First Dog Barney Bites Reporter at the White House

Though President Bush has been quite gentlemanly, polite, and reserved in his rebuttals of the rampant press bias aired nearly daily pertaining to his administration, the same can not be said of the First Dog, Barney.

This morning at the White House, Barney bit a correspondent as the reporter bent down to pet him. Barney snapped at the hand of the man and drew blood. The startled media rep was treated by the White House medical staff for his wound and will survive the assault I am happy to report.

Jon Decker, Washington correspondent for Reuters, was the victim of this vicious attack. "I simply wanted to pet this cute, loveable dog...when he snapped at me, bit me, and drew blood...he apparently was in a surly mood...maybe he was upset with the results of Tuesday night, maybe he knows he's being replaced as First Dog...." Jon related as he showed his bandaged hand to the MSNBC interviewer.

Barney is a Scottish Terrier, a breed not known to be overly aggressive nor mean spirited. I am sure he knew something that we don't? Dogs are very instinctive and savvy in judging which human is their friend and which are foes. Did the reporter disrespect his master or mistress? Maybe. Has the reporter been fair with the President in his reporting? Maybe not; not many have been. For whatever reason, Barney chose not to be friends with the surprised - now chewed - would-be petter.

Eight year old Barney has been a fixture in the White House for some time now. I can't recall any other transgressions - if this actually was one of those - by Barney in all this time. He, in fact, has been quite the ambassador of good will at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Among other accomplishments and devious adventures, he's quite the movie star having been the lead actor in at least nine films. His 'Barneycam' exploits are legendary. The Christmas movies have been my favorites as Barney really gets into the Christmas spirit and puts anyone watching his exploits in the same mood. One of his best efforts has to be "Barney's Holiday Extravaganza" which made its debut in December, 2006.

I am going to miss Barney when he no longer is First Dog. Thank goodness we have one more Christmas with the engaging White House 'Scrooge'.

The dog - bitten man now may be the story of the day. I am sure much will be made of it now that the election is over and the media people are frantic for any news which will get them on prime time. Lord knows, they are scrambling for any tidbit nowadays. Geez, this morning Andrea Mitchell commenting on MSNBC spent five minutes discussing with another talking head the absurd observation that McCain staffers had actually seen Sarah Palin wrapped in a towel when they came to her hotel room to brief her. Duh? What should she be in having just come out of the shower? Besides, Andrea, she has the figure for it.

"Astonishing!" exclaimed Andrea. No, Andrea, you are the astonishing one devoting such an unwarranted amount of time on such a non-story as that one - you and the rest of your biased and petty 'meanies' who are also gleefully detailing how much money Sarah supposedly spent on her wardrobe. I don't recall any stories concerning Hillary's wardrobe nor Michelle's. You and your wayward cronies should get down to the real business of the day and drop the character assignations of "The Wild Woman from Wasilla".

My only regrets in hearing of this biting caper by Barney is that it wasn't the vile MSNBC talking head Keith Olbermann, 'Countdown' blasphemer, who has posted GW to his nightly 'Worst Person in the World' list on numerous occasions as well as denigrated the President in many countless ranting and raging sessions coming, at times, close to being treasonous. Or, maybe his newly coached sidekick and distaff imitator, Rachel Maddow, herself an extremist newly appointed to a one hour left wing opportunity on MSNBC during which she is also dropping snide and nasty comments concerning GW or any Republican who comes to her Keith - like mind.

So, good for you, Barney. That will teach those irreverent media types to be more careful when they errantly consign your master to any and all ills of the country and the world. You didn't bite the hand that feeds you, but you sure bit the hand of one of those members of the press corps who have made disparagement a daily routine.

Postscript: Mrs. Bush has issued a statement: "Barney is in the dog house!"

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House Cinema Projector - Source of Home Entertainment

Do you want to have the best cinema experience in the privacy of your homes? Well, many people have a dream of making their houses into a home cinema and enjoy the perfect movie experience in the privacy of their homes. However, it might happen that despite of all the sources and resources, you are not able to find the best home cinema projector for you. So, here are some points that you must take into notice while you go out to buy your home cinema projector.

The first and foremost point that must be taken into consideration while deciding about the best home cinema products is the native resolution of your projector. There are a few very common and widely known resolutions that are WVGA, WSVGA or WXGA. 'W' stands for wide screen and the higher the resolution is, the more are the pixels and therefore the cinema effect is the best. Thus a minimum of WXGA resolution should be the ideal choice for anyone in this case. If you don't plan to have any HD (high definition) sources in near future, then the better choice is switch on to the WXGA medium.

Then comes the contrast ratio in your device. The larger the contrast ration is, the better difference of black and white would be showed up by the projector. The contrasting ratio is such that the black is the better ratio than the white. The brightness that your home projector should offer should be 700 to 2000 lumens. Also, you must buy a projector screen, if you want to get the maximum benefit out of your projector. However, it doesn't imply to a big screen. Because, a big screen, might not be the best. So, you must get the screen which should be good enough to give you the prefect movie watching experience but shouldn't be too big.

So, buy your home TV projector keeping in view these points and you would surely get the best movie watching experience!

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Art of Greece - Hellenistic Period - Creativity at Its Best

The art of Greece in the Hellenistic Period dates back from 323 BCE to 146 BCE, and in particular, refers to the characterization of a high degree of technical elegance blended with a taste for vivid effect. Some of the finest pieces of art works belong to this period. The phase marks the transition from a localized and solitary city-states culture to a cosmopolitan one, proliferating well to the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia too.

The Hellenistic Period was a thorough expression of the artists' inner emotions and feelings i.e., 'real,' rather than just external beauty or 'ideal.' The Hellenistic artworks mostly themed on the daily life, and on the emotive demonstration of Gods & humans, including heroes.

The architecture of the Hellenistic Period was quite innovative. The building plans were framed on natural settings, rather than operating on the space through the correction of defaults. There existed a significant rise in the numbers of theatres and parks during this period. The first ever theatre was built during this period only. In addition, the monarchies situated in several cities, especially the one situated in "Pergamon" (281-133 BC), one of the masterpieces with its famous altar, known as 'of the twelve gods' or 'of the Gods and of the giants,' are the other specialties of the period.

One of the characteristic features of the Greek Art in Hellenistic period are the "Second Classicist" sculptures, highlighting the extreme expressions of pain, stress, anger, fear, and despair, such as in "Winged Victory of Samothrace" (220-190 BC). The statue exemplifies the dramatic drapery and the supple poses with the help of transparent clothing. In "Laocoon and his Sons" (160 BC), an anguished 'Laocoon,' illustrates a father, smothered by snakes, struggling desperately to be freed, without being able to look at his dying sons. The sculpture definitely is a proficient blend of the effects of movements and deep emotions. The statues created during the Hellenistic Period instilled individuality in the subject, betraying its social qualities and attitudes. The erotic themes spread their wings too, as evident through the statues of "Aphrodite," "Eros," "Satyrs," "Dionysus," and "Pan," in myriad patterns and styles.

The Hellenistic Art also included wall paintings & mosaic art, such as the "Alexander Mosaic" (200 BC), from the House of the Faun, Pompeii. In addition, Ceramics, Metallic Arts, and Glass Art too offer ample fascinating works. Overall, the art of Greece in the Hellenistic Period underwent several transformations, and evolved on the road the 'Classical' artists paved previously, such as dramatic poses, flowing delineations, and a contrasting use of light, shadow, & emotions.

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Christmas in Cheshire

The county is planning numerous festive events during this year's Christmas period. Even more than exciting events are planned over the past few years to help raise the spirits of both local people and the county's many visitors alike.

One major focus for Christmas events will be Cheshire's Tatton Park, which has an amazing selection of events and activities to delight Christmas revellers. For the little ones Father Christmas will be found at the park's well-stocked farm, including a beautiful month-old calf.
The Mansion House will be home to numerous events as well as being fully decorated with traditional floral garland tributes all freshly collected from the spectacular gardens.

Throughout the interior of the house, there will be large numbers of special Christmas displays as well as demonstrations of how to create traditional Christmas decorations. Each weekend through Christmas and New Year there will be live music in the state rooms for people to enjoy as they pass through the house.

Visitors who choose the evening to tour the wonderful state rooms will enjoy doing so in candlelight offering a feel of a traditional Christmas complete with a choir singing Christmas carols.

In the lead up at Christmas there will be multiple concerts featuring the Northern Chamber Orchestra, Mart Rodger's Manchester Jazz, The Rat Pack Is Back and others.

In addition, the stable yard will play host to carol concerts where the King Edward Musical Society will invite the public to sing along.

In Chester, the public can enjoy the traditional Christmas Carol Concert - The Joy of Christmas at Chester Cathedral. Chester Zoo will also be offering traditional entertainment in the form of their 2008 Frost Fair.

A Frost Fair is a nearly forgotten British Christmas tradition that dates back to the 15th century when Londoners used to enjoy skating on the frozen River Thames. Chester Zoo will be recreating the feel of these colder times along with entertainment, as well as a selection of festive food and a huge Christmas tree.

On Northgate Street in Chester you will find an Italian Christmas with locals celebrating Christmas in the Market Town Hall Square, here you will be able to sample some delightful Italian food offerings amongst other activities.

The UK's largest Christmas tree was lit up in a spectacular show which featured former X factor star Shayne Ward. The tree can be viewed at Ellesemere Port's Cheshire Oaks shopping facility. It should not be too difficult to find as it stands nearly 100 feet tall, and is decorated with over 80,000 baubles and an incredible 100,000 light bulbs.

The Christmas experience in Chester has been widely publicized across the region and will offer an incredible selection of entertainment for the Christmas period including a stunning light show around the city centre as well as Santa and his Reindeer.

You may also be able to spot some Fairies and win yourself £1000. After 3 PM visitors will be able to park for free and make use of the city's Park 'n' Ride facilities.

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Great Honeymoon Vacations in the United States

How to find Heaven on Earth for Honeymooners - The Four Most Popular Honeymoon Spots

Nothing brings a couple closer together than sharing a wonderful honeymoon after the wedding. If a couple is lucky enough, one or both of their parents may give them the honeymoon as a wedding gift. Most couples, however, have to plan their honeymoons themselves and they should start on this process early. A honeymoon is usually a one or two week vacation and can be the perfect beginning for a married life together. Most travel agencies have specialized packages just made for the honeymoon couple, but with all of the information on the internet today, the couple can also plan their own honeymoon very easily. There are so many incredible locales for the perfect honeymoon, it will be hard to choose one. If the couple has decided that they would rather spend their honeymoon in the United States, here are the most popular ones that newlyweds choose:

1. The beautiful state of Hawaii has traditionally ranked as the most desired destination for honeymooners. It is beautiful and romantic with an incredible array of wonderful hotels, top notch restaurants and exotic beaches. The beaches in Hawaii are the real drawer, and it offers small, uncrowded beaches where a couple can stroll hand in hand and sniff the bougainvillea, or they can sail, snorkel and surf on pristine waters surrounded by spectacular nature, if they are the sporty type. Waikiki and Maui are the most popular islands, but there are many more that a couple can visit; each of them offers the unique culture and beauty of Hawaii as well as the incredible choice of hotels and resorts. Try the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii, the Hyatt Regency or the Halekulani for a honeymoon to remember.

2. Niagara Falls has been a traditional honeymoon choice for over 100 years, which places it in the number two ranking for honeymoons. It is an affordable attraction and the beautiful wonder of the falls makes it ideal for a romantic backdrop for a romantic vacation.

The "Maid of the Mist" is the famous boat that takes tourists and honeymooners around the falls and there is an interesting IMAX film that outlines the history of the Falls and their popularity as a vacation spot. Because of the popularity of the Falls, a lot of entertainment features have popped up in the area, such as The House of Frankenstein, The Haunted House, the Mystery Maze and the Guinness World of Records Museum. Many honeymooners combine a visit to Niagara Falls with a trip to New York City to see the sites and catch a Broadway show.

3. Even though Florida placed third in the honeymoon category doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer honeymooners. It is almost always warm, with a lot of activity both on and off the beaches. The west and east coasts have their different personalities, and, with Disney World in the middle, there is no end to the entertainment. From Orlando to Key West, a couple could find many spots to stay and enjoy the sun and excitement. Palm Beach, Daytona, Miami and the many beautiful areas on the west coast offer sightseeing and water sports, or just plain relaxation. Florida offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious to budget, so there is no reason for a couple short of cash to skip a honeymoon.

4. Las Vegas has a special appeal, but if a honeymoon couple loves glamour, excitement and gambling, it is the place to go. As the fourth most popular honeymoon spot, it is clearly popular, even though it can be a bit expensive. Las Vegas is always open for any kind of activity. Whenever you arrive in LV, you can start partying, or go to sleep. Days are nights and nights are days. And don't forget that even your honeymoon can be compressed into a day, and you can get married at one of the many wedding chapels and then spend your honeymoon in Las Vegas!

The other contenders in the "most popular honeymoon spots" are: the wine valley of California, Pennsylvania's lovely Pocono Mountains, the New Orleans region of Louisiana, and the sunny states of the Gulf Coast, such as Alabama and Texas. There are so many beautiful spots for a honeymoon full of romance and beauty; every couple should have a chance to spend some time alone in a romantic hideaway (or an exciting rendezvous, if that is what you prefer). There are so many vacation packages available, or you can just wing it and have a great honeymoon on your on terms, without having the leave the United States.

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Houses of Astrology - 3rd House

Keywords are always a good thing when learning anything new or, in coming to understand or explain something you intuitively know. The 3rd house in Astrology has the phrase: I think - therefore I am. It's all about awareness, positive or negative thinking for this is the house of the conscious mind and you have a four minute window of opportunity (more about this concept later in another article). Planets or aspects to the 3rd bring all of the above (and more) into focus. The sign on the cusp (or, more precisely the element of the sign) will give you an idea as to how think. For example a Fire sign on the cusp of the 3rd would 'think' differently than a Water sign. Also, the sign on the cusp will tell you how you 'hear' information from the world around you, from your environment.

This house also shows your relationship with siblings (not the actual people) but your relationship with them. Any planets here (particularly Saturn) offer information about whether brothers and sisters are close or at a distance. Short distance travel is also shown by this house (sometimes even the preference or mode of transport) for example: Fire signs prefer road travel. Earth signs prefer rail. Air signs obviously prefer (or fear) air travel and the Water signs have a preference for water journeys. Formal education (or the lack thereof) is shown here therefore questions of schooling (particularly primary) will come to the surface. Look to the sign on the cusp and any planets here to understand your early formative' years.

How we think about ourselves and the world in which we live is constantly changing by the people we meet, the newspapers we read, the television programmes we watch (all of which is 'ruled' by the 3rd house). Keeping in mind that we are constantly creating an image of ourselves (good or bad) according to what we focus our mind upon. Even the people you meet at the bus stop can change your thinking dramatically or, when you're on a 'short trip' the stimulus from a different environment can alter your thinking as can reading a good or uplifting book (taking a short trip into your mind). Even an idea shared on a blog site such as Twitter can alter your thinking and who was it that said "change your thinking and you change your life"?

Take a look at your own chart for even if there are no planets in the 3rd the sign on the cusp will nevertheless give you some idea as to all of the above (and more) if you look for the ruler of the cusp on your chart. Let me explain: If Virgo was the 'ruler' of your 3rd house you would look at your chart to see where Mercury (the ruler of Virgo) was placed. This will help you understand how you think, what you think about, and your relationship with the environment in which you live (remembering the mind is an 'environment').

This is the house of the conscious mind and it is here that you look for or, examine all closely related factors in your life, look for connections. Explore your skills, your talents and your common sense (or lack thereof). The sign on the cusp or planets contained in this house will tell you how organized or disorganized you are. Or, if you take a closer look you'll discover ways (from the sign on the cusp or planets contained here) to become better organized. This is using Astrology for your empowerment for each and every new of us needs some sort of organization, structure or routine in our daily lives for remember this house rules the everyday, the local, the neighborhood, the people you meet on the street, in the shops and how you communicate with them. In talking about this keyword, how they (or how you perceive them to) communicate with you...

When any planet transits this house and the Sun does so every year at the same time (roughly three months after your birthday) it's time to gather facts, to plan ahead and communicate your ideas to your best advantage. It's time to be flexible, to negotiate and discuss your ideas for the road ahead. The signs in order from Aries to Pisces can help you understand whether you are positive (assertive) or negative (passive) in your thinking. Aries is considered positive with Taurus negative, Gemini positive with Cancer negative and so on around the signs. This is not to say that they're positive or negative in the accepted sense but their style of thinking.

Until we explore the next house - "happy house hunting"

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Are You Fortunate?

Fate line and fortune Without the fate line in human hands, nobody can get easy success in any matter in life. While explaining about the fate line, the palmists pointed out that the clear line should reach up to any mount i.e Jupiter, Saturn, Sun or Mercury mount, without any break or cross etc. so that the person can get positive result in this respect. Palmists like Benham & Cheiro where of the view that breakage of fate line which is vertically drawn may not be able to give successful result, whereas it may delay or harass the native during the period, when this breakage or cross will be prominent. Most of astrolgers and palmists think that only one fate line is sufficient to build a successful and smooth career, whereas maximum or many fate lines create trouble or change the human fate off and on, by which the native may face multifarious difficulties during their youth. There will be no difficulty to get reputation or public honour, if the clear and straight fate line proceeds towards the mount of Apollo or Sun. Financial stability will be sound as and when the fate line will reach the mount of Jupiter. Luck may be favourable, for those with clear fate line reaching the well-formed mount of Saturn. New Venture in business will be successful for those with the fate line running upto the mount of mercury.
Also find out wherefrom the fate line is rising i.e from base of the mount of Luna or Moon. Native will get successful result by dint of his own caliber, if the fate line comes from the base. Others will facilitate the native to build the career, if the fate line rises from the mount of Luna or Moon.

Ninth house and fortune.

In a rasi chart, the ninth house from the birth sign or Lagna (Ascendant) is the indicator of fate. The native will be lucky, if the Bhagyabhava-Karka(Jupiter or Venus) is well posited in the 9th house. If the lord of the 9th house is located in Trine(5,9) or in Quadrant(1,4,7 or 10) with sufficient strength, then there will be no doubt about his luck. A school of astrologers pointed out that Venus or Jupiter's location in the 5th house indicates bright future. For example, a native born in Scorpio Lagna may be lucky, if the lord of the 9th , Moon, is posited in Pisces(fifth house) and the lord of the fifth (Jupiter) is placed in exaltation in the 9th house in cancer. This is called parivartana yoga or exchange of houses between two planets. In some notable scripts, it is said to be Jeeva Yoga. Rabindra Nath Tagore, and eminent poet from Bengal, had Jeeva yoga or Parivartana yoga in his natal chart. He was born in Pisces Sign and ascendant, along with moon in the lagna and Jupiter in exaltation in cancer in the fifth house. He won the nobal prize in literature.
If the 9th lord is posited in a dusthana(6,8 or 12), then the fruitful results will be blocked. Another fround may be noted for bad luck or ill fate, if kalasarpa yoga is found in the Rasi Chart of the native. Kalasarpa yoga is nothing but blockage of the effects of other major seven planets in one side of Rahu and Ketu in the Zodiac. Devaguru Brihaspati or Jupiter is the chief governor of luck. Bhagya Karta or lord of fate is Venus. For Aries Lagna and Cancer Lagna, good placement of Jupiter(th 9th Lord) will ensure good luck in life, sometimes due to the aspect of benefic planets in the house 9 or 3, malefic effects of unfavourable planets will be diminished instaneously. The major, sub or sub-sub periods of the 9th lord also bring luck. Favourable transits of the 9th lord also adds to the prospects.

Effects of various planets occupying the 9th house:

Sun-Public honour, inheritance of paternal property.

Venus-Luck through woment, comforts.

Moon - favoured by women folk, interests in luxury items.

Mercury-Success in business
Mars- Martial capacity.

Rahu - Help from foreign lands
Saturn(weak)- Obstacles.

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