Obama: 'Day of Reckoning' for U.S. Economy

By KAREN TRAVERS and JAKE TAPPER
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2009

In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Obama told the American people that the "day of reckoning" has arrived for the nation's economy, which he pledged to not just fix but make stronger than it was before the current crisis.

Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applaud prior to President Barack Obama's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009.

(Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Photo)

"Now is the time to act boldly and wisely -- to not only revive this economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity," the president said in his televised prime-time address.

Obama was greeted with thunderous applause in the House chamber, as lawmakers reached out to try and get a handshake or, in some cases, a kiss as the president made his way down the narrow aisle to the podium.

Obama is enjoying a 68 percent approval rating after his first month in office, according to the latest ABC News-Washington Post poll, and his pledge to reverse the nation's economic woes earned him an early standing ovation from both Democrats and Republicans.

Sultan Selangor Yakin Sebarang Keputusan Menteri Besar

–KENYATAAN MEDIA UNTUK EDARAN SEGERA–
25 Februari 2009

Sukacita saya memaklumkan bahawa Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid bin Ibrahim, Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor telah menghadap Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Selangor pada hari Rabu, 25 Februari 2009 dan menyembah kepada baginda perkembangan hal ehwal pentadbiran Negeri Selangor serta isu yang elibatkan Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping, Adun Bukit Lanjan yang juga EXCO Kerajaan Negeri Selangor.

Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Selangor telah menitahkan kepada saya untuk memaklumkan bahawa Baginda tidak dapat memberikan panduan atau nasihat kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor dalam hal berkenaan isu Yang Berhormat Elizibeth Wong kerana ia masih dalam siasatan pihak polis dan melibatkan kedudukan Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong dalam politik. Sebagai Sultan Selangor, Baginda sememangnya berkecuali dalam hal ehwal politik (above politic).

Baginda selanjutnya menyatakan keyakinan Baginda atas apa jua keputusan yang bakal diambil oleh Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Menteri Besar dan percaya bahawa ianya dibuat secara adil dan bijaksana, dengan mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat khasnya dan Negeri Selangor amnya. Baginda turut merasa dukacita dan amat bimbang kerana sejak akhir-akhir ini perbuatan menceroboh hak peribadi dan ‘privacy’ individu telah dijadikan sebagai suatu alat untuk menjatuhkan maruah dan merosakkan imej seseorang. Adalah satu perkara yang menyedihkan apabila kehidupan dan hak individu itu dijadikan satu publisiti dan topik hangat untuk disebarkan (melalui media massa) kepada orang ramai.

Kepada Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong, Baginda melahirkan rasa sedih dan simpati di atas insiden yang telah berlaku dan berharap agar beliau dapat bertenang, sabar dan menguatkan semangat untuk menghadapi dugaan ini dan meneruskan kehidupan seharian beliau.

DATO’ HAJI MOHAMAD MUNIR BIN BANI
Dato’ Lela Bakti
Setiausaha Sulit kepada DYMM Sultan Selangor

Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents and automobile accidents are common occurrences in hectic streets, avenues, and highways. An estimated 5,000 people die as a result of car accidents and collisions in the United States every year.

Have you or someone you know been injured in a car accident? If so, contact one of our experienced car accident lawyers in your area today!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6.3 million traffic accidents reported by the police last year, in which over 41,000 individuals were killed and an approximated 3.2 million people were injured. If you have been a victim of a car accident, you do not need to suffer alone. Our attorneys can help you with filing a lawsuit so that you can receive compensation for your injuries. It is important to know your legal rights.

The common causes of Car Accidents include:

• DUI / DWI
• Driver Fatigue
• Faulty Traffic Lights
• Truck Overturns
• Backing
• Pedestrian
• Vehicle Collisions
• Overloaded Trucks or Trailers
• Loads That Shift Weight
• Bad Weather
• Tire Problems

If you have sustained personal injuries or substantial income loss as a result of an automobile accident, you should consult a car accident lawyer in your area immediately. You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and/or income losses.

Proton MPV Price

The latest price from Proton Edar Malaysia

Fully undisguised shots of the Proton MPV - both exterior and interior - have found their way onto the internet, and they reveal to us plenty of details on the eagerly anticipated 7-seater MPV by Proton! I can’t post them up here as the photos appear to be snapped in the Proton assembly plant at night (there’s no one around).

What we can see is one shot of the Proton MPV in white, another in an unidentified brown-like colour (may be something else altogether because of colour balance), and 3 shots of the interior. Here are what can be observed:

• A complete revamp of the Proton steering wheel design that is curiously reminiscent of the one Honda is currently using. There is steering wheel audio controls and also a phone button which could indicate some variants of the MPV are equipped with a Bluetooth hands-free system.
• Instrument panel features a two-meter design, with RPM on the left and an even-numbered speedometer on the right which tops out at 180km/h. The design of the meters are predominantly red with white text. They look like an evolution of the one in the GEN2 CPS facelift, but with modifications that somehow make them end up looking like the one found in the Isuzu D-Max, except the D-Max design is blue.
• A door-open indicator in the middle of the two meters
• A redline of 7,000rpm for the RPM meter
• Two digital displays below each meter. The left one shows a digital fuel meter and digital temp meter as well as various other multi-info readings. I’m not sure what the right one shows.
• The gear lever is dash-mounted much like the Honda CR-V.
• Dashboard itself doesn’t seem to have any texture to it but it’s likely that this is a pre-production version, so the production version should have some texture in-line with all the recent Proton model launches.
• Center dash area design from top to bottom - clock, two aircond vents, 2-DIN CD player, various buttons including hazard light, manual air conditioning knobs, recirculation and air cond button.
• A small storage and a card holder (Touch N Go?) located below the driver’s side aircond vent
• 5-spoke alloy wheels
• Bee-sting antenna at the front just after the windscreen.
• Signal indicator on side mirrors
• Reflector headlamps
• Foglamps on the front bumper
• In the photo of the white MPV you can see the rear hatch swings upwards, instead of the other method which is sideways like a fridge

The MPV looks really gorgeous from the outside especially the white one, with strong design cues from the Mitsubishi Grandis. The interior looks alright, except the air cond vents look really cheap. They’re better off reusing the ones from the Saga. There also seems to be an odd-looking spacing between the two center vents, like there was supposed to be a hazard light button there but somehow went missing.

3 more months until the launch in April!

The youngest father in the world

A British student became in the 13-year-old father of the youngest in Britain, where the livelihoods of the girl, his girlfriend, which does not exceed the age of 15 years, as newspapers reported Friday 13-2-2009 m.

Patten acknowledged the two did not think that will depend how he and his girlfriend, Chantelle Steadman girl who Osmyaha Messi Roxanne, as it did not receive even "pocket money from parents."

"When my mother learned of the matter, I thought I was in trouble."

The newspaper "The Sun" on the front page a picture of a baby boy who was born in Eastbourne, southern England.


The boy, who appears younger than his age, which does not exceed 122 cm in length, "we wish to retain the fetus, but we were worried about the reaction of others. I did not know how I feel when it will become a father. But I would be a good father of the girl child and Oraaha."

However, he acknowledged, "I did not think the question of costs, and how it Sonfq. So I do not get pocket money regularly. And sometimes my father gives me 10 pounds (11 euros)."

Dennis Patten said (45 years) and father of two that his son is fully committed to the new parental duties.

He said that the boy "might be interested in, and sit in the house to play. But he went to the hospital every day."

Chantelle took the girl child after having sex one time without protection and with two thousand, which has not exceeded the age at the time 12 years, according to the paper.

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Toyota Avensis 2009

INTRODUCTION

The all-new, third generation Toyota Avensis delivers more style, higher performance, improved fuel economy and lower emissions. Toyota’s flagship model in Europe, built exclusively at its Burnaston factory in the UK, benefits from athletic, contemporary styling, superb build quality and advanced engineering.

New engines and transmissions have been developed using Toyota Optimal Drive technology to return significantly better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation model. New Valvematic petrol e

ngines and revised D-4D and D-CAT clean diesel units balance driving pleasure with strong environmental performance and reduced running costs. Together they offer the private and company car driver all the power and comfort they are used to as well as the low emissions and fuel consumption they now demand.

New Avensis is available in saloon and tourer body styles with four equipment grades: T2, TR, T4, and T Spirit. All offer a high level of features for safety, comfort and convenience, with advanced features such as a Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning (LKA/LDW) and premium satellite navigation system with built-in hard drive for storing music files available in the model for the first time.

UK sales of new Avensis start on 1 January with on-the-road prices from £15,760.

TOYOTA OPTIMAL DRIVE POWERTAINS
Toyota Optimal Drive is a new concept in powertrain engineering and design that is being applied to all new Toyota models. Toyota Optimal Drive means no compromise on performance, emissions or specification. On new Avensis, it brings new engine technologies and advanced transmissions, with low friction components, lightweight compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency.

New 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic engines – more power for less fuel
Valvematic is an innovation based on Toyota’s proven dual Variable Valve timing – intelligent (dual VVT-i) technology. In addition to the variable timing of the inlet and outlet valves, Valvematic adds a lift control system that continuously varies the lift of the inlet valves to better control the volume and speed of the intake airflow. This provides a breakthrough in combustion efficiency that ultimately delivers more power for less fuel.

Across the range the new 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engines achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of between 10 and 26 per cent, while at the same time increasing power by between three and 20 per cent, compared to the VVT-i engines used by the previous generation Avensis.

Revised D-4D and D-CAT diesel engines – up to 10% lower emissions
New Avensis offers customers one of the most comprehensive ranges of diesel engines in the D-segment, all of them benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology. Entry point is the 2.0-litre D-4D 130, followed by the 2.2-litre D-4D and D-CAT 150 as mid-power options, and the 2.2 D-CAT 180 as the higher power unit (the D-CAT 150 engine with automatic transmission will join the range in spring 2009).

The challenge was to develop these engines to give excellent performance and low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, while at the same time achieving a substantial reduction in the level of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Together the new diesel engine technology features deliver a reduction in CO2 and fuel consumption levels between one and 10 per cent compared to the previous generation Avensis; the 2.2-litre D-4D 150 and 2.2-litre 150/180 D-CAT engines all meet Euro V emissions standards.

Advanced new transmissions – diesel automatic for the first time
New Avensis uses a range of advanced transmissions that strike a balance between responsiveness, smoothness and fuel efficiency.

Multidrive S, Toyota’s new and advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available with the 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engines. And for the first time on a Toyota diesel passenger car, a six-speed automatic will be available, offered on the 2.2-litre D-CAT 150.

All petrol engines are fitted with a newly developed six-speed manual transmission, while the diesel engines are matched to the proven six-speed manual gearbox featured in the previous generation Avensis.

NEW PLATFORM WITH REVISED SUSPENSION
New Avensis has been engineered for smooth ride comfort, but with dynamic handling for rewarding driving characteristics.

A new platform provides an excellent balance of high-speed stability and low speed agility, and to enhance performance, both the MacPherson strut front suspension and the double wishbone rear suspension have been re-engineered with improvements in torsional stiffness and roll rigidity. Front shock absorber and rear lateral force steer specifications have also been upgraded.

New, large diameter wheels with wider tyres are fitted to further improve stability and dynamic handling. A flush underfloor design helps maintain stability at high speeds, reduces noise and contributes to fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamics.

New Avensis’s precise and flexible responsiveness is built on the strong foundations of a new, precision-welded platform of exceptional rigidity and a car body with excellent aerodynamics. This new platform is fundamental to the car’s handling and also contributes greatly to its safety and quiet running. High tensile steel accounts for much of the constituent steel body components, which helps reduce weight, increase rigidity and ensure superb collision safety performance.

HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS
Toyota has built on the exceptional safety standards of the second generation Avensis, using a robust new construction and providing an effective complement of active and passive safety systems.

Active safety for full control
New Avensis is equipped with latest-generation ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) as standard.

Steering Assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) is a new feature on Avensis, also fitted to all models. VSC+ operates with the Traction Control (TRC) to improve traction and safety in low grip conditions, going beyond the protection provided by conventional VSC systems by adding steering torque assist to help the driver counter the effects of under or oversteer in an emergency situation.

Optional Pre-Crash Safety system
T Spirit versions of the D-CAT 150 automatic will be available (from spring 2009) with the option of a Pre-Crash Safety system, a package that also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning, which provides a warning and steering assistance when it detects that the car is drifting out of lane.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Entry point to the new Avensis range is T2 grade. Key features include air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with CD and MP3 file player (from disc), heated electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric front windows, seven airbags, body coloured door handles and bumpers, electronic parking brake, a multi-information display and chrome window surround. The active safety provisions include ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), and Steering Assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+). Security is covered by a Thatcham Category 1 immobiliser and alarm plus remote central locking with double locking and lockable glove box. An anti-hijack system automatically locks all doors when vehicle speed goes above 12mph and all locks and latches are reinforced.

TR is the feature grade, accounting for a majority of new Avensis sales, and builds on the T2 specification with the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, automatic air conditioning, audio system with Bluetooth and Aux-in socket, cruise control with speed limiter (not 1.8 Valvematic with Multidrive S), automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, driver’s seat power lumbar support, leather steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth switches, leather gear knob trim, titanium centre console finish, electric rear windows and, on the tourer, boot rails.

Key elements of the T4 grade, above the TR specification, include special design 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric adjustable heated front seats and steering wheel with memory setting and Toyota’s Smart Entry and Start keyless system. The T4 tourer comes with rear privacy glass.

T Spirit is the pinnacle of the grade structure, adding 18-inch alloys in an exclusive design, rear parking sensors, a premium sound system with 11 speakers and CD changer, bi-xenon headlamps with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and headlamp washers. The T Spirit Tourer is fitted with a panoramic roof as standard.

Gaza War (in cartoons)

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA (Reuters) - Israel and Hamas have narrowed gaps over a longer-term truce for the Gaza Strip and could begin implementing a deal within days, Hamas officials said on Monday.

Egyptian-sponsored negotiations in Cairo have grown increasingly intense ahead of an Israeli election on Tuesday.

Senior Hamas leader Osama al-Muzaini told Reuters an 18-month cease-fire could be declared in "a few days," though he offered no details on how it would be implemented.

Earlier in Paris, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said the truce could begin next week.

Western and Palestinian officials said gaps between Israel and Hamas have narrowed on several issues, including the establishment of a 300-metre wide buffer zone along Gaza's border with Israel. Militants would be barred from entering it.

Aides to outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declined to comment.

Egypt has proposed a staged process beginning with a cease-fire declaration, a deal to exchange prisoners, the opening of Gaza's border crossings and reconciliation talks between rival Palestinian factions.

If finalised, it would take the place of a shaky January 18 truce that ended Israel's 22-day military offensive in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip in which more than 1,300 Palestinians were killed. Fourteen Israelis have died since December 27, when the fighting broke out.

Overweight, Obesity, and Weight-Loss

More than 60 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the number of overweight people has been slowly climbing since the 1980s, the number of obese adults has nearly doubled since then.

Excess weight and physical inactivity account for more than 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States, second only to deaths related to smoking, says the CDC. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder disease and joint pain caused by excess uric acid (gout). Excess weight can also cause interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) and wearing away of the joints (osteoarthritis).

To address the public health epidemic of being overweight or obese, former Surgeon General David Satcher issued a "call to action" in December 2001. Satcher's report, The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, outlined strategies that communities can use in helping to address the problems. Those options included requiring physical education at all school grades, providing more healthy food options on school campuses, and providing safe and accessible recreational facilities for residents of all ages.

For the Surgeon General's Call to Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, use the following link:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, 2001

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/

For information about determining healthy weight and weight loss, use the following links:

FDA Consumer Magazine, Losing Weight: More Than Counting Calories (January-February 2002)
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/102_fat.html

FDA Information about Losing Weight and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/wh-wght.html

NIDDK Weight-control Information Network (WIN)
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/win.htm

NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt

American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/

American Obesity Association
http://www.obesity.org/

General Money Saving Tips

by: Adrian Kennelly

People are always trying to save money, especially with today's economy. No matter what your reason for saving, through this e-book, you will discover ways never considered.

The price of everything has gone up, requiring people to be more conscientious about money. The problem is that by the time the mortgage, car, utilities, and credit cards are paid, there is little money to put aside. Saving money is not that hard, just a matter of learning all the different options and being creative.

In addition to the obvious of putting money into a retirement fund or savings account, there are hundreds of ways to save money. Although some ways of saving may not seem like much, once you add them up at the end of the year, you will see how substantial the savings really are. Keep in mind that saving is more than a single lump sum of money put aside. Saving is something found in your everyday life by the way you live and the choices you make.

Rome was not built in a day and neither will your bank account be. Each penny saved is one more penny than before. If you have the ability to save big, that is great. However, most people are not in that position, which is why this e-book will show you how little savings can add up quickly.

Be encouraged that it is never too late to start saving, regardless of your age. Set your mind that now is the time to start building your future.

1. Holiday Gift Giving

This tip is especially helpful for large families. Although it is fun buying for and receiving from everyone, it can be very expensive. Make an agreement with your family that you will continue to buy for the children but that the adults will go with a name exchange. This way the children are not disappointed and you can spend a little more on one or two people rather than spreading your money thin. For the members that you did not pick to exchange with, bake a loaf of their favorite homemade bread or cookies.

2. Clearance

Always head straight for the clearance rack where you can find amazing bargains. Sometimes you may have to dig a little to find the right item but the savings will be well-worth your time. Most clearance racks offer variety, current trends, and great value. For example, Bed, Bath & Beyond has a clearance section where you can find all kinds of wonderful household items for a fraction of the original cost.

3. Thrift / Surplus Stores

Unfortunately, thrift and surplus stores have been given a bad rap. Many of these stores are filled with hundreds of top quality items. Name brand merchandise is easy to find but just like clearance racks, it takes some time to find. Find a thrift or surplus store close to where you live and then plan spending some time to find those outstanding bargains. One woman in Kansas City, Missouri located such a store about 20 minutes from her home. After shopping through every isle over the period of two hours, she walked out of the store with eight huge garbage bags filled to the brim with designer clothes for her and her children, many with the original tags still attached. She even found a couple of Liz Claiborne suits for herself at $5.99 each and a Dooney & Burke purse normally valued at $225 for $19.95. Her children had an entire season of school clothes and best of all, she paid less than $200.

4. Wrapping Paper and Bows

Create your own wrapping paper, which is not only unique, but also fun. Use plain brown grocery bags and craft-like paints to make your design. After wrapping the gift, let your creative juices flow. For example, using black and yellow craft paint, create a miniature road. Then dipping toy truck tires into red paint roll them along the paper making tire tracks. You can then draw free hand a stop sign, yield sign, or stop light. Next, using a hot glue gun, glue a couple of the miniature trucks to the paper. This is perfect for a young boy. He will be just as thrilled with the wrapping as the actual gift. For a girl, you can simply create miniature bows from existing fabric or lace and glue them on brown paper then free hand draw colorful flowers. Just use your creativity and look around for items you already have on hand to use.

5. Reuse

When you shop, look for items that can be reused. Rechargeable batteries are a perfect example. Even though the initial purchase may be more than non-rechargeable batteries, there is a definite savings over a long period. Another option would be to purchase a nice artificial Christmas tree. Many of the current artificial trees look amazingly real and with the right lights and ornaments, you can change the look from year to year.

About The Author
Adrian Kennelly

This article may be redistributed and reprinted freely as long as this resource box remains intact. To read the rest of this guide, please visit http://www.101moneysavingtips.net.