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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Unemployment Extension 2010 - Is Congress passing the short term extension?

Unemployment Extension 2010 - Is Congress passing the short term extension?

The unemployment extension 2010 is in the news again today and again, the headlines spell it all out for us:

Blockade Lifted - Senate will pass Unemployment Extension tonight (1)
"Votes ...started on the Senate floor just after 5 p.m. ... ten days after thousands of long unemployed Americans started exhausting unemployment benefits."

Senate Reaches Deal on Unemployment Extension (2)
"The bill extends the filing deadline for UI benefits through June 2 (retroactive to April 5), allowing those who have exhausted their 26 weeks of state benefits to access emergency federal help. It does not, however, create an additional tier of benefits for those who have exhausted everything they’re eligible for."

Congress passes unemployment extension (3)
"Congress passed a short-term unemployment benefits bill Thursday night "

Jobless extension benefits clears Senate hurdle (4)
"Senate approved an extension of unemployment benefits Thursday... ...
measure would extend jobless aid through June 2"


---
References:
(1) Blockade Lifted - Senate will pass Unemployment Extension tonight, April 15, 2010,
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/04/blockade-lifted-senate-will-pass-unemployment-extension-tonight.html

(2) Senate Reaches Deal on Unemployment Extension, April 15, 2010,
http://washingtonindependent.com/82452/senate-reaches-deal-on-unemployment-extension

(3) Congress passes unemployment extension. April 15, 2010,
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35879.html

(4) Jobless extension benefits clears Senate hurdle, April 15, 2010
http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2010/04/15/20100415jobless-benefits-senate.html

Top Google Search for KFC?

Why is one of the Top Google searches today for KFC, for KFC 'double down' or KFC chicken sandwich?

There seems to be lots of "buzz" today for KFC, for KFC double down and KFC chicken sandwich. I am not sure why, but I thought I would check it out. KFC is one of my MOST favorite 'fast foods', with my preference being a KFC 'original' drumstick, along with a biscuit, and mashed potatoes and brown gravy. Give me a good book and the above and I'm in heaven!

So as I searched for the 'KFC double down', it is described as:
"The Double Down - made up of bacon and cheese between two pieces of fried chicken - combines almost every basic element that Americans recognize as fast food, yet is presented in a very unorthodox or even unprecedented way." (1)

and from KFC's website comes this: "The new KFC Double Down sandwich is real! This one-of-a-kind sandwich features two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken filets (Original Recipe® or Grilled), two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese and Colonel's Sauce. This product is so meaty, there’s no room for a bun." (2)

and from another website: "Kentucky Fried Chicken is appealing to its carb-conscious customers by launching its first bread-free burger" (3)

Ok, I am convinced! I am ready for a lunchtime trip to KFC tomorrow to further check this out!

---
So here is the Google search for KFC:



----
References:
(1) KFC may strike lucky with Double Down, April 15, 2010,
http://www.ricg.com/marketing_articles/creative_design/kfc_may_strike_lucky_with_double_down/

(2) KFC, April 15, 2010,
http://www.kfc.com/doubledown/

(3)KFC introduces 'sandwich' with buns made of CHICKEN instead of bread (but at 1,228 calories, it's not exactly healthy), April 15, 2010
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-1264166/KFCs-Double-Down-chicken-sandwich-bread-unveiled.html

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

American Idol Results Show 2010, 7 left now, 2 go Home

American Idol Results Show 2010, 7 left now, 2 go Home

As the April 14, 2010 results show started, you could see lots of signs in the audience with "We Love Adam Lambert" on them. The crowd knew last year's American Idol runner up, Adam Lambert would be performing on tonight's show and were showing their excitement about it.

Host Ryan Seacrest announced that 34 million votes were cast last night, and that was the 'highest this season'. Ryan also announced that former American Idol contestants Brooke White and Justin Gaston would be performing, along with a performance by Adam Lambert.

Ryan Seacrest then announced that tonight would be a 'double elimination', and it would be a 'difficult night for the contestants.' Then the top 9 American Idol contestants sang a medley of Elvis songs, in keeping with the Elvis theme of the night before.

Ryan said this will be a 'dramatic evening', and said first, we should watch the contestants 'going green' in the Ford Music Video. He also said to enter to win a VIP trip to the American Idol set, to go to http://www.americanidol.com/ford/challenge/ to enter the contest.

After the Ford Music Video, Ryan Seacrest says, 'time for the results, dim the lights', and 'we'll start'. He then called Casey James, Aaron Kelly and Andrew Garcia to the front, and said 'go to the center of the stage. He said Casey sang, "Lawdy, Miss Claudy', Aaron sang "Blue Suede Shoes', and Andrew sang "Hound Dog".

Ryan then said, "2 people are leaving tonight" and asked Andrew how he feels? Andrew said "a little stressful'. Then Ryan, (with what I considered to be quite a switch from normal), said: "It's the end of the road for Andrew", and "Casey and Aaron are safe, take a seat." Then Andrew sang his final song for the audience. After his song, Andrew said "Thank you, guys, you let me experience something I would have never had."

Then former American Idol contestants, Brooke White and Justin Gaston, gave a moving rendition of "If I can Dream".

After a piece on Idol Gives Back (idolgivesback.org) showing former Idol contestant Elliot Yamin and judge Kara DioGuardo on a trip to Africa, it was back to the elimination of the next one.

Ryan Seacrest said "1 more person, which will it be?". He continued: "Live, double elimination tonight". And then he said, "Aaron and Casey are safe". Then he said "Dim the lights", then asked the 'entire bottom row' to come to center stage.

This brought the remaining Idol contestants, Tim Urban, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche, Katie Stevens, Siobahn Magnus and Lee DeWyze to center stage.

Ryan spoke to Lee, asking how it feels, Lee said 'it feels good'. Then he said to Siobahn, the 'panel was split on you', to Katie he said "Simon thought it was annoying', but you seemed to be taking it 'in your stride', and Katie said she was trying to 'grow each week'. Ryan asked Big Mike "how did the Judges save affect you last week?" Big Mike said, he was 'grateful', and said he 'loves the Judges, and loves the people'. Ryan said to Crystal, one of the Judges likened her performance to 'the 2nd coming of Bonnie Raitt', and Tim's was called one of the 'best performances' and quoted Simon that Tim 'went from zero to hero'.

Then Ryan said "After 34 million votes...Crystal Bowersox is safe, Siobahn Magnus is safe, take a seat."

Ryan then said to Lee DeWyze "You know, former Idol contestant (Chris) Daughtry sang the same song you did (A Little Less Conversation) in Season 5 - the very week he was eliminated". Then Ryan continued to Lee "Come walk with me," then Ryan walked over to the couch and said to Lee "Have a seat, you are safe".

So by now, there were 3 left on stage, Tim Urban, Michael Lynche and Katie Stevens.

Ryan Seacrest then stated "1 of you heads home -after Adam Lambert takes the stage". Ryan continued "Next week, the top 7 will sing inspirational songs, and singer Alicia Keys will be here."

Ryan then announced Adam Lambert: "Here's last years runner up with his hit 'What Do You Want From Me'." Adam Lambert gave a fantastic performance with lasers. When Ryan congratulated Adam after his performance, and asked him about the lasers, Adam said it was his idea, to bring the lasers to the show. Ryan said that was a 'first' for the show.

Now Ryan said find out 'what's happening with Tim, Mike and Katie. And after the break, Ryan said 't's been a long emotional journey' and the 'curtain will close' for one of you tonight.'

Ryan said "3 of you stand there, the person who is safe is Tim".

Ryan went on "Now it's between Mike and Katie. After a nationwide vote it's Katie (who is going home). Michael, you are safe".

Katie Stevens said 'Amazing people I met, amazing experience.' Then she sang her heart out with "Let It Be". ...'whisper words of wisdom....there will be an answer...let it be..."

Ryan told her at the end of her very moving song "you're making half of this room cry. We're gonna miss you, baby."

And so ends another riveting American Idol Results 2010, Season 9 show

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

American Idol Countdown 2010, 9 contestants left, 2 will go home!

American Idol Countdown 2010, 9 contestants left, 2 will go home!

With an Elvis themed, April 13th 2010 show, 9 finalists are left tonight in American Idol season 9 Showdown.

To start out, host Ryan Seacrest announced that last week’s American Idol results show was one of the most dramatic results shows ever.

Ryan said the Top 9 traveled to Vegas to see ‘Viva Elvis’‘
Mentor Adam Lambert, who Ryan said is the first former American Idol contestant to return to be a mentor to the current contestants. Adam Lambert said that Elvis was the complete artist package, and that he thinks the contestants should show more energy.

Crystal Bowersox sang “Saved” while strumming her ‘bedazzled, or bejeweled’ guitar.
Randy said “Every week, way to come out!”
Ellen said it was so hard to find some new way to comment, and how about mentioning birthdays instead, and asked “Who in the audience is having a birthday?” Then Ellen said “Fantastic!”
Kara exclaimed “Solid Performance, drama!”
Simon said “You didn’t choose an obvious song”, and “you made it original” and ‘It sounded great.”

24 year old Andrew Garcia sang “Hound Dog”
Randy said he “just didn’t get it’,
Ellen said while she ‘wished he had shown more swagger’, she thought ‘he pulled it off’. Kara said “It’s Elvis, you gotta own it!” and Simon topped off the judges comments with saying the performance was ‘lazy and unpredictable’ and he ‘just didn’t get it’.

Tim Urban, age 20, played guitar, sang ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’
Randy said “this may surprise you, I actually liked it!”
Ellen said “I really enjoyed it”.
Kara said “that is probably my favorite “Tim” performance ever”, and” I can’t help falling in love with Tim!” and ‘well done’. Simon said Tim “went from ‘zero to hero!”.

Lee DeWyze sang “A Little Less Conversation”.
Randy said “I’m loving it that you’re in the zone!” and ‘very good!’
Ellen said you ‘made it so current’ and ‘you have more confidence’.
Kara said ‘you really went for it’ and the vocal ‘was fine’. Simon said it’s all about ‘nailing the song’.

5. Aaron Kelly, sang ‘Blue Suede Shoes’
Randy “liked it better at the half on…more bluesy”.
Ellen said ‘That was a big song for you to take on.”
Kara said ‘you got out of your comfort zone, and I liked it.’ And ‘you’re more current’.
Simon said “It was as if you were doing a concert at high school, like karaoke”, and “You didn’t make it young.’

6. Siobahn Magnus sang ‘Suspicious Minds”, after saying to Ryan that she is a true Elvis fan.
Randy said ‘you took some chances’, ‘you came alive’ and ‘that girl can sing’.
Ellen said ‘you look great’ and ‘you really have a beautiful voice’.
Kara said it’s like ‘you have 2 voices’, and ‘I wasn’t crazy about it’.
Simon said ‘it was like ‘a time machine, in 20 years’ and ‘very erratic’ and ‘it’s like you lost who you were’.

Michael Lynche sang “In The Ghetto”
Randy said ‘the song was sleepy’ but ‘you got hot vocals!’
Ellen said “I’m glad we saved you!’
Kara said ‘that was a beautiful song’ and ‘you sang it well’.
Simon said that was a ‘favorite performance’ and ‘terrific choice of song’.



Katie Stevens sang “Baby, What you want me to do?”
Randy said ‘letting all the vibes out’ and ‘you entertained me!’
Ellen said ‘lots of horns in it’ and ‘you can sing’.
Kara said “You showed us Judges!”
Simon said “I didn’t like the song very much’.


Casey James sang, ‘Lawdy Miss Claudy’
Randy said it was ‘a bluesy thing’ but that it was ‘solid’.
Ellen said ‘it wasn’t as exciting’ but ‘you’re always good.’
Kara thought it ‘fell short’.
Simon said he thought it was ‘completely forgettable’.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Unemployment Extension 2010, In or Out?

Unemployment Extension 2010, In or Out?

OK, so far, so good, we're still in the ballgame according to the news reports:

Federal Unemployment benefit extension passes ...(1)
Federal unemployment benefit extension passes procedural vote in the Senate ...

Senate Agrees to Temporary Jobless Benefits Extension (2)
...Senate on Monday agreed to consider a temporary extension of unemployment benefits after four Republicans joined Democrats in voting to debate the proposal...

Extension of jobless benefits clears GOP roadblock (3)
...Democrats in the Senate won an initial skirmish Monday to restore unemployment benefits to hundreds of thousands of jobless people despite Republican criticism that it would add $9 billion to the nation's debt. ...

As Unemployment Benefits Vote Nears, Durbin Calls Out ...(4)
...Senate is scheduled to move forward on a short-term extension of the emergency unemployment benefit filing deadline....


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References:

(1) http://www.mlive.com/michigan-job-search/index.ssf/2010/04/federal_unemployment_benefit_extension_p.html

(2) http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/us/politics/13cong.html

(3) http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/04/12/1150622/battle-resumes-over-unemployment.html

(4) http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2010/04/12/unemployment-benefits-vote-durbin-calls-out-gop

Jobless Benefits Bill in Congress, Yes? or No!

Unemployment Extension 2010, Jobless Benefits Bill in Congress, Yes? or No!

Fox News says the 'closure' vote on this bill is up again at 2 pm today and expected to be voted on by 5:30 pm.

Do You want your Senator to vote to extend Unemployment Benefits, or not?

Better 'get on the horn' with your lawmakers, by phone, by email or however you can, and make your wishes known!

Here's today's breakdown of news, so far, from the Internet about the Jobless Benefits Bil, the Unemployment Extension 2010 and our returning Congress today.

Bill to extend jobless benefits faces Senate showdown (1)
Apr 11, 2010 ... 'Congress is poised for another partisan showdown over extending unemployment insurance, as concerns about the growing budget deficit have ...
www.washingtonpost.com/wp.../AR2010041103586.html?

TV Coverage Of Unemployment Benefit Issue This Week Likely To Frustrate Jobless Viewers (2)
'After weeks of wall-to-wall television coverage of the battle over health care, advocates for the unemployed were hoping attention in Congress would shift to the plight of the long-term unemployed. But while the issue of unemployment benefits is likely to get a lot of attention this week, it won't be the type of attention the jobless might have been hoping to see..."

Jobless benefits, bank reform, climate await lawmakers (3)
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- "Extending jobless benefits, reforming financial companies and grappling with climate change will top U.S. lawmakers' agenda when they return from a two-week break on Monday..."

Senate Dems plan a busy schedule as SCOTUS debate looms (4)
The Hill - Taylor Rushing - "The work period is likely to start with some acrimony over legislation to extend unemployment benefits. Republicans are blocking an extension unless the ... "



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References:
(1) Bill to extend jobless benefits faces Senate showdown
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/11/AR2010041103586.html?hpid=moreheadlines

(2) TV Coverage Of Unemployment Benefit Issue This Week Likely To Frustrate Jobless Viewers
http://www.allyourtv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1105&catid=1105

(3) Jobless benefits, bank reform, climate await lawmakers
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/help-for-jobless-bank-reform-top-congress-agenda-2010-04-12?siteid=rss

(4) Senate Dems plan a busy schedule as SCOTUS debate looms
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/91545-senate-dems-plan-a-busy-seven-week-schedule-as-scotus-debate-looms

Friday, April 9, 2010

Tiger Woods Nike Commercial - Tiger Woods is baaaaaaccccck!!!!

Tiger Woods Nike Commercial does wonders

Tiger Wood Nike Commercial does wonders - for Tiger Woods, for Nike, for the comedians, for the world of sports, for golfing, and for those of us who LOVE to read about Tiger Woods and LOVE to watch him on TV!

Yay! I am glad to hear Tiger Woods is back. Back into golf, and back into commericals and yes, back on the Internet!

I searched for "Tiger Woods Nike Commercial" online and again, the headlines say it all!

on Google.com:
News results for tiger woods nike commercial (1)
(with 18762 related articles)

Video results for tiger woods nike commercial (2)

YouTube - New Nike ad: Earl and Tiger Woods (3)

on BING.com:
Bing gave me these astounding numbers: results: -- of 1,040,000
News about tiger woods nike commercial (4)

Tiger Woods Nike Ad Commercial Debuts - ABC News ...scandal-plagued golf champion also is making a major comeback in the advertising world... (5)

and searching at AOL. com brings up these video results of the various spoofs on Tiger Woods Nike Commercial:

Video Results for Tiger Woods Nike Commercial (9)
Jimmy Kimmel Live - Tiger Woods Nike Commercial... (10)
1 min 58 sec - Apr 9, 2010
Hulu on AOL
Sportsnation Spoofs Tiger (11)
30 sec - Apr 8, 2010
ESPN

Earl And Tiger Woods Nike Ad Video: Has Tiger... (12)
3 min 23 sec - Apr 8, 2010
davisfleetwood
YouTube

Tiger Woods Nike Commercial (christian Bale Remix) (13)
34 sec - Apr 8, 2010
YoungJizzow
YouTube


And on YAHOO.com
Tiger Woods Nike commercial: A new beginning or a new low? (6)
- The Christian Science Monitor - Apr 08 02:14pmThe Tiger Woods Nike commercial is controversial. But it's no surprise that Woods is looking to his father, the late Earl Woods, for inspiration as part of his... full story

Tiger Woods' Nike commercial just doesn't do it - (7)

Will the new Nike/Tiger Woods commercial fly or flop? - (8)


---
References:
(1) News results for tiger woods nike commercial, 04/09/2010:
http://www.google.com/search?q=tiger+woods+nike+commercial&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&tbs=nws:1&tbo=u&ei=r0S_S7rQM8L98Aao5oyECQ&sa=X&oi=news_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAsQsQQwAA

(2) Video results for tiger woods nike commercial; 04/09/2010
http://www.google.com/search?q=tiger+woods+nike+commercial&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&tbs=vid:1&tbo=u&ei=r0S_S7rQM8L98Aao5oyECQ&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=2&ved=0CBcQqwQwAQ

(3) YouTube - New Nike ad: Earl and Tiger Woods; 04/09/2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NTRvlrP2NU

(4) News about tiger woods nike commercial
http://www.bing.com/news/search?q=tiger+woods+nike+commercial&FORM=EWRE&qpvt=tiger+woods+nike+commercial

(5) Tiger Woods Nike Ad Commercial Debuts - ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/tiger-woods-nike-commercial-debuts-today/story?id=10312663

(6) Tiger Woods Nike commercial: A new beginning or a new low?- The Christian Science Monitor - Apr 08, 2010
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGk0hfSb9LFeIAEJFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MmJiZHFqBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0g1NDdfMTM4/SIG=13jidvfsn/EXP=1270913759/**http%3a//www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0408/Tiger-Woods-Nike-commercial-A-new-beginning-or-a-new-low

(7) Tiger Woods' Nike commercial just doesn't do it - Chicago Sun-Times - Apr 08, 2010
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGk0hfSb9LFeIAE5FXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MmJiZHFqBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0g1NDdfMTM4/SIG=131qgjjrm/EXP=1270913759/**http%3a//www.suntimes.com/sports/2148012,tiger-woods-nike-commercial-08.article

(8) Will the new Nike/Tiger Woods commercial fly or flop? - BizReport - Apr 08, 2010
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGk0hfSb9LFeIAFJFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MmJiZHFqBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0g1NDdfMTM4/SIG=12hstmua3/EXP=1270913759/**http%3a//www.bizreport.com/2010/04/_will_the_new_niketiger.html

(9) Video results for Tiger Woods Nike Commercial; 04/09/2010
http://www.truveo.com/search?query=tiger woods nike commercial&flv=1

(10) Jimmy Kimmel Live
http://xml.truveo.com/rd?i=1737301637&a=bc38b16869e4b71b06bf95a8e8bf2eca&p=1&h=4bbf1ca64249f24:40471cb7fb0eacebff49ed16d45c4b47&flv=1

(11) Sportsnation spoofs Tiger
http://xml.truveo.com/rd?i=3135383019&a=bc38b16869e4b71b06bf95a8e8bf2eca&p=2&h=4bbf1ca64249f24:40471cb7fb0eacebff49ed16d45c4b47&flv=1

(12) Earl and Tiger Woods Nike Ad
http://xml.truveo.com/rd?i=3313294241&a=bc38b16869e4b71b06bf95a8e8bf2eca&p=3&h=4bbf1ca64249f24:40471cb7fb0eacebff49ed16d45c4b47&flv=1

(13) Tiger Woods Nike Commercial
http://xml.truveo.com/rd?i=3908180638&a=bc38b16869e4b71b06bf95a8e8bf2eca&p=4&h=4bbf1ca64249f24:40471cb7fb0eacebff49ed16d45c4b47&flv=1