The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:
Being your usual objective self will not be easy today, because a lot of issues will be swirling around some of the people and places you care deeply about.
Perhaps it's time that you stopped trying to be impartial and took a risk by taking a side.
By putting all your emotions behind something and even admitting that you have an agenda, you can make a bigger impact and be a part of preserving something you really care about.

Some of our readers today have been in:

 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Canberra, Australian, Capital Territory, Australia
Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
London, England, United Kingdom
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Berne, Bern, Switzerland
Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Newbury, England, United Kingdom

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cork, Cork, Ireland

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Ankara, Ankara, Turkey

Bucharest, Bucuresti, Romania

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Paris, Ile-De-France, France

as well as Slovakia, Malta, Bulgaria, Israel, Finland, Austria, Norway, Georgia, Mexico, Peru, Kuwait, Serbia, Bangladesh, Latvia, Greece, Scotland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Wales, Iran, Singapore, Poland, Taiwan, Sweden, Afghanistan, Belgium, Tibet, Croatia, Pakistan, Romania, Paraguay, Sudan, Vietnam, Argentina, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Estonia, Puerto Rico, Maldives, Qatar, Brazil, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Slovenia, China, Iraq, Ecuador, Nigeria, Colombia, Chile, Honduras, Paupa New Guinea, Moldova, Venezuela, Germany, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Norway, Finland

and in cities across the United States such as San Francisco, St. Louis, Norfolk, New York and more.

Today is:

Today is Saturday, August 6, the 218th day of 2011.

There are 147 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are:

There aren't any.

  

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

President Obama's Weekly Address

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Washington, DC

This week, Congress reached an agreement that’s going to allow us to make some progress in reducing our nation’s budget deficit.  And through this compromise, both parties are going to have to work together on a larger plan to get our nation’s finances in order.  That’s important. We’ve got to make sure that Washington lives within its means, just like families do.  In the long term, the health of our economy depends on it.
But in the short term, our urgent mission has to be getting this economy growing faster and creating jobs.  That’s what’s on people’s minds; that’s what matters to families in this country.  And the fact is, this has been a tumultuous year for the economy.  We’ve weathered the Arab Spring’s effect on oil and gas prices.  The Japanese earthquake and tsunami’s effect on supply chains.  The economic situation in Europe.  And in Washington, there was a contentious debate over our nation’s budget that nearly dragged our country into financial crisis.
So our job right now has to be doing whatever we can to help folks find work; to help create the climate where a business can put up that job listing; where incomes are rising again for people. We’ve got to rebuild this economy and the sense of security that middle class has felt slipping away for years.  And while deficit reduction has to be part of our economic strategy, it’s not the only thing we have to do.
We need Democrats and Republicans to work together to help grow this economy.  We’ve got to put politics aside to get some things done.  That’s what the American people expect of us.  And there are a number of steps that Congress can take right away, when they return in September.
We need to extend tax cuts for working and middle class families so you have more money in your paychecks next year.  That would help millions of people to make ends meet.  And that extra money for expenses means businesses will have more customers, and will be in a better position to hire.
Yesterday, I proposed a new tax credit for companies that hire veterans who are looking for work after serving their country.  We’ve got a lot of honorable and skilled people returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and companies that could benefit from their abilities. Let’s put them together.
We need to make sure that millions of workers who are still pounding the pavement looking for jobs are not denied unemployment benefits to carry them through hard times.
We’ve got to cut the red tape that stops too many inventors and entrepreneurs from quickly turning new ideas into thriving businesses – which holds back our whole economy.
It’s time Congress finally passed a set of trade deals that would help displaced workers looking for new jobs, and that would allow our businesses to sell more products in countries in Asia and South America – products stamped with three words: Made in America.
And we ought to give more opportunities to all those construction workers who lost their jobs when the housing boom went bust.  We could put them to work right now, by giving loans to companies that want to repair our roads and bridges and airports, helping to rebuild America.
Those are a few commonsense steps that would help the economy.  And these are ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the past.  So I’m going to keep calling on both parties in Congress to put aside their differences and send these bills to my desk so I can sign them right away.  After all, both parties share power.  Both parties share responsibility for our progress.  Moving our economy and our country forward is not a Democratic or a Republican responsibility; it is our responsibility as Americans.
That’s the spirit we need in Washington right now. That’s how we’ll get this economy growing faster and reach a brighter day.
Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.

U.S. loses top credit rating

U.S. debt downgraded for first time ever

Standard & Poor's penalizes the world's leading economy for not doing enough with its debt. 

Dramatic setback 

Also: 

• Wall Street's wild week
• Inside the market mania
• How to embrace volatility

Famous Last Words

S&P's message to Washington

Downgrade sends deliberate message

Standard & Poor's historic decision is the ultimate statement about the mess in Washington.  

Columnist: Sabotage? 

Also: 

• Why S&P downgraded
• U.S.: $2 trillion error
• Positive jobs report

Surviving the stormy market

How to survive the stormy market

Financial experts offer advice on the best ways to react to the current Wall Street sell-off.

Stay put or act now? 

Also: 

• Market plunge's victims
• Common investor mistakes
• Great jobs for retirees

New recession seems unlikely

Why a new recession seems unlikely

Despite the market meltdown, a few trends suggest the economy may be expanding.  

Jobs report offers relief 

Also: 

• Case for a double-dip
• Which risks have risen
• Teacher jobs disappear

Reality is

What Obama can do on jobs

What can Obama do about jobs?

Most measures to stimulate hiring would run into opposition in Congress over spending.  

Crucial to re-election 

Also: 

• July jobs numbers rise
• Volatile session for stocks
• Food aid numbers up

Good news on U.S. jobs

Job growth is better than expected

Employers hired 117,000 in July, which could ease fears of U.S. recession. 

Unemployment dips to 9.1% 

Also: 

• Online jobs index gains
• Tax credit for veterans
• Stocks may jolt economy

Non Sequitur

Wisconsin Democrats file complaint against repugican recall senator Alberta Darling for multiple felonies

Great catch by Chris Bowers at Daily Kos Elections.

From the party announcement:

MILWAUKEE-The Democratic Party of Wisconsin today filed complaints in multiple jurisdictions alleging that state Sen. Alberta Darling has committed multiple felonies as part of a collusion and obstruction conspiracy.

(See attached complaint [pdf].)

The complaints also name the corporate front group Americans For Prosperity, Wisconsin Family Action, Wisconsin Right to Life and the lobbying arm of for-profit education corporations, the so-called American Federation for Children.

Darling's campaign and political operation is alleged to have benefited directly from groups that are part of a loose "coalition" that is funneling millions of dollars into Wisconsin in defense of her and Scott Walker's agenda.

Only when forced by the threat of a lawsuit to release some emails that indicate coordination and collusion did Darling begrudgingly comply. But Darling is blocking the release of records relating to a Democratic Party of Wisconsin Open Records Request that includes groups such as Wisconsin Right to Life -- an extreme conservative organization that is under current investigation for campaign violations.

"It appears that Alberta Darling is engaged in a coverup to hide election collusion," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Thursday. "The last acts of her desperate campaign are not merely pathetic. They are illegal."

Note: It's not that Darling and her investors are doing it; it's that Democrats are finally taking effective action — accusing them in actual court for actual crimes.

Darling is attracting a ton of wingnut money.

The election is August 9, which my math says is soon.

Any Questions?

X-Ray of the most intelligent wingnut showing the extremely large brain it has.

Medicare prescription premiums won't rise in 2012

The Obama administration had good news for seniors Thursday: The average monthly premium for Medicare's popular prescription program won't go up next year.

Full Story

Laughing is good for you ...

The actual act of laughing can reduce lung function, at least in the short term.

Having a sense of humor has health benefits but the actual act of laughing can reduce lung function, at least in the short term, U.S. researchers suggest.

Full Story

Best restaurant sunsets

Best restaurants to watch a sunset

These 10 places, from coast to coast, offer priceless, memorable vistas along with dinner.  

Tables with a view 

Also: 

• Top dining deal sites
• Crazy summer dining
• Weird eating experiences

The world's strangest-looking produce

The world's strangest-looking produce

An artist spends years collecting a wide array of odd fruits and vegetables.  

Photos of his 'Mutato-Project' 

Also: 

• Orange juice now a luxury
• Sweet apple forecasts
• Boom in city roof gardens

Grow your own vegetables

Is it worth growing your own veg?

We take a look at what you should consider before deciding to grow your own vegetables. 

Costs and savings 

Also: 

• Grow your own veg
• Are chickens worth it
• Brits back gardening

Busy NYC Starbucks block sockets to free up seats

Some busy Starbucks coffee shops in New York City have started blocking electrical outlets to discourage laptop users from hogging space, and to free up seats for other customers.

Full Story

Don't mess with this Mayor, Coppers!

An 84-year-old mayor who was found by a police chief with marijuana plants in her garden has fired the entire department. City commissioners voted 3-2 Monday night in favor of closing the department.

The controversy came to the forefront earlier this month when Mayor Mary Lee Cook told officials she believed someone from the police force planted marijuana on her property.

The mayor called the special meeting, and presented a number of complaints against Police Chief Diane Young. During the discussion, commissioners decided it would be best to 'terminate the entire department.'

Mayor Mary Lee Cook of Oak Hill, Florida, said that the marijuana plants narcotics agents found growing near a fence in her yard were placed there by someone looking to damage her reputation.

Full Story

Teacher arrested in front of class

Great example for the kids 

A school teacher was arrested in front of her class after allegedly being involved in two car crashes on her way to work.

Police entered the school in Werribee to arrest her yesterday, officers asking her year 10 class to turn around as they stood on a sports field as they loaded their teacher into a divisional van.

The 51-year-old South Yarra resident was interviewed in relation to two separate collisions, and police allege she was driving on a cancelled licence and blew .032.

Full Story

Cops fool wanted fans

Cops fool alleged deadbeats with ruse

These fans think they've won tickets to the annual Auburn-Alabama college football game. 

Quickly get bad news 

Also: 

• OSU cancels coach tribute
• Notre Dame's starting QB?
• Oklahoma No. 1 in poll

Ziggy

Attorney: Terror suspect can't be tried in Kentucky

An attorney for one of two Iraqi refugees arrested in Kentucky on terrorism charges is weighing in on the question of whether his client should be tried in a civilian court.

Full Story

Rare look inside North Korea

Rare look inside North Korea's society

A new set of photos provides a special glimpse into one of the world's most secretive nations.  

See them all 

Also: 

• Floods hit North Korea
• Leaning on China for trade
• Flak over disarmament

Nato strikes 'kill Gaddafi's youngest son'

Nato strikes 'kill Gaddafi's youngest son'

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's youngest son Khamis has reportedly been killed by Nato strikes in Libya. 'Militia' 

Also: 

• Khamis Gaddafi
• Israeli troops raids Gaza
• Syrian MP blacklisted

A face in the cloud

Face spotted in clouds during storm

A mysterious cloud resembling a human head was caught on tape during a storm in Canada this week. 

Watch now 

Also: 

• Weird videos
• Brit mauled to death
• Cop saved by radio

Random Photos

Texas Town to Recycle Urine

The drought-stricken town is taking a page from NASA, which developed a urine recycling program for astronauts.

Read more

Nuclear Fission on the Stovetop

A photo of a 'meltdown' on nuclear experimenter Richard Handl's kitchen stove. 

Photos: Handl via Richard's Reactor

People take up some crazy hobbies out there: building elaborate model trains, collecting dusty old stamps, attempting to split the atom in their kitchen in order to solve the world's energy crisis. Yes, it appears that an intrepid young Swedish man obtained a supply of uranium, radium, and other radioactive elements, and had proceeded to build a small nuclear fission reactor in his kitchen. He was conducting experiments in his apartment -- and keeping a public blog of the results -- when it occurred to him that his activities might be against the law. So he phoned the police, and sure enough, was immediately arrested for possessing nuclear materials.

Article continues: Man Arrested for Attempting to Split the Atom in his Kitchen

Where Humans Learned to Walk

An analysis of fossil soils indicates grasslands dominated East Africa for 7.4 million years.

Read more 

Moptops from Around the World!

The British Invasion of 1964 wasn't confined to just North America and Australia. Even as it was dissolving the Sun never  set on the British Empire, at least musically; during the decade there was scarcely a corner of Earth where you couldn't find some hirsute collection of teenagers banging  guitars and howling yeah yeah yeahs in a vain attempt to attract screaming legions of females.  Let's take a nostalgic trip around the globe for a listen.

Globe-trotting video wows Web

Globe-trotting video wows the Web

A dazzling stop-action video features a man walking through 11 countries in 60 seconds.

What's trending now 

Also: 

• Prettiest U.S. landmarks
• Coolest small cities
• Secret island getaways

The 10 Most Beautiful Swamps on Earth

The words “swamp” and “beautiful” do not often appear in the same sentence. However, wetlands are a valuable part of the environment, and if you look past the mosquitoes, they can be quite fetching. See a collection of gorgeous photographs of swamps around the world at Environmental Graffiti. Pictured is the Pantanal, which spans the borders of Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

Full Story

B.C.

Freedom

Polar Bear Kills Teenage Boy in the Arctic

Photo: flickrfavorites via Flickr/CC BY

Reports are coming in that a tragic attack has occurred on an Arctic expedition in Svalbard, Norway: A British teenager taking part on the trek was attacked and killed by a polar bear -- four others were wounded, and the bear was shot dead.

Article continues: Polar Bear Kills Teenage Boy in the Arctic

Interesting Facts About Sharks!

Photo: Wikipedia, CC

〜〜〜〜〜〜〜^〜〜〜〜〜〜〜

With Discovery's Shark Week almost over, now is a good time to look back on some of what we've learned this week, and to learn a few facts about these magnificent ocean predators. (Yes, those little waves when a triangle above are supposed to be water and a shark fin. ASCII art at its finest!)

Article continues: Shark Week: Interesting Facts About Sharks!

Lobsters liberated by Buddhist intervention

Instead of plunging headfirst to their death in a pot of boiling water, 534 live lobsters escaped the dinner plate and belly flopped to freedom into the dark waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Full Story

Animal Pictures