The Daily Drift

The Daily Drift

Today's horoscope says:
You're always the person everyone comes to when they're after advice, counsel or a couple of dollars to pay the electric bill.
Does that mean it's the only type of relationship you're capable of having?
Hardly.
In fact, a long-distance lover could well be making plans to tiptoe subtly back into your life.
If you're game, don't be afraid to make the first move.
Make the call, and issue the invitation.
Just be sure they pay for the ticket this time.

Some of our readers today have been in:

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Tychy, Slaskie, Poland

Paris, Ile-De-France, France

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

as well as Singapore, Russia and in cities across the United States such as Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, Tempe, Washburn and more.

Today is:

Today is Tuesday, October 12, the 284th day of 2010.

There are 80 days left in the year.

Today In History October 12

Today's unusual holidays or celebrations are:

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work (& School) Day

International Moment of Frustration Scream Day

International Top Spinning Day

It is also Free Thought Day

(but don't tell a repugican ... they are incapable of free thought so they can not enjoy the celebration)

Don't forget to visit our sister blog!

On this date ...

On this date:
In 1810, the German festival Oktoberfest was first held in Munich to celebrate the wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

Attention-seeking author hurls his book at Obama

Details emerge on book thrown at Obama

The incident isn't the only bizarre moment from a campaign rally in Philadelphia.

Secret Service interview

In a Chilean Mine ...

Tense wait for first miner to surface

The first of 33 trapped miners will soon be lifted out, while their families keep vigil.

What could go wrong 

Also: 

• Dramatic endgame looms
• Biggest risks of rescue
• More on rescue capsule

Freedom just hours away for miners

Rescue crews plan to bring the first trapped Chilean miner to the surface late Tuesday.

Extensive precautions 

Also: 

• President's call to mother
• Mine rescue Q&A

New York Hail

Freak hailstorm shuts down New York City

The flash storm flooded roadways and pelted the city with quarter-sized ice rocks.  

'Beautiful, but scary' 

Also:

• How hail forms
• Change moving crops
• Disaster-proof regions

'Don't ask, don't tell' blocked by injunction

'Don't ask, don't tell' blocked by injunction

A federal judge's order ends the military's controversial 17-year-old ban on openly gay troops. 

Possible appeal 

Also: 

• More on the policy
• Gay activists' petition
• Gates to visit China

Russia inflates its military with blow-up weapons

The Russian military has come up with an inventive way to deceive the enemy and save money at the same time: inflatable weapons. They look just like real ones: they are easy to transport and quick to deploy. You name it, the Russian army is blowing it up: from pretend tanks to entire radar stations. The decoys are a hundred times cheaper than the real thing, which means Moscow will save a lot of money by blowing up its own weapons.

On the edge of Moscow, two men carry a black duffel bag into a field, then drop it on the ground. When they open the bag, they take out a large sheet of plastic. It looks like a tent or a tarpaulin. In fact, it's the Russian army's latest strategic weapon. It doesn't need ammunition - just air. On goes the pump, in goes the air and the plastic sheet begins to rise and take shape.

A turret appears, then out pops a long plastic gun barrel. This is an inflatable Russian tank. When the men pump up their next piece of plastic, this one expands into a S-300 rocket launcher, complete with giant truck and inflatable rockets. It is a cross between a ballistic missile and a bouncy castle. And waiting to be blown up are inflatable MiG fighter jets - even entire Russian radar stations.

These state-of-the-art stand-ins are among the most advanced military decoys in the world. What they lack in firepower, they make up for in flexibility: they are light and can be deployed quickly to deceive the enemy. They are also very realistic. They are made of a special material that tricks enemy radar and thermal imaging into thinking they are real weapons.

Video. There's a large gallery of photos here.

Aquarium home to 3 exotic lobsters

Connecticut's Maritime Aquarium is the new home to three exotic lobsters, a colorful trio sharing the same tank at the Norwalk center.

Full story

Culinary DeLites

A must-eat green few people get enough of

Kale is getting loads of attention as a superfood, but another veggie might be more deserving.  

Why it's good for you 

Also: 

• Everyday superfoods
• The best bacon recipes
• Resist Halloween candy

The five worst Halloween candies

There may be no quicker way to swallow 100 calories than a fun-size Butterfinger.  

15-calorie treat helps stave off cravings 

Also: 

• Healthier fall treats
• Seven candy recipes
• Holiday weight gain

Proof their 'food' is not fit for human consumption

Happy Meal project's startling results

Photographer Sally Davies has kept a hamburger and fries on her shelf for six months.

'You have to see this thing' 

Also: 

• Photos of the project
• More on the Happy Meal
• Fast food toy ban?

Employer demands mean some jobs go unfilled

The total number of job openings does remain historically low: 3.2 million, down from 4.4 million before the recession. But the number of openings has surged 37 percent in the past year. And yet the unemployment rate has actually risen during that time. [...]
Human resource specialists say employers who increasingly need multi-skilled employees aren’t willing to settle for less. They’d rather wait and hold jobs vacant.
HR specialists even have a nickname for the highly sought but elusive job candidate whose skills and experiences precisely match an employer’s needs: the “purple squirrel.”

Employer demands mean some jobs go unfilled

On The Job

America's best careers for pay, growth

For high salaries and satisfying work, consider these top-rated professions.  

Strong prospects for the years ahead 

Also: 

• Jobs will swing elections
• High-paying jobs for moms
• Stress-free careers

Unsatisfied

The most unsatisfying college majors

One subject leaves just 26 percent of people "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their career paths.

Top and bottom 

Also: 

• How to pick a major
• Job recruiters' top schools
• Why pick a pricey college?

Credit score myths that could hurt you

9 credit score myths that could hurt you

Getting your credit report or counseling won't lower your score, but other moves may.

Should you close old accounts? 

Also: 

• When not to use a card
• 5 ID theft dangers
• Fix credit report errors

Avoid impulse shopping

Five ways to avoid impulse shopping

Watch out for these sneaky ways that stores and websites get you to spend.  

'Last one on the rack' syndrome 

Also: 

• Best place for savings
• Addicted to shopping?
• Compulsive spending

Knockoffs that hurt

5 counterfeit products that can harm you

Some knockoffs aren't worth the savings, and could even pose a danger.  

Flammable power cords 

Also: 

• 15 things not to pay for
• Online shopping secrets
• Find product recalls

The 100 Worst Things to Say to Someone Who's Depressed

These platitudes won't help.

“What’s *your* problem?” 
“Will you stop that constant whining? What makes you think that anyone cares?” 
“Have you gotten tired yet of all this me-me-me stuff?” 
“You just need to give yourself a kick in the rear.” 
“But it’s all in your mind.” 
“I thought you were stronger than that.”
“No one ever said life was fair.”
“As you get stronger you won’t have to wallow in it as much.” 
“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” 
“Do you feel better now?”(Usually said following a five minute conversation in which the speaker has asked me “what’s wrong?” and “would you like to talk about it?” with the best of intentions, but absolutely no under-standing of depression as anything but an irrational sadness.)

The Rest

Common breast cancer myths busted

Common breast cancer myths busted

Getting the facts straight can protect your health and help you avoid needless worry.

Radiation risk explained 

Also: 

• Assess your risk level
• Male breast cancer facts
• History of pink ribbon

Diabetes gene linked to degeneration of enzyme involved in Alzheimer’s disease onset and progression

Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers have found that a gene associated with the onset of Type 2 diabetes also is found at lower-than-normal levels in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Full story

Six degrees to your sickness

What does Kevin Bacon have to do with the flu?

Well, nothing – unless he sneezes around that one guy who works with your neighbor lady’s cousin.

Here’s why scientists say studying friendships could be the key to tracking germs.

Read More