paws and reflect...

warm comfort foods...

2012-01-29T20:51:00.000-04:00

perfect pasta pals...

2012-01-29T20:50:00.000-04:00

MAJOR RANT!

2012-01-29T20:22:00.003-04:00

****************

...those who think they are 'KEWL' [i so hate that spelling] writers, take note:

every time you make your arguments with IF/THEN... you know who you are [i've seen doctors use it! GRRRRRRRRRR]...

UNLESS you are writing code for BASIC-based software, STOP IT!

[BASIC was a VERY early programming language]

it's so TEDIOUS to read those missives containing the if/then bullshit!

seems it's a popular choice, today, by everyone and his/her dog...

you know how it goes, beginning with: IF blah-blah-blah, ending with: THEN blah-blah-blah!

just because you SAY/WRITE it that way, does NOT validate your point...

the IF/THEN code was used to give your stupid computer INSTRUCTIONS... NOT to make an argument valid IN REAL LIFE... in the way its use PRETENDS to have become!

CHECK your writing, when you catch yourself doing so... QUIT IT... and re-write whatever you're trying to say!

END RANT!

***********************************

twits...

2012-01-29T19:31:00.000-04:00

hold...

2012-01-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

superbowl yawn

2012-01-29T19:27:00.000-04:00

snow...

2012-01-29T19:22:00.000-04:00

think. . .

2012-01-29T19:19:00.000-04:00

upload...

2012-01-29T19:17:00.000-04:00

right.

2012-01-29T19:15:00.002-04:00

sfx...

2012-01-29T19:15:00.001-04:00

martin...

2012-01-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

what question, idjit?

2012-01-29T19:07:00.000-04:00

My Site

floor...

2012-01-29T19:04:00.000-04:00

gac [guilty as charged]

2012-01-29T18:37:00.004-04:00

Shafia family found guilty of first-degree murder

From right: Mohammad Shafia, his wife Tooba, and son Hamed, convicted for the 2009 deaths of four family members; his three daughters and first wife.

Took only hours

All 3 guilty in Shafia murder trial; judge condemns twisted concept of "honor"...

By Allison Jones
– 18 minutes ago

KINGSTON, Ont. - Three members of an Afghanistan-born Montreal family were convicted today, of killing three daughters and a co-wife, in what the judge described as "cold-blooded, shameful murders", spawned from a "completely twisted concept of honor".

A jury took 15 hours to find Mohammad Shafia, 58, his wife Tooba Yahya, 42, and their son Hamed, 21, each guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in a shocking so-called mass honour killing that has captivated and horrified Canadians from coast to coast.

Investigators who pored over the details of the disturbing inner workings of the Shafia family and examined the tiniest pieces of evidence from the crime scene urged people today to remember the victims.

All that sisters Zainab, 19, Sahar, 17, and Geeti, 13, and Rona Amir Mohammad, 52, their father's childless first wife, in a polygamous marriage, wanted was freedom, and it cost them their lives, the court heard.

Their bodies were found 30 June 2009, in a car submerged in a canal in Kingston, Ontario, in a multiple murder the Crown asserted was committed 'to restore family honor' lost when the girls began dating and acting out.

Rona was, simply, disposed of, the Crown said.

The jury's verdict indicates the seven women and five men believe Shafia, Yahya, and Hamed plotted to kill their troublesome family members, dumping their bodies in a canal and staging it — albeit clumsily — to look like an accident.

The judge agreed, and cut right to the heart of the cultural cloud that hung over this case.

"It is difficult to conceive of a more heinous, more despicable, more honourless crime," Ontario Superior Court Judge, Robert Maranger, said.

"The apparent reason behind these cold-blooded, shameful murders was that the four completely innocent victims offended your completely twisted concept of honour...that has absolutely no place in any civilized society."

As the verdicts were being read, Hamed, the only one of the now-convicted murderers not to show any emotion during the trial, put his head in his hands and hunched over in the prisoners' box.

His parents rubbed his back.

Soon Yahya began to cry, but the three were defiant in the face of the verdicts.

"We are not criminal, we are not murderer, we didn't commit the murder, and this is unjust," Shafia said through an interpreter when the judge asked if he had anything to say.

Yahya, who spent a withering six days on the stand testifying in her own defense, was similarly assertive.

"Your honorable justice, this is not just," she said, also through an interpreter.

"I am not a murderer, and I am a mother — a mother!"

Hamed said in English: "Sir, I did not drown my sisters, anywhere."

First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no chance to apply for parole for 25 years. The family has been behind bars since their arrests on July 22, 2009.

Outside court, Crown attorney Gerard Laarhuis said the verdict is a reflection of Canadian values that he hopes will resonate.

"This jury found that four strong, vivacious and freedom-loving women were murdered by their own family in the most troubling of circumstances," he said.

"This verdict sends a very clear message about our Canadian values, and the core principles, in a free and democratic society that all Canadians enjoy and even visitors to Canada enjoy," Laarhuis said to cheers of approval from onlookers.

Laarhuis was interrupted in his remarks by Moosa Hadi, a central figure in the case who was a fervent supporter of the Shafias.

He sent reporters and the lead investigator emails stating that the prosecution of the family was criminal and because of it he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"This is a lie, this is absolutely a lie," Hadi shouted over Laarhuis before being pulled away by tactical police officers.

"This is a miscarriage of the justice. Shame on you, Mr. Gerard."

Members of the public listening to Laarhuis' statement, many of whom have attended the trial from the 20 Oct. start, shouted Hadi down and cheered as Laarhuis continued.

Lead investigator, Det. Sgt. Chris Scott, praised Crown lawyers for allowing the four women to finally be heard.

"They gave these victims a voice when they had none and so I appreciate their work," he said outside court.

Shafia's lawyer, Peter Kemp, said after the verdicts he believes the comments his client made on wiretaps calling his dead daughters whores and saying there is no value of life without honor, may have weighed more heavily on the jury's minds than the physical evidence in the case.

"He wasn't convicted for what he did," Kemp said.

"He was convicted for what he said."

Hamed's lawyer, Patrick McCann, said he was disappointed with the verdict, but said his client will appeal, and he believes the other two will as well.

"I still have a hard time understanding how the Crown theory could actually have happened," he said.

The Crown theory was, Shafia, Yahya, and Hamed drowned the four victims, placed their bodies in the car, then pushed it into the canal, using the family's other vehicle.

The defense had said it was an accident, that they had gone for a joyride, with Zainab driving, and accidentally plunged into the canal, with Hamed watching, although he didn't call police.

Trouble in the wealthy Afghan-Canadian family had been brewing for some time, the Crown alleged.

The Crown painted a picture of a household controlled by a domineering Shafia, with Hamed keeping his sisters in line, and doling out discipline when his father was away, on frequent business trips to Dubai.

Some of the younger Shafia children followed the rules and the others didn't.

The ones who couldn't be controlled, the Crown said, are now dead.

Rona was not treated much better than an unruly child, court heard.

All any of them wanted was freedom, the Crown said.

Zainab had run away, but that in itself shamed the family, so she was coaxed back with a promise to marry her boyfriend, Ammar, the Crown said.

The family viewed him as a loser, and was not pleased with the relationship, but if she was married, she would be Ammar's problem, not theirs, and her behavior couldn't affect their honour.

Sahar, too, was dating, though she tried to keep her Christian boyfriend secret from her parents.

Condoms were found in her room, as were pictures of her wearing short skirts and shorts, hugging her boyfriend.

That clothing caused Shafia to curse Sahar as a whore, after her death.

Two months before she was found in the canal, Sahar told her boyfriend's aunt, if her parents found out about her relationship she was "a dead woman".

Geeti was becoming almost impossible to control: skipping school, failing classes, being sent home for wearing revealing clothes and stealing.

Her most egregious breach was telling almost every authority figure she encountered she wanted to be sent to foster care, the Crown said.

There was a family code of silence, and Geeti broke that, it was alleged.

If the Shafias thought Zainab and Sahar were hard to control, Geeti would be their worst nightmare.

For Geeti, the writing was on the wall, the Crown said.

Rona was Shafia's first wife, but, unable to conceive, her status in the Shafia household began eroding as soon as a young Tooba Yahya was brought in as a polygamous wife, court heard.

Shafia beat her, and "made life a torture", Rona wrote in a diary.

Yahya called her a servant, held onto Rona's passport, and would tell her "your life is in my hands," she said.

Rona spent her days wandering the streets, crying, sitting in her room, or using payphones to call relatives, she wrote.

Rona, Zainab, Sahar, and Geeti died at the tail end of a family trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

They were heading back to Montreal, and had stopped in Kingston for the night, when tragedy struck.

Zainab secretly took the family's Nissan Sentra, bought used just one day before they left on the trip, and went for a spin with the three others, the family said.

They told police that was the last they saw of Zainab.

Hamed would later tell a private investigator of sorts, hired by Shafia, he saw the car full of his relatives leave the motel that night, and he followed them, concerned for their safety.

He followed in the family's Lexus SUV.

They ended up at the locks, where Hamed said he rear-ended them, accidentally, and urged them to turn around.

As he was picking up some pieces of broken headlight, he heard a splash, he said.

The car had plunged into the water.

So, he said, he sounded the horn of the Lexus, once, as a call for help, and took a rope from the trunk and dangled it in the water, dropping some pieces of headlight where they were later found.

Seeing no signs of life, he said he drove straight home, to Montreal, calling police only to report an accident he admitted he staged, to mask damage to the Lexus.

He never mentioned his dead family members.

The Crown said that story was a "complete fabrication".

Really, the girls and Rona never even made it to the motel, they said.

They were driven to the canal and killed there, court heard.

Why else would Hamed and Shafia have checked into the motel for six people, when 'they were a family of 10?', the Crown noted.

In fact, the whole "family vacation" itself was a farce, they said; an integral part of the mass murder plan.

By the time they were heading home, passing through Kingston around 1:30 a.m., the plot was going according to plan, the Crown said.

They had left Niagara Falls so late in the day, it was pitch black when they passed through Kingston, then got off the highway at the exit for the locks, at Kingston Mills.

They had stopped there to use the washroom on the way to Niagara Falls, so if any of the kids or Rona — sleeping soundly in the Nissan — woke up, waiting there wouldn't be suspicious, the Crown said.

Yahya waited in the car with the soon-to-be victims while Shafia and Hamed checked into the motel, leaving their other children there.

When father and son return, Rona and the girls are drowned, in one of the several areas of open water, either to the point of unconsciousness or death, the Crown said.

The cause of death for all four was drowning.

The Crown had no direct proof to cement that theory, but the idea they were dead before the car went in the water hangs on a few pieces of evidence.

Experts testified, markings on the bottom of the Nissan show it got hung up on a ledge when it first was sent over.

That's why the Lexus was used to push it in, and that's why there were pieces of its headlights at the scene, the Crown said, not because Hamed was there and rear-ended them.

There's also the evidence that makes it seem like nobody tried to escape the car during its plunge into the water, or as it submerged in the canal.

The driver's window was fully open, nobody was wearing a seat belt, and their bodies were found more or less floating over seats — Zainab and Geeti in the front, Sahar and Rona in the back.

The car was found in the morning, around 9.

The headlights were off and so was the ignition.

The evidence simply does not fit with an accident scenario, the Crown said.

The police certainly didn't think so, and began to treat the deaths as suspicious almost immediately.

By the time Shafia, Yahya and Hamed were arrested on 22 July 2009, the case against them included intercepted conversations, secretly recorded by police.

Comments, mostly made by Shafia on those wiretaps, provided the foundation for the Crown's "honor killing" theory.

"I say to myself, 'Would they come back to life, a hundred times, for you to do the same again'," Shafia says on one.

"That is how hurt I am.

"Tooba, they betrayed us immensely.

"They violated us immensely.

"There can be no betrayal, no treachery, no violation more than this."

"Even if they hoist me up onto the gallows...nothing is more dear to me than my honor," Shafia says on another.

win8...

2012-01-29T01:26:00.002-04:00

Go to Video

Big changes coming in Windows 8

The next Microsoft operating system will feature a whole new look and feel.

Why you shouldn't rush to upgrade

How Windows 8 Could Change Your Life – Or Not

By Becky Worley

Upgrade Your Life

– 25 Jan, 2012

Microsoft has begun showing off bits and pieces of Windows 8, the next version of the most popular computer operating system.

The question: Is this an operating system you should plan to install on your current PC, or wait until it comes preinstalled on the next computer you buy?

What's Different About Windows 8

The headline with this operating system — it's not just for desktops and laptops, but also for touch devices, namely, the increasingly popular tablets.

If not revolutionary, this certainly represents a major advancement.

Until now, tablets have used a different operating system from their desktop and laptop cousins.

As hardware evolves, Microsoft is working to be ready for the inevitable merging of laptop and tablet technology.

Hybrid Laptops

Microsoft envisions a day when your average desktop computer has a touchscreen, and when your laptop can convert into a tablet.

That day is coming soon.

At this year's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a Chinese company, Compal, unveiled a prototype laptop with a removable touchscreen — that screen becomes a tablet.

Very cool.

Lenovo also unveiled their Lenovo Yoga hybrid.

The Yoga looks like a traditional laptop, but the hinge that connects the screen to keyboard can rotate 360 degrees, enabling you to tuck the keyboard flat behind the screen and transform the device into a tablet shape.

At 3.2 pounds, I find it a little too bulky to use regularly as a tablet, but the innovation is one of those "Well, duh" ideas — why doesn't every laptop do this?

My guess is, plenty of other manufacturers will soon follow suit — that's Microsoft's bet, as well.

Touchscreen Controls
Windows 8 will let you type with a keyboard, or with an on-screen virtual keyboard.

...ipad does that now!

Like any tablet, menus and apps appear with the swipe of a finger.

To get to the main menu, you swipe from the right edge.

To see other open applications, swipe from the left.

Menus for the application at hand are all found by touching the bottom of the screen.

You may have seen the snap feature in Windows 7, where you can put two windows on the screen and multitask.

This works the same in Windows 8, only better.

In addition to being able to move windows around with your mouse, you can do it with touch.

Joining the App Craze

Microsoft set up its own app store, and is eager for you to buy.

Windows 8 is designed to integrate virtually all the apps we love — games, social sites, and photo-sharing sites — right on the start screen.

You customize what's on this display, and the information — whether its news feeds from your friends or the weather report — updates automatically.

Buy or Wait

Back to the big question: should you buy Windows 8 as soon as it comes out?

The majority of its new features are designed to maximize touch screens many future computers will have.

While Windows 8 will work on your existing PC, I wouldn't go to the expense and hassle of upgrading a current device that doesn't have a touchscreen.

One caveat: new developments alter the decision making process for consumers.

Microsoft hasn't committed to an official launch date, but company insiders hint at an October release.

world leader...

2012-01-29T01:04:00.001-04:00

Rare color photos depict Hitler's world

The recently discovered images show the luxurious private life of the Nazi leader.

Buried in jars after the war

Inside Hitler's Private World...

Never-before-seen pictures show how the Fuhrer spent his time at home.

Hide thumbnails

1 of 6 photos

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27 Jan, 2012

Photos of the Day

dragon...

2012-01-29T00:49:00.000-04:00

matter. . .

2012-01-28T23:19:00.001-04:00

hey, fatty!

2012-01-28T09:46:00.002-04:00

Diet mistakes that make you fat

A plate of crispy vegetables might seem like a healthy choice; 2 tablespoons of dip can ruin it.

The better option

6 Diet Mistakes That Make You... Fat!

By Nancy Rones
–25 Jan 2012

Signs of Diet Sabotage

Sometimes a carrot stick is just a carrot stick.

For many of us, it's a crunchy, bright orange vehicle for decadent dip—Blue Vheese, perhaps, or a nice herbed Ranch.

As you dunk your sixth or seventh spear into that delicious dressing, you might tell yourself, Well, at least I'm eating a hearty serving of veg right now.

True--but you're also consuming quite a lot of salt, fat, and... calories.

Wrecking our otherwise healthy food picks, along with our waistlines, is often beyond our control.

In his book The End of Overeating (Rodale), former FDA commissioner, David Kessler, MD, explains, when you smell, see, or even think about "highly palatable" foods--ones high in fat, sugar, or salt--your brain can trigger the release of dopamine, the reward-seeking neurotransmitter.

In a way, you can blame the dopamine surge for forcing you to eat that glazed donut.

It's possible to stop your pleasure-seeking brain from making menu decisions.

Check out these common acts of food sabotage, plus our easy strategies for steering clear of them.

22 foods packed with trans fat

You dunk veg into fat traps

While it may seem like a good idea to watch Parenthood with a plate of crisp crudités on the coffee table in front of you, that jar of peanut butter sitting right next to it can spell trouble.

Peanut butter provides healthy fat and protein, but it also has 94 calories per tablespoon--so this seemingly healthy snack can tip the scale in the wrong direction.

2 tablespoons of creamy dressing can pack 145 calories and 15 g of fat.

"Eating just one hundred calories more each day can translate to about a ten-pound weight gain over the course of a year," says Brian Wansink, PhD, author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think.

The healthy move

If you're dying to dip, mix fat-free plain Greek yogurt (it has about twice the protein of regular yogurt) with salsa or zingy seasonings such as horseradish or curry powder.

Prepared hummus or black-bean dips coat raw veggies with protein, fiber, and flavor; just check the labels because fat and calories can vary among brands.

Beat boredom by introducing new vegetables into your rotation, such as crunchy jicama, or radishes, that offer a naturally peppery bite.

Get tips on how to eat less

You go for fried sweet potatoes

Besides the beta-carotene (a disease-fighting carotenoid that our bodies convert to vitamin A) that's responsible for their vibrant color, sweet potatoes provide vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber--all for about 100 calories in a medium potato.

When you fry these and other vegetables (hello, broccoli bites and zucchini sticks), the fat and calorie counts skyrocket.

A study in the Journal of Food Science found, certain vegetables, like zucchini, actually lose some of their antioxidant power when fried.

The healthy move

A baked sweet potato is the worry-free choice (mash in 2 tablespoons of a creamy fat-free dressing for extra flavor); eat the skin, too, and you'll get at least 4 g fiber.

If you're not satisfied with a baked spud, buy a bag of oven-ready frozen fries at the supermarket.

Compare labels and choose ones with no trans fat and no more than 0.5 g saturated fat per serving.

See the packaged sweet potato "fries" Prevention likes best.

Veggie-inspired snacks under 150 calories

You drown your food in olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is high in "good" monounsaturated fat--the kind of fat that can help lower LDL cholesterol--but it also has about 477 calories and 54 g of fat per 1/4 cup.

If you don't measure the amount of oil you use to sauté, grill, broil, or roast, you can end up with way more than you need.

The healthy move:

When grilling or broiling, use a pastry brush or nonaerosol pump to lightly glaze food with oil, says Jennifer Nelson, RD, director of clinical dietetics and nutrition at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

If you're making a stir-fry, wipe a paper towel dipped in olive oil around the wok before adding ingredients-- better, use a nonstick skillet.

You can also make your sautés sizzle with wine, soy sauce, chicken broth, or 100% carrot, tomato, or vegetable juice.

Try poaching your fish in low-fat broth or watered-down orange juice; the fillets will soak up some of the liquid, which will make you feel fuller, says Barbara Rolls, PhD, professor of nutritional sciences at Pennsylvania State University and author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan.

Beware these 11 health food impostors

Your salad is a high-cal landmine

The virtue of a salad starts to wilt when you add more than one calorie-dense topping, such as cheese, nuts, dried fruit, or croutons.

Cheeses can register high in bad saturated fat, and though nuts have monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that may help raise good (HDL) cholesterol, a small serving of walnuts (about 7 pieces) can add up to about 185 calories and 18 g of fat.

Some add-ons are high in sodium.

The healthy move

Nelson offers an easy-to-remember ratio for preparing main-dish salads: "Three-quarters should be fresh fruits and vegetables, and the last quarter a combo of lean protein, like chicken, plus a complex carbohydrate such as wheat berries or quinoa.

"Allow yourself two tablespoons of calorie-dense items."

For major nutrition impact with minimal calorie load, forgo dried fruit in favor of fresh pomegranate seeds; they're potent in polyphenols, and researchers at Case Western Reserve University found pomegranate extract may be effective in reducing the inflammation that can lead to arthritis.

Your coffee is anything but regular

Sipping coffee or tea plain isn't the problem.

In fact, both beverages have been linked to a number of health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and cancer.

A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry also suggests drinking coffee may reduce your chances of type 2 diabetes.

Major calories and saturated fat come with added ingredients such as sugary syrups, honey, whipped cream, and whole milk (1% and 2% aren't much better).

For about the same 450 calories in a large Iced Mocha Raspberry Latte, at Dunkin' Donuts, you can eat two slices of Pizza Hut's hand-tossed pepperoni pizza.

While honey may seem like a natural, healthier alternative to sugar, the fact is it has 21 calories per teaspoon versus sugar's 16.

The healthy move: For a low-cal, lower-fat drink that feels like a sweet treat, choose coffee beans in tempting flavors such as chocolate almond, hazelnut, or white chocolate, rather than using syrupy mix-ins after brewing, and lighten your coffee with fat-free milk.

Teas, too, come in sweet vanilla, berry, and tropical fruit blends.

Whether you use Splenda, sugar, or honey in your beverages, limit yourself to about a teaspoonful.

Your marinades pack a big fat punch

You're wise to choose skinless grilled chicken, but be careful with condiments.

Barbecue sauce is filled with sugar, which equals calories (about 94 per 1/4 cup).

The healthy move

Ditch the high-sugar sauce, spice up chicken by marinating it with cayenne, red-pepper sauce, or mix hot sauce, with some fat-free yogurt, and smear it on your sandwich for buffalo-inspired flavor.

Another way to punch up the taste and nutrient power of grilled chicken sandwiches and turkey burgers: Try a topping of homemade slaw.

Shredded cabbage makes a convenient base; toss it with flavored vinegar or fat-free mayo, and a little mustard.

At 11 calories per 1/2 cup, raw cabbage offers filling fiber and vitamins such as C and B6, and as a cruciferous veg, it contains cancer-fighting antioxidants.

See 100 easy ways to cut 100 calories.

warning!

2012-01-28T09:16:00.002-04:00

Symantec warns users to disable software

The company, known for its security software, warns against using their remote pcAnywhere application.

Severe hacker threat

wake...

2012-01-28T03:18:00.000-04:00

mind .. .. ..

2012-01-28T03:16:00.000-04:00

me too . . .

2012-01-28T03:15:00.000-04:00

hair of the dog...

2012-01-28T03:10:00.002-04:00

maybe. . .

2012-01-28T03:10:00.001-04:00

body...

2012-01-28T03:04:00.000-04:00

data . . .

2012-01-28T03:01:00.000-04:00

unger...

2012-01-28T02:59:00.001-04:00

dip...

2012-01-28T02:57:00.000-04:00

meet. . .

2012-01-28T02:48:00.000-04:00

curve...

2012-01-28T02:46:00.000-04:00

tim's test...

2012-01-28T02:31:00.001-04:00

Apple CEO faces odd $98 billion problem

It's hard to imagine how Apple's massive pool of assets could actually pose a problem for Tim Cook.

It's his biggest test to date

Apple CEO faces first test with cash mountain

Apple CEO, Tim Cook, has a problem, a $98 billion problem...

– 16 hours ago

Apple CEO Tim Cook has a problem, a $98 billion problem.

Just 18 months ago, Apple's $46 billion mountain of cash - while huge by most standards - attracted only muted complaints from investors, who did call for a dividend or share buyback, but were mostly happy with the meteoric rise in the stock price.

MORE RELATED TO THIS STORY
—This is Apple at its absolute worst
—Apple CEO Tim Cook’s staggering payday

With the growing cash balance now a much bigger overhang on the stock, widely considered to be undervalued, investors are clamoring more vocally for Cook to put the money to work.

No one could have foreseen just how quickly that war chest would grow.

Some analysts estimated Apple's cash holdings would increase to $65 billion at the end of 2011.

That it has swelled nearly 50 percent above even those lofty projections is nothing short of awesome.

Apple now has about $104 in cash, per share.

To paraphrase rapper P. Diddy, with more money comes more problems.

Apple's runaway success presents Cook with his first real public test as chief executive officer - figuring out what to do with the money.

Apple's cash balance is now a quarter of its $415 billion market capitalization, and roughly equals California's 2012-2013 state budget.

Even though $64 billion of Apple's cash is overseas - meaning it will have to pay a hefty tax to bring it into the United States - calls for a dividend on Wall Street grew louder after the company said on Tuesday it was in "active discussions" internally on what to do with the money.

Wall Street is strongly in favor of Apple returning the money to shareholders through buybacks or dividends, even if it is only a one-time deal.

The ultra-conservative company, which typically ignores Wall Street, gave no clues about that, during its earnings call on Tuesday.

"They are, clearly, trying to signal they are not ignoring the issue," said Michael Holt, an analyst with Morningstar.

"It doesn't mean a decision is imminent."

Others are convinced a dividend will be paid this year.

"With Apple saying it is 'actively' pursuing its options with regards to its cash balance, we believe the commentary may be setting itself up for a cash dividend in FY12," Ticonderoga Securities analyst, Brian White, said, raising his target on the stock to $666.

Katy Huberty, an analyst with Morgan Stanley, echoed White's view, saying: "Apple appears committed to making a decision on cash return in the near-term and we continue to believe a dividend makes the most sense."

Some big technology companies started paying a dividend to help allay investor concerns about slowing growth, by returning part of their ample cash holdings.

Cisco Systems Inc began paying a dividend last year, while Microsoft Corp started in 2003.

FAR TOO MUCH MONEY

Apple stock gained 25 percent in 2011, adding about $77 billion to its market cap and touched an all-time high of $454.45 on Wednesday.

Some continue to bank on a share-price rise to as high as $700.

The company's core business is throwing off massive amounts of cash every quarter - Apple recorded a $16 billion increase in cash sequentially - in part because of its reluctance to pay a dividend or buy back stock and its limited acquisition history.

The company earned a mere 0.77 percent on its cash and investments in fiscal 2011, mostly due to its preference for safe, but low-yielding U.S. Treasury and agency debt.

This is a tad higher than the 0.75 percent it earned in fiscal 2010, but down from 1.43 percent in fiscal 2009, 3.44 percent in 2008, and 5.27 percent in 2007.

Fiscal prudence has long been part of Apple's mantra and the Cupertino, California-based company runs a tight ship with total revenue rising 66 percent in fiscal 2011, but operating expenses rising only 37 percent.

For now, Apple's Chief Financial Officer, Peter Oppenheimer, has veered away from his usual script, which was to tell Wall Street Apple has always had internal discussions on the best use of its cash, with capital preservation being key.

He characterized these discussion as "active" on Tuesday.

"We recognize the cash is growing for all the right reasons," Oppenheimer said, but added he had nothing to announce.

"In the meantime, we're not letting it burn a hole in our pockets."

Oppenheimer also suggested Apple might invest in its supply chain, or make acquisitions.

Apple has, typically, preferred to acquire small companies, which has had little or no material impact on its results, so far.

Apple's major expense last year was paying the lion's share to acquire - along with Microsoft, and a few other companies - the patent portfolio of bankrupt Canadian telecommunications company, Nortel, for $4.5 billion.

Apple said it spent $4.3 billion in fiscal 2011 to acquire "property, plant and equipment", $3.2 billion in "acquisition of intangible assets", and $244 million in "payments made in connection with business acquisitions", according to its annual regulatory filing.

That is in sharp contrast to rivals such as Google Inc, which is acquiring Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion, in cash, and which completed 54 acquisitions during the first nine months of last year alone.

The company's $44.6 billion war chest of cash and investments at the end of December was far lower than Apple's.

Google has also resisted pressure to announce a dividend, or buy back stock.

Apple may do the same in the next few months, said Michael Walkley, an analyst with Canaccord Genuity.

"We believe Apple is likely to announce a dividend during 2012, potentially next quarter, when crossing $100 billion in cash and cash equivalents," Walkley said.

"We view this as very bullish for investors, as we believe a new group of investors seeking dividends would invest in Apple, and drive shares higher."

(Reporting By Poornima Gupta; editing by Andre Grenon)

mutt...

2012-01-27T19:56:00.000-04:00

why do bots need toilets?

2012-01-27T19:44:00.000-04:00

flyby...

2012-01-27T14:13:00.000-04:00

veddy clebber...

2012-01-27T14:10:00.000-04:00

gittin to gnaw ya...

2012-01-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

personal porn provider...

2012-01-26T09:09:00.000-04:00

abbrobable...

2012-01-26T09:05:00.002-04:00

barf...

2012-01-26T09:05:00.001-04:00

free. . .

2012-01-26T08:44:00.000-04:00

furebber!

2012-01-26T08:40:00.000-04:00

gots cones... gibs icecream... now!

2012-01-26T08:36:00.000-04:00

ongoing mexican scam...

2012-01-26T08:25:00.003-04:00

Ontario couple's Mexico attack a 'common' scam...

– 14 hours ago

An expert on Mexican security says the story of an Ontario man, viciously attacked last March, sounds like a familiar scam, targeting tourists in the country.

"These kinds of schemes are very popular, very common in Mexico," Walter McKay, a Mexico-based security consultant, and former Canadian police officer, told CBC News, yesterday.

As CBC News reported Tuesday, Scott Giddy of Fergus, Ont., says he suffered multiple skull fractures after he was attacked down the street from his five-star resort, Hotel Riu Emerald Bay, in Mazatlan.

It's the same resort where a Calgary woman was brutally attacked recently, suffering extensive facial injuries.

Giddy's wife, Sarah, found him covered in blood.

"He had blood pouring out of his left ear, pouring like a tap," she said.

"I just started to scream, 'Someone, call 911!' "

[no such thing in mexico, moron!]

She says a taxi driver nearby told her police wouldn't come, but offered to drive them to hospital himself.

McKay says many Mexican taxi drivers work with private clinics, or even criminal gangs.

"They call them 'piratas', pirate taxis," he says.

"Those are guys who buys Volkswagens, and paint them the same color scheme and words, like regular cab owners."

Sarah says the driver brought her husband to a private clinic, where a staff person handed the driver a wad of cash, then asked for the couple's credit card.

"The 'doctor' there looked to be about 18 years old," she said.

"He kept saying, 'I think he has a cut in his ear.' "

Scott was eventually released from the clinic, and taken to hospital, where he narrowly survived.

Sarah says he was harassed for days by a group of men.

"We ended up having to switch hotels, because we were being followed by them.

"They came to us and said, 'If you do not pay us cash, we're cutting off your husband's care'. "

McKay's advice for other tourists is to avoid taking taxis in Mexico, unless they are hired by the resort where they're staying.

The same advice is given on the Canadian Foreign Affairs website, but the Giddys said they didn't check government websites before going.

They say they fear their plight will happen to someone else.

pompous ass still running off at the mouth! GRRRR

2012-01-26T02:30:00.001-04:00

Toronto mayor compares foes to brutal dictator

Rob Ford sparks controversy by likening councilors to a man who killed twice as many people as Joseph Stalin.

Other 'Ford-isms'

Toronto mayor compares city councillors to brutal dictator...

By Andy Radia
Canada Politics
– 24 Jan, 2012

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

Once again, Toronto mayor Rob Ford has caused a stir over his words.

According to a story in the Toronto Star, Ford was on radio AM640's John Oakley Show, Tuesday, when he compared several city councillors to ruthless Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin.

Oakley was questioning Ford about a group of centrist Toronto city councilors, who had "gone rogue".

"I consider Josh Matlow a left-wing NDPer," he said.

"These people are all two steps left of Joe Stalin.

"I'm not discouraged by that, and I don't expect it.

"They don't care about the taxpayers.

"I know one person who does... and that's me."

When asked his thoughts on being compared to a man who killed twice as many people as Adolf Hitler, Matlow shook his head and told the Star: "Nah.

"I'll leave it."

This isn't the first time Ford has made controversial comments.

Here are some older 'Ford-isms' that, in the past, put the Toronto mayor in hot water:

14 June 2005 - During a council debate over the utility of grant programs for transgendered and transsexual people during a council debate:

"I don't understand.
"No. 1, I don't understand a transgender, I don't understand, is it a guy dressed up like a girl or a girl dressed up like a guy?
"We're funding this for, I don't know, what does it say here?
"We're giving them $3,210?"

June 2006 - During a council debate on public-health grants for community-based AIDS-prevention programs:

"If you're not doing needles, and you are not gay, you wouldn't get AIDS, probably.
"That's the bottom line.
"These are the facts."

05 March 2008 - During a council debate over holiday shopping:

"Those Oriental people work like dogs. …
"They're slowly taking over."

August 2010 - During a televised debate speaking about immigration:

"Right now, we can't even deal with the 2.5 million people in this city...
"I think it is more important to take care of people [we have] now, before we start bringing in more people."
(CP Photo)

top gadget...

2012-01-25T23:50:00.004-04:00

Top gadget outsells personal computers

Sales of this hot portable item represents 17 per cent of the total PC market.

15.4 million sold in 2011's fourth quarter

iPads Outsell Desktop PCs;

Now Equal To 17% Of Total PC Market

By Array
– 24 Jan 2012

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed an interesting stat on today's earnings call: iPads outsold desktop PCs in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Apple reported 15.4 million iPads sold.

Cook was citing IDC figures for desktop PC sales.

A stunning development.

Two decades ago, Microsoft's mission statement was: "a PC on every desk in every home."

That mission statement no longer makes sense.

Computing has gone totally mobile, and while Windows still ships out most of the portable PCs in the world, the iPad is coming up incredibly fast.

That doesn't even take smartphones into account -- Apple sold 37 million iPhones during the quarter.

Add Android phones into the mix, and Windows probably made up less than 50% of all Internet connected devices sold in the last quarter of 2011.

(Reliable Android stats are hard to come by, as Cook noted on the call.)

Another way of looking at it: the iPad is now equal to 17% of the overall PC market, which Gartner pegged at 92.2 million units in the last quarter of 2012.

In June, it was at 11%.

A year ago, it was 7%.

No wonder Microsoft is making such a big bet on tablets with Windows 8.

The problem is, by the time Windows 8 comes out, the iPad will have been on the market, unopposed, for more than two years.

If current trends continue, it will be equal to about 25% or 30% of the PC market.

Right now, there is NO tablet market.

There IS an iPad market.

Microsoft, and its PC partners, are going to have to spend an awful lot on advertising to change that perception.

More From Business Insider

expired?

2012-01-25T19:56:00.003-04:00

How long you should really keep olive oil?

While some foods keep indefinitely, others like olive oil have a shorter shelf life than you may think.

Refrigerate to extend freshness

Food Expiration Dates 101:

How Long to Keep Spices, Peanut Butter and Other Pantry Items...

By LISA CERICOLA
– 23 Jan 2012

1. Most Dried Ground Spices

Unopened or opened: 2 to 3 years

When it comes to spices, fresh is best; but they should remain flavorful for up to three years.

While spices do not spoil, anything older than three years will most likely be lacking in flavor, aroma, and health benefits.

Store in a cool, dark place away from direct heat or sunlight, closed tightly when not in use.

To test if an herb or spice is still potent, rub or crush a small amount in your hand, taste and smell it.

If the aroma and flavor is weak, it should be discarded.

2. Olive Oil

Unopened: 2 years, in pantry or refrigerator

Opened: 18 to 24 months in the pantry or refrigerator

Store olive oil in a cool, dark place.

Keeping it refrigerated will extend its shelf life, but may cause cloudiness -- this will not effect the quality.

Once back at room temperature it will retain its normal color and texture.

3. Brown Rice

Pantry: 3 to 6 months

Refrigerator: 6 to 12 months

Freezer: 12 to 18 months

Due to its high oil content, pantry storage can cause brown rice to spoil quickly.

Once the package is opened, store brown rice in the freezer in heavy-duty freezer bag.

4. Wild, White, Jasmine, and Basmati Rice

Unopened or opened: keeps indefinitely

Store uncooked rice in a cool, dry place.

Once opened, transfer to airtight container, store in pantry, freezer, or refrigerator.

5. Honey

Unopened or opened: keeps indefinitely

Honey never goes bad.

Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place, like pantry; refrigeration will accelerate crystallization process.

Over time, honey may change color or become cloudy; stored properly, it is still safe to eat.

Check out more food expiration guidelines here

**************

IS...

2012-01-25T19:22:00.001-04:00

on. . .

2012-01-25T19:14:00.000-04:00

gmo...

2012-01-25T19:12:00.000-04:00

code...

2012-01-25T19:10:00.000-04:00

hostess. . .

2012-01-25T19:09:00.001-04:00

hostess...

2012-01-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

data...

2012-01-25T19:02:00.000-04:00

she. . .

2012-01-25T19:01:00.000-04:00

names. .. ..

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-04:00

out. . .

2012-01-25T18:50:00.000-04:00

apple results...

2012-01-25T18:21:00.002-04:00

Apple Q1 2012 Results Obliterate Expectations...

The Huffington Post

24/01/2012

Apple has posted impressive quarterly earnings for the 14-week period ending on 31 December 2011.

According to a press release, the company reported a quarterly revenue of $46.33 billion, as well as a quarterly net profit of $13.06 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share, the company's best quarterly results yet.

"These results compare to revenue of $26.74 billion, and net quarterly profit of $6 billion, or $6.43 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter," per the release.

The Verge reports on the company's record-shattering iPhone, iPad, and Mac sales, writing, "Apple sold an astonishing 37.04 million iPhones, 15.43 million iPads, and 5.3 million Macs during the quarter, which represent increases of 128 percent, 111 percent, and 26 percent from last year.

"That's 2m more phones sold than Samsung shipped last quarter, which is astonishing."

In a statement accompanying the news, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “We’re thrilled with our outstanding results and record-breaking sales of iPhones, iPads and Macs. [...] Apple’s momentum is incredibly strong, and we have some amazing new products in the pipeline.”

The AP reports,

The result may make Apple the world's largest maker of smartphones.

Samsung Electronics, which held that position for most of last year, has said it expects to report shipping about 35 million smartphones in the October to December quarter.
October saw the launch of the iPhone 4S, and the addition of Sprint Nextel Corp. as an iPhone carrier in the U.S.

Apple said net income in the fiscal first quarter was $13.06 billion, or $13.87 per share.
That was up 118 percent from $6 billion, or $6.43 per share, a year ago.

Analysts polled by FactSet were expecting earnings of $10.04 per share for the latest quarter, Apple's fiscal first.

Revenue was $46.33 billion, up 73 percent from a year ago.
Analysts were expecting $38.9 billion.

During the company's earnings call, Apple SVP and CFO Peter Oppenheimer announced Apple now has $97.6 billion in cash on hand.

According to TechCrunch's live blog of the call, Oppenheimer didn't announce Apple's plans, but he said the company wouldn't be “letting it burn a hole in their pocket”.

After Apple's relatively disappointing previous quarter, the company's most recent earnings are nothing short of stunning.

"It sets up Apple well for the rest of the year," Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley told Reuters.

"They are still ramping up the new geographies like the iPhone 4 in China, which they started selling in January, and we'll see in March results."

Apple Textbooks: Everything You Need To Know About Apple's New Education Software

iBooks 2: Apple Didn't 'Reinvent Textbooks,' But It Did Start The Conversation

Research In Motion (RIM) CEOs Step Down: 7 Significant Milestones In BlackBerry Maker's Decline

RIM's New CEO, Thorsten Heins, Says No 'Drastic Change Needed' To Revive Company

New iBooks: Twitter Reacts To Apple iBooks 2, iBooks Author Education Announcement (TWEETS)

aging . . .

2012-01-25T16:59:00.000-04:00

sexy . . .

2012-01-25T16:56:00.000-04:00

furgez her... playz wizz ME!

2012-01-25T16:53:00.000-04:00

stories...

2012-01-25T16:50:00.002-04:00

NO pink! aiz boi goggie!

2012-01-25T16:50:00.001-04:00

screw...

2012-01-25T12:34:00.000-04:00

amazing...

2012-01-25T12:25:00.003-04:00

Eight-year-old girl stuns on guitar

Zoe Thomson may be young, but she's been playing guitar for two years ‒ and she can shred. Watch her viral video

Eight-year-old girl shreds guitar... goes viral!

By Grace Stanisci

Posts

By Grace Stanisci | Up Beat – 19 hours ago

Zoe Thomson can play guitar better than you.

From the time she was six, Thomson has been covering the likes of Linkin Park, Metallica, and Guns N' Roses.

A student at the Newbury Rock School in Berkshire, U.K., the pint-sized guitarist spends her days playing music with other kids her age and being mentored by bands like U.K.'s The Crave, New Device and Tin Soldiers.

Her videos have garnered millions of views and show that you can be an amazing musician at any age.

She's only eight years old.

A video of Thomson playing the guitar to Stratovarius' "Stratosphere" has gone viral.

Upon seeing this video, Twitter began buzzing with compliments and words of utter shock.

A few examples:

@eventsgeek tweets: If I have kids some day, I can only hope she/he will be this musically gifted.

@groovehouse tweets: Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

@JedediahBila tweets: This kid is so much cooler than I am.

Currently, Thomson plays lead guitar, and is the only girl in a children's U.K. rock group, called The Mini Band.

Their performance of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" gained the rock band's attention, and inspired them to send a special message of encouragement to the youngsters.

During the video, drummer Lars Ulrich comments, "You guys rock!

"You guys are very cool!"

Teasingly adding, "Maybe, someday, we can work something out?

"We could come out and open up for all y'all, if you guys will have us.

"We're just getting started.

"We're an up-and-coming hard rock band, out in Northern California, so if you'll have us, we're here for the taking."

Watching these kids makes one realize that the future of rock is a bright one.

Find The Time - The Mini Band

peel p50...

2012-01-25T12:09:00.004-04:00

World's smallest car makes a comeback

Only 50 electric Peel P50s were made back in the '60s, but it's being sold again, for a short time.

'Retro appeal'

World's smallest car, back in production...

~Jeff Voth

At just one-sixteenth the weight of the smallest existing Canadian car, the British-made Peel P50 is tiny.

The world's smallest car is back in production after its original run of 50 in the 1960s.

It's electric, and coming to a street near you.

If you are a fan of the vastly popular British TV show, Top Gear, you might remember the episode in which Jeremy Clarkson drives the single-seat Peel P50 to work and around the offices of the BBC.

It was a classic.

The old saw, "Good things come in small packages", may be true, since two British businesses have resurrected the single-seater Peel P50, the car listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest production car ever made.

A total of 25 units are set to be built.

Only 50 P50s were made in the 1960s and the new owners, car enthusiasts Gary Hillman and Faizal Khan, claim original models sell for more than $100,000.

The pair is hoping to develop a merchandise business to capitalize on the retro appeal of the quirky runabouts.

The P50 weighed less than 60 kilograms and was just 137 cm long.

The P50 was so small, it could be lifted, by their rear bumper, and wheeled into tight parking spots.

By comparison, the newest small car in Canada, the micro-sized Scion iQ, weighs 960 kg, and stretches to an enormous 304.5 cm.

Don't try picking up this car, at home or the office.

The P50's early advertising material said it had enough room for "one adult and a shopping bag".

It had a single door on the left hand side, one windscreen wiper and one headlight.

Today, some would call this a baby stroller on steroids.

The latest incarnation has a modern twist; the new P50 is available with two electric motors, putting out just 1kW.

The electric vehicle has a top speed of 12km/h and a range of about 25 kilometres.

Prices start at about $20,000.

Reports say only nine of the vehicles are left.

Better get yours, fast!

fb BASTARDS! ...i don't LIKE/WANT the change GRRRR

2012-01-25T03:29:00.004-04:00

Facebook switching all users to Timeline

Everyone on the social network will soon get the new profile page, whether they want it, or not.

Key changes

Facebook Timeline MANDATORY rollout:

You have 7 days to scour your past...

By Mike Wehner, Tecca
Today in Tech
– 12 hours ago

The time to edit your online persona is... now!

Facebook is the virtual home to more than 800 million active users; any change to how the network operates is a big deal.

Nothing could be bigger for the social hotspot than completely revamping everyone's front-facing profile page; and exactly what is happening... today.

Starting this morning, the new Timeline feature — it has been an optional switch — is now mandatory.

The Timeline differs from the default profile pages we know and love in several ways.

Rather than showcasing only your most recent posts, your personal front page can be scrolled back months, or years, at a time.

Most importantly, this change can offer visitors a glimpse at your entire social networking past, all the way back to the day you joined.

The revamp can be both a blessing and a curse for seasoned social networkers.

It can produce a bit of pleasant nostalgia, but also drag up some of your less proud public moments.

Left untouched, your Timeline may remind of you of breakups, job troubles, or even a few unfortunate party photos you have long since buried.

Depending on your settings, these black marks on your digital past could allow new followers — including friends or business associates — to see a side of you better kept tucked away.

Privacy is already a hot topic for Facebook users, and the network's litany of sharing options can be difficult to navigate, even for the most experienced users.

The company isn't oblivious to how the Timeline may drag up some unwanted past events, so a short buffer zone is in place, to allow you to modify your online persona, before making its new debut.

You now have until 31 January to erase any past Facebook scars you'd prefer to hide.

The mandatory Timeline rollout will catch some by surprise, but you don't have to fall victim to the ghosts of past updates.

Take some time to review your social networking history, don't hesitate to prune anything you wouldn't want on the front page of a local newspaper, because... the clock is ticking.

You could always jump ship to Google+, instead.

This article originally appeared on Tecca

scots wha ha'e...

2012-01-25T01:37:00.000-04:00

**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXMrC54QiNA

*

address to a haggis...

2012-01-25T00:59:00.004-04:00

Established 1885

Our Motto

" A man's a man for a' that"

Search Tips

But mark the Rustic, haggis fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread.
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll mak it whissle;
An' legs an' arms, an' heads will sned,
Like taps o' thrissle.


Address to A Haggis This famous poem by Burns is regularly recited during celebrations throughout the World, whenever Haggis makes an appearance on the menu ! Yet for many, some basic questions may need an answer. What is A Haggis ? Why did Burns write about it? What does the Address to A Haggis mean? Why is Haggis served during Scottish cultural celebrations? What is a Haggis? Without wanting to disappoint anyone….it is NOT the mythical furry creature…… with its two inside legs shorter than its two outside legs..…to allow it to run easily along hillsides! Nor is it any other kind of living creature. A Haggis is a very old Scottish dish, which combines meats, spices and oatmeal to create a very rich, unusual, but none the less delicious feast. The factual and historic description of Haggis is sometimes off-putting to people who have not tried it. Fortunately, modern techniques in the preparation and presentation of Haggis make it an acceptable delicacy to almost everyone's palate. In fact, it's simply delicious. If you haven't tried haggis …..authentic Scottish Haggis…..you must! Whilst here in Scotland it is not consumed on a daily basis, it does feature regularly on many people's home menus throughout the year. It makes "guest" appearances on a more formal basis throughout the year, whenever Scottish culture is celebrated. ARRRRRGH !!! In the olden days, the preparation of a Haggis went something like this :- Take the liver, lungs, and heart of a sheep; boil them. Mince the meats and mix with chopped onions, toasted oatmeal, salt, pepper, and spices. Take one properly cleaned sheep's stomach. Stuff the cleaned stomach with the above-prepared contents. Sew up the stomach (leaving enough room for expansion, to avoid a large messy explosion) and boil. Serve and eat. Lovely! Okay... now you've returned from the bathroom, be reassured modern Haggis, prepared here in Scotland, is not so gruesome. The best meats are selected, (including tripe and offal) and prepared with finest oatmeal and spices…..but served in a synthetic skin, representative of the old technique. The quality manufacturers of Haggis, here in Scotland, pride themselves in their guarded secret recipes, and prepare the Haggis to exacting standards. Haggis has a higher quality of content than your average "sausage"…..and is extremely healthy…..so please don't be put off! Nowadays, there are even vegetarian versions, made from the finest Scottish produce. Now you know about Haggis, what are its origins? In the days when hunting was a means of basic survival, all parts of the dead animal had to be used. The skins were used as clothing, the gut and tissue used as thread for sewing, with the main carcass and organs used as food. The bulk content meat was often dried or salted, and proved suitable for a long "shelf life". The innards and organs of the beast were the most perishable parts, and had to be consumed first. Someone, somewhere, sometime, recognised the stomach made an excellent cooking vessel, and mixing the organs with spices and meal, placing them in this natural "pot", and cooking the contents provided a highly nutritional and tasty meal. This basic method of cooking has been traced back to Greek and Roman times. The name "Haggis" has its origins in more recent history, and links are shown to Scandinavian "hag" meaning to "hew", or the French "hageur" - "to cut", or German "hackwurst" meaning "minced sausage". Who knows? It is difficult to identify, exactly, when the great Scottish "haggis", as described by Burns, came to be. For sure, in his day, and during the 18th century, the now famous meal was regularly served in Scotland as a tasty, and very healthy meal. It is only from here, in Scotland, you can savour a genuine, Scottish haggis! Why did Burns write about the Haggis? An interesting question, and I doubt if we will ever know exactly what inspired him to write The Address To A Haggis. What is clear, Burns was presenting the Haggis as being a unique and symbolic part of Scottish identity and culture. Through the power of the spoken word, and the imagery of vivid language, Rabbie successfully portrayed a picture in the mind, which has long since become the focal point of the celebration of Burns... and Scotland. When written, only a short time had passed since the Jacobite Rebellion. The French Revolution was alive, and America was in the aftermath of the War of Independence. In Britain, the political struggle between Scotland and England was very much to the fore, and Burns wrote passionately on the subject. War, political struggle, and the Scottish identity were the catalyst for the poem. The humble Haggis was merely the vehicle used to demonstrate his proud Scottish nationalism, which he does in a lighthearted way. Burns clearly thought Haggis was a great meal, but he also recognised its nutritional value, its popularity, and its unusual preparation and presentation. It is, uniquely, Scottish. Therefore, it's easy to see why Rabbie made the link between Scotland's Identity at that time, and the serving of Haggis to ordinary Scots, as an ordinary Scottish meal. I suppose it was a strange subject to write about, but this is the mastery of Burns! What does the Address to a Haggis mean?
Address To A Haggis Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the puddin-race! Aboon them a' ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy o' a grace As lang's my arm. The groaning trencher there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Your pin wad help to mend a mill In time o' need, While thro' your pores the dews distil Like amber bead. His knife see rustic Labour dight, An' cut you up wi' ready sleight, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like ony ditch; And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm-reekin, rich! Then, horn for horn, they stretch an' strive: Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive, Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve, Are bent lyke drums; Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive, "Bethankit!" 'hums. Is there that owre his French ragout Or olio that wad staw a sow, Or fricassee wad mak her spew Wi' perfect sconner, Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view On sic a dinner? Poor devil! see him ower his trash, As feckless as a wither'd rash, His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash, His nieve a nit; Thro' bloody flood or field to dash, O how unfit! But mark the Rustic, haggis fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread. Clap in his walie nieve a blade, He'll mak it whissle; An' legs an' arms, an' heads will sned, Like taps o' thrissle. Ye Pow'rs wha mak mankind your care, And dish them out their bill o' fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies; But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer, Gie her a haggis!	The Translation Fair is your honest happy face Great chieftain of the pudding race Above them all you take your place Stomach, tripe or guts Well are you worthy of a grace As long as my arm The groaning platter there you fill Your buttocks like a distant hill Your skewer would help to repair a mill In time of need While through your pores the juices emerge Like amber beads His knife having seen hard labour wipes And cuts you up with great skill Digging into your gushing insides bright Like any ditch And then oh what a glorious sight Warm steaming, rich Then spoon for spoon They stretch and strive Devil take the last man, on they drive Until all their well swollen bellies Are bent like drums Then, the old gent most likely to rift (burp) Be thanked, mumbles Is there that over his French Ragout Or olio that would sicken a pig Or fricassee would make her vomit With perfect disgust Looks down with a sneering scornful opinion On such a dinner Poor devil, see him over his trash As week as a withered rush (reed) His spindle-shank a good whiplash His clenched fist.the size of a nut. Through a bloody flood and battle field to dash Oh how unfit But take note of the strong haggis fed Scot The trembling earth resounds his tread Clasped in his large fist a blade He'll make it whistle And legs and arms and heads he will cut off Like the tops of thistles You powers who make mankind your care And dish them out their meals Old Scotland wants no watery food That splashes in dishes But if you wish her grateful prayer Give her a haggis!
Why is Haggis served during Scottish cultural celebrations? Following the death of Burns, a number of Burns Clubs were formed, to celebrate and honour his memory... what better than to serve the great Haggis during this celebration, and to recite his famous: Address to a Haggis? This custom has been carried through the years, and is now firmly established as one of the key recitals at any Burns Supper, celebrated by millions throughout the world. All manner of Scottish celebrations choose to have Haggis on their menu. It is a truly excellent choice for such occasions, and almost everyone who tries it..loves it! There is nothing better than real, authentic, Scottish haggis, served traditionally with "neeps n tatties". At home with the family, entertaining guests, or at organised events... go for Haggis! Burns wrote the poem as a celebration of Scotland, and all things Scottish. In some ways, it is quite strange and rather amusing to think, one of the worlds greatest poets, should write so passionately about a simple meal. Rabbie himself, would, no doubt find the celebrity status of the Haggis hilarious, particularly since he is responsible for that fame! All in all, it is very fitting the humble Scottish Haggis has continued and prospered in modern society, and has itself now become representative of Scotland. ~Mac The World Burns Club Address to a Haggis in our poem archive

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