Canadian Library Will Loan Out People as Well as Books

For centuries the public library has been a great source of knowledge through books. Now one library in Canada is opening up the scope of how you acquire knowledge at the library; by offering up skilled people. Why read a history book when you can talk to a historian?
The program is far less insidious than it sounds. The library has assembled a group of volunteers with particularly interesting skills or histories, and has a system in place to put these people in touch with knowledge seekers. If you’re looking for someone to practice your German with, or to ask about their experiences during the Great Depression, or their struggle with illness, the library will put you in touch with an appropriate individual. Once in touch, you can meet in the library’s cafe, keeping the entire operation under one roof.

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Daily Comic Relief

NYC apartment's 'steampunk' look

'Steampunk' home's retro-futuristic look

This $1.75 million New York apartment is packed with giant gears, blimps, and a working porthole.

Like a sci-fi film 

Also: 

• What is 'steampunk'?
• Seven chic chandeliers
• Make home appliances last

What's Wrong With The Second Law Of Thermodynamics?

Has anyone ever dared to attack the second law of thermodynamics? I am not aware of even a single attempt. Eddington's famous remark on the second law of thermodynamics says it all. This law occupies a special position in physics and rules supreme. Beware the person who dares to meddle with it: 

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Awesome Pictures

Pick Your Poison

Drought or Flood?

Satellite imagery released this week show the extreme weather dichotomy still impacting the United States.  

Read more 

Sun storms 'could get stronger'

Sun storms 'could get stronger' 

New research suggests solar storms could become more disruptive within decades.

Antarctica on the move

Map tracks Antarctica on the move

Scientists produce what they say is the first complete map of how the ice moves across Antarctica.

• Japan tsunami battered ice shelf
• Ice mission produces first map

Human Wastewater Pinned to Coral Disease

Sewage is to blame for a disease that is killing an endangered coral.  

Read more 

B.C.

Russian Reindeer Herder Discovers Baby Mammoth in Arctic

The most complete woolly mammoth specimen ever found is the female woolly mammoth named Lyuba, who scientists believe died in Siberia about 42,000 years ago.

Full Story

Sacred Dolphin on Brink of Extinction

The Irrawaddy dolphin, considered sacred to many people in Cambodia and Laos, is at high risk of dying out altogether.  

Read more 

How the kangaroo got its bounce

How the kangaroo got its bounce 

The newly sequenced DNA of the kangaroo reveals some of the genetic secrets behind its remarkable biology.

Dog goes skydiving

Meet Otis, the skydiving pug

The daredevil dog has jumped out of a plane 64 times over the past nine years. 

  Tongue hangs out on the way down 

Also: 

• Celebrity dog lovers
• Actress fights for whales
• Paris pampers her pets

Animal Pictures

The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:

You know what you're doing, so don't hesitate to take control and push things in the right direction. 

Spending more time wondering what to do would just be silly. 

If you are worried about getting a 'bossy' image, don't sweat it -- people respond to your leadership qualities and think you should be in charge! 

The fact that you encourage the opinions of other people is one of your strongest qualities, but you will have to know when to draw the line.

Some of our readers today have been in:

London, England, United Kingdom
Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Newbury, England, United Kingdom
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Albury, New South Wales, Australia
Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Katowice, Slaskie, Poland
Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland

as well as Slovakia, Malta, Bulgaria, Israel, Finland, Austria, Norway, Georgia, Mexico, Peru, Kuwait, Serbia, Bangladesh, Latvia, Greece, Scotland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Wales, Iran, Singapore, Poland, Taiwan, Sweden, Afghanistan, Belgium, Tibet, Croatia, Pakistan, Romania, Paraguay, Sudan, Vietnam, Argentina, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Estonia, Puerto Rico, Maldives, Qatar, Brazil, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Slovenia, China, Iraq, Ecuador, Nigeria, Colombia, Chile, Honduras, Paupa New Guinea, Moldova, Venezuela, Germany, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Norway, Finland

and in cities across the United States such as Stevensville, San Jose, Salem, Shreveport and more.

Today is:

Today is Saturday, August 20, the 232nd day of 2011.

There are 133 days left in the year.

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are:

Sandcastles and Sand Sculptures Day
and
World Daffodil Day.

  

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

President Obama's Weekly Address

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, August 20, 2011

Alpha, Illinois

Hello from the Country Corner Farm in Alpha, Illinois! For the past few days, I’ve been traveling to small towns and farm towns here in the heartland of this country. I sat down with small business owners in Gutenberg, Iowa; and ranchers and farmers in Peosta. I had lunch with veterans in Cannon Falls, Minnesota; and talked to plant workers at a seed distributor in Atkinson, Illinois. And to the girls volleyball team at Maquoketa High School, let me just say one thing: Go Cardinals.
Now, I’m out here for one reason: I think Washington, DC can learn something from the folks in Atkinson and Peosta and Cannon Falls. I think our country would be a whole lot better off if our elected leaders showed the same kind of discipline and integrity and responsibility that most Americans demonstrate in their lives every day.
Because, the fact is, we’re going through a tough time right now. We’re coming through a terrible recession; a lot of folks are still looking for work. A lot of people are getting by with smaller paychecks or less money in the cash register. So we need folks in Washington – the people whose job it is to deal with the country’s problems, the people who you elected to serve – we need them to put aside their differences to get things done.
There are things we can do right now that will mean more customers for businesses and more jobs across the country. We can cut payroll taxes again, so families have an extra $1,000 to spend. We can pass a road construction bill so construction crews – now sitting idle – can head back to the worksite, rebuilding roads, bridges, and airports. We’ve got brave, skilled Americans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Let’s connect them with businesses that could use their skills. And let’s pass trade deals to level the playing field for our businesses. We have Americans driving Hyundais and Kias. Well, I want to see folks in Korea driving Fords, Chevys and Chryslers. I want more products sold around the globe stamped with three words: Made in America.
These are commonsense ideas – ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans. The only thing holding them back is politics. The only thing preventing us from passing these bills is the refusal by some in Congress to put country ahead of party. That’s the problem right now. That’s what’s holding this country back. That’s what we have to change.
Because, for all the knocks we’ve taken, despite all the challenges we face, this is still the greatest country on earth. We still have the best workers and farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses, students and scientists. And you can see that here in Alpha. You can see it along the country roads that connect these small towns and farmlands.
These past few days, I’ve been seeing little kids with American flags and grandparents in lawn chairs. I’ve shaken hands with folks outside machine shops and churches, corner stores and farms. It reminds me why I got into public service in the first place. Getting out of Washington and spending time with the people of this country – seeing how hard you’re working, how creative you are, how resourceful you are, how determined you are – that only makes me more determined to serve you as best I can as President. And it only makes me more confident in our future.
That’s why it’s so important that folks in Washington put country before party. That’s why it’s so important that our elected leaders get past their differences to help grow the economy and put this nation back to work. Because here in Alpha it couldn’t be more clear: if we can come together, there’s no stopping the United States of America. There’s no doubt that our future is bright.
Thanks, and have a great weekend.

Green Tomatoes Turn Red Indoors

Tomatoes go through several stages during the ripening process. 

When the fruit has reached its full size, the plant stops sending water to it.

Full Story

Non Sequitur

Sieg Heil!

Sieg Heil! 

The TRUTH always comes out!

Lunatic Fringe

The religio-wingnuts will ruin the U.S.

Batshit-Crazy Bachmann says people are worried about the rise of the Soviet Union

She says a lot of things ... none of them true!

Bachmann warns of the rise of a zombie Soviet Union 

Michele 'Batshit-Crazy' Bachmann, that great arbiter of history, stopped by radio show Jay Sekulow Live and had a warning to all Americans out there.

[Bachmann:] "It really is about jobs and the economy. That doesn't mean people haven't [sic] forgotten about protecting life and marriage and the sanctity of the family. People are very concerned about that as well. But what people recognize is that there's a fear that the United States is in an unstoppable decline. They see the rise of China, the rise of India, the rise of the Soviet Union and our loss militarily going forward. And especially with this very bad debt ceiling bill, what we have done is given a favor to President Obama and the first thing he'll whack is five hundred billion out of the military defense at a time when we're fighting three wars. People recognize that."

The rise of the Soviet Union, which died twenty years ago? A zombie Soviet Union!?

The bitch is insane - you can see it in her eyes.

Quite accurate actually

Repugican presidential candidate Huntsman believes in evolution and global warming

While to normal folk this revelation is hardly earth-shattering, in repugican primary land, this is akin to saying you believe in the Easter Bunny.

"To be clear. I believe in evolution and trust scientists on global warming. Call me crazy."

~ Jon Huntsman on Twitter

Bold and definitely going to hurt him rather than help in a repugican primary these days. But he is still a repugican and as such is no good for anything.

Protest galvanizes India

Activist's hunger strike galvanizes India

Crowds cheer as a 74-year-old anti-corruption crusader leaves jail to continue his fast.  

Government in crisis 

Also: 

• More on Anna Hazare
• Thousands join rally
• Protest strikes a chord

Hacker sues Murdoch

Phone hacker to sue Murdoch company

The private investigator involved in the hacking scandal is suing Rupert Murdoch's News International. 

Costs 

Also: 

• Phone hacking scandal
• Ex-NOTW editor held
• Leslie Ash settles claim

How the Times Have Changed

How the times have changed.

You'll be amazed when you look back at what some things cost in 1960.

Get paid what you want

How to get paid what you want

Career coaches have a key rule when you're asked about a salary in a job interview.

Ways to negotiate shrewdly 

Also: 

• Reasons to quit a job
• Starting a second career
• Score a store price match

Speaking the truth

Warren Buffet is right: Raise taxes on the rich.

Headed for recession?

Are we headed for another recession?

Worrisome economic signs heighten fears that a global downturn is on the way.

  'Dangerously close' 

Also: 

• Asian stocks sink
• Is this another Lehman?
• Blame it on the Fed

Reality sets in

Towns slammed by downgrades

Small cities stung by super-downgrades

Local officials are frustrated after credit agencies slash their towns' ratings. 

Unfair punishment? 

Also: 

• Car dealers fear economy
• Strong words on S&P
• Best places to live

Small investors exit stocks

Small investors throwing in the towel

Pummeled by the market's swings, many shareholders are selling their stocks. 

$23.5 bil yanked from funds 

Also: 

• Madness of Wall Street
• Gold hits a new high
• BofA to cut 3,500 jobs

Investment Advice

Best advice you're gonna get.

Amazing shade illusion

Mind-boggling illusion of light and shade

When a lighter square's place on this checkerboard is switched, you won't believe your eyes.

Looks like magic 

Also: 

• More tricks of the eye
• Microscopic worlds
• 'Star Trek' proposal

Best beachfront hotels

The world's best beachfront hotels

Stretches of pristine white sand are just steps from your room at these resorts.  

 Oceanfront dining, private decks 

Also: 

• Bizarre theme hotels
• Shark-infested beaches
• Most beautiful rivers

Got a spare room?

Make your spare room a money-spinner

Renting out part of your home can be a wise financial move but be aware of the responsibilities. 

Tax-free income 

Also: 

• Renting out your home
• RBS restricts ATM access
• Man United share sale on

Ziggy

After raids, artifact dealers slowly regain trust

It's been two years since swarms of federal agents burst into nearly two dozen homes scattered throughout the archeologically rich Southwest, looking to take down what they believed was a criminal element robbing Native American grave sites and illicitly selling or trading pieces of the nation's heritage.

Full Story

'West Memphis 3' freed

'West Memphis 3' freed after plea deal

A judge has ordered the release of the men convicted of killing three boys nearly two decades ago. 

Role of DNA 

Also: 

• Photos of the three
• Film that drove interest
• Details of Fla. bomb plot

War Between the States POW camp found

Unique artifacts found at War Between the States camp

Archaeologists unearth a trove of personal items from a massive POW site.  

Clues on living conditions 

Also: 

• Confederate plates flap
• Dealers strive for trust
• Clues from Egyptian flask

Awesome Pictures

German engineer fired for marrying Chinese woman

An engineer in northern Germany who was sacked because he married a Chinese woman was unjustifiably dismissed, a court has ruled. The man was declared a security risk by his employer after his marriage because of his new family ties. The company acted as a supplier for the German armed forces and feared possible industrial espionage.

But the court said the engineer's employer had violated his right to marry whomever he chose. The employment tribunal in Kiel in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein was told that the 47-year-old engineer had been employed at the firm on a temporary basis since May 2006. Neither the engineer nor the firm was named in now-published reports of the case, whose verdict was pronounced in June.

From 2007 on, the man travelled regularly to China to see his girlfriend and reportedly received security clearance for his trips. Not only did the firm raise no objections, the court heard, but in 2009 it even offered him a permanent job. As the couple had planned to marry in China in December 2009, the firm agreed that his permanent contract would begin in February 2010. But just weeks later, on 5 March 2010, the engineer was suspended for what were described as security concerns. In June last year, he was fired. The firm cited "operational reasons".

The employment tribunal said the man's dismissal was arbitrary: it found that his situation had not been changed by his marriage, and his employer's sudden mention of a security risk was not supported by the facts. Altogether, said the judges, the sacking of the German engineer had violated all right-thinking people's norms of decency. Under the settlement, the man was awarded compensation equivalent to seven months' salary.

"Woot" added to Oxford English Dictionary

The latest in high-tech terms made an impression on the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary. 

"Woot" added to Oxford English Dictionary

Mathematicians Want to Say Goodbye to Pi

I was always bad at math in school, but there was always one thing even the worst math students could remember: pi equals about 3.14. Now the importance of pi in mathematics is being challenged. So take that seventh grade math teacher.

Last year, Palais’ followers gave the new constant, 2pi, a name: tau. Since then, the tau movement has steadily grown, with its members hoping to replace pi as it appears in textbooks and calculators with tau, the true idol of math. Yesterday — 6/28 — they even celebrated Tau Day in math events worldwide.
But is pi really “wrong”? And if it is, why is tau better?
The mathematicians aren’t saying that pi has been wrongly calculated. Its value is still approximately 3.14, as it always was. Rather they argue that 3.14 isn’t the value that matters most when it comes to circles. Palais originally argued that pi should be changed to equal (approximately) 6.28 while others prefer giving that number a new name altogether.

Full Story

NASA: greenhouse gasses may encourage hostile alien invasion

Egad! You mean there may be alien forces more hostile than the teabaggers?
The Guardian:

It may not rank as the most compelling reason to curb greenhouse gases, but reducing our emissions might just save humanity from a pre-emptive alien attack, scientists claim.

Watching from afar, extraterrestrial beings might view changes in Earth's atmosphere as symptomatic of a civilization growing out of control – and take drastic action to keep us from becoming a more serious threat, the researchers explain.

This highly speculative scenario is one of several described by scientists at NASA and Pennsylvania State University that, while considered unlikely, they say could play out were humans and alien life to make contact at some point in the future.

Upping the cute factor

B.C.

Shock over shark attacks in Russia

Shock over shark attacks in Russia

A shark has mauled a teen in Russia, one day after a man lost his hands in a similar attack in the region. Unusual 

Also: 

• Sharks in Russia
• Swim ban in Seychelles
• Hurdle for shark sanctuary

Moohunt

 

Runaway cow captures German hearts

A runaway cow named Yvonne is on the loose in Germany and the manhunt -- or moohunt -- for the Bavarian bovine has captivated the country.

Full Story

Cow's tricky predicament

Trapped cow's tricky predicament

A Scottish community is puzzled after finding the animal tangled in a ladder in a farmer’s field.

Week's best photos 

Also: 

• Germany’s runaway cow
• Goat attacks tourists
• PETA's vegan space plea

Kitty and gray fox break bread together

A hot, dry day in Texas brought two animals in a rare union just before sunset to share a bite of food and drink during a time when both are tested by the unrelenting drought.

Full Story

Strange Bedfellows

Animals flee global warming

Animals flee from global warming

A study finds that species are moving away from the equator faster than a decade ago.

15 feet a day 

Also: 

• New theory on orange goo
• Warning on amoeba
• Walruses driven to land

Animal Pictures