Justice Departments stops supporting DOMA

The Defense of Marriage Act, also called DOMA, will not any longer be defended by the United States Department of Justice in court. Same sex marriage at the federal level is governed by DOMA, which states that the federal government does not recognize same sex marriages. The Attorney General and the president have each concluded that the law is unconstitutional.

Unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act, White House and Justice Department determine

ABC states the lawsuits that are about the Defense of Marriage Act, or Defense of Marriage Act, will not be pursued by the Department of Justice anymore, the Attorney General told Congress. DOMA, passed in 1996, mandates that states and territories of the United States do not have to recognize a same-sex marriage, regardless of whether the same-sex marriage was legally executed. When it comes to the government, marriage is legally defined as a union between a man and a woman with Section 3 of Defense of Marriage Act which is why the act is objected. President Obama agrees with what Attorney General Holder believes. It is unconstitutional to have Section 3 of DOMA.

Better attention can be paid

Because of the lawsuits Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States, Defense of Marriage Act was something the government had to choose to uphold or not. Both challenge Section 3 on constitutional grounds in court districts that lack previous cases regarding homosexual marriage, in accordance with the NY Times. The cases were reviewed by the Justice Department. "Rational basis" and "heightened scrutiny" was used to do so. The reason for a "rational basis" test is to see if a law has no logical reason. This is done on constitutionally legal laws. A “heightened scrutiny” test is to determine whether an unconstitutional law serves a legitimate governmental purpose. It is discriminatory to have the homosexual marriage law, the White House and Justice Department suggested. This makes it unconstitutional because there is no government reason to do so that is legitimate.

Defense of Marriage Act is nevertheless there

The DOMA law hasn't been repealed even though the Justice Department refuses to pursue any more lawsuits. For now, the Defense of Marriage Act and Section 3 are each in impact. President Obama explained that he is constitutionally mandated to keep legislation upheld to a certain extent even though he feels it is a "flawed" act. Obama can order the Justice Department to review legislation in court though.

Citations

ABC

blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton.html

NY Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24marriage.html

Justice.gov

justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/February/11-ag-223.html

Speed test outcomes show AT&T iPhone faster than Verizon

Dropped calls might be what people associate probably the most with AT&T’s iPhone, but the company’s 3G network is quicker than Verizon’s. The examination compared average download speeds between the 2 phones. AT&T’s 3G network doubled the speed accessible from Verizon’s 3G network. While AT&T beat Verizon in 3G network speed, Verizon’s network offered a more dependable connection.

With regards to the iPhone, choosing AT&T over Verizon might be good

Dropped calls have become AT&T's iPhone hallmark, but iPhone users who place a premium on network speed ought to think twice before switching to Verizon. When connecting to the Speedtest.net app, the numbers were looked at for both AT&T and Verizon iPhones by Ookla. In the examination, data transfers for AT&T were two times as fast as those from Verizon. This was done on iPhones too. There were 42,000 AT&T iPhones and 14,000 Verizon iPhones around the U.S. in the Ookla speed outcomes. Most iPhone users ran the Speedtest.net app several times to total 106,000 AT&T iPhone tests and 40,000 Verizon iPhone tests.

Testing the Verizon iPhone out

About 1,768 kbps for downloads and 730 kbps for uploads was the speed for AT&T iPhones. The Verizon iPhone averaged 846 kbps for downloads and 606 kbps for uploads. Verizon iPhones are more reliable although AT&T iPhones might have a greater speed. Due to a dropped connection, AT&T iPhones could not even complete the examination sometimes. The iPhone at Verizon was slower for sure. Still, the connection was maintained in all tests done. The companies both know each others' weaknesses. This is shown in the advertising wars. AT&T touts "the nation's fastest 3G network." Verizon advertises "America's Largest and Most Reliable Wireless Network."

Selecting an iPhone

When getting an iPhone, you will need to choose whether you want AT&T or Verizon. Think about how you will use the machine first. If media consumption is a priority, AT&T would be more satisfying. Be sure you go with Verizon if you mostly want dependability. In order to test an iPhone's 3G network speed, the best way to do it’s with the Speedtest.net app. With the iPhone, you can get the Speedtest.net app for free. Go to the Apple App Store to do this.

Articles cited

Wired

wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/02/iphone-speedtest/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

NPR

npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/02/17/133849171/on-the-iphone-at-t-network-is-faster-than-verizons

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41485079/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/

The King of Limbs launch goes live a day early

A pay-only-as-you-want music model was practically unheard of before 2007. That year, Radiohead released its album under exactly that model. Fans who want the newest Radiohead album can be going online again today. “The King of Limbs” does have a set price, though there is nevertheless an electronic download. Some links around the web, including on Mediafire, claimed that this was an album “leak,” however it was really the official release, a day early. Resource for this article – Radiohead release: The King of Limbs early sales making waves by MoneyBlogNewz.

Release of ‘The King of Limbs’ from Radiohead

Radiohead has been working on its “King of Limbs” album for the past few years. An electronic download was promised for Saturday, February 19 after it was announced last Monday. There was a new announcement Friday morning though. It was announced that "The King of Limbs" was available early for Radiohead. They decided to release it since the band was ready along with the online store. Several assumed that Radiohead's "King of Limbs" was leaked onto Mediafire with several talking on message boards although it was just the official launch of the album.

The price of ‘The King of Limbs’

The price for "Rainbows," Radiohead's last album, had a pay as you go way to do it. There is one set price for "The King of Limbs" though. Digital-only downloads are priced between $9 and $14. For $48 to $53, you can get the electronic download plus receive two clear vinyl records by mail. When “Rainbows” was released, 40 percent of fans paid for the album, with an average price of $6. This puts the electronic download for “The King of Limbs” at a higher price than most followers volunteered to pay for “Rainbows” however about on par with what they would pay at a $1-a-song price on iTunes.

Music development

Several bands do not have major studio labels including Radiohead. Independent distribution is something Nine Inch Nails is also doing now. Really small artists are doing well with digital downloads even though it’s much easier for bands that already have a strong following. When using iTunes and other electronic music stores, independent artists have it pretty good when it comes to distribution as the industry is worth millions of dollars. As a result, some artists are making their living without studio support at any point in their careers.

Citations

The King of Limbs

thekingoflimbs.com/DIUSD.htm

Venture Beat

venturebeat.com/2011/02/18/radiohead-king-of-limbs/

Plummeting house values put record amount of mortgages under water

It’s estimated that a record number of individuals are now under water on their home loans due to dropping house values. The plunging home values have been exacerbated by increased numbers of foreclosures, high joblessness and tighter credit. Values could continue to fall.

Underwater mortgages all over the country

Home prices have been plummeting for the past few years during the recession. There has been a higher unemployment, fewer homes sold and more foreclosures. This has brought on an even lower house value recently. It is called being under water on a mortgage when more money is owed on a home than it’s worth. Currently, 27 percent of American homeowners face this issue, Bloomberg reports. About 15 million house loans are under water, according to Zillow. Zillow is a real estate information company. Since September 2010, home prices have gone down about 3 percent while going down 6 percent in the last year. Values are anticipated to decline 5 percent more in 2011.

Change in foreclosures

Because several have hoped the real estate sector would recover again, many have pointed to the slowing rate of foreclosures. A decrease in foreclosures occurred in January, but that does not mean that the crisis is over, according to CNN. Because of the “robo-signing” scandal, where foreclosures were initiated by banks without reviewing the paperwork, the foreclosure process has been held up. The number of homes and private loans foreclosed on will likely increase once the backlog of foreclosure cases in courts and at loan providers is reduced.

Areas with inflated value still reeling

The foreclosures are making things really hard in locations that have real estate values every high. Nevada, Arizona and California nevertheless lead the nation in foreclosure-affected states. Florida, though, has started to improve, dropping to ninth place nationally in foreclosure rates.

Information from

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-09/home-price-decline-leaves-27-of-u-s-owners-underwater-on-loans.html

CNN

http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/10/real_estate/foreclosure_filings_fall/

Costly DMAE cream delivers not much more than typical moisturizers

DMAE product is increasing in popularity as an anti-aging item. DMAE cream was relatively obscure until a doctor with his own line of DMAE goods recently flogged his wares on the popular "Dr. Oz" show. Dermatologists and the Food and Drug Administration dismiss anti-aging states about DMAE as pseudoscience; but evidence does exist that DMAE products provide certain aesthetic benefits. Before you take out a pay day loan to buy this expensive product, make certain you know the facts.

Stopping face drop with DMAE cream

DMAE product is an anti-aging item that costs quite a bit. It is marketed as something that makes wrinkles and face sagging reverse. Facial sagging is the dead giveaway of aging that has made face lifts so popular. A standard face lift can cost $6,000 to $15,000, according to the Consumer Guide for Plastic Surgery. Less than two ounces of DMAE cream can cost as much as $80, depending on the marketing sophistication behind the brand. A 2005 Johnson and Johnson study showed that DMAE product might make for tighter skin with anti-inflammatory merchandise in it. This is essential considering the FDA does not require aesthetic companies to prove products are safe and effective with scientific evidence.

Might see a younger person with DMAE

The dimethylaminoethanol compound, which is short for DMAE, is found in the human brain naturally. Very same has many natural resources. Salmon, anchovies and sardines are all included. The research for DMAE has been more about this becoming a drug, not cosmetic agent. The reason why memory and cognition are lost as time goes on is due to DMAE. This is what studies have shown. DMAE had been used for anti-aging supplements that help learning, memory, sleep, energy and mood before the DMAE creams came along. Research of DMAE creams has documented a measurable reduction in face sagging, however the effects were perceived as more dramatic by the DMAE user, instead of the observer.

DMAE product costs a lot

Many believe that DMAE creams are a face lift in a container because of marketing and suggestions of scientific credibility. Dermatologists don't seem too amazed though. DMAE cream is inexpensive but not unsafe, as it has been used since the 1990s. It might be just as effective to get moisturizer. It isn't costly to get DMAE which does not need weird compounds. Based on economic realities and cost of production, a DMAE product should cost less than $10.

Information from

Smart Skin Care

smartskincare.com/treatments/topical/dmae.html

Calorie Lab

calorielab.com/news/2011/02/08/dmae/

Calgary Herald

calgaryherald.com/health/Dermatologists+refute+claims+anti+aging+skin+creams/4239461/story.html

Banker bonuses could have to wait 3 years, states FDIC

The Associated Press reports that big bankers probably will not be cashing their bonuses at this time. The FDIC is working toward instituting a rule that would demand at least half of bankers’ annual bonuses to be pushed forward by three years, a move to help protect the United States economic recovery. Banks that possess $ 50 billion or more in assets will fit in the FDIC ruling. Source for this article – Banker bonuses will have to wait three years, says FDIC by MoneyBlogNewz.

Insurance fees from big banks larger

In addition to the suggested banker bonuses provision, a clause within the Dodd-Frank Act will demand the very same large U.S. banking institutions to contribute more in insurance costs to the FDIC in order to protect financial institution deposits nationwide. Those banks that hold the most in assets – rather than deposits – minus concrete equity will contribute more to the deposit insurance fund. There can be a larger charge to the institutions that have a greater risk because of high assets and less liquidity.

During the bank closures and bailouts, the insurance fund has been in the red for some time as low as $15.2 billion. The deficit was cut to $8 billion, which is half, by the third quarter of 2010.

A smaller amount paid for by small banks though

According to small financial institution trade group the Independent Community Bankers of America, ninety eight % of banks that possess less than $10 billion in assets will pay less money into the insurance fund, due to a variety of rule changes. According to the ICBA, smaller banks in America will save money. In the next three years, $4.5 billion can be saved this way.

“ICBA led the charge throughout the Wall Street reform debate to create fairness within the deposit insurance system so that Main Street community banks can continue to serve their customers and keep money where it belongs – in the community,” said chairman James MacPhee.

Getting better than this

The FDIC fund will be able to become positive again, states Blair, with the greater deposit insurance contributions. Predictable rates for quick unsecured loans could be more like to take place for banks with this.

“The financial crisis provided ample evidence of the need to improve the assessment system," said Bair. "The banking industry, the Deposit Insurance Fund and the financial system will benefit from this rule in both the short and long term.”

Information from

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2011-02-07-fdic-exec-pay_N.htm?csp=34money&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+UsatodaycomMoney-TopStories+%28Money+-+Top+Stories%29

Housing Wire

housingwire.com/2011/02/07/fdic-to-base-insurance-charges-to-banks-based-on-risk-not-deposits

Imagine all the bankers living for less pay

youtube.com/watch?v=uesCu3VVR4E

Salary increases not likelihood for Louisiana employees

Louisiana state employees could be facing a salary cut. If the plan is approved, it would be the second year in a row of salary freezes. Employee advocates are not excited about this likelihood. Although it does not consist of layoffs, it is a powerful salary cut for employees. Once more this is another measure that is going to keep people looking to payday advances for survival. Article resource – Louisiana state employees likely forgoing pay raises by MoneyBlogNewz.

Pay increases in Louisiana State

There is a huge spending budget deficit in Louisiana right now. It is currently at $1.6 million. Salary raises up to 4% are typically given to employees every year with annual reviews. Louisiana was able to save $55 million past year alone. This was simply done by freezing Louisiana state pay raises. In the 2011-2012 year, the pay halts may continue to help even more, which is a suggestion from Gov. Bobby Jindal. This would freeze only annual pay increases, not raises associated with promotions.

Spending budget problems in Louisiana

When it comes to fixing the Louisiana budget issue, salary freezes seem like the best option. Many are not happy about the idea though. The state is “attempting to balance the budget on the back of workers," in accordance with state commission members. Employee advocates are trying to get a cost-of-living adjustment at the very least for employees while saying the salary freeze is an emergency loan the state is going to have to pay more for later. Many states are using pay freezes, furlough days, and even layoffs as a way to balance budgets. In order to balance the budget, cutting pay raises isn't a terrible thing for Louisiana to do.

Where Louisiana stands

Though the state is trying to cut almost $2 billion out of the spending budget, Louisiana is in a better position than most states, economically. Unemployment in Louisiana is at 7.7 percent right now. That's much better than the 9 percent national average. Also, the in-state tuition rates in Louisiana are lower than most others in the nation. Right now, proposals are being drawn up by state commissions. March 11 can be when the final decisions could be made.

Citations

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-02/no-decision-made-on-louisiana-pay-raise-suspension.html

Scientists and pediatricians differ in position on ADHD eating habits

Is it possible the foods children eat could possibly be triggering for ADHD? A correlation among eating habits and ADHD was suggested by a recently available study. However the study’s conclusions are being disputed by pediatricians who don’t agree that diet ought to be included in the treatment of ADHD. Resource for this article – Pediatricians dispute results claimed by Dutch ADHD diet study by Newsytype.com.

What was shown by the ADHD diet research

An elimination diet could be an effective tool in the treatment of ADHD, in accordance with a study published in The Lancet on Thursday. Dutch scientists concluded that a diet eliminating foods commonly associated with food allergies decreased ADHD conditions in 64 percent of the children in the study. In the ADHD eating habits, there is rice, white meat and veggies. Over the five weeks of the research, 41 kids got the diet change. An enhancement in ADHD symptoms was evident in 32 of them. In the second phase of the research, the kids were fed what are assumed to be ADHD trigger foods and most of them relapsed. A control group of 50 kids ate a standard healthy eating habits and no reduction in hyperactivity was noted.

Pediatricians add their dose of reality

Scientists believe that when treating kids for ADHD, it can be good to use an elimination diet considering the ADHD eating habits research. Pediatricians don't tend to like the idea of the diet though. Children might end up with nutritional deficiencies if they’re on an ADHD diet. Pediatricians think that the improvements shown were likely allergy related as children with allergies show ADHD behavior often. Other pediatricians questioned the methodology of the ADHD research, which had no independent observers.

ADHD correlation to allergies

Many think that ADHD can be triggered by processed foods with lots of sugar. There is not any proof for that though, the National Institute of Mental Health explained. Generally, when a child has an allergy, it means that asthma, and skin rashes, diarrhea or other things will show the impact is taking place. One belief is that rather than showing those reactions, a child can have a brain chemistry issue due to an allergy to food. However, since the Dutch research only lasted five weeks, it couldn’t definitively answer those questions or specify which foods ought to be avoided. The individual child is taken into account when it comes to "standard" care for ADHD though.

Information from

CNN

pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/03/does-adhd-come-from-foods/?npt=NP1

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Health/Allergies/adhd-food-allergy-case-restricting-diet/story?id=12832958&page=3

Business Week

businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649603.html

Working mothers and youth health

Numerous reports say that youth obesity has more than tripled over the past three decades. According to a brand new study by an American University professor, a common theme among overweight children is working moms who are frequently away from home. The study suggests that kids with the highest body mass index (BMI) lifetime tended to have moms who worked long hrs outside the home. This is even without people getting pay day loans to purchase their food.

The weight problems link

The childhood weight problems study, which was published in the January/February issue of the journal Child Development, looked at 990 children from grades 3, 5 and 6, sampled from 10 cities across the U.S. There was a small but cumulative effect on the BMIs of children that came from the total number of years of employment for working mothers which was discovered by research founder Prof. Taryn Morrissey from American University's Public Administration and Policy department. Over time, higher BMI can increase the chances of being obese.

Surprisingly, such factors as the children’s physical activity levels and TV time did not explain the link between maternal employment and children’s Body Mass Index, the research indicates. Researchers were confused when even the time of day a mother worked did not make a difference in the BMI level.

Food cooking unusual

With working getting in the way, working parents cannot shop and prepare food. That is most likely the cause. You will find more calories typically in pre-prepared foods and when eating out. That means that these children were getting more of these meals.

Fixing the problem

As childhood obesity can lead to a lesser life expectancy – as much as 2 to five years, in accordance with a study conducted by Children’s Hospital in Boston – as well as behavior problems and obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Prof. Morrissey believes intervention is needed. It is important to make healthy, affordable food accessible. Society will become healthier this way.

"Community- and school-based programs offer promise for promoting healthy weight by providing information to children and their families about nutrition and exercise, as well as how to make quick, healthy meals," Morrissey said.

Citations

American University

american.edu/media/news/20110204-Childrens-BMI-May-Rise-Longer-Mothers-Work.cfm

Wiley

wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0009-3920

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/health/2005-03-16-obesity-lifespan_x.htm

Mom, get your kids on the juice. Jack LaLanne would approve.

youtube.com/watch?v=4AEeQZh1s4A

Obama triggers blackouts, claims Jones

Blizzards have led to rolling blackouts in some TX cities as a means of conserving precious power. Is this a sign of the season, or a nefarious plot completely from President Obama, Jones wonders. Jones wants his followers to believe that President Obama activates blackouts of powerful industries, of the Internet via kill switch and other things he feels like crushing – allegedly. Source of article – Obama triggers blackouts, says Alex Jones by Newsytype.com.

The recording of Obama

Death + Taxes reports that a 12-second video clip is what the "Obama activates blackouts" rumor comes from. Barack Obama was a senator from Illinois. In the clip on Info-wars, he is in these past days. It was asked of Obama what he thinks about the cap and trade legislation on carbon emissions that has been proposed. The interviewer also asked about the producer of greenhouse gases, the coal sector, and the way it would be affected. The following is taken out of context from the full 2008 conversation which could be viewed on YouTube in what Alex Jones calls the Obama administration's industrial warfare where Sen. Obama claims:

"So, if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can, but it will bankrupt them because they’re going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that’s being emitted."

Sen. Obama didn't think that coal energy could possibly be something the U.S. could go without obviously as shown in the full interview. He was simply speaking in theoretical terms of how cap and trade could encourage coal power providers to work harder to store and re-purpose carbon emissions, instead of spewing it skyward. The idea is to motivate change, not attack a sector that provides many thousands of United States careers.

Misconceptions to talk about

The cap and trade system never passed. Also, blackouts aren't triggered by the Obama administration. The inability the administration has to regulate the large businesses is not there. Why does Jones think Obama has all the power then?

There is not any kind of ecological legislation. That means industrial carbon emissions don't even get checked. Climate change, which includes the recent blizzard that devastated many, is being brought on by this, according to some of the scientific community. Excess greenhouse gases warm the Arctic, which scientists believe may lead to colder, snowier winters among the northern mid-latitudes.

Articles cited

Death + Taxes

deathandtaxesmag.com/50156/if-obama-triggers-blackouts-gop-triggers-apocalypse/

eHow

ehow.com/how-does_4566892_global-warming-work_.html

Environmental Leader

environmentalleader.com/2011/02/03/why-cap-and-trade-is-good-for-environmental-marketing/

Time

time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2039777,00.html

The out-of-context Obama proclamation that would trigger blackouts

youtube.com/watch?v=4aTf5gjvNvo

The full Obama interview

youtube.com/watch?v=DpTIhyMa-Nw

Dugway Proving Ground locked down throughout VX nerve agent scare

Workers misplaced a bottle of VX nerve agent at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah Wednesday. A lockdown was immediately ordered and nobody entered or left Dugway Proving Ground until the errant VX nerve agent was eventually found. A stockpile of VX nerve agent, the most toxic tool of mass destruction ever synthesized by person, was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993. Scientists have taken out massive quick personal loans to analyze this item even further.

Finding the absent VX

Dugway Proving Ground was locked down at 5:24 p.m. MST Wed. When this occurred, there were 2,200 individuals on the base. It seemed some VX nerve agent had disappeared. It was not matched right during inventory. The 801,505-acre installation was locked down instantly for a search. This is what Dugway commander Col. William E. King did. The VX nerve agent was right under their noses. After testing sensor equipment, workers entrusted with the deadly substance put it in a mislabeled vial. Comment came from a Dugway Proving Ground spokesman. Apparently nobody was ever in danger since the VX nerve agent was really there the whole time.

VX is lethal

Dugway's absent vile had about one milliliter of VX nerve agent in it. That's about 1/5 a teaspoon. If inhaled, only 50 micrograms are needed as a lethal dose while 734 micrograms are needed through the skin of VX nerve agent. That means 200,000 individuals could die with one gram of VX nerve agent. VX is just like motor oil in that it is viscous. It won't ever evaporate away. If a human is exposed to VX, the toxin destroys the individual’s nerves, and death by paralysis occurs in minutes. When it comes to people in history killed by VX, only one is known. In 1994, a man in Osaka, Japan died from it by a member of the Aum Shinrikyo terrorist group.

Massive concern with VX

Many terrorists want VX nerve agent. They wish to get their hands on it. In 1998 a pharmaceutical plant in Sudan linked to Iraq and Al Qaeda was suspected of attempting to synthesize VX. Chemicals used to produce VX were found after the United States military jets destroyed the plant. The United States and Russia made some VX during the cold war. There was enough that all Earth life could have been killed multiple times. The point of VX was to deliver it in missiles, artillery shells and even land mines for other nations. The U.S. VX stockpile was wrecked. In December 2008, the last went away. Russia is working on destroying its stockpile of VX also. The United States and Germany are helping nudge that along.

Citations

Salt Lake Tribune

sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51134945-76/dugway-vial-agent-thursday.html.csp

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70Q7HK20110127

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VX_%28nerve_agent%29