Hawaii's famous beaches are shrinking
As locals and tourists cope, geologists try to explain Hawaii's disappearing white sand.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Library books returned 50 years later
Library books returned 50 years later
High school library books checked out in 1959 come back along with money for late fees.
Frank Feldman
A man walks out to the street and catches a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, "Perfect timing, Mister! You're just like Frank."
Passenger: "Who?"
Cabbie: "Frank Feldman. He's a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time."
Passenger: "There are always a few clouds over everybody."
Cabbie: "Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy."
Passenger: "Sounds like he was something really special."
Cabbie: "There's more! He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody"s birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, he could do everything right."
Passenger: "Wow, some guy then."
Cabbie: "He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too -- He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman."
Passenger: "An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?"
Cabbie: "Well, I never actually met Frank. He died and I married his damned widow."
Passenger: "Who?"
Cabbie: "Frank Feldman. He's a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time."
Passenger: "There are always a few clouds over everybody."
Cabbie: "Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy."
Passenger: "Sounds like he was something really special."
Cabbie: "There's more! He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody"s birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, he could do everything right."
Passenger: "Wow, some guy then."
Cabbie: "He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too -- He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman."
Passenger: "An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?"
Cabbie: "Well, I never actually met Frank. He died and I married his damned widow."
More nonsense from catholics
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.
Under the bill, headed for a D.C. Council vote next month, religious organizations would not be required to perform or make space available for same-sex weddings. But they would have to obey city laws prohibiting discrimination against gay men and lesbians.
Fearful that they could be forced, among other things, to extend employee benefits to same-sex married couples, church officials said they would have no choice but to abandon their contracts with the city.
"If the city requires this, we can't do it," Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said Wednesday. "The city is saying in order to provide social services, you need to be secular. For us, that's really a problem."
Really, who gives rat's ass what the catholics have to say anyway?
China arrests dissidents before Obama arrives
China has detained several dissidents and campaigners ahead of US President Barack Obama's much-anticipated first visit to the country, their relatives and close contacts told AFP Saturday.
Obama arrives in Shanghai on Sunday and moves onto Beijing the next day for a four-day maiden presidential trip during which he has been urged to raise human rights with the Asian giant's top leadership.
But as the visit drew close, the head of an activist group for parents whose children were sickened by tainted milk in China had been detained, his wife told AFP.
Obama arrives in Shanghai on Sunday and moves onto Beijing the next day for a four-day maiden presidential trip during which he has been urged to raise human rights with the Asian giant's top leadership.
But as the visit drew close, the head of an activist group for parents whose children were sickened by tainted milk in China had been detained, his wife told AFP.
Places that skipped the housing bust
Places that skipped the housing bust
During the past three years, home prices actually grew in some parts of the country.
America's underperforming companies
America's underperforming companies
These big-business laggards highlight some of the economy's weakest areas.
Weight-loss myths debunked
Weight-loss myths debunked
Rules like "don't eat after 7 p.m." and "exercise more when you cheat" aren't always true.
Coral Attacks! Caught Eating Jellyfish for 1st Time
From Treehugger:
Photo via the BBC
Since it's Friday, I figure it's time to forget about the raging climate policy debates, deforestation news, and other world woes--and turn to something everyone can appreciate. And that, of course, is weird nature stuff. Above, observe--for the first time in recorded history--coral chowing down on a jellyfish.
Article continues: Coral Attacks! Caught Eating Jellyfish for 1st Time (PHOTOS)
On the Missouri front in the repugican Civil War: problems for Roy Blunt
And this is bad, how?
Roy Blunt is the anointed candidate for the repugican Senate nomination in 2010. But, there's lots of rumbling about him in his home state. We already know the teabaggers are keeping an eye on Blunt.
The latest example is from Blunt's meeting with some St. Louis County repugicans:
For 90 minutes, Roy Blunt -- the best-known Missouri repugican running for the U.S. Senate -- underwent an aggressive grilling Thursday night from the suburban party activists who he acknowledged he'll need to win next year.
In return, he sought to sell himself as a tight-fisted wingnut with modest roots and broad experience.
His standing-room-only audience at Chesterfield City Hall of the West County repugicans group included a sizable number who made clear -- although generally (but not always) politely -- that they weren't necessarily buying Blunt's pitch.
They think Roy has gone Washington. And, that whole thing about Blunt cheating on his wife with a lobbyist, then divorcing his wife to marry the lobbyist reinforces that image.
Think you have a poker face?
You might want to think again.
Babies' remarkable face-reading skills
Infants can read faces for a number of emotions, even though they can't speak.
Pantry items every baker needs to have
Pantry items every baker needs to have
These go-to ingredients and gadgets are musts for the baking enthusiast.
Morning moves that can change your life
Morning moves that can change your life
Increase your energy and metabolism throughout the day with these simple exercises.
Two amazing videos, 300,000 birds
Two amazing videos, 300,000 birds
A huge bird cloud and a giant sea creature are Web sensations this week.
Swine Flu Goes to Work
Nearly half of all American workers do not have paid sick leave, and half of these are more likely to go to work feeling unwell -- or send an ill child to school -- rather than take an unpaid day off.
No Paid Sick Days?
No one can afford to not get paid - it's not a question of 'rather' to take an unpaid day off ... it is simply that NO ONE CAN take an unpaid day off and even keep a glimmer of hope of paying part of their bills.
So the pandemic will continue and spread.
And you can thank your repugican neighbor for it.
No Paid Sick Days?
No one can afford to not get paid - it's not a question of 'rather' to take an unpaid day off ... it is simply that NO ONE CAN take an unpaid day off and even keep a glimmer of hope of paying part of their bills.
So the pandemic will continue and spread.
And you can thank your repugican neighbor for it.
Ohio executions back on with 1-drug method
Ohio's death chamber is set to resume executions next month using a single drug that has been used in the U.S. to euthanize pets but never to put condemned prisoners to death.
Full StoryWhat do 40 and 9000 and $659 million have in common?
Early snow storms in China kill 40, damage more than 9,000 buildings; $659 million in damage 
Unusually early snow storms in north-central China have claimed 40 lives, caused thousands of buildings to collapse and destroyed almost 500,000 acres of winter crops, the Civil Affairs Ministry said Friday.
Iran sets up Internet crime unit
From the "This is a joke, right?" Department:
Iranian police have set up a special unit to monitor Web sites and fight Internet crimes, in a possible attack on the opposition, which relies on that medium to broadcast its message, local newspapers reported Saturday Police Colonel Mehrdad Omidi, who heads the Internet crime unit, said the unit will fight "insults and the spreading of lies" ...
Iran sets up Internet crime unit
So, you're saying you are going to cease spreading lies and insults then?
Iranian police have set up a special unit to monitor Web sites and fight Internet crimes, in a possible attack on the opposition, which relies on that medium to broadcast its message, local newspapers reported Saturday Police Colonel Mehrdad Omidi, who heads the Internet crime unit, said the unit will fight "insults and the spreading of lies" ...
Iran sets up Internet crime unit
So, you're saying you are going to cease spreading lies and insults then?
Nation's 1st Cannabis Cafe Opens In Portland
Madeline Martinez, leader in Oregon's NORML chapter, demonstrates how to smoke marijuana using a vaporizer during the opening of the nation's first cannabis cafe.
Nation's 1st Cannabis Cafe Opens In Portland
Nation's 1st Cannabis Cafe Opens In Portland
TSA bans Snow Globes
From the "Are you shitting me?" Department:
"Snow globes are not permitted to be carried through security checkpoints," said Transportation Security Administration spokesman Dwayne Baird.
"Snow globes are not permitted to be carried through security checkpoints," said Transportation Security Administration spokesman Dwayne Baird.
The reason is that the globes contain liquids, and TSA rules say that only liquids, gels or aerosols in containers of three ounces or less are allowed through security in carry-on bags...
"I would think they would just say 'no,' because they can't really determine how many ounces are in there," Baird said.
Snow globes? TSA will likely just say 'no'
Paranoia run amok, combined with idiocy and bureaucracy ... this is what you get.
Paranoia run amok, combined with idiocy and bureaucracy ... this is what you get.
10-Year-Old Won't Pledge Allegiance To A Country That Discriminates Against Gays
Here's an inspirational story from the Arkansas Times about Will Phillips, an elementary school student who refuses to say the pledge of allegiance in school because of discrimination against gay people: "I've always tried to analyze things because I want to be lawyer," Will said. "I really don't feel that there's currently liberty and justice for all."
And a child shall lead them ...
And a child shall lead them ...
Beef Safety
A deadly outbreak of E. coli has been traced to a large producer of ground beef that stopped testing its ingredients years ago under pressure from beef suppliers.
A facility in Ashville, New York, owned by the company, AFA Foods, recalled more than 500,000 pounds of ground beef on October 31st after it was linked to an outbreak that has killed two people and sickened an estimated 500 others.
The outbreak has fueled a growing concern among grocers that not enough is being done to protect their customers.
Trader Joe’s, an upscale chain, said this week that it had stopped buying ground beef from the New York plant and was initiating discussions with other suppliers to have grinders test the trimmings they use in making ground beef.
"Trader Joe’s, a privately held company with more than 325 stores in 25 states, said it would consider conducting such tests itself, through a third party, if the grinders refused.
...the retail giant Costco, which makes its own ground beef, has been one of the few retailers to insist on such testing by its grinding facility as an added consumer protection"
Abandoned newborn had cocaine, pot in its system, police say
A newborn baby abandoned at a local hospital had cocaine and marijuana in its system, according to police.
The mother checked into the Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina under a false name and gave birth around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The mother left the hospital Wednesday morning and didn't take the baby with her, police said.
Rock Hill Police say the baby tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. DSS now has custody of the infant.
The mother could be charged with neglect. Police are searching for her.
Uncle Sam is taking donations
Uncle Sam is taking donations
Under a little-known law, the U.S. government accepts contributions to pay down national debt.
Largest donation
Largest donation
Also:
Nutritious winter squashes abound
Nutritious winter squashes abound
A cornucopia of choices is available — all packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Saturday Jam
Today's Saturday Jam Includes:
Smoke On The Water
Ghost Riders In The Sky
Godzilla
Smoke On The Water
Ghost Riders In The Sky
Blues Brothers ("live")
Godzilla
President Obama's Weekly Address
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
November 14, 2009
This was a week for honoring the extraordinary service and profound sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
Every fall, we set aside a special day to pay tribute to our veterans. But this year, Veteran’s Day took on even greater poignancy and meaning because of the tragic events at Fort Hood.
On Tuesday, I traveled there to join with the Fort Hood community, the Army, and the friends and families of the victims to honor thirteen of our fellow Americans who died – and the dozens more who were wounded – not on some distant shore, but on a military base at home.
Every man and woman who signs up for military service does so with full knowledge of the dangers that could come – that is part of what makes the service of our troops and veterans so extraordinary. But it’s unthinkable that so many would die in a hail of gunfire on a US Army base in the heart of Texas, and that a fellow service-member could have pulled trigger.
There is an ongoing investigation into this terrible tragedy. That investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts. As I said in Fort Hood, I am confident that justice will be done, and I will insist that the full story be told. That is paramount, and I won’t compromise that investigation today by discussing the details of this case. But given the potential warning signs that may have been known prior these shootings, we must uncover what steps – if any – could have been taken to avert this tragedy.
On the Thursday evening that this tragedy took place, I met in the Oval Office with Secretary of Defense Gates, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Admiral Mullen, and FBI Director Mueller to review the immediate steps that were necessary to support the families and secure Fort Hood. The next morning, I met with the leadership of our military and the intelligence community, and ordered them to undertake a full review of the sequence of events that led up to the shootings.
The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information. Once we have those facts, we must act upon them. If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability. Beyond that – and most importantly – we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve.
I know there will also be inquiries by Congress, and there should. But all of us should resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater that sometimes dominates the discussion here in Washington. The stakes are far too high.
Of all the responsibilities of the presidency, the one that I weigh most heavily is my duty as Commander-in-Chief to our splendid service-men and women. Their character and bravery were on full display in that processing center at Fort Hood, when so many scrambled under fire to help their wounded comrades. And their great dignity and decency has been on display in the days since, as the Fort Hood community has rallied together.
We owe our troops prayerful, considered decisions about when and where we commit them to battle to protect our security and freedom, and we must fully support them when they are deployed. We also owe them the absolute assurance that they’ll be safe here at home as they prepare for whatever mission may come. As Commander-in-Chief, I won’t settle for anything less.
This nation will never forget the service of those we lost at Fort Hood, just as we will always honor the service of all who wear the uniform of the United States of America. Their legacy will be an America that is safer and stronger – an America that reflects the extraordinary character of the men and women who serve it.
Thank you.
Unusual Holidays and Celebrations
Today is:
Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day,
National American Teddy Bear Day,
and
World Diabetes Day
Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day,
National American Teddy Bear Day,
and
World Diabetes Day
Daily Almanac
Today is Saturday, Nov. 14, the 318th day of 2009.
There are 47 days left in the year.
Today In History November 14
There are 47 days left in the year.
Today In History November 14
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Quebec, Quebec, Canada
Murcia, Murcia, Spain
New Delhi, Delhi, Spain
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Santa Fe De Bogota, Distrito Especial, Columbia
Faro, Faro, Portugal
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
As well as Brazil, and the United States
Quebec, Quebec, Canada
Murcia, Murcia, Spain
New Delhi, Delhi, Spain
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Santa Fe De Bogota, Distrito Especial, Columbia
Faro, Faro, Portugal
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
As well as Brazil, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
If you need to take a stand now, for yourself or for a loved one, it definitely won't be a problem.
You'd never admit it, of course, but deep down you actually enjoy a little confrontation -- the rush, the adrenalin.
You're well equipped to deal with just about any scuffle: verbal, physical or psychological.
Just warn any innocent bystanders of the impending fracas -- give them ample time to get away.
Will do.
If you need to take a stand now, for yourself or for a loved one, it definitely won't be a problem.
You'd never admit it, of course, but deep down you actually enjoy a little confrontation -- the rush, the adrenalin.
You're well equipped to deal with just about any scuffle: verbal, physical or psychological.
Just warn any innocent bystanders of the impending fracas -- give them ample time to get away.
Will do.
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