Yeast and bacterium turned into gasoline factory

Some DNA detective work, combined with clever genetic engineering, could lead to the production of carbon-neutral petrol.

Yeast and bacterium turned into gasoline factory

Freedom from lice may have led to modern allergies

Wild mice with more lice have reduced immune reactions, which means humanity's bug-infested past might be why we have more allergies today.

(now, that's a pleasant thought)

Freedom from lice may have led to modern allergies

A "real" WaterWorld

A planet orbiting a nearby red dwarf may be the first known water world, while its newly discovered neighbor is the lightest.

Sibling worlds may be wettest and lightest known

Tax on sweet drinks may fight obesity

Two US states are proposing a "penny-per-ounce" tax on sweet drinks to reduce consumption, but the measure may be hard to justify.

May be hard to justify? Try impossible!

Tax on sweet drinks may fight obesity

High-speed jets stream from baby stars in Orion

Dozens of gas jets have been spotted spewing from individual stars in the bustling Orion stellar nursery.

High-speed jets stream from baby stars in Orion

Magnetized stem cells could treat arthritis

Magnets have been used to control the transformation of stem cells into cartilage, and could also be used to guide them to their target tissues.

Magnetized stem cells could treat arthritis

Science News

From BBC-Science:

World's major rivers 'drying up'

Water levels in some of the world's most important rivers have fallen sharply over the past 50 years, US researchers say.

Also:

Following the Bronze Age DNA trail from the Mediterranean to Wales

T Rex ancestor is found

From BBC-Science:

Ancestor of T rex found in China Clues to the evolution of Tyrannosaurus rex have come to light following a fossil find in China. Also: Fossil hints at fuzzy dinosaurs Oldest T. rex relative unveiled

Good News

Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota) has begun hiring his DC staff.

More here.

Liars and Fools

Today's Liars and Fools are:

Radio host Bennett and columnist Kristol repeat lie of Obama "budget cuts"
And, what else is new?

Bozell's Media Research Center: Telling full truth about tea parties = discrediting it
Yep, it sure does.

Bozell's Media Research Center complains only about sexism toward conservative women
That's right only wing-nut women are treated thus ...now I get it!

Bozell's Newsbusters obfuscates Pittsburgh cop-killer's right-wing connections
Obfuscate isn't the word I'd use ... Whitewashes them is more apt.

In O'Really type rant, Miller claims "the average American taxpayer feels like they've just been shot in the head in a deck chair on a sinking boat"
If only ... (sorry, a pleasant thought of Miller, a bullet and a sinking boat flashed across my mind) ... acutally, the 'average' American feels pretty good about things considering.

FBN's Payne repeats lie of Obama "defense cuts"
New Math! Where addition is subtraction!

The Dimbulb Files:

In the aftermath of pirate drama, Limbulb defends the pirates
Oh, How he HATES America and Americans.

Dimbulb lies: Claims DHS report called "every mainstream conservative a right-wing extremist"
Wrong as usual, he is.

Dimbulb: Obama and Napolitano "are extreme partisan radicals and they're ready to go to war with a domestic enemy -- conservatives -- that they consider to be a greater threat than Iran, than China, than North Korea"
Nope, just the domestic terrorists like Dimbulb and his ilk.

Dimbulb's proof that torture works: McPain was 'broken by the North Vietnamese'
McPain, was 'broken' before the Vietnamese ever got to him - he was just a craven coward and still is.

Back to our regular Liars and Fools:

North gets facts all wrong in heated over-reaction to DHS report
And we are surprised, how?

Politico casually grants right-wingers anonymity for sniping at Obama administration
Considering they are a propaganda arm for the neocons - this is news?

Robertson: DHS official behind extremism report must be someone whose 'sexual orientation ... is in question'
As one of the biggest 'sexual orientation is in question' people, Robertson should be talking ... but he does and out of his ass when he does.

The Wonderful World of 'Disney' Savagely:

Disney's Savage sues DHS over rightwing extremism report
Typical, trying to cover up the truth.

Disney's Savage says "rogue homosexual elements within Homeland Security are engaging in extra-constitutional activity"
Make that 'Rogue Homophobic Elements' and you might have something.

Disney's calls CNN reporter "a self-hating white woman, who couldn't get a job as a hooker"
Thus, revealing his inner most desire - that of becoming a 'Hooker'.

Disney's Savage says "McCarthy was right; he was just ridiculed to death by the American media"
Wrong, so wrong. McCarthy was a lunatic who did not die soon enough.

Disney's Savage says government is out "to take your" freedom and guns; predicts "a Reichstag fire in this country within one year;" and calls for DHS Chief Napolitano to be replaced by "a real American"
NAZI laying out his plans folks ...

Disney's Savage still claiming Obama a "Muslim" who "went to a Madrasa;" later suggests this is why "Jesus was missing from Obama's speech at Georgetown"
Still can't come to grips with reality, I see.

Ahem, moving on, we have:

MSNBC's Scarborough: Torture opponents want "Washington DC and Los Angeles to be obliterated by a nuclear blitz"
Reached deep up his ass for that one.

MSNBC's Scarborough repeats myth that White House requested Jesus' name be covered up
No request was made and so what if it had been?

We Don't Torture

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
We Don't Torture
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Jon Stewart let's us know ...

Did you know ...

In Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, the lighthouse no longer guides ships safely to shore.
Instead, during the peak tourist months, it serves as a post office, making it the only lighthouse in North America with that distinction.

Nutz and Putz

Wing Nut: Nutz and Putz

Perry (r-Texas) threatens secession from The Union
Nutcase ...

DeLay (retarded r-Texas) defends Perry's talk of Texas sovereignty, secession
Convicted Felon ...

Paul (r-Texas) defends Texas secession as "very much an American principle"
Lunatic ...

House repugicans bring strange theories and wacky witnesses to climate hearings
It's a dog and pony show every time designed to throw the masses off their scent.

Bachmann (r-Minnesota) falsely claims that Muslim leaders detained in Minnesota in 2006 were on their way to victory party for Ellison (D-Minnesota)
Ok, so I believe nothing this Harpie shrieks

Boehner (r-Ohio) says cow farts prove CO2 doesn't cause climate change
Since he has 'cow farts' for brains ...

Burr (r-North Carolina) says his first response to economic crisis was to tell his wife to withdraw all the cash she possibly could from their local bank
Hell that's news - I didn't know Burr could use a telephone ... those 'special ed' classes might be working after all.

Coburn (r-Oklahoma) says Atty Gen Holder "doesn't believe in 2nd Amendment"
Which one the actual one or the NRA's fantasy one?

Du Pont (retarded r-Delaware) claims Obama's 95% cap-and-dividend plan is 'opposite' of 100% cap and dividend
Someone dos not know the meaning of the word 'opposite' ...

Ensign (r-Nevada), Gingrich (retarded r-Georgia), other repugicans seriously say Obama shouldn't have shaken the hand of Venezuelan President Chavez
So, being polite and courteous is out of vogue, now?

Former House Speaker Gingrich (retarded r-Georgia) charges Democrats with "breaking down traditional marriage"
I guess being married THREE times makes him an expert on 'traditional marriage'.

Latta (r-Ohio) says that Obama "has declared war on Ohio and Indiana"
Only in Latta's fevered mind ... only in the fevered mind of a nitwit.

Perry (r-Texas) says he's "proud" to be on Glenn Beck's television program
Two bricks ... no wonder one likes the other.

Reagan speechwriter Noonan regrets release of torture memos: "Some of life has to be mysterious"
Oopsie.

After calling waterboarding torture in December, Wall Street Journal's Rivkin pens op-ed defending its use
And, what else is new?

Sneaky tricks credit card companies play

Play Video

Find out how some companies are using stealthy tactics to increase interest rates and late fees.

Tricks credit card companies play

Also:

• 7 credit card myths debunked
• New rules of financial security

Smart 'get-healthy' shortcuts

From exercise to skin care, a "get-healthy" to-do list can be overwhelming. These doctor-approved shortcuts are sure to save you time and money.

10 smart 'get-healthy' shortcuts

Also:

• 7 workout traps to avoid
• Worst money-wasting skin products

Guide to surviving worst-case economic scenarios

A cool head and practical outlook will help you deal with these six financial situations.

Guide to surviving worst-case economic scenarios

Also:

• Companies woo shoppers with guarantees
• Items dropping in price fastest

Teen pirate's parents defend son

The accused Somalian hostage taker didn't know what he was getting into, his mother and father insist.

Teen pirate's parents defend son

Rare 'cosmic fountain' photographed in space

The peculiar sight contains stars, gas, and dust that stretch over 100,000 light years.

Rare 'cosmic fountain' photographed in space

Also:

• See full photo
• Strange 'hand' captured

Recession widows' cope with living apart

Play Video

The bad economy has taken a heavy toll on couples like Andy and Melissa Sugden.

Recession widows'

Also:

• Wedding industry takes a hit
• Staying married to save money

Personality trait can add years to your life?

The right attitude may help you live to age 100 — or beyond — research suggests.

Personality trait can add years to your life?

Little League parents pay ballplayer's fine

A group of parents picks up the tab for a fine imposed on Washington's Elijah Dukes.

Little League parents pay ballplayer's fine

Superfoods you should be eating

These misunderstood and unfamiliar foods may not be making it into your grocery cart, but they should be.

10 superfoods you should be eating

Also:

• Save money on healthy groceries
• Blueberries may reduce belly fat

Mom Ordered Daughters Out, Drove Off

Usually, it's an empty threat: "If you kids don't stop fighting, I'm going to stop this car right now and leave you here!"

But a mother from an upper-crust New York suburb went through with it, ordering her battling 10- and 12-year-old daughters out of her car in White Plains' business district and driving off, police said Tuesday.

Full Story

Fatties cause global warming

From the "This is so stupid ..." Department:

THE rising number of fat people was yesterday blamed for global warming.

Full Story

*****

Not to mention, insulting, and just flat out wrong.

Reporter Gets Arrested While Covering Story

A reporter from KVIA in El Paso, TX made some news of his own Monday. While covering an overturned tractor trailer on Interstate 10, the reporter and photographer were confronted by an El Paso police officer.

Full Story

Investigators believe 'Craigslist killer' may have had gambling problem

Investigators believe that a gambling problem may have motivated a Boston University medical student to troll Craigslist for robbery victims he lured to hotels, preying on prostitutes and a 26-year-old masseuse, who was shot and killed last week, a law enforcement source said today.

When police arrested Philip Markoff, 23, of Quincy yesterday afternoon on Interstate 95 in Walpole, he was driving to Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut, according to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Speaking to reporters today outside Boston Municipal Court, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley declined to discuss the motive in detail and did not respond to a question about gambling, saying only that investigators believe robbery was the driving force. Markoff, a second-year medical student, was charged with fatally shooting 26-year-old Julissa Brisman April 14 at the Marriott Copley Hotel and with the armed robbery and kidnapping of Trisha Leffler, 29, a prostitute who was tied up at the Westin Copley in the Back Bay on April 10.

Brisman had advertised her masseuse service on Craigslist; the second victim had also advertised through the online classified website.

Markoff was arraigned today in Boston Municipal Court and ordered held without bail on a charge of murder. Judge Paul Leary also set bail of $250,000 for a charge of armed robbery in the Westin case.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer J. Hickman told the court that Brisman had fought for her life and was shot three times, with the fatal shot piercing her heart. Brisman also was "bashed" in the head, Hickman said.

"The evidence that we have suggests that Julissa put up a pretty tough struggle and it's in the context of that struggle that she lost her life," Conley said.

Markoff, who appeared in court wearing a blue-and-white-striped shirt, khaki pants, and tasseled loafers, did not speak, but blinked and breathed rapidly as he watched the proceedings.

Conley said police had tracked Markoff through his contacts via e-mail with Brisman, noting that Markoff had opened up a new e-mail account the day before he allegedly killed her. Police put Markoff's home under surveillance, then saw Markoff, who matched the description of the killer, and "the case just begins to build from that," Conley said.

A search of his apartment yielded a firearm, restraints, and duct tape, and other items that authorities were not prepared to disclose, Conley said.

Markoff's attorney said his client had "nothing to hide."

"He has the support of his family. He's bearing up," said John Salsberg. Salsberg also said, "He has no gambling problem that I'm aware of."

This morning Markoff's fiancée, Megan McAllister, (pictured with Markoff) defended him in an e-mail she sent to ABC News, according to Good Morning America's website.

"Unfortunately you were given wrong information as was the public," McAllister wrote in the e-mail. "All I have to say to you is Philip is a beautiful person inside and out and could not hurt a fly! A police officer in Boston (or many) is trying to make big bucks by selling this false story to the TV stations. What else is new?? Philip is an intelligent man who is just trying to live his life so if you could leave us alone we would greatly appreciate it. We expect to marry in August and share a wonderful, meaningful life together."

Markoff was charged in two crimes whose brazen nature and swanky locale shocked Boston residents, drew national attention, and exposed the seamy world of prostitution fostered by the anonymity of the Internet.

A similar attack occurred in a Warwick, R.I., hotel Thursday. Police there said they were confident their case was linked to the Boston cases.

"Because of the critical nature of the ongoing investigation, there will be no comment on specific areas of evidentiary interest," said Warwick Police Chief Stephen M. McCartney. "We remain confident that there is strong connection here with the Boston incidents."

Conley again asked other women who advertise services on Craigslist to step forward if they have been victimized by Markoff.

"Our priority is to hold him accountable for each and every one of these crimes, not to hold you accountable for offering services on Craigslist," he said.

Authorities said they arrested Markoff after a round-the-clock investigation that relied on forensic evidence including fingerprints, electronic evidence, and photographs of the suspect taken by hotel surveillance cameras. Federal and state investigators and police from Massachusetts and Rhode Island were involved, using both high-tech and traditional methods of investigation.

Ellen Berlin, chief spokeswoman for the Boston University School of Medicine, said Markoff has been suspended because of the criminal charges.

He is one of more than 600 medical students on the school's South End campus and was featured grinning broadly in a 2007 Globe photograph as he showed off his white medical coat with other students at the school's annual White Coat Day ceremony.

One medical school colleague recalled meeting Markoff at orientation and studying anatomy with him. She said, "He seemed like a nice guy, and he was a helpful, smart kid."

Markoff is engaged to be married and attended the State University of New York at Albany before entering medical school, according to two law enforcement officials.

According to a wedding website, he was engaged to McAllister, whom he met at SUNY in Albany, when she was a senior and he was a sophomore.

McAllister could not be reached for comment last night. A dark Chevy Trailblazer registered to James McAllister of New Jersey was towed into the police station last night. It was unclear whether the vehicle was connected to Markoff's arrest.

A man who identified himself only as Gary, Markoff's former stepfather, said he was shocked by the arrest.

"He's a great kid," said Gary, who is divorced from Markoff's mother. "I can't believe what's going on. . . . He's a very bright, intelligent, articulate guy. I just keep thinking there must be some mistake."

Friends of Brisman, a troubled young model and aspiring actress who had battled alcohol abuse, welcomed news of the arrest.

"That sounds great," Jeramie Gray, 26, of New York said with a sigh. Asked if he was relieved, he said, "Yes and no. You can't bring back a friend, but it's better that he doesn't do it to anyone else."

Emily Claire, a 30-year-old makeup artist who worked with Brisman on a photography shoot in New York, said she was thrilled. "I'm really excited that he's not out there terrorizing anyone else," she said.

Our Readers

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Bratisalvia, Bratisalvia, Slovakia
Fulda, Hessen, Germany
Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Bochum, Nordrhein-Westfalen, germany
Iloilo, Iloilo City, Philippines
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Kartuzy, Gdansk, Poland
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Plock, Plock, Poland
Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium
London, England, United Kingdom
Stanmore, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
Galati, Galati, Romania
Vienna, Wien, Austria
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Leuven, Brabant Wallon, Belgium

Daily Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

Remember to treat yourself with the same gentle compassion you show to your friends and family.

I gotta remember that!