The dark side of Darwin's legacy
Darwin is a hero to scientists, but his ideas have also inspired some disturbing behaviors.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
'Destroyed' painting surprises scholars
'Destroyed' painting surprises scholars
A major work of art thought to be ruined during World War II is examined for the first time in nearly 70 years.
The 12 online scams of Christmas
The 12 online scams of Christmas
Beware of these common tricks used by cyber thieves to steal your money or your identity.
After 23 years, 'coma' patient feels reborn
After 23 years, 'coma' patient feels reborn
Rom Houben describes the decades he spent misdiagnosed as being in a vegetative state.
Wal-Mart and Amazon heat up price war
Wal-Mart and Amazon heat up price war
To win over shoppers, the retailers are slashing prices on DVDs, toys, and electronics.
Cities with most 'underwater' mortgages
Cities with most 'underwater' mortgages
In the worst-hit city, a whopping 81.8% of borrowers owe more than their homes are worth.
Illusion fools adults, but not kids
Illusion fools adults, but not kids
A new study discovers "adults literally see the world less accurately than they did as children."
Which one of these is a yam, anyhow?
Which one of these is a yam, anyhow?
The classic Thanksgiving confusion between yams and sweet potatoes is finally put to rest.
Jobs that pay at least $60,000 a year
Jobs that pay at least $60,000 a year
These workers are not only in demand, but they make about $20,000 more than the average employee.
Daily Almanac
Today is Wednesday, Nov. 25, the 329th day of 2009.
There are 36 days left in the year.
There are 36 days left in the year.
Today In History November 25
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Mooroolbark, Victoria, Australia
Timmins, Ontario, Canada
Comox, British Columbia, Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland
Agana, Agana, Guam
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Aabenram, Sonderjylland, Denmark
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Beunos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina
as well as Belgium, and the United States
Mooroolbark, Victoria, Australia
Timmins, Ontario, Canada
Comox, British Columbia, Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
London, England, United Kingdom
Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland
Agana, Agana, Guam
Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Aabenram, Sonderjylland, Denmark
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Beunos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina
as well as Belgium, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
It might not be the end of the week yet, but it's definitely the end of the month -- and isn't that a great reason to celebrate?
Sure it is.
Especially for someone who's had the kind of week you've had.
Bet you can easily talk someone into taking the day off with you.
When was the last time you took a nice, long drive with a friend with absolutely no destination in mind?
Road Trip!
It might not be the end of the week yet, but it's definitely the end of the month -- and isn't that a great reason to celebrate?
Sure it is.
Especially for someone who's had the kind of week you've had.
Bet you can easily talk someone into taking the day off with you.
When was the last time you took a nice, long drive with a friend with absolutely no destination in mind?
Road Trip!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Repugicans are to blame
Paul Ericson is correct in his statement, "Over the past 15 years, compromise has become a dirty word" .
And, he correctly attributes the blame for this to repugicans.
Who's Blaming Whom?
And, he correctly attributes the blame for this to repugicans.
Who's Blaming Whom?
SC lawmakers move toward impeachment for governor
A cool-headed legal debate has replaced the once-passionate calls to oust Gov. Mark Sanford that began after his tearful summertime admission that he disappeared from the state to pursue an extramarital affair in Argentina.
Full StoryPennsylvania prosecutor wants 'no-tip' charges dropped
An eastern Pennsylvania prosecutor wants charges dropped against a couple who refused to pay a tip at a restaurant where they said they got poor service.
Pennsylvania prosecutor wants 'no-tip' charges dropped
Pennsylvania prosecutor wants 'no-tip' charges dropped
Taps
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps.'
It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
It all began in 1862 during the War of Northern Aggression, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia .
The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
It all began in 1862 during the War of Northern Aggression, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia .
The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.
Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate
soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.
In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.
It was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler.
He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the
pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate
soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.
In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.
It was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler.
He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the
pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.
Mega-Droughts
While Californians worry about the three-year drought dragging on, researchers say climate change soon could create much longer dry spells--lasting decades or even centuries.
Scientists have announced the first proof after studying caves along the Sierra
Nevada
California scientists announce proof of mega-droughts
Scientists have announced the first proof after studying caves along the Sierra
Nevada
California scientists announce proof of mega-droughts
Teabaggers laugh at woman who lost daughter, grandchild
You can laugh at me, that's okay, she said, crying.
But I lost two people, and I know you think that's funny, that's okay.
But I lost two people, and I know you think that's funny, that's okay.
~ Midge Hough,
On being heckled by heartless birther handjobs when she told a town hall meeting about her pregnant daughter's death from a lack of insurance.
Teabaggers are Douchebags
“The World’s Most Notorious Illegal Spammer” Goes to Jail
The Justice Department’s prosecution of Alan Ralsky, (pictured ... left) the self-proclaimed “Godfather of Spam,” was brought to a successful conclusion yesterday when U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani sentenced Ralsky to 51 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and to violate the CAN-SPAM Act.Judge Battani also sentenced three of Ralsky’s co-conspirators to prison terms ranging from 32 months to 51 months in federal court in Detroit:
Four individuals were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani in federal court in Detroit for their roles in a wide-ranging international stock fraud scheme involving the illegal use of bulk commercial e-mails, or "spamming."
Alan M. Ralsky, 64, of West Bloomfield, Mich., and Scott Bradley, 48, also of West Bloomfield, were sentenced to 51 months and 40 months in prison, respectively, for conspiring to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and to violate the CAN-SPAM Act, and also for committing wire fraud, engaging in money laundering and violating the CAN-SPAM Act. Ralsky and Bradley were also each sentenced to 5 years of supervised release following their respective prison terms, and were each ordered to forfeit $250,000 that the United States seized in December 2007.
How Wai John Hui, 51, a resident of Hong Kong and Canada, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and to violate the CAN-SPAM Act, and also for committing wire fraud and engaging in money laundering. Hui was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his prison term, and agreed to forfeit $500,000 to the United States.
John S. Bown, 45, of Fresno, Calif., was sentenced to 32 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and to violate the CAN-SPAM Act, for conspiring to commit computer fraud by creating a botnet, and also for violating the CAN-SPAM Act. A botnet is a network of computers that have been infected by malicious software. Bown was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his prison term, and agreed to forfeit $120,000 to the United States.
"Today’s sentencing sends a powerful message to spammers whose goal is to manipulate financial transactions and the stock market through illegal e-mail advertisements," said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer. "People who use fraudulent e-mails to drive up stock prices and reap illicit profits will be prosecuted, and they will face significant prison time."
"With today’s sentence of the self-proclaimed ‘Godfather of Spam,’ Alan Ralsky, and three others who played central roles in a complicated stock spam pump and dump scheme, the Court has made it clear that advancing fraud through abuse of the Internet will lead to several years in prison," said U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg for the Eastern District of Michigan. "I commend the FBI, the Postal Inspection Service, and the IRS Criminal Investigative Division for their determined and careful investigation in this case which lead to today’s result."
"Through this conspiracy Ralsky and the others were able to manipulate the stock market and maximize their profit. They flooded our e-mail boxes with unwanted spam e-mail and attempted to use a botnet to hijack our computers assist them in the scheme. Cyber crime investigations are a top priority of the FBI and we will continue to aggressively investigate those individuals who use and hide behind computers to commit various crimes," said Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent in Charge, FBI.
"In today’s competitive international business world, there will always be a select few who illegally manipulate the system for their own profit," said Maurice Aouate, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. "IRS-CI will continue to diligently follow the money and assist in the seizure and forfeiture of any ill-gotten gains from their illegal business practices."
"Today marks a victory for all who entrust their money to others within the U.S. economy," said Joseph A. Pirone, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge. "Postal Inspectors have protected Americans from those who use the U.S. Mail for fraudulent purposes since the passage of the Mail Fraud Statute in 1872. The sentencing of Ralsky and Bradley demonstrates the Postal Inspection Service's continuing commitment to protect the public."
According to court documents, from January 2004 through September 2005, Ralsky, Bradley, Judy Devenow, Bown, William Neil, James Bragg, James Fite, Hui, Francis Tribble and others allegedly engaged in a related set of conspiracies designed to use spam e-mails to manipulate thinly traded stocks and profit by trading in those stocks once their share prices increased after recipients of the spam e-mails traded in the stocks being promoted.
Ralsky served as the chief executive officer and primary deal maker for the spam e-mail operation. Bradley, Ralsky’s son-in-law, served as the chief financial officer and director of operations for the spam e-mail operation. Bown, who was chief executive officer of an Internet services company, GDC Layer One, served as the chief technology officer for the spam e-mail operation. Hui, who was the CEO of China World Trade, served as the lead dealmaker representing the companies whose stocks were being promoted via spam e-mail.
According to court documents, many of the spam e-mails promoted thinly traded "pink sheet" stocks for U.S. companies owned and controlled by individuals in Hong Kong and China. The spam e-mails contained materially false and misleading information or omissions and were created and sent using software programs that made it difficult to trace them back to the conspirators. According to the indictment, the conspirators used wire communications, the U.S. mail and common carriers to perpetrate their frauds. The conspirators also engaged in money laundering involving millions of dollars generated by their manipulative stock trading.
According to the indictment, the defendants used various illegal methods in order to maximize the amount of spam that evaded spam-blocking devices and tricked recipients into opening, and acting on, the advertisements in the spam. These included using falsified "headers" in the e-mail messages, using proxy computers to relay the spam, using falsely registered domain names to send the spam, and also making misrepresentations in the advertising content of some of the underlying e-mail messages.
The defendants were indicted in the Eastern District of Michigan in December 2007. Ralsky, Bradley, Bown, William Neil, Bragg, and Fite pleaded guilty in June 2009 while Hui pleaded guilty in December 2008. Tribble and Devenow pleaded guilty in October 2008. Tribble, Devenow, William Neil, Bragg and Fite are scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow by Judge Battani.
Anki Neil and Peter Severa are also named as defendants in the indictment returned in the Eastern District of Michigan and their cases are still pending. An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charges arose after a three-year investigation, led by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS-CI revealed a sophisticated and extensive spamming operation. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Philadelphia Regional Office has provided significant ongoing assistance in this case. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Beck and Trial Attorneys Thomas Dukes and Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
China executes two for milk scandal
Official news agency says death sentences were carried out on pair who added industrial chemical to infant formula.
Zhang Yujun, second right, seen here before the trial last December, was executed for endangering public safety.
Full StoryAgent showing house finds pile of bones
A real estate agent showing a house got to the basement and found about 100 human bones in a corner.
Agent showing house finds pile of bones
Agent showing house finds pile of bones
Cop News
A 22-year-old state trooper who said he was fired because he lied about the fate of his $45 hat is fighting his dismissal.
Eastern Carolina Trooper Fired Over Lost Hat
Eastern Carolina Trooper Fired Over Lost Hat
Drug Dealer attacked for cutting drugs with own muscus
From the "They don't call it 'Dope' for nothing" Department:
Two Australian men were sentenced to prison for attacking a drug dealer after learning the man had laced the methamphetamine he was selling with mucus from his nose.
Two Australian men were sentenced to prison for attacking a drug dealer after learning the man had laced the methamphetamine he was selling with mucus from his nose.
Evacuation Route Sign Points to a Dead End
An inside joke is unfolding north of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Rhea County, Tennessee, but it could have a serious punch line.
Afghan troop increase ... the costs
From Gawker:
The White House budget office calculated that adding 40,000 troops would cost $40 billion a year. The Pentagon, amusingly, decided to calculate the cost per-troop, instead of a big yearly lump sum, and also their estimate was precisely half what the White House predicted.
But, whoops, one of those Pentagon memos, where they hide the "truth" about things, leaked to the LA Times.
But in a memo early this month, obtained by The Times' Washington bureau, the Pentagon's own comptroller produced an estimate that broke with the customary Defense formula and did include construction and equipment.
That memo said the yearly cost of a 40,000-troop increase would be $30 billion to $35 billion — at least $750,000 a person. An increase of 20,000 would cost $20 billion to $25 billion annually, it said — a per-soldier cost equal to or greater than the White House estimate.
"Fetish Of The Fresh"? Not.
From Treehugger:
Photo of farmed Norwegian salmon NatalieMaynor via flickr.
Canada's National Newspaper claims that a new study proves that buying local is not as Earth-friendly as it seems. It starts off with a loaded and offensive line, calling the local food philosophy "a guilt-reduction approach adopted by many environmentally confused but well-meaning shoppers"
Then the reporter, Jessica Leeder gets environmentally confused, and I hope guilt-ridden for her bait-and-switch journalism. She gets a quote from one of the authors of the study:
"Fresh is a big problem over long distance. If it's fresh, it's being air-freighted," he said, adding: "And air freight comes at a huge environmental impact."
Except that isn't what the study was about.
Article continues: Study Debunks our "Fetish Of The Fresh"? Not.
A final warning from the Arctic
The effects of climate warming are clearly visible in the Arctic – see for yourself.A final warning from the Arctic
US Sewers Are Polluting Rivers and Lakes
From Treehugger:
An overflowing sewer in Georgia. Photo via USGS
Troubling news has surfaced about sewage systems in the US: over the last three years, 9,400 sewers--more than 37% of the all sewers across the nation--have illegally dumped untreated human waste, hazardous chemicals, and other dangerous materials into clean rivers and lakes. The results are often disastrous, as some damning video evidence proves.
Article continues: 37% of All US Sewers Are Polluting Rivers and Lakes (Video)
Couple charged with trying to sell fake Warhols
A 65-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were charged last week with trying to sell six fake Warhol pieces to a collector. The couple told the collector that the subject of the art was Mathew Baldwin, one of the famous Baldwin brother actors. The pieces were signed and dated in 1996.
After giving the couple a down payment of $25,000, the man took the art to an appraiser in California. The appraiser informed the man the art was fake because there was no Mathew in the famous Baldwin family. He also pointed out that the signatures were forged because Warhol died in 1987, charging documents state.
Definitions
An American wingnut is someone who believes that
a) The Vatican ought to decide our domestic policy;
b) Israel ought to decide our foreign policy;
c) Communist China ought to decide our economic policy; and
d) Osama bin Ladin ought to decide who gets tried in our courts.
It's clear why they're wingnuts, but it does makes you wonder why they bother to call themselves American.
a) The Vatican ought to decide our domestic policy;
b) Israel ought to decide our foreign policy;
c) Communist China ought to decide our economic policy; and
d) Osama bin Ladin ought to decide who gets tried in our courts.
It's clear why they're wingnuts, but it does makes you wonder why they bother to call themselves American.
Ultimate Black Friday shopping guide
Ultimate Black Friday shopping guide
Find the biggest deals at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy.
LHC smashes protons together for first time
The particle accelerator is now officially a collider – it will attempt to break the world record for collision energies before the end of the year.LHC smashes protons together for first time
Health bill's size inspires theatrics
Health bill's size inspires theatrics
Opponents of the latest legislation love to pile it, hoist it, and unroll it like toilet paper. demagoguery
Birthplace of cosmic guitar pinpointed
A pulsar that is forming a massive guitar-shaped wake in interstellar gas has been tracked back to its origin.Birthplace of cosmic guitar pinpointed
Goodbye jobs, hello mom and dad
Goodbye jobs, hello mom and dad
Many grown daughters and sons will be coming to Thanksgiving dinner from their old bedrooms.
Surprising number
Surprising number
Also:
Who's hiring one million new workers
Who's hiring one million new workers
The job market will get a big boost next year when the U.S. Census Bureau hires for its 2010 count.
Daily Almanac
Today is Tuesday, Nov. 24, the 328th day of 2009.
There are 37 days left in the year.
Today In History November 24
There are 37 days left in the year.
Today In History November 24
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
Siegen, Nordrheain-Westfalen, Germany
Bucharest, Bucuresti, Romania
Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden
London, England, United Kingdom
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
as well as Scotland, and the United States
Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
Siegen, Nordrheain-Westfalen, Germany
Bucharest, Bucuresti, Romania
Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden
London, England, United Kingdom
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
as well as Scotland, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Get the show on the road as far as your finances are concerned.
Money matters have been problematic lately, but it's all going to clear up soon.
In fact, an action you take, over the next few days will do wonders to rectify this situation in the long term.
That goes double for yourself, especially if you've been avoiding a certain issue.
You'll know exactly what to say and do, so why hesitate?
Go for broke then.
Get the show on the road as far as your finances are concerned.
Money matters have been problematic lately, but it's all going to clear up soon.
In fact, an action you take, over the next few days will do wonders to rectify this situation in the long term.
That goes double for yourself, especially if you've been avoiding a certain issue.
You'll know exactly what to say and do, so why hesitate?
Go for broke then.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Credit card delinquencies improve
Wile this may not signal great times are here, it's definitely a positive sign that Americans are not falling behind on credit card debt.
For the first time in a decade, more people paid their credit card bills on time in the third quarter this year than in the second quarter.
The delinquency rate on bank-issued cards like those bearing MasterCard and Visa logos fell to 1.1 percent for the June-to-September period, from a rate of 1.17 percent in the prior three months, according to credit reporting agency TransUnion.
RNC loses communications director
Cillizza notes, mid-cycle, that tends to mean turmoil in repugican land.
Trevor Francis, the communications director at the repugican national committee, is leaving his post, an odd mid-cycle departure that suggests some level of turmoil within the repugican's chief campaign committee.
And this is a bad thing, how?
SC governor faces 37 charges he broke state ethics laws
Mark Sanford, whose tryst with an Argentine lover blossomed into a wide-ranging scandal, is accused of breaking ethics laws by using taxpayer money for pricey airline seats, taking state planes for personal and political trips and occasionally tapping his campaign chest to reimburse himself for travel.
Charlie Chaplin's last home to become a museum
Charlie Chaplin's last home in Switzerland will be turned into a permanent place of pilgrimage for fans of the actor who immortalized the "Little Tramp," one of his sons said Monday.
Full StoryMan Discovers Charles Manson His Biological Father
How would you like to discover that one of the most infamous murderers and cult leaders of all time is your father?
Just ask Matthew Roberts, a 41-year-old Los Angelese DJ.
Just ask Matthew Roberts, a 41-year-old Los Angelese DJ.
Every Human Being Spends Five Years of Life on a Toilet
Generally, an average person spends five years of their life on a toilet.
Record Exec Arrested For Not Tweeting
Well, here's a new one.
A record label executive was arrested for not Tweeting.
We're not talking about not pretending to be a bird, but rather for not posting a message on Twitter.
This has to be a first in law enforcement.
A record label executive was arrested for not Tweeting.
We're not talking about not pretending to be a bird, but rather for not posting a message on Twitter.
This has to be a first in law enforcement.
Flooding splits town in two
Flooding splits town in two
An English community struggles with unusual isolation after its last bridge is destroyed.
How Americans feel about holiday shopping
How Americans feel about holiday shopping
Most people are going to cut back on gifts this year and use cash instead of credit, a poll says.
When jobs will start bouncing back
When jobs will start bouncing back
The end may be in sight for rampant job cuts that have bogged down the nation's recovery, experts say.
Man visits every country on Earth
Man visits every country on Earth
Kashi Samaddar claims a world record after setting foot in all 194 countries.
Thanksgiving food myths debunked
5 Thanksgiving food myths debunked
If you find yourself nodding off after the holiday feast, don't blame the turkey.
Great moments in false advertising
Great moments in false advertising
The makers of Airborne were sued over claims that the concoction "boosts the immune system."
Hype gone wrong
Hype gone wrong
Also:
Biggest baby crib recall in U.S. history
Biggest baby crib recall in U.S. history
Following four infant suffocations, the U.S. government issues a record recall for 2.1 million dropside cribs.
Ice Surprise
More than 100 icebergs make epic trek
Huge chunks of Antarctic ice turn up in a surprising place — and hundreds more could be on the way.
Seattle Woman Denied Credit, Told She's Dead
A Seattle, Washington, woman trying to refinance her mortgage got the shock of her life when she learned her credit report listed her as deceased.Patient trapped in a 23-year 'coma' was conscious all along
A car crash victim diagnosed as being in a coma for the past 23 years has been conscious the whole time.
Short lifespan for new laptops
Short lifespan for new laptops
A study of 30,000 notebooks finds that as many as a third will die within three years.
Shackleton's Antarctic whisky found
Photo: PDVos
In 1909, British explorer Ernest Shackleton aborted an attempt to reach the south pole. He abandoned two cases of scotch at base camp. A century later, we've found it.
Whyte & Mackay, the drinks group that now owns McKinlay and Co., has asked for a sample of the 100-year-old scotch for a series of tests that could decide whether to relaunch the now-defunct Scotch. Workers from New Zealand's Antarctic Heritage Trust will use special drills to reach the crates, frozen in Antarctic ice under the Nimrod Expedition hut near Cape Royds.
Thought discovered in 2006, conservation guidelines impose strict rules on how the ice-embedded bottles may be recovered. Whyte & Mackay's master blender says it will taste exactly as it did 100 years ago.
Health News
Being caked in germs sounds unpleasant, but bacteria living on our skin may play a vital role in keeping inflammation from running amok.
Liars and Fools
Liars and Fools today include:
Lou Dobbs lies saying "one could argue reasonably" that the Obama administration is "socialist".
Nope, any one with reason can not argue that, Louie.
Missouri repugicans call for violent revolution.
Hence the 'FOOLS' part of the post title ...
Steve King (reptile - Iowa) lies saying Obama's decision help al Qaeda recruit terrorists and kill Americans.
So we've found it - the land of Delusions - who knew it was called Iowa?!
Faux's Glenn Brick lies saying "If we don’t stop this insanity now, they will fundamentally transform America. It must end".
He's correct it must end and must end now! Haul his sorry lying deluded ass to jail and lock him in and forget where you put the key.
Four ways repugicans say Obama will kill you now.
More proof of why 'FOOLS' is in the post title ...
Lou Dobbs lies saying "one could argue reasonably" that the Obama administration is "socialist".
Nope, any one with reason can not argue that, Louie.
Missouri repugicans call for violent revolution.
Hence the 'FOOLS' part of the post title ...
Steve King (reptile - Iowa) lies saying Obama's decision help al Qaeda recruit terrorists and kill Americans.
So we've found it - the land of Delusions - who knew it was called Iowa?!
Faux's Glenn Brick lies saying "If we don’t stop this insanity now, they will fundamentally transform America. It must end".
He's correct it must end and must end now! Haul his sorry lying deluded ass to jail and lock him in and forget where you put the key.
Four ways repugicans say Obama will kill you now.
More proof of why 'FOOLS' is in the post title ...
Elk Poacher Tracked Down
A charge of poaching within a national park carries up to six months in jail and $5,000 in fines.Elk Poacher Tracked Down
North Carolina Battles H1N1 And Dramatic Increase In Syphilis Cases
The numbers are up across almost all age and racial groups, including teenage girls and blacks -- groups already disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted diseases.North Carolina Battles H1N1 And Dramatic Increase In Syphilis Cases
Coyotes Terrorizing Charlotte Neighborhoods
Residents in one neighborhood say a cat was eaten by a coyote several weeks ago, prompting the pet owner to circulate a flier warning residents.Coyotes Terrorizing Charlotte Neighborhoods
Science News
From BBC-Science:
| The massive and apparently stable East Antarctic ice sheet is losing mass, a new study suggests.  | | Grandmother macaques care for their abandoned grandchildren, behavior not recorded before in non-human primates. |
Daily Almanac
Today is Monday, Nov. 23, the 327th day of 2009.
There are 38 days left in the year.
Today In History November 23
There are 38 days left in the year.
Today In History November 23
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Muscat, Masqat, Oman
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Reading, England, United kingdom
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Rass, Al Qasim, Saudi Arabia
London, England, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
as well as Indonesia, and the United States
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Muscat, Masqat, Oman
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Reading, England, United kingdom
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Rass, Al Qasim, Saudi Arabia
London, England, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
as well as Indonesia, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
You take everything you do seriously, including recreation and hobbies.
You've probably become so good at your leisure-time activities, in fact, that your friends have suggested you take the show on the road.
If your present vocation hasn't turned out to be all it's cracked up to be, you might take those suggestions seriously -- especially if you're less than happy with your current situation.
At least examine the possibilities.
Food for thought.
You take everything you do seriously, including recreation and hobbies.
You've probably become so good at your leisure-time activities, in fact, that your friends have suggested you take the show on the road.
If your present vocation hasn't turned out to be all it's cracked up to be, you might take those suggestions seriously -- especially if you're less than happy with your current situation.
At least examine the possibilities.
Food for thought.
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