The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:
Have no fear -- all your carefully laid plans will proceed just fine today.
And any obstacles that do appear will be the kind that fizzle out on their own ... like a threatening sky at an outdoor wedding that moves to a dreamy blue right before the bride walks down the aisle.
The only way your feathers could possibly get ruffled today is if you let them, so don't!
Nothing is certain until it happens, so unless it does, put your energy into enjoying life.

Some of our readers today have been in:

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
London, Ontario, Canada
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Athens, Attiki, Greece
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar

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 Charleston, Gaffney, Simpsonville, Aiken and more.

Today is:

Today is Wednesday, March 2, the 61st day of 2011.

There are 304 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are: 

Dr. Seuss Day
and
Namesake Day.

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

Court fucks it up big time

From the "This is So Fucked Up" Department:

And who would have thought Alito would be the lone voice of 'reason'.

High court backs Westboro funeral protests

A treasonous 8-1 ruling says the cult that uses "psychological terrorism" is entitled to "special protection." 

Details 

Also: 

• Hackers seize church site
• Court rejects corp. privacy
• Ruling favors fired worker

This 'ruling' goes against everything that is America!

Wisconsin repugican senator more worried about appearance of capital building than actual democracy

The repugicans always have preferred a show over everything else.
The same state senator tried walking through the crowds outside of the capital building yesterday and was chased by people who yelled "shame."
He then tried to re-enter the capital only to discover that the doors were locked.

Wisconsin governor proposes deep cuts for schools

From the "He's fucking insane" Department:

After focusing for weeks on his proposal to strip public employees of collective bargaining rights, Wisconsin gov. Scott walker (reptile) gave a speech at the state capitol Tuesday to unveil his budget for the next two years, even as the debate over his budget repair bill still rages.

....Walker's budget would cut spending by 6.7%, or $4.2 billion. in his address, Walker said that the cuts would hit harder if the 14 senate Democrats who have left the state to avoid a vote on the budget repair bill do not return.

..."If they do not, our schools face massive layoffs of teachers. However, if they do come back, overall savings for schools across the state will outweigh reductions, ultimately allowing schools to put more money in the classroom."
- TPM

Full Story

Meanwhile in Wisconsin

Highlights (or should we say low lights) of Scott Walker's budget

If Wisconsin voters had a do-over, they wouldn't elect Walker

A judge issues orders that the Madison state house must remain open

Video proves faux news reporter was not attacked by Madison protestors

and, speaking of faux, someone tell that network that there are no palm trees in Wisconsin in February

On The Job

The best companies for job offers

Promotions are more likely than pink slips at these fast-growing businesses.  

Who the firms are looking for 

Also: 

• Degrees to get hired
• When to leave a job  
• 401(k) shortfall woes

Ziggy

Best buys at dollar stores

What to buy, what to skip at dollar stores

Even when you’re paying 99 cents or less, not everything in the store is a real bargain.  

Don’t bother with these items 

Also: 

• Items not to buy at Costco
• Avoid multitasking gadgets  
• Best local deals near you

Underage labor

The Labor Department says it has fined three of the nation's largest movie theater companies more than $277,000 for alleged child-labor violations.

Minors in 9 states, including SC, found performing hazardous work

State of women in the U.S.

The state of the American woman

A new report illustrates how increased education hasn't translated into higher earnings.  

Theories on continued gap 

Also: 

• Excluded from heart tests
• New breast cancer risk
• A sad future for men?

Lack of credit forces many small business owners to finance with personal assets

Small businesses are seen as an important part of the American economy.
These businesses often rely heavily on loans to stay afloat.
The recent economic recession has created a reduction in available credit for many small businesses…

Lack of credit forces many small business owners to finance with personal assets

Three refinancing nightmares

How refinancing can turn into a nightmare

Renegotiating your mortgage can grind to a halt in these three situations.

When your income is 'unacceptable' 

Also: 

• Rules for refinancing
• Shortening a mortgage  
• Problems lurking in banks

Medicare won't pay nursing home care

Most baby boomers don't know that Medicare or private health insurance do not cover nursing home care, a long-term care insurance agency executive says.

Full Story

States feud over whoopie pies

Whoopie pies whip up fierce rivalry

Maine's push to claim the snack as its official state treat has another location crying foul.  

'Confectionary larceny' 

Also: 

• How to make your own
• Great cupcake debate
• New ice cream yanked

Best food to beat hunger

The No. 1 food for beating hunger

Weight loss is a lot easier when you choose this healthy snack to fill you up.  

A food 'loaded with resistant starch' 

Also: 

• What is resistant starch?
• Why you need carbs  
• Signs of diet sabotage

Bananas in a bag

Del Monte is planning to sell single bananas in bags at places like service stations and gyms in the UK.

The price of the fruit has not yet been decided but in America they are on trial at about 62p each.

In the UK a typical loose banana costs from around 15p with Del Monte saying the bag will extend the shelf life of the banana by up to six days.

Environmental groups are criticising the move saying firms should be cutting back on packaging not creating more. The bag is recyclable and Del Monte suggests that their new bananas will improve the taste and allow the fruit to ripen more slowly than if it was left in the open air.

When to hit the snooze button

Why you should hit the snooze button

If you know the coming week will be hectic, try to sleep in an extra hour a day.  

When to choose bed over the gym 

Also: 

• 17 sleep-better tips
• What a nap can do  
• The sleep-friendly room

Everybody's a music lover ... right?

Most toxic American cities

The most toxic cities in America

These places score lowest for pollution, water quality, and other environmental concerns.  

Unhealthy air 43 days a year 

Also: 

• Dirtiest cars on the road
• Worst cities for jobs  
• U.S. manufacturing boom

Russia's huge military splurge

Russia's weapons splurge stirs questions

The $650 billion military buildup could create "a whole new ballgame," some say.  

Much-hyped stealth fighter 

Also: 

• Tiny U.S. spy planes
• Gorbachev blasts rulers
• Putin's powerful judo pals

Odds and Sods

Scientists resolve mystery over fate of Japan's most famous dog, depicted in Hollywood movie

Scientists have settled a decades-old mystery by naming a cause of death for Japan's most famous dog.

Leeds city center footbridge stolen

A 10-tonne haul didn't prove a bridge too far for thieves who stole part of a landmark Leeds shopping development.

Congressman trumps Watson

Oh, and by the way he's a Democrat - further proof Democrats are more intelligent have functioning brains

Brainy lawmaker beats 'Jeopardy's' Watson

A N.J. congressman with an impressive past humbles IBM's champion computer. 

What is hippophobia? 

Also: 

• Watson's medical career
• Fake Rahm fesses up
• Ex-senator to head MPAA

Internet Up For Nobel Peace Prize

The Internet, which was nominated but lost to Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo last year, is up for the Nobel Peace Prize again. This year there are 241 nominations including the controversial site WikiLeaks, Russian human rights group Memorial, the European Union, and Afghan rights advocate Sima Samar.

I'm curious who will accept the award should the Internet win.

'Hellish' headline censored by Canadian newspaper carrier

About 50 customers received Monday morning's edition of the Woodstock Sentinel-Review without the front page headline and banner after a newspaper carrier objected to the use of the word "hellish." The carrier cut out the offending headline from each of the 48 copies she delivered.

The headline "The hellish reality" accompanied a story about a local man, Jason Poole, 22, who has been living in Christchurch, New Zealand, for two months while studying education at the University of Canterbury. Poole was in the city when last week's 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck.

"This is certainly a first," Sentinel-Review publisher Andrea DeMeer said. "Obviously we are deeply apologetic to subscribers who received mutilated newspapers today."

DeMeer said new copies of the newspapers were to be delivered to the affected subscribers. "This is the first time I've ever been censored by one of our carriers," managing editor Bruce Urquhart said. "I hope it is the last."

Historic VW makeover

Iconic VW microbus gets a face-lift

Once beloved by hippies, the new version is electric-powered with nods to the original.  

See the new look 

Also: 

• Photos of the prototype
• Electrics make comeback  
• Chicago auto show finds

The DeLorean is Back

DeLorean cars make a surprise comeback

A Texas firm is once again selling the famed gull-winged auto from "Back to the Future."  

Inspiring toys, shoes, too 

Also: 

• The original Marty McFly
• Most iconic movie cars
• 5 odd new auto designs

Non Sequitur

Indian moon mission discovers giant chasm in the Moon

 
The Indian Space Research Organization has discovered a massive underground chamber near the moon's equator, one that would be perfect for housing a moon base. 

A moon base! 

Discovered by the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, this chamber is more than one mile long and 393 feet wide.

They are saying this would be a great place to build a moon base. The temperature is steady and it provides very good protection from radiation and impacts.

Full Story

Ancient Peruvian site forces experts to re-think past

Archeologists have discovered a group of ancient tombs in the mountainous jungle of southeastern Peru they say is as important as the discovery of the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Ancient Peruvian site forces experts to re-think past

Scientists stumble on ancient Timor rock art

Scientists hunting for fossils of giant rats in East Timor stumbled on unique rock carvings up to 12,000 years old, Australia's research agency said.

Scientists stumble on ancient Timor rock art

Kalamita

Cave Town Of The Past

Ruins of the Medieval Kalamita fortress is one of the most interesting and absorbing places in the Crimea. Let’s have a tour over stone remains of the past might and then get inside the Kalamita caves.

Full Story

B.C.

Upping the cute factor

The Chihuahua Song

Rare 89 million-year-old flying reptile fossil from Texas may be world’s oldest Pteranodon

Fossilized bones discovered in Texas from a flying reptile that died 89 million years ago may be the earliest occurrence in the world of the prehistoric creature known as Pteranodon.

Previously, Pteranodon bones have been found in Kansas, South …

Rare 89 million-year-old flying reptile fossil from Texas may be world’s oldest Pteranodon

Hobbyist's snakes may lead to jail

Chuck Hurd says he has been "hooked on venom" for years, a love for snakes that began as a boy when he collected them on his family farm and evolved into a profitable hobby.

Full Story

Primitive Scavenger Fish Eats Using Its Skin

Hagfish are simple, tubelike scavengers with gruesome feeding habits: When the ugly predator encounters a carcass on the seafloor, it burrows into the body cavity of the dead or dying animal. There it eats, not only with its mouth, but also with its skin and gills.

Full Story

Sharks journey using 'inner maps'

Sharks journey using 'inner maps'

Ocean-going sharks can find familiar sites over distances of many kilometres by apparently using "mental maps", research suggests.

• Shark nations failing on pledges
• Call for shark loophole closure

Police dog sniffs out crack in man's buttocks

A Fort Pierce, Fla., man riding a bicycle thought he had the perfect spot to hide his crack, but he didn't count on a police dog's sense of smell. Clarell Jamar Colbert was arrested after police found a tube of crack in his buttocks after a drug-sniffing dog smelled a "narcotic odor coming from his rear."

According to a police report, Colbert, 19, was spotted by a St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office deputy Feb. 18 riding his bike in the middle of the street, where he was obstructing traffic. When the deputy approached Colbert, he jumped off his bike and started getting "very loud." When the officer tried to pat him down, Colbert "pulled away when he got near Colbert's rear waist line."

Photo from here.

As the deputy searched Colbert, he felt something tube-like in his behind. A drug sniffing dog was called in and immediately smelled the "narcotic odor" where the sun doesn't shine. Colbert was taken to a nearby church's bathroom so that the deputy could get the tube out in private.

When the deputy retrieved the tube, he found it contained 12 crack cocaine rocks. He also found $145 on Colbert. Colbert was arrested on charges of drug possession with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dog keeps missing man, 82, alive for two days and nights

An 82-year-old man has survived two nights and two days in the open in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, with the help of his pet, a 5-year-old German Shepherd. Lewis Stone's dog Misha lay on his chest to keep him warm and by day Misha stuck with his master until they were discovered in a steep valley off Oswald Shearer Drive, Wembley, at about 17:00 on Monday. Stone went missing on Saturday afternoon after he had parked his bakkie opposite the Prestbury police station and took Misha for a walk in the plantations above. The search began that evening when he did not return home by 20:00, and continued throughout Sunday.

On Monday, family, neighbors and Prestbury police divided into search groups and continued combing the thick bush in the plantation behind the police station off Ashby Road. Stone’s family had started searching at about 05:00. As the search continued with no positive feedback by afternoon, someone heard a cry for help in the valley. Hayley Graves said she had just returned home from work when her father said he could hear a shout for help in the thick bush.

“Our property leads into the valley so I just crawled into the thick bushes, sometimes having to break branches. Since I had read about Mr Stone I assumed that it was him calling so I called him back by his surname, urging him to keep shouting so that I could get the direction where he was. I was a bit scared, but I couldn’t turn back. A woman from one of the homes around also joined in, shouting for him to keep shouting until I got to him,” said Graves. She said Stone was quite weak when she got to him and he started talking about his family and that he had been lying there for two nights without anything to eat.

“I held his hand and assured him that help was on its way as I had called the police already. Misha was sitting right next to him. He said at night he would hold Misha for warmth and that the true friend never left his side,” she said. Paramedics examined Stone before bringing him to safety. Search party leader Warrant Officer Jack Haskins said he had fallen about 30 meters down the steep embankment. “Given his age and time he spent in the open with no food or water, it’s a miracle that he survived. He’s a strong man and he has a true friend in Misha. He kept him alive,” said Haskins.

Animal Pictures

Is this an honest-to-goodness real live pink elephant?