BlackBerry fans: RIM is 'chipping away our faith'

(CNN) -- The love affair between BlackBerry devotees and their mobile communicators is becoming strained, and some of them made the quarrel very public this week after a service outage.

Fans often discuss the intimate details about why they are attached at the hip to smartphones made by Research in Motion -- the clack-clack of the tiny keys, the feel of the trackball or square pad on their thumbs, the informative indicator light calling out for attention. They affectionately call it the "CrackBerry."

After the recent outage, which RIM says was caused by a server error, some longtime BlackBerry users are writing goodbye letters on blogs, and on message boards operated and frequented by the CrackBerry collective. Richie, a British member of a Web forum called CrackBerry, summed up the concerns, saying RIM has been "chipping away our faith" in the company's ability to satisfy customers.

In interviews with reporters, RIM executives issued apologies, which they also made public in a recorded video, but they avoided questions about whether they planned to offer incentives as compensation for the millions of customers affected by the outage. RIM did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

By comparison, after Sony restored its network this summer following a lengthy outage, the company compensated users of its subscription service, and gave free games and movie rentals to all users.

Netflix has offered small discounts to customers affected by technical troubles.

Despite RIM's lack of public comment, an AT&T customer in Cleveland wrote on the CrackBerry message boards that he received a credit on his bill when he called to complain about the outage.

RIM customers still holding onto their faith in the company should pay close attention to a conference being held in San Francisco next week. The pressure on BlackBerry from competitors is mounting, and RIM's promised next-generation models, with dual-core processors and large touchscreens, are overdue.

A CrackBerry forum member, posting under the alias N8star, says he is giving up his BlackBerry Torch 9850 "after years of being treated like a battered spouse by RIM," he wrote. His wife urged him to switch to an iPhone, and he says he will acquiesce.

Jim Kerstetter, the executive editor for technology website CNET, published an editorial on Thursday titled "RIM, you're dead to me now." He writes that he has defended BlackBerry, despite the lack of multimedia features, but that the recent outage has spurred him to switch phones and operating systems.

RIM still has a comfortable hold on corporate buyers, who snap up large orders for employees. Security experts tend to trust BlackBerry more than other smartphone platforms.

However, even tech departments in companies are becoming more lenient on this policy. David Hurst, who was waiting in line to buy an iPhone 4S for his wife at a store in Atlanta, said her company "has finally approved for her to switch from BlackBerry to iPhone, and her BlackBerry is just falling apart."

In the now crucial mobile-consumer market, Google and Apple both lead BlackBerry in sales, a trend expected to continue into the crucial holiday shopping season. A combined 69% of smartphone buyers say they plan to get either an Android phone or iPhone, while only 8% indicated that BlackBerry was at the top of their shopping lists, according to an NPD study from this summer.

RIM is "struggling to compete against Apple and Android," NPD analyst Linda Barrabee said in a phone interview. "The outage comes at a really opportune time. ... You've got, during the same week, the availability of the iPhone 4S."

Among the dedicated Apple followers who lined up outside stores around the world to buy the new iPhone on Friday, some reluctant people waiting at stores told CNN that they were there because they believed BlackBerry was too far behind the technological curve.

Outside the Apple Store in Los Gatos, California, a few spots behind Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in line, Karol McBrian held a spot for her son. She is a longtime BlackBerry user, but she said she is changing allegiances. She will be inheriting her son's iPhone 4.

Teresa Sparks, a 41-year-old nurse in Atlanta, waited in a line across the country from McBrian to buy her iPhone, which will replace a BlackBerry. She is especially excited about Siri, the voice-assistant technology that Apple has promoted heavily. "I don't know who made it; I don't care," she said. "I just want the personal assistant."

Source

Air travel with kids: Surviving security

(CNN) -- We were running late for a flight from London's Heathrow Airport when it happened. The security official held up his hand, and shouted for his colleague. A lengthy line of travelers offered sympathetic glances. They knew what this meant.

It was time for a pat-down.

But it was not for me; it was for my 4-year-old daughter.

It was her first. Though young, she is an experienced air traveler. She took her first transatlantic flight when she was 6 weeks old. And she knows the rules: When she arrives at airport security, she kisses her stuffed bunny goodbye, and tells him she will see him on the other side of the X-ray machine.

Bunny had to wait a bit longer than usual for their reunion on this occasion. My daughter was selected for a pat-down because, according to the security officer, she had touched the side of the metal detector.

Had I watched her go through, I might have warned her to keep her hands at her sides. But I was busy sampling my infant son's jar of pureed spaghetti and tomato sauce, washed back with a sip of baby milk, under orders from a security officer.

"The same rules apply for everybody at the airport," says a spokesperson for BAA Airports, which operates London's Heathrow. "Some people are selected fairly randomly for an extra search."

Search protocols vary between international airports. Certain guidelines, such as restrictions on liquids, tend to be universal, but security rules differ on a country-by-country basis.

For traveling parents, that can mean the difference between having to taste the breast milk they want to bring on a flight vs. merely holding the liquid under a test strip.

But even with a surprise taste test, staying calm is key. Getting anxious will only make the process more stressful, says travel expert Pauline Frommer, series editor for the Frommer's guides.

"Kids are very sensitive and they pick up that vibe," she says. "What parents need to realize is, it's not going to be as bad as they think."

Even with a pat-down, the airport security process will probably only take about 15 minutes out of a trip. And young travelers can be resilient, often more resilient than their parents.

To my surprise, my daughter submitted happily to her pat-down. She saw it as an adventure, especially when she realized that her parents were standing by during the procedure (per airport protocol).

And many of the world's busiest airports are taking steps to make security more family friendly. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration is in the process of making pat-downs less likely for children. Passengers who are younger than 12 will be allowed to pass through the metal detector more than once rather than getting patted down immediately after triggering the alarm.

"These modified procedures offer options to greatly reduce -- but not eliminate -- a pat-down for children 12 and under," says TSA spokesman Greg Soule. Under the new guidelines, the younger travelers also will be able to keep wearing their shoes instead of sending them through the X-ray machine.

Officials at London's Heathrow recently met with a group of mom bloggers, in response to online criticism of the airport's restrictions on traveling with breast milk.

"This prompted us to think about ways we could improve the experience of people traveling with babies ..." a BAA spokesperson wrote in an e-mail, "... and we thought that getting the views of a selection of mummy bloggers would be a good way of doing this."

No matter the airport families are passing through, these expert tips should help streamline the security process:

Review restrictions: If a passenger plans to bring breast milk, formula or other baby-related liquids for the flight, check the online guidelines of the TSA, or the international airport operator. "Be aware of the rules and it will go much more smoothly," says Frommer.

Arrive early: Make sure to leave plenty of time at the airport to allow for security surprises, or other unexpected delays. "There is nothing worse than trying to run to catch an airplane," says Lauren Goldenberg, owner of the Family Traveler agency, especially with toddlers in tow. "You just never know when those lines will get long," she says.

Pick the right lane: Many airports offer security lines earmarked for travelers with young children, who will need extra assistance. "They really help cut down on the time standing in line," says Anne Taylor Hartzell, Editor of HipTravelMama.com, "... and separate you from business travelers who may be less patient with you struggling to close your baby stroller."

Preview the process: "The best thing is to prepare the children for what's going to happen," says Goldenberg. Warning your young traveling companions in advance that their toys will take a trip through an X-ray machine could avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Free your hands: "A baby carrier saves a lot of time," says Hartzell. Traveling families often have strollers, car seats and other bulky items. Trying to get the gear through the X-ray machine while shepherding young children through the metal detector, can be a challenge. Putting a baby in a carrier attached to a parent leaves hands free for luggage -- and for keeping toddlers from running amok.

Share the load: Families with two adults can divide and conquer. One can supervise the children while the other folds the stroller and gets the bags through the X-ray machine. Parents who are flying alone can ask their airline about getting a gate pass for a friend or family member who can help. And children can carry their own weight, if they have a small bag. "I find it's great even at a young age if children have their own," says Goldenberg.

Keep calm: "Don't your let your anxieties translate to your children," advises Frommer. "That's when the meltdowns happen." If you lose your cool, your children probably will, too.

Source

Rajaratnam may wind up in Madoff's prison

The lawyer for Raj Rajaratnam, right, requested that the white collar convict serve time at the same prison as Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff, left.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Raj Rajaratnam, the former hedge fund manager who received the stiffest sentence ever for insider trading, is trying to get into the same prison as Ponzi mastermind Bernard Madoff.

Galleon Group founder Rajaratnam was sentenced to 11 years on Thursday.

At his sentencing, his lawyer Terence Lynam asked federal Judge Richard Holwell if Rajaratnam could serve his time at the Butner Federal Correction Complex in North Carolina, which features a medical center, according to the court transcript.

Holwell said that he would make that recommendation.

But while a judge can request a specific prison for a convict, he does not have the power to grant it. That decision is made by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

Holwell noted that Rajaratnam's deteriorating health -- in particular, his "advanced diabetes, imminent kidney failure, the need for transplant surgery" -- requires extensive medical care.

"Illness does not provide a get-out-of-jail-free card, but some form of forbearance, however constrained by circumstances, is fundamental to our system of justice and is appropriate here," said the judge.

Coincidentally, part of Lynam's defense was to differentiate Rajaratnam, age 53, from Madoff. He highlighted the fact that Madoff victimized thousands through his pyramid-style scheme, while arguing that Rajaratnam victimized no one by making trades based on inside knowledge.

Madoff was sent to Butner immediately after his sentencing on March 11, 2009. He had pleaded guilty to running the largest, longest-running Ponzi scheme in history. He was sentenced to 150 years and faces a release date of Nov. 14, 2139.

But Madoff, age 73, was not sent to Butner for medical reasons, though he has taken advantage of the prison's medical services. In December 2009, he was transferred to the on-site medical center for 10 days to receive treatment for hypertension and dizziness.

Madoff was most likely sent to Butner for its geographical proximity to New York City.

The Bureau of Prisons tries to send convicts to prisons that are located within 500 miles of their homes so that family members can visit them. Butner is located 490 miles from Madoff's New York base of operations.

Madoff's lawyer, Ira Lee Sorkin, had actually requested that Madoff serve his time at the Federal Correctional Institution Otisville, located a mere 70 miles from New York City.

Rajaratnam is required to report to authorities on Nov. 28 to begin his sentence. Edmond Ross, spokesman for the federal Bureau of Prisons, said it's too soon to know where he'll be transferred.

Rajaratnam's lawyer did not return messages from CNNMoney.

The Butner complex, located north of the research triangle of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, began life during World War II as an Army training camp and prisoner-of-war facility.

Now its sprawling campus is home to two medium security prisons, a low security prison and nearly 5,000 inmates, in addition to the medical center.

BlackBerry fans: RIM is 'chipping away our faith'

(CNN) -- The love affair between BlackBerry devotees and their mobile communicators is becoming strained, and some of them made the quarrel very public this week after a service outage.

Fans often discuss the intimate details about why they are attached at the hip to smartphones made by Research in Motion -- the clack-clack of the tiny keys, the feel of the trackball or square pad on their thumbs, the informative indicator light calling out for attention. They affectionately call it the "CrackBerry."

After the recent outage, which RIM says was caused by a server error, some longtime BlackBerry users are writing goodbye letters on blogs, and on message boards operated and frequented by the CrackBerry collective. Richie, a British member of a Web forum called CrackBerry, summed up the concerns, saying RIM has been "chipping away our faith" in the company's ability to satisfy customers.

In interviews with reporters, RIM executives issued apologies, which they also made public in a recorded video, but they avoided questions about whether they planned to offer incentives as compensation for the millions of customers affected by the outage. RIM did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

By comparison, after Sony restored its network this summer following a lengthy outage, the company compensated users of its subscription service, and gave free games and movie rentals to all users.

Netflix has offered small discounts to customers affected by technical troubles.

Despite RIM's lack of public comment, an AT&T customer in Cleveland wrote on the CrackBerry message boards that he received a credit on his bill when he called to complain about the outage.

RIM customers still holding onto their faith in the company should pay close attention to a conference being held in San Francisco next week. The pressure on BlackBerry from competitors is mounting, and RIM's promised next-generation models, with dual-core processors and large touchscreens, are overdue.

A CrackBerry forum member, posting under the alias N8star, says he is giving up his BlackBerry Torch 9850 "after years of being treated like a battered spouse by RIM," he wrote. His wife urged him to switch to an iPhone, and he says he will acquiesce.

Jim Kerstetter, the executive editor for technology website CNET, published an editorial on Thursday titled "RIM, you're dead to me now." He writes that he has defended BlackBerry, despite the lack of multimedia features, but that the recent outage has spurred him to switch phones and operating systems.

RIM still has a comfortable hold on corporate buyers, who snap up large orders for employees. Security experts tend to trust BlackBerry more than other smartphone platforms.

However, even tech departments in companies are becoming more lenient on this policy. David Hurst, who was waiting in line to buy an iPhone 4S for his wife at a store in Atlanta, said her company "has finally approved for her to switch from BlackBerry to iPhone, and her BlackBerry is just falling apart."

In the now crucial mobile-consumer market, Google and Apple both lead BlackBerry in sales, a trend expected to continue into the crucial holiday shopping season. A combined 69% of smartphone buyers say they plan to get either an Android phone or iPhone, while only 8% indicated that BlackBerry was at the top of their shopping lists, according to an NPD study from this summer.

RIM is "struggling to compete against Apple and Android," NPD analyst Linda Barrabee said in a phone interview. "The outage comes at a really opportune time. ... You've got, during the same week, the availability of the iPhone 4S."

Among the dedicated Apple followers who lined up outside stores around the world to buy the new iPhone on Friday, some reluctant people waiting at stores told CNN that they were there because they believed BlackBerry was too far behind the technological curve.

Outside the Apple Store in Los Gatos, California, a few spots behind Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in line, Karol McBrian held a spot for her son. She is a longtime BlackBerry user, but she said she is changing allegiances. She will be inheriting her son's iPhone 4.

Teresa Sparks, a 41-year-old nurse in Atlanta, waited in a line across the country from McBrian to buy her iPhone, which will replace a BlackBerry. She is especially excited about Siri, the voice-assistant technology that Apple has promoted heavily. "I don't know who made it; I don't care," she said. "I just want the personal assistant."

Source

Makeup and hair that lasts all day

(Real Simple) -- Foundation

"Oil-free formulas stay put best, since they don't contain the emollient ingredients that can make makeup slide off your face," says Landy Dean, a makeup artist at the Marie Robinson Salon, in New York City. But if your skin is on the dry side, you'll need to use a hydrating formula. To keep it in place, first let your moisturizer sink in completely (for five minutes or more) before spreading on the foundation. Then lock it in with translucent powder, which will help soak up oils that can accelerate fading, says Liliana Grajales, the spa director and a makeup artist at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, in Miami. Try Shiseido Translucent Pressed Powder ($32, shiseido.com) and Nars Ita Kabuki Brush ($39, narscosmetics.com).

Real Simple: A guide to beauty product labels

Eye Shadow

There are a couple of ways to go here. For an enduring daytime look, Dean recommends first applying an eye-shadow base, such as Stila Prime Pot Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer ($20, stilacosmetics.com) or any concealer that doesn't feel too oily, then topping it with powder shadow. Priming your lids will help the powder adhere. (This trick won't work if you use cream shadow, which has more slip to it.) For deeper, evening-appropriate color that lasts, just layer on matching cream and powder shadows, putting the cream on first. Another pro tip, courtesy of Dean: If you prefer to skip layering, any powder shadow can be set sufficiently when applied with a damp makeup brush. Two you might like: Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour in Born Freesia ($19.50, clinique.com) and Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Purple Dawn ($25, shiseido.com).

Eyeliner

The formula is key -- liquid and gel liners last longer than pencil. But if you can't part with your beloved pencil, trace over it with a matching eye shadow (use a slant-tip brush or the pointy tip of a foam applicator). The powder helps to set the pencil. Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink ($21, bobbibrown.com).

Real Simple: How to apply makeup well

Blush

Again, it's all about the formula, says Sarah Lucero, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles. Pick a gel, liquid, or cream cheek stain; they're all highly pigmented, which is why they last longer, but they go on sheer, so you can add color gradually until you get the intensity you're after. If you prefer powder blush, try a slightly brighter shade than what you think you should use; it will fade throughout the day into something more subtle but still noticeable. Easy application trick: Sweep powder on in an X over the apple of each cheek. This will punch up your pigment load (allowing a little extra for fading) and guarantee that the strongest concentration of color is in the perfect place. A few recommendations: Chanel Exclusive Creation Powder Blush in Rouge ($43, chanel.com), YSL Cr me de Blush in Fuchsia Temptation ($38, yslbeautyus.com), and Sonia Kashuk Cr me Blush in Petal ($10, target.com).

Mascara

No surprises here. If you want to avoid runoff, go for a waterproof formula, says Grajales: "Any kind of moisture, whether it's humidity, tears, or sweat, makes non-waterproof mascara come off." Barely touch the wand to your lashes and apply in quick layers before the formula starts to dry. (Applying after the mascara dries can cause clumping and flaking.) Try Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara ($70, nordstrom.com).

Lipstick

Start by outlining and filling in your mouth with a pencil in a tone similar to your lipstick. The pencil helps anchor the color on top. Then apply the lipstick with a brush, which presses the pigment deeper into your lips than the tube or a finger does. A brush will also allow you to apply several thin layers (another key to long wear) without a gloppy result. Consider Laura Mercier Cr me Lip Colour in Seduction ($22, lauramercier.com), Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero ($24, narscosmetics.com), and CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Temptress ($7, drugstore.com).

A Blow-Out

Whether it's done by a professional or at home, you can keep a blow-out sleek for up to five days, says Naeemah Carre, a stylist at Blow NY, a salon in New York City. After a home blow-out, make sure that your hair is completely dry. If there's any moisture left, your hair will revert to its naturally flat or frizzy state. Run your fingers through it thoroughly to double-check. To seal your hair off from humidity, the archenemy of a home or salon blow-out, wear a shower cap when bathing on subsequent days. And to manage grease and revive the look of your style after showering, sprinkle a dry shampoo, such as Fekkai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo ($25, fekkai.com), into your roots. If necessary, you can smooth your hair out further with a round brush (one to try: Kevin Murphy round brush, $69, kevinmurphy.com.au for salons) and a dryer. "And sleep with your hair in a high ponytail to maintain volume at the roots," says Carre.

Real Simple: How to correct 8 common beauty mistakes

Hair Color

To make a pricey professional job last, start before you leave the salon, says Stacy Heitman, a hair colorist at the Warren-Tricomi salon in Los Angeles. She suggests asking the colorist to apply a clear gloss after she has colored your hair. (At some salons, this is included in your treatment; at others there's an additional charge.) "The gloss helps lock in the color and adds shine," says Heitman. At home, monitor your shower temperature. "As much as we all love a hot shower, the best way to preserve pigment is to wash your hair in cooler water," says Vicki Casciola, a hairstylist in Las Vegas. It doesn't need to be freezing, but keep in mind that the warmer the water, the more hair strands swell. This eventually causes their outer layers to peel up and allows color molecules to escape. Maintenance products are important, too, says Casciola, who recommends shampooing and conditioning only every two or three days (if your hair doesn't get too greasy) and using color-preserving formulas, such as Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo and Conditioner (shampoo, $8.50; conditioner, $10.50: paulmitchell.com for salons). As time goes by, upgrade to a shampoo that actually deposits pigment, like Watercolors Color Maintenance Shampoo by Tressa ($15, 704-573-1001).

An Updo

Putting your hair up, while not costly, falls into the "too irritating to do twice" camp. To keep an updo in place, start by saturating freshly washed and dried hair with mousse. Then blow the mousse dry, says Kristan Serafino, a celebrity stylist in New York City. Next, tease the roots before sweeping your hair up. The combination of the tack of the mousse and the texture of the tease will help anchor your style. Try K rastase Paris Mousse Substantive ($39, kerastase-usa.com).

Curls

If you want to maintain curl, your hair has to be pliable, not dry or brittle, says Ouidad, a stylist and salon owner in New York City. So whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, or curly (and you just want more defined coils), here's the lock-tight technique: Start by shampooing and conditioning with moisturizing formulas, then spritz a flexible-hold hair spray onto your damp hair (try Oribe Soft Lacquer Hair Spray; $42, oribe.com). This will create a slightly sticky foundation on which to set the curls. Most stylists recommend setting hair in large Velcro rollers, because they're easy to slip in and out without damaging hair. If your hair is short, pin curls work equally well; create them by twisting small sections of hair and securing them to your scalp with bobby pins. Then air-dry or blow-dry until no moisture remains, unravel the rollers or the pin curls, and retwist the curls around the barrel of a curling iron. Consider it a worthwhile project: Done correctly, this method makes curls that last for days.

A Manicure

For a ding-resistant, DIY polish job, gently buff each nail smooth before you paint it, says Deborah Lippmann, creator of the Deborah Lippmann nail-care line, as it's harder for polish to adhere to a rough surface. "Never skip a base or topcoat, either, no matter how tempted you are to speed up the process," says Lippmann. "The base gives the polish something to stick to, and the topcoat seals in the color." Let one coat dry for a full two minutes before adding the next. "This helps the polish dry properly, which ultimately helps it stay on longer, since you won't get any bubbling or gloppiness that can lead to chips," says Lippmann. To protect the polish further, every other day brush on a clear topcoat, such as Essie No Chips Ahead ($8, essie.com). This strategy will also help extend the life of a salon manicure. Also, at the salon, allow polish to dry about 10 minutes longer than you think necessary to make sure it's bulletproof, or at least keys-in-purse--proof.

Real Simple: Beauty ideas that save time, money and sanity

Perfume

The lasting power of a fragrance depends on three things, says Jean Claude Ellena, a perfumer for Herm s: your skin (larger pores trap scent more easily), your nose (some people are just keener sniffers, so even if you can't smell yourself, other people might), and your perfume. Since that last factor is the only one you can control, choose an eau de parfum (such as Tom Ford Violet Blonde, $100 for 1.7 ounces, saks.com, or Bottega Veneta, $95 for 1.7 ounces, neimanmarcus.com), which is more concentrated and stronger than an eau de toilette or a splash. But keep in mind that no scent will last more than 24 hours. Apply perfume to body parts that aren't exposed to the air -- the nape of your neck (if you have long hair), your covered d colletage -- rather than your exposed wrists. That way, it won't evaporate as quickly.

A Shave

First use a hydrating shave gel, such as Skintimate Skin Therapy for dry skin ($3 at drugstores). This will prop up hairs and ensure that your razor has access to the roots, giving you the closest crop possible, says Doris Day, a dermatologist in New York City. Use a thin layer of gel, since any more will obstruct the razor. And don't start shaving until the end of your shower. When your skin and hairs are saturated, they're more supple, which helps the razor to glide effortlessly. Make a few passes over each area, rinsing the razor in between passes.

Self-Tanner

The name of the game is preparation and aftercare. A few hours before tanning (in a spray booth, at a salon, or at home), use a gentle scrub or a loofah to exfoliate, then moisturize. If you don't, your skin cells -- not to mention your future self-tan -- will flake off more quickly, says Mike Krief of Hollywood Tans, in New Jersey. After self-tanning, although your skin may feel slightly sticky, resist rubbing off the excess with a towel; the color needs time to develop fully. If you must, blot. In the days following, moisturize daily with a product like Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer ($9 at drugstores) to seal in the tint and keep the color from sloughing off.

Real Simple: How to do a natural, no makeup look

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Fraternity brothers made King Monument a reality

(CNN) -- The newest monument in Washington dedicated to the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is attracting thousands of Americans and foreign tourists. It will finally get its official day in the sun on Sunday. That is when the federal government will formally dedicate the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall.

This weekend in Washington should not be a destination, however. It should be viewed as a new leg on a long journey to find the America that King spoke of 48 years ago when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. When a quarter-million people turned out for the 1963 historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the nation's capital was also not so much a destination but a journey.

It is that journey that several of King's Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brothers took to heart to spark the campaign to build a memorial in his honor. Little did they know their idea for a small tribute would become the monument that it is today. Little did fraternity members know that the young Atlantan who joined the fraternity in 1952 at Boston University would become a world leader and historic figure who inspires millions.

Fraternity historian Robert Harris, a professor of history at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, says the idea for the monument started 28 years ago when brother George Sealey and his wife, sitting at their kitchen table, said there should be a tribute to King in Washington. Harris says they got the idea after watching President Reagan sign into law the King holiday bill in the fall of 1983.

Sealey, then living in Silver Spring, Maryland, brought together four other Alpha men in his local chapter, and from there the idea became a national mission of the fraternity. After years of producing fiscal and fundraising plans, drawings and blueprints and galvanizing public support, Alpha Phi Alpha persuaded Congress and key elements of the executive branch, including the Department of the Interior and the White House, to green light the project.

King's brothers' dream is now a reality.

"Many people didn't think this could be built, but we did it, through hard work across the country," said Herman "Skip" Mason Jr., general president of the fraternity. "In our local chapters, we worked with community groups to build support from local leaders to members of Congress, pressing why it was important and why we were willing to do whatever was needed to make this memorial happen."

It also would take raising $120 million.

Alpha Phi Alpha boasts the largest contingent of individuals to donate, at approximately $3 million. There are thousands of other private citizens who gave, including children who raised dollars at elementary school events. The U.S. government allocated $10 million in matching funds, and the remainder came from about 100 corporate sponsors.

Thousands of people were set to descend on Washington on August 28 for the unveiling and dedication. It was planned to coincide with the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.

But Hurricane Irene came along and disrupted everyone's plans.

It was going to be one big party, an international celebration not seen in Washington since the inauguration of President Obama in 2009.

The fraternity did hold a private dedication that drew more than 5,000 on August 26 before the rest of the weekend events were canceled.

This weekend's government event may be a bit smaller than the originally planned celebration, but it will still have star power and a festive flair. The president will speak, civil rights legends will tell stories of the struggle, and we'll hear about the long journey to build this worthwhile memorial. Also, it still will have a link to an historic day in America: October 16 is the anniversary of the 1995 Million Man March.

But the question remains, what really will happen after all the pomp and circumstance? What lessons will be learned and applied?

This year, King would have turned 82 years old. He would be in the club of all those veteran civil rights warriors who have made it to the 21st century. The iconic Rev. Joseph Lowery, a co-founder the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with King, turned 90 last week. Many now are in their twilight years. They march to a slower cadence, many with a third leg. Some are pushed along in wheelchairs. Many say the memorial is a marvelous and well-deserved tribute to a man who helped America find its soul. A man who showed the country how its citizens could - and should - be treated despite their race, color, creed or station in life.

None of us know what King would think of all the euphoria surrounding this memorial, but my guess is that he would say we still have a lot of work to do.

You do not have to look far for evidence that he would be right.

A recent poll by the Pew Research Center shows that the wealth gap between whites and African- and Latino-Americans has grown by leaps and bounds. According to Pew, "median wealth of white households is 20 times that of black households and 18 times that of Hispanic households."

So it is clear the King memorial has to be more than just a "stone of hope." It must be more than just another tourist site we put on our maps. It has to rekindle the enthusiasm in people for those issues King cared about. It has to be a living monument. It has to transform lives of those who will make the journey to see it up close.

"The Alpha men who originally pushed this idea of a memorial saw this not just to honor King, but as an inspiration to schoolchildren who visit the capital each year," Harris said. "Having this memorial to King could be inspirational as they go back home."

Sealey never got to see his dream become reality. He died several years ago. But now the world has the chance to benefit from that dream and to see Martin Luther King Jr. in a new way. However, it will mean nothing if we do not put action and meaning into what we glean from this monument.

Source

Bangkok digs in as floods, high tides merge

(CNN) -- Thailand's devastating floodwaters are draining southward towards Bangkok Friday, and residents have been told to prepare for the worst when the spring high tide and a huge volume of water flowing down the Chao Phraya River merge over the next couple of days.

Workers in the city are rushing to shore up barriers and warnings have been posted for the northern suburbs.

"Between seven and eight billion cubic meters of water a day is being released from the Bhumibol Dam in the north of the country, which is heavily affecting provinces like Nahkon Sawan and Ayutthaya," government official Wim Rungwattanajinda told CNN.

"From that, about one to 1.2 billion cubic meters of water is reaching Bangkok every day."

So far, 283 people have been killed and two people are missing in Thailand, according to the government website Thaiflood.com. Some 61 of the country's 76 provinces have so far been affected, impacting more than eight million people.

More than 500,000 square kilometers -- an area the size of Spain -- are affected by the floods in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, according to CNN meteorologist Jenny Harrison.

Asia's wet and wild summer explained

About 100 kilometers north of Bangkok, the UNESCO-listed historical city of Ayutthaya has now been submerged for 10 days, CNN's Paula Hancocks reports.

Shops in Ayutthaya are mostly flooded and closed, and people unable to leave their homes are waiting for help to arrive. Roads have become rivers, with people having to swim or use boats to get food and water.

"Doctors are patrolling the flooded areas in small boats and are making house-calls to residents to those incapable of moving," Hancocks says. "It's one of the worst hit areas in the country. Even if there are no more storms, one government estimate says it'll still take a month for the floodwaters to recede."

Flood warnings: Crocodiles, snakes and centipedes

Temples and monuments are unable to keep the rising waters at bay, and there are fears that the longer the city's treasures are covered by water, the more likely it will be that the damage could be permanent.

"This is the worst flood in our historical site in 16 years," said Somsuda Leeyawanich, from the Thai Fine Arts Department. She said the water level in the park is almost three meters, compared to levels of around 80-90 centimeters during the floods of 1995.

"We are very concerned that if the site is under water for more than 30 days it may cause serious damage," she added. "The temples are over 400 years old."

Along with people and historical sites, animals are also are being severely affected by the floodwaters. Fifteen elephants, including seven mothers with babies and a nine-year-old known for its painting skills, are stranded on top of Ayutthaya's Royal Elephant Kraal.

The elephants climbed on top of the building last week and are going hungry now that food can only be brought in small quantities via rowing boats. Elephants can swim but it's feared the babies would drown in the floodwaters if they attempt to escape.

iReporter shares photos of Ayutthaya flooding

Meanwhile, the country's economy may be badly affected from the floods. Manufacturing areas just north of Bangkok have been particularly hard hit hard, including a Honda factory that has been submerged, ruining hundreds of cars.

The giant Rojana Industrial Park has also halted operations for the time being, director Amara Charoengitwattanagun told state-run news agency MCOT, and the facility may be further damaged if the flooding worsens. One plant in the park, Single Point Parts, evacuated all workers from the premises and built flood prevention embankments around its building.

"The Thai finance ministry says overall damage from the floods could be more than $2 billion, with the worst yet still possibly to come," Hancocks says.

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Why gamers are a great fit at the gym

(CNN) -- They've been trained to focus for weeks at a time on a single goal. They know how to clearly identify obstacles and form step-by-step plans to overcome them.

They're obsessed with improving specific skills but judge success only by overall progress made in the world they've decided to conquer -- as realistic or fantastical as it may be.

It's precisely these traits that make video-gamers great bodybuilders.

Take a moment to laugh, if you must. Now hear us out.

Brian Wang and Dick Talens were the stereotypical video-gamers in high school. One was scrawny, the other fat. They grew up playing marathon sessions of "EverQuest" and "Counter-Strike."

"I literally would wake up and play all day, eating intermittently," Talens said. "OK, when I say intermittently, I mean eating a lot."

But by the time the men met at the University of Pennsylvania in 2004, they had traded an obsession with video gaming for an obsession with weight-lifting. As they shared stories at the gym, they realized their healthy transformation had been easier for them than for most.

Why? Because they were -- and would always be -- gamers.

"People don't realize that video games are an expression of personality," Talens said. "There's certain qualities that people have. They're obsessed with improving the stat sheets, getting to the next level; they pay a lot of attention to detail. Guys who play ('World of Warcraft') ... are very intense about whatever they do. They can turn that addiction and all its characteristics into fitness."

It's a theory they're taking to the bank. Talens and Wang are the co-founders of Fitocracy, a website that's turning gaming geeks into fitness geeks. The site has 70,000 users in its beta version and hopes to open to the 60,000 on a waiting list in the next couple months.

Fitocracy members can "level up" by earning points for their workouts. New levels unlock special challenges or "quests" that are designed to push users out of their comfort zones. For example, a runner might have to do yoga, or a bodybuilder might have to tackle a 5K.

Still, one has to wonder: What would make a virtual warrior trade in his sword and shield for a pair of dumbbells? The same thing that got him interested in playing video games in the first place, Dr. Scott Rigby says.

Rigby and Dr. Richard Ryan are co-authors of the book "Glued to Games: How Video Games Draw Us In and Hold Us Spellbound." As experts on human motivation, they have identified basic psychological needs -- similar to physical needs like food, water and sleep -- that video games satisfy.

First, Ryan says, is the need to feel competent. In real life, you get the chance to "level up" only once every couple years: like when you earn a promotion at work or get married. In games, you always know what you have to do to get to the next level.

"In video games, you're constantly getting information about your achievements and (learning) how to do things better," Ryan says. "There's an opportunity to develop a mastery that's very much a key motivator."

That translates well to fitness, where tracking your accomplishments enables you to progress quicker. You know you've improved when you run an extra mile or dead lift another 50 pounds.

A second motivator in video games is the feeling of freedom and autonomy, Rigby says. People like to know they have control over their future. In video games, you can choose your path, the skills you want to improve, even your outfit. Making the same choices in your fitness regimen helps you feel empowered.

"Games make the goals really clear," Rigby said. "You have to run from point A to point B, deliver a message, kill this bad guy. You have a very clear sense of 'If I just do these steps, I will succeed.' And let's call them quests because it sounds heroic. And who doesn't want to feel like a hero?"

Fitocracy user Michael Perry says that what's most important to him is the community on the website, which resembles that of his favorite online game, "World of Warcraft." In any massively multiplayer online role-playing game, you work with other players to conquer enemies. Your team expects you to show up and do what needs to be done. He gets the same sense of accountability from the members on Fitocracy.

"When I was playing WoW all the time, I had to make sure everything I was doing was right. I researched it down to the T. I made sure I was hitting spells right at the right time. I wouldn't miss a raid," Perry said. "I think that translates really well to exercise and bodybuilding because you have to have that level of knowledge, (and) you have to have that commitment."

Rigby says the community around online games, or fitness, satisfies one of the last psychological needs: relationships.

"There's a social component to it. ... You're relying on each other. You really need the other person to watch your back and vice versa," he said. "(Games) build in a sense of 'I matter to others; others matter to me.' "

Of course, motivation isn't restricted to video gamers. Everyone has these basic intrinsic psychological needs and can apply them to fitness. Gamers just have an easier time learning the language.

"What video game players have is a certain understanding for how these sort of fitness structures are built: goal-setting, progression, etc." Rigby said. "In other words, it's a world that they know."

Take Vin Diesel, one of the buffest men in Hollywood. Diesel used to play "D&D" on his days off as a bouncer in one of New York's nightclubs.

He contributed the foreword for the book "30 Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons," writing, "We were all drawn to the game because it allowed us to become these characters, vastly different in appearance and in actions, but what kept us hooked was the search for the character that represented our higher self."

A quest -- to look different, to act stronger, to be better. Sound familiar?

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Whitney Houston loses cool on flight

(PEOPLE.com) -- It's been said before, and it's happened again: Houston, we have a problem.

Whitney Houston, that is, who was involved in an incident aboard an Atlanta-to-Detroit Delta flight Wednesday, a source close to the singer confirms to PEOPLE.

Houston, 48, refused to fasten her seatbelt and had words with a crewmember before she eventually was buckled up by a flight attendant before takeoff.

"She wasn't drunk, drinking or on drugs; she was just exhausted," the source tells PEOPLE.

See the full article at PEOPLE.com.

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Authorities: Wife of Warren Jeffs flees church compound

(CNN) -- One of the 78 wives of jailed polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs left the Arizona community of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week and is receiving medical treatment at a shelter, authorities said.

The woman, who is not being named by the Washington County, Utah, Sheriff's Department because she's considered a victim of abuse, was taken to the shelter after a tense standoff with church members Monday.

The woman fled to the home of Willie Jessop, a former top church associate expelled by Jeffs.

Jessop said the woman came there because she knew he would protect her.

The standoff began when men from the FLDS arrived at Jessop's office, wanting to take her back to the community, Jessop said. Detectives removed the woman and took her to the shelter.

Jeffs, leader of the 10,000-member Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is serving a life-plus-20-year term for sexual assault. He was convicted in early August of the aggravated sexual assaults of a 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl Jeffs claimed were his "spiritual wives."

The FLDS is a breakaway Mormon sect that openly practices polygamy in the twin border towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, as well as on its Yearning For Zion ranch near Eldorado, Texas. The mainstream Mormon church renounced polygamy more than a century ago.

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India battles 'ragging' in schools

New Delhi (CNN) -- When Priya and Rajendra Kachroo dropped their only son Aman off at medical school, they were both proud and tired. They had to hurry home to care for an ailing elderly parent.

"It was a fast drop," recalled Aman's father, Rajendra Kachroo.

Neither had any idea what their son was about to face or they never would have left him there. Aman Kachroo, 19, a freshman (or "fresher," as they are called in India) was about to embark on a torturous six months that would end his life.

Aman, along with his new dorm mates, suddenly became the target of "ragging," a form of bullying or hazing usually inflicted by upperclassmen on freshman. Taller than his classmates, handsome and fluent in French, English, and conversational Hindi, Aman was wise beyond his years, his parents say. He had always been able to sort his problems out himself so they couldn't imagine him being intimidated.

"There is a whole guilt factor involved in all this that I didn't know [what was going on]," his mom Priya Kachroo said. "Really, I couldn't understand the size of this problem."

His parents knew something was going on when Aman came home from Tanda Medical College in Himachal Pradesh State and his hair had been sheered off.

His parents said he told them that he was being ragged but not to worry about it because it would end.

And it did. For him, it stopped after one night in 2009 when he was woken up by a group of seniors who made him and all his dorm mates stand in a line and then began beating them.

Aman later died of a head injury.

His father talked to him on the phone in the hours before he died and heard about what happened.

Then, abruptly, his son was gone.

When relatives went to Aman's dorm room to pick up his things, they found a note with the word "ragging" circled in the middle and words and phrases surrounding it such as, "Prison like torture," "dictator" and "Please talk to us don't slap us." It was Aman's innermost thoughts about ragging and how terrible it felt.

In the hours before he died, he also managed to write a letter of complaint to police describing what happened. His father later read the complaint and was horrified.

"Not easy even to think about it. It's not easy. It is very difficult," Rajendra Kuchroo said tearfully.

Aman's death two years ago triggered national outrage. Four medical students were later convicted of culpable homicide.

But his is not the first, nor the last case to end in tragedy in India. Over the years, ragging on college campuses has resulted in dozens of student suicides, students being admitted to mental institutions, or students simply leaving prestigious schools that less than 1 percent of the population can get into.

Rajendra Kuchroo says since his son's case he has seen more than 30 reported suicides allegedly linked to ragging.

The Kachroo case did effect some change, in part because Aman's father decided to dedicate his life to ending the torturous behavior in schools. Now, some campuses enforce a zero tolerance policy on ragging.

And Aman's father took the case to the country's Supreme Court and managed to get an order setting up parameters on ways to prevent ragging.

Now, two years later, inside a bright blue- and orange-colored room, a half-dozen young people are chatting away on phone headsets. But it's not a typical Indian call center, apparent with the initial phone greeting:

"You have reached the Anti-Ragging Helpline," a young lady chirps.

The helpline was just one part of Rajendra Kuchroo's plan to do something about ragging. Students can call anonymously to lodge complaints about any ragging behavior. In its first six months of operation, he says the center received 150,000 calls from students saying they were victims.

"Those numbers in the last two years have gone to 250,000 calls with 850 serious complaints, and we still believe this is only the tip of the iceberg," Rajendra Kuchroo said.

He says he'll keep fighting every day in India until the day the phones at the complaint center fall silent -- because students are no longer being victimized by ragging at school.

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New Hank Williams Jr. song gets massive download

(CNN) -- A good number of Hank Williams, Jr.'s rowdy friends are backing the outspoken country star a week after ESPN dropped his long-running musical introduction to Monday Night Football.

Williams' song "All My Rowdy Friends" had served as the theme song for MNF for 20 years, but was dropped after comments he made last week on the Fox News morning show "Fox and Friends." On the program, he said a recent golf outing involving President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, was "like Hitler playing golf with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu. OK. Not hardly."

In a defiant response to his song being pulled, Williams released a new single, "Keep the Change," for free download on his website. So far, some 150,000 people have taken him up on the offer, a publicist said Monday.

The song -- an apparent dig at Obama's 2008 campaign promise to bring change to Washington -- is characteristically defiant, taking a poke at everyone from the White House to Fox.

"This country sure as hell has gone down the drain," Williams sings. "We know what we need. We know who to blame."

He also blasts the Fox show several times. "So Fox and Friends wanna put me down, ask for my opinion, then twist it all around," Williams sings. "Just wait and see, don't tread on me."

At the end of his song posted Monday, Williams urged people to "keep 'Fox and Friends' and ESPN out of your homes" in light of the flare-up.

"Because Bocephus and all his rowdy friends -- and his song -- is outta there," he concluded.

Though Williams initially apologized for his comments on Fox, he has been unapologetic in recent interviews, and told HLN's Joy Behar he was not fired by ESPN; he quit.

"When they pulled that Monday night, I told my manager, 'You can tell ESPN adios', Williams said in the interview that will air Wednesday night on "The Joy Behar Show" on HLN.

ESPN said it "decided to part ways" with Williams.

Williams was born May 26, 1949, and his iconic father nicknamed him "Bocephus" after a ventriloquist dummy used by Rod Brasfield, a country comedian, Williams' website says.

He debuted on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 11. In addition to "All My Rowdy Friends," his other hits include "Long Gone Lonesome Blues," "Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound," "Old Habits," "Born to Boogie" and "A Country Boy Can Survive."

The bearded Williams, who wears a hat and sunglasses during performances, suffered facial and head injuries in a 1975 mountain climbing accident.

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China signals weaker currency after U.S. Senate vote

(CNN) -- For the second consecutive day after a U.S. Senate vote aimed at penalizing China for undervaluing its currency, Beijing lowered the range at which the yuan could trade against the dollar.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) first lowered the band at which the yuan is allowed to trade against the dollar just hours after the U.S. Senate approved a bill that pressures China to allow its currency to rise faster. The bill also faces a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, where its approval faces an uphill battle.

The PBOC -- which sets daily limits on how much China's currency can appreciate or depreciate against the dollar -- again set Thursday trading guidelines slightly lower, although on both days currency traders continued to push the value of the yuan higher, suggesting investors don't believe this signals a weak yuan policy.

Yet the moves by the PBOC are against the wider trend of the yuan rising in value. China's currency has risen 3.25% in value against the dollar this year and more than 20% since Beijing started loosening its tight peg to the U.S. dollar in 2005. The PBOC set the midpoint trading value of the yuan at RMB6.3737 on Thursday, the highest level since September 27.

"The daily fixed rate can give some indication of what the PBOC is thinking in terms of policy, but often times it becomes clear only in retrospect," said Daniel Hui, senior currency strategist at HSBC. "Taking it back two weeks isn't exactly a strong message, but it could be a weak message."

China has warned that the measure could spark a trade war between the world's two largest economies."Should the proposed legislation be made into law, the result would be a trade war and that would be a lose-lose situation for both sides," said Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai earlier this week.

"It would be detrimental to the development of economic ties and might have an adverse impact on bilateral relations."

Many critics in the U.S. believe China's "managed float" of the yuan keep it artificially low, allowing China to keep its labor and prices lower than American competitors. Others argue that a rise in the value of the yuan will ultimately hurt American consumers as they pay higher prices for products from China.

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Food prices fuel inflation in China

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Prices in China continued to rise at a steady pace in September, a sign that the world's largest nation still faces significant inflation pressures even amid signs of a slowing global economy.

Overall prices were up 6.1% from a year ago, little improved from the 6.2% rise in August. The reading matched the consensus forecast, according to Jay Bryson, international economist at Wells Fargo Securities.

Food prices continued to lead the way, increasing 13.4%, the same as the previous month, and adding 4.1 percentage points to the overall increase.

"Food price increases seems to be, at a minimum, stabilizing, maybe even beginning to recede for some products," Bryson said. Food prices were increasing at a 14.8% annual rate as recently as July.

The Chinese government has been taking steps to try to curb inflation. The People's Bank of China has raised it key interest rates five times since October. And it has also allowed the Chinese currency, the yuan, to appreciate after years of leaving it pegged to the U.S. dollar.

But critics of China charge the yuan is still significantly undervalued and this week the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would threaten steep taxes on Chinese imports unless the yuan is allowed to trade freely.

High unemployment and depressed demand in most of the world's developed economies have kept many price pressures in check. The most recent Consumer Price Index in the United States showed a 3.8% rise in overall prices in the 12 months ending in August. Stripping out volatile food and energy prices, core-CPI rose only 2.0%.

There are some concerns that both the U.S. and European economies are at risk of falling into recession, and that prices could start to fall, a dangerous economic condition known as deflation.

But rapid economic growth in China of has helped take wages higher, said Bryson. That will continue to feed into higher prices there, even if overall growth starts to slow in the second half of the year.

"Certainly commodity prices have come down due to the global slowdown, but you're seeing wage inflation there pick up. Some of that will seep through," he said. "If the Chinese economy suddenly slowed dramatically like it did in 2009, that would be felt in prices. But I don't think you'll see significant disinflationary pressures."

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Man charged in death of Maryland woman; son missing

(CNN) -- The stepfather of a missing Maryland boy was charged Thursday with first-degree murder after the boy's mother was found dead, police said.

Curtis Lopez, 45, was arrested Thursday morning in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a warrant was issued, said Chief Tom Manger of the Montgomery County, Maryland, police.

An Amber Alert has been issued for the boy, 11-year-old William McQuain, who remains missing, police said.

Homicide detectives from Montgomery County were on their way to Charlotte on Thursday.

"Our focus and our priority now is locating William McQuain," Manger told reporters Thursday. He held up two pictures of the sixth-grader, one a class picture and the other showing him in a baseball uniform.

The case began Wednesday afternoon when a friend of the boy's mother reported her missing, saying he had not seen her for about two weeks and that he was concerned for her welfare, Manger said. Police learned her son had not been in school since Sept. 30.

When detectives arrived at the woman's home in Germantown, they found Jane McQuain, 51, dead in her bedroom with evidence of trauma to her upper body, Manger said. Her son was not there and the woman's vehicle, a Honda CRV, was gone.

Lopez was McQuain's husband and had been known to frequent her residence but did not appear to live there, Manger said. Witnesses told police they saw him recently at the home, removing property and loading it into McQuain's Honda, he said.

The car was found Thursday morning, but police would not reveal where.

Detectives contacted Lopez on Wednesday night, before they found McQuain's body, Manger said. Once the body was found and the case was ruled a homicide, Lopez, based on his inconsistent statements, became a person of interest, he said.

"We were hoping that we would find (William) with Mr. Lopez and we did not, so we are asking for the public's help in locating 11-year-old William McQuain," Manger said.

"My hope is that he may be with a family member or a friend that perhaps has no idea what's occurred with his mother, but as time goes on it becomes, I guess, more and more of a long shot that that's the case," he said.

Jane McQuain was probably dead for 10 to 12 days before police found her, Manger said.

Police believe Lopez may have had a residence in North Carolina, Capt. Paul Starks of the Montgomery County police told CNN, but they have few other details linking him to the area.

William McQuain is described as a light-skinned African-American, about 5 feet tall and weighing about 85 pounds.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911, police said.

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5 law officers among 70 charged in Arkansas drug trafficking bust

(CNN) -- Five law enforcement officers were among 70 people in Arkansas charged in a federal drug-trafficking crackdown that also involved public corruption charges, authorities said Tuesday.

The five officers took bribes to look the other way while crimes were being committed, authorities said.

Investigators are continuing to look at other law agencies for criminal misconduct, authorities said.

On Tuesday, 800 federal and local authorities arrested 51 of the 70 people, officials said. Five others were already in custody, and the remaining 14 defendants are considered fugitives, authorities said. The Arkansas National Guard was also involved in making the arrests, authorities said.

One agent was shot while serving warrants, and he is hospitalized with injuries that are not life-threatening, authorities said.

The law enforcement figures named in indictments are Helena-West Helena Police Department officer Herman Eaton, 46; Helena-West Helena officer Robert "Bam Bam" Rogers, 35; Helena-West Helena Sgt. Marlene Kalb, 48; Marvell police officer Robert Wahls, 42; and former Phllips County Deputy Sheriff Winston Dean Jackson, 44, who's now a Helena-West Helena police officer, according to court records and a prosecutors' statement.

Their attorneys couldn't be immediately determined or reached for comment.

A two-year investigation, called Operation Delta Blues, focused on public corruption, cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking, and money laundering in the Helena-West Helena and Marianna, Arkansas, areas, authorities said. Investigators used 16 court-authorized wiretaps in their investigation, officials said.

"Today's indictments and arrests are merely the beginning. We believe there are more cases of corruption, and we intend to press forward with our investigation to weed out those who would sacrifice their oath and violate the public's trust," said Valerie Parlave, special agent in charge of the Little Rock field office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"Several of those indicted today are no strangers to law enforcement. Many have been charged in state court with some of the serious class (of) felonies, including murder," Parlave continued. "Yet they remain free today. As our investigation moves forward, we continue to find instances where these violent felonies were never completely prosecuted and some of the most serious charges were dropped."

Added U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Thyer of the Eastern District of Arkansas, "Our commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and violent crime has never been stronger.

"When these two elements are mixed with law enforcement corruption, it can make for the perfect storm in a community. It can paralyze honest law enforcement action, silence witnesses, and erode public confidence in our system of justice," Thyer said in a written statement.

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How to book your own Grand Tour

(BudgetTravel.com) -- An epic tour of the Continent is the time-tested way to see Europe -- if you've got a month or three and a pile of cash. Until you win the lotto, we'll help you hit the grandest sites on your wish list.

What exactly is a Grand Tour?

It started in the 17th century as an extended -- make that a very extended -- European vacation for travelers with time and money to burn. Any trip worthy of the name would last more than a month and include stops in at least England, France and Italy. (When Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt got married in 1905, they spent three months shopping and eating their way from London to Rome.) The floodgates opened to the riffraff (a.k.a. you and me) after World War II, when transatlantic flights became more common and certain guidebook authors shared their tricks on how to vacation on the cheap. The "If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium" incarnation of the Grand Tour -- which whipped travelers through a dizzying number of countries in a week or two -- passed the baton to the popular DIY version undertaken by recent college grads: the rail pass/hostel/Let's Go-type adventure.

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How can I pull off a trip like that today?

Your best bet is to go guided. A good outfitter can eliminate many of the headaches you can get from hopping across the Continent: blindly choosing hotels and restaurants, navigating the maze of trains and planes and orienting yourself in an unknown city. "Guests come back from our trips overjoyed that they actually got to look up from their guidebooks," says Steve Born, the vice president of marketing for Globus family of brands, an international organization that runs more than 3,500 trips to Europe annually. "They also love that when things are prebooked with a package, there's no waiting on line for admissions." Globus's most popular cross-Continent tour is the 11-day Essential Europe itinerary, which starts in Rome and loops through Paris on its way to London (from $1,999 per person). Outfitted trips can also provide some authentic experiences that you could never stumble across on your own. Trafalgar Tours' Be My Guest dining option organizes small-group meals at wineries, farms, and private homes in 11 European countries. The stop in Belgium, for instance, takes place in an 18th-century farmstead owned by the same family for five generations.

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That sounds great, but I could never spend that much time sitting on a bus.

The truth is, more and more outfitters have ditched the standard tour-bus and travel-by-number experience of the past. The newest itineraries from California-based Intrepid Travel are a good example: Their 15-day Barcelona to Rome tours (from $2,740 per person) link stays at inns and B&Bs with jaunts on public transportation and include plenty of unscheduled time. Cruises are an increasingly grand option, too. Ships now sail the Mediterranean and Baltic year-round; over the past 10 years the number of passengers touring these seas by ship has grown 163 percent. That's not the only way to sail here, either. Since 2004, the number of North Americans taking river cruises has jumped 60 percent, with the vast majority touring European rivers such as the Seine and Danube. With all these options, it's no wonder that packaged trips to Europe have started to draw a somewhat younger crowd. The average age of Globus's customers has dropped steadily over the years and now stands at 55 (60 percent female, 70 percent married couples, and 20 percent families traveling with children). The outfitter Contiki, which offers 100 itineraries in Europe, actually markets its trips exclusively to the 18-to-35 age bracket.

There's no way I can take a monthlong vacation. Any suggestions?

You're not alone there. "Nobody I know can devote the month off that a 'grand trip' to Europe would entail," says Max Hartshorne, the editor of travel website gonomad.com. "Nowadays, you're looking at more like a week or 10 days at the most, so people are no longer trying to do the whole Continent on a single trip." At the same time, flights to Europe have become even more plentiful, so there's less incentive to save up money (and vacation days) for an epic journey when you can easily manage a weekend jaunt to London or Rome. "Some travelers still feel the pressure to see and do it all, like they're on a mission," Born says. "But more and more, travelers want to slow down and experience places in depth." Outfitters have started offering a lot of itineraries with this in mind. In the past two years, for instance, the most popular tour offered by Intrepid Travel has been its 15-day Best of Italy trip (from $2,545 per person), followed closely by the eight-day Russia Highlights (from $1,735 per person) and 15-day Best of Spain (from $2,420). See our sidebar, "Big Adventures on a Smaller Scale," below, for more regionally concentrated trip ideas.

How can I do a Grand Tour on my own?

For a classic loop between London, Paris, and Rome, say devote at least two days in each city. You can cut down on intercity travel time by taking advantage of low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet. Their baggage fees can add up, but their fares are hard to beat: A recent search on Ryanair found one-way flights from Paris to Rome for $12! If you have more time and would prefer to go by train, you don't necessarily need a pricey rail pass. Mark Smith, who maintains a European-train guide at seat61.com, generally advises booking point-to-point tickets with the service provider such as bahn.com for trips in Germany or tgv-europe.com for France's high-speed line. Just remember one thing: "grand" doesn't have to mean "once in a lifetime." Don't try to see and do too much. After all, this is a vacation. Have fun or, as they say, bon voyage!

BIG ADVENTURES ON A SMALLER SCALE

If you don't want to conquer Europe in one fell swoop, these outfitted trips offer low-stress tastes of the Continent. Even better: They take care of most logistics but leave plenty of opportunities to explore on your own.

Pilot the canals of France

Book a self-driven cruise with Florida-based Le Boat, and after an in-depth primer, you're left to explore the waterways of Europe on your own. Weekly boat rentals are offered across the Continent, but nowhere are they more popular for good reason than in France, where cruisers putter among the vineyards, villages, and castles of romantic Brittany, Alsace-Lorraine, or Burgundy. leboat.com, one-week rental sleeping four from $1,970.

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Hike the Italian Dolomites

High-mountain huts dot the Alps, rewarding hikers with comfy beds, hearty meals, and sweeping views. DIY is doable, but Distant Journeys can take care of all the particulars plotting routes on maps, booking accommodations and most meals, and even prepaying taxi transfers and arranging for laundry services. distantjourneys.com, eight-night self-guided tour from $1,875.

Bike from Brussels to Bruges

After pedaling 20 to 40 miles a day along rivers and meadows, you're more than entitled to enjoy the two rich products Belgium is known for: chocolate and beer. BikeToursDirect offers packages with detailed maps, luggage transport, breakfast, and six nights at three- and four-star hotels. BYO bike, or rent a 21-speed for $80. biketoursdirect.com, self-guided tour from $675.

Play house in a Bavarian castle

Untours, a Pennsylvania-based operator, specializes in trips combining local transportation (rail pass or car) and one-of-a-kind apartments as lodging. In Germany, guests choose among five apartments in Schloss Sommersdorf, a 14th-century castle with a baron serving as host. untours.com, one-week package from $829 per person.

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Road-trip in Ireland

Sceptre Tours makes international road trips a cinch. Their six-day Ireland getaway includes a week's car rental, along with one night's hotel in Dublin or Shannon at the beginning of the trip and five vouchers to be used at B&Bs of your choosing throughout the Emerald Isle. sceptretours.com, from $829 per person.

Cruise the Mediterranean

From May to October, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas sails to all the can't-miss Italian, French, and Spanish ports: Cannes, Pisa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Palermo, and Palma de Mallorca. You might want to consider paying up front for the cruise line's new all-you-can-drink option, starting at $29 per day. royalcaribbean.com, from $600 for seven-night August sailings.

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Okavango Delta's call of the wild

Okavango Delta, Northern Botswana (CNN) -- The hot African sun is turning cool and big and a deep soft orange, and the impala are getting mighty jumpy. They ought to be. A half-kilometer across the grassy bush, we're watching a pack of eight African wild dogs, downwind and sniffing a scent, planning their evening hunt.

We have a plan, too. We're going to follow them.

Not far away, a large herd of zebra also knows this is the most dangerous time. They've pastured all day in a broad, open field, nibbling vegetation. As long as these prey remain in an open area, they are safe, because they can see the predators coming. They can outrun all but the cheetah, and in a large group, the likelihood of any particular individual being caught is lessened.

A herd of wildebeest is mingling with the zebra and following them through the tall grass. "The zebra and the wildebeest, they are friends," our guide, 46-year old, bush-born Botswanan Kgotla "Balepi" Mokwami of Kwara Camp, tells me.

"The zebra have short necks, but the wildebeest, they have long necks. So the zebras' heads are high and they can see above the grass and they tramp it down low enough so the wildebeest, whose heads are low, can see too."

If you go: Visiting the Okavango Delta

It's like the baboons and the impala, Mokwami explains. Earlier, we watched impala graze near a family of baboons, with one baboon sitting on a stump, keeping watch for lion, cheetah and leopard. If the baboon detects danger, the impala will know, too. But now the night approaches, and the darkness will neutralize the prey's advantage. They must head for the shrubs and trees to hide. But they know that is where the predators sit in wait. This just might be their time to die.

We have come here to Kwara Concession, a 170,000-hectare private reserve deep in the world's largest inland delta, Botswana's famed Okavango. Thousands of tourists visit the delta every year, willing to put up with inconvenience and discomfort and considerable expense, to witness nature work its astonishing wiles.

Every darkening evening, for millennia now, a great game has been afoot here. In the Southern Hemisphere's autumn months of March through June, the delta floods with water from Angola's highlands, inundating 1.5 million hectares of flat land and attracting one of the world's greatest concentrations of wildlife.

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Many of the animals, the vegetarians such as impala, elephant, giraffe, zebra and hippopotamus, come for the rich grasses and trees. The carnivores come for them.

So tonight we are watching the dogs from a short distance. We whisper to each other in our open-air, Jeep-style vehicle that seems able to drive through anything. Mokwami is at the wheel and his tracker, Gomos Kgaogano, is perched on a mounted seat above a front headlight. This is a rare moment, and even Mokwami, who was born in the Delta, is thrilled to see the dogs.

African wild dogs, also called Cape hunting dogs, are officially endangered. Conservationists say shrinking habitat and farmers, hunters and rangers who poison and shoot them to protect livestock are eroding their number. The dogs roam small swaths of forest, desert and savanna in southern Africa. They hunt whatever they can catch: antelope, small wildebeest, warthogs, rodents and even birds.

Tonight, they are after impala. Suddenly, they are on the move, first as an unorganized group, then in a line, first walking, now trotting. We haven't seen the impala, but Mokwami knows the dogs have their scent.

"The impala are that way (he points to the right), but the dogs will go that way, then up there (he points to about 11 o'clock), they will turn right. They always follow the line of the bush. Then they will run." He turns his outstretched arm to 2 o'clock. "We need to be there to see the chase."

"How do you know that?" I ask incredulously. "These are dogs," he says. "I know these dogs. I have seen dogs before."

The dogs pick up the pace. We start bushwhack-driving toward 2 o'clock, pacing the dogs along the track. We reach a point, and now see the impala through the bush to the right, maybe 600 meters off. The dogs slow, they turn to the right and accelerating, leap into the bushes just behind us.

We have a difficult time seeing them, but Mokwami knows where they are heading and we turn right, directly toward the impala along the outside of the bushes that are giving the dogs cover. Suddenly we see a dog through the bushes, then another, then another. They are sprinting. They are making their move.

We accelerate, blasting and bouncing through the uneven grass. The impala are on high alert, watching the bush, watching us, perceiving a threat but not yet knowing what it is. Suddenly, the dogs streak out of the bush straight for the impala, and the chase is on.

On level, unobstructed ground, Mokwami explains as we dash in pursuit, a dog can catch an impala. An impala's high step can kick up dirt, and if it can gain ground, the flying dirt will confuse the dog's scent. But there they are! From behind a bush, an impala flies in full sprint, and at most two seconds behind, the dogs are ripping after it like a stiff evening wind. The speed and focus of the predator and the prey are razor-sharp. We race along on a parallel track.

The dogs are going to get him, I'm sure of it. Mokwami isn't so certain. "Mayyyybe, mayyybe," he says. What I have yet to learn is that the impala isn't just running from something, it's running toward something. This isn't a chase. It's a race.

I begin to understand the great game being played. The predators here are the best in the business, but the prey are thinkers, too. It's a balancing game for both. Natural selection has left the prey with innate understandings about how to survive in a predator-driven world. Those that don't know, die. For the predators, those that understand and counter, eat. Those that don't, die.

"It is a great balance," Mokwami explains. "It is great drama every day. The impala, they know things the dogs do not know. It is the same with the zebra. They know the herd protects them, and they watch out for each other. The lions, they know they must sneak up quietly, and get as close as they can and surprise the zebra, or pounce on the zebra when the zebra tries to get through the bush.

"Each one reacts and counter-reacts to the other. It is not easy to win. But once now, one does. Once later, the other one does. It is not so uneven. It is the way they live."

And this time, the impala will win, because it knows, just ahead, there is a small lake, and it knows dogs cannot run fast through water. The dogs are close on the impala's heels, but it reaches the pond maybe one second ahead, charges in, and the dogs stop at the shore. They know following is pointless, and besides, there are hippopotamus in the lake, and that is a danger. The dogs don't look happy. In fact, they look stunned.

Later, from far off, we see the dogs again in ravenous pursuit of several other impala. The race is on again. We scream over the bumpy grass, trying to catch up, but the pack loses us. Mokwami explains that this time, the dogs will eat. There is no water around, and it is the dog's last chance before darkness. The impala will not escape.

Every evening it is like this, every year, forever.

If one makes the journey here, the great game is easy to see. It plays out under the darkening African sky. Over time, the prey get better at escaping, because the ones that don't, die and don't reproduce. The predators get better too, because the ones that don't adapt to the prey's improving skills also die off. It's natural selection: All the species improve by hunting or fleeing from each other.

On the way back to camp, tracker Kgaogano catches a hyena in his spotlight. It is heading toward where the dogs last chased the impala. It will see if the dogs left anything for it to eat, Mokwami explains. Maybe the hyena will try to chase the dogs from their catch. Maybe it will win tonight. Maybe not.

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U.S. had 'direct contact' with Iran over plot

Washington (CNN) -- The United States has had "direct contact with Iran" about the alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador in the United States as the Obama administration ratchets up its rhetoric against the Islamic republic.

State Department spokeswoman Victorial Nuland, disclosed the development at a press briefing. A senior administration official told CNN the contact occurred on Wednesday and was initiated by the United States.

Nuland said she can't say who spoke to whom or where the meeting was held. She said it was not in Iran.

This comes as President Barack Obama weighed in on the alleged plot, saying the development is "not just a dangerous escalation, this is part of a pattern of dangerous and reckless behavior by the Iranian government.

Obama called it a sign of how Iran has "been outside of accepted norms of international behavior for far too long" and the United States will work with international partners and will take steps to ensure that Iran "pays a price.

Iran vehemently denied the plot. A Tuesday letter from Iran's permanent U.N. representative to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed "outrage" over the allegations and said the country "strongly and categorically rejects these fabricated and baseless allegations, based on the suspicious claims by an individual. Any country could accuse other countries through fabrication of such stories. However, this would set dangerous precedents in the relations among States."

Speaking to reporters with visiting South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Obama underscored a principle of international behavior: that diplomats are protected.

"This plot was not simply directed at the United States of America. This was a plot that was directed against the Saudi ambassador. And I think that what you're going to see is folks throughout the Middle East region questioning their ability to work effectively with Iran."

Even if at the highest levels, Iran did not have detailed operational knowledge of the alleged plot against the Saudi ambassador in the United States, "there has to be accountability with respect to anyone in the Iranian government" engaging in such an activity, Obama said.

Iran must answer to the international community "why anyone in their government" is engaging such activities, he said.

"This is just one example of a series of steps that they've taken to create violence and to behave in a way that you don't see other countries doing," Obama said.

Obama said Attorney General Eric Holder "laid out a very specific set of facts" and the United States would not have brought the case forward if it weren't able to back up the allegations.

"What we know is that an individual of Iranian-American descent was involved in a plot to assassinate the ambassador to the United States from Saudi Arabia," Obama said. "And we also know that he had direct links, was paid by and directed by individuals in the Iranian government. Now those facts are there for all to see."

He praised the "outstanding" U.S. intelligence work that helped thwart the plot that he said would also have killed innocent civilians.

"We would not be bringing forward a case unless we knew exactly how to support all the allegations that are contained in the indictment," he said.

Obama said the first step by the United States "is to make sure that we prosecute those individuals that have been named in the indictment" and "the second thing that we're going to continue to do is that we're going to apply the toughest sanctions and continue to mobilize the international community to make sure that Iran is further and further isolated and that Iran pays the price for this kind of behavior."

Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee, Iran's permanent representative to the U.N., wrote Ban that Iran condemns and has been a victim of terror, citing "the assassination of a number of Iranian nuclear scientists in the past two years carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the United States."

It says the move is "politically-motivated" and a "showcase of its long-standing animosity towards the Iranian nation." The letter says Iran wants to have "friendly relations" with all countries in the region, "particularly with its Muslim neighbors.

"The Iranian nation seeks a world free from terrorism and considers the current U.S. warmongering and propaganda machine against Iran as a threat not just against itself but to the peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region. The Islamic Republic of Iran warns against the implications of this horrible scenario and submits that the continuation of such divide-and-rule policies could have detrimental effects on peace and security."

There has been tension and rivalry between Iran, predominantly Shiite, and Saudi Arabia, predominantly Sunni.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice wrote Ban on Tuesday about the "attempted plot" and said it "constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security."

"We have confirmed information that this conspiracy was conceived, sponsored and directed by elements of the government of Iran. Had this terrorist plot not been disrupted, it would likely have resulted in the injury or death of the Saudi ambassador and others."

Rice said that information shows that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and some of its "high-ranking officers," including Hamed Abdollahi, Abdul Reza Shahlai and Ali Gholam Shakuri directed and funded the conspiracy."

She said the United States intends to discuss the issue with other members of the U.N. Security Council.

Details about the case surfaced Tuesday.

Manssor Arbabsiar, a 56-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, and Gholam Shakuri, an Iran-based member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are accused of conspiracy to murder a foreign official, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism, the FBI said.

Arbabsiar was arrested in September. David Tomscha, a friend of Arbabsiar in Corpus Christi, Texas, said the man traveled to Iran once a year and owns property in Iran.

Shakuri remains at large, the bureau said.

The two were in a group that began planning last spring to kill Saudi Ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir, the FBI said.

It is unclear why the Saudi ambassador may have been targeted, the official said, or how widespread knowledge or approval of the alleged plot may have been within Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government.

Robert Jordan, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said Al-Jubeir "is so close to King Abdullah that I think it does make him a target to some degree. He is almost like a son to the king."

The Saudi ambassador was not the only intended target, U.S. officials said. The suspects also discussed attacking the Israeli and Saudi Embassies in Washington and possibly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a senior U.S. official said.

Authorities developed the case against the suspects with the help of an undercover informant posing as an associate of a Mexican drug cartel, according to officials and an FBI agent's affidavit released Tuesday.

Arbabsiar and the informant allegedly discussed using explosives to kill the ambassador, possibly in a crowded restaurant, according to the affidavit.

The informant named $1.5 million as his price, it said. Arbabsiar allegedly sent $100,000 intended as a down payment, telling the informant his "cousin" had deep pockets, court documents said.

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Death toll from tainted cantaloupes rises

(CNN) -- The number of deaths linked to cantaloupes contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria has risen to 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Wednesday.

At least 116 cases of listeria have been reported in 25 states, the agency said. The two latest fatalities came in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed this week that an 87-year-old Baton Rouge woman died earlier this month. Last week the department also indentified a Shreveport-area woman, 81, who died from the same strain.

Health officials have said the number of cases could continue to grow, citing reporting lags and the fact the disease can develop slowly in some people, taking up to two months.

The listeria outbreak is the deadliest food-borne illness outbreak in the United States since 1998.

Five people each have died in New Mexico and Colorado from consuming the tainted fruit, along with two people each in Kansas, Texas and now Louisiana. One has died in Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma and Wyoming, the CDC said. In addition, one woman who was pregnant at the time of the illness had a miscarriage.

Cases have also been reported in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Groups at high risk for listeria include older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women, officials have said.

The grower, Jensen Farms of Granada, Colorado, issued a voluntary recall of its Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes on September 14. The tainted cantaloupes should be off store shelves, the CDC said.

Cantaloupes from Jensen Farms should be disposed of immediately, even if some of them have been eaten, the CDC said. If consumers are uncertain about the source of a cantaloupe, they are urged to ask their supermarket. If the source remains unknown, the fruit should be thrown out, officials have said.

Refrigerating a cantaloupe will not kill the bacteria, which can grow at low temperatures, authorities have said, and consumers should not try to wash off the bacteria.

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Clever organizing tricks and storage ideas

(Real Simple) -- The experts at Real Simple have a knack for recognizing under-used household items as clever clutter-busting tools. Here are some new and unexpected ways to organize your home with things you may already have lying around.

Real Simple: I need help organizing my...

Use jewelry boxes: Those little boxes are so sturdy and trim that you hate to throw them out. So don't. Instead, clip them together to create tidy divided storage for pens and pencils, lipsticks, plastic flatware, whatever it is that clutters your drawer (maybe jewelry?).

Use glass jars: "Grandpa's wood-shop solution of attaching glass jars underneath a table or a shelf is tried-and-true," says Ted McCann, a Brooklyn-based custom woodworker. This trick works in the garage, the basement, and the craft room (or even possibly the home office, if you have an appropriate area): Nail or superglue the lids to the underside of a surface near where you store your tools, then twist the jars into place. Put like-size nuts and bolts in one jar, wood screws in another, nails in another. Also attach an empty jar so that when you're working on a project, you can gather the necessary hardware and stow it there.

Use shower curtain hooks: If space allows, place hooks on a closet bar and hang purses from them to keep your carryalls at eye level. Say good-bye to a mess of accessories on your closet floor.

Real Simple: A bedroom closet makeover

Use a tissue box: Dispense plastic grocery bags with ease by stuffing empties into an old tissue box stored under the sink; simply pull out one when you need it. For a slimmer solution, try a cardboard paper-towel tube.

Use a paper towel holder: Marathon gift wrapping? For easy access to ribbon, slide spools onto a paper towel stand's post. Stack them from largest to smallest, bottom to top. When done, tape the ribbon ends to their spools to keep them neat.

Use a dish-drying rack : Keep coloring books and art supplies organized in a dish-drying rack. Stack the books, like plates, between the prongs. Store markers, crayons, and pencils in the utensil caddy.

Real Simple: Systems for managing your mail

Use spice containers: These squat, clear-topped jars (sold at kitchen supply stores) can keep the loose bits that accumulate on your desktop and in your drawers -- stamps, Post-it notes, paper clips, rubber bands, etc., etc., etc. -- under control.

Use velcro tape: There are plenty of cord organizers on the market, but Carrick Rowe, an interior designer in New York City, suggests using Velcro tape ($5 for a 15-foot roll, textol.com) to keep electronic cords in check. "I've screwed a small hook into the bottom of a desk and hung bundled wires up and out of the sight line," she says. Another idea: Make your own cable binder from a stretchy trouser sock with the toe cut off.

To keep tabs on which cord belongs to which machine, attach adhesive file-folder labels with the names of the cords' owners (lamp, TV, DVD, phone) near the plugs.

Use a tension rod: To keep pot lids from rattling around and getting lost in kitchen drawers, position a short tension rod to create a divider. Stack pots and pans in the larger section and lean lids against the rod on the smaller side.

Use a coat rack: Hang your best-loved (and most frequently worn) necklaces and bracelets within easy reach on a wall-mounted coat rack. Bonus: They'll stay tangle-free when not decorating your neck. Or mount corkboard -- available in various sizes -- on a wall and drape necklaces from straight pins.

Use hangers: Keep individual sheets of wrapping paper crease-free by clipping them to a pants or skirt hanger. Do the same with gift bags, or loop their handles over the hook of the hanger. (You can also use a shoe organizer: Stash scissors, tape, gift tags, and other decorating supplies inside the compartments.)

Real Simple: 31 ways to makeover your closets

Use a pegboard: Keep sports equipment of all shapes and sizes tidy with an adaptable pegboard. Tim Fooks, a designer for Home Depot, recommends buying a pegboard with 1/4-inch holes, which will hold more weight than other sizes. The holes will also be able to accommodate hooks in the three common sizes: 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch. Be sure to hang only lightweight items on the skinnier hooks, so they won't pull out of the pegboard, says Fooks.

Use zipper-sealed bags: Keep sets of napkins and place mats in large sealed plastic bags and label how many are in each bag.

Use a desk organizer: Sort cookie sheets, cutting boards, and jelly-roll pans in the kitchen for easy access (and no more cymbal-crashing sounds) in an overstuffed cabinet.

Use votive-candle holders: Put empty votive-candle holders to work: Fill them with toothpicks and offer along with appetizers. Or put them on a desk or inside your junk drawer, and give small items like paper clips or bobby pins a place to call home.

Real Simple: Organizing new uses for old things

Use clear boxes: For scissors, glue sticks, crayons, and the like, Lucite or other plastic containers provide smart storage and consolidation (no more forcing crayons back into a disintegrating cardboard box to make a matched set). Kids can easily see what each container holds, and they can find the right shade of green at a glance and put back what they've taken out when they're done.

Use a desktop organizer : A standard desktop organizer can hold bathroom essentials, such as makeup, cotton swabs, brushes, and combs.

Use colored bins: Assign a colored bin or basket to each family member to hold items they'll want to grab as they leave the house (keys, permission slips, mail, umbrellas, gloves, etc.).

Color-coded bins also work for sorting recyclables (green for glass, white for paper); instead of letting junk mail pile up, dump it directly into the appropriate bin. (To curb junk mail, sign up at precycle.tonic.com, which charges a $10 fee to get your name and address removed from many marketing lists.)

Real Simple: Purge your pantry

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