Travel survey cites America’s dirtiest cities

___________________

From L.A. to Miami, find out which U.S. 30 cities need spring cleaning

Los Angeles is No. 3 on Travel + Leisure's list of America's dirtiest cities.

View related photos

_____________________

As It Stands Preview: Frankenstein’s Monster has competition!

“Look! It's moving. It's alive. It's alive... It's alive, it's moving, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, IT'S ALIVE!” Henry Frankenstein (played by Colin Clive) announced to the world when his creation moved, in the 1931 movie “Frankenstein“ starring Boris Karloff.

Now reality has met fiction, and the latter is not as scary as the first.

See this Sunday’s As It Stands in The Times-Standard.

image source

Report finds ‘Earmarks’ set aside for campaign donors

Is anyone surprised? Do people take notice of information like this anymore?

All Obama’s talk about getting rid of earmarks hasn’t done a thing. It’s just talk. The following link shows the money trail.

What say we actually go after these fat cats and either vote them out or at least change the way they do business? 

House and Senate lawmakers have received nearly $2 million in campaign contributions this election cycle from organizations for which they had sponsored earmarks, according to a new report by two nonpartisan watchdogs.

image source

Montana Cannabis caravans fuel medical pot boom

-------------------------------------------

Chuck Campbell with Montana Buds talks with a new cardholder about the services he offers.

In Montana, roving cannabis caravans are makeshift clinics where patients can see a doctor, pay a fee, and leave with permission to use medical marijuana.

-------------------------------------------

June’s Random Viewer Pick is from Tirana

Tirana is the capital and the largest city in Albania.

Tirana has a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers and cool, wet winters.

The main cultural and artistic institutions of Tirana are the National Theater, the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, the National Gallery of Figurative Arts of Albania (Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve), and the Ensemble of Folk Music and Dances. Another cultural event includes performances of renown world composers performed by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Albanian Radio and Television. The city has been a venue for the Tirana Biennale and Tirana Jazz Festival.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Information and photo source

Study suggests chocolate health claims are ‘unproven’

Wouldn’t you know it? For the last couple of years studies have been touting the benefits of eating chocolate, much to the delight of my chocolate-loving wife. This news story is going to come as a blow to her, as she has been guilt-free while indulging in everything chocolate.

Studies have shown benefits from compounds in cocoa, but they remain unproved, and many of the studies have ties to chocolate makers.

It's every sweet tooth's dream. A steady stream of studies has linked chocolate to a variety of health benefits, including decreased blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, even effects on mood.

photo source

Power Play: Blagojevich corruption trial starts today

Finally..after nearly two years, Blago is going to court. This ought to be real interesting. I understand the government has a lot of evidence against him. Actually, he’s probably no worse than most career politicians but he got caught unlike the others.

Let’s see what the squeekie wheels of Justice does. Did Blago hire a Big Enough Attorney to escape justice? Stay tuned: 

He's pleaded not guilty to 24 counts including racketeering, wire fraud

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s trial starts today. It’s the end of an 18-month ordeal that began with his humiliating arrest on charges of scheming to profit from his power to fill President Barack Obama's former Senate seat.

Dieting for dollars? More American workers are trying it

How much money would it take to get you to lose some serious weight? $100? $500?

Many employers are betting they can find your price. At least a third of U.S. companies offer financial incentives, or are planning to introduce them, to get their employees to lose weight or get healthier in other ways.

BUT THERE’s ONE LITTLE CAVEAT…

"It's probably a waste of time," said Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.

Photo source

Natalee Holloway murder suspect sought in Peru killing

I’ve followed the case of Natalee Holloway’s disappearance from day one. My wife’s maiden name is Holloway, and we both wonder if she and Natalee are related.

I’m still convinced that Joran van der sloot was Natalee’s killer, and he literally got away with murder because of his Judge father’s influence.

Now I see the scumbag is wanted for another murder. I hope he gets caught and somebody fry’s his smart ass this time! Here’s the link to today’s news story:

Arrest warrant issued for van der Sloot after woman's death

UPDATE: THURSDAY 6/3/10

Holloway suspect detained in Peru killing

A Dutchman questioned in the 2005 disappearance of U.S. teen Natalee Holloway has been taken into custody in Chile for investigation in the killing of a woman in Peru, Chilean police said.Police announced Thursday that Joran van der Sloot, 23, was in custody in Santiago.

Java junkies get little buzz from morning cup according to survey

While sipping my morning brew, I found this little news item. Apparently researchers feel that caffeine addiction is such a downer that long-time drinkers don’t get a jolt from it.

The researchers should try drinking the strong coffee my Dad and Sister make. It’s almost like syrup and your teeth chatter for a little awhile afterwards. I don’t care how long you’ve been drinking coffee, their brew methods makes it potent to everyone – including longtime Joe drinkers. I know this from experience.

I also know that I still NEED my morning cup of coffee and that it still has the desired effect of keeping my eyes open and encouraging speech after 45 years of drinking it. See what you think about this article on the subject:

Regular coffee drinkers develop tolerance to caffeine's effects

image source