The ever-increasing economic woes in the United States have everyone worried. People are worried about losing their jobs, finding jobs if they already have, losing their homes and how they will pay their bills. But, there are more victims of the economic downturn than just the people.
In many large cities across the United States, family pets have fallen victim to the financial crisis in the United States. One of those cities is Detroit, Michigan. Detroit is suffering through extreme economic hardships and it is thought there are as many as 50,000 to 100,000 stray and homeless dogs in Detroit. For whatever reason, the animals are now living on the streets and in abandoned houses and buildings fending for themselves. With just 23 Animal Control officers in Detroit, the dogs far outnumber those who bear the responsibility of catching them and helping them find new homes.
One woman, a producer who has worked with Discovery Channel, Monica Martino, and some of her friends and colleagues have focused on Detroit and have started an organization, Detroit Dog Rescue to help the stray dogs find the loving homes they deserve. Monica Martino developed a story idea for a program focusing on Detroit's stray dog issues. She proposed the idea to the city of Detroit but they passed on it, which came as a big surprise to her. Ms. Martino would like to work with the city of Detroit and even try to extend the rescue efforts nationally to assist other cities such as Cleveland and Los Angeles with the growing problem of dogs displaced by the hard times facing the United States.
Below is video of an interview Ms. Martino gave to NBC's Today Show about the problem facing Detroit and her wishes for Detroit Dog Rescue. Hopefully, Ms. Martino's efforts will succeed and the canine friends in the United States will get the help they so desperately need.
Showing posts with label United States. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Eastern Newfoundland's Newest Celebrity: A Pacific Coast Hummingbird
When you think of an island paradise Newfoundland, Canada might not be the first place that comes to mind, right? I would say "island paradise" are two words that most certainly can be used to describe Newfoundland. From the picturesque landscapes and breathtaking ocean views to the colorful charm of the capitol city, St. John's (which also just happens to be the oldest city in North America), Newfoundland has a beauty and charm a lot of other places cannot claim.
In August of 2010, the island got one more extremely rare thing to add to the already long list of attractions and beauty it's known for: a tiny hummingbird native to the Pacific Coast. Yes, you read that correctly. A hummingbird in Newfoundland, Canada. Eastern Newfoundland, to be exact.
In August of 2010, the island got one more extremely rare thing to add to the already long list of attractions and beauty it's known for: a tiny hummingbird native to the Pacific Coast. Yes, you read that correctly. A hummingbird in Newfoundland, Canada. Eastern Newfoundland, to be exact.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
History: John F. Kennedy Documents & Recordings Online for the First Time
Regardless of where in the world you live, you might have an interest in American history or American political history. If you do, the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts has just put thousands upon thousands of documents, photographs and recorded telephone conversations online that will make you very happy.
Before the digital age, amateur historians, researchers and individuals with just a passing interest would have had to travel from their homes to Boston to read, see and hear the historically significant material at the Kennedy Library and Museum. Now, anyone with online access can view 200,000 document pages, 1,200 recordings of telephone conversations, speeches and meetings and some 1,500 photographs of the late 35th American president.
Digitizing the material was a four-year project for almost two dozen individuals at the Library and Museum and work is ongoing to further expand the collection. Even major technology firms were involved in the process to bring these documents to the public. EMC Corp. donated high-speed storage, Iron Mountain provided secure computing facilities, AT&T provided hosting and networking and Raytheon led project management.
Massachusetts born John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States serving from 1961 until he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963. Many Americans consider Kennedy to be one of the finest presidents to date and he remains an American hero to many to this day. The Kennedy years, often referred to as "Camelot" are thought of by many as the closest to having royalty as the United States ever came.
Follow this link if you would like to browse the Digital Archive of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70C4WE20110113
Before the digital age, amateur historians, researchers and individuals with just a passing interest would have had to travel from their homes to Boston to read, see and hear the historically significant material at the Kennedy Library and Museum. Now, anyone with online access can view 200,000 document pages, 1,200 recordings of telephone conversations, speeches and meetings and some 1,500 photographs of the late 35th American president.
Digitizing the material was a four-year project for almost two dozen individuals at the Library and Museum and work is ongoing to further expand the collection. Even major technology firms were involved in the process to bring these documents to the public. EMC Corp. donated high-speed storage, Iron Mountain provided secure computing facilities, AT&T provided hosting and networking and Raytheon led project management.
Massachusetts born John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States serving from 1961 until he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963. Many Americans consider Kennedy to be one of the finest presidents to date and he remains an American hero to many to this day. The Kennedy years, often referred to as "Camelot" are thought of by many as the closest to having royalty as the United States ever came.
Follow this link if you would like to browse the Digital Archive of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70C4WE20110113
Friday, November 19, 2010
Play Chess on a NYC Playground & You'll Get Your Day In Court
We all love New York, right? All the lights, colorful people, good food, entertainment, television shows that are set there, Central Park. What isn't there to love about New York? It's the big city at it's best!
However, if you are a resident of New York and live in the district of the 34th Precinct you better not let the police catch you playing chess on the Inwood Hill playground! That's right, you better not play chess on the playground or you'll get a ticket, buddy, because we all know that it's purely criminal to check or mate in public!
A group of men were playing chess at tables on the Inwood Hill playground last month and were ticketed by a swarm of bullet-proof vest clad police officers. It should be stated that it is against the law to be in the park if you are not accompanied by a child even if there is no one else in the park.
Laws are laws and should be followed and it's good that the police uphold all laws. But, (and there is always a 'but', isn't there?) is playing chess really the worst thing that could happen in that park? I seriously doubt that the truly hardened criminals that lurk in the Big Apple would be on Inwood Hill trying to grab a knight with the bishop. And even if there were kids in the park at the time, would it truly be so bad that they be exposed to a chess game? Granted, I'm no Bobby Fischer or Boris Spasskey, but a good game of chess isn't a bad thing every now and then.
Regardless, the group of baddies are due in court on December 28, 2010. Let's just hope the judge doesn't lock them up and throw away the key without at least letting them take their chess boards and pieces into the joint with them.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40261971/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/
However, if you are a resident of New York and live in the district of the 34th Precinct you better not let the police catch you playing chess on the Inwood Hill playground! That's right, you better not play chess on the playground or you'll get a ticket, buddy, because we all know that it's purely criminal to check or mate in public!
A group of men were playing chess at tables on the Inwood Hill playground last month and were ticketed by a swarm of bullet-proof vest clad police officers. It should be stated that it is against the law to be in the park if you are not accompanied by a child even if there is no one else in the park.
Laws are laws and should be followed and it's good that the police uphold all laws. But, (and there is always a 'but', isn't there?) is playing chess really the worst thing that could happen in that park? I seriously doubt that the truly hardened criminals that lurk in the Big Apple would be on Inwood Hill trying to grab a knight with the bishop. And even if there were kids in the park at the time, would it truly be so bad that they be exposed to a chess game? Granted, I'm no Bobby Fischer or Boris Spasskey, but a good game of chess isn't a bad thing every now and then.
Regardless, the group of baddies are due in court on December 28, 2010. Let's just hope the judge doesn't lock them up and throw away the key without at least letting them take their chess boards and pieces into the joint with them.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40261971/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/
Thursday, November 18, 2010
140 LB. Newfoundland Dog Saves 95 Year-Old Neighbor
It's been a while since I've done one of my regular sort of posts as I've been focusing on a lot of television lately. I haven't forgotten about the sort of posts I usually do and will be doing my best to get more of them back on the blog, especially once the holidays are over and I've got a bit more time on my hands.
Anyway, I've got an awesome story for you today.
Murphy, a 140 pound full-blooded Newfoundland dog is a true hero tonight after helping to save his 95 year-old neighbor. The neighbor had apparently fallen in her garage and was in need of help. Murphy knew something was wrong even though his owners did not. He barked and caused a ruckus so that his owner, Stephanie Goese of Roseville, Minnesota took a look to see what was the matter. Stephanie was able to get her neighbor indoors and make sure she was OK (Stephanie is a nurse).
News stories like this just have a way of making you smile, don't they? And isn't Murphy the most adorable big guy you've ever seen?
You can watch a video of the news story courtesy of the MSNBC.com video player here:
Anyway, I've got an awesome story for you today.
Murphy, a 140 pound full-blooded Newfoundland dog is a true hero tonight after helping to save his 95 year-old neighbor. The neighbor had apparently fallen in her garage and was in need of help. Murphy knew something was wrong even though his owners did not. He barked and caused a ruckus so that his owner, Stephanie Goese of Roseville, Minnesota took a look to see what was the matter. Stephanie was able to get her neighbor indoors and make sure she was OK (Stephanie is a nurse).
News stories like this just have a way of making you smile, don't they? And isn't Murphy the most adorable big guy you've ever seen?
You can watch a video of the news story courtesy of the MSNBC.com video player here:
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
10,000 Packages of Marijuana Seized on Tijuana/US Border
We are all more than familiar with the ongoing drug war being waged in Mexico and the fact it is spilling over into the southwestern United States. The news is constantly dotted with headlines about the latest violence to erupt on Mexican soil.
So, it wasn't anything new to read that a shootout took place in Tijuana between members of the drug cartels and law enforcement. However, it was surprising to read the amount of marijuana that was confiscated following the shootout: 10,000 packages totaling more than 105 tons! The drugs are worth over $330 million on the Mexican market and as much as twice that if taken across the border and sold in the United States.
Soldiers and police arrested eleven people following the shootout between Tijuana policemen and gunmen in a convoy of seven vehicles. The drug violence in Mexico has claimed almost 30,000 lives.
For more information and to see a photo of the massive amount of weed confiscated by authorities, you can refer to this article.
So, it wasn't anything new to read that a shootout took place in Tijuana between members of the drug cartels and law enforcement. However, it was surprising to read the amount of marijuana that was confiscated following the shootout: 10,000 packages totaling more than 105 tons! The drugs are worth over $330 million on the Mexican market and as much as twice that if taken across the border and sold in the United States.
Soldiers and police arrested eleven people following the shootout between Tijuana policemen and gunmen in a convoy of seven vehicles. The drug violence in Mexico has claimed almost 30,000 lives.
For more information and to see a photo of the massive amount of weed confiscated by authorities, you can refer to this article.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Postal Union Election Delayed Because Ballots Were LOST IN THE MAIL
I'm not one who reads or watches Fox News but when I saw the link to this article I had to read it.
For anyone who has ever had a problem with the post, this will make you feel so much better. Almost enough to make you feel like the universe has somehow righted some of the postal wrongs we've all suffered through one time or another.
The American Postal Workers Union recently had to extend the deadline for their internal election after thousands of ballots were lost in the mail. Ballots were originally going to be counted this weekend in Washington D.C., but the deadline for submitting a ballot has been extended to October 14, 2010.
Now, tell me you didn't read this article and laugh out loud. I certainly know I did. Next time the post loses your letter to Aunt Martha, you can at least feel a little better about it knowing they lose their own mail, too.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/07/postal-union-election-delayed-ballots-lost-mail/?test=latestnews
For anyone who has ever had a problem with the post, this will make you feel so much better. Almost enough to make you feel like the universe has somehow righted some of the postal wrongs we've all suffered through one time or another.
The American Postal Workers Union recently had to extend the deadline for their internal election after thousands of ballots were lost in the mail. Ballots were originally going to be counted this weekend in Washington D.C., but the deadline for submitting a ballot has been extended to October 14, 2010.
Now, tell me you didn't read this article and laugh out loud. I certainly know I did. Next time the post loses your letter to Aunt Martha, you can at least feel a little better about it knowing they lose their own mail, too.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/07/postal-union-election-delayed-ballots-lost-mail/?test=latestnews
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
ASPCA-Sponsored Petition Regarding Horse Roundups
Yesterday, I posted about horse roundups being conducted by the United States government (Bureau of Land Management, BLM). I was hoping to have a link to an online petition at the time I wrote the post but I didn't. Well, I've got one now.
If you'd like to sign the ASPCA sponsored petition you can do so here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/517/697/713/.
If you'd like to sign the ASPCA sponsored petition you can do so here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/517/697/713/.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Horses vs. Helicopters: Roundup in the US West
In ten of the fifty United States there is a showdown going on. It's between some 40,000 wild horses and the cowboys who are trying to round them up. But this isn't the kind of showdown we've all read about or seen in movies depicting the Old West. The cowboys aren't riding horses wrangling the animals to where they want them to go. The cowboys doing this roundup are swooping down on the horses in helicopters in this high-tech showdown. For the past month, the cowboys have been working in the states of California and Nevada and have caught over 1,200 wild horses.
Just how do the roundups work? Horses are spotted from helicopters then driven toward the trap site through a funnel shaped opening into a temporary corral. Once in there, a "judas horse" is released to lead the wild horses into the trap where they must become accustomed to their new lives. ("Judas horses" are animals specially trained to lead other horses into these traps.) Sometimes the horses manage to outsmart the helicopters and can escape. Most of the time, however, they do not.
Just how do the roundups work? Horses are spotted from helicopters then driven toward the trap site through a funnel shaped opening into a temporary corral. Once in there, a "judas horse" is released to lead the wild horses into the trap where they must become accustomed to their new lives. ("Judas horses" are animals specially trained to lead other horses into these traps.) Sometimes the horses manage to outsmart the helicopters and can escape. Most of the time, however, they do not.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Government-Endorsed Wolf Killings in the United States
Some twenty years ago, the Endangered Species Act began protecting gray wolves in the United states. The animals had been poisoned to near extinction and the U.S. government took swift action to protect the animals. The wolves began making a recovery. Currently, at least 1,700 wolves inhabitat Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin have a population of more than 4,000 gray wolves. Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah and the New England states are seeing a rise in wolf populations as well. Recent court actions have set the gray wolf as an endangered species in every state in America with the exception of Alaska and Minnesota.
That should be good news, right? One would think. The purpose of protecting an animal under the Endangered Species Act is to protect the animals on the list from being slaughtered. However, the gray wolf is finding themselves in the sites again and the government is looking through the sites.
Government agencies are seeking authority to conduct "conservation" and "research" hunts, gas pups in their dens and surgically sterilize adult wolves. Officials claim that the hunts and public wolf hunting is a necessity to prevent packs of wolves from forming and causing problems. The most shocking of all the governments proposals is to bury wolf pups in their dens and poison them with carbon monoxide gas. They say this method would be used only when the rest of the pack has already been killed. Idaho has proposed one method of controlling wolves by surgically sterilizing them then tagging the wolves to monitor them.
Hunts have already been held in Idaho and Montana in 2009. A court ruling in August of this year nixed plans for a hunt for this year. The usual method of controlling problem wolves is shooting them from the air or ground.
Democratic Senator Max Bacus from Montana wants ranchers in his state to have the freedom to shoot and kill wolves harassing their livestock. Montana and Idaho want to re-instate wolf hunting seasons giving them more politically correct and less-barbaric sounding names such as "conservation hunting" or "researching hunting".
The Center for Biological Diversity is none too happy about the plans to kill the wolves. They feel that recent court rulings underscore the importance of protecting the wolves.
You can read much more about this situation here. For more information on the Center for Biological Diversity, including any current actions they have may have underway to help protect the wolves, you can visit their website: Center for Biological Diversity.
That should be good news, right? One would think. The purpose of protecting an animal under the Endangered Species Act is to protect the animals on the list from being slaughtered. However, the gray wolf is finding themselves in the sites again and the government is looking through the sites.
Government agencies are seeking authority to conduct "conservation" and "research" hunts, gas pups in their dens and surgically sterilize adult wolves. Officials claim that the hunts and public wolf hunting is a necessity to prevent packs of wolves from forming and causing problems. The most shocking of all the governments proposals is to bury wolf pups in their dens and poison them with carbon monoxide gas. They say this method would be used only when the rest of the pack has already been killed. Idaho has proposed one method of controlling wolves by surgically sterilizing them then tagging the wolves to monitor them.
Hunts have already been held in Idaho and Montana in 2009. A court ruling in August of this year nixed plans for a hunt for this year. The usual method of controlling problem wolves is shooting them from the air or ground.
Democratic Senator Max Bacus from Montana wants ranchers in his state to have the freedom to shoot and kill wolves harassing their livestock. Montana and Idaho want to re-instate wolf hunting seasons giving them more politically correct and less-barbaric sounding names such as "conservation hunting" or "researching hunting".
The Center for Biological Diversity is none too happy about the plans to kill the wolves. They feel that recent court rulings underscore the importance of protecting the wolves.
You can read much more about this situation here. For more information on the Center for Biological Diversity, including any current actions they have may have underway to help protect the wolves, you can visit their website: Center for Biological Diversity.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Proof of Alien Life Could Come Within 25 Years, Astronomer Says
Astronomer Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI) in Mountain View, California said on Sunday, August 15, 2010 that he believes the chances are pretty good they will be able to find ET within the next twenty-five years. Shostak made his comments at the SETIcon convention.
Shostak is using the Drake Equation, a formula invented by SETI pioneer Frank Drake that calculates the number of alien civilizations (N) we might be able to communicate with. The equation uses factors like rate of star formation in the galaxy, fraction of stars with planets, fraction of habitable planets, planets that actually develop life and the fraction of civilizations that have a technology that can broadcast into space, among other things.
The late Carl Sagan estimated the Drake Equation amounted to N=1 million. Isaac Asimov estimated N=670,000. Frank Drake estimated N=10,000.
SETI's quest to make ET contact will take a giant step when the Allen Telescope Array becomes fully operational, hopefully by 2015. The ATA is a network of radio dishes that should be able to scan hundreds of thousands of stars for signs of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
For more information:
Source article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38727371/ns/technology_and_science-space/
SETIcon Convention: http://www.seticon.com/
SETI Institute: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=1366
Shostak is using the Drake Equation, a formula invented by SETI pioneer Frank Drake that calculates the number of alien civilizations (N) we might be able to communicate with. The equation uses factors like rate of star formation in the galaxy, fraction of stars with planets, fraction of habitable planets, planets that actually develop life and the fraction of civilizations that have a technology that can broadcast into space, among other things.
The late Carl Sagan estimated the Drake Equation amounted to N=1 million. Isaac Asimov estimated N=670,000. Frank Drake estimated N=10,000.
SETI's quest to make ET contact will take a giant step when the Allen Telescope Array becomes fully operational, hopefully by 2015. The ATA is a network of radio dishes that should be able to scan hundreds of thousands of stars for signs of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
For more information:
Source article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38727371/ns/technology_and_science-space/
SETIcon Convention: http://www.seticon.com/
SETI Institute: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=1366
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Stephen Fry in America Sees US DVD & Blu-Ray Release
American fans of Stephen Fry's brilliant documentary Stephen Fry in America will be pleased to know that they will finally be able to buy the program on DVD and Blu-Ray! On July 27, 2010 the title will be officially available in stores. The list price for the DVD is $29.98. The Blu-Ray list price is $39.98. Stephen Fry in American can currently be pre-ordered through amazon.com for a $2.99 discount. The discount is in effect on both versions of the documentary.
Stephen Fry in America is a 6 part documentary that takes viewers to each of the fifty United States. Fry, driving his trusty little black London cab, makes a stop in virtually every state (a few states he only passes through). You can read a summary of all 6 parts here.
Amazon.com DVD Pre-order Link: Stephen Fry in America (2pc)
Amazon.com Blue-Ray Pre-order Link: Stephen Fry in America (2pc) [Blu-ray]
Stephen Fry in America is a 6 part documentary that takes viewers to each of the fifty United States. Fry, driving his trusty little black London cab, makes a stop in virtually every state (a few states he only passes through). You can read a summary of all 6 parts here.
Amazon.com DVD Pre-order Link: Stephen Fry in America (2pc)
Amazon.com Blue-Ray Pre-order Link: Stephen Fry in America (2pc) [Blu-ray]
New Batfish Species Discovered
Did you ever think there could be good news related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill? No? I didn't either. Until now.
Two previously unknown species of bottom-dwelling fish have been discovered living in the Gulf of Mexico, in the exact same area affected by the BP oil spill.
The fish are called "pancake batfish" and are so named because of the way they clumsily "walk" along the sea bottom. Their manner of walking looks similar to a bat crawling. The fish prefer to stay in the deepest parts of the sea and, thus, are rarely seen.
Pancake batfish have round, flat bodies with giant heads and mouths that can be thrust forward. Arm-like fins are used to "walk" along the sea floor and they can excrete a fluid from a modified dorsal fin to lure prey.
John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History in New York issued a statement Thursday, July 8, 2010, "One of the fishes that we describe is completely restricted to the oil spill area. If we are still finding new species of fishes in the Gulf, imagine how much diversity, especially microdiversity, is out there that we do not know about."
Sparks and his colleagues named the species Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus. A third already known species, H. aculeatus, lives only in waters affected by the spill. Until now, the three species had been considered a single species but enough differences were found to alert researchers they were dealing with more than a single species.
To see a photo of the new batfish species, check out this article.
Two previously unknown species of bottom-dwelling fish have been discovered living in the Gulf of Mexico, in the exact same area affected by the BP oil spill.
The fish are called "pancake batfish" and are so named because of the way they clumsily "walk" along the sea bottom. Their manner of walking looks similar to a bat crawling. The fish prefer to stay in the deepest parts of the sea and, thus, are rarely seen.
Pancake batfish have round, flat bodies with giant heads and mouths that can be thrust forward. Arm-like fins are used to "walk" along the sea floor and they can excrete a fluid from a modified dorsal fin to lure prey.
John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History in New York issued a statement Thursday, July 8, 2010, "One of the fishes that we describe is completely restricted to the oil spill area. If we are still finding new species of fishes in the Gulf, imagine how much diversity, especially microdiversity, is out there that we do not know about."
Sparks and his colleagues named the species Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus. A third already known species, H. aculeatus, lives only in waters affected by the spill. Until now, the three species had been considered a single species but enough differences were found to alert researchers they were dealing with more than a single species.
To see a photo of the new batfish species, check out this article.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday Funnies: A Little Political Humor
The Sunday Funnies today is going to focus on politics. Politics doesn't make you chuckle, you say? Oh, my. Apparently, you haven't been watching the same politics I have. And, being the open-minded individual that I am, I can find something that makes me chuckle on both sides of the aisles in US politics so both the Democrats and the Republicans get equal time here today. Although, I admit that, of today's selection, one side of the aisle tends to make me laugh hysterically more than the other. (I'll give you a hint: it has nothing to do with pie.)
Now, on to the funnies...
Do you like pie? What kind of pie do you like? Do you like sweet potato pie? Coconut cream pie? Do you dream about pie? Pumpkin pie? Do you prefer your mother's sweet potato pie over pie you can buy at a diner? If you had to choose one pie, what pie would you choose? I like pie. I like cake more than pie, but I like pie. If it's the right kind of pie.
How many times can President Barack Obama say the word "pie" in a single speech? Once? Twice? Three Times? Fifteen times? Watch the video and find out. Both videos are basically the same thing, but, I think the fact that the same speech was given more than once certainly underscores just how much President Obama truly does love pie (or, at least likes to use it as an analogy)!
October 11, 2008, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
October 16, 2008, New Hampshire:
Have you ever wondered what God thought of Sarah Palin? Did you ever wonder if God thought the same thing everyone else does? Well, apparently he does have an opinion. And he's posted it on YouTube:
Now, on to the funnies...
Do you like pie? What kind of pie do you like? Do you like sweet potato pie? Coconut cream pie? Do you dream about pie? Pumpkin pie? Do you prefer your mother's sweet potato pie over pie you can buy at a diner? If you had to choose one pie, what pie would you choose? I like pie. I like cake more than pie, but I like pie. If it's the right kind of pie.
How many times can President Barack Obama say the word "pie" in a single speech? Once? Twice? Three Times? Fifteen times? Watch the video and find out. Both videos are basically the same thing, but, I think the fact that the same speech was given more than once certainly underscores just how much President Obama truly does love pie (or, at least likes to use it as an analogy)!
October 11, 2008, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
October 16, 2008, New Hampshire:
Have you ever wondered what God thought of Sarah Palin? Did you ever wonder if God thought the same thing everyone else does? Well, apparently he does have an opinion. And he's posted it on YouTube:
Friday, July 2, 2010
Ten-Thousand Year-Old Spear Found in Melting Ice
The melting ice near Yellowstone National Park in Colorado has yielded a piece of the past. In 2007, researchers found a 10,000-year-old hunting weapon, a spear-like wooden dart preserved in the ice. The discovery was kept under wraps until June 29, 2010 when it was announced by the University of Colorado.
University of Colorado research associate Craig Lee said the birch dart was frozen in a sheet of ice for 10,000 years and became bowed as the ice melted. It resembles a bent tree branch. He attributed the melting to increased global temperatures. The melting has caused the release of artifacts, plant material and even animal carcasses.
Read this article to see a photo of the spear.
University of Colorado research associate Craig Lee said the birch dart was frozen in a sheet of ice for 10,000 years and became bowed as the ice melted. It resembles a bent tree branch. He attributed the melting to increased global temperatures. The melting has caused the release of artifacts, plant material and even animal carcasses.
Read this article to see a photo of the spear.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Ian Somerhalder "Shaken" By Lack of Hollywood Support for Gulf Region
I just came across this article this morning or I most definitely would have shared it by now.
Actor Ian Somerhalder ("Damon", The Vampire Diaries & "Boone" Lost) has made two trips to the environmentally devastated Gulf region in recent weeks. On his most recent visit, Somerhalder slept in his rental car, what he called the "Prius cabana suite" because there was no where else to stay due to all the people who have flocked to the Gulf region to try and help tame "the beast" as he calls it. "The Beast", of course, being the BP oil spill.
Despite all the help in the Gulf, Somerhalder, a Covington, Louisiana native, notices there's something missing: his Hollywood peers.
"Coming from the entertainment world, I'm really shaken by how quiet Hollywood is", admits Somerhalder. While he assures his statements are made with the utmost respect for his peers and colleagues, he questions why there hasn't been a larger effort from Hollywood to raise funds to assist with the clean up.
Hollywood is usually always right there to lend a hand, and some big names, when something bad happens. But, I agree with Mr. Somerhalder, Hollywood has been surprisingly quiet on this whole issue. There have been some celebrities who are admittedly trying to do whatever they can such as Kevin Costner. But where have all the others been?
I applaud Mr. Costner and Mr. Somerhalder for their efforts and for standing up and doing what is right by putting themselves out there to help with this disaster. I truly hope some of their colleagues in Hollywood take a page from their book and jump in to lend a hand or lend their name to the efforts in the Gulf. The Gulf needs all the help it can get.
For more information, refer to the entire article including a video about Mr. Somerhalder's most recent trip to the Gulf.
Actor Ian Somerhalder ("Damon", The Vampire Diaries & "Boone" Lost) has made two trips to the environmentally devastated Gulf region in recent weeks. On his most recent visit, Somerhalder slept in his rental car, what he called the "Prius cabana suite" because there was no where else to stay due to all the people who have flocked to the Gulf region to try and help tame "the beast" as he calls it. "The Beast", of course, being the BP oil spill.
Despite all the help in the Gulf, Somerhalder, a Covington, Louisiana native, notices there's something missing: his Hollywood peers.
"Coming from the entertainment world, I'm really shaken by how quiet Hollywood is", admits Somerhalder. While he assures his statements are made with the utmost respect for his peers and colleagues, he questions why there hasn't been a larger effort from Hollywood to raise funds to assist with the clean up.
Hollywood is usually always right there to lend a hand, and some big names, when something bad happens. But, I agree with Mr. Somerhalder, Hollywood has been surprisingly quiet on this whole issue. There have been some celebrities who are admittedly trying to do whatever they can such as Kevin Costner. But where have all the others been?
I applaud Mr. Costner and Mr. Somerhalder for their efforts and for standing up and doing what is right by putting themselves out there to help with this disaster. I truly hope some of their colleagues in Hollywood take a page from their book and jump in to lend a hand or lend their name to the efforts in the Gulf. The Gulf needs all the help it can get.
For more information, refer to the entire article including a video about Mr. Somerhalder's most recent trip to the Gulf.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Lake Michigan Shipwreck Found After 112 Years
Over a century ago, in October 1898, the L.R. Doty, a 300-foot-long wooden steamship was carrying a cargo of corn from South Chicago, Illinois to Ontario, Canada. A fierce storm on Lake Michigan that produced heavy winds, snow, sleet and waves as high as 30 feet caused the steamship to sink.
By all accounts, the Doty should have been able to withstand the storm. The ship was a mere five years old and its massive hull was reinforced with steel arches. But, it had a weakness. It was towing a small schooner, the Olive Jeanette. The schooner began to founder in the storm and the tow line snapped. Experts believe the Doty sank when it came to the aid of the Olive Jeanette. All 17 of the ships crew members, and two ship's cats, Dewey and Watson, perished when the ship sank.
Until now, the Doty was the largest wooden ship still unaccounted for. The ship was discovered in the Milwaukee-area shoreline and appears to be completely intact having been preserved by the cold fresh waters.
In 1991, a Milwaukee fisherman reported snagging his nets on an underwater obstruction about 300 feet down. His report was forgotten until diving technology improved to allow exploration at such a depth. In recent months, researchers conducted preliminary surface scouting, then used deep-sea technology to finally find the massive wreckage. Last week, divers were able to go into the waters. Immediately, they knew they had the Doty.
The Doty is sitting upright and completely intact--including the cargo of corn in the hold--in the clay at the bottom of Lake Michigan. The ship has been protected for the last 112 years because of the cold waters of Lake Michigan and its depth shielded it from storms. Brandon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association who worked on this find believes the bodies of the 17 crew members are likely intact as well, mostly likely in the boiler room where they believes they probably went as the ship sank.
Baillod believes the rudder chain must have snapped when the Doty was turning to assist the Olive Jeanette leaving the massive steamship at the mercy of the storm. He imagines the crew must have had at least an hour of knowing they were going to die in the icy Lake Michigan waters before the cargo holds collapsed.
There are no plans to raise the Doty. Doing so would probably be more harm than good. As it sits, the ship is protected by the cold Lake Michigan waters and its depth in them. Raised, the ship would be exposed to air that could cause it to rot away within a few years. Diver interference isn't something the Doty must worry over either. The depth of the ship guarantees that few divers will visit it because of the amount of experience one must have to make such a deep and dangerous dive.
For more information, to see an underwater photo of The Doty and to read about Brandon Baillod's next project, please visit the MSNBC.com Technology and Science Article.
Update: More spectacular underwater photographs of The Doty, courtesy of John Scoles, can be seen at this link. The photographs are amazing quality; very clear and you really get a great look at this amazing find.
By all accounts, the Doty should have been able to withstand the storm. The ship was a mere five years old and its massive hull was reinforced with steel arches. But, it had a weakness. It was towing a small schooner, the Olive Jeanette. The schooner began to founder in the storm and the tow line snapped. Experts believe the Doty sank when it came to the aid of the Olive Jeanette. All 17 of the ships crew members, and two ship's cats, Dewey and Watson, perished when the ship sank.
Until now, the Doty was the largest wooden ship still unaccounted for. The ship was discovered in the Milwaukee-area shoreline and appears to be completely intact having been preserved by the cold fresh waters.
In 1991, a Milwaukee fisherman reported snagging his nets on an underwater obstruction about 300 feet down. His report was forgotten until diving technology improved to allow exploration at such a depth. In recent months, researchers conducted preliminary surface scouting, then used deep-sea technology to finally find the massive wreckage. Last week, divers were able to go into the waters. Immediately, they knew they had the Doty.
The Doty is sitting upright and completely intact--including the cargo of corn in the hold--in the clay at the bottom of Lake Michigan. The ship has been protected for the last 112 years because of the cold waters of Lake Michigan and its depth shielded it from storms. Brandon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association who worked on this find believes the bodies of the 17 crew members are likely intact as well, mostly likely in the boiler room where they believes they probably went as the ship sank.
Baillod believes the rudder chain must have snapped when the Doty was turning to assist the Olive Jeanette leaving the massive steamship at the mercy of the storm. He imagines the crew must have had at least an hour of knowing they were going to die in the icy Lake Michigan waters before the cargo holds collapsed.
There are no plans to raise the Doty. Doing so would probably be more harm than good. As it sits, the ship is protected by the cold Lake Michigan waters and its depth in them. Raised, the ship would be exposed to air that could cause it to rot away within a few years. Diver interference isn't something the Doty must worry over either. The depth of the ship guarantees that few divers will visit it because of the amount of experience one must have to make such a deep and dangerous dive.
For more information, to see an underwater photo of The Doty and to read about Brandon Baillod's next project, please visit the MSNBC.com Technology and Science Article.
Update: More spectacular underwater photographs of The Doty, courtesy of John Scoles, can be seen at this link. The photographs are amazing quality; very clear and you really get a great look at this amazing find.
President Barack Obama's Vision for NASA: Is it the Doom of US Space Exploration or a Misunderstanding?
There has been a great deal of talk about the plans the Obama administration has for NASA since those plans were announced earlier in the year. Some feel that the current administration has all but taken the United States out of the business of space exploration. Just what is the truth about the future of NASA? Has President Obama sealed its fate or is it just one big misunderstanding?
Leaders at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have recently put together an FAQ about the direction the organization is now headed under the current administration. They've answered some questions by offering further information to clear up some of the misconceptions about the future of the space program. NASA would like for the public to focus more on the new directions of the organization, such as their plans to send astronauts to an asteroid by 2025 than on the furor surrounding the Obama administrations plans for NASA.
Is the Space Program Dead in the Water?
According to Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Augustine committee, the new administration didn't come in and kill the space program despite what is commonly being said. Chiao feels that NASA is getting a slight bump from the Obama administration instead. In 2010 the annual budget for the space administration was $18.3 billion. The new plan has set aside $19 billion for 2011. While that isn't a large increase, it isn't a cut, either.
Leaders at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have recently put together an FAQ about the direction the organization is now headed under the current administration. They've answered some questions by offering further information to clear up some of the misconceptions about the future of the space program. NASA would like for the public to focus more on the new directions of the organization, such as their plans to send astronauts to an asteroid by 2025 than on the furor surrounding the Obama administrations plans for NASA.
Is the Space Program Dead in the Water?
According to Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Augustine committee, the new administration didn't come in and kill the space program despite what is commonly being said. Chiao feels that NASA is getting a slight bump from the Obama administration instead. In 2010 the annual budget for the space administration was $18.3 billion. The new plan has set aside $19 billion for 2011. While that isn't a large increase, it isn't a cut, either.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tiny Turtle Thrown in the Trash Reunited with Family
Tuesday, ten-year-old Carley Helm and her two sisters, Rebecca and Annie were on their way home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin from a visit with their father in Atlanta, Georgia. On a side trip to South Carolina, Carley saw a coin-sized turtle in a souvenir shop. Her father bought the turtle for her and she named it Neytiri.
When the girls were ready to go home to Milwaukee, Carley thought it would be fine if she took the tiny turtle on the plane with her. AirTran officials didn't seem to mind either, at first. As the plane was taxiing, it was called back and the turtle removed from the plane because of a no-reptiles rule AirTran, like most other airlines, have in place.
Rebecca Helm insists AirTran staff told her to throw the tiny turtle away--something they deny. Rebecca called their father and he was on his way to the airport to get Neytiri the Turtle. According to Rebecca, airline staff refused to contact her father to make transfer arrangements so she set Neytiri, tank and all down in a trash bin. She hoped that if the turtle was left there, her father could retrieve the tiny turtle.
However, when William Helm arrived at the airport, he nor airline employees couldn't find the reptile. Another AirTran employee had fished the turtle out of the trash, handed it off to a co-worker who had taken it home as a pet for their son.
Neytiri was retrieved and the little boy who thought he had a Yellow-Eared Slider was given two replacement turtles for his loss. AirTran sent the coin-sized Neytiri to Milwaukee free of charge--in the cargo hold.
I'm so very happy that Neytiri is safely back with her family. What I'd like to know? If the airline had no problem sending the turtle to Milwaukee in the cargo hold of the plane the second time around, why all the hubbub originally? It sure would have spared Carley and her little turtle a lot of misery.
For further details about this story with a very happy ending and to see pictures of the too cute for words Neytiri the Turtle, refer to this article.
When the girls were ready to go home to Milwaukee, Carley thought it would be fine if she took the tiny turtle on the plane with her. AirTran officials didn't seem to mind either, at first. As the plane was taxiing, it was called back and the turtle removed from the plane because of a no-reptiles rule AirTran, like most other airlines, have in place.
Rebecca Helm insists AirTran staff told her to throw the tiny turtle away--something they deny. Rebecca called their father and he was on his way to the airport to get Neytiri the Turtle. According to Rebecca, airline staff refused to contact her father to make transfer arrangements so she set Neytiri, tank and all down in a trash bin. She hoped that if the turtle was left there, her father could retrieve the tiny turtle.
However, when William Helm arrived at the airport, he nor airline employees couldn't find the reptile. Another AirTran employee had fished the turtle out of the trash, handed it off to a co-worker who had taken it home as a pet for their son.
Neytiri was retrieved and the little boy who thought he had a Yellow-Eared Slider was given two replacement turtles for his loss. AirTran sent the coin-sized Neytiri to Milwaukee free of charge--in the cargo hold.
I'm so very happy that Neytiri is safely back with her family. What I'd like to know? If the airline had no problem sending the turtle to Milwaukee in the cargo hold of the plane the second time around, why all the hubbub originally? It sure would have spared Carley and her little turtle a lot of misery.
For further details about this story with a very happy ending and to see pictures of the too cute for words Neytiri the Turtle, refer to this article.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Fmr. Astronaut & US Senator John Glenn: America Should Continue Flying Its Shuttles
On Monday, June 21, 2010, John Glenn released an eight-page open letter expressing his concerns about the future of the American space program.
According to Glenn, the United States shouldn't retire its fleet of Space Shuttles but instead continue flying them. The shuttle fleet is scheduled to be fully retired either at the end of this year or early next year. When that happens, the United States will be left without its own source of travel to and from the International Space Station for a very long time.
Glenn believes that the current shuttles are capable of continuing space flight carrying American astronauts into space and delivering astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station rather than the United States relying on, and paying, the Soviet Union to perform those tasks. When the shuttle fleet retires, American astronauts will be hitching rides on the Soviet Soyuz for a fee. Glenn believes the United States will spend almost as much paying the Soviets as they would sending their own vessels into space.
According to Glenn, the United States shouldn't retire its fleet of Space Shuttles but instead continue flying them. The shuttle fleet is scheduled to be fully retired either at the end of this year or early next year. When that happens, the United States will be left without its own source of travel to and from the International Space Station for a very long time.
Glenn believes that the current shuttles are capable of continuing space flight carrying American astronauts into space and delivering astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station rather than the United States relying on, and paying, the Soviet Union to perform those tasks. When the shuttle fleet retires, American astronauts will be hitching rides on the Soviet Soyuz for a fee. Glenn believes the United States will spend almost as much paying the Soviets as they would sending their own vessels into space.
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