12.31.08 -- http://www.net/com/edu/gov

Visualization of the various routes through a portion of the Internet.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Puzzle by Tim Wescott, edited by Will Shortz

The internet address letters HTTP, NET, COM, EDU and GOV are found within the 15-letter entries of:

HAVEABONETO PICK (17A. Feel like quarreling about something);

TOTALCOMMITMENT (23A. No halfway effort);

TRUMPEDUPCHARGE (49A. Basis of a false arrest, perhaps);

PLAYINGOVERTIME (61A. Going past the fourth quarter, say).

WWW (40A. Letters after two slashes) is in the dead center of this final crossword puzzle of the year of 2008, which is reviewed in cartoons, along with 2009 -- click HERE.

All the internet address letters are in circles in the electronic version, while in the newspaper, HTTP is in shaded squares, the WWW in unshaded, and the remainder contained in circled squares within the four 15-letter entries. The newspaper version, with the aforementioned variation in squares, gives the interrelated entries clarity and looks great.

Eight six-letter entries follow -- ABBACY (5D. Monastic jurisdiction); ATLAST (18D. “Finally!”); DASHER (41D. One of a seasonal octet); OMERTA (20A. Gangster’s code of silence); RECOUP (60A. Gain back); SCREWY (48D. Off the wall); SKORTS (9D. Women’s hybrid clothing); SPRITE (46D. “Obey your thirst!” sloganeer, once).

The bulk of the crossword is comprised of five-letter answers -- ACTED (54D. Did one’s part?); ADEPT (44A. Skilled); ALERT (39A. “Heads up!,” e.g.); 4. “It’s the end of ANERA”; ARISE (11D. Greet the day); 1D. Give ASHOT in the arm; CREAM (31D. Alfredo sauce ingredient); DECAF (41A. Grounds for a good night’s sleep?); DEGAS (52D. “At the Milliner’s” painter); EPEES (57D. They’re guarded at the Olympics); GUMBO (56D. Okra stew); ITSME (67A. Informal reply to “Who’s there?”); KOREA (16A. Divided Asian land); LIEON (43D. Use as a bed); MUTED (25D. No longer bright, as colors); 8D. ONEPM (8D. Common lunch hr.); ONTWO (24D. When a football may be hiked); OWNUP (34D. Confess); 7D. PANAM games; PILOT (64A. Altimeter user); RECON (12D. A little advance work); RELIT (50D. Activated again, as a burner); REVET (3D. Support with stone as an embankment); ROILS (55D. Agitates); SCARY (9A. Alarming); SPECS (28A. Writer’s guidelines); TAILS (19D. Call after a toss); TEAMO (2D. “I love you,” in Spanish); TIPPI (49D. Hedren of Hitchcock’s “The Birds”); URALS (51D. Range extending south from the Kara Sea); USONE (53D. Auto route from Me. To Fla.); YAKUT (13D. Native of NE Siberia).

Four-letter -- ALPO, ANEW, APAR, ATRA, BEAN, DSOS, DYKE, ELBE, LOON, ROES, SEEN, SEXY, TACO, TIOS.

Three-letter -- ACE, ASI, AYN, CAP and COP, EEK, IER, IWO, LEO, LSU, OFT, PLY, SAD, SOU, USS, VEX, YOM.

Two, one....

Happy New Year!

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For today’s cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

If you subscribe to home delivery of The New York Times you are eligible to access the daily crossword via The New York Times - Times Reader, without additional charge, as part of your home delivery subscription.

Xword search information -- Across: 1. Gillette razor; 5. Meat-in-a-can brand; 14. In view; 15. Noggin; 21. On ___ with (even with); 22. ___ ‘wester; 26. Rand who wrote “Atlas Shrugged”; 27. Sch. Where Shaquille O’Neal played basketball; 32. Spanish uncles; 35. Mexican restaurant offering; 42. Dick Van ___; 43. Addlebrain; 45. “ASI see it …”; 47. Enterprise inits.; 58. Suffix with hotel; 59. Richard and Jane in court; 65. Again; 66. Hamburg’s river; 68. Like the Beatles’ Sadie; 69. U.K. military medals. Down: 6. “Bus 9 to Paradise” author Buscaglia; 10. Steal, slangily; 28. “___ but true”; 29. Use diligently; 30. “A cockroach!”; 33. “Sands of ___ Jima”; 36. Dead man’s hand card; 37. Gown’s partner; 38. “How ___ Has the Banshee Cried” (Thomas Moore poem); 62. ___ Kippur; 63. Annoy.

12.30.08 -- I, II, III...

George III in Coronation Robes, Allan Ramsay, 1762

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Puzzle by Doug Peterson, edited by Will Shortz

FATHERS AND SONS (52A. Ivan Turgenev novel … and a hint to 20-, 31- and 40-Across); SENIOR DISCOUNT (20A. Incentive aimed at golden agers); JUNIOR MINTS (31A. Chocolate-coated candy); THE THIRD MAN (40A. 1949 Orson Welles film) are this Tuesday puzzle’s interrelated entries, leaving one with the image of a elderly gent at the movies with a box of candy and the Turgenev novel in the event of a need for reading material. Or perhaps that of the 41st and 43rd Presidents of our United States -- and, oh dear world, is there a third? -- I WONDER (42D. “Hmmm … “).

MIXINGIN (4D. Adding, as an ingredient) and ODYSSEUS (38D. He devised the Trojan horse) are the other long entries, followed by HOMEROW (41D. Where touch typists begin); HYANNIS (23A. Massachusetts tourist spot); LINCHPIN (26A. Key element); NONSLIP (48A. Designed to increase traction); REDCENT (9D. Insignificant amount); SCHNOOKS (44A. Easy dupes); and WARRIOR (5D. Samurai, e.g.).

NITWIT (45D. Chowderhead) and TROUGH (10D. Slop container) are of six letters, followed by five-letter entries of AGILE (15A. Light on one’s feet); ARENA (3D. Fight site); EGADS (6D. Antiquated exclamation); HOLEY (2D. Needing darning, maybe); INNIE (50D. Certain navel); LISTS (26D. Most of Santa’s mail); LOTTE (49D. Tony winner Lenya); NANCE (48D. Jack of “Twin Peaks”); ONICE (60A. In readiness); PSALM (51D. Song of David); RABID (18A. Foaming at the mouth); ROUND (57A. Ammo unit); SLASH (1D. Reduce drastically, as prices); WATER (63A. Marathon handout); WEBER (5A. Big name in grills).

Short stuff -- ADO, ALEX, ANON, AOK, BIBI, BLOW, BLT, ELIS and ELS, ERG, ESC, ETNA, FLOE, GPS, GTO, IDEA, INCH, ISM, JAGS, KILT, LOKI and LORI, MEEK, NOON, NOSH and TOSH, OLEO, ONTO, ORCS, OWLS, PALM and PSALM, RAIL, RAND, RONA, SEEM, SHAM, SUIT, TEST, TYKE (10A. Youngster), UNPC, UTIL, WAY, YAWN (11D. Sign of fatigue).

The 41st and 43rd presidents of the United States.

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For today’s cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

If you subscribe to home delivery of The New York Times you are eligible to access the daily crossword via The New York Times - Times Reader, without additional charge, as part of your home delivery subscription.

Xword search information -- Across: 1. Pretense; 14. Actress Petty; 16. Commuter option; 17. Slugger Rodriguez; 19. Nocturnal hunters; 24. Bit of work; 25. Powerful Pontiac; 35. Hubbub; 36. Before too long; 37. Laptop key; 38. Margarine; 39. Modern navigational aid, for short; 46. Thoroughfare; 47. School of thought; 56. Squander; 58. Sicilian hot spot; 59. Norse trickster; 61. Power co.; 62. Clinical study; 64. Seem to be. Down: 7. Nickname of Israel’s Netanyahu; 8. Some Ivy Leaguers; 12. “Braveheart” getup; 13. Overhead RRs; 21. Not duped by; 22. Tolkien brutes; 27. Creep (along); 28. Conceal in the hand; 29. “What’s the big ___?”; 30. Midday; 31. Sporty cars, briefly; 32. Potentially offensive; 33. Light snack; 34. Humbly patient; 40. Nonsense, to a Brit; 43. Cape Town currency; 52. Arctic mass; 53. “Thumbs-up” responses; 54. Barrett or Jaffe; 55. Spades, for example; 56. Diner order, briefly.

Jennifer Lopez's “Sunkissed Glow” Fragrance Ads

Sexiness in Jennifer Lopez’s new fragrance ad, Sunkissed Glow. The photos were taken by world-renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh on the island Islamorada in Florida.

Sunkissed Glow is a flowery, fruity and sensual scent with notes of orange blossom, waterlilies and passion flowers. You will also smell the scent of ember, musk and cashmerewood.

The new fragrance will hit in Europe on February 2009. For U.S. release, no available dates yet.

Chris Paul sexy pits commercial

Checkout New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul doing sexy and humor in the Right Guard commercial.

Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol gave birth to a baby boy

Bristol Palin, the teen daughter of Sarah Palin who got knocked up by Levi Johnston has given birth to a baby boy. The baby weighs 7 lb., 7 oz., he was named Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston.

According to People, "We think it's wonderful," said Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol's grandmother Sally Heath, who confirmed the news. "The baby is fine and Bristol is doing well. Everyone is excited."

Bristol Palin is currently residing in Wasilla and completing her high-school diploma through correspondence courses.

Another future voter for Sarah Palin future ambition...

Katrina Halili finally admits her affair with Hayden but denies she's behind the break-up

When Dr. Hayden Kho finally admits that he is the guilty party in the recent breakup with Dr. Vicki Belo and reveals that he indeed has a "short-lived" affair with actress Katrina Halili, the public is now waiting for Karina's comment.

When split-up issue started few weeks ago, Katrina Halili strongly declining to comment on rumors about her involvement with celebrity Dr. Hayden Kho and proudly saying to media people that she is not affected with the said news.

Katrina is now cornered with Hayden's revelation. Finally in an exclusive interview with Lhar Santiago, she admits their so called "brief romance" betraying the trust of her friend Dr. Vicki Belo.

Katrina said the she regretted the affair and when she realized that she made a mistake, Katrina said, "I stayed away from him".

"Nagkamali ako. Siyempre tao lang naman po ako, ‘di ba? Kaya nga nung nalaman kong nagkamali ako matagal na akong lumayo at matagal ko nang pinagsisihan yon. Ngayon, hinarap ko siya at sinasabi kong hindi ako affected dahil matagal ko na pong pinagsisihan kung ano man yung pagkakamali ko."

She also added, "There could be a lot of reasons behind the break-up. Please don’t put the blame on me"

Even though Katrina admits the affair but still she denied the sex video evidence that allegedly Dr. Vicki Belo discovered.

ABS-CBN: there is no truth about the Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" TV series

Is ABS-CBN making false publicity in its own official website? abscbnnews.com recently reported and proudly announced that they bagged the rights to create a television remake of the vampire-love story "Twilight".

Today via the abscbnews.com, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation announced that there is no truth about the said TV project.

ABS-CBN Corporate Communications' Bong Osorio said, "There is no truth to the Web reports that ABS-CBN is doing a local adaptation of "Twilight". ABS-CBN will be the first to announce if it is, in fact doing so."

With this fiasco, their making a fool of them selves.....

Kate Beckinsale is an icon first lady, (January 2009 Inauguration issue of Capitol File magazine)

Kate Beckinsale's beauty is very ideal for America's first ladies-inspired theme photoshoot in the latest January 2009 Inauguration issue of Capitol File magazine.

Aside from her classic classy images (with the Jackie O. trademark), Kate talks about her upcoming movie "Nothing But the Truth" were she plays plays Rachel Armstrong, a Washington, DC-based reporter who reveals the identity of a CIA agent and then goes to jail for refusing to name her source. Another breakout role for Beckinsale.

Some highlights of her interview....

What most attracted you to the script of Nothing But the Truth?
"It’s a really well-written, intelligent movie that’s about something. My character starts out in very normal circumstances. She’s an ordinary person who’s trying to catch her break as a journalist, raise her young son, and keep her marriage afloat—all those things everybody’s doing. And then she finds herself in a very extraordinary position of having to be heroic, which I think is interesting because I don’t think anybody sets out to be heroic. There’s a lot that you sacrifice, and it’s very interesting to see this woman have to keep going through experience after experience that’s changing who she is, what she stands up for, and how she manages to keep hold of that all the way through."

A large part of the film’s plot centers on a very daunting ethical question. Did you find yourself wondering, What would I do in that situation?
"I think that if you’re not the person involved, then it’s much easier to come at it from a hypothetical, intellectual place. I didn’t find anything particularly interesting in playing someone who is heroically standing up for a principle. As an actor, [you try to] find the personal, the emotional reasons. It’s almost as if you’re trying to play someone who’s saintly. There’s nothing more boring to watch than somebody going around making the right decisions all the time. As a woman and a mother, I had a very hard time with how long my character is in jail without seeing her son. I know that in terms of heroics, I probably would be less capable because I would be thinking of the effect on my child and I’d probably have to come home."


What was it like to film in a prison?
"If I hadn’t decided against a life of crime before, I definitely have now. They were quite frightening about “Don’t touch anything and always wash your hands.” The level of general filth, I didn’t really think hard about it, but the prison warden was really worried about us touching things and getting hepatitis or something. But it was quite interesting because the weird celebrity culture that we’re in, it doesn’t matter whether people are incredibly oppressed in prison, they still want me to autograph their Bible. You feel ridiculous dressed up in a very similar prison costume, and you know they’re all looking at you thinking, “She’s going home to her hotel, and we’re staying here.”

Have you ever thought about becoming an American citizen?
"I haven’t yet; I may at some point. A British friend of mine—a much older man who’s about the most British person I’ve ever met and has been here God knows how long—has just become an American citizen. He may not be American, but his children live here and he wanted to be part of voting on who’s going to be in power for them, which makes sense to me. I have to say I’ve never planned on living in America. I seem to have got myself here, to my amazement, married to an American—none of these things was I remotely anticipating. Maybe if I find myself still here in 10 or 15 years it would probably be silly not to be able to vote."

For the full article, visit Capitol File.

David Beckham ends relationship with Pepsi

After his ten years relationship with soft drinks giant Pepsi, soccer superstar-E! sexiest David Beckham call it quits. Reportedly, he is giving up the $3 million a year contract and decided to concentrate his projects with companies such as Vodafone and Armani.

Beckham said with his farewell to the Pepsi company, “I have nothing but good memories of my association with Pepsi. I’ve played a gladiator, a cowboy, a surfer, and worked alongside Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez as well as some of the biggest names in world football. I hope everyone who has seen the work enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it.”

While Pepsi expresses their gratefulness to the soccer superstar,

“Pepsi is proud to have worked with David Beckham for 10 years, during which time he has been among the most successful and inspiring international footballers of all time.

“Our partnership has been one of the most enduring in global brand history and David will always be part of our Pepsi family. David’s football legacy will live on and everyone at Pepsi will continue to be as passionate about his success as we have been over the last 10 years.”

Currently, Beck is playing with AC Milan after a three month loan deal from LA Galaxy.

Daniel Craig gives girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell the "007 Kiss"

Daniel Craig is giving his girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell the 007 passionate treatment as they both enjoy the holiday break Grand Saline beach in St Barts.

Craig's lady Satsuki Mitchell looks great in those leopard-print bikini.


[photo courtesy of celeb utopia]

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes: death threats is becoming serious

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes doesn't want their guard down. The couple are reportedly receiving serious death threats that are believed to come from anti-Scientology organization. And now FBI is entering the picture.

The situation is now becoming serious that FBI is now investigating and offering some security protection.

According to The Mail, that security has been stepped up around Cruise, 46, Holmes, 30, and their two-year-old daughter Suri. The couple now live at separate locations and move around in bomb-proof vehicles.

"Cruise is due to fly to London for the UK premiere on January 21. ‘Tom is terrified. He doesn’t feel safe anywhere."

The All-American Rejects covers Britney Spears‘ “Womanizer”

Checkout The All-American Rejects as they cover Britney Spears‘ “Womanizer” for Yahoo!’s Pepsi Smash Cover Art Series.

Why Womanizer? Tyson Ritter says, because we can just “do it better”.

John Mayer's Top 5 list

Fall Out Boy Pete Wentz posted on his blog a list of five things, moments, people, music, movies, books and art from celebrities that they think that created a marked to them in 2008.

One of the celebrity is John Mayer. His list includes:

5. Apple TV and group YouTubing
4. E-Flite mCX Remote Control Helicopters
3. Kings of Leon - “Only By The Night”
2. Wireless internet on airplanes
1. President-Elect Barack Obama

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" three images released

The people in Empire has released 3 exclusive new photos from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

It shows the usual Michael Bay action-packed explosions. Another image feature the sexy Megan fox and Shia LaBeouf holding hands and running together escaping havoc.

The sad thing is there's no Autobots and Decepticons on the three images.

Will "Sista" rock 2009

Mid of 2008 it was reported that YG Entertainment is creating a new girl group, a female version of the Big Bang.

Reportedly, they will now introduce the new girl group "Sista (not yet final name)" consisting of three members Park Bom, Gong Minji and CL. They planned to launch the group on the first quarter of 2009.

Still unconfirmed if YG will stay in making the group of 3 members or 4 members. Previously their is also report that the fourth member is former ABS-CBN artist Sandara Park.

Originally it supposed to be debuting this Summer but maybe YG thinks that it needs more polishing and its to early to make a bang.

12.29.08 -- RUN

Jesse Owens, photograph in "Die Olympischen Spiele, 1936"

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Monday, December 29, 2008

Puzzle by Kevin Donovan, edited by Will Shortz

RUN (54D. Something 18-, 26-, 42- or 51-Across might have), RUMMY HAND (18A. It might include a 10-, jack, queen and king of hearts), BASEBALL GAME (26A. Yankees/Red Sox matchup, e.g.); BROADWAY PLAY (42A. Candidate for a Tony) and PANTYHOSE (51A. L’eggs product) are the interrelated entries of this mid-season Monday crossword.

HIE (52D. Hightail it, old-style) leads off the rundown of activity and angst -- ACHE (38A. Want badly, with “for”); BIG TOE (25A. Something often stubbed); EXISTS (29A. Has being); FEIGN (1A. Make believe); GLUMMEST (4D. Most morose); HYPED UP (41D. Much ballyhooed); IRK (57A. Annoy); NO DOUBT (5D. “Absolutely”); REPHRASE (36D. Say another way); SLY (56D. Wily); USED (50D. Played for a sap).

People in the puzzle -- AARON (15A. Alphabetically first name in the Bible); ANDIE (13D. Actress MacDowell); BART (42D. TV character who says “Don’t have a cow, man!”); BUTLER (49A. Who often “did it” in a whodunit); CARELL (6D. Steve of “The Office”); CLARA (6A. Barton who founded the American Red Cross); PUNKS (46D. Petty gangsters); RON (16D. Harry Potter’s best friend), who led off Sunday’s crossword with the clue being Harry’s pal at Hogwarts; 23A. “Pulp Fiction” co-star SAMUEL L. Jackson; TESLA (31D. Inventor Nikola) and his IDEAS (32D. Inventors have them) -- Wordplay refers us to this TESLA; TONTO (12D. Kemo Sabe’s companion); UHURA (48A. “Star Trek” lieutenant).

ANY TIME (10D. “Whenever”) and ARRAYED (38D. In formation) introduce the mid-sized entries -- ALPHAS (47A. Dominant dogs); ASIAN (24D. Like half of Istanbul); CELLO (14A. Yo-Yo Ma’s instrument); CLOUD (17A. Rain source); DARTS (53A. Game with a bull’s-eye); DEEDS (61A. Monopoly cards); EIDER (58A. Duck that’ll get you down?); LACED (27D. Tied up, as skates); MOPEDS (20A. Speedy two-wheelers); OHARE (45D. Chicago air hub); PENNY (62A. 1 cent); POP ART (44A. Andy Warhol genre); 11D. Military aircraft engine maker PRATT & Whitney; PUPIL (44D. Tutee); 23D. Anglo-SAXON; THESES (40A. 95 things posted by Martin Luther); 22A. TUTTI-frutti; 59A. “I’ll have the USUAL”; WATERS (43D. Tends, as plants).

Short stuff -- ACT (35A. Series of scenes); AHA (35D. “Now I understand!”); 37A. Massachusetts’ Cape ANN; ARMS (8D. An octopus has eight); BAN (25D. Prohibition); BETA (26D. Commercial prefix with -max or -cam); BODE (49D. Portend); 9D. CD-ROM; COT (39D. Barracks bed); EEL (2D. Snakelike fish); FCC (1D. Radio monitoring org.); GOT (28D. Understood); HUGE (19D. Enormous); ILO (3D. U.N. agcy. Awarded the 1969 Nobel Peace Prize); LAUD (7D. Extol); 60A. LES Etats-Unis; NOSY (33D. Snoopy); PEAS (21D. Pod contents); PTA (11A. School grp.); REDO (36A. Make over); TALL (40D. Like an N.B.A. center); TAN (55D. Sunbathe); TIN (31A. Sn, chemically speaking); TO A T (34A. On the nose).

S‘long, gotta verb-not-noun run!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

If you subscribe to home delivery of The New York Times you are eligible to access the daily crossword via The New York Times - Times Reader, without additional charge, as part of your home delivery subscription.

"Marley & Me" is no.1 in Weekend Box office

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson with their golden retriever in "Marley & Me" scores the top spot in weekend box office. This family-feel good flick raked in $37 million on the traditional three-day weekend Christmas Day opening.

1. Marley & Me - $37 million
*$51,675,000
2. Bedtime Stories - $28.1 million
*$38,598,000
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - $27.2 million
*$39,008,000
4. Valkyrie - $21.5 million
*$30,024,000
5. Yes Man - $16.5 million
*$49,591,000

* indicates total box office take since opening.
Full list of Box Office Totals after the jump.

Full list of Box Office Totals

12.28.08 -- Going Around in Circles

Sunday, December 28, 2008

GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES, Puzzle by Patrick Berry, edited by Will Shortz

ORBITS, and its clue -- 7A. What this puzzle’s eight concentric rings (uncircled and circled) represent -- is the simple explanation for a very complex-looking layout. Is it worth it? Well, it really depends upon one’s propensity for amusement with the impossibility of square orbits comprised of all those circles (electronic version) or shaded squares (dead-tree version), uh, well, perhaps a square orbit is just fine… the world was once flat!

Actually, this is a rather flat crossword for a solver, best worked with total disregard for its gimmick -- those circles (or shaded squares) are of little help in the solution and exist but to define the orbit of a PLANET (124A. One of these can be found reading counterclockwise somewhere in each concentric ring). SUN (70A. Appropriate center for this puzzle) is as is stated the center entry of the crossword, incongruously crossed by GOUDA (60D. Semisoft cheese from Holland).

After one has completed the crossword, there is the task of finding a planet "in each concentric ring” -- innermost to outermost in order. Curiosity alone and duty to blog caused me to ferret out each and every one with less and less amusement upon each revelation. I see no reason to list the planets -- that very well could alienate any reader who has at least mastered the likes of say, the alphabet.

ASK FOR THE MOON (5D. Make impossible demands) provides a satellite entry next to our planet, and very close to MERCURY. Oh, damn, there I did it -- well, it’s too late now -- VENUS, EARTH, MARS, JUPITER, SATURN, URANUS and NEPTUNE. Wait!, there’s PLUTO bent out of shape in the lower left corner inside Neptune’s orbit, which, in fact, happens in the life-size version of the solar system.

The bulk of the entries are slaves to the gimmick, but some are from another… uh, planet.

Across: 1. Harry’s pal at Hogwarts; 4. Hit 2004 film with many sequels; 13. Wooden peg; 18. Pressed for time; 20. 1968 N.B.A. All-Star Dick; 22. IRENE Adler of Conan Doyle’s “A Scandal in Bohemia”; 23. Georgia’s Fort PULASKI, site of an 1882 surrender; 24. Malevolent look; 25. Rubber gasket; 26. Gratis; 27. Lincoln Town Car, for one; 28. Patriots’ Day mo.; 30. Big ox; 31. Prefix with political; 32. BELLY dance; 33. Six-Day War combatants; 35. Entrance; 38. Actress RAE Dawn Chong; 40. “Nascar Now” channel; 42. Medevac worker; 43. Way to go; 44. Dog biscuits and such; 47. Formulator of the Three Principles of the People; 52. Gopher-wood construction; 53. Submarine egress; 54. Ruination; 55. Infra’s opposite; 56. King famous for frightening people; 59. Like some campaign ads; 62. Pomeranian’s bark; 63 Sic PASSIM (bibliographical term); 64. Elementary particle; 65. Actress / model Connie; 68. On land; 70. Appropriate center for this puzzle; 71. Frozen food company; 72. Exterior decorator?; 74. Beautify; 76. Let one’s anger show; 79. E-mail address ender; 80. Treasure sought in “Titanic”; 82. Heavy metal band?; 83. Stuck in the mud; 86. Storm; 87. No longer working; 89. Cuff feature; 90. Satisfies as baser instincts; 92. Husband, in Hidalgo; 93. “RENO 911” (comedy series); 94. Fed. Purchasing org.; 95. Long-range weapon, briefly; 97. According to; 98. The Auld Sod; 99. Childhood skin affliction; 103. Goes around; 106. Where a pin may be made; 108. Greenwich Village campus, for short; 109. Poorly; 110. Volkswagen model; 111. BBC panel show regular Phill; 115. Brand of basketball; 117. Something it’s not always wise to share; 119. Generally; 120. Grace POOLE (“Jane Eyre” character); 121. 1960 Bobby Rydell hit; 122. Electricians; 123. Ready to play, you might say; 125. Behave, 126. Go down.

Down: 1. Philbin’s “Live” co-host; 2. Responsibility; 3. Simba’s mate in “The Lion King”; 4. The Everly Brothers “Wake Up Little SUSIE”; 6. Little bit; 7. Scale-busting; 8. “Gaspard de la Nuit” composer; 9. Tack room items; 10. Veneer patterns; 11. First-time driver, often; 12. Porker’s pen; 13. Museum displays; 14. Yossarian’s tentmate in “Catch-22”; 15. “Mack the Knife” songwriter; 16. Lassitude; 17. Pantyhose brand; 19. Worn out; 21. Bigelow beverages; 29. Rodent, to a raptor; 32. Red food dye source; 33. All together; 34. Roman rebuke; 35. Comprehend; 36. Trunk in your trunk; 37. Plays; 39. Ireland’s ARAN Islands; 41. Exam for H.S. jrs.; 45. Rein-A treats it; 46. Region near Mount Olympus; 48. “In a pig’s eye!”; 49. Controversial 1987 expose by ex-M15 agent Peter Wright; 50. Cartman’s first name on “South Park”; 51. Bay Area county; 54. Oatcakes popular in Scotland; 57. Discreet attention-getter; 58. Exclamation in “The Farmer in the Dell”; 61. Tunes that might make you want to get out on the floor?; 64. Romeo’s reckless friend; 66. Legal claim on property; 67. Writer Ferber; 69. Hull scrapers; 72. Desk-borrowing worker; 73. Top 10 hit for Sarah McLachian; 75. Harvest; 77. Nicholas Gage memoir; 78. Possessor?; 81. Ray a k a the Hamburger King; 82. Poet’s inspiration; 84. Sharpness; 86. Preordained; 88. Bursts open; 91. Pedestrian safety feature; 92. What Mr. Spock suppressed; 93. Leave one’s post, possibly; 96. Lee with the 1960 #1 hit ”I’m Sorry”; 99. Bungling; 100. “Skip to MYLOU”; 101. Hoax; 102. GLOW stick (trick-or-treater’s accessory); 101. Make up (for); 105. Painter of a Zola portrait; 107. In different places; 110. Jack’s partner in rhyme; 111. Cloak-wearing “Star Wars” race; 112. Rolaids rival; 113. Big-screen beekeeper; 114. Propelled; 116. OLE Miss; 118. Domino dot.

All in all, this is a crossword with many twists and turns, bright spots and black holes, but it makes it into orbit and out of this world -- it may take a while, but after all, getting there is half the fun!

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Michael Lohan: "This website is NOT about Lindsay or Samantha."

Many are now saying with Michael Lohan's recently launched blog, it will just ignite the fire between him and and daughter Lindsay Lohan. He will used his new blog to protect him against attacks from what he described as "parasites".

Here's the rest of the post entry:

"After reviewing some of the comments on this blog and even others, let me say that this website is NOT about Lindsay or Samantha. I have no intention of disclosing any information or feelings I may have about either one of them unless it is in defense of what they or one of their "mouthpieces" might say about me. If in fact, one of their "sources", so called "friends" or "spokespersons" have something to say about me, then I guess we will just have to open up discussion on them as well.

AGAIN, this website is a forum to shed light on things in a positive and truthful way.

It is about bringing the world the truth about any situations or stories reported in the media that are worthy of discussing. It is about righting the wrongs and determining facts from fiction.

This website is an open forum to discuss questionable topics and even introduce you to worthy events (which help others) that you might like to participate in.

For example; during the Sundance Film Festival, my partners and I will be hosting a series of events which aid numerous charities and initiatives, such as human trafficking, child slavery, ministries, The Crohn's Foundation, various cancer foundations, hunger and other worthy causes.

Whether you realize it or not, this website is about getting people involved in a positive way, while leading them to the Truth, which in essence, is God. For those of you who choose to denounce or blasphemy the Word or Spirit of God, be very careful, because he sees, knows and judges your heart. (1 Samuel 16:7).

For that matter, my heart has always been focused on loving, caring, protecting and forgiving my family and even others. God knows that! Sure, at times, my heart had reason, even reasons didn't know. I followed my heart and acted out of emotion. I think we all do that at times. So who is anyone to cast stones at me?

So just because I or we, may discuss or shed light on various people or topics, does not mean we are attacking them. After all, the tabloids and other blogs discuss some of the same things we will. But in most cases, don't even investigate the things they report. What we are trying to do is to get some people involved in various topics and come up with some good solutions or advice.

So, if you want The Real Story and you want to have a voice and hear the Truth, I invite you to join in.

"For those who are self seeking and who reject the Truth and follow evil, there will be wrath. There will be trouble and distress for those who do evil, but glory, honor and peace for anyone who does good." (Romans 2:8-10).said in his post that "this website is NOT about Lindsay or Samantha." mmmm?

Here's the rest of the entry:

After reviewing some of the comments on this blog and even others, let me say that this website is NOT about Lindsay or Samantha. I have no intention of disclosing any information or feelings I may have about either one of them unless it is in defense of what they or one of their "mouthpieces" might say about me. If in fact, one of their "sources", so called "friends" or "spokespersons" have something to say about me, then I guess we will just have to open up discussion on them as well.

AGAIN, this website is a forum to shed light on things in a positive and truthful way.

It is about bringing the world the truth about any situations or stories reported in the media that are worthy of discussing. It is about righting the wrongs and determining facts from fiction.

This website is an open forum to discuss questionable topics and even introduce you to worthy events (which help others) that you might like to participate in.

For example; during the Sundance Film Festival, my partners and I will be hosting a series of events which aid numerous charities and initiatives, such as human trafficking, child slavery, ministries, The Crohn's Foundation, various cancer foundations, hunger and other worthy causes.

Whether you realize it or not, this website is about getting people involved in a positive way, while leading them to the Truth, which in essence, is God. For those of you who choose to denounce or blasphemy the Word or Spirit of God, be very careful, because he sees, knows and judges your heart. (1 Samuel 16:7).

For that matter, my heart has always been focused on loving, caring, protecting and forgiving my family and even others. God knows that! Sure, at times, my heart had reason, even reasons didn't know. I followed my heart and acted out of emotion. I think we all do that at times. So who is anyone to cast stones at me?

So just because I or we, may discuss or shed light on various people or topics, does not mean we are attacking them. After all, the tabloids and other blogs discuss some of the same things we will. But in most cases, don't even investigate the things they report. What we are trying to do is to get some people involved in various topics and come up with some good solutions or advice.

So, if you want The Real Story and you want to have a voice and hear the Truth, I invite you to join in.

"For those who are self seeking and who reject the Truth and follow evil, there will be wrath. There will be trouble and distress for those who do evil, but glory, honor and peace for anyone who does good." (Romans 2:8-10).

Lily Allen topless in Jamaica

A celebrity who hated wearing bras (one of her blog post), Lily Allen is in vacation with her mom, Alison Owen as they enjoy the beach of Jamaica. Lily goes topless while relaxing under the sun.

One of the onlooker told News Of The World:
“Lily looked absolutely fabulous and didn’t seem to have a care in the world. Her mum also looked great on the beach but it was Lily who was really turning heads.”

Checkout the NSFW link after the jump...

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[via News Of The World]

Taylor Swift buzz her dream date

Taylor Swift is not the quiet-type of person if you're talking about her love life. She openly shared her feelings, past relationship and even her 27 phone call break up with Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.

In the latest issue of Your Prom Magazine, Taylor shared that when she was 15 and the oldest in her group friends, still she have not kissed a guy.

Openly she expresses that her dream date/crush is Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford.

Brady's father: Rumored engagement of supermodel Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady, not true

The rumored engagement of supermodel Gisele Bündchen and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady spread like fire when the said news comes out but it seems that news is allegedly fabricated.

According to Brady's father denies the news via Boston Globe, "We don't know a thing about it," Tom's dad told us yesterday. "Nobody told me. We talked to him and there's nothing to say. It's rumor, rumor, rumor. It must be a slow news day."

Friends and rep. of both camp denies the rumored report.

Kamikazee's Led Zeppelin Tuyay drugs charges hearing postponed

He missed Christmas festivities in the Philippines and now the coming New Year Celebration. Led Zeppelin Tuyay, guitarist of Filipino rock band Kamikazee will stay longer in detention at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after his case hearing was postponed.

Led Tuyay was apprehend last December 4 for Drugs charges (Marijuana) and first hearing was originally scheduled on Thursday.

Khaleejtimes reports that Philippine Consul General Benito B. Valeriano in Dubai said the Consulate has been notified of the postponement of the hearing of Led Zeppelin Tuyay, to a date yet to be set.

“Now, we have to wait for further notice. Although his family keeps calling us at the Consulate requesting for the deportation of Tuyay, it is not for us to decide but the Court of UAE.”

If found guilty, a jail term will be his punishment and he will barred from entering UAE.

Michael Lohan launched his own blog

The scrutiny and the He said, She said battle of Lindsay Lohan and her dad will be more bashful next year.

Lindsay's father Michael Lohan will use power of the net to rebuttal all Lindsay's claims with the launched of his own blog "mikelohanonline.com"

The recent blog post of Lindasy is that she claims that her father has another child out of wedlock.

Michael will surely bash again Lindsay's girlfriend Samantha Ronson and friends who he called "parasite" and discuss the wrongful ways of her daughter. It only a matter of time that he will once again reveal more family's dirty secrets.

UPDATE: 2nd day of Metro Manila Film Festival 2008 box-office result

The blockbuster family comedy flick of Star Cinema’s “Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat” continues to dominate the box office results. The two day's earning reached to Php 133.7 million, 37 percent higher than last year.

With the result of yesterday's awards night, the moviegoers curiosity will boost up the ticket sales.

“Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat” bagged the 2nd Best Picture Award while the night goes to the period film "Baler", took home 10 festival awards.

1. Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat - Php 41 million
2. Iskul Bukol… 20 Years After - Php 35.6 million
3. Shake Rattle and Roll X - Php 22.9 million
4. Baler - Php 15.2 million
5. Desperadas 2 - Php 12.5 million
6. One Night Only - Php 2.7 million
7. Dayo - Php 2.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - Php 1 million

Anne Curtis won Best Actress, "Baler" big winner in the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival (2008) awards night

The historical film "Baler" that Department of Education recommend bagged 10 awards in the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival (2008) awards night held at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila.

The period film "Baler" which also has a grade A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) was chosen Best Picture and Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award with its educational value.

The beautiful Anne Curtis won her first acting award as Best Actress for her performance in Baler. Co-star Phillip Salvador was named Best Supporting Actor while their director, Mark Meily, won Best Director.

Another movie who has an "A" rating in CEB was recognized, One of the lead star of the film "Magkaibigan," Christopher De Leon took home Best Actor recognition.

Here's the list of winners:

Best Picture: Baler (Viva Films)
2nd Best Picture: Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat (Star Cinema)
3rd Best Picture: Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (OctoArts Films/M-ZET Productions/APT Entertainment)

Best Festival Actor: Christopher de Leon (Magkaibigan)
Best Festival Actress: Anne Curtis (Baler)
Best Supporting Actor: Phillip Salvador (Baler)
Best Supporting Actress: Manilyn Reynes (One Night Only)
Best Festival Director: Mark Meily (Baler)
Best Festival Child Performer: Robert Villar (Shake, Rattle & Roll X) Best Festival

Best Festival Screenplay: Roy Iglesias (Baler)
Best Festival Original Story: Jose Javier Reyes (One Night Only)
Best Festival Cinematography: Baler
Best Festival Sound Recording: Dayo
Best Festival Editor: Baler

Musical Score: Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia
Best Festival Movie Theme Song: "Lipad" (Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia)

Best Festival Makeup: Desperadas 2
Best Festival Visual Effects: Dayo
Best Festival Production Design: Baler

Gender Sensitive Award (for promoting equality of men and women through film): Baler
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Baler

[photo courtesy of Girlie Rodis]