I qould like to hear everyones opinion on who/what you would nominate for the following awards (if they existed) for Newsvine for last year:

Best Article

Best Author

Best Seed

Best Moderator

R.A.V. nominee

Sorry, but I must exclude the Newsvine Staff from the above because they have a distinct advantage over other users but I have a special category for them:

Best Staff piece

I plan to tally up the results and offer a Poll to vote for the top nominees soon.  Nominations are only open until the end of January and then the nominations will close.

Alas, it's true!  The recent story in the news of a college girl refusing to order her room furnishings from a catalog filled with imported Asian goods is only the tip of the iceberg.  My elementary school kids just brought home a fundraising catalog of items filled with what is sure to be imported crap.  How can I be so sure?  Well, the school was kind enough to include a letter mentioning the stuff made locally and by national companies, but stopped short of endorsing the purchase of only those products.  The estimated impact of just the colleges switching to American made products was 500,000 jobs being created.  Now imagine if ALL schools were limiting their fundraising efforts to American made products too.

We can raise money for our schools without sacrificing jobs to overseas markets if we really try.  Be an Activist and refuse to buy  or sell cheap imports.  Help your schools and your fellow countrymen in the process.

With the death of Osama Bin Laden, do you think we are safer now than when he was alive or do you think we have a greater cause for concern of retaliation?

Since the 2008 Presidential election, a team of Newsvine columnists have been feverishly working together in an effort to prove, once and for all, that President Obama was born in Hawaii. Our journey has taken us to eighteen States, nine countries, and has involved interviews with more than seventy individuals, including lawyers, judges, doctors, government officials and diplomats from three different nations, conspiracy theorists, and fellow journalists. After this tremendous amount of tedious, expensive research, the results of our journey have left all of us here at Newsvine baffled... but the video evidence speaks for itself.

Our research led us to the small town of Mwingi, Kenya, where a local man claimed to have evidence, on film, of President Obama's birth in the man's tiny home. The man, who wishes to not be identified, presented the film via projector to our team when we visited him, and since then, we've converted the eight millimeter film to video, and will present a link to this video shortly. The video clearly depicts Barack Obama Senior coaching Ann Obama (Ann Dunham) through a very challenging birth. Adding fuel to the fire, the President's father proclaims, directly into the camera no less, that "[Ann] must succeed in birthing this child so that we can return to America as quickly as we can. This child may one day be [President of the United States]." At the six-minute mark, you can hear him confess that President Obama will be "a child of Muslim birth," and that "[his birth] is all a part of `the master plan.'" As of yet, we have no confirmation as to what this "plan" is, and upon returning to the United States, White House officials have contacted us ordering to cease and desist from pursuing additional information. The plot, as they say, has thickened.

As promised, here is the world exclusive video evidence of President Barack Obama's Kenyan birth. Warning! This video depicts graphic imagery of child birth, the reciting of Sharia law, and graphic violence against an animal at the 9:31 mark, when Barack Obama Senior murders a live turkey on camera in preparation of a "birth feast." Viewer discretion is advised. Be sure that your audio is turned on, as the most compelling evidence comes in the form of spoken word. Now, without further adieu, we present to you our video link. Special thanks to Newsvine columnist Free Rino for his exceptional contribution to our team!

If the GOP gets the majority in the House of Representatives, who are the loosers?

A former Republican endorsed Obama, and is also running for Governor; and is still one of Obama's friends, but will not endorse the Democrat running for Governor.

There is even a step-by-step guide about how to "friend" someone on social sites. Didn't we know this was coming?

The rich get richer, the poor stay poor, the middle class become poor, and the powerful gain more power over the poor.

Credit card use is high amongst the older generation for medical expenses.

President Obama is too busy out campaigning. Is he running for some office that we don't know about?

Well folks, it isn't over until the last vote is counted, or is it before the goose is cooked...........

What a backlash of controversy has developed from this mind bending statement, and this is one pot that did not need stirring.

Will history repeat itself in November? Maybe the hammer is about to change hands........

Have a little wine with Obama while discussing the illegal immigration. Sure, dream on!!!

There are new con artists rearing their ugly selves every day, ready to scam anyone they can.

How to ruin a person's credit is medical debt reported to any credit bureau, and is a tragedy for the whole family.

A bit of yoga sure is worth a try, anything that will give some relief would be welcome to all sufferers.

Now we have an American writing articles in an Al Qaeda magazine, next?

I have a small collection of dolls that didn't go to the auctions during tough times. I don't know if there are any Viners that enjoy collectibles in the way of dolls, but I thought that I would start a series sharing mine. If there is enough interest, I will continue the series of articles.

I am going to start with my most beautifully dressed ladies. The photos are quite elaborate, and hopefully I will be able to put two photos in an article. I will try to write as little as possible in order for my ladies to take the center stage, as they should. If anyone has any questions, I will try to answer them.

Pleast enjoy the center stage of the elegant ladies.

Women are smarter than they are given credit for, when all else fails; go public!

Did you know that the [suffragette] movement [for women's right to vote] was the first to picket the white house? Did you know that it was inspired by the women's suffrage movement in Great Britain, which taught and inspired Gandhi when he was studying law in Britain?

At least the Republicans sip slurpees, unlike the bankrupt America Democrats mixed bag of nuts!

Exclusive interview of "This Week" anchor Christiane Amanpour with Musuarraf....

We tried to tell Obama this months ago. It seems that everyone in Washington has their head in the sand.

The first day brought a wastebasket full of refusals of appeals to even be considered...

Another stimulus bill of $42 billion for the private section pushed through Congress.....

It is very sad that this subject has to make national news only after someone's tragic death, in order for it to be discussed publicly.

This article is reported by Jim Axelrod.

Everyone all over the world is on a "power trip" these days, what about the everyday people??

Question, should Americans fear Islam? If yes or no, why?

The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother's Day, a day meant for people to honor mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

On Saturday night, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush hosted a reception in their Dallas home for local Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers are mothers that have a soldier serving their country right now.

NBCDFW assignment editor Cynthia Garcia was invited to the reception as a Gold Star Mother.

The autumnal equinox tonight brings the Fall Season along with Harvest Moon, Jupiter 'opposition' comes at same time.

This could become controversial and much debateable.

Here is innovation at work. Instead of just horsing around, we are now just hearsing around, down the road to the finish line.

Archaeologists are assessing the damage to the petroglyphs rock art panel, and............

Pinal County, AZ - They are now living in caves complete with bincolulars, walkie talkies, food, etc. peering down on the residents of Silverbell, AZ., and spotting for the smugglers......

The premiere of Top Chef: Just Desserts tonight, Wednesday Sept. 15th; is celebrating by offering free desserts tonight, so.................

Dream Act very much alive and well these days.

We will believe it, when we see it. Actions will speak louder than words.

California's Proposition 19 would legalize "pot", of which Federal Law doesn't................

The graveyard was the site of brazen rape of many indigenous females, and the Feds that were in charge of investigation & convictions, failed the victims.

Just too many spoiled nuts in this mixed bag, is a stomach ache maker.

Heads up to those that claimed first-time homebuyer tax credit on.........

Just when we thought they had thought of everything! Have you ever been in the saddle? Ouch!!

This is a photo I took 35 years ago of a plane at an air show. I am clueless as to what it is, and any information about it. I have tweeked it the best I can to get the best clarity I can, this is it. I used to have coffee table size books of aircraft, but have recently discovered that they along with many other books were donated to the local public library.

Went to that library, search revealed it no longer was there and they had no idea as to what happened to it. So, I am leaving this mystery plane to be identified, and anything else about its history to all aviation 'buffs' out there. Please feel free to discuss any aviation with other Viners.

Now you have my full attention!

A whole different playboy channel for the blind has come to town.

And the 'heat' of the fire under the sun goes on, and on, and on..........

Diabetes and a heart condition plague this elderly woman without family, nor friends in her time of need.

The slower than molasses help is starting to drift to the Border from the Washington, D.C.'s mixed bag of nuts.

The Feds are still at it I see, just can't stay away from the desert's heat. Well, I guess our air is cleaner than that of Washington, D.C's.

I personally prefer my fish meal not wiggling and writhing on my plate, in mouth, nor swimming in my stomach. I don't think that I have to concern myself with this, because I am allergic to all shellfish. I have often wondered if lobsters feel any pain as they are being boiled alive. I am not able to consume any of the crustaceans. Lobster, crab, mollusks, oysters, scallops, etc.

I do have some favorite flatfish that I enjoy. Halibut is one of my favorites. There are two ways that I like it, one baked in a beer batter, and the other broiled with sprigs of parsley, and patter of butter, fresh lemon squeeze, and salt and pepper.

I love fresh caught rainbow trout (deboned), stuffed with fresh herbs, outside buttered, salt and peppered. Placed alongside trout a few fresh veggies, then wrapped in foil and placed on a hot campfire. Delicious!!

The only salmon I eat is the Wild Caught Alaskan Sockeye Red Salmon. I prefer to have it cold along with rice and a few veggies.

Must not forget my swordfish. I havn't had any in so long, I forgot how good it is. It is out of my price range now, ouch!!

Tuna is a different story. I used to eat alot of tuna casseroles when I was a kid, and also made them myself years ago. Now, with all the mercury scares regarding tuna, I kinda have backed away from tuna. The only tuna I prefer is the Albacore White, and it has to be dolphin free. This is about it, except for those fishsticks that you never seem to get to the bottom of the box, nor the bottom of the bag.

Now let's hear your fish stories..............

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger originally received a six-game suspension as a result of rape accusations against him. But now the punishment has been cut down because he went to church. And apologized to his teammates. And cried.

How would you like your shrimp served today?

Northern Arizona University researchers get a rare glimpse at a forest untouched by man for more than 100 years.

The Justice Department sure would like to know what the common denominator is for Arizona's wish to stay in the "heat" of battles!

These pesty little devils sure know how to hitchhike a ride, and to the darkest places at that, they aren't stupid!

I just couldn't wait any longer to write this article. This is a favorite food in our house. Hubby got a couple of 8 piece fried chickens yesterday. This is his favorite food, always has been; and always will be. I am not able to eat the dark meat of any poultry, just the white breast meat. Believe me, that is just fine with him. He gets the other 7 pieces, and will sit down and consume every morsel, leaving only the bones. He likes his fried mostly, he knows he shouldn't eat the fried crispy skin, but he does anyway. Don't anyone ever try to take any part of that chicken from him, unless it is just the bones. Believe me, I found that out years ago.

He will eat chicken no matter how I make it though. I have baked it in my convection oven, prepared it and cooked it in the Turbo Oven, and grilled it. He would just rather buy it as takeout. Now I have some main dishes that I make, that he does like though. I make white meat with stuffing and cranberry sandwiches, one of my favorites also.

In the fall and winter I like to make chicken and dumplings. Another dish is: White chicken strips, slivered almonds, mixed vegetables and shredded cheese all simmered together. I am the chicken salad person in the house.

Before I get carried away here, I'll let you folks indulge.....

The process known as "Fracking" is fueling concerns about the water supplies that people drink and...............

Yes, Murdoch's News of the World, which has paid out millions in phone-hacking settlements, whose reporter went to jail for his role in the scandal, which faces a stream of angry plaintiffs, and which wants to wage newspaper war on the New York Times but thinks the Times should be enjoined from investigating Murdoch's newspapers, wants to dictate ethical standards to the Times.

This is a little like walking in on a guy shtupping your wife and having him lecture you on the evils of adultery. Akass has no case.

How is this heated subject going to be resolved?

Just when I was getting used to how it worked, they have to go and change the program, go figure!

Labor Day is the official end of Summer. It is the day that we all celebrate the working people of this country, and everything that they have given of their tired, and worn bodies; to the growth of this country. Our country has gone through, and still is; going through many changes since the Great Depression.

It is the day that many will spend at the seashore, and the kids playing their favorite games of summer. Many will be scouring the classifieds, the job hunting billboards, while others will be wondering how to keep their roof over their heads. This is the present day of the year 2010's Labor Day, a laborless and unemployed day to be reckoned with.

Here are a few ideas that could make it a little better. Hot dogs and beans has always been an old staple for any day, along with hamburgers and fries. If you might be having some folks over, make it a pot-luck type of outing. Everyone bring something to eat or drink, make like a little menu out of it for some fun. Main dishes, relishes, vegetables, rolls, dessert, drinks, paper plates, etc. Then, afterwards everything that is left can go home with the bringers. Potlucks used to be very popular at one time. Also, everyone pitches in for the cleanup. Been there done that before, all by myself.

I want to thank my hubby for all his hard working days, and my 40 plus years of work; along with everyone that has had to work either in the home, or out of the home; for everything that they have contributed to the family and to this country.

What's this, is there a new look in the Oval Office? Either my eyesight has gone bad, or that doesn't look like the same decor as...............

What did you say? As you can't hear us, we can't hear you.

A new discussion of a subject, not in discussion; but in debate instead of....

How stupid can a person be, with all those cops there?

Thousands were forced to flee, unconfirmed reports are that there have been some deaths. The "Ring of Fire" is alive and well.

A new slogan has come to the town's banking system.

The average American is going into a deep dive searching for that one job. The economy is now only growing at the pace of snail.

Several months ago, a religious school in the illegal Israeli settlement of Immanuel was criticized for segregating white Jewish students from non-white Jewish students in classes.

America's cops stung by budget cuts across the country. Need a cop? You might get one if you call RoboCop.....

Your prescription plan could be eliminated by Medicare, and your premiums and copayments could see changes.

I wanted to do an article that many Viners both military and non-military would enjoy. No one gender is exempt from this category. There is near 100 total years of military service in past and present family. I know that this is a huge subject to cover, and I can't even cover more than a little bit. I'm not too sure what photos I have will work, I have tweeked them to improve them. They were taken at Davis Monthan AFB, 1975 when it was still a SAC base. There was a tragic crash at an Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, September 14, 2003. The pilot ejected from the F-16 Thunderbird after he realized that he couldn't pull up from a Split-S. His split second timing saved the lives of everyone from what would have been a disaster. The aircraft was destroyed, but no lives were lost.

There were the Army parachutist acrobatics, the heartstopping cross-over Thunderbird displays, etc. Many static show aircraft were on display. Some years it was the Navy Blue Angels that performed instead. There are so many different air shows here and overseas, no little article here can possibly cover alot. Did want to mention one interesting fact about Davis Monthan AFB. It is the boneyard (graveyard) for all military aircraft put out of service. This is their final resting place.

I hope that many of you will share your experiences with fellow Viners, and tweek those memories.

When mama came to town, she learned that this town has some of the poorest children, and that he could help by.....

19 members of an Oregon High School team have weird illness that baffles doctors.

These males are now dancing their way to the female's dinner plate, here in the Sonoran Desert.

Holding the state budget ransom may be Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's last hope to enact changes he's pushed for since taking office.
With fewer than 140 days left in his term, Schwarzenegger is making a final stand for pension cuts, spending constraints and a tax overhaul that have eluded him for nearly seven years.

An AP writer has a provocative thesis: the availability of porn in Iraq mirrors the level of freedom and security there. Is he right? And what would that look like?

I don't know about the rest of you, but my wallet hasn't seen daylight in so long that when it does it will get sun-burnt! When you expose that ol' leather that hasn't seen the light of day lately, you can bet that it will crack. I know that I have a driver's license in there and other identification, but where did all those greenbacks go to? There sure aren't any in this wallet.

Oh, I almost forgot! I just looked and I'm rich! I still have my lucky uncirculated $2 greenback hidden in there. Always kept it in there, in case I got stopped by the police, I wouldn't be picked up as a vagrant. I don't even know if that is still on the "books" back in the New England area. There was a time that you at least needed to have $1 on you at all times when in public. They sure had, and maybe still do; some crazy "blue laws" back there. Does anyone out there know what the heck I'm talking about? If you do, tweek your memory and share your story.

I do have a piggy bank. Now we're talking! Chink, a chink, chang, goes the change. The minute I hear the clang of change in our house, I'm on it like a bee on honey. The pennies are looked over for those collectible, the rest go in the piggy bank, and later get hand wrapped into bank rolls. The same is done with the rest of the coins, only stashed in unfound hiding places. Yea, I got smart!! Hubby was the master money finder, he could find it in his sleep. Now, I wait until he is for sure asleep, or off to work. Once found, it will never appear in the same place again.

I want an emergency fund, and this is the only way to build one. Used it when the hot water heater blew up, and needed to get a new one. Rather be a little ahead these days, than farther behind the 8 ball.

On New York's Long Island, it's used to prevent drownings. In Greece, it's a tool to help solve a financial crisis. Municipalities update property assessment rolls and other government data with it. Some in law enforcement use it to supplement reconnaissance of crime suspects.
High-tech eyes in the sky — from satellite imagery to sophisticated aerial photography that maps entire communities — are being employed in creative new ways by government officials, a trend that civil libertarians and others fear are eroding privacy rights.

These 3 drugstore chains have seen their shares drop, not taking insurance for these shots, people need to shop around for their flu shot.

It isn't difficult for an illegal immigrant to land a job here if he has high quality fake documents. Many U.S. citizens discover that someone has used their Social Security number when they check their credit, or their Social Security earnings.

Social activism took down the big Chicago bank, but allowed some of the big managers to stay and the insanity continues.

The Obama Muslim controversy, underscores that there isn't an editor for the Internet news system, is that good or bad news?

I have one question: Why aren't there any churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia?

Arizona job maket wont turn around until 2016, millions across nation are in same boat, what the hel$ are people supposed to do for 6 more years??

There's that number 13 again, guess the "pot" owners thought it would be lucky for them..........

I sure am floating that big banana split boat this time! Oh, is this a delightful subject to delve into right now. We all need to cool down for a bit, and enjoy some of the pleasures of the past, and present.

Ice cream - I absolutely devour milkshakes and ice cream sodas. I can remember when there were Carvelle Ice Cream restaurants. If you were there on your birthday, everyone in the place sang happy birthday to you. I can just see in my mind's eye that gigantic, overflowing, with whipped cream & a cherry on top; ice cream soda. I would have a pile of napkins to catch the dripping, drooling runs down the side. Fresh berry of the month was my favorite. Hubby usually had his huge French Vanilla milkshake. My favorite all time ice cream, topping, etc. is raspberry .... anything raspberry will do!!!

Popsicles, etc. - Big subject here! When I was a kid I used to make popsicles. Had little tin pans that I poured the koolaid stuff into, and they also made the popsicle sticks. Popsicles were the luxury for the summertime when I was a kid. Isn't it amazing how you generally can remember the little pleasures in life, and have great meaning for you in later life. My grandma's favorite was the fudgesicle. I later became familiar with the creamsicle, and The Good Humor. My favorite Good Humor is the Toasted Almond. Hubby spotted them one day, and he will get them once in awhile when they are on sale. Oh!! Let's not forget the delicious Drumsticks. Those, we have to buy in pairs! One box for hubby, and one box for me! Learned the hard way on that one. They are so good that hubby would devour most of them, one after another. We get alot of treats now by the pair, hands off mine!!

I know, isn't it absolutely devilish of me to do this to all of you?? But then again, there are the yogurt lovers, the snow cones, etc.

Maybe we all should hitch-hike to Martha's Vineyard and forget about it, after all, even the bedbugs have become hitch-hikers!!!

The mere mention of the "Hindenburg Omen" is something to be fearful of in these.....................

What do they do, just sit around all day brainstorming new ways to get your money??

There seems to be a resurgence of hats and caps nowadays, but I still have some of my favorite hats and caps. There is a huge selection to choose from. People have worn hats for as long as I can remember. Back in the day, men wore Fedoras, berets, derby, etc., women looked forward to Easter. That was the one time they would splurge on their Easter bonnet, to be seen by one and all. Girls and women wore their finery along with their Easter bonnet, and white gloves to church on that day. Yea, I know every woman was checking out the other's hat, whispering amongst themselves. There used to be a great Easter Parade, with all the best and crazy type hats. Do miss that Easter Parade, Macy's used to have it.

Women and girls wore all types of hats. I remember some I wore, not all of them I chose, but were chosen for me. The beret was a favorite, the balmoral (Scottish with pom pom and checkered band); used to get teased when I wore this hat, the kids would always ask where my kilt was. Enuff of that kid stuff!!

My today favorites are the la parisenne wide brim hats, and my absolute favorite is the hat I am wearing in this photo, which is a wide brim Dillinger. That is not a spot on the front of the hat, it is the rattle of a Diamondback Rattle Snake. The actor holding me as a "mock" hostage, is wearing a western outlaw type hat. This was taken during a shootout show at Old Tucson, Arizona.

Kenny Chesney wears a palm straw Fedora.........George Strait has a few different ones, one can think of is the Del Rio. Now, without question my favorite actor and all his great hats, is Clint Eastwood.

Also, Humphrey Bogart.....Jimmy Stewart....Abbott & Costello.....Indiana Jones.....Audrey Hepburn, etc. Some of the type of hats are: Military hats, baseball caps, beanie, kinit caps, boonie hat, derby, top hat, straw, cowboy and cowgirl hats, capuchon, baker cap, sun hats, lifeguard........

Okay folks, no gender left out of this article. This should be fun for one and all.

Young people may one day have to change their names in order to escape their previous online activity, Google boss Eric Schmidt has warned.

Mr Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal he feared they did not understand the consequences of having so much personal information about them online.

Her home is in Oklahoma, but travels to where the wounded soldiers are to show them what can be achieved, when hope is lost. She has been made an honorary sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Yea, I know we hear it every day that it isn't good for us. We continually get bombarded with how many calories and fat are in those delicious fast food meals, but they sure do satisfy our taste buds. I can remember as a kid, one of the very first McDonalds that was built in the next town from where I lived. At that time, nobody knew what fast food was all about. It didn't take us long to find out though. After the grand opening, people spread the news like a wildfire that spreads at the speed of lightning. My memory is too faded to remember what their burger and fries cost back then, but it had to be around 25¢ to 50¢.

Not long after that a frozen dairy place opened, which became named Frozen Joy, I came up with the winning name for the place. Didn't get any money nor prize for it, but I did get a free frozen joy. Times were simpler back then, people weren't interested in being greedy, and the local banker knew you and was always there with a listening ear.

Now, I'll fast foward to today's fast food. If our President Obama can go to his favorite fast food joint, for that big, fat, juicy burger; then it is my opinion that it is open season for us to enjoy our fast food too. He opened the door, and let us all enjoy!!

Long John Silver's - I like to get their batter fried fish and chips with side of coleslaw. Also, the big batter fried chicken dinner with a side of coleslaw.

We love our pizza - I regularly call-in our pizza order which is the large Supreme, hold the mushrooms; to Costco's food court with a time for pickup. This is a trick I learned from them because if you wait until you go there to order it, you have a long wait because there are so many people that get their pizza. All ingredients are fresh, even the mushrooms, cost around $10. You have to be a member of Costco though.

I will let you drool now, I have to get something to eat, I'm hungry!!

When Adam Savage, host of the popular science program "MythBusters," posted a picture on Twitter of his automobile parked in front of his house, he let his fans know much more than that he drove a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Embedded in the image was a geotag, a bit of data providing the longitude and latitude of where the photo was taken. Hence, he revealed exactly where he lived. And since the accompanying text was "Now it's off to work," potential thieves knew he would not be at home.

The hackers are always one step ahead of you, and know where your money is along with............

Millions of people unemployed or under-employed, with no end in site.

Sovereign citizens are returning to the anti-government era.