CAROLINA NATURALLY: Jun 16, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:
Teaching an old dog new tricks isn't hard when the dog wants to improve itself!
You can sense something new starting in your life, so why not go with this feeling and make some personal changes?
In order to take advantage of an upcoming transition, you'll have to let go of a few old habits.
But one glimpse at your possible future will show you that all the effort will be worthwhile.
Today you will be handed a golden opportunity on a silver platter.

Some of our readers today have been in:

London, England, United Kingdom
Gengenbach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Manila, Manila, Philippines
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Berne, Bern, Switzerland
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Annecy, Rhone-Alpes, France
Makati, Manila, Philippines
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Stoke On Trent, England, United kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Lille, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Chisinau, Chisinau, Moldova
Hamburg, Hamburg, 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 New York City, Phoenix, Colorado Springs, Athens and more.

Today is:

Today is Thursday, June 16, the 167th day of 2011.

There are 198 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are:

Bloomsday
Fudge Day
and
Recess at Work Day.

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

United Nations Declares Internet Access a Human Right

The next time your significant other complains that you spend too much time online you can tell them that internet access is a human right. So says the United Nations in a report released this past week citing how the Internet has become vital in ensuring freedom of expression.

As LaRue highlighted, Internet access can be particularly valuable during times of political unrest, as evidenced in the Arab Spring uprisings. LaRue emphasized the power of the Internet as a communication medium and said in his report that, “given that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human rights, combating inequality, and accelerating development and human progress, ensuring universal access to the Internet should be a priority for all states.”

Full Story

Classic Humorous Photos From Life Magazine

For many years, Life Magazine signed off with an amusing photograph designed to leave the reader laughing. People and pets by the score, caught by the camera in surprising, side-splitting poses. These rib-tickling photographs were submitted over the years by LIFE's loyal readers.

Getting away from it all

The best new all-inclusive resorts

One price covers everything from bungee jumping to butler service at these hotels.

What 'everything included' costs

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Luxury hotels for less than $150 per night

It's possible to enjoy royal treatment on your vacation without having to pay a king's ransom.

Tropical waterfront pool

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How TV hurts your health

Five ways television can hurt your health

Just a couple hours of TV viewing a night can do serious damage to your body.

Strategies to combat the effects

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A Smart Bandage Reveals Healing

Melbourne researchers have developed smart bandages that change color to reveal the state of the wound beneath. Their invention could reduce the $500 million cost of chronic wound care in Australia. They've created a fabric that changes color in response to temperature - showing changes of less than 0.5 of a degree.

When incorporated into a bandage it will allow nurses to quickly identify healing problems such as infection or interruptions to the blood supply, which are typically accompanied by a local increase or decrease in temperature. So far the team has created the fabric. Within six months they'll have turned it into a bandage, and then they'll work with industry to trial the new bandages.

Why Rabies Is Still a Problem

In light of a spate of rabies attacks, take a closer look at the disease, its risks and how you can avoid it.

Read more

Yet another Amazon activist killed in Brazil

This is getting ridiculous. The Brazilian government really needs to step up security.

Another land campaigner in Brazil's Amazon region has been shot dead, bringing the number of activists killed over the past month to at least five.

The body of Obede Loyla Souza was found in dense forest surrounding his home in the northern state of Para.

The 31-year-old had argued with illegal loggers in the area, according to a church group.

Another take on this story:

Photo: Wikipedia, Public domain.

The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher

Obede Loyla Souza was shot dead, and the most likely cause of his violent killing was a conflict between activists and companies over land and logging in Brazil's rainforest region. This is the fifth murder in a month that is believed to be linked to this situation, and the witness of one of these murders was also killed. "Witnesses who did not want to give their name told Hilario Lopes Costa, a co-ordinator for the watchdog Catholic Land Pastoral [CLP] in Para, said they saw four men in a pickup truck asking for Souza. They and Souza's wife are now afraid for their lives as well," Costa told the media.

Article continues: Amazon Anti-Logging Activist Murdered, Fifth Time this Happens in the Past Month...

Bin Laden tipsters arrested

Pakistan arrests CIA's bin Laden tipsters

Five informants who helped the U.S. plot its raid are reportedly swept up by the military.

Dispute over army major's role

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'Iceman' may haunt CIA

'Iceman' prison case may haunt CIA

Abu Ghraib's most notorious unfinished investigation could still lead to torture charges.

Remains politically explosive

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Ten Global Businesses That Worked With The Nazis

This list details how current global brands and companies worked with history’s most hated regime. Some of these businesses were German to begin with, but what I thought was an urban legend about Fanta being made by the Coca Cola company specifically for war time Germany turns out to be true.

It’s scary just how efficient the Nazis were at directing an entire country, including its population and industry, towards their evil goals. Everyone knows about the big three corporations that worked with the Nazis. Hugo Boss designed the intimidating uniforms of the SS (as well as the drabber brown shirts of the SA and the the Hitler Youth); Volkswagen designed the Beetle at Hitler’s behest and churned them out using slave labor; and IBM designed the punch cards that were used to systematize the extermination of people by race and class.

Full Story

Universal Nightmare

http://www.bartcop.com/palin-nightmare-11.jpg

Well, I'll be damned! Faux News got it correct for once!

Scientist who once said global warming "not significant" now says new data shows it is

Another wingnut 'data' point gone with the increasingly warm wind.

From the BBC:

Climate warming since 1995 is now statistically significant, according to Phil Jones, the UK scientist targeted in the "ClimateGate" affair.

Last year, he told BBC News that post-1995 warming was not significant - a statement still seen on blogs critical of the idea of man-made climate change.

But another year of data has pushed the trend past the threshold usually used to assess whether trends are "real".

Dr Jones says this shows the importance of using longer records for analysis.

Qaddafi Sends Nice Thank-You Note

Boehner gets "thank you" letter from Qaddafi

Oops.

The man may be an evil dictator, but he has good manners: Qaddafi Thanks U.S. Lawmakers for Challenging Obama on Libya.

Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi has written to members of Congress thanking them for criticizing President Obama last week over his involvement in the NATO-led military campaign in Libya.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for your thoughtful discussion of the issues,” Colonel Qaddafi wrote in the letter, a copy of which was supplied to The New York Times by a person seeking to defend the administration’s policy. “We are confident that history will see the wisdom of your country in debating these issues.”

Odds and Sods

Mason City robber wishes he'd listened to his mom

A Mason City man who faces up to 10 years in prison for robbing a convenience store says he wishes he'd listened to his mother.

500-year-old book for sale in Utah for $35,000

500-year-old book for sale in Utah for $35,00. Yeah but is it worth reading?

Wal-Mart Loses Appeal

Labor news: Wal-Mart loses $187.6 million appeal over worker breaks.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc has lost its appeal of most of a $187.6 million verdict for Pennsylvania hourly workers who accused the world's largest retailer of denying them meal and rest breaks.
A three-judge panel of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania on Friday said there was sufficient evidence for Philadelphia jurors in 2006 to conclude that Wal-Mart's practices violated state wage and hour laws. It also said Wal-Mart's own internal review uncovered violations regarding "off-the-clock" work.
The case was brought on behalf of about 187,000 current and former Wal-Mart workers in Pennsylvania from 1998 to 2006.

The original settlement included $45.6 million in legal fees, but that will probably be reduced. Let's call it $30 million. That leaves $157.6 million for 187,000 workers. If it's divided evenly, it amounts to $843 each.

***

Damn, that means they have to actually pay their employees now!

The most outrageous wills

Wills with outrageous beneficiaries

Some of the world's richest people snubbed their families in favor of pets — and total strangers.

Odd burial wishes

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Non Sequitur

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Obama pushes jobs plan in N.C.

President Barack Obama promoted job creation Monday in politically important North Carolina, trying to assure Americans he's focused on their Number One priority

Full Story

On The Job

What employees would love to tell the boss

Workers may be thinking these things, but they definitely won't tell their managers.

Those awkward moments

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How to launch a career in a hot field

Enrolling in one of these programs can make you a stronger candidate.

Healthcare, business, hospitality

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How to avoid holding back your career

Use these techniques to help yourself get around common roadblocks at work.

Ways to overcome procrastination

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Laid-off teachers suffer 'demeaning' twist

Providence educators get a chance to win back their jobs in a process akin to speed dating.

'They are not widgets'

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Hope for college grads' job prospects

Though the employment landscape is tough, not all news is bad for graduates.

Former students' encouraging advice

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What lowers a home's value

What will lower your home's value

The wrong types of renovation and landscaping are big turnoffs to potential buyers.

Advice for pet owners

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Consumer prices rise by smallest in 6 months

Americans paid more for food, cars and clothing in May.
But overall consumer prices rose by the smallest amount in six months, slowed by the first drop in energy costs in nearly a year.

Full Story

Is it safe to bank online?

Is it safe for you to bank online?

The recent Citibank hacking shows why you need to take these precautions.

Easiest way crooks can get into your PC

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Credit, Credit and No More Credit

What happens if U.S. loses AAA rating

A downgrade by credit agencies could have big implications if you want to get a loan or credit card.

How likely is it?

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Little-known ways to raise your credit score

Paying your credit card bills before their statement dates can boost your rating.

Getting a bad mark deleted

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Ziggy

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Manage Your Life

Get the most out of your backyard

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Healthy Living

What happens when you drink soda for years

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Culinary DeLites

Which produce should you buy organic?

Seven worst summer drinks

Avoid extra pounds by skipping these concoctions, including a monster 1,920-calorie milkshake.

Healthier options

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Cicada Ice Cream? A Big Buzz That Was Short Lived

Photo via skantman's flickr

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you cicadas, make ice cream? It may not make sense to many of us, but that is what the owners of Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream in Colombia, Missouri did. Cicadas are back and buzzing in many states this year, including Missouri. Millions of these insects, which appear every 13-years, have been swarming vast stretches of the South and Midwest, noisily searching for mates. The owners at Sparky's, always up for a new flavor challenge, decided to try adding some extra crunch and protein to a brown sugar and butter flavor ice cream base by adding boiled cicadas. The flavor had a big debut on June 1st and was an immediate hit, and sold out its initial and only batch. The flavor had a short lived run after the owners called the health department.

Article continues: Cicada Ice Cream? A Big Buzz That Was Short Lived

Photographer Series

Nicholas Longtin took this photo in Norway and he explains:

The fjord town of Flom has beautiful farm lands. Many of the farmers have their land defined by these very old stone walls. Because of the incredible moisture, moss and other plants grow on everything.

Entire city on threatened list

Entire U.S. city put on endangered list

A preservation group makes the unusual move of calling a popular Southern city imperiled.

'Watch status'

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Eerie images of old warships

Old warships withering away in U.S. bay

After serving in multiple wars, the scores of abandoned vessels now form a floating ghost town.

The eerie images

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Dead Sea threatened both by shrinking and flooding

The Dead Sea is dying, goes the conventional wisdom: The water level of the fabled salty lake is dropping nearly 4 feet a year.

Full Story

Awesome Pictures

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Iceman Had Bad Teeth

The 5,300-year-old mummy suffered from cavities, possibly brought on by a high-carb diet.

Read more

Iron-Age French were beer brewers

Archaeologists have uncovered the first evidence of the home-brewing of beer in southeastern France - from some 2,500 years ago.

B.C.

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Secret Lives and Extinction

The secret life of badgers
Magnetic fields and sensors are helping zoologists map what badgers do when they go underground

Forest elephant in a national park in Congo (Image: Stephen Blake)

Forest elephant in a national park in Congo (Image: Stephen Blake)

Elephant extinction Africa's forest elephants follow the mammoth

BBC Nature

Eagles attack at post office

Bald eagles dive-bomb post office patrons

A pair of unfriendly birds create a difficult — and ironic — situation in one U.S. town.

'It actually drew blood'

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Worries Over a Misspelling Doomed Bird to Extinction

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

To the natural world, the words we use to name things are largely arbitrary, so who could have guessed that a single vowel will likely lead to the demise of an entire species? Great Indian Bustards, among the largest flying birds, were once widespread throughout their native India, though now they number around 250 with extinction looming. There was a time, however, when bustards were the obvious choice for India's national bird, promising with it the strict protections that title entails -- but bustards lost out. It seems officials were concerned that 'bustard' could be too easily misspelled and mispronounced as 'bastard', so they basically doomed it to extinction.

Article continues: Worries Over a Misspelling Doomed Bird to Extinction