NBC Wednesday Night Preview Videos

Happy hump day my friends, I have some fabulous videos from NBC?s brand new Wednesday night that will no doubt help you get through those mid week blahs. I am talking about clips from? Best Friends Forever, Law &? Order: SVU and the hilarious Betty White?s Off Their Rockers. NBC Wednesday night is the place to be and tonight is no exception. If you don?t believe me yet, trust me when I say you will after I show some awesome videos clips from all three new shows. Kicking off the night is Betty White?s Off Their Rockers, which personally makes me laugh so freaking hard and that is why I am glad to have not one but two sneak peeks for you to take a little look at. If you haven?t seen this show then I highly recommend you check it out. Sometimes a guy just needs a little clarification. Who couldn’t use a little entertainment while waiting in line? Next up there is the new comedy Best Friends Forever, which I have to admit I am still on the fence about. The blonde chick really drives me crazy but I like the rest of the cast so I am [...]

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Google Drive Kicks Into Gear

Google on Tuesday unveiled Google Drive, its long-anticipated storage locker in the cloud. The service incorporates Google Docs and lets users upload, access and share their files, including videos, photos and PDFs. Google Drive works on Macs and PCs, and an Android app is available. An iOS app is in the works.

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Crow, Tom, And Joel Tuck You In And Tenacious D Rock In Today's Dailies

There are few better ways to sleep than under the silhouettes of your favorite movie-hating robots, and this Mystery Science Theater 3000 headboard is probably the best way to do it. Also, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson reflect on life and Saul Goodman rocks out with Tenacious D, all in today's Dailies! » Channing Tatum [...]

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Bartonella infection associated with rheumatoid illnesses in humans

ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2012) ? A bacterium historically associated with cat scratch fever and transmitted predominately by fleas may also play a role in human rheumatoid illnesses such as arthritis, according to new research from North Carolina State University.

Bartonella is a bacterium that is maintained in nature by fleas, ticks and other biting insects. It can be transmitted to humans both by these parasites as well as by bites or scratches from infected cats and dogs. The most commonly known Bartonella-related illness is cat scratch disease, caused by B. henselae, a species of Bartonella that can be carried in a cat's blood for months to years.

In collaboration with Dr. Robert Mozayeni, a rheumatologist based in Maryland, and Dr. Ricardo Maggi, a research assistant professor at NC State, Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt, professor of internal medicine at NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine and adjunct professor of medicine at Duke University, tested blood samples from 296 patients for evidence of Bartonella infection. The patients had previously been diagnosed with conditions ranging from Lyme disease to arthritis to chronic fatigue. Since rheumatic symptoms have sometimes been reported following cat scratch disease, the researchers wanted to see if these patients tested positive for B. henselae.

Of the 296 patients, 62 percent had Bartonella antibodies, which supported prior exposure to these bacteria. Bacterial DNA was found in 41 percent of patient samples, allowing investigators to narrow the species of Bartonella present, with B. henselae, B. kohlerae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii the most prevalent. The study appears in Emerging Infectious Diseases.

"Based upon this one study we can't definitively say that a subset of rheumatoid illnesses have an infectious origin," Breitschwerdt says. "However, our results thus far do implicate Bartonella as a factor in at least some cases. If the link between Bartonella and rheumatoid illnesses is valid, it may also open up more directed treatment options for patients with rheumatoid illnesses."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by North Carolina State University.

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Journal Reference:

1. Ricardo G. Maggi, B. Robert Mozayeni, Elizabeth L. Pultorak, Barbara C. Hegarty, Julie M. Bradley, Maria Correa, Edward B. Breitschwerdt. Bartonellaspp. Bacteremia and Rheumatic Symptoms in Patients from Lyme Disease?endemic Region. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2012; 18 (5) DOI: 10.3201/eid1805.111366

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Goal of every patient with dental care needs is to find a reliable and ...

Existing patients have already formed a relationship with their dentist and new patients are seeking to obtain that same trusting relationship. Boston Dentist offices and professional staff members are knowledgeable and reliable. Their concerns are for the comfort and well-being of each patient that walks through their door.

Millions of individuals suffer with minor to major dental problems that go untreated each year. For one reason or another they have not visited a dentist. Failure to realize the urgency of regular dental checkup can result in tooth decay, pain, abscesses, gum diseases and certain mouth cancers. In any event dental implants may be needed depending on the circumstances.

A good Boston dentist can help prevent these diseases and many others.

Oral health is as important as mental health and general physical health and should be not ignored or neglected. At BostonDental.com we understand that people are often times fearful of visiting a dentist for the first time, mainly, because they have no idea what to expect at their initial visit.

Dental visits are not only overwhelming for children but some adults feel the same way. We want our patients to get the best possible care we can provide. We cater to a variety of patients with many types of dental problems. Some patients come into our visit and need only a simple cleaning, and others may need more complicated procedures that may lead to dental implants or tooth extractions. Whatever the challenges are we are trained to handle it.

We offer our patients the newest treatment methods using state of the art equipment and supplies.

We are up to date on the skills and experience it takes to implement both art and science in delivering quality dental care to our patients. Our staff can turn a frown into a smile. We are dedicated to providing new patients the opportunity to get to know us on a one on one basis.

Our goal is to educate each patient about their dental needs and what course of action is best for their particular situation. We focus on the importance of using advanced technology and current educational resources. We want our patients to experience a friendly natural looking smile and stunningly healthy teeth.

Our expertise lays in dental implants, restorative, comprehensive and preventive dental care for both children and adults. We encourage and welcome new patients to give us a call and schedule an appointment for a routine checkup. Our advanced equipment will pinpoint the exact problems or potential problems and treatment can be started right away.

We understand that each patient needs are different and may require some additional services like dental implants. We are experts in this area. Oral surgery, Orthodontic care, Endodontic, Periodontics and General Dentistry are other areas of specialized dentistry we offer.

When new patients walk into our office to see a Boston Dentist they experience the calm and relaxed atmosphere we have worked diligently to maintain. Our patient?s needs and wellbeing are our greatest concerns and are placed on our highest list of priorities.

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Virgin Mobile Canada launches signup page for upcoming HTC One S release

 

The HTC One S is "coming soon" to Virgin Mobile Canada, and in exchange for your email address, the carrier will notify you as soon as the device launches.  In addition to news as it happens, submitting your email address between now and May 17 will earn you a chance to win one of two S smartphones. As per contest rules, the retail value of the prize is set at Cdn $600, a possible hint at what Virgin will be charging.

Officially speaking, the carrier hasn’t gone official with a release date or pricing, though we’ll keep our ears tuned to the great white north for more information. Virgin Mobile’s signup page can be found at the source link.

Source: Virgin Mobile Canada; via mobilesyrup

 

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Demi Lovato Speaks on Illicit Drug Use: I Could Have Died

A couple weeks ago on Twitter, Demi Lovato bared her true face.

Now, in the pages of British magazine Fabulous, the singer is baring her soul.

In one of her more honest interviews to date, the 19-year old goes into detail about her pre-rehab drug use, telling the publication:

"I was depressed. I would come offstage in front of 18,000 people and suddenly be alone in a hotel room. I'd come crashing down and would try to find a way to re-create that feeling, to stay 'up.'"

And you might be shocked to learn who fueled Demi's habit.

"Promoters gave me drugs and alcohol in restaurants or clubs," she said. "They wanted me to come back so I would be seen there. They were basically kissing my ass."

Lovato, of course, entered a treatment facility in November 2010 and has talked since about her emotional and physical issues, citing an eating disorder and bi-polarity. But this is the first time she's really discussed any kind of substance abuse.

"Being a celebrity can be dangerous. Nobody says 'no'. That's why so many end up overdosing and dying. It could definitely have happened to me."

Instead, thank God, Demi has bounced back and her career is going strong. She performed last month on American Idol.

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Vintage Nikon fisheye lens aims to dwarf your DSLR, for sale at 100,000 quid

A lens that can look behind itself -- the very idea of it nearly boggles the mind, but it's what the Fisheye-Nikkor 6mm f2.8s claims to be able to do, delivering a viewing angle of 220-degrees. This gargantuan fisheye lens was introduced in 1972, and was reportedly only available through special order. The price of getting your hands on one today? Oh, only about £100,000 ($161,210 American) for a lens in mint condition, and only from Grays of Westminster, a London Camera shop that deals exclusively in Nikon products. It isn't the first time this prodigious piece of glass has shown up, two years ago an identical lens hit eBay to the tune of $34,020 -- a veritable bargain, by comparison. Check out the source link below to peek at the sale. Wallet can't take the damage? Scope out "more coverage" for a bit of Nikon history.

Vintage Nikon fisheye lens aims to dwarf your DSLR, for sale at 100,000 quid originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Imaging Resource  |  Grays of Westminster  | Email this | Comments

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Andreessen Horowitz Made $78M Off $250,000 Investment in Instagram

Andreessen Horowitz revealed that it made $78 million off its $250,000 seed investment in Instagram's billion-dollar acquisition in a post that was meant to quell criticism that it "fumbled" its involvement with the company. "Ordinarily, when someone criticizes me for only making 312 times my money, I let the logic of their statement speak for itself," wrote general partner Ben Horowitz. "However, in this case, the narrative that some critics put forth has the nasty side effect of casting two outstanding entrepreneurs?Kevin and Dalton Caldwell?in an unfair light and glosses over an important ethical issue that we faced." While Andreessen Horowitz was one of Instagram's very earlier investors, it said it didn't follow-on because of a conflict of interest with another company it funded.?The firm had supported Picplz, another photo-sharing concept that didn't end up having as much momentum as Instagram. The company behind it eventually changed changed course and turned into App.net, which gives other mobile developers landing pages and other tools for acquiring users.

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Would you prefer a thinner iPhone or a larger battery? [Poll]

When it comes to the next generation iPhone, is thinner always better, or would you trade a couple of extra millimeters for longer battery life?

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You Must Watch These Spectacular Chemical Reactions Because... Because They Are Bloody Fun [Video]

Maybe it's because of Breaking Bad, but lately I'm fascinated by chemistry. I wish I had a teacher as cool as Michigan State University professor Peter Hunter when I was in high school. Watch him demonstrate these amazing reactions on video. More »

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Chronicle of a trial foretold: Breivik is following his manifesto's script

Anders Behring Breivik's manifesto includes instructions on what a 'Templar' should do if tried in a European court.

Among the early headlines from the fourth day of the trial of Anders Behring Breivik for the murder of 77 people last July was that, for the first time, Mr. Breivik did not perform his now-familiar clenched-fist salute upon arrival at the court. Several families of Breivik's victims said they found the salute offensive, and his lawyers apparently were able to convince him to stop and avoid undermining his case.

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But the drop of the salute is not only significant for its effect on his defense's strategy. It also marks a significant departure from Breivik's playbook: his 1,500-page manifesto. Breivik wrote extensively not only about his own beliefs about the alleged activities of "the Marxist tyrants of Europe" and the mission of the Knights Templar, or "Templars," the group to which he claims to belong. He also wrote a comprehensive set of instructions and guidelines for what a Templar should do if tried in a European court. He appears to be following it to the extent he is able.

Breivik wrote a short section on his salute, which he claims to be "the military salutation" of the Templars. He writes that the salute, which he recommends being performed in a white glove, symbolizes strength, purity, and resistance against "the Marxist tyrants of Europe." Interestingly, he claims the salute has nothing to do with either racist "white power" salutes or with the similar, open-palmed Nazi salute.

While Breivik's manifesto does not mention the salute specifically in reference to a trial, its use at trial fits closely into what Breivik argues is the best way to use trials: as propaganda. Breivik writes that after being captured, "the subsequent court proceedings may present several propaganda opportunities." He adds that "This trial is (from our point of view), not against you but rather a trial against the regime."

One of the key openings for propaganda that Breivik saw is the opportunity to present an opening and closing statement. Breivik includes a four-page sample opening statement, which he seemed to use as a source for his own.?

His sample draws parallels between the quest of the "Templars" and that of Native American leaders like Sitting Bull ? parallels he made on the first day of testimony in his own trial. As the Monitor reported, ?Were they terrorists for fighting for their indigenous culture ? or were they heroes?? Breivik asked the court. ?My acts are based on goodness, not evil,? he added. ?If anyone is vicious it is the Socialists.?

In the manifesto, Breivik also outlines a dress code for Templars, which he says should be adhered to in court. "Our dress uniform ... will be used for the sole?purpose of representing the authority of our military order and tribunal during trial," he writes. The uniform is to include a US Marine Corp dress jacket in dark blue or black, dress pants in the same color, and an extensive set of medals and decorations including epaulettes and Templar badges. Judging from the photos of his appearances in court, Breivik seems to have been following his own dress code as best he can, though he has appeared sans pseudo-military decorations.

In his game plan for Templar trial appearances, Breivik shows every expectation of losing. The heading for his sample closing statement reads: "Closing statement ? last day of trial, after judgment (guilty)." But he also expresses hope that the trial may lead to the introduction of stiffer criminal sentences, and perhaps even introduction of the death penalty, which is currently illegal in Norway.

The trial itself may not end up as anything else than a formality where the goal can be to change the law, forcing the parliament of that country to introduce the death penalty, or harshen the penal laws in other ways. Indirectly forcing the parliament of your country to change the laws will be an indirect victory to our movement because it will provide significant media coverage of our cause and thus will contribute to future recruitment efforts.

Breivik echoed this thinking during his second day of testimony, the Monitor reported.

?No, I don?t want [capital punishment], but I would have respected that,? he said, adding that if Norway doubled the current maximum sentence it would ?serve his cause? and ?prove Norway had thrown their principles out the window."

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This Must Be One of the Most Exhilarating Experiences On Earth [Video]

Witness these people speed flying down the Mont Blanc. It takes ten minutes of pure joy and freedom to go from its summit to its base. I saw the whole video wishing I was one of them—with every cell in my body. [Thanks Jan!] More »

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Catholic nuns group "stunned" by Vatican slap

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Online-social-networking.com Estimated Value $17748.00 USD ...

Online-social-networking.com's three-month global Alexa traffic rank is #179,150. It domain created on 2007-08-17. It is getting about 2,465 page views per day. Visitors to it view 1.5 unique pages each day on average. Estimated daily time on site 01:46 seconds. It has an average of 756 pages indexed in major search engines like Google?. It has 439 backlinks according to Alexa.
With the daily ads revenue: $49 USD. If the site was up for sale, it would be worth approximately $17,748 USD. Out of the 30 unique keywords found on online-social-networking.com, "linking social media to website" was the most dense. The site is currently hosted in Scottsdale AZ in United States on a server with the IP 208.109.71.55 which is hosted by GoDaddy.com. This site has Google PageRank? 3 of 10.

Website Information

Title:

Online Social Networking Sites, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Ning

Description:

How to use social and business networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Ning to build a powerful web presence. Hundreds of Articles.

Tags:

Business, Facebook, Linkedin, Networking, Networks, Ning, Online, Sites, Social, Traffic, Twitter, Website

Estimated Data

Daily Visits: The amount of user?s traffic during 24 hours. We use widestat algorithm with our own data to calculate visits quantity.	2,465	Monthly Visits: The amount of user?s traffic during 1 month. We use widestat algorithm with our own data to calculate visits quantity.	73,950
Daily Revenue: The estimated cost of daily income from contextual advertising allocation.	$49.30 USD	Monthly Revenue: The estimated cost of monthly income from contextual advertising allocation.	$1,479.00 USD

Summary Stats

Alexa Rank: Alexa Rank is combined rating, that takes into account both the quantity of users and the quantity of website?s page views. The lower Alexa Rank index is the better. The best website has maximum rank 1. Learn more - http://www.alexa.com/help/traffic-learn-more	179,150	Google PageRank: Google PageRank? - is an important rate for your website promotion in Google? search engine that is calculated for every page separately. The higher website PageRank the more significant it is for Google?, maximum PageRank value is 10.	3 of 10
Compete Rank: Compete rank is the authorized analytic resource that estimates sites? traffic. The bigger site traffic the lower Compete rank will be.	360,825	Google Index: The quantity of Google? indexed pages. The more pages are indexed by Google? the better.	756
Quantcast Rank: Quantcast makes hybrid evaluations of website?s audience and gives it the rank. The smaller the Quantcast Rank the better, maximum 1.	-	Yahoo Index: The quantity of Yahoo indexed pages. The more pages are indexed by Yahoo the better.	539
DMOZ Listed: DMOZ ? is the most significant multilingual catalogue of sites in the Internet which is supported by community of volunteer editors. Search engines pay a lot of attention to DMOZ catalogue, this catalogue will be extremely useful to promote your website.	No	Bing Index: The quantity of Bing indexed pages. The more pages are indexed by Bing the better.	779

Domain Registration

Created: Search engines are using website age while ranking search results. The older the website the better it is ranked in search engines.	2007-08-17
Updated:	2011-06-28
Expires:	2013-08-17
Registrar: Domain name registrar is the organization that has all the rights for creation and registration of new domain names and also the right for extending validity of already existing domain names in domain for which obligatory registration is established.	GODADDY.COM, LLC
Owner:	Lawrence Brauner
Domain Nameservers:	ns53.domaincontrol.com ns54.domaincontrol.com

Server Information

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Rome cracks down on marauding centurions

The city has given a deadline of April 6 for the tourist terrors to clear away from the Colosseum area.

By Adam L. Freeman,?Contributor / April 2, 2012

Rome has given the centurions a deadline to clear out. The solders in question aren't from the ranks of an ancient legion, but are modern-day performers who pose for tourist?photos at the Colosseum.

Skip to next paragraph

Men and women decked out in chest plates and helmets eke out a?tax-free living at Rome?s most popular attraction, posing for photos with foreign?visitors for 5 or 10 euros. Disoriented, jet lagged, or simply scared,?tourists have been known to pay up to 50 euros ($67). Some have been roughed?up when they refuse.

Arrests were made last summer in an undercover operation with police?in tunics and sandals handcuffing centurions and gladiators for?ripping off tourists. A recent Italian media report cited a policeman?as saying the centurions are all ex-convicts, ?every last one of?them.?

Now the city government says ?basta!? and wants them to pack up their?swords, shields, and ensigns and clear out by April 6.

?This will end badly. We?ll wage a revolution. We?ll burn down the?Coliseum rather than move from here,? a 21st-century centurion?recently told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Along with the fake ancient Roman soldiers, the city aims to rid?itself of the vast illegal industry of food and souvenir vendors that?feeds off the 6 million people who every year visit the site where?Russell Crowe avenged his family?s murder in the 2000 sword-and-sandal blockbuster "Gladiator."

City and national officials say they are defending?Rome-the-living-museum from an image akin to theme parks where?visitors feast on fast food and ham it up for the camera with?fairytale characters.

But the Italian economy is in recession and its prisons overcrowded so government bureaucrats should be vigilant for unrest?in the legionary ranks. They might want to reconsider a plan that puts?ex-cons out of work.

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Prostitution case claims more Secret Service jobs

WASHINGTON (AP) ? A twelfth Secret Service employee has been implicated in the agency's prostitution scandal, a government official told The Associated Press on Friday. Two agents were resigning Friday and another has been fired, said the official.

That would bring agency departures to six from the events at a hotel late last week in Colombia before President Barack Obama arrived for a summit meeting.

Eleven Secret Service employees had been noted earlier. The 12th has been placed on administrative leave.

The official, who has been briefed on the investigation, spoke only on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation

Two supervisors and another employee were forced out of the agency earlier in the week. All of the agents being investigated have had their top-secret clearances revoked.

Meanwhile, the lawyer for two Secret Service supervisors said that Obama's safety was never at risk, and he criticized leaks of internal government investigations in the case, signaling a possible strategy for an upcoming legal defense.

The Secret Service briefed about two-dozen congressional staff members Friday, mainly from the Senate Judiciary Committee, according to one individual who was there but was not authorized to be quoted by name.

The person said investigators have photo ID's and names from a Cartagena, Colombia, hotel registry for all the women who stayed overnight and are in the process of conducting interviews. Investigators have interviewed maids and said no alcohol or drugs were found in the rooms.

Those under investigation were offered polygraphs and drug tests. It is unclear whether anyone accepted, the person said.

Eleven Secret Service employees were initially put on administrative leave following an incident in Colombia that involved at least some agency personnel bringing prostitutes to their hotel rooms. News of the incident, which involves as many as 20 Colombian women, broke a week ago after a fight over payment between a prostitute and a Secret Service agent spilled into the hotel hallway. A 24-year-old Colombian prostitute told The New York Times that the agent agreed to pay her $800 for a night of sex but the next morning offered her only $30. She eventually left the hotel, she told the newspaper, after she was paid $225.

The scandal now involves 12 officers and supervisors and at least 11 military members who were working on security before Obama arrived in Cartagena for the Summit of the Americas. The Pentagon acknowledged Friday that the 11th military person, a member of the Army, was implicated.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was getting regular updates on the investigation.

"He understands the level of interest in this issue," Little said. "He has serious concerns about the alleged misconduct."

Little said members of Congress have not yet been briefed on the military investigation but would be "in the near future."

In a letter to Secret Service employees Monday and obtained by the AP, Director Mark Sullivan said the agency had moved in a "swift, decisive manner immediately after this incident was brought to our attention." He praised "the overwhelming majority" of employees who he said had acted with the "highest levels of professionalism and ethical behavior."

"Our job, our mission, our responsibility is to the president, the American people and the individuals we are entrusted to protect," Sullivan said. "This is not just a matter of honor, although this is critical. It is imperative, as part of our sworn duties, to always act both personally and professionally in a manner that recognizes the seriousness and consequence of our mission."

In Colombia Friday, Colombian prosecutors spent more than three hours questioning a taxi driver who led reporters to the home of the young woman who he said was the prostitute who launched the scandal by complaining of not being paid by a Secret Service agent at the Hotel Caribe.

A senior official in the local prosecutor's office said the driver, Jose Pena, was not suspected of any crime but that a Colombian investigation into the case began Thursday to ensure that none of the prostitutes involved was a minor.

There is no information indicating a crime was committed, said the official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name.

The prosecutor's office official said the Colombian investigation was separate from U.S. probes and that Colombian investigators had not been in touch with the U.S. investigators. The official also said the Colombian investigators did not have and had not asked for a copy of the security videotapes from inside the hotel.

Pena told the AP on Friday morning that he had not spoken with any U.S. investigators. He did not answer his phone after he met with Colombian investigators.

The lawyer for ousted Secret Service supervisors David Chaney and Greg Stokes, Lawrence Berger of New York, said Friday that leaks surrounding the investigations "distort the process."

Regardless of what happened inside hotel rooms, Berger said, it never jeopardized the president's security. Berger said he could not comment on the woman's claims about being paid for sex, but he added, "I don't think anything she has said is material to any of the issues I am pressing with my clients."

"Nothing that has been reported in the press in any way negatively or adversely impacted the mission of that agency or the safety of the president of the United States," Berger said.

Chaney and Stokes were forced out of the agency Wednesday. A third agent, who has not been identified and was not a supervisor, resigned.

On Chaney's Facebook account, which was made inaccessible on Friday, Chaney joked about his work with former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin while he was protecting her in 2008. The AP published a photograph it took of Chaney working in Palin's protective detail in October 2008 during a campaign rally in Carson, Calif.

"I was really checking her out, if you know what i mean?" Chaney wrote after a friend commented on the picture posted in January 2009 on Chaney's Facebook account.

Speaking on Fox News late Thursday, Palin said the joke was on Chaney.

"Well, check this out, buddy ? you're fired!" Palin said.

The agency's investigation has included interviews of agents and hotel staff. Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said this week that investigators in Colombia have not been able to interview the women.

The affair has also prompted a military investigation of the service members, including six members of the Army, two Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal technicians, two Marine dog handlers and an Air Force airman.

An Air Force colonel and a military lawyer were also dispatched to Colombia this week. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, patronizing prostitutes is a crime for military personnel. It is referred to as "compelling, inducing, enticing or procuring a person to have sex in exchange for money; or receiving money for arranged sex."

Officials from U.S. Southern Command, which organized the military role for the security operation, have not provided details of its probe beyond saying that at least some of the military members violated curfew and may have been involved in "inappropriate conduct."

White House press secretary Jay Carney has said it is "preposterous to politicize" the issue, responding to criticism from Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and Palin, who have said the allegations reflect poor management of the government under Obama.

Palin described the affair Thursday as a "symptom of government run amok."

"It's like, who's minding the store around here?" Palin said.

Carney said Obama had not had any conversations with Secret Service Director Sullivan but wouldn't rule out that they might speak soon.

___

Associated Press writers Eileen Sullivan, Laurie Kellman, Robert Burns, Larry Margasak, and Julie Pace in Washington, Nomaan Merchant in Dallas and Frank Bajak in Cartagena, Colombia, contributed to this report.

___

Follow Alicia A. Caldwell on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acaldwellap

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Uber tackles Taxis in Chicago with Uber Garage experiment

Uber has been making quite a name for itself with its fleet of private Town Cars you can order straight from your smartphone. But, high-end luxury shuttles only account for a tiny fraction of the car service market. A much larger piece of the pie is owned by the humble taxicab. Uber Garage is the company's new workshop for experimental new features and services, and the first product of the labs is a taxi service for UberChicago customers. With more cabs per-capita than anywhere else in the US and the second lowest rates in the nation, it was the logical choice for a launch location. Taxi drivers who take part in the program will get alerts when an Uber user wants a cab. Rather than wave and whistle and wait on a busy corner, a user simply fires up the Uber app and demands a ride. There's no cash to exchange or credit card to swipe -- drivers a paid by Uber direct, and the fare includes a 20-percent tip. Though, that doesn't mean you're not free to tip some cash on top of the default gratuity. If you're in the Chicago area and have taken advantage of an Uber Taxi, let us know how it went in the comments.

Uber tackles Taxis in Chicago with Uber Garage experiment originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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