Business Travel & Lifestyle

Dec. 31 - New Yorkers say goodbye to all the bad memories of 2007 at Times Square Shredder.

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Dec 31 - A 18 year-old Japanese man has set a world record for making 109 full spins on his head in the space of one minute.

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DENVER (Billboard) - Rock band Radiohead’s decision to release its new album “In Rainbows” by itself — online, without a record label’s help and at any price the user chose — rocked the industry last fall.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - Jessica Simpson is in the early stages of recording a country album in Nashville, a project slated for a 2008 release via Columbia Records.

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MUNICH (Hollywood Reporter) - For the first time in recent memory, Germans spent less time in front of their TVs in 2007 than they did the year before, according to a new survey.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - What’s the biz to do when the top-selling album of 2007 was a Christmas project released in November, Josh Groban’s “Noel,” and the second-best was a soundtrack to Disney’s “High School Musical” movie sequel?

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TORONTO (Billboard) - In a strong year for Canadian talent, acts ranging from alt-rock band Arcade Fire to polka king Walter Ostanek have tallied up no fewer than 20 Grammy Award nominations among them.

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Dec. 30 - The fourth International Elephant Race is held in Kathmandu with 20 jumbo sized contestants.

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - As if 2007 could get any worse for Lindsay Lohan, now this: Moviegoers tagged her with the year’s worst performance by an actress.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hit movies starring Nicolas Cage and the Chipmunks led a strong slate of diverse crowd pleasers at the North American box office on Sunday.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - Just when it seemed erosion of music sales during the holiday season couldn’t get worse, December snowstorms compounded the retail industry’s misery.

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NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Look for these five artists to make a big splash on the touring scene in 2008.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Brandy will not face charges in a December 2006 car crash that killed a 38-year-old woman, prosecutors said on Friday, citing insufficient evidence.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Late-night TV host David Letterman reached a deal on Friday with the union for striking screenwriters that will let his show return to the air next week while bringing his writing staff back with him.

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Having nicely established her big-screen credibility with the summer hit “Knocked Up,” Katherine Heigl tries a little further “Grey’s Anatomy” moonlighting on for size with “27 Dresses.”

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LONDON (Billboard) - In recent years, female singer/songwriters such as Amy Winehouse, KT Tunstall and Corinne Bailey Rae have broken internationally out of the U.K. But the emerging class of 2008 suggest the trend has only just begun. Here are four artists to watch for.

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If you have finally decided it is time to create a website for your company you may be wondering whether or not you should design it yourself or hire it out. Too many people in today’s society believe they can do everything on their own. And, while you probably can design your own website you really do not want to if your goal is a professional appearance and an increase in traffic. So, you should consider a company that knows how to effectively design a website. And, if it is a company that knows a little something about software design then all the better. An Arizona web design company is really a good idea because they have the knowhow and the knowledge to create a website and software that will work for your company. If you have a Scottsdale e-commerce website then it is especially important to focus on having a great design. You may want to check with a Scottsdale web design company to get some quotes on how much a particular software design would cost and you should do the same with website design. Getting quotes is the only way you will be able to determine if a particular company is right for you or not.

When it comes to marketing your website you need to determine if you are willing to learn all the ins and outs of Internet marketing or whether you would prefer to pay someone to do this for you. If you are willing to study up on original content, article directories, SERPs, and link bait then you may be fine going at it on your own. However, if this is not the case you may want to hire an Arizona internet marketing firm to help you. The great thing about a Scottsdale Internet marketing company is they know what they are doing and can start on day one. If you go at it on your own then your day one will be filled with trial and error. Everyone has to begin learning at some point if they ever want to be proficient at anything so if you are really committed, then start studying now in order to market your Phoenix e-commerce site effectively. Do remember, however, that when it comes to marketing a website it does take quite a bit of time to see results so be patient. As long as you are marketing your site as best you can you will see results within a few weeks or months.

When it comes to training options for the ACT 2008 software there are actually many options available to you. For example, you may choose to take an ACT 2008 course where you actually attend in person and have an instructor teaching you about the software and what you need to know. This is a really good option for those individuals who have recently begun studying the ACT software and who respond well to regular class meetings and an instructor who can answer any of their questions immediately. Other people are finding that they really prefer using an ACT 2008 CBT on their computer at home or at work. People are more accustomed to doing things on their own these days and actually prefer teaching themselves. For these people, the online ACT 2008 training or the training CDs are especially beneficial. There are millions of people using ACT because it has been around for so many years. As a result, it is likely that your employer requires you to use ACT or you are interested in applying for a job that requires ACT knowledge. If this is the case then it is highly recommended you take a training course so that you will be knowledgeable in this program.

Those interested in Crystal Reports 2008 training should consider online training. It is actually quite easy to use a Crystal Reports 2008 training CD on your own and basically teaches yourself the program. There are many reasons why you might prefer to take advantage of an online program or Crystal Reports 2008 help CD, with the main one being time savings. Everyone is busy this day and age and taking the time out of your busy schedule to take a class in person is really difficult. Not to mention the class times may not be compatible with your schedule, so you may not have another option. If this sounds like you, then consider training yourself on Crystal Reports. It might sound daunting, but it really is not and in no time you will get the hang of this program. If you need this training for your current job or a job you are applying for then it is important to get started right away. Do not let any more time pass before you begin training for Crystal Reports so you can improve your job performance and income.

Everyone knows the importance of a healthy body, and a nutritious diet. When you can’t obtain all of the vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy, nutrition supplements can be a great way to get caught up. WorldHealthDepot.com is a website that offers a variety of discount vitamins and supplements.

Xlear Nasal Wash combines the unique properties of xylitol and saline nasal spray to help wash, hydrate and moisturize the nasal passage. Normal spray decongestants come with a high risk of addiction as the blood vessels in the nasal cavity become adjusted to the drugs. Xlear’s patented, non-addictive solution helps relieve irritations caused by pollutants, allergens, and bacterial infections of the nasal passages.

MangoXan is a nutritional health beverage made from the exotic Mangosteen fruit and other pure fruit juices. Mangoxan is different from any other fruit juice - this one enhances your health in amazing ways with the help of xanthones and other antioxidants.

The Right C is a superior absorption vitamin C pill that is combined with Riboperine metabolites. Since it enters the body through four different pathways, twice as much is absorbed compared to Ester-C, promoting much greater antioxidant activity. It is non-acidic so it is gentle on the stomach, even at high doses. For the best in diet weight loss products, visit WorldHealthDepot.com.

Recently, Xylitol has been receiving a great deal of good press. Known as the “toothfriendly” sugar substitute, it has been known to aid in repairing minor cavities. WorldHealthDepot.com offers some great deals on the hottest health aids and nutrition supplements. With more than 30 categories you’re sure to find the products you need. Men’s health supplements can be a great addition to your workout routine. WorldHealthDepot has some of the lowest prices on popular products like Prostex, and PcCare.

Check out their offers on diabetic support products. You’ll get some of the lowest prices on Glycemic cream and Cinnamon. One of their featured diet weight loss products is Nature’s Way Glucomannan. A 100% dietary fiber source from the root of the konjac plant, it contains no calories and simulates the feeling of a full stomach. It makes for an excellent addition to a sensible weight loss program. Their Glucomannan is specially grown and prepared in Japan according to their exacting specifications. Herbs can be a gentle, yet powerful way to nourish and strengthen the body and assist it in its own healing processes.

You’ll receive free autoshipping on any product and secure shopping is guaranteed. For the best discount vitamins, Xylitol gum, and so much more, visit WorldHealthDepot today.

LONDON (Reuters) - Kylie Minogue, the Australian singer and actress who has battled breast cancer, was honored by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, with other awards given to sportsmen, entertainers and businessmen.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Brandy will not face charges in a December 2006 car crash that killed a 38-year-old woman, prosecutors said on Friday, citing insufficient evidence.

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - HarperCollins is rushing into print a manuscript it recently received from slain former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the New York Post reported on Friday.

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OSLO (Reuters) - British soul singer Amy Winehouse has been summoned to a court in Norway to explain why she was caught in possession of marijuana in October, Norwegian and British media reported.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Late-night TV comedian David Letterman has reached a deal with the union representing striking screenwriters that will let his show return to the air next week with his writing staff, the union said on Friday.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn and his wife, Robin Wright Penn, are divorcing after 11 years of marriage, People magazine reported on Friday.

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MUNICH (Hollywood Reporter) - Her movie career did not amount to much, but Madonna will hope for better luck behind the camera when her directing debut makes its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February.

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Dec. 27 - Peruvians dance and fight at a traditional festival designed to wipe the slate clean of personal problems.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - The next Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, YouTube: There are millions of dot-coms out there, all claiming to be the next bonanza.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - Now that she’s banished the drama and achieved her “Breakthrough,” Mary J. Blige is in a good space. Fans used to hearing her pour her pain out on record will just have to get used to that.

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Dec. 27 - A train without a driver speeds through three cities in central Argentina, covering 150 kilometers.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - English rock band Radiohead will perform its new album, “In Rainbows,” in its entirety during a pre-taped, hour-long set that will premiere New Year’s Eve on TV and the Internet. The event will air on Current TV and Current.com starting 12 a.m. EST on December 31, and will repeat three times throughout the next day.

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LONDON (Reuters) - From tattooed wild woman to humanitarian heroine — what a difference a few years has made for Angelina Jolie, who topped a Reuters poll released on Thursday of the best celebrity humanitarians of 2007.

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NEW YORK (Billboard) - Josh Groban’s “Noel” ruled the pop album charts for a fifth week Thursday, a record for a Christmas release, while Mary J. Blige’s new CD provided some stiff competition as overall sales surged in the holiday shopping frenzy.

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The sequence was vast: A long walk across war-torn France, with thousands of extras, German bombers, tanks and artillery strewn across the landscape — the kind of scope that would have made David Lean proud.

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - A screenwriter charged with turning a novel, short story or article into a feature script must deliver on readers’ expectations — while allowing nonreaders entree into a new and possibly confusing world.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Mischa Barton was arrested and briefly jailed on Thursday on suspicion of drunken driving, marijuana possession and driving without a license, Los Angeles police said.

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anyone with dreams of being a talk radio star — ranting about sports and politics, chatting with callers, sharing recipes or car-buying tips — can play host on their own show, right on the Web.

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Videos by a self-styled Obama Girl, a fan’s tearful defense of Britney Spears and an attack by a herd of buffaloes on a pride of lions, were among the most popular clips on YouTube.com in 2007.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - In movies from “My Left Foot” to current drama “There Will Be Blood,” Daniel Day-Lewis has been called many things: bold, hypnotic, gripping, among them. But foolhardy is a description he may like better.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood is poised to end the year with a record $9.7 billion in domestic movie receipts, up 4 percent from 2006, but the gain will be fueled largely by higher ticket prices, box office tracking service Media By Numbers said on Thursday.

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Everyone is aware of the potential security risks that an unsecured network can pose. If your business, like most today, keeps confidential employee and client information then a network breach could compromise their safety, and open the business up to a wide range of legal repercussions.

Solera Networks is a company that offers a full spectrum of network monitoring services and network appliance products. With the large amount of data that is transferred over today’s networks, polling or sampling strategies are lacking for total network management. Solera Network’s patented technology is able to efficiently capture 100% of your packet traffic. Their products enhance security, enforce compliance, improve network forensics analysis, and guarantee maximum network availability. They specialize in network tapping without detection through capture devices, and lawful intercept management software.

Solera Networks’ DS Series packet capture appliance is ideal when critical data is widely dispersed and there are many exit conduits for data transfer available. It allows an organization to efficiently monitor and control data leakage by offering comprehensive surveillance system that tracks what was transferred, where it was moved to, and how moved it. If your organization is at risk of data leakage, contact Solera Networks today and ask about their network monitoring and stream-to-storage devices.

In today’s business environment, the word ‘communications’ has been expanded to include email, chat, wireless phones, instant messaging and more. Because of this surge in digital communication, the United States, and other countries around the world have begun to support capabilities for digital lawful intercept known as CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act). These regulations define how communications providers should supply the proper law enforcement agencies with the ability to tap or monitor specific communication sessions as well as gather detailed session information and network forensics, all without the possibility of detection by those who are being monitored.

SoleraNetworks.com is a website that provides a powerful, yet easy to use CALEA compliance solution with unabbreviated Network monitoring and detailed logging. Their line of deep packet capture and stream-to-storage devices are designed from the ground up and offer the best performance and versatility in the industry.

Traditional polling and sampling techniques are no longer adequate now that 10Gb networks have become more common. Solera Networks’ devices are known to have the highest line capture rates, up to 8.1 Gbps with the ability to capture the full 10Gbps. For a line of network capture devices that can provide everything necessary to monitor and preserve all digital communications, visit SoleraNetworks.com.

One of the principal benefits of a learning management system, or LMS, is that it can provide a single, common infrastructure to manage training and learning activities across the organization.

Learning management system software enables the management, delivery and tracking of a variety of learning methods such as online learning or traditional classroom environments. It can integrate with other departments such as human resources, accounting and others so that administrative tasks can be streamlined and automated. This ensures that the overall cost and impact of the education training can be tracked and quantified.

The LMS can support a collaborative learning community which can be much more useful than traditional settings. Through the LMS, users can post in forums and chat rooms and offer advice to teachers on how to improve the class, and post helpful comments to aid future students better understand the material. There can often be multiple avenues of learning from self-paced coursework, to scheduled classes. The LMS’s ability to integrate and organize learning has made it a first choice for companies looking for enterprise resource planning solutions which can convert a company’s back office into a unified whole. For a professional content enterprise learning management system, contact CBTPlanet.com today.

In many industries such as financial services and pharmaceuticals, compliance training is an essential part of employee’s jobs. A learning management system, or LMS, can be a life saver for companies that need to deliver up-to-date training. Essentially an LMS is a high-level, strategic solution for planning, delivering, and managing most learning events within an organization. These events can include online, virtual classroom, and instructor-led courses.

The primary way this is achieved is by replacing any isolated or fragmented learning programs with a clear, systematic way to both assess, and raise competency and performance levels companywide. The focus of the content learni