The enormous field art has already earned a distinguished spot in crop circle lore.Giant jellyfish crop circle baffles Britons
Also:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Giant jellyfish crop circle baffles Britons
The enormous field art has already earned a distinguished spot in crop circle lore.
Heavy seas hamper recovery of Flight 447 debris
High seas and heavy winds are delaying the arrival of deep-water submersibles needed to help recover debris from an Air France jet.
Heavy seas hamper recovery of Flight 447 debris
Also:
Amateur Abortions in Africa
An article in the New York Times gives a good portrait of the world that Dr. George Tiller's assassin and his ideological backers, such as Randall Terry and Bill O'Reilly, want you to live in.
Amateur Abortions in Africa
Amateur Abortions in Africa
Boy, 10, 'Too Tall' For Kid's Meal Discount
A 10-year-old boy, who was hoping to enjoy a half-price children's meal, got a surprise when was told by restaurant staff he was too tall for the discounted rate.
Boy, 10, 'Too Tall' For Kid's Meal Discount
Boy, 10, 'Too Tall' For Kid's Meal Discount
Tiananmen Square Massacre
June 4, 1989
The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, also known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre and the June 4th Incident, or colloquially, Six-four by the Chinese public, and as the Political Turmoil between Spring and Summer of 1989 by the government of China, were a series of demonstrations led by students, intellectuals and labor activists in China between April 15, 1989 and June 4, 1989.
In the days leading up to the twentieth anniversary of the massacre ...
The 70-year-old leader of the Tiananmen Mothers, Ding Zilin, whose son was killed in the 1989 massacre, has been put under surveillance and told not to accept visitors in the lead-up to the anniversary.
She is followed by police even when she leaves her home to buy food and daily necessities.
Ding's 15-year effort demanding the Chinese government give a full accounting of the massacre and find out who was responsible for ordering the military to fire on unarmed civilians has led to her nomination for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
Other members of her grouping, like Huang Jinping, whose husband was shot and killed in the crackdown, are also facing similar police harassment.
Illinois dad, daughter arrested after fight over shoes
Authorities said an argument over a pair of shoes led to criminal charges against a southwestern Illinois woman and her dad.
Illinois dad, daughter arrested after fight over shoes
Illinois dad, daughter arrested after fight over shoes
Man, 82, chokes girlfriend for loading dishwasher wrong
An elderly Florida man allegedly choked his live-in girlfriend because he was unhappy with the way she loaded the dishwasher.
Natural Swimming Ponds Ditch The Chemicals
Natural Swimming Ponds Are Catching On
Natural swimming ponds are already quite popular in Europe and are gaining interest in the US. Companies like Clear Water Revival (UK) and Total Habitat (US) can help you design your perfect dream pond, or revamp the pool you already have. The cost of new natural ponds versus conventional swimming pools is said to be comparable, but maintenance costs for a chemical-free pool will be much lower. (Just think of the increased health benefits as an added bonus.)Find out more: Natural Swimming Ponds Ditch The Chemicals
Unusual Holidays and Celebrations
Today happens to be:
Chimborazo Day
(Hey, don't ask me I haven't a clue either)
Chimborazo Day
(Hey, don't ask me I haven't a clue either)
Teen's freak accident leads to medical mystery
Nineteen-year-old Kayla Hutcheson's amnesia has stumped doctors.
Teen's freak accident leads to medical mystery
Also:
Just who is the terrorist here?
A Terrorist kills an American in America - no mention of terrorist charges - What Gives?!
You don’t need me to fill you in on the details of the murder of George Tiller in Kansas. The terrorist who committed this crime is in jail ...
He’ll be charged with murder, but there’s no mention yet of any sort of terror charges. The FBI and others have been eager to use anti-terror provisions of the PATRIOT Act to go after ALF and ELF activists, some of whom have done nothing more than organize protests or post information to the web. Many of them have destroyed property, but no one has done any killing, or even wounded someone other than themselves.
Alternet quotes the National Abortion Federation for these statistics here:
“Not surprisingly, his killer is strongly suspected to be affiliated with the ‘pro-life’ movement. If that’s the case, it makes Tiller the 10th person in the United States to be murdered by anti-choice terrorists.”
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Since 1977, there have been at least 17 attempted murders, 383 death threats, 153 incidents of assault or battery and three kidnappings committed against abortion providers in North America. Tiller himself survived an assassination attempt in 1993.
Compare the anti-abortion movement’s record on violence with the environmental and animal rights movements, and see who you think should more properly be charged with terrorism.
Tienanmen Square Erased!
In the Atlantic, James Fallows describes how thoroughly erased the Tiananmen Square atrocity is from the memory of young Chinese people. Censorship apparently works.
Too bad for China - the rest of the world isn't as gullible nor have we forgotten or will we let it be forgotten!
I have spent a lot of time over the past three years with Chinese university students. They know a lot about the world, and about American history, and about certain periods in their own country's past. Virtually everyone can recite chapter and verse of the Japanese cruelties in China from the 1930s onward, or the 100 Years of Humiliation, or the long background of Chinese engagement with Tibet. Through their own family's experiences, many have heard of the trauma of the Cultural Revolution years and the starvation and hardship of the Great Leap Forward. But you can't assume they will ever have heard of what happened in Tiananmen Square twenty years ago. For a minority of people in China, the upcoming date of June 4 has tremendous significance. For most young people, it's just another day.
*****
Too bad for China - the rest of the world isn't as gullible nor have we forgotten or will we let it be forgotten!
Woman delivers her own baby in car
At just four days old, young Ryan Warf has a lot of energy.
He proved it when he entered the world three weeks early.
Woman delivers her own baby in car
He proved it when he entered the world three weeks early.
Woman delivers her own baby in car
Mortuary's License Pulled Over Severed Legs
Cave Funeral home in Allendale, SC and its director, Michael Cave, have had their licenses revoked after it was discovered the home cut off the legs of a man so that his body would fit into a casket.
Man arrested for the 153rd time to plead guilty
A New Hampshire man has been arrested for the 153rd time, this time after he was accused of punching someone in the face over the weekend.
Twenty UFOs fly in formation?
Mystery ... bright objects light up night sky
This incredible picture captured the strange sighting of what appeared to be more than 20 UFOs buzzing over awestruck Britain.
China Blocks Twitter, Hotmail and Flickr
China ramps up Internet censorship as the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre approaches.
The government accidentally posts sensitive nuclear info
Officials insist that the mistakenly published information is not a "road map for terrorists."
The government accidentally posts sensitive nuclear info
Also:
More debris, few clues in Air France flight search
Despite new finds hopes are fading for conclusive answers to the still-unexplained crash.
More debris, few clues
Also:
Past flight may offer clues to Air France crash
The flight computer of a similar Airbus jet sent it on a 650-foot dive last October, injuring more than 100 passengers.
Past flight may offer clues to Air France crash
Careers that remain red hot
Qualified applicants are still hard to find for these jobs that can pay as much as $86K.
Careers
Also:
Where the unemployment rate is highest
Joblessness rose in all U.S. metro areas last month, with some regions suffering especially high rates.Unemployment
Also:
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Delhi, Delhi, India
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Sant Cruz De Tenerife, Canarias, Spain
Poznan, Wielkopolskie, Poland
Lund, Skane Lan, Sweden
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
madrid, madrid, Spain
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Ploiesti, Prahova, Romania
as well as Scotland, Wales, Serbia and Montenegro, and the United States
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Delhi, Delhi, India
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Sant Cruz De Tenerife, Canarias, Spain
Poznan, Wielkopolskie, Poland
Lund, Skane Lan, Sweden
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
madrid, madrid, Spain
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Ploiesti, Prahova, Romania
as well as Scotland, Wales, Serbia and Montenegro, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Your natural leadership skills are a curse and a blessing.
They're a blessing for others because, when things get out of control, they know they can turn to you for help.
The curse part comes in when you're out for recreation, looking forward to some fun, and then, suddenly, you're asked to take over.
Like today, for example.
Oh, well. Think of it as a compliment -- or resolve to find yourself another companion.
Ain't it the truth.
Your natural leadership skills are a curse and a blessing.
They're a blessing for others because, when things get out of control, they know they can turn to you for help.
The curse part comes in when you're out for recreation, looking forward to some fun, and then, suddenly, you're asked to take over.
Like today, for example.
Oh, well. Think of it as a compliment -- or resolve to find yourself another companion.
Ain't it the truth.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Today in history ...
Today is Tuesday, June 2, the 153rd day of 2009.
There are 212 days left in the year.
Today In History June 2
There are 212 days left in the year.
Today In History June 2
Dachshund Adopts Tiger Cub
An unlikely pair of friends has emerged at a zoo in the German town of Stroehen.
Dachshund Adopts Tiger Cub
Dachshund Adopts Tiger Cub
Mom was ring leader of teen gang
"This kid jumps out with a pistol and cocks it," said Aaron, a victim of a robbery.
Mom was ring leader of teen gang
Mom was ring leader of teen gang
Plane crash site located in Atlantic Ocean
Brazilian officials confirm a 3-mile stretch of debris is the site of the Air France disaster.
Plane crash site located in Atlantic Ocean
Also:
Police say suitcases carried by woman who was to fly from Chile to Spain were made of cocaine
Police say two suitcases carried by a woman who was about to fly from Chile to Spain were made of cocaine.
Israeli woman survives attempt at suicide by train
An Israeli woman laid herself on the tracks just before a train roared through a crossing in an apparent suicide attempt.
Israeli woman survives attempt at suicide by train, video captured on closed circuit TV
Israeli woman survives attempt at suicide by train, video captured on closed circuit TV
Girl, 5, raised by dogs and cats
A Russian girl was taken into police custody last week after she was found to have been raised by dogs and cats.
Infomercial gadgets that do — and don't — work
A few kitchen inventions make the cut while others fall short in a review round-up.Infomercial gadgets that do — and don't — work
Also:
GM employees react to plant closing
The bankrupt car maker brings bad news to central Ohio, sparking anger against the president but also a show of resilience.
GM employees
Also:
Dimbulb Spews
Dimbulb spews ...
Dimbulb: President Obama hates white people
Projecting there again are we, Lush ol' boy!?
Dimbulb says Dimbulb should shut up
Like that is going to happen. Would be nice, but it isn't going to happen.
Dimbulb: President Obama hates white people
Projecting there again are we, Lush ol' boy!?
Dimbulb says Dimbulb should shut up
Like that is going to happen. Would be nice, but it isn't going to happen.
Assorted Wing-Nuttery
Assorted Wing-Nuttery
Dick Morris thinks convincing the Japanese to develop nuclear weapons is the solution to dealing with North Korea
Oh, like that is a great idea!
Swill O'Really again claims that if gay marriage was legalized, "you could have married a duck"
Well, since he's brought it up again - if he really wants to marry a duck I dare say most of us won't have a problem with it ... it would explain an awful lot though.
RedState's Erick Erickson compares lush Dimbulb to Jesus Christ
Whatever Erick has been smoking must be some really GOOD SHIT for him to come up with this bullshit.
Hysterically funny repugican video uses Abe Lincoln to attack Barack Obama
Only problem is they think it's serious - not funny ... how stupid of them. Then again, that is normal for them isn't it?
Wing-nuts claim Sonia Sotomayor is Harriet Miers.
Oh, Please! Now, I have a headache!
Dick Morris thinks convincing the Japanese to develop nuclear weapons is the solution to dealing with North Korea
Oh, like that is a great idea!
Swill O'Really again claims that if gay marriage was legalized, "you could have married a duck"
Well, since he's brought it up again - if he really wants to marry a duck I dare say most of us won't have a problem with it ... it would explain an awful lot though.
RedState's Erick Erickson compares lush Dimbulb to Jesus Christ
Whatever Erick has been smoking must be some really GOOD SHIT for him to come up with this bullshit.
Hysterically funny repugican video uses Abe Lincoln to attack Barack Obama
Only problem is they think it's serious - not funny ... how stupid of them. Then again, that is normal for them isn't it?
Wing-nuts claim Sonia Sotomayor is Harriet Miers.
Oh, Please! Now, I have a headache!
The history of the repugicans
The Truth About Abortion
In the wake of the terrorist murder of an American this past Sunday it is appropriate to post the facts (I know the terrorists won't read it much less understand it but the rest of us do).
Pro-life terrorists imagine a country awash in abortions, but they are in fact much harder to procure than most people realize.
The Truth About Abortion
Pro-life terrorists imagine a country awash in abortions, but they are in fact much harder to procure than most people realize.
The Truth About Abortion
Air France plane search efforts turn up debris
An airplane seat cushion, a life jacket, and signs of fuel are found in the Atlantic.Search efforts turn up debris
Also:
Space Monkeys
And, no, not the repugicans, either, unfortunately ...
National Geographic celebrates the first monkeys in space with a photo-feature of the primates in their capsules:
National Geographic celebrates the first monkeys in space with a photo-feature of the primates in their capsules:
SPACE MONKEY PICTURES: 50-Year AnniversaryA squirrel monkey named Baker peers out from a 1950s NASA biocapsule as she's readied for her first space mission. Baker and a rhesus monkey named Able launched aboard a Jupiter AM-18 rocket on May 28, 1959 -- 50 years ago this week. The pair returned to Earth alive after a 15-minute flight, becoming the first primates to survive a trip into space. Miss Baker, as she came to be known, spent the latter part of her life at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She died of kidney failure in 1984 at the ripe old age of 27.
Now, if that don't beat all ...
In 1940, "foreign limousines" came with hot and cold running water in a washbasin on the front fender:
THIS new foreign limousine has a hot and cold water folding wash-basin of aluminum built into its right front fender. Beneath the hood is a 2-compartment tank holding two and a half gallons of water. The hot water section is heated by exhaust gases passing through a spiral pipe. The two faucets give water of any desired temperature. The basin is automatically emptied when it is folded into the fender.
Repugican vs Repugican
They say Rush Limbaugh is the 800 lb. gorilla in the Republican Party.
But I think it's mean-spirited to say that -- because he's down to 650 lbs.
~ Arnold Schwarzenegger
Don't just love it when they snipe amongst themselves!
Were our earliest hominid ancestors European?
News from the world of Anthropology
A 12-million-year-old fossil from Spain suggests that hominids migrated into Africa before the evolution of modern humans.
This makes more sense than the 'out of Africa' theories because the most activity among hominids has ever been in the 'temperate zones' of the Earth and not the 'tropical zones'.
Earliest hominid ancestors European
Temple timbers trace collapse of Mayan culture
Temple II at Tikal
Timber use in an abandoned city provides first direct evidence that the Mayans ran out of wood as they over-exploited the environment.
The collapse of Mayan culture
Heavy clouds hamper search for Air France jet
Stormy seas and heavy clouds hampered the search Tuesday for wreckage of Air France Flight 447, which disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean with 228 people aboard.
Heavy clouds hamper search for Air France jet
Heavy clouds hamper search for Air France jet
Burger Kings deny global warming
Several Burger King restaurants in and around Memphis, Tenn., were seen displaying the message "Global warming is baloney" on their signs, according to the Memphis Flyer
Burger Kings deny global warming
Burger Kings deny global warming
Just some things that happened
Fla. teen gets woman out of car before train smashes it
High school sophomore Edward Music was watching television about 4 a.m. Saturday when he heard tires squealing and a big bang.
Car loses all four wheels on highway
A car traveling on a motorway in Switzerland lost all four wheels simultaneously, coming to an immediate halt in the middle of the highway, police said on Saturday.
A US man found a quarter of a million dollars stuffed into carrier bags in the street - and handed it in.
Giant feral pig that ate a cow 'an internet hoax'
You kind of thought so anyway, didn't you?
The story of a giant feral pig being shot after a farmer found it gorging on one of his prize cows has been dismissed as an internet hoax by Australian authorities despite this picture.
Cops and Robbers
British mother and lover jailed for two months for adultery in Dubai
The British mother of two accused of cheating on her estranged husband in Dubai has been jailed for two months.
French 'Spiderman' Alain Robert arrested climbing Sydney skyscaper
Around 200 people gathered to watch as Robert, known for scaling some of the world's tallest and best-known buildings without ropes or other equipment, climbed to the top of the Royal Bank of Scotland Tower.
Police: Calif. bank robber took 5-story plunge
Authorities in Southern California say a bank robber leapt off a five-story parking garage while fleeing police and was badly injured.
On Being Sure
- I was thought to be 'stuck up.' I wasn't. I was just sure of myself. This is and always has been an unforgivable quality to the unsure.
- ~ Bette Davis
So true, Bette, so true. I feel your pain
Science News
From BBC-Science:
 |  | Archaeologists have found pottery dating to between 17,500 and 18,300 years ago at a cave in south-east China. |
Chainsaw Motor Powers Bicycle
Here's a man that is getting everywhere fast. This guy has strapped a chainsaw motor to his bicycle in order to speed things up a bit.
Kids' skin issues you shouldn't ignore
These 10 conditions that show up in children's skin should be checked out by a doctor.Kids' skin issues you shouldn't ignore
Liars and Fools
Today's Liars and Fools are:
The Faux News edition
Faux's Brick on Obama: "His friends and his nominees and everything, they're all Marxist"
Karl Marx is rolling in his grave at this one - who knew the dead could laugh do hard.
Faux's Brick suggests ACORN founders were inspired by "strategy" to "transform" US "into a socialist-Marxist state"
Again, Karl is spinning from the laughter.
Faux's Brick says Sotomayor appointment is more evidence of a Marxist "hostile takeover" of the U.S.A.
Damn. let the poor man stop spinning - all the laughter is really breaking him up ... literally.
Fox's Brick: "When did we get to the place in America to where we can't have disagreements without demonizing each other?"
Come again?! 1980, if you must know! And your demon(er, saint) ronnie raygun started it all.
Faux talker Peters has a Gitmo solution: Just kill them all
Typical NAZI. 'Nuff said.
Faux Nation baselessly claims Sotomayor "wants to ban guns"
They also claim repugicans are 'normal' people too, so is it surprising their delusions continue?
Faux Sports article on top women athletes includes a horse
Yep, that sounds about right - they can't tell a human from a horse.
The Faux News edition
Faux's Brick on Obama: "His friends and his nominees and everything, they're all Marxist"
Karl Marx is rolling in his grave at this one - who knew the dead could laugh do hard.
Faux's Brick suggests ACORN founders were inspired by "strategy" to "transform" US "into a socialist-Marxist state"
Again, Karl is spinning from the laughter.
Faux's Brick says Sotomayor appointment is more evidence of a Marxist "hostile takeover" of the U.S.A.
Damn. let the poor man stop spinning - all the laughter is really breaking him up ... literally.
Fox's Brick: "When did we get to the place in America to where we can't have disagreements without demonizing each other?"
Come again?! 1980, if you must know! And your demon(er, saint) ronnie raygun started it all.
Faux talker Peters has a Gitmo solution: Just kill them all
Typical NAZI. 'Nuff said.
Faux Nation baselessly claims Sotomayor "wants to ban guns"
They also claim repugicans are 'normal' people too, so is it surprising their delusions continue?
Faux Sports article on top women athletes includes a horse
Yep, that sounds about right - they can't tell a human from a horse.
Kim Jong Il's youngest son likely successor
Little is known about Kim Jong-un, whose youth poses a potential problem.Kim Jong Il's youngest son likely successor
Also:
Surprising jobs that pay six figures
Top ship captains and gaming managers can pull in a healthy salary — see other jobs that can pay surprisingly well.
Surprising jobs that pay six figures
Also:
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands
London, England, United Kingdom
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
Fuerth, Bayern, Germany
Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
Middleborough, England, United Kingdom
London, Ontario, Canada
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
as well as all fifty states in the United States
Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands
London, England, United Kingdom
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
Fuerth, Bayern, Germany
Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
Middleborough, England, United Kingdom
London, Ontario, Canada
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
as well as all fifty states in the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Keep it low-key.
I'll be over under the shade tree then, just wake me in time for lunch.
Keep it low-key.
I'll be over under the shade tree then, just wake me in time for lunch.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Cheney on gay marriage: 'Freedom for everyone'
HOLY SHIT, BATMAN!
I agree with something the Dick said!
The world is most assuredly turned upside down!
I agree with something the Dick said!
The world is most assuredly turned upside down!
Dick Cheney said Monday he supports gays being able to marry but believes states, not the federal government, should make the decision.
Cheney makes candid comments on gay marriage
While I agree with the idea that gays should be allowed to marry - like the comedians have said ... they have the right to be miserable too and marriage has always been 'the same sex' anyway - I am none too sure of the Dick's motives.That said, his support of 'same-sex' marriage - if genuine - is his only redeeming feature and it is sure to blow up a hell of a dust storm among the troglodyte faithful because it has already stirred up a healthy wind of skepticism among the rest of us.
All government should be out of the 'marriage' business in the first place ... state and federal. What would be the best solution to this quandary would be for the federal government to require all states to recognize marriage licenses from other states ... some do not even with the 'traditional' marriages from other states.
Man charged in slaying of abortion doctor
A 51-year-old Kansas man was charged with first-degree murder late Sunday in the death of a physician whose Kansas women's clinic frequently took center stage in the U.S. debate over abortion, authorities said.
Weather phenomenon worries meteorologists
Vast ocean search under way for Air France jet
Military aircraft is scanning the Atlantic, but the first ship isn't expected to reach the area of the plane's disappearance until Wednesday.
Search under way for Air France jet
Also:
What 'value menu' items really cost restaurants
A survey of franchise owners reveals how much stores are making — and losing — on fast-food promotions.What 'value menu' items really cost restaurants
Also:
Obama puts 31-year-old in charge of fixing GM
Brian Deese just got out of graduate school and is now tasked with revamping General Motors.Obama puts 31-year-old in charge of fixing GM
Also:
Alphabet War? GMAC vs ABA
Ally Bank, the banking arm of GMAC Financial Services, is in a budding dispute with the American Bankers Association over the higher interest rates the lender is offering on its savings accounts.
GMAC chief executive Al de Molina today sent a letter to the ABA's leader calling the trade association's recent complaints about its interest rates “inappropriate.” De Molina also defended his bank's health and stressed Ally Bank's effort to be “straightforward” with customers.
De Molina's missive was prompted by a letter last week from ABA CEO Edward Yingling to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. CEO Sheila Bair that drew attention to GMAC's above-average rates.
“ABA believes it is completely inappropriate, and indeed risky, for GMAC Bank/Ally Bank to be allowed by regulators to continue to pay rates well above the market,” Yingling wrote. “We urge you to apply the same principles that would apply to other banks in a comparable situation to GMAC/Ally.”
GMAC changed the name of its bank to Ally last month and began stressing its commitment to higher rates and fewer fees in a bid to add more deposits at an institution hard hit by the auto industry's travails and a load of bad mortgage loans. GMAC converted to a bank holding company last year to receive federal bailout funds.
In his letter, Yingling said Ally was offering six-month certificates of deposit last month at rates at 2.13 percent, more than double the national average. He called this strategy “egregious” because GMAC is a “troubled bank” in which the government has a “controlling interest.” He also noted that GMAC lost money in 2008 and the first-quarter of 2009.
In his response, de Molina said the bank is considered more than “well capitalized,” no longer makes the mortgage loans that have spurred its losses and is lending as required under the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program. In a filing Friday, GMAC said the government holds 35 percent of the voting power in the company.
“You might want to assist your members in figuring out how they are going to compete in the new market place rather than ask regulators to direct Ally Bank to pay its depositors less competitive rates,” de Molina wrote.
Detroit-based GMAC has been expanding its presence in Charlotte, where de Molina, Bank of America's former chief financial officer, lives. Its hiring of former Bank of America executives has addled his former employer, which has sent letters to former employees now at GMAC reminding them of their obligations under non-compete and other agreements.
*****
Don't you just love it when these snakes in-fight!
Swine Flu in Mecklenburg
Mecklenburg County has its first confirmed case of swine flu.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department spoke about its first case this morning at a 10:30a.m. news conference.
The elementary school student contracted the swine flu when the family visited New York Memorial Day weekend, said Dr. Stephen Keener. The child was well on Friday, but fell ill on Monday when the family returned by car to their home in Mecklenburg County.
The child was in contact with an ill person in New York, but Keener could not confirm if that person had the swine flu.
The child did not go to school and was admitted to Carolinas Medical Center on Wednesday. The child has since been discharged. The child is isolated at home, Keener said.
"There is no intervention that needs to be done with the school because there was no exposure at the school," Keener said. It is not known what school the child attends.
The child has only had close contact with her parents. So far the parents have not shown any symptoms.
*****
North Carolina now has 15 total cases of swine flu, although the state still has far fewer cases than some of its neighbors. Federal health officials have counted about 9,000 confirmed swine flu cases nationwide.
South Carolina officials report 37 people have been diagnosed since the first case in the state was confirmed in late April. A handful were hospitalized, but no one has died. Nearly 300 people suspected of having the virus were asked to stay home under voluntary isolation for up to a week.
Most of the cases were linked to a private school in Newberry whose students had returned April 20 from a trip to Mexico.
Officials say the voluntary quarantines and quick dispensing of medicine helped contain the virus in South Carolina.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the virus to 15 deaths in the United States.
Headlines
Headlines for the day:
- Pakistan militants abduct 400 students in troubled region
- Chasing ghosts: Fighting the Taliban - if the U.S. can find them
- Suspect identified in Kansas abortion doctor's killing
- Gay-marriage complicating San Francisco mayor's run for governor
- British singing star Susan Boyle suffering from exhaustion
- President Obama makes good on campaign promise to Michelle
- Missing French jet hit thunderstorms over Atlantic
- AP NEWSBREAK: U.S. military tweets
- Canadian at Guantanamo asks to dismiss US lawyers
- Netanyahu rejects U.S. calls for settlement freeze
- Reports: North Korea prepares long-range missile launch
- UK singing star Susan Boyle suffering exhaustion
In the News ...
Oil climbs to near $68, new high for the year Oil prices rose to near $68 a barrel Monday, hitting a new high for the year as world stock markets rallied and investors banked on hopes that the global recession is easing.
Stocks open higher on more signs of recovery Stocks are starting June with a gain, as upbeat data on overseas manufacturing and U.S. consumer spending added to hopes for a global economic recovery.General Motors to close or idle 12 more plants General Motors Corp. says it will permanently close nine more plants and idle three others to trim production and labor costs under bankruptcy protection.Assembly plants in Pontiac, Mich., and Wilmington, Del., will close this year, while plants in Spring Hill, Tenn., and Orion, Mich., will shut down production but remain on standby.Nutritionist Charged in Fraud Case A Silver Spring nutritionist who was convicted of Medicaid fraud last year has now been charged with mortgage fraud.Mom finds abducted son on Facebook A British woman has been reunited with her son, who was abducted by his father 27 years ago, thanks to the social networking Web site Facebook.
Stocks open higher on more signs of recovery Stocks are starting June with a gain, as upbeat data on overseas manufacturing and U.S. consumer spending added to hopes for a global economic recovery.General Motors to close or idle 12 more plants General Motors Corp. says it will permanently close nine more plants and idle three others to trim production and labor costs under bankruptcy protection.Assembly plants in Pontiac, Mich., and Wilmington, Del., will close this year, while plants in Spring Hill, Tenn., and Orion, Mich., will shut down production but remain on standby.Nutritionist Charged in Fraud Case A Silver Spring nutritionist who was convicted of Medicaid fraud last year has now been charged with mortgage fraud.Mom finds abducted son on Facebook A British woman has been reunited with her son, who was abducted by his father 27 years ago, thanks to the social networking Web site Facebook.
Judge OKs Chrysler-Fiat Deal Judge OKs Chrysler-Fiat Deal Chrysler LLC has told a bankruptcy court it plans to eliminate 789 of its dealers - or about 25 percent of them - across the country as part of its restructuring process.
Duluth Man Makes Music From Bizarre Instruments
Tim Kaiser started out playing the guitar, then made the illogical transition to playing the rotary phone.
Far-flung dino?
It's a Jurassic curiosity: As far as anyone can tell, the fossilized, three-toed dinosaur tracks in north-central Wyoming and on Scotland's coast are indistinguishable.
Warship fires on village by mistake
The Russian navy said on Friday that one of its anti-submarine ships had fired artillery at a village by mistake, state RIA news agency reported.
Taiwan confiscates cocaine-laced energy drinks
Taiwanese authorities say they have confiscated nearly 18,000 cases of Red Bull energy drinks containing slight traces of cocaine and imported from Austria.
Remains of Loch Ness-style creature found
The remains of a Loch Ness-style creature that lived in the English Channel 200 million years ago have been found on a beach.
Jogger injured after using Twitter as he ran
James Coleman, a jogger, has become the first man in Britain to suffer a 'twinjury' - an injury sustained while using Twitter.
Drowning man kept alive with tube
A HIRE boat operator has been hailed a hero after using a vacuum cleaner hose to save a worker trapped underwater by machinery.
Air France Flight Missing
An Air France flight that has gone missing on its way from Brazil to France has 228 people on board, Air France said on Monday.
The flight left Rio de Janeiro on Sunday at 07.00 p.m. local time and was expected in Paris on Monday at 11.15 a.m. (0915 GMT), a spokesman said.
There are 216 passengers and 12 crew on board the plane.*****
Disappearances over the Atlantic aren't new, but is has been a while since the last one.
*****
Air France plane disappears mid-flight
A plane carrying 228 people from Brazil to Paris hits strong turbulence and goes missing.
Question and Answer
Q: How many managers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: We've formed a task force to study the problem of why light bulbs burn out, and figure out what, exactly, we as supervisors can do to make the bulbs work smarter, not harder.
A: We've formed a task force to study the problem of why light bulbs burn out, and figure out what, exactly, we as supervisors can do to make the bulbs work smarter, not harder.
Bing gets it right
When you type "miserable failure" into a search engine on the internet the first result is the shrub or at least in used to be ... in 2007 Google 'protected' the shrub from showing up as the first result for miserable failure. Bing doesn't.
What is amusing about this is that as of today (right now as a matter of fact) on Google the first result for a search of "miserable failure" is a listing of their 'bomb' removal of the first result being the shrub - so even though they bar the shrub from being the 'first' result for "miserable failure" , he still shows up as the first result.
You cannot block the truth!
What is amusing about this is that as of today (right now as a matter of fact) on Google the first result for a search of "miserable failure" is a listing of their 'bomb' removal of the first result being the shrub - so even though they bar the shrub from being the 'first' result for "miserable failure" , he still shows up as the first result.
You cannot block the truth!
Man threatening suicide is pushed off bridge
A man was pushed off a bridge by an angry passer-by after his threat to commit suicide held up traffic for five hours, it has been reported.
Giant Feral Pig Ate Cow - Mystery 'Solved'
A mystery surrounding pictures of a giant feral pig allegedly shot in Australia after it was spotted eating a dead cow has reportedly been solved.
Weird Drinking Laws
Underage folks may find the "21 and over" rule to be weird. People wanting to buy beer seven days a week may find the fact that liquor stores are closed on Sundays in many states to be strange.
Bride rescues family from house fire
A Connecticut family was saved from a house fire by a newlywed who rushed inside through thick smoke while wearing her wedding gown.
America's most promising cities for jobs
These places already have solid job markets, but they also have the right elements to create new, well-paying positions in the future.Also:
We got a month all to our own!
June is International Men's Month
In keeping with that theme we the staff here at Carolina Naturally (all two of us) will be featuring stories of interest to men - so naked women and beer here we come!
No seriously we will feature 'real' articles of interest other than the stereotypical ...
In keeping with that theme we the staff here at Carolina Naturally (all two of us) will be featuring stories of interest to men - so naked women and beer here we come!
No seriously we will feature 'real' articles of interest other than the stereotypical ...
Unusual Holidays and Celebrations
June happens to be:
Perennial Gardening Month
Turkey Lovers Month
Bathroom Reading Month
National Iced Tea Month
Perennial Gardening Month
Turkey Lovers Month
Bathroom Reading Month
National Iced Tea Month
The Power of the Wind
From BBC-Science
 | | Wind farms on the US's high plains could eventually help power the country's coastal population centers, experts say. |
General Motors files for bankruptcy
The automaker's filing is the largest industrial bankruptcy in U.S. history.General Motors files for bankruptcy
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
London, England, United Kingdom
Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israel
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Worcester, England, United Kingdom
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Munich, Bayern, Germany
Luqa, Luqa, Malta
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
as well as Wales, and the United States
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
London, England, United Kingdom
Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israel
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Worcester, England, United Kingdom
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Munich, Bayern, Germany
Luqa, Luqa, Malta
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
as well as Wales, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
It's not usually tough to get along with you.
To dear ones, you're almost predictable because you're so grounded, stable and solid.
Those traits won't apply to you now, though, especially since once you open your mouth, you'll be anything but predictable.
Kind of fun to surprise them every now and then, though, huh?
You bet it is!
It's not usually tough to get along with you.
To dear ones, you're almost predictable because you're so grounded, stable and solid.
Those traits won't apply to you now, though, especially since once you open your mouth, you'll be anything but predictable.
Kind of fun to surprise them every now and then, though, huh?
You bet it is!
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