HBT: Manny will hold workout for MLB teams

Manny Ramirez is predictably still looking for work after MLB reduced his suspension from 100 games to 50 games and Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that he plans to hold a workout for MLB teams later this month.

Last offseason Ramirez signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Rays, only to retire after five games when his 100-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs was announced.

Considering how limited his market was last winter and the fact that he hasn?t played since April it?s tough to imagine Ramirez getting a big-league deal at age 40, and at this point he may have a hard time convincing a team he?s worth a minor-league deal.

Ramirez?s last full season was 2010 and he hit .298 with 19 homers and a .949 OPS in 104 games for the Dodgers and White Sox. Under normal circumstances that would be enough to make him worth a low-cost flier, even at age 40, but because it?s Ramirez the over/under for teams attending his workout is probably around 2.5 (depending on how many scouts in the area are curious and/or bored that day).

Source: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/05/manny-ramirez-will-hold-a-workout-for-mlb-teams/related/

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"Iron Lady" enjoys strong bow in limited release (omg!)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - "The Iron Lady" proved her mettle this weekend.

The Weinstein Company's biopic of Britain's former prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, opened to a remarkable $280,409 at four theaters -- a per-screen average of $70,102.

That's the third-highest specialty opening of the year, after "Midnight in Paris," "The Tree of Life" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."

The PG-13 movie, starring Meryl Streep, will expand to more theaters January 13.

"We couldn't be happier with the results," Erik Lomis, the Weinstein Company's distribution chief, told TheWrap on Monday. "Obviously it's the number one screen average by a mile for the weekend."

Also opening over the weekend were Focus Features' "Pariah" and Sony Pictures Classics' "A Separation," an Iranian drama that was written, directed and produced by Asghar Farhad.

"Separation," already nominated for a Golden Globe, is a strong contender for the Academy Award for foreign language picture. The PG-13 movie enjoyed a solid opening weekend, taking in $79,481 at three locations -- a per-location average of $26,494.

The R-rated "Pariah," written and directed by Dee Rees, grossed $65,093 over the four-day weekend. The movie, which screened at four locations, had a per-location average of $16,273. "Pariah" is a coming-of-age tale about Alike, a 17-year-old African-American lesbian who lives with her parents and younger sister in Brooklyn.

Two other noteworthy items among indie films: Steve McQueen's NC-17 "Shame," from Fox Searchlight, is expected to pass $2 million today. The movie grossed $266,000 over the past four days -- a per-location average of $4,800.

The movie, starring Michael Fassbender, is playing in 55 theaters in its fifth week of release.

Another Fox Searchlight movie, Alexander Payne's "The Descendants," crossed the $40 million mark over the weekend and returned to the top 10 at the domestic box office. The R-rated movie starring George Clooney is in its seventh week of release and is playing at 758 locations. It grossed $3.4 million over the weekend -- a per-location average of $4,485.

"This is a terrific weekend for the film, which is up 30 percent over last week's four-day average," Sheila DeLoach, Fox Searchlight's executive VP of distribution, said in a statement. "It's the only film that opened prior to Thanksgiving and is playing in less than 1,000 theatres in the Top 10. It indicates the movie has crossed over to the general audience."

Among other holdovers, FilmDistrict's "In the Land of Blood and Honey," a love story set in the Bosnian War, dropped from three to two locations in its second week. The movie, which marks Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, grossed $12,539 -- $6,270 per location. It now has grossed $52,202.

Also in its second week is Wim Wenders' well-received "Pina," a 3D documentary about the dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch. The movie, showing at three locations in New York, took $93,000 -- a per-location average of $31,000.

In its 11 days in release, "Pina" has grossed a solid

$316,000.

In its third week, Roman Polanski's "Carnage" expanded from seven locations to 12, and grossed $124,151 -- a per-location average of $10,347. The R-rated Sony Pictures Classics film has taken in a total of $379,605.

In its fourth week of release, Focus Features' "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" expanded by two locations, to 57, and grossed $1,428,726. That works out to $25,065 per location.

The R-rated thriller, set in England during the Cold War, has a total gross of $4,298,998.

In their sixth week in release, the Weinstein Company's "The Artist" and "My Week With Marilyn" held strong.

"The Artist," a PG-13 rated silent, black-and-white film that has heavy Oscar buzz, grossed $1,664,500 at 167 locations. That's a per-location average of $9,967 for the movie, which has taken in a total of $5.4 million.

Lomis said the company plans to expand the number of locations showing "The Artist" on January 20.

"It's doing fantastic," he said. "I think 'The Artist' is going to play and play and play and play."

His company's other release, "My Week With Marilyn," which is generating Oscar talk for star Michelle Williams, took $1,173,933 at its 630 locations over the weekend. That works out to a per-location average of $1,863.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/entertainment/*http%3A//us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/external/omg_rss/rss_omg_en/news_iron_lady_enjoys_strong_bow_limited_release215729776/44056917/*http%3A//omg.yahoo.com/news/iron-lady-enjoys-strong-bow-limited-release-215729776.html

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RMConservative: In 2010, there were 72 Dems sitting in seats with a GOP PVI score; now there are just 21 Republicans sitting in Dem-leaning seats #rsrh

In 2010, there were 72 Dems sitting in seats with a GOP PVI score; now there are just 21 Republicans sitting in Dem-leaning seats Il y a environ 5 heures via web

Source: http://twitter.com/RMConservative/statuses/153265362383806464

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California: New year brings new laws for 2012

The state Legislature has had a busy year passing 745 new laws, most of which go into effect Sunday. Here are a few new laws that stand out.

-- Employment credit reports: In most cases, prospective employers will no longer be allowed to obtain a consumer credit report. If a credit report is needed, a written notice must be provided to the prospective employee citing a specific reason for obtaining the report. Exemptions are made for certain jobs, such as positions in the Department of Justice, law enforcement or those dealing with cash.

-- Child safety seat: Children under eight years old need to be buckled into a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. The new law does away with the 6 years or 60 pounds rule.

-- Alcohol sales: Businesses will be prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages through self-service checkouts.

-- Firearms: It will be illegal to open carry an unloaded handgun in plain sight or in a car. Applying for an concealed weapon permit is still an option.

-- Rabies vaccinations: A dog can be exempt from receiving a rabies vaccination if a veterinarian can verify that receiving the vaccine would endanger the dog's life. A dog exempt from the vaccination will be required to be confined to the premises of the owner, or if off the premises, it must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under direct control of an adult.

-- Copper theft: Theft of copper wire where the value exceeds

$950 will be considered grand theft and is punishable by imprisonment and in county jail or state prison and fines up to $2,500 or $10,000.

-- DUI checkpoints: Law enforcement can no longer impound a car if the driver's only offense is failure to hold a valid driver's license.

-- Smoking in rentals: Landlords will be authorized to prohibit smoking of tobacco products on the property, in a dwelling unit, in another interior or exterior area or on the premises on which the dwelling unit is located.

-- Tanning: All those wishing to use an ultraviolet tanning device will have to be 18 years or older. Existing law allows 14- to 18-year-olds to use tanning devices with the consent of a parent. That rule will no longer apply.

An in-depth review of these new laws and a complete list can be found at leginfo.ca.gov/pdf/BillsEnacte-dReport2011.pdf.

Source: http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/ci_19659996?source=rss_viewed

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Sub-Saharan Africa Economy: Key issues in 2012

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was the fastest-growing region in the world last year, and is expected to stay at the head of the pack in 2012. However, as Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF, warned in late December, many individual Sub-Saharan states are less prepared to deal with an economic shock now than was the case during the 2008 food and fuel crisis, and the global financial turbulence that followed. The impact of global economic trends on Sub-Saharan prospects is likely to dominate the regional headlines in 2012, underscoring questions about whether economic downturn might provoke a belated ?African spring?.

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* Market contagion.?The ongoing debt crisis in Europe and the weakness in the US has significantly raised the risk of a global recession, to the extent that the Economist Intelligence Unit attaches a probability of more than 40% to a global slump in the next two years. This would dent Africa?s performance, hurting commodity prices and terms of trade (together the US and Europe account for around 50% of Africa?s exports). Specific risk factors include a drying-up of trade credit, declining commodity prices and contracting demand for the region?s exports?as well as falling remittances, aid, foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourist receipts.

?

That said, a major shift in SSA?s trade links promises to provide at least some partial insulation against falling demand in developed-country markets. Around two-thirds of the region?s export growth in 2005-10 is explained by an expansion in exports to emerging markets. Consequently, around half of Sub-Saharan Africa?s trade is now conducted with emerging economies, compared with negligible amounts in the 1990s. China, India and Brazil, which together account for more than one-quarter of the region?s trade flows, are of particular importance. By the same token, this means that any significant slowdown in the pace of expansion in those three?and China in particular?would be of great concern.

?

* A crucial poll in South Africa.?In December the African National Congress (ANC) will choose its candidate for the next presidential poll?and given the ANC?s electoral dominance, that candidate is highly likely to become president of the region?s dominant economy. The position of the incumbent, Jacob Zuma, is not entirely secure: he could fall victim to factional battles and become a one-term rather than a two-term ruler. Mr Zuma?s direct involvement in policymaking is minimal (for better or worse); his main strength is that of being a unifier and a facilitator. However, he has broadly backed economic policy continuity and centrists such as the minister of finance, Pravin Gordhan (while also offering some concessions to the left). Any serious challenger to the president would in all likelihood seek to capitalise on discontent with the country?s moderate economic policies?a stance that gained Julius Malema considerable public popularity, before he was suspended from the party for misconduct. Pressure on the government to adopt more populist policies is therefore likely to intensify over the next 12 months.

?

* Currency concerns.?African currencies are likely to come under increasing pressure: many of them are now overvalued because of the commodities boom and above-average inflows of both FDI and workers? remittances. The economic downturn in developed countries?particularly the US and EU states, where most of the Sub-Saharan diaspora live?is also likely to have a negative impact on remittances. Meanwhile the European debt crisis has created uncertainty over the future of the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro at a rate of CFAfr655.96:?1 and used by 14 countries in west and central Africa. Pressures are set to intensify in 2012, particularly if Greece should default on its sovereign debt. Even if this does not lead to Greece?s exit from EMU?which is itself not guaranteed?such a default is likely to lead to significant short-term volatility in the value of the euro and, therefore, the CFA franc. Greece?s departure from EMU could turn market sentiment towards other heavily indebted euro-zone members fatally negative, prompting their subsequent exit. In this scenario, a currency union of the remaining stronger euro-zone economies could lead to significant appreciation of the euro?and, by extension, the CFA franc. This would be bad news for Franc Zone exporters, which are already globally uncompetitive on price, meaning that pressure would build for a one-off devaluation of the CFA franc?s peg to the euro.

?

Alternatively, an EMU break-up could prompt one or more Franc Zone economies to withdraw unilaterally from the monetary union. The oil exporters of Central Africa, especially Equatorial Guinea, might have the most incentive to go it alone, perhaps pegging their new currencies to the US dollar, in which most oil and gas contracts are priced.

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* An emerging gas giant??In late 2011 it was announced that Italy?s ENI had discovered estimated gas reserves of 22trn cu ft in Mozambique?s offshore Rovuma basin in Cabo Delgado province, while Anadarko has discovered 10trn cu ft of gas nearby. To put these finds in context, Africa as a whole?excluding the leading continental producers of Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and Libya?had proven reserves of 41.4trn cu ft at end-2010, according to a statistical review published by UK-based BP. This suggests that Mozambique has the potential to join the top flight of African producers.

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* A belated African spring??One of the defining characteristics of 2011 was the fall of regimes in the Middle East and North Africa that had previously been considered very well-entrenched. States south of the Sahara have not been affected, despite the existence of numerous geriatric presidents, highly repressive states, and populations facing high unemployment and with long-standing (but bottled-up) resentment. However, the risk of popular social unrest, fuelled by mounting frustration with widening income inequalities, rising food prices, high unemployment and poor social conditions, represents a threat to governability in a number of African countries. For instance, there is a chance of instability in Senegal, because of Abdoulaye Wade?s apparent determination to run for a third presidential term in February polls. A two-term limit on the presidency was passed one year into his now 11?year tenure, and Mr Wade?s assertion that this does not apply retroactively to his first term is rejected by much of Senegal?s civil society and some constitutional scholars. A victory for Mr Wade in the face of urban resentment and the questionable legality of a third term could well jeopardise Senegal?s stability. Other potential flashpoints include Madagascar, where presidential polls may finally be held, some three years after?the overthrow of the constitutionally elected president, Marc Ravalomanana, and Kenya, whose last polls, in 2007, were followed by large-scale civil unrest and violence.?The?formation of a grand coalition government quelled that crisis, but settlement of long-term grievances over land and other rights is a prerequisite of future stability.?However,?a North African-style domino effect, with the ousting of one regime leading to waves of unrest, and subsequent governmental overthrows, in neighbouring states, still seems unlikely.

?

The Economist Intelligence Unit

Source: http://tekedia.com/32919/subsaharan-africa-economy-key-issues-2012/

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Father-Daughter Wedding Dance Wows Attendees

The first minute of this wedding footage is very sweet, but pretty much boilerplate and entirely what you'd expect ... until then the music suddenly changes.

You've gotta hand it to the beautiful bride and her father for choreographing this dance medley, as well as for some of their song selections. Funny stuff.

Watch and roar along with the crowd below:

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2011/12/father-daughter-wedding-dance-is-video-of-the-year-material/

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Obama Campaign Pounces on Matt Romney Joke as Evidence Father Pandering to 'Dead-Ender Fringe Extremists' (ABC News)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/181117164?client_source=feed&format=rss

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