GOP convention wrap-up: The balloons fell. So how did Mitt Romney do?

At the GOP convention, Mitt Romney needed to unify and fire up his supporters and attract undecided voters. The coming weeks will show if any needed 'bounce' in the polls endures.

By Brad Knickerbocker,?Staff writer / August 31, 2012

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, left, wave following Romney's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Thursday evening.

Charlie Neibergall/AP

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The curtain has dropped on the Republican National Convention, but two key questions remain:

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Did Mitt Romney and the hundreds of other participants in this traditional political extravaganza accomplish what they intended? And where do the Republican Party and the Romney campaign go from here in the 67 days left until Election Day?

Mr. Romney roused the GOP faithful crowded into the Tampa Bay Times Forum Thursday night. His speech revealed a few more details about his personal life ? something that doesn?t come easy to him. And convention schedulers obviously worked hard to leave the impression that the party has become more inclusive, although the roster of speakers seemed more diverse than the delegates gathered to hear them.

There were more dynamic, more natural speakers than Romney ? vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Sen. Marco Rubio in his introduction of Mr. Romney. But others ? politicians being politicians ? seemed more self-promotional.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie spent a large chunk of his keynote speech touting his own accomplishments, referring only later to Romney (who appeared unenthusiastic if not uncomfortable as he watched). So did former Sen. Rick Santorum, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte.

Many speakers recounted their family roots in working-class struggle ? immigrant parents and grandparents (Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, US Senate candidate Ted Cruz of Texas, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, Senator Rubio of Florida) ? or in Jim Crow racism (Ms. Rice).

Such stories may have humanized the speakers and the general impression of Republicans. But did it do much for Romney, who had a privileged upbringing as the son of an auto executive and governor?

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/l-njX3kWX5I/GOP-convention-wrap-up-The-balloons-fell.-So-how-did-Mitt-Romney-do

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Curiosity beams new will.i.am song from Mars

Will.I.Am, with Black Eyed Peas, speaks at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Tuesday Aug. 28, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. The NASA rover Curiosity beamed to Earth his new song "Reach for the Stars" on Tuesday in the first music broadcast from another planet, to the delight of students who gathered at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to listen. Earlier, engineers uploaded the song to the rover, which landed near the equator of Mars, and played it back _ a journey of some 700 million miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Will.I.Am, with Black Eyed Peas, speaks at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Tuesday Aug. 28, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. The NASA rover Curiosity beamed to Earth his new song "Reach for the Stars" on Tuesday in the first music broadcast from another planet, to the delight of students who gathered at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to listen. Earlier, engineers uploaded the song to the rover, which landed near the equator of Mars, and played it back _ a journey of some 700 million miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Will.I.Am, with Black Eyed Peas, sings at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Tuesday Aug. 28, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. The NASA rover Curiosity beamed to Earth his new song "Reach for the Stars" on Tuesday in the first music broadcast from another planet, to the delight of students who gathered at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to listen. Earlier, engineers uploaded the song to the rover, which landed near the equator of Mars, and played it back _ a journey of some 700 million miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) ? Will.i.am has premiered his new single ? from Mars.

The NASA rover Curiosity beamed to Earth his new song, "Reach for the Stars," on Tuesday in the first music broadcast from another planet, to the delight of students who gathered at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to listen.

The song had been uploaded to the rover, which landed near the equator of Mars, and played back ? a journey of some 700 million miles.

The musician, who promotes science and mathematics education, was among more than a dozen celebrities who were invited to JPL to watch Curiosity's landing earlier this month. Others included Wil Wheaton, Seth Green and Morgan Freeman.

In 2008, NASA beamed the Beatles' "Across the Universe" into the cosmos to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the song.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/b2f0ca3a594644ee9e50a8ec4ce2d6de/Article_2012-08-29-US-SCI-Mars-Music/id-5869a921f31343ddbc58753050159529

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Yosemite officials say 1,700 visitors risk disease

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) ? The rustic tent cabins of Yosemite National Park ? a favorite among families looking to rough it in one of the nation's most majestic settings ? have become the scene of a public health crisis after two visitors died from a rodent-borne disease following overnight stays.

On Tuesday, park officials sent letters and emails to 1,700 visitors who stayed in some of the dwellings in June, July and August, warning them that they may have been exposed to the disease that also caused two other people to fall ill.

Those four people contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome after spending time in one of the 91 "Signature Tent Cabins" at Curry Village around the same time in June. The illness is spread by contact with rodent feces, urine and saliva, or by inhaling exposed airborne particles.

After the first death, the park sanitized the cabins and alerted the public through the media that the cause might have been diseased mice in the park.

However, officials did not know for sure the death was linked to Yosemite or the campsite until the Centers for Disease Control determined over the weekend that a second visitor, a resident of Pennsylvania, also had died.

After every park tragedy, officials stress that Yosemite is a wilderness area and with it come some dangers.

"We're very concerned about visitors and employees," park spokesman Scott Gediman said. "But we feel we are taking proactive steps in both cleaning the affected areas and in public education. But it's absolutely impossible to eliminate all risk."

On Sunday night, health officials with the National Park Service sent out an alert asking public health authorities to be on the watch for more potential rodent-related cases of acute respiratory failure.

Yosemite receives 4 million tourists a year from around the world, and national park officials were trying to determine if the warning should be expanded to include foreign countries.

"We're discussing whether to do that and how to do that," said Dr. David Wong, chief of the epidemiology branch of the National Park Service Office of Public Health.

The disease can incubate for up to six weeks before flu-like symptoms develop. It's fatal in 30 percent of all cases, and there is no specific treatment. It is not spread human-to-human.

Wong said the Yosemite cases are unusual because hantavirus illnesses are most often isolated events.

"We are seeing more than one person who got it in a narrow space and time," he said. "It makes us wonder why, and those are questions we don't have the answers to."

All the victims stayed in the cabins between June 10 and June 20, and all four known cases were contracted by people who stayed within 100 feet of each other but not necessarily in the same cabins.

The National Park Service currently has assigned two epidemiologists to work in the park trapping rodents for testing. Additional studies are being done to determine if the Yosemite rodent population is higher than normal after a record snowpack in 2011 provided ample water for the grass seeds mice favor.

"Rodents and mice are native to the park, but we are looking at the populations and working with our wildlife biologists to determine if the population is too high," Gediman said. "There are rodents here, and we could never trap them all so that's not going to mitigate it."

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, some people have cancelled reservations at Curry Village after hearing about the outbreak, Gediman said.

The camp sits at the base of the 3,000-foot Glacier Point.

After boulders rained down in 2008, the park permanently closed some cabins. The newer, insulated Signature Cabins were built in 2009 to replace them. Investigators are trying to determine why those cabins were involved in the outbreak.

Park concessionaire Delaware North Co., which oversees the cabins, did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

Rangers are handing out information brochures at the park entrance warning people to avoid mice in general and mouse droppings in particular.

People with reservations in the affected cabins are not being notified before arrival, but they are being warned during check-in to report any sightings of mouse feces.

"This is a serious public health issue and we want to be transparent, but at the same time we don't want people to alter their plans, because we are taking the necessary precautions," Gediman said.

Since the first illness was reported earlier this month, employees of Delaware North disinfected all 408 canvas-sided and wood-sided cabins in Curry Village. Workers are in the midst of shoring up the cabins in an attempt to keep mice from have easy access.

Epidemiologists say none of the victims had anything in common other than staying in Yosemite cabins.

A 37-year-old man from the San Francisco Bay area was the first person to die. Further details have not been released because of medical privacy laws.

Of the 587 documented U.S. cases since the virus was identified in 1993, about one-third proved fatal.

Deer mice were determined to be the main carriers of the virus, though other rodents can be infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most of the cases occur in the West, though researchers are not sure why.

This year's deaths mark the first such fatalities of park visitors, although two others were stricken in a more remote area of the park in 2000 and 2010.

There have been at least two other fatal cases in national parks in the past few years, including a deputy superintendent at Glacier National Park who died in 2004, and a tourist at the Grand Canyon who was stricken in 2009.

Wong said health officials never were able to determine whether the victims contracted hantavirus inside the park grounds.

___

Follow Tracie Cone on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TConeAP

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/yosemite-officials-1-700-visitors-risk-disease-171600477.html

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Rachel Reynolds Expecting First Child

"I've been blessed with a wonderful career on The Price Is Right, an amazing husband, loving friends and family, and now we are expecting our first child together," Reynolds says. "I couldn't ask for anything more. I'm a very lucky girl!"

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/H6abU3vJUw0/

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The Holiday Preview Showcase with Michael's Crafts | The New ...

I recently visited Michael?s Crafts at their headquarters in Dallas. And can I tell you I was like a kid in a candy store! So much fun stuff. They even let us into their amazing Holiday Preview Showcase for the 2012 Holiday season.

There were so many amazing products and crafty ideas, I left so inspired.

Here are some of my favorite project ideas, perfect for the coming months. So get out your supplies and get crafting with these 14 ideas!

• 

  Jump Ring Memory Bracelet

  With a chain, some jump rings, and a few fun trickets, make your own memory bracelet. Here's mine, with all sorts of things that I love!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#jump-ring-memory-bracelet

• 

  Coloring Glasses with Sharpie

  This was one of my favorite projects because of it's simplicity! It's a pair of white plain sunglasses and a bucket of sharpie markers. So cute!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#coloring-glasses-with-sharpie

• 

  Decoupage Paper Pine Code

  With paper circles decoupaged with book page paper, cover a styrofoam oval to make a pine cone.

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#decoupage-paper-pine-code

• 

  Woodland Mushrooms Decoupaged

  Find a mushroom form or create one out of clay. Then cover with cute paper and decoupage.

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#woodland-mushrooms-decoupaged

• 

  Rolled Paper 3D Letters

  This fun giant 3D letter M is created with lots and lots of rolled paper. I love the color layers.

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#rolled-paper-3d-letters

• 

  Mustache Duct Tape with Duck Tape

  Yes, this is awesome! I see myself making a bag or a bookmark or almost anything to create with this mustache duck tape!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#mustache-duct-tape-with-duck-tape

• 

  Rolled Paper Christmas Tree

  This 3D paper Christmas tree is created by layering rolled paper on top of each other. So simple.

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#rolled-paper-christmas-tree

• 

  Washi Tape Coasters

  Buy a piece of tile at a hardware store and cover it in washi tape, decoupaging it to seal it. Perfect home decor gift!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#washi-tape-coasters

• 

  Washi Tape Gift Tags

  Plain gift tags get prettied up with a little washi tape design!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#washi-tape-gift-tags

• 

  Halloween Triangle Banner

  Cute little halloween triangle papers are lined up on a string to create this spooky Halloween banner.

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#halloween-triangle-banner

• 

  Blinged Up Chandelier

  How fun and funky is this chandelier? Art-i-cake decorated all their jewelry designs to hang on a plain chandelier to dress it up a bit.

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#blinged-up-chandelier

• 

  Crochet Soap on a Rope

  This is one fun crochet pattern I want to make. How cute would this be in the bath?

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#crochet-soap-on-a-rope

• 

  Yarn Wrapped Packages

  With just a few colors of yarn, you've got a handmade look to your holiday gifts. Super simple to make and give!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#yarn-wrapped-packages

• 

  Recycled Jar Snow Globes

  Once your crafting jars are empty, recycle them into a fun snow globe, complete with a cute snowman inside!

  /the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/#recycled-jar-snow-globes

For more from Marie, visit her crafty blog?Make and Takes?and follow her on?twitter,?facebook, and?pinterest!

Source: http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2012/08/28/14-projects-from-the-holiday-preview-at-michaels-crafts/

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Larry the No10 cat makes a killing

Larry the Downing Street cat has inadvertently helped his master, Prime Minister David Cameron, hit back after the British leader was challenged to show whether he was "man or mouse" Tuesday.

Larry killed a mouse, a rare event in the life of a feline previously known for his laid-back approach to hunting.

The killing came hours after senior Conservative MP Tim Yeo questioned whether Cameron had the character to take the politically explosive decision to give the green light for a third runway at Heathrow airport in a column for The Daily Telegraph.

"The Prime Minister must ask himself whether he is man or mouse," Yeo wrote.

Cameron is on holiday in Cornwall but a Downing Street spokesman told reporters: "The only dead mouse in Downing Street is the one Larry caught this morning."

News of Larry's triumph was quickly picked up by British media, who have frequently run pictures of the cat since it was brought to Downing Street from Battersea Cats and Dogs home in February 2011 to curb its mouse problem.

But it is not the five-year-old feline's first kill, or even the first mouse he has caught, Downing Street told AFP. "There's been several," a spokesman said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/larry-no10-cat-makes-killing-150036001.html

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Ryan: Idiot or intelligent? Depends.... (Washington Bureau)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/244342154?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Documents: Man turned self in for ND bank robbery

This image from a surveillance camera, released by the Williston (ND) Police Department shows Kent Clemens after he allegedly robbed Gate City Bank, in Williston, ND on July 18, 2012. Authorities say Clemens called 911 in Topeka, Kan., three days later telling officers that he had made a mistake and to arrest him. (AP Photo/ Williston Police Department)

This image from a surveillance camera, released by the Williston (ND) Police Department shows Kent Clemens after he allegedly robbed Gate City Bank, in Williston, ND on July 18, 2012. Authorities say Clemens called 911 in Topeka, Kan., three days later telling officers that he had made a mistake and to arrest him. (AP Photo/ Williston Police Department)

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) ? Kent Anthony Clemens returned home to Kansas after a short stay in North Dakota's booming oil patch with a stack of crisp $50 bills, sharing what authorities say was ill-gotten booty with his sister.

Then, apparently, guilt set in.

Three days after Clemens allegedly held up a bank in the western North Dakota town of Williston, the 53-year-old called 911 and asked police in his hometown of Topeka, Kan., to arrest him "for making a mistake," according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court.

"People have an attack of conscience all the time ? like returning stolen items to a store," Topeka Police Chief Ron Miller said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "But it is unusual to rob a bank and then call 911 in an attack of conscience."

When police arrived at Clemens' home last month, he was sitting on the front porch, "wearing what appeared to be the same blue polo shirt he was wearing when he committed the Gates City Bank robbery," the FBI affidavit said. He "put both of his hands out to police and told them to arrest him for making a mistake," court papers said.

Clemens is being held in North Dakota. He appeared in federal court in Bismarck on Aug. 17 and waived his right to a preliminary hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Volk said. Federal public defender Heather Mitchell said no other court hearings have been scheduled.

Neither attorney would comment on specifics of the case.

According to court papers, the suspect was wearing a polo shirt, a golf-style flat cap and tinted glasses when he walked into Gates City Bank in Williston on July 18.

He "looked more like he was going golfing than robbing a bank," said Williston Police Det. Cory Collings.

The suspect told the teller he had a gun and demanded $50 bills. The robber fled on foot with about $700, court papers said.

Clemens told authorities he did not have a gun at the time of the robbery and believed he made off with $800.

North Dakota has risen from the nation's ninth-leading oil producer to No. 2 in just six years, and Williston is the epicenter of the state's oil patch. Officials say the city's population has doubled in the past decade to some 30,000 residents.

Collings said the Williston Police Department is understaffed and overwhelmed by the increased crime from an exploding population.

"It would be great if all of our cases worked out like this. At least some of the sleepless nights would maybe go away," Collings said Tuesday.

Clemens' sister, identified as "Sheila" in court papers, told investigators her brother announced in early July that he was "quitting his job, and leaving to work the oil fields either in Alabama, North Dakota, or Canada," the FBI affidavit said. Clemens returned home on July 19, one day after the Williston bank robbery and gave his sister $350 in $50 bills, court papers said.

Clemens' sister told investigators she had spent most of the money but later gave authorities four $50 bills she had in her purse, court records show.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/aa9398e6757a46fa93ed5dea7bd3729e/Article_2012-08-28-Second-Thought%20Robber/id-f43828f690b6449db9621b7cd0c9c2f6

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TMT (TIME)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS and RSS Feed via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/243864944?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Oregon Dressage Society News and Announcements ? Call for ...

Greetings ODS Members! We hope very much that this note finds each of you enjoying the final days of summer with your family, friends and horses ? As you know, two of our region?s largest competitions are fast approaching, both at DevonWood Equestrian Centre in Sherwood, Oregon: The Oregon Dressage Society Open and Championship Shows, September 7th, 8th and 9th, 2012, and the The USDF GAIG Region 6 & NW Dressage Championship Show, September 20th,21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2012 We are in great need of volunteers for both competitions and we are asking for your help. Many of you have volunteered at previous shows this summer and we sincerely thank you for your service, as each event requires a great deal of help to be successful, and without volunteer participation we would be nowhere. The two September shows are no exception in terms of need, as each is multiple days with multiple arenas, and over the course of the weekend we can utilize the help of 100 volunteers or more. To simplify the sign-up process we are utilizing a new program this year which is straight forward and user friendly, allowing you to peruse the open volunteers slots for each day of the competition, and enter your own name in the desired position and time slot. We have openings in all areas, and most positions do not require prior experience ? we are more than happy to train you on the spot! If you can help for part of the time indicated, but not the entire shift, just share that with us in the ?comments? section to the right of your sign-up information. To volunteer for The ODS Open and Championship Shows, please click on the following link, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Tammy Kienitz, at tkienitz@centurylink.net or (541)258-3961, (541)979-1198. http://signupschedule.com/oregondressagesociety To volunteer for The USDF GAIG Region 6 & NW Dressage Championship Show, please click on the following link, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Wade, at mtgirl6396@gmail.com or (360)673-3438. http://signupschedule.com/region6championships Thank you very much for your consideration. Even a couple of hours of your time will greatly help our shows. Hope to see you there! Warmest regards, Jennifer Milburn Rose Newman Manager Manager ODS Open & Champs Region 6 Champs For more information on either of these shows, please go to their individual websites: www.odschampionshipshow.com www.dressagenorthwest.org ### This e-mail is being sent on behalf of the Dressage Foundation by The Oregon Dressage Society, an affiliate of the United States Dressage Federation. ODS exists to educate, promote and inspire its members and the general public through programs, publications and competitions, in a way that enhances the image of Dressage and promotes the welfare of the horse. You are receiving this email from the Oregon Dressage Society because you subscribed on our membership renewal form or requested to be added to our e-mail list. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add office@oregondressage.com and broadcast@lists.oregondressage.com to your address book today. If you do not wish to be on this e-mail list, please e-mail the office ? office@oregondressage.com and request ?UNSUBSCRIBE?. ODS ? PO Box 959, Hillsboro OR 97123 ? Phone: 503.681.2337 Fax: 503.681.3873 ? http://www.oregondressage.com

Source: http://www.oregondressage.com/news/2012/call-for-volunteers-ods-championships-and-regional-championships/

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White House will release homebrew recipe if 25,000 sign petition ...

Source: http://clatl.com/omnivore/archives/2012/08/27/white-house-will-release-homebrew-recipe-if-25k-sign-petition

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Flags to fly at half-staff for Neil Armstrong

The astronaut who became the first man to walk on the moon has died at the age of 82. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports on tributes for him and the legacy he left behind.

By Alan Boyle

U.S. flags will be flying at half-staff around the world "as a mark of respect for the memory of Neil Armstrong," the first man to walk on the moon, President Barack Obama proclaimed today.

The half-staff tribute will take place on the day of Armstrong's burial and last until sunset. But exactly which day will that be? Friday is the likeliest day ??but the plans for memorials are still taking shape, two days after Armstrong died of complications from heart surgery at the age of 82.

---

Today, NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs tweeted that a private, family memorial service would take place on Friday in Cincinnati, near the Armstrong family home in Indian Hill, Ohio. The Associated Press also said services would be held Friday. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican who's a friend of the family, is due to give the eulogy, AP reported.

NASA Headquarters in Washington said that the details for the private as well as public memorial services were still in flux. "No details yet for a public memorial," Jacobs wrote.

Meanwhile, formal and informal memorials to the first moonwalker are proliferating. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where Armstrong was born, is planning a memorial tribute on Wednesday night.

NASA has set up a "Share Your Thoughts" website where condolences can be left. There's also a "Wink at the Moon Night" website, sparked by the Armstrong family's request to look at the moon, "think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink." The website is part of a campaign to make Aug. 25, the date of Armstrong's death, an annual Wink at the Moon Night.

Photoillustration by Jason Major via Twitter

NBC News' Cape Canaveral correspondent, Jay Barbree, told me in an email that the thought behind the request for winks was clear: "The family means that's where he'll be ??on the moon."

As I gave a wink last Saturday night, it struck me that the moon was already flying at half-staff, just one day after its first-quarter phase. Friday's full moon will be the second full moon of the month, and thus will mark a rare "blue moon." Armstrong's passing will surely make this moon as blue as it can be.

Tributes are continuing to stream in from VIPs. Here are a few that have crossed our desk since Saturday:

Robert Zubrin, president, Mars Society: "Neil Armstrong was a patriot and a pioneer. ?In every way he was an exemplar of the great human spirit which seeks to go where no one has gone, to know what has never been known, to do what has never been done.? His?life's story?calls to all of us to rise to our own higher natures, just as his immortal words when first setting foot on our neighbor world challenge us.? Will the Apollo 11 mission ultimately be remembered as a 'giant leap for mankind,' the first step in opening an infinite frontier?? Or will it recede into history as merely a grand stunt that led nowhere?? The answer to that question is up to us.? Let us therefore reflect on this great and good man's life, and resolve to?find and summon to action?the Neil Armstrong within?ourselves, so that he, and the nation that dared with him, did not dare in vain."

Frank DiBello, president, Space Florida: "Although Neil Armstrong had grown disillusioned with the debate, uncertainty and acrimony in Washington surrounding the post-shuttle direction of NASA, he remained a passionate and compelling advocate of the human exploration of space. We owe it to his memory to continue that quest. Indeed, our memory of this grand achievement is our collective heritage, and is our single most enduring symbol of American exceptionalism."

Bill Nye (the Science Guy), CEO, Planetary Society: "For people everywhere, Neil Armstrong was a hero, I think, not just because he did his dangerous job successfully, but because he was so matter-of-fact about his profession. It was a day at his office. We all owe him a debt. Just think how the word would be different, if he had crashed on the moon, or not managed to return from the moon, or missed the Earth on his way back. None of us would think of our place in the cosmos, our place in space differently.?Neil Armstrong raised the expectations, the hopes and dreams, of every human on Earth. Thanks to him, we all believe that humans can achieve great things -- that we can learn about our place among the stars -- that we can all reach up and out -- that we can fly, and change the world. It turns out, yours was a pretty big step after all. Thank you, sir." [Full statement]

Hugh Downs, former host of ABC's "20/20" and chairman of the National Space Society's Board of Governors:?"News of Neil Armstrong's passing is so shocking that there is no way it can be absorbed right away as reality. His position in history is deeper than that of any known discoverer or explorer in the history of this planet. As the first human to land on any world outside the Earth, and probably the first living creature of any sort to come from the Earth and reach the Moon, his legacy will be safe as long as intelligent life survives in this corner of the cosmos." [Full statement]

Neil deGrasse Tyson, director, Hayden Planetarium, via Twitter: "'Men Walk On Moon'?? The only positive event in the last 50 years for which everyone remembers where they were when it happened. ... Farewell, my friend. And now, perhaps more than ever, I bid you godspeed. ... The first crewed spacecraft to Mars should be named the 'Armstrong.' That works on so many levels."

Win McNamee / Getty Images

A tribute to Ohio-born astronaut Neil Armstrong is displayed on stage at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Sunday. The tribute was created during the run-up to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

More about Neil Armstrong's life and legacy:

---

When Neil Armstrong had his heart surgery earlier this month, we collected get-well wishes and passed them along to the family via NBC's Jay Barbree. I can't promise that we'll be able to do likewise this time around, but please feel free to leave your condolences as comments below.

Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's?Facebook page, following?@b0yle on Twitter?and adding the?Cosmic Log page?to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box every weekday. You can also check out?"The Case for Pluto,"?my book about the dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.

Source: http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/27/13508020-memorials-to-neil-armstrong-taking-shape-flags-to-fly-at-half-staff?lite

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Libya Islamists raze part of revered mausoleum

Islamist hardliners bulldozed part of a revered mausoleum in Tripoli on Saturday in the second such attack in Libya in two days, an AFP correspondent reported.

Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Abu Shagur, in remarks on Twitter, condemned the actions as "crimes" for which which the culprits should be held responsible.

He had asked the defence and interior ministries on Friday to intervene "but they have not carried out their duty in protecting these sites."

The radicals used an excavator to demolish part of the mausoleum of Al-Shaab Al-Dahman, close to the centre of the Libyan capital, the correspondent said.

It was the second such assault on a Muslim pilgrimage site in as many days.

On Friday, hardliners blew up the mausoleum of Sheikh Abdessalem al-Asmar in Zliten, 160 kilometres (100 miles) east of Tripoli, a town which was rocked by deadly clashes earlier this week.

A video posted on social networking sites purported to show the building being blown up to cries of "Allahu Akbar (God is greatest)."

Witnesses told AFP on Saturday that another mausoleum, that of Sheikh Ahmed al-Zarruq, had been destroyed in the port of Misrata 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Tripoli.

Hardline Sunni Islamists are implacably opposed to the veneration of tombs of revered Muslim figures, saying that such devotion should be reserved for God alone.

There are conflicting reports as to what triggered this week's clashes in Zliten, with some saying they were the result of a tribal vendetta and others that they pitted Islamists bent on destroying the shrine against other residents seeking to protect it.

The violence, which left at least three people dead and scores wounded, is on the agenda of the ruling national congress, which has requested a security briefing from the interior minister.

The national assembly's speaker, Mohamed al-Megarief, in a televised speech on Saturday, denounced "the destruction and pillage of several buildings" and historic manuscripts.

He also said it was "regrettable and suspect" that members of the security forces and former rebels may have taken part in the attacks.

"Such acts are rejected and illegal under the law and sharia (Islamic law)," Megarief said.

He added that the prime minister and defence and interior ministers, along with the intelligence chief and security service officials, have been called to appear before the assembly on Sunday to answer deputies' questions.

On Thursday, the national assembly, which was elected in July, met in closed session to discuss security problems across the country, with Interior Minister Fawzi Abdelali reportedly coming in for heavy criticism.

The session followed a double car bombing in Tripoli on August 19 that killed two people. Tribal clashes in the western region of Zliten have since left at least two dead and several wounded.

Rumours have been circulating in Tripoli for days that Abdelali and Defence Minister Osama Juili could both face the sack.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/libya-islamists-raze-part-revered-mausoleum-afp-171805013.html

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PFT: Ravens cut ex-Pro Bowl kicker Cundiff

Colts owner Jim Irsay does something that no other NFL owner does.

He tweets regularly.? He tweets aggressively.? He tweets without a filter.? He tweets without the benefit of having anyone in the organization with the ability or the will to tell him that maybe he should resist the urge to press the ?Tweet? button.

And his tweets naturally will generate criticism.? After all, Twitter is the great social equalizer, giving fans the ability to dress down the rich and powerful without ever having to face them.? And anything Irsay tweets on any topic that treads remotely close to controversial territory will generate responses from folks who relish the opportunity to pop off at a natural target who makes the target even larger by his tweets.

We like the fact that Irsay tweets.? Otherwise, we never would have known that Irsay?s Colts are engaged in trade talks with a still-unknown team about a still-unknown veteran player.

But the criticism of his ?trade winds? tweets seems to be getting to Irsay, who has lashed out at critics with, yes, a stream of fresh tweets.

It started out OK, with Irsay explaining that he?s merely engaged in customer relations:? ?ColtsFans pay hard earned $ 2c their team play,they make the game! So I?ll update them as I see fit while protecting sanctity of operations!?

But then he turned indignant:? ?If u don?t like it buy ur own team and try to make the playoffs 9 seasons n a row n put together 7 straight 12 win seasons n a row as Owner!?

And then he declared victory, and he presumably has retreated:? ?U can do all your judgmental chirpin? U want,it?s not about subjective opinions?it what you DO n what your track record shows! CHECKMATE!?

The second tweet is the most troubling.? Taunting folks who never will have the money to buy a team is bad enough; Irsay conveniently ignores the fact that he didn?t buy a team, either.? He inherited one.

Also, it?s hard for an owner to publicly claim credit for winning.? Yes, Irsay hired Bill Polian and Tony Dungy.? Yes, Irsay has managed not to meddle in the affair of the team.? But Irsay benefited greatly from the fact that he team was bad enough in 1997 to get in position to draft Peyton Manning in 1998.

And if Andrew Luck turns out to be the next great franchise quarterback, Irsay will have benefited greatly from the fact that Peyton?s neck gave out and the team went 2-14 in the same year that Luck was entering the NFL.

Regardless of whether an erratic and unpredictable approach to Twitter projects the image the NFL wants from its owners, the NFL surely doesn?t want one of its owners antagonizing the customers on Twitter, regardless of whether they are fans of the Colts or one of the other 31 teams.? Regardless, he?s providing another wrinkle in what remains the ultimate reality show.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/26/ravens-cut-billy-cundiff/related/

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Source: http://forum.askthebookie.com/nfl-football-handicapping/handicapping-betting-nfl-football-34111.html

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Game of the Week: Metal Gear Solid | Video Games, Reviews ...

This 1998 release was not the first in the illustrious franchise, yet it was indubitably the game that bore its burgeoning acclaim. This stealth ?em up retains its lofty position amongst the very pinnacle of the Playstation?s output; indeed Metal Gear Solid is still a frequent bastion of Greatest Games Ever Made lists. Let?s take a machete of illumination/mockery to the roots of this prodigious reputation.

The plot finds Solid Snake, infiltrator extraordinaire, dispatched to Alaska to quell a formidable uprising at a nuclear weapons disposal facility. The perpetrators are composed of the erstwhile special forces unit, FOXHOUND. Liquid Snake, their kingpin and our primary antagonist, presents demands to the government in lieu of A SURELY RATHER PAINFUL NUCLEAR CONFLAGRATION IN THEIR FACES. (?Hey ma! Where are the band-aids? That hairy guy with the hideous English accent dropped another nuclear bomb on my head.?) They aren?t being facetious either, whiling away an overcast afternoon with prank phonecalls or shenanigans of that nature. FOXHOUND possess Metal Gear REX, a gargantuan bipedal battle-bot capable of the aforementioned nuclear ravaging.
In summation, it?s spare underpants time.

Particularly so for solitary soldier Solid Snake, entrenched in the facility with only belligerent guards and moronic voices in his Codec for company. The manner in which our protagonist undertakes his endeavours makes for nigh-unprecedented gameplay; clandestine creepings and the oft-ballyhooed tactical espionage action are your modus operandi. Hiding in corners, befuddling surveillance cameras with chaff grenades and surrepticiously ensconcing yourself in a cardboard box are some of the stealthy shenanigans that await for your delectation. In tandem with the ubiquitous Soliton radar, these are refreshing concepts indeed in a trigger-happy age. This isn?t to say you won?t accrue a vast myriad of ballistics (seemingly concealed somewhere in that skin-tight Sneaking Suit of yours) through the course of Metal Gear Solid. Indeed, you can gleefully engage in such wanton sadism as ?guard hunting? with a surface-to-air missile launcher should the whim take you. Yet this is not, as is surely plain, the optimum manner of executing a strictly sub rosa operation. Tactical is indeed le mot juste.

As a yarn, the story is exquisitely convoluted, belied by a wonderful cinematic flair; as is the wont of Hideo Kojima. You will clamor to discover who is betraying who, why that gargantuan shaman is cruising around a snowfield in a tank, why Deepthroat is entreatying you to propel a self-guided missile at a fusebox (and, further, how he knows THERE ARE CLAYMORE MINES AROUND THERE!) and suchlike. Who is that cyborg ninja? Why would he relinquish that lightsabre of his, only to employ a far more strenuous series of crotch-thrusting gymnastic proclivities in a theatrical attempt to punch our face?

Raconteurs still compose enamoured odes to the motley menagerie of boss encounters; encompassing helicopters, ricocheting bullets besetting an old dude, huge manbeasts patrolling a frozen warehouse (merrily hefting an aircraft?s gatling gun as though it were a mere child?s tricycle) and other anomalous wonderment. A truly seminal release, and a testament to the mantra that quality is timeless.

Source: http://www.gamingsurvival.com/2012/08/25/game-of-the-week-metal-gear-solid/

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NASCAR - Don't miss out: Catch all the Bristol NASCAR action - FOX Sports Photo Gallery | FOX Sports on MSN

/fe/images/gallery/photo_foxsports_default_image.jpg Don't miss out: Catch all the Bristol NASCAR action NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping Wor... NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series Bristol action NASCAR is taking on the wild and unpredictable Bristol Motor Speedway. Aug 23, 2012 12:39 AM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Nationwide-Camping-World-Truck-series-Bristol-action-082212 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/08/19/730_2012081916503021_136_102.JPG Rush hour: Michigan, Montreal races keep drivers busy NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping Wor... NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series Michigan and Montreal action Johnson just latest victim this weekend. Aug 19, 2012 4:58 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Nationwide-Camping-World-Truck-Michigan-Montreal-action http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/10/22/Joe-Paterno-_20111022231312343_136_102.JPG Sports deaths of 2012 Aug 13, 2012 5:47 PM ET 1 14 /mlb/gallery/sports-deaths-of-2012 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/08/12/081212-NASCAR-damage-control-LN-PI_20120812154232480_136_102.JPG NASCAR Sprint Cup Nationwide Watkins Glen action NASCAR Sprint Cup Nationwide Watkins Glen act... NASCAR Sprint Cup Nationwide Watkins Glen action Watkins Glen proved to be rough ride for some. Aug 12, 2012 3:45 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Nationwide-Watkins-Glen-action-081112 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/08/05/080512-NASCAR-wet-and-wild-LN-PI_20120805184632688_136_102.JPG Don't miss out: NASCAR action from Pocono & Iowa NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping Wor... NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series action from Pocono and Iowa. Catch all the action from the race weekend. Aug 5, 2012 11:45 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Nationwide-Truck-Pocono-Iowa-action-080312 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/29/072912-NASCAR-ron-howard-EN-PI_2012072917130491_136_102.JPG Celebrities at NASCAR races Which celebrities have been hanging out at the track this year? Jul 29, 2012 8:13 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/celebrities-at-NASCAR-races-2012 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/29/072912-NASCAR-too-hot-EN-PI_2012072917063173_136_102.JPG NASCAR action at Indy NASCAR action at Indy NASCAR action at Indy Kenseth just one who found Indy hard to handle. Jul 29, 2012 5:12 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/nascar-sprint-cup-nationwide-at-indianapolis-action-072712 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/22/072212-NASCAR-WHAT-A-VIEW-OB-PI_20120722191510551_136_102.JPG On track: Nationwide and Truck drivers take on Chicago NASCAR Nationwide, Camping World Truck series... NASCAR Nationwide, Camping World Truck series Chicagoland Speedway action Nationwide, Truck drivers take spotlight at Chicagoland. Jul 22, 2012 7:16 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Nationwide-Camping-World-Truck-series-Chicagoland-Speedway-action-072012 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/21/072112-Soap-Box-Derby-Gallery-SW-PI_2012072117415862_136_102.JPG All-American Soap Box Derby Action and the winners at the All-American So... Action and the winners at the All-American Soap Box Derby. Soap Box Derby filled with fun, thrills and emotion. Jul 21, 2012 5:52 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/all-american-soap-box-derby-2012-072112 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/16/071612-NASCAR-HOME-BOUND-OB-PI_20120716172626816_136_102.JPG NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers have family support NASCAR 's Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Jeff... NASCAR 's Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Jeff BUrton, Matt... Off weekend gives drivers needed time with wives, kids. Jul 20, 2012 4:00 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-drivers-have-family-support http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/16/071612-NASCAR-PILE-IT-ON-LA-PI_20120716150641718_136_102.JPG 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup crashes 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crash action 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crash action Things have just been rough for some stars this season. Jul 18, 2012 12:49 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/2012-NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Series-crashes-021912 http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2012/07/15/071512-Burn-Em-Up-SW-PI_20120715165129178_136_102.JPG Don't miss a thing: NASCAR weekend action NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck actio... NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck action New Hampshire and Iowa Kahne storms to win as others endure setbacks. Jul 15, 2012 8:13 PM ET 1 14 /nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Nationwide-Truck-action-New-Hampshire-Iowa-071312

Source: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/gallery/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Nationwide-Camping-World-Truck-series-Bristol-action-082212

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SKorean court rules Samsung didn't copy iPhone

A woman walks by a sign advertising Samsung's mobile phone Galaxy III at the showroom of its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. The Seoul Central District Court ruled Friday that technology rivals Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. both infringed on each other's patents, and ordered a partial ban of their products in South Korea. Each side was also ordered to pay limited damages. The court ordered Apple to remove the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 1 and iPad 2 from store shelves in South Korea, ruling that the products infringed on two of Samsung's telecommunications patents. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A woman walks by a sign advertising Samsung's mobile phone Galaxy III at the showroom of its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. The Seoul Central District Court ruled Friday that technology rivals Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. both infringed on each other's patents, and ordered a partial ban of their products in South Korea. Each side was also ordered to pay limited damages. The court ordered Apple to remove the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 1 and iPad 2 from store shelves in South Korea, ruling that the products infringed on two of Samsung's telecommunications patents. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S III, right, and Apple's iPhone 4S are displayed at a mobile phone shop in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. South Korea's Samsung won a home court ruling in its global smartphone battle against Apple on Friday when Seoul judges said the company didn't copy the look and feel of the U.S. company's iPhone, and that Apple infringed on Samsung's wireless technology. However, in a split decision on patents, the panel also said Samsung violated Apple technology behind the bounce-back feature when scrolling on touch screens, and ordered both sides to pay limited damages. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Banners advertising Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S III, left, and Apple's iPhone 4S are displayed at a mobile phone shop in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. The Seoul Central District Court ruled Friday that technology rivals Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. both infringed on each other's patents, and ordered a partial ban of their products in South Korea. Each side was also ordered to pay limited damages. The court ordered Apple to remove the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 1 and iPad 2 from store shelves in South Korea, ruling that the products infringed on two of Samsung's telecommunications patents. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Banners advertising Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S III and Note 10.1 are displayed at the showroom of its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. The Seoul Central District Court ruled Friday that technology rivals Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. both infringed on each other's patents, and ordered a partial ban of their products in South Korea. Each side was also ordered to pay limited damages. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

People pass by the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. The court ruled Friday that technology rivals Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. both infringed on each other's patents, and ordered a partial ban of their products in South Korea. Each side was also ordered to pay limited damages.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) ? South Korean phone maker Samsung won a home court ruling Friday in its global patent battle against Apple and its popular iPhone and iPad devices.

Judges in Seoul said Samsung Electronics Co. didn't copy the look and feel of the iPhone and ruled that Apple infringed on Samsung's wireless technology.

However, the judges also said Samsung violated Apple's technology behind a feature that causes a screen to bounce back when a user scrolls to an end image. Both sides were ordered to pay limited damages.

The Seoul Central District Court ruling called for a partial ban on products from both companies, though the verdict did not affect the latest-generation phones ? Apple's iPhone 4S or Samsung's Galaxy S III ? or the newest iPad. Both sides were also ordered to pay limited damages.

The ban applies only to sales in South Korea, and the ruling is part of a larger, epic struggle over patents and innovation unfolding in nine countries. The biggest stakes are in the U.S., where Apple is seeking $2.5 billion from Samsung over allegations it has created illegal knockoffs of iPhones and iPads.

The South Korean ruling is not expected to affect the U.S. case. On Friday, a federal jury in San Jose, California, began its third day of deliberations. A federal judge has ordered jurors there to refrain accessing any news regarding the two companies.

Nonetheless, the Seoul ruling was a rare victory for Samsung in its arguments that Apple has infringed on its wireless technology patents. Those arguments previously have been shot down by courts in Europe, where judges have ruled that they are part of industry standards that must be licensed under fair terms to competitors.

"This is basically Samsung's victory on its home territory," said patent attorney Jeong Woo-sung. "Out of nine countries, Samsung got the ruling that it wanted for the first time in South Korea."

The ruling ordered Apple to remove the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4, the original iPad and the iPad 2 from store shelves in South Korea, saying that the products infringed on two of Samsung's five disputed patents, including those for telecommunications technology. South Korea is not a big market for Apple.

The court also denied Apple's claim that Samsung had illegally copied its design, ruling that big rectangular screens in cases with rounded corners had existed in products before the iPhone and iPad.

"It is not possible to assert that these two designs are similar based only on the similarity of those features," the court said in a ruling issued in Korean and translated into English by The Associated Press. It also said individual icons in the Samsung products do not appear similar to the icons Apple used in the iPhone.

But the court ruled that Samsung had infringed on one of Apple's patents, covering the bounce-back feature. The court banned sales of Samsung products using the technology, including the older Galaxy S II, in South Korea.

Court spokesman Kim Mun-sung said the court's ruling was to take effect immediately, although companies often request that sanctions be suspended while they evaluate their legal options, such as an appeal.

Nam Ki-yung, a spokesman for Samsung, said the ruling "affirmed our position that one single company cannot monopolize generic design features."

Apple did not respond to multiple calls seeking comment.

The court ordered each company to pay monetary compensation to its competitor. Samsung must pay Apple 25 million won ($22,000) while Apple must pay its rival 40 million won.

Some industry watchers expressed concern over the South Korean ruling to protect industry standard patents. They say the decision could invite a trade war by giving Samsung and fellow South Korean company LG Electronics Inc. ? both industry standard patent holders ? more room to block rivals' entrance into South Korea if they don't agree to licensing terms.

"It would mean that foreign companies would either have to bow to Samsung's and LG's demands ... or stop selling in Korea," said Florian Mueller, a patent expert in Munich, Germany, who has been closely following the case.

Courts in Europe, including Netherlands, France, Italy and Germany, have rejected similar claims by Samsung that Apple violated its wireless patents, with judges arguing that the patents have become part of industry standards. Standard-essential patents are a crucial technology for new players to make products compatible with the rest of the market and must be licensed under fair and reasonable terms.

Europe's antitrust regulator launched an investigation earlier this year into whether Samsung was failing to license those patents under fair and reasonable terms.

In Friday's ruling, the South Korean court said Samsung did not abuse its market power as an industry standard patent holder.

Samsung, which is based in Suwon, South Korea, filed a complaint in South Korea against Apple shortly after Apple filed its lawsuit in the U.S.

Apple claims some of Samsung's smartphones and tablet computers are illegal knockoffs of Apple's iPhone and iPad. Samsung denies the allegations and argues that all companies in the cutthroat phone industry mimic each other's successes without crossing the legal line. Apple, which is based in Cupertino, California, wants $2.5 billion and Samsung's most popular products pulled from the U.S. market.

The battle is more complex as Apple and Samsung are not only competitors in the fast-growing global market for smartphones and tablet computers, but also have a close business relationship.

Samsung, the world's biggest manufacturer of memory chips and liquid crystal displays, supplies some of the key components that go into Apple products, including mobile chips that work as a brain of the iPhone and the iPad.

The South Korean firm overtook Apple in less than three years in smartphone markets. In the second quarter of this year, Samsung sold 50.2 million units of smartphones, nearly twice as many as Apple's 26 million units, according to IDC.

Despite the ruling that is widely seen as Samsung's victory, Samsung's share fell 0.9 percent in Seoul.

____

AP Business Writer Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong contributed to this report.

Follow Youkyung Lee on Twitter at http://twitter.com/YKLeeAP

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2012-08-24-SKorea-Samsung-Apple/id-669c7fecfa3242338a3e0836f29b001d

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Arctic military exercise targets human-smuggling 'ecotourists'

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will observe a military training operation in Hudson Bay today and the scenario involves Canadian Forces intercepting an ecotourism boat carrying illegal migrants who are attempting to enter Canada.

The huge simulation exercise will involve 650 land, sea, air and special forces members and is part of Operation Nanook 12's month-long training exercise. The annual operation in the North gives the Canadian Forces a chance to practice their skills in responding to emergency and security situations.

This year's Nanook operation began Aug. 1, and with 1,250 personnel involved in total, it's the biggest one yet. The cost for the entire operation is $16.5 million.

Harper will be aboard the HMCS St. John's to observe Operation Nanook 12 along with Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Gen. Walt Natynczyk, chief of defence staff.

This operation has been taking place in the Eastern Arctic, in the Hudson Strait, and in Hudson Bay near Churchill, Man., where Harper will watch today's exercises.

Another scenario is taking place in the Western Arctic in and around Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories. That practice situation will involve land and air forces.

Exercises anticipate threats

"Both scenarios will underline the domestic role played by the Canadian Forces in safeguarding the nation, deterring threats to our security, and responding to emergencies in the High North," the department of national defence said in a news release when Nanook 12 began earlier in the month.

The Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mountain Police, local officials and officials from Public Safety are all involved in the operation.

The scenario Harper will watch unfold mirrors the situations experienced in British Columbia in recent years where boats full of Tamil migrants arrived. The Conservative government has promised to crack down on human smuggling and has made several reforms to the refugee system.

Friday is the final day of the prime minister's trip to the North. He is expected to deliver remarks after the military exercise is finished at the Port of Churchill.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/24/arctic-military-exercise-_n_1828159.html

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NFL preseason: Jake Locker, Joe Flacco shine; Kevin Kolb rises?

What we learned from watching Thursday night's Week 3 NFL preseason action, leading off with passers under the spotlight in Nashville:

Jake looks comfortable; Cardinals still unsettled

The Tennessee Titans felt good about their starting quarterback decision, but the Arizona Cardinals continue to have an uneasy feeling about the choice they have yet to make.

Jake Locker, the Titans' first-round draft pick last year, didn't disappoint in his first game since getting the nod as the No. 1 QB. He displayed the arm and athleticism the team loves. Locker (11-for-20, 134 yards passing, two touchdowns) could have been more accurate?some of his throws sailed high?but otherwise he starred in front of the home crowd.

Locker was locked into his best receivers even without Kenny Britt, throwing short TD passes to wideouts Nate Washington and Kendall Wright. It's clear Locker has developed good chemistry with Wright, the Titans' 2012 first-round pick. It helps that he's also supported by Chris Johnson's running and a strong offensive line.

On the other hand, the Cardinals' competing quarterbacks, John Skelton and Kevin Kolb, continue to get little help up front. Left tackle D.J. Young, thrust into the lineup to replace injured Levi Brown (torn triceps), struggled mightily, and the interior line also consistently succumbed to the Titans' pressure.

Skelton didn't do much with his short first-half stint (4-for-10, 41 yards, interception), opening the door for the resilient Kolb. The good news for the Cards is that Kolb looked comfortable and had his healthiest, most efficient game (17-for-22, 156 yards, TD) of the preseason. On the downside, he also threw a pair of bad interceptions.

Kolb had nowhere to go but up and probably did enough to move into a dead heat with Skelton. The hard truth, however, is the Cardinals aren't a playoff team with either quarterback starting in 2012.

Packers run with Benson

Although quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the most productive Green Bay rusher (six carries, 52 yards, two TDs) in a 27-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the team had to be pleased by the debut of former Bengal Cedric Benson.

The recent free-agent addition (6 carries, 38 yards) looks well-equipped to handle being a complementary power runner to Rodgers and the Pack's high-flying passing attack. That may signal the end in Green Bay for banged-up former starter James Starks.

Another Packer offensive player in trouble is Rodgers' backup, Graham Harrell. After having a dismal game against Cleveland, Harrell completed only five of 12 attempts for 26 yards against Cincinnati and also lost a fumble. It will be interesting to see if team officials start looking for outside help at No. 2.

Raves for Ravens' Flacco

Joe Flacco is out to prove he belongs among the NFL's select quarterbacks this season and earn a lucrative long-term extension in the process. He was razor- sharp in Baltimore's dress rehearsal, cutting through the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense (27-for-36, 266 yards, two TDs, INT) while spreading the ball around in an up-tempo passing game.

Flacco and emerging second-year speed receiver Torrey Smith (8 catches, 103 yards) are picking up where they left off in the AFC Championship game in putting more pop in the Ravens' offense. The result Thursday was a 48-17 romp.

Source: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-08-23/nfl-preseason-jake-locker-joe-flacco-shine-kevin-kolb-rises

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