Wall Street Report: U.S. to lift lid on 'pervasive insider trading'

Executive tells clients he declined FBI's 'gracious offer to wear a wire and therefore ensnare you in their devious web'

“U.S. officials are preparing insider trading charges against a host of financial players, including investment bankers and hedge fund managers, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter.

The charges could surpass any previous investigations on Wall Street, and examine whether certain players garnered tens of millions of dollars in illegal profits, according to the newspaper.

The three-year investigation could expose "a culture of pervasive insider trading in U.S. financial markets", especially in ways private information is transmitted to traders through connected insiders, the newspaper said, citing federal authorities.” More here.

Travel: Cats on a plane? Allergy sufferers can't escape

Some airlines allow 10 cats on a flight; all seats tested had traces of allergen

“Holiday travelers with cat allergies may find the best advice is beware in the air, according to a new study that says it’s nearly impossible to avoid feline fallout at 30,000 feet.

Whether it's residue from cats actually on board, or detritus carried by pet-loving passengers, the most common feline allergen was detected in 100 percent of aircraft seats tested — and in high enough amounts to trigger serious reactions in sensitive people, according to a report by Swiss scientists.”

Liberal Dutch marijuana policy taking another hit?

New proposal would block tourists from buying the drug

“The new conservative Dutch government wants to force the country's marijuana cafes to become "members only" clubs, a move that would effectively block foreigners from buying the drug.

If the idea ever becomes reality — it would be legally complicated and politically divisive — it would be the latest of the country's liberal policies to be scrapped or curtailed as the Dutch rethink the limits of their famed tolerance.” Full story.

Rangel Runs Scared: House of Rats Turn On One Of Their Own

Chief House ethics lawyer: Rangel should be censured

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Science Alert: 3 New Distinctive Frog Species Discovered

Conservation International just reported the discovery of three new amphibian species in Colombia. The three species include: “a mysterious toad with ruby-colored eyes, a diminutive long-nosed beaked toad which hides in dead leaves, and a gorgeous new rocket frog with flashes of red on its legs,” (shown here) according to CI. All three species are new to science. Scientists were actually in Colombia to search for the Mesopotamia beaked toad, which hasn’t been seen in decades, and is listed as critically endangered.

Read more here

Science: MIT researchers create super efficient 'origami' solar panels

Solar panels nowadays are flat, but folding them like origami could dramatically boost the amount of power they produce.

MIT researchers have created an origami-like solar structure that is much more efficient than current flat panels.

Weird News: Cops say fake doc carried out breast exams in bars

Okay. I’ve heard, and read jokes about guys trying to give free breast exams for kicks, but this has to be the first time I’ve heard of a woman doing it!

Apparently Kristina Ross was a man at some point ( Kristoffer Jon Ross) who now dresses up as a woman (her booking papers show “Male to female”),who has trouble getting dates or something.

My question is what woman would be stupid enough to get a breast exam in a bar? Really? Then again, if the women are drunk enough, anything could happen I suppose.

Female reportedly with criminal record as a man is held on $100,000 bond

“A woman posed as a physician and duped at least two other women into undergoing breast exams at her hands in Boise-area nightclubs, according to police.

Kristina Ross, 37, remains in the Ada County Jail on two felony counts of practicing medicine without a license. An Idaho judge set bond at $100,000 on Wednesday.”

Best time to see Leonid meteor shower is ... right now

Those with clear skies may see up to 20 meteors an hour on Nov. 17-18

The Leonard Meteor Shower of 2010 is peaking this week, and the best time to see the sky show is now.

The annual Leonids should be at their best through Thursday, according to skywatching experts. Avid skywatchers graced with clear skies may see between 15 and 20 meteors per hour.

Full+Story]">This sky map shows where to look to see " shooting stars" from the Leonids this week. The best time to try to see the Leonids are in the last two or three hours before sunrise, when the moon has set.

No place like home: amazing imaginations produce unique abodes

 Klima Hotel (Bella Vista) (left), the semi-submerged underground hotel in Bozen, Italy.

Peeking out from underneath bumpy layers of greenery, this Swiss estate looks more like something out of a fairy tale than real life. Designed by Vetsch Architektur, the structure was built using earth house construction, resulting in an insulating blanket that protects it from rain, low temperatures, wind and natural abrasion.
For more amazing underground abodes, view the entire list at Inhabitat.

Modern designs meets cave-dwelling with this eye-popping home (right) nestled inside of a 15,000-square foot sandstone cave in Festus, Missouri.

Built by Curt and Deborah Sleeper, the underground abode features smart examples of energy-efficient architecture like geothermal heating and passive design that keep the interior comfortable while completely eliminating the need for a furnace or air conditioning.

No insects left: another sign of the tough times we all live in

Fred the Frog was spotted on Central Avenue in McKinleyville displaying this sign yesterday. I stopped and asked him what was up and he croaked “All the damn insect sprays around town have wiped out my food supply!

I can’t even find a fly!”

Alarmed at his predicament, I gave him a ride out into the countryside where there were no humans killing off his meals. Hopefully that will solve his problem. He certainly was happy when I dropped him off by a riverbank engulfed in insects. And that’s your “ribbiting” tale for today! 

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