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In Science today, there's yesterday, there was an article called "Quantitative analysis of culture using millions of digitized books" [subscription required] by at least twelve authors (eleven individuals, plus "the Google Books team"), which reports on some exercises in quantitative research performed on what is by far the largest corpus ever assembled for humanities and social science research. Culled from the Google Books collection, it contains more than 5 million books published between 1800 and 2000 — at a rough estimate, 4 percent of all the books ever published — of which two-thirds are in English and the others distributed among French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Hebrew. (The English corpus alone contains some 360 billion words, dwarfing better structured data collections like the corpora of historical and contemporary American English at BYU, which top out at a paltry 400 million words each.)

I have an article on the project appearing in tomorrow's in today's Chronicle of Higher Education, which I'll link to here, and in later posts Ben or Mark will probably be addressing some of the particular studies, like the estimates of English vocabulary size, as well as the wider implications of the enterprise. For now, some highlights:

1. The team: The authors include some Google Books researchers (Jon Orwant, Peter Norvig, Matthew Gray and Dan Clancy), a group of people associated with Harvard bioscience programs (Jean-Baptiste Michel, Erez Lieberman Aiden, Aviva Aiden, Adrien Veres, and Martin Nowak), as well as Steve Pinker of Harvard and Joe Pickett of the American Heritage Dictionary, Dale Hoiberg of the Encyclopedia Britannica, and Yuan Kui Shen of the MIT AI lab. So it's dominated by scientists and engineers, and is framed in scientific (or -istic) terms: the enterprise is described, unwisely, I think, with the name "culturomics" (that's a long o, as in genome). That's apt to put some humanists off, but doesn't affect the implications of the paper one way or the other. I have more to say about this in the Chronicle article.

2. The research exercises take various forms. In one, the researchers computed the rates at which irregular English verbs became regular over the past two centuries. In another, very ingenious, they used quantitative methods to detect the suppression of the names of artists and intellectuals in books published in Nazi Germany, the Stalinist Soviet Union, and contemporary China. A third deals with investigate the evolution of fame, as measured by the relative frequency of mentions of people’s names. They began with the 740,000 people with entries in Wikipedia and sorted them by birth date, picking the 50 most frequently mentioned names from each birth year (so that the 1882 cohort contained Felix Frankfurter and Virginia Woolf, and so on). Next they plotted the median frequency of mention for each cohort over time and looked for historical tendencies. It turns out that people become famous more quickly and reach a greater maximum fame today than they did 100 years ago, but that their fame dies out more rapidly — though it's left unclear what to make of those generalizations or what limits there are to equating fame with frequency of mention.

The paper also presents a number of n-gram trajectories — that it, graphs that show the relative frequency of words or n-grams (up to five) over the period 1800-2000. ("Relative frequency" here means the ratio of tokens of the expression in a given year to the total number of tokens in that year.) By way of example, they plot the changing fame of Galileo, Dickens, Freud, and Einstein; the frequency of "steak," "hamburger," "pizza" and "pasta"; and the changing frequency of "influenza" (it peaks, in the least surprising result of the study, in years of epidemics).

The big news is that Google has set up a site called the Google Books Ngram Viewer where the public can enter words or n-grams (to 5) for any period and corpus and see the resulting graph. They've also announced that the entire dataset of n-grams will be made available for download. Some reports have interpreted this as meaning that Google is making the entire corpus available. It isn't, alas, nor even the pre-1923 portion of the corpus that's in public domain. One can hope…

At present, that's all you can with this. You can't do many of the things that you can do with other corpora: you can’t ask for a list of the words that follow traditional for each decade from 1900 to 2000 in order of descending frequency, or restrict a search for bronzino to paragraphs that contain fish and don’t contain painting, etc. And while Lieberman Aiden and Michel made an impressive effort to purge the subcorpus of the metadata errors that have plagued Google Books, you can't sort books by genre or topic. The researchers do plan to make available a more robust search interface for the corpus, though it's unlikely that users will be able to replicate a lot of the computationally heavy-duty exercises that the researchers report in the paper. But my sense is that even this limited functionality will be interesting and useful to a lot of humanists and historians, even if linguists won't be really happy until they have the whole data set to play with. Again, I'll have more on this in the Chronicle essay.

That's all for now… watch this space.

December 16, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
· Filed by Geoff Nunberg under Computational Linguistics, Language and literature

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Researchers are currently testing an artificial blood on unconscious patients and this is creating an ethics debate. The artificial blood is called PolyHeme and is made by Northfield Laboratories. Ethicists have weighed in on both sides of the ethics question.

The artificial blood has been tested in earlier hospital studies and most have shown it to be safe. However, there was one study on PolyHeme that was halted after 10 of 81 patients given it had heart attacks and two died. None of those receiving standard treatment had a heart attack. Those who are concerned about the ethics of the current study have pointed out that no one is being informed of this study.

The research on artificial blood works this way. The community where the testing is to be done is informed by researchers about the study. Those who do not wish to be part of the study in case they have a serious accident can opt to wear a special bracelet. If paramedics see no bracelet, they open a sealed envelope that tells them to give either a standard saline solution or the artificial blood. The artificial blood continues to be given for 12 hours once the patient reaches the hospital. There are several ethics problems posed by the research. In the first place, the community is really not being well informed about the existence of the test on artificial blood.

In 1996 Congress passed a law that allows a bypass of the rules on informed consent when dealing with an emergency, potentially life saving research. Supporters point out that PolyHeme, the artificial blood, could save as many as 100,000 lives a year in the U.S. Dr. Richard Garnellie says we don’t ask permission to commence CPR and that the ethics of testing artificial blood falls in the same area. “We kind of have a social contract to do the right thing already.”

Kelly Fryer-Edwards who studies ethics at the University of Washington Medical Center says that it would be difficult to find people to volunteer for a study of trauma patients because people don’t like to think about being in an accident. However, she feels that the attempt has been made to get informed consent. “You’re putting the responsibility on the person who wants to opt out…you have respected their autonomy by giving them that choice.” She feels that emergency research makes all approaches to research ethics go out the window—protecting subjects, getting informed consent.

Vera Sharaw, president of the Alliance for Human Research Protection is opposed to the research on artificial blood on ethical grounds. She says the study “is another one along that slippery slope that’s essentially demolishing your individual right not to become experimental subjects unless we give prior, voluntary, informed, comprehending consent.” She feels that the people who want to be in the study should be the ones wearing the bracelets.

Nancy King of the University of North Carolina has a third ethics concern. She agrees with those who support the experiment to use artificial blood in the field where blood can’t be typed. However she is opposed to its continued use for twelve hours after the patient has reached the hospital where it takes 20 to 30 minutes to type blood. She points out that giving human blood is the current standard of treatment once the patient reaches the hospital.

Several ethicists have pointed out that those most likely to be subjects of the research are from disadvantaged communities.

The University of California at San Diego School of Medicine has come up with the following questions for those interested in the ethics of research into artificial blood in emergency situations:

1. What ethical issues does this case raise for the process of informed consent?

2. Was the waiver of consent that exists for research involving emergency treatment appropriate in this case and if so, why?

3. From the community standpoint, who speaks for the interest of (potential) participants? Should more have been done to ensure their safety and well being and, if so, what?

4. In what circumstances, if any, is it ethically acceptable to draw a disproportionate share of its subjects from a disadvantaged community?

These are all good, difficult questions that should be answered by anyone interested in the ethics of giving artificial blood in emergency situations.







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Today's educators are bombarded with information from all sides about the latest and greatest research-based instructional techniques in teaching. With all these crazes about instructional methods and the confusion about which one really works and which one is a dud, no wonder our teachers are so exhausted! As charming and inspirational as all these latest claims and success stories seem to be, educators need to be careful when choosing and implementing a new or old "miracle" instruction method. There are things a teacher needs to do before making any big changes to their curriculum and instruction.

First things first, what supporting evidence is there? Educators need to use their resources wisely and take all initial information with skepticism. Before actually outright backing the "amazing" new research supporting a particular method, whether it be Indirect Instruction, Cooperative learning, etc..., educators must do their research. Talk to colleagues, look the strategy up online, check out education magazines and journals, and any other resource material available. Find out what evidence there is out there to support the research-based strategy. Furthermore, make sure the sources you are calling upon for information are reliable. Reliable sources offer reliable evidence, so seek out unbiased, professional resources. Weigh pros and cons, consistencies and inconsistencies, before making a decision on the strategy at hand.

After thorough research has been done, the next important question is: "How should the research-based program be implemented?" And "What methods does the research show to be most advantageous?" These questions' answers would most probably appear in your research since it was suppose to be incredibly thorough. If not, you'll want to look it up. Many teachers forget this step, and as Grassen states in the article "What Does It Mean To Be a Research-Based Profession" teachers simply aren't properly implementing research-based strategies are thus losing out on potential benefits of the programs. "Cooperative learning was designed to complement teacher-directed instruction by providing further opportunity for students to work together using what they have learned. In most schools today, cooperative learning is used to replace teacher-directed instruction and students are expected to construct their own knowledge working in groups." (N.d). Clearly, teachers need to put a great deal of thought into this step as improper implementation of the program can have catastrophic consequences on learners.

Read up on each research-based method, decide what sorts of lessons would benefit from their use, and which wouldn't. Talk to colleagues about what methods they use in the classroom, why, and how they implement them. Most of all, be aware of comparisons being drawn between different research-based strategies. Look for comparative studies as opposed to non-comparative studies. Comparative studies are more likely to give you accuracy in research. Educators need to look at the whole picture. How is class A using strategy A performing compared to class B using strategy B? How do these same classes perform after trading strategies? How is school A using strategy A performing compared to school B using strategy B? And so on...

Lastly, before implementing any research-based strategy, an educator should ask themselves "Am I biased?" Be sure to be honest with yourself. Try to go into deliberation with an open and unbiased mind. Take into account all reliable sources whether they are in-line with your initial beliefs or opinions on the strategy or not. Remain unbiased until the end. Your openness and willingness to learn can determine the accuracy of your research.

There are a great many research-based programs out there and being implemented everyday. Many of them just don't have the proper supporting research for an educator, especially a new and inexperienced one, to simply throw their weight behind. Don't ask your students to do homework without doing your own. Research your methods before putting them into practice. Find out what's behind them, what's supporting them, and how they should be used to the biggest advantage in the classroom. Without such information your newest instructional plan could be a huge failure. Don't follow fads and trends, look for rock solid evidence and implementation methods before making that big leap of bringing it into your classroom.

Reference:

Grossen, B. (n.d). What Does It Mean To Be a Research-Based Profession? Retrieved March 8, 2007, from University of Oregon, Eugene Website: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu

Northwest Regional Education Laboratory. (2005). Research-Based Strategies. Retrieved March 5, 2007 from, Focus on Effectiveness Web site: http://www.netc.org/focus/strategies/




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July 24, 2006: In May 2006, the American Diabetes Association publicly urged the United States Senate to lift restrictions on stem cell research, and to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005. It had been stalled in the Senate for over a year, despite strong bi-partisan support.

The bill is no longer stalled. This past Tuesday, the bill was passed by a 67-37 vote, again, with strong support from both parties. The next day, President George W. Bush vetoed the bill.

In the first ever veto issued by the President, after 5½ years in office, embryonic stem cell researchers and patients living with myriad diseases and debilitating conditions were disappointed in their quest for better federal funding for research.

Hours after the veto was issued, the House of Representatives convened to hold a vote to override. They fell 51 votes short of the 286 required to override the veto.

Surrounding himself with adopted babies born from frozen embryos, Bush announced his veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act from the East Room of the White House. “These boys and girls are not spare parts,” he said. “They remind us of that is lost when embryos are destroyed in the name of research.”

“This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others,” said President Bush.

Advocates for the bill ranging from patients and researchers to politicians on both sides of the political fence cried “foul,” Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former first lady Nancy Reagan among them, both of whom urged the president to reconsider his position.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the day after the veto, Governor Schwarzenegger authorized $150 million in loans to California’s stem cell agency, a move that quadrupled the amount of money the agency had previously had access to for their embryonic stem cell research.

Nationally, however, the sting has been deeply felt by those invested in embryonic stem cell research and the potential outcomes of better funding for it. “We're just profoundly disappointed with the president's decision,” said pathologist Leo Furcht of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, president of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. “The fact that legitimate prospects are there for treating terrible diseases with these cells makes it very troubling.” (USA Today: July 20, 2006)

In a 2005 survey of 2,200 people conducted by the Genetics and Public Policy Center, 67% of people polled responded that they “approved” or “strongly approved” of embryonic stem cell research, according to USA Today. 

President Bush remained unmoved by public and political support for the issue. “It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect,” said the President. “So, I vetoed it.”




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Blogging to create profits is a hot topic now and wordpress adsense rich blogs are the hottest yet. A new product from clickbank this week is the wordpress Adsense System that claims it has the magic formula for putting your niche website on auto pilot.

The system offers an eBook to explain how you can create Wordpress Adsense Websites with wordpress blogs that will bring you targeted traffic to your wordpress adsense blog and make our first adsense dollar for you in 7 days -guaranteed.

The advert does tell one truth which is that all the gurus don't emphasize that they already have a lot of traffic and you will have a difficult time duplicating their work. The secret is plugins, plugins and more plugins.

I have purchased lots of deals from the gurus and then I discover that what they tell you to do depends on traffic which you don't have. If no one comes to your wordpress adsense blog, you won't be selling anything.

The Wordpress Adsense System does have some merit. The author seems like he has done his homework and has all the good questions answered. He takes you through the steps to make you successful.

I already know that you want some good content and I know you can get it from anywhere as long as you credit the author. They want you to publish their content and are more than happy to let you do it.

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I am a veteran. I was in the U.S. Army for three years, and, during that time, served in the Vietnam War. Also, I have a couple of long-standing illnesses. Nothing is currently threatening my life but I do have medical considerations. Both of these situations have put me in the position to participate in research projects. Should a person participate in a research project?

Are there results that make participating in a study worthwhile; yes! The VA alone has developed artificial limbs for amputees; invented the cardiac pacemaker; performed the first successful liver transplant and developed the nicotine patch to name just a few accomplishments. ((DVA ORCA 1B 10-54 page 3)

A research study is a study about a certain medical condition, or procedure, or effect of medication. It may be one of many different approaches to solving a problem that affects human beings.

People participate in studies to find cures for illnesses; to find better care; and, to battle an illness in which a person may have a particular interest, or indeed, may suffer from.

When considering whether or not to participate in any particular study, it is necessary to know that there may or may be direct benefits to you. There may be a benefit regarding a medical condition you may have, or, in some cases, you may be paid to volunteer. However, hand in hand with that, there may be risks and side effects when participating is a study.

There are many, many questions that a person should ask before participating in a study. Just a few are; "Who is doing the study and why?" "What tests and procedures will be done?" "What can happen to me good and bad if I participate?" "Will I be paid anything?" "Will I be told the results of this study?" "Is it possible I will receive a placebo?" "What happens if my condition gets worse?" (DVA ORCA 1B 10-54 page 11) These are just some of the questions that it makes sense to ask.

You should always make sure that there is comprehensive attention given to "Informed Consent", which is a point where you, as the participant, are given complete information about the study so that you can make an intelligent decision as to whether or not you should participate.

Finally, it is important to know who may see the results. Typically, the results will only be seen by researchers as part of the study. However, I have learned, especially in studies where you are paid, that the results may be sold; it is important that you know too whom the information might be given or sold.

Research studies are most important to mankind. We learn about diseases and quality of life. Further, you never know when a project you participate in may help you or someone in your family. However, as noble as this cause is, it is always important to be diligent in your research about the research.





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According to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) will grant $23 million a year, for seven years, to six new Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance.

The ultimate goal of the Centers of Excellence is to help the federal government prepare for and respond to influenza outbreaks, especially those that may lead to pandemics or worldwide epidemics as has been feared since the initial outbreak of H5N1 (avian influenza A) in China in 1997. The centers will work with NIAID's influenza surveillance program, both in the U.S. and worldwide, to learn more about influenza viruses - specifically how they cause disease and how the human immune system responds to them.

The media report says that St. Jude will also be involved in basic research, as well as surveillance of viruses. Dr. Robert Webster is a member of the Infectious Diseases department at St. Jude. With respect to this new contract, he said, "There are a variety of viruses to monitor besides the well-known H5N1. For example, H7N7 infected chicken industry workers in the Netherlands; and H9N2, which circulates in many global avian populations, also sporadically appears in humans."

This is not the first contract that St. Jude has had with NIAID. In 1999, two years after the avian flu outbreak in Hong Kong, St. Jude was awarded an NIAID contract to watch and study aquatic birds, especially ducks, and birds in live markets in Hong Kong. During this time, St. Jude was also involved in training others in the techniques of animal influenza surveillance and developing tests to detect and identify viruses. As a result of this work, St. Jude was also able to provide the NIAID with seed vaccines.

The media report says that influenza viruses will be monitored in several states and in more than a dozen countries over the next seven years. St. Jude will also monitor children in Hong Kong hospitals who are there for influenza and conduct surveillance in Southeast Asia in cases where children have been hospitalized for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Dr. Richard Webby is an assistant member in the Division of Virology in the Infectious Diseases department at St. Jude. In the media report, he said that St. Jude's selection as a Center of Excellence "recognizes both the enormous contribution that St. Jude has made over the last several decades in the study of animal influenza viruses, as well as our leadership role in this area." That contribution is expected to continue in that St. Jude will also be involved in evaluating anti-viral drug treatments and causes of drug resistance during its work in the NIAID- funded program.

The other five hospitals also designated as Centers of Excellence are the University of California in Los Angeles, the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Emory University in Atlanta, Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y.

Source:

St. Jude media report, http://www.stjude.org/media/0,2561,453_2086_22870,00.html




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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To draw more awareness to the cause and help raise funds to continue the research and treatment of breast cancer, there are companies that sell products bearing the color pink and donating portions of sale proceeds to certain charities that support the cause.

With the Holidays fast approaching, you can start early to buy gifts for the important women in your life.

Here are some products that you can buy to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Courage Affirmawrap and 'Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul'- $39.95

You can cuddle up with this warm blanket in the colder months to come and enjoy reading this book. The book is not only good for you but good for the cause. The cozy fleece blanket is silk-screened with positive affirmations, and 20 percent of the purchase price of each bundle will be donated to cancer charities. This bundle is available online at www.affirmagy.com.

Cuisinart Pink Food Chopper- $14.95

This kitchen gadget can make a great gift to a female cook. It shops, dices, and minces. There is no mess when you use it. A portion of the sale proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. This product is available at Bed Bath & Beyond and online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

Special-edition Santoku Knife, $70.00

Another great gift idea for the female cook, this knife has a pink handle and sharp blade. Kyocera's special edition 5.5-inch Santoku ceramic knife is perfect for cutting fruits, vegetables, and meats. $5.00 from each sale will go to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation. This product is available at Williams-Sonoma and online at www.amazon.com.

Onetouch Pink Can Opener, $19.99

This automatic, one-touch can opener allows for hands-free operation. This can open cans in seconds without too much effort. Five percent of the proceeds go to the memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This product is available at Bed Bath & Beyond and online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

Think Pink T-Shirt, $28.00

This comfortable, soft , pink baseball t-shirt has three quarter raglan sleeves and a fuchsia-pink ribbon silk-screened on the upper left chest. Ten percent of the sale proceeds will go to the Entertainment Industry foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund. This product is available online at www.redenvelope.com.

Pink Master Lock, $8.99 for two

The Pink Master Lock wants to help protect and unlock the cure for breast cancer. This padlock has the pink ribbon logo. In conjunction with the launch of the new padlock, the company made $10,000 donation to the Breast Cancer research Foundation. This product is available at select WalMart stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.com.

Pink-Ribbon Pajamas, $74.00

These pink polka dot pajamas are released in limited-edition by Karen Neuberger, a company which for 10 years has been involved in the fight against cancer. The sale will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This product is available at Macy's and online at www.karenneuberger.com.

Dreamaid Pillow Covers, $24.00

These pretty pillowcases have more than 30 inspirational messages imprints to choose from live "Dream a Big Dream" and "Peace, Love, and Rest". Five percent of the profit from their sale goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It is available online at www.dreamaidproducts.com.

Whether it is for your mother, sisters, friends, female relatives, or female co-workers, these gifts are well worth the thought that show that you care, at the same time, supporting the cause that is important to all the women all over the world.





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When you consider starting a business then you need to do a little bit of research. The research will help you see how successful the business would most likely become. You can also find out the small details within a field regarding a business that we often forget or aren't aware of because the business isn't in operation yet. Here are ten ways to help you research a business opportunity.

1. Talk to experts that you know that are already in the field. You need to speak to people that are already in the type of business that you are interested in. You need to ask them questions. You want to know basically how it works from start to finish and any problems that the person may run into. You want to basically know what it is like on a regular basis to run a business. You need to talk to a few people in order to get a more in depth information. You need to speak to the owners of the business instead of just an employee since the owners does know exactly what goes on from day to day in the business.

2. See how profitable it is. You want to make sure that that the type of business that you want to start will make you enough money. The important thing is to consider if it is worth it depending upon how much time and energy you have to put into it. If the other businesses in the area are struggling to keep their doors open each day then it probably isn't a good idea since those other businesses don't generate enough sales or services rendered.

3. Can your company be better than the competition? You need to ask yourself that question. If every person in town always want to go a certain company for a certain item or even service then you need to become better than the competition. You want your customers to think that your company is better than your competition even with excellent customer service and cheap prices.

4. Does the type of business that you are interested in starting require a lot of funding in the beginning? Some companies are cheaper than others to start in the beginning. You need to figure out if you will have enough money for advertising and all the other expenses. You want to have enough money saved in the bank for your personal use too besides money for business. It is important to able to support yourself for basic living expenses along with being able to have enough money for your business too.

5. Will you be able to generate enough sales? Is their enough people in the city or town to offer services or items to the customers? You need to think about it. If your competition doesn't have a website then make sure that you have a business website. You always want to offer the next best thing or something else that they don't offer. If your competition doesn't offer credit accounts then you probably should offer credit accounts to business owners and individuals. You want to be different than your competition. If your competition doesn't advertise on radio then you need to advertise on radio.

You need to go to the city to look all the new companies that have been started recently within the last few years. Make sure to see how many of them ever renewed their business license. Look to see how many companies haven't been successful in the same field that you want to start a business in. You want to see many companies have been successful offering the same type of products or items. The records will give you a general idea of how well your company should succeed.




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alpine mortgage: Foreign Real Estate - Speculative but Profitable

Potential investors in the property sector at a conference in Puerto Vallarta in April, said that the research of real estate in Costa Rica for five years after purchase. Meanwhile, cost estimates can be 200% in this period. Investor The, alpine mortgage, market has become too expensive for him, and never act.Another estate in Puerto Plata in the forum, said he was looking at the market in the Caribbean island of Dominican Republic for two years, but has not yet decided on where to shop. He expressed regret at the rate of growth of property values for 24 pieces recommendations months.



Two: First, yes, do your homework. But, secondly, do not get paralyzed by analysis. Nothing is certain. Rarely has the definition of "right time" to buy. You never know what you're doing the right thing. In any market, at any time, you risk losing all the things that make you uncomfortable invest.If ... We must not think of international investments in real estate. This is a risky business ... ... speculative often unregulated, Wild West markets. Working with people who do business with if there is another option (sometimes not).



If something goes wrong, you will probably have little, alpine mortgage, or nothing game recourse.That S '. Investing in property abroad is risky, alpine mortgage, and more complex than in the United States to invest in real estate. Recognize these truths. Select markets. Do your research and diligence.You should have the answers to six key factors that should be taken into consideration when making an investment property - and how each affects the level of income: 1. Why did you make the investment.



Do you intend to own and use property? Or are you simply looking at the investment potential? It 'important that returns the initial investment and long (or short) in the long term. 2. What is your risk tolerance? Know your comfort level of risk, investment in these parameters? 3. Their financing options. Cash or credit? The answer will help determine your investment. 4. What goes well with the existing portfolio? To be well balanced, the portfolio must have certain assets,, alpine mortgage, including real estate - and your portfolio should include a number of properties.



5. His experience in the market. Teacher experience difficult - because it gives the test before giving a lecture. 6. Desired level of participation. Their participation will determine the type of investment.Then law. The first step. Do not invest money you can not afford to lose. The control of the situation as possible. I do not think this is a sign from above that the time and opportunity is ideal. Will not sign ... and the market can not wait. For the first agreement, it is better to invest more than $ 50000.



Here are six you can buy now (May '06) with the budget: 1. Small apartment for short term rental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Three years ago, after the devaluation of the peso, you can buy an apartment in a great neighborhood home less than 50,000 $. The value of this market, however, more than doubled in that period. However, you can buy a decent apartment in a neighborhood attractive to short-term tenant for this amount today.2. Apartment in the colony of short-term rental in Montevideo, Uruguay.



Our Scout Lee Harrison Roving Latin America reports that Uruguay is the most profitable real estate market in America at this, alpine mortgage, time. Real estate is about the same in Montevideo and Buenos Aires, with the exception of the old city. Today you can buy an apartment in the Old City of Montevideo - start again - for just $ 540 per square meter. Compare this to 2000 meters or more like buying Ba3. Condominium in Panama City, once again profitable in the market soon. Here, however, to stay within the budget, you will need to finance .



.. Maybe in Panama. Put $ 50,000 for an apartment by $ 150,000 ... and rental income can cover the monthly mortgage payments. At today's values, then $ 150,000 you can buy one or two bedroom apartment in the building, which is a good product for this, alpine mortgage, rent market.4. Apartment overlooking, alpine mortgage, the sea in Croatia, to return to the market a short lease. You can find a good buy to resume in parts of the country, alpine mortgage, for less than $ 50,000, but probably will require a larger investment is important to do what you need to rent .



.. perhaps as much as another $ 100,000. Instead, look at the new buildings. In particular, now have the opportunity

alpine mortgage: European Leasebacks - a simple guide for property investment

1. What is an investment to invest? We will try to explain the rationale for giving propertyinvestment.Typically in France, but also available in Spanish and nowItaly, leasebacks are government-backed scheme which thebuyer trading, alpine mortgage, flat in a block of Freehold andhands Service, the Department has recognized managementcompany lease for a specified period of time. Leasebacks French generally lasts for 9 years and renewableon once, offering a full 18-year-old Spanish rentalguarantee entire leasebacks over the past 10 years and notrenewable, providing a rental guarantee for 10 years, income from these securities ateither rate lease usually begins with a 4.



0% or 4.5% and is associated with an index of places with the increase, the corresponding lines of expenditure in the country. The exception to this rule are inThe agreement, in which the use of personnel required for a orothers fixed (the rate higher, but not bound) isaccepted%. Rental income is a guarantee that allmanagement deducted expenses, so that the 4.0% or 4.5% more (asexamples), figure that you get. The closing costs may be higher, alpine mortgage, than some other propertyinvestments abroad, often by more than 5% of the purchase price.



Only deal with the promoter's largest car rental in Europe, the smallest thusavoiding can offer yieldsbut normal starting at different times, after a few years. 2. When leasebacks arethese? I looked leasebacks in the following areas: Paris, France - French lease. Top 5 * The property market in 1 year return of 4.5%. Price from 300 to over1m. Ideally located in the 15th district. Full 19.6% VAT refund.Just large place, alpine mortgage, in the capital. Val d'Isere, France - Rent Alps With locatedski excellent resource, 1 year, with the release of 4.



0%. LaDaille famous building, offer all the advantages of leasing schemealong refund of French and a very generous rental guarantee to lure ASKi. Sotogrande, Spain - Manilva Spain Terrazas rental overlooking Gibraltar. Excellent location. Yieldoptions more complex reaches 5.15%. 3. Why buy an investment? With many other products investmentoptions exists, then why would an investor portfolio account leasebacks aspart? Leasebacks not for everyone. Not necessarily the emotions OfferThe preliminary, alpine mortgage, agreement to build a new marketthat offering the chance to double your money and victory theunit in 6 months, and even at huge risk comes opportunity thatthat (Packaging Development Toresella incapacity, disability, rent etc.



), however, for those looking for a stable base for the portfolio, who do not want the tenants of management issues,, alpine, alpine mortgage, mortgage, etc., and youwant to know the income is, alpine mortgage, guaranteed year after year, is leasebackinvestment a good choice. Guaranteed income on rent, indexing for 10-18 years. SIPPable are, unlike most propertyinvestments abroad. Tax savings - all qualified leasebacks offer tax saving atpurchase, usually between 10 and 19.6%, depending on variouscircumstances.



The key financial issue is that you can borrow atlow rates (below 4% at the time of writing), but in the hands of others, rental income is guaranteed safe 4-4,5 everyyear% increase. So every year in order to increase the income against the interests of onborrowing. In some circumstances, deposits can be as low as 10% of the price ofpurchase and therefore can be used very effectively prepared. See "Loan Options" for details. 4. Loan Options leasebacksIn line with most real estate investments, the orientation is the key to the lease tosuccess investment.



For the French leasebacks, the options guides primary, 70% LTV, LTV 80% and 100% LTV. Housing loans are always based on availability IE onpersonal exclude the income (even if guaranteed). Note that some, alpine mortgage, of the guides salesprice VAT included VAT and other exclusively. Also, some require depositto appear in the bank for 10 years, and most do not. So, there are difficulties. Election of 70% LTV is the most common for investment, rental, typically offers a fixed rate option. Option LTV 80% and 100% usually require more depositto appear in the bank for 10 years, in order to ensure the safety someadditional.



They also require more stringent income. For leasebacks Spanish, 70% LTV mortgage primary option, but expectations are high that 80% of the market for products inThe happen in the near future.

alpine mortgage: Keystone, Colorado - For Fun And Profit

We all know that Keystone is a great place to live, providing outdoor Mecca with four different mountains in the world to offer its skiing, golf and many other activities. What we can not ignore that they are in a lucrative, alpine mortgage, real estate opportunities that result from investing in this dynamic environment. Keystone Resort has over 2,000 acres of skiing on three mountains, reaching the height of 3000 feet (914 meters). North Keystone Arapahoe Basin to find where is the ski area as high as possible in North America.



Companies using spent millions of dollars to modernize, to compete with the global demand for first-class, alpine mortgage, objects. New developments appear in the area,, alpine mortgage, including, alpine mortgage, the purchase of Intrawest Copper Mountain as a result of additional housing, including villas and the entire village in the Alps Because Vail Resorts Inc., Breckenridge now has an extra apartment and the height of the highest the world. Although there can be obtained on the ground floor with these events, Keystone is quite close to these locations, and its future growth is inevitable.



In Summit County, Breckenridge real estate the way with 26% of total sales, alpine mortgage, in 2006 and is the keystone in second with 13%. Vail Resorts only attracted more than 1.4 million skiers in the 2004-05 season in the ski resort of Keystone, while attracting only less than 1 million skier visits in 2005-06. These visitors will need places to live. Investments in real, alpine mortgage, estate to offer some unique advantages compared to recreational activities and bonds and other traditional methods.



On the one hand, you can enjoy the property, with the frequency you choose, not to mention the cost of fees, rents and appreciation. You will also find different kinds of property for recreation, behold some of the most popular: Condos: Condominiums provide a relatively low investment service, where you pay an additional monthly fee, which includes general maintenance of buildings and related costs, including costs general guides and utilities. Many times they are fully furnished, and after the purchase of a condominium is a group that deals with rental management, cleaning and so often is part of a larger group, which offer all the comforts, alpine mortgage, of home along with many other services common and a swimming pool or Jacuzzi.



As a general rule, offers a great location at the ski hill or golf course. They are considered a good investment, maintaining the property value, even in an unstable economy.Shared: With the growth in property prices, which is becoming increasingly popular form of investment. In this type of ownership, which in reality are the property of their property, including all the tax advantages that go along with it. Costs and rental income followed by a third party, which publishes a monthly report to owners.



This may offer the opportunity to enjoy year round access to the premium piece of property that would otherwise not have been able afford.Vacation homes or villas: Although this type of ownership can be more expensive and generate service a condominium, non-profit from rental income and appreciation would be much higher. If you are near the ski hill or golf course will have the benefit of income during the year. It can also ensure an efficient transition to a permanent place of retirement years.



Bed & Breakfast: This is a very profitable holiday homes, which could create jobs or full time for the owner or be fired from a distance. Many visitors enjoy staying at home after a long day on the slopes. Plot: Another investment only ever buy a piece of property in a strategic position, pay taxes and wait until the developers tried to buy the door. Handyman Special Offer: For those of you with short-term investments in mind, always think about buying property in the negotiations must love the attention.



Make sure, alpine mortgage, that you complete a thorough inspection of the house, despite the final sales price for the construction costs, commissions and legal costs. It's never too late to take the first step in property investment, feel that it may be easier than you think.

alpine mortgage: What Makes Valfrejus Such An Attractive Ski Investment?

Valfrejus is part of the "Croix du Sud Ski This is a big ski network comprises five ski resorts: Valloire, Valmeinier, Orelle, Bardonecchia, alpine mortgage, and Valfrejus. A major concern, alpine mortgage, for investors is that the French giant Transmontagne bought two plants Valfrejus and slope in Bardonecchia (Italian side - and part of the Olympic Winter 2006). Last Transmontagne 3.5 million euro investment in new installations in Valfrejus, is the first step in a plan to connect the two ski areas in general (see map).



Valfrejus includes the ski resorts near Aussois and standard in the package. Bardonecchia at least 10 minutes in a tunnel of Frejus. Orelle Communication in the three valleys areas (World's Largest Ski) is less than 20 minutes by car. Add the entire area of the Milky Way "ski resort on the Italian side, and neighborhood and VALLOIRE Valmeinier - and you have access to more than 2000 km of ski slopes in 20 minutes. Prices are low by today's standards in the Alps In our first project, which is located next to the first track we have to offer apartments - 1), alpine mortgage, Apartment 304 - two bedrooms and one bedroom, third, balcony, Sleeps 8-45 m ²: € 163,538.



2) Apartment 403 - two double bunk beds and a third, balcony, sleeps 8 seats - 44.74sqm: € 154,640. 3) Apartment 104 - room with double bed and one double bedroom, balcony, sleeps 6 - 35.49sqm: € 125,683. Rates for all apartments are equipped with all the furniture. underground parking or closed, in addition to from 4000 up to 8000 euros. Valfrjus has 47 trails with 70 kilometers of trails today between 1550m and 2737m. Pass out a very reasonable price, providing access to the tracks on the soft green on a plateau Arrondaz - ideal for beginners, red for a long time and is difficult to cruising blues for intermediates and changes.



Nearby airports: Torino (Italy), 1.5 hours, Lyon (France), 1.5 hours, Chambery (France),, alpine mortgage, 1 hour, Grenoble (France), 1.5 hours, and Geneva (Switzerland) 2 start hours.Construction in May 2007 and completed by December, alpine mortgage, 2007. Be prepared for skiing during the winter to come. Security deposit equal to 2% is necessary to guarantee the reservation, and then stage payments throughout the construction process. Loan quotes can be provided upon request. Please contact us for a flat plane on a selected number of plans and details on booking more.



Limited16 Overseas ScrivenGeneral ManagerUK Andrew Nicolaou Nicolaides Avenue, Suite 102, Suite 6, Megaro Tryfonos, 8107 Paphos, CyprusTel: 08,701 14 98 07 Fax: + 08,701 14 98 09Mobile: 00357 99318527andrew@ukoverseas.comhttp: / / www.ukoverseas.com/

alpine mortgage: The Bargains In The French Mountains

Does not want to invest in property in France can be very smart about it, experts have warned. At the market, so popular, in particular the UK buyers should not be regional differences in prices, so it's important for companies in search of doing your research, alpine mortgage, before thinking of making a purchase. But entrepreneurs still exist. Liz Oliver, property specialists Francophiles told the Guardian at the weekend that "France is still very good," adding that "if, alpine mortgage, you're ready to go inside a little ', a significant drop in prices, alpine mortgage, .



" In fact, investors, alpine mortgage, may choose to head inside the country, away from the Riviera del Sol or the coast of Brittany, with its proximity to the United Kingdom, but where? One possibility is to address the area is famous for its wineries, and the other to go to the mountains. Guardian article lists the Pyrenees as the region to find the operation, along with the Champagne-Ardennes, Poitou-Charentes and Limousin. Pyrenees, of course, there are many attractions. And proximity to Spain, ski resorts, the country is going well, and the city of Lourdes for those who are interested in the spiritual pilgrimage.



But, of course, France has also some of the Alps, where there are good deals to be had for those who want to look in the right places. Malster Simon, executive director of the investors in the property of France stated that the market for Alpine tourism is growing, which in itself should be interesting to buy, for investors. While some doubts about the future of skiing in the light of the mild winters that global warming appears to cause more, Mr Malster suggested that the area is, ironically, enjoying the benefits of climate change.



He said: "In global warming we have been very hot in Greece and elsewhere in Europe this summer, and I think there is definitely a growing market holiday in the Alps as a whole." The key, he said that in the Alps are adapted to change in greater harmony with the summer holidays, which offers recreational activities like hiking, mountain biking and attractions such as spa hotels. Moreover, he said, who can not afford to have two summer holidays enjoyed the variation between the mountains of Central Europe and the Mediterranean beaches, and said: "They came and they have two weeks at sea and have a long weekend or a week in the mountains.



" But, of course, the Alps there are many areas that are filled with development, alpine mortgage, and tourism, with stations for sale are very expensive. Instead, he suggested, the most popular sites were set to invest now, GRENOBE and some of the more remote areas. Of, alpine mortgage, course, there is a market here, he said, the purchase of property for rent, in part because there is a need in many places that any new construction has been assigned to the "sale and lease and the basic rate.



Thus, in Alps and in other parts of France, the key is to find some areas off the roads, as investors are still good deals.

alpine mortgage: Real Estate Investing Strategy In A Slow Market

The housing market goes up and down, as in all markets, it is difficult to understand how to invest in real estate when the market is slow, if you've never done. Fortunately, these tips will help, alpine mortgage, you with investments in real estate, even in a market slowdown. These tips will help, if you want to invest in real estate in Utah, Provo real estate, and / or property in the Alps A good way to invest in real estate in a slow market is to buy a house or auction houses excluded, and then fix them and resell them.



If you do the tasks before, then you can buy a house in a large market value created, and therefore the resale value on the market in less than the same time making a profit, alpine mortgage, . This is a wonderful way for the work, alpine mortgage, of the slow market in their favor, while a good profit. Another way to make money in real estate during a slow market for investment in one of these auction houses or home, except, repair, and then rent rather than sale. To rent a property in order to preserve the capital itself, and the tenant pays the mortgage.



Finally, when the mortgage is paid not just a piece of property with a minimal investment, but also earns money, free and clear. Rental properties pending and meaning, regardless of whether the market is slow or not.The the best time to invest in real estate is really where the market is slow. This is because there are many homes on the market and have a greater right to vote, because everyone wants to sell, but there are lots of buyers. When the market is on fire, there's a lot of trade wars, as prices rise.



Thus, the best time to invest in rental real estate for, alpine mortgage, a profit when the market is slow. Think about how cheap you can buy property at auction in a slow market, then put the money in creating and / or sell when the market heats up again, or just rent it. Both options allow you to make money in real time to cool the housing market.

alpine mortgage: Utah County Real Estate

Utah County Real Estate is becoming more popular every year. Only recently have we begun to see housing prices in line with national average prices. Located 44 miles south of Salt Lake, alpine mortgage, City, Utah County is in the valley beneath the Wasatch Mountains. Utah County is experiencing unprecedented growth. Founded in 1852, Utah County has a long history as a great community. It's always been ranked among the top twenty best places to live in the country by the magazine "Money" and took the top twenty places best to do business in the United States by Forbes magazine.



District takes 5th place in terms of growth, year in every county in Utah, most recently with the growth of 8% per cent. The estimated total population of an area of 398,056. Provo is the largest city in the country with a population of 153,600. Other location information, Orem, Pleasant Grove and American Fork.The total number of housing units in the district is 104,315. This figure increases, alpine mortgage, significantly every year. Several major events that occur in Lehi and American Fork.



New construction can be seen everywhere. This is truly an exciting time of growth in Utah County. Most of these units are of their respective owners. Current estimates indicate that about 33,137 units are rented. Real Estate in Utah County is popular with property investors because of the ease of rent in the area. There are several universities, schools, hair and oral health in schools in the region to provide a large population of student tenants. 71,178 units that owners occupy their average monthly cost of $ 1148 mortgage.



Because of the high rate of recognition seen in other parts of the country, who moved to Utah to buy a house that is much larger and more recently their home permeable. This is another reason why the rate of growth that we see in Utah County. Real estate here is the result of a large estate buy.Another in Utah County is so attractive is the low level, alpine mortgage, of crime. FBI report showed that the Provo Orem area ranks, alpine mortgage, second lowest level of violent crime in the country for 2000.



Utah County is also very family oriented. The average family size was 3.86, well above the national average. Large families and people with high levels of students responsible for the County average age of 23.3 is low (low average age of the district in the United States). This is an active community of young men and young families.Median household income in the quarter was $ 45,833, and the median income for a family was $ 50,196. Males have a, alpine mortgage, median income of $ 37,878 against $ 22,656 for women.



County per capita income was $ 15,557. More than 12.00% of the population and 6.80% of families live below the poverty line. The level of poverty in the country, in part because of the large number of students in the area. Labor also because of its population of young people, many of them, alpine mortgage, were long enough to receive raises. Low-income sector makes buying a property in the district of Utah for all. With the exception of the alpine town where the houses are large and luxurious.



Alpine is known for its amazing properties. Approximately 88% of population of Utah County of Latter-day Saints, which is probably the largest concentration, alpine mortgage, of saints in the world. Culture and lifestyle of the people here is unique and inviting. Representatives of all religions find Utah County Real Estate is not only a great acquisition and wise investment, but also a very special place to call home.Mark Keller is a provider of Internet http://www.10xmarketing.com Learn more properties in Utah County, http:/ / www.



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"I will not call them gays any more, these are sodomites. And I ask you please, in the media, stop misusing the word gay, which means happy people. These are not happy people."

It's when the pastor starts showing the photos of men covered in feces fisting each other, that you realize this is no ordinary press conference. On January 15th, addressing a crowded room of local and foreign journalists, controversial "pro family" pastor Martin Ssempa , sitting beside a solemn-looking Muslim Sheikh in front of posters saying "Barack Obama Back Off" and "Africans Unite Against Sodomy", begins his lengthy invective.

Ssempa called the conference to announce his plan to mobilize more than one million people to march on February 17th in Kampala to show the world just how strong support is for the proposed 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill'. "We want to give a postcard that he [President Museveni] can send to his friend Barack Obama," he says. However Ssempa, clearly relishing the media's spotlight, takes the opportunity to begin a lengthy digression on his deep-seated feelings about homosexuality, pedophilia and the "broken" West's decadent influence. Most of what he says might be laughable if his influence wasn't so far-reaching and the message so deeply offensive. As he repeatedly boasts, 95% of Ugandans are against homosexuality, "this is democracy at work."

A highly charismatic and flamboyant man, Ssempa seems less to speak than to gesticulate wildly, gleefully exhorting the audience of the ills implicit in homosexuality. At one point, he even dramatically decides to break for prayer, calling on the god "who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah" to communicate to the media that Uganda will not perish in the same way. "God you know this bill has to pass," he prays with his eyes towards the heavens. "In Jesus' name, amen." Most of the journalists in the room, whether by force of habit or true faith, instantly mumble back, "amen".

Ssempa is no stranger to controversy, having over recent years, burned condoms in the name of Jesus and arranged for the publication of prominent homosexuals' names in cooperative local newspapers. His abstinence-based HIV/AIDS work was supported by the Bush White House and he has close ties with the born again First Lady, Janet Museveni. His latest work though, with MP David Bahati who privately introduced the bill, has thrust him into the forefront of the debate.

A captivating speaker and natural performer, (he was once the East African breakdancing champion), Ssempa clearly knows how to work a crowd. When a reporter asks why he is persecuting adults engaging in consensual acts in the privacy of their own bedroom, he quickly takes out his laptop to expose just what these acts are.

A pornographic slideshow of black and white photographs of men engaging in scatological fetishism is revealed. "I want to show you from their website", he proclaims, a devious smile forming. "I've taken the time to research what homosexuals do in the privacy of their bedroom. It is inhuman, it is animalistic, and it cannot be right. I want to show you these pictures." The audience lurches forward, leering at the pictures and groaning in disgust. Ssempa, enthusiastically goes on:

I want to say homosexuals eat each other's poop. Homosexuals stick their hands into their rectum. Homosexuals stick all sorts of deviant sexual things into their rectum. I want to show you this is from their website. So the first picture that I want to show you, you can see this man has just eaten the other person's poo poo and is rubbing it on his mouth, and I'm going to ask that we print for each of you a photocopy of this story so you get it fully.

Then, of course, they are grabbing each other's gentials, that is level number one, touching each other, grabbing each other. Then number three, now they are licking eachother's anus and are licking poop. And they call poo poo, chocolate. You see it is a change of words. I want you to see, Sheikh please forgive me but I want these people to see, they say a picture is worth one thousand words. This is a man eating the other person's poo poo, can you see that one? Please from BBC, I want you to tell them, we know what they do.

This coming from a man of god, a community and church leader, and yet also the co-author of a bill which makes touching another person "with the intention to commit homosexuality" an offense punishable by life in prison. He concludes, "After they have eaten poo poo, then he puts his hand inside the other man's rectum. You can see it. That is called fisting. FISTING! Practiced by 65% of all homosexuals. It is deviant! As if that is not enough, he puts it all the way," he pauses for effect and then excitedly grunts, "iiiiiin!" The audience erupts in laughter.

There is something distinctly un-Christian about Ssempa's lengthy tirade, whether it is the pronounced lack of compassion or the clever way he manipulates the argument. No he isn't victimizing, he is standing up for the real victims here: the minors and handicapped insidiously recruited by homosexuals. He criticizes rights groups for their betrayal of the "boy child" who is being molested and raped by men in Uganda without adequate protection. He accuses those who've accused him and his bill of fascistic and undemocratic aims as being "non-ideological" and "undemocratic" themselves, seeking to quash any discourse and stifle the debate.

Ssempa easily shores up support by turning the argument into one of African communal pride versus neo-colonial attempts to destroy it. He calls homosexuality a direct assault on the traditional African family in spite of (or perhaps to overcompensate for) the seldom-mentioned fact that he met his white wife in the United States. He frames the argument as the new clash of civilizations: "For us, as Africans, we are a community, our value system is 'I am because we are'. For the western people, the Europeans, they say 'I am because I am'."

He vigorously castigates America and European countries as "failed states" for "putting the export of sodomy as their number one priority" and seems especially emboldened by Uganda's recent oil discovery, dismissing Western aid as little more than a pittance. "If the changing of our laws to receive sodomy is the price we have to pay to receive mosquito nets and malaria nets, then we'd rather die in dignity."

According to Ssempa, America is bankrupt, deeply in debt to China and soon to be completely dependent on African oil. The U.S. can't afford to set preconditions now that Uganda sits on two billion barrels of crude. Uganda has entered a new era, the past Ssempa terms "B.U.O - before Uganda got oil"; now the country will sit alongside Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Ssempa laughs and goes on to wax lyrically about the inherent evils of "anal licking" while every day his draconian bill inches closer to being passed. After dismissing one reporter's query over possible cessation of aid to Uganda, he exclaims to a rapt audience, "I care deeply about white people telling us what to do. We really find that annoying. I want to say we are a superpower!"

FROM MTV.COM: To hear Kristen Stewart talk about her role as an underage stripper in "Welcome to the Rileys" is to understand the way in which the character continues to live in the actress' mind and affect her emotionally. For all the attention she's garnered for the "Twilight" series, the 19-year-old actress maintains that her experience on "Rileys" stands out as both the most personal and most natural of her career.