CAROLINA NATURALLY

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Amanda Knox 'extremely disappointed'

She visits with her family after being sentenced to 26 years in prison for the murder of her roommate.

Story

Also:

Obama aide under intense scrutinty

White House social secretary Desiree Rogers organized the party that two socialites crashed.

Is criticism fair?

Also:

Tower of London guard's bad day

Tourists flock to this landmark to witness the military-like precision of the guards.

Oops

Also:

Historic storm slams Texas

An unusual weather pattern blankets part of the state with up to four inches of snow.

Hitting the (golf) slopes

Also:

Alabama overpowers the No. 1 Gators

The Crimson Tide earns a spot in the national championship game by crushing Florida.

Ingram, McElroy star

Also:

That sensor above the traffic signal

People try to figure out if it's a camera, an ambulance traffic controller, or something else.

Read the answers

Also:

Red light camera rules Why red, yellow, green Worst driving holidays

Chicken Stuffed With Cocaine Is Recipe For Arrest

Customs inspectors have arrested a Guatemalan man who was carrying a cooked chicken stuffed with more than $4,000 worth of cocaine.

Chicken Stuffed With Cocaine Is Recipe For Arrest

Rain, winds, record heat on same day

A storm packing blustery winds and driving rain knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses in the Northeast on Thursday before giving way to sunny skies and record high temperatures a ' all in the same morning.

Full Story

Holiday gifts women will flip for

These inspired and affordable presents will make her happy without breaking the bank.

10 she'll rave about

Also:

Saturday Jam

Today on the Saturday Jam: The Beatles

I Want To Hold Your Hand

Nowhere Man

And I Love Her

I'll Cry Instead

All My Loving

The early years of Beatlemania

President Obama's Weekly Address

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
Saturday, December 5, 2009

Every month since January, when I became your President, I’ve spoken to you about the periodic reports of the Labor Department on the number of jobs created or lost during the previous month; numbers that tell a story about how America’s economy is faring overall.

In those first months, the numbers were nothing short of devastating. The worst recession since the 1930s had wreaked havoc on the lives of so many of our fellow Americans. Yesterday, the numbers released by the Labor Department reflected a continuing positive trend of diminishing job loss.

But for those who were laid off last month and the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs in this recession, a good trend isn’t good enough. Trends don’t buy the groceries. Trends don’t pay the rent or a college tuition. Trends don’t fulfill the need within each of us to be productive, to provide for our families, to make the most of our lives, to reach for our dreams.

So, it is true that we, as a country, are in a very different place than we were when 2009 began. Because of the Recovery Act and a number of other steps we’ve taken, we’re no longer facing the potential collapse of our financial system or a second Great Depression. We’re no longer losing jobs at a rate of 700,000 a month. And our economy’s growing for the first time in a year.

But too many of our neighbors are still out of work because the growth we’ve seen hasn’t yet translated into all the jobs we need. Stung by this brutal recession, businesses that have kept their doors open are still wary about adding workers. Instead of hiring, many are simply asking their employees to work more hours, or they’re adding temporary help.

History tells us this is usually what happens with recessions – even as the economy grows, it takes time for jobs to follow. But the folks who have been looking for work without any luck for months and, in some cases, years, can’t wait any longer. For them, I’m determined to do everything I can to accelerate our progress so we’re actually adding jobs again.

That’s why, this week, I invited a group of business owners from across the country to the White House to talk about additional steps we can take to help jumpstart hiring. We brought together unions and universities to talk about what we can do to support our workers today and prepare our students to outcompete workers around the world tomorrow. We brought together mayors and community leaders to talk about how we can open up new opportunities in our cities and towns.

On Friday, I spent the day in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and met with workers and small business owners there. I stopped by a steel company called Allentown Metal Works, and spoke at Lehigh Community College. I visited folks at a job placement center, and stopped by a shift change at Alpo. The stories and concerns I heard mirrored the countless letters I receive every single day. And they speak louder than any statistic or government report. The folks in Allentown – and in all the Allentowns across our country – are the most dedicated, productive workers in the world. All they’re asking for is a chance, and a fair shake.

And that’s exactly what I’m working to give them. In the coming days, I’ll be unveiling additional ideas aimed at accelerating job growth and hiring as we emerge from this economic storm.

And so that we don’t face another crisis like this again, I’m determined to meet our responsibility to do what we know will strengthen our economy in the long-run. That’s why I’m not going to let up in my efforts to reform our health care system; to give our children the best education in the world; to promote the jobs of tomorrow and energy independence by investing in a clean energy economy; and to deal with the mounting federal debt.

From the moment I was sworn into office, we have taken a number of difficult steps to end this economic crisis. We didn’t take them because they were popular or gratifying. They weren’t. We took these steps because they were necessary.

But I didn’t run for President to pass emergency recovery programs, or to bail out banks or to shore up auto companies. I didn’t run for President simply to manage the crisis of the moment, while kicking our most pressing problems down the road. I ran for President to help hardworking families succeed and to stand up for the embattled middle class. I ran to fight for a country where responsibility is still rewarded, and hard-working people can get ahead. I ran to keep faith with the sacred American principle that we will deliver to our children a future of even greater possibility.

And my commitment to you, the American people, is that I will focus every single day on how we can get people back to work, and how we can build an economy that continues to make real the promise of America for generations to come.

Unusual Holidays and Celebrations

Today is

Bathtub Party Day

and

International Ninja Day

Daily Almanac

Today is Saturday, Dec. 5, the 339th day of 2009.

There are 26 days left in the year.

Today In History December 5

Our Readers

Some of our readers today have been in:

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia
Pecs, Baranya, Hungary
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
Lampeter, Wales, United Kingdom
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
London, England, United Kingdom
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica
Midland, Ontario, Canada
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Maidenhead, England, United Kingdom
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom
Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
Sofia, Sofiya, Bulgaria

as well as Brazil, and the United States

Daily Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

You could be right in the middle of an interesting story in the morning paper when a totally unexpected and out-of-the-blue verbal spat practically knocks you off the couch.
Responding with anger and irritation is a sure way to escalate the conflict.
If you listen, though, you will soon discover what you initially perceived as an attack is simply this person's way of opening a dialogue about a situation that has very little to do with you.
You'd rather read the paper, but compassion will carry the day.

Oh, no.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Holiday gift ideas under $20

Spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly presents.

From fun to sophisticated

Also:

Best cars of the year

Report names best cars of the year

A sleek Porsche and the flexible Honda Fit are among a magazine's 10 greatest 2010 models. »

See all the winners

Also:

Wild year

Phoney ad, balloon hoax, false guests

The Salahis crashed the White House, but don't forget the balloon hoax or the digitally altered model.

Wild year

Also:

White House briefing turns tense after insult

An exchange between Robert Gibbs and a reporter over an Obama staffer takes an ugly turn.

'Take a deep breath'

Should you buy a laptop or a netbook?

You can get a netbook for as low as $319, but a full-featured laptop can be had for only a bit more.

Comparisons

Also:

Funny answer to neighbor's lights

Dave Nosek couldn't top the intricate decorations next door, so he got witty instead.

See his display

Also:

Irish Nuns Pay $193M For Child Abuse

Irish nuns are offering $193 million dollars to compensate for years of child abuse in its schools and orphanages.

Irish Nuns Pay $193M For Child Abuse

Man Denied Entry To China Lives In Airport

A Chinese citizen denied entry into China eight times says he will live in Tokyo's Narita Airport until his country allows him to go home.

Man Denied Entry To China Lives In Airport

Fire in Russian nightclub kills at least 101

At least 101 people were killed and 140 injured on Friday when hundreds of people stampeded out of a packed Russian nightclub after fireworks sparked a blaze, the Emergencies Ministry said.

Fire in Russian nightclub kills at least 101

Taxpayers will pay to have neo-Nazi's tattoos covered by cosmetologist each day of his murder trial

Taxpayers will foot the bill for a makeup artist to cover up some potentially offensive tattoos on the face and neck of a neo-Nazi during his murder trial slated for next week.

Taxpayers will pay to have neo-Nazi's tattoos covered by cosmetologist each day of his murder trial

Why you should wait to buy a house

Despite historically low mortgage rates and big tax incentives, one expert says there's no rush to buy.

His reason

Also:

Quick-thinking boy saves father's life

Daniel Marsh becomes an unlikely hero after his dad suffers a heart attack while driving.

Harrowing story

Also:

Why you don't need a TV to watch TV

As online viewing options expand, some consumers may ditch their televisions for good.

Plenty of free programs

Also:

Inexpensive ways to jazz up a party

These little touches can make your next gathering a fun and memorable one.

A yule log for your TV

Also:

FBI agent is most-feared man on Wall Street

The man who led Bernie Madoff and Raj Rajaratnam into custody may be gearing up to strike again.

Mysterious figure

Also:

Jobless rate hides harsh reality

Analysis: Jobless rate hides harsh reality

The economy may be in worse shape than the unemployment rate's recent dip indicates.

'These are dark days'

Also:

Incredible perks for super-elite fliers

Some airlines maintain secretive, invitation-only programs for their very best customers.

What they get

Also:

U.S. gets its first World Cup opponent

The United States soccer team will open World Cup play with a game against England.

A kind draw

Also:

How two planes almost collided

The FAA confirms reports that two jets came "within a blink of an eye" of colliding last week.

Whose error?

Also:

Dog 'fired' from his convenience store job

Cody's stint greeting customers at a Florida mini-mart comes to an abrupt end.

Beef with the state

Also:

Myths about pasta debunked

5 myths about pasta debunked

Avoiding these common misconceptions will put you on the path to perfect pasta.

Should you rinse or not?

Also:

10 million Slim-Fast drinks recalled

All Slim-Fast products sold in cans are recalled due to the possibility of contamination.

Health effects

Also:

Amanda Knox sentenced to 26 years

The American student is found guilty of murder in Italy after a trial that sparked fierce debate.

Boyfriend also convicted

Also:

Aetna to force 600,000 to lose health insurance in order to up their profits

This should provide more fuel for a robust public option that covers everybody. But it likely won't. At the very least, the health care reform legislation should be amended so that it goes into effect immediately, rather than in four years - that way this kind of abuse can be stopped now. That is, provided that Lieberman, Bayh, Nelson, Snowe, Landrieu, Baucus, the Blue Dogs, don't complain.

Ancient Volcano's Devastating Effects Confirmed

A massive volcanic eruption that occurred in the distant past may have pushed humans to the brink of extinction.

Ancient Volcano's Devastating Effects Confirmed

True, so true

The trouble with America is that there are far too many wide-open spaces surrounded by teeth.

~ Charles Luckman

And I Quote

Life should begin with age and its privileges and accumulations, and end with youth and its capacity to splendidly enjoy such advantages.

~ Mark Twain

Daily Funny

Did you hear about the fire in the rednecks library?

Both the books got burned, and one hadn't even been colored in yet.

Japanese whaling season might be a little different this year

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

This boat is bound to change the game a wee bit this season.

Recent Samoan tsunami was up to 46 feet high

Hard to imagine how anything could have survived such a hit.

The massive waves that struck Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga totally destroyed traditional wooden buildings, many of them singly story, along the coast while reinforced concrete buildings sustained only minor damage, said Stefan Reese, a risk engineer with New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

The waves were up to 46 feet (14 meters) high, Reese told The Associated Press. The scientists measured watermarks on buildings and trees to help confirm the height of the waves.

"In some areas there was virtually nothing left" after the waves reached up to 765 yards (700 meters) inland, Reese said.

Why food packages have air to spare

Many companies purposely sell their products in large packages with extra space.

Are you being cheated?

Also:

Study reveals the angriest Americans

And yes it is the repugican wingnuts.

Study reveals the angriest Americans

People in one group in the U.S. experience all forms of anger more frequently than anyone else.

Also:

Unemployment rate falls to 10% in November

The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 10% in November as employers cut the smallest number of jobs since the recession began.

Unemployment rate falls to 10% in November

Australian dives face-first into deadly jellyfish

A man who dove face-first into an extremely venomous, peanut-sized jellyfish in the waters off northeast Australia was flown to a hospital intensive care unit, officials said Friday.

Full Story

Indiana teen charged with murder in brother's death

An Indiana prosecutor says a 17-year-old charged with murder in the strangulation death of his 10-year-old brother had fantasized about killing someone.

Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Aaron Negangard says Andrew Conley of Rising Sun has been charged as an adult and will have an initial hearing Friday.

Indiana teen charged with murder in brother's death

Mexico City police free 107 'slave workers'

Mexico City police on Thursday freed 107 people who were forced to work under slave-like conditions in a clandestine factory making shopping bags and clothing clasps, authorities said.

Mexico City police free 107 'slave workers'

From Ford ... in Europe

74.5 miles per gallon or 3.8 litres/100 km. (62 mpg US).

Available in January 2010.

Not available in North America ... ever.

Why?

Because the Europeans got tough with their auto makers.

More here.

It should be added, (because you're not mad enough already), that this vehicle is NOT new technology.
It is powered by a good old fashioned, inefficient, internal combustion engine.
All they did was tweak it and add a regenerative braking system.

The U.S. city with 30% unemployment

In the nation's worst city for joblessness, even hardened locals are surprised.

'Worst I have ever seen it'

Also:

Suicide attackers kill 42 at Pakistan mosque

Suicide attackers stormed a mosque close to Pakistan's army headquarters, killing 42 people during Friday prayers as they sprayed gunfire at worshipers and threw grenades before blowing themselves up, officials said.

Full Story

Unusual Holidays and Celebrations

Today is:

National Dice Day

and

National Cookie Day

Daily Almanac

Today is Friday, Dec. 4, the 338th day of 2009.

There are 27 days left in the year.

Today In History December 4

Our Readers

Some of our readers today have been in:

London, England, United Kingdom
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Essen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Markham, Ontario, Canada
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Vilnius, Vilnaius Apskritis, Lithuania
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Yeovil, England, United Kingdom

as well as Belgium, Czech Republic, Singapore, and the United States

Daily Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

You effortlessly see both sides of a question today.
Consequently, you have no trouble making decisions as circumstances demand and no problem explaining the reasons behind your conclusions.
The best part is you don't feel the least bit of hesitation or ambivalence; the right choice seems so obvious.
Others respect your integrity and fairness, so they accept your conclusions without protest.

They always do.