Alligators' bird breath may explain dinosaurs' triumph

The airflow through alligators' lungs is strikingly bird-like, suggesting that super-efficient one-way airflow evolved in an ancestor of dinosaurs.

Alligators' bird breath may explain dinosaurs' triumph

Transparent frogs, tiny geckos and snail-sucking snakes

An expedition to the coastal rainforests of Ecuador has discovered 30 new species of frog, a slug-sucking snake and a tiny gecko.

Transparent frogs, tiny geckos and snail-sucking snakes

From Treehugger:

Photo via Paul Hamilton / RAEI

One look at a newly discovered species of gecko, small enough at its full-grown size to rest comfortably on the eraser of a pencil, and it's difficult not to be mesmerized by the seemingly boundless forms of biological diversity--while simultaneously reminded of its fragility. For the last seven years, the Ecuadorian Biodiversity Project has scoured the Amazon to observe and record the rainforest's unique wildlife, and to draw attention to the imperiled ecosystem in which they live. So far, the organization has catalogued almost 6,000 species, taking roughly 25,000 photographs. Recently, 30 new species of reptiles and amphibians have been discovered, though sadly they could all become extinct due to the various factors that have long threatened the region.

Article continues: Incredible New Species Discovered in Ecuador

90 Accomplishments of President Obama Which The Media Fails to Report....

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending

2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices

3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women

4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB

6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information

7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family

8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act

9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible

10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House

11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration

12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date

13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan

14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research

15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research

16. New federal funding for science and research labs

17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards

18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect

19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools

20. New funds for school construction

21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out

22. US Auto industry rescue plan

23. Housing rescue plan

24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan

25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying

26. US financial and banking rescue plan

27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed

28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards

29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops

30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010

31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols

32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic

33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions

34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office

35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job

36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast

37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles

38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales

39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government

40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children

41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program

42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones

43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions

44. Expanding vaccination programs

45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters

46. Closed offshore tax safe havens

47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals

48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back

49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices

50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources

51. Lower drug costs for seniors

52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings

53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel

54. Improved housing for military personnel

55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses

56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals

57. Increasing student loans

58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program

59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy

60. Established a new cyber security office

61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.

62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts

63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness

64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient

65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced

66. Improving benefits for veterans

67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration

68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud

69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco

70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules

71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports

72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons

73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive

74. Making more loans available to small businesses

75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare

76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court

77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans

78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000

79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel

80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan

81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan

82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans

83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production

84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters

85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket

86. Held first Seder in White House

87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured

88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform

89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform

90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!

There is more but this is all that could be thought of off the top of the head.

From DailyKOS

Here's a thought

Someone should tell Lush that the Dominican Republic is right next door to Haiti.
Without his favorite Dominican under-aged male brothels he’ll have to go to interstate rest stops to get his jollies.

Dimbulb doesn't back off Haiti comments

Despite a firestorm of criticism, the talk show host reaffirms his dig at President Obama's relief efforts.

'Meant to say it'

Also:

• Dimbulb controversies
• French react to Robertson
• Beck taking political steps

Rise of a very unlikely cable mogul

Rise of a very unlikely cable mogul

Patrick Gottsch built a 24-hour cable network that attracts 13 million weekly viewers.

His audience? Rural America

Also:

• More on Patrick Gottsch
• Lower your cable bill
• Price of Super Bowl ad

Clothes you should get rid of right now

How about all of them ... go nude instead.

Clothes you should get rid of right now

Create more closet space by tossing these tired and goofy-looking items.

Like that supertight pair of pants

Also:

• One dress, five looks
• Fashion rules to break
• Trendy looks for 2010

World scrambles to save lives in Haiti

World scrambles to save lives in Haiti

Rescue teams work quickly while the quake-ravaged nation faces new threats.

Food and water in short supply

Also:

• Aftermath, aerial pics
• How you can help
• Triage center filled

S.C. Senate adds hunting dog restrictions

The Senate gave final passage Thursday to a bill that prohibits hunters from using dogs to hunt on property without a landowner's permission.

S.C. Senate adds hunting dog restrictions

Haiti quake aid snarled; up to 50,000 feared dead

Doctors and search dogs, troops and rescue teams flew to this devastated land of dazed, dead and dying people Thursday, finding bottlenecks everywhere, beginning at a main airport short on jet fuel and ramp space and without a control tower.

Full Story

Gives "Viral Video" A New Meaning

It's a Youtube clip that redefines the term "Viral Video."
A woman who claims she's spreading AIDS in Detroit, trying to kill her lovers.
And she's naming names.
But is it real?
Or is it just a sick hoax?

Gives "Viral Video" A New Meaning

Update: According to the latest it was a hoax ... still ...

Malaysia police tipped off by $500-note tip

Malaysian police have arrested a Lebanese man allegedly carrying fake currency with a face value of $66 million after he tipped a hotel staff with a $500 note, news reports said Friday.

Lebanese man caught with $66 million in fake bills

ABC Board Chair Resigns

The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that Mecklenburg County ABC Board Chairman Parks Helms announced his resignation in a letter sent to county commissioners.

ABC Board Chair Resigns In Midst Of $9,000 Holiday Dinner Investigation

The Big Picture

From BBC-Science:

Caribbean at risk of more large earthquakes

Historical records suggest the tragedy in Haiti did not release all the energy that has built up in the faults that run through the Caribbean.

Caribbean at risk of more large earthquakes

'Blazing ring' eclipse longest on record

'Blazing ring' eclipse longest on record

A stunning eclipse that swept across Africa and Asia won't be matched for more than 1,000 years.

'Magnificent'

Also:

• See photos of eclipse
• Strange illusion on Mars
• 2010 meteor showers

Riskiest places to use your debit card

Riskiest places to use your debit card

The threat of "skimming" has made typing your PIN at the pump a bad idea.

Protect yourself in three steps

Also:

• New rules may drop fees
• How to cut extra spending
• Best debit-card rewards

Battered Haiti hotel offers refuge for all

Battered Haiti hotel offers refuge for all

A once-elegant hotel leaves its doors open and operates a hospital in its front entrance.

'Nothing to do with money'

Also:

• Quake survivor's story
• Adoption dreams in limbo
• Scientists' quake warning

Today is ...

Today is Friday, January 15, the 15th day of 2010.

There are 350 days left in the year.

Today In History January 15

Today's unusual holiday or celebration is:

International Fetish Day

Our Readers

Some of our readers today have been in:

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
London, England, United Kingdom
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

as well as Germany, and the United States

Today's Horoscope

Today's horoscope says:

It's not usually easy to part you from your hard-earned pesos, even if you have a good excuse to shop, like a birthday, the holidays or some such special occasion.
So when you wake up today with the urge to spend some serious money, go for it.
If anyone can afford to splurge, it's you.
And if a dear one's along for the ride, try and prepare them for this temporary turn of events.
You know what you want, you're after it and that's that.

Have cash, will spend.