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Jennifer Dimaano

Don't let the profile picture fool you--I don't EVER wear my glasses (my BFF persuaded me to wear them and said I looked like a "hot librarian" in them, the picture proves otherwise). I'm sassy, a little eccentric, and a mad evil genius. People usually think I'm a little older than I really am. I'm prone to socially awkward situations. -.-"" I love using emoticons :D , visually aesthetic things (stuff that fall under this category: people, clothes/style, photography, interior design, places etc.), Britney Spears, and traveling. I (seem) to dislike more things than I like, but I never dwell. I have a crazy ridiculous sweet tooth--which is almost insatiable--a dry sense of humor, more bankruptcy to my almost nonexistent income, an overcrowded closet, and most important the best company a gal can ever ask for :'] I am a dreamer, not a do-er--which is kinda sad--but I try my best. Secretly, I am a dancer, I have been dancing since I was 3 and will never, ever, stop. I'm a noob to writing :O bet you didn't think so!? I used to hate writing papers, grammar (despite being born in Chicago my first language was not English), and was so close to failing my high school English class. It wasn't until my freshman year in university I realized I have a real knack for it, which is all that matters. Did I scare you off yet? >:D

New terracotta warrior findings

The preservation of the 2,000 year old relics surprise many archeologists

Chinese archeologist have unearthed over 100 new terracotta warriors along with pottery horses, chariot parts, weapons, tools and intricately designed shields. 

What makes this discovery very important is the preservation, as well as how much of its original form each piece retained. Shen Maosheng from the Qin Shihuangdi Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum said, “The most significant discovery this time around is that the relics that were found were well-preserved and colorfully painted.”

After 2,000, years the color preservation surprised archeologist in comparison to other finds where color was almost non-existent. Another surprising feature of the newly found terracotta warriors are the eyeballs. The colors of their eyeballs are black and taupe. One surprisingly has red eyes, and eyelashes were painted on one of the figures.

The archeologists’ discovery was made in No. 1 Pit of the Qin’s Mausoleum.

The most important find among the terracotta soldiers was a shield. According to China Daily, in the three pits that terracotta warriors lay, a shield hasn’t been discovered. The shield was found on the right side of a chariot. It is about 70 centimeters in height and 50 centimeters wide.

Experts say the size of the shield is evidence to the shields in the Qin Dynasty. The shield that was discovered was twice as large as the bronze shields found among bronze chariots and horses, and during Qin times, those shields were produced half the size as actual shields.

Other impressive finds were eight officials and one senior official. The armor of the officials is designed with more complexity, and the patterns are more “delicate and exquisite” lamented Xu Weihong, executive director of the excavation team.

The terracotta warriors were originally created to protect Qin Shihuangdi in the afterlife. The Qin was known to unify the many kingdoms of China and ruled with brute force.

Spray-on tanning isn't safe

You have better chances out in the sun

Snooki had the right idea–to stop self-tanning. It was once thought that spray-on tans were a safer alternative to sunbathing in the sun, but a new study shows it may not be.

UV rays from the sun can cause accelerated skin aging and, in extreme cases, skin cancer. According to medical experts, the chemical used in spray-on tans—dihydroxyacetone (DHA)—can cause genetic alterations and damage one’s DNA.

Dr. Rey Panettieri, a toxicologist and lung specialist, told ABC News, “I have concerns…The reason I’m concerned is the deposition of the tanning agents into the lungs could really facilitate or aid systemic absorption—that is, getting into the bloodstream.”

Panettieri was one of six medical experts on a panel who voiced concerns. Other medical professionals across the board—dermatology and pulmonary health—have read through reports and literature about DHA and believe that serious health concerns can come from spray-on tans.

The panel of medical professionals read through 10 scientific studies of DHA—none involved human testing. The studies monitored the results of cells after being treated with bronzer additives.

Dr. Lynn Goldman, the dean of the School of Public Health at George Washington University told ABC News, “What we’re concerned about is not so much that reaction that creates the tanning, but reactions that may occur deeper down with living cells that might then change DNA.”

The FDA approved the use of DHA in the 70s but only in lotion and cream form. Salon spraying is not approved by the FDA—they recommend looking for an alternative to tanning beds.

“This would be a function for OSHA or state/local public health regulators, much as for hair or nail salons. FDA has oversight responsibility for the safety of the cosmetic products and the devices (UVA light sources and beds) in the indoor tanning salons.”

Dr. Donald Morton of the John Wayne Cancer Institute in California said, “If anything, I think tanning outside is safer.” 

Gas and retail sales slow down

The slow down in sales could be from the effects of the slowing job market

Gas sales went down 2.2 percent bringing down retail sales for April and May.

According to NPR, the Commerce Department said retail sales went down 0.2 percent in both April and May. Initially it was a reported May sales went up 0.1 percent before the revision of going back down 0.2 percent. The back-to-back decline was the first in two years. The declining Retail sales are a reflection of the slowing job market over the last three months, which could have consumers pulling back on spending.

Consumer spending drives 70 percent of the economy—the first thing the government looks at with retail sales reports. There is a fear if the job market doesn’t revive; this could hurt consumer spending in the upcoming months.

In April, total retail sales fell to $404.6 billion, which is below March’s record sales of $406.2 billion—21.6 percent up from the recession low that hit in March of 2009.

Despite the slowdown in both, gas and retail sales, April and May sales gas prices are going down. There is some prospect that lowering gas prices will drive some sort of growth in the economy—restaurant meals, clothes and appliances.

From the Associated Press (AP), it was stated gasoline prices dropped nearly 9 percent, the most in almost three years. Prices for gas have been going down since the April 6 highpoint. Currently, the national average for a gallon of gas is $3.54, according to AAA.

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Trace Cyrus has been making news recently

Break-up with Brenda Song as well as sending out love via Twitter to girls who cut

Trace Cyrus, Miley’s older half-brother, has got the media spotlight shining on him.

Just recently news of Trace Cyrus’, former Metro Station singer, break-up with long-time girlfriend and fiancée Brenda Song has just surfaced. The couple was engaged last year after rumors of Song becoming pregnant with the couple’s first child, as well as Cyrus posting up on twitter a cryptic message about “girls who cut.”

Cyrus put out lyrics to a Mac Miller song on Twitter that read, “Sending my love for girls who got some cuts at their wrists. Hope you find what you’re looking for. I hope u find what you’re looking for.”

News of the break-up and twitter message follows in the light of Miley’s engagement with long-time boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth. Rumors are pointing out that Trace could be doing that out of jealousy of Miley’s happiness, of course it’s just speculation.

News sources are stating that Miley is “frustrated” with her brother for posting due to immediate assumptions the lyrics are geared towards Miley, rehashing old news of the two scars on her wrist.

A source said, “If he removes it, then it will focus even more attention on it…That’s the last thing Miley wants to happen.”

Trace Cyrus’ split with Brenda Song was due to the two focusing on their own careers, and the decision was not a recent one. Cyrus stated, “Brenda and I have decided to go our separate ways…We split up a couple of months ago. We will continue to focus on our careers.” The couple holds no “ill will” on each other.

“I wish Brenda the best and much success in the future…I hope everyone can respect our privacy about this situation. Thanks so much,” Cyrus says in a statement.

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Gabrielle Giffords has a successor

Ron Barber will finish up Giffords term

Gabrielle Giffords, survivor of an assassination attempt last year, has chosen Democrat Ron Barber as her successor to finish up the remaining six months Giffords has on the congressional seat.

According to unofficial returns, Barber led Republican Jesse Kelly by 7 percentage points. Barber defeated Giffords 2010 opponent. Fifty-two percent of votes in the Tucson-area were in favor for Barber.

According to Steve Israel, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair, “The Republican plan lost…Ron Barber’s Strong campaign made this a referendum on the Republican plans to drastically cut Medicare and privatize Social Security, while giving massive tax breaks to millionaires, Big Oil and corporations that ship jobs overseas.”

Barber told supporters, “Well, a year ago I’d never have dreamt I’d be standing here—but life takes unexpected turns and here we are… One more person deserves a very special thank-you tonight. You all know who I am talking about: Congresswoman Giffords. Gabby is my friend, and she is an inspiration to all of us. Gabby, we love you, and we are so grateful for your leadership and your dedication to this community. Thank you for everything you have done for us.”

Money was being poured into the moderate 8 District to influence the outcome. According to the LATimes Republicans outspent Democrats more than 2 to 1. Most of the money was being spent on TV ads attacking Barber.

Barber holds the seat until November when elections for a full two-year term begin.

Giffords gave up her congressional seat in January to focus on recovery from the shooting the previous year. Giffords was shot in the head and sustained a few injuries. Barber, as well, sustained a few injuries. The attack left 11 wounded and six killed, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl.

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley debacle continues

Boxing fans remain outraged calling the fight “lutong bulok”–rotten cooking

Everyone still seems to be hung up on the controversial split decision victory Timothy Bradley had on Manny Pacquiao.

Joe DeGuardia took matters in his own hands over the Pacquiao-Bradley decision. According to ESPN, DeGuardia sent out letters to 60 promoters asking for a “call to action,” adding, “We have to go forward, do things that need to be done to protect boxers from the people who are supposed to be protecting them, the regulators.”

A copy of the letter was obtained by the NYFightBlog, and it reads:

“On Saturday night there was another decision rendered in a major fight (Pacquaio-Bradley) that jeopardizes the sanctity of our sport and requires immediate action by the boxing world but especially the boxing promoters…The Boxing Promoters Association (BPA) was formed to protect the integrity of the sport and force action upon the state regulators throughout the United States when warranted. The time has come for the promoters to take real action to remedy the all too often outlandish decisions made by State appointed referees and judges that effectively jeopardize the future of our sport, the fighters and the fans.”

The World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) promoter, Bob Arum, is planning to appeal the decision with the Attorney General of the State of Nevada for an “investigation.”

Arum, the promoter for both Pacquiao and Bradley, stated, “We’re gonna ask the general to investigate the entire situation last night in Las Vegas with the scoring which is an absolute outrage,” and going  on to tell Pacquiao fans to “celebrate Manny Pacquiao and his great victory over Timothy Bradley.”

Unfortunately, the decision win of Bradley over Pacquiao is irreversible under Nevada State Laws. Arum explained to the angry fans, “Under the Nevada State Laws, it’s unappealable decision,” as well as going on to stating, “The investigation will determine who is responsible for these misrepresentations.” The only way for the Nevada State Athletic Commission to reverse their decision is “if one of the athletes is shown to have a positive drug test…but not because the decision was wrong, no.”

Rumors about a rematch between Pacquiao and Bradley remain ambiguous. Some say there will be, both Pacquiao and Bradley have expressed interest in having a rematch, but some are saying there won’t be because a lot of fans have been “disappointed” by the decision that they swore off watching. Some say the November 10 date will have Pacquiao facing off with Marquez, then following a rematch between Bradley and Pacquiao. 

I'll Have Another is retiring

Tendon injury has the colt scratched from Belmont Stakes

I’ll Have Another retired with a swollen tendon after attempting to become the first horse in  34 years to win the Triple Crown.

Trainer Doug O’Neil said, “It’s been an incredible ride, an incredible run…It’s a bummer. It’s not tragic, but it’s a huge disappointment.”

The extent of I’ll Have Another’s injury left the colt with a swollen left front tendon showing early signs of tendonitis—which could take up to six months to treat. O’Neil commented on the condition, “Could he run and compete? Yes. Would it be in his best interest? No.”

“Yesterday he galloped great, but in the afternoon, we noticed some loss of definition in his left front leg…We did just an easy gallop today. I thought he looked great on the track, and then cooling out, you could tell the swelling was back.”

Belmont’s on-call veterinarian, Larry Bramlage, called it a “slow healing injury”—comparing it to an Achilles tendon injury, which keeps a person off their feet for six weeks.

“This one to the horse is nowhere near that severity,” Bramlage said, “But it takes the same amount of time to rehab it.”

I’ll Have Another, who won the Kentucky Derby, and the Preakness Stakes with stirring stretch drives. The horse was the 4-5 favorite to win the Belmont and to become the 12th Triple Crown winner and first since 1978, according to ABCNews.

Lebron James Game 6 clutch

Can King James pull through for Game 7?

Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals was all on LeBron James.

Forty-five points, 15 rebounds shutting down the Celtics—no biggie.

Erik Spoelstra, Heat coach, commented, “He was absolutely fearless…and it was contagious…The way he approached the last 48 hours, and not only LeBron, but everybody else. Nobody likes getting dirt thrown on you face before you’re even dead. He showed great resolve.”

LeBron lead the heats in the first half, with 30 points and had 41 points spread throughout the rest of the three quarters. During the last quarter, LeBron didn’t finish as strong as he started only scoring eight points.

Celtics coach, Doc Rivers, joked, “I hope you guys can stop talking about LeBron not playing well in big games…He did tonight. Now we have to get ready for Game 7.” 

Now the Heat must finish off Game 7 on Saturday night if they’re going to reach the finals at Oklahoma City. Skeptics are questioning if LeBron can replicate King James of Game 6.

Lebron James stated, “I will continue to be aggressive. I will try to continue to play at a high level like I’ve done the whole postseason. If it results in the numbers or whatever the case may be, I’m going to go out there and play my game, and play as hard as I can…I don’t really care what the stats say. I won’t regret Game 7, win lose or draw. I’m going to go in with the mindset like I’ve had this whole season. And we’ll see what happens.”

Falling oil prices goes hand in hand with falling global economy

Oil goes down and so does euro zone

Falling oil prices at almost $2 a barrel create concern about Spain’s banking crisis. Prospects of creating a monetary stimulus were undermined by U.S. central bank.

Rating agency Fitch downgraded Spain’s rating. Now, Spain is expected to request European aid for its banks, making it the fourth and biggest country to seek help since the euro zone debt crisis began.

Oil analyst, Thorbjoern Jensen stated, “The major issue is Spain’s downgrade yesterday and whether or not they will agree to a bailout at the weekend meeting or wait until Spain completes an audit of its banking system.”

“Oil is falling with the greater risk of a country exit from the euro zone rather than for fundamentals.” 

Spain’s Economy Ministry will be conducting its first independent audit of its banking system that will be completed by June 21. The audit will detail how much extra capital it requires.

According to Reuters, Brent crude for July was down by $1.91 to $98.02 a barrel by 1449 GMT after hitting a low of $97.19.

U.S. crude prices were off $1.88 at $82.94 a barrel, having touched a low of $82.00.

Brent prices were at a record high of $128 barrel in March due to the troubles in the euro zone overshadowing the tension between OPEC and the West. In April, German exports and imports fell. Around midday, top European shares were down 0.6 percent.

As for the global economy, Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve Chair, gave a little encouragement to investors in hopes the Fed would launch a third round of bond buying.

“The sell-off was mainly due to market sentiment surrounding Bernanke’s Speech,” stated James Zhang a Standard Bank analyst.

The latest trade data from the U.S. international trade showed signs of the global economy slowing and affecting the world’s largest consumer.

A surprising interest rate cut by China, the world’s second largest economy and oil consumer—but short-lived. “Nobody will want to take long positions ahead of the weekend with a meeting take place on Spain’s banks and new Chinese data due to emerge,” Zhang said.

Concerns over the impact of lost Iranian crude exports once the July 1 embargo comes into effect are also easing.

Oil officials and executives, including the heads of Total, Royal Dutch Shell and Algeria’s oil minister, said this week that the global oil market is well supplied and can cope with the loss of Iranian crude.

Furthermore, the United States is expected to announce a new list of countries that will receive exemptions to financial sanctions on oil trade with Iran.

A new report on soldier suicides

Soldier suicides have shot up according to new reports

A new report shows that suicide reports amongst soldiers have shot up. According to the Associate Press (AP) soldier suicides are averaging about once a day.

Statistics gathered by the Pentagon from the AP, 154 suicides of active duty soldiers in the first 155 days of the year by is about 50% more than U.S. forces killed in action in Afghanistan.

Soldier suicides caught many officials off-guard due to suicide rates amongst soldiers leveled off in 2010-2011.

From the AP increasing troubles plague U.S. soldiers, “The numbers reflect a military burdened with wartime demands from Iraq and Afghanistan that have taken a greater toll than foreseen a decade ago. The military also is struggling with increased sexual assaults, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and other misbehavior.”

Defense Suicide Prevention Officer at the Pentagon, Jacki Garrick stated in an interview on Thursday, “We are very concerned at this point that we are seeing a number of suicides at a point in time where we were expecting to see a lower number of suicides” adding the weak U.S. economy isn’t helping the situation.

Reasons for the upward increase remain unknown but studies done on soldier suicides have shown “combat exposure, post-traumatic stress, misuse of prescription medications and personal financial problems” could be possible explanations. Soldiers who serve multiple tours are at a greater risk of committing suicide.

Dr. Stephan N. Xenakis states, “It’s a sign in general of the stress the Army has been under over the 10 years of war…We’ve seen before that these signs show up even more dramatically when the fighting seems to go down and the Army is returning to garrison.” Xenakis is a retired Army brigadier general and practicing psychiatrist.

Xenakis added that many senior officers do not understand the extent of the issue. Prime example, Major General Dana Pittard, recently told soldiers considering suicide to “act like an adult.”

In a statement Pittard said, “I have now come to the conclusion that suicide is an absolutely selfish act…I am personally fed up with soldiers who are choosing to take their own lives so that others can clean up their mess. Be an adult, act like an adult, and deal with your real-life problems like the rest of us.” –adding they seek help.

Military services have created a place for distressed soldiers considering suicide to seek help, providing them with hotlines, mental health specialist, stress management and investing more research on mental health risk.