Category Archives: breast implants

Little Mermaid surgery: Boob job, pouty lips, and sexy legs in new ad

Little Mermaid surgery in a new Venezuelan ad is stirring up some controversy. Famous animated character, Uriel, is the patient a plastic surgeon from Clinica Dempere is using for the facility’s latest ad campaign.

Does this mermaid need further work done?

In the images seen HERE, Ariel has a boob job, lip injections, and her long tail replaced by a pair of sexy human legs complete with stilettos on her feet. she went from being a mermaid to total human in the ad. At least she didn’t get hair extensions. Apparently her long mane was good enough.

In the Little Mermaid ad, Ariel appears older and has the same sassy look often seen on reality TV stars who live the good life in LA. in the background she’s seen laying on an operating table as her procedures get underway.

This is yet another negative message pushed onto young girls about how they should look. Even for grown women in general the Little Mermaid surgery ad is going a bit too far. Clinica Dempere’s intent is to promote their medical practice, but they inadvertently promote an unrealistic body image that has been set in pop culture the world over.

What do you think of the ad?

Little Mermaid surgery: Boob job, pouty lips, and sexy legs in new ad

KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffPatrick Kennedy: Rep. Jackson in ‘deep’ depression

By By MICHELLE R. SMITH and SOPHIA TAREENAssociated Press

CHICAGO (AP) – U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is in a “deep” depression and has “a lot of work” ahead of him on the road to recovery, former Rhode Island U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Thursday after visiting the hospitalized Chicago Democrat.

Jackson has been on a secretive medical leave since June 10, when family members said he collapsed at their home in Washington. He is currently being treated for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. But neither his office nor family members have said much about his medical condition.

The visit from Kennedy – who has suffered with bipolar disorder and been treated at Mayo – gave one of the first outside glimpses of Jackson's health.

“I don't think people understand the depth of his depression. It's deep. He has a lot of work to continue to do to be able to learn how to treat this illness in the most effective way possible,” Kennedy told The Associated Press. “Depression is a serious thing, and I'm glad that he's taking it seriously.”

Kennedy also suggested Jackson had an initial reluctance to receive help for his illness.

The congressman's wife, Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, issued a statement through spokesman Kevin Lampe about Kennedy's visit: “My husband is grateful for his friendship. He and Jesse have a long history in Congress together.”

Jackson's spokesman declined to comment Thursday, and it's uncertain when Jackson can return to work. last week, an aide said the congressman could be expected back at work in a matter of weeks. But after the Mayo Clinic released a detailed diagnosis of his health, his spokesman declined to comment. Jackson's father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, also has declined to speak on the topic.

Kennedy, who served with Jackson on the House Appropriations Committee, left Congress last year. He has been an outspoken advocate for mental health and spoken publicly about his own struggles.

He's said he and Jackson have similarities: they both come from famous families and have suffered from the same disorder.

“It was clear we both had the same feelings of dejection and self-doubt and being in a situation where we thought we had let people down and let ourselves down,” Kennedy said. “It's going to take him some time to heal.”

Kennedy called Jackson a resilient person with “terrific self-awareness” and said he was confident Jackson will come back from this.

“He recognizes the challenges that he faces. That's a big step on the long road to recovery. He's doing the work so he can take that journey forward,” Kennedy said. “He's getting stronger and he's getting the support he needs to put together a program of recovery.” Kennedy added that Jackson's family had been to visit him many times.

The congressman's office has said little about Jackson's absence aside from short emailed statements. His office remains open for constituent services, and his aides have continued communication with officials in his district, which includes parts of Chicago and its southern suburbs.

His office initially described the condition – two weeks after he went on leave – as treatment for exhaustion. Later, it was referred to as a “mood disorder.” Jackson, 47, spent time at the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center in Arizona before his office announced late last month that he was transferred to Mayo.

It was only this week that the Mayo Clinic specified his condition as Bipolar II. The condition affects parts of the brain controlling emotion, thought and drive.

Kennedy said it appeared that Jackson wasn't initially ready to acknowledge that he needed medical care.

“He's been through kind of a metamorphosis. The notion that he was getting mental health care was very distasteful,” Kennedy told the AP after the visit with Jackson, which lasted more than an hour Thursday afternoon. “He did not want to acknowledge that this was the kind of help he needed. it took a public outing.”

In their few public comments about his illness, family members have pointed to the stress of Jackson's job and the political disappointments over the years. Jackson, who first won office in 1995, once had his sights set on being a U.S. senator or Chicago's mayor. But those were dimmed in the wake of allegations that Jackson was connected to imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The timing of the medical leave also has invited more scrutiny on that front.

A pending House Ethics Committee investigation is focusing on allegations that Jackson discussed raising money for Blagojevich's campaign so the then-Illinois governor would appoint him to President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich is serving a prison sentence for corruption.

Also, Jackson's office announced the medical leave days after a former fundraiser connected to the allegations was arrested on unrelated federal medical fraud charges.

Jackson hasn't been charged and denies any wrongdoing.

Smith reported from Providence, R. I.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. all rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffPatrick Kennedy: Rep. Jackson in ‘deep’ depression

Legacy Museum exhibit offers snapshot of late 19th century

“I’m so glad trouble don’t last always!” Shortly before 3:30 p.m. Sunday, a resonant female voice began singing the lyrics of the spiritual, and a few other voices joined in. The singer, Dianne Jackson, hadn’t planned on leading a hymn at the Legacy Museum, but when a curator asked, she obliged.

“I knew the tune. I just didn’t know the words,” Jackson laughed. But she made it through easily with the help of a smartphone, to the appreciation of those who were gathered to see the museum’s new exhibit. The exhibit, titled “trouble Don’t Las’ always,” outlines the lives of African-Americans in Central Virginia from the time of the Civil War toward the turn of the century. Exhibit curator Dianne Swann-Wright said the project was in the works for just about a year before it opened to the public. “I think we have a very good snapshot,” she said, of what life would have been like at the time. The exhibit features artifacts from books to farming implements to Swann-Wright’s favorite part of the exhibit — a hand-stitched doll with a clay head. outside of the seams on the doll, she said, each stitch represents something. The doll’s back is crisscrossed with dozens of stitches, denoting scars. “She really embodied the African- American experience that she knew,” Swann-Wright said. Richard Fowler, of Lynchburg, said he was pleased with the exhibit, partly because he recognized some of the artifacts, down to ice tongs and a corn shovel, from his own childhood. “A lot of it brings back memories to people,” he said, adding he appreciated the history it teaches from a perspective some don’t understand. “It makes you think,” he said. Matt Godsoe, 17, who serves on Lynchburg’s Mayor’s Youth Council, is training to be a volunteer docent at the museum. He said the exhibit is important because it gives a personal view of the time period that’s not just focused on the battlefield. “They’re really just talking about their lives,” he said. “It really gives you a different view.” The exhibit was set to open at the end of June, before the derecho took out power to the museum, along with much of the city. The museum plans to keep this display up for two years.

Legacy Museum exhibit offers snapshot of late 19th century

Heidi Montag is training like an Olympian

  • Heidi Montag – Source: BANG Showbiz

Heidi Montag is training like an Olympian with her husband tostay in shape.

The former ‘The Hills’ star exercises in Los Angeles with28-year-old Spencer Pratt.

The 25-year-old star told website Celebuzz: “I’m doing Crossfit,which is really intense, really hardcore. It’s what Olympicprofessional athletes do in their off-season.”

Heidi underwent 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day in 2010in an effort to perfect her body, however she now relies ontraining twice a week with Michael Casey, who she calls “a martialarts master.”

She continued: “I row for like 20 minutes, [then run for] 30minutes on the treadmill. I do half an hour to an hour of cardio onmy own. I do my workout five or six days a week. I’m from Colorado,so I love being athletic. I grew up doing sports.”

Though she tries to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Heidi admitsshe’s got a few vices, too.

She added: “I have my weaknesses. I love wine. I don’t think Icould ever give it up – red, predominantly. Red wine and tequila -those two things I won’t be able to give up. I only drink once ortwice a week. I used to drink more regularly, and I’m trying to cutdown.”

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Heidi and her husband currently live rent-free in Spencer’sfather’s house in Santa Barbara, California after blowing theirfortune from reality stardom.

She said: “Who knows where we’d be if it wasn’t for Spencer’sfamily? It’s definitely a miracle that we get to live here. we arereally cautious with our money now, and we don’t have rent. so wefortunately get to save that money. It’s just save, save,save.”

Heidi Montag is training like an Olympian

Expectations, Benefits Air Max and Reasons to Choose Aesthetic Surgery

For those who have got surgical treatment before, you Air Max Pas Cher understand a number of the stumbling blocks, and faults which can be manufactured in proceeding using the determination. in case you have never ever had a procedure done, it is vital that you understand all you can about moving forward. Have a look at some expert consultancy to help your path.

Do not actually choose your doctor depending on expense. This is often a trick used by lower than reputable doctors to drum up company. if you locate a surgeon providing a cosmetic method a lot less expensively compared to levels of competition, that is a warning sign. You have to tolerate the effects in the procedure, so ensure that you choose the best rather than the least expensive.

Look for the web for people who may have got the treatment you want. when you can, try and determine exposure to these patients. they will be able to inform you which medical professionals to make use of, and which to step away from. also, many people Air Max just might offer you what you are able, and can’t assume through the treatment.

Infection normally happens in just one percent of surgical procedures. nonetheless, in case you build infection recovery time is greatly lengthened. People that consider steroids, have vascular issues, or cigarette smoke possess a greater risk of infection. It has been demonstrated that, the duration of surgery, as well as level of blood flow loss boost the danger of creating an infection.

Browse the medical malpractice background of any doctor you are thinking about. Some physicians experienced negligence boasts registered from them, do not cope with any doctor having an abnormal amount. That might be a certain way to place your life in jeopardy. It is not necessarily worth it because, there are plenty of other physicians Air Max to select from.

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Learn about the Air Max Pas Cher form of anesthesia which will be employed. Basic and IV sedation are typically useful for more advanced and larger surgical treatments. more compact a lot more localized treatments is only going to call for utilizing a neighborhood pain-killer. Knowing, that is to be utilized in your case will help you know the cost and the threats you are dealing with.

As you now Air Max get some good information to imagine on, go on to construct your familiarity with your required treatments. Asas you start, or carry on your cosmetic surgery experience. Using the recommendations you have read in this article can produce an excellent variation within your practical experience. It will also improve the caliber of your final results.

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Expectations, Benefits Air Max and Reasons to Choose Aesthetic Surgery

News – Heidi Montag Today: 10 Things You Don’t Know About the Former ‘Hills’ Star – Celebuzz

Heidi Montag is a an all-new woman in 2012.

The Hills star — who largely walked away from the public spotlight in 2010 when the MTV show wrapped production – is quick to distance herself from reality TV today. She’s often opened up about the drastic plastic surgery that changed her body forever, along with the real-life pitfalls of living her life in front of the world.

But now, she’s revealing even more…

In a new series of interviews with Celebuzz, Montag maintains that she now leads a new life of good health, days at the beach — and pinching pennies. And she is still married to Spencer Pratt, her Hills costar and longtime love, despite announcing a divorce in 2010 and nixing it three months later.

Here are the top 10 things you probably didn’t know about the all-new Montag.

1) She wouldn’t mind being a bartender. “my mom [Darlene Egelhoff] is cleaning houses now because they lost their restaurant,” says Montag, whose family business, Timberlines, shuttered its doors in 2010. “I try to help them, but I didn’t have enough to save it. one of my goals someday is reopen the restaurant and help them. I’ll leave the cooking to my stepdad. I’ll just be an eater… or bartender!”

2) She skipped reading longtime nemesis Lauren Conrad‘s best-selling trio of L.a. Candy novels. “I heard they’re based on our friendship, but I haven’t read them,” Montag says. “I’m writing my own real memoir, not a fiction one.” Meow! “I wrote it two years ago, and last year I started having it edited. it will take a few more months because it’s a serious memoir,” Montag says.

3) Pratt is nearing completion of his college studies, including time at University of Southern California. “he has one class at USC, and then Spanish, and he graduates because he already did most of his political science major,” Montag says. “he took a break when he sold Princes of Malibu to Fox, and then took a break when he did The Hills. So he really only has one more class, and he gets his Political Science degree.”

4) The reality couple — who used to routinely charge $100,000 to host a club party on the Las Vegas Strip — are admittedly broke. They pay no rent to live in Pratt’s father’s house in Santa Barbara, Calif. “who knows where we’d be if it wasn’t for Spencer’s family?” Montag says. “It’s definitely a miracle that we get to live here. we are really cautious with our money now, and we don’t have rent. So we fortunately get to save that money. It’s just save, save, save.”

5) Where did all that money go? “You make a lot of money, but half goes to taxes and the other half goes to agents, managers, lawyers,” Montag says. “it sounds like you make a lot of money, but you don’t. sometimes, Spencer and I say, ‘Gosh, we should have just quit Season 1 or 2 and called it a day.’ but I’m thankful, and the life experiences were priceless. at least we learned younger.”

6) She has reunited with mother Danielle after hitting a rough patch in their relationship. “it was serious, right after The Hills. we just had some disagreements and a lot of miscommunications. You just have to put the past behind you and move forward, and we are both at a place where we are back in each other’s lives,” Montag says. “I reached out to her because she sent me a birthday card year before last. I just wanted to talk to my mom, so I called her.You only get one mom, and they are important. So it was important for me to see her again. She was always my best friend growing up. It’s great to have her back in my life.”

7) She’s training with a martial arts expert. “[Spencer and I] go to L.a., and we have our trainer. I’m doing Crossfit, which is really intense, really hardcore,” Montag says. “It’s what Olympic professional athletes do in their off-season. Michael Casey is our trainer — he’s a martial arts master. It’s twice a week, and then at home I row for like 20 minutes, 30 minutes on the treadmill. I do half an hour to an hour of cardio on my own. I do my workout 5 or 6 days a week. I love being athletic. I’m from Colorado, so I love being athletic. I grew up doing sports.”

8) Her two must-have drinks are red wine and tequila. “I have my weaknesses,” she says. “I love wine. I don’t think I could ever give it up – red, predominantly. Red wine and tequila – those two things I won’t be able to give up. I had both last night, actually! but, I only drink once or twice a week. I used to drink more regularly, and I’m trying to cut down.” Montag also says excessive drinking may have led to extra, unnecessary face-swelling post-surgery.

9) Her bra size, in case you wanted to know, is… “They’re 32 Es or F, depends on the bra,” she says, with a laugh.

10) Montag and Pratt are in a legal back-and-forth with The Hills‘ producers over a reality show they allegedly pitched. “our Summer is the stolen version of 27 Miles – a show we pitched to the producer of The Hills,” Montag says. “We’re talking to lawyers about that because [they're] trying to take the whole show without us. 27 Miles is about these Malibu kids living this amazing privileged life but at the same time incorporating new media and social media and how they’re not as naive as kids like them have been in the past. They have Skype and Twitter and these different multimedia aspects of their life that are ingrained in their relationships and their daily life. So that was the main anchors of the show and showing it through their eyes.”

What do you think of the new Heidi Montag? Sound off in the comments.

Celebuzz Single Player no Autoplay (CORE)No changes are to be made to this player Source: Celebuzz

News – Heidi Montag Today: 10 Things You Don’t Know About the Former ‘Hills’ Star – Celebuzz

Know the Pros & Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is something most of the women yearn for. be it the nose, eyes, lips, cheeks, jaw, face, hand, arms, stomach, belly, buttocks, women would not leave a chance to undergo cosmetic surgery. they do it primarily to look attractive and youthful. if you are someone who wishes to undergo surgery, you can seek advice from cosmetic surgery consultants who can provide advice on how and when to undergo this kind of surgery.

There are many cosmetic surgeons who can provide you with ideas on how to undergo surgery. You can get comprehensive information on breast reduction surgery. whatever your queries are regarding this surgery, you can find answers to all through these advisers. You can be rest assured regarding which kind of surgery to choose from. You can make a sound decision based on their advice.

You can advice from surgeons before undergoing the sugery such as advice on arm lift and tummy tuck surgery. the primary aim of the website is to provide a person with complete information on the surgery. Arm lift surgery is meant for those whose arms are sagging and have lost shape. Such people can undergo arm lift cosmetic surgery.

With ageing, a large mass of skin on arms starts loosening up. this results in sagging arms. the problem can be corrected by surgery. Usually on the upper arm, the skin starts sagging. this shows as a bag of flesh on the lower side of the upper arm when the arm is extended outward (commonly known in the UK as Bingo Wings or Bat Wings). it is a minor defect and can be corrected by removing skin and subcutaneous tissue. however, you must remember that the surgery leaves a noticeable scar.

What does Arm Lift Surgery Involve?

In arm lift surgery, the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and the procedure lasts for 1 to 2 hours. the patient is hospitalized for 1 to 2 days. And post-operative discomfort is minimal. though, you must have realistic expectations from the surgery. however, most patients are pleased with the outcome and find they can wear the clothes they want, especially short sleeved tops. this infuses confidence in people who undergo surgery.

During the recovery period, bruising and swelling are common. You may also experience a tight feeling in the arms. normally, the stitches will be removed within a week after surgery. however, deeper sutures aren’t removed until two or three weeks after the surgery.

You may also wear a support garment for few weeks to reduce swelling and will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. though, most of the swelling will disappear after three weeks or so. You should also avoid strenuous activity for a month or so. Cosmetic surgery is a complex task and it involves certain amount of risk. Hence, you must prepare yourself before undergoing surgery. You must get all the required details beforehand. this will help you in a sound decision.

Know the Pros & Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

Maintaining Liposuction Results

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that consists of the removal of fat cells from troublesome areas of the body that have not been responding to diet or exercise. Common areas where patients get liposuction include the hips, back, buttocks, and abdomen.

Liposuction works through the insertion of a syringe of cannula (stainless steel device with a suctioning action) through small incisions in the area. the fat is then sucked out or removed via the syringe. the result is the permanent removal of fat cells for the trouble spot, giving you a smoother, firmer appearance.

So how does a patient maintain their results once they have recovered from liposuction?  It is import to actively maintain the results because, though the fat cells have been removed, new ones can accumulate in the area if significant weight gain occurs.

The first factor in maintaining your results from liposuction is your diet. a healthy diet that isn’t heavy in fat or sugar will help you maintain your weight and your surgical results. Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, so it is important to look at the procedure as a second chance to a new you.

The second factor in keeping your new physique is exercise, with a plan that is heavy on the cardiovascular workouts. Women who have had liposuction and do not exercise are at a greater risk of not only regaining the fat, but of also developing fat around the organs, which can put you at risk for developing other conditions. It is also important to drink the recommended amount of water per day for your body weight.

Finally, another way to make sure you maintain your results is to get as close to your ideal weight as possible before the surgery happens. This will decrease the chances that you will have extreme weight fluctuations afterwards.

Through diet and exercise, you can keep the slimmer, smoother look you have acquired. Weight gain that occurs after liposuction will initially happen in the fat cells you still have, which can give your body an out-of-balance look. After that, if the gaining is significant, you will lose the results of your surgery

If you have more questions about liposuction in Northern Virginia, call us at (703) 574-2588 or schedule a consultation. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Maintaining Liposuction Results

KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffPhelps gets started on the rest of his life

By BETH HARRIS and PAUL NEWBERRYAP Sports Writers

LONDON (AP) – on the first day of the rest of his life, Michael Phelps found old habits are hard to break.

He popped out of bed around 6 in the morning Sunday, as if it were another normal training session.

“I wish I could sleep a little longer,” Phelps said. “I've been used to getting up early the last 20 years. We're going to work on getting on a little different schedule.”

Phelps can start sleeping later now. Heck, he can do whatever he wants. at 27, he ended his swimming career in London as the most decorated Olympian ever with 18 golds – twice as many as anyone else – and 22 medals overall. The only thing left to do is sign the retirement papers, which will remove him from the list of athletes who must undergo regular doping tests.

“I have not officially retired yet,” Phelps told The Associated Press, “but very soon I will be signing those papers and it will be official.”

Phelps isn't sure what he'll do next. there will definitely be plenty of traveling. Only this time he'll see more than just the bottom of pools and the inside of hotel rooms. he wants to work on his golf game – “the proper way, not just going out there taking a couple of hacks at a little white ball.” he might even take a trip to the beach, which was something he never wanted to do when he was swimming competitively.

“If I go swimming any place, it will probably be in the ocean,” Phelps said. “I will actually enjoy getting in the water at the beach. I've been on a couple of vacations before, but I never wanted to get around water because I spent so much time in the water. hopefully, I can jump in now and actually enjoy it, just splashing around with my friends.”

For the most part, though, his retirement plans are a work in progress.

He's been so focused on his swimming, on making a splash at his final Olympics, that he clearly hasn't taken much time to figure out what he wants to do next. he just knows he doesn't want to swim, not competitively anyway.

“I don't even know where to begin,” Phelps said. “I'm just going to take it one step at a time, one day at a time. If I want to do something, I'm just going to do it.”

He was asked about a do-over as host of “Saturday Night Live.” back in 2008, shortly after breaking Mark Spitz's Olympic record by winning eight gold medals, Phelps made a rather stilted appearance on the late-night comedy show.

“Hopefully, I wouldn't be as nervous as I was last time. I remember walking out on the stage for that very first scene and thinking, 'Wow, if I mess up, everybody's going to see it,'” he said. “If they call and ask, I will definitely say yes. I would love to do it again.”

For now, he's mainly focused on getting some down time. He's been swimming competitively for about two decades, and he's been at the top of the sport for nearly a dozen years. there are so many things he passed up so he could focus on swimming, and though there are no regrets, there's a lot of catching up to do.

“The biggest thing I really want to do is travel and see a bunch of the world,” he said.

This, from a guy who's obviously done plenty of traveling, from Sydney to Athens, from Beijing to London. But this will be different. he wants to experience what other tourists get to experience.

He got a sampling of it Sunday, hitting the town with his mom, two older sisters and a niece.

“It's fun to see parts of this city,” Phelps said. “Coming over the bridge this morning, seeing Parliament and big Ben. I had not seen that this whole trip. It's cool being able to go around and see more of it. hopefully, in the next couple of days, I'll be able to enjoy it a little bit more. I'll have more time to go out and see London like you're supposed to.”

He paused and quickly added a telling comment on the single-mindedness that carried him to such glory in the pool but deprived him of so many other things.

“I don't know how you're supposed to” see London, Phelps said. “I have a friend who lives over here. I'll ask him what to do, what to see.”

Phelps had barely climbed out of the pool for the final time when speculation started about whether he would come back. He's at an age where he could easily swim in another Olympics, maybe two. his coach, Bob Bowman, said Phelps would likely have to drop some of his longer events but could still be one of the world's best in several races if he wanted to keep going.

Dara Torres, who won three silver medals at age 41 and just missed making her sixth Olympic team this year, tweeted that she's betting on a Phelps comeback.

“Anyone care to wager???” she wrote.

Phelps playfully tweeted back: “Yes I would love 2!!!”

“The competitive part of my career is over, but that doesn't mean I'm done with the sport,” he said. “This sport has allowed me so many opportunities. I've had the privilege to do some of the coolest things in the world. I'm still going with my goal, to try to change the sport, to take it to a whole new level. It hasn't reached the peak that I want it to reach.”

He plans to attend the world championships in Barcelona next year, and he's already promised his mom that he'll take her to the Rio Games in 2016. But before anyone gets the wrong idea, he quickly adds, “I'm not competing. I'm not competing. I'm not competing.

“I want to see what it's like being on the outside looking in,” Phelps said. “It will be cool to see how people progress.”

He's not at all worried about the U.S. program carrying on without him. Indeed, this was more of a team effort than the past two Olympics, which were dominated by Phelps' Herculean performances. he still won more medals than any other swimmer, but four golds and two silvers was a step down from Beijing. Even so, the Americans won 16 golds – their highest total in a non-boycotted Olympics since 1972.

Seventeen-year-old Missy Franklin captured four golds, equaling the U.S. mark for a female swimmer set by Amy Van Dyken in 1996. Allison Schmitt won three golds, plus a silver and a bronze. Fifteen-year-old Katie Ledecky nearly broke the world record in the 800 freestyle. and Ryan Lochte, who was a bit of a disappointment despite winning five medals, plans to keep on swimming.

“We have a great team right now,” Phelps said.

One thing he doesn't want to do: Regain those 25 pounds he put on in 2009, when his enthusiasm for the sport waned and he wasn't even sure if he wanted to come back for another Olympics.

“I'm a person that's very goal-oriented,” he said. “I'm sure I can find things to get excited and motivated for.”

In keeping with the theme of a retrospective farewell, Phelps went with some slightly older hip-hop on his iPod during his eight days at the pool, songs he had used to fire himself up for previous meets and past Olympics.

When he walked on the deck for the final time Saturday night to take part in the 4×100-meter medley relay, he was jammin' to Young Jeezy's 2007 hit, “Go Getta,” and a 2011 collaboration between Afrojack and Steve Aoki, “No Beef.”

“I had those two songs kind of going back and forth,” Phelps said. “Most of the meet, we threw in a couple of Lil Wayne songs. I kind of went old school. We didn't do too many new songs on this trip. We just put together everything I listened to over the years.”

Phelps is eager to get home to Baltimore to be with his dogs, Herman and Stella.

Stella is a newcomer to the family, but she seems to be getting adjusted.

“I've been hearing stories and seeing pictures that Stella is more relaxed than before,” Phelps said. “I want to be able to go home and hopefully not see Stella ripping Herman's wrinkles anymore. She kept doing that, and he would get so upset. But they like each other now. I definitely miss those guys. I remember the day I left, they all looked so sad.”

He looked downright giddy about getting on with the rest of his life.

Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffPhelps gets started on the rest of his life