Ford sales soar: Automaker tops 2 million units in 2011

By Joseph Szczesny
For The Macomb Daily

For the first time since 2007, Ford Motor Co. reported Ford brand sales this year have officially topped 2 million vehicles.

Erich Merkle, Ford?s sales analysis manager, said Friday Ford is the first automotive brand to hit the 2-milllion-unit sales mark in the U.S. since 2007. Reaching the milestone secures Ford?s status as the best selling brand in the United States.

?Ford?s lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient cars, utilities and trucks continues to attract more and more new customers,? Merkle said.

?With gasoline prices tracking higher than last year, customers continue to move toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, whether they are passenger cars or utilities,? he added.

Both the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus achieve 40 mpg highway, while the Ford Explorer brings a class-leading 28 mpg highway with its new EcoBoost engine, he said.

Ford?s smallest utility, the fuel-efficient Escape, has achieved record sales volumes this year and is

America?s best-selling utility vehicle, Merkle added.

Overall, Ford brand small cars are on pace to post an increase of more than 20 percent this year. Ford brand utilities are tracking to post more than a 30 percent gain.

Earlier this week, TrueCar.com, which tracks sales data across the United States, estimated Ford Motor Co.?s overall sales increased 6.8 percent this month.

For December 2011, new light vehicle sales expected to increase 8.1 percent to 1.23 million units. Continued...

Meanwhile, incentive spending has dropped in December. The industry average incentive spending per unit will be approximately $2,563 in December 2011, which represents a decrease of 2.6 percent from November 2011 and down

3 percent from December 2010, TrueCar reported.

Used car sales are estimated to be 2.9 million units, up 1.7 percent from December 2010, and up 10.4 percent from November 2011.

?December?s sales rate was a continuation of the rather slow and steady recovery that now symbolizes 2011,? said Jesse Toprak, vice president of Industry Trends and Insights for TrueCar.com.

?This year was absent of a blockbuster sales month, but we see this pace of growth as healthy and sustainable in the coming year, where the industry is going to sell nearly 14 million units based on the merits of its products and improved economy,? he said.

?

Source: http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2011/12/30/news/doc4efe9a55ec9ad957608231.txt

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Wake Forest Loses To Mississippi State In Music City Bowl As Vick Ballard Runs Wild

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ? Playing in the Southeastern Conference dimmed Mississippi State's high expectations this year. With the two longest touchdown runs in the program's bowl history, senior Vick Ballard gave the Bulldogs plenty to celebrate in capping the season.

The game's MVP ran for a career-high 180 yards, including TD runs of 60 and 72 yards, to lead Mississippi State over Wake Forest 23-17 Friday night in the Music City Bowl ? the Bulldogs' fifth straight bowl victory and second consecutive under coach Dan Mullen.

"Getting a big win allows us to go celebrate this victory later on tonight," Mullen said.

Those high expectations were hurt by losses to SEC teams either ranked at the time or going into bowl season. Now the Bulldogs (7-6) have won consecutive bowls for only the second time and first since 1999-2000. Two of the Bulldogs' losses came to LSU and Alabama, who will play in the BCS national title game on Jan. 9.

Mullen said this win will propel the Bulldogs into the offseason, and their quest remains winning an SEC title.

"In the Southeastern Conference, that next step is a huge step to go play for that championship," Mullen said. "Look, the SEC West championship will be decided at the national championship game this year, I guess. That's the next step in this program, and that's a big step for us. But I think the players coming in now can see there is that light at the end of the tunnel."

Mississippi State overcame four turnovers thanks to Ballard's long TD runs and six sacks ? its highest total since piling up seven in a win over Florida in 2000.

"We thought they were going to bring the heat," Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe said. "At times, we just didn't' protect as well as we could."

Wake Forest (6-7) snapped a two-game bowl winning streak. The Demon Deacons of the Atlantic Coast Conference now have lost both bowls against the SEC and finish the season having lost five of their last six games.

Chris Relf started for the Bulldogs and played the whole game with Tyler Russell limited by a sprained knee. Relf ran for 64 yards and threw for 129 yards and a TD with two interceptions. Mullen said Russell would have played if something happened to Relf.

The Demon Deacons, who held the ball for more than 35 minutes, tried to rally.

They converted two fourth downs before Brandon Maye sacked Tanner Price for the sixth time, forcing Wake Forest to kick a 46-yard field goal to pull within 23-17 with 3:27 left. Wake Forest forced Mississippi State to punt, getting the ball back with 2:15 to go. But Price threw incomplete on three straight passes, the last to Terrence Davis on fourth-and-7 with 1:40 left.

"All in all, we had our chances," Grobe said. "We just didn't take advantage of them."

That had Bulldogs fans clanking their cowbells and chanting "S-E-C, S-E-C" as Mississippi State ran out the clock.

Ballard came just shy of Walter Packer's school-record of 183 yards rushing in the 1974 Sun Bowl against North Carolina. The senior more than compensated for a first-quarter fumble that led to Wake Forest's first TD and only lead with his 60-yard TD.

"I haven't really fumbled too much all year," Ballard said. "I didn't let it get to me. I just knew I had to step up and make a play."

But both his TD runs remained a blur after the game, and Ballard said he couldn't remember how he got there.

"I just found a crease and hit it," Ballard said.

Mississippi State scored 16 straight points after that to take control, and the Bulldogs' 16-7 lead at halftime would have been bigger if not for three turnovers in the first half, including an interception in the end zone with a second left. Bud Noel intercepted a Relf pass at the Wake Forest 1 in the second half.

The Demon Deacons opened the second half by driving 64 yards before Tommy Bohanon ran in a TD from a yard out to pull Wake Forest within 16-14. But Mississippi State sacked Tanner Price four times in the third quarter alone and harassed him into plenty of throws that hit the ground before reaching receivers.

Relf scooped up a low snap in the shotgun and got the ball to Ballard, who ran through the middle of the line and outraced the Demon Deacons for a 72-yard TD with 12:53 left. That put the Bulldogs up 23-14 and gave Ballard 179 yards on 11 carries. His first TD came three plays after Wake Forest turned one of his fumbles into a 14-yard TD by Brandon Pendergrass.

Wake Forest nose guard Nikita Whitlock said he thought they did a good job stopping Ballard most of the game and blamed missed assignments, including some by himself, for the TDs.

"They took it to the house on us a couple times," Whitlock said.

Fletcher Cox had a sack and also blocked a 33-yard field goal grabbed out of the air by teammate Johnthan Banks. That set up the Bulldogs' go-ahead drive as Relf broke loose for his longest run this season of 27 yards. Relf then dropped back and hit Arceto Clark with a 31-yard TD pass and a 13-7 lead with 12:41 left in the second quarter.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/30/wake-forest-lose-to-mississippi-state-music-city-bowl_n_1177387.html

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Thomas Sowell: Gingrich for president

posted at 10:04 pm on December 28, 2011 by Allahpundit

A grudging endorsement, but sufficiently esteemed that it deserves a little publicity.

The fact that each of the short-lived front-runners in the Republican field gained that position by presenting themselves as staunch conservatives suggests that Republican voters may have been trying to avoid having to accept Mitt Romney, whose record as governor of Massachusetts produced nothing that would be regarded as a serious conservative achievement.

Romney?s own talking point that he has been a successful businessman is no reason to put him into a political office, however much it may be a reason for him to become a successful businessman again?

Much depends on whether you think the voting public is going to be more interested in Newt Gingrich?s personal past than in the country?s future. Most of the things for which Gingrich has been criticized are things he did either in his personal life or when he was out of office. But, if we are serious, we are more concerned with his ability to perform when in office?

There are no guarantees, no matter whom the Republicans vote for in the primaries. Why not vote for the candidate who has shown the best track record of accomplishments, both in office and in the debates? That is Newt Gingrich. With all his shortcomings, his record shows that he knows how to get the job done in Washington.

According to RCP, Newt hasn?t cracked 20 percent (or even 18 percent) in any of the last five Iowa polls. That doesn?t mean he?s sunk ? he?s still the logical alternative for an undecided in the Not Romney and Not Paul camps ? but I?ll never understand why he let so many negative ads go unchallenged. He was famous for scorched-earth politics when he was in the House, yet when he finally got his second look as a presidential contender, he turned into a nice-ish guy. It?s probably too late now.

Here?s his new nice-guy ad. Exit quotation from former GOP Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, discussing her vote in 2003 on the Medicare prescription drug bill: ?Newt called me to vote yes.?

Source: http://hotair.com/archives/2011/12/28/thomas-sowell-gingrich-for-president/

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Sony PlayStation Vita: List of Launch Games Lineup Revealed [VIDEO]

Sony has revealed the list of games that will be available alongside the upcoming PlayStation Vita on its launch day on Feb. 22. As many as 25 launch games from Sony and others from its development community are set to arrive alongside the most-awaited hand-held gaming console.

As far as the Sony titles are concerned, the launch day games include the likes of ModNation Racers: Road Trip, Uncharted: Golden Abyss and wipEout 2048. The third-party games that are also set to come include Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, Square Enix's ?evil Pikmin,? Rayman Origins and Army Corps of Hell. Other games, set for a later release, are MLB 12 and Gravity Rush (from Sony).

Here is a list of the upcoming games:

SCEA (Sun Certified Enterprise Architect) Window Titles:
Unit 13
MLB 12
Reality Fighters
Gravity Rush

SCEA (Sun Certified Enterprise Architect) Launch Day Titles:
UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Escape Plan (PSN Only)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Super StarDust Delta (PSN only)
Hustle Kings (PSN Only)
Little Deviants
wipEout 2048

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Third Party Titles Window Titles:
NINJA GAIDEN Sigma PLUS
LEGO? Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Ridge Racer
Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention
Silent Hill Book of Memories
Supremacy MMA: Unrestricted

Third Party Launch Day Titles:
Army Corps of Hell
Asphalt Injection
BEN10 GALACTIC RACING
Blazblue: Continuum Shift EXTEND
Dungeon Hunter Alliance
Dynasty Warriors Next
F1 2011
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer
Lumines Electronic Symphony
Michael Jackson The Experience
Plants vs Zombies (PSN Only)
Rayman Origins
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen
Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs (PSN Only)
Touch My Katamari
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/273412/20111228/sony-playstation-vita-list-launch-games-lineup.htm

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Italy short-term debt costs halve at auction (Reuters)

MILAN (Reuters) ? Italian short-term debt costs halved at auction on Wednesday as a new package of budget austerity and an injection of cheap long-term money from the European Central Bank won Rome some respite in thin year-end markets.

Analysts warned market tensions could easily reignite and pointed to a new test on Thursday when Italy will sell up to 8.5 billion euros ($11.1 bln) of longer-term bonds, including three- and ten-year paper.

But the average rate of 3.25 percent at which Italy sold 9 billion euros of six-month BOT bills was down from a euro lifetime record of 6.50 percent just a month earlier.

"Many things have changed from a month ago: the government has won a confidence vote on its austerity package and the ECB has acted to help banks," an Italian bill trader said.

"This doesn't mean we can rule out further problematic auctions. Markets are easily unnerved."

Demand for bills totaled 1.69 times the amount on offer, a clear improvement versus a bid-to-cover ratio of around 1.5 at the end of November.

This is the first Italian debt sale since the ECB provided 490 billion euros in cheap three-year loans to euro zone banks on December 21 in an unprecedented move aimed at easing credit strains.

Expectations of a strong take-up at the ECB's tender contributed to an equally dramatic fall in Spanish short-term borrowing costs this month.

Madrid's six-month debt costs more than halved to 2.4 percent at an auction on the eve of the ECB's tender.

However, doubts about how much of the cheap three-year funds would find their way into troubled government bonds weighed on Italian and Spanish yields in the following sessions.

Italy's ten-year yields briefly climbed back above 7 percent this week, pushing the premium over the equivalent German benchmark above 500 basis points.

On Wednesday, the yield stood at 6.8 percent, giving a premium of 489 basis points over Germany.

Credit Agricole strategist Peter Chatwell said the results bode well for the auction of three-year bonds on Thursday but he was less sure about the 10-year sale - typically a better measure of underlying interest from external investors.

"Demand for short term paper is good. It remains to be seen whether this extends to the longer maturities," he said.

Italy paid a euro lifetime record high yield of 7.56 percent to sell ten-year bonds at the end of November.

TESTING START

Italy can count on key support from retail domestic investors at short-term sales but longer-term bonds remain more challenging. With more than 91 billion euros of bonds maturing in the first four months of 2012, Rome faces a crucial test early next year.

In a push to regain market confidence, in the run-up to Christmas Italy's parliament gave the final seal to an emergency austerity budget rushed through by a new technocrat government.

Market attention will now turn to the reform agenda of Prime Minister Mario Monti who has promised to tackle Italy's chronic low-growth problems -- after inaction by former PM Silvio Berlusconi pushed the country to the brink of financial disaster.

Monti has convened a cabinet meeting on Wednesday to outline his plans and he could provide some indications to investors in his traditional year-end press conference on Thursday.

Analysts expect Monti's 33 billion euro austerity package to further depress Italy's weak internal demand, making government's efforts to revive growth through a series of long-delayed liberalizations even more crucial.

Italy also sold on Wednesday 1.7 billion euros of 24-month, zero-coupon CTZ bonds at an average yield 4.85 percent, sharply down from 7.8 percent a month ago.

For the first time, the Treasury set a target range for the CTZ sale, as it does for other bonds. It gives a set amount for bill auctions.

The Treasury had planned to sell between 1.5 billion and 2.5 billion euros of CTZs. ($1 = 0.7654 euros)

(Additional reporting by William James in London)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/europe/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20111228/bs_nm/us_italy_bills_auction

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[OOC] rotation

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do u think maybe we could stop the rotation because people arent posting daily?

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Dec 27, 1:00 PM: Head & Neck Cancer Support Group

This outpatient support groups provide a safe environment where those with cancer can share common concerns and strengthen their ability to adjust to life with cancer. Topics include changes in relationships, lifestyle changes, communication, body image, managing stress, fear of recurrence and coping techniques.

For more information, please call Mary Herbert at 773-734-7326.

Source: http://event.uchicago.edu/maincampus/detail.php?guid=CAL-402882f8-2bee02fa-012b-f8b678d0-000000e1eventscalendar@uchicago.edu&recurrenceId=20111227T190000Z

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China and Japan Agree to New Currency Dealings

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Source: www.moreover.com --- Monday, December 26, 2011
New York Times Dec 26 2011 8:00PM GMT ...

Source: http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r5665329791

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Video: Video: Will Packers breeze in NFC playoffs?

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21134540/vp/45793356#45793356

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Hackers target global analysis company (CNN)

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Japan says it, India close to deciding dollar swap pact

Japan and India are in the final stages of deciding on a dollar swap agreement and expect to reach agreement during Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's visit to India this week, Japan's finance minister said on Tuesday.

An earlier $3 billion arrangement came into force in 2008 but expired in June. The Nikkei business newspaper reported on Sunday that the new one would be set at $10 billion.

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Further financial cooperation as well as Japanese support for infrastructure in India will be a key focus at talks between the leaders of the two countries, Finance Minister Jun Azumi told a news conference.

Azumi also said he expects Japan's exports will pick up early next year if the European economy stabilizes and currency levels reflect Japan's economic fundamentals.

(Reporting by Kaori Kaneko; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/272837/20111227/japan-says-it-india-close-to-deciding-dollar-swap-pact.htm

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thewesternstar: Local financial leaders say legislation hurts jobs, economy http://t.co/doTGeZop

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NKorea calls heir Kim head of powerful committee

AAA??Dec. 25, 2011?9:41 PM ET
NKorea calls heir Kim head of powerful committee
AP

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, by the Korea News Service, Kim Jong Un, center, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's youngest known son and successor, visits at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea, to pay respect to his father. At far left front is Jong Un's uncle Jang Song Thaek. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, by the Korea News Service, Kim Jong Un, center, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's youngest known son and successor, visits at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea, to pay respect to his father. At far left front is Jong Un's uncle Jang Song Thaek. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 image made from KRT television, Kim Jong Un, center, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's youngest known son and successor, with military officials, stand in front of his father's body displayed in a glass coffin, not in photo, at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea. At far left is Jong Un's uncle Jang Song Thaek . (AP Photo/KRT via APTN) TV OUT, NORTH KOREA OUT

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 by the Korea News Service, Moon Hyung-jin, president of the Unification Church, second from right, carries a wreath with unidentified men to lay in front of a portrait of the late Kim Jong Il at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 by the Korea News Service, North Koreans react as they pay their respect to late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Nampo, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

In this Dec. 23, 2011 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 by the Korea News Service, North Koreans pay respects to their late leader Kim Jong Il in front of his portrait in South Hwanghae province, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) ? North Korea's state media on Monday called Kim Jong Il's heir the head of the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, which would give Kim Jong Un power over one of the country's highest decision-making bodies more than a week after his father's death.

The reference in a commentary by the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper came as two groups of prominent South Koreans with ties to Pyongyang traveled to North Korea to pay respects to Kim Jong Il, who is being mourned by millions in his homeland.

North Korean soldiers, Rodong Sinmun said, are upholding a slogan urging them to dedicate their lives to protect the committee headed by Kim Jong Un. The slogan means that Kim will likely be appointed as the party's general secretary, one of the country's highest positions.

North Korea is in official mourning for Kim until after a memorial Thursday. But the country is also offering hints about Kim Jong Un's rise as ruler. North Korea began hailing him as "supreme leader" of the 1.2-million strong military over the weekend.

Kim Jong Un, who is in his late 20s and was unveiled in September 2010 as his father's choice as successor, will be the third-generation Kim to rule the communist nation of 24 million.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2011-12-25-AS-Kim-Jong-Il/id-e97515ea4d6b42fd8e1c7bfcda03a1df

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Gingrich Narrowly Tops Romney in Latest Gallup Poll (ABC News)

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Merry Monsanto -- Military Industrial Agriculture

Owen Myles, Contributing Writer

Today I read an article on slashdot titled ?New Study Confirms Safety of GM Crops?. Before you navigate away from this article, please be assured they were not citing the National Enquirer. The study was conducted in France, with assistance from the usual suspects (British universities, biotechnology corporations, etc).? Also involved in the study were rodents ? clearly a dietary staple of the French, and biologically (or psychologically?) identical to certain English academics.?

The ?evidence? cited in the study shows that ? at least to monocled marsupials ? GM plants are ?nutritionally equivalent to their non-GM counterparts and can be safely used in food and feed.? Of course ?food and feed? are not exclusive aspects of GM agriculture ? or even agriculture ? but corporate-sponsored research has its own perspective . . . Never mind the trace minerals and everything else!

As usual, the slashdot comments were many, and the views varied; organic versus conventional, ridicule and support of both, with lots between ? all shedding light on people?s views of the subject. Admittedly, geeks may not be the best authority on such topics ? often compiled of pizza and soft-drinks ? but I fear they do provide an example of popular opinion regardless. Many see GM as a noble science, helping to feed the world?s growing population. Some see ?organic? anthropocentrically, reducing it to a matter of pesticides, nutrition, and prices. Few seem to have a balanced perspective though.

Conventional versus organic agriculture ? or where to begin:

Crop rotation gets little attention, probably due to most consumers having no familiarity with processes behind the supermarkets. Most GM crops are mono-cultures, and are rarely if ever rotated. Mono-cultures reduce biodiversity, having effects far beyond the farm, and unrotated crops stress and deplete the soil. While the terribly important subject of biodiversity is generally ignored in conventional agriculture, soil quality is maintained artificially through mined fertilizers and industrial chemicals. There are quite a few implications for this; the dust-bowl of the US, and creeping deserts of China are but a few. Artificial fertilization requires strip mining, particularly for phosphates, and the effects are harsh. Pollution of watersheds, eutrophication, devastation, and even radiation are effects of phosphate mining.

In 2003, Piney Point phosphate mine threatened to leak a hundred-plus million gallons of contaminated water into Tampa Bay. Instead of allowing it to leak, Jeb Bush authorized it to be dumped into the Gulf of Mexico. I clearly remember suffering perennial red-tide for more than a year after the first incident. In June of 2011, Piney Point threatened to leak again.

Piney Point was officially an ?accident?; possibly one less expensive to pay the fines for, than to build a more secure infrastructure. But conventional agriculture is not an accident, and a look at the Mississippi Delta dead-zone is an example some of the consequences involved in run-off from fertilization.

We?ve all heard horror stories of cattle threatening to fart our beloved planet into a toxic stink-osphere. ?Sure, but what they leave out is that it is not just farts, but mismanagement of the manure which produces much of this dangerous surplus of methane. Instead of properly redistributing the manure to be returned to the soil, it is often stuffed in squalid vats to putrefy without benefit ? emitting methane. Could such manure not substitute these mined phosphates to some extent?

The argument that to feed the growing population we must genetically modify our crops and practice industrial agriculture is worth some attention, as it is perhaps the most popular argument supporting the industry. This argument confuses many, and irritates some like myself. One must at a minimum, consider the waste of conventional agriculture, where rather than composting and returning detritus to the soil, it is either burned, trashed, or used for other industrial purposes. Organic agriculture it is not entirely self-sufficient, but it is far more so than its contestant. Between hydroponics and more ? but smaller ? farms, organic (and perhaps eco-farming) could indeed maintain pace with the demands of our growing population ? all while remaining far more symbiotic with ecosystems.

The French study also neglects aspects of what they claim to understand of feed. Bees are critical to agriculture, and certainly are not well hosted by conventional farms. Some studies have suggested that GM corn pollen may weaken the intestinal walls of bees, thus reducing resistance to parasites and other infections.

We know that feeding corn ? as opposed to grass ? to cattle increases putrefaction due to excessive starches (sugars), further leading farmers to grotesque measures; boring permanent holes into the stomachs of cows to monitor the bacterial cultures that arise from corn diets of GMO-powered starchiness, and the excessive antibiotics which become necessary as result of the intestinal imbalances caused by such diets. In humans, GM soy has been proposed to threaten intestinal flora as well, by transferring corrupted DNA into beneficial flora.

Patent-wars are another issue, and could alone make a strong case against GMOs. Whether through cross-pollination (contamination) or terminator seeds, the patent has been used to harm many farmers and sustain what would otherwise fail under fair and wholesome circumstances. Organic farming claims no ownership of nature; it seeks to work in relative harmony, and cares not to bully fellow farmers. The notorious Monsanto has been a true tyrant in this regard, litigating farmers into bankruptcy, and playing dice with biology. It is no secret that the FDA and Monsanto are close, and that neither exhibit any sincere concern for the health of the masses. They present GM science as the road to a thriving humanity, but their real motives are clearly profit ? without regard to humanity?s common interests.

We also need to bring agriculture closer to home, whereever possible. By this I imply less dependence on centralized farming, and more local cooperation. The supermarket shelves can be emptied, but our yards are alive, and our greenhouses belong to us. We should be teaching ourselves the basics of growing what we can in our climates, and becoming less reliant on those who care neither about their own produce, animals, or us. Where this cannot be done, one may try to act supportively instead, whether in words or coins.

What seems objectively obvious to me is that GMOs are understudied, abused, resented by many, and will have to wait in a very long line for any truly conclusive research. Organic agriculture, however, is tried and proven ? and no one resents its products. I know from experience the differences of that grown on the local farm here in Sarasota, compared to that bought in any grocery store ? and they are quite apparent; from the way I feel after enjoying them, to the politics ? or lack thereof ? that are involved. I know of no organic farm sporting prison labor, but I can surely name a few conventional farms that do. I don?t want an institution supper, nor do I want corporate mutations in my mouth. The differences are clear, and it?s a shame that they even need be argued ? but ?tis our times and tyrants.

There is much, much more to cover on this subject, though I wanted to get this out in time to wish the Activist Post readership (and syndicates) a Merry Christmas for all those who celebrate it, and the kindness of the holiday spirit to everyone, which will hopefully some day no longer be once per year.
Map of Florida?s Bone Valley: www.baysoundings.com/sum05/BoneValley.pdfOwen Myles writes and edits the Eccentric Intelligence Agency: Helping the Ouroboros finish itself.?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blacklistednews/hKxa/~3/VBF3iSTJDWk/M.html

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Anti-Putin protests draw tens of thousands (AP)

MOSCOW ? Tens of thousands of Russians jammed a Moscow avenue Saturday to demand free elections and an end to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's 12-year rule, in the largest show of public outrage since the protests 20 years ago that brought down the Soviet Union. Gone was the political apathy of recent years as many shouted "We are the Power!"

The demonstration, bigger and better organized than a similar one two weeks ago, and smaller rallies across the country encouraged opposition leaders hoping to sustain a broad protest movement ignited by a fraud-tainted parliamentary election on Dec. 4.

The enthusiasm also cheered Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader who closed down the Soviet Union on Dec. 25, 1991.

"I'm happy that I have lived to see the people waking up. This raises big hopes," the 80-year-old Gorbachev said on Ekho Moskvy radio.

He urged Putin to follow his example and give up power peacefully. If Putin stepped down now, he would be remembered for the positive things he did, Gorbachev said. The former Soviet leader, who has grown increasingly critical of Putin, has little influence in Russia today.

But the protesters have no central leader and no candidate capable of posing a serious challenge to Putin, who intends to return to the presidency in a March vote. In a fair election, the veteran Communist Party leader would pose the strongest threat, and he has joined the Kremlin in disparaging the protests.

Even at Saturday's rally, some of the speakers were jeered by the crowd. The various liberal, nationalist and leftist groups that took part appear united only by their desire to see "Russia without Putin," a popular chant.

Putin, who gave no public response to the protest Saturday, initially derided the demonstrators as paid agents of the West. He also said sarcastically that he thought the white ribbons they wore as an emblem were condoms. Putin has since come to take their protests more seriously, and in an effort to stem the anger he has offered a set of reforms to allow more political competition in future elections.

Kremlin-controlled television covered Saturday's rally, but gave no air time to Putin's harshest critics.

Estimates of the number of demonstrators ranged from the police figure of 30,000 to 120,000 offered by the organizers. Demonstrators packed much of a broad avenue, which has room for nearly 100,000 people, about 2.5 kilometers (some 1.5 miles) from the Kremlin, as the temperature dipped well below freezing.

A stage at the end of the avenue featured banners reading "Russia will be free" and "This election Is a farce." Heavy police cordons encircled the participants, who stood within metal barriers, and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

Alexei Navalny, a corruption-fighting lawyer and popular blogger, electrified the crowd when he took the stage. He soon had the protesters chanting "We are the power!"

Navalny spent 15 days in jail for leading a protest on Dec. 5 that unexpectedly drew more than 5,000 people and set off the chain of demonstrations.

Putin's United Russia party lost 25 percent of its seats in the election, but hung onto a majority in parliament through what independent observers said was widespread fraud. United Russia, seen as representing a corrupt bureaucracy, has become known as the party of crooks and thieves, a phrase coined by Navalny.

"We have enough people here to take the Kremlin," Navalny shouted to the crowd. "But we are peaceful people and we won't do that ? yet. But if these crooks and thieves keep cheating us, we will take what is ours."

Protest leaders expressed skepticism about Putin's promised political reforms.

"We don't trust him," opposition leader Boris Nemtsov told the rally, urging protesters to gather again after the long New Year's holidays to make sure the proposed changes are put into law.

He and other speakers called on the demonstrators to go to the polls in March to unseat Putin. "A thief must not sit in the Kremlin," Nemtsov said.

The protest leaders said they would keep up their push for a rerun of the parliamentary vote and punishment for election officials accused of fraud, while stressing the need to prevent fraud in the March presidential election.

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov was among those who sought to give the protesters a sense of empowerment.

"There are so many of us here, and they (the government) are few," Kasparov said from the stage. "They are huddled up in fear behind police cordons."

The crowd was largely young, but included a sizable number of middle-aged and elderly people, some of whom limped slowly to the site on walkers and canes.

"We want to back those who are fighting for our rights," said 16-year-old Darya Andryukhina, who said she had also attended the previous rally.

"People have come here because they want respect," said Tamara Voronina, 54, who said she was proud that her three sons also had joined the protest.

Putin's comment about protesters wearing condoms only further infuriated them and inspired some creative responses. One protester Saturday held a picture montage of Putin with his head wrapped in a condom like a grandmother's headscarf. Many inflated condoms along with balloons.

The protests reflect a growing weariness with Putin, who was first elected president in 2000 and remained in charge after moving into the prime minister's seat in 2008. Brazen fraud in the parliamentary vote unexpectedly energized the middle class, which for years had been politically apathetic.

"No one has done more to bring so many people here than Putin, who managed to insult the whole country," said Viktor Shenderovich, a columnist and satirical writer.

Two rallies in St. Petersburg on Saturday drew a total of 4,000 people.

"I'm here because I'm tired of the government's lies," said Dmitry Dervenev, 47, a designer. "The prime minister insulted me personally when he said that people came to the rallies because they were paid by the U.S. State Department. I'm here because I'm a citizen of my country."

Putin accused the United States of encouraging and funding the protests to weaken Russia.

Putin's former finance minister surprised the protesters by saying the current parliament should approve the proposed electoral changes and then step down to allow new parliamentary elections to be held. Alexei Kudrin, who remains close to Putin, warned that the wave of protests could lead to violence and called for establishing a dialogue between the opposition and the government.

"Otherwise we will lose the chance for peaceful transformation," Kudrin said.

Kudrin also joined calls for the ouster of Central Election Commission chief Vladimir Churov.

Putin has promised to liberalize registration rules for opposition parties and restore the direct election of governors he abolished in 2004. Putin's stand-in as president, Dmitry Medvedev, spelled out those and other proposed changes in Thursday's state-of-the nation address.

Gorbachev, however, said the government appears confused.

"They don't know what to do," he said. "They are making attempts to get out of the trap they drove themselves into."

____

Associated Press writers Nataliya Vasilyeva and Jim Heintz contributed to this report.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/russia/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111224/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_protests

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Ghana President Pays $165,000 Parking Charges on Falcon 900EX in USA.

The Ghana presidential jet ?Falcon 900EX Easy? during the 28-days holiday stay by the president of Ghana John Evan Atta Mills, at New York and other parts in USA accrued $165,420 charges for airport or aerodrome facilities and air route navigation facilities within the period of Nov & Dec 2011.

It's a known fact that the charges for landing an aircraft other than airship at Government Airports/Aerodromes, parking and housing charges in USA is quite exorbitant. Many people have questioned the sense in flying a presidential jet to America, flying around and parking for over 28 days for annual holidays other than a US government invites who could receive some VIP discount for foreign government officials. One could have thought an annual holiday without a large family should have equally patronised any reputable commercial flights for such occasion.

According to the Global Business Travel Journal ?it is unfathomable for a president from a third world country (Ghana) which depends largely on donors for budget support to embark on annual holidays to America for such period using the country's Presidential Jet, knowing that the parking charges for each 24 hours period or part thereof shall be 35% of the landing charges when parking period exceeds 6 hours?.

Though, others could also argue from many angles that the Falcon 900EX which flies 4,550 nautical miles nonstop, as the fastest in its class has all the necessary features for the comfortability and security of president. With its classic trijet engine design, the 900EX can use small airports at high altitudes, even on hot days. It's the most versatile aircraft and also one of the safest given its ability to fly slower on approach than its twinjet competitors.

It is also unquestionable that the state-of-the-art flight deck of Falcon 900EX offers pilots an uncompromising capability to monitor and control the progression of the flight while the spacious, custom-crafted cabin offers passengers the intransigent capability to perform at peak levels while en route.

But since all airport flight charges depend on the Maximum Land Weight (MLW) and Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), one should taken into consideration the length of stay in USA and the weight of Ghana Presidential Jet with the Take-Off Weight of 49,000bl (22,226Kg) and the Landing Weight of 44,500lb (20,185Kg), not forgetting the security charges, parking and housing charges.

Recently, Airports in America have manipulated landing fees to encourage airlines to fly fewer planes or schedule landings for off-peak times or even less-busy airports, hence, the need for considering such charge when flying to US airports for long stay.

Antoinete Bruce
Senior Consultant ? Global Travels Journals Network
antoinetebruce@gmail.com

Source: http://www.modernghana.com/news/368908/1/ghana-president-pays-165000-parking-charges-on-fal.html

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Suicide bomber strikes Afghan funeral, killing 10

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) ? A suicide bomber blew himself up Sunday during a funeral in northern Afghanistan, killing 10 people, including a member of the national parliament, a government spokesman said.

The attack occurred as mourners were leaving after the end of the funeral in the town of Talaqan, said Faid Mohammad Tawhedi, a spokesman for the governor's office in northern Takhar province. Fifteen people were injured in the blast, he said.

Tawhedi said the dead included parliament member Abdul Mutaleb Baik.

Suicide attacks are rare in Takhar province, which is located 155 miles (250 kilometers) northeast of Kabul and is considered one the nation's calmer regions.

Sayed Ikramuddin Masomi, another lawmaker from Takhar province, confirmed that Baik had died.

"The suicide attacker killed 10 innocent people and unfortunately Abdul Mutaleb Baik was among them," he said in a telephone interview.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. But over the past year, the Taliban have repeatedly struck at prominent government figures. In September, a suicide attacker killed Burhanuddin Rabbani, a former Afghan president and head of the nation's peace council.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said Sunday that security forces killed 30 suspected insurgents in a series of clashes around the country.

A ministry statement said army, police and NATO troops launched a total of 11 operations in the past 24 hours across the country. It said seven insurgents were arrested.

Sunday's statement said the killed insurgents were armed and that weapons were recovered in the operations.

Separately, NATO says one of its helicopters crash landed in Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province on Sunday after taking small-arms fire from the ground. There were no injuries among the crew.

NATO relies on helicopters to avoid using roads that are frequently mined by the insurgents.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2011-12-25-AS-Afghanistan/id-501b7ece394d4b0fab2c7a61df5776cb

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DDsD: RT @WeatherAUS: Tornado warning for Melbourne Area now cancelled. Severe thunderstorms however remain. Destructive winds, flash floodi ...

Tornado warning for Melbourne Area now cancelled. Severe thunderstorms however remain. Destructive winds, flash flooding, large hail. 10:50 PM Dec 24th via web

Source: http://twitter.com/DDsD/statuses/150839491286941697

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Man jailed in baseball-bat attack on girlfriend

By David Breen, Orlando Sentinel

3:57 p.m. EST, December 24, 2011

A Flagler County man is in jail today after authorities say he attacked his girlfriend with a baseball bat.

James Branningan Jr., 39, faces a domestic violence charge of aggravated battery with a weapon, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. He was being held on $20,000 bail.

Brannigan's 38-year-old girlfriend suffered a fractured hand and a possible broken nose in the early-morning attack, the Sheriff's Office said.

The victim told deputies she awoke to Brannigan hitting her with the bat. The victim's two daughters said they saw Brannigan grab their mother, choke her and then hit her with the bat.

The woman was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler for treatment.

A 3-foot-tall marijuana plant was also found in a closet in the home, the Sheriff's Office said.

dbreen@tribune.com

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/orlandosentinelbreakingnews/~3/Uc9hsliqtmc/os-man-accused-in-bat-attack-20111224,0,6529383.story

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New Delhi: Indian Court Summons Google, Facebook and Other Websites

The Intel Hub
December 24, 2011

NEW DELHI (BNO NEWS) ? An Indian court on Friday issued a summons to social networking website Facebook, search giant Google, Yahoo!, video-sharing website YouTube and seventeen other websites to stand trial for allegedly publishing ?objectionable contents.?

New Delhi Metropolitan Magistrate Sudesh Kumar claimed that the websites contain obscene pictures and content offensive to Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The court?s order comes just three days after another court restrained these websites in a civil case from publishing any ?anti-religious? or ?anti-social? content which promotes hatred or communal disharmony.

?It is also evident that such contents are continuously, openly and freely available to everyone who is using the said network, irrespective of their age and even the persons under the age of 18 years have full and uncensored access to such obscene contents,? the court said, as quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Earlier this month, the Indian government vowed to stop what it calls ?offensive and defamatory? content on internet websites. However, several major websites immediately rejected the plan and Indian officials complained their requests fell on ?deaf ears?.

Telecommunications minister Kapil Sibal said on December 6 that the government does not want to interfere with the freedom of the press. However, he said, if the social networking websites are not willing to cooperate, then it is ?the duty of the government? to ensure ?blasphemous material? does not appear on the internet.

Social networking site Facebook, which has more than 25 million users in the country, said it would remove any content that is hateful, threatening, incites violence or contains nudity from the service. ?We recognize the government?s interest in minimizing the amount of abusive content that is available online and will continue to engage with the Indian authorities as they debate this important issue,? Facebook said in a statement earlier this month.

Google said it would abide by local laws and take any material off if it violates its policies. ?But when content is legal and does not violate our policies, we will not remove it just because it is controversial, as we believe that people?s differing views, so long as they are legal, should be respected and protected,? the company?s spokesperson said, as quoted by PTI.

India has about 100 million internet users, the third-largest number after China and the United States.

??2011. BNO News. All Rights Reserved. Published by The Intel Hub with permission.

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Source: http://theintelhub.com/2011/12/24/indian-court-summons-google-facebook-and-other-websites/

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11 Afghan miners die in accident at coal mine (AP)

KABUL, Afghanistan ? An Afghan official says 11 miners have died in an accident at a coal mine in central Afghanistan.

Mohammad Haqmal, spokesman for the governor's office in Baghlan province, says the accident occurred on Friday evening in Narin district, about 120 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of Kabul.

He says police and rescue teams are at the scene.

Authorities have not been able to determine the cause of the accident.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/asia/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111224/ap_on_re_as/as_afghan_miners_killed

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Church to offer new perspective on Christmas story

By Chick Jacobs
Staff writer

Even the greatest story ever told might need a little updating.

So when senior pastor Michael Fletcher and the staff at Manna Church met to figure out how they could combine the church's four congregations for Christmas, they took a look at how they'd share the story, as well.

The result, according to Fletcher: a most untraditional tradition.

Manna Church, which meets electronically in four locations across Cumberland County, will gather at the Crown Arena on Christmas Eve. But, he promises, "Christmas at the Crown: An Experience in Sight and Sound" is far from the usual handful of hymns and recitation of the birth of Baby Jesus.

"We are taking advantage of technology to present the Christmas experience in an entirely new fashion," Fletcher said. "It will be an experience in sight and sound for everyone."

Everyone who can squeeze into the arena, anyway.

Fletcher said that in the past month, more than 80,000 free tickets have been given out for the event, which will take place at 5 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Since the Crown Arena's capacity is about 5,000, that could lead to some seriously close quarters.

"We're hoping to seat about 4,500 for each show," he said. "I don't think anyone expects everyone with a ticket to come. There are a lot of our church members who will be someplace else for Christmas, too.

"But we'd like as many people as possible who want to join us for this celebration to be there."

The ceremony begins with the Earth's creation, shown in a montage of music and light. From there, the story line, compiled by the Manna staff, twists through the fall of Adam and Eve.

"We felt it was important to remind people why Jesus had to come to Earth in the first place," Fletcher said. "Like I said, this is a nontraditional experience."

A little bit of everything from old holiday movies to contemporary Christian rock music to traditional Christmas carols is included.

Manna's house band will perform, as well.

The service runs a bit longer than an hour, but Fletcher notes that little of it involves preaching.

"I'll talk for maybe 10 minutes, certainly less than 15," he said.

While a donation will be taken, Fletcher said there is no admission charge.

"We won't be holding our regular service on Sunday," he said. "So this will be our weekly service. We know that many churches will be holding Christmas Eve services, as well, and we aren't trying to take people away.

"But for people who don't have plans, who have nowhere to go for Christmas, come on and join us."

Staff writer Chick Jacobs can be reached at jacobsc@fayobserver.com or 486-3515.

Source: http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/12/23/1144116

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