged around five channels: news, celebrity, animals, travel and sports, based on search patterns and on advertiser-friendly categories. The celebrity tier of photos is expected to appeal more to advertisers looking for female consumers, for example.
James Earl Ray
March 10 was a pivotal day in the life of James Earl Ray, the man who spent nearly 30 years in prison for the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King.
His life began on March 10, 1928, in the city of Alton, Ill. Forty-one years later, to the day, Ray confessed to the assassination of King and was given a 99-year prison sentence. He took the guilty plea on the advice of his attorney to avoid a trial conviction and the possibility of a death sentence.
Three days later, though, Ray recanted his confession. Until his death in prison on April 23, 1998, at the age of 70, Ray claimed that a man he met in Montreal (known to him only as "Raoul") and Ray's brother had been involved in the assassination — but he had not been involved.
He later amended his story, claiming that he didn't shoot King but said he may have been "partially responsible without knowing it," hinting at the possibility of a conspiracy. But, just as it was in the case of Jack Ruby, who shot alleged JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald on national television, the suggestion of a conspiracy never went any further than that.
Ray died in prison from complications related to kidney disease caused by hepatitis C after spending years trying to get the trial he never had. His attorney, William Pepper, represented him in a televised mock trial. Pepper also represented the King family in a wrongful death suit against a Memphis restaurant owner, Loyd Jowers, who was found legally liable.
The King family does not believe Ray was involved in the murder. Ray's father did not believe he was smart enough to pull off such a crime. And, in 1978, a special congressional committee investigating assassinations in the United States said there was a "likelihood" that Ray did not act alone.
What was the truth? It has been nearly 41 years since King was murdered. And, if Ray were still alive today, he would be 81 years old. But there was never a trial in the case while Ray lived, and the chance that there would ever be one died with him nearly 11 years ago.
It would be useful for future generations to know the truth, to know who really killed King and why. But it appears destined to remain one of history's coldest cases.
Original article from http://freedom-writing.blogspot.com/2009/03/james-earl-ray-and-king-assassination.html
Kevin Pollak
Actor
As an actor, Pollak's trademark is usually playing the best friend or confidant characters to the leading men, as he did in Ricochet, End of Days, A Few Good Men (1992) and The Wedding Planner. However, Pollak has played a wide variety of parts; he played a gangster in The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and a criminal in The Usual Suspects (1995). He also briefly hosted Celebrity Poker Showdown in its first season. His most substantial role to date was in Deterrence (1999), in which he played the main character: a Vice President who must take over for a deceased President and deal with a nuclear crisis.
In December 2006, he played Karl Kreutzfeld in the Sci Fi Channel miniseries The Lost Room. He has a recurring role as a District Attorney on the television series Shark.
In March 2008, Pollak played himself in the web series The Writers Room on Crackle.[1]
Comedian
As a comedian, Pollak's most popular work was his 1992 HBO special Stop With the Kicking: Kevin Pollak in Concert, directed by comedian David Steinberg and produced by Boston comedy writer Martin Olson.
Pollak is also known for having one of the best Christopher Walken impersonations in show business. One specific Walken impression routine, "Frankenstein never scared me", has become one of the most requested sound bites on the Bob and Tom Show.[citation needed] In an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Pollak recounted that he was invited to introduce Walken at the unveiling of his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, despite the fact that the two had never met.
Pollak is also known for his impression of William Shatner; specifically, imitations of Shatner's role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. In a 1994 special edition of Canadian TV Guide, published to commemorate the final episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Pollak writes a guide of how to do an impersonation of Kirk. Shatner himself has said that Pollak does the best impersonation of him that he had ever seen.[citation needed]
Personal life
Pollak was born in San Francisco, California, the son of Elaine Harlow and Bob Pollak.[2] In 2008 he filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years.
Original article from wikipedia.com
Madonna Adoption
Madonna won't be taking another Malawian kid over the borderline -- the Material Girl was just denied adopting a 3-year-old girl from the country.
Despite little Mercy James' uncle signing off on the adoption earlier this week, the courts rejected it citing a requirement that prospective parents live in the country for at least 18 months before an adoption.
Madge adopted David Banda in 2006 without meeting the same requirement.
Original article from tmz.com
Mount Carmel
In the Fall of 1900, the Carmelite order established St. Cyril College at 54th and Jefferson (now Harper) on Chicago's South side. In the first year there were 13 students and five priest teachers. The following year the college was moved to 64th and Washington (now Blackstone) because of the need for a larger building and better access to public transportation. The St. Cyril College Building at 64th and Star (now Dante) was completed in 1902, and classes began with 137 students and 11 faculty members.
At first the college had three departments: (1) Academic, which included both a junior high and a high school program; (2) College, a four-year program with emphasis on Greek and Latin; (3) Commercial, a three-year course. In 1918, with young men being called to serve in World War I, the college curriculum was dropped while the high school department was enlarged and improved.
Dedication - 1924
In December 1922, Father Elias Magennis, General of the Carmelite Order, and Archbishop Mundelein of Chicago agreed on the need for the immediate construction of a new St. Cyril High School Building. In the spring and summer of 1924, a three story main building was erected by the Thompson-Starrett Construction Company with Zachary Davis as the architect. William Lynch, a St. Cyril College graduate, was in charge of construction. Later that fall, the new building was dedicated as Mount Carmel High School.
Even in its early years, the school's tradition of alumni sending their sons to Mount Carmel was strong. But during the late 1960s, the economic deterioration of the Woodlawn neighborhood contributed to a significant decrease in enrollment. Mount Carmel's close proximity to the Black P. Stones/El Rukn street gang may have also hurt the school's ability to attract students. But thanks to the efforts of Father David Dillon and numerous other Mount Carmel faithful, the school survived by bussing in students from neighboring areas- many of whom are carrying on family legacies. Current redevelopment projects in the Woodlawn area and southern expansion by the University of Chicago have improved the future outlook of the school and its surrounding community.
Campus
The Mount Carmel campus is located at the intersection of East 64th Street and South Dante Avenue, less than a mile from Lake Michigan. The oldest surviving structures are the three-story main building and the Carmelite Chapel.
In the 1950s and 60s, Mt. Carmel saw the addition of two buildings: the Student Center and the two-story Learning Center. Since then, the campus has gradually been enlarged, beginning with the student parking lot and the athletic field on the south end of the property. Thanks to the Capital Campaign Case Study, the campus was further expanded to include the Scott School property. In 1992, construction began on a new monastery for the Carmelites. Additionally, a science and computer center called the Graham Center was built on the site of the old Carmelite Monastery. Although the old Priory was demolished to make room for the Graham center, the original Chapel was saved and given a facelift.
The school again expanded in 2005 by adding the Mt. Carmel Convocation Center.[citation needed]. The structure houses three gyms, an indoor track, weight room, offices, locker rooms, meeting areas for alumni and faculty, a student center/dining hall, and new computer and science labs. A new student parking lot was built on the north end of the campus.
In addition to the Convocation Center, Mt. Carmel's athletic facilities include Carey Field for football and Haggerty Field for baseball and soccer. The 'Old Gym' still hosts athletic competition, including the school's annual Fight Night boxing event. The original four-lane, 20 yard pool hosts the Swimming and Water Polo teams. Off-campus facilities used by the school include the Jackson Park trails and practice fields, Gately Stadium, Eckersall Stadium, and the Homewood-Flossmoor ice arena.
Original article from wikipedia.com
Bernese Mountain Dog
Appearance
Like the other Sennenhunds, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, heavy dog with a distinctive tricoloured coat, black with white chest and tan (or rust) colored markings above eyes, sides of mouth, front of legs, and a small amount around the white chest. An ideal of a perfectly-marked individual gives the impression of a white “Swiss cross” on the chest, when viewed from the front. Both males and females have a broad head with smallish, v-shaped drooping ears. Height at the withers is 23-27.5 ins (58-70 cm) and weight is 65-120 lbs (29.5-54.5 kg). Females are slightly smaller than males. The breed standard lists as faults "Aggressive, anxious or distinctly shy" and a distinctly curly coat, along with wry mouth and wall eye.[1] Exact colour and pattern of the coat are also described as important.
Male Berner
History
The Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennenhund), like the other Sennenhund, is believed to have descended from Roman molossers, crossed with the livestock guardian dogs of the indigenous people of the Alps in antiquity.[2] The breed was used as an all purpose farm dog, for guarding property and livestock, and for driving cattle in the areas around Berne. The type was originally called the Dürrbächler, for a small town (Dürrbach) where the tricoloured dogs were especially noticeable.[3] In Berne, weavers used the dogs as draft animals, but the dogs declined in number through the 1800s.[2] In the early 1900s, fanciers exhibited the few examples of the large dogs at shows in Berne, and in 1907 a few breeders from the Burgdorf region founded the first breed club, the "Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub", and wrote the first Standard which defined the dogs as a separate breed. By 1910, there were already 107 registered members of the breed.[3]
Four breeds of Sennenhund
The four breeds of Sennenhund, with the original breed name followed by the most popular English version of the breed name.
* Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
* Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Mountain Dog
* Appenzeller Sennenhund, Appenzeller
* Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Health
Mortality
Health surveys of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Denmark, the UK, and USA/Canada all show that this breed is very short-lived compared to breeds of similar size and purebred dogs in general. Berners have a median longevity of 7 years in USA/Canada and Denmark surveys and 8 years in UK surveys.[4] By comparison, most other breeds of similar size have median longevities of 10 to 11 years.[5] The longest lived of 394 deceased Berners in a 2004 UK survey died at 15.2 years.[6]
Cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, but Berners have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. In both USA/Canada and UK surveys, nearly half of Berners died of cancer,[7][6] compared to about 27% of all dogs.[6] Berners are killed by a multitude of different types of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.[7]
Berners also have an unusually high mortality due to musculoskeletal causes. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture were reported as the cause of death in 6% of Berners in the UK study;[6] for comparison, mortality due to musculoskeletal ailments was reported to be less than 2% for purebred dogs in general.
Mobility
Owners of Berners are nearly three times as likely as owners of other breeds to report musculoskeletal problems in their dogs.[6] The most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues are cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis (especially in shoulders and elbows), hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis.[6][7] The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is also unusually low. For example, in the USA/Canada study, 11% of living dogs had arthritis at an average age of 4.3 years.[7] Most other common, non-musculoskeletal morbidity issues strike Berners at rates similar to other breeds.[6]
In short, prospective Berner owners should be prepared to cope with a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age. Options to help mobility-impaired dogs may include ramps for car or house access. Comfortable bedding may help alleviate joint pain.
Care
Activities
The Bernese calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With proper training they enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers drafting trials open to all breeds; dogs can earn an NDD (Novice Draft Dog) or a DD (Draft Dog) title. Regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops.
Grooming
The Bernese coat is slightly rough in outline, but not at all harsh in texture. The undercoat is fairly dense; the coat is quite dirt and weather resistant. A good brushing every week or two is sufficient to keep it in fine shape, except when the undercoat is being shed; then daily combing or brushing is in order for the duration of the moult. Regular use of a drag comb (it looks like a small rake), especially in the undercoat, is highly effective. See Dog grooming. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, and drifts of fur are to be expected.
[edit] Temperament
The breed standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog states that dogs should not be "aggressive, anxious or distinctly shy", but rather should be "good natured", "self-assured", "placid towards strangers", and "docile".[1] Temperament of individual dogs may vary, and not all examples of the breed have been carefully bred to follow the Standard. All large dogs should be well socialized when young, and given regular training and activities throughout their lives.
Bernese head
Bernese are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints) they enjoy hiking and generally stick close to their people.
The Bernese temperament is a strong point of the breed. They are affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable, intelligent, but sometimes shy. The majority of Bernese are friendly to people, and other dogs. They often get along well with other pets such as cats, horses, etc. They are trainable provided the owner is patient and consistent in training; Bernese need time to think things through.[citation needed] They do not respond well to harsh treatment, however Berners are willing and eager to please their master. Bernese love to be encouraged with praise and treats. The breed is sweet and good with children, despite their great size. Overall, they are stable in temperament, patient, and loving.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are quirky, loving dogs, craving love and affection. They love to lean against people, sit on their feet, or lie down under their legs while people sit.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are slow to mature, and can display puppy-like tendencies up to 2 1/2 years of age.
Original article from wikipedia.com
Jaimee Foxworth
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Shell Houston Open
Seems like God was against Shell Houston Open golf tournament. If the rain didn't kill the conditions, the wind did it. The first round at Redstone Gold Club was stopped due to high winds. The golf-tournament will resume 8 a.m. on friday.
The leader of the tournament was Lee Westwood as the Shell Houston Open was running 2 and a half hours late because of the rain.
Below is the current standings:
| 1 | Westwood | -4 | 9 |
| 2t | Holmes | -2 | 8 |
| 2t | Leonard | -2 | 8 |
| 2t | Turnesa | -2 | 7 |
| 2t | Estes | -2 | 6 |
| 2t | Huston | -2 | 5 |
| 2t | McCarron | -2 | 5 |
| 2t | Wi | -2 | 5 |
| 2t | Bryant | -2 | 4 |
| 10t | Owen | -1 | 11 |
Kelly Monaco
The show is all set to go, everything is in place and trimmed. It's ready for the two stars to take the stage and information says that Kelly does a 50 feet drop from the ceiling right from the beginning.
The audience will give away big oohs and aahhs when former Playboy-girl Kelly Monaco does her thing in this show, that's a fact.
Bruce Pearl Memphis
The head coaching job at Memphis is vacant and they are chasing someone to fill the spot, that much is a fact. The very strong rumour about Bruce Pearl says that a meeting will take place very soon and he also have received an offer of a 7 year 21 million dollar contract. Since Pearl and Calipari aren't the best of friends this could be a very interesting story if it turns out to be true.
Heather Mitts
Mitts haven't played a World Cup and it's certainly something she want to do. Circumstances have prevented her from attending on two occasions. Next World Cup will be in 2 1/2 yrs.
When Boston Breakers open their season against the FC Gold Pride in Santa Clara, Calif they will have a fresh face to project. Heather Mitts and 2 more players from the National Team are allocated to the Breakers.
Simon and Garfunkel Tickets
It's been 25 years since Simon and Garfunkel been to the place and it will probably be the last time. So if your a die-hard fan, needless to say, get your gear together and get tickets now! It will be a great show, no doubt.
Deadpool
To try and survive cancer Deadpool mutates his mind and body using the same DNA as our hero Wolverine. After the process Deadpool becomes extremely unstable in both body and mind. And he has only one mission in his head and that's to hunt down and destroy Wolverine.
The actor who plays Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds are certain that the fans will love the new movie which premieres on May 1st.
David Spade American Idol
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Michael Caine
We'll have to wait and see if they do another movie but if they do the butler will most likely be played by the trustworthy Caine once again. There seems to be a neverending demand for the hero in the black cape.
Tim Floyd
Next tidbit of information was that Jeff Capel could be a choice but now that's been ruled out also. That leaves us with the last person in this ongoing hunt. Tim Floyd. For 4seasons Floyd has coached USC.
Things will finally unravel. Stay tuned to the media.
Bob Sheppard
Sheppard is 98 yrs old and is said to be considering retirement after beeing out of the game since 2007 due to the fact that he caught a serious case of pneumonia. Can you blame him for not wanting to try a comeback. Heck NO!
BUT, this isn't confirmed from the man himself. Amazing. Sources say that he has said "I never said it".
Go Yankees Go - Go Bob Go
If I'm going to be 98 yrs old I want to have the same stamina as good old Boob!
Cheers
Michelle Moyer
True or false? Nobody knows in this world of crazy media. The only thing that is true is that the rumour is out there. And where there's smoke there's.....
The party-thing with Dennis Rodman maybe is another story. It is on it's way to be stated as a fact. Some things can't be hidden under a carpet. No matter how thick it is.
Doug Stanhope
Doug Stanhope started as a stand-up comic in 1990. His work contains everything from social criticism to views on bizarre everyday situations. He's vulgar, he has an opinion, he's in-the-face honest. In short, Doug can be a hard to swallow for some people.
Doug has only one goal in mind when performing and that is to make people laugh and he does it by using on-the-edge methods that sometimes can be shocking. A great comedian simply put.
If you want to check Doug out, go buy his Deadbeat Hero or No Refunds DVDs. Now!
Aint No Sunshine
Bill Withers, an American vocalist and hall-of-fame songwriter, was born July 4, 1938 and performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985.
Some of his best-known songs are the mentioned Ain't No Sunshine, Use Me, Lovely Day, Lean on Me, Grandma's Hands, and Just the Two of Us.
Bill was raised in a family of 9 children and he was the youngest. At thirteen his father died and he joined the United States Navy when he was nineteen. The time in the navy lasted nine yrs. It was under that time he developed an interest for music and singing. Since he couldn't find lyrics that expressed his own feelings he began writing for himself.
Bill began building his muscial career in Los Angeles in 1967 after the time in the navy.
Wild Cherry
It was the time of Led Zeppelin, Hendrix and Ozzy Osborne and the band Wild Cherry was having the best time in their career. The fan-base was very committed and was convinced Wild Cherry played a big part in the great seventies.
In the beginning Wild Cherry were playing in rock clubs around Pittsburgh. Nothing of value really happened to the band until 1975. The rock clubs disappeared and the band started doing gigs at disco clubs and bars. They were focused on heavy metal things but that was to change as fans wanted more funky stuff.