Court: Harvard Twins Stuck With Facebook Agreement

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal appeals court ruled Monday that former Harvard University schoolmates of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg can't undo their settlement over creation of the social networking site.


The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Monday that Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss were savvy enough to understand what they were agreeing to when they signed the agreement in 2008. The deal called for a $20 million cash payment and a partial ownership of Facebook.

A third classmate, Divya Narendra, was part of the settlement with the twins but did not pursue the second lawsuit seeking to undo the agreement.



Monday's ruling upholds a lower court decision enforcing the settlement during the six years of litigation that grew so contentious that the dispute was dramatized in the Oscar-nominated film, "The Social Network."


The settlement is now worth more than $160 million because of Facebook's increased valuation.

Court: Harvard Twins Stuck With Facebook Agreement

Rare Civil War Photos Document Life Between Battles

America's Civil War, whose 150th anniversary is marked on Tuesday, is so often described in battles — the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Fort Sumter — that it may be easy to forget that the soldiers who fought in the four-year war had a lot of time between fighting. The rare photos seen below document just that — the time soldiers spent waiting, preparing, recovering or just living.

"We wanted to show more of the daily life of these people and remind people that they were living their lives n the middle of this horrible war and there was a lot of daily living going on," says Kelly Knauer, editor of 

He points out that because of where camera technology was at the time, the in-between was much of what was photographed during the Civil War, since battle scene photos would often come out too blurry. The war marks one of the first times dead bodies were photographed. Another thing that comes out of some of the photos is a time truly left in the past, when family members and nearly entire towns would travel with the men to their battlegrounds.

As Knauer notes: "When they went to war, they took their whole families with them."

Wives and children followed their husbands 

Wives and children sometimes followed their husbands to war, particularly in the early period of the conflict. “(The soldiers) were in the camp, and the women were right there and the kids were right there.

Rare Civil War Photos Document Life Between Battles

Obama First To Put Tax Increases On Budget Table

WASHINGTON – Higher taxes have been missing from the fierce budget battle that nearly shut down the federal government. But President Barack Obama is about to put them on the table — at least a modest version that he had pushed before and then rested on the shelf.
Most economists and budget analysts say a comprehensive mix of spending cuts and tax increases is essential to any viable deficit-reduction plan. Yet few players in the negotiations have gone there.

It comes in the scramble to heed what is widely viewed as a loud clamor from voters to slam the brakes on runaway government spending. There has been no corresponding public demand for raising taxes. That's not surprising, but the top-bracket U.S. tax rate now is the lowest it's been in decades, and it's far lower than those in many other industrialized countries, especially in western Europe.
Tax elements of Obama's broad deficit-reduction plan, to be laid out in a speech Wednesday, seem likely to revive his earlier proposals.

The president is expected to bring back his recommendation, first made in the 2008 campaign, to end Bush-era tax cuts for households earning over $250,000 a year. He temporarily set it aside when he signed onto a late 2010 agreement with Republicans to extend all Bush tax cuts for two years.

However, he did renew the bid earlier this year in his budget for the 2012 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
Any comprehensive deficit-reduction plan must include a mix of spending cuts and tax increases, experts argue from both sides of the political spectrum.

Obama First To Put Tax Increases On Budget Table

Debate Stirred Over 1st Major US Tar Sands Mine

SALT LAKE CITY – Beneath the lush, green hills of eastern Utah's Uinta Basin, where elk, bear and bison outnumber people, the soil is saturated with a sticky tar that may soon provide a new domestic source of petroleum for the United States. It would be a first-of-its kind project in the country that some fear could be a slippery slope toward widespread wilderness destruction.

With crude prices surging beyond $100 a barrel, and politicians preaching the need to reduce America's reliance on foreign supplies, companies are now looking for more local sources. One Canadian firm says it's found it in the tar sands of Utah's Book Cliffs.

Alberta-based Earth Energy Resources Inc. aims to start with a roughly 62-acre mine here to produce bitumen, a tar-like form of petroleum, from oil-soaked sands. For decades, other Utah operators have used oil sands as a poor-man's asphalt, and Canada has been wringing oil from the ground for years, but nobody has yet tried to produce petroleum from U.S. soil on such a scale.
And it could be just the beginning. The company has over 7,800 acres of Utah state land under lease, with plans to acquire more, and estimates its current holdings contain more than 250 million barrels of recoverable oil.

"This is not just a 62-acre project that will last seven years. We are looking at a 30,000-acre project that will destroy the environment in this area over many years," said John Weisheit, a Colorado River guide and founder of the Moab, Utah-based environmental group Living Rivers.
Weisheit worries that shortsightedness and the rush to feed America's insatiable appetite for oil could trump reason at the expense of other precious natural resources.

The Bureau of Land Management says Utah has an estimated 12 to 19 billion barrels of oil buried in its tar sands, mostly in the eastern part of the state, though not all of that would be accessible.
Weisheit says if Earth Energy is allowed to mine the land, he fears others may not be far behind.

Debate Stirred Over 1st Major US Tar Sands Mine

9 Secrets Health Insurers Don't Want You To Know

 Health insurance companies like to keep secrets. And they like to save money. Example: You have surgery, and weeks later you get a bill for using an out-of-network anesthesiologist. Ridiculous, right? You didn’t choose who put you under, so you shouldn’t have to pay extra. But your insurer sent the bill anyway, hoping you wouldn’t notice.

Fighting back against this kind of trickery—and winning—is a lot easier than you think, says Kevin Flynn, the president of Healthcare Advocates, a Philadelphia-based firm that helps patients wrangle with their health plans. We checked with Flynn and other insurance-industry insiders, lawyers, doctors, and regulators to uncover nine little-known ways to get the health coverage you deserve—for less.

Don’t pay if you don’t have a say

When you purposely see an out-of-network doctor, your plan usually makes it clear that it’ll cost you. But when you have surgery, the hospital chooses the anesthesiologist. If you get that annoying “out-of-network” bill, Flynn says, draft a strongly worded letter stating you had no say about the anesthesiologist—in-network or otherwise—and, therefore, won’t pay any additional fees.

“If you don’t have direct control, you are not liable,” Flynn says, adding that this tactic is likely to work every time, but few consumers know about it.

You may be eligible for more coverage

Depending on your state, you could be eligible for more benefits than your plan is telling you about. Take Maryland, for instance. Health plans operating there must pay for expensive infertility coverage. But one state over, in Virginia, they don’t. It’s unlikely that your plan is trumpeting info about state-mandated coverage, though. It’s up to you to get the scoop.

One good place to check is Families USA, a consumer group that keeps tabs on state rules, suggests Kevin Lembo, Connecticut’s official health-care advocate for consumers. Another option: Contact your state’s insurance commissioner.


To get tested, talk up your symptoms

Your insurer doesn’t want to pay for a colonoscopy if it thinks it’s not necessary. But if you believe you need one, here’s how to get it covered: Talk to your doctor in detail about your symptoms and why you think you need the test. Your plan has to pay for it if you have gastro complaints, health experts say. (Only 21 states require insurers to cover colonoscopies for general screening.)

Stall first, answer questions later

When Wendy Decenzo became pregnant with twins, she wasn’t worried about health insurance. Her husband, Chris, had made sure to get a health plan that covered pregnancy well before they started trying. But when Wendy began going for prenatal visits, coverage was denied. Their plan, Blue Cross of California, wouldn’t say why. Instead, the insurer asked the Decenzos to sign release forms allowing the plan to view their medical histories, which the law says are private.

Chris believes the company was looking for any info that the Decenzos may have accidentally omitted when they applied for coverage. If an omission were to be found, the couple might have been denied coverage. “It seemed like a fishing expedition in order to deny us,” Chris says. So they refused to sign, and three months later the plan started paying for the prenatal appointments, even going back and paying for earlier visits that hadn’t been covered. Flynn says lots of insurers try this trick, but since their review process usually lasts only 60 to 90 days, they often drop the inquiry after that. Sometimes, procrastination pays.


Letters are your best bet

It may seem a bit inconvenient, but the old-fashioned letter is by far the best way to communicate with your health plan. “Don’t do anything over the phone. It takes forever and when you’re done there’s no record of it, so it didn’t happen,” says Rhonda Orin, a Washington, D.C.–based attorney and the author of Making Them Pay: How to Get the Most From Health Insurance and Managed Care.

Letters almost always get a response, adds Lembo, the Connecticut health-care advocate. Some plans will answer email, but many won’t. And to whom, exactly, should you address your mail? Experts recommend following your plan’s appeal process for letters and sending copies to your state insurance commissioner. Also, keep copies of every letter you’ve sent your plan and everything they’ve sent back. That way, when your insurer says, “We never said we’d cover that,” you can say, “I have it right here in writing.”

Doctors can be good weapons

You just got four massage sessions, under doctor’s orders, for lower-back pain—but your insurer refuses to pay for them? Ask your doctor for help. He can tell the insurer he’s going to complain to the state board that regulates health plans.

“Health plans may not fear you, but they do respect the board,” says James Moss, MD, a retired Kentucky surgeon. He intervened on a patient’s behalf and, by pressuring the board, helped the patient win coverage. Another option: Say you’ll call your congressman and/or state Medicare office to lodge a formal complaint, Dr. Moss says.

Caveat: Don’t actually contact your state board yourself if a claim is denied. Janice Weiss, a Jupiter, Fla.–based attorney who fights health plans for consumers, says some of her clients who went this route ended up hurting their cases when the state agency ruled their claims invalid; that left them little recourse with their insurance companies. Instead, while working your plan’s appeals process, just suggest you may take the matter to your state.

A little research can go a long way

If you want a special CT scan or MRI, your doc probably won’t authorize it unless it’s an absolute must. Persuade her with expert info from the American College of Radiology's Appropriateness Criteria, says Anne Roberts, the executive vice chair of the department of radiology at the University of California, San Diego.

Used primarily by doctors but open to the public, it’s an up-to-date list of the types of imaging that are right for various conditions. Arming yourself with the info doesn’t guarantee coverage, but it’s a proactive step in the right direction.

There are ways to get drugs cheaper

Doctors are often wowed by the latest and greatest drugs, which tend to be the most expensive. Make sure these newer, high-end meds are what you need before you leave the doctor’s office. Sometimes your insurance plan won’t pay for them at all; other times it’ll charge higher co-pays.

In many cases, drugs have generic versions that are just as effective but cheaper than the newer ones. Always ask your doc (or pharmacist) for generics. And if you really need a medicine that doesn’t have a generic version, order it by mail. Many plans have a less-expensive mail-order pharmacy option. Another prescription trick for people who have chronic conditions like allergies: Ask your doc to write you a prescription for two or three months’ worth of medication instead of one. Good-bye, extra co-pays.


An advocate can help you win

Imagine being turned down for coverage after running up $125,000 in medical bills. That’s what happened to the parents of a daughter with anorexia just before they sought help from Kevin Flynn, of Healthcare Advocates. For $400, he took over the fight with their insurer and—after a year’s worth of combat—won.

Flynn is a patient advocate, part of a growing industry that makes its money from helping you. Some advocates help you interact with your doctor, while others specialize in insurance disputes. Most of all, firms like Flynn’s keep the letters going out on your behalf, saving you time, energy, and headaches. “The insurers know that advocates know the laws, the regulations—things a regular consumer might not know. That makes them nervous,” Flynn says.

Advocates can even get policies changed. One of Flynn’s clients, who had rectal cancer, was having trouble getting his insurance plan to pay for a new radiation therapy. The insurer claimed the treatment wasn’t ready for prime time, but Flynn found six studies showing its usefulness for the disease, got the coverage—and got the insurer to rewrite its policy.

To find an advocate, contact the Patient Advocate Foundation, says Laura Weil, the interim director of Sarah Lawrence College’s Health Advocacy Program. Another helpful resource is the Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy.

Also try checking with the medical association for a particular condition, like the Multiple Myeloma Association or the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders; many of these groups keep lists of advocates.

9 Secrets Health Insurers Don't Want You To Know

5 Worst Drive -Thru Foods

How much time did you spend in your car last week? Ten hours? Fifteen maybe? Wow, that sounds like a lot. But it's still probably an underestimate: As it turns out, the average American now spends 21 hours per week stuck inside a mobile metal box.
No wonder the drive-thru is so appealing. All those hours spent in traffic leaves scarcely any time to sit and eat. Add to that the stress of daily life and the desire to feel like you're accomplishing something while you drive, and you've got a pretty good case for turning the center console into a dining table.

But that convenience comes at a cost. A 15-year study published in the British journal Lancet found that those who ate fast food two or more times per week gained an average of 10 more pounds than those who ate fast food less than once a week. But it doesn't have to be this way. In my latest book, The Eat This, Not That! No-Diet Diet, I teach you how to navigate fast-food menus and make sure the meal coming at you through your car window won't necessitate a loosening of your seatbelt. The first step: Avoid the 5 foods on this list.

1. WORST SIDE DISH

Taco John’s Potato Ole’s (Large)
770 calories
46 g fat (6 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,200 mg sodium

Interspersed throughout the menu in various permutations, these glorified tater tots pack a serious one-two punch. The combination of saturated fat and sodium puts a heavy strain on your heart, and the 770 calories test the durability of your belt buckle. Not even the indulgent Meat and Potato Burrito touts numbers this abysmal. Instead, opt for a side of Refried Beans. Order it without cheese and you'll cut 60 calories, but you'll hold on to the amazing 11 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein.

Eat This Instead!
Taco John’s Refried Beans (without cheese)
260 calories
1.5 g fat (0.5 trans)
940 mg sodium

2. WORST DESSERT

Dairy Queen Double Fudge Cookie Dough Blizzard (Large)
1,350 calories
58 g fat (28 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
133 g sugars 

This dessert ought to be served with a life insurance application. The problem is, the rest of the Blizzards aren't much better—even the smalls tend to hover around 500 calories. Splitting one of those isn't so bad, but if you prefer to have your own treat, go for a sundae instead. The best approach is to pick the ice-cream flavor of the Blizzard you wanted, and then ask to have that topping added to your sundae. That way you get all the flavor, none of the belly.

Eat This Instead!
Dairy Queen Chocolate Sundae with Cookie Dough Topping (Small size)
360 calories
14 g fat (10.5 g saturated)
45 g sugars

Bonus Tip: Our take on dessert? Eat it! Just know what you're eating and limit your indulgence. You can find the best Eat This, Not That! options right here: 15 Desserts That Burn Fat!

3. WORST BURGER

Hardee’s 2/3 lb. Monster Thickburger
1,320 calories
95 g fat (36 g saturated)
3,020 mg sodium  

At one-third pound of beef, the original Thickburger offers plenty by way of gluttony, but compared to this thing it appears positively conservative. Mashed between beef and bun are 4 strips of bacon, 3 slices of cheese, and a big gob of mayonnaise. That's how it earns nearly twice the saturated fat you should consume in an entire day! Go with the Little Thick Cheeseburger to you'll eliminate 65 percent of the calories. 

Eat This Instead!
Hardee’s Little Thick Cheeseburger
450 calories
23 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,180 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Some burgers are lean and healthy. Others are excessive and dangerous. See if any of your favorites made our list of The 15 Worst Burgers in America. And check out Cook This, Not That! to learn how to make delicious 400-calorie burgers (and hundreds of other delicious weight-loss meals) in minutes at home.

4. WORST BREAKFAST

McDonald’s Big Breakfast with Large Biscuit, Hotcakes, and syrup
1,330 calories
60 g fat (20 g saturated)
2,280 mg sodium
49 g sugars

This is the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink breakfast made popular by diners such as Denny's and IHOP. Consider these stats: This meal has as much saturated fat as 2 Sausage McGriddles, more sodium than 6.5 large orders of french fries, more sugar than 3.5 Hot Apple Pies, and more calories than 3 Double Cheeseburgers. We're all for eggs at breakfast, but not when they come flanked with pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and an oversized buttermilk biscuit. Pair a Parfait with an Egg McMuffin for 22 grams of belly-filling protein in fewer than 500 calories. Now that's a great way to start the day.

Eat This Instead!
McDonald’s Egg McMuffin with Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait
460 calories
14 g fat (6 g saturated)
905 mg sodium 
24 g sugars

Bonus Tip: Smart snacking can work wonders on your waistline, curbing your cravings so you order less at the drive-thru. The key is finding snacks that are low in sugar and high in protein and fiber. Try any of our 50 Best Snack Foods in America—they'll help keep you lean and full all day long! 

 5. WORST SANDWICH

Quizno’s Large Tuna Melt
1,450 calories
98 g fat (20 g saturated, 1 g trans)
1,910 mg sodium

Tuna ought to be a healthy source of lean protein, but Quizno's suffocates its with so much mayonnaise that the original fish has been relegated to a mere texturing agent amid a wet slurry of fat and calories. We've called Quizno's out for this sandwich before, and we'll keep at it until they decide trim back on the excesses. In the meantime, go with the Honey Bourbon Chicken Sub. For the regular-size sandwich, you could eat a dozen without hitting the fat load of the Large Tuna Melt.  

Eat This Instead!
Quizno’s Regular Honey Bourbon Chicken
520 calories
8 g fat (3 g saturated)
1,470 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Learning which restaurants make it easiest to eat healthy can have a big impact on your body, and we've done the grunt work for you. Check out Eat This, Not That's list of America's Best and Worst Restaurants: 2011—and discover how to order your favorite foods, at your favorite restaurants, and still lose lots of weight without ever dieting again.

5 Worst Drive -Thru Foods

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Best and Worst Dollar Store Buys

When you're trying to save money, the dollar store can seem like a magical place. Abracadabra, everything's a buck or less! But just because something's inexpensive doesn't make it a good buy at such retail establishments.

Party Supplies: Dollar Store Deal

We went shopping to find out what's a good deal at the dollar store, and what's not:

Party Supplies: DEAL

Everything from party invitations to decorations to balloons are worth buying at the dollar store. For instance, foil balloons easily run from $3 to $8 a pop at party-supply stores, gift shops and supermarkets. But you can get them for $1 each -- helium included -- at the dollar store.

Goodie bags, party favors and color-coordinated paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic cutlery are also a good buy.

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Cleaning Supplies: Dollar Store Deal

Cleaning supplies: DEAL

According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, the cleaners you buy at the dollar store work just fine. You probably won't find many name brands, but the ingredients are similar -- though perhaps more diluted. For everyday cleaning, they should do the trick. (For tougher cleaning jobs, you may have to spring for something more heavy-duty.)
You can also get a good deal on rubber gloves, sponges, and scrub brushes too.

Vitamins: No Dollar Store Deal

Vitamins: NO DEAL

Don't scoop up your vitamins at the dollar store. Consumer Reports found that dollar-store multi-vitamins didn't always have the amount of nutrients claimed on the label. And others didn't dissolve fast enough to be absorbed by the body. You may be better off getting vitamins from a well-known store brand, such as Rite Aid, Walgreens or CVS.

Greeting cards: Dollar Store Deal

Greeting Cards: DEAL

Greeting cards are nice, but are they really worth $4? We think it's the thought or sentiment that counts, not what you spend. Our local dollar store has a big selection of cards for every occasion, at 50-cents each. They're good-quality, too, so the recipient won't even guess that you scrimped.

Basic School Supplies: No Dollar Store Deal

Basic School Supplies: NO DEAL

While the dollar store has decent deals on many school supplies, we didn't find them to be much better than the prices at Walmart.
For pencils, notebooks, highlighters, crayons, glue sticks, scissors, sticky notes and more, it's best to stock up when they go on sale during back-to-school season (August-September). The rest of the year, you can hit either the dollar store or Walmart with confidence.

Seasonal or Holiday Items: Dollar Store Deal

Seasonal or holiday items, such as Valentine's day, Easter eggs and Christmas tree decorations: DEAL

Whether you need to stuff Easter baskets or Valentine's day boxes, or you simply want to deck the halls for your favorite holiday, you might save a few bucks at the dollar store.
Seasonal paper plates and napkins (i.e. with pumpkins or Santa Claus on them) are also a good deal -- we found packs of 20 for $1. On decorations, bargains can be hit-or-miss and subject to opinion. For example, we found a set of icicle ornaments that looked beautiful on our tree this year, but the imitation pine wreaths looked too cheap and scraggly for our taste.

Pregnancy Tests: Dollar Store Deal

Pregnancy Tests: DEAL

Babies are expensive from the very beginning. The cheapest pregnancy test at our local Walgreens cost $8. But you can get one at the dollar store for a buck. Both are 99% effective, both test for hormone levels with similar sensitivity. And at $1 a pop, you can afford to test and re-test as much as you like if you simply don't believe your eyes.

Pain Medications: No Dollar Store Deal

Aspirin, ibuprofen and other medications: NO DEAL

Consumer Reports warns that aspirin and other medications may be left on the shelf past their expiration dates. It also points out that some labels may not say where the medicine was manufactured.
While there haven't been any safety concerns about dollar-store meds, generic aspirin from your local pharmacy or supermarket is probably a better bet -- and may not cost too much more.

Gift Wrapping Supplies: Dollar Store Deal

Gift Wrapping Supplies: DEAL

You can get a 20-foot roll of gift wrap at the dollar store for a buck, while you'll pay at least three times that at big-box and party-supply stores. Gift bags cost up to $5 at other stores, depending on size. But at the dollar store, all sizes are $1. We also found huge savings on tissue paper, up to 75% off prices elsewhere. And don't forget the Scotch tape!
 

Toys: No Dollar Store Deal

Toys: NO DEAL

It's tempting to buy toys for only $1. But there's definitely a trade-off in quality. Many dollar-store toys are cheaply made and they can be dangerous when they break.
Baby toys should generally be avoided because they will go directly into the mouth, and dollar-store toys may have unsafe levels of lead and phthalates, which are a class of chemicals found in soft plastics.

Canned food and other pantry items: NO DEAL

You may be able to get these cheaper elsewhere. For example, our nearby dollar store sells Green Giant canned vegetables and Goya beans for $1 a can. But we found the exact same items at Walmart for less, and generic brands at even bigger savings. Dollar-store cake and brownie mixes come in smaller packages so watch the unit price. Also, you should keep an eye on the expiration dates on food at the dollar store. They may be near or past their freshness date.

Batteries and Electronics: NO DEAL

Consumer Reports warns that dollar store electronics and extension cords may have fake UL labels and could be unsafe. It's better to spend a little extra for quality and safety. Also, cheap batteries may be prone to leakage, or may not run your gadgets as long as pricier brands. Many dollar stores sell carbon-zinc batteries which are less efficient than the alkaline variety.

Cooking and Dining Accessories: DEAL

We found spoons, spatulas, cheese graters, ice cream scoops and more at the dollar store for 50% to 90% off the prices at Target and Walmart. We also spotted wine glasses, dining plates and flatware for less. Almost anything is a good buy in the kitchen department, with the exception of knives, which may be flimsy or dull.

Best and Worst Dollar Store Buys

1st Amendment Protects Military Funeral Protesters

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the First Amendment protects fundamentalist church members who mount anti-gay protests outside military funerals, despite the pain they cause grieving families.

The court voted 8-1 in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. The decision upheld an appeals court ruling that threw out a $5 million judgment to the father of a dead Marine who sued church members after they picketed his son's funeral.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the court. Justice Samuel Alito dissented.
Roberts said free speech rights in the First Amendment shield the funeral protesters, noting that they obeyed police directions and were 1,000 feet from the church.

"Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker," Roberts said. "As a nation we have chosen a different course — to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate."

Alito strongly disagreed. "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case," he said.

Matthew Snyder died in Iraq in 2006 and his body was returned to the United States for burial. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who have picketed military funerals for several years, decided to protest outside the Westminster, Md., church where his funeral was to be held.

The Rev. Fred Phelps and his family members who make up most of the Westboro Baptist Church have picketed many military funerals in their quest to draw attention to their incendiary view that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are God's punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.

They showed up with their usual signs, including "Thank God for dead soldiers," "You're Going to Hell," "God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11," and one that combined the U.S. Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, with a slur against gay men.


The church members drew counter-demonstrators, as well as media coverage and a heavy police presence to maintain order. The result was a spectacle that led to altering the route of the funeral procession.

Several weeks later, Albert Snyder was surfing the Internet for tributes to his son from other soldiers and strangers when he came upon a poem on the church's website that attacked Matthew's parents for the way they brought up their son.

Soon after, Snyder filed a lawsuit accusing the Phelpses of intentionally inflicting emotional distress. He won $11 million at trial, later reduced by a judge to $5 million.

The federal appeals court in Richmond, Va., threw out the verdict and said the Constitution shielded the church members from liability.

Forty-eight states, 42 U.S. senators and veterans groups sided with Snyder, asking the court to shield funerals from the Phelps family's "psychological terrorism."

While distancing themselves from the church's message, media organizations, including The Associated Press, urged the court to side with the Phelps family because of concerns that a victory for Snyder could erode speech rights.

Roberts described the court's holding as narrow, and in a separate opinion, Justice Stephen Breyer suggested in other circumstances, governments would not be "powerless to provide private individuals with necessary protection."

But in this case, Breyer said, it would be wrong to "punish Westboro for seeking to communicate its views on matters of public concern."
Margie Phelps, a daughter of the minister and a lawyer who argued the case at the Supreme Court, said she expected the outcome. "The only surprise is that Justice Alito did not feel compelled to follow his oath," Phelps said. "We read the law. We follow the law. The only way for a different ruling is to shred the First Amendment."

She also offered her church's view of the decision. "I think it's pretty self-explanatory, but here's the core point: The wrath of God is pouring onto this land. Rather than trying to shut us up, use your platforms to tell this nation to mourn for your sins."

1st Amendment Protects Military Funeral Protesters

Nissan GTR SpecV vs Switzer GTR

Fantasy 'Stock vs Aftermarket' Shootout: Nissan GTR SpecV vs Switzer GTR "Track Animal" 

The Nissan GTR has become an icon. It's hard to think of a car that has been followed with more anticipation. When it was announced that the newest Skyline would be offered in the U.S., people smashed open piggy banks to call "dibs." The tests confirmed what the press had predicted; it was incredible. The aftermarket pounced. COBB was so eager and sure of the GTR's future, they shipped a GTR over from Japan to get the jump on cracking the ECU. Since then, a new 10-second, high-powered GTR pops up almost weekly. But it wasn't just guys with laptops in their garage working to unleash the essence of Godzilla, Nissan was busy too. In early 2008, only 1 year after the GTR went into production, the rumor mill started about development of a hard-core GTR Spec V.

We met the specs of the upcoming V with a cynical wrinkle of the eyebrows, "Sooo it's twice as expensive, has the same horsepower, and no back seat? Tell me again why this is exciting?" As fun as that sounds, I'd rather buy a normal one, modify it, and still have $60k left to enroll Nissan's execs in Econ 101: Cost vs Return. Basically, with the aftermarket developing insane performance from the GTR with a simple ECU program, why would anyone buy a Spec V? Our attitude was simply that the tuner world could provide a better car for less money. Instead of spending valuable time praying for a head-to-head comparison to grace the pages of our favorite 'zine, we decided to create our own. In one corner we have the lighter, nimbler, factory-forged Nissan GTR SpecV. In the other we have an old friend of ours; the Switzer Performance GTR P800 "Track Animal." Nissan gave us the supercar at a bargain, let's see if Switzer beats them at their own game.

Nissan GTR Spec V

It didn't come as a suprise to anyone that Nissan was building a special version of its new R35 GTR. Previous generations have been offered with special edition trim, called "V Spec." In the R34 Skyline, this meant stiffer suspension, an active LSD, a carbon hood and extra aero bits. A similar formula is used for the R35. Re-named the "Spec V" the goal was to harness the essence of the GTR and improve upon it. As much as we all love horsepower, what has made the GTR such an incredible performer is its handling. Its prodigious grip and brainy differentials can turn your mom into Michael Shumacher.

Nissan could have given the GTR the Porsche GT2 treatment: bigger turbos and more boost. Instead looked for ways to turn the grip dial up a notch. Chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno said the goal was not for more power, but to take handling to the next level. So it will handle better than a stock GTR, how can I even describe that? Is "land-magent" a word? They went about it using the old formula of less weight, sticky tires, better supsension, stronger brakes. Simple right? Hardly.

Let's start with the easy parts. New run-flat Bridgestone RE070s were wrapped around super-light RAY'S wheels, reducing rotational weight and increasing grip. Carbon fiber was used for the hood, body panels, rear wing and front diffuser and the rear seats were taken out. All told Nissan cut 132lbs from the GTR, for a curb weight of 3,704lbs. It's not a Lotus Elise, but with a starting weight of 3,800lbs the Spec V is like Alec Bladwin losing 15lbs; he won't have a 6-pack but I'm sure his heart is grateful.


Speaking of the heart, let's take a brief moment to talk about the Spec V's. I say brief because the increase in power from a normal GTR is...0. Yes, the $167,000 2010 Nissan GTR SpecV makes 480hp. Quite a marketing idea, "Same power, now twice the price!" Imagine that at McDonald's, "Our dollar menu offers you those same dishes you love, for just $2!" With the reduced weight it reaches 60mph in 3.4 seconds and crosses the 1320 foot mark in 11.5 seconds, no slouch, but nothing new. You do get 14 more torques...for 80 seconds.

Let me explain: The Spec V comes with an over-boost function, similar to the KERS systems in F1 or the Porsche system. When you're in 3rd gear (or higher) you can hit a switch on the dash and send 14 more lb-ft. to the wheels. This broadens the torque-band between 3500 and 5200rpm. The problem is that to arm the system the computer has to agree that the engine and tranny temps are just right. Once "Goldilocks" decides it's ok to activate the system, it gives you an 80 second window to use that boost.

Now, the annoying part is after those 80 seconds are up - whether you use the boost or not - it makes you wait 80 seconds to arm it again. SO, if you're entering a corner and arm the system to use on the straightaway, you better make that pass. Otherwise you will have to wait almost 1 1/2 minutes before you can even ask the system for extra boost. I understand the idea of over-boost, but this sounds like it would just be a big, frustrating headache. I don't know why they wouldn't simply turn the boost up, like COBB's Stage 1 system. More power, no new parts, done and done. Nissan's system would have me contemplating kamikaze into the wall...if the computer says it's ok.



So far it doesn't look good for the Spec V. Where has Nissan spent your extra $80,000? On the brakes? Actually, yes. The brakes are special 6-piston carbon-ceramics by Brembo. While that's nothing special, this is; these brakes resist fade, dissipate heat, and stop better than the brakes on the Ferrari FXX. That seems like overkill for a car with less power than a Corvette Z06, but late-braking is just as valuable on a racetrack as horsepower (to a point). Just make sure you take good care of them, because a set will cost you $50,000. At least we know where the money went...

The 2010 Nissan GTR SpecV is not a sledge-hammer, because that's not what Nissan wanted. The changes Nissan has made seem small, but the result is a car that is more balanced, tossable and agile. You don't get a 700hp car built to chase GT2s and ZR1's...or do you? Mizuno was quoted saying the ZR1's 'Ring time of 7:26 is "not hard to beat." An official time has yet to be laid down, but Nissan doesn't go around making bold claims it can't back up.

So the Nissan GTR Spec V weighs less, turns and stops better, and is marginally faster than the regular GTR. But are those changes really worth the price of 2 stock GTRs? It doesn't even have more power! Surely the aftermarket can build something better for less...

Switzer Performance Nissan GTR "Track Animal"

We brought you the story about this incredible GTR, dubbed The Switzer GTR "Track Animal" and built by our friends at Switzer Performance, back in April. The goal was simple: The customer wanted a car he could drive the 3 hour commute to his local track, destroy all the GTR records at said track, and then drive home in a comfortable air-conditioned breeze. He wanted what we all want, a car that can perform the double-duty of comfortable cruiser and track-ready bruiser.

However, the question today is not whether or not someone besides Nissan can build a race-ready GTR, it's whether or not they can do it cheaper than Nissan. We now know the 2010 GTR SPec V will cost you $167,000, and comes fitted with the same engine as a base GTR. Now we'll find out if Switzer was able to build an equal-or better-car for less.

Let's start with what was done to this this car. If you are building a car that is track-oriented, the first thing on your mind will be suspension. Improving the handling of your car means higher cornering speeds, quicker directional changes and more grip, all translating to faster lap times. Tym decided a set of fully-adjustable coilovers from JRZ would perfectly suit his client's needs. Next were the brakes, from AP racing. They aren't the made of unicorn like the Spec V's, but they're still carbon-ceramic and thus shaved both unsprung and rotational weight from the GTR.

Speaking of weight, did I mention Tym is being cast as the next coach for Biggest Loser? Not really, but he should be, because he found a way for this GTR to drop 200 pounds. Along with the brakes, light-weight CFRP Bride seats, a carbon hood, carbon wing and titanium exhaust all replaced the units from Nissan. The final weight for this car is 3,600 lbs. That's a full hundred pounds lighter than the super-duper Spec V. The Nissan engineers are nothing short of automotive masterminds, but I have to wonder why they couldn't get the Spec V lighter, especially since Tym didn't even have to chuck the back seat.



And then there's the final ingredient for this Ohio-enhanced Godzilla, a healthy scoop of Switzer P800. Think of it as a GTR accidentally drinking Barry Bonds' "milkshake" and you'll know what I'm referring to: power. The P800 kit from Switzer uses bigger turbos and intercoolers and new ECU programming to extract a hyper-drive-capable 720AWHP (800 at the crank) from the GTR. And because all of Switzer's parts weigh the same as the stock parts, unlike Barry there's no unwanted weight gain. The result is hyper-car thrust with back seats and air conditioning.

So if you take your car to Switzer you get car that weighs less than the Spec V, has seats in the back and enough power at your right foot to test the absorption power of your passengers' undies. But how much does it all cost? We did some investigating and here's how it broke down:

* The P800 Kit= $19,000.
*AP Brakes= $15,000.
*JRZ Suspension= $25-40,000 (Street/track spec or race spec).
*Seats= $4,000.
*Aeromotions Wing= $3,000.
*Carbon Fiber Hood= $2,000.



All told you're looking at between $59,000-$84,000 for all the goodies on this car. That means that even if you get your GTR for the MSRP of $80,000, and you order the "cheaper" JRZ suspension, you'll be spending $140,000 without tax and installation. Never mind the hours and money you'll spend at a track dialing in those fancy shocks. When it's all said and done, the prices of the Spec V and the Switzer GTR are practically identical. But as we've seen, the cars are as identical as Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito were in Twins.



With the 2010 Nissan GTR Spec V you get the name, the exclusivity and brakes that will make Ferrari throw a fit. But most importantly you get a GTR that has been honed by the very people that created the GTR. No one knows this car better, and Mizuno and his team have proven they know how to make a car great. The standard GTR was faster than opponents boasting more power and less weight. This was achieved using F1-inspired chassis balancing and weight distribution, and giving this monster a CPU that would make Bill Gates blush. But outside a race track or car meet, few people will be able to separate the Spec V from a crowd of base GTRs, and it's questionable whether this will be able to perform that double-duty of commuter/race the GTR does so well.

And let us not forget the absence of extra power. As much as we love a balanced car, nothing makes us smile as easily as that feeling of getting hit in the back by a charging rhino. You may not notice a Spec V's 2g's of stopping power on the way to work, but big power can be felt at the first on-ramp.

With the Switzer Nissan GTR "Track Animal" you get that power, and then some. 720AWHP is a lot, some may even say it's too much. But if you look at the cars in the unlimited time-attack classes, you will see that harnessing giant power can provide phenomenal reward. It's lighter than the Spec V and the brakes won't require you to sell your own heart to replace them. What you don't get is that pre-approval from Mizuno himself. We've driven both hand-built and factory-built cars, and there's a sense of trust that comes from having only Nissan's name on the car. With aftermarket projects there's always a tiny question mark. Did we forget anything? Is the suspension set right? Will it explode? Switzer is a fantastic builder, but it's like having a different contractor build each room of your house, all coordinated by one manager. With the Spec V there is peace of mind that everything is balanced and perfect.

At the end of it all it's about personal preference. The SpecV is a special-edition Nissan R35 GTR, and that is something very special indeed. It may not win a drag race against a Koenigsegg, but it will take you around the 'Ring not only faster than anything else with 480hp, but faster than cars 200hp more. It will be a perfectly balanced track star and because the engine is still stock, it will be making hot laps for years. It just lacks that "wow" factor that comes with 800hp. Me? I'd take the Switzer.

 

 

Nissan GTR SpecV vs Switzer GTR

Pakistan Raises Oil Prices, Fueling Anger

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan hiked oil prices by 9.9 percent Tuesday, a move that threatens the stability of the fragile, U.S.-allied civilian government at a time of economic turmoil in the impoverished country.

Spikes in international oil market prices — spurred by uprisings in Libya and other parts of North Africa and the Middle East — forced the raise in Pakistani prices, said Jawad Nasim, a spokesman for the country's oil regulator. The price of a liter (0.26 gallon) of petrol went from 72.96 rupees (85 cents) to 80.19 rupees (94 cents).

Opposition parties and even some members of Pakistan's governing coalition immediately denounced the raise, while a group representing public transportation workers in the country's largest city threatened to go on strike.

Haider Abbas Rizvi, a senior member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, said the price increase was unacceptable because it would further burden Pakistan citizens, who are already struggling to deal with double-digit inflation and chronic power shortages.

The MQM briefly left the governing coalition in January when the government tried to raise fuel prices, and Rizvi hinted that the party may once again defect to the opposition unless the ruling Pakistan People's Party reverses its decision in three days.

The ruling party backed off on that earlier increase to keep the MQM onboard and save its majority in parliament, upsetting the United States and international lenders whose billions are keeping Pakistan's economy afloat. The U.S. in particular has an interest in seeing Pakistan stay economically and politically stable because it relies on the country's cooperation to further its war aims in Afghanistan.

It was not immediately clear if the People's Party could afford to avoid another price hike this time.
Mohammad Sohail, an economic analyst, estimated the government had lost out on 17 billion rupees ($200 million) by failing to increase gasoline prices since November. Even the 9.9. percent increase on gasoline and other petroleum products wasn't enough to cover losses, he said.

Karachi Transport Union, an association of bus owners, truckers, taxi drivers and others involved in the city's public transport said its members would go on strike on Thursday over the price hike.
Syed Mahmood Afridi, secretary-general of the group, said the strike would last until the government reversed decision.

Karachi is the country's most populous city, with over 16 million people, and its main economic hub. A lengthy public strike there could further hobble the Pakistani industry.
Pakistan has a population of more than 180 million. Average income per capita is less than $3,000, so a rise in petroleum prices can make a big dent in a citizen's pocketbook.

The International Monetary Fund has provided Pakistan with more than $7 billion in loans to salvage its economy, but it has demanded the government take at times difficult steps to reform its economy.
But the economic reforms, notably a revised general sales tax, are unpopular. The ruling party has tried to pursue a policy of "reconciliation" in hopes of getting all parties onboard for economic changes, but it has had little luck so far, and its political opponents seem to sense its weakness.

Last week, the Pakistan Muslim League-N pushed the People's Party out of its coalition in Punjab, the country's most populous and wealthiest province. The PML-N is in charge of the government in the province but in the opposition on the federal level.

Officials with the People's Party could not immediately be reached Tuesday.
Also Tuesday, the bullet-riddled bodies of four tribesmen slain by suspected Taliban fighters for allegedly acting as U.S. spies were found in a northwest Pakistani tribal region, Pakistani intelligence officials and a resident said.

The bodies were found along a road near the Hamzani area of North Waziristan, a tribal region largely under the control of militant groups engaged in fighting U.S. and NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan. A note attached to the bodies accused them of acting as U.S. spies.

Local tribesman Syed Khan said he'd seen the bodies early Tuesday along a road near his home. Two intelligence officials confirmed the account on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to reporters on the record.

Taliban fighters have slain numerous tribesmen in North Waziristan whom they suspected of spying for the U.S., including passing along information that helps American missile strikes against militant targets.

Pakistan Raises Oil Prices, Fueling Anger

Oatmeal Smackdown : The Healthiest Fast-Food Oatmeals

Yes, Mark Bittman’s smackdown on McDonald’s oatmeal in his recent New York Times Opinionator column, “How to Make Oatmeal…Wrong,” introduced some valid points when he criticized McDonald's for taking a healthy food (oatmeal) and turning it into another sugar-laden menu offering. Making your own oatmeal at home can be—and often is—healthier.  And although McDonald's  name for it—Fruit & Maple Oatmeal—implies it contains maple syrup, it doesn’t—it has “natural flavor” and caramel coloring instead.

But as a registered dietitian and nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine, I was disappointed by Bittman’s nutrition analysis. He only looked at the calories in McDonald’s oatmeal (290) when he compared it to the Egg McMuffin. Sure, the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal doesn’t look so healthy when you call out the fact that it’s only 10 calories less than an Egg McMuffin (300).

But the oatmeal looks like a much healthier choice when you see that it delivers less than half the total fat and saturated fat at 4.5 and 1.5 grams, respectively, compared to 12 and 5 in the McMuffin. In fact, the oatmeal contains the least amount of fat of any other item on the McDonald’s breakfast menu. You also get 3 more grams of fiber and 660 milligrams less sodium from the oatmeal.

And beyond all of that, Bittman made no mention that oats are healthy whole grains—something that most Americans don’t eat often enough. Or that oatmeal is fiber-rich and contains protein—two key nutrients that will help keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunch. And no matter what type you choose, quick-cooking, steel-cut, and rolled oats are equally healthy nutrition-wise—and can take mere minutes to cook.

McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal has those healthy whole grains, but, to Bittman’s point, the evil is in the toppings and mix-ins (sweetened dried fruit, brown sugar, and cream). For comparison, a plain 1-cup serving (cooked with water) DIY version at home delivers about 166 calories, 4 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 9 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein.

Though I do prefer to cook my own oatmeal—and it can be healthier—the reality is that not everyone is so willing and motivated. If you’re going to a fast-food restaurant for breakfast, oatmeal is likely to be among the healthiest picks.

Here’s a look at just how healthy—or unhealthy—the oatmeal is at some common fast-food restaurants and four of the healthiest choices to order. The good news? These chain restaurants’ oatmeal choices clock in at under 500 calories (some even well under), which (depending on how many calories you are, or should be, consuming) can fit into a healthy diet.

McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (9.2 ounces) delivers 290 calories, 4.5 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 160 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 5 g protein. It’s made with a combination of instant and slower-cooked oats. Make it a little healthier and skip the brown sugar—you’ll save 30 calories and 45 mg of sodium.











Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal (about 8 ounces) has 140 calories (plain), 2.5 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 105 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein. It’s made with quick-cooking oats.

Don’t want the plain variety? Add the 100-calorie Nut Medley topping—although it bumps the calories up to 240 (more than just adding the brown sugar (190) and the same as adding the dried fruit) and the total and saturated fat to 11.5 g and 1.5 g, respectively (also more than the other toppings). The walnuts, pecans, and almonds deliver good-for-you fats and 2 extra grams of protein, but no unhealthy added sugars as the brown sugar and sweetened dried fruit do.

You can buy one or more of the three toppings offerings at Starbucks to add to the plain oats. If you sprinkle in all of the toppings, nuts, dried fruit, and brown sugar, the calorie tally reaches 390.

Au Bon Pain Oatmeal (8 ounces) delivers 170 calories (plain), 3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 5 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein. It’s available in three different sizes—a small is 8 ounces, a medium 12-ounce and a large 16-ounce. Although the large delivers more calories (340) than any other chain-restaurant choice, 340 calories surely won’t break the calorie bank and can still easily fit into a healthy diet.

The Apple Cinnamon variety in the same 8-ounce size has an extra 20 calories, but all other nutrient amounts are the same.


 

Jamba Juice Plain Oatmeal with Brown Sugar (12 ounces) contains 220 calories, 3.5 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 20 mg sodium, 5 fiber, 8 g protein. The oatmeal serving is on the larger size (unless you order the medium at Au Bon Pain) compared to the others. Interestingly, the oatmeal is made with steel-cut oats and is the only one I found to be slow-cooked.

The Fresh Banana Oatmeal is the flavor that adds the least amount of extra calories (12 ounces, 280 calories, 4 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 20 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 9 g protein).

Apple Cinnamon, Berry Cherry Pecan and Blueberry & Blackberry bump the calorie total to 290, 340 and 290, respectively—and increase sodium by a little bit in each.

Oatmeal Smackdown : The Healthiest Fast-Food Oatmeals