Google?s Mobile Future Is Now

Google Now may be one of Google's most underrated new products of 2012, but I think it will turn out to be Google's killer mobile product in the long run. It's the one tool that brings together virtually everything Google knows about you and where you are and then turn all of this information into a useful dashboard on your phone. No other Google product (with the possible exception of some of its advertising services) draws up such a wealth of data about you.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/GuH0uV4o_5U/

zipper armenian genocide asteroid mining memorial day ivan rodriguez planetary resources mothers day gift ideas

We Asked, You Answered: Why are you committed to drinking local ...

"My first reason is that Michigan wine tastes wonderful to me.?I feel soooo good contributing to our local economy and local farmers.?The second reason is that I made a New Years Resolution last year to only buy Michigan wines. I am happy to say that for the first time ever?I have kept my New Years Resolution!!! All of my friends know that I only buy MI wines and tease me about being a wine snob, but I?ll take that title happily. I would rather be a local country snob than a hoity toity California or French snob. LOL!!! I liked that resolution so much I am going to renew it this year.? I am sad to report that I did not keep the second part of my resolution.?That was to visit each of the main wine trails during the year.?I was able to make it to 2 ? (Leelanau, Pioneer and part of Sunrise).?Time just got away from me. I am going to renew that resolution as well and plan things better."
??Shawn Dilts,?Ovid

"Vacationing with my family is when I discovered Michigan wine. It was a Michigan Lake Harvest Riesling (I call them a gateway drug to other wine) that got me obsessed with Michigan wineries, I've been hooked ever since. I have to admit that my palate has increased greatly since then. :-) I love that we have this industry in our state and I love what it brings. There is nothing better then being up north and sipping wine in a tasting room!"
??Leslie Jablonski, Fort Wayne, Indiana

"My reason for drinking local wine, is simple. I love it!?

Until my first trek to Traverse City after hitting legal drinking age, I had zero interest in wine. I'd disliked everything I'd tried, and chalked it up to 'just not being a wine drinker'. Then, while in TC for a bout of Red Wings training camp, I was hauled along for a day of tasting.?

I was hooked.?

This was in 1998, and I was the ripe old age of 22, and every holiday season since then, I have made gifts of local beverages, to dear friends and family (but only the people I really like, because the investment is never a cheap one). It used to be just wines, but now, I do microbrews and craft beers, too (you should see my husband's Advent Calendar this year. It really is a sight to behold.)

I also make a habit of bringing what I call 'vino virgins' to wineries in my area.?

I have brought so many people into Robinettes Cellars that Alicia Robinette teases me that I need a punch card. I also organize treks to the Old Mission Peninsula twice a year, designed to indoctrinate new people - people who love wine, but have not had the opportunity (or sometimes the inclination) to make the trek from Grand Rapids to Grand Traverse County. I make a third trip for a select group, because Leelanau is mostly dry, and not for every palate.?

In 2013, I'm going to add a fourth trip, and visit the wineries to the south, because a great bunch of businesses is being slighted.?

I don't see why people bother to get Napa or Australian wines, when we have such an amazing selection available in Michigan. Whether your taste be dry red, semi sweet or sweet white, or a completely different fruit altogether, Michigan really does have something for everyone!"
??Roberta Pelton, Grand Rapids

"I do not live in Michigan but some of our favorite vacation destinations are in Michigan, specifically the UP, which we have visited four times in the last few years. There are various cultural events going on at wineries to see. The several southwest Michigan wineries are a great quick trip from home and it is fun to drink and discover Michigan wines. The wines are high quality and reflect the fantastic fruits grown right in Michigan."
? Janet Rozycki, South Bend, Indiana ?

"My community is surrounded by local farms. They are centennial family farms, and new sustainable, organic farms. Eating locally grown food is so important to my family because we maximize the nutrients available in the food (which includes specific immunities specific to our locality), but also because we support the farms, local families who work there, and the community that supports the business. In turn, the farm supports the community. Locally produced wine is part of that food community for us. We know who grows the grapes that make the wine we drink. As a result, our family has a deep respect for the food we eat, and the effort it took to grow and produce it."
??Shelly Vrsek, Dexter

"I drink Michigan wine because it's simply a better product! ?I truly like it better than all other wines I've tried."
??Laura Besser, Belmont

"My reasons for drinking Michigan wine are: As a native Michigander I want to buy locally (or in this case, statewide) as much as possible. I also think Michigan grapes and winemakers produce some terrific wines! ?Hubby and I hosted a wine tasting dinner last year and among a blind comparison between French and Michigan wines (a friend who's in training as a sommelier paired the wines), Michigan wines won overwhelmingly!"
??Suzette Burkitt-Wesolek, Williamston

"I support the local growers/producers/distillers/brewers/restaurateurs etc. by buying and eating locally produced products as much as possible. Helps the economy by keeping the dollars local. I like having local produce, beers, wines, spirits, and handmade food, and getting to know the people who grow/produce it."
??Bruce Gaugush, Lansing

"One of the main reasons that I drink Michigan wine is that the money I spend on wine stays in the state. Wine is an agricultural product. Michigan wine?provides jobs to?winery and vineyard workers. The main reason I drink Michigan wine is that it tastes so damn good!"
??Bill MacDonald, Ann Arbor

"I love to learn about wine, and what a better way than to learn by visiting tasting rooms! Living here in Michigan with plenty of tasting rooms just a short drive away, gives us Michiganders just that luxury."
??Amber Stevens, Lake Orion

"We drink ONLY Michigan wine! ?My friend came home from L.A. this summer telling me about all the great varieties from CA ? I tried some, but Michigan is better! ?I also love it that I have been there, met the people who actually make the wines, and even have had the chance to meet the wine dogs!"
? Sherri Adcock, Bay City

"I do believe in supporting local economy. I was born in Michigan and will live here the rest of my life. Even if that wasn't important for me though, I have to say that Michigan wines are far more superior ?than other wines. I find them to be more complex and flavorful than any other wines."
??Jennifer Hayden, Ionia

"1. ?Michigan Wine is readily sampled and tasted before purchase.
2. ?Michigan Wineries encourage responsible imbibing.
3. ?We support Michigananders Right to Wine!
4. ?Michigan Wineries employ Michiganders.?
5. ?Michigan Wineries are home to some of the finest Wine Dogs on the Planet.
6. ?Michigan Wine with Michigan Cheese is a Mighty Fine time.
7. ?Michigan Wine variety and taste is as broad as the Big Mac.
8. ?Michigan Wine warms the heart and body on a cold winters night.
9. ?Michigan Wine fits in a standard box which stacks well on my basement stairs because it never lasts long enough to cellar.
10. I like it."
??Mark Jackson, Adrian

"I love the state of Michigan and could not imagine ever leaving or moving to another state. By purchasing local products we are able to support Michigan companies and help keep our money in the state. In addition we help reduce the carbon footprint and it helps with?staying green (which I am big into). Most importantly we love the wine areas and are able to enjoy the beautiful sights while we drink delicious wines from Michigan's bounty!

I wouldn't have it any other way! I love Michigan and I love Michigan Wines!"
? Sebastian Karwaczynski, Macomb Township

"Michigan provides us with locally grown foods and wines with (what I would call) an olfactory and gustatory journey.?'My journey' began many years ago and has, over time, translated into a broader, never-ending journey of self-discovery. My wish for the New Year is to keep pushing forth, whether it be into the next 100 varieties, or unearthing new expressions of the first 100. Never stop discovering, learning, questioning."
??Sally Breidinger, Stanton

"We started 2006 by celebrating the end of our "Annus horribilis" of?2005. We both had had some health issues and we decided to celebrate!?We started to tour different local (or not so local ??our family motto?is 'The worse the weather the farther we go') wineries."
??Beth Jackson, Adrian

"We drink Michigan wines to support our local economy and growers. ?As a matter of fact we have a group of 14 of us that go wine tasting every year for the past nine years and we ALWAYS stay in Michigan. ?We have even passed this along to our kids. ?My oldest is getting married in 2013 and only wants Michigan wines and beers at her?reception."
??Katie Wolff, Royal Oak

"Dear Santa,

I understand you are new to the ?shop local? principals, since you are so isolated at the North Pole!? My reasons for supporting our local stores include:

Every day you vote with your dollar when you shop local and do not support out-of-state owned box stores. Local businesses support other local stores and services, have children in local schools and truly care about you, their customer. They are sad when you lose a pet or family member, are concerned when they are sick and notice when a customer is having a bad day. They appreciate that you work hard for your money and completely value your purchases at their business.

Buying Michigan wine fits into these values.? It keeps our money in Michigan, helping support our great State and the friends we meet along the wine trails who own the vineyards and work at their wineries.? Not to mention, as an added bonus, the wine is wonderful tasting, easily affordable, and makes great gifts throughout the holidays.

Sincerely,"
???Holly Whitehead, Mount Pleasant

"If it wasn't any good, I wouldn't drink it. Thankfully, Michigan is putting out some great wine, as well as craft beer and spirits. I enjoy supporting local wineries and brewpubs, which keeps my money in Michigan. And I suggest to everyone I meet that they need to give Michigan wines a try."
??Dave Moss, Huntington Woods

"By drinking from the area you live in, you are truly experiencing the local flavor! Every region I've lived in has had its special delicacies, but I'm more intrigued by how similar things can taste so different. I'm originally from a?riesling?region in NY, so trying the?riesling?here is a great way to have something familiar in a new way."
??Katy Meyers, East Lansing

"I drink Michigan wine to support all the wine makers and wine growers because I want to see local companies and farmers thrive!? We drink cider too to support apple and pear growers :)?So important to keep agriculture alive here so that our orchards don't turn into housing developments!!!"
??Heather Smith, Traverse City

"I like to drink local / Michigan wine for the entire experience ? good wine, nice tasting rooms, family owned, beautiful and and vineyards."
??Mary Anne Kenerson, Clarkston

"I love supporting local and sustainable products.? Drinking Michigan Wines allows me to support local folks who take the time to produce a quality product, as well as Michigan in general."
??Jessica Semke, Owosso

"We drink Michigan Wines because: Most of our Michigan wines were purchased at the vineyards, on our yearly restocking trips. That makes the wines more personal, and reminds us of the fun we had when visiting the scenic?vineyards and possibly even talked to the wine makers."
? Walt Bischoff, Muskegon

"I?m having a hard time answering this question today, because?really, why WOULDN?T you buy Michigan made?!? I can make all kinds of arguments about how our economy is boosted by locavores,?why doing so is healthier for our bodies and?better for our environment, and how costs can be decreased by cutting out shipping costs, etc...

Our wines are comparable with some of the worlds finest because of?a similar climate to where some of the first winegrowing and making took place. I may be biased being born here, but I think our mitten state is more beautiful too. Don?t agree??Then?I bet you have never been on a vineyard tour in?Leelanau,?Mackinaw,?or Traverse City, just to name a few.

Anywhere you go to experience?pure Michigan (by the bottle or otherwise), you will find great tastes, pleasant people, unique?arts, and good times. What could be more motivation that that?!

We can?give Santa one taste and he?ll agree,??*CHEERS* to PureMichigan! :)"
??Sam Goodheart, Westland

Source: http://www.michiganbythebottle.com/2012/12/buylocal.html

bob beckel anna paquin warren buffett 2012 nfl schedule dishonored april 18 delonte west

Pope decries slaughter of 'defenseless' Syrians

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and to the World) speech from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI has wished Christmas peace to the world, decrying the slaughter of the "defenseless" in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate. Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, a weary-looking and hoarse-sounding Benedict on Tuesday also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and to the World) speech from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI has wished Christmas peace to the world, decrying the slaughter of the "defenseless" in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate. Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, a weary-looking and hoarse-sounding Benedict on Tuesday also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, center, holds the Baby Jesus as he and clergy arrive to pray at the Grotto, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, at the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, attends Christmas Midnight Mass at Saint Catherine's Church in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, center, holds the Baby Jesus in Saint Catherine's Church at the end of the Christmas Midnight Mass and leads the procession to the Grotto, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, at the nearby Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, center back, and clergy pray in the Grotto, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, at the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, at the conclusion of the Midnight Mass, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Abed Al Hashlamoun, Pool)

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? Pope Benedict XVI wished Christmas peace to the world Tuesday, decrying the slaughter of the "defenseless" in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate.

Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Benedict also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies.

He prayed that China's new leaders respect religion, a reference to persecution Chinese Roman Catholics have at times endured under communism.

As the 85-year-old pontiff, bundled up in an ermine-trimmed red cape, gingerly stepped foot on the balcony, the pilgrims, tourists and Romans below backing St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers.

Less than 12 hours earlier, Benedict had led a two-hour long Christmas Eve ceremony in the basilica. He sounded hoarse and looked weary as he read his Christmas message and then holiday greetings in 65 languages.

In his "Urbi et Orbi" speech, which traditionally reviews world events and global challenges, Benedict prayed that "peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict that does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims."

He called for easier access to help refugees and for "dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict."

Benedict prayed that God "grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path to negotiation."

Israel, backed by the United States, opposed the Palestinian statehood bid, saying it was a ploy to bypass negotiations, something the Palestinians deny. Talks stalled four years ago.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said that in a meeting with the pope last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas "emphasized our total readiness to resume negotiations." The Palestinians have not dropped their demand that Israel first stop settlement activities before returning to the negotiating table.

Hours earlier, in the ancient Bethlehem church built over the site where tradition holds Jesus was born, candles illuminated the sacred site and the joyous sound of prayer filled its overflowing halls.

Overcast skies and a cold wind in the Holy Land didn't dampen the spirits of worshippers in the biblical West Bank town. Bells pealed and long lines formed inside the fourth-century Church of the Nativity complex as Christian faithful waited to see the grotto that is Jesus' traditional birthplace.

Duncan Hardock, 24, a writer from MacLean, Va., traveled to Bethlehem from the republic of Georgia, where he had been teaching English. After passing through the separation barrier Israel built to ward off West Bank attackers, he walked to Bethlehem's Manger Square where the church stands.

"I feel we got to see both sides of Bethlehem in a really short period of time," Hardock said. "On our walk from the wall, we got to see the lonesome, closed side of Bethlehem ... But the moment we got into town, we're suddenly in the middle of the party."

Bethlehem lies 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Jerusalem. Entry to the city is controlled by Israel, which occupied the West Bank in 1967.

For those who couldn't fit into the cavernous Bethlehem church, a loudspeaker outside broadcast the Christmas day service to hundreds of faithful in the square.

Their Palestinian hosts, who welcome this holiday as the high point of their city's year, were especially joyous this season, proud of the United Nations' recognition of an independent state of Palestine just last month.

"From this holy place, I invite politicians and men of good will to work with determination for peace and reconciliation that encompasses Palestine and Israel in the midst of all the suffering in the Middle East," said the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal in his annual address.

Back at the Vatican, Benedict offered encouragement to countries after the Arab spring of democracy protests. He had a special word for Egypt, "blessed by the childhood of Jesus."

Without citing the tumultuous politics and clashes in the region, he urged the North African region to build societies "founded on justice and respect for the dignity of every person."

Benedict prayed for the return of peace in Mali and harmony in Nigeria, where, he recalled "savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians."

The Vatican for decades has been worried about the well-being of its flock in China, who are loyal to the pope in defiance of the communist's government support of an officially sponsored church, and relations between Beijing and the Holy See are often tense.

Speaking about China's newly installed regime leaders, Benedict expressed hope that "they will esteem the contribution of the religions, in respect for each other, in such a way that they can help to build a fraternal society for the benefit of that noble people and of the whole world."

Acknowledging Latin America's predominant Christian population, he urged government leaders to carry out commitments to development and to fighting organized crime.

In Britain, the royal family was attending Christmas Day church services at St. Mary Magdelene Church on Queen Elizabeth II's sprawling Sandringham estate, though there were a few notable absences. Prince William is spending the holiday with his pregnant wife Kate and his in-laws in the southern England village of Bucklebury, while Prince Harry is serving with British troops in Afghanistan.

Later Tuesday, the queen will deliver her traditional, pre-recorded Christmas message, which for the first time will be broadcast in 3D.

______

Dalia Nammari in Bethlehem and Cassandra Vinograd in London contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-12-25-Christmas/id-f4752aaed4ec40d2bce9d9e7c39f7003

phish gluten free diet barry zito mac virus santorum drops out bby zimmerman website

Creative Writing Prompts: English Essay Writing

A few observations could be made on English essays and English essay writing. The first thing about the essay is that it is a literary work that is indefinable in nature. It is a definitely a type of literature, but it is not exactly possible to be analyzed, and that is the reason for which literary men and critics differ widely in their assessment of the nature of an essay. Secondly, an essay may be written on any subject irrespective of it being high or low, slight or great. The art of English essay-writing is dependent on the adequate treatment of the concerning subject. The third relevant issue is the importance of the manner in writing an essay. In fact, it is the very manner, as a customary practice, a few observations may be made on essay and not the subject itself that counts in the essay, which has to be impressive and attractive enough in expression. The mode or the pattern of writing is the fourth aspect in the essay. There are no golden rules in terms of the narrative, reflective, subjective and so on, and the essayist may have his own choice of method. The golden key to good English essay writing is freedom of writing.

The writer is given the liberty to choose his own technique in order to make his writing impressive and attractive at the same time. The final observation in English essay writing is that there the style of the essay writer that cannot grow under the fetters of instructions. The style with which the essayist writes is the product of his independent self and may differ from other essay writers. It is needless to mention that English essay writing is a distinct form of literary art, and needs a very creative spirit as well as well as a creative way of writing. A good English essay writing depends, too, like other successful literary form, on the right interpretation of the matter and the manner, of the content and the form. Informality and freedom are the qualities of an essay as distinguished from a dissertation. The want of an organic quality and the absence of that orderly and logical mode of procedure that we look for in the more ambitious kinds of literature may be reckoned among the most pronounced structural peculiarities of the English essay writing. Essay rose because men felt a desire to express through a vehicle in which they could enjoy something of a freedom of expression.

The well-marked tendency among modern English essayists towards greater logical regularity and consistency of structure is only one among many other signs of the evolution of the literary type of English essay writing in response to changing conditions. With Lamb, Hazlitt and De Quincy, the English essay writing became the popular form in which the mind roams independently, soars and sinks. The mantle has fallen on the modern essayists.

Lucas says:

"His body lies a-moldering in the grave

But his soul goes marching on"

Source: http://contactcollective.blogspot.com/2012/12/english-essay-writing.html

Rita Ora Miguel Calero Bret Bielema bob costas bowl projections bowl games sons of anarchy

Gout study offers genetic insight into 'disease of kings'

Dec. 23, 2012 ? Scientists have shed light on why some people are more susceptible to gout than others. A study has identified 18 new genetic variations that increase levels of uric acid in the blood, which is the main cause of the disease. High levels of uric acid form small crystals in joints and tissues, causing pain and swelling -- the main symptoms of the condition once known as the 'disease of kings'.

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting up to two per cent of the world's population. Understanding how these common genetic variants increase uric acid levels in the blood may lead to improvements in the treatment and prevention of the disease. It could also help research into urate-lowering drugs.

The international team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Edinburgh and Queen Mary, University of London, say gout is becoming more common in the developed world.

They attribute its rise in part to increasing levels of obesity and an aging population.

This painful joint inflammation affects at least one in seventy adults in the UK with approximately 900,000 people suffering at least one attack of gout in their lifetime.

The work, published in Nature Genetics, was carried out by analysing the genetic data of more than 140,000 people, from more than 70 individual studies from Europe, the U.S., Japan and Australia and represents the largest study worldwide on this topic.

Dr Veronique Vitart, from the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh, and one of the lead authors of the study said: "Abnormal levels of uric acid have been associated with various common diseases and conditions, but causal relationships are not always clear. Gaining insight into the genetic components of uric acid levels offers a very useful tool to tackle these issues and to further our understanding of these conditions."

Professor Mark Caulfield, from the William Harvey Research Institute at Queen Mary, and a lead author said: "Existing therapies to avoid attacks of gout sometimes cause side effects. Our findings identify new potential mechanisms for gout and offer opportunities for new therapies which may improve prevention of this debilitating condition in the future.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

---

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Edinburgh, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

---

Journal Reference:

1. K?ttgen et al. Genome-wide association analyses identify 18 new loci associated with serum urate concentrations. Nature Genetics, 2012; DOI: 10.1038/ng.2500

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/H458lK_NuVE/121223152730.htm

one world trade center bks new dark knight rises trailer khloe and lamar oklahoma city thunder rajon rondo sunoco