The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:
Happy Valentine's Day.
Now, get out your best formal wear, and get on the phone.
Make sure the limo will arrive on time, the dinner reservations are all set and your date knows that this isn't a 'jeans' event.
You've undoubtedly got something ultra-special in mind, and there's no doubt that your sweetheart will be extremely happy with whatever you end up doing.
An evening like this -- elegant and romantic -- could end with the presentation of a small velvet box.

Some of our readers today have been in:

Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
Bremen, Bremen, Germany
Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, france
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Bilbao, Pais Vasco, Spain
Makati, Manila, Philippines
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Prague, Hlavni Mesto Praha, Czech Republic
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
Sofia, Sofiya, Bulgaria
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Stoke On Trent, England, United Kingdom
Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Reutlingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

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 Salem, Medford, Portland, Eugene and more.

Today is:

Today is Monday, February 14, the 45th day of 2011.

There are 320 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are: 

Clean Out Your Computer Day
Ferris Wheel Day
Library Lovers Day
Quirky Alone Day
and
National Condom Day.

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

Optimus Prime ticked for parking

The city of New York is hating on Optimus Prime.
With the toy show going on in the city you know there would be a full size Optimus Prime truck somewhere close at hand.
Turns out he is parked and everyone knows that parked vehicles are a no-no in New York city so being the drones that they are the metermaids of the borough slapped him with a parking ticket.

Bad Cops

California cops ratchet up harassment of family of teen falsely charged with "attempted lynching" for photographing police

Secret hearing requested for case of Illinois state trooper who was driving 126 mph, talking on his cell phone and e-mailing when he caused the crash that killed two girls

Georgia cop is suspended with pay after being arrested for DUI, speeding, and possession of marijuana

California cop seems at fault after rear-ending motorist, who's charged with assault with a deadly weapon for hitting his brakes

Illinois police officer arrested on charges of possession of child pornography

Atlanta police promise to stop harassing people who videotape officers performing their duties in public

Shoe

Anti-government protests today in Iran

As you might have guessed, the Egyptian and Tunisian rallies were glorious moments against US puppets according to the Iranian government.
Rallies against the Iranian government is completely wrong and probably the result of Western influences.

Not that Iran is alone in playing such games. 

The Guardian:

Activists in Iran will go ahead with a banned rally in central Tehran on Monday in defiance of warnings by the regime and a heavy security presence, a figure in the green movement has told the Guardian.

Ardeshir Amir-Arjomand, a spokesman for the former presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, accused the government of hypocrisy in voicing support for protest in Egypt and Tunisia while refusing to allow a peaceful demonstration at home.

"Our dictators in Tehran are ruling the country with terror and panic," he said. "They are afraid of their own people. They only sanction whatever pleases themselves, and disapprove of anything that is not under their surveillance. The call for renewed street protest in Iran is a clear sign that the green movement is still alive, and that's why they're afraid of it."

Bahrain is also having anti-government protests. In Yemen, protesters marched yesterday.

Egyptian military to govern until elections later this year

It's not obvious why a unity government wasn't possible until elections.
The military could have been a lot more one-sided during the protests but they also weren't neutral either.

Will the military be an honest broker until elections?

The Egyptian military has rejected the demands of pro-democracy protesters for a swift transfer of power to a civilian administration, saying it intends to rule by martial law until elections are held.

The army's announcement, which included the suspending of the constitution, was a further rebuff to some pro-democracy activists after troops were sent to clear demonstrators from Cairo's Tahrir Square, the center of the protests that brought down Hosni Mubarak. "We do not want any protesters to sit in the square after today," said the head of the military police, Mohamed Ibrahim Moustafa Ali. Many agreed to leave but a hardcore refused, saying they would remain until the army took a series of steps toward democratic reform including installing a civilian-led government and abolishing the repressive state of emergency.

The ruling military council said it intends to retain power for six months or longer while elections are scheduled and will rule by decree. It suspended the constitution and said a committee will draw up amendments that will be put to a referendum. It also dissolved the widely discredited parliament, elected in a tainted ballot last year.

And this is surprising ... how?

Real Americans hate Faux News

Birther bills introduced in at least ten states

Politico:

The opening of 2011 state legislative sessions has been accompanied by a spate of birther-related bills, the clearest indication yet that the controversy surrounding President Barack Obama’s place of birth will continue to simmer throughout his reelection campaign.

Lawmakers in at least 10 states have introduced bills requiring presidential candidates to provide some form of proof that they are natural-born citizens, a ballot qualification rule designed to address widespread rumors on the right that Obama was not born in the United States.

Repugicans refuse to address the problems confronting our nation.
They always, always, always focus on fringe "angry" issues that have nothing to do with the future of our country or its current problems.

More repugican chicanery

Governor Scott Walker (reptile-Wisconsin) has announced plans to steamroll union rights, and threatened to call out the National Guard if workers protest.

The cops and firefighters unions, which coincidentally supported Walker's campaign, are exempted of course.

It's the next stage of the repugican party's relentless war on the middle class, and it won't end until they've remade America as a society of lords and serfs.

Ask yourself, are you standing with the lords, or are you standing with the serfs?

Repugicans oppose meatpacking industry reforms

The Obama administration's effort to overhaul antitrust rules for the meatpacking industry with the toughest regulations since the Packers and Stockyards Act was passed 90 years ago has run into strong opposition from repugicans.

The reforms, which would redraw the balance of power between meat companies and the farmers and ranchers who raise ...

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and

More Here

Grocery bills set to rise

Enjoy the walk down the grocery store aisle while you still can.
After decades of stable, low food prices, your grocery bills are set to climb within the next few years.

Full Story

On The Job

College degrees that get you noticed

These five majors show employers you have the specialized expertise they need.

Starting pay of up to $49,600 

Also: 

• Happiest cities to work in
• Stagnant labor force  
• Guide for the unemployed

World's top places to retire

The best places in the world to retire

Some cities feature rent for $700 and discounts of up to 50 percent on medical bills and movies.  

'The next Tuscany' 

Also: 

• Worst states for retirees
• Get retirement on track  
• Money challenges after 50

Age and credit challenges

Credit challenges at every age

When you're in your 20s, it may be wise to apply for more than one credit card. 

Money moves to make as you get older 

Also: 

• Money tips for the young
• Credit score mistakes  
• Perfect score possible?

Foreclosure capitals

Surprising hot spots for foreclosure

Some of the most picturesque places have the fastest-growing rates of foreclosure.  

1 in 60 homes for one city 

Also: 

• Homebuying is changing
• Current mortgage rates
• Smartest U.S. cities

America's poorest county

America's poorest county fights for jobs

Unemployment can hit 90 percent for most of its residents during the winter. 

Why one local firm succeeds 

Also: 

• Housing crash expands
• Why firms aren't hiring 
• Best employers in 2011

Random Celebrity Photo

Jack Kerouac

Downtown From Behind

Downtown From Behind is a photography blog by Bridget Fleming showcasing back views of bicycle riders on the streets of New York City's lower Manhattan. Every street below 14th photographed from behind of people riding their bikes.

Slaves Hid African Charms on Colonial Greenhouse

The greenhouse on the Maryland plantation where the infamous abolitionist Frederick Douglass spent part of his childhood was not as uniquely European as once thought: Its furnace was built by slaves, who hid distinctly African touches within it to ward off bad spirits, researchers said.

Full Story

Minor Quake Shakes Morgan Hill

A 2.8-magnitude earthquake rattled an area just north of Morgan Hill Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Full Story

Alaska warming at three times the rate of the lower 48

But climate change doesn't exist, of course.
We know this because the half-term former Alaska governor Sarah 'nit-wit' Palin says so.
"It's a snow job" according to Palin.
Get it?
Huh?
Get it?

Scientists or Palin?
Who do you believe?

Thawing permafrost is triggering mudslides onto a key road traveled by busloads of sightseers. Tall bushes newly sprouted on the tundra are blocking panoramic views. And glaciers are receding from convenient viewing areas, while their rapid summer melt poses new flood risks.

These are just a few of the ways that a rapidly warming climate is reshaping Denali, Kenai Fjords and other national parks comprising the crown jewels of Alaska's heritage as America's last frontier.

These and some better-known impacts -- proliferation of invasive plants and fish, greater frequency and intensity of wildfires, and declines in wildlife populations that depend on sea ice and glaciers -- are outlined in a recent National Park Service report.

I'll have go with - 'Who are the scientists, Alex'
Who said playing Jeopardy was hard?

Rare-earth shortage?

Afghans think they can help

Amid surging demand for rare-earth minerals used in everything from cell phones to gas-saving cars, Afghans are dreaming of cashing in on vast deposits they believe lie beneath their feet.

Full Story

Mock Mars mission simulates landing

After 257 days in a locked steel capsule, researchers on a mock trip to Mars ventured from their cramped quarters Monday in heavy space suits, trudging into a sand-covered room to plant flags on a simulated Red Planet.

Full Story

The 10 Greatest Unsolved Mysteries

The last hundred years have borne witness to humankind's extraordinary technological advancements. Man has walked on the moon, ventured deeper into the oceans than ever before and even uncovered the building blocks of life, DNA.

But even with our inexorable progress as a species there are still mysteries and enigmas the solutions to which elude us. Here is a selection of 10 of the most puzzling mysteries in history.

Naqsh-i Rustam

Incredible Reliefs Of Persian Empires

image credit

Most people have heard of the ancient city of Persepolis in Iran. Yet just north of the metropolis of antiquity is a sheer cliff, known as Naqsh-i Rustam.

Here, in the second millennium BCE, work began on a quite staggering series of rock reliefs which - even today - have the ability to awe in terms of their size and the staggering amount of work which must have been involved in their creation.

Wizard of Id

Wearable Planter

Why should your plants stay at home? They help clean the air you breathe, are beautiful, and create a wonderful conversation starter. Carry a sprout, a succulent, or a flower you found on your morning walk. A wearable planter setting out to prove that something beautiful can be created in plastic. Made by Colleen Jordan.

Origami-Inspired Bamboo Houses

These folding houses by technology architect Ming Tang were designed in response to an earthquake in China that killed 69,000 and left millions homeless. Made of bamboo and covered with recycled paper these structures are lightweight, environmentally friendly and inexpensive to produce. These temporary homes can be pre-assembled in the factory, folded into a small package and loaded into a truck for transportation.

Full Story

Gardener told not to enter village show for 'being too good'

It is the ultimate accolade for a keen vegetable grower – a 73-year-old has been told not enter his village gardening competition because he is too good.

David Stirzaker has been asked by the organizers of the North Cadbury and District Horticultural Society, in Somerset, not to exhibit his produce at its annual show, because his impressive record at the event is discouraging others from taking part.

Mr Stirzaker – who has won 12 cups at the show in just four years, for his prize-winning carrots, parsnips and tomatoes – has pledged to take the matter to the Royal Horticultural Society. "This is my hobby and I have been supporting their show for four years. I find the request very insulting – it is a competition so I would have thought it is down to other growers to try harder if they want to beat me," he said.

"I want nothing more to do with the society. I won't be showing there again and I have told them that they can come and collect their trophies." The society said a "request" had been made to Mr Stirzaker.

B.C.

Malaysian beats tiger away to save wounded husband

A woman in a jungle region of northern Malaysia rescued her husband from a tiger attack by clubbing the beast on its head with a large wooden soup ladle and chasing it away, police said Monday.

Full Story

Strange disease is killing Virginia's bats

Death showed its face right away.
As scientists approached Hamilton Cave to check on the bats inside, they found the body of one wedged in a crack outside the cave's mouth.

Full Story

Friendly stingray slaughtered in front of screaming children

A stingray that became a much-loved tourist attraction in Hamelin Bay in Australia was speared and hacked to pieces in front of distressed children. The friendly ray, affectionately dubbed "Stumpy" because it had no barb, was sliced up and crammed into a portable cooler last month by two young fishermen, while shocked families screamed their protests.

Officials cannot prosecute anyone because the bay 30km south of Margaret River and famous for its stingrays is open to recreational fishing. A management plan penned in 2006 for coastal waters between Geographe Bay and Augusta, which could better protect the stingrays, is still sitting on government desks.

Stumpy was one of the oldest, friendliest and biggest of the black and eagle rays in Hamelin Bay. It was more than 1m across and was happy to be approached and petted by visitors. Hamelin Bay Holiday Park worker Kate Silverwood said some guests had to be restrained from attacking the fishermen. "They (the fishermen) cut off the wings of Stumpy while he was still alive," she said.

"People were absolutely mortified, kids were standing there crying. A lot of people have been coming here for so long and they were just devastated." Ms Silverwood said there were about 40 people on the beach at 9am when the slaughter occurred. More than 600 people have signed a petition calling on Fisheries Minister Norman Moore to turn the area into a marine park sanctuary zone to better protect the rays.

Biologists Help Endangered Penguins Find True Love

 

Photo: Paul Mannix / CC

True love may be hard to find -- but for one group of highly endangered African penguins, it's just a bit easier thanks to the helping hand of a few skilled matchmakers. In this case, they're biologists at the New England Aquarium playing the role of Cupid to a group of African penguins, members of a species which, without a serious baby-boom, may be extinct in less than twenty years. Fortunately, the bird specialists have a magic arrow or two left in their quiver. "We can keep the species alive by making love happen,'' says the aquarium's senior penguin biologist.

Article continues: Biologists Help Endangered Penguins Find True Love

Animal Pictures

Why is Cheetah the Fastest Land Animal?
There's nothing faster than a cheetah on the hunt.
The maximum speed is of 112 km (70 mi) per hour, but the average hunting speed is still of 72-90 km (46-56 mi) per hour.
No living or extinct animal runs or used to run at such speeds.
How can this be possible?

Read more