Feb 18 2010

King Tut’s Lineage Revealed

In a recent use of modern technology, new results for the famed Boy King reveal interesting results.

Scientists have identified Akhenaten, the "heretic" king who introduced monotheism to ancient Egypt, as Tutankhamun's father.

Akhenaten first married Nefertiti, who was renowned for her great beauty, but had no sons so he then married his sister in an effort to have a son.

This new investigation was led by Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. Hawass said it would take several months to reveal more details about the identity of the Tutankhamun's mother.  His parents had been siblings and he had only paternal grandparents. His family lineage begins with his great grandparents, Thuya and Yuya. They had a daughter who has now been identified as Queen Tiye, King Tut's grandmother and the wife of Amenhotep III.

King Tutankhamun, it appears, was a frail boy who suffered from a cleft palate and club foot. He died of complications from a broken leg exacerbated by malaria. CT scans of his feet showed he had a slight deformity and a severe bone condition called Kohler Disease. "We have a club foot on one side and a flat foot on another side," Dr. Pusch said, who assisted in the investigation. "And the club foot is the foot that shows indication of bone necrosis." Bone necrosis occurs when biological tissue dies inside a body. King Tut would have been living with this painful condition for years, which would explain the 130 walking sticks found in his tomb.

In 2005, researchers studying CT scans of King Tut announced they had found a fresh fracture in his left leg and no evidence suggesting he had been hit in the head, as was once believed, but foul play wasn't ruled out as a cause of death - until now.

Scientists are also looking for the mummy of queen Nefertiti but they have identified Ankhsenamun as Tutankhamun's wife. Two fetuses found in Tutankhamun's tomb, which was full of treasure, were identified as his offspring.

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Jan 26 2010

Heidi Montag Surgery Controversy

Heidi Montag, star of MTV's The Hills has recently come under fire for undergoing 10 plastic surgeries in one day. Pretty crazy for a 23 year old.  Usually it is her crazy husband and wannabe celebrity, attention whore Spencer who does the outlandish, but not this time.

She was such a beautiful girl to begin with! The Hollywood machine is eating her up alive! I can only guess this is due to the pressures to look amazing and be the celebrity and paparazzi favorite she craves, but I think it's a case of no self esteem. I thought she looked younger before the Barbie transformation. Such a shame.

In lieu of the controversy, I founds this hilarious video spoof of her recent interview with Billy Bush of Access Hollywood.

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Aug 30 2009

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith interview

Well my rock 'n roll hero Steven Tyler had a recent fall and broke some bones... resulting in the cancellation of Aerosmith's Summer Tour. Here is an interview from their fan site where questions arose of a possible relapse in sobriety as a reason:

Steven Tyler:

“Do I sound fucked up or stoned?” Steven Tyler asks, calling from his home in New Hampshire on Monday. In his first comments to the press, Tyler wants to set the record straight about what happened when he fell off the stage in South Dakota on August 5th — followed by a cancellation of Aerosmith’s summer tour and subsequent reports of band turmoil. “Truth be known, I jumped off the stage on purpose,” he jokes at first. “Figured we hadn’t gotten any new press in so long.” But then Tyler got serious.

How’s your health?
I’ve been better. I’ve got my arm in a sling [from a broken shoulder]. I’m on all the drugs I’m not supposed to be on. But I’m dealing with the pain pretty good.

What happened that night?
I don’t really know. There was a torrential downpour and the guys [at the campground] said, “Look, it’s still slippery.” I watched myself on YouTube, and it could have been my knee buckling or any ankle. The last thing I remember before I hit the ground was people grabbing for me, but they couldn’t reach me because of the barricade. At any other Aerosmith show I probably would’ve been caught and thrown back onto the stage — naked and without jewelry [laughs]. I stood up and couldn’t raise my arm and knew I’d broken something.

Were you sober?
As sober as you can be.

Care to comment on that clip on TMZ of you in a liquor store?
Oh, Jesus Christ. A good friend of mine and Joe’s — the brother of the guy who works on my house, my housekeeper — passed away. I was at the funeral. And after the funeral, they’re Italian and had a feast at the house, a wake, and I stopped at the liquor store and paid for the booze. I did not buy any for myself. It was never proven that I did. Some kid whipped out a phone and took a picture. Anything to sell papers. It was for the wake. I would do it over and over a million times.

How do you look back at Aerosmith’s cursed summer tour?
Every once in a while we gotta be human [laughs] and get Joe’s knee or Brad’s head or whatever done. I’m Italian and I don’t believe in talking about my bandmates. I’m just so pissed it was such a great tour. I had to ruin it all by falling and I’m sorry. I’ve said that to the fans and my band and everybody else. I fucked up. I get in the zone when I’m onstage. I don’t really have to explain anything. I love what I do. The world knows what I do. And I only hope they forgive me for having to cancel such a fucking awesome tour.

How do you respond to reports of dissent within the band?
Someone is leaking stuff, pretending to know, and you know, I don’t even care. Has the band done things to me where I’ve wanted to quit? Positively. But I’ve stuck in there for the sake of a few sounds we got. I respect the power this band has in and of itself regardless of who says what.

When did you last speak with the other guys?
Two days ago. Shit’s good. I’m not the leader. No one’s the leader, we’re just one for all, all for one. It’s probably why we’ve never quit. No one’s got enough money! We split it evenly.

But you have signed with a different management company than the band, and you’re working on a solo album.
I would imagine … I can’t tell you for sure, but I think there’s a little animosity that I went with another management agency. Which is for me to know and you to find out. I’m certainly not in outs with the guys. But look, I do what I do. The easiest thing in the world is to say he’s drunk or stoned. But what are you gonna do?

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Aug 13 2009

White House Health Care Clarifications

Health Insurance Reform Reality Check

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

  1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
  2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
  3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
  4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
  5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
  6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
  7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
  8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

8 common myths about health insurance reform

  1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
  2. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
  3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
  4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
  5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
  6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
  7. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
  8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.  Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.  Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now

  1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
  2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job.  Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
  3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
  4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
  5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
  6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
  7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
  8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
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Jul 15 2009

Michael Jackson Pepsi Commercial video

Where the addiction all started for Michael Jackson...

His hair catches on fire on Take 6 of the commercial shoot. It is said that this was the beginning of his pain pill addiction.

The end of the footage where he is surrounded by people who are assisting him, his singed, bald head and disillusionment are sad, so sad.

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Jul 1 2009

Loving Each Day!

relationshipsThought I'd pass this on from a book about relationships by author John Roger. If you would like or subscribe to his daily emailing of inspiration and encouragement click here!

In order to communicate you must first accept yourself as you are and as good enough just as you are.

Every human being -- every person alive -- is truly a valuable, worthwhile being. It would be to your benefit to remind yourself of that, particularly during emotional times when the information you are communicating may be colored by your conditioned needs. Remind yourself that the person to whom you are talking is a valuable, worthwhile human being -- even if they aren't behaving the way you might wish.

Because people often place things in the way of communication, it would be valuable for you to take the time and make the effort to create an environment that permits any level of communication from others.

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Jun 25 2009

Farrah Fawcett RIP

04-05-09-farrah_fawcett_swimsuit_poster_70sWow, after years of battling colon cancer, an American icon has passed.

This poster back in the 1976 established her sex appeal and status as a sex symbol for the rest of her life and introduced little boys and men to many a grateful image for personal reasons, ahem.  It sold 12 million copies!

One of the original Charlie's Angels, Farrah went on to make made for TV movies, big screen movies and even Broadway.

She married "Six Million Dollar Man" actor Lee Majors, whom she later divorced after nine years and has been with Ryan O'Neil since. She also appeared in Playboy in 1995.  Thanks for the memories!

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May 26 2009

San Francisco Adventures Day 1 – Part 2

img_05181img_05191OK, then we went to his place, visited with his cat Killer and hung out for a quick geek laptop check in on Gmail. After the coffee kicked in we then hit the streets of San Francisco.

We left his apartment near Alamo Square and took a walk up the hill to the park and the view of the Victorians that you always see in the movies. Next we went down to the Castro to eat at Zapatas. After the much needed food we hiked up the hills of the Castro, up Collingwood to 20th Street, over to Church (the biggest hill in the City!) and down to Dolores Park, along Dolores to the Mission, back to Market Street and a refreshing Red Bull at Cafe Flores. We then went down underground and took the Muni Metro down to the Civic Center and a protest and march to round off the afternoon.

img_05201img_05221img_05281img_05331img_05361img_05421img_05451img_05471

I swear we walked almost 6-7 hours total (5 to 6 miles total) possibly?  After the protest march we hit up the Chessecake Factory over the beautiful MACY*S at Union Square. And yes, after all the hard work of recently loosing some weight, I did not have my favorite dessert of cheesecake!

It was a great day. Tomorrow is another day and adventure. I think I am taking Kenny around to all of my childhood haunts and visit old neighborhoods and memories.

I'll post the balance of my pics to the Photos page, enjoy. Time for sleepy time...

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May 20 2009

Bowflex Revolution Time

picture-12

So now that the Master Cleanse is done, I'm 10lbs lighter and we are eating healthy, it's time to make note of our Bowflex.

Yes, it was collecting dust, but now it's our new best friend!

When we first got it we were all gung ho and then it fizzled out as the lack of knowledge and fear of not remembering all the different exercises led to any excuse NOT to use it.

picture-31Well no more - it's 3 days a week on the program and 3 days a week of aerobic training on the Ironman Achiever!

We are doing the following:

Take the Six Week Challenge: 20 minutes a day, 3 times a week!

Do you want to lose weight, build muscle or just look better in the mirror? You need to strength train to add muscle, burn calories and look fantastic with the Bowflex® home gym. The more muscles you have, the higher your metabolism rate, resulting in more calories burned.

The Bowflex® home gym has worked for more than one million people, and it can work for you, too. Bowflex® home gyms work because they are simple to use. Exercises are fast and effective. We back up our promise with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

I mean, I really want to look like Josh from the video! The only thing stopping me is me, so I will get out of the way and go for it! It is awesome doing it with Dave, we will succeed and make our goal of looking good for the August wedding of his niece. And when we return, we will continue doing this fun, healthy training and eating for a better life.

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May 12 2009

Day 2 of the Cleanse

OK, today was a bear in the sense that I woke up with a splitting headache that would not leave until the mid-afternoon. The good part was I went from a starting weight of 203.7 lbs  to 198.4 lbs... it made it worthwhile in a day. On another note, don't forget to add Charmin to the grocery list when starting the cleanse, you'll need plenty of it.

On a lighter note, as I can't have any food for the following 8 days and I am a typography nut, I thought I'd share this combo picture. What's better than french fried letters!

typography-15

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