A New Kind of ‘Prisoner of War’: The Taliban Takes A Military Sniffer Dog Prisoner

Posted on February 8, 2014 by mpabian

After the ‘War On Iraq” began prisoner of war videos were all to common place in the news broadcast across America. However, this video could be a first when it comes to such matters. The Taliban has released a video on Thursday claiming that they have captured a military dog following a recent raid in eastern Afghanistan late last year.

Taliban militants said that they took the dog from, who they believed to be, American Army special forces in the Alin Nigar district of Afghanistan’s Laghman province in late December. The US based International Assistance Security Force (IASF) did confirm that a dog had gone missing in the line of duty during December of 2013. However, US military officials up in Washington, DC said he was part of a British unit.

“This dog was very important to the Americans,” a spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, told MSNBC news, “Once we got this dog, the Americans tried their best to get it back, but they did not succeed.” Specialist at the United State’s SITE Intelligence Group could not remember ever seeing anything like this new video. SITE Intelligence Group follows and researches insurgent propaganda activities.

The video shows the dog being guarded by many heavily-armed Taliban militants. The dog, which seems to be a German Shepard and Labrador Retriever mix, looks to be more shy and bewildered than scared. The men holding the dog captive carry specialized rifles and a GPS unit that they say came attached to the dog in his specially designed backpack.

Here is a link to the video sent by the Taliban to the U.S. Government ——> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICRiQJQ9YDw

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Controversial Coca-Cola Commercial Causes Uproar With the Nation’s Most Ignorant Inhabitants

Posted on February 8, 2014 by aspiringauthor

Normally when people think of Super Bowl, they think of hilarious commercials that go down in history. This year many of the commercials were rather boring, but one in particular stood out to people. Coca-Cola’s advertisement enraged many Americans as it portrayed people of several different cultures singing “America the Beautiful” in their languages. Soon after there was a slew of people hash tagging “Speak American” and many vowed to boycott Coca-Cola products as they felt insulted by the company’s attempt to express how America is a country of immigrants. If anything, this commercial opened my eyes to the fact that there are still a great number of people who are xenophobic.

What outraged me the most about the hashtag that came along with the commercial is that people are claiming to be “true Americans,” while the only individuals who can consider themselves as such are the Native Americans. This country was built by immigrants and it seems that people fail to realize this. As a news anchor recently said in light of the events, the Statue of Liberty does not say “Give me your white, English speakers,” but “Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddle masses yearning to breath free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Historically, the United States has been a country that embraces people of all cultures.

Finally, the last thing that gets to me is that so many of these proud Americans seemed to be under the impression that “America the Beautiful” is our national anthem and therefore, considered the commercial to be disrespectful. If these people are so proud of their great country, the least they could do is know the difference between “America the Beautiful” and the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

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The affects of Weather on your Psyche…

Posted on February 8, 2014 by scsmith

I once had a friend who told me that living in Seattle was the worst idea I had ever come up with. At the time I was like, “are you kidding me?” All I could think about was the trendy people there, the home of the coffee boom, the most famous farmers market in the United States, the different cultures that live there because Washington is so close to Seattle, and so on. Then my friend began to explain how she came to this conclusion, “the weather” she said. She pointed out that Seattle has nothing but rain everyday, all year long, and that it was a depressing sight and/or place to live. She then told informed me about the studies conducted on the suicide rates in Seattle, and how they were higher than the rest of the country; because of the dark, gloomy atmosphere that looms everyday. I didn’t think anything of it, I actually thought she was kinda crazy for thinking about such depressing ideas.

Now you should know that I lived in Tampa all my life and when we had this conversation I was still there. Then I moved to Orlando. What a change this is! In Tampa we had the occasional rainy days or even an occasional rainy week, but we always had some kind of sunshine pop through. In Orlando it is nothing but freakin’ rain everyday damn day, and its starting to take an affect on me.

I immediately thought back to what my friend said, and how she could possibly have a valid point. Waking up everyday to dark skies, cloudy skies, rain, cold, gloom was starting to make me depressed. Hell, I’m depressed as I write this blog because guess what? Its dark and rainy and gloomy today, what a surprise! I began to dread the night because I haven’t had my sunshine today. I realized how much I love my sunshine! Then I started thinking about those people who live in the south pole and how they get no sunshine for half a year. What?!! How do they manage to stay sane? Then on top of this I live in an apartment, like most people, with a window only on one side of the rooms. So to make it worse, we barely get sunshine here in Orlando, but when we do you only get it for half a day in your house. UGH! Not to say you cant go outside and enjoy it, which I would rather do anyways, it’s just the principle.

I find myself having to pull myself out of bed just to get going. I walk around like a zombie all day because of the weather. I dwell on having to where a sweater everyday and carry around an umbrella because it’s cold and rainy. You cant dress up and show off your fashion because you always have to wear a sweater. I  definitely hate it when there are puddles all over, so I have to wear shows that are water proof or else my socks get wet. My electricity bill goes up because not only do I have to run my heater nonstop because I have to keep my windows closed, but I keep my lights on all the time just so I can see and not feel down in the dumps. Because its raining you end up not getting any exercise unless you go to the gym, but then who wants to drive to the gym in the rain and get all wet running from your car to the inside.

These are all things you do subconsciously and don’t realize how much of an affect it has on your psyche. These are everyday things that you have to change because the weather decided to ruin your life. So my advice… live somewhere sunny, like Tampa!

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Missy Elliot Plans on Coming Back with a New Album

Posted on February 8, 2014 by amanda decarlo

Missy Elliot, the legendary rapper, plans on making a comeback. Missy, the rapper who rose to fame in the fame in the late 90’s and early 2000’s with hits like “Lose Control” and “Work it,” is planning on returning from her long hiatus. Missy Elliot’s latest album is “The CookBook.” That albums was released in 2005, so her next one is long overdue.

Missy Elliot according to the HuffingtonPost.com in an article titled, “Missy Elliot Discusses Career Hiatus, Promises a Comeback,” cares more about quality rather than the quantity of albums that she releases. She is quoted saying, “When I create something, it’s got to be special.” She obviously cares about her craft, and doesn’t appear to be obsessed with just money or fame. She really wants to produce something inspiring.

What seems to be the most interesting is that her biggest rival could be Nicki Minaj, the most current popular female rapper.  It will be interesting to see who becomes victorious in terms of accolades, and album sales. Maybe there won’t be any rivalry at all.  There might be a possible collaboration between the two female rappers. Everyone will just have to wait and see.

Missy Elliot hasn’t even mentioned when she will release her next album or what the title would be. It could be months or years from now. She is quoted saying, “It’s coming. I just ain’t telling nobody when.”  She might follow the trend that other artists have been doing and release the album unexpectedly without any promotion whatsoever.  The world will just have to patiently wait. Easier said than done.

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Why Do Men Always Feel The Need To Feel So Manly All The Time?

Posted on February 7, 2014 by bosimpson

It all starts from when males are little boys. They look at their father shave and they cannot wait to grow their first couple of hairs on their chin or under their armpits. As they get a little older, they want to wear cologne that smells strong so they can feel strong, then as they grow up they move from the coconut body wash that mom used to buy them and start buying body wash such as Old Spice or Axe. They move from tight underwear to boxers, from hidden socks to ankle socks, and so on. Why is this? All because men always, always need to feel like they are Alpha and they are in control. Men need to feel like they are strong and they compete with each other almost as much as women do…almost.
This is the same reason that men feel the need to talk “trash” with their buddies about women, cars, sports. They bond over feeling manly together. Of course, they have to top it off with beers, watching a sports game, playing poker, and maybe even smoking a few cigars here and there on their “guy nights” together. Some man zones places where no woman should ever want to be with their man is the barber shop, the locker room, and sport watching parties and “guys night”.
The funny thing is what guys never want their buddies to know about them. ‘Not So Manly Things’ that men would not want their buddies to ever know about them: The fact that they get pedicures done with their wife every two weeks, that one of their favorite drinks is a Strawberry Mojito, that they actually got into watching Sex and The city with their wife, the fact that they love to cook (maybe even bake), that they sing everyday in the shower, they use baby wipes to clean themselves after doing number two, they listen to Adele when they’re feeling down, they get their chest waxed, the list goes on and on. In the end, men may want us to think that they are always cutting lumber with an axe or fighting in the back alleys of bars but we know the truth. No man is ever as manly as they claim to be.

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Musician Ke$ha cancels Concert Tour for Rehab

Posted on February 7, 2014 by joecool12

Musician Ke$ha is canceling her concert tour because she has decided to listen to her doctor and remain in rehab. Her main decision for rehab is to treat her eating disorder that she is facing currently in  her life.

It is a great choice for Ke$ha to stay in rehab because her problem is considered serious, and it is not worth it to go down in her health. Many musicians do not know how to treat their problems, and continue their life in the entertainment industry. Look at the late Philip Seymour Hoffman who struggled with his heroin addiction, which eventually led to his death in 2014 at the age of 46. Entertainers should realize that they are humans themselves, and can only do so much. Ke$ha is only 26, and could be another entertainer who ends their life at an early age.

It has been 30 days that Ke$ha has been in rehab. She seems like she is keeping a positive attitude about fighting her eating disorder. Ke$ha quoted these responses about her scenario, “I was looking forward to performing at these dates, but I need to follow my doctor’s advice and get my health back on track. All of your support during this time has been so amazing.”

To not only Ke$ha, but all entertainers in the industry, keep a clear mind, make good decisions, and stay healthy. After all, it is the fans who support them, and it would be a turn off if they as the entertainer to make stupid decisions, which affects them and the people attached to them, both family members and fans.

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NBA: Warriors Battle to Victory

Posted on February 7, 2014 by arlen spitalnik

The 2013-14 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) kicked-0ff with sky-high expectations for the campaign of the Golden State Warriors.  After giving an experienced San Antonio Spurs team a run during the second round of the playoffs last season, the young team from Oakland, California solidified themselves on the map as a team to fear in the Western Conference.  The Warriors exposed their talents once again on February 6, 2014 as the team took down the Chicago Bulls on their home court.

Both teams had slim rosters: starters David Lee and Andrew Bogut sat out for Golden State due to shoulder and hip injuries, while Chicago star Carlos Boozer was rested because of his recent calf-strain.

As the game began, the Warriors struggled to play with an explosive, fast pace.  As a result, the Bulls controlled the beginning of the game and took a 29-16 lead after the first quarter.  At this point, the Warriors realized they would lose this match if something was not done.  Quickly thereafter, Golden State came together and produced a solid quarter of scoring, and more aggressive defense to take a 50-46 at the half.  The Warriors’ Head Coach Mark Jackson was very impressed by the team’s efforts in the second period.

Golden State went on with their bold efforts to take the game 102-87.  This win was made possible largely in part of All-Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s prolific night of shooting.  Sometimes referred to as the “Splash Brothers”, Curry and Thompson combined for 56 points against Chicago.

After this win, the Golden State Warriors hold the number six seed in the Western Conference.  However, if they are to make a playoff appearance for the second consecutive season, they must continue to play fast-paced so they do not fall behind.

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Matt Damon returned to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” for the first time since he hijacked the show from the late host in January 2013

Posted on February 7, 2014 by kelly casas

Matt Damon returned to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” for the first time since he hijacked the show from the late host in January 2013

The new movie “The Monuments Men” release today, and Appearing with the cast, including George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Bob Balaban, on the late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Thursday, Damon and Jimmy Kimmel resumed their longstanding “feud” when the funnyman seriously shunned the Oscar winner.

Kimmel began by forcing Matt to read a few mean tweets about himself (as he’s done in the past in his popular segment), but instead of a fan tweet, the post came from Kimmel himself, who stood in the corner and mouthed along as Damon read.

Much of the episode also featured Damon in the dressing room while the cast fielded questions from Kimmel onstage, which, naturally infuriated Matt—whose microphone was not turned on—as his costars and Kimmel hilariously mocked the “Behind the Candelabrastar.”

“Who among you knows the least about art?” Kimmel asks.

“Matt,” Cate replies as George lets out a giant laugh.

“Who is the most likely to never speak to anyone else never in the group?” Jimmy questions.

“Matt,” Clooney says.

“Who complained the most on the set?” the funnyman asks.

“Matt,” the cast says in unison, adding that he also needed the most “me time.”

“Spell it with an M, it’s Matt,” Murray says as the camera cuts to a noticeably frustrated Damon shaking his head in the dressing room (notice the Good Will Hunting poster on the wall).

“I’m starting to see your point with Matt,” Clooney admits.

Finally, Kimmel was forced to introduce an actor “who only has one Oscar” and “the least of the Monuments Men,” as Damon took the stage, although he was left standing without a chair.

And when Damon pleaded for a question from Kimmel, the host finally obliged, although he was suddenly cut off—by the fire alarm.

“It’s obviously a trick! There’s no fire,” Matt says as the audience clears out.

Two firefighters then arrived, spraying Damon’s blue sweater with fire extinguishers until he was covered in foam as the actor screams into the camera, vowing to get revenge.

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No more cigarette sales in CVS!

Posted on February 7, 2014 by chelsiesloan

Earlier this week, CVS pharmacy chain has announced that as of October 1, 2014 they will no longer be selling cigarettes and other tobacco products. The decision  was made because CVS wanted to begin to help customers maintain a healthy lifestyle. CEO Larry Merlo, stated that the sale of cigarettes simply contradicts what the company would like to stand for.

As of today their plan is to remove cigarettes and tobacco from more than 7,600 stores  between now and October 1st. The sales of cigarettes and tobacco represent about $2 billion dollars of income for CVS. Although this investment will no longer bring money to CVS, plenty of consumers are praising them for the decision.This decision has been gaining nothing but support so far especially from President Obama himself, who looked positively on the decision for “saving lives and lowering healthcare costs.

Although they are eliminating tobacco products to promote healthy well-being, CVS will continue to sell candy and other junk food.  One will still be able to find candy bars, soda, and alcohol products on the shelves. Larry Merlo said “this will be a strategic move with healthy public relations benefits attached to it.

CVS knows that they will be taking the short term financial loss, but  is hoping to position itself in a more favorable relationship with hospitals and doctors. They are also attempting to become one of the first pharmacies to being the trend in stopping the sale of tobacco products.

As of now the decision that CVS made to end tobacco product sales is being done to look out for consumers and ensure a healthier life.

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Should college athletes be paid? I don’t think they should…

Posted on February 5, 2014 by christie jauch

“I don’t have enough money to get these shoes. I don’t have enough money to buy that shirt. What am I going to do?” This sounds like something we would all say when we don’t have enough money to get something we want. I watched Sports Nation recently and read several articles on the computer on ESPN.com and other websites about “Should athletes be paid?”. I personally believe they shouldn’t and here’s why:

Athletes receive a free education. There’s nothing on this planet that someone could name that could beat receiving a free education in college. I’m over here paying for my courses out of pocket and athletes don’t have to pay anything because they’re already covered. A majority of athletes need to keep in mind that although they’re looking to go professional for whatever sport he/she is playing, not everyone makes it to play for a professional sports team. According to BusinessInsider.com, 1.7% of college football players go pro, 1.2% of college basketball players go pro, and 11.6% of college baseball players go pro. I’m not trying to crush anyone’s dreams, but athletes shouldn’t take the free education for granted. If plan A doesn’t work out, then what is that person going to do from there? It’s good to always have a Plan B. The point I’m trying to make here is that athletes wont be in debt once they’ve finished college. A regular college student like myself will.

Another reason why athletes shouldn’t get paid is because he/she receives free meals, tuition, rooming, and books. To me, I feel athletes are paid for. Some athletes complain that they can’t buy certain items. Well, that’s a way of life. In college, there’s going to be some things that one won’t be able to buy. To sum it all up, I feel some student-athletes need to seriously sit down and look at what they have. A full-ride scholarship to a major university is payment enough.

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