The Haunted Castle of Muskogee Thursday, December 30, 2010

Chase visits the Haunted Castle of Muskogee and gets an inside look at a spooky and exciting event. Originally aired October 25, 2007.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBeIX4xuT58&hl=en

Monuments in Oklahoma City Monday, December 27, 2010

The monuments in Oklahoma City take you back to the glorious past of the city. They're a peep into the past, the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped the city into what it is today.

The Victorian-style Henry Overholser Mansion is one of them. Built in 1903 for Henry Overholser, Antwerp oak paneling and French stained glass windows are some of the highlights of the mansion.

Commemorating a tragic event, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a 3.3-acre memorial remembering the deceased, injured and emotionally affected victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995 by Timothy McVeigh. The memorial and museum are located at the site of the destroyed and later demolished building. Over half a million people visit the Memorial every year. It's impressive and contains many architectural attractions.

The Oklahoma State Capitol is a neo-Classical building. Though completed in 1917, the dome was only added 85 years later in the present century. The interior of the dome is the most impressive, while on top of the dome is the statue of an American Indian by Enoch Kelly Haney, called 'The Guardian'.

The Centennial Plaza is located next to the State Capitol, and houses the monument that pays tribute to Native Americans in a state with the largest American Indian population in the United States. The forced relocation to which many American Indians were subjected is remembered in the title of the statue, "As Long as the Water Flows".

The most impressive of all monuments in Oklahoma City, though, is still under construction. The Centennial Land Run Monument, when completed in 2015, would commemorate the opening of Indian land in the Oklahoma Territory to settlement by homesteaders in 1889. The monument, 19 figures of which have been completed, contains truly impressive bronze sculptures of riders and their horses, covered wagons, buckboard, and other vehicles, frozen in motion, racing on to claim their land. The sculptures are on either side of the Bricktown Canal in lower Bricktown.

The monuments in Oklahoma City are certainly worth watching and should be part of any OKC vacation itinerary. Hotels in Oklahoma City offer shuttle services to the important destinations and also pamper you with hospitality.

The monuments in Oklahoma City are a peep into the past, the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped the city into what it is today. Hotels Oklahoma City - The Bricktown Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Oklahoma City and satisfies the most discriminating of guests at an affordable price.

Anna Dances for Oklahoma State University Saturday, December 25, 2010

18 month old Anna shows off her dancing skills. She is starting early on a chearleading scholarship from Oklahoma State University



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7a2wPXInak&hl=en

Man plans to drive INTO a TORNADO!!! Thursday, December 23, 2010

With a vehicle built, in part, by students here in Oklahoma, Discovery Channel's Shawn Casey believes his work will change the way we look at tornados.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMfxYXdDWbo&hl=en

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Oklahoma City OK Monday, December 20, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BBtOxYaql4&hl=en

I-Dosing: Another Excuse for Government Control Over Our Lives - Alex Jones Tv 3/3

I-Dosing: Another Excuse for Government Control Over Our Lives Kurt Nimmo www.infowars.com August 24, 2010 I don't know about you, but I am not about to run out and experiment with the latest fad, known as "i-dosing," a gimmick that supposedly uses binaural tones to create euphoria. "Simply put, i-dosing is the attempt to achieve a perceived drug 'high' from listening specially-engineered sounds and music," reports Psychology Today. "Is it a real drug? Probably not." But don't tell that to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The government agency has declared that i-dosing induces the same kind of mind-altering effects as marijuana, cocaine, peyote, and opium. "Kids are going to flock to [i-dose websites] just to see what it is about and it can lead them to other places. If you want to reach these kids and save these kids and keep these kids safe, parents have to be aware, and they've got to take action," said Mark Woodward, the spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. So dire is the threat, Oklahoma's Mustang High School recently sent home letters to parents warning them of the dangers of i-dosing. State lawmakers and Congress have yet to catch on and propose draconian laws to prevent this scourge from spreading. But give them time. Back in 2001 a link between heavy television watching and Alzheimer's disease was discovered, but the government is not clamoring to outlaw the idiot box or pass laws limiting the number of hours ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz3tGFhyZqs&hl=en

Workers' Compensation - Settling Vs Trial Sunday, December 19, 2010

If you are hurt on the job, your employer's insurance company may offer you a lump sum settlement. The insurance company is not required to do so but they may and then you must ask yourself whether you should take it or fight for more at trial. There are many factors, even above and beyond the actual amount, that go into answering that question. Before you accept a settlement from an insurance company, you should talk with an experienced attorney about the facts of your case and the best course of action for you.

Settlement offer amount- The amount isn't the only factor to consider in deciding whether to accept a settlement or go to trial, but it is extremely important. An experienced attorney can tell you if the amount offered is in the ballpark of fair and reasonable. Some of the things he will consider are whether the amount compensates you for the permanent nature of your injuries, whether it covers disputed medical bills or other medical costs and whether it compensates you for future lost wages, among other things. Also, you and your attorney will devise a game plan of perhaps a first negotiation for a higher amount and, if that fails, to proceed to trial.

Timing of receipt of settlement amount as opposed to trial - Even if there is a very good chance that you could win a higher amount at trial, settling now for a lesser amount might actually be the wiser decision for you, depending on your circumstances. Do you desperately need the money and can't wait for a trial? Has the whole ordeal been hard on your health and the stress of a trial could only make it worse?

Timing with respect to your health - It is extremely important to remember that you should never settle your case until you are at the healthiest you can be and don't currently need more treatment for your injury. You do not want to be in a situation where you settle only to learn that you need more treatment. You can't then go back to the insurance company. Once you settle, it's over. Illinois work injury attorneys know this standard for waiting until your treatment is complete. If it seems your attorney is not considering this but is making a decision based on what will get him paid quicker, find a new lawyer.

Chance of success at trial -Your attorney will consider your case and whether the disputed issues are likely to be resolved in your favor. What kind of evidence do you have? If it is solid, why not show it at trial? If it's not, is a trial too risky? Settlements are a guaranteed amount and closure to your situation. You can't appeal a settlement after you accept and receive the money. On the hand, a trial is risky - you could get a much higher amount or you could not. Your attorney should clearly explain to you his assessment of your chances at trial and a risk/reward analysis.

Future medical rights - As noted above, when you settle, there is no appeal. You sign a contract that has consequences your attorney should explain to you, such as the forfeit of all future medical rights for treatment related to your injury. This means that if your injury unexpectedly gets worse next year and you need major surgery, workers' compensation will not cover it. You signed a settlement and it's over. A new, different injury or accident in the future is a new unrelated matter but, as for your original injury, you won't be compensated if you need further treatment.

If, however, you go to trial and win, your future medical rights relating to your injury never cease. This means that if your injury unexpectedly gets worse next year or ten years later and you need major surgery, the insurance company will have to pay for it. So, you may not get a lump sum settlement but rather payment over time. Only you and your attorney know what the best option is for you.

Whether to settle or go to trial is not a simple decision but one that you and your experienced attorney must carefully assess to make sure you devise a strategy that best serves you.

To learn more please visit, http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/Illinois-Workers-Compensation-Settle-or-Trial.htm

Michael Helfand has been an Illinois attorney since 1997 and is founder of http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/ChicagoClaims.htm the leading resource for Illinois lawyer referrals and legal guidance.

The Outfield- Your Love Music Video (Cover) Saturday, December 18, 2010

We here at the University of Oklahoma needed a break from studying on finals week. So, myself and a few friends created a music video to the always enjoyable sounds of "Your Love" by the Outfield. Enjoy... By the way, from the first shot to the completion of editing this was done in 90 minutes.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3dqiclHpto&hl=en

The Real Cause of the Credit Crisis Friday, December 17, 2010

Politicians and other talking heads (and thus the general public) seem to agree that the current credit crisis was caused by lack of governmental oversight of the big bad bankers. In actual fact, it was just the opposite. The cause of the crisis was Government pressure (mostly but not entirely from Democrats in the White House and Congress) imposed on the mortgage lending industry as far back as the beginning of the Clinton era. Semi-government institutions, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, caved in to the pressure, and by readily buying ever-increasing numbers of shaky loans, they made it highly profitable for loan originators (mostly local brokers and bankers) and loan "bundlers" (Wall Street) to willingly go along.

Starting in 1992, a majority-Democratic Congress mandated that Fannie and Freddie increase their purchases of mortgages for low-income and medium-income borrowers. Operating under that requirement, Fannie Mae, in particular, became aggressive and creative in stimulating "minority gains." The Clinton administration investigated Fannie Mae for racial discrimination and proposed that 50 percent of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's portfolio be made up of loans to low- to moderate-income borrowers by the year 2001. The Clinton administration criticized the mortgage industry for looking at "outdated criteria," such as the mortgage applicant's credit history and ability to make a down payment. Threatening lawsuits, Clinton's Federal Reserve demanded that banks treat welfare payments and unemployment benefits as valid income sources to qualify for a mortgage. That isn't a joke -- it's a fact.

By 1999, liberals were bragging about extending affirmative action to the financial sector. A Los Angeles Times reporter hailed the Clinton administration's affirmative action lending policies as one of the "hidden success stories" of the Clinton administration, saying that "black and Latino homeownership has surged to the highest level ever recorded." After 2001, a major new market was found for these loans-illegal immigrants.

Meanwhile, a few economists (but no politicians) were screaming that the Democrats were forcing mortgage lenders to issue loans that would fail as soon as the housing market slowed and overly-stretched borrowers couldn't get out of their loans by refinancing or selling their houses. In Bush's first year in office, the White House chief economist, N. Gregory Mankiw, warned that the government's "implicit subsidy" of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, combined with loans to unqualified borrowers, was creating a huge risk for the entire financial system. Rep. Barney Frank denounced Mankiw, saying he had no "concern about housing". The New York Times reported that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were "under heavy assault by the Republicans," but these entities still had "important political allies" in the Democrats.

During the 2004 presidential campaign, George Bush bragged about the fact that a greater percentage of Americans owned their own homes than ever before, but (except for praising low interest rates) he did not explain how or why this happened. President Bush pushed even farther; he asked lawmakers to eliminate the down payment normally required for FHA loans. So Republicans have dirty hands too.

Nevertheless, in 2005 after Fannie and Freddie were investigated and heavily fined for accounting fraud, Republicans in Congress wanted to take away Fannie and Freddie's privileged status, but by a strict party line vote Democrats won, and Fannie and Freddie were allowed to continue their businesses largely unchanged, but with one condition...they had to increase their support of loans for challenged borrowers. By this time, those working in the mortgage industry were calling such loans, "liars' loans".

By the end of 2006, 30% of new mortgages in the USA were subprime mortgages, up from 2% in 2002. Most such mortgages were sold off by the banks who originated the loans and converted into CDO's, securities backed by bundles of mortgages. Despite the junk loans in these bundles, these securities continued to be rated AAA by the bond rating agencies. Many financial institutions all over the world continued to invest in them, because of their AAA rating, their reputation as being backed by the U.S. government, and a slightly higher interest rate than "comparable" securities. Many banks did not buy them at all, and some hedge funds entered into swaps whereby they made money if these securities lost value.

Lax standards for borrowers and low interest rates after 9/11/2001 expanded the demand for houses which, in turn, inflated prices. Seemingly reliable price increases attracted flippers and people who figured that owning a second or third house would be a good investment, further adding to the demand. Total demand drove housing far beyond any sustainable price level. Confidence in ever-increasing housing prices tempted many to cash in their "profits" by taking home equity loans.

When the housing bubble finally burst in 2005, the huge inventory of dubious first mortgages along with accumulated second mortgages piled on many properties caused the mortgage loan default rate to spike. This caused the market for mortgage-backed securities to soon collapse. Those who bet against these securities collectively made billions, but others like Merrill Lynch and AIG were stuck. Because no one would buy them, these securities had to be recognized on the books as essentially having no value, as per one of the new regulations ("mark to market") adopted after the Enron debacle. Per accounting standards, financial institutions that owned these securities had to write down these assets against their equity, leading to huge decreases in the equity of a few of the largest banks. These banks no longer had enough equity to meet the loan/equity ratios required by banking regulations, so they had to virtually stop making loans of any kind, thus triggering the present credit crisis. Some large banks like Citigroup tried to cope by selling 10 or 20% of themselves to sovereign funds, namely the investment arms of the Chinese and various Arab governments, but these countries soon lost confidence in the system and withdrew further support. Finally, major financial institutions began going bankrupt. As some economists predicted, the affirmative action loan time-bomb has exploded.

Now, at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars, taxpayers will have to rescue one of the Democrats' most important constituent groups: rich Wall Street bankers. It is likely that soon after that deal is done, billions more will be spent to bail out a bigger group of Democratic supporters: welfare recipients, illegal immigrants, and other unqualified borrowers, who were given loans that twenty years ago would have been considered laughable.

The mainstream media has no stomach to criticize liberal Democrats, who, more than anyone else, caused all of this. While government intervention caused the problem, the fix, ironically, is supposedly greater government involvement (regulation) in the future. Politicians are participating in this cover-up, because nearly all of them are on record supporting easier-to-get mortgages, and they want people to believe they had little to do with causing the problem. Both Obama and McCain say it is too bad better regulations were not in place, as if it were possible to regulate against large companies making bad investments. Both candidates probably had focus group data indicating that voters did not want to hear what was the real cause of the credit crisis.

Apparently, the country has learned nothing from this expensive mistake, so it will only be a matter of time before the government again will wreck the economy.

Kaz Darzinskis
http://kazdar.spaces.live.com/default.aspx
http://www.allsafeconsulting.com

Chicago Police Shoot, Kill Garfield Romale King After Car Chase

www.chicagonewsreport.com www.chicagonewsreport.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ml8LPhNgFk&hl=en

Travis Kidd - "Anytown, USA" Wednesday, December 15, 2010

This archival clip of Front Row features Travis Kidd from season Two playing "Anytown, USA" With his arrival at Smith Music Group, Travis Kidd may be a new name and face on the Texas music scene, but in actuality, hes a seasoned veteran with a 10 year history as a full time musician. Based in Tulsa, Kidd has gathered a flock of loyal fans throughout Northeast Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado and is primed and ready to expand his reach across the Red River and beyond. Averaging over 150 shows year, both with his band and as a solo performer, Travis has built a reputation not only as a strong songwriter and magnetic entertainer, but also as one of Tulsas most underrated guitar players. And although accolades are nice, consecutive Tulsa Spot Music Awards as Best Country/Americana artist in 2006 and 2007 dont begin to accurately describe his style and sound. Although Kidds last independent release, Anytown USA (of which he sold nearly 5000 copies via his website and live shows alone) did play more to his singer-songwriter and country leanings, his live show reveals a background influenced just as much by the guitar-driven rock of the 70s and 80s. Based on his musical and physical ties to Oklahoma, its not uncommon to hear Travis referred to as part of the Red Dirt music scene, even though thats not completely accurate. Although he does travel in similar circles and shares a mutual respect with those artists; having shared the stage with Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland and ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCYBPJqAEec&hl=en

White Collar Crimes - Fraud

Many people believe that computers make their lives much easier. While this is often true, the widespread use of computers in storing personal and financial information has made white collar crimes an expensive thing to fix, costing the U.S. government an estimated $300 billion each year. One common type of white collar crime is fraud.

The phrase "white collar crime" was coined by Edwin H. Sutherland in 1939. As a sociologist, Sutherland observed the trend of professional, high-ranking employees who had good social standing and respectability as committing various forms of crime. White collar crimes are called thus because they are often perpetrated by seemingly respectable, high-standing employees because they are the people who have access to the sensitive information typically used in this type of crime.

Although there are many aspects of white collar crime, one major part of this is fraud. Fraud is purposely misleading another person for your own benefit. Someone can either act or speak in a misleading way, or can choose to withhold information that will lead people to believe them, resulting in legal harm to the beguiled person.

Fraud comes in a variety of forms. First, financial fraud involves convincing a person to give you money which you do plan to return. One example is a charity fraud. With this case, someone may pretend that they are from a certain charity that needs a donation to help pursue a cause for good. After the person gets some money from an unsuspecting soul, the person uses it for himself or herself rather than for a charity act. Other financial frauds include Nigerian 419 and investment fraud as well as Ponzi schemes.

Another form of this crime is identity theft, which may also result in financial woes. If someone chooses to break into a person's personal information and assume their identity, they can commit crimes such as credit card fraud should they apply for and use a credit card in another person's name. If the thief gets enough information, they can also open up bank accounts in the innocent person's name.

Lastly, some people also choose to participate in medical fraud. This can involve pretending that you have ill health conditions in order to get medicines that you do not need, which you can later sell or take in order to become high. Additionally, some pharmacists take part in pharmaceutical fraud, where they steal pills from the pharmacy to sell or take themselves.

Because investigators often must rely on an electronic paper trail to determine fraud, it can be difficult to detect and accurately pinpoint the perpetrator. If you or someone you know has been wrongly accused of fraud, contact a San Jose criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., today.

Joseph Devine

Comparison of the Best Texas Homeowners Insurance Companies Tuesday, December 14, 2010

In order to find the best Texas homeowners insurance company it is important to do your research and compare rates, policies, and discounts from a number of different home insurance companies in TX. Here is a Texas homeowners insurance company review of some of the top home insurers in Texas:

AIG Advantage Insurance Company

AIG Advantage Insurance Company prides itself on offering high quality insurance plans at a competitive rate. AIG offers customizable plans depending on each individual client's needs. With various options in the homeowners' insurance plans, clients are able to select the coverage they need, while avoiding paying for things they don't need. AIG offers typical homeowners insurance coverage such as theft, fire, and water damage, but also offers additional options such as rebuilding costs, additional living expenses, landscaping coverage, lock replacement, etc. These additional features are appealing to many clients who wish to customize their insurance plan.

AIG Advantage falls into the "XI" category based on financial size, meaning it is a $750 Million to $1 Billion company with a financial outlook for years to come as "stable." AIG Advantage received an "A+," or superior, rating from the regulating agency A.M. Best. Overall, AIG Advantage is an excellent homeowners insurance provider based on its ratings, financial stability, and customization of plans.

Universal Insurance Company of Texas

Universal Insurance Company of Texas is a subsidiary of Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, owned by Universal Group, Inc. Based out of San Antonio, Texas, this insurance company provides homeowners insurance to consumers. Types of homeowner coverage include burglary, theft, fire, and other damages to a home, depending on the selected insurance policy.

Universal Insurance Company recently earned a rating of "A," or excellent, by A.M. Best, as well as the same rating from the regulating agency Demotech, Inc. Universal Insurance Company of Texas has maintained great customer service ratings, as they received no reported complaints as compared to the national median. Universal Insurance Company of Texas is a very financially stable company, with a unique Reinsurance program in place to continue its financial stability in the future.

Texas Farmers Insurance Company

Based out of Austin, Texas Farmers Insurance Company is a large provider of homeowner's insurance policies to residents of Texas. The insurance policies of this provider consist of three main areas: dwellings and structures, personal property, and personal liability. Customers with Texas Farmers Insurance plans receive coverage for their home and other detached properties, personal belongings within their home, as well as coverage for someone who gets injured on the property and damages to the property. This comprehensive, all-inclusive aspect makes Texas Farmers Insurance Company popular among customers.

The company itself is quite large, falling into the $2 Billion or greater category, with a stable outlook for its financial future. Filed customer service complaints are virtually nonexistent for this company, as compared to the industry average. Texas Farmers Insurance Company was also rated excellent, an "A" grade, by the regulating agency A.M. Best, which makes it a reliable company.

Travelers of Texas Insurance Company

Travelers Insurance Company's homeowners policy is unique because it not only provides the all-inclusive aspect of typical policies, but it also allows clients to choose extra options to fit the policy best with their own needs. For example, some coverage options offered by Travelers include identity theft protection, valuable items protections, flood coverage (not covered under many homeowners policies), and boat insurance for small personal watercrafts. These options can come at large costs with other insurance companies, but are offered as an additional option with a Travelers of Texas Insurance Company policy.

It is important to know, however, that according to NAIC.org, Travelers did receive a small amount of customer service complaints for the year 2006, mainly regarding delays in claim handling and unsatisfactory settlements. Overall, though, Travelers of Texas Insurance Company did receive an "A+," superior, rating according to A.M. Best, and was given a stable financial outlook for future years.

SF Insurance of Texas

SF Insurance may be one of the most common, well-known insurance companies, insuring over 15 million homes today. SF's viewpoint is that the broad protection of a Texas homeowners insurance policy doesn't have to come at an expensive price. Reasonable rates, as well as premier customer service makes SF a common choice for an insurance provider. An interesting aspect of SF is that they also provide coverage to manufactured homes, which many insurance companies ignore. Owners of manufactured homes may find SF to be one of the most accommodating insurance providers for this type of coverage.

SF did receive customer service complaints for the past year, mainly regarding claim handling delays. SF Insurance - Texas falls into the "XIII" financial size category, a $1.25 Billion to $1.5 Billion company. Its financial outlook is stable, and it was recently rated "B++," or good, by A.M. Best. The broad range of options and coverage, though, may outweigh the slightly lower ratings of this company.

Compare Texas Homeowners Insurance Companies Now!

No one insurance company is best for every Texas resident so shop around and see which one will best meet your needs.

Compare Texas homeowners insurance quotes from at least 3-5 different companies to really find the policy that is best for you. Make the companies compete against one another so that you can save! Get started comparing homeowners insurance companies today!

The Importance of Marketing Plans Friday, December 3, 2010

The success of a business relies on many factors both planned and unplanned, but undoubtedly the most important part of a company's longevity is a successful marketing plan. A good marketing plan can make or break a new company struggling to gain a foundation. If you are starting a new business you will need a detailed plan to get your company on its feet. Start by making a marketing analysis of your company.

Begin your analysis by figuring out what types of people are most likely to buy your product or use your service. Once you've pinpointed your target demographic you will have an easier time coming up with marketing ideas to reach this demographic. Next, look at your geographical location. How easy is it to reach your target demographic within your geographical location? Will you need to come up with specific strategies to reach them geographically? Begin your marketing plan using this information.

Within your marketing plan you will need plans for a pricing scheme, timetable for growth, a budget, packing and presentation, marketing effectiveness testing, and marketing costs. Make sure to utilize the latest methods for marketing. Social media and more than one Oklahoma business directory can be effective methods of marketing your company. Once you've figured out where you plan to market, detail your methods for implementing that marketing. Be careful to stick to the budget you've outlined in your plan. Making a marketing plan is one of the best ways that you can ensure the lasting success of your new business.

Griffin Communications offers a comprehensive Oklahoma business directory that connects you with every part of Oklahoma, so you can focus on what is closest to your home. ( http://www.ineedthis.com )

HS student graduates as a certified nursing assistant Thursday, December 2, 2010

At 17 years of age, Jennifer Rye not only graduated from high school, she also earned six certifications in the health care field at Central Technology Center in Drumright. With plans to become a Registered Nurse, she is already a Certified Nursing Assistant at Cushing Regional Hospital.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFZC3jzcjf8&hl=en

Man finds US Army confidential data on MP3 Wednesday, December 1, 2010

It sounds like the opening line to a bad joke. And this case was a bad joke -- for the Pentagon. Chris Ogle of New Zealand was in Oklahoma about a year ago when he bought a used MP3 player from a thrift store for $9. A few weeks ago, he plugged it into his computer to download a song, and he instead discovered confidential US military files. "The more I look at it, the more I see, and the More.. less I think I should be," Ogle said with a nervous laugh in an interview with TVNZ. The files included the home addresses, Social Security numbers and cell phone numbers of US soldiers. The player also included what appeared to be mission briefings and lists of equipment deployed to hot spots in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most of the information appears to date to 2005. The New Zealand journalist who first reported the story was able to contact at least one of the soldiers by dialing a phone number found in the files. He hung up once she explained why she was calling. Video Watch how man discovered secret military files » Pentagon officials told CNN that they are aware of the MP3 player, but can't talk about it until investigators confirm that the information came from the US Department of Defense. "The government isn't doing a good job of protecting the information that it collects," said Marc Rotenberg of the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington. Despite government efforts to protect sensitive information, this is a growing problem, privacy experts say. Two years ago ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2j7-xp5Rrk&hl=en

A Guide to 3 Southern California Beaches

If your vacation has you staying at one of the many LAX hotels, you won't have to go far to find Southern California beaches. There's a beach for every type of vacation, from family-friendly Mother's Beach to the artist's paradise that is Venice Beach to the surfer's dream in Malibu Beach. Nearly any of the nearby LAX hotels will provide you with a relaxing place to lay your head and recharge for the next day at the Southern California beaches.

Mother's Beach

Mother's Beach is known as one of the most family-friendly Southern California beaches. Located within Marine Park in Long Beach, it's a great vacation destination for families with young children. The 12-acre beach has plenty of lifeguards and calm waters, making it a safe place for kids to play and parents to relax.

There's a play area at the beach, complete with a large swing set and an interactive whale shaped slide. Children can control water coming out of the whale's spout with a nearby button. Also not far from the sand is an area full of trees and grass. The shade makes the area a great place to cool down and have a picnic lunch. Restrooms are conveniently located near the playgrounds, which helps make Mother's Beach one of the best Southern California beaches for families.

If you're staying at one of the nearby LAX hotels, Mother's Beach may be close enough to walk. If you have a lot of beach gear to bring with you, a parking lot with coin-operated parking meters is nearby.

Venice Beach

One of the most unique Southern California beaches is Venice Beach. It's known all over the world for its street performers, vendors and body builders. Venice Beach is an experience not duplicated in any of the other Southern California beaches

Venice Beach is the artist's paradise of the Southern California beaches. Here you'll find sand sculptures by Marc Goodrich, known as the Sandman of Venice Beach. He creates animals such as elephants and lions, entirely made out of sand. Catch his art while you can since it only lasts for a day or two before being blown away. Also known in Venice Beach is R. Cronk, a muralist who beautifies local buildings with large paintings. This isn't your typical graffiti; Cronk's work has played an important role in the rebirth of Venice Beach.

You'll also find performers unlike any others in the world. It isn't unusual to find someone juggling running chainsaws or breathing fire. Being a street performer is a tough way to make a living and only the best and bravest make it to Venice Beach.

Many LAX hotels are close enough that you can walk to the boardwalk of Venice Beach. If you do decide to drive, park in one of the parking lots designated for visitors. Many of these lots offer shuttles to make it easier on tourists. Parking is a premium commodity in Venice Beach and many of the local residents depend on street parking near their homes so they don't have to carry heavy groceries a long distance.

Malibu Beach

If you're a surfer, Malibu Beach is one of the best Southern California beaches. It was made famous in the 1960s by the Beach Boys and has been a surfer's dream ever since. Surfing isn't all Malibu Beach has to offer, though. Nature buffs can fish off the Malibu Pier or discover the 22 acres of wetlands, flower gardens and sandy beaches.

It's a good idea to drive from the many LAX hotels because Malibu covers 21 miles of beautiful coastline along the highway. Avid bicyclists frequently ride along the Pacific Coast Highway, but it's not a trip for a beginner. You'll see beautiful ocean, mountain and canyon views from the Highway.

These are just three of the many beautiful Southern California beaches. The beaches offer something for everyone, from family-friendly Mother's Beach, to tourist destination Venice Beach to peaceful Malibu Beach. All of them are within convenient proximity to many of the LAX hotels, making them a great place to spend a day.

About the Author: Jon Buschlen is an avid fan of Southern California beaches He is an author for Marina Del Ray, California, a beautiful ocean-side community situated near many of the best LAX hotels.