You Can Now View Animoto Videos Via AirPlay and Apple TV Through Your TV

Animoto, the video slideshow creation service which allows consumers to make professional quality videos, announced the integration with Apple AirPlay, giving users the ability to watch their videos on their TV.

Thus, videos created with Animoto that exist on an iPod, iPad, or iPhone, can now be played on a television at the click of a mouse using AirPlay. According to Brad Jefferson, the CEO of Animoto, “Animoto videos have always looked great on a big-screen TV and now it’s one-click easy for families to enjoy their Animoto videos on their home televisions without messing with wires or requiring a DVD Player.”

Jefferson goes on to say, “In less time than it takes to pop popcorn, you can now create a professional-looking Animoto video from photos on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and play it for your family on your TV.”

The AirPlay functionality has been made very simple for consumers to utilize. They first need to update their iOs to version 4.3 and check that their applications for Animoto and Apple TV are in sync with the up to date versions.

The user will then hit the AirPlay icon, which will display in the bottom right of the video player, to show a list of devices they can utilize to play their videos. They will then simply select the TV option.

The TV viewing can be accessed through the iPad and Animoto iPhone applications as well as through the usage of mobile Safari via the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Mothers Day 2011 in the BlackBerry Applications

Today is a special day where all mothers get all extra special treat or meal just to say thanks for all their work throughout the year. To complete you celebrate the Mothers Day, BlackBerry has some applications for Mothers Day 2011.

Food Pairing and Curiosk Wine is one of BlackBerry applications which helps you match up food with wines. This  BlackBerry application will prove great if you are preparing that special meal with your mummy, and will ensure you choose the best wine to accompany your food. There is no monthly fee, and an internet connection is not needed for use. This can be found on the BlackBerry Applications World for $2.99.

Healthy Recipes.  Recipes From SparkRecipes is a free application which offers users recipes that not only saves money, but will also help you lose weight. There are almost 200,000 to choose from, and calories and carbs are provided for each one. For more information or to download head over to BlackBerry Applications World.

Greeting Cards Maker is an application for users to create and send special eCard. You can use images from the library or add your own, and once it is created save it and share with friends via email or Facebook. You can send cards for all different occasions besides Mothers Day. This application is available on the BlackBerry Applications World for $2.99.

Gluten Free Diet: another celebs diet method

If you have went to the store lately I am sure you have seen the plethora of products that can be eaten on the gluten free diet because they are now made without gluten. Many celebs are picking up this diet and running with it as well as many women and men around the world that are looking to drop a few pounds.

When people get on the gluten free diet many times they are going to find that they lose weight and they think it is because they have cut gluten out of their diet. Most times this simply is not true. Gluten is a protein that you will find in product that contain wheat, barley and rye. The reason that you lose weight when getting on the gluten free diet is because you cut out many products that are starchy products that are difficult for your body to digest.

You can lose weight when going on this diet but you can just as easily lose weight by cutting out the foods that are difficult to digest for your body. Your body will be able to tell you what it does not like and what is difficult for it to digest. Just limit those things that are processed and you will see results. If you must go along with the gluten free diet craze it won’t hurt you but it is not the magic bullet.

The gluten free diet consists of eliminating foods that contain gluten, which is a protein found mainly in wheat products. It is hard to digest for many people, and even more detrimental to those who suffer from celiac disease.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck

There are quite a few celebs who stick to a gluten free regime, most notably Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who wrote a book called “The G-Free Diet.” She chose to share her story after battling health problems, which were ultimately diagnosed as celiac disease.

Other stars who are fans of the gluten free diet include Zooey Deschanel and Gwyneth Paltrow. Jenny McCarthy also endorses the diet, and insists it helped her son’s autism.

The Mega Millions: New Yorker Wins the Jackpot

The Mega Millions jackpot is growing even larger,and Mega Millions players from coast to coast are the winners! A total of1,243,856 tickets won prizes in the Tuesday, February 21 drawing. Since noticket matched all six numbers to win the jackpot, the excitement continues togrow for the Friday, February 24, 2006 drawing, which will have an estimated jackpot of $203 million.

Tuesday's winning numbers were: 14-23-27-36-45 and the Mega Ball numberwas 36.

You can't come closer to winning the jackpot than the 19 tickets thatmatched the first five numbers and only missed the Mega Ball number. Thosetickets were purchased in California (6), Illinois (2), Michigan (3), New York(4), Ohio (2), Texas (1) and Virginia (1).

This jackpot has been growing since January 6, when Mega Millions had itsmost recent jackpot winner. The jackpot has now rolled 13 times without awinner. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 176 million.The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are approximately 1 in 40.

Mega Millions is played in 12 states: California, Georgia, Illinois,Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginiaand Washington.

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM EasternTime, 10:00 PM Central Time and 8:00 PM Pacific Time.

The winning ticket was sold at Cousin's News Center Store in Albany. The winner has yet to come forward.

If the winner chooses the cash option, he or she will receive a one-time payment of nearly $203 millions. The jackpot was the sixth largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.

Coz My Boobs Are So Big: Kristen Schaal on the Xperia Play Smartphone Adverts

Smartphone is following what Volkswagon did in January, hired the "SNL" gem Bill Hader to star in spots for the Touareg (a series of hilarious and quite unconventional minisodes). And now, Smartphone is producing a quintet of commercials starring PopWrap's beloved Kristen Schaal and the results are equally amazing.

In the ads named "Pwnage," the Sony Xperia Play, Kristen appeals to gamers, business-minded men, large breasted women and anyone with an evil twin. Kristen Schaal, an American actress, writer and comedian, a contributor on The Daily Show and is famous for her role as Mel in the HBO series Flight of the Conchords and Louise in Bob's Burgers.

The promotional clip has her demoing a game on an Xperia Play, the latest Sony Ericsson-branded, Android-toting smartphone.

Here's what Kristen said in the ads: “The controls are faster, I can actually see the bastard. She's right there and she has low self-esteem. Before she takes notice, I'm stabbing her in the boob. Do you feel that boob stabbed? I can feel it either "coz my boobs are so big."

Kristen Schaal's Xperia Play Smartphone Adverts:




Retrieved from:

• New York Post
• MTV News

Something that makes women going crazy

If there is an item of fashion that makes women crazy for collecting them, then it was shoes. Former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos is famous for its collection even as many as 2700 pairs of shoes. Fashionista character Carrie Bradshaw from the series 'Sex and the City,' is also best known for her love of shoes. ''I may more understand shoes than men,''said the character played by Sarah Jessica Parker's.

Shoes could not be far from women lives. An U.S. Consumer Reports publication, ShopSmart, surveyed more than a thousand women in the State. On average, each woman has 17 pairs of shoes and spent about $ 49 for each. Among all the shoes they have, only three of it that are used regularly.

But, of course you may not be included in the group. Especially if you are a shoe maniac. In fact, 13 percent of women own more than 30 percent of the shoes, not including sneakers.

Well, here are the results of other statistics obtained from the survey:

1. Women buy about three pairs of shoes each year.
2. As many as 39 percent more women have flat shoes compared to other models of shoes.
3. Meanwhile, 33 percent of women spend more than $ 100 for a pair of shoes.
4. Only 25 percent of women who wear the shoes with the right height of 10 cm or more.
5. As many as 46 percent of women buy an ugly but comfortable shoes, while 60 percent of them could bear the pain for fashionable shoes.
6. 61 percent of women bring comfortable shoes in their bags as an alternative shoes.
7. As many as 48 percent of women had suffered injury from a shoe.
8. Almost 19 percent of women buy shoes to entertain themselves.
9. Some 29 percent of women buy shoes online.
10. Meanwhile, 14 percent of women had to hide at least one shoe purchase from their partner.
11. Interestingly, 51 percent of women pay attention to the shoes worn by another woman.
12. Finally, 28 percent of women consider shoe is the key of looks.

So, what causes so many women are obsessed with shoes? Lisa Lee Freeman, editor in chief ShopSmart explains,''shoes never make your ass look big. You should no worry your shoes will not fit even if your weight increased a few pounds, and shoes can make you feel sexy instantly.

Dukan Diet: celebs most favorite weight loss program

What is Dukan Diet?

According to the New York Times article, the diet has become such a staple of French culture that almost any public figure that loses weight is labeled as a "Dukanniste," including Carole Middleton, the mother of Kate Middleton. There have been rumors that the princess-to-be is also on the diet in preparation for the royal wedding, according to ABC News.

The Dukan Diet has taken France by storm, selling 3.5 million copies in 14 different languages and being hailed as a life-long weight loss answer. But many Americans have never heard of it.

Apparently it’s the latest diet fad out there, and it must be pretty hot if Gisele Bundchen and Kate Middleton are backing it up! Both of these women are envied for their perfect figures, and the Dukan Diet may be the reason they find it so easy to stay thin.

The Dukan Diet is fairly similar to the celebrity loved Atkins Diet, but it has four phases that dieters are required to follow. The first phase, the “Attack” phase, consists of eating only protein, so I’m guessing that there aren’t too many options for vegetarians!

The second phase of the diet is the “Cruise” phase, and lets followers add vegetables back into the plan. The third phase is called the “Consolidation” phase, where dieters are allowed two “festive” meals, whatever that means.

The final phase of the Dukan Diet is the “Stabilization” phase, which is basically just the maintenance phase of the diet.

Supposedly Gisele Bundchen used the Dukan Diet to lose the baby weight after her son was born. But wait a minute…I thought that Gisele originally reported that she barely gained any weight? What did she need a diet for, exactly?

Kate Middleton follows the Dukan Diet faithfully, and it’s definitely working for her. But is she running the risk of getting too thin?

Well they will next month when the diet books make their American debut, according to the New York Times. Dr. Pierre Dukan, the diet's creator, sold the North American Rights for $1.3 million up front.

Source:

• Huffingtonpost
• Babble.com

Apple, on the Top of 10 Most Popular Laptop

The surprise was big brands such as Samsung and Acer did not even get into the top 10 most popular laptop brands on the Internet.

Design and reliability of Apple made it always a positive response than other products on the Internet. However, it does not mean Windows-based laptops are not good. LG and Sony are also often discussed as an alternative.

Apple could be ranked at the top and always a hot topic discussed because its simply could satisfy consumers. There is no way the price. It ranges in price to Apple's product line is relatively expensive, especially when compared to similar laptops. However, with Apple, consumers feel to be guaranteed satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the premium laptop Sony Vaio recognized a similarity with the Mac, in terms of performance and graphics. Therefore, the Vaio often touted 'Mac of Windows'. It makes sense, if it is on the ranks of big three in the list.

"Midfielder" such as Hewlett-Packards (HP) and Asus has a collection of laptops with various prices. Thus, those who buy cheap laptops still get the same after-sales service to those who buy expensive ones. It is also often a hot topic in discussions on the Internet.

The speed of spreading rumors and complaints in social media will change the statistics. Here are 10 most popular laptop brands on the Internet, published by Amplicate:

Rating	Brand	Votes	Preference
1	Apple	25.827	64,78%
2	Sony	1.724	71,81%
3	LG	2.432	52,34%
4	Panasonic	150	78%
5	Asus	168	62,5%
6	HCL	37	56,76%
7	HewletPackard	21	52,38%
8	Packard Bell	5	20%
9	Medion	8	0%
10	Fujitsu	42	28,57%
Average:		34.818	59,04%

Amplicate statistics was collecting opinions online that involve more than 73 million messages on Twitter, Facebook, and Amplicate own. This rating to calculate the topics currently discussed in social media. Calculations were based on both positive and negative opinions in a period of 3 months.

About Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland. It is observed by the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutherans. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, but has gradually become more of a secular celebration of Irish culture.

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Montserrat, among others.

Little is known of Patrick's early life, though it is known that he was born in Roman Britain in the 4th century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father and grandfather were deacons in the Church. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. It is believed he was held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly Mayo, but the exact location is unknown. According to his Confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. Upon returning, he quickly joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to be a priest.

In 432, he again said that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop, to Christianise the Irish from their native polytheism. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. After nearly thirty years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461, and according to tradition, was buried at Downpatrick. Although there were other more successful missions to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church.

About Shamrock Shake

The Shamrock Shake was first introduced in 1970. Shamrock Shakes were widely available across Canada and the United States until the early 1990s. They were recently brought back and are still available at select Canadian and American stores during the month of March.

The Shamrock Shake, a green, mint-flavored milkshake, is a seasonal dessert sold at McDonald's during March to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

McDonald's website describes the shake as, "the minty green treat". The ingredient list for the shamrock shake syrup includes high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, sugar, natural flavor (plant source), xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), yellow 5, blue 1. These are not the same ingredients included in the vanilla shake syrup.

During the 1980s, McDonald’s used the Uncle O'Grimacey character to market Shamrock Shakes, but has since been phased out.

In 1980, McDonald's introduced the Shamrock Sundae which consisted of vanilla ice cream topped with a mint green Shamrock syrup. The product was discontinued after one year due to poor sales.

In 1990, the Shamrock Shake at McDonald's restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metro area were used in a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and cups featured a child's artwork for the duration of the promotion.

The McDonalds website says, "It all began with a little girl, a football team, and a visionary doctor."

The Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and began treatment. The Hill family were camping out in waiting rooms in hospitals and saw other families doing the same. They realized that many families travelling long distances to visit their sick family members had nowhere to stay and could not afford hotel rooms. The Hill family did something about it.

Hill and his team decided to raise some funds. The team's general manager, Jim Murray, called a friend in McDonald's advertising and suggested the team on the next promotional push. It just happened to be St. Patrick's Day.

The Shamrock Shake raised enough money to buy a four-story house which was the first Ronald McDonald House Charity.

In 2008, McDonald's Canada brought back the Shamrock Shake for a limited time only starting on February 26. At that time, it had not been available in Canada for five years.

In 2010, McDonald's switched the cup style for Shamrock Shakes from white soft drink style paper cups to the clear plastic McCafe cups and began offering whipped cream and a cherry as topping options.

What is Tibetan Mastiff?

The Tibetan Mastiff also known as Do-khyi ("home guard", "door guard", "dog which may be tied", "dog which may be kept"), reflects its use as a guardian of herds, flocks, tents, villages, monasteries, and palaces, much as the old English ban-dog (tied dog) was a dog tied outside the home as a guardian. However, in nomad camps and in villages, the Do-khyi is traditionally allowed to run loose at night and woe be unto the stranger who walks abroad after dark.

'Bhote Kukur' in Nepali means Tibetan Dog. In Mandarin Chinese, the name is 藏獒 (Zang'Ao), which literally means Tibetan Mastiff or Tibetan "big ferocious dog". In Mongolia it is called "bankhar", meaning "guard dog". But there is another type of Mastiff in Mongolia, called Mongolian Mastiff (Mongol Bankhar) which is bigger than Tibetian Mastiff and have darker color. The molosser type with which the modern Tibetan Mastiff breed is purportedly linked was known across the Ancient world by many names.

Currently, some breeders differentiate between two "types" of Tibetan Mastiff: The Do-khyi and the "Tsang-khyi". The "Tsang-khyi" (which, to a Tibetan, means only "dog from Tsang") is also referred to as the "monastery type", described as generally taller, heavier, more heavily boned, with more facial wrinkling and haw than the "Do-khyi" or "nomad type". Both "types" are often produced in the same litter.

Males can reach heights up to 31+ inches (80+cm) at the withers, although the standard for the breed is typically in the 25 to 28 inch (61 to 72 cm) range. The heaviest TM on record may be one weighing over 130 kg (286.6 Lbs) but dogs bred in the West are more typically between 140 lb (64 kg) to 180 lb (82 kg)—especially if they are in good condition and not overweight. The enormous dogs being produced in some Western and some Chinese kennels would have "cost" too much to keep fed to have been useful to nomads; and their questionable structure would have made them well-nigh useless as livestock guardians.

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered a primitive breed. It typically retains the instincts which would be required for it to survive in Tibet, including canine pack behaviour. In addition, it is one of the few primitive dog breeds that retains a single oestrus per year instead of two, even at much lower altitudes and in much more temperate climates than its native climate. This characteristic is also found in wild canids such as the wolf. Since its oestrus usually takes place during late fall, most Tibetan Mastiff puppies are born between December and January.

Its double coat is long, subject to climate, and found in a wide variety of colors, including solid black, black & tan, various shades of gold, blue/gray, chocolate brown, the rarest being solid white.

The coat of a Tibetan Mastiff lacks the unpleasant "big-dog smell" that affects many large breeds. The coat, whatever its length or color(s), should shed dirt and odors. Although the dogs shed somewhat throughout the year, there is generally one great "molt" in late winter or early spring and sometimes another, lesser molt in the late summer or early fall. (Sterilization of the dog or bitch may dramatically affect the coat as to texture, density, and shedding pattern.)

Tibetan Mastiffs are shown under one standard in the West, but separated by the Indian breed standard into two varieties: Lion Head (smaller; exceptionally long hair from forehead to withers, creating a ruff or mane) and Tiger Head (larger; shorter hair)

St. Patrick's Day meal: a controversy of corned beef and cabbage

First thing's first: there's no corn involved. Secondly, it may not even be Irish! The traditional St. Patrick's Day meal of corned beef and cabbage may be closer to the hearts of Irish-Americans than the country they are celebrating.

Corned beef can be cured with brine or salt, but either way it comes from a cow. That was a bit of a problem for the Irish, who, back in the day, had lots of cheap pigs around. As Salon.com aptly explains, bacon and cabbage was the staple dish for most Irish rather than beef. It was only when immigration brought a wave of newly Irish-Americans in the 19th century that corned beef hit the menu.

The theory goes that corned beef and cabbage became a popular lunchtime meal in New York City bars in the early 20th century. A letter republished in Salon explains, "It was a cheap meat, much cheaper than fresh pork, and cabbage was a cheap vegetable. The bars offered a 'free lunch' to the Irish construction workers who were building NYC."

Of course, nothing is free. The letter goes on, "You had to buy a couple beers or shots of whiskey (or both, if you wanted) to get that free lunch. And that's how corned beef became known as an 'Irish' food."

Explaining one Irish stereotype (corned beef) by using another (drinking) may seem suspect, but come March 17 there will be plenty of both. Even if it's not authentic, the spirit is in the right place, right?

Check out more Corned Beef and Cabbage recipes here.

Source: CBS News

Incredibly lucky player won $172 Million lottery jackpot

Will an incredibly lucky lottery player win a life-changing windfall this week, or will the multi-state Mega Millions lottery game enter another round of $200+ million jackpots?

We'll find out Tuesday night, when the $172 million Mega Millions drawing takes place.

Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot is the accumulation of 11 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner. The current jackpot run-up started on Feb. 4 as a $12 million grand prize.

The lump-sum cash value stands at a staggering $108.9 million.

Players should note that jackpot amounts are conservative estimates provided by the lotteries, and are often somewhat higher by the time the drawing occurs. Occasionally the official jackpot estimate is raised even before the drawing, due to larger-than-expected sales.

In Friday night's Mega Millions drawing, there was no jackpot winner, but 11 lucky players matched the first 5 numbers for a $250,000 prize: 4 from California, 1 from Kansas, 1 from Michigan, 1 from New Jersey, 3 from New York, and 1 from Oregon.

The four California winners will each be awarded prizes of $113,947, because California awards all prizes in a pari-mutuel formula, which calculates the prize amount based on the number of tickets sold and the number of winners in each prize category. Because a larger-than-normal four tickets won second prize, the payout is smaller than the typical $250,000 for the winners.

Following the Friday drawing, the Mega Millions annuity jackpot estimate was raised $21 million from its previous amount of $151 million. The cash value was raised by $14.6 million, from its previous amount of $94.3 million.

The next Mega Millions drawing will take place Tuesday evening at 11:00 pm Eastern Time.

Mega Millions is currently offered for sale in 41 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For a complete set of game descriptions, results, history, and all questions regarding Mega Millions, lottery players are encouraged to visit USA Mega, a Web site that caters to the Unites States's two multi-state lottery games, Powerball and Mega Millions.

The Tuesday night Mega Millions winning numbers will be published at USA Mega minutes after the drawing takes place.

Source: Todd Northrop (www.lotterypost.com)

Holidays and Celebrations in the USA

National holidays in January include New Year's Day (1 January) and the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This holiday, which is observed on the third Monday in January, honours the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. Because Abraham Lincoln's birthday is on 12 February and George Washington's birthday is on 22 February, Americans honour these two presidents, and others, on Presidents' Day, which occurs the third Monday in February.

Many Americans celebrate Easter (in either March or April) by going to church and getting together with their family and friends. Children often go on Easter-egg hunts to search for hidden dyed eggs and other treats. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. It honours those who have given up their lives in defence of their country during wartime. The Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, picnics, and outdoor barbecues. Also known as Independence Day, this holiday celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the American colonies separated from Great Britain and formed the US.

On the first Monday in September, many Americans take a day off work to mark Labor Day. Trade unions initiated this holiday to commemorate the achievement of improved labour conditions and a shorter working day. Columbus Day (honouring the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on 12 October 1492) is now observed on the second Monday in October, although in recent years Native Americans and others have protested against the celebration of this day. Veterans' Day (11 November) honours those who gave their lives for their country during World Wars I and II. On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. The origin of this holiday is associated with the Pilgrims, who settled in New England in the early 1600s and shared a feast with members of the indigenous Wampanoag people. These days, Thanksgiving is celebrated by sharing an elaborate dinner, often including turkey and several other dishes, with family and friends.

The Christmas season often begins the day after Thanksgiving. Many people take this day off work to begin their Christmas shopping. During the month of December, Americans traditionally decorate their homes with a Christmas tree, colourful lights, and wreaths. They send greetings cards to their friends and family, sing Christmas carols, and shop for gifts. On Christmas Eve (24 December), children traditionally hang stockings by the fireplace for Santa Claus, whom they believe will come down the chimney during the night and leave presents for them. Christmas Day (25 December) is celebrated as both a religious and secular holiday. Many Americans who are practising Christians go to church on this day to honour the birth of Jesus. Many Americans also celebrate Christmas by joining their family or friends to exchange gifts, share a meal, drink egg-nog, and observe other traditions, which may vary according to region or family heritage.

There are also special days that, while not official holidays, are still widely observed. Groundhog Day (2 February) is a rural tradition that claims if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on that day and sees its shadow, it will go back inside and there will be six more weeks of winter. On Saint Valentine's Day (14 February), sweethearts and friends give each other greetings cards, flowers, and chocolates to show their affection. Saint Patrick's Day (17 March), the feast day of the Irish patron saint, is celebrated by Irish Americans with parades, parties, and the wearing of the colour green. Mothers' Day (the second Sunday in May) and Fathers' Day (the third Sunday in June) are days for children to give greetings cards and gifts to their parents, and to perhaps prepare them a special meal, or help around the house. Flag Day (14 June) celebrates the adoption of the US flag in 1777. Halloween (31 October) has its roots in ancient British autumn festivals for warding off evil spirits and celebrating the harvest; in the US it is a night for children to dress up, often as ghosts or witches, and go from door to door asking for sweets.

Many Jewish people in the US observe the High Holy Days, which begin in September or October (according to the lunar calendar) with Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and end with Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), a day of confession, repentance, and prayers for the forgiveness of sins committed during the year. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in December by many Jews. Gifts are exchanged and a special ceremony is conducted around a candelabrum, called a menorah, with nine candles. The number of candles lit each day corresponds to the particular day of the eight day festival-for example, five candles are lit on the fifth day. The ninth candle is used to light the others. While the candles burn, songs are sung and games are played.

The main holiday months are from June to early September, when the schools take their summer break. Many US workers get only two weeks of paid holiday a year, much less than most Europeans.

American Lifestyle in Recreation

Baseball, basketball, American football, and ice hockey are the most popular spectator and participation sports, but Americans enjoy an enormous range of activities, including soccer, cycling, racket-ball (a hybrid of squash and handball), tennis, swimming, golf, bowling, martial arts, walking, jogging, and aerobic exercise. Schools, cities, and other organizations sponsor team sports for the young, and professional sports are an important part of the culture. 

In general, most Americans spend a large amount of their leisure time socializing or watching television. Other leisure activities include going to the cinema or concerts, picnicking, and travelling. Many Americans volunteer for a wide range of causes, from raising funds to help those who are less fortunate to tutoring students or leading Scout troops and youth sports. Even city dwellers enjoy spending time in the "great outdoors", camping, hiking, or hunting.

Tera Myers: teacher stood down from job after exposed as ex adult star

High School science teacher Tera Myers has been suspended from her job as a high school teacher after her past came back to haunt her.

The well liked teacher was exposed by a student who discovered vision of Tera Myers from a shoot she underwent in the 1990s.

Working under the name Tericka Dye, its not the first time Tera Myers was embroiled in controversy over her past. 

Ms Myers, whose stage name is Rikki Andersin, even shared her story on television show Dr Phil and began work at Parkway North the next year, reported KMOV.

In 2006 Tera Myers lost her job from a Kentucky high school after her past was identified "I'm a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's made a lot of bad decisions in life. This being the most major. I wish that I could undo it more than anything in the world," Myers said at the time.

Parkway North officials said they did not know about her past until a student found the video, and were left wondering if their background and reference checks are sufficient.

Ms Myers did nothing illegal so it did not show up on a background check - and none of her references talked about her adult film appearances.

Tera Myers Video (from local news broadcast):

American Socializing Lifestyle

Both men and women usually smile and shake hands when greeting. Good friends and family members may embrace when they meet, especially after a long absence. In casual situations, a wave may be used instead of a handshake. Americans may greet strangers on the street by saying "Hello" or "Good morning", although they may pass without any greeting. Among young people, verbal greetings or various hand-slapping gestures, such as the "high five", are common.

Except in formal situations, people usually address one another by their first names once they are acquainted, and often do so on first meeting. Combining a title (such as "Mrs.", "Dr.", or "Ms.") with a family name shows respect. When greeting someone for the first time, Americans commonly say, "Pleased to meet you" or "How do you do?". A simple "Hello" or "Hi" is also common. There are regional variations such as "Aloha" in Hawaii or "Howdy" in parts of the West. Friends often greet each other with "How are you?" and respond "Fine, thanks". Americans do not usually expect any further answer to the question unless there is a close relationship.

Americans do not generally stand very close to each other when conversing, keeping about arm's length apart. However, they may spontaneously touch one another on the arm or shoulder during conversation. It is common for couples to hold hands or show affection in public. When sitting, both men and women are often casual when circumstances allow, and they may prop their feet up on chairs or place the ankle of one leg on the knee of the other. In more formal settings, however, it is often considered inappropriate to slouch or be too casual in demeanor.

Visiting friends, family, and acquaintances plays a big part of social life in the United States, and people will travel long distances by car, bus, train, or aeroplane to do so. People are generally expected to be on time for appointments or when they are invited to someone's home. However, if a guest is late, Americans will rarely take offence if the visitor has called in advance to inform them of the delay. In general, the emphasis during visits is on informality. Guests are expected to feel comfortable, to sit where they like, and to enjoy themselves. It usually does not cause offence if a guest refuses refreshments. Gifts are not expected when visiting, but many guests bring flowers or wine when invited for a meal. Close friends may offer, or be asked, to bring an item of food to serve with the meal.

10 Best Selling Mobile Phones for February 2011

Krusell has updated the list of 10 best-selling mobile phones. And the position of Apple's iPhone 4 as the best-seller has not been replaced. This is the fifth times iPhone 4, the IOS-based smartphone listed at the top. That means the iPhone 4 can sustain at the top as the most popular cell phone for five months since October last year.

Apple's iPhone 4

According to the capabilities and features, this Apple's latest smartphone deserves won the best-selling mobile phones. It dominated the market with its FaceTime features that make video calls activity more real and brighter than the previous generation.

In addition, the iPhone 4 is also equipped with the latest Apple Retina display that allows the highest resolution display ever featured on the phone to produce more detailed and sharper text, images, and videos.

Samsung Galaxy Tab

In the latest list, Samsung Galaxy Tab has got the public attention. Its position bounced six level up to the 2nd from 8th. Galaxy Tab is the first Samsung tablet PC that comes with 7-inch screen and Android based OS.

And the rest of the list for this month is not significantly different. There are Desire HD HTC, Nokia 3720 Classic and Nokia C5. There is a newcomer in the list, HTC Wildfire, while the Nokia N8 dumped from the list.

Here are 10 best-selling mobile phones for February 2011 (according Krusell):

1. (1) Apple iPhone 4

2. (8) Samsung Galaxy Tab

3. (2) HTC HD Desire

4. (3) Nokia 3720 Classic

5. (5) Nokia C5

6. (10) Nokia E52

7. (7) Samsung GT-B2710 / Xcover 271

8. (-) HTC Wildfire

9. (-) Samsung B2700

10. (6) Samsung i9000 Galaxy S

(  ) = last month position.

American Lifestyle of Diet and Eating

Americans eat a lot of fast food such as hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken, but their diet embraces an enormous range of foods from all over the world. Staples include potatoes, pasta, breads, and rice prepared with a variety of sauces. In the past two decades, eating habits have changed as people have become more health conscious, but many Americans continue to eat red meat (beef in particular) as well as pork, and chicken and other fowl. 

People visiting the US for the first time are often amazed at the size of the steaks and other portions of food served in restaurants. Fresh fish and seafood are widely available on the coasts and near major rivers and lakes, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit is available year-round. An extensive food-distribution system makes fresh farm products available to all parts of the country. Americans also consume large amounts of chocolate, ice cream, and other forms of confectionery. Although beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are available and popular in most areas, many Americans abstain from alcohol for health or religious reasons, and various kinds of mineral water are commonly available.

Eating styles and habits vary between people of different backgrounds, but Americans generally eat with the fork in the hand with which they write. A knife is used for cutting and spreading; otherwise, it is laid on the plate or table. Fast foods, such as chips, fried chicken, hamburgers, pizza, and tacos, tend to be eaten with the fingers. In general, table manners are casual, although it is traditionally considered impolite to rest elbows on the table. There is a significant difference between what people may do at home or in a fast-food restaurant, and how they act in a more formal restaurant. Because both parents often work outside the home, some Americans are less likely to sit down as a family to eat once the children are older and able to prepare their own food or serve themselves.

Marriage and Family Lifestyle in the USA

The family remains central to US society, and more than half of unmarried adults between the ages of 18 and 24 still live with their parents. Even so, the American family has changed considerably in recent decades. Today only about one-quarter of all households consist of a traditional nuclear family, and more than half of all households have no children. One out of every four children is born out of wedlock, and there has been a large increase in the number of single-parent families.

Almost 45.9 per cent (1996) of all working Americans are women. In many households where both the husband and wife work outside the home, men are expected to share household duties. Men have also been playing an increasing role in raising their children. With both parents working, the use of, and need for, day care facilities are increasing; this is especially true for single-parent families. Among the growing proportion of the elderly population, many prefer to live in their own homes and maintain their independence. Those who cannot care for themselves may live in retirement communities or other institutions, or with their adult children. However, extended families are not common in the US. The US family is more mobile than in many other societies. It is common to move from one region of the country to another for education, employment, or simply a change of climate and scenery. Some people may move 15 times or more during a lifetime. Although many couples choose to live together before, or instead of, marriage, the marriage rate is one of the highest in western societies-but the divorce rate is also the world's highest. Weddings vary in style according to religion, region, ethnic origins, and wealth. Both religious and secular people may be legally authorized to perform weddings. The average age for marriage is 26 for men and 24 for women.