[VIDEO] Meet the Puerto Rican banjo player in Philadelphia?s New Year?s Day Parade

Every New Year?s Day for the past decade, Carl Sanchez has been strumming his banjo in the 113-year-old Mummer?s Parade ? a tradition in which 10,000 men and women dressed in bright, colorful costumes march and twirl for two miles up one of Philadelphia?s main streets.

The term ?Mummer? is German and means ?to costume or masquerade.? In the 1600s, Swedish settlers to Philadelphia?s outskirts celebrated Christmas by asking their neighbors for dessert and liquor by dressing up, and chanting and shooting firearms. The party eventually moved to New Year?s Day and evolved into a series of neighborhood parades. As more immigrants moved to the area, each group added their own cultural flair to the local customs. In 1901, the tradition of the first recognized and judged Mummers Parade began.

?It?s a unique parade,? says Sanchez, 45, who travels from New Jersey to Philadelphia every year. ?There?s nothing else like this in the U.S. It?s steeped in the tradition of Philadelphia?A whole year?s worth of work all for one day ? it?s really something special.?

Sanchez is one of the only Latinos in the parade. Although his dad was born in Puerto Rico, he is a part of the 64-member Polish-American String Band ? a band that has been performing in the Mummer?s Parade for the past 80 years, and has won 11 first place prizes within that time.

?I am one of the few Latinos in the Parade,? says Sanchez, who recently found out that a friend of his father?s son from Puerto Rico also plays in one of the string bands of the parade. ?It?s a strange coincidence.?

Although Sanchez grew up in New Jersey, he says he feels a bond to Philadelphia because that?s where his parents lived when they first got married in the 1950?s, and it is the city where his wife is from.

Carl Sanchez as a WWII fighter pilot in the 2012 Salute to the Military-themed Mummer?s Parade. (Courtesy Carl Sanchez)

He?also enjoys?the?fact that?even though?he plays in a Polish-American band, due to his father-in-law recruiting him, every year they have a different theme. This year, it?will be Brazilian.

?I?ll be in a?Carmen Miranda suit ? lots of sequins and feathers like a Rio celebration,? says Sanchez, excitedly. ?We?re going to make it just like that on New Year?s Day.?

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Source: http://nbclatino.com/2012/12/30/video-meet-the-puerto-rican-banjo-player-in-philadelphias-new-years-day-parade/

bobby valentine bobby valentine nicki minaj miguel cabrera Karrueche Tran dodd frank Lark Voorhies

Afghan violence falls in 2012, insider attacks up

Internally displaced Afghans wait in line to receive firewood donated by Welt Hunger Hilfe 'German Agro Action' in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Around 240 internally displaced families received firewood. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

Internally displaced Afghans wait in line to receive firewood donated by Welt Hunger Hilfe 'German Agro Action' in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Around 240 internally displaced families received firewood. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

Afghan men carry a sick elderly man from Afghanistan to Pakistan for treatment at the main border crossing of Torkham, east of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. Today is the second day that Torkham the main border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is closed by Pakistani authorities, hundreds of trucks, cars plus several hundred people including, women, children, elders and especially sick people who are going from Afghanistan to Pakistan for treatment are waiting for the border to open, there are reports of at least three civilians being killed in Afghanistan side and more than five others being killed in Pakistan side since the border is closed because of the cold weather and heavy rain (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghan people stand in the main border crossing of Torkham, between Afghanistan and Pakistan east of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. Today is the second day that Torkham the main border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is closed by Pakistani authorities, hundreds of trucks, cars plus several hundred people including, women, children, elders and especially sick people who are going from Afghanistan to Pakistan for treatment are waiting for the border to open, there are reports of at least three civilians being killed in Afghanistan side and more than five others being killed in Pakistan side since the border is closed because of the cold weather and heavy rain (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghan people stand in the main border crossing Torkham, between Afghanistan and Pakistan east of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. Today is the second day that Torkham the main border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is closed by Pakistani authorities, hundreds of trucks, cars plus several hundred people including, women, children, elders and especially sick people who are going from Afghanistan to Pakistan for treatment are waiting for the border to open, there are reports of at least three civilians being killed in Afghanistan side and more than five others being killed in Pakistan side since the border is closed because of the cold weather and heavy rain (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

In this undated photo provided by Maj. Gen. John Cantwell, front, the general walks along with other soldiers in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan. The troops Cantwell was fighting alongside in the Gulf War had used bulldozing tanks to bury the man alive. This hand - so jarringly human amid the cold mechanics of bombs and anonymous enemies - was about to wedge itself, the Australian man would write decades later, "like a splinter under the skin of my soul." It would lead, along with other battlefield horrors, to the splintering of his mind and to a locked psychiatric ward. (AP Photo/Maj. Gen. John Cantwell, Sergeant Neil Ruskin) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) ? Violence in Afghanistan fell in 2012, but more Afghan troops and police who now shoulder most of the combat were killed, according to statistics compiled by The Associated Press.

At the same time, insider killings by uniformed Afghans against their foreign allies rose dramatically, eroding confidence between the two sides at a crucial turning point in the war and when NATO troops and Afghan counterparts are in more intimate contact.

"The overall situation is improving," said a NATO spokesman, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lester T. Carroll. He singled out Afghan special forces as "surgically removing insurgent leaders from the battle space."

Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defense, said Afghan forces were now charged with 80 percent of security missions and were less equipped to face the most lethal weapon of the militants ? roadside bombs.

"Our forces are out there in the battlefields and combat areas more than at any other time in the past," he said, citing reasons for the spike in casualties.

U.S. troop deaths, overall NATO fatalities and Afghan civilian deaths all dropped as insurgent attacks fell off in their traditional strongholds in the country's south and east. However, insurgent activity was up in the north and west, where the Taliban and other groups have been less active in the past, and overall levels of violence were higher than before a U.S. troop surge more than two years ago.

U.S. troop deaths declined overall from 404 last year to 295 as of Saturday. The Defense Department says 1,701 U.S. troops have been killed in action in Afghanistan since the U.S. invasion in 2001 until Dec. 26. Of those, 338 died from non-hostile causes. Some 18,154 were wounded.

A total of 394 foreign troops, including the Americans, were killed in 2012, down from 543 in 2011. The British, with the second-largest military presence, had 43 killed ? the second-highest toll among countries with forces in Afghanistan, by AP's count.

The AP keeps daily tallies of casualties and violent incidents across Afghanistan based on reports from NATO and Afghan officials. Most cannot be independently verified, and other incidents may never come to light. The statistics sometimes vary from official counts because of time lags, different criteria and other reasons.

Deaths from so-called insider attacks ? Afghan police and troops killing foreign allies ? surged to 61 in 45 attacks last year compared with 2011, when 35 coalition troops were killed in 21 attacks.

The number, provided by the NATO command, does not include the Dec. 24 killing of an American civilian adviser by a female member of the Afghan police because the investigation is ongoing.

The focus of NATO's mission has largely veered from the battlefield to training the Afghans ahead of a pullout of most troops by 2014. The U.S plans to maintain a residual force, the size of which is now being determined.

A NATO report that tracks violence in the country showed a rise this year compared with the period before the surge of U.S. troops into the country. But the levels were down from last year and a peak in the summer of 2010. Kabul and the country's second-largest city, Kandahar, saw a considerable drop in lethal attacks, but districts in Kandahar province remain among the most restive in Afghanistan.

Militant attacks, the report said, decreased countrywide by 7 percent through November compared with the same 11-month period last year. But they were up in the northern and western parts of the country, which previously had been among the most peaceful regions.

Although NATO officials frequently credit Afghan troops with successful unilateral operations, a recent U.S. congressional report noted that higher-level Afghan units still need vital air, logistics and other support from foreign forces.

More Afghan police and soldiers are dying in the conflict, according to numbers provided by the interior and defense ministries.

More than 1,050 Afghan troops died this year, substantially higher than last year, although the ministry could not provide the exact 2011 death toll.

Nearly 1,400 police died in the 10 months from March 21 to the end of the year, compared with about the same number for the 12 months beginning March 21, 2011. The Afghan government follows a calendar year starting March 21.

NATO says Afghan security forces have grown from 132,000 in March 2011 to 333,000 this month.

The AP tally showed that at least 822 Afghan civilians had been killed by the Taliban and other militants this year while another 119 died in NATO airstrikes and other operations. That was a decrease from last year, when 1,151 were killed by insurgents and 283 by NATO. Substantially smaller numbers perish when caught in crossfires.

The United Nations reported different casualty figures but also noted that civilian deaths had decreased, reversing a five-year trend of mounting civilian deaths. Its latest report says that during the first six months of the year, 1,145 civilians died in conflict-related violence, compared with 1,510 in the same period of 2011. The U.N. considers insurgent land mines and roadside bombs to be particularly deadly for civilians.

Close to 3,000 militants were reported to have been killed by coalition and Afghan forces this year, compared with more than 3,500 last year. The NATO command does not issue reports on the number of insurgents its troops have killed, and Afghan military figures, from which the AP compiles its data, cannot be independently verified.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-12-30-Afghanistan-Year%20of%20Violence/id-c8076459a3bd4ba3a3c6811fc62d69fe

michael jackson courtney stodden Ncaa Football Scores Plaquemines Parish michigan football michigan football

Costa Phillippou gets big win as Tim Boetsch deals with rough night at UFC 155

Costa Philippou wasn't even supposed to be fighting at UFC 155. It was supposed to be Chris Weidman, Philippou's teammate, taking on Tim Boetsch. It was supposed to be a fight that decided a potential contender for Anderson Silva's bout. But in MMA, things don't always work out like they are supposed to, and Philippou walked away with a win at UFC 155.

Philippou stepped in to fight Boetsch after Weidman was injured in training camp. Boetsch took an early lead with clinch work and takedowns in the first round, but between rounds he talked about an injury that was bothering him. It got worse for Boetsch in the second round, as a large cut opened in his forehead and he was poked in the eye.

With his eye swelling and blood covering his face, Boetsch tried to deal with Philippou's striking. Boetsch attempted takedowns, but couldn't hold off Philippou, who finished the fight at 2:11 in the third round.

After the fight, Philippou sent this tweet that said it all.

They know me now.

? Costas Philippou (@Philippou185UFC) December 30, 2012

Though he's now 12-2 and has five straight wins in the UFC, Philippou has flown under the radar among middleweights. It will be hard to ignore him after he took advantage of this opportunity at UFC 155.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/costa-phillippou-gets-big-win-tim-boetsch-deals-045553011--mma.html

Led Zeppelin Ned Rocknroll Norman Schwarzkopf Avery Johnson

2 firefighters die in ambush at blazing NY house

WEBSTER, N.Y. (AP) ? A gunman ambushed four volunteer firefighters responding to an intense pre-dawn house fire Monday morning outside Rochester, N.Y., killing two and ending up dead himself, authorities said. Police used an armored vehicle to evacuate more than 30 nearby residents.

The gunman fired at the firefighters when they arrived shortly after 5:30 a.m. at the blaze near the Lake Ontario shore in Webster, town Police Chief Gerald Pickering said. The first Webster police officer who arrived chased the suspect and exchanged gunfire with him, authorities said.

"It does appear it was a trap" for the first responders to the fire, Pickering said at a news conference.

Authorities didn't say how the gunman died or whether anyone might have died in the fire itself.

One of the dead firefighters was also a town police lieutenant; it wasn't clear whether he returned fire. An off-duty police officer who was driving by was injured by shrapnel, Pickering said.

"These people get up in the middle of the night to go put out fires; they don't expect to be shot and killed," Pickering said.

The fire started in one home and spread to two others and a car, officials said. The gunfire initially kept firefighters from battling the blazes. Police say four homes were destroyed and four damaged.

The West Webster Fire District learned of the fire early Monday after a report of a car and house on fire on Lake Road, on a narrow peninsula where Irondequoit Bay meets Lake Ontario, Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn said.

The fire appeared from a distance as a pulsating ball of flame glowing against the early morning sky, flames licking into treetops and reflecting on the water, with huge bursts of smoke billowing away in a brisk wind.

Two of the firefighters arrived on a fire engine and two in their own vehicles, Pickering said. After the gunman fired, one of the wounded men managed to flee, but the other three couldn't because of flying gunfire.

A police armored vehicle was used to recover two of the men, and eventually it evacuated 33 people from nearby homes, the police chief said.

The dead men were identified as Police Lt. Michael Chiapperini, 43, the Webster Police Department's public information officer; and Tomasz Kaczowka, also a 911 dispatcher, whose age was not released.

Pickering described Chiapperini as a "lifetime firefighter" with nearly 20 years with the department, and called Kaczowka a "tremendous young man."

The two wounded firefighters, Joseph Hofsetter and Theodore Scardino, were in guarded condition in the intensive care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, authorities said. Both were awake and alert and are expected to recover.

Hofsetter, also a full-timer with the Rochester Fire Department, was hit once in the pelvis, and the bullet lodged in his spine, authorities said. Scardino was hit in the chest and knee.

Monday's shooting and fires were in a neighborhood of seasonal and year-round homes set close together across the road from the lakeshore. The area is popular with recreational boaters but is normally quiet this time of year.

"We have very few calls for service in that location," Pickering said. "Webster is a tremendous community. We are a safe community, and to have a tragedy befall us like this is just horrendous."

O'Flynn lamented the violence, which comes on the heels of other shootings including the massacre of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"It's sad to see that that this is becoming more commonplace in communities across the nation," O'Flynn said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the State Police and Office of Emergency Management were working with local authorities.

"Volunteer firefighters and police officers were injured and two were taken from us as they once again answered the call of duty," Cuomo said in a statement. "We as the community of New York mourn their loss as now two more families must spend the holidays without their loved ones."

Webster, a middle-class suburb, now is the scene of violence linked to house fires for two Decembers in a row.

Last Dec. 7, authorities say, a 15-year-old boy doused his home with gasoline and set it ablaze, killing his father and two brothers, 16 and 12. His mother and 13-year-old sister escaped with injuries. He is being prosecuted as an adult.

___

Associated Press writers Chris Carola, George Walsh and Mary Esch in Albany, N.Y., contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/2-firefighters-die-ambush-blazing-ny-house-171814479.html

michelle malkin october baby sugarland 16 and pregnant ludwig mies van der rohe

2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS ATV pictures | Insurance ...

2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Review

The lightweight and highly effective Electric Power Steering (EPS) system helps the Brute Force 750 provide light handling and excellent ride comfort. Turning the bars causes a signal to be sent to the electronic power steering control unit, initiating power assist. The control unit monitors inputs from the vehicle speed sensor and steering shaft torque sensor to determine the amount of power assistance required from the system?s electric motor. At slow speeds or when stopped, assistance is greatest; assistance is reduced as vehicle speed increases to help ensure predictable handling.

The EPS assembly enhances ride quality and control by also acting as a damping system. Even when riding in a straight line, the inertia of the electric motor acts as a steering stabilizer, significantly reducing bump steer and kickback to the handlebars caused by wheel impacts. The entire steering assembly is positioned so the bottom of the steering shaft doesn?t connect directly to the front differential housing. Movement of the differential due to throttle inputs in 4x4 mode can?t affect the steering assembly, this isolation provides smoother handling and more precise steering.

The Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS is also available in an SE version, featuring a premium quality Candy Lime Green automotive paint finish, unique graphics and a bright silver machined finish on the face of its cast aluminum wheels.

The Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS? four-stroke fuel injected 90-degree V-twin offers serious grunt and enough responsive power to surprise any competitors it encounters on the trail. The twin cylinders are fed via 36mm throttle bodies that are controlled by a 32-bit CPU. The digital fuel-injection (DFI?) system monitors coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure, throttle position, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle to deliver the optimum fuel mixture. The result is precise fuel delivery and crisp engine response, making the Brute Force 750 a hit with sport riders. Despite the big power from the engine, a light feel at the throttle lever helps reduce rider fatigue. This is achieved by using ball bearings in the throttle bodies and a low spring rate for the throttle return.

A large radiator is placed high in the chassis for optimum protection against mud and debris. A self-repairing circuit breaker and dedicated fuse for the radiator fan also help keep things cool when the going gets tough.

Stylish six-spoke cast aluminum wheels offer a premium image and enhance trail credibility. Mounted with aggressive tires, these premium wheels help give the Brute Force 750 its 9.4 inches of ground clearance and transfer the awesome V-twin?s power to the ground.
Two- or four-wheel drive operation is selectable by simply pressing a button on the handlebar. In four-wheel drive mode, the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS utilizes the limited-slip front differential to help maintain steering response and ease steering effort at the bars. The rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels with Kawasaki?s Variable Front Differential Control by using a small control lever on the left handlebar. It?s a definite advantage when traversing deep mud, slippery uphill trails or large logs or rocks.

A fully automatic, dual-range continuously variable transmission (CVT) is mated to the powerful V-twin engine. The CVT is well protected and features an air duct that is highly effective at helping prevent the intrusion of water and mud.

The front drive shafts of the Brute Force 750 4x4i feature Cardan joints. Similar to U-joints, Cardan joints help absorb torque fluctuations to the drive shaft, and the lightweight design helps to reduce vibration. The small and compact rear final gear case and sealed rear braking system are extremely rugged and efficient.

As an integrated part of the shaft drive, the rear braking system is sealed in the aluminum swingarm where it operates in an oil bath. This protects the brake from mud, dust and debris, and is virtually maintenance-free. Its compact size also provides more ground clearance than a conventional rear disc brake system. The sealed rear brake and dual front discs bring the Brute Force 750 4x4i to a quick halt. Enhancing the highly effective braking is the Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, which helps slow the ATV when going downhill.

The Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS features a strong, tubular steel frame with reinforcements at key areas like the front A-arm mounts, rear stabilizer mounts, engine mounts and footrest mounts, resulting in optimum rough terrain handling and impressive durability. The frame?s ability to absorb shocks when sport riding on rough terrain boosts rider comfort and makes it easier to maintain speed in a wider range of conditions.

A double-wishbone front suspension layout features shock absorbers mounted at the optimum angle between the upper and lower wishbones to help minimize sag and allow a higher ground clearance to be maintained once a rider sits on the ATV. The front suspension feature adjustable shocks with 6.7 inches of travel and works in concert with the independent A-arm rear suspension that provides 7.5 inches of travel. A combination of needle bearings and ball joints in the lower rear A-arms gives the independent rear suspension unrivaled response, boosts stability and enhances rider comfort.

Complementing the plush suspension action, the rider?s seat features urethane foam padding that is supportive and remains comfortable for long hours in the saddle.

An upright and comfortable riding position enhances the rider?s ability to interact with the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS and allows them to effectively scan the horizon or check the easy to read automotive-style instrument panel. Its front bumper is designed to offer effective hand holds for manhandling the Brute Force whenever the need arises.

Durable and stylish bodywork is molded from strong and scratch-resistant Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO). The hood, fenders, bumper and headlight surrounds were all designed to offer a wide and rugged appearance. Other design touches include dual wide-set 35-watt headlights which help provide excellent lighting for nighttime rides, and an ultra-convenient covered hood storage compartment that is large enough to hold two 16 oz. bottles.

Strong cargo racks feature a reliable ?and easy? set of tie-down hook points for securing a load. The cargo racks can carry a combined total of 264 pounds, making them more than ready to accommodate the rider?s supplies, tools and/or outdoor gear. Underneath this strong bodywork is a factory-installed conduit for quick and easy winch installation.

A large five-gallon fuel tank is located beneath the seat to help keep the center of gravity as low as possible. Helping to keep weight in check, aluminum footpegs are surrounded by strong full-sized composite floorboards.

The capable Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS can also tow a hefty 1,250 pounds ? all it needs is a standard hitch ball. Other features include the waterproof storage box in the left front fender and a storage pocket in the right front fender. Owners can expand the versatility of the Brute Force with a variety of Genuine Kawasaki Accessories available through Kawasaki dealers.

As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly and to respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887.

2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Key Features

Extreme-built for optimum performance: Chase the adventure with Kawasaki?s high-performance 749cc V-Twin engine and compact, lightweight body. Trail-hugging suspension, electric power steering and superior mud management delivers serious sport riding engineering. Precise rider control takes full advantage of the 750?s engine and chassis? potential to take on the toughest trails with all-day riding comfort.

? Kawasaki?s high-grade Electric Power Steering (EPS) system enhances handling and ride comfort.
? Fuel injected 749cc 90-degree V-twin engine offers great top-end power and low-rpm grunt
? Six-spoke cast aluminum wheels make a significant styling contribution while offering a premium image
? Stylish bodywork (hood, bumper, fenders and headlight surrounds) are key elements of the Brute Force 750?s wide and rugged design
? Strong cargo racks feature integrated tie-down hook loops for maximum convenience
? Instrumentation is easy to read at a glance and features a multi-purpose digital display with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter, and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicator lamps for neutral, reverse, belt and oil pressure
? Strong double-cradle frame features reinforcement at critical points for maximum ride comfort and the ability to absorb shocks when sport riding on rough terrain

2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Features and Benefits

Electric Power Steering System
? Turning the bars causes a signal to be sent to the electronic steering control unit, initiating power assist
? The EPS ECU uses input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the amount of steering assistance required from the system?s electric motor. At slow speeds or when stopped, assistance is greatest; assistance is reduced as vehicle speed increases to help ensure predictable handling
? The EPS assembly enhances ride quality and control by also acting as a damping system. Even when steering input is neutral, the added inertia of the electric motor acts as a stabilizer. Likewise, it significantly reduces bump steer and kickback to the bars caused by wheel impacts
? Steering assembly locates the bottom of the steering shaft so that it is not directly connected to the front differential, so movement of the differential due to changes in throttle application in 4x4 mode can?t affect the steering assembly

Powerful Fuel Injected 90-degree 749cc V-twin Engine
? High compression cylinder heads provide strong low rpm torque for maximum performance when launching from a stop
? Stainless steel exhaust pipes feature tuned lengths and pass-through holes inside the muffler to minimize restriction
? Rubber muffler mounts help minimize stresses on the exhaust system
? Aluminum cylinders are Electrofusion-plated for light weight, long wear and excellent heat dispersion
? 33.5 Amp alternator offers enough output to help ensure sufficient current to operate the electrical system and accessories.
? Large radiator is placed high in the chassis for optimum protection against mud and debris
? Radiator fan and large-diameter cooling hoses and pipes help maximize cooling performance
? A self-repairing circuit breaker and dedicated fuse for the fan help keep things cool when the going gets tough
? Dual 36mm throttle bodies are controlled by a 32-bit CPU, which monitors coolant temperature, air intake temperature, throttle position, air intake pressure, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle to help ensure the perfect air/fuel mixture
? Low spring rate for the throttle return springs and ball bearing-equipped throttle bodies minimize friction and enhance throttle action
? Engine can be started in any gear when a brake is applied
? Air for the CVT and engine enter from a reverse-facing snorkel located beneath the handlebars to help protect against water and mud
? Access to the air filter requires removing only one cover

CVT and Powertrain
? Fully automatic Kawasaki Automatic Powerdrive System (KAPS) continuously variable transmission (CVT) has high and low forward gears plus reverse
? CVT converter weight and drive spring tuning offers responsive acceleration characteristics and optimum control during low-speed operation
? CVT duct layout and placement is highly effective at preventing the intrusion of water and mud
? Limited-slip front differential reduces steering effort under normal four-wheel drive operation, while Variable Front Differential Control permits rider to distribute torque equally to front wheels for maximum traction
? Selectable two or four-wheel drive operation is controlled by pressing a button located on the handlebar
? Cardan drive shaft joints absorb torque fluctuations and reduce vibration
? Plastic front and rear axle boots provide protection from debris

Chassis
? Strong double-cradle frame features reinforcement at critical points (front A-arm mounts, rear stabilizer mounts, engine mounts, footrest mounts, etc), resulting in impressive rough terrain handling. The frame?s ability to absorb shocks when sport riding on rough terrain makes it easier to maintain a higher average speed in most conditions
? Offers 9.4 inches of ground clearance
? Steering assembly locates the bottom of the steering shaft so that it is not directly connected to the front differential, so movement of the differential housing due to changes in throttle application in 4x4 mode won?t affect the steering assembly
? Fitted with pre-routed tubing and mounting brackets for quick and easy winch mounting and wiring

Six-Spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels
? Six-spoke cast aluminum wheels make a significant styling contribution while offering a premium image
? Mounted with aggressive AT 25 x 8-12 (front) and AT 25 x 10-12 (rear) tires, the premium wheels help give the Brute Force ATV its 9.4 inches of ground clearance

Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension
? Double wishbone independent front suspension design includes preload adjustable shocks, and features 6.7 inches of suspension travel for a comfortable ride
? Front upper and lower wishbone pivot joints use rubber bushings to minimize maintenance requirements
? Smart suspension geometry provides light steering
? Suspension arm/shock absorber layout (shock absorbers are mounted at a splayed angle between the upper and lower wishbones) helps minimize sag and maintain ground clearance once a rider sits on the ATV

Independent Rear Suspension
? Double A-arms and a preload adjustable shock at each wheel provide superior ride comfort and ground following ability
? Independent rear suspension provides 7.5 inches of travel
? Shock settings help minimize sag and enable ground clearance to be maintained once a rider sits on the ATV
? Lower A-arms feature a combination of needle bearings and ball joints for smooth suspension action, stability and excellent rider comfort
? Rear stabilizer rods use thick-walled tubing for optimum lateral stability
? Rear torsion bar helps minimize body roll

Braking
? Dual front disc brakes with two-piston calipers and Kawasaki?s sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake system provide maximum stopping power
? Electronically controlled Kawasaki Engine Brake Control helps to slow the ATV under certain conditions

Wide and Rugged Styling
? High-gloss, scratch-resistant Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) bodywork offers a strong, scratch resistant surface to help it stay fresh looking for the long haul
? Bodywork (hood, bumper and headlight surrounds) are key elements of the Brute Force 750?s wide and rugged design
? Covered hood storage bin offers additional convenience and is large enough to hold two 16 oz. bottles
? Front and rear fenders complement the tough-looking design
? Waterproof storage box in the left front fender complements the easy-access storage pocket on the right side
? Dual wide-set 35-watt headlights help provide excellent lighting for nighttime rides
? Cargo racks feature strong 25.4mm tubing for maximum durability. Total combined rack capacity is 264 Lbs
? Tie-down hook points on the cargo rack tubes make it easier ?and far more reliable? to secure a load
? Protective shielding under the front hood helps prevent mud from reaching the air intake, and also helps protect electrical equipment from the elements
? Large wheel-well flaps help minimize water/mud intrusion into the engine compartment

Relaxed Cockpit
? Instrumentation is easy to read at a glance and features a multi-purpose digital display with speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and indicator lamps for EPS, neutral, reverse, 2WD/4WD, belt and oil warnings
? Sport style grips help reduce felt vibration and enhance rider control, as well as offering molded-in safety wire grooves
? Comfortable, upright seating position combines with the independent rear suspension for a plush ride
? Seat material has superb elasticity, offering excellent comfort and long lasting support. The material is also resistant to cold, allowing it to maintain its suppleness when temperatures drop, reducing the chance of tearing/ripping when exposed to extremely cold environments

Additional Features
? 12-volt electric outlet offers convenient power for accessories
? Aluminum footpegs help minimize weight
? Trailer hitch bracket with 1,250-pound towing capacity is standard equipment

USA Specifications
USA MSRP: $9,999 - $10,599USD

? Engine Liquid-cooled, 90-degree, four-stroke V-twin
? Valve system SOHC, four valves per cylinder
? Displacement 749cc
? Starting system Electric
? Bore x Stroke 85 x 66mm
? Compression ratio 9.3:1
? Fuel Injection DFI? with two 36mm Mikuni throttle bodies
? Ignition TCBI with digital advance
? Transmission Continuously variable belt-drive transmission with high and low range, plus reverse, and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
? Final drive Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
? Frame Type Double-cradle, high-tensile tubular steel
? Front suspension / wheel travel Double Wishbone/ 6.7 in.
? Rear suspension / wheel travel Fully independent, dual A-arm / 7.5 in.
? Front Tire Size AT25x8-12
? Rear Tire Size AT25x10-12
? Front brakes Dual hydraulic 200mm discs with 2-piston calipers
? Rear Brakes Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
? Overall length 86.4 in.
? Overall width 46.5 in.
? Overall height 48.0 in.
? Wheelbase 50.6 in.
? Turning Radius 10 ft. 6 in.
? Ground clearance 9.4 in.
? Seat height 35.8 in.
? Lighting 35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight
? Rack capacity, front / rear 88 lbs. / 176 lbs.
? Towing capacity 1,250 lbs.
? Curb weight 694.6 lbs.
? Fuel capacity 5.0 gal.
? Instruments Speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicators for EPS, neutral, reverse, belt, and oil pressure.
? Color Choices Super Black, Firecracker Red, Candy Lime Green ($10,599)
? Good Times? Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
? Warranty 12 Months

Canada Specifications
Canadian MSRP: Firecracker Red KVF750GDF $11,699; Super Black KVF750GDF $11,699; Candy Lime Green KVF750JDF $12,099; Camouflage Realtree APG KVF750HDF $12,149

ENGINE
Type 4-stroke, 90? V-twin
Displacement 749cc
Bore and Stroke 85.0 x 66.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 9.3:1
Valve System SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System Fuel injection: 36 mm x 2
Ignition Battery & Coil (Transistorised ignition)
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission Dual range CVT with reverse
Final Drive 2WD / 4WD, shaft
Primary Reduction Ratio 3.122 ~ 0.635 (belt converter)
Overall Drive Ratio: Forward (High) 2.884 (29/27 x 29/18 x 20/12)
Overall Drive Ratio: Forward (Low) 4.833 (36/20 x 29/18 x 20/12)
Overall Drive Ratio: Reverse 4.028 (16/12 x 18/16 x 29/18 x 20/12)
Final Reduction Ratio 4.375 (35/8)

FRAME
Type Double cradle, high-tensile tubular steel
Wheel Travel: Front 169 mm (6.7 in.)
Tires: Front AT 25 x 8-12
Wheel Travel: Rear 190 mm (7.5 in.)
Tires: Rear AT 25 x 10-12
Caster (Rake) 2?
Trail 12 mm (0.5 in.)
Steering angle (left/right) 47? / 47?

SUSPENSION
Suspension, Front Double wishbone with 5-way adjustable spring preload
Suspension, Rear Double wishbone with 5-way adjustable spring preload

BRAKES
Front: Type Dual 200 mm discs with 2-piston calipers
Rear: Type Enclosed wet multi-plate
Parking: Type Enclosed wet multi-plate

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Battery TBA
Charging Output TBA
Headlights (High/Low) 35W
Headlight Marker Lights TBA
Tail/Brake Light 5W, 21W
Instrumentation Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, engine temperature indicator, clock, and hour meter.

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,195 mm (86.4 in.)
Overall Width 1,180 mm (46.5 in.)
Overall Height 1,220 mm (48.0 in.)
Wheelbase 1,285 mm (50.6 in.)
Tread (Front/Rear) 925 mm (36.4 in.) / 890 mm (35.0 in.)
Ground Clearance: At centre of Chassis 240 mm (9.4 in.)
Seat Height 910 mm (35.8 in.)
Curb Mass** 315 kg (694.4 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 19 litres (4.2 gal.)

PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power? 37 kW {50 PS} @ 6,750 rpm
Maximum Torque? 59 N.m {6.0 kgf.m} @ 5,250 rpm
Minimum Turning Radius 3.2 m (10.5 ft.)
Towing Capacity 567 kgs (1,250 lbs.)
? Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.

DETAILS
Warranty 12 mo. warranty

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)

MSRP*
Firecracker Red KVF750GDF $11,699
Super Black KVF750GDF $11,699
Candy Lime Green KVF750JDF $12,099
Camouflage Realtree APG KVF750HDF $12,149

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

The amount indicated as "Your price" may include an optional instant Mega Cash credit that is deducted from the manufacturer's suggested retail price before taxes. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions will apply. See your dealer for complete details. Offer not available on financed purchases and cannot be combined with any other special offers. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.

Specifications, appearance, and price of product are subject to change without notice.

Source: http://atv-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-kawasaki-brute-force-750-4x4i-eps.html

Star Trek Into Darkness redskins Heisman watch John McAfee Jenny Rivera Pacquiao vs Marquez 4 kobe bryant

January aside, higher taxes loom

WASHINGTON?? Workers probably won't feel the full brunt of next year's tax increases in their January paychecks, but they shouldn't be fooled by the temporary reprieve.

No matter what Congress does to address the year-end fiscal cliff, it's already too late for employers to accurately withhold income taxes from January paychecks, unless all the current tax rates remain unchanged, which is an unlikely scenario.

Social Security payroll taxes are set to increase on Jan. 1, so workers should immediately feel the squeeze of a 2-percent cut in their take-home pay. But as talks drag on over how to address other year-end tax increases, the Internal Revenue Service has delayed releasing income tax withholding tables for 2013.

As a result, employers are planning to withhold income taxes at the 2012 rates, at least for the first one or two paychecks of the year, said Michael O'Toole of the American Payroll Association.

If employers don't withhold enough taxes in January, they will have to withhold even more taxes later in the year to make up the difference. Otherwise, taxpayers could get hit with big tax bills, and possibly penalties, when they file their 2013 returns. Video: Breaking down the 'fiscal cliff'

The tax increases could be steep. If Congress fails to act, workers at every income level face significant tax increases next year as part of the year-end "fiscal cliff."

A taxpayer making between $50,000 and $75,000 would get an average tax increase of $2,400, according to the Tax Policy Center, a Washington research group. If the worker is paid every two weeks, that's about $92 a paycheck, on average.

Someone making between $75,000 and $100,000 would get a tax increase averaging nearly $3,700. If the worker is paid every two weeks, that's about $142 a paycheck.

O'Toole said it would take most employers two weeks to four weeks to update their payroll systems, once new tax withholding tables are released. For some small businesses, it could take longer.

"Employers can't really just come up with withholding tables on their own, depending on what the rates are," O'Toole said. "The smaller companies that do not use a payroll processing service probably would have more problems than anyone else."

On Friday, the IRS said it plans to issue guidance by the end the year, though it won't be early enough to affect paychecks in early January.

"We are aware that employers have questions with respect to 2013 withholding," the agency said in a written statement. "Since Congress is still considering changes to the tax law, we continue to closely monitor the situation. We intend to issue guidance by the end of the year on appropriate withholding for 2013."

About three-quarters of taxpayers received tax refunds this year, averaging $2,707, according to the IRS. That gives most taxpayers some leeway to manage their income tax withholding. However, many people rely on tax refunds to pay bills or make major purchases.

"The reality is, the vast majority of Americans do live paycheck to paycheck and that tax refund is their most significant payday of the year," said Bob Meighan, vice president of TurboTax, an online tax preparation service.

Most of the expiring tax breaks were first enacted under President George W. Bush and extended under President Barack Obama. Obama campaigned for re-election on extending the tax cuts on incomes below $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for married couples. Obama would let the tax cuts expire on incomes above those amounts. Video: ?Fiscal cliff? looms as lawmakers head home

In negotiations with House Speaker John Boehner, Obama offered to raise the income threshold, limiting tax increases to those making more than $400,000. Boehner, who has argued for years that the tax cuts should be made permanent for everyone, responded by trying to push a bill through the House that would have let many of the tax cuts expire on incomes above $1 million.

1. Other political news of note

   1. Schumer non-committal on Hagel as defense secretary

      Updated 97 minutes ago 12/23/2012 5:37:07 PM +00:00 The possibility of President Barack Obama nominating former Nebraska senator Chuck Hagel as defense secretary seemed to suffer some deflation Sunday when in an appearance on NBC?s Meet the Press, Sen. Charles Schumer, D- N.Y., passed up the chance to support Hagel.

   2. LaPierre refuses to back new gun curbs
   3. Obama on cliff deal: 'Still think we can get it done'
   4. George H.W. Bush to stay in hospital longer
   5. Boehner's fiscal path forward: 'God only knows'

Many Republicans revolted and Boehner, R-Ohio, shelved the bill, sending lawmakers home for the Christmas holiday and leaving the outcome of talks in doubt as the new year approaches.

If Congress and the White House cannot reach a deal, income tax rates would go up, estate taxes and investment taxes would increase and the alternative minimum tax would hit millions of middle-income people. A temporary payroll tax cut that has benefited nearly every wage earner in 2011 and 2012 expires, costing the average family an additional $1,000 a year by itself.

In addition, dozens of other tax breaks for businesses and individuals that are routinely renewed each year already expired at the end of 2011. Congress was expected to renew many of them by January, so taxpayers could still claim them on their 2012 tax returns.

If Congress doesn't act on those tax cuts, businesses would lose a popular tax credit for research and development as well as generous tax breaks for investing in new plants and equipment. Individuals would lose federal tax breaks for paying local sales taxes, buying energy efficient appliances and using mass transit.

In all, taxes would increase by about $536 billion next year.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/50280874/ns/politics/

Marcus Lattimore news 12 world series giants Natina Reed Sandy Hurricane flight tracker

Senior Lecturer (Mathematics), Mathematics & Computer Science ...

JOB DETAILS:

POSITION: Senior Lecturer (Renewable), Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science invites applications for an Academic Staff position in Mathematics beginning Fall 2013. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science consists of seven full-time faculty and more than 100 undergraduate students seeking majors in Mathematics, Discrete Applied Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Computer Science along with minors in those disciplines and Information Technology. Additional information about the Department can be found at http://www.uwsuper.edu/acaddept/mathcsci/index.cfm

DUTIES:

• Teaching undergraduate and developmental courses in Mathematics, and possibly in Computer Science, with focus on service courses within the general education curriculum. For the most recent courses, see http://www.uwsuper.edu
• Advising undergraduates
• Participating in departmental activities
• Serving on departmental and university-wide committees

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

Master's Degree in Mathematics or a related field.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

Teaching and/or field experience in Mathematics or Computer Science is highly desirable. Preference may be given to candidates whose mathematical training is supplemented by experience with statistics or computer science and to candidates with experience in university-level curriculum development. Willingness and interest in utilizing technology in the classroom and on-line preferred.

SALARY: UW-Superior offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance coverage for domestic partners and their eligible dependents.

STARTING DATE: August 2013

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For additional information visit www.uwsuper.edu or contact (715) 394-8140

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will commence February 1, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. Only completed application packets will be reviewed. Please apply online at UW-Careers (http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/career-gateway.cfm) and submit your application packet to include:

1) A letter of application,
2) Curriculum Vita,
3) Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate degrees,
4) Contact information for three references
5) In addition, have two of your references email letters of recommendation to Ms. Patser Lynch, plynch1@uwsuper.edu

If you have questions in regards to the hiring process, please contact Dr. Uwe Leck, Chair of Search and Screen Committee, at uleck@uwsuper.edu or Ms. Patser Lynch at (715) 394-8140 or plynch1@uwsuper.edu .

How to Register for a UW-Careers Account:

1. To register for a UW-Careers account, click on the click here to Register link to create your user name and password.
2. Search for the Senior Lecturer (Mathematics), Mathematics & Computer Science position and click on the Apply Now button to submit a resume.
3. At this time, you will be asked to complete your profile. Please select Save to continue the application process.
4. To submit your letter of application, unofficial transcripts, etc., you must add the document as an attachment by clicking on the Add Attachment link below the Cover Letters and Attachments box.
5. Clicking on the Next link, please complete the required Online Questionnaire.
6. After the Online Questionnaire has been completed, click Next again to provide contact information for three professional references, if required, in the References section by selecting the Add Reference link.
7. Once reference information has been listed, click on Next to complete the How did you find out about the position? section of the application process.
8. Once you have completed all sections, click on the Save button and then Submit button to submit your materials.

At any time you may select the Save button to save your progress. When you have submitted your application, ability to change materials submitted will not be available.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Superior is committed to making excellence inclusive in every aspect of the institution. Diversity, inclusion and equity are prioritized learning resources for all community members. We strive to offer quality programs in an environment of trust and cooperation that centers on the worth of all individuals. The University is seeking candidates who will contribute to the achievement of this goal.

UW-Superior: A Special Place: The University of Wisconsin-Superior is Wisconsin's leading public liberal arts college. Established in 1893 with a mission to train teachers, it later became a part of the University of Wisconsin-System, and in 1998 was designated as Wisconsin's Leading Public Liberal Arts College by the University of Wisconsin System Board of regents. The University serves 2,900 traditional and non-traditional students and is dedicated to the integration of liberal and professional studies and serving a diverse student population. UW-Superior maintains the values of its founding as a teacher education college through emphasis on excellence in teaching as well as service to the community and region. The core mission is student-centered and values oriented, as the institution fosters intellectual growth and career preparation within a liberal arts tradition that emphasizes individual attention and embodies respect for diverse cultures and multiple voices. The richness of programs lend to a very personalized educational environment that integrates theory and practice, liberal and professional education, teaching, scholarship, and creativity. The University has launched a significant campus-wide Liberal Arts Initiative that includes a First Year Experience, Academic Service Learning, Global Awareness, Writing Across the Curriculum, and a Senior Year Experience. At UW-Superior, we promote the values of academic excellence, integrity, and community within a collegial environment. At the core of our values is the appreciation for, and examination of, diversity, inclusivity, and equity. UW-Superior offers day, evening, weekend, and distance learning classes.

Source: http://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=175705551

unclaimed money godspell media matters hana taylor momsen xbox live update joan rivers

Playboy Bunny Costume Gets A New Sari-Inspired Look For India (PHOTOS)

Despite receiving a barrage of criticism, Playboy trudged on with its plans to open up clubs across India -- with brand new, modest bunny costumes, of course.

The less-revealing outfits were unveiled in Mumbai on Wednesday and will be worn in the new beachside Playboy Club in Goa next year. Designer Mohini Tadikonda was tapped to take on the iconic silk corset, black tights, fluffy tails, ears, bow-ties and cuffs and translate the pieces into an ensemble that's more in line with India's strict obscenity laws.

Tadikonda's tempered take? He kept the ears, bow-ties and tails, but added a one-shoulder corset top with a bare midriff and a long, sheer skirt. He explained the tricky alterations to the Mumbai Mirror:

"My biggest challenge fell below the waist. At first, I wasn't sure how to work around the hip exposure that is iconic to the American Bunny costume. The upper portion of the bustier was not an issue and I was able to leave that untouched. I knew that the hip had to be covered, so I developed concepts that addressed the questionable area while still allowing an illusion of exposure."

Of course, it's worth noting that these India-specific costumes are the only set specially made to adhere to local guidelines. In fact, Playboy magazine is banned in the country entirely. But don't worry, Hugh Hefner himself reportedly gave his seal of approval on the more conservative duds. Plus, Sanjay Gupta, Playboy India's chief executive, seems to think that the bunny costumes should be the least of India's modesty worries. "If you watch Bollywood films you will see women dressed far sexier and in more revealing outfits," he said.

Gupta did make sure to add one caveat for the forthcoming Playboy Bunny club: "We are clear about one thing: There will absolutely be no nudity."

What do you think of the new Playboy Bunny uniforms? Take a look the redesigned version and the classic costume below and tell us which you prefer.

The new Playboy Bunny uniform for India:

The traditional Playboy Bunny uniform:

Think these are bad? Check out some inappropriate costumes.

• "Sexy" Burt & Ernie Costumes

  On second thought, maybe they <em>should</em> cut funding to PBS.

• "Ring Toss" Costume

  The hat that says "Winner gets a free ride" is pretty much the worst.

• The Nip Slip

  Is it still a "slip" if you do it on purpose?

• Condom Dispenser

  At least he's promoting safe sex.

• Female Inflatable Doll

  Yeah... This could get awkward.

• Walking Sex

  Now you can make people uncomfortable all night long.

• "Anna Rexia" Costume

  Because eating disorders are meant to be portrayed as sexy and hilarious, right?

• Just A Penis

  Word to the wise: make sure you take your penis costume for a trial run at the local library before hitting the sidewalk.

• Giant Boob

  At least he knows what he is.

• Google Boobs

  Feeling lucky?

• Middle Finger

  Facial expression not included.

• "Anita Sedative" Costume

  When you're wearing a sexy costume to a Halloween party, it's probably a good idea to stay away from sedatives and not bring your own restraints.

• "Happy Morning" Costume

  It's not surprising that this one's on clearance for $7.99.

• Pussy Magnet

  We sort of feel like this guy wasn't looking for cats.

• Holy Sh*t

  Don't worry, there are more dirty puns where that came from.

• Free Mammograms

  As long as there's no copay.

• Mangina

  If you wear this, it's the closest you'll come to seeing one that night.

• Naked Grandmother

  Why is the blacked-out tooth part of it?

• "The Shocker" Costume

  Make sure you include the hand gestures so you get the point across that you're a complete douche.

• Tampax

  Ladies?

• Heartbreak Clown Thong

  Dressing up as a heartbroken clown has never been ... sexier?

• Sexy American Indian

  Pocahantas didn't even dress this sexy.

• "Dept. Of Erections" Costume

  For a con, he looks pretty pleased with himself.

• "Beastiality" Costume

  No more beer for this guy.

• Poop

  Looking like sh*t has never been so cute.

• Banana Flasher

  Of all the costumes that scream "I have a penis!" this has got to be the most frightening.

• "Droopers" Costume

  Would you take a shot with this guy?

• "Sperm Man" Costume

  We don't even want to know what his superpowers are.

• The 69

  For those mischief-makers who enjoy holding plastic props to their bodies all night long.

• A Knight To Remember

  EEEEWWWWWW.

• ???

  Just in case you wanted to dress up as "WTF" this Halloween.

• The "Biggest Show On Earth"

  Nothing says class like wearing a circus tent on your crotch. (Thanks for the tip, Karen!)

• "Country Lovin"

  The commercial version is so much more disturbing than the homemade version.

• Used Pad Man

  Steady blood flow, meet steady alcohol flow.

• Trash Can Baby

  He has low self-esteem.

• Birthing Woman

  Now your roommates know why you've been practicing your birth face in the mirror for so long.

• Franzia

  Wine in a box continues its tradition of being the least romantic thing ever.

• Hung Like A Horse

  Real subtle.

• Vibrator

  Dild'oh!

• Toilet Time

  These guys must really, really love each other.

• Penis Man

  In case anyone was wondering why Spencer's Gifts was sold out of mock penises this year.

• Sexy Etch-A-Sketch

  We feel like this is going to end in some shaking accidents later in the night.

• The Human Centipede

  Halloween couldn't be complete this year without a good old-fashioned Human Centipede costume.

• Vagina Dentata

  A feminist twist on the ubiquitous vagina-head costume worn by frat boys everywhere.

• Unkempt Lifeguard?

  WHY?

• "Zombie Fetus" Costume

  When you decide to pull off an extremely creepy costume, it's best to let your attitude match it. Yeah, it's a dead baby but she's cool with it.

• Beer Dispensing Boobs

  Let's see the St. Pauly Girl do this.

• "Rub Me" Genie

  More like Alad-<em>don't</em>.

• Hitler?!

  We've seen homemade Hitler costumes before (which are also ridiculous) but this commercial version just blows us away.

• Snake Charmer

  Sometimes, knocking over every beer in front of you is a necessary sacrifice for the perfect sexual innuendo costume.

• Furries??

  We're not quite sure what these are...but we have a feeling they're NSFW.

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.
--
Do you have a style story idea or tip? Email us at stylesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

"; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed(this, html, undefined, 'top', {fp_intersects:1, timeout_remove:2000,ignore_arrow: true, width:236, add_xy:coords, class_name: 'clear-overlay'}); });

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/22/playboy-bunny-costume-india-photos-pictures_n_2352161.html

football score ron paul nevada buffalo chicken dip soul train nevada caucus ufc 143 what time does the super bowl start

Whoa, Behance Sold For A Whopping $150 Million! - Business Insider

Earlier today, news circulated that another New York startup had been acquired.

Behance, a community for designers and artists that hosts portfolios, was bought by Adobe.

The sale price wasn't listed, but Om Malik's sources say Adobe spent more than $100 million on Behance.

One source pegged the price "closer to $150 million."

A Business Insider source also confirms that the sale was "9-figures." When asked about the $150 million number we were told, "Something like that."

That's a huge win for co-founders Scott Belsky and Matias Corea, who bootstrapped the startup for its first five years. They raised $6.5 million earlier this year, and there's no doubt the investors involved are thrilled.

It's also another big exit for the New York tech community, sitting nicely between SinglePlatform, which was acquired earlier this year for $100 million, and OMGPOP, which was acquired by Zynga for ~ $200 million.

Here are all the other big New York tech exits of the year.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/woah-behance-sold-for-a-whopping-150-million-2012-12

super tuesday states shepard fairey is snooki pregnant snooki pregnant gbc hedy lamarr jack white

Japan files complaint against China over steel duties: WTO

Japan has filed a complaint against China for imposing duties on steel tube imports which Beijing claims were being sold at prices below market levels, the World Trade Organization said on Thursday.

Japan had on Thursday requested "consultations with China concerning China's measures imposing anti-dumping duties on high performance stainless steel seamless tubes from Japan," the UN's trade body said.

Japan charged that the duties violated international agreements, in the latest volley in a slew of trade rows between China and its key trade partners that have seen tit-for-tat duties put on a range of goods.

China announced the new duties -- ranging from 9.2 to 14.4 percent -- last month on imports both from Japan and the European Union of steel tube mainly used in industrial boilers.

Beijing insisted the duties were needed since it claimed the imports were being sold at below market prices and causing "substantive harm" to Chinese industry.

China, the world's top exporter, is also at loggerheads with its main trade partners, Japan, the United States and the EU, over sales of automobiles, rare earth minerals and solar cells.

In international trade disputes through the WTO member states must, as Japan did Thursday, always start by requesting bilateral "consultations", which usually last 60 days.

If at the end of the discussions the dispute has not been settled, the complaining party can request the creation of a panel of experts to study the matter. The countries are required to act in accordance with the panel's conclusions.

The whole procedure usually takes several months.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Expatica-SwissHeadlines/~3/5cMtrGDSWCY/japan-files-complaint-against-china-over-steel-duties-wto_253794.html

gcb mary j blige

Key issues may persist in Iran-U.N. nuclear talks: diplomats

VIENNA (Reuters) - The United Nations nuclear watchdog and Iran may have made headway in talks on Tehran's disputed atomic activities but important points remain to be settled before a deal can be clinched, diplomats said on Wednesday.

Both the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran said progress was achieved at a meeting last Thursday towards an agreement the IAEA says would allow it to resume a long-stalled inquiry into suspected atom bomb research in the Islamic state.

The IAEA, in a note to member states obtained by Reuters, said it "expects to be able to finalize" the framework accord on how to conduct its investigation in a new round of discussions in Tehran on January 16 and then to start implementing it.

Neither the IAEA nor Iran gave details on what kind of the progress they made in last week's negotiations.

The talks are separate from but linked to broader diplomacy by six world powers to resolve the nuclear row with Iran before it unravels into a Middle East war, feared because of Israeli threats to bomb Iranian nuclear sites.

Diplomats accredited to the Vienna-based U.N. agency said they believed some issues of substance were still outstanding and suggested a successful outcome was not guaranteed.

A stubborn stumbling block, a Western envoy said, was Iran's request that areas of the inquiry be declared closed once IAEA questions had been addressed. The U.N. agency wants to be able to return to issues if, for example, new evidence arises.

Another lingering issue, a second diplomat said, was Iran's demand for access to the largely Western intelligence documents at the basis of the IAEA's concerns about possible illicit military dimensions to its nuclear activity.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano has said he was willing to provide documents to Iran "when appropriate". But Western officials say it is difficult for the agency to do so when it has been given the material in confidence and secrecy by other states who may fear exposure of their sources if Iran sees the original files.

IAEA officials "do feel that there is room for optimism" about an agreement, a Western diplomat briefed about the December 13 negotiations in the Iranian capital said. But, "there is still work to be done to get to the final agreement".

Another diplomat in Vienna said: "Differences still remain. We have been here before."

DASHED EXPECTATIONS

That was a reference to a visit to Tehran by Amano in May, after which he said he expected to sign an agreement with Iran soon to unblock the agency's inquiry, only to see it fail to materialize.

The Islamic Republic denies Western accusations that it is trying to develop the means to make nuclear weapons behind the guise of a declared civilian nuclear energy program.

The IAEA, whose mission it is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the world, has been trying for almost a year to negotiate a so-called structured approach deal with Iran that would give it access to sites, officials and documents.

Western diplomats, who often accuse Iran of stonewalling and playing for time in its dealings with the IAEA, said that even if an agreement were to be reached what mattered was how it was carried out in practice.

"We really want to avoid a structured approach that is simply a gateway to further process," one of the diplomats said.

The United States last month set a March deadline for Iran to start substantive cooperation with the IAEA's investigation, warning Tehran the issue may otherwise be referred to the U.N. Security Council.

Iran was first reported to the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program by the IAEA's 35-nation board in 2006 and then was hit by U.N. sanctions, which have been expanded since.

In late 2011, the IAEA published a report with a trove of intelligence indicating past research in Iran which could be relevant for nuclear weapons, some which may still continue.

Iran's refusal to curb nuclear activity with both civilian and military applications, and its lack of openness with the IAEA, have drawn tough Western punitive measures and a threat of pre-emptive military strikes by its arch-adversary Israel.

Analysts and diplomats say there is a window of opportunity for world powers to make a renewed diplomatic push to find a broader negotiated solution to the dispute after last month's re-election of U.S. President Barack Obama.

The six powers - the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China - want Iran to scale back its uranium enrichment program and cooperate fully with the IAEA. Iran wants the West to lift punitive measures hurting its economy.

(Editing by Mark Heinrich)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/key-issues-may-persist-iran-u-n-nuclear-141649994.html

jon bon jovi

Arming Teachers, School Cops Could Cause More Harm Than Good, Experts Say

A nation shaken by Friday's school shooting in Newtown, Conn., is wondering what to do to prevent future tragedies. Some gun rights advocates have suggested returning to a time-worn strategy in lieu of gun control: keeping up with the proliferation of arms outside the schoolhouse doors by arming those inside.

If the principal of Sandy Hook had been armed with an M-4 carbine, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) argued on "Fox News Sunday," she could have stopped the tragedy crucial minutes before the police. She could have "take(n) his head off before he [could] kill those precious kids."

It is an argument using the logic of what critics call the "maximum guns" school of thought about preventing violence at schools. Though schools rarely arm teachers themselves, armed police are a frequent sight inside many American schools. But school safety and child psychology experts surveyed by The Huffington Post said there is no guarantee that putting more guns in schools, even in the hands of trained police officers, will stop rampage killings -- and that increased school security could come at the cost of children's well-being.

While attempts at gun control have floundered since 1999, the year of the Columbine school shooting, the federal government has poured more than $811 million into hiring cops for schools. The number of police on campuses has ballooned from around 9,446 in 1997 to 17,000, according to a March 2010 policy brief from the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School.

The deadly and ever more popular assault rifles widely available for legal purchase, meanwhile, have prompted police to respond with higher-powered weapons of their own. In August, before a public outcry stopped the plan, police in Plainfield, Ill., proposed storing AR-15 assault rifles -- similar to the type that Lanza used -- in secure lockers inside high schools. It was a preventive measure, they said, against a "worst-case scenario."

Bill Bond is one of the few who knows the school shooter scenario firsthand. He was the principal at Heath High School in Paducah, Ky., in 1997, when a 14-year-old opened fire on a student prayer group. Bond came out of his office to confront the gunman face-to-face. He said he has no doubts about how that day would have ended if he had done what Gohmert suggests.

The shooter "stood against a wall and shot eight kids and three of them died. That took 12 seconds. It is fast," said Bond, who is now the specialist for school safety for the National Association of Secondary School Principals. If he had been running toward the shooter with a weapon in his hands, he believes, he would have been shot. "I was able to take the gun from him, but I believe if I had been armed, I would have been dead."

When a former student killed seven people at a high school in Red Lake, Minn., in 2005, Bond noted, the first target he went for was the unarmed school security guard. And against a gunman with an arsenal like Lanza's, Bond said, even a police officer with a handgun would have had little chance.

Many police officers, on the other hand, claim that while they might not be able to stop a determined shooter's first bullet, they can minimize the scope of a tragedy. Their claims may be supported by the fact that Adam Lanza apparently killed himself, ending his rampage at Sandy Hook, only when he heard police were getting close to the school.

"You may not be able to stop the first [shot]," said Kevin Quinn, a school police officer who is president of the National Association of School Resource Officers. "Even in my own school, where I'm sitting in my office 50 feet from the first door, if someone broke in the front door and fired one shot, I can't stop it."

What cops can do though, he argued, is "attempt to minimize the damages, minimize the casualties ... every second could mean several lives."

In recent years, federal support for a program to put cops in schools has slipped. But it is not clear how the program could have prevented tragedies like the one in Newtown, as elementary schools are rarely a priority for strapped cities and towns. According to the Justice Department, over the lifetime of a federal program that supports local police hiring, only around 1 percent of the officers hired went to work in elementary schools.

Critics, meanwhile, say the loss of school policing programs are nothing to lament. In far too many schools, they say, cops have turned what should be places of learning into semi-militarized environments.

"Singular horrible events like this past week make us all upset, but if we look at the data, it doesn't make sense that that's where we need to beef up security in a very expensive way -- not only financially but also at the cost of our children's feeling of security," said Kenneth Dodge, director of the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University.

Less than 2 percent of homicides committed against children happen at school, Dodge said. A November 2011 report by the Justice Policy Institute found little correlation between the number of cops at schools and the number of student-reported violent incidents. An article published in the Journal of School Health in 2011, reviewing 15 years of studies of metal detectors at schools, found that there was insufficient evidence to support the conclusion they made schools safer, but plenty to suggest they made students feel more unsafe.

The JPI report argued that police do have another, detrimental effect on the educational environment: They essentially turn every disciplinary offense into a potential crime. And the review of metal detectors found plenty to suggest that they create a climate of fear.

Metal detectors, police officers in hallways, and zero tolerance policies have "been a failure in that they make children anxious, they make schools less welcoming," Dodge said.

Complicating the post-Newtown discussion around cops in schools is that police have said Lanza had "no connection" to Sandy Hook Elementary. He may have chosen to instead target a movie theater or a shopping mall -- like the rampage killers in Aurora, Colo., or Portland, Ore. -- to pursue his deadly ends.

To stop determined shooters from killing children anywhere, Dodge said, "we'd have to put fences up around our school parking lots, and we'd probably have to do the same around shopping malls and parks and everywhere kids go."

That is not necessarily a bad idea, said Quinn of the school police officers' association, who suggested there should be more police everywhere children congregate. "The way things are going now, it sure as heck couldn't hurt," he said.

But Dodge argued for a different path -- one that looks at school safety as a consequence of the larger problems with violence in America. "Isn't it more straightforward to just get rid of the guns?"

"; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed(this, html, undefined, 'top', {fp_intersects:1, timeout_remove:2000,ignore_arrow: true, width:236, add_xy:coords, class_name: 'clear-overlay'}); });

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/18/arming-teachers-cops-sandy-hook_n_2325727.html

gronkowski jeremy renner best buy black friday deals breaking dawn part 2 breaking dawn part 2 Jennifer Lacy Honey Baked Ham

Egypt opposition to protest against "invalid" constitution

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's opposition plans new protests on Tuesday against a planned Islamist-backed constitution that looks set to be approved in the second round of a referendum next weekend.

Islamist President Mohamed Mursi obtained a 57 percent "yes" vote for the constitution in initial voting on Saturday, his party said, less than he had hoped for.

The result is likely to embolden the opposition, which says the law is too Islamist, although the second round is expected to result in another "yes", while underlining the deep divisions that have riven Egypt since Hosni Mubarak's fall.

On Monday, protesters broke out into cheers when the public prosecutor Mursi appointed just last month announced his resignation. They said it was a victory for the independence of the judiciary.

But they are unlikely to win Saturday's referendum second round, to be held in districts seen as even more sympathetic towards Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood, which won elections held after Mubarak was ousted in February 2011.

The opposition National Salvation Front said there were widespread voting violations in the first round of the referendum vote and urged organisers to ensure that the second round was properly supervised.

It has called for protests across Egypt on Tuesday "to stop forgery and bring down the invalid draft constitution" and wants organisers to re-run the first round of voting.

In Cairo, the Front plans to hold demonstrations at Tahrir Square, cradle of the revolution that toppled Mubarak, and outside Mursi's presidential palace, still ringed with tanks after earlier protests.

"Down with the constitution of the Brotherhood," the Front said in a statement. "Down with the constitution of tyranny."

The build-up to the first round saw clashes between supporters and opponents of Mursi in which eight people died. Demonstrations in Cairo have been more peaceful, although rival factions clashed on Friday in Alexandria, Egypt's second biggest city.

On Monday, more than 1,300 members of the General Prosecution gathered outside the office of Public Prosecutor Talaat Ibrahim to demand that he leave his post.

Hours later, Ibrahim announced he had resigned and the crowd cheered, "God is Great! Long live justice!" and "Long live the independence of the judiciary!" witnesses said.

Official results of the referendum will come only after the second round, but one newspaper calculated that out of every 100 Egyptians, 18 voted "yes", 13 voted "no" and the rest did not participate, buttressing opposition claims that Mursi had failed to secure real backing.

The closeness of the first-round tally and low turnout give Mursi scant comfort as he seeks to assemble support for difficult economic reforms to reduce the budget deficit.

He will hold a further round of national unity talks with political leaders on Tuesday, but the National Salvation Front is expected to stay away, as it has in the past.

OPPOSITION BOOST

The lack of a clear result in the plebiscite so far has complicated matters for Mursi, strengthening the fractious opposition and casting doubt over the credibility of the constitution, political analysts believe.

"This percentage ... will strengthen the hand of the National Salvation Front and the leaders of this Front have declared they are going to continue this fight to discredit the constitution," said Mustapha Kamal Al-Sayyid, a professor of political science at Cairo University.

Mursi would be likely to become more unpopular with the introduction of planned austerity measures, polarising society further, Sayyid told Reuters.

If the constitution passes next weekend, national elections can take place early next year, something many hope will usher in a much-needed period of stability in Egypt.

To tackle the budget deficit, the government needs to impose tax rises and cut back fuel subsidies. Uncertainty surrounding economic reform plans has already forced the postponement of a $4.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. The Egyptian pound has fallen to eight-year lows against the dollar.

Mursi and his backers say the constitution is vital to moving Egypt's democratic transition forward. Opponents say the document is too Islamist and ignores the rights of women and of minorities, including Christians who make up 10 percent of the population.

Demonstrations erupted when Mursi awarded himself extra powers on November 22 and then fast-tracked the constitution through an assembly dominated by his Islamist allies and boycotted by many liberals.

The referendum is being held over two days because many of the judges needed to oversee polling staged a boycott in protest. In order to pass, the constitution must be approved by more than 50 percent of those casting ballots.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-opposition-protest-against-invalid-constitution-064740949.html

askew blue moon ann romney marco rubio marco rubio farrah abraham