Early critic of Sotomayor says will back her – Reuters
July 22, 2009
Early critic of Sotomayor says will back her – Reuters
 New York Times |
Early critic of Sotomayor says will back her
Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, an early critic of President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, said Wednesday he will vote to confirm her as the first Hispanic on the top US court. … GOP's Graham says he'll vote for Sotomayor GOP Senator Lindsey Graham Says He'll Vote For Sotomayor Graham Backs Sotomayor; Republican Leader Opposes Her |
California Progress – Wall Street Journal
 Telegraph.co.uk |
California Progress
Wall Street Journal Score one for California voters. In May they rejected a bipartisan budget deal that raised taxes and debt, and the political class screamed “disaster.” This week Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democrats in Sacramento agreed to spending cuts that … Budget deal still on track Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger gets a big knife and cuts California … California dodges bullet with budget deal–for now |
Post-election protests in Iran – New African
June 26, 2009
Post-election protests in Iran – New African
Over 46 million eligible voters choose among four candidates, with incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and ex-premier Mir Hossein Mousavi the favourites. Mousavi says he has won. – Saturday, June 13 Ahmadinejad wins with almost 63 percent, against 34 percent for Mousavi on turnout of 85 percent: interior
Commentary: Shaq trade looks like a bust – Austin American-Statesman
Afading superstar has joined the NBA’s most valuable player. What happens if they don’t win a championship for the Cleveland Cavaliers? On the eve of the NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns sent Shaquille O’Neal to the Cavaliers. The Diesel and King James. A 15-time All-Star center teaming with LeBron James
Mike Tyson’s child dies after accident – Jackson Clarion-Ledger
May 26, 2009
Mike Tyson’s child dies after accident – Jackson Clarion-Ledger
PHOENIX — Police say the 4-year-old daughter of boxer Mike Tyson has died a day after her neck accidentally was caught in a treadmill cord while she was playing at home. Phoenix police spokesman Andy Hill said Exodus Tyson was pronounced dead in a hospital just before noon Tuesday. Police have
Tape: Burris vowed to ‘do something’ financially for Blagojevich as he pleaded for Senate seat – Minneapolis Star Tribune
CHICAGO – Transcripts from a call taped by the FBI show Sen. Roland Burris pleaded to be appointed to the U.S. Senate and promised to “personally do something” in response to a fundraising appeal on behalf of then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The promise came in a phone conversation with
Calif. Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8 – Daily Trojan
The California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8 Tuesday, affirming the ban on same-sex marriage that voters approved last year. While the justices were split 6-1 regarding the constitutionality of the proposition — which was passed with a 52 percent vote in November’s election — they
Republican Steele: A New Era of Class – Baltimore Sun
May 19, 2009
Republican Steele: A New Era of Class – Baltimore Sun Republican Steele: A New Era of Class
Boston Globe
Baltimore Sun
Republican National Chairman Michael Steele, in what his press secretary has billed as "an important speech," will call for civility and a return to the nuts and bolts of party-building at a luncheon for Republican state chairmen in Prince George's …
Steele Threatens to Quit if RNC Undermines Funding Authority
Steele says time to focus on future
US housing starts, permits plumb record lows – Reuters US housing starts, permits plumb record lows
Voice of America
Reuters
By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, May 19 (Reuters) – New US housing starts and permits dropped to record lows in April, while retail sales fell last week, according to reports on Tuesday that tempered optimism the nation's recession was drawing to a close.
Drop in Building of Apartments Drags Down Housing Starts
Housing Starts Down on Multifamily Weakness
Palestinians demand Obama action follow words – The Associated Press Palestinians demand Obama action follow words
ABC News
The Associated Press
JERUSALEM (AP) – A key Palestinian official demanded Tuesday that President Barack Obama follow up his tough talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and force Israel to stop West Bank settlement construction and accept creation of a …
Video: US – Israel: clear divisions on two-state solution
Ten-Year-Old Bravely Battles Breast Cancer – CBS News Ten-Year-Old Bravely Battles Breast Cancer
Daily Mail
CBS News
(CBS) Statistics say one-in-nine women will get breast cancer. A child getting breast cancer is almost unheard of. But in La Mirada, Calif.
10 years old Hannah Powell-Auslam Suffers of Breast Cancer
California Pre Teen Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
US soldier who shot five troops was 'broken' by counsellors – Telegraph.co.uk
May 12, 2009
US soldier who shot five troops was 'broken' by counsellors – Telegraph.co.uk US soldier who shot five troops was 'broken' by counsellors
WA today
Telegraph.co.uk
The US soldier accused of killing five of his fellow troops in Iraq was not a violent person, but counsellors "broke" him before the incident at a military stress centre, his father has said.
Video: Murder Charges Filed in Iraq Soldier Shooting
Perez Hilton Wants to Return as Judge, and Trump Says He'll Be Welcome – FOXNews Perez Hilton Wants to Return as Judge, and Trump Says He'll Be Welcome
WA today
FOXNews
By Joshua Rhett Miller AP Perez Hilton, the celebrity blogger who called Miss California Carrie Prejean a "bitch," and worse, for her opposition to gay marriage, says he would "love to return" as a judge at next year's Miss USA pageant – and Donald …
Video: Crowning Glory for Miss California – New York Post
Swine flu case confirmed in WNC – Asheville Citizen-Times Swine flu case confirmed in WNC
TVNZ
Asheville Citizen-Times
RUTHERFORDTON – Local health officials are reminding people to practice good hygiene and stay home if they are sick following confirmation of Western North Carolina's first case of swine flu.
Drugs Urged for Swine Flu in Pregnancy
CDC: Pregnant women should be wary of swine flu
China factory output growth slows, retail sales surge – guardian.co.uk
May 12, 2009
China factory output growth slows, retail sales surge – guardian.co.uk China factory output growth slows, retail sales surge
Financial Post
guardian.co.uk
By Lan Wang and Simon Rabinovitch BEIJING, May 13 (Reuters) – China's factory output growth slowed in April, providing fresh evidence a day after poor export data that recovery in the world's third-largest economy is not yet on a rock-solid footing.
China's industrial output 'up 7.3 pct in April'
China's Focus on Boosting Domestic Demand Sees Success
Swine flu case confirmed in WNC – Asheville Citizen-Times Swine flu case confirmed in WNC
TVNZ
Asheville Citizen-Times
RUTHERFORDTON – Local health officials are reminding people to practice good hygiene and stay home if they are sick following confirmation of Western North Carolina's first case of swine flu.
Drugs Urged for Swine Flu in Pregnancy
CDC: Pregnant women should be wary of swine flu
Cowboys staff hurt in ‘bubble' collapse – Philadelphia Metro
May 3, 2009
Cowboys staff hurt in ‘bubble' collapse – Philadelphia Metro Cowboys staff hurt in ‘bubble' collapse
BBC News
Philadelphia Metro
A canopy – known as the bubble – covering a Dallas Cowboys practice field collapsed during a severe thunderstorm on Saturday, with local media reporting several people injured, including at least one coach for the National Football League team.
Video: Raw Video: Inside the Tx. Dome Collapse
Andersen knocks Nowitzki, Mavs back to earth – FOXSports.com
by Charley Rosen Even though Denver's final margin was "only" 14, the Mavs were out-maneuvered, out-quicked, out-muscled, and – especially during the second half – they played like they wished the NBA had a mercy rule.
Aggressive Nuggets hit another gear in Game 1 victory
Nuggets win first semifinal game vs. Mavs
Refugees on a wild frontier between army and Taliban – guardian.co.uk Refugees on a wild frontier between army and Taliban
Hürriyet
guardian.co.uk
Two hours' drive from downtown Islamabad, with its leafy avenues and upmarket restaurants, a chain of jagged mountains in North-West Frontier Province marks the frontline of Pakistan's war with the Taliban.
Militants Dispute Pakistan Government Creating Islamic Courts
Rising tensions threaten Pakistan, Taliban peace
Roadrunner Drywall builds a stronger foundation with Alpha Five
April 25, 2009
Roadrunner Drywall builds a stronger foundation with Alpha Five
I’ve been blabbing about the economy now for just as long as everyone else. And months later, my message is the same: Now’s the time to start the business of your dreams.
Shane Mustoe, founder and owner of Roadrunner Drywall, is a long-time Alpha Software customer. For years he’s been using Alpha to make his business more efficient. (You’ll see more information on that below.)
But Shane also realized that the program he helped create in Alpha Five, TradeContractorPRO, is something that other construction and contracting companies would find highly useful too. So he founded Exterra Software to make that realization a reality.
Our PR gals recently chatted with Shane, and got the full scoop of how he’s using Alpha Five to run a more streamlined drywall contracting business. You can read the full story below, or have a look at the full PDF version.
And remember: THIS COULD BE YOUR STORY. All you need is a great idea, a copy of Alpha Five, and perhaps some help from our Professional Services Group.
Customer Profile
Established in 1977, Roadrunner Drywall Corporation is the industry leader in residential drywall construction, with locations in Phoenix; Tucson, Ariz.; and Las Vegas.
Location
Phoenix
Industries
Construction
Situation
Shane Mustoe, Vice President and co-owner of Roadrunner Drywall, found it difficult to manage the company’s growing number of drywall contracting crews, which were spread across three cities and two states. Drywall contracting is different than most construction trades. Up to seven crews are scheduled for a single job, and each has a different and equally important role. For example, there are crews for stocking, hanging, cleaning, taping, and finishing. Mustoe would keep track of jobs, lot numbers, dates, phases of jobs, and more using markers and dry erase boards. As the company expanded its business, Mustoe found it increasingly difficult to track job flow and the more than 300 employees working at different sites every day. He couldn’t keep the chart in chronological or alphabetical order, and there was no way to index jobs because they were completed at different times. It also became nearly impossible to know project statuses and identify what crew was needed next. Mustoe and other supervisors would have to visit each job site to determine this, an extremely inefficient process.
Solution
Mustoe realized he needed to move his entire job management process to a computer system. Mustoe had previously created a simple application with Alpha Four in DOS after his brother came across an Alpha review in a magazine. He now needed to revamp the entire system to meet the growing needs of his company. Mustoe thought Alpha Five’s development solutions fit his needs, and because of Alpha’s low cost, knew the price was right. But he knew he needed help. Mustoe turned to the Alpha Web site, where he found Alpha developer Kevin McDuff. McDuff built an application designed to meet all of Mustoe’s needs. Mustoe now has a completely customized, ever-evolving scheduling and estimation application at his fingertips. Because the application is so intuitive, Mustoe is now able to automate all project and scheduling information, as well as control all estimating processes. The software has since been expanded to include the full range of activities required to keep the business operating optimally, such as exporting job costing and invoicing information to accounting software. The estimating module allows Roadrunner to quickly prepare estimates for potential jobs, and automatically creates proposals to submit to the contractor. Users enter various measurements for each house plan, and a complete list of materials, labor, and equipment is compiled automatically, resulting in an accurate estimate of the costs for the job that is used to determine the bid price for the project. Once a project is awarded, the data flows into the production/scheduling modules for tracking and scheduling the materials and labor crews needed for the jobs. In addition, the software includes purchasing, job costing, automatic job invoicing, and repair scheduling modules.
Benefits
Mustoe’s database system is fully automated, and can be used to manage all of Roadrunner Drywall’s data requirements. Mustoe was able to transfer all of his paper files and dry erase board notes online. Now, when Roadrunner Drywall is awarded a job, a supervisor enters the takeoff information into an electronic job file, instead of dealing with layers of paper forms. Each piece of job information-from scheduling to materials to budget-is sent directly from the database to the appropriate department or organization, such as construction crews, accounting, payroll, suppliers, etc. This eliminates human error during information transfer, and ensures the correct worker and vendor gets paid for their job. There’s also never a need to enter data more than once, because it’s all contained and shared in the database. And now, estimation is completed accurately, in a fraction of the time. Since Mustoe never has to worry about the flow of information, he spends considerably less time on the work sites, and more time ensuring his business is performing at its optimal level. With such a streamlined workflow, only a few administrative employees are needed, which saves costs. The software is very user-friendly, and can be used by anyone with basic computer skills. Alpha Five has become the foundation for not only Roadrunner’s continued success, but for Mustoe’s growing role and importance in the construction application development arena. Mustoe’s Alpha experience has been so positive, he’s packaged his application, TradeContractorPROTM, and now sells it to others in the construction industry through his software company, Exterra Software.
For More Information
Alpha Software, Inc.
781-229-4500
www.AlphaSoftware.com
Roadrunner Drywall Corporation
480-948-6870
www.RoadrunnerDrywall.com
Exterra Software
888-270-4730
www.ExterraSoftware.com
www.TradeContractorPRO.com
Show Us Your Alpha Apps: Healthsoft Solutions
Here’s another demo that was submitted to us by Don Lavigne of Healthsoft Solutions for our Show Us Your Alpha Apps contest.
Don created this application to help doctors and physicians have a more time-efficient way of taking notes. With this application, the days of tedious hand-written note taking are over, and the days of organized flow charts, easy-to-access records, and instantly updatable schedules are in. Does this mean the days of jokes about doctors’ bad handwriting are over too?
Have a look at Don’s demo for more information on turning your office into a well-oiled machine.
An update from our Show Us Your Alpha App contest winner
April 18, 2009
An update from our Show Us Your Alpha App contest winner
When I told Bruce Fraser he was the winner of our Show Us Your Alpha App contest, I also asked him to snap some pictures when his prize arrives so we could share them here on the blog. And Bruce, being the good sport that he is, was more than willing to send us some shots.
Here he is opening up the box:
And pulling out his super-portable new MSI Wind netbook:
Congrats again, Bruce. Hope you enjoy it!
For those who haven’t seen it, take a look at Bruce’s demo.
Roadrunner Drywall builds a stronger foundation with Alpha Five
I’ve been blabbing about the economy now for just as long as everyone else. And months later, my message is the same: Now’s the time to start the business of your dreams.
Shane Mustoe, founder and owner of Roadrunner Drywall, is a long-time Alpha Software customer. For years he’s been using Alpha to make his business more efficient. (You’ll see more information on that below.)
But Shane also realized that the program he helped create in Alpha Five, TradeContractorPRO, is something that other construction and contracting companies would find highly useful too. So he founded Exterra Software to make that realization a reality.
Our PR gals recently chatted with Shane, and got the full scoop of how he’s using Alpha Five to run a more streamlined drywall contracting business. You can read the full story below, or have a look at the full PDF version.
And remember: THIS COULD BE YOUR STORY. All you need is a great idea, a copy of Alpha Five, and perhaps some help from our Professional Services Group.
Customer Profile
Established in 1977, Roadrunner Drywall Corporation is the industry leader in residential drywall construction, with locations in Phoenix; Tucson, Ariz.; and Las Vegas.
Location
Phoenix
Industries
Construction
Situation
Shane Mustoe, Vice President and co-owner of Roadrunner Drywall, found it difficult to manage the company’s growing number of drywall contracting crews, which were spread across three cities and two states. Drywall contracting is different than most construction trades. Up to seven crews are scheduled for a single job, and each has a different and equally important role. For example, there are crews for stocking, hanging, cleaning, taping, and finishing. Mustoe would keep track of jobs, lot numbers, dates, phases of jobs, and more using markers and dry erase boards. As the company expanded its business, Mustoe found it increasingly difficult to track job flow and the more than 300 employees working at different sites every day. He couldn’t keep the chart in chronological or alphabetical order, and there was no way to index jobs because they were completed at different times. It also became nearly impossible to know project statuses and identify what crew was needed next. Mustoe and other supervisors would have to visit each job site to determine this, an extremely inefficient process.
Solution
Mustoe realized he needed to move his entire job management process to a computer system. Mustoe had previously created a simple application with Alpha Four in DOS after his brother came across an Alpha review in a magazine. He now needed to revamp the entire system to meet the growing needs of his company. Mustoe thought Alpha Five’s development solutions fit his needs, and because of Alpha’s low cost, knew the price was right. But he knew he needed help. Mustoe turned to the Alpha Web site, where he found Alpha developer Kevin McDuff. McDuff built an application designed to meet all of Mustoe’s needs. Mustoe now has a completely customized, ever-evolving scheduling and estimation application at his fingertips. Because the application is so intuitive, Mustoe is now able to automate all project and scheduling information, as well as control all estimating processes. The software has since been expanded to include the full range of activities required to keep the business operating optimally, such as exporting job costing and invoicing information to accounting software. The estimating module allows Roadrunner to quickly prepare estimates for potential jobs, and automatically creates proposals to submit to the contractor. Users enter various measurements for each house plan, and a complete list of materials, labor, and equipment is compiled automatically, resulting in an accurate estimate of the costs for the job that is used to determine the bid price for the project. Once a project is awarded, the data flows into the production/scheduling modules for tracking and scheduling the materials and labor crews needed for the jobs. In addition, the software includes purchasing, job costing, automatic job invoicing, and repair scheduling modules.
Benefits
Mustoe’s database system is fully automated, and can be used to manage all of Roadrunner Drywall’s data requirements. Mustoe was able to transfer all of his paper files and dry erase board notes online. Now, when Roadrunner Drywall is awarded a job, a supervisor enters the takeoff information into an electronic job file, instead of dealing with layers of paper forms. Each piece of job information-from scheduling to materials to budget-is sent directly from the database to the appropriate department or organization, such as construction crews, accounting, payroll, suppliers, etc. This eliminates human error during information transfer, and ensures the correct worker and vendor gets paid for their job. There’s also never a need to enter data more than once, because it’s all contained and shared in the database. And now, estimation is completed accurately, in a fraction of the time. Since Mustoe never has to worry about the flow of information, he spends considerably less time on the work sites, and more time ensuring his business is performing at its optimal level. With such a streamlined workflow, only a few administrative employees are needed, which saves costs. The software is very user-friendly, and can be used by anyone with basic computer skills. Alpha Five has become the foundation for not only Roadrunner’s continued success, but for Mustoe’s growing role and importance in the construction application development arena. Mustoe’s Alpha experience has been so positive, he’s packaged his application, TradeContractorPROTM, and now sells it to others in the construction industry through his software company, Exterra Software.
For More Information
Alpha Software, Inc.
781-229-4500
www.AlphaSoftware.com
Roadrunner Drywall Corporation
480-948-6870
www.RoadrunnerDrywall.com
Exterra Software
888-270-4730
www.ExterraSoftware.com
www.TradeContractorPRO.com
Research of ‘Good’ Brown Fat Could Help Treat Obesity, Diabetes – The Ledger
April 8, 2009
Research of ‘Good’ Brown Fat Could Help Treat Obesity, Diabetes – The Ledger
Fight fat with fat? The newest obesity theory suggests we may one day be able to do just that. Just like good and bad cholesterol, there apparently are good and bad types of body fat. Scientists until recently thought this good fat, which spurs the body to burn calories to generate body heat, played
Billy Bob gives odd interview – Straits Times
NEW YORK – JOAQUIN, you have competition. In a radio appearance reminiscent of David’s Letterman’s recent interview with actor-turned-rapper Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Bob Thornton gave a puzzling and difficult interview on Wednesday. Appearing on CBC radio, the Canadian public broadcaster, Thornton
Low salmon numbers lead fisheries regulators to vote to shut down Calif. fishing for 2nd year – Los Angeles Times
MILLBRAE, Calif. (AP) — Federal fisheries managers have voted to call off California’s commercial fishing season for chinook salmon after record low returns were recorded in the Central Valley last year. The decision Wednesday marks the second year in a row that the Pacific Fishery Management
Facebook User Base Hits 200 Million – WMUR.com
NEW YORK — In less than eight months, Facebook has doubled its user base by signing up 100 million people from around the world, officially hitting 200 million on Wednesday. Its population is now higher than Brazil’s and Japan’s. The ubiquitous online hangout, available only to college students
