Monday, August 24, 2009
Next up: 'Cash for Refrigerators'
'Cash for Refrigerators'
The next wave of stimulus cash gives consumers an incentive to shop for new appliances.
Daily Almanac
Today is Monday, Aug. 24, the 236th day of 2009.
There are 129 days left in the year.
Today in History, August 24th.
There are 129 days left in the year.
Today in History, August 24th.
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote D'Azur, France
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Paderborn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Mashbad, Khorasan, Iran
Lyskel, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden
Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote D'Azur, France
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Paderborn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Mashbad, Khorasan, Iran
Lyskel, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden
Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Not to worry.
Your closest and truest friends won't be going anywhere -- not even after you tell them that you need new stimulation when it comes to conversation and social interactions.
They may even sympathize.
And some might ask to go searching for new companions right along with you.
These are the people who count -- the ones who'll be there for the long haul.
They're the best.
Not to worry.
Your closest and truest friends won't be going anywhere -- not even after you tell them that you need new stimulation when it comes to conversation and social interactions.
They may even sympathize.
And some might ask to go searching for new companions right along with you.
These are the people who count -- the ones who'll be there for the long haul.
They're the best.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Southern Governors Warned About Impacts of Climate Change
From Treehugger:
Graphic via UCS
They can't say they weren't warned. At the Southern Governors' Association's annual meeting near Williamsburg, VA, retired military officials told the governors that climate change will have major impacts on their states. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Richard Engel, who directs the Climate Change and State Stability program of the National Intelligence Council, told the governors that global warming will cause drought, floods, and storm damage.
Article continues: Southern Governors Warned About Impacts of Climate Change
Worldwide battle rages for control of the internet
As dissidents exploit social networking sites to organise protests and get their message out, governments are searching for ways to silence them.Worldwide battle rages for control of the internet
Scotland's 'earliest face' found
![Archaeologist for Historic Scotland Jakob Kainz with the discovery of the face [Pic: Historic Scotland]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tq3Y5R2qgILCMkrZ_qUXfZZT3hduK6R_EvMYfjOFcZ2wtOtX6kNtE2oKp4Q8Uq1FFj5e2Cj9lm-7tEDFtqsS0d8Qqz8x8xNJefihYY00otTp_lzf1MHJVprQcbQIDTAkDeu3lYZ0T6624BMtFDVMNRUUHUWdC5=s0-d)
Archaeologist Jakob Kainz made the discovery of the face [Pic: Historic Scotland]
A carving believed to be Scotland's earliest human face, dating back thousands of years, has been found on the Orkney island of Westray.
Upwards lightning caught on film
US scientists manage to photograph the rarely seen phenomenon of upwards lightning during a tropical storm.
Weird Scholarships Nearly Anyone Can Apply For
Along the way, we've discovered that a unique hobby, special skill or unusual interest could be the ticket to financing a college education.
Weird Scholarships
Weird Scholarships
Top intel experts: repugicans "covering their ass" on torture investigation
Far from jeopardizing US security, as some politicians claim, an investigation into torture practices during the Bush administration would prevent future abuses, say three senior veterans of the intelligence community.Girl dies after hurricane wave rescue
Girl dies after hurricane wave rescue
A 7-year-old girl dies after a large wave stirred by Hurricane Bill swept her out to sea.
Medical robot makes rounds at Texas Army hospital
Staff Sgt. Juan Amaris laid in intensive care recovering from life-threatening burns when he got a peculiar visit from his doctor.Rare Long-Eared Jerboa Poses for a Picture
The Mountain of Flames in Turpan City, China, known for having the coolest name for a mountain in existence, has a new distinction to add to its credentials: home for the rare long-eared Jerboa.
The long-eared Jerboa (Euchoreutes naso) is a nocturnal rodent that is so unique, it has its own genus (Euchoreutes) and subfamily (Euchoreutinae). It possess disproportionately long legs to hop everywhere, making it resemble a bizarre hybrid of a kangaroo, mouse and rabbit.
Golf Course Groundskeeper Finds Mammoth Tooth
A golf course groundskeeper recently stumbled onto something unexpected on the greens: A tooth from a 10,000-year-old mammoth.
Groundskeeper Patrick Walker found the 10-pound tooth Tuesday when he was on the greens about 30 miles east of Grand Rapids at Morrison Lake Country Club.
Mammoth Tooth
Groundskeeper Patrick Walker found the 10-pound tooth Tuesday when he was on the greens about 30 miles east of Grand Rapids at Morrison Lake Country Club.
Mammoth Tooth
Sensational sites in North Carolina
Since the 1920s, Reader's Digest has specialized in publishing the “short and sweet” in its monthly magazine and, more recently, specialty books.
Its “Off the Beaten Path” travel book was updated this year, with more than 1,000 write-ups of places to go in the United States. On page 2 is a choice selection of what the guide recommends seeing and doing in North and South Carolina.
Nantahala Gorge
12 miles southwest of Bryson City
Carved by the Nantahala River, this eight-mile gorge takes its name from a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noonday sun.” Indeed, the canyon here is so deep and narrow that only when the sun is directly overhead can its rays reach the bottom of the gorge.
The gorge burrows down about 1,800 feet at its deepest and is less than 100 yards wide at its narrowest. It's the centerpiece of the Nantahala National Forest, with easy access to the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the eastern end of the gorge.
The river offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Water released from the Duke Energy dam several miles upriver rushes down the gorge for about 12 hours most days, creating an ideal run for whitewater rafting.
Rafts, canoes and kayaks may be rented in the area, and the trip, while exhilarating, is not overly challenging for novices. Picnic areas are maintained, and the river is stocked with trout; fishing is better in the calm evening waters than in the daytime torrents. Open year-round.
Details: 800-867-9246; www.greatsmokies.com.
Stone Mountain State Park
3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap
Plunging waterfalls, granite outcroppings, narrow dirt roads and trails twisting through Catawba rhododendrons and mountain laurel populate this park's more than 14,100 acres.
Creeks stocked with trout – rainbows, browns and “brookies” – make this a fisherman's paradise. In Bullhead Creek (a “fish for fun” stream where fly-fishermen may practice their techniques but must toss back their catch), rainbows as long as 26 inches have been hooked.
Trails lead to the 2,300-foot summit of rugged Stone Mountain, and you'll also find paths to Stone Mountain Falls, Cedar Rock and Wolf Rock. Mountain climbers can choose from 13 different ascent routes, many of which are difficult and not recommended for beginners.
Throughout this densely forested area, lady's slippers, trilliums, bluets and other wildflowers and ferns are often seen in settings that also frequently include feathered populations of red-tailed hawks, ruffed grouse, black vultures, wild turkeys and owls. White-tailed deer, beavers, otters, minks and foxes are occasionally glimpsed. Bears have also been reported but are extremely rare.
Open year-round except Christmas. No entry fee; fee for fishing.
Details: 336-957-8185; www.ncparks.gov.
Mount Airy
(aka Mayberry)
Mount Airy, birthplace of actor Andy Griffith and the likely inspiration for “The Andy Griffith Show,” is a trip down memory lane for fans of the 1960s TV series. You can head over to Wally's Fillin Station and tour Main Street in the sheriff's squad car. Savor a pork chop sandwich at The Snappy Lunch, which, like Floyd's barbershop, predates the show. See the bronze statue of Andy and Opie at the Andy Griffith Playhouse (site of the annual Old Time Fiddlers' Convention) and generally enjoy reminders of the popular series throughout the town.
Mount Airy and its environs have other claims to fame: The area was once inhabited by the mysterious Saura tribe of Native Americans and later was home to the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker. These conjoined twins settled in nearby White Plains after retiring from P.T. Barnum's circus. Check out the local history at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. The town – officially a city since 1976 – has much to enjoy year round, including its picturesque setting in the Blue Ridge. Stop by the welcome center on East Main Street for information, ideas of what to do and maps.
Details: 800-948-0949; www.visitmayberry.com.
Clyde Jones Haw River Critter Crossing
Bynum Hill Road, Bynum
Once a mill town but now mostly residential, Bynum is home to folk artist Clyde Jones and his amazing critters, carved from local wood with a chainsaw, decorated with found objects and often painted in vibrant, rainbow colors. You'll see examples of Jones' work throughout the village, but the real treat is his Critter Crossing near the Haw River. His small house, painted top to bottom with colorful murals, is surrounded by hundreds of whimsical critters.
Jones began sculpting in the early 1980s while recovering from a sawmill injury and took up painting a few years later. His pieces have been featured in galleries and museums nationally and internationally. He is known for giving away, rather than selling, his art, and at the Critter Crossing his menagerie is free for the looking.
Details: Chatham County Arts Council, 919-542-0394.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
10 miles south of Nags Head
Each spring and fall, geese, ducks and other migratory birds use the Atlantic Flyway to get where they're going.
This sliver of an island – almost 13 miles long and no more than a mile across at its widest – is one of the Eastern Seaboard's finest vantage points to observe the migration. And beach lovers, fishermen, hikers and photographers will also find much to enjoy here.
This complex of salt marshes and freshwater ponds supports otters, muskrats, nutrias, diamondback terrapins and loggerhead, sea and snapping turtles. Ring-necked pheasants abound, while egrets, herons and ibises are among the waterfowl and shorebirds that nest there. Peregrine falcons are often seen during spring and fall migrations, and more than 250 other bird species are occasionally observed.
A number of observation platforms facilitate sightings of all varieties. Ponds supporting ducks, geese and swans are easily observed from the car.
Five access points to Atlantic beaches and one to Pamlico Sound along the western shore attract bathers. Anglers can cast for sea trout, channel bass, pompano and bluefish. Open year-round. No admission fee.
Details: 252-473-1131; www.fws.gov/peaisland.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 S. Fort Fisher Blvd., Kure Beach
Late in the Civil War, the Union blockade of Southern ports prevented the South from receiving war supplies. In order to counter this, Confederate blockade runners made daring trips through fog and moonless nights to get precious cargoes.
Fort Fisher was built to provide cover for the Confederate seamen entering Cape Fear River on their way to the Confederacy's major port in Wilmington. Extending for one mile along the Atlantic Coast and across a sand peninsula, this series of redoubts was the South's largest earthen seacoast fort. With a complement of 47 guns, it provided a mile of defense seaward as well as one-third mile inland.
Only a few mounds remain, preserved from the actions of erosion. Exhibits in a small museum detail events that took place there from December 1864 to January 1865, when the fort finally fell to a determined Union action that employed about 58 warships and 8,000 infantrymen.
A quarter-mile tour trail surrounds what remains of the fort today. Features along the route include wayside exhibits, a reconstructed palisade fence and a partially restored gun emplacement.
The visitors center offers audio-visual programs and a permanent exhibit hall that displays an extensive collection of artifacts from the blockaders and the blockade runners. There's also a large and impressive fiber optic-powered map that shows the final battle for the fort in 1865.
The fort is open daily April-September; open Tuesday-Saturday, October-March. No admission fee.
An aquarium is open year-round except holidays. Admission: $8; $6 for ages 6-17; 5 and younger, free. Details: www.nchistoricsites.org; 910-458-5538 (fort); 910-458-8257 (aquarium).
NC's oldest town is growing ... maybe
A developer's proposal to expand a marina in North Carolina's oldest town has stirred up a decades-long debate about whether there should be growth there.
The Daily Reflector of Greenville reports the latest controversy in the town of Bath stems from a plan to widen a boardwalk, add a stairway to the roof and extend three piers at the Quarterdeck Marina.
Opponents say the proposal would increase noise, water pollution and boat congestion in the mostly residential area. Others say it is necessary to improve safety at the only business in the area that provides a public ramp and gas for boaters.
Both sides agree that the plan is the latest issue in a struggle between those who want growth and those who worry about altering the town's image and appeal.
"This is a unique, small town with historical value and it needs to be protected," said Josie Hookway, a resident and former president of the Historic Bath Commission. "There is concern that some of the development in the area might negatively affect that."
John Baldwin has spearheaded development since 2005 for a trio of subdivisions. He also owns several other waterfront lots along Bath Creek and one of the town's last undeveloped commercial properties.
Baldwin, who with his wife owns the Quarterdeck, say they have encountered resistance from residents and town officials who they believe are opposed to any type of growth. But they say they have a petition signed by hundreds who favor the Quarterdeck expansion. Bath has a population of approximately 270.
"There is a core group of people in Bath who do not want this town to grow," Cindy Baldwin said. "They want it exactly the way it is. Our point is we want it to grow tastefully. We want controlled growth and we want to do it by preserving the historic aspect of the town."
Some say the subdivisions and potential commercial development proposed near the historic district might alter the character of the town renowned for being the home of the infamous pirate Blackbeard and some of the oldest structures in the state, one of which dates back to 1734.
Town Commissioner Jay Hardin said a decision regarding proposals for the Quarterdeck is expected Monday during the commission's regular meeting. However, Hardin thinks it is unlikely to end debates between the two factions of the town.
Homeowner and part-time resident Gene Roberts said similar proposals for two marinas and the expansion of what is currently the Quarterdeck were rejected more than 20 years ago by Bath commissioners and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers because of the "fragile" waters.
Bath, created in 1705, is approximately 140 miles east of Raleigh.
Five fatal errors for job searchers
Five fatal errors for job searchers
When an employer asks a question in an ad, don't neglect to answer it in the cover letter.
Hurricane Bill wave tragedy
Hurricane Bill wave tragedy
A group of people in Maine were swept into the sea by a wave generated from Hurricane Bill.
It's a Blond World
A blond decides to go hunting.
She buys a rifle and other needed gear and sets off.
As she's driving down the road she sees a sign that says "Bear Left" so she turns around
and goes home!
She buys a rifle and other needed gear and sets off.
As she's driving down the road she sees a sign that says "Bear Left" so she turns around
and goes home!
Damage Done, Grassley Recants on Death Panels
They know the damage has been done, that the talk about so-called non-existent death panels has impacted health care reform, so now the repugicans are saying "Mea Culpa."
Such is the case of Charles Grassley (retard-Iowa) who championed the idea less than two weeks ago.
Such is the case of Charles Grassley (retard-Iowa) who championed the idea less than two weeks ago.
Competition lacking among private health insurers
One of the most widely accepted arguments against a government medical plan for the middle class is that it would quash competition — just what private insurers seem to be doing themselves in many parts of the U.S.
Attack on Obama riles Brick's advertisers
Glenn Brick returns to Faux News Channel after a vacation (read: rehab) on Monday with fewer companies willing to advertise on his show than when he left, part of the fallout from calling President Barack Obama a racist.
Attack on Obama riles Brick's advertisers
Attack on Obama riles Brick's advertisers
LiLo Burgled
Police are investigating a reported burglary at Lindsay Lohan's home in the Hollywood Hills.
Police probe burglary report at Lohan's LA home
Police probe burglary report at Lohan's LA home
LeAnn Rimes Questioned in Hit and Run Crash
Los Angeles police questioned country singer LeAnn Rimes Thursday after she was accused of being involved in a misdemeanor hit-and-run crash.
Boy rescues mom trapped in Burnley bathroom for two hours
A resourceful four-year-old proved to be "mommy's little hero" after rescuing her from a bathroom nightmare.
Boy rescues mom trapped in Burnley bathroom for two hours
Boy rescues mom trapped in Burnley bathroom for two hours
Design Firm Offers 'Teen-Proof' Room
A Scottish design firm has come up with a "teen-proof" room complete with carpeting that resists stains and an under-the-bed dump site for clothes.
'Teen-Proof' Room
'Teen-Proof' Room
Thousands flee massive Greek fire
Thousands flee massive Greek fire
A raging fire forces 10,000 people from their homes and threatens two ancient temples.
Slash 200 calories a day
Social Security to reduce payments
Social Security to reduce payments
Millions of Social Security recipients are expected to receive less money in 2010 and 2011.
Why do Muslims fast at Ramadan?
Why do Muslims fast at Ramadan?
Lazy ways to save more money
20 lazy ways to save more money
These simple changes to your lifestyle could add up to significant savings.
Why Toyota won't make electric cars
Why Toyota won't make electric cars
The automaker refuses to join the race to build the next all-electric automobile.
Daily Almanac
Today is Sunday, Aug. 23, the 235th day of 2009.
There are 130 days left in the year.
The moon is waxing.
Today In History August 23
There are 130 days left in the year.
The moon is waxing.
Today In History August 23
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Bogor, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Adelaide, Southern Australia, Australia
Tehran, Esfahan, Iran
Sundsvall, Vasternorrlands, Sweden
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
London, England, United Kingdom
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
as well as Brazil, and the United States.
Bogor, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Adelaide, Southern Australia, Australia
Tehran, Esfahan, Iran
Sundsvall, Vasternorrlands, Sweden
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
London, England, United Kingdom
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
as well as Brazil, and the United States.
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Put aside those loose ends for now and concentrate on initiating something that's near and dear to your heart.
It's a fantastic time to lay the foundations for a project that needs lots of time and TLC.
So start drawing up plans, brainstorming and building those castles in the air. Make sure to give yourself plenty of freedom.
Think of the sky not as being the limit, but more like a ... guideline.
Guidelines -Smidlines.
Put aside those loose ends for now and concentrate on initiating something that's near and dear to your heart.
It's a fantastic time to lay the foundations for a project that needs lots of time and TLC.
So start drawing up plans, brainstorming and building those castles in the air. Make sure to give yourself plenty of freedom.
Think of the sky not as being the limit, but more like a ... guideline.
Guidelines -Smidlines.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Large Texas bank shut down by federal regulators
Guaranty Bank became the second-largest U.S. bank to fail this year after the Texas lender was shut down by regulators and most of its operations sold at a loss of billions of dollars for the U.S. government to a major Spanish bank.
Large Texas bank shut down by federal regulators
Large Texas bank shut down by federal regulators
Wal-Mart Worker Accused Of Beating Boss With Bat
We've all been there ...
Police in New Haven accused a Wal-Mart worker of beating an assistant manager in a store aisle with an aluminum baseball bat after getting reprimanded for the second time in a few days.
Wal-Mart Worker Accused Of Beating Boss With Bat
Police in New Haven accused a Wal-Mart worker of beating an assistant manager in a store aisle with an aluminum baseball bat after getting reprimanded for the second time in a few days.
Wal-Mart Worker Accused Of Beating Boss With Bat
Obama challenges critics
Obama challenges critics
The president accuses his opposition of making "phony claims" on health care reform.
World's weirdest hotels
World's weirdest hotels
Check into a penthouse at a trailer park or a room with furniture on the ceiling.
Muscular blob shows new direction for tissue engineering
A material made from muscle proteins that changes its stiffness and elasticity on demand could help regrow body tissues lost to injury or illness.Muscular blob shows new direction for tissue engineering
Global warming could change Earth's tilt
Global warming could change Earth's tilt
The planet's spin axis will shift as rising ocean temperatures cause water to expand and redistribute itself, a new study suggests
Say it ain't so!
Cartoon versions of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison in “Yellow Submarine.”
More than 40 years after Old Fred fired up the titular vehicle of “Yellow Submarine” and used it to round up four Liverpool lads who would defend Pepperland from the Blue Meanies, Disney is preparing a remake of the Beatles’ 1968 animated movie.
Read more here.
Just let it be! Man, just let it be!
Read more here.
Just let it be! Man, just let it be!
Super-rich are getting poorer
... And it couldn't be happening to a 'nicer' bunch of snakes, now could it?
Super-rich are getting poorer
The rich are no longer getting richer, and some have gotten much, much poorer.
Fires threaten historic city
Fires threaten historic city
The Greek capital of Athens is shrouded by smoke as wildfires rage out of control.
NC puppy fighting for life after multiple burns
There is no punishment harsh enough for the one(s) who did this ...
A puppy is fighting for her life after she was found in a North Carolina park with burns over much of her body.
The News & Record of Greensboro reports Saturday that a man found the 10-week-old mixed-breed puppy Thursday morning in Greenfield Park in Greensboro.
Authorities say the puppy has second- and third-degree burns on her head, back, stomach, tail and legs. Guilford County Animal Shelter director Marsha Williams says the dog's ears were burned off, and her jaw was broken.
Veterinarians put the dog on pain medicine and sent her home with a shelter volunteer for the weekend. They say she'll have months of treatment.
Authorities are looking for a suspect.
President Obama's Weekly Address
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
Each and every day in this country, Americans are grappling with health care premiums that are growing three times the rate of wages and insurance company policies that limit coverage and raise out-of-pocket costs. Thousands are losing their insurance coverage each day.
Without real reform, the burdens on America’s families and businesses will continue to multiply. We’ve had a vigorous debate about health insurance reform, and rightly so. This is an issue of vital concern to every American, and I’m glad that so many are engaged.
But it also should be an honest debate, not one dominated by willful misrepresentations and outright distortions, spread by the very folks who would benefit the most by keeping things exactly as they are.
So today, I want to spend a few minutes debunking some of the more outrageous myths circulating on the internet, on cable TV, and repeated at some town halls across this country.
Let’s start with the false claim that illegal immigrants will get health insurance under reform. That’s not true. Illegal immigrants would not be covered. That idea has never even been on the table. Some are also saying that coverage for abortions would be mandated under reform. Also false. When it comes to the current ban on using tax dollars for abortions, nothing will change under reform. And as every credible person who has looked into it has said, there are no so-called "death panels" – an offensive notion to me and to the American people. These are phony claims meant to divide us.
And we’ve all heard the charge that reform will somehow bring about a government takeover of health care. I know that sounds scary to many folks. It sounds scary to me, too. But here’s the thing: it’s not true. I no sooner want government to get between you and your doctor than I want insurance companies to make arbitrary decisions about what medical care is best for you, as they do today. As I’ve said from the beginning, under the reform we seek, if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your private health insurance plan, you can keep your plan. Period.
Now, the source of a lot of these fears about government-run health care is confusion over what’s called the public option. This is one idea among many to provide more competition and choice, especially in the many places around the country where just one insurer thoroughly dominates the marketplace. This alternative would have to operate as any other insurer, on the basis of the premiums it collects. And let me repeat – it would be just an option; those who prefer their private insurer would be under no obligation to shift to a public plan.
The insurance companies and their allies don’t like this idea, or any that would promote greater competition. I get that. And I expect there will be a lot of discussion about it when Congress returns.
But this one aspect of the health care debate shouldn’t overshadow the other important steps we can and must take to reduce the increasing burdens families and businesses face.
So let me stress them again: If you don’t have insurance, you will finally have access to quality coverage you can afford. If you do have coverage, you will benefit from more security and more stability when it comes to your insurance. If you move, lose your job, or change jobs, you will not have to worry about losing health coverage. And we will set up tough consumer protections that will hold insurance companies accountable and stop them from exploiting you with unfair practices.
We’ll prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage because of a person’s medical history. They will not be able to drop your coverage if you get sick. They will not be able to water down your coverage when you need it most. They will no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime. We’ll place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses, because no one in America should go broke because they get sick.
And we will require insurance companies to cover routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be catching diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer on the front end. That makes sense, it saves lives, and it will also save money over the long-run. Taken together, the reforms we’re seeking will help bring down skyrocketing costs, which will mean real savings for families, businesses, and government.
We know what a failure to act would bring: More of the same. More of the same exploding costs. More of the same diminished coverage. If we fail to act, the crisis will grow. More families will go without coverage. More businesses will be forced to drop or water down their plans.
So we can push off the day of reckoning and fail to deal with the flaws in the system, just as Washington has done, year after year, decade after decade. Or we can take steps that will provide every American family and business a measure of security and stability they lack today.
It has never been easy, moving this nation forward. There are always those who oppose it, and those who use fear to block change. But what has always distinguished America is that when all the arguments have been heard, and all the concerns have been voiced, and the time comes to do what must be done, we rise above our differences, grasp each others’ hands, and march forward as one nation and one people, some of us Democrats, some of us Republicans, all of us Americans.
This is our chance to march forward. I cannot promise you that the reforms we seek will be perfect or make a difference overnight. But I can promise you this: if we pass health insurance reform, we will look back many years from now and say, this was the moment we summoned what’s best in each of us to make life better for all of us. This was the moment when we built a health care system worthy of the nation and the people we love. This was the moment we earned our place alongside the greatest generations. And that is what our generation of Americans is called to do right now.Daily Almanac
Today is Saturday, Aug. 22nd, the 234th day of 2009.
There are 131 days left in the year.
Today in History, August 22nd.
There are 131 days left in the year.
Today in History, August 22nd.
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Krakow, Malopolskie, Poland
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
as well as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the United States
Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Krakow, Malopolskie, Poland
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
as well as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
When things get tricky today, it might be easy to let someone else take over the decision-making, but is it in your best interest?
You're up for whatever challenges come along, so don't sit on the sidelines.
Jump in there and start getting things done -- be more actively involved in what you're doing today.
Every challenge is an opportunity to be proud of yourself, so if you let those situations pass you by, or you allow someone else take care of them, you're cheating yourself.
Can't have that, now can we.
When things get tricky today, it might be easy to let someone else take over the decision-making, but is it in your best interest?
You're up for whatever challenges come along, so don't sit on the sidelines.
Jump in there and start getting things done -- be more actively involved in what you're doing today.
Every challenge is an opportunity to be proud of yourself, so if you let those situations pass you by, or you allow someone else take care of them, you're cheating yourself.
Can't have that, now can we.
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Very Good Question
George posted this very good question yesterday over at Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.
Now, can we have they answer? How about it, repugicans, can you muster enough fortitude to answer the question?!Why do republicans hate Americans?
Why do republicans hate Americans?
Hate them with a red hot passion they must.
Look at how they spend American taxpayer money.
When they were in control and had carte blanche they spent trillions on tax cuts that mostly ended up in offshore investments and overseas bank accounts.
Now, when they have a chance to help Americans by spending less than $100 billion a year on health care for Americans who will die without health care they are doing everything they can do stop it.
Why do republicans hate Americans so?
Jon Stewart Roasts "Death Panel" Idea Originator
Jon Stewart had "death panel" idea originator Betsy McCaughey on his show on Thursday. It should be noted that McCaughey never used the term "death panel" herself, or at least, did not coin that phrase (it came from Alaska, ahem), but she originated the idea that the health care reform bill promoted euthanasia.
Massachusetts woman hid 19 bags of crack in bra
Sandra Sanborn was charged Sunday with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute following a tip to Quincy's police drug unit.
Popcorn Helps Prevent Cancer
Ironic, isn't it?
While studies have shown popcorn fumes cause lung cancer, a new study shows that popcorn, which has high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols.
Polyphenols reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
While studies have shown popcorn fumes cause lung cancer, a new study shows that popcorn, which has high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols.
Polyphenols reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
The safest fish to eat
The safest fish to eat
A study about increased mercury levels in stream-caught fish renews health concerns.
What I.Q. score is 'genius'?
What I.Q. score is 'genius'?
I.Q. tests will give you a number, but that won't tell you what it means.
Culprit found in runway debacle
Culprit found in runway debacle
The pilot and airline tried repeatedly to help passengers stranded on the tarmac overnight.
Your food cravings explained
Your food cravings explained
Our bodies want chocolate, sugar, meat, and cheese because they calm the brain.
Best places to grow up in the U.S.
10 best places to grow up in the U.S.
These communities have low crime rates, strong schools, and fun activities for families.
Protests planned as Hawaii turns 50
Protests planned as Hawaii turns 50
Fifty years after Hawaii became the 50th state, some want it to break ties with the U.S.
Major clues in amnesia case?
Major clues in amnesia case?
A man who woke up in Seattle's Discovery Park with no memories may find out who he is.
Big threats to America's recovery
6 big threats to America's recovery
The worst of the economic crisis seems over, but the road to recovery faces big risks.
Unusual Holidays and Celebrations
Today is
Men's Grooming Day,
Poet's Day,
Senior Citizen's Day,
and
World Daffodil Day
Men's Grooming Day,
Poet's Day,
Senior Citizen's Day,
and
World Daffodil Day
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Hilversum, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Faro, Faro, Portugal
Hilversum, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Faro, Faro, Portugal
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Any impulse buys you make on credit today could end up draining your bank account of much-needed funds, so save the shopping until you're feeling more flush and can pay with cash.
It's wise to take your time in any buying situation -- after all, what's the big rush?
Make sure that you've done all your research before making any purchase, especially when it comes to big-ticket items like automobiles, computers or television sets.
A new gadget can be seductive but not worth its price.
Tight fisted it is.
Any impulse buys you make on credit today could end up draining your bank account of much-needed funds, so save the shopping until you're feeling more flush and can pay with cash.
It's wise to take your time in any buying situation -- after all, what's the big rush?
Make sure that you've done all your research before making any purchase, especially when it comes to big-ticket items like automobiles, computers or television sets.
A new gadget can be seductive but not worth its price.
Tight fisted it is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
