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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Charlotte Daily Deals 11/6/12: Charlotte Bobcats, Crave Dessert Bar ...

Charlotte Bobcats Game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 17, 23, or 30 (Up to 77% Off). Nine Options Available.

Going to a basketball game lets fans feel the excitement and hear the pleas for quiet from the family living underneath the bleachers. Root for the home team with this GrouponLive deal.

Choose from the Following Options

For $20, you get one G-Pass for upper-level center-court or corner seating in sections 203?214 or 220?231(up to an $88 value, including all fees).
For $35, you get one G-Pass for lower-level corners or baseline seating in sections 101?103 or 116?117 (up to a $102.05 value, including all fees).
For $75, you get one G-Pass for club-level sideline seating in sections 104, 106, 113, or 115 (up to a $174.85 value, including all fees).

For each seating option, choose from the following games:

Against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. This game includes a winter Bobcats hat.
Against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, November 23, at 7 p.m. This game includes one large or extra-large Bobcats T-shirt.
Against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, November 30, at 7 p.m. This game includes one postgame shot on the court.

Fans at the November 17 and November 23 games report before halftime to a redemption table near section 112 to receive their hats or T-shirts. Fans at the November 30 game report to the table near section 112 after the game, then head down to the court to take a shot. Gospel recording artist Canton Jones will perform a free postgame concert on November 17, the first 5,000 fans at the November 23 game will receive a free Kemba Walker bobblehead, and the first 1,500 children at the November 30 game will receive a free player poster.

Gates open 60 minutes before tipoff. Because the ticket is a G-Pass, Groupon customers can use it to enter the venue directly; they will not need to redeem their Groupon at will call.

The Scouting Report

With the 2012?13 season just underway, the Charlotte Bobcats have leapt to a 1?1 start as they vie for dominance in the Eastern Conference's competitive Southeast Division. This year's Bobcats team exudes youth, with a first-year head coach calling the shots and a starting five that showcase three players with three years of experience or less in the NBA, including this year's second overall draft pick. Their opponents in these three games?Memphis, Atlanta, and Philadelphia?all made playoff runs in 2012, challenging the young team's ability to stay up past their bedtimes if a game goes into overtime.

Due to security restrictions, G-Passes must be printed out and presented in person at the event. They cannot be redeemed through Groupon's mobile app.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Odiferous Lunches

How are millions of Americans making delicious fondue at their desks?

Small Plates and Desserts with Optional Hookah at Crave Dessert Bar (Up to 53% Off)

Dessert is a sweet way to end a meal, much like shedding joyful tears with your waiter when you realize he's your long-lost brother. Rejoice with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$10 for $20 worth of small plates and desserts
$19 for $20 worth of small plates and desserts with one hookah (a $40 value)

The menu includes a flatbread topped with bacon and goat cheese ($11), a gluten-free lava cake with dark-chocolate ganache ($6), and banana-pudding cheesecake made with roasted bananas and a graham-cracker crust ($9).

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Types of Hugs

What type of hugger are you?

$15 for $30 Worth of Pizza, Pasta, and Serbian Food at Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe

A large pizza is the perfect meal for a family to enjoy together, but more often a meal for one man to enjoy alone. You're not alone when you're with pizza with this Groupon.

$15 for $30 Worth of Pizza, Pasta, and Serbian Food

The menu spotlights entrees such as 10-inch chicken florentine pizzas ($13), sarma ($11.95), lasagna ($10.95), and housemade ravioli ($12.95).

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Too Good to Be True

How can you tell if someone is trying to trick you?

Half- or Full-Day Introduction to Rock-Climbing Class for One or Two at Thrifty Adventures (Up to 63% Off)

Mankind's underdeveloped climbing skills and inability to digest tin cans are two ways in which evolution left humans inferior to goats. It's mind over Matterhorn with this Groupon.

Choose from Four Options

$45 for a half-day introduction to rock-climbing class for one (a $110 value)
$55 for a full-day introduction to rock-climbing class for one (a $130 value)
$85 for a half-day introduction to rock-climbing class for two (a $220 value)
$95 for a full-day introduction to rock-climbing class for two (a $260 value)

Held at Crowders Mountain State Park, classes focus on basic knots and climbing techniques, safety practices, and vocabulary key to clear communication between climbers and their belayers. Half-day lessons run for four to six hours, whereas their full-day counterparts run for six to eight hours. Participants need no previous climbing experience, and all necessary equipment is included. Classes are available on the following dates:

Friday, November 16
Saturday, November 17
Saturday, November 24
Sunday, November 25
Saturday, December 8
Sunday, January 13
Saturday, January 19

More dates available; please call to inquire.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Sniffing Out Baloney

How can you tell when someone is lying to you?

$37 for a One-Hour Private Golf Lesson from Dave Bayko - PGA Professional ($75 Value)

Golf is so beloved because it combines two of humankind's favorite things?hitting stuff and driving on someone else's lawn. Play through with this Groupon.

$37 for a One-Hour Private Golf Lesson ($75 Value)

During the private lesson, PGA pro Dave Bayko works with individuals to reinforce fundamental swing aspects such as grip, stance, posture, and alignment.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Odiferous Lunches

How are millions of Americans making delicious fondue at their desks?

One, Three, or Five Full-Body Airbrush Spray Tans at Primped Beauty Studio (Up to 64% Off)

Spray tanning allows you to get tan without going to the beach, a place where you will have to see filthy seagulls tearing apart wigs. Steer clear of Mother Nature's worst creatures with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options

$20 for one full-body airbrush spray tan (a $45 value)
$55 for three full-body airbrush spray tans (a $135 value)
$80 for five full-body airbrush spray tans (a $225 value)

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Odiferous Lunches

How are millions of Americans making delicious fondue at their desks?

Teen Spa Facial, Deep Facial Treatment, or Classic European Facial at Spa & Bodywork (Up to 53% Off)

A day at the spa is one of the best ways to achieve inner peace, alongside meditating or eating a handful of doves? eggs. Feel good inside and out with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options

$25 for a 45-minute teen spa facial (a $50 value)
$35 for a 70-minute deep facial treatment (a $75 value)
$40 for an 80-minute classic European facial (an $85 value)

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Odiferous Lunches

How are millions of Americans making delicious fondue at their desks?

8x8 or 8x11 Customizable Photo Book from Shutterfly (Up to 67% Off)

The Deal

$10 for a customizable 8x8 photo book from Shutterfly ($29.99 list price)
Shipping is an additional $7.99 for this option.
$15 for a customizable 8x11 photo book from Shutterfly ($34.99 list price)
Shipping is an additional $8.99 for this option.

Customizable Photo Book from Shutterfly

Shutterfly's photo books contain 20 or more pages (up to 110 pages available for an extra charge) of photographs printed on high-quality photo paper and professionally bound in a sturdy hardcover fold. Create a keepsake of your Halloween memories or get ahead of holiday gifting and choose between Shutterfly's Simple Path with preset backgrounds and layouts or the Custom Path feature, which allows you to customize each book with unique styles, page layouts, and captions. View the finished product online before having it published. Once it ships and is delivered, use it to spruce up a coffee table, personal library, or stack of books.

Features

Each book contains 20 pages (up to 110 pages for an extra charge)
Printed on high-quality photo paper
Professionally bound with a hardcover
Constructed online using premade or customizable templates
Designs for all occasions and styles
Customized by style, page layout, image size, and text
Share unlimited online storage albums with friends, family, and those who choose not to be so easily pigeonholed, like pets
100% satisfaction guarantee
Great as a personalized gift

How to get your goods: after purchasing this deal, pull up your Groupon with our mobile app or by going to My Groupons (or to My Gifts if you are giving this as a gift*) and clicking the view voucher link. Then, follow the instructions on your voucher.

For questions pertaining to this deal, please visit the deal Q&A on this page. For post-purchase inquires, please see your voucher for customer service contact information.

View the Groupon Goods FAQ for additional information, including how list price is determined.

*Once the recipient claims your gift, you will no longer be able to print the Groupon.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Types of Hugs

What type of hugger are you?

$148 for an Online Course with Exam Included from National Council for Certified Personal Trainers ($495 Value)

Science tells us that people have a better chance of living longer if they exercise, eat healthy, and refuse to acknowledge their birth. Work toward longevity with this Groupon.

$148 for an Online Personal Trainer Course ($495 Value)

Online study materials, including videos of exercises
An online NCCPT Personal Trainer Manual
PDF study guide
PDF sample test
One exam voucher and two exam re-take vouchers for the online exam
Nationally Accredited Certified Personal Trainer certificate upon passing the exam

Following along with their study guide, students read manuals to learn key information about areas including nutrition, anatomical terms, and exercise applications. They also watch online videos, which showcase standard gym equipment and exercises. After completing a practice exam, prospective trainers can take the official certification exam up to three times. If they pass, they receive a certificate to prove their status as a Nationally Accredited Certified Personal Trainer. Students must have a valid photo ID and CPR card to take the exam. See the complete details of the course here.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Types of Hugs

What type of hugger are you?

$39 for an HVAC System Tune-Up from First Choice Heating And Cooling ($129.95 Value)

Iron furnaces were a necessity in 19th-century England, when cold fronts came unexpectedly from the north and everyone was a blacksmith. Fine-tune your forge with this Groupon.

$39 for an HVAC System Tune-Up ($129.95 Value)

During heating and air-conditioning system tune-ups, technicians clean evaporator and condensing coils, check for leaks, and inspect electrical components and motors.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Types of Hugs

What type of hugger are you?

Sushi and Japanese Fare for Two or Four People at Tokyo Japanese Seafood & Steakhouse (Up to 53% Off)

Like the earth, sushi consists of layers and was apparently invented by someone who really liked the ocean. Explore waves of flavor with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$7 for $15 worth of sushi and Japanese fare for two people
$14 for $30 worth of sushi and Japanese fare for four people

Sushi rolls start at $3, entrees start at $4.99, and Japanese-style kebabs start at $5.99. See the full menu.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Types of Hugs

What type of hugger are you?

Two-Week Medically Supervised Liver and G.I. Cleanse for One or Two at Holistic Hands Chiropractic (Up to 68% Off)

Most people could "stand to lose a few," whether they're above their ideal weight or just carrying too many puppies. Shed pounds with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$99 for a medically supervised 14-day liver and G.I. cleanse with an initial consultation, midpoint checkup, and postcleanse checkup (a $276 value)
$179 for the above cleanse for two (a $552 value)

Though Holistic Hands Chiropractic sometimes offers a discounted price online, this Groupon is still the best deal available.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Too Good to Be True

How can you tell if someone is trying to trick you?

One or Two Basic Mani-Pedis at Ohana Salon & Spa (Up to 54% Off)

The only ways to get a stranger to hold your hand for an hour are to schedule a manicure or to exploit a crossing guard?s sense of duty. This Groupon is an opportunity for human contact.

Choose Between Two Options

$29 for a basic mani-pedi that includes standard nail shaping, polish, and a foot and leg exfoliation (a $60 value)
$55 for two of the above basic mani-pedis (a $120 value)

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Too Good to Be True

How can you tell if someone is trying to trick you?

Three or Six Custom Chemical Peels at Esthetic Skin Care (Up to 71% Off)

Your face has a nose for smelling, eyes for seeing, and a mouth for keeping all your saliva handy. Resurface your face with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$139 for three custom chemical peels (a $450 value)
$259 for six custom chemical peels (a $900 value)

Chemical peels exfoliate dead cells from the surface, revealing skin below that often has better color, texture, and tone. The esthetician will match the peel?s intensity with each client?s particular skin issues, often increasing the strength of the formula with each visit. Esthetic Skin Care suggests reading over the treatment's precautions and side effects in advance. Appointments can last up to an hour.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Too Good to Be True

How can you tell if someone is trying to trick you?

Sling Paint Like Pollock Class for One, Two, or Four at UnCommon Art Space (Up to 60% Off)

Subtlety is a hallmark of brilliant art, whether it's the hint of a smile on the Mona Lisa or the cow on a motorcycle in the background of American Gothic. Dive into the details with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options

$50 for a Sling Paint Like Pollock class for one (a $100 value)
$90 for a Sling Paint Like Pollock class for two (a $200 value)
$160 for a Sling Paint Like Pollock class for four (a $400 value)

Instructors teach up to six students the innovative action-painting technique of legendary abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock. Within two hours, pupils create their own masterwork by splashing, flinging, and spilling paint onto unstretched canvases. Classes begin at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Sniffing Out Baloney

How can you tell when someone is lying to you?

$10 for $20 Worth of Meatballs and Comfort Cuisine for Two at Meatballs on Main

Eating is necessary for survival, just like sleeping or carving yourself companions out of large pieces of wood. Don't just survive--thrive with this Groupon.

$10 for $20 Worth of Meatballs and Comfort Cuisine for Two

The menu includes hearty items such as the Ultimate Meatball with ground pork and beef, parmesan cheese, and spices ($12), which comes to tables drenched with the customer?s choice of sauce, and sitting atop french fries, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or white beans. The cooks also prepare a selection of sandwiches, including a caprese grilled cheese with mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto, and a balsamic drizzle ($7.95).

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Sniffing Out Baloney

How can you tell when someone is lying to you?

$10 for $20 Worth of Casual Fare at Fox and Hound

Without beverages, margaritas would only consist of a salt rim, and rocks glasses would only be used by geologists. Raise a celebratory glass with this Groupon.

$10 for $20 Worth of Casual Fare

Classic dishes include the Napa Valley spinach salad ($9.99), the bacon cheeseburger with fries ($9.49), and New York Hot pizza with pepperoni and jalapeno sausage ($10.99). See the full menu.

Prices may vary by location.

Fox and Hound

A lengthy lineup of traditional fare and a sportive atmosphere captivate flocks of fans at Fox and Hound, where the kitchen remains open as late as its neighboring fully stocked bar. Chefs chug away until the wee hours, baking Bavarian pretzel starters, crafting pickle-topped cheeseburger sliders, and assembling build-your-own platters of ribs and chicken. They blend their own flurry of seasonings to sprinkle over grilled-to-order burgers, and draw from a diverse roster of cheeses and toppings to crown their wood-oven-inspired pizzas.

While manning the bars, drinksmiths tap into a teeming stash of libations, such as UV Whipped vodka and Patron Silver tequila, to mix their specialty cocktails. To further foster a jovial ambiance, TVs glow with sports games and custom music-video playlists, and guests partake in pastimes of ump denouncing, billiards, or competitive people watching.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Clarinets

Why is America in love with the clarinet?

$29 for a 20-Minute Teeth-Whitening Treatment at Whiten My Smile Now ($139 Value)

A bright smile sends a message to others, such as "I care about dental hygiene" or "Look at my teeth--I didn't eat your jelly." Say it with a smile, thanks to this Groupon.

$29 for 20-Minute Teeth-Whitening Session ($139 Value)

A qualified technician applies an efficient brush-on solution under an LED lamp that emits blue light to quickly lift stains and whiten teeth. The procedure can leave smiles two to eight shades brighter in a mere 20 minutes.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Getting the Couch through the Doorway

TEASER: Can you really get a couch through a doorway in 15 simple steps?

Two- or Three-Night Stay for Up to Six at Park Lane Hotel in Hilton Head

Southern Estate Surrounded by Palmetto Trees and Championship Golf Courses

Hilton Head Island is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in recreation. Year-round, more than 2.5 million visitors pass through the island, sunning themselves on some of the Atlantic seaboard's finest beaches, pedaling through the countryside on miles of scenic bike trails, and teeing off at more than 45 championship golf courses. Shaded by magnolia and palmetto trees, Park Lane Hotel sits in the center of the island, just minutes from beaches, shopping, and gourmet restaurants. The hotel combines laid-back luxury with sports facilities including tennis courts, a basketball court, and a kids' playground.

An arched driveway leads to the Park Lane Hotel's stately entrance, which is adorned with thick columns and white chimneystacks rising from a slate roof. Inside, each spacious suite features a full kitchen with granite countertops. Overstuffed armchairs and fireplaces create a cozy environment for unwinding or pretending to be Alistair Cooke on Masterpiece Theatre.

Hilton Head, South Carolina: Southern Hospitality and East Coast Adventure

Set along the Atlantic coast just northeast of Savannah and two hours from Charleston, Hilton Head Island combines southern elegance with relaxed oceanfront living. The island's subtropical climate?with highs in the 60s during January?makes it a haven for outdoor-sports enthusiasts, especially golfers, who can choose from dozens of lush, championship courses and several herds of free-range caddies roaming the land. Additionally, more than 50 miles' worth of bike and rollerblade pathways crisscross the island, many of them leading to Hilton Head's wealth of justly lauded beaches.

Groupon Says

One or Two-Night Stay for Up to Three with Appetizer and Wine at Crestwood Resort & Spa in Boone, North Carolina

Luxurious Resort Tucked in Scenic Mountains

In 1948, Claus Moberg invested just $25 an acre to acquire a sprawling 30-acre apple orchard, upon which he eventually built a quaint cottage for his family. Each summer, the Moberg family retreated to the abode tucked between dense forests, where guests can now get views of the mountains of North Carolina's High Country. Claus's touch is still evident throughout the hallways of the spacious Crestwood Resort & Spa, which displays his original artwork and floor plans.

A shaded stone walkway leads to the resort's homey interiors. There's a gas fireplace in the inviting Elite king room, and the Luxury queen room's two queen beds are decked in mounds of pillows. As is the case with many of the resort's rooms, a private terrace overlooks the towering Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush wooded surroundings.

Crestwood's onsite restaurant, The Table, partners with local producers to serve farm-to-table fare infused with an upscale European touch, such as sugary pork strip or piquant shrimp and grits. The Table is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the bar opens at 4 p.m. Elsewhere inside, white columns gird a placid lap pool at the onsite spa, which pampers guests with refreshing facials and reflexology massages.

North Carolina's High Country: Mountain Adventure and Gemstone Mines

In the High Country of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains and surging rivers set the stage for whitewater rafting and cave tours. In the winter, the snow-capped slopes double as runs for skiing and sledding. In addition to undertaking outdoor adventures, you can step into the past at nostalgic general stores and sift for precious stones and docile pet rocks at old-fashioned gemstone mines.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Groupon Says

$15 for $40 to Spend on Custom Holiday Photo Cards at SimplyToImpress.com ($40 Value)

If all that decking the halls caused you to drop the ball last year when it came to sending out holiday cards, start the season off right this year with this deal from SimplyToImpress.com: Pay $15 for $40 to spend on any cards on the site, including custom holiday photo cards, party invitations, birth announcements, thank you cards and more. You'll have access to a wide variety of exclusive card designs, papers, and finishes -- and the ability to access photos from share sites like Facebook and Instagram. The easy-to-use online card designer allows for true customization, so you can share the wonders of life, love, and family with your own special flair. And since all cards are printed on cardstock, not photo paper, and each order is reviewed by a designer for free, you can be confident that your cards will be picture-perfect.

$29 for DNA Self-Discovery Kit at ConnectMyDNA ($90 Value)

Bell-bottoms are so yesterday, but skinny jeans are in vogue. See how your genes match up to today's trends, too, with this deal from ConnectMyDNA: $29 for a DNA self-discovery kit (regularly $90). Unlike an ancestry test, ConnectMyDNA compares your genetic markers with living population groups around the globe -- a great first step to unzipping information in your genetic makeup. First, you'll take a cotton swab sample from your cheek and send it off to the lab for analysis; in return, you'll receive your unique DNA signature using the Gene Ring, a scientifically designed tool that allows you to visually compare your DNA profile to friends and family. The global population groups with the most similarity are listed and ranked along with a list of loci -- the specific locations of a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome -- that were tested. With this 68%-off deal, you can discover more about yourself -- and how you connect with others beyond the denim style du jour.

$19 for 8x10 Photo-to-Glass Print at ImageOnGlass.com ($59 Value)

Your high-resolution monitor is a great way to display dazzling digital photos of your family -- but mounting your computer to your living room wall has proven to be an issue. With this deal from ImageOnGlass.com, proudly display equally crisp and stunning images without any hassle, thanks to an innovative direct printing technique. Pay $19 (regularly $59) for an 8x10, $29 (regularly $89) for an 11x14, or $39 (regularly $109) for a 16x20 photo-on-glass print. Simply upload your photo file; crop, rotate, colorize, or otherwise edit to your liking; and then preview before ordering. Your image is printed in full color directly on smooth glass and is mounted on a black backing with half-inch mounting blocks -- meaning it arrives ready to hang. Using UV-cured printing technology and archival-quality inks, this printing company gives you a lasting portrait that won't require IT support.

$25 for VHS to DVD Converter at Digital 007 ($70 Value)

Though we aren't zipping around in hover boots or eating meals in pill form, we've thankfully progressed past watching VHS tapes. Celebrate advances in technology with this deal from Digital 007: Pay $25 (regularly $70) for an EasyCap USB 2.0 VHS to DVD conversion system. Link your PC with a VCR, VHS or DVD player, or camera or camcorder with an RCA or S-Video connector. Then, this innovative device will flawlessly capture the audio (without a sound card) and video from your prized videos on a USB 2.0 interface, so you can easily transfer the digital files onto a DVD. With free shipping included, you can rest assured your taped memories will be saved for future generations.

$50 for $100 to Spend on Grills and Accessories at Barbeques Galore ($100 Value)

While your favorite pro players are getting warmed up for the big game, make sure your backyard grill has the muscle to get you through the season with this deal from Barbeques Galore. Pass us $50 for $100 to spend on online purchases of gas grills -- like the Turbo Elite, Cook-On, and Captain Cook -- that will be shipped right to your door for an additional fee. Or pay $20 for $40 to spend on the site, where you'll find tongs, forks, brushes, and other accessories. When game day arrives, you'll be able to season your meat with rubs and marinades before impressing your football buddies with your EGrill II: an electric tabletop grill that's perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Keep your patio a comfortable temperature with an MP3-compatible Totum HLS outdoor heater -- featuring wireless speakers and LED lighting -- and you'll still be partying long after the final score is announced.

$10 for $20 to Spend on Home D?cor, Jewelry, and More at Overstock.com ($20 Value)

Whether you've been eyeing a designer dress for an upcoming party or want to transform your home for your own celebration, see how the O can score you high-end goodies for less with this deal from Overstock.com. Pay $10 and get $20 to spend at this online retailer, whose massive inventory features brand-name merchandise at steep discounts. Overstock.com boasts department after digital department of jewelry, home d?cor, men's and women's apparel, furniture, luggage, and more. Explore a treasure trove of on-trend wardrobe staples and special occasion garments; bedeck your living space with seasonal accents; or delight someone with a gift like a coveted KitchenAid stand mixer or fresh flowers and chocolate. Catering to all tastes -- and all price ranges -- you can bet Overstock.com will elevate your next shopping experience.

$9 for Smartphone Touch Screen Gloves at Touch Screen Gloves & Co. ($40 Value)

Your holiday window shopping has inspired a purchase, if only you knew what size to pick up. Text to ask -- without shedding your mittens -- with a pair of Touch Screen Gloves for $9 (regularly $40) from Touch Screen Gloves & Co. Using sensor technology, you can keep your digits warm while you tap, touch, and text away on your iPhone or Android. The gloves, available in pink and black, provide accurate navigation from app to app, and feature more than 200 polyurethane bumps to help you keep a grip on your phone. The newest version offers doubled thickness for extra warmth without being cumbersome, and one-size-fits-all sizing will keep everyone's hands warm and toasty this season.

$35 for Four-Piece Luxury Sheet Set at Luxor Linens ($135 Value)

When you decide what to wear each morning, you zero in on the most comfortable, stylish ensemble. Dress your bed to match with this deal: a four-piece sheet set from Luxor Linens for $35 (regularly $135), or a four-piece set with a single-letter monogram in a coordinating color on each pillowcase for $49 (regularly $149). Each set of microfiber comfort sheets includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases in full, queen-size, king-size, or California king-size. This incredibly soft fabric has wicking properties and breathes better than cotton to keep you comfortable throughout the night. With your choice of 12 shades that won't shrink, wrinkle, or fade in the wash, these high-quality sheets will outfit your bedroom with class and coziness that lasts.

$79 for Two Viscolite Dual Memory Foam Pillows at Nature's Sleep ($160 Value)

Endless tossing and turning has transformed your sweet slumber into a string of sleepless nights fighting with your pillowCreate a more comfortable cradle with two Viscolite pillows from this global manufacturer of specialty sleep productsCutting-edge memory foam formulation molds to support your head, shoulders, neck, and spine, minimizing pressure points and reducing stressHypoallergenic pillow comes with a removable, washable cotton cover for easy care Want more? Check out Nature's Sleep's website and Facebook page.

$20 for Digital Measuring Cup Scale at Widget Love ($40 Value)

Cooking up a holiday feast may be an art, but it's nothing without a dash of science behind it. Precisely measure out the ingredients for those heirloom dishes with the All in One Miracle Measuring Cup from Widget Love for $20 (regularly $40). This battery-operated kitchen gadget will fast become a staple; it has a capacity of 20 ounces and can handle dry or wet ingredients. The digital scale and LCD display integrated into the handle show you the exact amounts of ingredients you've measured out, and the thermometer indicates temperatures from -40? to 240? Fahrenheit. Plus, five ingredient presets -- for flour, sugar, milk, water, and oil -- easily convert ounces to cups, so you won't have to guesstimate your way through another pumpkin pie recipe.

$29 for Personalized Canvas Print at MyPix2Canvas ($86 Value)

From fireside poses to caroling candids, your holiday plans include snapping an overload of seasonal photos. With this deal from MyPix2Canvas, you can take your yuletide shots from the memory card to the family room: Pay $29 (regularly $86) for one 16"x20", 1.5"-thick canvas print, or $45 (regularly $129) for one 20"x30", 1.5"-thick print from this leading online photo-to-canvas provider. Using their innovative gicl?e technology, these pros will transfer your digital images onto a real, museum-quality, 1?-inch-deep canvas. You simply upload your favorite snaps, choose your preferred edge wrap, and wait for your print to be delivered to your door ? meaning after you unwrap this deal, you can display your prints from seasons past for years to come.

$15 for iPhone 4/4S Case with Bottle Opener at Intoxicase ($35 Value)

Everybody knows that quarterbacks and smartphones are both safest in the pocket, but even there, you can't always keep them from getting hit. Pick up a versatile blocker with this deal from Intoxicase: Pay $15 (regularly $35) for an Intoxicase iPhone 4/4S case. Embedded with a stainless steel bottle opener on the back, this polycarbonate iPhone case will protect your phone, your hands, and your buzz with equal effectiveness. For a less obtrusive case, spend $20 (regularly $45) for the Intoxicase Plus; the horizontally folding stainless steel bottle opener extends when you need it, and then folds away when your thirst is quenched. With flat-rate shipping and a minimalist design, this case will completely change the game -- and keep your fragile phone safe all season long. Want more? Check out Intoxicase on Facebook.

$349 for Memory-Foam Mattress at Zen Bedrooms

Luxury memory-foam mattress for twin, full, queen-size, or king-size bedsThree layers for the best in back support and whole-body comfort Cooling knitted cover rests atop two inches of advanced viscoelastic foam and six-inch baseDesigned by sleep experts and made in America For more info, visit Zen Bedrooms's website and Facebook page.

$46 for Ostrich Handbag at Robert Matthew ($210 Value)

What you carry in your purse says as much about you as the accessory itself. Make a statement with a Robert Matthew original: Pay $46 (regularly $210) for the Lily 2-in-1 ostrich tote in one of ten stunning colors, which features silver hardware, a 12-inch handle, and a zipper closure. This clever carryall contains a smaller matching handbag inside to easily store and separate your essentials. Or, pay $59 (regularly $210) to spruce up your look with the Brooklyn tote in one of 12 shades. Made of animal-friendly PVC leather, this structured purse has light gold hardware, a 10-inch handle, and a zipper closure. The lined interior has a center divider and two open pockets -- so you can always appear organized and elegant.

$37 for Six-Piece Towel Set Including Shipping at Linum Towels ($108 Value)

Is your favorite part of staying in a nice hotel leaving with the bath linens? Get your own five-star towels guilt-free with today's deal from Linum Towels: Pay $37 for a six-piece towel set with included shipping (a $108 value). Or, pay $52 to have the same set monogrammed with up to three letters (a $138 value). The two 27x54-inch bath towels, two 16x30-inch hand towels, and two 13x13-inch washcloths are made of 100% Turkish cotton, so they start out soft and get softer with each wash. Double-stitched borders ensure long-lasting quality, while the absorbent, pure white terry texture is resistant to shedding, pilling, and color contamination. Wash your hands of the dirty practice of pilfering towels with this suave set, and you'll be drying off in luxury for a long time to come.

$69 for Big Boss Oil-Less Fryer at Emson ($166 Value)

The heat is on to cook up the best holiday dishes, and you can smoke the competition with the Big Boss fryer, which requires no oil to cook and crisp your favorite foods to perfection. For $69, this energy-efficient Emson appliance will be shipped right to your door, complete with a recipe book and accessories, as well as a five-year warranty (a $166 value). Fry, broil, bake, and more with a unique combination of halogen, convection, and infrared heat. With low and high cooking racks and a mesh basket, you can prepare multiple ingredients or a whole piece of meat at once in the 16-quart glass bowl. An included oil spritzer lets you lightly mist your food if desired. Set the time and temp on this tabletop cooker, and eagerly await juicy, beautifully browned results without any extra oil, fat, or calories. Want more? Check out Big Boss Fryer on Facebook.

$63 for Beer-Making Starter Kit at Midwest Supplies ($126 Value)

Just like your loyalty for your home team, you have a love for local brews, too. Bring the flavor even closer to home with this deal from Midwest Supplies: $63 for a Beginner's Brewing Kit, which includes a recipe kit for amber ale, Irish red ale, or Irish stout; a home-brew wallet bottle opener; and a $25 credit toward another recipe kit (a $126 value). Make a microbrewery in your home with this kit, which includes all the fermentation vessels, cleaners, and tools you'll need. You can also call, e-mail, or chat with Midwest Supplies for guidance from an experienced home brewer. Watch the instructional DVD to see how to boil, ferment, and bottle your brew. A kit makes five gallons (40 pints or 56 twelve-ounce bottles), so get hopping!

$15 for $30 to Spend on Flowering Plants at ProPlants.com ($30 Value)

Liven up your living space or office with a fresh, flowering plant or seasonal arrangementOr, adorn your door with a seasonal wreath and spread cheer with a Thanksgiving centerpieceMakes a great gift for family, friends, and coworkersPlants ship directly from the growers to your door for best-quality results For more info, visit ProPlants.com and its Facebook page.

$16 for Two Cooking Baskets at Super Gadgets ($38 Value)

When you're in the kitchen zone, bustling back and forth to prepare a big meal, digging through drawers for the right tool is a recipe for disaster. Be ready for anything with two nine-inch cooking baskets on hand from Super Gadgets for $16 (regularly $38). These lightweight, stainless steel baskets are ideal for a variety of culinary needs, no matter what you cook up. Strain pastas, steam veggies, or deep-fry your favorite indulgence; when you're done eating, the dishwasher-safe baskets fold up and store easily. With these gadgets at your fingertips, you can stay focused on the food.

$99 for Steaks, Cakes, and More, Plus Free Shipping at Omaha Steaks ($267 Value)

Gobble through a seasonal spread of juicy steaks and succulent sides -- minus the extra serving of stress -- with this deal from Omaha Steaks. For $99 (a $267 value), you'll receive the exclusive Signs of the Season package including steaks, turkey, and more, plus shipping. Cook up a feast for the entire family with four indulgent 5-ounce bacon-wrapped filet mignons; two 5-ounce naturally lean top sirloin steaks; one 2-pound oven-roasted turkey breast; four flavorful 4-ounce Omaha Steaks burgers; one 24-ounce traditional beef lasagna; eight potatoes au gratin; two 12-ounce trays of roasted garlic mashed potatoes; and four 4-ounce individual pumpkin cheesecakes. This Nebraska-based, family-owned company has dished out top-quality meats since 1917, letting you harvest a heap of mouthwatering holiday cheer.

$25 for $50 to Spend on Licensed NFL Picnic Products at PartyPicnic.com ($50 Value)

Fortunately for spectators, your game-day grub isn't limited to electrolyte-laden sports drinks and protein bars. Picnic like a champ with this deal from PartyPicnic.com: Pay $25 for $50 to spend on items from the NFL Collection, featuring officially licensed tailgating essentials for all 32 teams in the league. Get grilling with a three-piece barbecue tool tote emblazoned with your team's logo, keep your brews chilled with an insulated cooler in your team's colors, or set up a sophisticated viewing party with an engraved wooden cheese board and football-shaped cutting board. The perfect gift for the sports fan in your family, this deal makes game day gourmet.

$10 for $20 to Spend on Custom Sunglasses at Society43 ($20 Value)

We know you've only got eyes for your favorite team, but are you repping your favorite team on your eyes? If not, today's deal from Society43 will help you get the sporty specs every true fan needs: Pay $10 for $20 to spend on custom eyewear, including sunglasses emblazoned with the officially licensed logos of more than 60 different NCAA teams, or use the Customizer to create your own unique color combination. You can also up your spectator status by paying $15 for $30 to spend. Founded in 2010 by Jason Bolt while he was attending the University of Oregon, Society43 -- which is a reference to 1843, when collegiate sports began -- creates stylish, quality eyewear that's perfect for game day and every day with an eye toward community responsibility. Simply choose your favorite team, style, and color combination and it will be easy to see how seriously you take your role as number-one fan. Want more? Check out Society43 on Facebook and Twitter.

$12 for Seasonal Scented Candle at Goose Creek Candle Company ($25 Value)

While festive aromas waft from pumpkin pies and barrels of cider, the scents of the season are best enjoyed guilt-free. Treat your halls to some holiday cheer -- minus the calories -- with this deal: Pay $12 (regularly $25) for one autumn or winter scented cylinder candle from Goose Creek Candle Company. From the spicy, whipped pumpkin latte to rich, butter cookie, the candle company's creations hark to fireside family fun and gift-centric gatherings. Producing a fresh-smelling bouquet of home accessories for more than a decade, Goose Creek's high-quality goods will fill your home with long-lasting fragrances -- instead of half-eaten baked goods.

$20 for $40 to Spend on Gourmet Popcorn at KingOfPOP.com ($40 Value)

You're so special to us, and we're finally ready to pop the big question: Caramel or extra butter? With this deal from KingOfPOP.com, you'll get $40 to spend on handcrafted gourmet popcorn for just $20. This online snack emporium offers 37 crowd-pleasing flavors you can put out at a party, bring to a movie or game, gift to a loved one, or stock up for whenever a craving hits. Round up the whole block for the Backyard BBQ Popcorn Sampler, complete with honey mustard, bacon cheddar, BBQ ribs, chipotle BBQ, Cajun, Buffalo, dill pickle, zesty ranch, and cheesy cheddar. Or, get swept away with the Island Paradise Popcorn Tin, filled with island coconut, white chocolate pineapple, and key lime. You'll find sweet, savory, spicy, fruity, and chocolaty options -- all you have to do is say yes. Want more? Check out KingOfPOP.com on Facebook.

$20 for $40 to Spend on Wine Accessories at WineEnthusiast.com ($40 Value)

You've got the Dutch oven, roasting pan, and potato mashers ready -- but nothing makes a holiday meal go more smoothly than wine. Prepare to pour with the proper tools with this deal: Pay $20 for $40 to spend at WineEnthusiast.com, a one-stop online shop for wine accessories, and score a set of break-free wine glasses, an electric push-button corkscrew, or a red wine aerator, among other options. Then, get ready for after-dinner drinks around the fireplace with arctic rocks -- ice cube alternatives that keep whiskey cool without diluting it. Or, pick up stately stemware, decorative decanters, and more as a gift for gracious hosts. WineEnthusiast is also the perfect place to pick up a fun holiday gift like a set of two stemless glasses etched with an owl design -- and, since it's an online store, you won't have to feel like a bull in a china shop.

$30 for $60 to Spend on Food and Drink at Aquavina Steaks & Seafood ($60 Value)

Cooking is a lot like music, as blending the right ingredients can lead to a symphony for the senses. Unfortunately, your attempts to create a mealtime magnum opus usually end up yielding a culinary cacophony. Fine-tune your tastes with today's deal from Aquavina Steaks & Seafood: Pay $30 for $60 to spend on food and drink. Chosen as one of The 15 Best by Charlotte magazine, this South Tryon Street spot boasts an extensive wine list, and serves up menu options, such as 12-ounce filet mignon dressed in a red wine demi-glace, shrimp and grits, and eight-ounce North Atlantic wild salmon. Whether your taste buds rock out to the black pepper-encrusted rib eye, or get serenaded by the grilled chicken breast, the masterful skills of these top chefs will have you yearning for an encore.

$20 for $40 to Spend on Outdoor Gear at Giantnerd.com ($40 Value)

As a lover of all things outdoors, you know the most important aspect of a stellar ride, killer run, or breathtaking hike is a solid set of gear. Take your open-air adventures to the next level with this deal from Giantnerd.com: Pay $20 for $40 to spend on outdoor sporting goods from name-brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot, and Salomon. A cutting-edge social shopping community, Giantnerd is stocked with tips and reviews from a coalition of product-savvy members and passionate vendors. As you browse everything from backpacks to road bikes, you can listen to other enthusiasts' feedback to pick out the perfect items. Whether you're preparing for a ski trip, getting pumped for a scuba vacation, or just eager to take a hike, you can outfit yourself like an expert and save all that extra energy for your expedition.

$26 for Organic Spice Gift Set at Spicely Organic Spices ($52 Value)

Fashioning the season's most festive flavors calls for a diverse collection of sweet and savory spices. Give the foodie in your life (or yourself) the tools to create a cinnamon-sprinkled pumpkin pie or basil-basted turkey with this deal from Spicely: $26 for one of four spice gift sets, plus included shipping (a $52 value). Each box includes 12 compact boxes of certified organic spices for a hearty harvest of zesty options. Choose celebratory Traditional Holiday, homegrown American Kitchen, adventurous International, or cake-friendly Baker's Favorites. Using the finest production methods available, Spicely delivers an organic array of seasonings to make every dish bold, not bland.

$20 for $60 to Spend on Flatware at Knork ($60 Value)

We eat most meals with a knife and fork, but lately these tableware items have been feeling a little flat. Sharpen your use of utensils with this deal from Knork: Pay $20 for $60 to spend on cutlery from this cutting-edge company. The kitchen wizards from Knork have designed futuristic forks that actually slice and dice like a knife. Sleek and innovative, the unique Knork is a favorite among celebrity chefs like Rachael Ray and Wolfgang Puck, as well as the casts of Top Chef and Top Chef Masters. Now we just need to get our hands on the next ingenious tableside invention: self-wiping napkins. Want more? Check out Knork on Facebook.

$33 for 3 Oil Changes, 2 Tire Rotations, and More at Auto Care Super Saver ($179 Value)

Taking a break every so often to really smell the roses is great on a walk through the park, but it's less fun when your car decides to quit on I-77 at rush hour. Put the gas on today's deal from Auto Care Super Saver for an unstoppable ride: Pay $33 for a one-year package,

Source: http://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/2012/11/charlotte-daily-deals-11612-charlotte-bobcats-crave-dessert-bar-rock-climbing-class-golf-lesson-more/

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Olympian and his NCAA champion fiancee hold clinic at Five Points

Smile.

More than 100 young swimmers from across the Midwest learned Sunday that?s the best and simplest way to get rid of nerves before a big race.

Olympic gold medal-winner Matt Grevers and NCAA champion Annie Chandler offered that word of advice during a sold-out Mutual of Omaha Breakout! Swim Clinic at Five Points Washington.

?You ever get the shakes on the block?? Chandler asked. ?Smile. Once you flex your cheeks, all your other muscles will relax. And the other swimmers will wonder what you?re up to.?

Grevers, 27, and Chandler, 25, who are engaged, talked to the swimmers, parents and coaches for more than an hour in the Caterpillar Performing Arts Center then led a clinic for nearly three hours in the pool across the hall. An evening banquet attended by about 250 concluded their day at Five Points.

Toward the end of his talk, Grevers reached into his pocket and pulled out the gold medal he won in the 100-meter backstroke this summer at the London Olympics.

The crowd cheered. But life in the pool hasn?t always been rosy for Grevers and Chandler. They told the swimmers it?s important to respond to adversity with hard work and a better mental approach.

?The great thing about swimming is you get out of it what you put into it,? said Grevers, a Lake Forest native who swam for Northwestern University.

Grevers failed twice to make the U.S. Olympic team before he finally earned berths in 2008 and 2012.

Chandler experienced similar frustration when she swam for the University of Arizona. She finished second, third and fourth at the NCAA championships in her premier event ? the 100 breaststroke ? before winning as a senior.

Grevers won gold medals in the 100 backstroke and 4x100 medley relay in London. His time of :52.16 in the backstroke broke the Olympic record. He also won a silver medal in the 4x100 freestyle relay.

He won gold medals in the 4x100 medley and 4x100 freestyle relays in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 along with a silver medal in the 100 backstroke.

Grevers proposed to Chandler in February after receiving a first-place medal from her after a race at the Missouri Grand Prix meet. His proposal and her acceptance were a viral hit on YouTube.

That?s not exactly how Grevers planned the big moment.

He said he was supposed to present a medal and ring to Chandler after a race, but Chandler finished fifth and didn?t make it to the medal stand.

So Grevers, along with meet officials who were in on the plan, changed gears.

They?ll be married in April 2013 in Chandler?s hometown of San Antonio, Texas. They live and train in Tucson, Ariz.

Five Points aquatics director Jane Austin said she was thrilled to have Grever and Chandler come to the multipurpose facility as part of its five-year anniversary celebration.

She was just as excited for the youths who attended the clinic and banquet.

?You?re all by yourself most times when you swim, and the scenery never changes,? she said. ?That?s why dedication is so important. Matt and Annie are examples of what can be accomplished with dedication.?

Steve Stein can be reached at 686-3114 or stevestein21@yahoo.com. Read his Stein Time blog at pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpartanSteve.
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Source: http://www.pjstar.com/sports/x1440173888/Olympian-and-his-NCAA-champion-fiancee-hold-clinic-at-Five-Points

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Daily doses of a new probiotic reduces 'bad' and total cholesterol

ScienceDaily (Nov. 5, 2012) ? Two daily doses of a probiotic lowered key cholesterol-bearing molecules in the blood as well as "bad" and total cholesterol, in a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (naturally occurring bacteria in the gut) thought to have beneficial effects; common sources are yogurt or dietary supplements.

In previous studies, a formulation of the bacteria, known as Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242, has lowered blood levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol.

Such treatments are drawing increasing medical attention as researchers unravel how supplementing gut bacteria (microbiome) with probiotics can play a role in health and certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, said Mitchell L. Jones, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the study and a research assistant in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University in Montreal.

Researchers investigated whether the same probiotic could lower LDL and reduce blood levels of cholesterol esters -- molecules of cholesterol attached to fatty acids, a combination that accounts for most total blood cholesterol and has been tied to cardiovascular disease risk.

Researchers tracked cholesterol esters bound to saturated fat, which have been linked to dangerous arterial plaque buildup and occur at higher levels in coronary artery disease patients.

The study involved 127 adult patients with high cholesterol. About half the participants took L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 twice a day, while the rest were given placebo capsules.

Those taking the probiotic had LDL levels 11.6 percent lower than those on placebo after nine weeks. Furthermore, cholesterol esters were reduced by 6.3 percent and cholesterol ester saturated fatty acids by 8.8 percent, compared with the placebo group.

For the first time, research shows that the probiotic formulation can reduce cholesterol esters "and in particular reduce the cholesterol esters associated with 'bad' saturated fatty acids in the blood," said Jones, co-founder and chief science officer of Micropharma, the company that formulated the probiotic.

Furthermore, people taking the probiotic had total cholesterol reduced by 9.1 percent. HDL "good" cholesterol and blood triglycerides, a dangerous form of fat in the blood, were unchanged.

Scientists have proposed that Lactobacillus bacteria alone may impact cholesterol levels in several ways, including breaking apart molecules known as bile salts. L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 was fermented and formulated to optimize its effect on cholesterol and bile salts.

Based on correlations between LDL reduction and bile measurements in the gut, the study results suggest the probiotic broke up bile salts, leading to reduced cholesterol absorption in the gut and less LDL.

The probiotic worked at doses of just 200 milligrams a day, far lower than those for soluble fiber or other natural products used to reduce cholesterol.

"Most dietary cholesterol management products require consumption between 2 to 25 grams a day," Jones said.

Patients appear to tolerate the probiotic well and the probiotic strain L. reuteri has a long history of safe use, he said.

Because of the small number of patients involved in the study, researchers aren't sure if the impact of the probiotic differs between men and women or among ethnic groups.

Co-authors are Christopher J. Martoni, Ph.D. and Satya Prakash, Ph.D.

Micropharma funded the study and owns intellectual property rights for the formulation, which is expected to be on the U.S. market next year.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Heart Association.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/health_medicine/heart_disease/~3/J-lWA1VVek4/121105114620.htm

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NCAA women's basketball previews: Where teams stand as non-conference play begins

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Source: http://www.swishappeal.com/2012/11/5/3602440/ncaa-womens-basketball-previews-2012

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Four nightmare election scenarios for what could go wrong

In Florida, voters cried out in frustration as polling stations became overwhelmed, and the Democratic Party had sued to extend early voting after some people were stuck on lines for hours trying to meet Saturday's deadline. NBC's Michael Isikoff reports.

By Michael Isikoff, NBC News

With more than 90 million Americans expected to cast their ballots on Tuesday, election officials across the country are bracing for what some? fear will be a ?perfect storm? of election day problems that could result in tense?confrontations at polling stations and a rush to the courthouse to file legal challenges.?

The list of actual and potential problems is unusually long this year, ranging from?concerns about machine failures to confusion over new rules governing voter ID and provisional ballots.

Another big wild card: the impact of groups such as ?True the Vote,? a Tea Party off-shoot,?that is vowing to swarm polling places with an army of hundreds of thousands of???citizen? poll watchers to look for fraud and challenge ineligible voters.

It?s a threat that civil rights groups are vowing to fight with their own rival armies?of poll watchers -- to ?monitor the monitors,? says one activist.

?Our election system has probably never been under as much strain as it is right now -- anything that can go wrong, probably will go wrong,? said Victoria Bassetti, a former Senate Judiciary Committee counsel and the author of the new book, ?Electoral Dysfunction: A Survival Manual for American Voters.?

Bassetti notes that the?camps backing both President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney have??pre-positioned their legal assets??by?deploying thousands of volunteer lawyers to battleground states in order to challenge decisions by election supervisors, in court if necessary.

In Florida, the litigation is already heating up. On Sunday, the Florida Democratic Party filed emergency lawsuits to extend early voting -- challenging ?GOP governor Rick Scott?s refusal to do so -- after some voters were stuck in lines for up to six hours trying to meet Saturday?s deadline for early ballots.?When the Miami Dade election office reopened to allow in-person absentee balloting,?and then temporarily shut it down,?frustrated voters started shouting, ?Let Us Vote! Let Us Vote!?-- ?stirred up by a man wearing an Obama campaign tee shirt.

It could be a preview of what happens Tuesday.??We can expect lots of yelling and screaming- and lawsuits,? said Bassetti.

The upshot is that, if the voting is as close as some (but not all) polls suggest,?the winner of the presidential election may not be known for days, if not weeks, after Election Day. ?We?re going to be? in sudden death overtime,? predicts John Fund, a former Wall Street Journal editorial writer and the co-author of ?Who?s Counting: How Fraudsters and Bureaucrats Put Your Vote at Risk.?

To be sure, disputes about voting are hardly new?--?and some of the potential problems?most frequently cited by advocates on both sides of the political fence?could prove to be overblown.

But?experts interviewed by NBC News identified a number of so-called ?nightmare scenarios? that could complicate the counting of returns on Tuesday.

Here?s a look at four of those scenarios:

1)?The national vote count?for president is?thrown into doubt because of the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast appears likely to?hold down vote totals in the region. In?New Jersey,?hundreds of polling stations may be?without power?--?late last week nearly half of the 240?locations?in Hudson County were out of commission and officials are scrambling to find?alternatives.

On Saturday, Gov. Chris Christie?s administration announced that it will allow voters to download ballots off a state Website and return them by e-mail?--?a system that some experts have warned could lead to tampering by hackers. (A voting group called the Verified Voting Foundation has repeatedly warned about the security risks from Internet voting.)?

On Thursday, the?state?s lieutenant governor,?Kim Guardagno,?said the state will deploy Defense Department trucks with ?Vote Here? signs, protected by National?Guard members. But that plan prompted?concerns among some Democrats that military trucks could intimidate voters, especially in minority neighborhoods, and there were signs over the weekend that officials may be backing away from it. ?

?Obviously, this is uncharted water for us -- getting hit with this at this late date just before a huge election,? said Michael Harper, the clerk of elections in New Jersey?s Hudson County, during a tour of damaged and flooded polling stations on Saturday.

While the hardest hit states?like New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut?are all considered reliably Democratic and safely in the Obama column, the aftermath of the hurricane could affect the president?s total national vote counts --?and raise questions about his mandate or even legitimacy if he loses the popular vote but wins the Electoral College (just as some Democrats questioned President George W. Bush?s legitimacy after he lost the popular vote in 2000.)

2)?A large number of provisional ballots makes the Electoral College winner impossible to determine on election night.

The situation appears most acute in Ohio, a crucial battleground,?where some experts have warned about a counting disaster?stemming from what are expected to be as many as 200,000 provisional ballots.

The background: in an effort to impose uniformity, GOP Secretary? of State Jon Husted over the summer directed that absentee ballot applications be mailed out to all of the state?s 6.9 million registered voters?--?regardless of whether they had asked for them or not.

About 1.3 million voters filled out those applications and received absentee ballots in the mail. But as of this weekend, 238,678 voters who got absentee ballots had not returned them. If those voters don?t return their ballots by mail by tomorrow and try to go to the polls on Tuesday instead,?they along with others whose eligibility could be questioned?or who show up at the wrong polling station,?will have to cast provisional ballots to make sure they haven?t vote twice. ?And under Ohio law, those ballots?can?t even be counted until Nov. 16, ten days after Election Day.

?There?s a realistic chance that we will not know which candidate won the presidential election in Ohio because of the existence of provisional ballots,?that we will be in overtime,? said Edward Foley, an election law expert and professor of law at Ohio State University.

The issue intensified on Friday when Husted issued a new directive?that puts the burden on voters, rather than poll workers, to properly fill out a form recording?what ID was presented for provisional ballots?--?and instructing?election boards to throw out provisional ballots if the forms are incomplete or contain any mistakes.?The directive has triggered a last minute law suit by voting rights groups, increasing the likelihood of disputes over the counting of provisional ballots in a pivotal battleground state.

3)?Disputes over ballot printing errors, machine errors, and a lack of paper trail could bog down the counting in other battleground states.

This problem has already arisen in Florida. About?27,000 absentee ballots in Palm Beach County, Florida -- famous for its ?butterfly? ballots and hanging chads during the 2000 Florida recount -- can?t be read by voting machines because of a printing error. This forced election officials last week to begin the arduous process of hand-copying those ballots in order to feed them into the machines?--?while lawyers from both sides looked on, raising challenges.

An exasperated Susan Bucher, the country?s election supervisor, was caught on camera admonishing?lawyers over what she termed ?frivolous? objections and threatening to eject them.

But questions about machine failures are far broader than that. Last week, lawyers for the Republican National Committee wrote letters to attorneys general in six states asking for investigations after receiving reports that some voters had complained that machines had recorded their votes for Mitt Romney as being for Obama.

Moreover, sixteen states?--?including Virginia and Pennsylvania?--?rely to some extent on touch screen voting machines?that leave no paper trail that can be verified during a recount.

Two voting experts warned on Saturday??we risk catastrophe? if recounts are required in Virginia and Pennsylvania ?because most of their votes will be cast on paperless voting machines?that are impossible to recount.??

4)?Legions of citizen poll watchers?on both sides?create?confusion and even chaos at some polling stations.

?True the Vote,? the Texas-based Tea Party inspired group, has launched an aggressive national effort to root out vote fraud, providing? training videos and? computer software (that contain data on property records and death indexes) to help volunteers identify ineligible voters who show up at the polls on Tuesday.

Hans Von Spakovsky, a former Federal Election Commissioner who serves as one of the group?s?advisers, defends the effort, telling NBC News that in a close election ?any bogus vote? needs to be stopped. ?Anytime you have a close election, a small amount of fraud could make the difference.?

But voting rights groups say ?True the Vote? and its affiliates threaten to?intimidate?legitimate voters?--?a prospect they aim to combat with their own battalions of citizen poll watchers on Tuesday.

Judith Browne Dianas, co-director of the ?Advancement Project,? a civil rights group, says her organization has lined up thousands of lawyers and poll watchers in 20 key states to look for ?suspicious activity? by True the Vote and its affiliates. ?We?will also be watching the poll watchers making sure they aren?t acting as bullies,? she says.

Source: http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/04/14923543-will-election-day-be-a-perfect-storm-four-nightmare-scenarios-for-what-could-go-wrong?lite

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Two final polls split between Obama and Romney

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A newly discovered work by American author Truman Capote detailing a Mediterranean cruise with the rich and famous is set to be published in Vanity Fair, the magazine said on Monday. The vignette "Yachts and Things," which will appear in the December issue available across the United States on Tuesday, is described by experts as one of the missing chapters in Capote's unfinished autobiographical novel "Answered Prayers. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/two-final-tracking-polls-split-between-obama-romney-215644908--election.html

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Classical music review: Oregon Symphony's performance of ...

In a conversation between two of the titans of symphonic composition a century ago, Jean Sibelius told Gustav Mahler he admired a symphony's strict thematic logic. "No," Mahler replied, "a symphony must be like the world. It must embrace everything."

Oregon Symphony

When: 8 tonight

Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

Everything takes a long time to embrace, and as the Oregon Symphony's performance of Symphony No. 6 Saturday night brilliantly demonstrated, the experience of hearing a Mahler symphony is not unlike that of reading a massive novel or watching a very long film -- it can be captivating and transformative, as long as all the pieces of the vast structure cohere.

They did Saturday, as music director Carlos Kalmar led a path through the nearly hour-and-a-half-long piece with unflagging yet unrushed tempos and rich, clear detail, allowing the music's emotional ambiguities and soul-shaking conclusion to resonate from within rather than seem forced from the podium.

The sound was superb, sometimes stunning. With principal tuba J?Ttik Clark laying a rock-solid foundation in sometimes subterranean depths, the brass were magnificent; behind concertmaster Sarah Kwak, who lent beguiling solo contributions, the strings were warm; the heavily augmented winds achieved a vast range of tonal color; and the percussion, from the playful triangles in the first movement to the shattering hammer-blows of the last, were thrilling.

It makes perfect sense that the Oregon Symphony should focus more on Mahler; the Vienna-trained Kalmar put his stamp on the orchestra early on with exciting, exquisitely detailed performances of Beethoven, and the players have achieved sufficient strength throughout to tackle Mahler's demands with focused ensemble, expressive range and stamina. Unfortunately, with the extra players (and sometimes singers) required, Mahler isn't cheap; it would be a shame if the OSO's budget woes kept the orchestra from programming music it now seems almost destined to play.?

-- James McQuillen

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/2012/11/classical_music_review_oregon_4.html

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