Harvest Moon: Why does the Mooon looks so big

If you're located in the Northern Hemisphere, you might have the opportunity to spot a special full moon in the sky this weekend: the Harvest Moon.
This month's special full moon gets its name because its appearance low in the southeastern sky for several nights historically afforded farmers extra time for harvesting crops. Before the invention of electricity, farmers relied on bright moonlight in the late summer to gather their ripening crops after sunset.The moon typically rises about 50 minutes later each night, but during several nights around the Harvest Full Moon, it can rise between 25 to 30 minutes later across the United States. In other Northern Hemisphere locations, like Canada and Europe, the moon can rise just 10 to 20 minutes later around a Harvest Moon, according to SPACE.com's skywatching columnist Joe Rao.
For the past couple nights the moon has been well positioned in the sky as it heads into the full moon Sunday night (Sept. 11), with the peak coming on Monday (Sept. 12) at 5:27 a.m. EDT (0927 GMT).
Traditionally, the designation "Harvest Moon" is given to the full moon that happens closest to the autumnal (or fall) equinox, which occurs on Sept. 23 this year. While the Harvest Moon typically occurs in September in the Northern Hemisphere, it can occur in early October about once or twice each decade, according to Rao.
Skywatchers and amateur astronomers should hope for clear skies that will offer them nice views of the Harvest Moon. But, in addition to marveling at the bright sight, many detailed features on the moon can be seen with the ordinary binoculars or small telescopes.

Miss Universe crown Leila lopes-Angola

The jury that unanimously convicted Angola inmate Robert G. Carley of first-degree murder in the 1999 death of a prison security guard could not reach a unanimous decision on whether Carley should get the death penalty or another life sentence.As a result, Carley will receive a life sentence in the case, said presiding judge Jerome M. Winsberg.
The Advocate (http://bit.ly/ps9EuX ) reported Monday that jurors had deliberated for an hour and 20 minutes when Winsberg told attorneys Sunday that a juror was in diabetic distress and needed insulin. The judge said paramedics had been called to treat the juror, and he ordered the jurors to stop deliberating until the ailing juror returned.
When deliberations resumed, the panel debated for about two hours before telling Winsberg that they could not reach a unanimous verdict on the sentence for Carley. Winsberg asked them to try again, but they later returned to say they were "hopelessly deadlocked."
Carley, 43, was convicted Saturday in the beating and stabbing death of Capt. David C. Knapps, 49, during an escape attempt from the state penitentiary at Angola.
Five Angola inmates were indicted in Knapps' slaying. One of them, Jeffrey Clark, was convicted and sentenced to death in May.
Carley is currently serving a life sentence for a 1987 murder in St. Bernard Parish.
The Angola 5 cases are being prosecuted for the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office by Jefferson Parish assistant district attorneys Tommy Block and Mike Futrell and Lea Hall and Hugo Holland of Caddo Parish.
During closing arguments in Sunday's penalty phase of Carley's trial, Hall told jurors the penalty should fit the crime.
"Anything less than death is just the same as it was before," Hall said.
"You owe a duty to those people," Hall said, pointing to members of Knapps' family in the audience. "Do not penalize that family with anything less than death. Mercy to the guilty is punishment to the innocent."
Defense attorney Tommy Thompson asked the jury to "put Bobby Carley in a concrete box (cell) for the rest of his life," noting that only one juror could hold out for a life sentence.
"I feel strongly that one of you will not take Bobby's life. My hope is that you will find something," Thompson said.
Holland, in rebuttal, told the jurors the "only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
"What is another life sentence to Robert Carley? Nothing," Holland said.

Raiders beat Broncos to win opener

Quarterback Jason Campbell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to fullback Marcel Reece, scored on a 1-yard run and Sebastian Janikowski had a record-tying, 63-yard field goal included among his three in the game as Oakland opened the season 1-0 for the first time since 2002.
The Raiders last won their opener in 2002, a 31-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a game that began an AFC title run. They also broke a streak of 11 consecutive defeats in prime time, with the last win also coming in Denver in 2004.
Running back Darren McFadden rushed for 150 yards on 22 carries, and the Raiders proved more opportunistic and careful with the ball than an erratic Broncos team, much to the displeasure of a home crowd of 74,793.
Oakland has won its last eight games against the AFC West, with the next test being a three-game run against three AFC East teams that all won their openers in impressive fashion. The Raiders travel to Buffalo on a short week before returning home to host the Jets and Patriots.
Oakland's defense kept the Broncos offense under control, pressuring quarterback Kyle Orton, forcing three turnovers and shutting off Denver's attempt to establish a running game.
The Broncos finally scored an offensive touchdown with 3:43 to play when Orton

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directed an 80-yard drive that ended in a 9-yard pass to Lance Ball, but the Raiders held on for a victory that was satisfying if not dominant.An unforced Denver error -- Orton simply dropped the ball on a second-down play in Raiders territory -- resulted in a Lamarr Houston recovery at the 35 and led to Oakland's second touchdown on a 1-yard sneak by Campbell early in the fourth quarter.
McFadden, who already had a pair of 20-yard runs, burst 47 yards to the 1-yard line before he was tripped up by Champ Bailey to set up Campbell's run. On the sneak, the Raiders executed their own "Bush push," with running back Michael Bush shoving Campbell forward into the end zone.
The Broncos closed to within 16-13 in the third quarter on the strength of a ridiculously easy 90-yard punt return by Eric Decker and a 30-yard field goal from Matt Prater with 1:55 left in the quarter.
Decker fielded a 57-yard punt from Shane Lechler and raced 90 yards untouched for a touchdown through a huge hole in the right side to make the score 16-10 with 12:52 left in the third quarter.
Late in the quarter, Denver drove to the Oakland 5-yard line with the help of a pair of personal fouls, one on a retaliatory shove by Rolando McClain, the other on Matt Shaughnessy -- both on third-and-10 -- but came up with only three points when Richard Seymour sacked Orton on third-and-goal.
Janikowski's record-tying, 63-yard field goal on the last play of the first half sent the Raiders into intermission with a 16-3 lead.
The kick was made possible by a diving interception by safety Matt Giordano against Orton with 24 seconds to play, putting Oakland at its own 24-yard line.
From there, a 15-yard personal foul on the Broncos' Kevin Vickerson for a face mask on a 2-yard loss by Bush, followed by a 16-yard swing pass from Campbell to Reece put Oakland at the Denver 45 with nine seconds left.
Bush carried for no gain into the center of the line, setting up Janikowski to join New Orleans' Tom Dempsey (1970) and Denver's Jason Elam (1998) in the record book for the longest field goal in NFL history.
The kick barely carried the distance, tucking inside the corner of the crossbar and right upright.
The Raiders had only 141 yards of total offense in the first half, but out-rushed the Broncos 92-17 with McFadden gaining 70 yards on 13 carries. Campbell had only 49 yards passing at halftime, completing 8 of 13 passes, but avoided sacks and threw no interceptions.
Although not explosive, the Raiders were opportunistic and did enough damage with good field position to control the first half.
Besides Giordano's interception, Quentin Groves forced a fumble from Knowshon Moreno that was recovered by Tyvon Branch, setting up Janikowski for a 37-yard field goal. A missed 56-yard field goal attempt by Matt Prater led to a 51-yard drive and a 21-yard Janikowski field goal.
Oakland's own turnover on their first offensive snap, after Campbell hit Ford with a quick pass that came loose after a helmet-on-the-ball hit from Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller, resulted in only a 28-yard Prater field goal despite Denver opening at the Oakland 20 on its second possession.

Miss Universe Contest 2011

In an effort to let viewers get to know the 89 Miss Universe 2011 contestants a bit better, they each shot a web interview that was then posted online. Each clip consists of the same three questions: Do you believe in life on other planets? What advantage do women have over men? If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

The first question appeared to confuse several of the young women, although the ones who weren't gave some hilarious answers. (Hey, Miss Canada, you don't even have difficulties with English to fall back on for that "plantation" answer.) The second established that childbirth and the fairer sex's ability to multitask are unparalleled. But it was the third that the contestants really seemed to get into.

Korea (oyster) and Thailand (plankton) get points for originality, while the Bahamas (phoenix), Mexico (unicorn) and the US Virgin Islands (mermaid) didn't let themselves be limited to real animals.

"You didn't say it couldn't be a fictional sea creature," US Virgin Islands' Alexandrya Evans says.

Dolphins and birds were also popular choices (especially penguins seeing as how they mate for life), but nearly half said that they wanted to be some kind of cat, lions and tigers more specifically.

"If I was an animal, I would be a lion," says Egypt's Sara El Khouly. "For two reasons. Because of Simba in 'Lion King.' He was the cutest lion ever. And then because I would eat all the animals in the jungle and no one would eat me so I don't have to be scared of being eaten by other animals."

Really, though, it might have been so they show off their wildcat impressions since last we checked that's not one of the Miss Universe events.

One thing learned from watching all the videos: The folklore about cats having nine lives is not a worldwide thing. Some have to settle for six or seven.

President Obama and former President George W. Bush

Amid all the dignitaries who gather Sunday on the site of the World Trade Center to pay tribute to those who died there 10 years ago, two will inevitably stand out: President Obama and former President George W. Bush, whose terms in office are bookends for considering how America has changed since Sept. 11, 2001, particularly in its response to terrorism.

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President Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama, left the White House to travel to New York early Sunday.

The two men have never stood together at ground zero. Mr. Bush declined Mr. Obama’s invitation to join him last spring, days after Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in a raid in Pakistan.
So the tableau will be striking: the president who spent years hunting Bin Laden next to the one who finally got him. The president defined by his response to Sept. 11 standing alongside the one who has tried to take America beyond the lingering, complicated legacy of that day.
For Mr. Obama, Sept. 11 underpins what has become one of the great paradoxes of his presidency. A Democratic leader who opposed the Iraq war and is pulling troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan has, at the same time, notched up a record as a lethal, relentless hunter of terrorists.
Mr. Obama, a president who banned torture in the interrogation of suspected terrorists and pledged (unsuccessfully, so far) to close the military prison in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, carried out more drone strikes in Pakistan in his first year in office than Mr. Bush did in his eight years.
In the process, the White House said, it has killed more Al Qaeda officials in the last two-and-a-half years than were eliminated by the Bush administration in all the preceding years. Among the big names: two top Qaeda managers, Sheik Saeed al-Masri and Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, and one of its most feared field commanders, Ilyas Kashmiri.
“We have taken the fight to Al Qaeda like never before,” Mr. Obama said Saturday in his weekly address.
The administration points to this success as validation of the different counterterrorism strategy it put in place in January 2009. And there is no question that in its intense use of drones and its laser focus on Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups, Mr. Obama did depart from the Bush administration’s broader “global war on terrorism.”
But there has been as much continuity as change in the Obama method, according to terrorism experts.
Mr. Obama, for example, has continued the whole-of-government response to terrorism that the Bush administration eventually adopted. This approach — with the C.I.A. and F.B.I. working more collaboratively with agencies like the Treasury and State departments, especially in the field — culminated in the raid that killed Bin Laden.
“What you’ve seen from the Obama administration is fundamental continuity in the counterterrorism policies handed over in 2009, while sharpening the campaign to eliminate core Al Qaeda leadership and disrupt safe havens in Western Pakistan and Yemen,” said Juan Zarate, a top counterterrorism adviser in the Bush administration.
To be sure, Mr. Obama made important refinements and changes. Most notably, and perhaps most surprising to his supporters, he has dramatically increased the use of covert and clandestine operations by C.I.A. paramilitary and Special Operations forces from the United States military.
In Mr. Obama’s first year in office, the Central Intelligence Agency carried out 53 drone strikes in Pakistan. The next year, it more than doubled that figure, to 117, according to The Long War Journal, a Web site that follows the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The pace is off a bit this year — 49 through late August — but the drone campaign is spreading to other countries.
The C.I.A. now plans to carry out armed drone missions against Al Qaeda operatives in Yemen, and the military has conducted drone strikes to kill insurgents in Somalia.
“Stepping up the drone strikes has been a game changer,” said Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at Georgetown University. “It is frustrating Al Qaeda’s movements enormously.”
Still, while Mr. Hoffman said that Al Qaeda’s core network had been crippled, its offshoots in Yemen and North Africa continue to put down roots, posing a potentially greater threat to the United States than Bin Laden’s surviving lieutenants.
“We can say we turned a corner with Al Qaeda, but we can’t say we turned a corner in the war on terrorism,” he said.
And this is where the administration’s wide-ranging counterterrorism strategy — relying on often-unreliable allies, sometimes sketchy intelligence and a clandestine American force already strained by a decade of secretive wars — runs into its limitations.
The administration is working with countries like Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia to help build up their counterterrorism units so that they do not require United States intervention. But these countries have proved so erratic in going after militants that the administration has often had to resort to unilateral operations, as with the Bin Laden raid, which opened a rift with the Pakistanis that has only recently begun to heal.
More worrying, some experts say, the administration has yet to figure out how to effectively counter Al Qaeda’s propaganda. It has failed to prevent a small but growing number of Americans from becoming radicalized, often by listening to online videos by militants like the American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, now in hiding in Yemen.
“Our weakest area is combating Al Qaeda’s ideology,” Michael E. Leiter, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center in both the Bush and Obama administrations, said last week.
For all its achievements, the administration has also been lucky. A Nigerian man, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, almost blew up a Northwest Airlines jet on Christmas Day in 2009 with explosives sewn into his underwear. A Pakistani-American man, Faisal Shahzad, parked an S.U.V. with a bomb that failed to detonate near Times Square.
“Obama is rightly proud of his counterterrorism record, but had Umar Abdulmutallab not lost his cool on that plane, he wouldn’t have had much of a record to point to,” said Bruce O. Riedel, a former intelligence officer who has advised the White House. “His presidency would have been transformed that Christmas.”

Freedom Tower 9/11

When the World Trade Center landmark twin towers were completed in May, 1973, they rose 1450 feet to become the tallest buildings in the world, surpassing the Empire State Building. Its demise as the result of the horrific devastation of September 11, 2001 has launched a decade of debates as to what type of architecture could possibly replace its iconic imagery remembered by so many.

George W. Bush's immediate reaction was to rebuild the site "bigger and better" than before, but tomorrow on the tenth year anniversary, when Barack Obama presides over National 9/11 Memorial Plaza, Freedom Tower is just now creeping its way heavenward to takes its place as the latest entry into Manhattan's ever-evolving skyline.

Over the course of the last several months, I have photographed the construction phases chronicling its emergence onto the downtown Manhattan scene.

Construction of the Freedom Tower!
There were numerous proposals for the rebuilding of Ground Zero, including demands to replicate the twin towers themselves. Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind eventually emerged from the competitive bids with the plans for a spiralling Freedom Tower, 1776 feet (541m) high [recalling the date of American Independence] and "reasserting the pre-eminence of freedom and beauty".

At the base of the Freedom Tower, there will be a plaza with square sunken memorial reflective pools filling in the foundations of the old towers. The planned adjoining buildings will be arranged around the Freedom Tower so that the sun's rays would emerge as a "wedge of light" from behind the new skyscrapers each year at the exact time of the attack to illuminate the square.

For me - while consensus as to whether or not the Freedom Tower was the appropriate replacement for the Twin Towers is still under debate -  I truly feel, if nothing else, its prominence on New York's skyline demonstrates the resilience of the American spirit in overcoming adversity. And as such, it will become our new reminder to never forget the horrific transgressions that fell on American soil, at the beginning of the 21st Century.
 

Super Bowl waiting game could finally end for some

"The expectations can get too heavy," says Warner, an analyst for NFL Network. "Right now, they're supposed to win the championship.

"When I was in St. Louis, and we lost to the (New England) Patriots (in Super Bowl XXXVI), nobody felt like that year was a success."

With a new contract extension in hand and an influx of talent around him, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is upbeat.

"I've had a vision since the beginning of summer," Vick said. "I'm very optimistic that we're going to have a good chance of having a great outcome this season."

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has guaranteed that he has the Super Bowl recipe this season, and his players are eager to back up the boast.

"This year's no different, especially with the predictions from our head coach," Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez says of the team's objective. "We know our goal, and we're not shy talking about it."

The Jets have fallen one win short of the Super Bowl in Ryan's first two seasons at the helm.

"They say the third time is a charm, so hopefully," tight end Dustin Keller said.

Even clubs such as the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans, two of four teams (the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars) to never reach a Super Bowl, are hopeful of soon reaching the Super stage after seeing the Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks get there for the first time over the last six years. Ten different NFC teams have reached the last 10 Super Bowls, a trend that bodes well for the Lions.

"I know people in Detroit, people around the country, are very optimistic about the Lions," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said at the start of training camp.

The Lions ended 2010 on a four-game winning streak, ending a 26-game losing skid on the road in the process and further distancing themselves from their 0-16 debacle of 2008.

"They're not perfect, not as good as they want to be on the edges," NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger says. "But the mistakes are full speed, and they play with a lot of energy. You can see the confidence is growing in Detroit."

As it is in San Diego, starved for a title since the Chargers were an American Football League power in the early 1960s.

"I don't know if there's a better thrower in the game right now than Philip Rivers," Baldinger says of the Chargers quarterback. "This year with the kickoffs the way they are, teams will have to (frequently) go 80 yards, and that team can go 80 yards on anybody.

"Houston and San Diego could have the best offenses in football right now."

Right now every team is 0-0, with playoff aspirations. Some aim higher.

"The only goal is to win the Super Bowl," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said after opening up his wallet after the lockout. "We don't need any internal motivation. We're obsessed."

A look at a half-dozen of the hungriest, most talented and, yes, obsessed wannabe champs:

Detroit Lions

The wait: Since the 1957 team quarterbacked by Bobby Layne and Tobin Rote claimed the NFL title, they have won one playoff game, beating the Dallas Cowboys after the 1991 season. But these Lions might have enough pride (and talent) to finally make postseason noise 12 years after their last appearance (tied with the Buffalo Bills for the longest current playoff drought in the league).

The weight: Quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to pick up where last season's team left off, but he first must prove he's healthy, having missed 19 games because of injuries in his first two seasons. He says he's 100% and has shown the elite ability in the preseason (he had a 154.0 passer rating in August) that made him the top pick of the 2009 draft. He's supported by several offensive playmakers, most notably wideout Calvin Johnson, and an emerging defense led by all-pro tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Counterweight: They play in the same division as the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, who didn't even beat out the Chicago Bears for the NFC North crown in 2010. And the Lions lost one weapon they were counting on when rookie tailback Mikel Leshoure went down with a blown Achilles tendon.

Philadelphia Eagles

The wait: Not since the days of Chuck Bednarik and Norm Van Brocklin — 1960 to be specific — have the Eagles perched atop the NFL. Though they've been a near-perennial playoff team under Andy Reid (nine trips in 12 years), they have been to one Super Bowl, which they lost.

By Rob Christy, US Presswire

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick had a strong 2010 but endured a late-season drop-off.

The weight: Quarterback Michael Vick re-emerged as a franchise player in 2010 but enters this season as a starter for the first time in five years. Vick, who hadn't started a playoff game since the 2004 season, also posted his two worst outings of 2010 in his final two starts (including the playoffs), sparking whispers that his style of play, exciting as it is, also wears him down in the long run. But he is buoyed by a roster that has received an infusion of talent, even though it was good enough to win the NFC East a year ago.

Counterweights: Last year's middling defense might field a starting lineup with at least six new starters, including all-pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Coordinator Juan Castillo moves to the defensive side after coaching offense for 16 years and must mold all the moving pieces while adapting to his new role. The "Dream Team" could also be undone by an offensive line that has one starter from 2010 returning to his spot: left tackle Jason Peters.

Minnesota Vikings

The wait: Since entering the NFL in 1961, they've made four Super Bowl trips -- all losses -- but none since the 1976 season, and they're also 0-for-5 in NFC title games since then.

The weight:Adrian Peterson is regarded by many as the best tailback in the game given his mix of speed, power and improving receiving skills. After seeing his touches decline the past two years, he may have to shoulder the load in 2011 … all while playing for a new coordinator (Bill Musgrave), alongside a new quarterback (Donovan McNabb) and without former top target Sidney Rice and longtime left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Peterson may also be burdened by his looming free agency.

Counterweight: Brett Favre got this veteran squad within a game of the Super Bowl in 2009, but the team fell apart around him in 2010 before he ultimately did. Enter McNabb. He could be the experienced hand that gives this group one more Super shot. But if he doesn't adapt to purple and white any better than he did to burgundy and gold, he could be a very temporary bridge to first-round pick Christian Ponder.

San Diego Chargers

The wait: Rote also led this team to the top in 1963 when it won the AFL title. Neither John Hadl, Dan Fouts, Drew Brees nor Rivers has been able to duplicate that; only Stan Humphries has gotten the Chargers to the Super Bowl (1994).

By Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has seen plenty of playoff action but, unlike two other first-round quarterbacks from the 2004 draft, hasn’t been able to win a Super Bowl ring.

The weight: After LaDainian Tomlinson's exit, Rivers officially became the face of the franchise in 2010 and oversaw a squad that missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Few blamed Rivers, who toiled on an offense racked with injuries and contract issues. But he must fuel the team past its perennial early-season woes and playoff flameouts if he's to join 2004 draft mates Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning as Super Bowl winners.

Counterweight: San Diego had been 14-0 in December and January in coach Norv Turner's first three regular seasons. But last year's 3-2 effort couldn't overcome another slow start. Under Turner, the Chargers are 13-16 in September and October, and his ability to get the team out of the blocks will be closely scrutinized.

Atlanta Falcons

The wait: They've won six playoff games since their 1966 expansion season, getting as far as the Super Bowl once (after the 1998 season).

The weight: Essentially the same crew that earned the top seed in the NFC a year ago returns. The most notable addition is rookie receiver Julio Jones. General manager Thomas Dimitroff swapped his 27th overall pick and four others to vault up and get Jones at No. 6 overall, easily the biggest gambit of the 2011 draft. Outsized expectations are attached to Jones as he tries to become the final piece of an already-potent unit.

Counterweight: Though the offense was limited to 14 points in a 48-21 playoff drubbing from the eventual champion Packers, the defense was also heavily criticized after being easily dissected by Aaron Rodgers. Free agent defensive end Ray Edwards and the secondary will also be under the microscope.

Houston Texans

The wait: The Houston Oilers won AFL titles in their first two seasons (1960-61) but didn't reach a Super Bowl before relocating to Tennessee. The Texans embark on their 10th NFL season awaiting their first playoff berth.

The weight: The offense has ranked fourth or better in each of the last three seasons. But the defense hasn't kept pace, surrendering the fourth-most points and third-most yards in the NFL in 2010. Since then, Houston has hired Wade Phillips to install the 3-4 scheme that has brought him so much success through the years and spent its first five draft picks on defenders before signing defensive backs Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning to upgrade the league's worst pass defense. Mario Williams moves from defensive end to outside linebacker in the new look.

Counterweight: Coach Gary Kubiak pretty much has a win-or-else mandate from owner Bob McNair, which adds another layer of pressure to the staff and stars Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub and Arian Foster to perform at an even higher level.

New York Jets

The wait: They pulled off the biggest upset in league history when they upended the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III on Jan. 12, 1969. The Jets haven't been back to the big game since.

By Tim Farrell, The (Newark) Star-Ledger via US Presswire

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has led New York to the AFC Championship Game in each of his first two seasons, but has yet to break through.

The weight: Speaking of weight, Ryan has been known to poke fun at his girth. But he's also willing to set the bar high while trying to put the focus on his own performance while trying to shield his players. Under Ryan, the Jets are coming off consecutive AFC title-game appearances for the first time. But he knows that's not good enough and guarantees this is the season the Jets get over the hump. Fans can only hope he's as prescient as Joe Namath was 43 years ago.

Counterweight: In his first two NFL seasons, Sanchez has played his best football in the postseason, winning four of six starts (all on the road) while posting a 94.3 passer rating that far exceeds his regular-season mark (70.2). But the newly anointed team captain has to provide more even, effective play year-round while assimilating new parts such as wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. If Sanchez can step it up, the Jets could leapfrog the Patriots in the AFC East, earn a home playoff date and maybe even a first-round bye — all objectives Ryan has stated as goals.

White House Calls for Service on 9/11 Anniversary

President Barack Obama has renewed his annual message for Americans to devote the 9/11 anniversary to a day of service, a White House official said today.
Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor for strategic communication, discussed some of the plans for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States during a press briefing at the Foreign Press Center here.
“It is important to note, 9/11 is a day of service here in the United States, so over the course of the weekend, Americans around the country will be participating in service projects,” he said.
“And the president has already issued a message calling on Americans to serve, and he’ll be able to mark that occasion as well,” Rhodes said.
“Above all, of course, we want to commemorate the people who were lost on 9/11 in the attacks,” he said. “The president will be speaking directly to the families of the victims at each of the sites he’s visiting that day. He’ll have the opportunity to meet with the families, and to speak about their loss and their loved ones.”
Rhodes said other administration officials will participate throughout the country.
“Senator Clinton is giving a speech in New York tomorrow to discuss our international efforts to prevent terrorism,” he said.
Rhodes said the government is making a concerted effort to recognize all victims of terrorism, not just Americans.
“We also recognize that 9/11 is, unfortunately, not a unique act of terrorism,” he said. “It’s unique in its scale and its scope, but in terms of victims of terrorism around the world, we’ve seen attacks by al-Qaida on just about every continent that killed thousands of people.
“So I think we also want to step back and recognize the loss that has extended beyond many terrorist attacks, to include 9/11,” he added.
Rhodes also pointed out the United States is not alone in its labors to combat terrorism and should continue to seek a joint effort.
“Our efforts to keep our country safe are joined with efforts by other countries to protect their populations,” he said. “The sacrifice of service members that we’ve seen in the United States since 9/11 has been joined by sacrifices by many of our allies and partners in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“We want to make sure we’re honoring those that served alongside Americans,” Rhodes added. “And we are also underscoring that the only solution to terrorism in the long run is to have strong international partnerships that amplify our own efforts.”
Rhodes also said this strategy would involve information sharing, intelligence sharing, joint operations, strengthening of our partners.
“And, and of course, efforts to spread development, democracy and opportunities to different corners of the world,” he said.

Twin Towers,sep11,2001

The first time I saw the Twin Towers, I was flying into Newark, New Jersey. It was evening, and it was an impressive sight even from miles away. It was 1994.

Unfortunately, my trip was a one-day affair, and the lure of Times Square in 1994 was too great for me to trek from Midtown Manhattan.

The second time I saw the Twin Towers in person was spectacular. On that trip, I ventured right to the front doors. The Twin Towers were like mountains, and the streets surrounding them were deep, deep valleys.

I made the trip that time because I had interviewed Fred Kirschhock, who worked on the Twin Towers. After meeting him, I wanted to see these buildings.

Standing there looking up, it made me feel very small, like looking into space through my telescope. It was a bitterly cold day in Manhattan. But there I stood, mesmerized. The buildings dwarfed everything around them that I saw — the Statue of Liberty, even the Brooklyn Bridge. That was February of 2001.

Seven months later, when I saw the Twin Towers for the last time, I found the sight of them equally as mesmerizing but for a very different reason.
There is one searing memory from that day that I don’t believe time will ever erase from my mind. I was in my bedroom. I was getting ready to walk my grandson, Bailey, then 5, to kindergarten. Sept. 11, 2001, started as an average day.

I was getting ready, and Bailey was jumping on the bed. The “Today Show” was on in the background. They came back from commercial, and Katie Couric and Matt Laurer announced that something was amiss at one of the Twin Towers.

I watched. Bailey watched. Minutes later, we saw the second plane hit the next tower right there on the screen. As the commentators talked about the fact that it seemed America was under attack, I called my wife into the bedroom. I told her I had to get to work, that this was going to be something big that would need covering.

At that moment, Bailey burst into tears, ripping our attention from the TV. He jumped off the bed and grabbed my legs.

“Don’t go, grandpa. Don’t go,” he cried.
“Go where?” I asked him, trying to pull him off my legs. He held tight.

“Don’t go to New York,” he sobbed. “Don’t go where the news is. Don’t go to those buildings.”

He knew I’d been to New York earlier that year. He’d seen my photos of the Twin Towers. It took several minutes to convince Bailey that I was not going to New York City. I explained I would cover the story from Peoria, Ill.

I was in tears as I left the house with that little guy standing in the doorway.

“You promised,” he said as I ran to the car.

At work, I watched on TV as the Twin Towers fell. I began calling people I knew in New York City. Some I got into contact with. Others I couldn’t reach. Then word of the Pentagon attack surfaced.
I talked to people in Washington, D.C. Then came word that all air traffic was being grounded. I headed to my local airport in Peoria and interviewed people being deposited there without much warning. All the while, a little boy’s cries reverberated through my brain.

I wrote stories. I answered calls. I took pictures. I attended hastily called church services that day. I attended street corner prayer vigils. But Bailey’s fear was always close. His fear was different from mine, but we were both filled with fear.

I didn’t know who our enemy was. I just knew we had one, and a devious one. I had been wrenched suddenly from my comfort zone as an American. In a span of just one day, the whole world had changed.

Ten years later, those feelings are still there. I am not totally comfortable as an American in the world in which we now find ourselves. I’m fiercely proud to be an American, but I’m not in a place of total comfort.

The world has changed, and so have I. Bailey has changed. He is now 15, a sophomore in high school. He is a tall, strong, courteous and friendly kid.

He does not remember his reaction to that terrible day. I’m thankful for that. But more than anything else, I remember his tears and the tears he brought to my eyes that day — a day of many tears.

Reese Witherspoon Hair Style

Reese Witherspoon Hair Style suffered minor injuries when she was hit by a car while jogging in Santa Monica, police said Wednesday.
Reese Witherspoon Hair Style was struck around 11 a.m. in a residential neighborhood. The driver of the car, an 84-year-old woman who'd been traveling about 20 mph, was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
The actress was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment, police said. She was not seriously injured and by the afternoon was resting comfortably at her Brentwood-area home, her rep said in a statement.
"The driver seemed to have not seen her because of a large tree at the intersection," a witness told Us Weekly, calling the "Legally Blonde" star "lucky, because it could have been much more serious."
Witherspoon, 35, most recently starred in "Water for Elephants" with Robert Pattinson. She won a best actress Oscar in 2006 for her performance as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line."
In June, she took home the Generation Award at MTV's Movie Awards, saying to thunderous applause, "I know it's cool to be bad, I get it -- but it's also possible to make it in Hollywood without a reality show."
Witherspoon married agent Jim Toth in March in Ojai.

9/11 Memorial

Below is a list of events, memorials, services or ceremonies happening around Delaware County in remembrance of Sept. 11.
Throughout the county and the country, for one minute at 1 p.m., first responders, houses of worship, towns and others will hold a moment of silence followed by the sound of sirens and bells in a signal to each of us to "stop and remember" the 10th anniversary of the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001 and pay tribute to those we lost.

Media Patch

• Sept. 8, 12:45 p.m., County Government Center and Courthouse Courtyard: The employees of the County of Delaware are holding "A Day to Remember and A Time to Give Thanks." Delaware County President Judge Joseph P. Cronin, Jr., Council Chairman Jack Whelan and District Attorney Michael Green are guest speakers at the employee event.

• Sept. 11, 11 a.m., Rose Tree Park on Rt. 252 in Upper Providence Township: Residents of Delaware County are invited to the Delaware County Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS Memorial Ceremony where they will honor first responders with the laying of wreaths at the Public Safety and Victims of Sept. 11 memorials in Rose Tree Park. Master of Ceremony will be District Attorney Michael Green who will be joined by Council Chairman Jack Whelan and State Rep. Nick Miccarelli, an Iraq veteran. Members of the public are invited to join elected leaders, clergy, firefighters, law enforcement members and emergency medical service providers at the ceremony. Delaware County Sheriff Joseph F. McGinn, a US Army veteran who served in Vietnam, will read the names of the fallen servicemen from the county who have given their lives in service to our Nation since September 11, 2001. Bob McMahon, a founder of the PA Veterans Museum, will offer remarks on the meaning of service.  Phillip E. Heron, editor of the Delaware County Daily Times, will offer remarks on the sacrifice of those who serve our county at home and abroad in the military. Family members of fallen soldiers and representatives of Blue Star Mothers of Delaware County and Gold Star Mothers of Delaware are expected to attend. This event is open to the public and will proceed rain or shine. Handicap parking and access is available.

• Sept. 11, 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Media on State and Lemon streets: A tribute of service and remembrance, titled "Lest We Forget" will take place combined with the music ministries of Nativity BVM and First Church. It's a ceremony of readings, songs, and meditations dedicated to the heros and victims of Sept. 11 and to those who serve our community and country. All local Media and surrounding communities have been invited to participate in the service, such as fire, police, EMT and ambulance personnel as well as local council members and politicians.

• Sept. 11, 7 p.m., Media Presbyterian Church at 30 E. Baltimore Ave.: An inter-denominational service called, "9/11/2001 – 9/11/2011: A Service of Hope," includes Media Presbyterian, Nativity BVM, Reformation Lutheran Church, Second Baptist Church of Media, St. Francis DeSales and Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County. The service will include scripture readings, music and speakers.

Marple Newtown Patch 

• Sept. 9, 7:40 a.m., Marple Newtown High School: The high school will hold a memorial service on Friday morning. Students will place approximately 3,000 flags in front of the school's lawn to represent the lives lost during 9/11. The high school band, National Honor Society and the Student Council will participate in the ceremony. Marple and Newtown police and fire companies as well as the Marple Newtown Veterans Alliance will be present for the ceremony.

• Sept. 9, 3 p.m., Worrall Elementary School: The fifth-grade class at Worrall will present a poster for and a certificate of appreciation to the Marple Police Department, Marple Ambulance Corps and Broomall Fire Co. In addition, some fifth graders will speak on the announcements about the heroism that arose from 9/11 and share with the school what they did for their local servicemen.

• Sept. 10, 5:30 a.m., Episcopal Academy: Parent and radio talk show host Michael Smerconish will lead a Flight 93 Memorial Listener Bus Trip to Shanksville, PA, for the dedication of Phase 1 of the permanent memorial, which begins midday. Musical tributes, wreath layings, and additional activities will continue throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $75 per person and include round-trip transportation via luxurymotor coach, light breakfast, lunch, and free Delaware Valley area parking.  This will be a very full day. Buses depart the Plymouth Meeting Mall at 5:30 a.m. and are expected to return at approximately 7 p.m. You can reserve your seats by clicking here. 

• Sept. 11, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park in Broomall: Join the community in honoring the events of 9/11 and the continual sacrifices of all U.S. patriots. The Marple Community Band will perform a free concert of patriotic music at the Veteran's Park gazebo, and then a 9/11 remembrance service will be performed by the stone memorial wall. This event is co-sponsored by Marple Township, the Marple Newtown Veterans Alliance and the Boy Scouts of America.

Radnor Patch

• Sept. 11, 1 p.m., David’s Park in the 400 block of E. Lancaster Ave.: Radnor Township invites everyone to participate in a Moment of Remembrance and dedicate a Memorial Marker on the 10th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks. 

• Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m., Wayne United Methodist Church, 210 South Wayne Avenue: The church will dedicate its regular service in honor of those who serve, in remembrance of 9/11. Local police, fire and emergency personnel have been invited to come in uniform. The church will pray for them, and the theme of the service will be "The Call to Serve."

Haverford-Havertown Patch

• Month of September, Haverford Township Free Library: The library will have an interactive display called "Ten Years Later – Reflections of 9/11." The library invites people from the community to go to the library's lobby to share their reflections, memories and perspective on the tragic events that occurred in New York, Washington DC, and Southwestern Pennsylvania 10 years ago this month.

Springfield Patch 

• Sept. 11, 11 a.m., Springfield Friends Meeting at 1001 Sproul Road: A worship and reflection on the attacks that happened 10 years ago. A coffee hour and fellowship will follow the worship and a Sunday School will be provided for children as well. 

Fashion's Night

Across the Alamo City tonight, department stores, boutiques and retailers will be clamoring for fashionistas at Fashion's Night Out, a shopping celebration filled with discounts and partying.
The international shopping celebration that started three years ago was spearheaded by Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue magazine, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to give the fashion industry a much-needed economic jolt.
The night dedicated to boosting the Fashion's Night economy now takes place in more than 100 cities and thousands of stores worldwide, including San Antonio.
A highlight at the Shops at La Cantera will be fundraising exhibition Models & Mannequins: A Passion for Fashion's Night, a display of eight recycled mannequins artfully painted, embellished and designed by top contemporary artists including Waddy Armstrong, Rodolfo Choperena, Angelina Mata, Kathy Sosa, Michael Wayne, Luisa Wheeler, Alex Rubio, and Ken and Clare Little.
The mannequins will be priced to sell at La Cantera at a party from 6 to 9 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Blue Star Contemporary Art Center's exhibitions and MOSAIC education programming. For ticket information, call Blue Star at 210-227-6960 or visit www.bluestarart.org.
Also at La Cantera, Neiman Marcus will roll out the red carpet for arriving guests. Vodka and Champagne will flow, and food from local eateries will be served. Guests will learn about the must-have beauty tools of the season, can rate their favorite fall look, celebrate the 125th anniversary of the tuxedo and meet artist Carlos Betancourt.
At Saks Fifth Avenue at North Star Mall, a trunk show of Stephen Webster's fine jewelry will be displayed, as will special collections from Rebecca Taylor and Alice + Olivia.
Guests will enjoy mini makeovers and manicures. Light food fare and drinks will be served. And all will get a chance to win one of four $250 shopping sprees.