Islamic Jihadists Using 9/11 Mosque Protests as Recruiting Tool

With the protests surrounding the planned Islamic Community Center at the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks reaching a fever pitch, an unforeseen but perhaps inevitable opportunity has arisen for Islamic extremists. Seizing on the vitriol and hate that is seemingly coming from the protest of a planned mosque near Ground Zero, jihadists are using the apparent "hatred of Islam" to recruit new terrorists in the fight against the U.S. and the West. One jihadist website notes, "By Allah, the wards are heated and you Americans are the ones who enflamed it. By Allah you will be the first to taste its flames."

While U.S. anti-terrorist officials see no specific evidence that the protests are hurting U.S. efforts worldwide, information about the recruiting efforts is in short supply. A U.S. official recently noted that the chatter was being taken seriously, however, saying, "Terrorists like al-Qaeda and its violent allies are motivated already to try to attack the United States, but when it comes to propaganda, extremists are pure opportunists. They’ll use whatever they can."

Of course, many who oppose the mosque and community center say they have no bias against Islam, but feel that putting such a building at the Ground Zero location would be extremely insensitive to those who lost loved ones on 9/11. Still, regardless of intent, Evan Kohlmann, an independent terrorism consultant, says, "We are handing al-Qaeda a propaganda coup, an absolute propaganda coup." Others, including no less a central figure than Newt Gingrich, disagree. Says Gingrich, "We will never win a war when we are afraid to even name our enemies."

Recover Corrupted Files from Flash Drive

One technology that has singlehandedly revolutionized data storage and transfer methods is the 'Universal Serial Bus' interface, which is coupled with flash drive storage technology. It is really hard to imagine a time when USB flash drives weren't available. Data transfer was tedious and slow, before the arrival of USB flash drives and other USB based devices. Every day, millions of gigabytes of data is transferred using USB flash drives. However, when files stored on such a flash drive get corrupted, you can land up in a soup. The aim of this article is to acquaint you with how to recover corrupted files from a flash drive and deal with some of the major flash drive problems.

At the outset, let me make it clear that it is possible to recover corrupted files from flash drive, as long as the problems are related to software. If the USB flash drive is physically damaged, then there is no hope for data recovery. If on inserting the USB flash drive in a port, your computer does not recognize it (you get a 'USB Device Not Recognized' message), then it is indeed physically damaged and the data on it is beyond recovery. If however, your computer is recognizing your USB flash drive, but you are unable to copy files from it or open the drive, then there is hope to recover corrupted files from it.

There are two ways in which corrupted flash drive recovery may be achieved. One method uses diagnostic tools on the computer operating system itself to recover data. The second method is recovering corrupted files through use of special software programs. I will acquaint you with both methods in this article.

How to Recover Corrupted Files From Flash Drive

Recovering corrupted files from flash drive is possible using storage drive diagnostic and repair tools provided on a Windows operating system like Windows 7 or Windows Vista. I assume that your drive is getting recognized, but you are not able to access it. Open the 'My Computer' window and right click on the drive label icon. Of all the options that open up, select the last - 'Properties' option. This will open up a window with many tabs. Select the 'Tools' tab and observe the options presented below it. There will be an 'error checking' option there with a 'Check Now' button. Click on that button and select the 'Automatically Fix the File System Errors' option. If this method works, it will scan the USB flash drive for errors and fix any of the errors, that it detects.

This should enable you to recover corrupted files from flash drive quite easily. If the corruption is due to certain viruses, you may have to scan the whole disk with a regularly updated antivirus software program. This will clean out any worms or viruses, which may be hindering access to your stored files. If the check disk function and virus scan doesn't work, you can always go for some of best USB flash drive recovery software available out there.

Basic Information About Bottle Feeding

Many women feel that breastfeeding a baby helps develop a closer mother-child bond, as compared to bottle feeding. But that's not entirely true. When you bottle feed you do get a chance to hold your baby close to your body and nurture and strengthen the relationship with him. There could be various reasons for introducing a baby to a bottle. Maybe the mother needs to get back to work and hence the baby needs to start off on a bottle, the mother has some physical ailment which makes it impossible to breastfeed, or it could be time to wean the baby from the breast to a bottle. Whatever the reason, you should be fully aware of the bottle feeding techniques which will ensure the safety and good health of your infant. For a newborn, it's fairly easy to start off on a bottle, whereas for a breastfed baby, introducing a bottle can be as easy as a pie, or turn out to be a nightmare for some parents.

Introducing the Baby to a Bottle
There is no fixed time for this. Every baby is unique, and as the mother, you are probably the best person to judge when your kid should start using a bottle. A sign that your baby might be ready for it is when he nurses less than usual. It's not just the baby, weaning an infant can be hard for the mother too. So give it a good thought before you think of starting the bottle, keeping yours and your baby's needs in mind. As much as breastfeeding has its advantages, bottle feeding scores when another caregiver, especially the dad can also hold and feed the baby. To make the switch easier, start with combination feeding, breastfeeding thrice a day, and the remaining times use a bottle. Begin by feeding your baby expressed milk, and then slowly transition to formula. Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, so the feeding frequency and bowel movements too change accordingly. The transition phase may be stressful for your infant, so hold and cuddle your baby more. Never ever quit breastfeeding cold turkey!

Choosing the Right Baby Bottles
Baby bottles are available in both plastic and glass. The advantage of plastic bottles is they are much lighter and do not break. If you opt for plastic bottles, look for ones that are labeled BPA-free.

Bottle nipples are either made from silicone or latex and available in several sizes. Whichever material you use, ensure that the size of the hole is right, and the flow of the liquid through it isn't too less or too much. You can check how the liquid flows from the nipple. Fill the bottle with water, attach the nipple and invert it. You should get a steady drip. The water should not rush out, nor should it be so slow that you have to shake the bottle hard. You may want to try using a few till you realize which fits your baby's needs best. With prolonged use, nipples can get worn out and even fade in color. Discard them immediately.

Sterilizing Baby Bottles
Before initial use you must sterilize the baby bottle, including other parts like the lid, nipples, and any cap that may come with it. Boil water in a large pot and while it continues to boil, immerse all the bottle parts in it for 5 minutes. For subsequent use, after every feed, wash everything using hot water and a mild soap. Properly clean the nipple hole by squirting water a few times through it. Bottles can also be washed in a dishwasher.

Preparing the Formula
For formula preparation, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not add extra formula and do not dilute it either. Always use iron-fortified formula. Use boiled water that has been cooled down. Always use water that is lukewarm or at room temperature. If your baby prefers warm water, fill the bottle with warm water before you add the formula. Or immerse the bottle in hot water for a few seconds to warm up the contents. Never add cold water and microwave the bottle. Microwave heats food unevenly, and your baby could be at a risk of scalding his mouth. The bottle might even explode inside the microwave.

After you have prepared the formula, shake the bottle well, and do a temperature test. Allow a drop to trickle on the back of your palm or the inside of your wrist and see how warm it is. Unused formula should be refrigerated right away. Do not use prepared formula that has been lying in the bottle, unrefrigerated for over an hour.

Positioning the Baby
Before you hold the baby, make sure you are sitting comfortably. Tie a bib around the baby. Now pick up the baby and hold him close, at a slight incline (the head should be higher than the rest of the body). This prevents the buildup of gas when the baby is drinking. Put the nipple against the baby's lips and hold the bottle such that the neck of the bottle is filled with the milk. Support your baby's head throughout the feed. Never feed a baby who's lying on his back. This is dangerous as babies can choke and such feeding puts them at greater risk of ear infections. Never leave the baby alone with a bottle, propped up against a pillow.

How Much Milk Should the Baby Drink
For a newborn, start off with not more than 2 ounces for a single feeding. Increase the quantity gradually, when your baby finishes all at one go and look for cues that he is hungry for more. A hungry infant might continue to suck even after emptying the bottle. In such a case, offer more milk or formula. For an infant that has made the switch to a bottle, give him as many ounces of milk as half his weight. Don't expect your baby to finish everything at one go, and don't force it either. Babies instinctively know when they are full, and will stop feeding automatically by turning away their mouths and looking uninterested. If you are worried whether your baby has had enough milk, notice the signs which tell you he is feeling contented after a feeding and check whether he is gaining weight regularly.

Once the baby has finished feeding, you must burp the baby. At all times keep a burp cloth ready. Gently put the baby on his stomach over a burp cloth and slide your hands over his back a few times till you hear a burp. Or hold him such that his head is over your shoulder, and pat his back gently. You might want to drape the burp cloth over your shoulder when you burp him this way. Babies might not always emit an audible burp. But rubbing your hands over his back and patting him will eliminate the buildup of air bubbles from his body.

When and how to start bottle feeding should be entirely a personal choice, and not influenced by what others say or think. Every baby will have his unique feeding schedule and it will be some time before both you and the baby adjust to it. If you have any doubts, voice them to the pediatrician, he or she is the best person to guide you when it comes to the well-being of your baby.

Hong Kong Under Imperial Chinese Rule

The antecedents of the city-state of Hong Kong can be likened to that of a suitcase kid, where the upbringing of a child fluctuates between two separated parents. Hong Kong was and still remains geographically, a part of China and Southeast Asia but became a British colony from 1842-1997. It was also ruled briefly by Japan. While Hong Kong's situation under British rule is well-documented, its governance by the ancient dynasties of China remains a mystery. Below is a detailed look at how ancient Hong Kong was ruled by the Chinese.

Timeline of Hong Kong Under Imperial Chinese Rule

Prior to the Chinese, Hong Kong was inhabited by an unknown ancient race known as the Yue people. Archaeologists recently discovered a large burial ground and research carried out at the site indicated, they were a tribe of warriors with a non-Chinese religion. Not much light can be shed on these early Hong Kong inhabitants. But they faced the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was looking to consolidate all of China under his rule, in 221 BC. The Yue were no match for the powerful Chinese force and were wiped out. Soon, Hong Kong became another part of the vast Chinese empire.

In 210 BC, Emperor Huang died and unrest broke out against his successor’s rule. The area of what is now Hong Kong, was staked by a Han Chinese general, Zhao Tuo, who founded his own kingdom and named the area Nanyue. For a while, his rule reigned but in 112 BC, Nanyue was taken over by the mighty Han Dynasty. This was the first of the Five Clans of China to rule over Hong Kong. The Hans seemingly utilized the area for large-scale salt production, as supported by the archeological items found in a tomb dating from that time. These settlers heavily influenced the area, with most artifacts and relics reflecting the rich Han traditions and heritage. The descendants of this dynasty remain members of today’s Hong Kong population.

The Han Dynasty soon made way for the Tang Dynasty. These rulers realized the key advantage of the area lay in its strategic location and turned it into a highly profitable sea port. This opened up trade between China and the world. Soon the region flourished into a trading port, a key Chinese naval base and an ideal location for pearl farming.

In 1276, Honk Kong became known to the rest of China’s populace as the tragic place where an emperor died. The Mongols invaded China at this time, and to escape the horde, child emperor Duan Zong along with his Song Dynasty court, tried to reach Hong Kong. But sadly, the emperor and his entourage drowned in the Pearl River. For a while, the Mongols ruled over Hong Kong and the populace was a mix of Chinese refugees from various clans.

In the 16th century, the Ming Dynasty was in charge of Hong Kong. This time period also saw the arrival of the Portuguese to Chinese shores, who began trade. But they also built up military defenses on the sly and were soon confronted by the Chinese. They were subsequently banished and frightened by such interference, the Maritime Prohibition law was levied by the Chinese ruling dynasty, to prevent foreign powers from trading. In this confusing time, the natives of Hong Kong were forced to leave their land and move to mainland China. This forced movement took place from 1661 to 1669.

In 1669, the British arrived in China, in the form of the East India Company. Emperor Kangxi, the then ruler of China, was very wary of the newcomers but wanted to trade with them. So he drew up a strict set of rules and restrictions to be followed by the foreigners and carried out trade with the British merchants in Canton. Trade flourished between East and the West and soon a trading post was set up. This put Hong Kong on the foreign trade map. At this time, Hong Kong also became the main port for the British to bring opium into China.

Trading away silver for opium at an alarming rate depleted the nation’s treasury severely. Also the local population had turned into opium addicts. Opium was subsequently banned by Emperor Chia Ch’ing but its use continued secretly. The arrival of mandarin Lin Zexu saw the end of the secret opium trade and the British were cornered from all sides. The ban of opium angered the British and they went on the offensive and attacked Guangzhou, then Shanghai and then turned their wrath on Beijing. This was the First Opium War. The power of the British forced the emperor into agreeing to hand over Hong Kong. For a while, peace reigned between the two parties.

However, the Chinese seemed very reluctant to hand over Hong Kong. Once again, the British went on the warpath and this time seized the prime thriving city of Nanking. The Chinese were effectively put in their place and drew up the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Now they had Nanking back and the British got Honk Kong, free of cost, to rule as they please and free from any Chinese law. Thus, the area of Hong Kong passed from Imperial Chinese rule into the hands of the British.

The British ruled Hong Kong for 156 years, finally returning it to the Chinese in 1997. The brief history of Hong Kong as a Chinese region, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rule of dynasties, the formation of local populace and how the sprawling metropolis of Hong Kong came into being.

What are Solar Updraft Towers

A solar updraft tower is nothing but a power plant that makes use of two natural sources of energy, namely wind energy and solar energy, to generate electricity. The technology behind the working of a solar updraft tower is still in its prototype or experimental stage with plans to construct towers as tall as 3000 feet or more, to harness wind power and energy of the sun. The concept of a solar updraft tower first came up in 1903. A solar updraft tower makes use of the physical phenomena of air flow due to convection and greenhouse effect.

Does the energy generating capacity of a solar updraft tower depend on the height of the tower alone? Not exactly, because the area of the collector region at the base of the chimney or tower also counts; the greater the collector area, the higher the amount of electricity generated. Talking about towers so tall, one might wonder what are such towers made of. Well, the basic structure of a solar tower is made using reinforced concrete. Since the tower makes use of the greenhouse effect to heat up the air, a part of the collector area is surrounded by glass which captures heat.

Information About Solar Updraft Towers

In this section, we shall learn more about a solar updraft tower, how it works and the benefits of using one as compared to conventional power plants.

How Does a Solar Updraft Tower Work?

The solar updraft tower works on a very simple process of air flow due to convection currents. The base of the tower or the collector region, is made of transparent, clear glass. Sunlight penetrates through the glass and on hitting the ground, gets converted to heat energy. The heat generated by the rays of the sun hitting the ground, causes the air surrounding the base to get heated up as well. We know that hot air is denser than cold air and so the air in the collector region, which is at a high temperature, rises up through the tower, causing a low pressure to develop in the collector region. Since air flows towards a region of low pressure, air from outside rushes into the collector, causing the turbines on its path to rotate. The speed with which the turbines rotate is determined by the speed with which the hot air rises up the tower, which in turn is directly proportional to the amount of solar radiation entering the collector region.

A solar updraft tower functions not only during the day, but also at night; the only difference being that after sunset, the air in the collector is heated indirectly using heat released from preheated water. There are containers filled with water placed inside the collector, which serve as a "storehouse of energy". The water in these containers gets heated up as a result of being exposed to solar radiation throughout the day and at night this accumulated heat is released to power the solar updraft tower. Note that larger the collector area, more will be the volume of air contained in it and so when this air rises up, more volume of air shall flow into the collector, making the turbines turn more rapidly.

Advantages of a Solar Updraft Tower

The solar updraft tower has many advantages and these are mentioned as under.

• It is relatively easier to construct a solar updraft tower as compared to a thermal or nuclear power plant.
• It is economical due to low cost of installation and low running costs.
• Unlike a nuclear power plant, where there is a danger of explosion, a solar power plant such as an updraft tower is relatively safe for the people living in the area adjacent to the tower.
• The simplicity of the structure makes it easy to install even in the developing and under developing countries where advanced technology and infrastructure is not available.
• Unlike a solar cell that functions only when exposed to a particular intensity of light, a solar tower works effectively even in the absence of direct sunlight i.e., when the weather is cloudy.

The solar updraft tower has some drawbacks as well and chief among them is the fact that it requires a very large area to construct one. Secondly, the solar updraft tower, in its present form, is not as efficient as other conventional power plants. However, these drawbacks can be overcome to some extent by utilizing deserts and wastelands for the purpose, and installing these towers in areas that experience extremes of temperature and very little rainfall.

The first prototype of the solar updraft tower was built in Spain, near the capital city of Madrid, in 1982. The world's tallest solar updraft tower is slated to rise to an astounding height of 2600 feet and will be built in Arizona in the U.S. by an Australian company, EnviroMission. When working to its full capacity, it would have the potential to "light up"around 200,000 homes!

More Talk of Greece Exiting the European Union after Not Meeting Austerity Benchmarks

An analyst for UBS succinctly described the Euro Zone as the Hotel California, a song by The Eagles in the 1970s. The song lyrics describe the hotel as a place where "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave." That description seems to be appropriate for the nations like Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain who are struggling to maintain their benchmark deficit reduction goals in order to maintain their inclusion in the European Union.

Unfortunately for Greece - and for all of the members of the Euro Zone, there is not structure in place for a country to leave the Euro, or to even be expelled from the Euro. Because of the common currency and the financial inter-dependence of all the nations of the Euro, if Greece were to exit, the strain would almost certainly force nations like Italy, Spain and the others to follow suit. That would essentially destroy the Euro Zone and its fragile economy and currency. And ultimately, that might be the best thing for the global economy.

The Euro Zone is essentially a loosely connected United States of Europe, except that it contains entire nations with deep historical and cultural foundations that make them much less connected then the United States of America, for example. As a result, there is much less true unity among the nations of the Euro. Their initial union was one borne of a desire for more financial and economic clout in trying to compete with the U.S. and China for global market share.

Now that the global economy is struggling, the Euro's weaknesses have been exposed and the entire experiment is facing a serious crisis. Because of inherent flaws in the structure of the Euro Zone, there is no real incentive for Greece - or any other member nation - to enforce the types of hard-line austerity measures required to get their deficit problems under control. In a matter of speaking, the weaker, poorer countries have nothing to lose in the game - their economies have essentially crumbled already.

If the big players like Germany and France decide to let them fail, it will be Germany and France who bear the financial brunt of Greece's exit from the Euro - but by continuing to carry them, the future consequences could be far greater.

Judge Approves Lawsuit Against Madonna Related to Noise Complaints

On one hand, having a celebrity of Madonna's status as a neighbor might be fun and interesting. After all, she's one of the most recognized and accomplished entertainers in the world - and for the most part she seems like a nice person. Of course, if Madonna is using her adjoining apartment as a dance and music studio with blaring music and constant stomping on the floor - as a recent lawsuit contends - then things might not be so rosy. That seems to be what is transpiring in Madonna's New York apartment complex.

A judge ruled yesterday that the lawsuit filed against Madonna and the co-op where her apartment resides will be allowed to move forward based on the evidence provided. Madonna and the building owners claim that Madonna never violated existing noise ordinances, but that may not be the deciding factor if terms of the various leases dictate otherwise.

While it may not be illegal for Madonna to make noise in her apartment during certain hours of the day, there may be a clause in the lease of her offended neighbor that entitles him or her to quiet enjoyment of their own premises. If said quiet enjoyment is infringed upon by Madonna's activities, then she has a valid complaint. Of course, the complaint may not ultimately be Madonna's to rectify - and it's likely that she will not face anything other than a potential order stating that she can't use her apartment as a studio - or placing restrictions on the noise level and hours of the day she might use the space as such.

Ultimately, it might be much easier for Madonna and her neighbor if the star decided to use one of the many studios in the area for her needs. Everyone loves to work from home - sometimes - but overall it can be a drag.

U.S. Pursues Credible Terrorist Plot Targeting September 11

There are no specifics being offered by U.S. officials and lawmakers about a credible terrorist threat that is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and various U.S. intelligence agencies. Some rumors have circulated that the threat originated in the tribal regions of Pakistan and that it involved truck bombs that would be detonated in New York and Washington DC on or around September 11. Reports airing last night suggested that at least three persons of interest entered the U.S. sometime in August with the intention of carrying out or aiding in the execution of coordinated attacks.

Reports from ABC News suggested that officials were searching for two moving trucks that were rented from a location in Missouri in recent days, with the implication that the trucks might eventually be packed with explosives. At this point, officials are remaining tight-lipped about the details of the threat and almost everyone is tempering their language with the idea that credible threats such as these often amount to nothing once a complete investigation has taken place.

Given the national significance of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, however, it's understandable if officials and law enforcement are erring on the side of caution with regards to this particular threat. One could imagine few things more disheartening for a struggling nation than to be attacked yet again on the 10th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the history of the United States. With the lives and resources that have been expended attempting to secure the nation, a new attack would surely create questions and fears that no one wants to face.

Kardashian sex tape buyer still anonymous

The owner of the reputed Kim Kardashian sex video says the prospective buyer of the tape is not connected to the reality television star.

Steve Hirsch told TMZ.com he has been negotiating with a proxy, who insists the buyer is not Kim herself or anyone associated with her.

Hirsch, who wants $30 million for the steamy video, said, "It made sense the entire time it would be Kim, but it appears it is not."

That jibes with sources in the Kardashian camp who have insisted Kim isn't dealing with Hirsch, although she is anxious to find out who the mystery buyer is.

Hirsch said he was told the buyer's identity and reasons for going to such trouble and expense once a sale is finalized. Hirsch cautioned the two sides are still far apart on price.

Ripa not expecting another Regis

Kelly Ripa says whoever replaces Regis Philbin as co-host of their venerable U.S. daytime television won't be another Regis.

Philbin, 80, will leave "Live! With Regis and Kelly" next month after hosting the show since its debut in 1983.

"I don't think anybody can fill his shoes," Ripa told Parade. "It will have to be somebody entirely different."

Ripa predicted her new partner would probably just fall into the job much the same way she settled into Kathy Lee Gifford's old chair. "I was filling in for somebody who was filling in and it just clicked," she said. "It worked for us and I think that when it clicks and when it works, everybody will know."

In the meantime, Ripa, the show's producers and the loyal viewers of "Live!" have been reminiscing about Philbin's long career. "To see our audience really re-appreciate Regis is a wonderful thing."

Princess Beatrice graduates college

Britain's Princess Beatrice graduated from college this week and will embark on a series of internships, Buckingham Palace announced.

Beatrice took part in Friday's commencement exercises at the University of London's Goldsmiths College with hundreds of classmates and her proud parents, the duke of York and Sarah Ferguson, in the stands.

Beatrice, 23, earned a degree in history but her career path is being focused on future good works.

"Princess Beatrice will over the coming months broaden her knowledge and experience to complement her position as a member of the Royal Family," the palace said in a written statement. "This will involve undertaking a number of internships to develop her experience, particularly in business and philanthropy."

The Daily Telegraph said Saturday the princess is already active in the Teenage Cancer Trust and her mom's Children in Crisis charity.

Sweden arrests 4 on terror allegations

Swedish police said they arrested four terror suspects in the western city of Gothenburg early Sunday.

The TT news agency said the country's National Task Force, a specialized police unit, swept into a part of the city and cordoned it off around midnight.

An art gallery hosting an opening party was ordered evacuated as barriers were erected in the vicinity, the report said.

Police released no details of the arrests.

Sara Kvarnstrom, a spokeswoman for the Swedish Security Services, was also tight-lipped about the operation.

"There's no cause for the general public to be concerned," she said.

In October, after two people were arrested on charges of plotting a bombing in Gothenburg, federal security officials said some 200 Islamic militants were known to be in the country, CNN said.

The arrests came on the 10th anniversary of four al-Qaida suicide aircraft attacks on the United States.