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

Ten Whatchamacallits And Their Real Names

You see these things around you all the time. Some of them, you even use. The least you could do is know their names!

1. Punt, or Kick

The small indentation at the bottom or a wine bottle, designed to give the bottle extra strength, and also, to make it look like it has more wine than it really does.

To see the rest go to ListVerse

Hacked emails add fuel to climate dispute

 Here’s more fuel for the “global warming” debate. Frankly I don’t know who to believe anymore. One scientist says there is global warming and another says there isn’t.

 What is a lay person, such as myself, suppose to do with this conflicting information?

Hackers steal, release electronic data from top climate research center

“Hackers broke into the electronic files of one of the world's foremost climate research centers this week and posted an array of e-mails in which prominent scientists engaged in a blunt discussion of global warming research and disparaged climate-change skeptics.”

Go to this Washington Post article via MSNBC

Technorati Tags: global warming research,computer hackers

Cartoons invade reality or vice versa?

 The 7-11 at the intersection of Olive and Verdugo in Burbank has temporarily been converted into a Kwik-E-Mart.

Eleven 7-11s in the United States and two in Canada have been converted into Kwik-E-Marts as part of the promotion.DCist has their very own Kwik-E-Mart in Bladensburg, MD.

 Go to what’s the crack? for more information and some more cool pictures.

  Warning: I’m not sure how old this news is.

Technorati Tags: The Simpsons,Kwik-E Marts

Military experiment seeks to predict PTSD

 I think this program has some merit, but I’m concerned it might take funds that could be used to treat the thousands of troops that need help right now.

While there is an awareness of PTSD (unlike when I was serving)it doesn’t change the fact the VA is overwhelmed with disability claims and doctors to treat the condition.

In my opinion you put the fire out first, then you go back and try to figure out a way to keep it from happening again.  

"Right now, we can't determine with certainty who will and who won't develop PTSD," said Paula Schnurr, deputy executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. "Perhaps with better measures, we can get closer."

Go to AP News Via Yahoo News to read the whole story.

Technorati Tags: PTSD

As It Stands steps up for turkeys this Sunday

  Have you ever met a Red, White, and Blue turkey?

I have, years ago. He was living with some pot belly pigs right here in McKinleyville.

But I digress.

Don’t miss this Sunday’s Opinion Page in the Times-Standard.

This is what they mean by surrealism

 shortlist via stumbleupon

Awesome paper art by Peter Callesen

Paper Art By Peter Callesen via web designer depot

Visit website to see more examples of this talented artists work.

Technorati Tags: paper art

Navy will use dolphins, sea lions for security

 

While slurping my first (or was it my second?) cup of Joe this morning I ran across this interesting tidbit about Sea Lions and Dolphins being used for security.

I have a few questions to ask the Navy about this arrangement.

1.Did you properly vet the Sea Lions and Dolphins to make sure they’re not terrorist sympathizers?

2.How much are you paying them? They better be getting combat pay!

3.Do they understand the rules of engagement? For example, are they going to attack ANY SWIMMER in their immediate area? Or are they just going to attack swimmers that wear turbans and have long beards?

4.Will they be volunteers or draftees?

5.How long will their tour of duty be? Will they be subject to repeated tours like the men and women in the military? And what about R&R?

I’m just saying…

“The Navy says it has decided to use teams of security officers and specially trained bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to help protect Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

The Navy said Wednesday the system is designed to counter threats from swimmers or divers, and will be implemented in 2010.

An environmental-impact statement evaluated the potential effects temperature, noise, water quality, toxins and the presence of other marine mammals might have on the dolphins and sea lions. It concluded that the creatures are not expected to be harmed by being transferred to and living at Bangor on Washington's Hood Canal.”

AP News

North Pole Santa project axed after sex offender scare

   A holiday tradition that started in 1954 has to stop because of concerns about pedophiles contacting children.

 How sad is that? What a sick society we live in now.

 “ Starry-eyed children writing letters to the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season likely won't get a response from Santa Claus or his helpers.”

Read the whole story at USA Today. 

Technorati Tags: Christmas,letters to Santa,holiday tradition,pedophiles

This may surprise the crap out of you! Or not.

Thanks to the economist

Technorati Tags: Democracy,most democratic country

Staying true to your brand…

Cartoon via www.idrewthis.org

Technorati Tags: editorial cartoons

Afghan minister accused of receiving huge bribe

We are wasting our time in Afghanistan trying to put a legitimate government in place. The Afghan politicians/warlords are corrupt and taking advantage of the war to make money.

The Afghan people don’t want us there. We’ve blatantly put a puppet in charge of the government, and still claim we’re trying to help the Afghan people.

‘Only God can stop this corruption’ competitor says of government practices

“The Afghan minister of mines accepted a roughly $30 million bribe to award the country's largest development project to a Chinese mining firm, according to a U.S. official who is familiar with military intelligence reports.”

PHOTO: Afghan Mining Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, seen here on Feb. 9, 2008, is accused of taking a $30 million payoff. Massoud Hossaini / AFP - Getty Images File

Go to the Washington Post to read the rest.

There’s been a lot of undeserved awards going around lately…

Pat Oliphant by Pat Oliphant

Technorati Tags: editorial cartoons

D.A. will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries -- even if L.A. does not ban sales

Every time it seems like some progress is being made on the medical marijuana front someone like DA Steve Cooley throws a monkey wrench into the works.

“Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said today he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if the Los Angeles City Council adopts an ordinance that does not ban such sales.”

Read the whole story at the LA Times

 

Technorati Tags: medical marijuana,pot dispensaries,LA county