lintel mead: June 2012

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Summit lets Obama, Putin size up the competition

[ [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 2]], 'http://yhoo.it/KeQd0p', '[Slideshow: See photos taken on the way down]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 7]], ' http://yhoo.it/KpUoHO', '[Slideshow: Death-defying daredevils]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['know that we have confidence in', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/LqYjAX ', '[Related: The Secret Service guide to Cartagena]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['We picked up this other dog and', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JUSxvi', '[Related: 8 common dog fears, how to calm them]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 5]], 'http://bit.ly/JnoJYN', '[Related: Did WH share raid details with filmmakers?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 3]], 'http://bit.ly/KoKiqJ', '[Factbox: AQAP, al-Qaeda in Yemen]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have my contacts on or glasses', 3]], 'http://abcn.ws/KTE5AZ', '[Related: Should the murder charge be dropped?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JD7nlD', '[Related: Bristol Palin reality show debuts June 19]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 1]], 'http://bit.ly/JRPFRO', '[Related: McCain adviser who vetted Palin weighs in on VP race]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['A JetBlue flight from New York to Las Vegas', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/GV9zpj', '[Related: View photos of the JetBlue plane in Amarillo]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 15]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/white-house-stays-out-of-teen-s-killing-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120411/martinzimmermen.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['Titanic', 7]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/titanic-anniversary/', ' ', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/b/4e/b4e5ad9f00b5dfeeec2226d53e173569.jpeg', '550', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['He was in shock and still strapped to his seat', 6]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/navy-jet-crashes-in-virginia-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120406/jet_ap.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/russian-grannies-win-bid-to-sing-at-eurovision-1331223625-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/1/56/156d92f2760dcd3e75bcd649a8b85fcf.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP', ] ]

[ [ [['did not go as far his colleague', 8]], '29438204', '0' ], [ [[' the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 4]], '28924649', '0' ], [ [['because I know God protects me', 14], ['Brian Snow was at a nearby credit union', 5]], '28811216', '0' ], [ [['The state news agency RIA-Novosti quoted Rosaviatsiya', 6]], '28805461', '0' ], [ [['measure all but certain to fail in the face of bipartisan', 4]], '28771014', '0' ], [ [['matter what you do in this case', 5]], '28759848', '0' ], [ [['presume laws are constitutional', 7]], '28747556', '0' ], [ [['has destroyed 15 to 25 houses', 7]], '28744868', '0' ], [ [['short answer is yes', 7]], '28746030', '0' ], [ [['opportunity to tell the real story', 7]], '28731764', '0' ], [ [['entirely respectable way to put off the searing constitutional controversy', 7]], '28723797', '0' ], [ [['point of my campaign is that big ideas matter', 9]], '28712293', '0' ], [ [['As the standoff dragged into a second day', 7]], '28687424', '0' ], [ [['French police stepped up the search', 17]], '28667224', '0' ], [ [['Seeking to elevate his candidacy back to a general', 8]], '28660934', '0' ], [ [['The tragic story of Trayvon Martin', 4]], '28647343', '0' ], [ [['Karzai will get a chance soon to express', 8]], '28630306', '0' ], [ [['powerful storms stretching', 8]], '28493546', '0' ], [ [['basic norm that death is private', 6]], '28413590', '0' ], [ [['songwriter also saw a surge in sales for her debut album', 6]], '28413590', '1', 'Watch music videos from Whitney Houston ', 'on Yahoo! Music', 'http://music.yahoo.com' ], [ [['keyword', 99999999999999999999999]], 'videoID', '1', 'overwrite-pre-description', 'overwrite-link-string', 'overwrite-link-url' ] ]

detroit auto show tebow broncos ben roethlisberger downton abbey season 2 2013 dodge dart shameless kwame brown

18 Million U.S. Cancer Survivors Expected By 2022 ? CBS Dallas ...

NEW YORK (CBS NEWS) - The number of cancer survivors living in the U.S. is expected to surge by one-third come 2022, with about 18 million people expected to survive the disease. The ?Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Facts and Figures? report finds that even though cancer incidence rates are decreasing, the number of survivors is growing due to the aging and growth of the population, as well as improved rates in cancer survival.

Currently, there are an estimated 13.7 million people living in the United States who have survived cancer.

The report showed that, in 2012, the three most common cancers among men with a history of the disease were prostate cancer (43 percent of male survivors), colorectal cancer (9 percent) and melanoma (7 percent). As for women, 41 percent of them had breast cancer at some point, 8 percent had uterine cancer, followed by 8 percent reporting that they had colon cancer.

Those proportions are expected to be largely unchanged by 2022, the researchers said.

Click Here To Read More From CBS News

Also Check Out:

apple juice occupy la miranda kerr adriana lima victoria secret angels fox 4 fox 4

Libya declare military zone in west to stop bloodshed

rod blagojevich uconn ncaa march madness mario williams vcu unlv sam young

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Scientists to strap cameras to Hawaiian seals

FILE- This 2002, file photo, provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service shows a juvenile Hawaiian monk seal with a camera strapped to its back at French Frigate Shoals, Hawaii, one of the outermost islands in the Hawaiian island chain. The agency plans to glue underwater cameras smaller than the one pictured to the backs of seals in the main Hawaiian Islands to prove to fishermen the animals aren't harming their way of life. (AP Photo/National Marine Fisheries Service, File)

HONOLULU (AP) ? Hawaiian monk seals need an image makeover.

Some fishermen blame the endangered species for stealing their catch. There are unfounded rumors that they devour and deplete fish stocks. And at least four of them have been killed by humans in Hawaii since late last year.

To help correct the misconceptions, government scientists plan to glue submersible cameras onto the seals' backs, using the footage to prove to fishermen the animals are not harming their way of life. It may even end up on reality TV.

"It's following seals to have them tell their own story," Charles Littnan, lead scientist for the National Marine Fisheries Service's Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program. They expect to see the seals dive for eels and fish on the ocean floor.

The "Crittercams," provided by the National Geographic Society, are the latest tactic to protect a population that is down to just 1,100 in Pacific Ocean waters around Hawaii. The killings were painful blows to a species on course to disappear in 50 to 100 years.

The deaths have come as resentment simmers while the species experiences a modest rebound around Kauai, Oahu and other islands where Hawaii's humans live.

There have been cases of people pestering seals: state officials found an Oahu teenager throwing rocks at a seal at a wildlife sanctuary in January. On Friday, the state said a court fined him $1,000 and sentenced him to 80 hours of community service for trespassing and harassing the monk seal.

Archaeological evidence ? like monk seal bones in a human trash pit dating between the 15th and 18th centuries ? shows the seals were around on these islands long ago. But most were hunted for their meat and fur by the early 1900s.

The seals were then generally only found among tiny, remote atolls northwest of Hawaii's main islands.

Their numbers started increasing about a decade ago around the main islands. Now, they regularly haul up on the sands of Poipu on Kauai and the rocky shorelines of Kaena Point in northwest Oahu. They've even appeared amid throngs of sunbathing tourists in Waikiki.

Though the species is ancient and has inhabited Hawaii for millions of years, their growth is making them look like new arrivals to humans who haven't seen them in their midst for more than a century.

Starting this August, biologists will capture several seals, sedate them and use epoxy to attach the cameras to their hides. Littnan hopes the footage will prove several assumptions untrue.

Some people think, for example, that seals operate like swarms of locusts ? tough to do when there are only 200 of them in the main Hawaiian Islands. Others believe the seals eat 600 pounds of fish a day ? not plausible, since an adult weighs between 375 and 500 pounds.

"That's not even remotely physically possible," Littnan said.

The researchers are inviting fishermen and budding scientists at Hawaii high schools to join the research teams and watch the footage as it comes in. Students can submit essays to the Monk Seal Foundation by next month to win a spot on the research team. If the video proves compelling, the seals might see some TV spotlight.

Crittercams have changed perceptions before.

When scientists first used the cameras to study Hawaiian monk seals, most believed the animals fed among coral reefs. But Crittercams showed them swimming to barren sandy areas, diving to the ocean floor, flipping over rocks and eating fish and eels found underneath.

Researchers only attached cameras to seals in the northwestern Hawaiian islands that time. Seals around the main Hawaiian islands haven't been studied in the same way.

"Seeing what the animals really did rather than guessing about it was incredibly useful," said Kyler Abernathy, the National Geographic Society's remote imaging director of research.

Walter Ritte, a Native Hawaiian and longtime activist who has spoken against monk seal killings, said everything that can be done must be done to help the seals. But he's not sure the research will change attitudes.

In a state with deep respect for Hawaiian tradition and elders who know it well, Ritte said, elders should more actively pass on cultural legends ? like stories of the deity Kuulakai ? that teach how to properly fish, care for the ocean and manage stocks.

"All of that worked for thousands of years, and it's the essence of our culture," Ritte said. "We need to go back and remind the people who live here that that's the essence of who we are in the state of Hawaii. It goes in a total opposite direction from what is happening with the seals."

___

Online: http://www.monksealfoundation.org/research.aspx

Associated Press

valentines day cards hallmark grammy winners obama budget woolly mammoth belize resorts nikki minaj grammy performance

Romney Risks Alienating Voters with Pre-existing Conditions Stance

sweet potato casserole safeway standing rib roast its a wonderful life its a wonderful life rex ryan yule log

Exercise and Physical Activity Benefits for a Healthy Life

Posted on : 14-06-2012 | By : mary | In : Health Tips

0

health news Nearly everyone knows and understands the many benefits associated with physical activity and exercise. So many though are too frustrated to even try. Perhaps if word got out about just how exciting the benefits are, there would be more eagerness to do it. Seriously, sometimes that is all it comes down to because it is easy to find an excuse to avoid exercise. For most people it will boil down to one choice that is either yes or no. Hopefully, these three benefits for exercising and physical activity will serve to motivate you.

The skin care industry makes billions every year because we place such high importance on appearance. There are other healthy benefits such as improving the quality of skin with regular fitness exercise.

The largest organ we have is our skin, and if you do regular exercise your skin will become healthier. To do this you must increase the blood flow through exercise.

Maintaining fitness makes your brain more powerful and efficient. When you are smarter some say that is because you have more brainpower. Your mental clarity and brain performance will be measurably increased. Because of the sustained higher levels of blood circulating, your brain will have more oxygen and just like the skin a higher removal rate of toxins.

Increasing your brain wave activity will make your brain work faster.

It is believed that regular exercise can reduce the risk of women developing breast cancer by about 60%. What an amazing benefit. In the end, it impacts two hormones that are highly associated with breast cancer. The risks of breast cancer are reduced with these exercises because they lead to lower amounts of these hormones being produced. It is also believed that even when these hormones are being produced at their highest levels, regular exercise can serve to reduce the risks.

Healthy nutritional habits can be brought into your life through exercise. Exercise should be something that you enjoy and are naturally good at. If you don?t like what you are doing then you have a higher chance of quitting, so it makes sense that people will stick with what they enjoy doing.

dfw 1930 census nike new nfl uniforms nfl uniforms andrew bailey the village dallas fort worth tornado

Friday, June 15, 2012

Streisand opens her home for women's heart health

Former President Bill Clinton poses with Barbra Streisand at the dedication of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, on Thursday June 14, 2012, at Streisand's home in Malibu, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Former President Bill Clinton poses with Barbra Streisand at the dedication of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, on Thursday June 14, 2012 at Streisand's home in Malibu, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Former President Bill Clinton, center, poses with Barbra Streisand, right, and cardiologist C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, at the dedication of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, on Thursday June 14, 2012 at Streisand's home in Malibu, Calif. Merz will be the director of the center. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Former President Bill Clinton, right, poses with Barbra Streisand, center, and her husband James Brolin at the dedication of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, on Thursday June 14, 2012 at Streisand's home in Malibu, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) ? In an elegant white tent nestled among the barn-shaped houses that dot her oceanfront compound, Barbra Streisand sang and former President Bill Clinton spoke to a crowd gathered to raise funds for women's heart health.

Comedian Martin Short was the master of ceremonies at the intimate fundraising dinner Thursday at the Malibu home Streisand shares with her husband, James Brolin.

Guests who paid as much as $100,000 per couple to support the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center enjoyed sweeping ocean views and the singer's blooming rose garden before sitting down to a "heart-healthy," gluten-free dinner of tofu, fish or grilled vegetables.

"Don't worry," Streisand said. "If you're still hungry, there's a Jack in the Box on the way home."

She donated $10 million to create the new research and treatment facility at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and solicited million-dollar donations from wealthy friends she called personally. Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone, NBCUniversal chief Ron Meyer, designer Donna Karan and actors Josh Brolin (Streisand's stepson) and Diane Lane were among the donors and guests at the event.

Streisand said she was motivated to contribute to women's heart health because she "can't stand inequality, whether it's about civil rights, gay rights or gender discrimination."

Heart disease kills more women each year than all cancers combined, but most of the research on the disease for the past five decades has been conducted on men.

"Even in scientific research, women are still treated as second-class citizens," Streisand said, "and to me, that's just unacceptable."

So she raised her voice and opened her wallet and invited her friends to do the same.

"It's kind of a selfish thing because it's actually very fulfilling to do something like that that's larger than me or my career," she said, acknowledging that her fellow donors must feel the same way.

"Think about all the good that we'll do, all the good that will come of it because of your extraordinary generosity," she said.

Clinton, who was welcomed with a standing ovation, saluted Streisand for her commitment to women's health.

"I never thought anybody could care a lot about more things than I care a lot about. She makes me look like a heartless dumb pike," he said. "Unless your heart has been taken out of your body, you need to care about this."

Clinton said the issue of heart health and equitable research goes beyond politics.

"Our country has always believed in being not only a laboratory of democracy but a laboratory of science and advancement, and you can't do that with a straight face and leave women out," he said.

Singer Josh Groban performed before Streisand took the stage. She sang four songs, including the Oscar- and Grammy-winning "Evergreen," which she dedicated to Clinton. He told her in 1992 that it was his favorite song of hers, and she sang it at his inauguration.

She and Groban sang "Smile" as a duet, and Streisand closed the evening with a special rendition of "Here's to Life" with new lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who were also among the guests Thursday.

"A woman's heart beats well tonight," Streisand sang. "Because of you a woman's future's looking bright, and it gets brighter with each check you write, so thanks with all my heart."

___

AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen is on Twitter: www.twitter.com/APSandy .

___

Online:

www.discoveringforlife.org/bswhc

www.barbrastreisand.com

Associated Press

lakers trade ann arbor news ides of march elizabeth smart nick young south dakota state long beach state

The cost of having a child hits $234,900

Getty Images stock

If you think parents today are spending more than their parents did, you're right.

By Eve Tahmincioglu

Many parents today are worried about how they?re going to send their kids to college given the high cost of higher education.?But maybe they should be more concerned about the 17 years before the little darlings hit the road.

Food, clothing, and health care are just a few items that can add up into?tons of expenses before adulthood. How much? $234,900 for a child born in 2011 to a middle-income family.

That's according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s annual report, ?Expenditures on Children by Families,? released Thursday, which came up with the total by calculating the cost of a host of necessities parents pay for in the?17 years before adulthood.?

If you think parents today are spending more than their parents did, you?re right. In 1960, the first year the report was produced, a middle-income family would have expected to spend about $25,000 over the course of 17 years, or $191,720 adjusted for today?s dollars.

The cost of raising a child differs sharply depending on the resources available to the parents. According to the USDA's calculations:

For households with?annual income less than $59,410, annual expenses per child range from $8,760 to $9,970 on average,??depending on age of the child.
For households with income of up to $102,870, the annual cost is about?$12,290 to $14,320.
For households with income over?$102,870, the cost per child averages out at?$20,420 to $24,510.

Housing was the biggest expense,?followed by child care and education,?food, and transportation.?

Since 1960, food expenditures have actually declined to 16 percent of income from 24 percent, while the cost?of?child care and education has soared to?18 percent of income from 2 percent.

And despite the high cost of fancy?sneakers today,?moms and dads are shelling out?less to dress up the little tikes, at 6 percent of income, down from?11 percent in 1960.?

More from TODAY Money:

Follow msnbc.com business on Twitter and Facebook

rule 5 draft lindsay lohan playboy cover lindsay lohan playboy cover shooting at virginia tech shooting at virginia tech harry morgan john lennon death

How Email-To-SMS Works | Cell Phones - free Article directory

Email-to-SMS is a communication service where you can send and receive text messages through your email account.? This system is possible with your current server or email provider, and allows you to send unlimited numbers of text messages to multiple mobile phone numbers.? Email SMS is a good option if you have a business and want to keep in touch with your customers, field workers and to manage an information or marketing campaign.? You can also stay in constant touch with your family and friends with this service.

Email-to-SMS service is fast, reliable and cost effective.? You can use it anywhere you have access to your email account ? at home, at the office, or overseas.? Email SMS is also possible to be sent from your smartphone that is internet-enabled. This service is easy to use.? Almost all mobile carriers offer SMS gateways.? The gateway, to you, is visually, an email address.

All you need to know about the person you are wishing to send a message to is his/her mobile phone number.? To send a message via email-to-SMS, it should be like this, basically:

FROM:? (your email address.? Some service providers require that you register your email address before you can use the service.

TO:???????? ??? (<mobile/cell phone number>@<SMS gateway domain>? You can enter as many numbers as you want.? You can send email SMS to mobile phones anywhere in the world.

CC and BCC? (additional recipients? mobile numbers).

SUBJECT:? (the subject of your message)

BODY:? (your text message.? This will be forwarded to the cell phone numbers you have provided).

The email-to-SMS service is neat, because when you send an email SMS to a friend, co worker, etc., they will receive your message on their mobile phone, and the reply that they will send back will be received in your email account, not your own phone.? The process can save you time and money from picking up your mobile device at home to receive and send a text message.

Sending email via SMS is a simple and convenient solution to send text messages to mobile phones.? This system is ideal if you want to send a message to a friend and want this message to get delivered to the cell phone he/she is using.? Or, if you want to text your spouse when you?re at home or at work and you know that he is on the go and do not have access to a computer.

Even though the system offers convenience to users, some people can?t help but have concerns that this can be an easy way for marketers, particularly spammers.? They can easily?? rig something up and send you annoying messages or spam messages. It will be up to you now how you would want to handle the messages you receive.

Your hunt for a email SMS provider ends now. Click on the links for more details about email-to-SMS.

Author Articles

NYC police investigate Brown-Drake brawl report

This combination of 2012 and 2011 file photos shows hip hop stars Chris Brown, left, and Drake. New York City police investigated a report Thursday, June 14, 2012 of a bar brawl involving hip-hop stars Drake and Chris Brown and their entourages in which bottles flew and five people were injured. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, Chris Pizzello)

In this Feb. 26, 2012 photo, singer Chris Brown sits on the sidelines during the second half of the NBA All-Star basketball game in Orlando, Fla. New York City police are investigating an early morning Manhattan bar brawl involving hip hop stars Drake and Chris Brown. Police say five people were injured in the fight at club W.I.P. early Thursday, June 14, 2012, where people from both entourages were tossing bottles. Police say the injuries were mostly minor lacerations.(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

FILE - In this June 26, 2011 file photo, Drake accepts the Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award for Rihanna's song "What's My Name?" featuring Drake at the BET Awards in Los Angeles. New York City police are investigating an early morning Manhattan bar brawl involving hip hop stars Drake and Chris Brown. Police say five people were injured in the fight at club W.I.P. early Thursday, June 14, 2012, where people from both entourages were tossing bottles. Police say the injuries were mostly minor lacerations.(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

NEW YORK (AP) ? New York City police investigated a report Thursday of a bar brawl involving hip-hop stars Drake and Chris Brown and their entourages in which bottles flew and five people were injured.

Brown tweeted a photo of himself with a cut chin, then later removed it, as well as other messages about the fight, including epithets and taunts.

Five people were injured during the fight at the club W.i.P. (Work in Progress) in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood early Thursday, police said. A 25-year-old man suffered a serious cut to the head, two other men and two women suffered minor cuts. At least three were hospitalized.

Police were looking at surveillance footage and talking to patrons who witnessed the melee. No arrests have been made and no complaints filed.

Neither star was on scene when police arrived around 4 a.m. Thursday. It's not clear what prompted the fight. Both Brown and Drake at one time dated singer Rihanna.

A representative for Drake said the star was on his way out of the club when the altercation began.

"He did not engage in any activity which resulted in injury to person or damage to property," according to the written statement.

Messages left for a representative for Brown were not immediately returned. Calls to the trendy hotspot, located in a basement near the Holland Tunnel, went unanswered.

Drake was scheduled to perform at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center Thursday night in upstate New York.

Brown had a violent relationship with "Umbrella" singer Rihanna and is still on supervised probation for attacking her on the eve of the 2009 Grammy awards, leaving her with a split lip, a black eye and other injuries. Police in Miami are also investigating claims made in March by a 24-year-old woman that Brown snatched her cellphone outside a nightclub when she tried to photograph him.

When Rihanna addressed the assault in an interview with ABC, she said Brown had "no soul in his eyes" and she had no idea how the beating would end. She also warned other women facing domestic violence on the danger of being blinded by love.

However, the two have been on friendly terms for some time. They've tweeted each other, with him wishing her a happy birthday. She has also said that she is happy about his success and enjoys his music.

They both performed at this year's Grammy awards and also recently debuted two songs featuring each other. Brown sings and raps on the remix of Rihanna's sexually charged song "Birthday Cake," and she appears on a new version of his upbeat tune "Turn up the Music."

The singer dated Drake very briefly after Brown, but their relationship did not mature. She has said it was in part because she was "too fragile" from the split with Brown.

She also recently collaborated with Drake on his hit "Take Care" and appeared in his video.

Drake is known for playing the character Jimmy Brooks on "Degrassi: The Next Generation," and his hit "Run It."

Associated Press

larry the cable guy miracle on 34th street santa tracker monkey bread letter from santa sweet potato pie sweet potato pie

Thursday, June 7, 2012

US unemployment aid applications fall to 377K

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The number of people applying for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting modest job growth after three months of weak hiring.

The Labor Department said Thursday that applications for weekly benefits dropped by 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 377,000. That's down from an upwardly revised 389,000 the previous week. It was the first decline in five weeks.

The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose by 1,750 to 377,500, the highest level in a month.

Applications are a measure of the pace of layoffs. When claims dip below 375,000, it typically suggests hiring is strong enough to reduce the unemployment rate. They have stabilized near that level this year after declining sharply last fall.

The government last week reported that the unemployment rate rose to 8.2 percent in May from 8.1 percent in April. Employers added 69,000 jobs, the fewest in a year.

Job growth averaged a decent 252,000 a month from December through February. But hiring has slowed to an average 96,000 a month since then.

The government also reported last week that the economy grew at a sluggish annual rate of 1.9 percent the first three months of 2012, which is consistent with monthly job growth of around 90,000.

The economy is still struggling three years after the recession officially ended in June 2009. Wages haven't kept up with inflation, pinching consumer spending. State and local governments have continued to shed jobs.

The United States has regained less than 3.8 million, or 43 percent, of the 8.8 million jobs lost during and immediately after the recession.

There have been some signs this week that hiring could improve.

A Labor Department report Wednesday suggested that companies may have to start hiring if business picks up: U.S. worker productivity fell by the largest amount in a year from January through March. The drop signals that companies are struggling to squeeze more out of their existing staffs.

And the Federal Reserve issued an update economic report Wednesday, saying that the economy grew modestly across most of the United States this spring. The Fed survey shows growth in each of its 12 bank districts from April 3 through May 25. Growth picked up in 10 districts. It was steady in the Boston district and slowed in the Philadelphia region.

Associated Press

ashley judd second degree murders bobby petrino brian dunn vin scully petrino fired george zimmerman charged

Blind Chinese activist seeking book deal

petrino clayton kershaw fab melo tyler perry face transplant maundy thursday google glasses

LRA rebels attack DR Congo park guards

sonny rollins sweet caroline lottery winning numbers pro bowl roster quirky chrissy teigen chia seeds

UK's queen 'touched' by jubilee's 'happy atmosphere'

The queen and the royal family appear on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony for a royal wave in front of thousands of Brits who are helping the nation's monarch celebrate 60 years on the throne.

By NBC News and msnbc.com staff

Updated at 1:06 p.m. ET: LONDON - As her jubilee celebrations drew to a close, Queen Elizabeth II said the events had been a "humbling experience," adding that she will treasure "the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth."

"It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbors and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere," she said in a message to the nation, according to the BBC.

Queen Elizabeth's message was broadcast across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She also thanked the organizers for their hard work.

"It has been a massive challenge, and I am sure that everyone who has enjoyed these festive occasions realizes how much work has been involved," she said.?"I hope that memories of all this year's happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come."

The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of the Queen's "very public act of dedication" when she succeeded to the throne and pledged her life to the nation. It's a phrase that sums up both the sixty years of her reign - and her determination not just to carry on with, but to enjoy today's anniversary to the full. ?ITN's Tim Ewart reports on Her Majesty's day ''without Prince Philip by her side."

Crowds chanting "God save the queen" and a fanfare of trumpets welcomed the British monarch earlier on Tuesday as she arrived at a church service on the fourth and last day of celebrations marking her 60 years on the throne.?

But, even though she was surrounded by family and greeted by thousands of her subjects, without her husband Prince Philip at her side?Queen Elizabeth cut a lonely figure.?

Philip, who turns 91 on Sunday, was taken to hospital?with a bladder infection?on Monday as millions of people turned out -- despite the cold and rain -- to honor 86-year-old British monarch.?Millions more attended street parties up and down the country.

The queen's husband was expected to be visited in hospital by his?youngest son, Prince Edward, Tuesday. He?will be kept under observation for a few days in a move the palace said was "precautionary," but his illness took some of the gloss off what is widely seen as a triumphant jubilee that has cemented the queen's popularity in Britain.?

Thousands have traveled to London's Duke of York Steps and Trafalgar Square, hoping to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II during her royal procession. NBC's Al Roker and Stephanie Gosk report.

ITV News: The queen's lunch menu in full

Tuesday's events began with the queen, who is head of state of 16 countries, attending a thanksgiving service in her honor at London's St Paul's Cathedral along with senior members of the royal family.?Prayers were said for Philip at the service.

The spiritual leader of the Anglican church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered a sermon while Prime Minister David Cameron gave a reading to pay tribute to the queen who came to the throne aged 25 in 1952.?

Her Majesty celebrates 60 years on the throne.

Afterwards the royals attended receptions at two of the City of London's grandest buildings, Mansion House and the Guildhall, before a diamond jubilee lunch at Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the Houses of Parliament.?

Video: Historic St. Paul?s Cathedral prepares for Jubilee

The queen then led a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace in a 1902 State Landau as military bands played and a 60-gun salute was fired.?Charles' two sons Prince Harry and Prince William with his wife Kate followed behind in royal carriages.?

Thousands of people wait to watch the Queen address the public from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. TODAY broadcasts live from London.

The celebrations ended with the royal family making an appearance on the balcony of the palace, with a fly-past by modern and former Royal Air Force aircraft.?

A gloomy, gray - and great - day for the UK

Tuesday's pageantry followed spectacular?events pitched to the queen's younger subjects, and others that evoked the queen's royal?predecessors. ?

On Sunday, a million people gathered for a 1,000-vessel pageant on the River Thames and hundreds of thousands more packed the wide, red road leading to Buckingham Palace on Monday for a concert.?

Diamond Jubilee: From ska to pop, stars rock Buckingham Palace

In a tribute to his mother delivered from the concert stage late on Monday, Charles sought to sum up public affection for a monarch who is a symbol of stability at a time of economic gloom and political disillusionment.?

"As a nation this is our opportunity to thank you and my father for always being there for us, for inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for making us proud to be British, proud at a time when I know how many of our fellow countrymen are suffering such hardship and difficulties," he said.

While the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II aired on black-and-white TV sets around the globe, TODAY looks back at her legendary ceremony ? with a splash of color. NBC's Stephanie Gosk reports.

The crowd responded with a roar and chants of "Philip." Prince Charles'?speech was followed by the national anthem and a spectacular fireworks display in front of the sumptuous 775-room palace as it was illuminated with a giant Union Jack flag.?

'I'm Still Standing'
At the concert on Monday night,?Elton John sang "I'm Still Standing," Stevie Wonder crooned "Isn't She Lovely," and Paul McCartney sent "All My Loving."

Photos: Britain honors Queen Elizabeth II with Diamond Jubilee

Despite Philip's illness, many members of the royal family, including Charles, Camilla, and Princes William and Harry sat in a royal box to watch the show, performed on a specially erected stage outside the palace.?

The queen was cheered as she arrived partway through the show, wearing a gold lame cocktail dress under a dark cape. It was decided before Philip's illness that she would watch only part of the concert.?

June 7, 1977: England marked the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne with pomp, circumstance and tradition. NBC's John Chancellor reports.

The queen is not a noted pop music fan, and appeared to be wearing yellow ear plugs as she observed the concert.

Some 12,000 contest winners watched the show from an enclosed area, while a huge crowd stretched down the Mall, the wide boulevard leading up to the palace.

Performers also included Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey and younger artists including JLS and Kylie Minogue

NBC News' Michele Neubert, Msnbc.com's F. Brinley Bruton, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More world news from msnbc.com and NBC News:

Follow us on Twitter: @msnbc_world

mumia uss arizona memorial uss arizona memorial d day red solo cup new planet new planet

Pascrell Defeats Rothman in Dem-vs.-Dem N.J. Primary

hallmark grammy winners obama budget woolly mammoth belize resorts nikki minaj grammy performance shel silverstein

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Engadget and Joystiq's pre-event broadcast from E3 - Microsoft

Well, our liveblog of Microsoft's pre-show event is about to kick off, but we're sure you'd like to hear what our (and Joystiq's) crystal balls have foretold. We discuss our thoughts on what Microsoft's likely to offer after the break and once you've finished watching, swing across to the liveblog -- we've already started.

Continue reading Engadget and Joystiq's pre-event broadcast from E3 - Microsoft

Engadget and Joystiq's pre-event broadcast from E3 - Microsoft originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

etch a sketch the host hoodie hoosiers temperance world bank kim kardashian flour bomb

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Health Tip: Avoid Fighting With the Kids Over Food

ipad accessories port charlotte florida kit homes boxing day radio shack bethany hamilton bethany hamilton