Colby Curtin, a 10-year-old with a rare form of cancer, was staying alive for one thing - a movie. From the minute Colby saw the previews to the Disney-Pixar movie Up, she was desperate to see it. Colby had been diagnosed with vascular cancer about three years ago, said her mother, Lisa Curtin, and at the beginning of this month it became apparent that she would die soon and was too ill to be moved to a theater to see the film. After a family friend made frantic calls to Pixar to help grant Colby her dying wish, Pixar came to the rescue.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Pixar Grants Dying Kid's Last Wish to See "Up"
Pixar flew an employee with a DVD of the animated feature film "Up" (which is only in theaters right now) to the home of a terminally ill child for a private viewing. The girl passed away soon after fulfilling this last wish.
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Credit & Copyright: Jean-Marc Audrin
Explanation: This surprising view of the Full Moon rising on June 7 was captured with a telephoto lens from a seaside balcony near Nice, France. The orange Moon's dark markings and odd shape put the photographer in mind of an alien creature's face staring down at the passing ship. Of course, the Moon's distorted appearance is due to the unusual bending (refraction) of light rays creating multiple images or mirages, similar to sunset and sunrise mirages. The effects are most pronounced when temperature layers in the atmosphere produce sharp changes in air density and refractive index. Acting over long sight-lines to the rising and setting Sun or Moon, the refraction significantly alters the path of light rays creating merged, distorted images. Such mirages are also associated with the Green Flash.
China Tells Google: No porn, or else
Google has acknowledged that the Chinese government asked it to disable a search feature with the goal of censoring pornography, but it still won't say whether the government ordered tighter censorship around the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The New York Times reported Friday that Chinese government officials ordered Google to remove the search feature--known as Google Suggest--that displays related search terms based on the original query typed into the search bar or face unspecified punishment. Apparently some queries brought up related results with suggestive implications, leading to criticism from China's state-run media and government officials prior to Friday's move.
Google has long faced a difficult dilemma in China, reconciling the Chinese government's insistence that Internet companies censor their products with the company's desire to improve the world's access to information; not to mention the demands of shareholders for profits.
But despite acknowledging direct government intervention over pornography, Google is still unwilling to say whether or not the Chinese government ordered a temporary muzzle on its search engine around June 4, the 20th anniversary of the Chinese government's violent crackdown on student protesters in Tiananmen Square.
For several days, Google.cn blocked all results for searches on Tiananmen Square, including ones that were entirely unrelated to the events of that day in 1989. Those results, such as travel-related sites, were restored last week.
In this case, however, Google was quite willing to state that it met with Chinese government officials to "discuss problems with the Google.cn service and its serving of pornographic images and content based on foreign language searches," a Google representative said in a statement.
The company is also putting some serious effort into making sure it complies with China's antipornography drive. "We are undertaking a thorough review of our service and taking all necessary steps to fix any problems with our results. This has been a substantial engineering effort, and we believe we have addressed the large majority of the problem results," Google said.
Just in case those efforts don't work, China still plans to require PC companies to install desktop monitoring software later this year, according to a separate report in The New York Times debunking claims earlier in the week that China was reconsidering the requirement in the wake of security problems with its Green Dam software.
The New York Times reported Friday that Chinese government officials ordered Google to remove the search feature--known as Google Suggest--that displays related search terms based on the original query typed into the search bar or face unspecified punishment. Apparently some queries brought up related results with suggestive implications, leading to criticism from China's state-run media and government officials prior to Friday's move.
Google has long faced a difficult dilemma in China, reconciling the Chinese government's insistence that Internet companies censor their products with the company's desire to improve the world's access to information; not to mention the demands of shareholders for profits.
But despite acknowledging direct government intervention over pornography, Google is still unwilling to say whether or not the Chinese government ordered a temporary muzzle on its search engine around June 4, the 20th anniversary of the Chinese government's violent crackdown on student protesters in Tiananmen Square.
For several days, Google.cn blocked all results for searches on Tiananmen Square, including ones that were entirely unrelated to the events of that day in 1989. Those results, such as travel-related sites, were restored last week.
In this case, however, Google was quite willing to state that it met with Chinese government officials to "discuss problems with the Google.cn service and its serving of pornographic images and content based on foreign language searches," a Google representative said in a statement.
The company is also putting some serious effort into making sure it complies with China's antipornography drive. "We are undertaking a thorough review of our service and taking all necessary steps to fix any problems with our results. This has been a substantial engineering effort, and we believe we have addressed the large majority of the problem results," Google said.
Just in case those efforts don't work, China still plans to require PC companies to install desktop monitoring software later this year, according to a separate report in The New York Times debunking claims earlier in the week that China was reconsidering the requirement in the wake of security problems with its Green Dam software.
Woman on trial for raping 10 men
A Russian woman, dubbed the Black Widow for her love of horror films and spiders, is on trial for drugging and raping 10 men.
Ways to save on gas
These easy tips can help you fight the recent spike in fuel prices and save more money.
7 ways to save on gas
Also:
Marcus T. Bailey Arrested Mid Haircut
From the "Criminals are idiots" Department:
Meet one, Marcus T. Bailey, who popped out the hairdressers in Evansville, Indiana, to sell some crack and got pinched by the police.
Arrested Mid Haircut
Arrested Mid Haircut
North Carolina Governor Warns Texters: "Hope u r not driving now"
North Carolina has become the seventh state to pass a ban this year on texting while driving.
North Carolina Governor Warns Texters: "Hope u r not driving now"
North Carolina Governor Warns Texters: "Hope u r not driving now"
WWI vet becomes world's oldest man
Henry Allingham's life has spanned three centuries and six monarchs.
WWI vet becomes world's oldest man
Also:
Ayatollah declares vote 'absolute victory'
Yeah, Right ...
Ayatollah
Iran's supreme leader says the presidential vote had not been rigged and issues a stern warning to protesters demanding a new election.
Ayatollah
Saturday Jam
Today in the Saturday Jam we go Rock'n and a Rollin' in its many forms:
Wicked GameChris Isaak
People Are Strange
Black DogLed Zeppelin
I Love Rock And Roll
Rock and Roll All Nite
Wicked GameChris Isaak
People Are Strange
Black DogLed Zeppelin
I Love Rock And Roll
Rock and Roll All Nite
Kiss
President Obama's Weekly Address
Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
June 20, 2009
As we continue to recover from an historic economic crisis, it is clear to everyone that one of its major causes was a breakdown in oversight that led to widespread abuses in the financial system. An epidemic of irresponsibility took hold from Wall Street to Washington to Main Street. And the consequences have been disastrous. Millions of Americans have seen their life savings erode; families have been devastated by job losses; businesses large and small have closed their doors.
In response, this week, my administration proposed a set of major reforms to the rules that govern our financial system; to attack the causes of this crisis and to prevent future crises from taking place; to ensure that our markets can work fairly and freely for businesses and consumers alike.
We are going to promote markets that work for those who play by the rules. We’re going to stand up for a system in which fair dealing and honest competition are the only way to win. We’re going to level the playing field for consumers. And we’re going to have the kinds of rules that encourage innovations that make our economy stronger – not those that allow insiders to exploit its weaknesses for their own gain.
And one of the most important proposals is a new oversight agency called the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. It’s charged with just one job: looking out for the interests of ordinary Americans in the financial system. This is essential, for this crisis may have started on Wall Street. But its impacts have been felt by ordinary Americans who rely on credit cards, home loans, and other financial instruments.
It is true that this crisis was caused in part by Americans who took on too much debt and took out loans they simply could not afford. But there are also millions of Americans who signed contracts they did not always understand offered by lenders who did not always tell the truth. Today, folks signing up for a mortgage, student loan, or credit card face a bewildering array of incomprehensible options. Companies compete not by offering better products, but more complicated ones – with more fine print and hidden terms. It’s no coincidence that the lack of strong consumer protections led to abuses against consumers; the lack of rules to stop deceptive lending practices led to abuses against borrowers.
This new agency will have the responsibility to change that. It will have the power to set tough new rules so that companies compete by offering innovative products that consumers actually want – and actually understand. Those ridiculous contracts – pages of fine print that no one can figure out – will be a thing of the past. You’ll be able to compare products – with descriptions in plain language – to see what is best for you. The most unfair practices will be banned. The rules will be enforced.
Some argue that these changes – and the many others we’ve called for – go too far. And I welcome a debate about how we can make sure our regulations work for businesses and consumers. But what I will not accept – what I will vigorously oppose – are those who do not argue in good faith. Those who would defend the status quo at any cost. Those who put their narrow interests ahead of the interests of ordinary Americans. We’ve already begun to see special interests mobilizing against change.
That’s not surprising. That’s Washington.
For these are interests that have benefited from a system which allowed ordinary Americans to be exploited. These interests argue against reform even as millions of people are facing the consequences of this crisis in their own lives. These interests defend business-as-usual even though we know that it was business-as-usual that allowed this crisis to take place.
Well, the American people did not send me to Washington to give in to the special interests; the American people sent me to Washington to stand up for their interests. And while I’m not spoiling for a fight, I’m ready for one. The most important thing we can do to put this era of irresponsibility in the past is to take responsibility now. That is why my administration will accept no less than real and lasting change to the way business is done – on Wall Street and in Washington. We will do what is necessary to end this crisis – and we will do what it takes to prevent this kind of crisis from ever happening again.
Thank you.
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Bradford, England, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus
Lowestoft, England, United Kingdom
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Melbourne, Victoria, Canada
Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Emmeloord, Flevoland, Netherlands
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
as well as Brazil, and the United States
Bradford, England, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus
Lowestoft, England, United Kingdom
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Melbourne, Victoria, Canada
Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Emmeloord, Flevoland, Netherlands
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
as well as Brazil, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
You have a thousand things to do and very little time to get it all accomplished.
You can manage it if anyone can, but it won't be easy.
You'll have to divide yourself into several people -- or at least allow yourself to perform like it.
Of course, this type of thing has already been invented, and most likely by one of your sign: it's called multitasking, and if anyone can pull it off, especially now, it's you.
Get busy.
Only a thousand? Today is going to be easier than I thought, whew.
You have a thousand things to do and very little time to get it all accomplished.
You can manage it if anyone can, but it won't be easy.
You'll have to divide yourself into several people -- or at least allow yourself to perform like it.
Of course, this type of thing has already been invented, and most likely by one of your sign: it's called multitasking, and if anyone can pull it off, especially now, it's you.
Get busy.
Only a thousand? Today is going to be easier than I thought, whew.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Caught on Camera
A family, including two children, steal hundreds of dollars in merchandise from a Texas store.
Kids in Family Shoplifting Ring
Kids in Family Shoplifting Ring
Two 'Once-In-A-Lifetime' Lobsters Caught In Maine
Many lobstermen go their whole lives without catching an orange lobster.
This week, two were caught in the waters off Maine.
Two 'Once-In-A-Lifetime' Lobsters Caught In Maine
This week, two were caught in the waters off Maine.
Two 'Once-In-A-Lifetime' Lobsters Caught In Maine
World's Oldest Man Dies at 113
Tomoji Tanabe, the world's oldest man, died in his sleep at his home in southern Japan on Friday, a Tokyo city official said.
World's Oldest Man Dies at 113
World's Oldest Man Dies at 113
Power in Poo
Manchester, England, is planning to power thousands of homes by using methane gas extracted from human waste, according to the London Daily Mail .
Human waste to power UK city
Human waste to power UK city
Thirteen Year Old Girls
Girl, 13, set on fire in Voodoo ritual
A 13-year-old girl was sent to bed with life-threatening burns to 25 per cent of her body after a Voodoo ritual, a New York court has heard.
Norwegian girl dragged 4 km under car, survives
A 13-YEAR-old Norwegian girl is in hospital with serious injuries after a bizarre road accident in which she was dragged 4km under a car before being discovered, still conscious.
Man unwittingly follows would-be victim to police
From the "Criminals are idiots" Department:
Illinois authorities say a Michigan man was so intent on robbing a motorist that he unwittingly followed her in his car straight to a sheriff's department, where he was arrested.
And this isn't an isolated numb-skull, either ... Just today in Charlotte, North Carolina a man robbed a bank and thought he could hide in the local library branch and avoid the police - trouble was that particular branch of the library was also a police substation, as a result he was immediately arrested.
Charter schools may not be better
A wide-ranging study concludes that charter schools aren't performing as well as their public-school counterparts.
Report
Minor leaguer's crazy swing of the bat
Josh Womack's no-hands swing is so wild you'd have to see it to believe it.
See minor leaguer's crazy swing of the bat
Great homes in horrible locations
People endure trains and other huge drawbacks to live in their dream homes.
Great homes - horrible locations
Also:
Car dealer tricks to avoid
Misplacing your keys, "ransoming" your check, and interest-rate bumping are a few of the scams some dealers have been known to use.
10 car dealer tricks to avoid
Also:
Question and Answer
Question: When does a person decide to become an accountant?
Answer: When he realizes he doesn't have the charisma to succeed as an undertaker.
Answer: When he realizes he doesn't have the charisma to succeed as an undertaker.
Pedal Power Helps Man Catch Bag Thief
An 80-year-old German woman whose handbag was snatched from her bicycle basket by a passing cyclist gave chase on her own bike and recovered her stolen property.
Pedal Power
Pedal Power
Pilot's death kept secret from passengers
The passengers on Continental Flight 61 didn't notice anything amiss — until the plane landed.
Pilot's death kept secret from passengers
Daily Almanac
Today is Friday, June 19, the 170th day of 2009.
There are 195 days left in the year.
Today In History June 19
There are 195 days left in the year.
Today In History June 19
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
London, England, United Kingdom
Moscow, Moscow City, Russia
Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
Craiova, Dolj, Romania
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
as well as Italy, Korea, and the United States
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
London, England, United Kingdom
Moscow, Moscow City, Russia
Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
Craiova, Dolj, Romania
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
as well as Italy, Korea, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Believe it or not, you're an expert at romance.
You just don't do it the way most folks do.
When you're out to impress someone, you don't just pick up a pizza and some sodas.
You make sure you're wooing them in a most elegant fashion -- with limos, fine wine and tickets to the theater.
If you can't afford all that, however, not to worry.
If anyone can make that pizza-and-soda evening feel special, it's you.
Aw shucks - now, you got me to blushing.
Believe it or not, you're an expert at romance.
You just don't do it the way most folks do.
When you're out to impress someone, you don't just pick up a pizza and some sodas.
You make sure you're wooing them in a most elegant fashion -- with limos, fine wine and tickets to the theater.
If you can't afford all that, however, not to worry.
If anyone can make that pizza-and-soda evening feel special, it's you.
Aw shucks - now, you got me to blushing.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Minnesota Zoo Goes Smokeless, Even Outside
The lions, tigers and bears will soon be smoke-free -- at the Minnesota Zoo. The zoo south of the Twin Cities is banning outdoor smoking beginning Saturday.
Good!
Minnesota Zoo Goes Smokeless, Even Outside
Good!
Minnesota Zoo Goes Smokeless, Even Outside
Headlines
Headlines:
- Hundreds of thousands protest in Iran
- Continental flight lands safely after pilot dies en-route
- U.S. military on alert in Hawaii over possible N. Korea missile
- Child porn on alleged museum shooter's computer, FBI says
- Palau tourists undeterred by Guantanamo detainee news
- More than 100 children sue over parents' deportations
- Police: Man attacked in Oklahoma for bologna sandwich
- Hundreds of thousands stage somber rally in Iran
- Iran's Mousavi: now political rock star
- Iran protester: people want new election
- Somali security minister killed in explosion
- US trains reluctant Afghan police to fight Taliban
- US ambassador dedicates first Afghan nat'l park
- Expenses blackout: UK lawmakers' claims censored
Do bow and arrow predate modern humans?
Stone blades that date back as far as 100,000 years make effective arrow tips, researchers find.
Do bow and arrow predate modern humans?
Health clues found in Big Tobacco's files
Secret research by the tobacco industry designed to pump up sales to "social smokers" is being used to plan anti-smoking strategies.
Health clues found in Big Tobacco's files
Why some monkeys are better liars
Yes, this includes the repugicans.
Some monkeys use deceit to fool other group members, and the ability varies from species to species – now researchers think they know why.
Why some monkeys are better liars
Giant sperm stretch back millions of years
Gigantic reproductive cells many times longer than the minute animals that produce them existed way back in the geological record, scans show.
Giant sperm stretch back millions of years
66 pound fisherman lands 53 pound fish
It was the struggle of his lifetime, but when it was over, an eight-year-old Clark County boy had quite a fish tale to tell after reeling in a 53 pound catch.
66 pound fisherman lands 53 pound fish
66 pound fisherman lands 53 pound fish
Cowboy uses lariat to rescue boy in well
This is also from Arkansas ...
It was a cowboy to the rescue when a 7-year-old boy fell into an abandoned water well in southwest Arkansas.
Cowboy uses lariat to rescue boy in well
It was a cowboy to the rescue when a 7-year-old boy fell into an abandoned water well in southwest Arkansas.
Cowboy uses lariat to rescue boy in well
Woman faces charges after stabbing husband in eye
You knew this was in Arkansas, right!?
An Arkansas woman faces first-degree battery charges after partially blinding her husband when she stabbed him in the eye.
Olive in Your Cocktail?
Try a Toad Instead
Despite the name, no one’s ever found a filet mignon in a bottle of Beefeater gin. Likewise, you can swig Wild Turkey all day and never run the risk of choking on a wishbone. In fact, it’s fair to say that when it comes to meat content, North American beverages are a little on the paltry side.
Mother fights off cougar to save daughter
Using nothing but her quick wit and bare hands, a Canadian mother fought off a cougar that had pinned down her three-year-old daughter in a forest north of Vancouver, police say.
Teen survives 80-foot fall
A teen who fell 80 feet while trying to get a snapshot of his family at a North Carolina waterfall appeared to have only cuts and bruises, rescue workers say.
Animal News
A Missouri airport has unveiled its latest luxury amenity -- a pair of rest stops for dogs on the go who have to "go."
Wayward cows decide to abandon Massachusetts farm and walk at least 5 miles to New Hampshire
Two wayward cows decided to abandon their Massachusetts farm and walk at least five miles into New Hampshire, generating 911 calls from drivers.
Pensioners battered to a pulp by four men for clipping another car's mirror
Beryl Bell, 66, was left with two black eyes after she and her husband were set upon by four men in a brutal road rage attack.
Ways to be a good neighbor
Keeping the peace is a two-way street, but these simple tips can help make it easier.
5 ways to be a good neighbor
Also:
Proof of ancient lake on Mars
Photos from the planet's surface show definitive evidence that a body of water once existed.
Proof of ancient lake on Mars
Also:
Best fast-food meals for under 500 calories
These picks at popular restaurants are lighter on calories but still satisfying.
Best fast-food meals for under 500 calories
Also:
Pilot dies during trans-Atlantic flight
The FAA says a Continental Airlines flight carrying 274 passengers landed safely in New Jersey after the pilot died mid-flight.
Pilot dies during trans-Atlantic flight
Also:
Miley Cyrus surprises fans with impromptu show
Diners at a beach side seafood restaurant got an extra treat when the teen borrowed a guitar and started singing.
Miley Cyrus surprises fans with impromptu show
Also:
North Korea eyes missile launch
The Communist regime may fire a long-range ballistic missile toward Hawaii in early July, according to a Japanese news report.
North Korea eyes missile launch
Also:
Daily Almanac
Today is Thursday, June 18, the 169th day of 2009.
There are 196 days left in the year.
Today In History June 18
There are 196 days left in the year.
Today In History June 18
Strange Habits of Video Gamers
Play video games long enough and you'll develop strange habits that go beyond picking your nose during cut scenes. From collecting stickers to smelling plastic, the following idiosyncrasies add another layer of weird to the average gamer.
Strange Habits of Video Gamers
Strange Habits of Video Gamers
What goes up must not always come down?
Rumors have it that there exists a "Gravity Hill' in Washington state where cars roll uphill.
Mom crusades against cupcakes in school
Some say a New York mother's zero-tolerance policy against Girl Scout cookies and other goodies has gone too far.
Mom crusades against cupcakes in school
$6,000 plasma TV among summer's hottest gadgets
This pricey TV is among the highly anticipated devices that are now rolling out to stores nationwide.
$6,000 plasma TV among summer's hottest gadgets
Also:
Old Microbe
The Kansas Underground Salt Museum would be a curious site all by itself. Sixty-five stories below the ground of Hutchinson, Kansas sits a massive salt mine with salt veins stretching from Kansas all the way to New Mexico, and comes complete with an underground salt museum and tram tour. There is, however, an even more unusual thing to this site. What might be the world's oldest organism was reanimated from the salty walls of this mine.
Today the antiquity of the bacteria is still being tested. For a great roundup of the objections to and data backing up the bacteria try here at American Scientist.Deep in the mine, within a pocket of salt water trapped in a 250 million-year-old salt crystal, two biologists and a geologist discovered the 2-9-3 virgibacillus bacteria. This would be unremarkable save for the fact that this bacteria was 100 million years older than the dinosaurs... and it was still alive.
Bacteria have the ability to go into a kind of semi-permanent hibernation, but survival for this long was unheard of. After lying dormant in the salt crystal for 250 million years, the scientists added fresh nutrients and a new salt solution, and the ancient bacteria "re-animated."
Dr. Russell Vreeland, one of the biologists who found the bacteria, pointed out that bacteria can survive the forces acceleration via rubble thrown into space via a meteor impact. If it is possible for a bacteria to survive being off the planet and to stay alive within a salt chunk for 250 million years, then in a sort of "reverse-exogenesis" it may be possible that earth's own microbes are already out there.
"When man goes to the stars, our microbes will be waiting for us," Vreeland said.
States looking to hit residents with big tax hikes
State legislators faced with budget shortfalls and sharply lower revenue are looking to residents to bail them out.
States looking to hit residents with big tax hikes
Also:
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Kiev, Kyyiv, Ukraine
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Seoul, Seoul-T'ukpyolsi, Korea
Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
London, Ontario, Canada
Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
London, England, United Kingdom
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Purmerend, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canarias, Spain
as well as Germany, Wales, and the United States
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Kiev, Kyyiv, Ukraine
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Seoul, Seoul-T'ukpyolsi, Korea
Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
London, Ontario, Canada
Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
London, England, United Kingdom
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Purmerend, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canarias, Spain
as well as Germany, Wales, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Regardless of the time spent together, there are ups and downs in every relationship.
You, of course, know that.
You understand the importance of time spent, so you're less likely than most to leave a relationship when times are tough.
Now, then, when times are anything but tough, you're also more likely to express your gratitude and appreciation in a wonderful, thoughtful yet practical way.
Just don't be too practical.
A nice long hug can't be priced, but it also can't be bought.
That will work.
Regardless of the time spent together, there are ups and downs in every relationship.
You, of course, know that.
You understand the importance of time spent, so you're less likely than most to leave a relationship when times are tough.
Now, then, when times are anything but tough, you're also more likely to express your gratitude and appreciation in a wonderful, thoughtful yet practical way.
Just don't be too practical.
A nice long hug can't be priced, but it also can't be bought.
That will work.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Question and Answer
Question: What do you call a musician without a significant other?
Answer: Homeless.
Answer: Homeless.
See-through frog among freaky finds in Ecuador
The "glass frog" has been spotted before but some of its buddies startled researchers.
Freaky finds in Ecuador
Also:
Sun's strange lull explained
Scientists have been puzzling in recent months over the sun's lack of spots, which signifies very low activity.
Sun's strange lull
Sun's strange lull
Bear likes Dog Food
A western Colorado woman said a "very graceful, very calm" bear crawled into her house through a pet door, ate a bowl of dog food, uprooted some herbs in pots and then left after about 10 minutes.
Colorado bear climbs into house through pet door
Colorado bear climbs into house through pet door
Fish Tale
A San Diego fisherman returned Sunday morning from a fishing trip to Mexico with quite a catch -- a 362.1-pound tuna.
362-Pound Tuna Reeled In
362-Pound Tuna Reeled In
Parents fuming over airline's mix-up
The mother of an 8-year-old who was put on the wrong plane blames the mistake on the airline's "total incompetence."
Parents fuming over airline's mix-up
Also:
Secrets to spotting fake money
Ever gotten a bill that seemed a little off?
Here's how to tell if it's real or counterfeit.
Spotting fake money
Also:
Gaia's evil twin: Is life its own worst enemy?
The Earth is not the nurturing mother of life of James Lovelock's famous theory – instead it is far more like murderous Medea, argues biologist Peter Ward.
Is life its own worst enemy?
Could the orang-utan be our closest relative?
Despite the similarities in our genomes, chimps might not be humanity's closest cousins after all, claims a controversial paper.
Could the orang-utan be our closest relative?
News about Dinos
From BBC:Science:
 |  | A new fossil has shed light on how the bones of a five-fingered dinosaur evolved in to a modern bird's wing. |
In the News ...
Father sentenced for biting son's toes
An Arkansas father has been convicted of felony battery and sentenced to six years in prison for disciplining his young son by biting his toes
Meet Jacob Skipworth. The Michigan man, who spent 14 years in prison for a violent home invasion, is facing criminal charges for allegedly spitting in an Egg McMuffin purchased by a cop at the McDonald's where the convicted felon worked.
Giant sandwiches a growing trend
The list of preposterous restaurant portions includes the "Ultimate Destroyer," weighing in with 4 1/2 pounds of meat.
Giant sandwiches
Also:
Kiss costs high school student a diploma
A simple gesture at a high school commencement keeps one boy from graduating and leaves his mother outraged.
Kiss costs high school student a diploma
Gas prices rise for 50th straight day
The streak in climbing pump prices is the longest in records dating to 1996.
Gas prices rise for 50th straight day - What gives
Also:
Fishing For A Mermaid
Her mother says it wasn't what she was fishing for, but Tegan Humphrey, 6, won the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby with a 138.8-pound catch.
Fishing For A Mermaid, Landing A Big Fish
Fishing For A Mermaid, Landing A Big Fish
Boy Scout forced to drink urine at Scout camp
A North Florida man and three teenagers face criminal charges after forcing a boy to drink urine at a Boy Scout Camp near Jacksonville.
Scout camp
Scout camp
Arrested for Art
A May 31, 2009 handout photo released by Joseph Carnevale
When Joseph Carnevale chopped up three stolen orange and white traffic barrels from a construction site to create a massive sculpture of a roadside monster thumbing a ride, the North Carolina college student said he saw it as a form of street art.
Man hides in drain for 12 hours to avoid arrest
A burglary suspect who tried to evade police by hiding in a narrow storm drain under a busy freeway for 12 hours finally agreed to give himself up after speaking to a local TV reporter on his cell phone.
Wisconsin man survives 6-story fall from bank building
A window washer survived a six-story fall from a bank building with one thought in mind - when was his safety rope going to catch?
It never did.
Gold sold like chocolate from German vending machines
Gold-Super-Markt aims to introduce the machines at 500 locations including train stations and airports in Germany.
Blarney Stone named world's most unhygienic attraction
Researchers said the Stone, kissed by up to 400,000 people a year, rates as the most germ-filled of sites - although it admitted it had no scientific evidence to back its case.
Headlines
Headlines:
- Iranian opposition leader calls for rally to protest election
- Obama's plan to overhaul financial regs gives Fed new powers
- Ten large U.S. banks to repay $68 billion in TARP funds
- Investigator: More than 400 pieces of Air France debris found
- Macy's recalling 33,000 hooded children's sweatshirts
- Israel testing robotic snake to be used on battlefield
- Mia Farrow's brother found dead in his Vermont art gallery
- Iraq: suspect arrested in Sunni lawmaker's death
- Russia, China join pressure on North Korea to talk
- Mogadishu police chief among 17 killed in clashes
- Skirmishing ahead of new Pakistan offensive
- Greek anti-terror officer shot dead in attack
Super Spices
One teaspoon of cinnamon delivers the same antioxidant power of a half-cup of blueberries.
7 super spices that may give health a boost
Also:
Cities where Americans can find a fresh start
Job seekers able to relocate can find affordable housing and low unemployment rates in these metro areas.
Fresh start
Also:
North Korea warns U.S. of military retaliation
It would be a shame to see a nation wiped off the face of the earth because of an insane little man.
But if this bozo keeps it up ....
North Korea tells a funny one
But if this bozo keeps it up ....
North Korea warns the U.S. of a "thousand-fold" military strike if provoked.
North Korea tells a funny one
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Manila, Manila, Philippines
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Samsun, Samsun, Turkey
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
as well as Italy, Scotland, Vietnam, Wales, and the United States
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Manila, Manila, Philippines
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Samsun, Samsun, Turkey
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
as well as Italy, Scotland, Vietnam, Wales, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
No matter where you go, what the circumstances are or why you happen to be there, more often than not, you're likely to be made the honorary principal.
Most times, you either don't mind or you outright enjoy it.
But there are those moments when you don't want to be on duty.
This may be one of those times, but if you see the need for your services, you'll bite the bullet and do what's required.
Try to at least take the evening hours off.
Most times, you either don't mind or you outright enjoy it.
But there are those moments when you don't want to be on duty.
This may be one of those times, but if you see the need for your services, you'll bite the bullet and do what's required.
Try to at least take the evening hours off.
I'll try ... but it's hard when you're good.
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