Big Bang Theory Long Before Earth

Distant Star's Explosion Shatters Record

WASHINGTON (March 21) - The explosion of a star halfway across the universe was so huge it set a record for the most distant object that could be seen on Earth by the naked eye.

The aging star, in a previously unknown galaxy, exploded in a gamma ray burst 7.5 billion light years away, its light finally reaching Earth early Wednesday.

The gamma rays were detected by NASA's Swift satellite at 2:12 a.m. "We'd never seen one before so bright and at such a distance," NASA's Neil Gehrels said. It was bright enough to be seen with the naked eye.

However, NASA has no reports that any skywatchers spotted the burst, which lasted less than an hour. Telescopic measurements show that the burst - which occurred when the universe was about half its current age, before Earth was formed - was bright enough to be seen without a telescope.

"Someone would have had to run out and look at it with a naked eye, but didn't," said Gehrels, chief of NASA's astroparticles physics lab at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

The starburst would have appeared as bright as some of the stars in the handle of the Little Dipper constellation, said Penn State University astronomer David Burrows. How it looked wasn't remarkable, but the distance traveled was.

The 7.5 billion light years away far eclipses the previous naked eye record of 2.5 million light years. One light year is 5.9 trillion miles.

"This is roughly halfway to the edge of the universe," Burrows said.

Before it exploded, the star was about 40 times bigger than our sun. The explosion vaporized any planet nearby, Gehrels said.

I thought this was a really fascinating story for a number of reasons. There are so many of us/you that have all these preconceived theories etc about how Earth and all came to be. Most of those theories are totally bogus and hold NO facts whatsoever. The more time passes, the more things come into play that refute alot of what YOU have been taught to believe. As the title of this blog suggests, YOU have to have "Opyn Mindz" to further your journey properly.

Big Bang, It Was,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang Amazon.com: Dragon: Book of Shang: Books: Bobby Sharpe

Shirley Bassey Is 71 And "Gettting The Party Started"

American born music divas can squabble over the title of being "The Queen," but when it comes to pop music, there is only one "Dame."

That's Dame Shirley Bassey.

This week, the 71-year-old chanteuse releases her latest music project, 'Get the Party Started,' consisting of daring covers of pop hits such as Lionel Richie's 'Hello,' Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway's 'Where is the Love?,' Gloria Gaynor's disco romp 'I Will Survive' and an ambitious rendition of Pink's once-ubiquitous chart-topper, which is the set's title track. All of this is juxtaposed with renewed remixes of Bassey's most beloved vocal platters such as 'Big Spender,' 'I Who Have Nothing' and 'This is My Life.'

Producers like the Glimmers, Mark de Clive-Lowe and Bugz in the Attic helped put a new spin on the previously released songs, while songwriter/producer partners Catherine Feeney and Nikki Lamborn helped craft the newness for the Welsh born diva.

"I thought maybe I could use a change," Bassey said in a recent interview with National Public Radio. "But I didn't know it would be that much of a change. I keep trying to put a spoke in the wheel, but they keep coming up with something new."Some critics have heralded the opus – Bassey's first in 10 years.

According to the April issue of Harp Magazine,"Pink should be green with envy; Bassey now owns this song."

You can get the rest of this story at Shirley Bassey: Just Turning 71 and Still Ready to 'Party' - Black Voices Blogs . I love Shirley Bassey and it is so nice to see her back and kicking with a new disc. She does a killer job on Pink's "Get This Party Started". Go get 'em Shirley!

Forget Gas Prices, Go To The Grocery Store

High Wheat Prices Raise Grocery Costs

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — If you think the cost of gassing up your car is outrageous, wait until you need to restock your pantry.

The price of wheat has more than tripled during the past 10 months, making Americans' daily bread — and bagels and pizza and pasta — feel a little like luxury items. And baked goods aren't the only ones getting more expensive: Experts expect some 80 percent of grocery prices will spike, too, and could remain steep for years because wheat and other grains are used to feed cattle, poultry and dairy cows.

"It's going to affect everything ... impact on every section of the grocery store," said Michael Bittel, senior vice president of King Arthur Flour Co. in Norwich, Vt.

White bread cost an average of 85 cents a pound in 1998 and $1.03 in February 2006. The price rose to $1.32 a pound last month, according to federal data.

And that's on top of overall food price increases of 4 percent last year and an additional 3.5 to 4.5 percent expected this year, according to federal data. Most years see 2.5 percent increases.

And YOU thought gassing up your car was expensive! Prices in the super market are getting totally ridiculous for a variety of reasons. That is why I posted this article. Hey, if YOU are going to be hungry and cant afford some of the food YOU need, YOU might as well know why. Click the link for the rest of the story iWon Money & Investing .

Show me the money(for food and gas)

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang Amazon.com: Dragon: Book of Shang: Books: Bobby Sharpe

"What, I Can't Buy Sex Anymore"?

Madam: Sex Too Hard to Sell These Days

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) - The oldest bordello in Hamburg's red-light district is shutting down for lack of business, according to newspaper reports published Friday.

The family-run Hotel Luxor, established in 1948, is being sold to an investor and will close down for good next month, madam Waltraud Mehrer said, according to the Hamburg Morgenpost and Bild newspapers.

She blamed the decline in business on easily available Internet porn, the rise of call-girl services, and "noisy discos and dance clubs" on the same street as her business, the newspapers reported.
"You can't make any big money selling sex in St. Pauli any more," she was quoted as saying, referring to the area that includes the red-light district. "The only thing still in operation are the table dance clubs."

The club's heyday was in the 1970s, when it was open 7 days a week, with 12 prostitutes on hand.

"Our customers were well off, they didn't scrimp," she said. "That's also changed today."

Hotel Luxor today employs four prostitutes, and is only open Tuesday through Friday nights.

"Two thousand euros (US$3,080) per night - it was like that once," one of the women, who gave her name only as "Nicole," told the Morgenpost. "Now I can only dream of that. I've been here a year and only earn around euro200 (US$308) per shift."

Now YOU know, when brothels are having a hard time staying in business, the worlds economy is really screwed up. Hey, and this was NO ORDINARY place, this is/was a landmark. I'm telling YOU, the Universe and Earth are under going a major cyclical change. When sex and gambling start to fall off, "it's time to check the calendar".

Good consensual sex rules,

Bobby Sharpe Amazon.com: Dragon: Book of Shang: Books: Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang

Sopranos Movie?

'Sopranos' Movie Rumor Revealed

LODI, N.J. (AP) - Hold the poles! Is a Sopranos movie in the works? The real-life manager of the strip club that fronted for the Bada Bing on HBO's "The Sopranos" thinks there might be. Satin Dolls manager Nick D'Urso says he's holding off on renovations to the strip club in Lodi, N.J., after getting a tip that a movie would be made. He wouldn't name the tipster.

An HBO spokeswoman says there's no truth to the rumor that plans are in the works for a film about Tony Soprano and his mob crew. As first reported in The Record of Bergen County, D'Urso says he'll wait until after the summer to renovate in case the tip pans out. Satin Dolls has already auctioned off its bronze-colored stripper poles and replaced them.

Nick D'Urso, is the director of Satin Dolls, the gentleman's club in Lodi, N.J., that serves as the Bada Bing in 'The Sopranos.' He's put plans to renovate the bar on hold amid rumors that there may be a movie in the works.

Well, let's keep our fingers crossed that there is a movie. That would be worth waiting for.

"Bad and Good are Perceptual,"

The Mob just is.................

Bobby Sharpe Amazon.com: Dragon: Book of Shang: Books: Bobby Sharpe eBay Seller: bobbysharpe: Fiction Books, Books items on eBay.com

Congratulations Hillary, Let's Keep It Going

Congratulations to Hillary Clinton on her primary wins on Tuesday March 4. It was such a pleasure to see her get some due for a change. Hopefully, this will give her some momentum moving forward. I still believe she is the best of the field for the nomination and presidency. Therefore, she will emerge victorious.

Nothing personal Barack, but, it is not your time yet. Sit back and get some playing time and wait for your turn. Oh, and try to reign in your wife, who happens to turn alot of people off.

Hillary For President,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang Amazon.com: Dragon: Book of Shang: Books: Bobby Sharpe

Doomsday Vault Planning For The Future

'Doomsday Vault' to Protect World's Seeds

LONGYEARBYEN, Norway (Feb. 26) - A "doomsday" seed vault built to protect millions of food crops from climate change, wars and natural disasters opened Tuesday deep within an Arctic mountain in the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.

"The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is our insurance policy," Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg told delegates at the opening ceremony. "It is the Noah's Ark for securing biological diversity for future generations."

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai of Kenya were among the dozens of guests who had bundled up for the ceremony inside the vault, about 425 feet deep inside a frozen mountain.

"This is a frozen Garden of Eden," Barroso said.

The vault will serve as a backup for hundreds of other seed banks worldwide. It has the capacity to store 4.5 million seed samples from around the world and shield them from man-made and natural disasters.

Dug into the permafrost of the mountain, it has been built to withstand an earthquake or a nuclear strike.

Norway owns the vault in Svalbard, a frigid archipelago about 620 miles from the North Pole. It paid $9.1 million for construction, which took less than a year. Other countries can deposit seeds without charge and reserve the right to withdraw them upon need.

The operation is funded by the Global Crop Diversity Trust, which was founded by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and Biodiversity International, a Rome-based research group.

"Crop diversity will soon prove to be our most potent and indispensable resource for addressing climate change, water and energy supply constraints, and for meeting the food needs of a growing population," said Cary Fowler, head of the Global Crop Diversity Trust.

Svalbard is cold, but giant air conditioning units have chilled the vault further to -0.4 Fahrenheit, a temperature at which experts say many seeds could last for 1,000 years.

Stoltenberg and Maathai delivered the first box of seeds to the vault during the opening ceremony — a container of rice seeds from 104 countries.

"This is unique. This is very visionary. It is a precaution for the future," Maathai, a Crop Diversity Trust board member, told The Associated Press after the ceremony.

The seeds are packed in silvery foil containers — as many as 500 in each sample — and placed on blue and orange metal shelves inside three 32-foot-by-88-foot storage chambers. Each vault can hold 1.5 million sample packages of all types of crop seeds, from carrots to wheat.

Construction leader Magnus Bredeli-Tveiten said the vault is designed to withstand earthquakes — successfully tested by a 6.2-magnitude temblor off Svalbard last week — and even a direct nuclear strike.

Many other seed banks are in less protected areas. For example, war wiped out seed banks in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one in the Philippines was flooded in the wake of a typhoon in 2006.

I don't know about YOU, but, I think this is a pretty cool story. Once again, it shows that there are some humans on this Earth that do care and are trying to look out for the future instead of running around like "the brainless idiots" they are killing each other and basically reversing any strides humanity has taken.

Hope YOU enjoy reading this kind of stuff as much as I enjoy posting it. Remember, "opyn mindz" make for better lives all around.

Bad and Good are Perceptual,

Reality just is.....

Bobby Sharpe (another place YOU can buy Dragon, Book Of Shang UK & USA)AbeBooks: Search Results - Bobby Sharpe and Dragon, Book Of Shang

Campaign '08 Theme: What the F*%#K Are U People Doing?

Every now and then, I just really have to "let it all hang out". I have to tell it like it is, because, everyone else is afraid of being "politically incorrect" and offending someone's race, religion or gender. Screw that! If people would "STOP DOING THAT", then, maybe we could make some forward movement and start taking care of business.

Let's cut to the chase here. I will preface this by saying, "I am of mixed blood just like Barack Hussein Obama". So, before all the "bruthas and sistas" want to question where I'm coming from, "trust me, YOU have nothing on me". Here are a few truths that I am sure few of YOU will fess up to.

1) Black folks are lining up behind Obama just because he is black. The majority of them have NO clue of anything Obama stands for or, what his platform/position is on anything. They want to be a part of history by voting for the first "black president. The hell with the economy and the wars.

2) A good number of women voters, black and white, are falling all over themselves for Obama because he is a good looking guy with charisma, that they would be more than happy to lay down with. To them, he's the latest "rock star". None of them have a clue about anything about Obama except that he keeps promising "change" and hope. What the hell does that mean? Don't mention specifics, just tell them it is "time for change".

3) Regardless what "polls" and man on the street are telling YOU, "a significant number of "white folks" are NOT VOTING FOR A BLACK MAN NAMED BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA for president! Bank that!

4) Yes, Hillary Clinton may not be Mary Poppins. Sure, she schemes, bends the truth, gets in your face and will climb over just about anyone to get where she wants to be. That is what being a winner is all about people. Since I am a winner, I can appreciate and relate to where she is coming from. Just as all the winners of this country do. I would trust her to stand face to face with any world leader out there. Though I do NOT agree with all of her policies and platforms, she has more experience and stones to get the job done now, then does Obama. YOU want to call Hillary names, "go right ahead". At least YOU know what she is and where she stands. YOU don't know jack about Obama!

In closing, "all of YOU "reagan conservative" talk show dorks, get over yourselves and get a freaking life". Besides, "what the hell does "conservative" mean anyway? I heard Sean Hanity run off his supposed "conservative" values. They weren't conservative values, "they were realistic common sense values". Two words need to leave the English language in the States. Liberal and conservative. Both words are the epitome of divisivness!

Vote With YOUR Brain, If YOU Have One,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Religious Landscape Trending Down

Survey Finds Religious Landscape in Flux

The U.S. religious marketplace is extremely volatile, with nearly half of American adults leaving the faith tradition of their upbringing to either switch allegiances or abandon religious affiliation altogether, a new survey finds.

The study released Monday by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life is unusual for it sheer scope, relying on interviews with more than 35,000 adults to document a diverse and dynamic U.S. religious population.

While much of the study confirms earlier findings -- mainline Protestant churches are in decline, non-denominational churches are gaining and the ranks of the unaffiliated are growing -- it also provides a deeper look behind those trends, and of smaller religious groups.

"The American religious economy is like a marketplace - very dynamic, very competitive," said Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum. "Everyone is losing, everyone is gaining. There are net winners and losers, but no one can stand still. Those groups that are losing significant numbers have to recoup them to stay vibrant."

For the complete story and polls, go to Survey Finds Religious Landscape in Flux - AOL News.

Yeah, people are switching religions. However, the smart ones are disavowing "religion" totally. They are finding "spirituality" instead. There is ONE Creator, the Universe, Earth, and, each individual soul. YOU do not need some self serving wannabe "prophet" telling YOU how to live and how much to tithe. Please people, wake up and smell reality.

Religion is based in fear, spirituality is based in Love,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang dragon, book of shang, Fiction Books items on eBay.com

Dragon, Book Of Shang Available At Amazon & Authorhouse

FYI, Dragon, Book Of Shang is now available at Dragon, Book of Shang and Amazon.com: Dragon: Book of Shang: Books: Bobby Sharpe

Get YOUR copy today! YOU will not be disappointed!

Dragons Rule,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe reggae8@aol.com

'Jaws' Chief Brody Dies

'Jaws' Star Roy Scheider Dies at 75

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 11) - Roy Scheider, a one-time boxer whose broken nose and pugnacious acting style made him a star in "The French Connection" and who later uttered one of cinematic history's most memorable lines in "Jaws," has died. He was 75.

Scheider died Sunday at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital in Little Rock, hospital spokesman David Robinson said. There is conflicting information regarding why the actor died, however he had been sick in recent years

The hospital did not release a cause of death, but Scheider had been treated for multiple myeloma at the hospital's Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy for the past two years. Scheider's widow, Brenda Seimer, told the New York Times that the actor died of complications from a staph infection.

Scheider earned two Academy Award nominations - a best-supporting nod for 1971's "The French Connection" in which he played the police partner of Oscar winner Gene Hackman, and a best-actor nomination for 1979's "All That Jazz," the semi-autobiographical Bob Fosse film.

For the rest of this story and some cool Roy Scheider pics, go to 'Jaws' Star Roy Scheider Dies at 75 - AOL News

I don't know about YOU, but, "Jaws is one of the coolest pictures and stories ever done. I do not think anyone else could have played their parts any better than the people/stars who did Jaws. Roy Scheider was excellent as the Chief of Amity. I know one of the best movie lines ever is "your gonna need a bigger boat". However, right before that line was said, Chief Brody uttered one of my all time favorite lines. Though directed at Quint, Brody was actually speaking to no one when he said, "let him come down here and chum some of this sh-t". "I can go full ahead".

Rest in peace Roy. Hopefully, we will see YOU again on the other side.

Jaws Rules,

Bobby Sharpe (Dragon, Book Of Shang on sale NOW)Dragon, Book of Shang

Happy Chinese New Year Of The Rat

Chinese New Year Horoscope
Year of the Earth Rat

February 7 not only ushers in the Chinese New Year -- which ends January 25, 2009 -- but the commencement of a fresh 12-year cycle. Therefore, the Year of the Rat is associated with fresh starts, new opportunities and hard work. Starting a job, getting married or moving to a different neighborhood are all favored -- especially if you were born in the year of the Ox, Dragon or Monkey. If you were born in the year of the Rat, prepare for a double dose of good fortune throughout the Chinese New Year! No matter what year you were born, you will make progress with new ventures. But be patient, as they will take time to grow to fruition.

Because the coming year is governed by the Earth element, the changes associated with the Rat will be slow and steady. Never let projects sit too long, or they'll get old and musty. When it comes to making changes in your life, think of yourself as a potter. Steady, gentle pressure will yield more impressive results than frantic, frenzied moves.

Don't expect to make a financial killing in the next 12 months, though. As far as the Year of the Rat is concerned, it's best to take a conservative approach with investments. Long-term ventures will prove more profitable than fly-by-night opportunities. The real estate market will continue to slow down, with states in the northern half of the United States faring slightly better than those in the southern sector.

Sex scandals are often associated with Rat years, so don't be surprised if some shocking news knocks a promising political candidate out of the United States presidential race. Interestingly, women are highly favored to take political office in the Year of the Rat. The politicians that will fare best in this year will be the ones who are sharp, cunning and know how to navigate their way out of tight corners. One thing is certain: whoever ultimately takes office in the Year of the Rat will generate plenty of controversy.

This Chinese New Year presents a marvelous opportunity to strengthen family ties. Instead of going out to expensive restaurants and fancy parties, you may prefer to fix home-cooked meals with your nearest and dearest. Cozy, casual gatherings are preferable to glittery, glitzy ones in the Year of the Rat. This animal prefers substance over style.As far as health is concerned, most people will see an overall improvement.

Any illnesses that occur could be related to environmental problems. Clean soil, air and water will become increasingly urgent issues throughout the Year of the Rat.

If you would like to check out what your animal sign for year of birth is, go to Chinese New Year Horoscope: Year of the Fire Pig - AOL Horoscopes

I was born in the year of the monkey.

Happy New Year,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon!

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Beatles' Renowned Guru Dies

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to the Beatles who introduced the West to transcendental meditation, died Tuesday at his home in the Dutch town of Vlodrop, a spokesman said. He was thought to be 91 years old.

"He died peacefully at about 7 p.m.," said Bob Roth, a spokesman for the Transcendental Meditation movement that the Maharishi founded. He said his death appeared to be due to "natural causes, his age."

Once dismissed as hippie mysticism, the Hindu practice of mind control that Maharishi taught, called transcendental meditation, gradually gained medical respectability.

He began teaching TM in 1955 and brought the technique to the United States in 1959. But the movement really took off after the Beatles visited his ashram in India in 1968, although he had a famous falling out with the rock stars when he discovered them using drugs at his Himalayan retreat.

With the help of celebrity endorsements, Maharishi - a Hindi-language title for Great Seer - parlayed his interpretations of ancient scripture into a multimillion-dollar global empire.

I wish I would have picked up on Maharishi's teachings back in the day. But, as my mentor would say, "you weren't ready for it, or, YOU would have gotten it then".

For the rest of this story and pictures, go to Beatles' Renowned Guru Dies - AOL News.

Namaste,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Johan Santana is Officially A Met

Santana agrees to $150.75M, seven-year deal with Mets

NEW YORK -- Johan Santana and the New York Mets agreed Friday to a $150.75 million, seven-year contract, a record for a pitcher and the last major step needed to finalize the team's blockbuster trade with Minnesota.

After the sides were granted an extra two hours to work on a deal, the Mets announced about 30 minutes before the new 7 p.m. EST deadline that negotiations had concluded. The pitcher was scheduled to take a physical Saturday.

Terms of the agreement were disclosed by a baseball official with knowledge of the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.

Santana's contract topped the previous mark for pitchers, set when Barry Zito received a $126 million, seven-year deal from the San Francisco Giants last offseason. Santana was due $13.25 million in the final year of his contract with the Twins, and would have been eligible for free agency after the World Series.

The only players with larger packages are New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez ($275 million), Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter ($189 million) and Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez ($160 million).

Santana's average annual salary of $21.5 million is second only to A-Rod's $27.5 million. Among pitchers with multiyear contracts, it topped the $18.3 million of the Chicago Cubs' Carlos Zambrano.

Mets officials met with Santana's agent, Peter Greenberg, in Manhattan for the third straight day as the sides worked on a contract for the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner.

The Twins agreed Tuesday to swap Santana for four prospects: outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-handers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.

Santana and the Mets were then given until 5 p.m. EST Friday to negotiate a contract. For the deal to become official, the left-hander must formally waive the no-trade provision in his current contract.

With talks ongoing Friday, the Mets asked Minnesota for two extra hours to work on an agreement, a request that was granted by the Twins and approved by the commissioner's office.

Minnesota offered Santana an $80 million, four-year extension this offseason, but he turned it down.

GREAT, it's a done deal! As a New York Met Super Fan, "I am thrilled". This looks like it might be a really good baseball season, despite the steroid bs etc. I will post further Mets updates here as I get them throughtout the season.

Let's Go Mets,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

NY Mets Deal For Santana

New York Mets, Minnesota Twins Reach Tentative Deal for Johan Santana

NEW YORK (AP) -Johan Santana is a contract extension and physical from going to the New York Mets.

After months of deliberation, the Twins reached a tentative agreement Tuesday to part with the two-time Cy Young Award winner for outfielder Carlos Gomez, and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey, two people familiar with the deal said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.

"If it's true, obviously, you're getting arguably the best pitcher in the game," Mets third baseman David Wright said.

The next step is for the Mets to negotiate a contract extension with Santana, who is eligible for free agency after this season. The three-time All-Star is owed $13.25 million this year and likely will seek an extension of five-to-seven years worth at least $20 million annually.

New York and Santana have until 5 p.m. EST Friday to reach an agreement, a baseball official told The Associated Press, also on condition of anonymity. If the Mets and Santana strike a deal, the players would have to pass physicals and the pitcher would have to formally waive his no-trade clause.

The Mets emerged as the top candidate for a trade after the winter meetings, when the New York Yankees withdrew their offer, which included pitchers Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, and the Red Sox refused to improve their proposals, which would have sent pitcher Jon Lester or outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to the Twins along with prospects.

Minnesota general manager Bill Smith called teams last weekend and asked them to make their best offers. Smith informed the Mets on Tuesday that he was accepting their proposal, which included their Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 7 prospects, according to Baseball America's ranking. New York did not include its top farmhand, outfielder Fernando Martinez.

A left-hander who turns 29 in March, Santana gives the Mets a replacement for Tom Glavine, who left New York to return to the Atlanta Braves. New York, trying to bounce back from a record-setting September collapse last season, has a projected rotation that also includes Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Orlando Hernandez and Oliver Perez.

Santana is 93-44 with a 3.22 ERA in eight major league seasons, winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2004 and 2006. He has been less successful in the playoffs, going 1-3 with a 3.97 ERA.

"For our younger pitchers to develop under a guy like Pedro, a guy like Johan, you can't ask for any better situation," Wright said. "He's going to go out there and he's going to give you seven or eight innings every five days and he's going to get you a win. That's just what it comes down to. I've gotten a chance to get to know him a little bit the past couple years. He seems like a great clubhouse guy. He's going to fit in perfectly with the chemistry that we have."

With Santana gone, there is a big opening in the Twins' rotation. Francisco Liriano is on track to return after missing last season following elbow surgery, but Carlos Silva signed with Seattle as a free agent, leaving youngsters Scott Baker, Boof Bonser and Kevin Slowey as the starters with the most experience.

Humber, a 25-year-old right-hander, has made one start and four relief appearances for the Mets during the past two years, and went 11-9 with a 4.27 ERA last season for Triple-A New Orleans. The 22-year-old Gomez batted .232 in 125 at-bats with New York last year and .275 with 19 steals in the minors.

Guerra, who turns 19 in April, was 2-6 with a 4.01 ERA at Class A St. Lucie, and Mulvey, who will be 23 in May, was 12-10 with a 3.20 ERA in 26 starts at Double-A Binghamton and one at New Orleans.

On a day filled with political rhetoric and general bs, it was great coming across this story. Especially since I am a "mega" Mets fan. Now, if they will just get the dealio done by the Friday deadline, I can really look forward to spring training. Let's Go Mets!

Mets Rule,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Obama Wins South Carolina Primary! So?!

(CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama claimed a significant victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday, telling supporters "we are hungry for change."

The Illinois senator earned more than twice the vote that rival Sen. Hillary Clinton did, 55 percent to 27 percent, unofficial returns showed.

Former Sen. John Edwards was third with 18 percent. Here is the rest of the story.Obama claims big win in South Carolina - CNN.com

Time for me to weigh in on the political front. Congratulations Barack! Enjoy it while YOU can. Unless Obama can convince every "young" eligible voter and every "black" voter to come out and vote, and, convince all of the older voters and most "white" voters to stay home, he has virtually NO CHANCE! Hey, I have NO problem with Barack Obama, except that he has limited experience. Also, let's face it, "he is black, and, this is still the USA with all of it's bigotry, prejudice and discrimination". Like it or not, that's the way it is. Regardless of what bs the media and pollsters are trying to get YOU to believe.

With the country in the shape it is now, we do not need a "rookie" in office. Sorry people, "Hillary is NOT a rookie". She spent 8 years in the White House with her husband. Don't even tell me she doesn't know what that is all about. Plus, she would still have her husband on board if needed.

In summing up, "I prefer to have Hillary as my presidential candidate and Barack Obama as my vp". He would gain invaluable experience and would probably be a shoe in the next time around. About now, we DO NOT need another "white male" screwing things up for us. They have had their chance long enough. "It Is Time For A Change"!

The Right Choice Rules,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": "NEW" Sneak Peek "Dragon, Book Of Shang" www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Get Some Balls Like This Man

Prime Minister Of Australia John Howard

We need a Leader Like This!

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Uh, is there anyone running for president in this country that has the "stones" to give this kind of speech or, address? Right, I didn't think so. What a shame. Every country should take this approach and quit pandering to these migrating immigrants that want us to change for them. "Excuse me, YOU want your culture and beliefs, then stay in your country and have at it."

For those of YOU that know me and my philosophy, YOU know I am not about all that christianity mumbo jumbo etc. However, Prime Minister John Howard of Australia is right on the money with everything else.

Stand Up & Have Some Stones People,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Off Planet Visitors UFO Spotted In Texas

Dozens in Texas Town Report Seeing UFO

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Jan. 14) - In this farming community where nightfall usually brings clear, starry skies, residents are abuzz over reported sightings of what many believe is a UFO.

Several dozen people - including a pilot, county constable and business owners - insist they have seen a large silent object with bright lights flying low and fast. Some reported seeing fighter jets chasing it.

"People wonder what in the world it is because this is the Bible Belt, and everyone is afraid it's the end of times," said Steve Allen, a freight company owner and pilot who said the object he saw last week was a mile long and half a mile wide. "It was positively, absolutely nothing from these parts."

While federal officials insist there's a logical explanation, locals swear that it was larger, quieter, faster and lower to the ground than an airplane. They also said the object's lights changed configuration, unlike those of a plane. People in several towns who reported seeing it over several weeks have offered similar descriptions of the object.

Machinist Ricky Sorrells said friends made fun of him when he told them he saw a flat, metallic object hovering about 300 feet over a pasture behind his Dublin home. But he decided to come forward after reading similar accounts in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune.

"You hear about big bass or big buck in the area, but this is a different deal," Sorrells said. "It feels good to hear that other people saw something, because that means I'm not crazy."

Sorrells said he has seen the object several times. He said he watched it through his rifle's telescopic lens and described it as very large and without seams, nuts or bolts.

Maj. Karl Lewis, a spokesman for the 301st Fighter Wing at the Joint Reserve Base Naval Air Station in Fort Worth, said no F-16s or other aircraft from his base were in the area the night of Jan. 8, when most people reported the sighting.

Lewis said the object may have been an illusion caused by two commercial airplanes. Lights from the aircraft would seem unusually bright and may appear orange from the setting sun.

"I'm 90 percent sure this was an airliner," Lewis said. "With the sun's angle, it can play tricks on you."

Officials at the region's two Air Force bases - Dyess in Abilene and Sheppard in Wichita Falls - also said none of their aircraft were in the area last week. The Air Force no longer investigates UFOs.

About 200 UFO sightings are reported each month, mostly in California, Colorado and Texas, according to the Mutual UFO Network, which plans to go to the 17,000-resident town of Stephenville to investigate.

Fourteen percent of Americans polled last year by The Associated Press and Ipsos say they have seen a UFO.

Erath County Constable Lee Roy Gaitan said that he first saw red glowing lights and then white flashing lights moving fast, but that even with binoculars could not see the object to which the lights were attached.

"I didn't see a flying saucer and I don't know what it was, but it wasn't an airplane, and I've never seen anything like it," Gaitan said. "I think it must be some kind of military craft - at least I hope it was."

So, once again people see a UFO and the government tries to discredit the event. The government is never going to admit to UFO's until one actually lands and an "off planet" being bitch slaps some high placed government flunky. I can't wait for that day! lol

Aliens & off planet beings rule,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

One Of My Favorite Brooklyn Dodgers Dies

First MVP in World Series History Dies

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (Jan. 14) - Johnny Podres, who pitched the Brooklyn Dodgers to their only World Series title in 1955, died Sunday at the age of 75.

A spokesman for Glens Falls Hospital confirmed Podres' death but said he didn't know any details.

The left-hander was picked for four All-Star games and was the first Most Valuable Player in World Series history. He became a hero to every baseball fan in Brooklyn when the Dodgers ended decades of frustration by beating the Yankees to win the World Series.

It was the first time a team had won a best-of-seven World Series after losing the first two games, and it was Brooklyn's only World Series victory. The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season.

The Dodgers lost the first two games of at Yankee Stadium, then the Dodgers won the third 8-3 at Ebbets Field. Podres, going the distance on his 23rd birthday, scattered seven hits.

In the climactic seventh game, at Yankee Stadium, Podres shut out New York 2-0 on eight hits, relying on his fastball and a deceptive changeup.

As the story goes, Podres told his teammates to get him just one run and the Dodgers would win Game 7. They got him two, and the franchise celebrated its first and only championship while playing in Brooklyn.

Years later, Podres was uncertain he made such a brash statement.

"I don't know if I said it or not. That's what they said I said," a grinning Podres recalled in 2005. "Probably young and dumb - something like that would haunt you your whole life. ... You put on a big league uniform, you've got to think you're pretty good."

Tommy Byrne, the losing pitcher in that game, died Dec. 20.

Podres' career spanned 15 years with the Dodgers in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres. He retired in 1969 at age 36 with a lifetime record of 148-116.

Podres also served as a pitching coach when he was older, helping develop Frank Viola when he was with the Minnesota Twins and Curt Schilling when he was on the Philadelphia Phillies staff.

As a kid growing up in New York, my family was split on our baseball teams. My mother and I rooted for the Brooklyn Dodgers while my brother and father rooted for the NY Giants.

Even though he was a lefty, as a right handed pitcher, I still admired Johnny and tried to emulate some of his motions and moves. He and Whitey Ford, and later, Sandy Koufax, were the ultimate lefties of that time.

One of my big baseball thrills was when I actually got to meet and hang out with Johnny when he was a pitching coach with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was a great guy. Thank YOU for the memories JP! See YOU on the other side.

Baseball Rules,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon!

Got Money? Here's Your Car & Vacation: Eleuthera

This is why my book needs to be a hit. This is why I need someone to buy the rights and make a movie. I need serious cash so I can buy this Bugatti Veyron!

Bugatti Veyron

In the time it takes you to say "0 to 60," a Bugatti Veyron could be well on its way to doing so; requiring about 2.5 seconds to nail it. In the time you've spent reading this article, a Veyron could have burned its 26.4-gallon fuel supply. At full throttle, it goes from full to fumes in about 12.5 minutes. At this rate, the tires will be nearing the end of their service life as well. However, given enough suitable track, you'll have at least achieved a tad over 250 mph for your trouble. On any single one of these figures, the nearly $1.5-million supercar wouldn't stand with such regard. Yet for all this performance, technology, exclusivity, and desirability to come together on four wheels with such precision and ease of use is more than reason enough to make this the ultimate car to drive before you die.

The Pink House In Eleuthera

If YOU need a serious getaway, like I do right now, here is a cool place YOU can go and chill for awhile. This place belongs to a new friend of mine and seems completely fantastic. I will be checking it out as soon as possible. If YOU want to see what I am talking about and where, click on The Pink House - A Vacation Home for Rent in Eleuthera, Bahamas

Dream Big, Go For It,

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Samsung TV's With Built In WHAT?

Samsung TVs to Have Built-In Games

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Samsung Electronics Co. will introduce high-definition TV sets with computer-like features, letting users read news from USA Today, play games or look up recipes, the company said Sunday.

A button on the remote of Samsung's new Series 6 and Series 7 LCD and plasma HDTVs displays news, weather, sports and stocks information supplied by USA Today as a picture within the picture. The TV set needs to be connected to the home Internet connection through an Ethernet port for this feature.

Furthermore, some LCD flat-panel sets will come with content preloaded into flash memory, Samsung said. The content will range from artwork that can be displayed as a screensaver, to fitness programs, food recipes and simple games like Sudoku, said Tim Baxter, executive vice president of sales and marketing for the consumer electronics division of Samsung Electronics America.

"If you think about the TV experience, it has historically been a lean-back experience," Baxter said, contrasting it to the more active "lean-forward experience" of using a personal computer.
"We think there are opportunities to bring very relevant parts of that experience into the living room," Baxter said.

Users will be able to update the preloaded content by downloading artwork or games onto flash drives, which can be plugged into the sets.

Samsung plans to launch the interactive sets this spring. Prices were not immediately available.

See, tv and technology are moving at the speed of light. If YOU don't stay on top of this evolutionary game, You will be lost. It's exciting and challenging at the same time. Go for it!

Teachnology Rules,

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Book Update www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Warner Bros. & Blu-ray DVD Pair Up

Warner Bros. Picks Blu-ray DVD Format

Time Warner's Warner Bros. Entertainment unit announced Friday it would start releasing high-definition DVDs exclusively using Sony's (SNE - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr - Rating) Blu-ray DVD format.

The news is a major victory for Sony as it attempts to make Blu-ray the high-definition standard over rival Toshiba's HD-DVD format. Sony Pictures, News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox and Disney (DIS - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr - Rating) already have decided to use Blu-ray exclusively. That leaves Viacom's (VIA - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr - Rating) Paramount and GE's Universal as the only HD-DVD boosters among the major Hollywood studios.

Warner Bros., which until now has produced titles in both formats, said it would continue to release HD-DVDs until the end of May, after which it will stop producing them.

High-definition DVD adoption has suffered because consumers have been confused about which standard to choose. Players using one standard are unable to play DVDs made using the other standard.

"The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger," said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. "We believe that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential for mass-market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and most importantly, consumers."

Shares of Sony closed down $1.93 at $52.42 Friday following a broad market selloff. Shares of Time Warner ended the session down 42 cents at $15.91.

This should be a major step in deciding which high def format will survive. Hey, I have already bought a few blu-ray disks. Go get yours and enjoy!

Blu-ray Rules,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Women's Sexual Health Aid Coming

University Tests Viagra-Like Drug for Women
Ointment Boosts Libido for Women According to University of Virginia

I am doing a blog on this story because this is a condition that effects roughly 33% of women. That is a huge number. This drug just might reduce that number and give some of these women a shot at better, more fulfilling, sexual gratification. Which, should make for a better and more complete life.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A drug that could do for women what Viagra has done for men is being tested at the University of Virginia. The drug is a testosterone-laden ointment called LibiGel and it's intended to boost the libido of women who have lost interest in sex. It will be prescribed at UVa in coming months to women who are suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

The condition is believed to affect one-third of American women.

"It is the most common sexual problem that women have," said Dr. Anita Clayton, a psychiatrist with the UVa Health System and author of the 2007 book "Satisfaction: Women, Sex and the Quest for Intimacy."

UVa joins 99 other medical institutions participating in testing the drug's efficacy and safety.

If given the green light by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Illinois-based BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc. hopes to offer the drug to any woman complaining of a low sex drive.

For now, though, Clayton will enroll 25 women between the ages of 30 and 65 to take part in the national study.

Those women must have had both ovaries surgically removed, be currently taking an estrogen supplement and be distressed about their lack of libido.

Ovariectomies, or surgical menopause, can lead to a drop in sexual interest because ovaries produce roughly half of the testosterone in a woman's body.

Testosterone plays a key role in sexual functioning for men and women.

LibiGel comes in a pump bottle. The woman rubs the small dot of gel into the skin of her upper arm. Over the next 24 hours, the gel's testosterone seeps into her bloodstream, boosting her energy and libido.

Clayton, who is running the clinical trial at UVa, said the drug is better than previous testosterone treatments because it keeps levels of the chemical constant, much like naturally occurring testosterone.

"I expect this will work," she said.

In its second-phase clinical trials at 17 institutions, LibiGel led to a 283 percent increase of satisfying sexual encounters for the women taking the drug.

"A lot of women have this problem, but unfortunately they've been largely ignored by pharmaceutical companies," said BioSante's chief executive, Stephen M. Simes. "It's not fair that women have no drugs, while men have many."

Women Rule,

Bobby Sharpe "Dragon, Book Of Shang": Dragon, Book Of Shang Is Coming Soon! www.myspace.com/akuasharpe