CAROLINA NATURALLY

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thanksgiving air travel will be packed

Fewer people will be flying this holiday, but airlines are ensuring that their planes remain full.

Biggest obstacles for fliers

Also:

Arrival of the modern gold rush

The price of gold futures soars to a record high, driven by savvy investors.

Selling family jewelry

Also:

What new home tax credit means for you

Big changes in the law mean more people can qualify, including existing homeowners.

How much can you get?

Also:

Why many parents are ditching 529 plans

Once heralded as the ultimate college-savings vehicle, 529s have lost favor with some parents.

The reasons

Also:

Dog missing in action found in Afghanistan

A bomb-sniffing dog that disappeared during a fierce battle is found 14 months later.

In good condition

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Walking plans to target health goals

Try one of these walking plans to lose belly fat, reduce stress, or stay heart-healthy.

5 different routines

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New rule bans most overdraft fees

Banks must now ask permission before hitting customers with overdraft fees.

When rule will go into effect

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Historic homes for sale at $1 each

Buyers of three houses in a well-to-do Chicago suburb will also get $10,000.

The catch

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Foods that effectively fight fat

These bulge-battling superfoods have the power to melt fat and help you stay slim.

A cheese to say yes to

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Burger King sued over $1 burgers

The chain's promotion for $1 double cheeseburgers has outraged franchise owners.

Product twice rejected

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The Knell of Imminent Doom for Blockbuster

They're closing 115 stores

Struggling movie rental retailer Blockbuster Inc. said Thursday that its third-quarter loss surged more than fivefold as more consumers rented movies by mail or through competitors' vending kiosks instead of driving to its stores.

Blockbuster continues to hemorrhage cash in the quarter as it diversifies its business. The company wants to increase its share of movie rentals by mail and kiosks — arenas where it faces tough competition with Netflix Inc. and Coinstar Inc.'s Redbox — and is working to stream more shows over the Internet through different devices while managing the decline of its stores.

Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said the stores are a "cornerstone" of the company's business and still attract 50 million customers a year.

Shares of Blockbuster, based in Dallas, fell 11 cents, or 13.2 percent, to 72 cents in after-hours trading. The stock was up 2 cents to 83 cents during the regular session.

The company lost $116.8 million, or 60 cents per share, compared with a loss of $20.6 million, or 11 cents, in the same quarter a year ago. Excluding one-time costs related to debt refinancing, store closures and severance, Blockbuster had an adjusted loss of $38.3 million, or 20 cents per share, compared with $17.8 million, or 9 cents per share.

Revenue fell by 21 percent to $910.5 million from $1.16 billion.

Blockbuster's performance fell short of the $1 billion in revenue and 11-cent-per-share loss expected by analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. They typically exclude one-time items.

Sales at locations opened at least a year — a key measure of performance because newer stores tend to skew results — fell 14.4 percent worldwide. U.S. sales comparisons were down 18 percent and nearly 5 percent in international stores.

Blockbuster said it expects to close at most 115 stores in the fourth quarter. That's in addition to the 216 it has closed through the third quarter.

The company said it will have 2,500 Blockbuster Express vending kiosks by year's end.

Man used crowbar to attack Greek priest he mistook for terrorist

This story is disturbing to say the least.

You know he didn't just attack the priest with a crowbar, he's now alleging that the man was was a gay Arab terrorist who tried to sexually assault him before he was going to blow him up.

We can thank all the hysterical people who decided in advance that Ft. Hood was a Muslim terrorist attack (and we mean you, Joe Lieberman).

You create hysteria, and this is what people do.

Man used crowbar to attack Greek priest he mistook for terrorist

Laid-off execs can't face jobless reality

Despite being laid-off, one ex-banker spends as if he's still making $200,000.

'On the outside, no one has any idea'

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Newest natural wonders to visit

The Dolomites' limestone peaks and 90-degree walls make it a year-round attraction.

More exceptional sites

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Tensions rise between North and South Korea after crew member dies in skirmish

North Korea threatened South Korea with possible punishment today over a skirmish that left one of its warships badly damaged and a crew member dead.

Full Story

Nails, coins removed from stomach

A Peruvian man is recovering after eating metal for months, and having almost 2 pounds of it removed from his stomach.

(Mental, oops, make that)Metal patient

Druggie claims Jesus set him up

From the "This guy's a tee-total idiot" Department:

A Kentucky man faces drug paraphernalia charges after he told police Jesus set him up by leaving a burnt teaspoon in his residence.

Full Story

Combine drugs with ignorant stupidity, add religion and this is what you get.
Want to lay odds he's a repugican?!

Chinese Scientists Tinker with Mother Nature

Chinese scientists have artificially induced the second major snowstorm to wreak havoc in Beijing this season, state media said today, reigniting debate over the practice of tinkering with Mother Nature.

Full Story

This isn't good folks, Ma Nature tends to get a mite testy when you muck around with her.

Plane hits bushpig on take-off

An airline has been criticized for not knowing what to do after one of its planes hit a bushpig on take-off. Air Zimbabwe had "no disaster response strategy" and its personnel "did not have a clue" of what to do.

Secret police arrested two passengers for taking pictures.

Full Story

I don't know what is more disturbing ... the total lack of any knowledge of what to do or the fact that the secret police arrested two for taking pictures.

But if I had to select one I'd go with the fact there were secret police around in the first place.

Search Continues For Missing 5-Year-Old

A North Carolina man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping in the disappearance of a 5-year-old Fayetteville girl, but police were still searching for the child early Thursday - two days after she went missing.

Man Charged

Unusual Holidays and Celebrations

This is one of those rare days when we humans do not have any holiday or celebration.

We got to fix that.

Daily Almanac

Today is Thursday, Nov. 12, the 316th day of 2009.

There are 49 days left in the year.

Today In History November 12

Our Readers

Some of our readers today have been in:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Bangkok, Krung Thep, Thailand
Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela
Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia
Calgiari, Sardegna, Italy
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom
Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Coutenay, British Columbia, Canada
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Kiev, Kyyiv, Ukraine
Mugla, Mugla, Turkey

as well as Scotland, and the United States

Daily Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

There are many ways to journey through life, but you will only know the path you choose to travel.
This is a wonderful day to expose yourself to new art, especially if it's from a different culture.
Turn the dial on your radio or television to a foreign-language broadcast.
Leave it there for a few minutes.
You'll be surprised how intriguing you find it.
Every now and then, it's wise to travel down an unfamiliar side street.

Can do.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Suite of chatterbox genes discovered

A set of 116 genes influenced by Foxp2 could have co-evolved to give humans language.

Suite of chatterbox genes discovered

Mini ice age took hold of Europe in months

Detailed studies of ancient climate have revealed that the onset of Europe's "Big Freeze", 13,000 years ago, was anything but glacial.

Mini ice age took hold of Europe in months

Monkeys share our sense of injustice

Our instinctive reaction to displays of greed and conspicuous consumption has its origins in the primate world, says Frans de Waal.

Fair play

Poise yourself for a promotion

Despite the tough job market, there are steps you can take to spotlight your value at work.

Tout achievements

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Palestinian cave-dweller's fight for home

Brought up in a cave, he's been told to make way for an Israeli housing project.

Family lives in a refugee camp

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You know things are bad for the teabaggers when even Faux News fact-checks Palin

From tpmnewswire, Faux News points out that Sarah Palin is, oh, shall we say, 2 patties short of a Big Mac:

Now, just ain't that a shame.

Iran condemns Neda scholarship

An honor named for a slain student who became a symbol of opposition draws the government's ire.

Unnamed donors

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Home remedies for common ailments

Studies show that drinking 16 ounces of brewed coffee can help alleviate your headache.

Relief for queasiness

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Most powerful people in the world

The list includes the leader of 1.3 billion citizens — more than anyone else on the planet.

But who's No. 1?

Also:

Green jobs that pay $30 an hour

These careers are in high demand and offer promising growth potential.

Top salary is $87,200 per year

Also:

Smart year-end tax moves to make now

Take advantage of deductions that could mean thousands in savings before it's too late.

Absorb your capital losses

Also:

Wal-Mart's game plan for Black Friday

The retailer is making big changes to control frenzied shoppers, including changing its hours.

What to expect

Also:

Faux accused of misleading news footage

A health care report on Sean Handjob's show purportedly uses spliced video favoring the repugicans.

Jon Stewart's role

Also:

Jon Stewart catches them lying:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Sean Hannity Uses Glenn Beck's Protest Footage

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Lou Dobbs resigns from CNN

The longtime cable news anchor, whose anti-immigration views have made him a TV lightning rod, resigns.

Details

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The 10 most cash-strapped states

These U.S. states are raising taxes, laying off workers, and cutting services.

900,000 jobs at stake

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Reasons to shop early this holiday season

Experts say late shoppers will miss the best deals, and popular products will sell out.

Bad news for consumers

Also:

Maryland officials ban youth from using tanning beds

Howard County officials have voted to ban people under age 18 from using indoor tanning devices -- the first such ban in the country.

Full Story

Repugican Coburn "is denying veterans many benefits and services”

We'll hear a lot of speeches about veterans and their service to our nation today.

But, any repugican who speaks today will do so with a forked-tongue and should be ashamed.
Their colleague, Tom Coburn (OK) is still blocking a bill to aid vets.
At the end of last week, Senator Daniel Akaka laid down the gauntlet:

Speaking Friday on the Senate floor about a procedural hold that is blocking passage of S. 1963, the Veterans’ Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benefits Act, Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, said “it would be truly disgraceful” if the bill didn’t clear the Senate by Veterans’ Day.

Akaka said the bill represents a bipartisan collection of veterans’ committee proposals packaged into one bill so it could quickly pass. Consideration of the measure is being blocked by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who doesn’t want the measure brought up unless he is given an opportunity to offer amendments.

“This single senator is denying veterans many benefits and services,” Akaka said, including a new caregiver assistant program at families of the “most seriously wounded veterans.”

Well, it's Veterans Day and Coburn is still blocking the bill.
His repugican colleagues are enabling him.

On Monday, Democratic Senators held a press conference to focus attention on this issue.
And, Coburn showed up for what he called the "festivities."
The Democrats blasted him anyway:

Festivities?
This may be all fun and games for Coburn.
But it is reality for the vets and their families.

Isn't it time to just bulldoze over Coburn?
If the Senate won't do it for veterans, they won't do it for anyone.

A National Disgrace

The number of military veterans who are homeless in the New York City metropolitan area is nearly 10,000.

Nearly 10,000 homeless vets in NYC area

This is a searing spotlight on a National Disgrace this country has that has been caused directly by repugicans and their 'policies' over the past 30 years or so (especially the 2001 to 2008 shrub years) toward Veterans and the general public for that matter.

A grouchy public sticking with Obama

Obama still has the public approval of a majority of Americans, but he finds himself governing an increasingly pessimistic country.

And that grouchiness is directed at the repugicans and wingnuts who are trying to thwart the will of the American People.

Full Story

NC school sells test points for $20 to raise money

A middle school in North Carolina is selling test scores to students in a bid to raise money.

Full Story

This is bad any way you look at it.

Veterans Day and the number 11

An event in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 resulted in Wednesday's holiday.

Backstory

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Chocolate: more addictive than heroin

Well, this explains a lot!

Archaeologists have dated cacao as chocolate being eaten by the Mayan Indians of Mexico as early as 600 CE. The cocoa bean had been worshipped by the Mayans as a heavenly gift. The beans were put on a pedestal and worshipped as an idol.

In its raw form, chocolate is more addictive than heroin.

Scientists currently study how chocolate addiction changes the brain, and which chemicals are released by the brain by eating chocolate.

Full Story

Mormon church endorses gay rights law

Despite its high-profile fight against gay marriage, Mormons back a new law that bans discrimination.

Some exceptions

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Foods that help you stay young

Add these eight nutritional powerhouses to your diet to help you look and feel youthful.

Almonds for better memory

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Massive blackout leaves Brazil on edge

Massive blackout

An extraordinary power outage plunged tens of millions into darkness and sparked crime fears.

'Domino effect'

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Psychics Find Skeletal Remains In 100-Year-Old Mansion

A historic Brooke County mansion is at the center of a police and paranormal investigation after skeletal remains were found hidden in a wall.

"They found some questionable bones and I still cannot confirm or deny that they're human," Sheriff Richard Ferguson said. "They appear to be very old, but still intact, and we have no time frame. We're actually looking back into the history of this area."

Full Story

And I Quote

HBO is running a documentary about the election of Barack Obama called 'By the People.'
After this they have a documentary about the election of George W. Bush. It's called, 'By Mistake.'

~ David Letterman

You didn't get mad...

BartCop had this wonderful piece today.

*****

You didn't get mad...

You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.

You didn't get mad when VP Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate energy Policy.

You didn't get mad when a covert CIA Operative was revealed.

You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act was passed.

You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded Iraq looking for WMD'S that didn't exist.

You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 Billion dollars(and counting) on Iraq War.

You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.

You didn't get mad when Bush was illegally wiretapping us at home and work.

You didn't get mad when Bush borrowed money to give to the oil companies.

You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.

You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible Conditions at Walter Reed.

You didn't get mad when we let New Orleans drown.

You didn't get mad when Bush got 4,500 soldiers killed.

You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.

You finally got mad when---- The government decided that people in America
deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick.

Illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, giving your tax dollars to super-rich, are all OK with you?
But helping other Americans is the last straw?

Seven presidents have tried to pass a Health Care Plan of some sort and
have failed. None have had the "hate filled" opposition of this president.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING AMERICA.

Backward star ain't from around here

The nearest neighboring star to orbit the galaxy backwards appears to have come from a much brighter place.

Backward star ain't from around these parts

Fat in Japan? You're breaking the law.

As the health care debate rages in the US, Tokyo lawmakers set a maximum waist size.
Are you too fat for Japan?

Full Story

Now, this is going a teensy bit too far.

Catch The Wind

Donovan (live on the BBC)

3 to 6 Inches Of Rain to Move Across The Area

From the "Oh Joy!" Department:

A flash flood and flood watch are in effect for parts of the area through Thursday.

3 to 6 Inches Of Rain

Comedian Katt Williams jailed in Georgia over burglary

Comedian Katt Williams was released on bond Monday after police said they arrested the entertainer for breaking into a home and stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and coins.

Full Story

Suspect in Letterman blackmail asks court to drop case

A lawyer for the TV news producer accused of blackmailing David Letterman plans to ask a judge to dismiss an extortion case that prompted the late-night comic to acknowledge affairs with staffers.

Full Story

Repugicans Threaten Cao

How dare he agree to give people health care!

Joseph Cao (r-LA) was solely responsible for dashing the repugican leadership’s hopes of having all 177 of its members vote against historic health care legislation on Saturday. Cao broke with his party and voted with Democrats after speaking personally to President Obama and pressing for more federal funds for his district, which is still struggling after Hurricane Katrina...

The reaction to Cao from the wingnuts has been swift and fierce, with some comparing the only non-Hispanic minority in the repugican caucus to Mao Tse Tung and calling him racial epithets. Don Young (r-AK) - who has defended Cao’s vote - had to stand beside him during Saturday’s roll call, "fending off his repugican colleagues who might have twisted Cao’s arms." Last week, rnc chairwhimp Michael Tom Steele made clear that moderates who don’t walk the party line have no place in the repugican party.

Full Story

New dinosaur species discovered

The creature may hold the key to explaining how dinosaurs became the largest land animals.

Missing link

Also:

Unusual Holidays and Celebrations

There are no unusual Holidays and Celebrations today.

Today is Veterans Day in the US and Remembrance Day in Canada.

Daily Almanac

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 11, the 315th day of 2009.

There are 50 days left in the year.

Today In History November 11

Our Readers

Some of our readers today have been in:

London, England, United Kingdom
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Siena, Toscana, Italy
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia
New Delhi, Delhi, India

Daily Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

If you want more peace in your life, spend more time with altruistic people.
Ignore the drama kings and queens you encounter today.
Every time you get involved in their drama, you're fueling their toxic behavior, and it's always a waste of your energy.
The troublemakers and the takers cause waves and create problems, forcing your attention their way.
Instead, focus on the people who give back -- they deserve more of your time and gratitude.

No drama, got it.

Welcome to ...

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Naturally Friends

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