Today, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) supported the health care reform plan which includes the public option.

“Millions of Americans will be able to reestablish control over their lives,” AARP CEO Barry Rand said, in a broadcasted news conference.

The AARP organization has 40 million members, and their support is something that President Obama welcomed.

“They (AARP) would not be supporting it if they really believed it would lead to government bureaucracy making decisions that are best left to doctors,” Obama said.

Rand said that the House plan, “protects the right of people to see the doctor of their choice” and it “aggressively cracks down on waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicare system.”

“The bill focuses on quality of care and not the quantity of tests being ordered,” Rand added.

The American Medical Association (AMA) also supports the health care reform plan.

The legislation “isn’t perfect” but is “consistent with our goals to warrant our support to keep the process moving,” AMA President James Rohack said.

In his speech today, Rand from the AATP was very critical of the insurance industry, its rising rates, and denial of insurance for those with pre-existing conditions.

“We cannot continue to let insurers price older Americans out of the market, just as we cannot stand idle while millions of Americans are forced to choose between their groceries and their prescriptions,” Rand said.

AARP Website

The Rihanna interview with Diane Sawyer is anticipated. The Rihanna Diane Sawyer interview will discuss Rihanna’s trials and tribulations. A 5 minute clip of the Rihanna interview with Diane Sawyer was aired on Good Morning America, and the entire Rihanna/Diane Sawyer interview will air tomorrow night on 20/20.

In the 5 minute clip, we see Rihanna get tear-y eyed speaking about her relationship with Chris Brown.  In the weeks after the time when he assaulted her, Rihanna forgave Chris Brown and took her back.  According to the interview aired on Good Morning America, Rihanna tells Diane Sawyer that she eventually let Chris go when she realized that she was not setting a good example for her fans by taking him back.  She feared that her actions and selfish desire for love could end up getting young women killed.

It’s great to see a prominent figure such as Rihanna speak out about a topic like domestic violence.  The Rihanna interview with Diane Sawyer will be something that no young woman facing an abusive relationship should miss. 

Below is a clip of the Rihanna Interview with Diane Sawyer.

Tropical Storm Ida formed today. Tropical Storm Ida formed in the Caribbean. Could Tropical Storm Ida become Hurricane Ida? Only time will tell.

According to the Associated Press, Tropical Storm Ida is causing Hurricane Watches to pop up around Nicaragua.   Tropical Storm Ida is up to 65 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Tropical Storm Ida could bring major flooding and major landslides wherever she makes landfall.  Nicaraguan officials are already taking precautions and making shelters.

Tropical Storm Ida will likely cause evacuations in the coastal city of Bluefields and the towns of Laguna de Perlas, Cruz de Rio Grando and Kukra Hills.

Tropical Storms need to be watched quickly.  As a tropical storm makes its way across warm water, the storm will strengthen.  As a tropical storm strengthens, it could turn in to a full-blown hurricane.

Whether or not Tropical Storm Ida will turn in to Hurricane Ida has yet to be seen.  We can only cross our fingers and hope for the best. However, those that live in the path of the storm should evacuate if encouraged by local authorites.  As mentioned before, Tropical Storm Ida will bring forth a lot of flooding and potential landslides.

The Sesame Street anniversary is amazing.  The Sesame Street anniversary is the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street characters such as Big Bird, Oscar, Snuffy, and Elmo. 

For 4 decades, Sesame Street has been entertaining and educating children in the US.  Sesame Street is the favorite of many, including First Lady Michelle Obama.  In fact, Michelle Obama even informed those present at her UN address that she was still on a “high” from visiting Sesame Street.

Google is also partaking in the monumental Sesame Street anniversary.  It can even be argued that Google has amped up the publicity of the Sesame Street Anniversary by featuring Big Bird in today’s Google Doodle.

Parents of children should watch Sesame Street today with their kids.  Get some of the Sesame Street episodes that were aired when you were young so your child can get a glimpse of how things have changed over the years. You can also go online and search for free printable Sesame Street coloring pages and activities.  Use these to make Big Bird a birthday card.

Hopefully Sesame Street will continue for many years.  The Sesame Street anniversary is a reminder that quality TV programming is rewarded through long tenures.  Sesame Street has been aired on PBS channels across the country for many, many years.

Maine election results 2009 are anticipated. The Maine gay marriage vote is important to Maine voters this election year.  Maine election results 2009 for the Maine gay marriage question 1 have many implications.

In May, Maine’s governor signed an order which legalized gay marriage in Maine.  Question 1 during the Maine election in 2009 centers on a “citizens veto” of legalized gay marriage.

So far, whenever a gay marriage repeal has been placed on a ballot, it’s been passed.  Citizens for the most part aren’t as excited about gay marriage as you may think.  Why not? Aren’t we free to love whoever we want? According to many people’s belief systems, they don’t want their children to be taught that marriage between a man/man or woman/woman is acceptable.

We need to respect the views of these people.  They either have religious beliefs or their own personal set of morals. However, a gay marriage repeal would prove devastating for gay couples across Maine.

The Maine gay marriage vote during the Maine election 2009 is important either way you look at it.  If legislation is passed, it will be that much harder for any new states to pass gay marriage legalization. If Question 1 is successfully defeated, it will show those that oppose gay marriage that their footing isn’t as strong as it used to be.

Blockade Noise Isolating Earbuds are $14.99. Are the Blockade Noise Isolating Earbuds an alternative to expensive earbuds sold by companies such as Bose? Blockade Noise Isolating Earbuds could be a great alternative, but many people are skeptical.

 Blockade’s earbuds are noise “isolating” wheras expensive counterparts are noise “canceling.”  There is a difference between the two.  Noise canceling earbuds require batteries, as they contain electronics inside that cover up outside noise with white noise.

 Noise “isolating” earbuds, however, are nothing more than rubber tips jammed in your ears.  Blockade calls this a “triple flange noise isolating system.” There are no batteries, and the Blockade Noise Isolating Earbuds probably aren’t as comfy as the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.

 The Blockade Noise Isolating Earbuds do have some benefits, however.  They have a hearing-saving volume limiter.  The earbuds won’t let you listen to anything above 91 decibels.

 Some say that Apple’s stock earphones produce a better overall sound.  Those that are sound connoisseurs should probably stick to more expensive earphones.  However, those with a limited budget may find the Blockade Noise Isolating Earbuds a great Christmas gift for a kid or teenager that wants expensive Bose earbuds.

Black Friday deals 2009 are hot. Black Friday deals for 2009 for all retailers are hot. What Black Friday deals will be available at Wal-Mart for 2009?

 Black Friday deals have already been disclosed for a handful of retailers.  Sears is going to host “Black Friday Now” sales throughout November and December. Target has a site set up where consumers can enter their email address to receive Black Friday 2009 email updates.

 With all the speculation about Black Friday 2009 deals, we haven’t heard much about retail behemoth Wal-Mart.  One would think that Wal-Mart would have the best Black Friday deals of them all…after all Wal-Mart is all about cutting out the competition.

 Recently, Wal-Mart launched an attack against bookstores.  Wal-Mart and Amazon.com have lowered the price of highly anticipated hardback titles to just about $9.  This could pose a threat to local bookstores, that thrive on their loyal customer base.  Just how loyal do you think the customer base will stay when they can get a $30 book for $9?

 The Wal-Mart Black Friday deals 2009 will be the gold standard for the industry.  There will be thousands of Black Friday deals to be had at a multitude of retailers, but expect heavy crowds and amazing deals at your local Wal-Mart store.

 So far, only a few select Black Friday ads have been leaked.  They include Gander Mountain and Harbor Freight.

Veterans Day 2009 is November 11.  Veterans Day 2009 is next Wednesday. Veterans Day 2009 will bring a lot of Veterans Day celebrations and sales, so everyone needs to keep their eyes peeled for deals and things to do.

 Next Wednesday, several students will be off from school as various school systems close for Veteran’s Day.  In addition, mail will not be delivered and several banks will be closed as well.  Many Americans will still have to work on Veteran’s Day, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t take part and honor our Veteran’s.

Dollar General has an amazing Veterans Day deal.  All those on active duty in the military and their families will all receive a 10% off coupon to spend at Dollar General Stores.  It’s great to see a company such as Dollar General giving back to those that fight for our freedom on Veteran’s Day 2009.

 MidWest Airlines is offering a special sale on flights from November 11, 2009 to May 26, 2010.  You must purchase your tickets before November 10, 2009 to qualify for the savings, so if you need to be somewhere this Veteran’s Day make sure you book early to take advantage of this sale.

 Veterans Day began shortly after WWI and continues today. If you wish to teach your children about this holiday, there are many printable coloring pages that will help you do so.  It would be so special for your child to color a Veterans Day 2009 picture and give it to someone that serviced our country.

A-Rod Centaur? What’s the “A-Rod Centaur” drama about? The “A-Rod Centaur” painting above A-Rod’s bed is setting Twitter on fire.

 A centaur is half-man, half-horse.  Those who haven’t ever seen a centaur should watch the Narnia series, as there are many creatures such as centaurs featured in the popular Disney movies.

 So why would A-Rod want to make a centaur painting in his likeness? Does the A-Rod centaur painting depict an explosive ego? Does A-Rod think he’s half-man, half-horse? Is A-Rod simply nothing more than a big fan of mystical creatures?

 One of A-Rod’s ex-girlfriends spilled the beans on Alex Rodriguez, telling the world about not one – but two – A-Rod Centaur paintings in the baseball player’s home. Since then, various Twitter users have been poking fun of the athlete’s taste in artwork.

 Here are some of the best Twitter Tweets centering on A-Rod’s Centaur paintings, compliments of the National Post:

 @tofias: If I *had* to spend $15m a year, I’m sure I’d never get a portrait of myself as a centaur. Because griffins are way cooler. As are unicorns

 @IamCentaur I told my teammates a few minutes ago, ride me to a world championship, I’ll carry all of you. A centaur can do that.

@PetariJ people say A-Rod has two centaur pieces in his house, when in fact he has only one and the other is CC picking up a grounder.

There’s no doubt that the A-Rod centaur paintings are bizarre.  Of course, celebrities love the life of excess and have unique…or downright bizarre…tastes.

Twilight Barbie is a Barbie modeled after Bella from the Twilight Series.  The Twilight Barbie is  brunette, like Twilight’s Bella.  The Twilight Barbie is sure to be a success with all the little girls that are in love with the Twilight Series.

 The Twilight Series chronicles the story of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen.  The twist in the story is that Edward Cullen is a vampire.  There is now a Twilight Barbie and Twilight Ken – one modeled after Bella Swan and the other after Edward Cullen.

 I don’t know which one will be more successful – Twilight Barbie or Twilight Ken.  Tweens all swoon after the sexy bad-boy image of Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson.  Bella Swan is played by actress Kristen Stewart.

 The Twilight Barbie comes out shortly before the November 20 release of New Moon.  The timing is perfect, as many girls will likely have the Twilight Barbie on their Christmas wish list. 

 The Twilight Barbie doll is affordable, too.  Each Twilight Barbie and Twilight Ken cost a measly $25 each. Where can you purchase the Twilight Barbie? You’re in luck – you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.  Walmart.com is selling the dolls online.  Per the Wal-Mart Web site, the Twilight Barbie is not available in stores.  Click HERE to view/purchase your Twilight Barbie.