The Best Free Medical Iphone Apps

These are the best free medical iphone apps for doctors and nurses in no specific order:

• Epocrates - Offers up to date free drug info.  Epocrates is very easy to use and has been around for a long time.  If you pony up for a subscription you can access all of their up to date lab and disease data which is handy, but not free.
• Medscape - This is the go to app for disease/management/treatment information.  It isn't as easy to use as Epocrates, but you don't have to pay for the info (which is kept up to date).
• AHRQ ePSS - From the US dept of Health & Human services allows you to see all of the preventative screening recommendations (based on age/gender ect) from the USPSTF.
• Qx Calculate - A free medical calculator, this isn't the best one out there but it is best for the price.
• ABG eval - Basic ABG intrepretation
• EFM guide - Electronic Fetal monitoring guide
• GBS guide - Helps with management of GBS in pregnancy
• PreOp eval - Assistance with an evaluation prior to surgery
• Pocket ECG - Guide to EKG interpretation
• Shots by STFM - Immunization schedules for Adults and Children based on CDC guidelines
• Pap guide - Helps with interpretation of PAP results based on ACOG guidelines 
• Sepsis guide - Assistance with antibiotic choice in septic patients
• IdDx - Infectious disease diagnosis tool
• MD ezLabs - Lab results and interpretation

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Slow Mo

YouTube is packed with tons of amazing videos.  The ultimate quest is to find the really cool ones.  For the next few weeks, we will review a few of our favorite channels.  First up: The slow mo guys!

This channel is packed full crazy and mundane things happening in slow motion.  It is hosted by two British dudes who are not afraid of getting a little beat up in the name of science.  They lug around a pretty expensive slow motion camera, and deliver a very entertaining video.  Videos are uploaded 1-2x a month.  If you haven't seen them before you could spend the good part of a day catching up.

Read more for links to few of their best vids.


Enjoy!
Fly eats Fly
Giant water balloon
Rubber band watermelon
Fire!
Underwater Bullets

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Drinking sweat

When I think of drinking sweat - aside from feeling nauseated - the science fiction nerd in me remembers the Fremen of Dune.   The Epic books by Frank Herbert describe a stillsuit that the Fremen wear which harvests all of the water excreted from their bodies. 

Amazingly enough we are one step closer to that reality.  Engineer Andreas Hammar has built a machine that turns our sweat into drinkable water.

The sweat machine was developed in Sweden and, according to Hammar the water extracted from the machine is actually cleaner than ordinary Swedish tap water.  Now if we can only convince them to integrate this technology into a wetsuit.  Imagine fresh water while diving, living in the desert, or in space.

For all of you who don't have access to a sweat machine.  You might be able to get your hands on some Pocari Sweat.

It is actually a specially formulated beverage made by the Japanese.  The thought is you are drinking a replacement for what you have lost.  I have never tried it myself, but I hear it has a lite grapefruit flavor.  Sounds so tasty.. please pass the sweat.  

Links - 
For more info on the sweat machine : BBC News - Sweat Machine
Wikipedia on Pocari Sweat: Pocari Sweat 
 

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SMARTYDNS!!

Living outside the US can be tough.  Not only are you far away from friends and family, but you also have to deal with the lack of American TV shows.  Thinking this wouldn't be a problem with my Amazon Prime and Netflix accounts, I packed my laptop and Roku and was off. 

I was wrong!!

Both sites are blocked outside of the US, even if you have a US account and are a US citizen.  Even if you are only outside of the US for a short period of time.

The companies will not budge either.  I tried contacting them and explaining the situation.  It is hopeless.

That is unless you use SmartyDNS.  This is really a life saver.  To unblock websites all you have to do is:

1. Sign up for their service (start with the free trial it works great!).  
2. Configure your router (I recommend configuring the router so that every device that connects is covered) - they walk you through this online.  If you don't have access to the router though you can change the settings on your computer and it will still work!
3. Ensure your IP address is in their system - see their instructions online this is really easy.
4.  ENJOY your favorite shows on Prime, Hulu, and Netflix! --See the full list of unblocked websites here: http://www.smartydns.com/unblocked-websites/

Really this is the way to go when you are overseas.  The other option is to use a VPN service however they slow your connection and usually cost more.

For more info and to sign up for your free trial head on over to: http://www.smartydns.com/
You can also check out the Smart DNS pricing at: http://www.smartydns.com/pricing/
-- Right now they are running a sale 50% off for the first 3 months!

This is one service that will really make your life/trip overseas that much better!
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Top 10 free iphone / itouch apps

I'm a simple person with simple joys, like adding new apps to my iphone. Top 10 free apps:

1. Pandora AND/OR Finetune
Either of these two apps is a must have (get them both they are small and free). With an unlimited data plan or wifi access you can enjoy uninterrupted, personal, and customizable radio anywhere.

With Pandora you set up stations based on songs or artist you like and Pandora does the rest (picking music to play that matches your preferences). As you listen to your stations you can vote on the music Pandora picks for you. Spending a few minutes voting here and there over a few months will really help you create amazing radio stations more here.

Finetune is another great internet music app that allows you to create playlists of specific songs. Finetune will then play back just those songs in a random order for your listening pleasure.

2. Aroundme AND/OR urbanspoon
These handy GPS like apps are updated constantly and direct you to the closest (aroundme) or most random (urbanspoon) shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, banks, hotels, ect. I prefer aroundme for function and urbanspoon for fun. If you let these apps determine your location they will even map a route very GPSesque.

3. Stanza
This great app turns your $400 mp3 player into an excellent, expandable e-reader. What make the app stellar is its access to thousands of free downloadable books!

4. Sportacular
For all sports nuts, you list your favorite teams and sportacular will provide you will up to date scores, stats, rankings, ect. It's quick, easy and keeps track of the basics.

5. I.tv
Simple easy to use TV guide!

6. minipiano
Tap out a tune anytime anywhere, and if you are really good run this app with music playing and try your hand at accompaniment.

Read more for 7-10

(in random order)
Scribble
MS paint like app that lets you paint over your pictures

Y. Painter
Provides real paintbrush strokes, and is a little more kid friendly

MicroSurface
More for show and tell. This app allows you to manipulate photos on a blank screen in really neat ways. You can use it to make collages of your pictures, I use it to show what my gizzmo is capable of.

Conversions
Converts almost anything (feet, gallons, yards, ect) to almost anything.

Honorable mention:
Google Earth
This probably belongs somewhere within the top five due to its popularity... I don't use it should I?

Didn't rank the best free medical apps: MediMath, Epocrates Rx, Eponyms
Or religious apps: Bible, Quoran, ect.

Let me know what you think.
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Best Lollipops Ever

Ahh, the bittersweet bowl of candy on a secretary's desk. It's not the candy that is the problem it's the uncomfortable glance that occurs about 60-70% of the time. While trying to look inviting the secretary only has one thought going through her mind when someone reaches out to grab a piece of candy - I just re-stocked that bowl yesterday. Through her half smile the nonverbal cues ooze - Get your hands out of my bowl!

The other day I was in the doctor's office when I spotted a bowl full of candy placed just above a clerk's desk. This bowl caught my eye; it was filled with candy I had never seen before. Since the clerk was gone, I walked over to take a closer look. "Oh, just lollipops", I thought, "I'll take one anyway since I'm already here".

Looking at the wrapper as I ripped it off I noticed the flavor: Pomegranate pucker. It was amazing! Really the best lollipop I've ever eaten. As I was standing next to the bowl savoring the flavor, the clerk walked back to his seat. I didn't care.. with the sucker sticking out of my mouth I dove back into the candy bowl for a Mango tango. Let me tell you, the disapproving scowl was so worth it.

Luckily, the wrapper included a website: yummyearth.com
I think you might be able to find them cheaper on amazon.com or costco.com. Enjoy!

No I am not being paid for this post... haha, maybe I should be.
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What's in his name?

Sarah Palin gave a great speech tonight officially accepting the nomination to run for Vice President. She also spent a little time talking about her family and children.

I thought it was pretty interesting that the last little guy's name just happens to be Trig. Now, what if they selected that strange name on purpose? The beautiful child has Down syndrome which is usually a chromosome 21 trisomy. This means that most kids with Downs have three chromosome 21s instead of the usual two. In fact often people refer to Down Syndrome as trisomy 21.

Here is where it gets interesting. Let's just say the TRI in trig stands for trisomy. What about the G? Well, G is the 7th letter of the alphabet. 7x3=21! Now whether they meant to do it or not, the child's disease is hidden within the child's name! Coincidence? Naw, that lady's going to be the Vice President, she knew what she was doing. Thoughts?
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Nini the turtle?

I read this in a forum a while back, but thought it was absurd. However, the more I think about the the more I wonder if it is true. You probably know by now that lining up the first words of each of the Beijing mascots give you "Beijing huan ying ni" which translates to Beijing welcomes you.

Here's where things get interesting. The last mascot is supposed to be a the swallow Nini. Apparently when you turn her around she looks more like a... turtle. So what? Well, calling someone a "turtle grandson" or "turtle egg" in Chinese is slang for a word in English that refers to an illegitimate child.

Basically, without saying the word it is a derogatory term for an unpleasant person. Even more convincing is that the third Chinese slang term for the English word is translated as "wearer of a green hat". It's said that male brothel workers had to wear green hats during the Tang dynasty. Nini, just happens to be green and look like a turtle when turned on her back. Call it coincidence or something else, but there are probably a few people in China giggling about the fast one they pulled on the world. What do you think?
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We like it

It's pretty rare when we here at Recueilli find a blog so irresistible that we have to blog about it. Not that blogging about a blog is bad, it's just that we usually just steal their content and re-fry it like day old beans. Please sir, before you call your lawyer keep my blogging tactics a secret and I'll sign over my "ocean front property in Arizona".

The blog to be blogged is absolutely hilarious...actually it's more like a list or book than a blog. Who knows which came first, but that's all irrelevant. The important thing is it is funny. The blog/book/list is called "Stuff White People Like". And let me just say, I like it all! Man they've got a finger on my pulse! Got a few minutes, head on over. If your as white as this morning's English Muffin then I know you'll find something you like on the list. Common guys I know you want to take a peek.
Here's a link to the full list.
Read more!

In Honor of the Olympics

The Summer Olympics are almost here! In their honor, I suggest you watch this:

Team USA will be back on the scene with high hopes and hopefully more worldwide humbling and humiliation! Watch out world. America thrives on competition, and right now were fumbling a war, loosing our dollar, and foreclosing our homes. This year more then ever, we will want to win big at something and it won't be stocks.

Don't think we'll do it? Well our track record is pretty solid, USA has placed first in the medal count since 1992:

	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
2004 Athens	36	39	27	102
2000 Sydney	37	24	31	92
1996 Atlanta	44	32	25	101
1992 Barcelona	37	34	37	108

Need more of Vince Carter's "dunk de la mort" over Frédéric Weis? The french version is pretty good.

World at least until 8/8/08 we own you.
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Gonna Make You Sweat

Summer brings back memories of long hot days spent inside watching 80-90's esque music videos. Here are a handful that I'm sure you'll all love. (Listing based on music, costume, content, and special fx)

1. Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer
2. Van Halen - Jump
3. Starship - We Built this City
4. Milli Vanilli - Girl You Know It's True
5. Lipps Inc - Funkytown
6. Anita Ward - Ring my Bell
7. Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations
8. Ace of Base - Beautiful Life
9. M C Hammer - Can't touch this
10. Snap - Rhythm is a Dancer
11. La Bouche - Be my Lover
12. New Kids on the Block - You've Got It
13. C&C Music Factory - Everybody Dance Now
14. Milli Vanilli - Blame it on the Rain
15. Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
16. Real McCoy - Another Night
17. Corona - The Rhythm of the Night
18. Double You - Please Don't Go
19. Haddaway - What is Love?
20. Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby
Bonus: Just for the hair! Bad English - When I See You Smile

Got a favorite that isn't on the list? Share it!
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Cow-a-bunga!

Well it's that time of year again.. the middle of another hot summer. The 4th of July festivities are over, and the burns on Uncle Chet's arm are starting to heal. Now what?

Cow suit + 7/11 = Slurpee + Combo Meal

That's right folks. 7/11 and Chick-fil-a are looking out for you; they've both scheduled their freebies on the same day! That just happens to be tomorrow. So, pull out your cow costume from last year and head on over to Chick-fil-a, on the way stop by 7/11 and you're set. Store Locator links: Chick-fil-a and 7/11.

Accordion is optional, but greatly appreciated! Gotta love freebies.
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G world

What's google up to these days, you ask? Hey, I've been wondering the same thing! It's amazing how that works. Anyway, here are three new (or not so new) things that Google is working on.

1. Lively - The big G wants to take over the world, and what better way than to build a virtual one first. Move over second life, lively is the new kid on the block and it's free to join. Right now can you make your own avatar and room, but rumor has it that one day the rooms will all be connected in a wide virtual world (with unique advertising of course). If living in a material er.. virtual world is your thing then lively is the place to be.
2. RE<C - Not so new, but still so hip. Google is on a mission to find renewable energy cheaper than coal. Check out some of the companies they have singled out to assist in their quest. With the way things have gone for google, if any of these companies go public and offer stock you'd be wise to jump on board.
3. Virtual Tour de France - Kind of like street view on steroids, google has created a virtual tour de France. If you're into that kind of thing, pull out your really tight shorts, hop on a stationary, and click away!

As you can see the monkeys behind google are still hard at work weaseling their fingers into every aspect of your measly internet life. Here's to them, and may every day be a great google day! Cheers!
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The World Fact Book

The CIA is known for a lot of cool things ... like spying, and poisoning, and cracking codes. One of the less cool, but still useful things born from that black abyss known as CIA is The World Fact Book! If any one organization should know something about the world it is the CIA...at least, that is what they think. Hence the book, it's worth a quick glance and maybe a bookmark. You never know when you will need to know the country with the highest fertility rate, or the countries with the highest or lowest (US) current account balance.

Check it out - courtesy of your friendly neighborhood spy.


History of The World Fact Book
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Happy Birthday My Dear Friend!

I've been saving this video for a long time waiting for just the right person to advance in age. Well let's just say it's burning a hole in my bookmarks and I can't wait any longer so to all you June 30th birthdays this is for you. For everyone else consider this your birthday blessing this year. Remember it's the thought that counts!

"How O' are you now?"
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The Prehistoric Sink

I've seen these Petrified Wood sinks before and thought they were pretty cool. But, those are nothing compared to the replica cephalopod fossil sink shown below. Want one? Order here

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Spread the fire!

Download by 1pm 6/18/2008 for world record.

Use this link... it looks like most of their links are sending you back to Firefox 2
"Starting today, the Mozilla Foundation is sponsoring Download Day for Mozilla's Firefox 3. In addition to receiving a free copy of the newly-released Firefox 3 web browser, by downloading, you'll help out with a quest to set the Guinness World Record for most software downloads in 24 hours. Get your downloads in by 1 pm ET on June 18 to help set the record."
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The very Best way to cook Steak!

Today I ate steak...no, today I relished a finely cooked sizzling medium rare 1.5 inch thick freshly cut hand selected boneless rib eye. Every bite was perfectly seasoned, soft, and juicy. Total price $5.06. Total cooking time 6 minutes. Now if your mouth isn't watering and your pocketbook squealing with delight, I suggest hummus and sprouts everyone else read on! This has the potential of putting steak houses out of business.

Great steaks are made from two things. The cow and the cook. I admit that my feeble attempts at steak in the past usually ended in mediocrity. All along I thought my problem was more so with the cow than the cook. I thought the higher the price of the beef the better it would turn out in the pan.

Well, Alton Brown set me straight. The key is in the method. The problem is usually the cook, not the cow! Here's the secret to great steak!!

Have a little more time...watch this:

Let me know how it turns out!

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Microwaveable Pork Rinds

Nothin's better at a Southern County Fair than a big bag of fresh hot greasy Pork Rinds! That savory crunch and crackle brings back so many fond memories of lazy hot summer days. We all know that freshly cooked hot pork rinds are so much better than their counterfeit cousins found on the chip aisle in any Piggly Wiggly and most other grocery stores around the country.

Well, I'm proud to announce that I have found an emulous product that should turn some heads. MICROWAVEABLE PORK RINDS!! Can you believe it. You can now experience that great hot greasy taste of the south in the comfort of your home. Heck, you could even eat your microwaveable pork rinds in your underwear, and this time no one would stare! Would you like to see the babies in action... no problem someone uploaded a video of that very act 2 years ago! And wait there's more.. These are so good for you that one reviewer on Amazon.com said she eats them as part of her diet. Wow, what a concept y'all the microwave pork rind diet! Bet'cha the book would sell. YouTube video, nutritional info, and more after the jump.



For Sale at the big A
Nutritional Info
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Life Untouched!

Yeah, it's been a while. So what is bringing this blog from the depths of extinction? How about a little more free time and a really interesting find... The Brazilian Department of Indian Affairs flew over one of the last untouched tribes in the Amazon. They've posted pictures of the tribe as proof to the world that the rainforest should be left alone. You really should take a look at all of the pictures. They are fascinating. Apparently, the plane photographing the tribe made a few passes. After the first pass the tribe went into attack mode by hiding the women and children and painting their bodies. In a few of the pictures you can seen the men pointing their weapons at the camera. The question now is how did that fly over affect the tribe? Imagine seeing a plane for the first time! My bet is they are already on the move to set up shop somewhere else. Maybe they are making as song about the plane or saying that it was an answer to one of their disputes? Amazing! Main link to pictures. More links after the jump.

BBC article
Survival International
What do the pictures tell us
I wonder if this is related?
Wikipedia

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Keep your kids safe

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How to get your potholes filled!

Hilarious letter written to local road crew:
To whom it may concern,

Our neighborhood was lucky this year as the streets were kept free of ice and frozen debris in a very timely manner. It seems, however, this has come with a price. On one occasion the lovely county snow plow graciously and almost effortlessly removed a bit more than snow from the middle of the road right in front of our driveway. The departure of that first innocent chunk of asphalt seems to have caused a revolt as now the rest of the road has been slowly but surely leaving it's proper place. So far with various tactical measures (i.e. avoidance) we have limited the insurrection to a 3x3 foot area, but the enemy is advancing. We would ask if you would be so kind as to stop this great escape before there is an all out mutiny, and the tadpoles and fish have a chance to set up shop. Thank you for your help in this measure. The hole is located in the middle of the road at a very inconvenient spot directly in front of our driveway: ----

Sincerely, --- Thoughts?
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What do you want to do when you get old?

The way medicine and technology is going these days a lot of the younger generations can expect to live into their hundreds. Really, it's not as crazy as you think. But, that's for another post... let's just assume you will live that long. What do you want to be doing?

Well some guy in London sure is setting the bar high. Buster Martin born Sept 1, 1906 is 101 years old, and he is already the oldest working man in Britain. What's his goal? To bust out a Marathon, and then finish it off with a beer and a smoke. He can do it too, the stubborn brit has already hit up the Roding Valley half marathon, and is a former Army physical trainer. Wanna watch the old man run? He'll be footing it at the 2008 London Marathon April 13th.
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When the President Sings

Just in case you missed it, here's a bootleg of President Bush's off key version of the "green green grass of home". Don't believe it's really him? Well then watch the second video and listen closely.

So without further ado here's President George W. Bush singing the "Brown brown grass of home"

Get the second video with his post-song speech here.
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Flu clues!

A few weeks ago the US National Institute of Health revealed the reason we all get the flu when it gets cold outside. They've found that "the virus's outer covering, or envelope, hardens to a rubbery gel that could shield the virus as it passes from person to person." However, when it gets warmer "the protective gel melts to a liquid phase" which is not strong enough to stick around for very long. Without an envelope the virus is left naked and not very effective.

Moral of the story, skip the flu shot and head south for the winter. Can't go south? Turn up the heat indoors, wash your hands often with warm water, and get yourself a heated face mask! Hehe, ok this might be going a little overboard, but remember Recueilli when the next deadly flu pandemic hits.

Here's the link to the original NIH article. Enjoy.
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Tina Time

Speaking of singing, here's a gem..


Yes, that was River Deep Mountain High by Ike & Tina Turner
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David Archuleta

Want to know what the next American Idol sounded like before his vocal paralysis? Here ya go:

Read more for more links to David Archuleta's music pre-idol including a couple Star Search performances!

Archuleta on Star Search
More Star Search
Oh yeah.. he won the Junior Singer category of Star Search '03
Singing at High School talent show
Singing "I'm not going"
Singing "I'm not going" to AI season 1
More Star Search

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You get what you pay for??

Yesterday USA Today reported on a pretty interesting finding from MIT about placebo, money, and electrocution. Here's an excerpt:

"Researchers recruited 82 healthy paid volunteers and gave them a brochure about a new opioid pain reliever described as similar to codeine, only faster-acting.

"Volunteers were randomly divided into two groups. One group was told the new drug cost $2.50 a pill; the other was told it had been marked down to 10 cents a pill, although no explanation was given.

"The researchers applied light electric shocks to the volunteers' wrists to see how much pain they could tolerate. The researchers administered the shocks before and after the pill was taken and asked subjects to rate the pain.

"Of the patients who took the full-price pill, 85% said they felt less pain afterward, compared with 61% of those who took the 10-cent pill. Because both groups received the same sugar pills, the power of the placebo effect in pain relief was illustrated."

We all know that money talks, but this is just crazy. Contrary to popular belief money does not always equal quality, effectiveness, or happiness!

Link.

Thoughts?
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El Camino de la Muerte

Death Road aka north Yungas road runs from La Paz to Coroico, Bolivia. When driving on this road you drive on the left instead of the right for a better view of your outside wheel, which makes passing a bit more safe. To make matters worse North American mountain bikers frequently complicate the picture!!

Read more for another rider's review, and links to a travel group that will take you on the ride of your life.

"For the ride of your life!! Sounds too good to be true?? Think of riding a mountain bike down from a 4700m high alpine pass to lush tropical forests at about 1100m all in 64km. Along roads with spectacular views of mountains, rivers and valleys. Part of the trip is along a stretch of road named as the "Worlds Most Dangerous Road", because of the sheer cliffs along the narrow dirt road where many vehicles over the past years have fallen off...with few of the passengers surviving." Link.

Gravity Assisted Mountain biking tour guide
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The True Political Tally

When it comes to political races sometimes we forget to look at the really important issues, like who has the most songs on Youtube. Is you're candidate in the lead?

Obama - 9
Hillary - 2
McCain - 2 (well, one's negative)

Barack:
Barack Obama Song-"Something About The Man"
The Barack Obama Song
Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video
"I Got a Crush...On Obama" By Obama Girl
We Got The Mo, by The Rockabelles, for Barack Obama
Barack Obama song (Afro-latino beat)
New Obama Song/ Video (Representin' Obama)
You Rock, Barack! Original Obama Song
Matt the Electrician Obama song

Hillary:
The hillary song
"I Got a Crush...On Hillary" (take that obama girl!)

McCain:
LEAD THE WAY- A Song For John McCain
john.he.is

Want to add to the tally? Leave a comment with the YouTube link!

Starting to feel like it's all not worth it.. well, watch this it helps..



"It takes more than a pretty video and a bunch of celebrities singing to make a great president. It takes a person who understands where the true greatness of America lies.

Long before anyone ever heard of Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan challenged Americans to hope, to dream, to believe....

In themselves.

He brought change. He told us "yes we can". Except he also told us we didn't need government to do it. He inspired us with his words and his actions. He showed us that our individual liberty and creativity is what makes our country great not any government program."

Read more!