Jackson will immediately be penciled in as the starter at free safety (regardless of what the Eagles say) and will only lose his job if he’s absolutely atrocious. Sean McDermott saw what Macho Harris and Quintin Demps can do, and it’s not a whole lot.

Many Eagles fans and outsiders alike wonder about this move, but it makes perfect sense from where I’m sitting. He played free safety during his junior year at Michigan and started about half the season as a free safety during his second season in Indianapolis.

He has had some issues with his knees, and is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL, but that actually just makes the decision to move him to safety even better.

The injuries will slow him down, but they will slow him down to the speed of a safety. Pair that with the cover abilities of a cornerback, and you have exactly what the Birds are looking for.

They have wanted a guy who can play “center field,” if you will, for a few years now. Brian Dawkins was never that guy, and it’s the reason why Demps was drafted and why Harris was given a shot to take the job.

McDermott’s defense calls for someone who can go sideline to sideline, if need be, and be able to tackle in the open field. That wasn’t Demps or Harris, but it could be Jackson.

Jackson’s best season came in 2007 when he started all 16 games, had half a sack, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, five passes defended, and 112 total tackles: 76 solo.

The number of tackles is the most impressive because it shows that he can make a tackle in the open field when he needs to. He’s an instinctive and tough guy who is used to winning and will carry that mentality into a team also familiar with winning.

Jackon is certainly not the marquee name that fans were looking for, but his presence could have a significant ripple effect.

Quintin Mikell will not longer feel like he must play two positions, which will allow him to roam around the box and make plays around the line of scrimmage—something he was unable to do last season.

Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel will also feel more confident in breaking on a pattern because they know Jackson is back there to clean up any mess they leave.

The Birds still need a left defensive end who can rush the passer on a consistent basis, but signing Jackson is certainly a move in the right direction for this defense and for this team.

At the very least he adds great depth to this secondary, so it’s a signing that has very little risk involved and certainly looks to pay off in the end.

Peanut will give away Translucent Styling Salon makeovers, hair tips, answer questions, and interview artists every Thursday at 3:45pm on the Kingdom Takeover on AM1310.

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www.translucentstylingsystem.com

8319 N. Michigan Rd

317-334-0911

In March, Maine’s legislature will begin debating a bill she submitted that would require manufacturers to put a warning label on every cell phone sold in the state declaring, “This device emits electromagnetic radiation, exposure to which may cause brain cancer.” Her warning would continue, “Users, especially children and pregnant women, should keep this device away from the head and body.” (See a report card on cell phones’ radiation.)

For those of you now eyeing your cell phones suspiciously, it’s worth noting that both the National Cancer Institute and the World Health Organization say there isn’t evidence to support the assertion that cell phones are a public-health threat. But a number of scientists are worried that there has been a dangerous rush to declare cell phones safe, using studies they feel are inadequate and too often weighted toward the wireless industry’s interests. An analysis published by University of Washington neurologist Henry Lai determined that far more independent studies than industry-funded studies have found at least some type of biological effect from cell-phone exposure. (See pictures of the cell phone’s history.)

Several countries — including Finland, Israel and France — have issued guidelines for cell-phone use. And San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who began researching the issue when his wife was expecting their first child, is hoping his city will adopt legislation that would have manufacturers print radiation information on cell-phone packaging and manuals and require retailers to display the data on the sales floor.

With 270 million Americans and 4 billion people around the world using cell phones — and more signing up every day — a strong link between mobiles and cancer could have major public-health implications. As cell phones make and take calls, they emit low-level radio-frequency (RF) radiation. Stronger than FM radio signals, these RF waves are still a billionth the intensity of known carcinogenic radiation like X-rays. (See pictures from an X-ray studio.)

The wireless industry contends that RF radiation lacks the strength to alter molecules in the human body; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maximum for cell-phone-signal exposure is intended to prevent RF radiation from heating tissue to the point that cells are damaged. Cell-phone RF radiation’s “effect on the body, at least at this time, appears to be insufficient to produce genetic damage typically associated with developing cancer,” Dr. Robert Hoover, director of the National Cancer Institute’s Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, testified at a 2008 congressional hearing.

But the body of research is far from conclusive. In 1995, Lai co-wrote a study showing that a single two-hour exposure of RF radiation — at levels considered safe by U.S. standards — produced the sort of genetic damage in rats’ brain cells that can lead to cancer. Though subsequent researchers — often funded in part by the wireless industry — failed to replicate Lai’s results, a 2004 European Union — funded study reported similar findings.

See the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2009.

See the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2009.

Dariusz Leszczynski, a research professor at Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority in Helsinki, has done studies indicating that RF radiation may create a stress reaction in the cells that line blood vessels, leading to a dangerous breach in the blood-brain barrier. “Mobile-phone radiation may be able to indirectly hurt cells, perhaps by interfering with their ability to repair normal DNA damage,” he says. “Given the scientific uncertainty, it’s premature to say the use of cell phones is safe.”

If RF radiation increases the chances of developing brain cancer, it should show up in long-term studies of cell-phone users. But many epidemiological studies have found no clear connection, including a 2007 Danish Cancer Society study of 421,000 cell-phone users, which led many in the media to conclude that mobiles are harmless. To date, “peer-reviewed scientific evidence has overwhelmingly indicated that wireless devices do not pose a risk,” says John Walls, a spokesman for CTIA, a global wireless association. (See how to prevent illness at any age.)

There are problems with many of these studies, however. For starters, the Danish one — which reviewed the medical records of people who had signed up for cell phones from 1982 to 1995 — didn’t include all the business users, who were among the earliest adopters and most intensive users, because they were not billed directly.

Also, the study looked only at tumors that were diagnosed by 2002 — not long after daily use of cell phones became widespread. Brain cancers can take several decades to develop, so it might be many years before a measurable bump in cancer rates shows up. “The latency period we have is far too short,” says Dr. Siegal Sadetzki, a cancer researcher at Israel’s Gertner Institute whose epidemiological studies have found some connections between cell-phone use and salivary-gland tumors. “And today, people are using the phone much more heavily.” (See TIME’s special report “How to Live 100 Years.”)

Sadetzki served as Israel’s principal investigator in the Interphone study, which was conducted over the past several years by 13 countries, most of them European. The Interphone results initially were to be published in 2006, but the final report has been postponed repeatedly, and the study investigators are reportedly deeply divided. In the U.S., which isn’t one of the Interphone countries, the National Toxicology Program is launching studies of the health effects of cell phones. But peer-reviewed results won’t be available until at least 2014.

That’s a long time to wait for definitive data. The good news is that there are easy ways for those concerned about RF radiation to cut down on exposure. Using your cell phone’s speaker or connecting a wired headset — while keeping the handset away from your body — drastically reduces RF exposure. (Bluetooth headsets help too, but they still emit some radiation.) And given the potentially more serious risks for children, who have thinner skulls than adults, parents might want to wait before handing teens their first phone — or at least ensure they use it mostly for texting.

Meanwhile, a start-up, Pong Research, is selling cell-phone cases that significantly reduce radiation exposure by channeling waves away from the head. Says Alfred Wong, Pong’s chief scientist and a professor emeritus of physics at UCLA: “I think it’s best to avoid as much of the risk as possible until the verdict is in.”

That’s exactly what Boland and other advocates of warning labels are arguing. It’s true that cell-phone use has yet to be linked to cancer risk. “Scientifically speaking, we don’t have the proof yet,” says Sadetzki. “But as a public-health concern, I’m saying we definitely should adopt precautions.”

If you miss prayer you can call in every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

New Beginnings Ministries

Here is an article from the Indianapolis Recorder about Bishop J. Laverne Tyson:

What a difference a dream makes.

How different would the world be if Bill Gates gave up on his dream to create computer software, or if Phil Knight abandoned his dream of creating the premier athletic shoe? What if Madame C.J. Walker decided to let go of her dream to manufacture cosmetics?

Of course the world would not have Microsoft or Nike, and it would have probably taken longer for African-American women to become millionaire entrepreneurs without the trail blazed by Walker.

Bishop J. Laverne Tyson is encouraging everyone to think about the impact of their own dreams in the new book Whatever Happened to Your Dream.

Tyson reminds readers that every great thing began as someone’s dream project. The “next” great thing, he believes, could come from your dream if you trust God and refuse to give up when times get tough.

“All of us are dreamers,” said Tyson. “I’m hoping that everybody who has ever had a dream and let it die will resurrect it again. Dreams are God’s way of giving us direction in our lives. Every object, tangible or intangible, begins as a thought, vision or dream.”

Throughout the book Tyson challenges readers to ask themselves why they have abandoned their dream and settled for a life of mediocrity. With the engaging skill of a great storyteller, he uses interesting facts and down-home humor to share biblically based solutions that can help readers regain their focus and momentum.

Tyson is currently pastor of New Beginning Ministries, a growing congregation in Indianapolis. He has preached and taught in many countries across the world and is the author of several reference books, including The Early Pentecostal Revival.

Tyson noted that he himself has always been a “dreamer” from the time he grew up as one of five children of a popular preacher and excelled as a high school debate champion, to finding the real love of his life (wife Linda) and enduring the tough learning process that all pastors must undergo upon accepting their call to ministry.

“My wife said the Lord impressed upon her that I needed to write a book,” said Tyson. “I didn’t think I had the time or that people would be interested. But a year later the Lord spoke to me and said that people will be blessed.”

In different parts of the book Tyson shares how he overcame various challenges that seemed to defer his dreams. He had, for example, a lifelong dream of flying and almost accepted a nomination to West Point military academy to learn how to fly planes. Tyson, however, opted to go into ministry full time and chose to delay his dream.

Years later Tyson entered a private flight school, but still faced challenges learning how to navigate planes, which prompted even his instructors to urge him to give up. After months of persistence Tyson finally conquered the details of flying and earned his pilot’s license. Today, he enjoys a therapeutic flight whenever his busy schedule allows, earning him the nickname “The Flying Preacher.”

For Tyson, the experience was just one example of how people, in order to be successful, have to first come to a place where they believe that dream will actually happen.

“It really comes down to trusting in God,” he stated. “Sometimes all you can do is just put one foot in front of the other. But if you can just stay on the other side of quitting you’ll be OK.”

In addition to his own experiences Tyson offers brief summaries of famous individuals who overcome tremendous odds to make their dreams come true, from South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela and groundbreaking neurosurgeon Benjamin Carson, to McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc and Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to become an astronaut.

Finally, from a biblical perspective, Tyson uses Joseph as an inspiration to readers.

In the book of Genesis Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and placed into prison following a misunderstanding. He was released after he correctly interpreted a dream by the pharaoh of Egypt, and saved the country from famine. Joseph became a successful prime minister and later reunited with his brothers.

“He went through all those phases that all of us go through as human beings,” said Tyson.

Tyson’s book went on sale last week, but copies of it have already been ordered for students at Indianapolis Metropolitan Charter School, and praises have already poured in.

Congressman Andre Carson has called Whatever Happened to Your Dream a “powerful” set of solutions.

“We who dream — or even want to dream — can all use help to better focus our thoughts and our hopes, and turn them toward the tangible,” said Carson. “His book offers much to aid in this process.”

Bishop Leonard Scott, co-founder of Tyscot Records, said Tyson’s book will “motivate the reader to discover, to be, and to do all that God has created and ordained.”

Although appreciative of the praise, Tyson noted that the purpose of the book is simple.

“All of us have been called to do something great,” he said. “I hope this project is a blessing and that people are encouraged.”

Whatever Happened to Your Dream will soon be available in Christian bookstores as well as Borders and Barnes and Noble bookstores. It may also be purchased by visiting www.jlavernetyson.com.

Even if you didn’t work last year, you probably still have to pay taxes. Unemployment benefits are taxed. Plus, if you received a W2 form and made at least $9,350 (as a single person), you are required to file a return, says tax analyst Mark Luscombe of CCH.

If you freelanced or started a business, you’ll have to file a tax return if you made more than $400 in profit. If you are anticipating a tax refund, you must file, even if you didn’t work at all.

1. Take advantage of new benefits

Traditionally, every penny of unemployment insurance is taxed. But with 8.4 million job losses since the start of the recession, that rule is changing this year.

If you received unemployment checks last year, you can exclude the first $2,400 from your return. You have to remember to do this math yourself, since the documents from your state employment agency won’t exempt it. This benefit won’t be around next year.

You can avoid a “penalty tax” on IRA and 401(k) withdrawals if you took the money out to pay for medical expenses.

Also, if you’ve been laid off and you’re 55 years or older, you can take money out of your 401(k) without penalty.

2. Deduct your job hunting expenses

If you itemize, you can deduct job-hunting expenses. But there are rules. All of your deductions must exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income. Here are some things you can deduct: resume printing costs, postage, long-distance calls and faxes and travel expenses, including airfare, taxis or tolls. Make sure to hold onto all your receipts.

And don’t forget that you can also deduct your medical expenses, if those expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. That used to be a high hurdle. But, if your income plunged because of unemployment, you may very well be able to deduct your medical expenses — so hold onto drugstore receipts, prescription orders and co-pay information.

Mo’Nique has won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in the drama “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire.”

The comedienne and actress shot to fame in the UPN series “The Parkers” while also making a name for herself as a comic on the stand-up circuit. She eased into films with roles in such films as “Phat Girlz,” and “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.”

For “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” she has also won a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Golden Globe Award and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award.

Mo’Nique was the 16th African American actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She hosts “The Mo’Nique Show,” a late-night talk show on BET.

“Precious,” directed by Lee Daniels, is an adaptation of the 1996 novel “Push” by Sapphire. The film boasts a largely female cast that features Oscar-nominated Gabourey Sidibe as the title character, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton and Mariah Carey. It centers on 16-year-old Claireece Precious Jones who lives in Harlem with her dysfunctional mother, Mary (Mo’Nique). The young girl has been impregnated twice by her father, Carl, and suffers long term physical, mental and sexual abuse from her unemployed mother.

This story was courtesy of www.nj.com