Innocents Betrayed: A Times Investigation

 What compounds this sad story is that we’re only talking about one county in America.

The reality is it’s happening nationwide in countless counties.In my opinion, this is one of the most devastating societal problems we have.

These children are our future. But our current priorities don’t reflect that. This may seem like a gloomy thing to be talking about during the holiday season, but it’s reality. For them Christmas is secondary to surviving!

Flawed county system lets children die invisibly

Miguel Padilla, mistreated and abandoned, killed himself at 17

Lazhanae Harris, 13 and on the run, was stabbed to death in L.A.

She had bounced from one stop to another in the welfare system.

County dithered, children died

When agencies fail to share details of abuse cases in L.A. County, tragedy can result. A good database remains elusive.

Files detail deaths of 14 children

The abuse cases came from families that had been under scrutiny by L.A. County child welfare officials.

Go here to see a video and more photos.

 

Secret Service breakdown blamed for White House gate-crashing

 It’s a miracle that Obama hasn’t been assassinated yet. This breakdown in security is unbelievable. Two uninvited guests to a State dinner? Wow!

 I’ve got a hunch someone is going to lose their job, or worse, get reassigned to Bush’s security detail in Crawford, Texas!

'Our procedure wasn't followed' at one security checkpoint at the gala, an agency spokesman says. The couple who attended uninvited had been auditioning earlier for a reality TV show.

Go to The LA Times for the story.

Skip the plane, take the train? More Americans looking for cheaper Thanksgiving travel options

 I pity the millions of Americans who have to travel long distances in this economy (and deal with the stress it causes) to be with loved ones.

I won’t be posting anything tomorrow as I will be enjoying the day with my ever-growing family.

I wish you a peaceful and fruitful day with your love ones. Here’s what millions of travels are facing:

“Millions of Americans got an early jump on their Thanksgiving travel Wednesday, with many opting to drive or take trains and buses instead of shelling out more money for flights amid a sour economy still hitting household budgets hard.”

Go to the Chicago Tribune to read this story and see a video.

Why we swing our arms when we walk

Haven’t you laid awake nights wondering why your arms swing back and forth when you walk?

I’ve pondered many mysteries in my life – but this was NOT ONE.

So why post about this swigging scientific revelation? Why not?

Who knew? My wife says I have “monkey arms” because (in her estimation) they are longer than normal. There is a reason we do it however. Read On:

“BOSTON: A new study explains why people swing their arms as they walk, a seemingly unnecessary movement for which researchers have tried to find an explanation.”

Go to Cosmos Magazine to read the whole story.

Photo via the University of Michigan

Obama promises to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan

My only comment is, the sooner the better!

“Signaling he's decided on new troop levels for the Afghanistan war, President Barack Obama said Tuesday he intends to "finish the job" on his watch and destroy terrorist networks in the region.”

Go to this AP article to read the whole story.

Home sales rise to highest level in 2.5 years

Seems to me that this is a positive sign and things are getting a little better. However, before getting too excited it’s important to understand that these statistics are based upon an expiring tax credit.

Once the deadline passes we should get a better picture of what’s really going on in the real estate market. Check back in six months and survey the economy then.

Meanwhile…   

Only a 7-month supply of homes on market; bidding wars are erupting

From the Associated Press about an hour ago…

“Home sales surged for the second month in a row in October, climbing to the highest level in 2 1/2 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring tax credit.”

Read the whole story here.

Patrons toke medical marijuana in Oregon cafe

 I’m not surprised someone has taken advantage of the positive vibes that have been going out on legalizing medical marijuana.

I am surprised that it was Oregon, and not California that got the first smoking lounge. This is the first, but I’m sure not the last.

So when are we going to get one in Humboldt County?

 “The Cannabis Cafe is the nation's first medical marijuana smoking lounge. It's all perfectly legal and, for cancer patient Albert Santistevan, it's about time.”

Go to USA Today to read the story and to see a video.

PHOTO: Madeline Martinez, executive director of the Oregon chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, uses a "vaporizer," a device with a plastic bag that captures the potent vapors of heated marijuana, at the Cannabis Cafe. By Rick Bowmer, AP

 

Technorati Tags: medical marijuana,smoking lounges

Don't forget to toast the turkey this Thanksgiving

By Dave Stancliff/For the Times-Standard

Posted: 11/22/2009 01:27:20 AM PST

I think it's high time turkeys got more respect.

Most people don't think about this noble bird until Thanksgiving rolls around. Then, according to numerous surveys, 90 percent of American homes serve turkey as the main course in their holiday dinner.

Are turkeys stupid? This bad rap demonstrates the misinformation flying around about Meleagris Gallopavo (scientific genus and species). Just look at how turkeys got their name. I'll give you a hint; what does a country in the Middle East have in common with an American bird?

Go to The Times-Standard to read the rest of this column.

Technorati Tags: turkeys,thanksgiving