Baby squirrel's giant leap
This tiny guy can't follow his agile pal up a wall until kind strangers lend a hand.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Passenger tried to blow up plane
Officials: Passenger tried to blow up plane
The White House calls the failed attack "an attempted act of terrorism."
Americans may face terror charges
Pakistani police are pursuing terrorism charges against five detained American men, police said Friday, a move that could complicate efforts to bring the men back to the United States where they could also land in the courts.
Crew of North Korean weapons plane jailed 12 more days
A Thai court has ordered the crew of a cargo plane seized in Bangkok earlier this month to remain in a Thai prison 12 more days pending investigations.
The five crew members - four from Kazakhstan and one from Belarus.
Crew of North Korean weapons plane jailed 12 more days
The five crew members - four from Kazakhstan and one from Belarus.
Crew of North Korean weapons plane jailed 12 more days
Have you forgotten your octopus?
A live cat, a dead octopus and part of a shotgun are among the items passengers have left on trains in Scotland this year, it has been revealed.
Rail chiefs reveal bizarre lost property at Scots stations
Rail chiefs reveal bizarre lost property at Scots stations
Pennsylvania State Capitol building has a rodent problem
And we are not talking about the rats in congress either ...
Why is the cafeteria at the Pennsylvania Capitol infested with mice?
Probably because health inspectors didn't visit it for four years.
Full StoryWhy do yankees insist on sharing domiciles with rodents?
Albanian opposition leader to sue prime minister over slander
The leader of the opposition Socialist Party of Albania, Edi Rama, is set to sue Prime Minister Sali Berisha over slander and insult, the Macedonian Radio Television /MRT/ reports.
Not long ago, Sali Berisha accused Rama of being the head of the mafia in the country, of torturing his former wife, not recognizing his son for 19 years, as well as of being popular with the nickname of “the naked politician” because of his nudist photos spread in the public area.
More here.
Not long ago, Sali Berisha accused Rama of being the head of the mafia in the country, of torturing his former wife, not recognizing his son for 19 years, as well as of being popular with the nickname of “the naked politician” because of his nudist photos spread in the public area.
More here.
Angel Falls
Hidden deep within the Venezuelan jungle stands the tallest waterfall in the world. It's so tall, rising to a height of 3,212 ft, that the roaring torrent of falling water is reduced to a mere mist before meeting the rocks below.
And despite what Hugo Chavez says it will always be known as Angel Falls.
And despite what Hugo Chavez says it will always be known as Angel Falls.
Ancient Mayans Likely Had Fountains and Toilets
Mayan technology may be ancient, but it might have been enough to build toilets.
Ancient Mayans Likely Had Fountains and Toilets
Ancient Mayans Likely Had Fountains and Toilets
Beat your family and pals on game night
Beat your family and pals on game night
Spend quality time with loved ones by defeating them in an intense game of cards.
New Human Reproductive Hormone Could Lead To Novel Contraceptives
Nearly 10 years after the discovery that birds make a hormone that suppresses reproduction, University of California, Berkeley, neuroscientists have established that humans make it too, opening the door to development of a new class of contraceptive and possible treatments for cancer or other diseases.
New Human Reproductive Hormone Could Lead To Novel Contraceptives
New Human Reproductive Hormone Could Lead To Novel Contraceptives
Phew ... Turtle farts raise a stink
Fact: The Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre in Norfolk, England, gives its Green turtles Brussels sprouts as a Christmas treat.
Fact: Brussels sprouts sort of make you gassy.
Fact: In 2008, the bubbles produced by sprout-induced turtle farts triggered overflow alarms in the middle of the night.
Now the Yarmouth turtle tank—12 feet in depth and width holding 250,000 liters of water along with George the 3-ft-long green turtle—has been partially emptied for the festive season. Thousands of liters have been removed to lower the water by a six inches and keep the sensitive alarms clear.
Phew.
Aquarium lowers water levels after feeding turtles brussel sprouts
1000 Awesome Things to Celebrate
From Treehugger
Image from 1000 Awesome Things
In the midst of the holiday celebrations it's nice to remind yourself of the pleasures to be had from small things. 1000 Awesome Things to Celebrate is just a pause for a moment , a time to smile when you recognize some of life's little joys again.
Things like sleeping in your own bed after a long trip, being able to carry all the groceries from the car in one swoop, the feeling of brushing your teeth with a new toothbrush. These funny and slightly ironic awesome things are part of a charming website, 1000 Awesome Things to Celebrate. They're counting backwards from 1,000 and every day a new one is listed. Yesterday's was the Kids Table (always the best place to sit and fool around) and today's is # 605: Christmas Hugs with lovely photos of people hugging each other (and the dog) on this very special day.
Article continues: 1000 Awesome Things to Celebrate
Daily Almanac
Today is Friday, Dec. 25, the 359th day of 2009.
There are six days left in the year.
This is Xmas Day.
Today In History December 25
There are six days left in the year.
This is Xmas Day.
Today In History December 25
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Cork, Cork, Ireland
Pescara, Abruzzi, Italy
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Cork, Cork, Ireland
Pescara, Abruzzi, Italy
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
It might finally be time to let go of something that has been bothering you for a while -- and what better day than Christmas?
Reliving the past could be keeping you from thoroughly enjoying yourself in the present.
Try to forget about the things that were never meant to be permanent.
Look to the people who care about you for guidance.
Family members are especially supportive right now.
Cool beans!
It might finally be time to let go of something that has been bothering you for a while -- and what better day than Christmas?
Reliving the past could be keeping you from thoroughly enjoying yourself in the present.
Try to forget about the things that were never meant to be permanent.
Look to the people who care about you for guidance.
Family members are especially supportive right now.
Cool beans!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Feliciano 'revolted' by parody of 'Feliz Navidad'
Grammy-winner Jose Feliciano is outraged that the theme from his holiday song "Feliz Navidad" was used for a musical spoof about undocumented immigrants.
Scientists discover how the brain encodes memories at a cellular level
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have made a major discovery in how the brain encodes memories. The finding, published in the December 24 issue of the journal Neuron, could eventually lead to the development of new drugs to aid memory.
The team of scientists is the first to uncover a central process in encoding memories that occurs at the level of the synapse, where neurons connect with each other. [...]
The production of new proteins can only occur when the RNA that will make the required proteins is turned on. Until then, the RNA is “locked up” by a silencing molecule, which is a micro RNA. The RNA and micro RNA are part of a package that includes several other proteins. [...]
Part of strengthening a synapse involves making new proteins. Those proteins build the synapse and make it stronger. Just like with exercise, when new proteins must build up muscle mass, synapses must also make more protein when recording memories. In this research, the regulation and control of that process was uncovered.
The production of new proteins can only occur when the RNA that will make the required proteins is turned on. Until then, the RNA is “locked up” by a silencing molecule, which is a micro RNA. The RNA and micro RNA are part of a package that includes several other proteins. [...]
When the signal comes in, the wrapping protein degrades or gets fragmented. Then the RNA is suddenly free to synthesize a new protein.
Scientists discover how the brain encodes memories at a cellular level
The Power of Magical Thinking
Research Shows the Importance of Imagination in Children’s Cognitive Development
Is the Tooth Fairy real? How about the garbage man? Those questions may seem trivial, but how young children answer them is an important indicator of cognitive development.
For years, imagination was thought of as a way for children to escape from reality, and once they reached a certain age, it was believed they would push fantasy aside and deal with the real world. But, increasingly, child-development experts are recognizing the importance of imagination and the role it plays in understanding reality. Imagination is necessary for learning about people and events we don’t directly experience, such as history or events on the other side of the world. For young kids, it allows them to ponder the future, such as what they want to do when they grow up.
Science News
From BBC-Science:
 | | A "molecular switch" that can prevent Huntington's disease developing is found in mice. |
| Europe's Goce satellite returns remarkable new data on the way the pull of gravity varies across the Earth. | | For the first time, chimps are seen using tools to chop up and reduce food into smaller bite-sized portions. |
Liars and Fools
Liars and Fools today are:
Talking head Jim Quinn lies: "Your republic died in November of 2008".
Nope, it was restored.
Tom Price (reptile - Georgia) lies claiming Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have “a disdain for our form of government”.
By "our" form of government he means autocratic dictatorial, and not the form of government established by the formation of these United States
Dimbulb is still lying saying that "there are death panels back in this bill" which "cannot be repealed".
This moron just keeps proving just how stupid he is.
The idiot Neal Boorts lies claiming "the damage Obama and the Democrats are doing will surpass this tragic event" — meaning9/11/2001 .
No, that was the shrub cabal.
Lush Dimbulb lies yet again saying the founding fathers "rose up against a tyranny that is nothing compared to" health bill, and adds that liberalism is "un-American".
The syphilis is kicking up again, eh?
Glenn Brick's substitue lies claiming health care reform will "weed out the undesirables," make us "all become slaves", and calls Democrats the "party of eugenics".
Nazi calling others Nazis.
Talking head Jim Quinn lies: "Your republic died in November of 2008".
Nope, it was restored.
Tom Price (reptile - Georgia) lies claiming Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have “a disdain for our form of government”.
By "our" form of government he means autocratic dictatorial, and not the form of government established by the formation of these United States
Dimbulb is still lying saying that "there are death panels back in this bill" which "cannot be repealed".
This moron just keeps proving just how stupid he is.
The idiot Neal Boorts lies claiming "the damage Obama and the Democrats are doing will surpass this tragic event" — meaning
No, that was the shrub cabal.
Lush Dimbulb lies yet again saying the founding fathers "rose up against a tyranny that is nothing compared to" health bill, and adds that liberalism is "un-American".
The syphilis is kicking up again, eh?
Glenn Brick's substitue lies claiming health care reform will "weed out the undesirables," make us "all become slaves", and calls Democrats the "party of eugenics".
Nazi calling others Nazis.
How to make sure your charity checks out
How to make sure your charity checks out
Evaluate a charity's ability to deliver on your good intentions with these seven measures.
Easy no-cook appetizers for holiday parties
Easy no-cook appetizers for holiday parties
You don't have to slave in the kitchen or spend big bucks to host a great holiday gathering.
Military to scrap pregnancy punishment
Military to scrap pregnancy punishment
A policy that drew fierce criticism from women's advocates and U.S. senators will be lifted, a general says.
Stem cells restore vision in man's eye
Stem cells restore vision in man's eye
Russell Turnbull says his life has been transformed after a tragic incident 15 years ago.
Pet reindeer and the man who loves her
Pet reindeer and the man who loves her
Abandoned by her mother, Star has a home with Albert Whitehead in Alaska.
How to avoid awkward holiday chit-chat
How to avoid awkward holiday chit-chat
Here's what to say when busybodies and know-it-alls approach you.
The Rat toppled
Pope knocked down at xmas eve mass
Pope Benedict XVI was surprised by a woman who jumped a barrier at St. Peter's Basilica.
Unfortunately the 82-year-old was unhurt
Also:
Storm snarls last-minute holiday travel
Storm snarls last-minute holiday travel
Weary travelers battle icy roads and delayed flights to reach their Christmas destinations.
De La Lastra's Law
- After the last of 16 mounting screws has been removed from an access cover, it will be discovered that the wrong access cover has been removed.
Yemen claims 30 killed in raid on Qaida hide-outs
Backed by U.S. intelligence, Yemeni forces struck a series of suspected al-Qaida hideouts Thursday, killing more than 30 militants in its stepped-up campaign against the terror network, the government said.
US blasts trial of Chinese dissident
The United States is sharply criticizing China's trial of a prominent Chinese dissident as being "uncharacteristic of a great country."
Liu Xiaobo was detained a year ago before the release of an appeal for more civil rights in China that he co-authored.
He was tried Wednesday on subversion charges and faces up to 15 years in jail.
US blasts trial of Chinese dissident
Liu Xiaobo was detained a year ago before the release of an appeal for more civil rights in China that he co-authored.
He was tried Wednesday on subversion charges and faces up to 15 years in jail.
US blasts trial of Chinese dissident
Police stop generous 5th-grader with $10,000
Police say a fifth-grader handed out about $300 to others on the bus ride to his eastern Indiana school.
Runaway convert case
Family issue or test of sharia law in US?
A muslim girl who converted to christianity in Ohio fled her family because she said she felt her life was in danger.
A judge ruled Tuesday that the family must discuss their religious views, though they are not required to meet in person.
The muslim teenager who converted to christianity and ran away from home, claiming she feared for her life, does not have to meet with her parents in order to mediate her future, a judge ruled late Tuesday..
A muslim girl who converted to christianity in Ohio fled her family because she said she felt her life was in danger.
A judge ruled Tuesday that the family must discuss their religious views, though they are not required to meet in person.
The muslim teenager who converted to christianity and ran away from home, claiming she feared for her life, does not have to meet with her parents in order to mediate her future, a judge ruled late Tuesday..
Inmate on suicide watch commits suicide
An inmate kills himself inside the Cuyahoga County jail, even though a judge had ordered him placed on suicide watch.
Teabagger Worried His Magic Prayers Made God Kill Inhofe
If only it was that easy ...
A panicked teabagger called up C-SPAN in tears today, worried that he accidentally killed repugican Jim Inhofe by praying for Democratic Senator Robert Byrd to die. This is one of the saddest things ever to appear on C-SPAN.
You might have heard that repugican Tom Coburn told health care reform opponents on Sunday to pray for 92 year-old Byrd to die so that Democrats would be a vote shy of the 60 needed to break repugicans’ filibuster. [...]
Inhofe wasn’t dead, of course. According to Roll Call: Inhofe “was absent to fly his wife home to Oklahoma in advance of the Christmas holiday.”
Teabagger Worried His Magic Prayers Made God Kill Inhofe
And they wonder why they are considered to be morons?
Escaped prisoner taunts police on Facebook
Craig “Lazie” Lynch vanished from Hollesley Bay Prison in Suffolk in September this year close to the end of a seven-year sentence for aggravated burglary.
Instead of hiding away from police Lynch has set up a Facebook account complete with a photograph sticking his middle finger up and boasts about eating 12lb steaks and his home being so warm it feels like the Caribbean.
The burglar has become prolific Facebooker with 199 friends and has even posted when he is going round to friend’s homes and attending parties and events.
Sun, moon may trigger California tremors
Sun, moon may trigger California tremors
Scientists say tidal forces are causing tremors that could help predict earthquakes.
How to buy a diamond as prices drop
How to buy a diamond as prices drop
An oversupply of polished gems means now is a good time to find a bargain, experts say.
Psychological tricks of restaurant menus
Psychological tricks of restaurant menus
Colors, fonts, punctuation and layout can all entice diners to spend a little more.
Major storm spreads across the Midwest
Major storm spreads across the Midwest
Holiday travelers deal with flight cancellations and icy roads in the heartland.
Common myths about babies
4 common myths about babies
Contrary to popular belief, touching the soft spot on your infant's head won't hurt its brain.
States gaining the most population
States gaining the most population
One big Central state added more residents than any other in the nation.
When to call a catfish a 'catfish'
When to call a catfish a 'catfish'
Scientists say a fierce debate over which fish should be called a catfish is an "absurdity."
How retirement benefits will change in 2010
How retirement benefits will change in 2010
Payouts have kept pace with inflation since 1975, but next year will be far from typical, experts warn.
Where homes are losing the most value
Where homes are losing the most value
These areas experienced the biggest drops in housing prices from their peak.
Peel a banana like a monkey
Peel a banana like a monkey
The fastest, easiest way to open a banana is probably not the way you're doing it.
Also:
U.S. father gets his son back from Brazil
U.S. father gets his son back from Brazil
David Goldman and his 9-year-old son are finally reunited after a five-year custody battle.
Last-minute tax breaks to take
Last-minute tax breaks to take
Tax season seems far off, but there are only days left to lower your 2009 tax bill.
Unusual Holidays and Celebrations
There are no unusual holidays or celebrations today.
But today IS the LAST shopping day before Xmas!
But today IS the LAST shopping day before Xmas!
Daily Almanac
Today is Thursday, Dec. 24, the 358th day of 2009.
There are seven days left in the year.
This is Christmas Eve.
There are seven days left in the year.
This is Christmas Eve.
Today In History December 24
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Macau, Macau, Macao
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Buenos Aries, Distrito Federal, Argentina
Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines
Vilvoorde, Brabant Wallon, Belgium
Karlsruhe, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
London, England, United Kingdom
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
York, England, United Kingdom
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia
Macau, Macau, Macao
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Buenos Aries, Distrito Federal, Argentina
Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines
Vilvoorde, Brabant Wallon, Belgium
Karlsruhe, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
London, England, United Kingdom
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
York, England, United Kingdom
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
You may have to face the fact that all good things must come to an end, but you don't have to let these endings ruin your day.
Use change as a chance to transform and grow rather than worry about what you're going to miss.
This is a good opportunity to get out of a rut and move onto something bigger and better.
You may feel uprooted for a while, but eventually you'll come to love your newfound freedom.
Freedom, yeah!
You may have to face the fact that all good things must come to an end, but you don't have to let these endings ruin your day.
Use change as a chance to transform and grow rather than worry about what you're going to miss.
This is a good opportunity to get out of a rut and move onto something bigger and better.
You may feel uprooted for a while, but eventually you'll come to love your newfound freedom.
Freedom, yeah!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Top 25 Censored Stories for 2010
Top Censored Stories of 2009/2010
- 1. US Congress Sells Out to Wall Street
- 2. US Schools are More Segregated Today than in the 1950s
- 3. Toxic Waste Behind Somali Pirates
- 4. Nuclear Waste Pools in North Carolina
- 5. Europe Blocks US Toxic Products
- 6. Lobbyists Buy Congress
- 7. Obama’s Military Appointments Have Corrupt Past
- 8. Bailed out Banks and America’s Wealthiest Cheat IRS Out of Billions
- 9. US Arms Used for War Crimes in Gaza
- 10. Ecuador Declares Foreign Debt Illegitimate
- 11. Private Corporations Profit from the Occupation of Palestine
- 12. Mysterious Death of Mike Connell—Karl Rove’s Election Thief
- 13. Katrina’s Hidden Race War
- 14. Congress Invested in Defense Contracts
- 15. World Bank’s Carbon Trade Fiasco
- 16. US Repression of Haiti Continues
- 17. The ICC Facilitates US Covert War in Sudan
- 18. Ecuador’s Constitutional Rights of Nature
- 19. Bank Bailout Recipients Spent to Defeat Labor
- 20. Secret Control of the Presidential Debates
- 21. Recession Causes States to Cut Welfare
- 22. Obama’s Trilateral Commission Team
- 23. Activists Slam World Water Forum as a Corporate-Driven Fraud
- 24. Dollar Glut Finances US Military Expansion
- 25. Fast Track Oil Exploitation in Western Amazon
Dams linked to more extreme weather
The statistics of rainfall around more than 600 dams reveal many have triggered more extreme storms.Dams linked to more extreme weather
Are we looking in the wrong places for water on the moon?
Conventional theory says water ice should be concentrated in permanently shadowed craters near the poles, but that's not where it seems to be turning up.Are we looking in the wrong places for water on the moon?
Plane overshoots runway in Jamaica
An American Airlines flight carrying 154 people skidded across a Jamaican runway in heavy rain, bouncing across the tarmac and injuring more than 40 people before it stopped just short of the Caribbean Sea, officials and witnesses said.
Plane overshoots runway in Jamaica
An American Airlines flight from Miami skids to a stop just feet from the sea during a heavy storm.
Ancient clone saw out the last ice age
Clones of an ancient bush have been discovered in California by botanists who reckon it first grew at the height of the last ice age, 13,000 years ago.Ancient clone saw out the last ice age
How to really boost your value at work
How to really boost your value at work
The most valuable employees in any workplace are often the hardest ones to replace.
Pope debate inflames tensions with Jews
Pope debate inflames tensions with Jews
The Vatican's latest move to push Pope Pius XII toward sainthood sparks outrage.
Daily Almanac
Today is Wednesday, Dec. 23, the 357th day of 2009.
There are eight days left in the year.
Today In History December 23
There are eight days left in the year.
Today In History December 23
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Milano, Lombardia, Italy
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
as well as China, Northern Ireland, and the United States
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Milano, Lombardia, Italy
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
as well as China, Northern Ireland, and the United States
Today's horoscope says:
Several planetary influences will inspire you to go after what you want with a vengeance.
If you're challenged, you'll deliver the perfect response in a most authoritative tone of voice, easily convincing any and all opponents just to drop it.
Then there's your innate tendency to refuse to accept no for an answer.
If anyone really does try to tangle with you, at least give them props for trying.
If you're challenged, you'll deliver the perfect response in a most authoritative tone of voice, easily convincing any and all opponents just to drop it.
Then there's your innate tendency to refuse to accept no for an answer.
If anyone really does try to tangle with you, at least give them props for trying.
None brave enough to challenge me.
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