10 crucial things to know about housing
Has the real estate market bottomed out? What are the next cities to take a plunge?
Friday, October 16, 2009
First 'black hole' created on Earth
First 'black hole' created on Earth
A laboratory fabrication of the space phenomenon isn't just for the fun of it.
Bank's public relations nightmare
Bank's public relations nightmare
Goldman Sachs plans to pay each of its employees close to $700,000 this year.
Wal-Mart, Amazon race to slash prices
Wal-Mart, Amazon race to slash prices
An online book special erupts into a full-fledged price war between the retail giants.
Good pay without a four-year degree
Good pay without a four-year degree
These 10 high-paying careers don't require you to spend four years in college first.
'Wild Things' not be for kids
'Wild Things' movie may not be for kids
Critics are gaga for the film version of Maurice Sendak's classic book, but parents may not be.
Cars that lose their value the fastest
Cars that lose their value the fastest
Most new autos lose about 65% of their value after five years — but these models do even worse.
Bottom five
Bottom five
Also:
Outrage over interracial marriage scandal
Outrage over interracial marriage scandal
Officials call for the removal of the Louisiana man who refused to marry an interracial couple.
World's most expensive cruise ship
World's most expensive cruise ship
The $1.4 billion liner features an aqua theater and a park with 12,000 plants and trees.
NC property owned by Mollohan going to auction
North Carolina beachfront property owned by West Virginia congressman Alan Mollohan and a former aide is going to a courthouse auction.
NC property owned by Mollohan going to auction
NC property owned by Mollohan going to auction
Distracted driver smashes van into singer's Hendersonville home
Although he had his alarm set to wake him Thursday morning, musician Jimmie Van Zant got an even earlier wake-up call when his neighbor's minivan crashed into his home in the Mansker Farms subdivision.
Distracted driver smashes van into singer's Hendersonville home
Distracted driver smashes van into singer's Hendersonville home
Rare Crusades-Era Murals Depict Heaven & Hell
Two crusader-era murals have been discovered by archaeologists in Syria, located in a medieval church near the coastline.
Rare Crusades-Era Murals Depict Heaven & Hell
Rare Crusades-Era Murals Depict Heaven & Hell
FDA probes negative effects of Lasik
FDA probes negative effects of Lasik
Millions have undergone laser eye surgery, but the long-term safety is still unknown.
Make your home energy-efficient for winter
Make your home energy-efficient for winter
These easy tips will keep your house — and wallet — buttoned up for the cold weather.
Placebo effect caught in the act in spinal nerves
People were given a fake painkiller but didn't feel pain – and for the first time, an fMRI scanner saw their pain-related nerves stay quiet.
Early season snow dusts parts of the East
From the "Oh, Joy" Department:
Wintry weather has arrived a little early in some eastern states.
Wintry weather has arrived a little early in some eastern states.
Seven habits that can cost you big
Seven habits that can cost you big
Small changes to these everyday routines can make a big difference in your finances.
Daily Almanac
Today is Friday, Oct. 16th, the 289th day of 2009.
There are 76 days left in the year.
Today In History October 16
There are 76 days left in the year.
Today In History October 16
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Manila, Manila, Philippines
Albstadt, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Midland, Ontario, Canada
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina
Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
London, England, United Kingdom
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
New Delhi, Delhi, India
as well as Scotland, Serbia, and the United States
Manila, Manila, Philippines
Albstadt, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Midland, Ontario, Canada
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina
Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
London, England, United Kingdom
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
New Delhi, Delhi, India
as well as Scotland, Serbia, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Do you think that the people who are in positions of authority over your life are not interested in what you have to say right now?
Nothing could be further from the truth -- they are dying to pick your brain.
Ignore anyone who tries to keep you out of important discussions; they are just jealous that your profile is getting higher and you are surpassing them in the eyes of important people.
You count, too -- in fact, more than just about anyone else, right now.
Kewl!
Do you think that the people who are in positions of authority over your life are not interested in what you have to say right now?
Nothing could be further from the truth -- they are dying to pick your brain.
Ignore anyone who tries to keep you out of important discussions; they are just jealous that your profile is getting higher and you are surpassing them in the eyes of important people.
You count, too -- in fact, more than just about anyone else, right now.
Kewl!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Mitt Romney: Public Option is "Absolute Death"
The repugicans have changed their message.No longer do they talk about "death panels," since the end-of-life counseling provisions have been removed. Now, they are using the term "absolute death."
Nine-Year-Old Asks Obama: "Why Do People Hate You?"
Out of the mouths of babes, they say.
At a town hall in Louisiana today, Barack Obama received a question that would have taken some people aback. Despite that, he acted with aplomb.
At a town hall in Louisiana today, Barack Obama received a question that would have taken some people aback. Despite that, he acted with aplomb.
The Hate America Party
For a while, after they got trounced in the last election, it was hard to figure out what the repugican party stood for.
(Actually it wasn't all that hard at all - they are the Hate America Party)
The Hate America Party
(Actually it wasn't all that hard at all - they are the Hate America Party)
The Hate America Party
Swine flu 6 months later
Relief, but winter looms
It was six months ago that scientists discovered an ominous new flu virus, touching off fears of a catastrophic global outbreak that could cause people to drop dead in the streets.
Boy saves teacher
A 10-year-old autistic boy in Texas is being hailed as a hero after he performed the Heimlich maneuver on his teacher while she was choking.
10-Year-Old Autistic Boy Saves His Teacher's Life
10-Year-Old Autistic Boy Saves His Teacher's Life
No more tacos
Some Mexico City cops are taking a bite out of more than crime.
The Mexican capital is putting its 1,300 of its heaviest police officers on a diet, concerned about rapidly expanding waistlines in the force.
Mexico City puts 1,300 overweight police on a diet
The Mexican capital is putting its 1,300 of its heaviest police officers on a diet, concerned about rapidly expanding waistlines in the force.
Mexico City puts 1,300 overweight police on a diet
College admissions and risk-taking
Risk has been pushed to the back burner in favor of a paint-by-numbers illusion of achievement and path to success.
College admissions and risk-taking
College admissions and risk-taking
More states letting inmates cut time
More states letting inmates cut time
In efforts to ease overcrowding, states are allowing prisoners to earn early release.
H1N1 causes unusual damage to lungs
H1N1 causes unusual damage to lungs
Doctors need to look for clots and other irregularities in flu sufferers, new studies say.
Staying healthy in 'unhealthy' cities
Staying healthy in 'unhealthy' cities
It's possible to keep fit anywhere, even if you live in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
Medals' dramatic new look for Olympics
Medals' dramatic new look for Olympics
The design of the gold, silver, and bronze medals have been altered for the Vancouver Games.
Easy ways to save time daily
Easy ways to save time daily
If you're beyond busy, these tips can help you beat the clock all day long.
From Arctic icecap to 'open sea'
From Arctic icecap to 'open sea'
New measurements show just how vulnerable the polar region has become.
Still on the job but making much less
Still on the job but making much less
Pay cuts are occurring more frequently than at any time since the Great Depression.
Amelia Earhart goggles go for big bucks
Amelia Earhart goggles go for big bucks
The aviator's eyewear outsold Elvis' guitar, Michael Jackson's glove, and Indiana Jones' whip.
Is that pink ribbon doing what you think?
Is that pink ribbon doing what you think?
If you're "buying pink" to benefit cancer research, you might want to check the fine print.
Debate over symbol
Debate over symbol
Also:
Toxic dry wall leaves thousands in limbo
Toxic dry wall leaves thousands in limbo
Defective Chinese dry wall has made many homes unlivable — and now the owners get another surprise.
Where workers get the most vacation days
Where workers get the most vacation days
Employees in these two countries take a minimum of 41 days off from work each year.
Broken dreams auctioned on the cheap
Broken dreams auctioned on the cheap
Lenders and builders struggle to unload properties, even at bargain-basement prices.
“Christian Taliban” to Host Halloween Book and Music Burning
The Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina will be spending this Halloween burning books and music its deemed Satan’s work – including all non-King James versions of the Bible. Attendees will enjoy barbeque chicken and all the sides while they burn works written by the Pope and Mother Teresa among others. Pastor Marc Grizzard says there is a spiritual basis for book burnings.
Book burnings are, at least in this writer’s opinion, truly emblematic of oppression. The church’s call to purge materials brings up to mind some pretty disturbing moments in history, including recollections of Nazi burning and, more recently, the destruction of the Sarajevo National Library. If you ask me, there are a million and one better ways to spend Halloween – including celebrating the right to read by checking out spooky stories from the local library.
It is not clear where the church acquired the books it intends to burn.
*****
All you can say is these whack-jobs are a distinct and very tiny cluster of hand-jobs in the midst of a vibrant and very Liberal town ... and as they say it only takes a few bad apples to ruin the entire barrel. Luckily, Asheville's reputation of being a great place with great people and tolerance is and will remain intact - unfortunately, it is that tolerance that allows these perverts to slither in.
Meanwhile the hallowed traditions of Souwen (samhain) will be adhered to by all good people of NC.
All you can say is these whack-jobs are a distinct and very tiny cluster of hand-jobs in the midst of a vibrant and very Liberal town ... and as they say it only takes a few bad apples to ruin the entire barrel. Luckily, Asheville's reputation of being a great place with great people and tolerance is and will remain intact - unfortunately, it is that tolerance that allows these perverts to slither in.
Meanwhile the hallowed traditions of Souwen (samhain) will be adhered to by all good people of NC.
He's a 'real' Pothead
Police say they've nabbed a real pothead.
They say an officer spotted 29-year-old Cesar Lopez inside a convenience store with a bag of marijuana stuck to his forehead.
Man busted with weed stuck to forehead
They say an officer spotted 29-year-old Cesar Lopez inside a convenience store with a bag of marijuana stuck to his forehead.
Man busted with weed stuck to forehead
Boy missing after experimental balloon crash lands
Falcon Heene, a six-year-old boy from Colorado is missing after an experimental balloon crash landed. The boy's brother said he saw Falcon get in the balloon before it went into the air. It rose to about 11,000 feet before returning to the ground near Denver.
Police are looking for the boy. Some say he may have fallen from the balloon and others think he never got in the balloon but is hiding because he doesn't want to get into trouble.
It doesn't look to me like a helium-filled balloon this small could carry a kid aloft.
No sign of boy said to have floated off on balloon
Update:
Missing boy found alive
The 6-year-old Colorado boy thought to have taken flight in a homemade balloon is found safe.
Benito Mussolini Was British Intelligence Asset
Well, what do you know ...
History remembers Benito Mussolini as a founder member of the original Axis of Evil, the Italian dictator who ruled his country with fear and forged a disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany. But a previously unknown area of Il Duce’s CV has come to light: his brief career as a British agent.
Archived documents have revealed that Mussolini got his start in politics in 1917 with the help of a £100 weekly wage from MI5.
For the British intelligence agency, it must have seemed like a good investment. Mussolini, then a 34-year-old journalist, was not just willing to ensure Italy continued to fight alongside the allies in the first world war by publishing propaganda in his paper. He was also willing to send in the boys to “persuade” peace protesters to stay at home.
Dimbulb Spews and Olbermann Sets Him Straight
Look, in 1988, I’m the only national conservative voice. Now look at conservative media.
Look what I have spawned. Glenn Beck to me is right on daddy-o. Glenn Beck is a result of my success.
~ Lush Dimbulb
That's like congratulating yourself on spreading syphilis.
~ Keith Olbermann
~ Keith Olbermann
What shook up Saturn's rings in 1984?
Something disrupted the rings 25 years ago, creating a pattern like the grooves on a vinyl record – and the mystery is only getting deeper.Saturn's rings
Your bullying boss really is an idiot
From the "OK, tell us something we didn't know" Department:
Psychologists show that people turn nasty when influence and incompetence collide.
It's official
Birth of the Appalachians triggered mass extinction
The birth of the US mountain chain may have led to a major ice age and a mass extinction.Birth of the Appalachians triggered mass extinction
Ralph Lauren model fired for being overweight?
Last week Ralph Lauren came under fire for (what looked to be) an extremely altered photo of a model in one of its ads. Bloggers at the website BoingBoing.net posted the image online, and lawyers for Ralph Lauren attempted to sue them for copyright infringement. Unfortunately for Ralph Lauren, this only furthered public interest and outrage over the dangerously thin looking model and, eventually, the clothing company released this apology:"For over 42 years we have built a brand based on quality and integrity. After further investigation, we have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman's body. We have addressed the problem and going forward will take every precaution to ensure that the caliber of our artwork represents our brand appropriately."
Unfortunately,"addressing the problem" may have included firing the model, 23-year-old Filippa Hamilton. She is 5'10" and weighs 120 pounds--clearly more full-bodied than the photoshopped girl we see in the advertisement. Though Hamilton has modeled for Ralph Lauren since she was 15, the company let her go "as a result of her inability to meet the obligations under her contract with us."
But the story gets worse: Hamilton says she was let go because she'd become too fat to model for them. "They fired me because they said I was overweight and I couldn't fit in their clothes anymore," she explained. "I was shocked to see that super skinny girl with my face...It's very sad, I think, that Ralph Lauren could do something like that."
Most of us know that a tall, young woman who weighs 120 pounds is not overweight. But Hamilton claims Ralph Lauren was dissatisfied with her body, and therefore fired her six months ago. However, the company continued to use her image, whittling down her arms, waist, thighs, and possibly several other body parts in the above ad. If they were so unhappy with how she looked, why not get another model for the campaign? Why use the photos and alter and distort them?
Today, Ralph Lauren himself is distancing himself from the ad, claiming, "The image in question was mistakenly released and used in a department store in Japan and was not the approved image which ran in the U.S." So we're confused. They say the photoshopping was an error, that Hamilton is "beautiful and healthy," yet they allegedly fired her for her size? With all these apologies and statements it sounds like the brand still has yet to accept responsibility for their actions.
When I searched for more images of Filippa Hamilton, I instantly remembered her—she was the face of Ralph Lauren's fragrance, Romance, has been featured on the cover of international editions of Vogue and Elle, and has appeared in many ads. She's a gorgeous woman. "I think they [Ralph Lauren] owe American women an apology, a big apology," says Hamilton. "I'm very proud of what I look like, and I think a role model should look healthy."
The truth is, models get fired or overlooked all the time for being what the industry considers overweight, we just rarely see or hear about it. Eating disorders are not only common among models, but they're also common among the women and young girls who emulate them.
We're happy to see that Hamilton has come forward, and wish more models and celebrities would do the same. It's awesome and empowering when stars admit they've been photoshopped for an ad or movie poster and say how dissatisfied they are about it. With foreign countries banning underweight models from their fashion weeks, and the increasing presence of "plus size" models in women's magazines, we wish the unhealthy representation and falsified depiction of models—and women—would come to an end entirely. Do you think the day will ever come?
Repugican Internet Fails
The 9 Worst Repugican Attempts To Use New Media
This is just one example of why those morons shouldn't be on the net ...
Kay Granger (retard - Texas) included on her 2006 campaign website a recipe for "killer margaritas." One of the three ingredients is beer.
Full Story
This is just one example of why those morons shouldn't be on the net ...
Kay Granger (retard - Texas) included on her 2006 campaign website a recipe for "killer margaritas." One of the three ingredients is beer.
Full Story
White House all over Faux News
Faux News talking heads like Glenn Brick and Swill O'Really have attacked the Obama administration for its aggressive posture toward the propaganda arm of the wing-nut repugican party.
Don't like being named for what you are, eh?
Mom Arrested for Washing Kid's Mouth With Soap
A Palm Bay woman and her boyfriend were arrested Monday for child abuse after the couple went old school to punish their 8-year-old daughter for swearing.They washed her mouth out with soap.
Religion Immutable, Homosexuality Not: Boehner
Ah, senator Bonehead does it again - inserts both feet in mouth.
Last week, House Minority Leader John Boehner (reptile-Ohio) objected to House passage of a bill that would expand hate crime laws to cover sexual orientation. His reason, apparently, is that homosexuality is a choice. At the same time, Boehner feels that religion is immutable. In other words, your religion is set from birth.
Last week, House Minority Leader John Boehner (reptile-Ohio) objected to House passage of a bill that would expand hate crime laws to cover sexual orientation. His reason, apparently, is that homosexuality is a choice. At the same time, Boehner feels that religion is immutable. In other words, your religion is set from birth. Lush Dimbulb to Be Dropped From Rams Bid
At least three NFL sources tell ESPN that Lush Dimbulb will be dropped from a potential ownership group that is attempting to buy the St. Louis Rams. The inclusion of Dimbulb in the purchase group has caused a firestorm with many, including NFL Players union executive director DeMaurice Smith slamming the possibility of Dimbulb becoming an owner.
And here is the reason why ...
As the issue of Lush Dimbulb possibly obtaining partial ownership of the St. Louis Rams gathers steam as a racial issue, Brave New Films has organized both a video and a petition aimed at telling the NFL what many people already know: Lush Dimbulb is a racist.
*****
Now get this: Lush blames Obama, 'race hustlers' for blocking Rams bid
The fact that he is a lying sack of shit racist has nothing to do with it!
As the issue of Lush Dimbulb possibly obtaining partial ownership of the St. Louis Rams gathers steam as a racial issue, Brave New Films has organized both a video and a petition aimed at telling the NFL what many people already know: Lush Dimbulb is a racist.
*****
Now get this: Lush blames Obama, 'race hustlers' for blocking Rams bid
The fact that he is a lying sack of shit racist has nothing to do with it!
Saudis want to charge US for using less oil
If you thought the executives at Goldman Sachs were the kings of backroom finance, think again. Goldman Sachs, meet Saudi King Abdullah.
Why Retirees Are Increasingly Declaring Bankruptcy
Hard-hit by the recession, today's 55-and-over crowd is the age group most likely to declare bankruptcy.
Chile police bust cockfighting ring
Chilean police break up a cockfighting ring that has been operating for 30 years in Santiago.
Abortions Decline, Despite More Liberal Laws Worldwide
Abortions are becoming less common around the world, even as more countries ease abortion laws.
In a report looking at abortion trends around the world, the Guttmacher Institute, a non-profit reproductive rights organization, estimates that the number of abortions worldwide dropped to about 42 million in 2003 from a little over 45 million in 1995.
In fact the only places where they are on the rise is where there are laws restricting abortion are in place.
Teenagers Light 15-Year-Old on Fire Over $40
What has the world turned into?!
A group of five Broward County, FL teenagers lit another 15-year-old on fire, burning 80% of his body.
The reason cited was revenge: money owed ($40) for a video game and the thwarted theft of the victim's father's bike
A group of five Broward County, FL teenagers lit another 15-year-old on fire, burning 80% of his body.
The reason cited was revenge: money owed ($40) for a video game and the thwarted theft of the victim's father's bike
Seattle fugitive picks wrong Facebook friend
Maxi Sopo was living the dream of a fugitive abroad, kicking back on the beaches of Cancun by day, partying in the clubs by night.
Wal-Mart stumbles while going global
From the "Cry me a river" Department:
Wal-Mart stumbles while going global
The retail giant wants to grow around the world, but its first attempts proved disastrous.
Consumers show signs of life as prices stay low
Consumers may be slowly regaining their appetite to shop, as the prices they encounter in stores remain low.
Consumers show signs of life as prices stay low
As long as prices remain low there will be shopping ... the second they raise prices the shopping will cease.
Consumers show signs of life as prices stay low
As long as prices remain low there will be shopping ... the second they raise prices the shopping will cease.
Finland First Country to Make Broadband a Legal Right
Finland's Ministry of Transport and Communications has made 1 mbps broadband access a legal right, according to YLE, the country's national broadcasting company. This makes Finland the first country to take this step. Joe Biden no longer a lone ranger
Joe Biden no longer a lone ranger
The outspoken vice president has had no problem being the president's right-hand man.
Daily Almanac
Today is Thursday, Oct. 15, the 288th day of 2009.
There are 77 days left in the year.
Today In History October 15
There are 77 days left in the year.
Today In History October 15
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Stoke On Trent, England, United Kingdom
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Legaspi, Albay, Philippines
London, England, United Kingdom
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Vilnius, Vilnaius Apskirtis, Lithuania
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
as well as Sweden, Luxembourg, Scotland, and the United States
Stoke On Trent, England, United Kingdom
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Legaspi, Albay, Philippines
London, England, United Kingdom
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Vilnius, Vilnaius Apskirtis, Lithuania
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
as well as Sweden, Luxembourg, Scotland, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Research and planning is always a good idea, but you may be getting too caught up in the details of it all.
Are you looking for an excuse not to move forward?
The time is right to get active -- if you are having any doubts, just use your imagination to come up with ideas or choices that will fill in the blanks and keep you going!
If you need to make revisions, you can always work them out as you go along.
It's important to make a commitment today.
Oh, I'm committed.
Research and planning is always a good idea, but you may be getting too caught up in the details of it all.
Are you looking for an excuse not to move forward?
The time is right to get active -- if you are having any doubts, just use your imagination to come up with ideas or choices that will fill in the blanks and keep you going!
If you need to make revisions, you can always work them out as you go along.
It's important to make a commitment today.
Oh, I'm committed.
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