Barack Obama Speaks to America

ASSI - According to the Associated Press (AP), - Barack Obama's audience for his acceptance speech likely topped 40 million people, and the Democratic gathering that nominated him was a more popular television event than any other political convention in history. There were 84 thousand people in attendance at Barack Obama's acceptance speech including Oprah Winfrey who was captured drying her eyes, it was obvious she was moved to tears from the well written and delivered speech of the Democratic Presidential Nominee, Barack OBama.

The weather was perfect, the audience was in high spirits, and the many guest speakers set the stage for Obama to come out swinging and that he did. He spoke about the issues that concern many of the American people: the economy, the oil and gas prices, education, and a universal health care system that is desperately needed in this country. He spoke about an effective and responsible way to end the war in Iraq, he spoke about family values, and his commitment to ensuring that middle class families are able to take care of their families, taxing corporations, giving tax breaks to small business owners, and increasing minimal wages the things that have negatively effected this country.

However, everyone does not agree with his policies some think they are unrealistic and that he lacks the experience to execute, but based on his passion and desire to ensure the American economy is better than the last eight years seem to be enough to hear him out and give him a chance. The republicans claim he lacks the experience, but they appear to lack a platform that will move this country forward instead they are instilling fear in the American citizens with talk of keeping the people safe, as if the Democrats are willing to allow terrorist to invade this country and put our people in danger. Obama who is more American than most seems to have what it takes to dig this country out of the whole that George Bush has dug and placed the middle and working class people in, and McCain wants to place the rest of the dirt on top to close the hole. The Republican National Convention is next so please be sure to tune in and hear what John McCain has to say, will it be more or the same old politics?

American Heart Association Warning Signs

Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs

Act in TimeThe American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms.

Dial 9-1-1 Fast Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay — get help right away!

Statistics Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
Heart Attack Warning SignsSome heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.

Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.
If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Stroke Warning Signs The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.

Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. Here are the signs:
Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders).
No normal breathing (the victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds).
If these signs of cardiac arrest are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) and you begin CPR immediately. If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR.
Use an AED as soon as it arrives.

Top 5 Degrees That Yield The Highest Earnings

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
There's a reason the MBA is the most popular graduate degree program on campus. Business school graduates experience an average 35 percent increase from their pre-MBA salary. Entry-level MBAs can expect a paycheck 71 percent higher than they would have received with a bachelor's degree. Those bonuses more than offset the cost of tuition.
Financially savvy MBA candidates can lessen the impact of tuition costs by continuing to work and taking advantage of low-interest student loans. A U.S. Department of Education study found that three out of four business school students worked more than 35 hours per week while completing their MBA. Online MBA programs play a role in this trend, allowing working adults to work toward the degree after business hours.
Bottom Line: Two years in business school will pay dividends for a lifetime--both in terms of higher pay and broader career opportunities.
2. Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BS in Engineering)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, starting salaries for engineers are among the highest for all college graduates. Four years in the college engineering classroom can net graduates an average starting salary of around $50,000. Petroleum engineers lead the pack with a median salary of $60,718 in 2007, with chemical engineers not far behind. Overall, engineers in the various specialties earn median salaries ranging from $65,000 to $100,000.
Bottom Line: A bachelor's degree in engineering provides the right balance of applied job skills and general college education to unlock real value in the job market.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
Nursing is the success story of the current economy; the BLS calls the job outlook "excellent," citing 23 percent job growth overall, up to 39 percent in physician offices. The booming demand for nurses, which already constitutes the largest sector of the health care job market at 2.9 million, translates into salaries, benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, and even signing bonuses.
A four-year BSN is one of three routes to licensure as a registered nurse. Other options include the two- to three-years Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BS in Engineering) or the three-year Registered Nursing diploma. The BSN offers the broadest opportunities of the three.
Bottom Line: An aging population promises a strong future-and a stable income-for nurses, even amid economic downturn.
4. Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies
Paralegals are taking on more tasks previously reserved for attorneys-with a college education that costs a fraction of their J.D.-holding colleagues. A two-year associate degree in Paralegal Studies is the most common route into a paralegal career. Full-fledged attorneys, by contrast, spend six years in college-four years to earn a bachelor's degree and then two years at a professional law school. Nevertheless, paralegals are entrusted with high-level roles such as research analysis and preparing legal documents.
An experienced paralegal makes an average salary of $65,368. Considering that the average total cost for an associate degree at an online or campus-based college is $26,400, the degree will pay for itself many times over.
Bottom Line:Paralegals enjoy a direct route from community college classroom to courtroom, without missing out on the benefits of a legal paycheck.
5. Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology (AAS in IT)
The IT department is no longer the province of high-school computer geeks and prodigies without a college degree. Advancing technology and job market competition have made an associate or bachelor's degree a basic qualification for an IT career. Even college dropout Bill Gates has since gone on to finish his Harvard bachelor's degree. Two years in school can afford techies with a wealth of applied skills in network, database, and systems administration; computer programming, Web design, and more. An IT specialist makes an average salary of $62,521; managers average $83,350.
Bottom Line: Applied training in Information Technology carries significant value in an information economy, and IT salaries show it.
Higher education is worth the investment in nearly any field-but some degrees are worth more than others. Some job skills can be learned "live," in the workplace, but a college degree affords the foundation for on-the-job training-and a foot in the door.

Corcovado, Parque National Da Tijuca

Brazilian Wildlife

Tandem Flight Hangliding

The Plataforma

Lappa In Copacabana

The Beautiful Beaches Of Brazil

Madden 09 Released At 12:00 AM Today

"Madden NFL 09"

Rating: 3.5 eyeballs
Prices: Xbox 360,
Playstation 3 $59.99
Wii $49.99
Playstation 2 / Playstation Portable $39.99
Nintendo DS $29.99

Music Legend Isaac Hayes Found Lifeless In Home Today By His Family

Born: Aug 20, 1942 in Covington, TN
Genre: Soul and R&B
Styles: Funk, Blaxploitation, Blues, Oldies, Rock, Soundtracks, Dance, Disco, R&B, Soul, Contemporary R& B

1971
Won Academy Best Song Shaft
Won Golden Globe Best Original Score Shaft

Movie Cedits
Soul Men (2008)
Stax 50th Anniversary Concert (2007)
Hustle & Flow (2005)
South Park: Season 08 (2004)
Return to Sleepaway Camp (2004)
Wilt Chamberlain: Larger Than Life (2004) Barbershops Uncut: Eastcoast (2004)
Anonymous Rex (2004)

Michael Phelps Wins USA 1st Gold Medal In Beijing

Bernie Mack Passes Away Due To Complications From Pneumonia

CHICAGO - Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian Bernie Mack has died at age 50, his publicist said Saturday.
Publicist Danica Smith said Bernie Mac died early Saturday at a hospital in the Chicago area of complications due to pneumonia.
The comedian suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body’s organs, but he had said the condition went into remission in 2005. He recently had been hospitalized and treated for pneumonia. The comedian drew critical and popular acclaim with his Fox television series “The Bernie Mac Show,” which aired more than 100 episodes from 2001 to 2006.

Actor Credits and Character
Old Dogs (2009)
Johnny Lunchbox
Soul Men (2008)
Floyd
Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
Frank Catton
Pride (2007)
Elston
Transformers (2007)
Bobby Bolivia
Guess Who (2005)
Percy Jones
Inspector Gadget's Biggest Caper Ever (2005)
Lil' Pimp (2005)
Voice of Fruit Juice
Mr. 3000 (2004)
Stan Ross
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
Frank Catton
The Robin Harris Story: We Don't Die, We Multiply (2004)
Bad Santa (2003)
Gin Slagel
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
Jimmy Bosley
Head of State (2003)
Mitch Gilliam
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Frank Catton
What's The Worst That Could Happen? (2001)
Uncle Jack Caffrey
The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)
Himself
Life (1999)
Jangle Leg
The Players Club (1998)
Dollar Bill
B.A.P.S. (1997)
Mr Johnson
Booty Call (1997)
Judge Peabody
How to Be A Player (1997)
Buster
Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
Get on the Bus (1996)
Jay
Friday (1995)
Pastor Clever
The Walking Dead (1995)
Ray
Above the Rim (1994)
Flip
House Party 3 (1994)
Uncle Vester
Def Comedy Jam 2 (1993)
Who's the Man? (1993)
G-George
Mo' Money (1992)
Club Doorman

Keynote Speaker - First Lady Laura Bush

ASSI – First Lady Laura Bush was the keynote speaker at the Reading First Conference this year, Mrs. Bush was dressed in a silk White suite that complimented her. She addressed the audience of about 6 thousand administrators, principals and teachers regarding the importance of educating children. I attempted to capture her speaking using a 2GB memory card within 30 seconds of recording the memory card was full; therefore, I had to settle for taking still shots of Ms. Bush. However, enjoy the 30 second sound bite of her speech. As I see it she was gracious, sincere, and enthusiastic regarding the subject matter. I had the pleasure of shaking her hand that was felt like an infant’s hands pre crawling days, I suppose she uses the best moisturizer available, probably sleeps in moisture gloves; however, I would have been surprised if her hand felt like mine.

Finally Farve Has Left Greenbay, Now He Can Report To Jet's Training Camp

AHSI.....It's a shame what Football teams put their players through especially, if that player is Brett Farve. We all know about the wonderful things that Brett did for the Packers. The most important gift that he gave the city was letting them see him turn around this franchise into the tradition that had been instilled within them when Vince Lombardi was their coach. The Greenbay people in charge made a big mistake. The Packers are coming off a 13-3 season and one game shy of the Superbowl. You have a quarterback that has never missed a game and (Oh Yeah) he won a superbowl. THEY ARE CRAZY. If you are a true fan of the game, Brett Farve is a person that you respect and at the same time Greenbay should have bent over backwards for the Legendary Brett Farve.

Inside the Gaylord Opryland

ASSI - I knew the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention
Center is an enclosed property, but I was unprepared for the
interior layout of the various amenities within the resort. After checking into the resort, I was directed to the Cascade section of the hotel where my standard room awaited, there are six to eight hotel sections within the resort with standard rooms, premium garden suites, suites, and presidential suites that have nice wrought iron balconies. I was rather envious of the wrought iron balconies overlooking scenic interior view that are most ideal for reading the paper, working on the laptop, people watching while enjoying a meal, and conversing with family or friends. Upon entering the Cascade entrance, I was hoping to have a room with a balcony I had to settle for the roof top of the adjoining building. One evening when I returned to my room both of the sinks were completely filled with backed-up water dark as tar, I phoned the front desk and by the time I returned the sinks were drained and cleaned, house keeping even remade my bed. There are a number of casual and fine dining restaurants within the resort. I had the pleasure of eating at Water's Edge a buffet restaurant that was rather good, I actually posted an article, see post for further details. I also dined at Cascade's seafood restaurant that was rather pricey for the portions, the menu was limited, and the service was good.

Upon entering the Cascade's section of the resort I heard running water, it was a mini botanical garden complete with waterfalls and bridges. The convention center is located in the back of the resort. There are number of Kiosk, women dress shops, a children's' apparel and novelty store, a home accessories store, Jack Daniels shop, jewelry shops, and Haagan Dazs ice cream shop that was always busy. You can stroll through resort eating ice cream as you walk around on the cobble stone, pebble stone, marble, and carpet walkways through-out the resort. You can stop and have a drink at the revolving bar, stop pass the sports bar, or go to one of the pubs for a pint, but if you feel like dancing perhaps you would enjoy Fuse Night Club. The resort offers a controlled climate that is cool and comfortable; however, if you want to endure the outside temperatures there is an Outlet Mall and the Grand Ole Opry are within walking distance of the resort. A post of my Grand Ole Opry experience and my downtown experience is forth coming. The resort has a courtesy shuttle that will take you to both and to the Radisson its sister hotel across the main highway. Although the resort lacks entertainment, meaning it is without live family entertainment, it would have been nice to see a live show that's free with the exception of food and drinks that an entire family could enjoy. There are number of tourist attractions available such as a tour of the country singer homes, a tour of Nashville, you could dine aboard the General Jackson Showboat and see a live show but all of the attractions were costly. The resort also has a shuttle bus that will take you downtown, Nashville for $18.00 the cost of a round trip ticket.

There are three pools on the premises two outdoors, one with an hot food stand, and an one indoor pool if your looking to protect your skin from the sun. The fitness center is open 24 hours and is equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, stair master, weight machines, exercise balls, yoga mat, and free weights; however, if spending your time in the gym is unattractive. To avoid becoming lost walk around the resort to familiarize yourself will provide enough exercise, especially if every corner of the resort is explored. I really wanted to treat myself to half-a-day at Relache Spa but a message and facial is $135.00 each plus 20% gratuity. As I see it the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville is a top notch resort that is great location for conferences, the conference rooms are just as nice as the hotel rooms, and I am looking forward to another visit. I give the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center 4 blinks.

Chimney Rock's Cabernet Sauvignon

ASSI - I want to be a connoisseur of Red Wine only but I am still acquiring the taste for it. Most of it is tolerable and some of it taste like vinegar, but overall if I can loose my taste for alcohol and just drink Red Wine that will be most ideal for me. I had the pleasure of receiving a bottle of Chimney Rock, Cabernet Sauvignon that I actually opened this weekend. It is extremely dark, much thicker than the fake-me-out box wines, much better quality no lingering taste, the flavor is subtle, but enjoyable. I will do more analyst of this and update this post when a sniff, swirl, and leg test is done. As I see it Chimney Rock's Cabernet Sauvignon is a great tasting Red Wine that offers a lot of flavor.

Crabs in a Bucket

ASSI - The advertisment of Joe's Crab Shack was enough to spark a visit. While in Nashville, TN attending a conference, a coworker and I came across Joe's Crab Shack, downtown, and stop in for a bite to eat. I ordered the Crab Daddy Feast that consisted of corn-on-the cob, Red potatoes, a cluster of snow crabs, king crab cluster, and one Dungeness leg. Midway through the meal, I thought, I am still hungry by the time, I started on the king crab I began to fill like the meal was enough; however, the buckets showcased on the commercials are overflowing with crabs. Although I could have eaten more, it was just enough to satisfy my crab craving, my coworker had Joe's Steamboat that is complete with corn, Red potatoes, smoked sausage, Snow and Dungeness crabs. The crabs are available in the following flavors: Garlic Herb, Joe's Famous Barbecue, Chesapeake Style, Steamed and New Spicy Boil. I had the garlic and she had steamed. The waitress neglected to place the order as Joe's Steamboat; therefore, my coworker did not receive the shrimp or sausage, but overall enjoyed her meal, especially since the bartender accommodated her drink request. I ordered a perfect Patron Margarita and she had a Daiquiri straight up that was made to her satisfaction. The waitress provided better service in the beginning and slacked of as the restaurant began to receive more customers. As I see it Joe's Crab Shake looks better on television than our actual experience. We managed to enjoy our dinner, but overall for the size of the buckets more crabs could have been included. I give Joe's Crab Shack receives 3 blinks.

The Marketplace Buffet at the Gaylord

ASSI - The Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet at the Gaylord Resort in Nashville, TN is the best restaurant that inside the Gaylord. Although the food is moderately priced, the selection was minimal, but how many choices do you really need? I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner and lunch, and because it is a buffet, I ate until my stomach was at a comfortable bulge. The Salmon and Swordfish was cooked to perfection, the green beans had the right amount of crunch not over or under cooked, and the Creme Brule was felt like velvet in my mouth is was smooth and tasteful down to the last spoon full. Bintou was our waitress for dinner and Kimberly served us during lunch, they both provided quality customer service that made the experience better. The bartender was unfamiliar with how to make a Daiquiri straight up so my dinner mate went without an alcoholic beverage and I settled for Sangria (Red) that was enough to quench my thirst. Chicken Noodle and Onion Soup was served for both lunch and dinner; however, the catfish, chicken quesadilla that contained more peppers and onions than chicken but was surprisingly tasteful, turkey slices, chili, grits, mashed potatoes, and chicken catachatorie were a few items on the lunch menu. They also had a salad, cheese, and bread bar, and an assortment of dessert. Water's Edge offers a nice relaxing environment surrounded by a man made river, dancing water fountains, and a boat tour that is guided by underwater tracks that circle the restaurant and other parts of the hotel. The boat tour will set you back $11.00 but you are better off walking the premises, you see just as much and trust me with all of the tempting foods and beverages the walk will do you good. As I see it if and when you stay or attend a conference at the Gaylord Resort and Conference Center in Nashville TN, be sure to treat yourself to a meal at the Marketplace. Lunch is $19.99 and Dinner is $25.99 and the service was great. I give Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet 3.5 blinks.