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The place where the world comes together in honesty and mirth.
Windmills Tilted, Scared Cows Butchered, Lies Skewered on the Lance of Reality ... or something to that effect.


Sunday, August 23, 2009

Southern Governors Warned About Impacts of Climate Change

From Treehugger:

res-states-map.gif
Graphic via UCS

They can't say they weren't warned. At the Southern Governors' Association's annual meeting near Williamsburg, VA, retired military officials told the governors that climate change will have major impacts on their states. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Richard Engel, who directs the Climate Change and State Stability program of the National Intelligence Council, told the governors that global warming will cause drought, floods, and storm damage.

Article continues: Southern Governors Warned About Impacts of Climate Change

Worldwide battle rages for control of the internet

Governments are regaining control of the internet (Image: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty) As dissidents exploit social networking sites to organise protests and get their message out, governments are searching for ways to silence them.

Worldwide battle rages for control of the internet

Scotland's 'earliest face' found

Archaeologist for Historic Scotland Jakob Kainz with the discovery of the face [Pic: Historic Scotland]
Archaeologist Jakob Kainz made the discovery of the face [Pic: Historic Scotland]

A carving believed to be Scotland's earliest human face, dating back thousands of years, has been found on the Orkney island of Westray.

Full Story

Upwards lightning caught on film

US scientists manage to photograph the rarely seen phenomenon of upwards lightning during a tropical storm.

Weird Scholarships Nearly Anyone Can Apply For

Along the way, we've discovered that a unique hobby, special skill or unusual interest could be the ticket to financing a college education.

Weird Scholarships

Top intel experts: repugicans "covering their ass" on torture investigation

Far from jeopardizing US security, as some politicians claim, an investigation into torture practices during the Bush administration would prevent future abuses, say three senior veterans of the intelligence community.

Girl dies after hurricane wave rescue

Girl dies after hurricane wave rescue

A 7-year-old girl dies after a large wave stirred by Hurricane Bill swept her out to sea.

Medical robot makes rounds at Texas Army hospital

Staff Sgt. Juan Amaris laid in intensive care recovering from life-threatening burns when he got a peculiar visit from his doctor.

Rare Long-Eared Jerboa Poses for a Picture

The Mountain of Flames in Turpan City, China, known for having the coolest name for a mountain in existence, has a new distinction to add to its credentials: home for the rare long-eared Jerboa.

jerboa2 Rare Long Eared Jerboa Poses for a Picture picture

The long-eared Jerboa (Euchoreutes naso) is a nocturnal rodent that is so unique, it has its own genus (Euchoreutes) and subfamily (Euchoreutinae). It possess disproportionately long legs to hop everywhere, making it resemble a bizarre hybrid of a kangaroo, mouse and rabbit.

Golf Course Groundskeeper Finds Mammoth Tooth

A golf course groundskeeper recently stumbled onto something unexpected on the greens: A tooth from a 10,000-year-old mammoth.
Groundskeeper Patrick Walker found the 10-pound tooth Tuesday when he was on the greens about 30 miles east of Grand Rapids at Morrison Lake Country Club.

Mammoth Tooth

Sensational sites in North Carolina

Since the 1920s, Reader's Digest has specialized in publishing the “short and sweet” in its monthly magazine and, more recently, specialty books.

Its “Off the Beaten Path” travel book was updated this year, with more than 1,000 write-ups of places to go in the United States. On page 2 is a choice selection of what the guide recommends seeing and doing in North and South Carolina.

Nantahala Gorge

12 miles southwest of Bryson City

Carved by the Nantahala River, this eight-mile gorge takes its name from a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noonday sun.” Indeed, the canyon here is so deep and narrow that only when the sun is directly overhead can its rays reach the bottom of the gorge.

The gorge burrows down about 1,800 feet at its deepest and is less than 100 yards wide at its narrowest. It's the centerpiece of the Nantahala National Forest, with easy access to the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the eastern end of the gorge.

The river offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Water released from the Duke Energy dam several miles upriver rushes down the gorge for about 12 hours most days, creating an ideal run for whitewater rafting.

Rafts, canoes and kayaks may be rented in the area, and the trip, while exhilarating, is not overly challenging for novices. Picnic areas are maintained, and the river is stocked with trout; fishing is better in the calm evening waters than in the daytime torrents. Open year-round.

Details: 800-867-9246; www.greatsmokies.com.

Stone Mountain State Park

3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap

Plunging waterfalls, granite outcroppings, narrow dirt roads and trails twisting through Catawba rhododendrons and mountain laurel populate this park's more than 14,100 acres.

Creeks stocked with trout – rainbows, browns and “brookies” – make this a fisherman's paradise. In Bullhead Creek (a “fish for fun” stream where fly-fishermen may practice their techniques but must toss back their catch), rainbows as long as 26 inches have been hooked.

Trails lead to the 2,300-foot summit of rugged Stone Mountain, and you'll also find paths to Stone Mountain Falls, Cedar Rock and Wolf Rock. Mountain climbers can choose from 13 different ascent routes, many of which are difficult and not recommended for beginners.

Throughout this densely forested area, lady's slippers, trilliums, bluets and other wildflowers and ferns are often seen in settings that also frequently include feathered populations of red-tailed hawks, ruffed grouse, black vultures, wild turkeys and owls. White-tailed deer, beavers, otters, minks and foxes are occasionally glimpsed. Bears have also been reported but are extremely rare.

Open year-round except Christmas. No entry fee; fee for fishing.

Details: 336-957-8185; www.ncparks.gov.

Mount Airy

(aka Mayberry)

Mount Airy, birthplace of actor Andy Griffith and the likely inspiration for “The Andy Griffith Show,” is a trip down memory lane for fans of the 1960s TV series. You can head over to Wally's Fillin Station and tour Main Street in the sheriff's squad car. Savor a pork chop sandwich at The Snappy Lunch, which, like Floyd's barbershop, predates the show. See the bronze statue of Andy and Opie at the Andy Griffith Playhouse (site of the annual Old Time Fiddlers' Convention) and generally enjoy reminders of the popular series throughout the town.

Mount Airy and its environs have other claims to fame: The area was once inhabited by the mysterious Saura tribe of Native Americans and later was home to the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker. These conjoined twins settled in nearby White Plains after retiring from P.T. Barnum's circus. Check out the local history at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. The town – officially a city since 1976 – has much to enjoy year round, including its picturesque setting in the Blue Ridge. Stop by the welcome center on East Main Street for information, ideas of what to do and maps.

Details: 800-948-0949; www.visitmayberry.com.

Clyde Jones Haw River Critter Crossing

Bynum Hill Road, Bynum

Once a mill town but now mostly residential, Bynum is home to folk artist Clyde Jones and his amazing critters, carved from local wood with a chainsaw, decorated with found objects and often painted in vibrant, rainbow colors. You'll see examples of Jones' work throughout the village, but the real treat is his Critter Crossing near the Haw River. His small house, painted top to bottom with colorful murals, is surrounded by hundreds of whimsical critters.

Jones began sculpting in the early 1980s while recovering from a sawmill injury and took up painting a few years later. His pieces have been featured in galleries and museums nationally and internationally. He is known for giving away, rather than selling, his art, and at the Critter Crossing his menagerie is free for the looking.

Details: Chatham County Arts Council, 919-542-0394.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

10 miles south of Nags Head

Each spring and fall, geese, ducks and other migratory birds use the Atlantic Flyway to get where they're going.

This sliver of an island – almost 13 miles long and no more than a mile across at its widest – is one of the Eastern Seaboard's finest vantage points to observe the migration. And beach lovers, fishermen, hikers and photographers will also find much to enjoy here.

This complex of salt marshes and freshwater ponds supports otters, muskrats, nutrias, diamondback terrapins and loggerhead, sea and snapping turtles. Ring-necked pheasants abound, while egrets, herons and ibises are among the waterfowl and shorebirds that nest there. Peregrine falcons are often seen during spring and fall migrations, and more than 250 other bird species are occasionally observed.

A number of observation platforms facilitate sightings of all varieties. Ponds supporting ducks, geese and swans are easily observed from the car.

Five access points to Atlantic beaches and one to Pamlico Sound along the western shore attract bathers. Anglers can cast for sea trout, channel bass, pompano and bluefish. Open year-round. No admission fee.

Details: 252-473-1131; www.fws.gov/peaisland.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

1610 S. Fort Fisher Blvd., Kure Beach

Late in the Civil War, the Union blockade of Southern ports prevented the South from receiving war supplies. In order to counter this, Confederate blockade runners made daring trips through fog and moonless nights to get precious cargoes.

Fort Fisher was built to provide cover for the Confederate seamen entering Cape Fear River on their way to the Confederacy's major port in Wilmington. Extending for one mile along the Atlantic Coast and across a sand peninsula, this series of redoubts was the South's largest earthen seacoast fort. With a complement of 47 guns, it provided a mile of defense seaward as well as one-third mile inland.

Only a few mounds remain, preserved from the actions of erosion. Exhibits in a small museum detail events that took place there from December 1864 to January 1865, when the fort finally fell to a determined Union action that employed about 58 warships and 8,000 infantrymen.

A quarter-mile tour trail surrounds what remains of the fort today. Features along the route include wayside exhibits, a reconstructed palisade fence and a partially restored gun emplacement.

The visitors center offers audio-visual programs and a permanent exhibit hall that displays an extensive collection of artifacts from the blockaders and the blockade runners. There's also a large and impressive fiber optic-powered map that shows the final battle for the fort in 1865.

The fort is open daily April-September; open Tuesday-Saturday, October-March. No admission fee.

An aquarium is open year-round except holidays. Admission: $8; $6 for ages 6-17; 5 and younger, free. Details: www.nchistoricsites.org; 910-458-5538 (fort); 910-458-8257 (aquarium).

NC's oldest town is growing ... maybe

A developer's proposal to expand a marina in North Carolina's oldest town has stirred up a decades-long debate about whether there should be growth there.

The Daily Reflector of Greenville reports the latest controversy in the town of Bath stems from a plan to widen a boardwalk, add a stairway to the roof and extend three piers at the Quarterdeck Marina.

Opponents say the proposal would increase noise, water pollution and boat congestion in the mostly residential area. Others say it is necessary to improve safety at the only business in the area that provides a public ramp and gas for boaters.

Both sides agree that the plan is the latest issue in a struggle between those who want growth and those who worry about altering the town's image and appeal.

"This is a unique, small town with historical value and it needs to be protected," said Josie Hookway, a resident and former president of the Historic Bath Commission. "There is concern that some of the development in the area might negatively affect that."

John Baldwin has spearheaded development since 2005 for a trio of subdivisions. He also owns several other waterfront lots along Bath Creek and one of the town's last undeveloped commercial properties.

Baldwin, who with his wife owns the Quarterdeck, say they have encountered resistance from residents and town officials who they believe are opposed to any type of growth. But they say they have a petition signed by hundreds who favor the Quarterdeck expansion. Bath has a population of approximately 270.

"There is a core group of people in Bath who do not want this town to grow," Cindy Baldwin said. "They want it exactly the way it is. Our point is we want it to grow tastefully. We want controlled growth and we want to do it by preserving the historic aspect of the town."

Some say the subdivisions and potential commercial development proposed near the historic district might alter the character of the town renowned for being the home of the infamous pirate Blackbeard and some of the oldest structures in the state, one of which dates back to 1734.

Town Commissioner Jay Hardin said a decision regarding proposals for the Quarterdeck is expected Monday during the commission's regular meeting. However, Hardin thinks it is unlikely to end debates between the two factions of the town.

Homeowner and part-time resident Gene Roberts said similar proposals for two marinas and the expansion of what is currently the Quarterdeck were rejected more than 20 years ago by Bath commissioners and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers because of the "fragile" waters.

Bath, created in 1705, is approximately 140 miles east of Raleigh.

Five fatal errors for job searchers

Five fatal errors for job searchers

When an employer asks a question in an ad, don't neglect to answer it in the cover letter.

Hurricane Bill wave tragedy

Hurricane Bill wave tragedy

A group of people in Maine were swept into the sea by a wave generated from Hurricane Bill.

It's a Blond World

A blond decides to go hunting.
She buys a rifle and other needed gear and sets off.
As she's driving down the road she sees a sign that says "Bear Left" so she turns around
and goes home!

Damage Done, Grassley Recants on Death Panels

They know the damage has been done, that the talk about so-called non-existent death panels has impacted health care reform, so now the repugicans are saying "Mea Culpa."
Such is the case of Charles Grassley (retard-Iowa) who championed the idea less than two weeks ago.

Full Story

Competition lacking among private health insurers

One of the most widely accepted arguments against a government medical plan for the middle class is that it would quash competition — just what private insurers seem to be doing themselves in many parts of the U.S.

Full Story

Attack on Obama riles Brick's advertisers

Glenn Brick returns to Faux News Channel after a vacation (read: rehab) on Monday with fewer companies willing to advertise on his show than when he left, part of the fallout from calling President Barack Obama a racist.

Attack on Obama riles Brick's advertisers

LiLo Burgled

Police are investigating a reported burglary at Lindsay Lohan's home in the Hollywood Hills.

Police probe burglary report at Lohan's LA home

LeAnn Rimes Questioned in Hit and Run Crash

Los Angeles police questioned country singer LeAnn Rimes Thursday after she was accused of being involved in a misdemeanor hit-and-run crash.

Boy rescues mom trapped in Burnley bathroom for two hours

A resourceful four-year-old proved to be "mommy's little hero" after rescuing her from a bathroom nightmare.

Boy rescues mom trapped in Burnley bathroom for two hours

Design Firm Offers 'Teen-Proof' Room

A Scottish design firm has come up with a "teen-proof" room complete with carpeting that resists stains and an under-the-bed dump site for clothes.

'Teen-Proof' Room

Thousands flee massive Greek fire

Thousands flee massive Greek fire

A raging fire forces 10,000 people from their homes and threatens two ancient temples.

Slash 200 calories a day

Slash 200 calories a day

These smart diet and nutrition tweaks can help you drop 20 pounds a year.

Social Security to reduce payments

Social Security to reduce payments

Millions of Social Security recipients are expected to receive less money in 2010 and 2011.

Why do Muslims fast at Ramadan?

Why do Muslims fast at Ramadan?

Health and religion are only some of the reasons that Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

Lazy ways to save more money

20 lazy ways to save more money

These simple changes to your lifestyle could add up to significant savings.

Why Toyota won't make electric cars

Why Toyota won't make electric cars

The automaker refuses to join the race to build the next all-electric automobile.

Unusual Holidays and Celebrations

Today is Valentino Day.

Daily Almanac

Today is Sunday, Aug. 23, the 235th day of 2009.

There are 130 days left in the year.

The moon is waxing.

Today In History August 23

Our Readers

Some of our readers today have been in:

Bogor, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Adelaide, Southern Australia, Australia
Tehran, Esfahan, Iran
Sundsvall, Vasternorrlands, Sweden
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
London, England, United Kingdom
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

as well as Brazil, and the United States.

Daily Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

Put aside those loose ends for now and concentrate on initiating something that's near and dear to your heart.
It's a fantastic time to lay the foundations for a project that needs lots of time and TLC.
So start drawing up plans, brainstorming and building those castles in the air. Make sure to give yourself plenty of freedom.
Think of the sky not as being the limit, but more like a ... guideline.

Guidelines -Smidlines.