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What you don’t know about summer solstice

The summer solstice shouldn’t come as a surprise. It arrives at pretty much the same time every year. But some of the little-known facts behind and surrounding the solstice are fascinating. First, the basics:

Summer in the Northern Hemisphere will officially arrive on Tuesday at 1:16 p.m. EDT: the June solstice.  At the same time, winter officially begins for the Southern Hemisphere.

At that moment, the sun will reach the point where it is farthest north of the celestial equator. To be more precise, when the summer solstice occurs, the sun will appear to be shining directly overhead at a point on the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.5 degrees north) in the Great Bahama Bank, roughly halfway between Andros Island and central Cuba.

Extreme daylight From no point in the contiguous 48 United States can the sun appear directly overhead.  From New York, for instance, at 12:57 p.m. Eastern Time, the sun will attain its highest point in the sky for this entire year, standing 73 degrees above the southern horizon or about four-fifths of the way up from the horizon to the point directly overhead.

And since the sun will appear to describe such a high arc across the sky, the duration of daylight is now at its most extreme.  In fact, north of the Arctic Circle, which encompasses northern Alaska, far-northern Canada and much of Greenland as well as the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland, the sun now remains above the horizon for an entire 24-hour day, leading to the effect known as the “midnight sun.”

However, contrary to popular belief, the earliest sunrise and latest sunset do not coincide with the summer solstice.  For mid-northern latitudes, the earliest sunrise actually occurred on June 14, while the latest sunset is not due until June 27.

Hotter weather If the insolation — the total energy received from the sun — alone governed the temperature, we should be experiencing the year’s hottest weather right now. 

But the atmosphere in temperate regions continues to receive more heat than it gives up to space, a situation that lasts a month or more, depending on the latitude. Though it depends on the local climate, most locations see the hottest part of the year occurring in late July.  A reverse process occurs after the winter solstice in December; most places see their coldest weather in late January. 

The solar heating depends directly on the sun’s altitude in the sky, which also controls its daily path and the number of hours the sun is above the horizon. As an example, although on April 12 the insolation is the same as on Aug. 31, thanks to the seasonal temperature lag, the northern and central United States can still experience a freeze at the former date, or endure a 90-degree heat wave at the latter. 

Armistice

Just as the word “armistice” is defined as a staying of the action of arms, “solstice” is a staying of the sun’s apparent motion over the latitudes of the Earth.

More space news from MSNBC Tech & Science

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Crew arrives at shuttle pad to practice launch
Microlensing turns up rocky, low-mass world
What you don’t know about summer solstice

At the summer solstice, the sun stops its northward motion and begins heading south.  At the winter solstice, it turns north.

So technically on Tuesday, even at 17:17 UT, the sun will have turned around and started on its six-month journey south.  It will cross the equator at the autumnal equinox, passing into the Southern Hemisphere on Sept. 23, at 9:05 UT.

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York’s Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for The New York Times and other publications, and he is also an on-camera meteorologist for News 12 Westchester, N.Y.

© 2011 Space.com. All rights reserved. More from Space.com.

Black Ops DLC Annihilation map pack preview

Earlier this week the first glimpse at the next Black Ops map pack was leaked online, but not to be outdone by the intertubes, Activision and Treyarch confirmed the release the next day, just to steal the thunder back from the people that leaked the news! There is also a slim chance that the timing was a coincidence.

Regardless, the third Call of Duty: Black Ops map pack, Annihilation, is on the way and confirmed for a June 28 release date on Xbox Live. No official release date has been set for the PC or PS3 yet, but odds are it will happen soon, as Activision has a certain fondness for money. Although the price of this new DLC is also unconfirmed, it will likely follow the previous releases and run 1200 MS points ($15).

To hype the upcoming map pack, Treyarch released a behind the scenes look at each of the new maps, and gave a quick rundown on what to expect. The four new competitive maps and new zombie map are:

 

• Hangar 18– Based in Area 51, this medium-sized map is balanced for all types of play and revolves around the central hangar, which sounds similar to the last map pack Escalation’s “Stockpile”.

• Silo– Set in a Russian nuclear missile silo and construction yard, Treyarch is claiming that this is one of–if not the–biggest maps in all of Black Ops. That makes it sound like it is ideal for snipers and people that have the patience to move slowly. From the description, it seems reminiscent of Escalation’s “Hotel”.

• Drive-In—Located in a rundown drive-in movie theater, this map seems to be the smallest of the four new maps, and one of the smallest maps in Black Ops. Treyarch is comparing it to “Nuke Town”, which makes it sound like short range battles will be common.

• Hazard– Based on a Call of Duty: World at War map called “Cliffside”, this map takes that groundwork and reimagines it into a golf course. “Hazard” is described as “one of the only maps in the game that focuses almost exclusively on long distance engagements.” The fairway is for suckers and sniper bait, while the sides of the map will offer new choke points.

• Shangri La—Treyarch is deliberately leaving the story of the newest zombie map a mystery, but it is described as a smaller map than Escalation’s “Call of the Dead.” Oh, and there are zombie monkeys.

 

Check out the video below for more details on each map, and look for Annihilation as an Xbox 360 exclusive (for now) on June 28.

 

[Warning: The following trailer may not be suitable for all ages]

 

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Summer Solstice Stuff You Didn’t Know

The summer solstice shouldn’t come as a surprise. It arrives at pretty much the same time every year. But some of the little-known facts behind and surrounding the solstice are fascinating. First, the basics:

Summer in the Northern Hemisphere will officially arrive on Tuesday (June 21) at 1:16 p.m. EDT (17:16 Universal Time ): the June solstice.  At the same time, winter officially begins for the Southern Hemisphere.

At that moment, the sun will reach the point where it is farthest north of the celestial equator. To be more precise, when the summer solstice occurs, the sun will appear to be shining directly overhead at a point on the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.5 degrees north) in the Great Bahama Bank, roughly halfway between Andros Island and central Cuba. [Gallery: Stunning Summer Solstice Photos]

Extreme daylight

From no point in the contiguous 48 United States can the sun appear directly overhead.  From New York, for instance, at 12:57 p.m. Eastern Time, the sun will attain its highest point in the sky for this entire year, standing 73 degrees above the southern horizon or about four-fifths of the way up from the horizon to the point directly overhead.

And since the sun will appear to describe such a high arc across the sky, the duration of daylight is now at its most extreme.  In fact, north of the Arctic Circle, which encompasses northern Alaska, far-northern Canada, much of Greenland as well as the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland, the sun now remains above the horizon for an entire 24-hour day, leading to the effect known as the “midnight sun.”

However, contrary to popular belief, the earliest sunrise and latest sunset do not coincide with the summer solstice.  For mid-northern latitudes, the earliest sunrise actually occurred on June 14, while the latest sunset is not due until June 27. [Where to Be for Summer's Solstice Kickoff]

Hotter weather

If the insolation — the total energy received from the sun — alone governed the temperature, we should be experiencing the year’s hottest weather right now. 

But the atmosphere in temperate regions continues to receive more heat than it gives up to space, a situation that lasts a month or more, depending on the latitude. Though it depends on the local climate, most locations see the hottest part of the year occurring in late July.  A reverse process occurs after the winter solstice in December; most places see their coldest weather in late January. 

The solar heating depends directly on the sun’s altitude in the sky, which also controls its daily path and the number of hours the sun is above the horizon. As an example, although on April 12 the insolation is the same as on Aug. 31, thanks to the seasonal temperature lag, the northern and central United States can still experience a freeze at the former date, or endure a 90 degree heat wave at the latter. 

Armistice

Just as the word “armistice” is defined as a staying of the action of arms, “solstice” is a staying of the sun’s apparent motion over the latitudes of the Earth. 

At the summer solstice, the sun stops its northward motion and begins heading south.  At the winter solstice, it turns north.

So technically on Tuesday, even at 17:17 UT, the sun will have turned around and started on its six-month journey south.  It will cross the equator at the autumnal equinox, passing into the Southern Hemisphere on Sept. 23, at 9:05 UT.

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York’s Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for The New York Times and other publications, and he is also an on-camera meteorologist for News 12 Westchester, New York.

Keith Olbermann comes out swinging on Current’s new ‘Countdown’

 There’s really no reason to describe the new “Countdown With Keith Olbermann” that debuted Monday night on Current TV when, not surprisingly, Olbermann has that covered already. After first guest and brand-new “Countdown” contributor Michael Moore told Olbermann that no doubt “your parents are looking down tonight, very proud of you for keeping the good fight going,” Olbermann used the potentially tender moment to lay out his manifesto.

“In the briefest of special comments … this is a newscast of contextualization, it is to be presented with a viewpoint, that the weakest citizen of this country is more important than the strongest corporation, that the nation is losing its independence through the malfeasance of one political party and the timidity of another and that even though you and I should not have to be the last line of defense, apparently we are so we damn well better start being it.”

Just in case you were wondering if the political-news equivalent of Larry David had spent the months since his abrupt departure from MSNBC early this year mellowing on a beach somewhere, the answer would be no. He is the same fast-talking, hard-charging, unapologetically self-righteous defender of his version of liberal ideology that he always was. Only this time he has a platform with no commercial constraints — Al Gore is the founder of the struggling Current TV and he has said that he went into his deal with the famously high-maintenance Olbermann with his eyes wide open (and this is a man who was Bill Clinton’s V.P.). So what is the new “Countdown” like?

Olbermann Unleashed.

To make this clear, he came out swinging across party lines, questioning the morality and legality of the U.S. military activity in Libya and comparing President Obama’s reliance on lawyers to settle constitutional matters with a similar trick by former President George W. Bush. Former Nixon advisor John Dean showed up to discuss how the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against a class-action sexual discrimination suit brought by Wal-Mart employees proves once again the court’s dangerous conservatism and to deride the Democrats’ wimpiness over recent reports that Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife had received gifts from a wealthy businessman.

Having taken on the president, the Supreme Court and big business, Olbermann lightened up with an odd assortment of human interest stories — dancing kid videos, the sale of Debbie Reynolds’ massive costume collection — via a segment called “Time Marches On.” (Reynolds’ sale included Marilyn Monroe’s famous white subway dress, providing an opportunity for Olbermann to do a breathy Marilyn impersonation, something that should not be repeated under any circumstance.)

Then the show entered more familiar territory. Conservative radio hosts were condemned for allegedly selling their opinion through embedded advertising — “I’m utterly shocked by this,” Olbermann said with his trademark smirk. His Worst Persons feature included the Republican Leadership Conference, which was chided for featuring an Obama impersonator who made racist comments.

All of which was pointed and interesting and in keeping within the rubric of Olbermann’s belief that it’s time for liberals to get as angry, vitriolic and petty as their foes. If only he weren’t quite so self-congratulatory and self-referential about it. His decision to end with Markos Moulitsas, founder of progressive DailyKos.com and another “Countdown” contributor, bordered on the unforgivable. Bringing him in ostensibly to discuss “the jungle” of GOP politics, Olbermann quickly set Moulitsas up for an embedded advertisement of his own.

“You haven’t been on cable television since May 12, 2010,” Olbermann said with unconvincing casualness. “Why for?”

“It seems like your old boss had a little bit of a problem with me,” answered Moulitsas, laughing a bit nervously before he obligingly produced the story of how a Twitter war with Joe Scarborough led to Moulitsas’ being banished from MSNBC. “I found it bizarre, ” Moulitsas continued. “Yours was the most successful show on cable, yet Joe Scarborough was dictating who could be in on your show.”

If that wasn’t enough ring-kissing, he called Olbermann “a national treasure.”

Which he may be — certainly Olbermann is refreshing, and singular, in the clarity of his mission, which is to defend the liberal point of view with the same sort of take-no-prisoners rhetoric that conservative pundits like Bill O’Reilly have wielded so effectively. But the blatant über-medianess of his persona seems, at times, in direct conflict with that belief that “the weakest citizen is more important than the strongest corporation.” A media personality is, after all, something of a corporation, and humility can be as effective a weapon as grandstanding. Not as much fun, perhaps, but just as effective.

Related:

Keith Olbermann lands a paycheck to match his ego at Current TV

About (Late) Last Night: Keith Olbermann on what went wrong at MSNBC [Video]

– Mary McNamara

Photos: Keith Olbermann during the first showing of “Countdown” on Current TV; and Keith Olbermann. Credit: Current

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Video: Margera Parents On Dunn’s Death

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Fox 29 News sits down with April and Phil Margera, the parents of “Jackass” co-star Bam Margera, after the death of his friend, Ryan Dunn.

Dunn, 34, was killed early Monday morning in a crash on Route 322 in West Goshen, Pa., not far from his hometown of West Chester.

During the interview, the Margeras said Bam has been told of Dunn’s death, although he hadn’t yet publicly commented by the time of the interview.

MTV, co-star Johnny Knoxville and another cast member acknowledged the death by way social media by mid-day Monday.

“I think we are still processing the whole thing, really.” Turning to her husband, April Margera said, ”I know you are, I am, and we’re just worried, you know, about our Bam. He’s out of town and was just told, so, he’s devastated, needless to say. We all are, West Chester is, you know. Our whole entire Jackass family is like beside themselves. I can’t believe it.”

April Margera went on to tell Fox 29′s Lena Lewis that Dunn’s passing is like having one of her kids die.

“I mean, we’re close with all the Jackass guys but, you know, of course, the Jackass guys from West Chester who spent a lifetime here at our house, especially when they were younger in high school … and they’ve made something of themselves,” she said. “Ryan was just Bam’s really dear friend, and we just loved him. We all did.”

“I just, I actually can’t even believe it,” April Margera added.

The Margeras – the frequent butts of jokes and pranks on Bam’s TV shows – admitted that they thought the news could be a hoax at first. One of the first phone calls they got was from a local radio station.

“When they called from ‘MMR, we said, ‘Well, check it out. It’s probably another rumor,’” Phil Margera said. “But this one turned out to be real.”

Phil Margera went on to say that Dunn “fit in perfectly with Bam.”

“They were best friends, and they fed off of each another,” Phil Margera said, with his wife noting that Dunn was friends with their other son, too. “… He’s a part of our family. He told us every time he left, ‘You’re like my mom and dad.’”

April Margera said Dunn would send pcall her or send text messages on Mother’s Day.

“It’s just really hard. He was just a super nice guy, would do anything for you, always happy,” April Margera said, saying that their prayers go out to Dunn’s family and his girlfriend, Angie.

Later in the interview, April Margera said the message she would pass along to others is not to drive fast or late night, noting that she believes Dunn is a safe driver and wouldn’t get behind the wheel drunk.

Police have said that they believe speed was a factor in the fatal crash, although they’re still investigating.

Dunn also apparently tweeted a photo of himself and two others drinking at a bar hours before the wreck. The photo has since been taken offline.

The Margeras spoke later about a second person who they believe was killed in the crash (Fox 29 News is withholding the name, pending positive identification by police and notification of family) along with what advice the paternal figures of the group will share with the others as they all try to come to terms with the loss.

Watch the Fox 29 News at 5, 6 and 10 tonight for more news on the reality star’s death, and the complete interview with the Margeras will be posted to MyFoxPhilly.com later today.

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Immunomedics Reports First Clinical Results of New Antibody-Directed Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

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Press Release Source: Immunomedics, Inc. On Monday June 6, 2011, 12:30 pm EDT

Pretargeted Radiation Therapy With Bispecific Antibody Selected by Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) as Newsworthy for 2011 Annual Meeting Press Conference
Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Patients Also Reported

SAN ANTONIO, June 6, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Immunomedics, Inc. (Nasdaq:IMMU – News), a biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development of monoclonal antibody-based products for the targeted treatment of cancer, autoimmune and other serious diseases, today reported that pretargeted radiation therapy with TF2, a humanized bispecific antibody owned by the Company, appears to be safe and tolerable in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Results from the Phase I study were released by SNM at its 58th Annual Meeting Press Conference.

In this study, a new approach to antibody-directed radiation therapy, or radioimmunotherapy (RAIT), called pretargeting, was used. Developed by IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Company’s majority-owned subsidiary, pretargeted RAIT (PT-RAIT) requires the use of a different type of antibody called a bispecific antibody. Unlike traditional antibodies having both arms binding only to one receptor, bispecific antibodies have been engineered so that each arm recognizes two different targets, one for the tumor and the other for the agent that carries radioactive materials. TF2, created by the Company’s patented Dock-and-Lock (DNL) protein engineering platform, recognizes carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA or CEACAM5) expressed by many human cancers, as well as a small radioisotope-carrying peptide called HSG (histamine-succinyl-glycine).

A key feature of PT-RAIT is that radioactive materials are introduced in a second step through the injection of a small peptide that the bound antibody also recognizes. The agent either attaches quickly to the antibody localized at the tumors or, due to its small size, is rapidly excreted in the urine, thereby minimizing the body’s exposure to radiation. Another advantage of PT-RAIT is in the higher radiation dose level delivered selectively to the tumors.

The aims of the Phase I study are to determine and optimize the pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting of TF2 and the radiolabeled peptide, as well as to evaluate the therapeutic potential and the safety and toxicity of this PT-RAIT in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Results from 4 cohorts of patients who received 75 or 150 mg of TF2 followed 1 or 5 days later with 25 or 100 ug of the radioactive peptide were presented at the annual meeting by investigators from the University Medical Center in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Pretargeting with TF2 and the specific labeled peptide target tumor lesions in colorectal cancer patients rapidly and produced high tumor-to-background ratios. TF2 is cleared quickly from the blood. As a result, a short interval between the infusion of TF2 and the injection of peptide is preferred. Moreover, high doses of radiolabeled peptide can be administered safely with only bone marrow toxicity as dose-limiting.

“This is 1 of 2 investigator-sponsored studies in Europe involving TF2 for pretargeted imaging and radioimmunotherapy of colorectal and lung cancers,” commented Cynthia L. Sullivan, President and CEO. “We will initiate our own clinical trials of TF2 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, where patient enrollment is anticipated to begin this summer at several U.S. investigational sites,” Ms. Sullivan added.

In a separate oral presentation, results from a Phase II clinical trial of PT-RAIT in progressive medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) were reported. The disease represents 5 to 10% of thyroid cancers with a relatively slow tumor growth, but early spread to the lymphatic system. Response rate to chemotherapy is less than 30%.

MTC expresses high amount of CEA and is, therefore, a good candidate for RAIT. Two previous Phase I/II studies with PT-RAIT demonstrated efficacy in MTC patients. The current multicenter Phase II trial aims to evaluate PT-RAIT in progressing MTC patients with metastatic disease using a combined response that includes CT-RECIST, PET and biomarker concentration to assess efficacy.

Results from 42 patients were presented at the medical conference by investigators from the University Medical Center in Nantes, France. Overall, 20 patients (47.6%) responded to the pretargeted therapy. Significantly, the median survival of patients who responded was 67 months compared to 25 months in patients who failed the treatment. These results suggest that anti-CEA PT-RAIT has the potential to treat MTC patients with progressing, metastatic disease.

About Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy

Pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PT-RAIT) uses a ‘two-step’ approach in the delivery of therapeutic isotope. A humanized bispecific monoclonal antibody (bsMAb), with one arm that recognizes a tumor-associated antigen and another arm that recognizes a peptide that carries a therapy agent, is given as a first injection. When non-tumor-bound bsMAb has substantially cleared non-target tissues and bsMAb has reached a maximum level in the tumor, the bsMAb-recognizable therapy agent is given. The latter agent either targets the bsMAb localized at the tumor, or it is rapidly cleared through urine via the kidneys. PT-RAIT is an attractive potential alternative to traditional RAIT, because the delivery of therapeutic isotope is rapid and is separated from the long antibody delivery process, thereby reducing the harmful effects of radiation to the body, especially the bone marrow.

About Immunomedics

Immunomedics is a New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development of monoclonal antibody-based products for the targeted treatment of cancer, autoimmune and other serious diseases. We have developed a number of advanced proprietary technologies that allow us to create humanized antibodies that can be used either alone in unlabeled or “naked” form, or conjugated with radioactive isotopes, chemotherapeutics, cytokines or toxins, in each case to create highly targeted agents. Using these technologies, we have built a pipeline of therapeutic product candidates that utilize several different mechanisms of action. We also have a majority ownership in IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is developing a novel Dock-and-Lock (DNL) methodology with us for making fusion proteins and multifunctional antibodies, and a new method of delivering imaging and therapeutic agents selectively to disease, especially different solid cancers (colorectal, lung, pancreas, etc.), by proprietary, antibody-based, pretargeting methods. We believe that our portfolio of intellectual property, which includes approximately 178 patents issued in the United States and more than 400 foreign patents, protects our product candidates and technologies. For additional information on us, please visit our website at www.immunomedics.com. The information on our website does not, however, form a part of this press release.

This release, in addition to historical information, may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including statements regarding clinical trials, out-licensing arrangements (including the timing and amount of contingent payments), forecasts of future operating results, and capital raising activities, involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, risks associated with new product development (including clinical trials outcome and regulatory requirements/actions), our dependence on our licensing partners for the further development of epratuzumab for autoimmune indications and veltuzumab for non-cancer indications, competitive risks to marketed products and availability of required financing and other sources of funds on acceptable terms, if at all, as well as the risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not under any obligation, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Keith Olbermann’s First Show: Twitter Users React

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Keith Olbermann premiered his new Current TV show on Monday night, and viewers took to Twitter to (mostly) express their joy at his being back on the air after a five-month break.

STORY: Keith Olbermann Delivers Blow to MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow

For his part, Olbermann tweeted a thank-you to his viewers.

“The Countdown @Current staff toasts you, in thanks for your support and your loyalty!” along with this photo.

PHOTOS: Keith Olbermann’s Famous Feuds

Before the show premiered, Countdown’s staff noted on Twitter that the hashtag for the debut was #KOPremiere. While that didn’t spark a trending topic, several viewers did weigh in while they were watching on everything from the show running long to the set to the graphics.

“#KeithOlbermann came out of the starting gate strong tonight with his Countdown premiere on #CurrentTV,” Mitch Hurley wrote. “KO has the Big MO.”

But Kayleigh Anne criticized Olbermann for his show running long into the 9 p.m. hour, the same slot occupied by MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, potentially cutting into her ratings.

“Running over into 9pm & cutting into Maddow is shady. What did it add to the show anyway? Don’t put friends in that position,” she tweeted.

STORY: Keith Olbermann Wants Rachel Maddow on Current TV

And perhaps underscoring a potential issue with viewership, some Twitter users noted they didn’t have access to Current TV, which is in 60 million homes via digital tiers vs. MSNBC’s 95 million, or had to search where to find it.

“Craving some #KeithOlbermann! Grrr, wish I had @Current TV,” wrote Chrysliz, while Ari Goldman added: “Checking out #KeithOlbermann on Current TV (found the channel!).”

Some were just happy Olbermann was back on the air after abruptly departing MSNBC in January.

“Our long (well, 5 month) national nightmare is over…,” wrote Derek.

“Watching the new #Countdown show. It’s nice to have #KeithOlbermann back,” added Robert J. Medrano, while Jarvaris echoed that sentiment: “Watching #KeithOlbermann so cool You have been off air for too long.”

STORY: Keith Olbermann Insults Bill O’Reilly Ahead of Current TV Show Debut

A Twitter user called “Brazenly Liberal” commented on Olbermann’s new digs: “I like this Current set better than the old MSNBC set.”

Another named Brandon weighed in on the graphics: “The graphics for Countdown’s opening are impressive… live graphics, not so much.”

A few tweeters sent shoutouts to Current TV co-founder Al Gore.

‘Countdown With Keith Olbermann’: Tim Goodman Live Blogs Premiere

Wrote Terry: “Thank U VP Al Gore 4 giving Keith Olbermann a platform. A huge boost 2 the Liberal Community.”

Elizabeth Kennen added: “I’m watching #Countdown with my boys. I remind them that @Current tv is owned by Al Gore. We all cheer loudly.”

Others missed Olbermann’s “special comments” segment.

Added Denise Shelby: “Thank you @algore for giving us Keith back! I love Keith’s mimi-Special Comment!”

Morgan J tweeted: “Special comments; how I missed thee.”

STORY: The Confessions of Keith Olbermann

Sandy Dover noted that Olbermann seemed to be fitting a lot into the hour: “So far so many topics, why are the Democrats so weak, Thomas should be thrown off the bench.”

Added ThatGirlCA: “Keith, you’re talking too fast for me to write down your words to quote you! It’s been bottled up and it’s now spilling out!”

Some tweeters took jabs at Olbermann’s former network home.

“So msnbc has @maddow guesting in the 8pm show the night of @CountdownKO debut? Feeling threaten,” wrote Rob Skiff.

Meanwhile, another wasn’t pleased about his first-show guest Michael Moore, also a contributor to the show.

“For you, Keith, I will suffer through this Moore segment,” wrote Rachel Richard. 

Hebridean Island Cruises Launches New 2012 Brochure

Press Release Source: Hebridean Island Cruises On Monday June 20, 2011, 1:17 pm EDT

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–(Marketwire – 06/20/11) – Hebridean Island Cruises introduced its new 2012 cruise brochure featuring 20 new itineraries aboard its Five-Star, ultra-luxurious, and all-inclusive Hebridean Princess to majestic and idyllic ports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Ireland. The new brochure can be viewed online or ordered on Hebridean’s North American website featuring U.S. Dollar fares by visiting www.hebrideancruises.com.

The Hebridean Princess has attracted many loyal guests over the past 20 years, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of her family when the ship was privately chartered in 2010.

During her March through November cruise season in 2012, Hebridean Princess offers a distinctive variety of four- to ten-day cruises sailing mainly from her Scottish home port of Oban, as well as from Greenock and Invergordon in Scotland. Two new cruises departing from Cork, Ireland — South from Cork and Gaelic Explorer — will delight guests with visits to the most picturesque and fascinating ports along the Emerald Isle. Other season highlights are tours to the extraordinary sites of Kelburn Castle, built in the 13th century and rarely accessed by groups, Loch a’ Choire with its magnificent panoramic views, and the privately-owned luxurious Isle of Eriska.

All new signature “Footloose” itineraries include incredible walking tours among inspiring landscapes such as Footloose in Ireland, Hebridean’s first ever walking-themed cruise in Ireland, Footloose through the Isles, Footloose on Skye and Footloose through the Celtic Fringe. Each cruise is accompanied by three highly experienced guides and is tailored to both seasoned walkers and those who prefer a gentle stroll.

Other highlights of the new 2012 season for Hebridean Island Cruises include:

Uncover a treasure-trove of gems in the Northern and Southern Hebrides along the west coast of Scotland on the new 7-night itinerary Hebridean Jewels. The cruise explores the awe-inspiring pleated columns of Kilt Rock and the flamboyant Baronial façade of Glenborrodale Castle. Cruise fares start from $3,810 per person in March 2012.
In the Wake of Boswell and Johnson follows the legendary tour of the two travellers, and features guest speaker Professor Peter Martin, who published acclaimed biographies on James Boswell and Samuel Johnson and is an expert on their tour through the Inner Hebrides. 7-night cruise fares start from $5,380 per person in April 2012.
The tempting A Gastronomic Tour of Skye offers the best of locally-sourced Scottish cuisine combined with stunning scenery. Highlights include lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant with an entertaining cooking demonstration hosted by Scotland’s renowned food writer Lady Claire MacDonald, as well as lunch at the award-winning restaurant The Three Chimneys, a converted 100-year-old crofter’s cottage located along the beautiful banks of Loch Dunvegan. Fares start from $4,850 per person for 5 nights departing June 2012.
South from Cork in August 2012 explores the mystery and magic of ancient Celtic and Gaelic country. Visiting Slea Head, the westernmost point in Europe, this 7-night cruise offers a trip to Bantry House, showcasing extensive European collections of the 2nd Earl.
Discover stunning wildlife, bird havens and the exceptional heritage of the 130-mile Atlantic Chain of the Western Isles on the 7-night Away Westward itinerary that visits Scotland’s most famous prehistoric site, the Callanish Stones. Fares start from $6,050 per person departing September 2012.

Cruising in British country elegance, Hebridean Princess with her truly unique itineraries offers a Five-Star, all-inclusive experience that is remarkably exquisite. As the smallest luxury cruise ship afloat, the 50-guest Hebridean Princess sails to remote coastal villages, scenic islands, and inaccessible locations in bays and lochs that are normally visited by only private yachts. She offers all the comforts and décor of a warm and elegant country home with 30 spacious cabins (10 designated especially for the single traveller). Hebridean Princess, with a passenger-to-crew ratio of almost one-to-one, offers the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodations together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.

New 2012 season fares start from $1,720 per day (based on double occupancy and subject to availability). Fares include all meals, beverages and select wines, spirits and champagne, privately escorted tours, a distinguished guest speaker program, and all port charges and gratuities. Also included are an array of activities such as the use of the ship’s bicycles to explore ashore, fishing, bridge, speedboat rides and more. Black-tie gala dinners are a special highlight, and guests will enjoy a fine dining experience featuring tantalizing culinary delights fused with fresh local ingredients on every cruise.

For more information or reservations, contact Hebridean Island Cruises – North America at (877) 600-2648 or visit www.hebrideancruises.com.

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