The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:

Your energy is extremely alluring today, and you are like a flame that attracts many moths. 

The attention is wonderful and invigorating, but take another look at these fluttering fawners for just a moment -- you will soon realize that their adoration is not built on a very substantial foundation.

It's not that you don't deserve fervent fans; it's just that the people singing your praises are not the kind of people you need to be impressing. 

Aim higher.

 Some of our readers today have been in:
Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Parsberg, Bayern, Germany
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Annecy, Rhone-Alpes, France
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Seoul, Kyonggi-Do, Korea
Kemaman, Terengganu, Malaysia
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Paya Lebar, Singapore, Singapore
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon
Penza, Penza, Russia
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia
Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom
Vienna, Wien, Austria
Newbury, England, United Kingdom
Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain
Grimbergen, Brabant Wallon, Belgium

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 Tampa, Tempe, Tomah, Tucson and more!

Today is:

Today is Monday, October 17, the 290th day of 2011.

There are 75 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holiday or celebration is:

Mulligan Day.

  

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

Non Sequitur

Manic Monday

So, what's your excuse?

100-Year Old Man Completes Marathon

I think that we’ve now run out of excuses to exercise. Fauja Singh, at the age of 100, became the oldest man to complete a marathon:

It took Singh over eight hours to cross the finish line — more than six hours after Kenya’s Kenneth Mungara won the event for the fourth straight year — and he was the last competitor to complete the course. But his time wasn’t nearly remarkable as the accomplishment itself. [...]
Sunday’s run was Fauja Singh’s eighth marathon — he ran his first at the tender age of 89 — and wasn’t the first time he set a record. In the 2003 Toronto event, he set the mark in the 90-plus category, finishing the race in five hours 40 minutes and one second.

Full Story

Awesome Pictures

Stand

Protest hurdle or strength?

Wall Street protesters' biggest problem

The anticorporate unrest has gained some global momentum but lacks central leadership.

  Why it might help 

Also: 

• Telling protest images
• Movement gains steam
• Feeding protest masses

Global Fury as Wall Street Protests Extend to Five Continents

What started as a small protest in Manhattan's financial district on September 17 2011, has now become a people powered movement spread across the world.

 Full Story

The Third Day

City showdown: Protesters face bankers

Anti-capitalist demonstrators camped out in London's financial district are entering a third day of protests. More 

Also: 

• 'Occupy' protests
• Rome cleans up after riot
• 'Target rogue bankers'

Anonymous is about to rip this guy a new one

The Occupy Wall Street protests have been going on for a month. And it seems the FBI and NYPD have had help tracking protesters' moves thanks to a wingnut computer security expert who gained access to one of the group's internal mailing lists, and then handed over information on the group's plans to authorities and corporations targeted by protesters.

Since the Occupy Wall Street protest began on September 17, New York security consultant Thomas Ryan has been waging a campaign to infiltrate and discredit the movement. Ryan says he's done contract work for the U.S. Army and he brags on his blog that he leads "a team called Black Cell, a team of the most-highly trained and capable physical, threat and cyber security professionals in the world."

Full Story

Glenn Beck Sneers At Students Who Can't Afford A College Education

Wingnut idol hatemonger Glenn Beck spent much of his speech at the Values Voters Conference this weekend lambasting young Americans who are part of the 99 Percent Movement, and those who have the audacity to not be rich but want a college education.

Full Story

Any Questions?

The repugicans lie, the economy suffers, and the media does nothing about it

The repugican response to the President's radio address yesterday was an outright lie. Practically every credible expert, including economists on Wall Street even, agree that the stimulus did save/create jobs, boost GDP, and help cut back on unemployment. Everyone. But the repugicans keep outright lying and claiming the stimulus didn't do a thing. And the media just quotes them diligently and doesn't explain to the reader that it's a lie.  WSJ:

Offering the repugican response, California Rep. Kevin McCarthy criticized what he called the continuation of a "stimulation strategy that's led to more debt and fewer jobs."

Both the CBO and Moody's concluded that the stimulus did work - the only problem was that it wasn't big enough, not that it was too big. Had we done what Kevin McCarthy is saying, we'd be in a depression right now - Moody's has already said the repugican plan won't work. But the President's stimulus, Moody's says it was absolutely worth it because it worked:

All this help comes at significant cost. While the fiscal stimulus has been vital, it helped produce a $1.4 trillion budget deficit this past fiscal year and will lead to another $1 trillion-plus deficit in the current one. Yet the cost to taxpayers would have been measurably greater if policymakers had not acted aggressively. The recession would still be in full swing, undermining tax revenues and driving up government spending on Medicaid, welfare, and other income support for distressed families. It is a tragedy that the nation has been forced to spend so much to tame the financial crisis and end the Great Recession. Yet it has been money well spent. The fiscal stimulus is working to ensure that the recent dark economic times will soon be relegated to the history books.

As for government regulations hurting jobs, AP concluded the other day that it too is a lie. This talk is dangerous.

And the lie grew worse over the past few months. As we pointed our previously, the new repugican talking point, that I first heard on Faux, of course, is that the stimulus actually CAUSED the economy to worsen.

Outright lie. And the media still doesn't sufficiently call them on it. How about a story asking the repugicans why they think lying is an answer to our economic troubles? Why their party so easily, and willingly, embraces lies instead of facts?  Reporters should be asking Kevin McCarthy if he's a liar, crazy, or just stupid.

This why our political system is broken. Because the checks and balances are broken too.

FBI's DNA database plans under fire

FBI's DNA database plans under fire

A major upgrade of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) DNA database system comes under fire from a group of US forensic scientists.

World population nears 7 billion

World population about to hit 7 billion

The U.N. expects the milestone to be reached by Oct. 31, further straining resources.

  Hardest-pressed areas 

Also: 

• 7 population milestones
• How many can Earth take?
• U.N. focus on food prices

The Taj Mahal Is Collapsing

All this time kids have been singing about the London Bridge falling down, but it turns out it’s the Taj Mahal that’s in trouble.
That’s right, if you’ve always wanted to see the stunning Indian landmark, you’d better make plans to see it soon because experts are warning that it could fall down in as little as two years thanks to a crumbling wooden foundation. Cracks are already showing up in the monument’s marble walls.

Full Story

The best affordable new hotels

World's best affordable new hotels

Each of these stylish, comfortable retreats costs less than $150 per night.

  Picks in New York, California, India 

Also: 

• National park addition?
• Masterpieces in Atlanta
• 'Up' house draws tourists

Money secrets revealed

Biggest money secrets revealed

People come clean with the financial flubs they'd like to forget.

Addictions to shopping and debt 

Also: 

• Awkward money problems
• Must-have insurance
• 10 workout secrets

The value of online degrees

Is going to school online worth it?

These careers are especially suited to completing a college program on your laptop.

  Five potential degrees 

Also: 

• Five happy careers
• How to switch fields
• Beating work burnout

Ways to prevent back pain

How you can prevent office back pain

Sitting at a desk all day is a recipe for a bad back but experts offer these simple tips to help.

Clear under your desk 

Also: 

• Good posture
• How to sit at your desk
• Yoga relief for back pain

Ill woman leaves South Pole

Sick U.S. researcher flown out of South Pole

Renee-Nicole Douceur has been waiting since August to leave after suffering a possible stroke.

Reason for delays 

Also: 

• Huge Antarctic ozone hole
• Arctic seals mystery
• Scientist clones coyotes

Can Eating Too Much Spicy Food Kill You?

Last week, the Kismot Indian restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland, held a competition to eat the extra-hot Kismot Killer curry. Some of the competitive eaters were left writhing on the floor in agony, vomiting and fainting. According to reports, two British Red Cross workers overseeing the event at the restaurant became overwhelmed by the number of casualties and ambulances were called.

So what exactly are the health impacts of eating really hot chili peppers? Can eating too much of the spicy stuff kill you?

Culinary DeLites

A week of easy, tasty dinners

This butternut squash pasta dish is ready in less than 30 minutes, or try a savory beef stir-fry. 

7 simple recipes 

Also: 

• Dishes for picky eaters
• Pancake taste test
• Cupcake icing tips

How to ... Trends ... and Things you can't get

How to make chicken fingers for adults

This grownup version is elevated with spicy, sweet flavor — and a killer sauce.  

 Get the famous recipe

Also:

• Paula Deen's chicken soup
• Secret to cooking fish
• Foods for picky eaters

Food trends that men can't stand

One guy says it's impossible to act masculine while eating a macaroon.

  What about sliders? 

Also: 

• Meals for picky eaters
• Family dinners for $1
• Topics that won't die

Fast-food items you can't buy in U.S.

Burger King's Meat Monster burger-and-chicken combo sandwich is only available in Japan.  

 No McZüri for you 

Also: 

• Not sold at restaurants
• Top casual dining chains
• Favorite fast-food outlets

Ziggy

Hope they passed the audition

WTNH

A Christie's employee displays a letter inviting an unknown drummer to audition for The Beatles

A newly discovered letter found folded in a book at a Liverpool yard sale has shed new light on the Beatles' early days, revealing that Paul McCartney offered an audition to a mystery drummer in 1960, just a few days before the band left for a formative two-month gig in Hamburg, Germany.

Full Story

Van Gogh was Murdered

... Claims New Book

Vincent Van Gogh led a tortured life, but a new book says he was murdered and did not die by his own hand.

Full Story

Fifteen People You'll See at Comic Conventions

Geeks are easily classed, especially when they congregate in large numbers. Well-organized cons actually offer taxanomic schemes at the door so that you can keep everyone straight. But if you don’t get one, then Owen Parson’s visual guide will help you keep the geeks sorted.

Full Story

Crabby Road

Do 'electric facials' work?

Do 'electric facial' beauty treatments work?

Many celebrities use the scary-sounding procedure to create a plump, glowing complexion.  

 Claims put to the test 

Also: 

• Teen nose job controversy
• 10 global beauty aids
• How to hide your roots

House Cleaning Tips

Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun.  Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.

Cobwebs: Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere.

If your husband points out  that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim, "What?  And spoil the mood?" (I just throw glitter on them &call them holiday decorations).

Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children.  (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter).

Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door.  As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl, and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed, and the shots are SO expensive."

Dusting: If dusting is REALLY out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and insist, "This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes."

Painting: Don't bother repainting.  Simply scribble lightly over a dirty wall with an assortment of crayons and try to muster a glint of tears as you say, "Junior did this when he was 3 years old, and I haven't had the heart to clean it."

General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle.  Mist the air lightly.  Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations.  Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch, and sigh, "I clean and I clean, and I still don't get anywhere."

As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for  bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean...   Works every time.

If the house is clean, the computer has crashed.

Virgin Galactic opens world's first commercial spaceport

Richard Branson blogs: "A historic day today in New Mexico as we will be opening the first commercial spaceport in the world - Spaceport America."

More at the Virgin Galactic website.

Extreme Ballooning - on Titan

Floating over Saturn's moon in a balloon may be the best way to explore its mysteries.

Read more 

Surreal Autumn

Smiling Faces

What you are looking at here is a cross-section of a blade of marram grass, which is used to stabilize coastal dunes. Fluorescent dye has been added to highlight the internal structures. Those internal structures look happy to see us! Read more about it at Beyond the Human Eye.

B.C.

Hidden Hazards

Life is full of them.

Amazon River Dolphin Populations in Rapid Decline

 

Photo: JorgeBRAZIL / cc

Of all the remarkable species that inhabit the Amazon river basin, few are as iconic or as threatened as Amazon river dolphins. For decades, the pinkish hued dolphins have been targeted by fishermen who view the skilled aquatic hunters as competitors for food -- leading to thousands of the animals to be poached every year by villagers, who often then use their meat as bait. But despite a campaign to save the river dolphins, researchers say that they're continuing to be killed at a troubling rate -- with some populations showing a decline of 10 percent annually.

Article continues: Amazon River Dolphin Populations in Rapid Decline

Climate change spawns the incredible shrinking ant

Plants and animals are shrinking because of warmer temperatures and lack of water, researchers said on Monday, warning it could have profound implications for food production in years ahead.

 Full Story

Animal Pictures