The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:
Major accolades are coming your way very soon, possibly today -- prepare a humble acceptance speech just in case.
Those in power have been aware of your accomplishments for a while and are almost ready to act.
Emotionally, you're on a high that will last a while, buoyed in part by all the positive attention you're getting.
Enjoy all the rewards you've earned -- no one knows the true lengths you went to so that you could reach this milestone.

Some of our readers today have been in:

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerias, Brazil

Madrid, Madrid, Spain

London, England, United Kingdom

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Sittard, Limburg, Netherlands

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Muscat, Masqat, Oman

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Paris, Ile-De-France, France

Berne, Bern, Switzerland

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei and Muara, Brunei Darussalam

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Roterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

as well as 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, 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 Markham, Ellensburg, Kailua, Durham and more.

Today is:

Today is Monday, January 10, the 10th day of 2011.

There are 356 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holiday or celebration is: 

National Clean Off You Desk Day. 

 

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

It's Monday

Arctic blast freezes South

Deadly winter weather blasts South

Sleet, ice, and up to 9 inches of snow cancel thousands of flights and make driving treacherous.  

Forecast 

Also: 

• Killer cold in India
• Get your forecast 
• Floods threaten Brisbane

Arizona authorities release photo of individual 'possibly associated with the suspect'

From the Pima County Sheriff's Department:

Another individual was seen at the location, possibly associated with the suspect. He is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 40-50 years old, dark hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark blue jacket.

The Sheriff's office released this photo:

Intern likely saved Giffords

Meet a Real American Hero

Intern likely saved congressperson's life

20-year-old Daniel Hernandez was steps away from Gabrielle Giffords when the gunman attacked.  

His quick reaction 

Also: 

• Is protection possible?
• Congress undeterred
• Toxic political tone

Heroes

Heroes probably saved dozens of lives

A college intern and a senior citizen are among those hailed as heroes in the Ariz. shooting rampage. 

What they did 

Also: 

• Is protection possible?
• Congress undeterred
• Toxic political tone

Giffords faces long recovery

Giffords faces long recovery after shooting

The bullet's path offers good news, but doctors warn it could take months to know the damage.  

Biggest threat now 

Also: 

• Her husband speaks out
• Suspect not cooperating
• Ironic twist to gun debate

Youngest victim had big dreams

9-year-old shooting victim had big dreams

Born amid another tragedy on 9/11, Christina Green vowed to spend her life helping others.

And breaking barriers 

Also: 

• Victims' stories emerge
• Moment of silence today
• Vivid account of tragedy

Congresswoman's Shooting Has Phillies, Dodgers Connection

Dallas Green's Granddaughter Killed

The 9-year-old girl who was among six people killed Saturday in an Arizona rampage that targeted Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was the granddaughter of former Phillies manager Dallas Green.

Dallas Green [pictured], now 76, managed the Phillies to the club’s first World Series title in 1980. A former Phillies player, he also managed the Mets and the Yankees. Known for his crass manner, Green was, by his own admission, a “screamer, a yeller and a cusser.”

In 2006 he was elected to the Phillies Wall of Fame.

Christina Green, daughter of Los Angeles Dodgers scout John Green, reportedly attended Saturday’s supermarket meet-and-greet hoping to meet Giffords.

Her distinction of being born on the exact date of America's worst terrorist attack [9/11/2001] got her featured in the book "Faces of Hope, Babies Born on 9/11" by Christine Pisera Naman.

Azcentral.com reports that Christina had recently been elected to her school's student council. A neighbor, apparently fostering the girl's interest in government, invited her along to see the congresswoman.

Christina's uncle, according to Azcentral.com, said she was "real special and real sweet. ... The next thing you know this happened. How do you prepare for something like this? My little niece got killed; took one on the chest and she is dead."

Christina Green’s mother, Roxanna, appeared on MSNBC on Sunday morning and begged the country to stop the insanity.

Christina was the youngest of the 6 murder victims Saturday. Roxanna Green said she thought her 9/11 baby had been in a car accident after family members called to say they were on the way to the hospital.

Politico.com reported the MSNBC appearance by the mother, who said, “I just want her memory to live on, she’s the face of hope, a face for change. Stop the violence, stop the hatred.”

Olbermann on the assassination attempt on Congresswoman Giffords

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

What he said!

Heated rhetoric scrutinized

Heated political rhetoric faces scrutiny

Following the Arizona shooting, politicians are forced to re-examine their inflammatory comments.  

Debate 

Also: 

• Profiles of victims
• Shooter's online trail
• Renewed gun law debate

Naming names

Sheriff Dupnik names Palin and Angle responsible for vitriol

Krugman: Climate of Hate

Palin blamed by Secret Service for death threats on Obama

Refusing to face(book) the music

Skippy had this to say:

A blogger in the UK monitored Sarah Palin's facebook page in the aftermath of yesterday's tragedy.

They weren't surprised to see the monitors scrub any comments critical of the half-term governor, or of Palin's earlier web posting of the cross-hairs on Giffords' district.

What was distressing, however (tho maybe not so surprising) was that a comment comparing the 9 year old victim of yesterday's shooting to Hitler was left intact, all day long.

A commenter posted the following at 18:12:

"It's OK Christina Taylor green was probably going to end up a left wing bleeding heart liberal anyway. Hey, as 'they' say, what would you do if you had the chance to kill Hitler as a kid? Exactly."

Even worse, further negative comments about Palin were immediately scrubbed within a minute, but this comment was still left live on the facebook page.

addendum: apparently the British blogger wasn't the only one to find this vile comment.

Shoe

Muslim and Christian, Egyptians stand together against violence

On New Year's Eve, a Christian church in Alexandria, Egypt was attacked by suicide bombers. For those Coptic Christians, the bombing came with a lot of added tension. Their Christmas, like that of several other Christian sects outside the Western Catholic/Protestant divide, falls after the New Year. Many expected further bombings on that holiday. Here's what happened, instead ...

Egypt's majority Muslim population stuck to its word Thursday night. What had been a promise of solidarity to the weary Coptic community, was honored, when thousands of Muslims showed up at Coptic Christmas eve mass services in churches around the country and at candle light vigils held outside.
From the well-known to the unknown, Muslims had offered their bodies as "human shields" for last night's mass, making a pledge to collectively fight the threat of Islamic militants and towards an Egypt free from sectarian strife.
"We either live together, or we die together," was the sloganeering genius of Mohamed El-Sawy, a Muslim arts tycoon whose cultural center distributed fliers at churches in Cairo Thursday night, and who has been credited with first floating the "human shield" idea.
"This is not about us and them," said Dalia Mustafa, a student who attended mass at Virgin Mary Church on Maraashly. "We are one. This was an attack on Egypt as a whole, and I am standing with the Copts because the only way things will change in this country is if we come together."

How's that for "wonderful things"?

 Egypt's Muslims Attend Coptic Christmas Mass, Serving as "Human Shields"

Among those shields were movie stars Adel Imam and Yousra, popular Muslim televangelist and preacher Amr Khaled, the two sons of President Hosni Mubarak, and thousands of citizens who have said they consider the attack one on Egypt as a whole.

Man says he traded meth for stolen car

From the "definitely from the shallow end of the gene pool" Department:

West Virginia state police say they pulled over a man who told them he used methamphetamine to pay for the car he was driving.

Full Story

TSA warns scanner-proof apparel will trigger a pat-down

Those companies who see the full body scanners at airports as an opportunity to create garments to block the scanners, and make a pretty penny, will be sadly disappointed. 

The TSA's blog has the bad news.

Full Story

A good one

I've started a new business, delivering hot drinks straight to the customer. I've been advised to change the name of the business. Apparently people will be put off by the links to crappy service and reliability problems. It's a shame, too. I thought Tea-Mobile had a nice ring to it.

National Clean Off Your Desk Day

Are you concerned about what may be hiding in those piles on your desk? Tackle that messy desktop during National Clean Off Your Desk Day. This special day was originated by Anne Chase Moeller who often helped out in her father's office and shared his incredibly cluttered desk. In order to create a place where she could work, she would spread a cloth over his chaos and then do her work.

When she finished, she would put her things away, including the cloth and leave. At the end of 1982 she declared that he would clean off his desk at least once each year. Naturally, being in the business, they entered National Clean Off Your Desk Day into the record book for the second Monday in January, and the rest is history.

Declutter your bedroom

Signs your bedroom needs simplifying

To get a great night's sleep, eliminate clutter and other distractions from the room. 

Why not to use phone as alarm 

Also: 

• A clutter-free life
• Truth about sleep problems
• Reboot your work week

Hottest home improvement

The hottest home improvement this year

Indoor and outdoor saunas have become cool additions, even in steamy states. 

A certain cachet with friends, neighbors 

Also: 

• Remodeling trends
• What contractors don't say
• Renovation scams

Get in shape at home

Easy ways to get in shape at home

Get started on your fitness goals with just one cardio tool and some strength equipment.  

Options for every budget 

Also: 

• Make resolutions stick
• Truth about toning shoes
• Get a good night's rest

Ziggy

On The Job

20 avoidable mistakes job seekers make

Going to many group events isn't the best way to benefit from networking.  

Key questions you must answer 

Also: 

• Sample cover letters
• Worst cities for jobs
• 2011 job search tips

Best degrees for job security

Best degrees for job security

A growing economy means businesses will need more people in these six fields.  

Starting salary up to $78,820 

Also: 

• Steps to enjoy your job
• 2011 career resolutions  
• How to get hired

The truth be told

How ID thieves use Facebook

Facebook profiles can attract ID thieves

Posting some facts seems harmless, but crooks can drain your bank account with them.

How to protect yourself 

Also: 

• Facebook denies rumors
• Facebook privacy
• ATM fraud gets brazen

Easier to get free credit score

It's now easier to get a free credit score

For no charge, you can now get information that used to cost $15.95.  

How it works 

Also: 

• Consumers borrow more
• Six smart money moves
• How to simplify your life

Charitable Donations

A local United Way office realized that it had never received a donation from the town's most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute.

"Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least $500,000, you give not a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give back to the community in some way?"

The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, "First, did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?"

Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, "Um...no."

"--or that mybrother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?"

The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology but was interrupted,

"--or that my sister's husband died in a traffic accident," the lawyer's voice rising in indignation, "leaving her penniless with three children?!"

The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, said simply, "I had no idea..."

On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again: "--so if I don't give any money to them, why should I give any to you?!?"

Why are pennies still made?

Why are pennies still being made?

The cost to produce them is unusually high, and many people think the coin is no longer useful.

Nickels in same boat 

Also: 

• Rare U.S. pennies
• Money-savers in 2011  
• Cost of items in 1950

Believe it or not

Mona Lisa Landscape Location Mystery 'Solved'

Scholars have long debated whether Leonardo's landscapes are imaginary or real. A hidden clue in da Vinci's Mona Lisa identifies the exact location of the landscape which provides the background to the world's best known painting.

It is now believed that a three-arched bridge which appears over the left shoulder of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, is a reference to Bobbio, a village which lies in rugged hill country south of Piacenza, in northern Italy.

Hidden Literary References in the Mona Lisa?

A Queen’s University Classics professor may have found a reference that Dan Brown missed. Ross Kilpatrick believes the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, incorporates images inspired by the Roman poet Horace and Florentine poet Petrarch. The technique of taking a passage from literature and incorporating it into a work of art is known as ‘invention’ and was used by many Renaissance artists.

“The composition of the Mona Lisa is striking. Why does Leonardo have an attractive woman sitting on a balcony, while in the background there is an entirely different world that is vast and barren?” says Dr. Kilpatrick. “What is the artist trying to say?”
Dr. Kilpatrick believes Leonardo is alluding to Horace’s Ode 1. 22 (Integer vitae) and two sonnets by Petrarch (Canzoniere CXLV, CLIX). Like the Mona Lisa, those three poems celebrate a devotion to a smiling young woman, with vows to love and follow the woman anywhere in the world, from damp mountains to arid deserts. The regions mentioned by Horace and Petrarch are similar to the background of the Mona Lisa.
Both poets were read when Leonardo painted the picture in the early 1500s. Leonardo was familiar with the works of Petrarch and Horace, and the bridge seen in the background of the Mona Lisa has been identified as the same one from Petrarch’s hometown of Arezzo.

Full Story

Kodachrome film processing to stop soon

A southeast Kansas business that is the last place in the world to process Kodachrome has been inundated with the elaborately crafted color-reversal film as it prepares to stop handling it.

Full Story

Eighteen Fun Interesting Facts About The Internet

Did you know that the technology behind the Internet began back in the 1960's at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA? The first message ever to be transmitted was 'LOG.'

The user had attempted to type 'LOGIN,' but the network crashed after the enormous load of data of the letter G.

18 Fun Interesting Facts About the Internet.

Ten Most Amazing Mushrooms

 

image credit

10 Most Amazing Mushrooms.

B.C.

Upping the cute factor

Lion and tiger cubs herd sheep at South African ranch

These adorable lion and tiger cubs appear to have confused their future roles of Kings of the Jungle to that of a pair of sheepdogs instead.

The cute cubs have taken to chasing after the sheep on their ranch and rounding them up in a style akin to One Man and his Dog. The cheeky pair even crouch down in the long grass and pounce towards the herd to control them.

But comically, their owners say the cubs are just as scared of the sheep as the herd are of them - which doesn't bode well for their futures at the top of the food chain. The white lion, a four-month-old named Mohlatsi, lives at the Ranch Hotel, in the Limpopo Province in South Africa.

His tiger companion, affectionately nicknamed Tigger, is spending six weeks at the location in transit from a breeding programme to another conservancy.

Animal Pictures