Pumpkin Carving Designs:Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin

Image by striatic via Flickr

Pumpkin Carving Designs are very popular this Halloween, particularly free online Pumpkin Carving stencils. Some of the most popular templates this Halloween are some by Twilight’s Robert Pattinson and Stewart.

A transfer tool (i.e stencils) can be used to transfer designs on the face of the pumpkin that will guide you carving the perfect pumpkin. These carving stencils can be drawn either freehand onto paper or using computer. Tip: Avoid the using those knives that come in the pumpkin-carving kit; try sticking with quality knives instead. Small, paring knives are great for carving designs into the pumpkin.

Battery-operated, pumpkin-carving knives also make quick work of even complicated designs, but it’s always good to keep the design simple.

Here are some of the Best Free Pumpkin Templates for Carving Jack-O-Lanterns, covering everything from the most basic carving designs that the kids can easily participate in, and to the very advanced work of art.

Pumpkin Carving Designs Links

Free Printable Pumpkin Carving Patterns

Zombie Pumpkins - Over 200 designs! Free pumpkin carving stencils, contests, tips, and tools!

11 Facts About Journalist Walter Cronkite

• Full name: Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr.
• Born: November 4, 1916
• Birth place: Saint Joseph, Missouri
• Spouse: Betsy Maxwell Cronkite
• Children: Nancy Cronkite, Kathy Cronkite, Walter Cronkite III
• University: University of Texas at Austin
• Trademark signoff: "And that's the way it is"
• Nicknames: Uncle Walter, "The Most Trusted Man in America"
• First signed to CBS Television in 1950
• Started career in journalism in 1937
• Wife Betsy died on March 15, 2005

Facts About Journalist Laura Ling

Laura Ling is a journalist for Current TV and the sister of Oprah correspondent Lisa Ling. Laura Ling and fellow journalist Euna Lee were detained by North Korean soldiers near the border of North Korea and China during a reporting trip on March 17, 2009. The pair were said to have refused to stop filming when asked to do so.

On May 13, the regime announced that Ling and Lee would stand trial on June 4 for illegal entry and hostile acts.

Fast Facts about Laura Ling

1. Reporter for Current TV

2. Lisa Ling's only sister

3. Birthplace: Carmichael, California

4. Taken into custody by North Korean soldiers on March 17, 2009

5. Reportedly arrested near the Tumen River

6. Was 32 years old at time of detainment

7. Ling and journalist Euna Lee were said to have ignored orders to stop filming

8. The journalists were reportedly told to stay away from the border areas of North Korea and China

9. The border areas are said to be dangerous

Laura Ling Questions

Any news on Laura Ling and Euna Lee? (1 answer)
Has Laura ling and Euna Lee been released yet. (1 answer)

13 Facts About Rapper T.I.

T.I. is an Atlanta based rapper, actor and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records. He has released a number of widely popular records and acted in films such as American Gangster, The Fast and the Furious 4 and also appeared on an episode of the The O.C. as himself.

13 Fast Facts About T.I.

1. Genre: Rap

2. Name: Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.

3. Also known as, T.I.P., King of the South.

4. Born: September 25, 1980

5. Origin: Atlanta, Georgia

6. Years active: 2001–present.

7. Labels: Grand Hustle, Atlantic Records.

8. 2007: Won Grammy Award for "What You Know".

9. October 13, 2007: Arrested on federal gun charges.

10. March 27, 2009: Sentenced to one year and a day in prison.

11. It is expected he will only serve 298 days of his sentence.

12. Executive producer of the reality show Life On Mars.

13. Has two sons with LaShon Dixon.

T.I. News
T.I. was sentenced on March 27, 2009, to one year and a day in prison on felony weapons charges. Through a deal negotiated between T.I.'s lawyers and federal judges, T.I. will report to prison no sooner then May 19, 2009, so that he he can complete a 1,000 hour community service commitment.

T.I. "Whatever You Like" Video

12 Facts About the Swine Influenza Virus

On April 25, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that an outbreak of Swine Influenza in Mexico and the United States could become a pandemic. There are reports that the outbreak may be labeled an event of "global concern" by WHO, which could prompt travel restrictions to and from affected area.

Twelve Facts about Swine Influenza

1. Caught through direct contact with pigs.

2. Can also be transmitted be spread from human to human.

3. Cannot be contracted by eating pork products.

4. Usually, one human case reported in U.S. every 1 to 2 years.

5. New strain reported in 2009.

6. Symptoms of new strain are similar to those of regular flu.

7. New strain more resistant to anti-viral medicines.

8. Over 100 new cases reported in April 2009.

9. Cases reported in Mexico, California and Texas.

10. Reported death toll as of April 24, 2009: 68.

11. None of the Americans affected in 2009 had had direct contact with pigs.

12. 250 cases reported in 1976 outbreak.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the outbreak cannot be contained and reported eight confirmed cases in California and Texas.

Video on Mexico Flu Deaths Raise Global Epidemic Fears




Source: Mahalo.com

19 Facts About Phil Markoff : aka Craigslist Killer

Philip H. Markoff, a 22-year-old medical student at Boston University, was arrested as the so-called Craigslist Killer, charged with a string of crimes against women who had advertised private services on Craigslist in April of 2009.

Nineteen Facts About Phil Markoff:

1. Full name: Philip H. Markoff.

2. Fiancee: Megan McAllister.

3. 22-years-old upon arrest.

4. Enrolled as medical student at Boston University.

5. Graduate of University at Albany.

6. Engaged to marry Megan McAllister, whom he met at Albany.

7. Originally from upstate New York.

8. Arrested April 20, 2009.

9. Charged with murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

10. Pulled over on Interstate 95, south of Boston.

11. Arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on April 21, 2009.

12. Lives in sea-side Boston suburb of Quincy.

13. Rents an apartment in Quincy's 800-unit High Point apartment complex.

14. Had been under surveillance days before arrest.

15. Charged with murder of Julissa Brisman, found dead April 13 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.

16. Brisman had posted an ad offering massage services on Craigslist.

17. Also charged with robbing two other women he met through Craigslist, one of which was Trisha Leffler.

18. Suspect tried to bind the hands of the women with plastic cords.

19. Police believe Markoff may have other victims.

On April 23, it was announced that Markoff's fingerprints had been found at the murder scene of 26-year-old Julissa Brisman. The prints were taken from the surface of plastic zip ties and duct tape that Markoff allegedly used to restrain the victim.

'Craigslist Killer' Video



Source: Mahalo.com

10 Facts About Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek is a Mexican-born actress and producer who has appeared in a number of films for director Robert Rodriguez and currently produces the TV series Ugly Betty.

10 Facts About Salma Hayek

1. Full name: Salma Valgarma Hayek Jimenez.

2. Born: September 2, 1966.

3. Birthplace: Coastzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico.

4. Made acting debut in 1989 on the Mexican TV show Nuevo Amancer.

5. Daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, was born in September of 2007.

6. Nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of artist Frida Kahlo in the 2002 movie Frida.

7. Appears as Sofia Reyes on Ugly Betty.

8. Dated Edward Norton and Josh Lucas.

9. Spokesperson/model for Revlon and Avon cosmetics.

10. Married Francois-Henri Pinault on Valentine's Day in 2009.

People Magazine reported that Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault married on February 14, 2009, in Paris. Hayek and Pinault will reportedly have a second ceremony in Venice on April 25, 2009, at the Palazzo Grassi where the couple first met.

Salma Hayek on Ugly Betty Video



Source:Mahalo.com

8 Facts about Earth Day

Earth Day is a global celebration held annually on April 22. The observance was conceived by former Senator Gaylord Nelson. Nelson's Earth Day is celebrated by over one billion people around the globe, making it the largest secular holiday in the world.

8 Facts about Earth Day

1.First Earth Day celebrated April 22, 1970.

2. Founder: Gaylord Nelson.

3. Considered the birth of the environmentalism movement.

4. Celebrated in 174 countries.

5. Earth Week, an extension of Earth Day, begins April 16th.

6. Seeks to recognize and educate about environmental issues.

7. Major Environmental Issues: Global Warming, Climate Change, Peak Oil, Global Ice Loss, Alternative Energy and Recycling.

8. The date is on or near the birthdays of several environmental spokespersons which included Eddie Albert, John Muir and Julius Sterling Morton.


Earth Day Tribute Video



HAPPY EARTH DAY 2009 EVERYONE!!!

Source: Mahalo.com

14 Quik Facts about Google

Google is the world's dominant online search engine, but also offers email, online word processing, and other services.

Google Quik Facts
1. Stock Symbol: GOOG (NASDAQ)
2. Annual revenue (2007): $16.594 billion (United States)
3. Founders: Sergey Brin and Larry Page
4. Year established: 1998
5. Phone: (650) 330-0100
6. Fax: (650) 618-1499
7. HQ: Mountain View, California
8. CEO: Eric E. Schmidt
9. CFO: George Reyes
10. Staff: 19,156
11. Products: Desktop, Mobile, Web and Hardware Computer products
12. Google named in a 2009 Time Magazine article as one of ten U.S. companies not likely to experience layoffs
13. On February 4, 2009, Google introduced Google Latitude, an add-on feature to Google Maps that uses GPS tracking to allow users to see where their contacts are on a map via a smartphone
14. On February 24, 2009, Google launched a new tool bar for Internet Explorer that allows the user to search without opening the browser.

Video: An Inside Look at Google (Time: 7:21)


Source:Mahalo.com

10 Quik Facts About Tax Day - April 15

Each year on April 15th millions of Americans flock to the post office to file their income tax returns at the last minute.

Many post offices extend their hours until midnight to offer their patrons the required date as long as the day lasts. Some even provide refreshments as taxpayers line up outside their doors.

10 Quik Facts About Tax Day

1. Date: April 15th unless it falls on a weekend
2. Began with the passing of the 16th Amendment
3. First proposal for American Income tax denied in 1812
4. A 3% income tax on all income over $600 passed 1861
5. The 3% tax was later declared unconstitutional
6. Original due date: March 1st
7. Date moved back to allow the IRS more time to hold onto refunds and to give IRS employees a break
8. Sometimes falls on Patriot's Day
9. Tax extension does not exempt you from paying any due taxes by April 15th
10. If unable to pay due taxes by April 15th, a payment plan may be available

Source: Mahalo.com

13 Quik Facts About Harry Kalas

Harry Kalas was a sports announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies and narrator for NFL Films. Kalas was known for his "Outta here!" home run call. He received the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of fame.

On April 13, 2009, the Phillies President David Montgomery reported that Kalas died at the age of 73.

13 Quik Facts About Harry Kalas

1. Born March 26, 1936
2. Died on April 13, 2009
3. Found unconscious in a broadcast booth on the day he died
4. Full Name: Harry Norbert Kalas
5. Nickname(s): Harry the K, The Voice of Philadelphia
6. Spouse: Eileen Kalas
7. Three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane
8. Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
9. Graduated from University of Iowa in 1959 with a BA degree in speech, radio and television
10. Favorite expression: "That ball's outta here!"
11. Joined the Phillies in 1971
12. Original member of the Houston Astros radio broadcast team
13. Did voice overs for NFL films and commercials
14. Was awarded with the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award in 2002
15. Named as the Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year 17 times
16. Called over 5,000 Phillies games during his career
17. Worked with Richie Ashburn "Whitey" for 27 years; Ashurn died in 1997

KYW TV-3 Philadelphia with Harry Kalas (Time: 2:48)



Source: Mahalo.com

11 Quik Facts About Mark Fidrych

Mark "The Bird" Fidrych was a former Major League Baseball player. He was a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. In 1976, he was named the American League Rookie of the Year and was also selected to the American League All-Star team in 1976 and 1977.

Fidrych was found dead on April 13, 2009, laying underneath a pickup truck at his Northboro, Massachusetts, home. He was 54 years old.

11 Quik Facts About Mark Fidrych

1. Full name: Mark Steven Fidrych
2. Nickname: The Bird
3. Born: August 14, 1954
4. Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts
5. Batted: Right
6. Throws Right
7. MLB debut: April 20, 1976
8. Two-Time All-Star
9. 1976: American League Rookie of the Year
10. Career record: 29 wins, 19 losses
11. Career ERA: 3.10

Mark "The Bird" Fidrych (Time: 8:40)




Condolences goes out the family and friends of Mark Fidrych. May his soul rest-in-peace.

Source: Mahalo.com

Photographed by: Manny Millan

10 Quik Facts About Bo Obama

Bo Obama is the "First Dog of the United States." Due to arrive at the White House on April 14, 2009, the six-month-old Portuguese Water Dog is named after rock pioneer Bo Diddley and in honor of Michelle Obama's father, whose nickname was "Diddley."

10 Quik Facts About Bo Obama

1. Dog belonging to the Obamas
2. Breed: Portuguese Water Dog
3. Born: c. October 2008
4. Adopted from a Texas kennel
5. Bo is a gift from Ted Kennedy's family
6. The Kennedys will present the dog to the Obamas on April 14, 2009
7. Bo is related to Portuguese Water Dog owned by the Kennedys
8. Named after Bo Diddley
9. Other names considered: "Moose" and "Frank"
10. During Obama's presidential acceptance speech, he announced that his daughters would be getting a dog

The Wait's Over: Obama's Choose First Dog (Time: 1:16)



Source: Mahalo.com
Photo via baltimoresun.com

9 Easter Cupcakes Quik Facts

Easter cupcakes are festively decorated treats made to resemble Easter eggs and bunnies. They can be any flavor and often incorporate candies of season, including jelly beans, Peeps and chocolate bunnies.

Easter Cupcakes Quik Facts
1. Cupcakes are small, individual-sized cakes
2. Often served in individual tins
3. Cupcakes are known as "Fairy Cakes" in the United Kingdom
4. Cupcakes are popular with both children and adults
5. Made with butter, sugar, eggs and flour
6. Cupcakes can be baked in individual paper or foil tins, muffin tins, pottery cups, coffee mugs or ramekins
7. Easter Cupcake Variants: Eggs, bunnies and baskets
8. Can be decorated with any color of frosting
9. May be topped with various nonpareils, sprinkles, color sugars, coconut, jelly beans, chocolate Easter eggs

Source: Mahalo.com
Photo by safetypinheart

Abo Obama Quik Facts

Abo Obama, also known as Samson Obama, is a younger half-brother of Democratic President Barack Obama. Obama was reportedly refused an entry visa into the UK in January 2009, as he attempted to travel from his native Kenya to the U.S. to attend Barack Obama's inauguration. According to reports that surfaced in April 2009, Abo Obama was denied a visa after he allegedly lied to police investigating a sexual assault against him.

Abo Obama Quik Facts
1. Born: 1968
2. Father: Barack Obama, Sr.
3. Mother: Kezia Obama
4. Sister: Auma Obama
5. Brothers: Bernard Obama, Malik Obama3, Abongo Obama
6. First met half-brother Barack Obama in 1987
7. Refused entry into the UK in January 2009
8. Questioned in connection with a sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl in Berkshire, UK
9. Allegedly lied to police about his identity during questioning
10. Was not charged in connection with the case

Source: Mahalo Abo Obama Page

NBA Playoff Bracket 2009 Quik Facts

The brackets for the 2009 NBA Playoffs will be finalized after all 2008-2009 regular season games are completed on April 15, 2009. NBA Playoff action will begin on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

The 16 participating teams are finalized, however their seeding may change before the end of the season. Check back as these brackets will be updated as seeding is confirmed!

NBA Playoff Bracket 2009 Quik Facts
1. Brackets to be finalized on April 15, 2009
2. Playoffs begin April 18, 2009
3. Top eight teams in each conference participate
4. Seeding determined by divisional championships and regular season standings
5. Division winners receive the top three seeds in each conference bracket
6. Higher-seeded teams get home-court advantage in games one, two, five and seven in the first three rounds
7. Games one, two, six and seven of the NBA Finals played at the higher-seeded team's arena

ESPN Video: NBA Shootaround: East Playoff Picks (Time: 4:07)

Kenny Perry Quick Facts

Kenny Perry is a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Perry had an exceptional performance at The Masters 2009 tournament, scoring 68, 67 and 70 in the first three rounds for a tie for first place with Angel Cabrera at 11-under par.

Kenny Perry Quick Facts
1. Full name: James Kenneth Perry
2. Born: August 10, 1960
3. Birthplace: Elizabethtown, Kentucky
4. Height: 6'2"
5. Weight: 220 lbs
6. College: Western Kentucky University
7. Swings: Right
8. Turned pro: 1982

YouTube Video: Perry, Campbell Lead at Midway Point (Time: 1:42)

Easter 2009 Quick Facts

Easter is the designated date of the Christian church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. In 2009, Easter falls on April 12. Celebrations in various parts of the world include both high church reenactments of the life of Jesus called Passion Plays, and secular events such as Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Parades.

Easter 2009 Fast Facts
1. Date: April 12, 2009
2. The oldest Christian holiday1
3. Preceded by Lent, which lasts for 40 days (six weeks)1
4. Followed by Easter Season (from Easter to Pentecost)1
5. Easter week often includes Passion Plays2
6. White House Easter Egg Roll: April 13, 20093
7. Easter Parades are held in many cities throughout the world
8. Easter Parade in New York City will be along 5th Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets, from 10am-4pm on April 12

Photo by krisdecurtis

Albania Quik Facts

Albania is a southern European country which shares borders with Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia. It has coasts on the Adriatic Sea and on the Ionian Sea.

In 1912 Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire but was conquered by Italy in 1939. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944 and Albania allied itself with the USSR until 1960 and then with China until 1978.

Albania Fast Facts

1. Full name: The Republic of Albania
2. Capital: Tirana
3. Government: Parlimentary democracy
4. Population: 3,619,778 (2008 est.)1
5. Currency: Albanian Lek
6. Major religions: Islam, Christianity
7. Monetary unit: 1 lek = 100 qindars2
8. Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)3
9. Main exports: Chromium and chrome products, processed foodstuffs
10. International dialing code: + 355
11. Official language: Albanian
12. GNI per capita: US $3,290 (World bank, 2007)

Algeria Quik Facts

Algeria is the second largest country in Africa. It borders the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Sahara Desert as well as Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, and Morocco. It became independent of France on July 5, 1962.

Algeria Fast Facts
1. Capital: Algiers
2. Government: Presidential Republic
3. Population: 33,333,216 (July 2007 est.)
4. Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
5. Exchange rate: 67.400
6. Official language: Arabic
7. Independence: July 5, 1962
8. Country code: +213
9. Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
10. Climate: Warm desert climate

Afghanistan Quik Facts

Afghanistan is a landlocked country bordered by Pakistan in the south and east, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north and China in the far northeast.

Afghanistan Fast Facts

1. Capital: Kabul
2. Government: Islamic Republic
3. Population: 31,889,923 (July 2007)
4. Currency: Afghani (AFN)
5. Inflation rate: 16.3%
6. Official languages:Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Pashto 35%
7. UN survey shows Afghan civilian deaths rose 40% in 2008

Afghanistan Top 5

• Official Site: Afghanistan
• Wikipedia: Afghanistan
• CIA World Factbook: Afghanistan
• BBC Country Profile: Afghanistan
• U.S. Department of State: Afghanistan
  

YouTube Video: Vacationing in Afghanistan (Time: 9:42)