Arctic marine mammals and fish populations on the rise

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One-fifth of Americans read e-book in past year

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3 days

Suzanne Choney

Google again took the lead Sunday for impressive April Fools Day pranks, with its introduction of a self-driving car to compete in stock car... Read more

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Suzanne Choney

21 percent of those in the U.S. say they've read an e-book in the past year, and while many are gravitating to e-readers and tablets, a surprising number say they read books on their computers and cellphones.

Most are not ready to completely give up printed books: 88 percent who read e-books in the past year also said they read printed books.

The findings are shared in a new study, "The rise of e-reading" from the?Pew Research Center?s Internet & American Life Project.?

As of mid-December 2011, Pew said 17 percent of Americans had read an e-book in the last year, and the bump up to 21 percent, as of February, was likely the result of all those Amazon Kindle Fires (released in November) and Barnes & Noble Nooks being delivered by Santa over the holidays.

When it comes to other "long-form material," including magazine pieces, 43 percent of Americans ages 16 and older are reading digital text, and many say they are reading more because books and articles are available in a digital format, Pew said.

"Every institution connected to the creation of knowledge and storytelling is experiencing a revolution in the way information is packaged and disseminated," said Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet Project, and one of the authors of the study, in a statement. "It?s now clear that readers are embracing a new format for books and a significant number are reading more because books can be plucked out of the air."

Pew surveyed 2,986 Americans ages 16 and older between Nov. 16 and Dec. 21, 2011; it also queried Americans about tablets and e-book readers in two other surveys, done in January, involving 2,008 adults, ages 18 and older.?The report was based on research funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Among other findings:

• Of those who have read an e-book in the past 12 months, 42 percent said they read it on a computer; 41 percent on an e-book reader; 29 percent on a cellphone and 23 percent on a tablet. (Pew says the percentage totals more than 100 because many people said they read e-books on several kinds of devices.)
  
• Those who read e-books say they read more books than those who don?t have digital?devices: "The average reader of e-books says she has read 24 books (the mean number) in the past 12 months, compared with an average of 15 books by a non-e-book consumer."?
  
• 30 percent of those who read "e-content" say they now spend more time reading, especially tablet owners (41 percent) and e-reader owners (35 percent).
  
• 80 percent of Americans ages 16 and older say they read "at least occasionally" for pleasure; to "keep up with current events (78 percent); to?"do research on specific topics that interest them" (74 percent); and for work or school (56 percent).
  
• Readers preferred e-books when they wanted to "get a book quickly, when they were traveling or commuting, and when they were looking for a wide selection. However, print was "strongly preferred" when it came to reading to children and sharing books with others. When asked about reading books in bed, the verdict was almost split, Pew said: 45 percent prefer reading e-books in bed, while 43 percent prefer print."
  
• Those who don't have a tablet or e-book reader say the main reasons they don't is because they?don't need or want one; can't afford one; have enough digital devices already; prefer printed books.
  

"E-book readers and tablet computers are finding their place in the rhythms of readers? lives," said Kathryn Zickuhr, an author of?report, in a statement. "But printed books still serve as the physical currency when people want to share the stories they love."

There will always be a place for printed books in some readers' hearts: When asked what they like most about book reading, 2 percent?cited "the physical properties of books -? their feel and smell ?- as a primary pleasure," Pew said. And that's just not something an iPad or Nook can provide.

Check out Technolog, Gadgetbox, Digital Life and In-Game on?Facebook,?and on Twitter, follow Suzanne Choney.

eric cantor

Instagram on Android vs. Instagram on iOS - Is there a difference?

Now that Instagram for Android has finally arrived on Android, you may be wonder what the differences are between the two versions or if there is any differences at all. While most of the stuff from the iOS version did transfer over to Android there are some subtle differences as well. Some of the layout is different, there is some filter options missing but overall it's the same app. Previously we heard the Android app was in some ways better, it's debatable -- if it is, I'm not currently seeing how so.

With a lot of Android users having now downloaded the app (430,000 of you all registered for it), some are finding they're not entirely too sure what all the fuss was about. Over the past little while Google and various other OEM partners have been adding "filtering" options directly to the Android camera application so having filters, isn't really all that exciting -- in fact it's kinda not a big deal at all to some, and that's all without even mentioning how many Instagram-like apps there is in the Google Play Store already. (Never mind all the effects we've seen in the new HTC One X.)

That's not to say the Android version shouldn't be celebrated, it should. It's great to see yet another developer make their mark on Android and do so in such a great way. It's the social aspect of Instagram that will propel it to the top of the Google Play Store downloads section. Instagram for Android is a well designed app and it transitioned beautifully to the Android platform with minor functionality left behind. Kudos to the Instagram team for keeping things intact!

mary louise parker

Best Restaurant and Dining Deals around the DPAC in Durham ...

by Ron Wen http://trianglenc-restaurants.com/

As a season subscriber to Durham Performing Arts Center?s (DPAC) Broadway series, I?ve gotten to know the area really well when it comes to restaurants. Between the DPAC and the Durham Bulls, this revived neighborhood can get really busy, which is actually a great thing! With all the people flowing through the area, new restaurants and bars have popped up to take care of those hungry folks. Great eating options ranging from Mexican nouveau, casual Italian sandwiches, gourmet burgers and seasonal urban chic. So if you?re headed out to catch a show or game, there?s plenty of great food options within a walking or short driving distance of DPAC!

With most shows starting at 7:30 to 8:00 pm and ending at after 10pm you can certainly do dinner after the show but I for one, would find it hard to enjoy things with a rumbling tummy. And while you?ve got some uber-convenient options right at the American Tobacco Campus (Tylers, Mellow Mushroom, Cuban Revolution), I prefer to grab a bite away from the main DPAC drag. Mellow Mushroom is a favorite of mine but from what I?ve seen it can be jam-packed in Durham. I can?t imagine what it?s like before a popular show like Wicked. Tylers has decent pub grub but it?s not a great option for a night at the theater in my opinion. You might be better off just doing beer and cocktails here. And Cuban Revolution?! Online reviews have been ALL OVER the place for this restaurant with regards to food and service so I?d prefer to avoid it for a big night out.
View Best Restaurant, Dining Deals Around DPAC! in a larger map

So what?s my strategy for the DPAC? While season ticket holders get free private parking, I prefer to just head on over to Main Street between 5 ? 6pm. You?re allowed one hour of parking until 6pm when it becomes free for the evening. So at 5pm there are typically free spaces (possibly with meters) that you can park in all night. If Main Street is full, try Chapel Hill Street or Parrish Street. It?s rare when I can?t find something within a couple of blocks near Main Street. As a bonus, you avoid traffic jams in a parking structure on the way home.

Once you?ve found a space, you?ve got some great restaurants within four blocks of Main Street and Mangum: Revolution, Piedmont, Dos Perros, Toast, Piedmont and Rue Cler! The easiest option is also probably the most expensive: Revolution. It?s a pretty little spot, very urban and chic with a seasonal menu and mere blocks away from DPAC. On theater nights, Revolution will get booked out so certainly make a reservation. Otherwise a seat at the fancy bar may be an alternative option. They serve the full menu and it?s a great place for small plates and classic cocktails. The dinner choices range from ahi poke to mussels, paparadelle to diver scallops. Revolution is definitely a place to impress your date and get the night started off with a bang!

Further down on Main Street is the wonderfully inexpensive but delicious Toast. Think panini?s, crostini?s, sandwiches and soup. The ingredients are all locally sourced and high-quality, I?m in love with their chicken salad sandwich. Add in a beer or glass of wine and you can still walk out of the place for $15. An amazing deal for food this fresh, it?s just not a fancy meal out. Be sure to check Toast?s website before making any plans to eat there. It?s a small operation run by a lovely couple but it may be closed from time to time for family reasons. Toast is typically open until 8pm which makes it a great choice for a pre-show dinner with some vino!

Further north you?ll find Dos Perros, a fairly new nuevo latino-Mexican restaurant. On one side you?ll find a cozy bar area and the other, a very simple bare-bones dining room. But make no mistake about Dos Perros, it?s all about more unusual Mexican dishes from a variety of regions of the country. I?ve tried out their chicken mole poblano and empanadas, good stuff! Sitting at the bar with a cocktail and some appetizers is a great way to get your evening started. The restaurant is still finding its way with the menu but I think Dos Perros is a fine option for Mexican and the ambiance is cool and casual.

Some other good choices in the Main Street area are the Piedmont Restaurant and Rue Cler but both will require a bit of a walk to DPAC. Piedmont is similar to Revolution, it?s focused on seasonal Italian-French food. Decor is rustic European and pleasant. Service can be a bit hit or miss and at their price points, I find that a bit disappointing.

Rue Cler is a solid French bistro with great service. They?ve also got a very affordable ($30) three course prix fixe menu, perfect for theater night. Mix and match from the seasonal menu or from the a la carte portion to your heart?s content. Recently I had a lovely lentil soup, braised asparagus and steak frites with bearnaise sauce as my prix fixe meal. Either restaurant is a fine option, just keep the stiletto?s at home for ease of walking!

Now if you?re willing to drive a bit before or after the show, you?ve got some fantastic options further down on Main and Ninth Street. Pop?s Italian restaurant has moved into its new space at 605 W. Main Street and serves up home-made pasta, wonderful brick oven pizza and their classic: chicken under a brick. Over on Ninth Street you?ll find the under-rated Blu Seafood which is comfortably casual but you can also dress it up here. All their dishes are handled with a deft touch, I?ve had their signature crab mac n cheese, a great calamari appetizer along with delicious desserts. It?s definitely worth the drive from DPAC for a civilized dinner at either spot! Just give yourself enough time to find parking and hoof it over to the show.

One newer option that puts you steps away from the DPAC entrance is the lovely, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. Yes, they?ve got tons of televisions. Yes, they serve pitchers of beer. But Tobacco Road Sports barely qualifies as a sports bar given its upscale decor, lovely full bar and solid service. While it may be difficult to get a table on show night, the area around the bar is first come, first served, order at the bar. And if THAT area is full, you can even sit at the patio on the other side of the bar! There?s plenty of space here but being so close to DPAC makes Tobacco Road Sports a very popular dining spot.

Tobacco Road Sports specializes in eclectic pub food so you?re sure to find something tasty here. Start with their buffalo chicken egg rolls or lettuce wraps to get things going. Try out the nachos drizzled in cheese sauce and add some chicken or shrimp to bling it out, fantastic! Their burgers are solid or go for their triple slider plate: hamburger, barbeque and corndog! After you?re done, take a leisurely short stroll past the fountain over to DPAC, you can?t be any closer than Tobacco Road Sports?

And don?t forget about Bull City Burger & Brewery and Dame?s Chicken and Waffles which I reviewed separately. Bull City Burger & Brewery spins out fresh beer brewed on the premises along with top-notch gourmet burgers. Most everything is made in-house at Bull City Burger. And Dame?s brings two of your favorite foods together with a Southern twist, who can say no to fried chicken and/or waffles? A couple of newer spots for a simple and hearty meal, no jacket required?

In the end it all just depends on your mood: fancy and frilly or tasty and simple! Getting in for an early dinner around DPAC is typically not that hard unless there?s something very popular showing. But in all honesty, sometimes I?m just in the mood for some small plates and apps before hitting the show. It can be a bit easier than doing a full, three course meal if you?re pressed for time. Just don?t go to the DPAC hungry because outside of some cookies, gelato, candied nuts and adult beverages, you won?t find much to tide you over for three hours! And it?s really hard to enjoy a show when you?re famished, take advantage of the great dining options in the area, bon appetit!

Revolution (Modern Eclectic)
Toast (Italian sandwiches, paninis)
Dos Perros (Nouveau Mexican)
Piedmont (Seasonal Continental)
Rue Cler (French)
Pops (Italian)
Blu Seafood (Seafood)
Tobacco Road Sports (American)
Bull City Burger & Brewery (American)
Dame?s Chicken and Waffles (Southern Soul)

Tagged as: DPAC, Durham, Durham Performing Arts, restaurant, restaurant reviews, Restaurants near DPAC, Ron Wen

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nick_dimi: RT @InjusticeFacts: Kim Kardashian's wedding cost $10 million, enough to open 400 schools for impoverished children around the world.

RT @: Kim Kardashian's wedding cost $10 million, enough to open 400 schools for impoverished children around the world. about 11 hours ago via Echofon

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All about the top automatic article writer software

?

If you think writing is just about getting pen and paper and then jotting down what you think, you are wrong. There is a lot more to writing than just jotting down the thoughts. You need to come up with your best journal entries, books and articles. Another thing to take care is to write 100 per cent original articles. As students, we were all writers because we were always burdened with the task of writing the best essay and reports in school and college.

Thankfully, for those who love writing, the internet has come up with superb options. Anyone can go online and write articles provided if he/she has got the gist for it. There are also places where you can improve your writing skills. Stated below are some of the automatic article writer software options available online these days to help you polish your skills as a freelance article writer:

Google Docs

Generally, writers must share various documents with people to get feedback, edit documents etc.

Google Docs can help you can add tables, comments, images, formulas and a lot more. It accepts the following file formats:

? DOC
? XLS
? ODT
? ODS
? RTF
? CSV
? PPT

The best part is that this is free article writer software.

Writeboard

This is quite similar to Google Docs. The software is also referred to as web-based text documents to share online. You can easily edit and compare changes on this software.

It is also free online.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office Standard 2007 comes with core Microsoft Office applications. However, it has been updated now. This has facilitated it to create faster and better results. It consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The software helps you create documents, spreadsheets and presentations of supreme quality. You can even manage email, calendar and contacts effortlessly with this. You can buy this for $324.99 online.

Other fautomatic article writer software options:

? Word Viewer
? Open Office
? AbiWord
? Wordpad
? WriteRooms
? Dark Room
? JaLingo
? WhiteSmoke
? StyleWriter
? Kaz-Type
? Miracle Type
? Q10
? Scripped

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Calipari (and Kentucky) get Kansas again for title

Kentucky head coach John Calipari calls to his team during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Kentucky head coach John Calipari calls to his team during the first half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Kansas guard Elijah Johnson (15) celebrates after their 64-62 win over Ohio State in an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) and forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrate during the second half of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. Kentucky won 69-91. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) celebrates with Kansas guard Christian Garrett at the end of an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game against Ohio State Saturday, March 31, 2012, in New Orleans. Kansas won 64-62. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) ? Well, this matchup is going to look familiar.

John Calipari and his Kentucky juggernaut will face Kansas for the national championship on Monday night. That would be the same school that beat Memphis in overtime for the NCAA title in 2008, back when Calipari was coaching the Tigers.

It also would be the same Kansas team that the Wildcats beat back in November.

"We're worried about us playing at our best," Calipari said after Kentucky held off pesky Louisville 69-61 in the first semifinal Saturday. "We did not play at our best tonight. We played good, but that wasn't our best. You know what? So maybe Monday is our best. We're just worried about us."

Top-seeded Kentucky (37-2) is back in the title game for the first time since 1998, when it won its seventh NCAA championship.

Down 13 in the first half, resilient Kansas (32-6) needed a furious comeback against Ohio State to reach the championship game, where it will play for its fourth NCAA title.

"It's a dream to play the best team in the country, who is up until now, hands down, the most consistent," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "It's a thrill. And I think it's even more of a thrill for us, because I don't think anybody thought we could get here."

That 2008 squad Calipari had in Memphis was stocked with talent, led by future NBA MVP Derrick Rose. But the Tigers missed four free throws down the stretch and blew a late nine-point lead in an overtime loss to Mario Chalmers and the Jayhawks.

These Wildcats, however, are in a totally different class. Anthony Davis has won just about every player of the year award there is, and Louisville coach Rick Pitino likened him to Bill Russell after Saturday night's game.

No wonder. The 19-year-old doesn't look like a freshman, and he certainly doesn't play like one, recording his 20th double-double against Louisville with 18 points and 14 rebounds. He missed just one of his eight shots, and also had five blocks and a steal.

"Anthony Davis is as fine a basketball player as there is," Pitino said.

Then there are the rest of the Wildcats.

They shot a blistering 57 percent Saturday night and had two other players besides Davis in double figures. Darius Miller scored 13 points and Doron Lamb added 10. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had nine despite playing just 23 minutes because of foul trouble.

"Kentucky is a great basketball team, with great effort," Pitino said.

He doesn't need to tell the Jayhawks; they experienced it firsthand in the State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York, a rare regular-season game between college basketball's two winningest programs.

With the score tied at 30 a minute into the second half, the Wildcats broke loose with an 11-0 run. Two free throws from Tyshawn Taylor stopped the spurt, but Marquis Teague had a dunk and Doron Lamb hit consecutive 3s. Moments after an airball, Lamb drilled another 3 and Kentucky had a 54-37 with 10:05 to play.

The victory was Calipari's first in four games against Kansas, where he began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant in 1982.

Few people would have expected the Jayhawks to earn a rematch with Kentucky after the way they scuffled through the early part of the season. They were 7-3 midway through December and struggling to find an identity after losing Marcus and Markieff Morris, their leading scorers and rebounders, as well as 3-point specialist Brady Morningstar.

But a team meeting helped Kansas find its focus, and the Jayhawks simply refuse to lose. They've lost just two games since Feb. 7, and keep eking out wins in the NCAA tournament.

"It's pretty cool to have the winningest program of all time and the second-winningest program of all time hooking up on Monday night," Self said.

On Saturday night, the Jayhawks scored the first bucket but didn't lead again until Travis Releford made two free throws with 2:48 left. That lead lasted for all of 11 seconds, but the second-seeded Jayhawks overcame another deficit and finally held on against the Buckeyes (31-8).

Taylor's two free throws with 8.3 seconds left gave Kansas a 64-61 lead, matching its biggest of the game. The Jayhawks intentionally fouled Aaron Craft with 2.9 seconds left. Craft made the first, then quickly clanked the second one off the front of the rim on purpose but was called for a lane violation as he darted in to grab the rebound.

Kansas dribbled out the clock, and the rematch was on.

"These guys have matured a lot and played a ton of minutes this year, so they're far more experienced than some would be just because of the situations they've been in," Jayhawks guard Elijah Johnson said. "We kind of played on borrowed time a little bit, but I think it gives the guys confidence that no matter what, we're OK."

Associated Press

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St. Kitts PM and President Obama united in fight against drug trade and trans-national crime

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts ? St. Kitts and Nevis? Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and United States President, the Honourable Barak Obama are on the same wave length in their commitment in working together to fight the drug trade and trans-national crime.

So says Acting Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Barbados, Mr. Brian Greaney.

?No nation, not even one the size of mine, can solve its problems alone. It?s up to all of our countries to work together, especially when the stakes are highest. Collective action is powerful,? he said.

Mr. Greaney continued: ?As I am a U.S. Embassy representative, you would probably be forgiven for making bets on how long a speech like this could run before the inevitable quote from President Obama. Betting is now closed. Not too long ago a speech featured the following statement on the ability to succeed when a nation pulls together: I quote: ?I think of all that our forebears endured; as I reflect on all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us as a people, and I think of the challenges that await; I think of the enormous power that resides within each and every one of us to be forces for good in this country.?

?President Obama has a deserved global reputation for eloquence and the ability to move the spirit, but the call to collective action I just read to you comes not from Washington, but instead from the Caribbean, from Prime Minister Douglas.

He was right. And he is not alone. My President issued the same call earlier this year when he said, ?There is no challenge too great; no mission too hard. As long as we're joined in common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey moves forward, [and] our future is hopeful?.?

Mr. Greaney told the opening session of the 18th Pre-IDC./Regional Drug Commanders Conference at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort that the countries of the hemisphere are in ?this fight together not just because we have to be. We join forces together because we all stand for the same things.?

?The world once heard the following declaration about the international system, ?Engagement will underpin a just and sustainable international order - just, because it advances mutual interest, protects the rights of all, and holds accountable those who refuse to meet their responsibilities.? This declaration of the primacy of international cooperation has all the hallmarks of the highest aspirations of the United Nations system. But that's not what it is. It is a promise laid out in the 2010 National Security Strategy of the United States, one that echoes the 67 year-old UN founding declaration that the nations of the world would, ?promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, and for these ends to practice tolerance and life together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and [crucially for everyone here today] to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security?.?

Pointing to the need to all countries in the region to work together, the United States official spoke of the seriousness challenge of transnational crime.

?Transnational criminal threats and illicit trafficking networks continue to expand dramatically in size, scope, and influence - posing significant national security challenges to all of our countries. These threats cross borders and continents and undermine the stability of nations, subverting government institutions through corruption and harming citizens worldwide. Transnational criminal organizations have accumulated unprecedented wealth and power through trafficking and other illicit activities, penetrating legitimate financial systems and destabilizing commercial markets. They extend their reach by forming alliances with officials and some state security services. For many countries around the world, the crime-terror nexus is a serious concern as terrorists use criminal networks for logistical support and funding. Increasingly, these networks are involved in cyber crime, which cost consumers billions of dollars annually, while undermining global confidence in the international financial system,? said Mr. Greaney.

He said combating transnational criminal and trafficking networks requires a strategy that safeguards citizens, breaks the financial strength of criminal and terrorist networks, disrupts illicit trafficking networks, defeats transnational criminal organizations, fights government corruption, strengthens the rule of law, bolsters judicial systems, and improves transparency.

?While these are major challenges, the United States seeks to devise and execute a collective strategy with other nations facing the same threats,? said the United States official.

?Between us, we do indeed have powerful forces with which to combat trafficking; but we must constantly coordinate and focus on action. We face an asymmetric situation. Traffickers are flush with cash and coordinate with each other easily and when they face an obstacle, they simply look for ways to evade it; whereas governments must respect the constraints that are inherent in societies governed by the rule of law and respect for neighbors,? said Mr. Greaney.

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