Some people refuse to believe that HIV causes AIDS, despite all the evidence that it does – and their conspiracy theory is costing thousands of lives.
Monday, June 22, 2009
N. Korea threatens to harm U.S. if attacked
funny little man ...
President Obama says the U.S. is "fully prepared" for any North Korean provocation.
N. Korea threatens to harm U.S. if attacked
Also:
Watching the events in Iran and listening to talking heads
In hearing the repugicans mouth off about the election in Iran, Cookie Jill had this to say:
I'm just wondering if the repugicans are so concerned about election integrity, why didn't they care about the lack of integrity in our own elections in 2000 and 2004?
Why are some repugicans pleading guilty to voter registration fraud?
Why is it that citizens of a country that many in the U.S. want to bomb to smithereens seem to want to fight and die for their vote while U.S. citizens could care less about even showing up to the polls?
Just wondering.
*****
Good questions, Jill. Similar questions have crossed my mind the last few days as well.
Mousavi defiantly calls for continued protests
Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi and a popular reformist former president are boldly defying the country's supreme leader by supporting continued protests of a disputed presidential election, but it was unclear Monday whether protesters would dare to continue massive demonstrations after a bloody crackdown.
*****
and no wonder ...
and no wonder ...
After nine days of protests following Iran's disputed presidential vote, Iranian state TV reports that the government now admits to voting problems in 50 cities, saying that the total number of votes in some areas outnumbered the possible voters.
Gas Prices Poised to Fall
Oil prices fell to near $68 a barrel Monday as the markets opened around the world ...
After 54 straight days of rising gas prices, drivers may finally see some relief at the nearest gas station.
Gas Prices Poised to Fall
After 54 straight days of rising gas prices, drivers may finally see some relief at the nearest gas station.
Gas Prices Poised to Fall
Great White Sharks Hunt Like Serial Killers
The large sharks' hunting strategies are anything but random, researchers discover
Great White Sharks Like Serial Killers
Olympic hopeful spotted chasing a bus
One of Britain's top sprinters can thank a talent scout that spotted him chasing a bus if he makes the 2012 Olympic team, according to the London Telegraph.
Olympic hopeful
Olympic hopeful
Strange relationship laws
Some people would say that laws were made to be broken...and we could easily understand that expression especially when it comes to some of these really weird laws that are still on the books.
Strange relationship laws
Strange relationship laws
Vending machine dispenses big surprise
Customers find more than soft drinks nestled inside this soda machine.
Vending machine dispenses big surprise
Also:
Fast-growing jobs that pay over $40K
The U.S. government is predicting double-digit growth for these jobs in the coming years.
Fast-growing jobs that pay over $40K
Also:
Welcome New Readers
The team at Carolina Naturally would like to welcome our newest readers in our newest country:
Antigua and Barbuda
Our 170th country!
Antigua and Barbuda
Our 170th country!
Only 26 more to go! (OK, 25 if you count Taiwan as part of China like the Chinese want you to.) And we will be read in every country on the planet. Amazing isn't it?!
Daily Almanac
Today is Monday, June 22, the 173rd day of 2009.
There are 192 days left in the year.
Today In History June 22
There are 192 days left in the year.
Today In History June 22
Man Pays Fine With Fake Money
Police in Fort Worth, Texas, say a man attempted to pay a $70 municipal court fine using a counterfeit $20 bill.
Funny Money
Funny Money
Headlines
Headlines:
- Nigerian rebels claim three attacks on Shell oil facilities
- Largest underground quarry in Holy Land uncovered, team says
- Painkillers may be good for the prostate, study suggests
- Struggle among Iran's clerics bursts into the open
- NKorea threatens to harm US if attacked
- World's media seeks ways around Iran clampdown
- More than 30 militants killed in Pakistan
- US sends dogs to search for bomb victims in Iraq
Sandra Bullock's big payoff at the box office
The actress scores her first No. 1 film in 10 years with "The Proposal."
Sandra Bullock's big payoff at the box office
Also:
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Calcutta, West Bengal, India
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Val-D'Or, Quebec, Canada
Nurnberg, Bayern, Germany
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Calcutta, West Bengal, India
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Val-D'Or, Quebec, Canada
Nurnberg, Bayern, Germany
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Still in the mood for love?
If you are, don't be put off by a roadblock or delay that might initially seem to be ruining your evening.
There's nothing wrong with changing plans.
You may even end up enjoying where you are more than you'd have enjoyed where you were going -- especially if you're in the right company.
Whether it's a flat tire or a last-minute cancellation that leaves you two with some time on your hands, make the most of it.
Okie Dokie!
Still in the mood for love?
If you are, don't be put off by a roadblock or delay that might initially seem to be ruining your evening.
There's nothing wrong with changing plans.
You may even end up enjoying where you are more than you'd have enjoyed where you were going -- especially if you're in the right company.
Whether it's a flat tire or a last-minute cancellation that leaves you two with some time on your hands, make the most of it.
Okie Dokie!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What's the difference?
What's the difference between ignorance and apathy?
I don't know and I don't care.
I don't know and I don't care.
Science news
In Science News:
- Giant Glaciers Can Shrink Rapidly Huge glaciers like those in Greenland and Antarctica can shrink or retreat rapidly, study finds.
- Pets Pass Superbug to Humans Transmission of an infectious superbug from dogs and cats to humans, and back again, is an increasing problem.
- Giant Dinosaurs Get Downsized Dinosaurs didn't weigh nearly as much as previously thought, a new study suggests.
Smartest supermarket items to buy in bulk
Big savings and a long shelf life mean these products are worth stocking up on.
Smartest supermarket items to buy in bulk
Also:
Silent vigil held in Vancouver as crisis in Iran grows
A 19-year-old woman who was wounded by Iranian paramilitary forces with clubs escaped with her camera and shared her photos with CNN -- after tricking a paramilitary soldier into thinking she had given him the images on a disk.
Silent vigil held in Vancouver as crisis in Iran grows
Silent vigil held in Vancouver as crisis in Iran grows
Emerging $80B deal would help fund Medicare drugs
Medicare beneficiaries would receive better drug coverage and a portion of President Barack Obama's health care legislation would be paid for under an emerging agreement involving the pharmaceutical industry, the White House and key lawmakers.
Emerging $80B deal would help fund Medicare drugs
Emerging $80B deal would help fund Medicare drugs
14 arrests as credit card fraudsters are broken up in Spain
The Spanish National Police had the help of the United States Secret Service to break up a network of international credit card fraudsters, who are believed to have carried out more than 300 frauds, and controlled some of the most active computer hackers in the world.
14 arrests as credit card fraudsters are broken up in Spain
14 arrests as credit card fraudsters are broken up in Spain
U.S. destroyer tailing North Korean ship
A U.S. Navy destroyer is tailing a North Korean ship suspected of carrying illicit weapons toward Burma.
Solstice Greeted at Stonehenge
Pagans and party-goers drummed, danced or gyrated in hula hoops to stay awake through the night, as more than 35,000 people greeted the summer solstice Sunday at the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge.
Solstice Greeted at Stonehenge
Solstice Greeted at Stonehenge
Two years after Hamas takeover, Gaza is a jumble of absurdities
Two years after Hamas seized power, the Gaza Strip is a jumble of absurdities: an economy sustained by smuggling through tunnels, a civil service that gets paid on condition it doesn't work, and a population no longer fearful of gangs but feeling muzzled under the thumb of Hamas.
2 years after Hamas takeover, Gaza is a jumble of absurdities
2 years after Hamas takeover, Gaza is a jumble of absurdities
Outcry over requests for job seekers' passwords
One U.S. city is asking job applicants for passwords to their Internet social networking accounts, sparking a flurry of criticism.
Outcry over requests for job seekers' passwords
Also:
Neda
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO / DEPICTS DEATH.
From Andrew Sullivan, who is doing some of the best coverage of the Iran story online:
"At 19:05 June 20th Place: Karekar Ave., at the corner crossing Khosravi St. and Salehi st. A young woman who was standing aside with her father watching the protests was shot by a basij member hiding on the rooftop of a civilian house. He had clear shot at the girl and could not miss her. However, he aimed straight her heart.I am a doctor, so I rushed to try to save her. But the impact of the gunshot was so fierce that the bullet had blasted inside the victim's chest, and she died in less than 2 minutes. The protests were going on about 1 kilometers away in the main street and some of the protesting crowd were running from tear gass used among them, towards Salehi St.
The film is shot by my friend who was standing beside me. Please let the world know."
Mousavi challenges Supreme Leader
Defying ultimatum... demonstrators try to shield their faces from tear gas during clashes with riot police in Tehran.
Mousavi challenges Supreme Leader
Mousavi challenges Supreme Leader
Faithful Donate Hair to Fix Burma Road
Thousands of faithful in Myanmar have donated 1,750 pounds of their hair in a money-raising campaign to repair the route to a sacred Buddhist pagoda, reports said Sunday.
Burma Road
Burma Road
Arrests of Rafsanjani kin show Iran clerics split
Iran's government said Sunday it arrested the daughter and four other relatives of former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, one of the country's most powerful men, in a move that exposed a rift among the ruling Islamic clerics over the disputed presidential election.
Arrests of Rafsanjani kin show Iran clerics split
Arrests of Rafsanjani kin show Iran clerics split
U.S. tracks N. Korean ship suspected of missiles
A U.S. Navy destroyer is tailing a ship suspected of carrying illicit weapons, in what could be a test of new U.N. sanctions against North Korea.
U.S. tracks N. Korean ship suspected of missiles
Also:
Used-car lemons to avoid
If you're in the market for a used car, you may want to steer clear of these models.
5 used-car lemons to avoid
Also:
Grey hair may be protecting us from cancer
Loss of hair color may be unwelcome, but the processes that produce it could be protecting us from damaged DNA.
Mammoths survived late in Britain
From BBC-Science:
Mammoths were in Britain 6,000 years longer than had been suspected
Woolly mammoths lived in Britain as recently as 14,000 years ago, according to new radiocarbon dating evidence.
Dr Adrian Lister obtained new dates for mammoth bones unearthed in the English county of Shropshire in 1986.
His study in the Geological Journal shows the great beasts remained part of Britain's wildlife for much longer than had previously been supposed.
Interested in more on Mammoths?
Then check these stories out:
Then check these stories out:
Pakistan goes after militants
A citizens' militia trying to drive out the Taliban killed seven militants in a two-hour firefight in Pakistan's troubled northwest, police said Sunday.
7 militants killed by Pakistan citizens' militia
Pakistani forces used aircraft and artillery on Sunday as they stepped up an assault aimed at eliminating Pakistani Taliban commander Baituallah Mehsud.
Pakistani aircraft hit militants near Afghan border
7 militants killed by Pakistan citizens' militia
Pakistani forces used aircraft and artillery on Sunday as they stepped up an assault aimed at eliminating Pakistani Taliban commander Baituallah Mehsud.
Pakistani aircraft hit militants near Afghan border
Print of iconic Einstein photo sells for $74K
One of the original signed prints of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers has been sold by a New Hampshire auction house for $74,324. Bobby Livingston, of RRAuction.com in Amherst, says the picture was taken in 1951 after a 72nd birthday celebration for the physicist.
Print of iconic Einstein photo sells for $74K
Print of iconic Einstein photo sells for $74K
The Genius of Instinct
The answers and the solutions to these everyday plights are revealed by today’s “scientists of the mind,” evolutionary psychologists who have discovered stunning new lessons about the power of instincts and their capacity to transform lives from merely surviving to actually thriving in every area of life. Unfortunately, in these modern times, most of us are disconnected from our basic instincts and all too often cautiously rely on our rational mind to cope with life’s challenges. We make all the wrong moves, all the wrong choices and the results are self defeating. We’ve foolishly numbed ourselves to the more essential human trait. Instinctual disconnection spells disaster at home and at work.
Read more: The Genius of Instinct
TV theme songs with forgotten lyrics
Not many people know that the theme songs for "Star Trek," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and many other classic shows actually had words.
TV theme songs with forgotten lyrics
Also:
Who started Father's Day?
Find out why the woman responsible for Father's Day was mocked, and why the U.S. Congress was against having such a holiday.
Who started Father's Day?
Also:
Billionaire Stanford jailed in alleged $7B fraud
Brash Texas billionaire R. Allen Stanford was indicted and jailed Friday on charges his international banking empire was really just a Ponzi scheme built on lies, bluster and bribery.
Wide Support for Government-Run Health Plan
Americans overwhelmingly support substantial changes to the health care system and are strongly behind one of the most contentious proposals Congress is considering, a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers.
Top 10 Things Heard at the "Fire David Letterman" Rally
Despite Sarah Palin's acceptance of David Letterman's second apology, people are still up in arms over Letterman's joke about Bristol Palin, which was misinterpreted to be about 14-year-old Willow Palin.
A "crowd" (and I use that term loosely) of 15 protesters held signs and occasionally shouted on Tuesday afternoon as they stood across the street from Letterman's studio. Thing is, there was more media there than protesters, with 35 members of the press there.
Top cleric may be playing role in Iran unrest
One of Iran's most powerful men may be playing a key role behind closed doors in the country's escalating post-election crisis.
Top cleric may be playing role in Iran unrest
Top cleric may be playing role in Iran unrest
Dancing cop can still stop traffic
Tony Lepore shows off his unique way of stopping traffic in this classic Web video.
Dancing cop can still stop traffic
Also:
Man sent to prison for life
A North Carolina man who says killing his former bosses was justified because they "disrespected" him has been sentenced to life in prison.
Multiple media outlets reported that 30-year-old Derrick Lamont Gregory was sentenced Thursday in the 2007 slayings at a Moe's Southwest Grill restaurant in Charlotte.
Gregory pleaded guilty in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. He told the court he felt what he "did was right" because the two managers fired him.
Family members of one victim stormed from the courtroom while Gregory talked.
Gregory's attorneys say he had suffered child abuse and was mentally ill.
Gregory was sentenced to two life sentences with no possibility of parole for the shootings of 34-year-old Jeffrey Philip Maher and 36-year-old Vincent Patrick Ferens.
Teenager Spots Robbery Suspects on Google Street View
Google's Street View is quite the crime-fighting tool.
It's already foiled a kidnapping, and now it's enabled Dutch police to arrest twin brothers on suspicion of robbery.
It's already foiled a kidnapping, and now it's enabled Dutch police to arrest twin brothers on suspicion of robbery.
Today is Litha
The Celtic festival of Litha:
Litha
Traditional date: June 21
Actual astrological date: June 20 in 2008
Summer Solstice, first day of summer, longest day of the year
Alban Heruin, "Light of the Shore"
Mid Summer's Eve
Celebrates the light and the sun without there would be no life
Time of strengths and accomplishments
Gather herbs as "Herb Night" is when they are most potent
Colours: Blue, green, yellow
Litha
Traditional date: June 21
Actual astrological date: June 20 in 2008
Summer Solstice, first day of summer, longest day of the year
Alban Heruin, "Light of the Shore"
Mid Summer's Eve
Celebrates the light and the sun without there would be no life
Time of strengths and accomplishments
Gather herbs as "Herb Night" is when they are most potent
Colours: Blue, green, yellow
Unusual Celebrations and Holidays
Today happens to be:
Ann and Samantha Day,
Baby Boomer's Recognition Day,
Family Awareness Day,
Naked Hiking Day,
World Humanist Day,
and the Summer Solstice.
Ann and Samantha Day,
Baby Boomer's Recognition Day,
Family Awareness Day,
Naked Hiking Day,
World Humanist Day,
and the Summer Solstice.
Daily Almanac
Today is Sunday, June 21, the 172nd day of 2009.
The first day of Summer.
There are 193 days left in the year.
Today In History June 21
The first day of Summer.
There are 193 days left in the year.
Today In History June 21
In Tehran, an eerie calm as death toll jumps to 19
An eerie calm settled over the streets of Tehran Sunday as state media reported at least 10 more deaths in post-election unrest and said authorities arrested the daughter and four other relatives of ex-President Hashemi Rafsanjani, one of Iran's most powerful men.
How to make a home-purchase offer stick
In a multiple-buyer situation, when should you stay with your current offer, when should you increase it — and how much should you tell your realtor?
How to make a home-purchase offer stick
Also:
We're in the top 3 percent
Just wanted to say Thanks to all our readers.
We just saw our current blog rank and Carolina Naturally sits at 280,306 out of first.
Not bad considering there are over 100 million blogs at last count.
That puts us in the top 3% (2.8% to be exact if you use 100 million as the dividing number) of the blogs floating in the universe of cyberspace.
You know at this pace, we just might make it to first by 3008 after all.
We just saw our current blog rank and Carolina Naturally sits at 280,306 out of first.
Not bad considering there are over 100 million blogs at last count.
That puts us in the top 3% (2.8% to be exact if you use 100 million as the dividing number) of the blogs floating in the universe of cyberspace.
You know at this pace, we just might make it to first by 3008 after all.
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Reus, Catalonia, Spain
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Limoges, Limousin, France
London, England, United Kingdom
Brussels, Brussels, Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Wolverhamton, England, United Kingdom
Kristiansand, Vest-Adger, Norway
Yverdon, Vaud, Switzerland
Athens, Attiki, Greece
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
as well as Saudi Arabia, and the United States
Reus, Catalonia, Spain
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Limoges, Limousin, France
London, England, United Kingdom
Brussels, Brussels, Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Wolverhamton, England, United Kingdom
Kristiansand, Vest-Adger, Norway
Yverdon, Vaud, Switzerland
Athens, Attiki, Greece
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
as well as Saudi Arabia, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Surprises are fun for some folks, but for you ... well, you'd rather have everything that's been penciled into your day planner go off just as you expected it to.
Of course, that's not always possible, and you've definitely learned that over the course of your time here on the planet.
You've also learned that the way to have any kind of control over what you wish had happened and what actually did happen is in your reaction.
Remember that now.
Hey! I like surprises ... if I know about them in advance.
(See Ma, I'm good at improv - now where's my script!)
Surprises are fun for some folks, but for you ... well, you'd rather have everything that's been penciled into your day planner go off just as you expected it to.
Of course, that's not always possible, and you've definitely learned that over the course of your time here on the planet.
You've also learned that the way to have any kind of control over what you wish had happened and what actually did happen is in your reaction.
Remember that now.
Hey! I like surprises ... if I know about them in advance.
(See Ma, I'm good at improv - now where's my script!)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Daily Funny
Three rats are sitting at the bar talking bragging about their bravery and toughness.
The first says, "I'm so tough, once I ate a whole bagful of rat poison!"
The second says, "Well I'm so tough, once I was caught in a rat trap and I bit it apart!"
Then the third rat gets up and says, "Later guys, I'm off home to harass the cat."
The first says, "I'm so tough, once I ate a whole bagful of rat poison!"
The second says, "Well I'm so tough, once I was caught in a rat trap and I bit it apart!"
Then the third rat gets up and says, "Later guys, I'm off home to harass the cat."
Science News
- Vinegar Might Fight Fat Vinegar may live up to its age-old reputation in folk medicine as a health promoter.
- Pesticides Found on Floors of Most U.S. Homes The popularity and availability of insecticides have transitioned over the last 30 years.
- Subterranean Creature Has Surprisingly Colorful Skin Caecilians are not entirely subterranean, it turns out.
- Sunday: The Longest Day of the Year The 2009 solstice occurs at 1:45 a.m. EST
Defiant Tehran protesters battle police
Thousands of protesters defied Iran's highest authority Saturday and marched on waiting security forces that fought back with baton charges, tear gas and water cannons as the crisis over disputed elections lurched into volatile new ground.
Defiant Tehran protesters battle police
Defiant Tehran protesters battle police
Worst million-dollar blunders
A musician falling on his rare violin and an art collector ripping his Picasso are two cringe-worthy flubs that make this list.
Million-dollar blunders
Also:
Kidnapped reporter escapes from Taliban
A New York Times reporter makes a daring escape from his captors after being held for seven months.
Reporter escapes from Taliban
Tehran protester: 'In the middle of our own epic'
As Iran prepares for potentially violent protests, an anonymous author shares an eyewitness account of Thursday's march.
'In the middle of our own epic'
Also:
Tobacco advocates fuming over Canadian legislation
Tobacco advocates used to being on the defensive in their own country are fuming over a Canadian proposal they say could essentially ban some American leaf often used in cigarettes sold across the northern border.
Canadian legislation
And this is a bad thing, how?
Canadian legislation
And this is a bad thing, how?
McManiac Cop Flashes Gun at McDonald's Drive-Thru
Is there something about McDonald's that brings out the worst in people? (YES)
Is there something about being a cop that brings out megalomania? (YES)
A Denver police officer has been suspended after allegedly pulling his gun at a McDonald's restaurant in Aurora when he felt his order was taking too long.
Daylight robbery
Bangladesh will move its clocks one hour forward from midnight for the first time to use more daylight time and save electricity after prime minister Sheikh Hasina has approved the move.
Flat-belly foods for a skinnier summer
These six bulge battlers can help keep your abs flat during the skin-baring season.
Flat-belly foods
Also:
Tips for holding a lucrative yard sale
Clear your clutter and make money, too, with some easy prep work to ensure a successful sale.
Yard sale tips
Also:
DNA proves Michigan man not kidnapped kid
The whereabouts of a child kidnapped in 1955 remains a mystery after tests debunk a man's hunch that he was the boy.
DNA proves Michigan man not kidnapped kid
Also:
Someone took out the trash
No charges have been filed against Larry Wilder, who is the Jeffersonville City Council's attorney.
Indiana lawyer found asleep in trash can
Indiana lawyer found asleep in trash can
Unusual Holidays and celebrations
Today happens to be:
Vinegar Day,
World Juggling Day
and
World Refugee Day
Vinegar Day,
World Juggling Day
and
World Refugee Day
Daily Almanac
Today is Saturday, June 20, the 171st day of 2009.
There are 194 days left in the year.
Today In History June 20
There are 194 days left in the year.
Today In History June 20
"Magic Fingers" Bed Inventor Dies at 92
John Joseph Houghtaling, the inventor of the "Magic Fingers Vibrating Bed," has died at the age of 92.
You might remember those beds which gave users 15 minutes of "tingling relaxation and ease" for a quarter in hotel and motel rooms across America in the 1960s and '70s.
He died Wednesday at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Full Story
You might remember those beds which gave users 15 minutes of "tingling relaxation and ease" for a quarter in hotel and motel rooms across America in the 1960s and '70s.
He died Wednesday at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Full Story
Dads Are Key to Making Us Human
Among mammals, 95 percent of males have little to no interaction with their children.
For humans, this differs.
Dads Are Key to Making Us Human
For humans, this differs.
Dads Are Key to Making Us Human
CNBC Sets Its Sights On Porn
CNBC, continuing its documentary strategy of examining esoteric topics, has found its next target: porn.CNBC will air the special Porn: Business of Pleasure July 15 at 9 p.m.
Melissa Lee will report on the multibillion dollar business for the network.
According to a CNBC press release it will look at the problems facing porn “[F]rom the threats to its profitability to exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the industry's biggest stars to the one issue that could bring the adult industry to it's knees.”
The network has had success exploring unusual subject matter in its primetime documentaries. Its special Marijuana Inc. was, at the time, the most-watched documentary in network history. Other specials have explored topics as varied as the business of high end prostitution, the super wealthy, the Kentucky Derby and cruise ships.
Worst Father's Day gifts
Stay away from these cringe-worthy presents that dad will never need or use.
Worst Father's Day gifts
Also:
Nestle recalls cookie dough products
The company pulls its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough items after a number of illnesses are reported.
Nestle recalls cookie dough products
Also:
It's getting hot out there
The ocean is warming about 50% faster than reported two years ago, according to an update of the latest climate science.
Rising ocean temperatures near worst-case predictions.
Rising ocean temperatures near worst-case predictions.
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.
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.
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.
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