May 2010
185 posts
1 tag
“RT @dotearth: 1997 Warning on Deep Blowouts: “Options Are Limited”...”
– vtblom
#UN chief calls for investigation of #Gaza aid...
UN chief calls for investigation of Gaza aid flotilla raid via Raw Story by Agence France-Presse on 5/31/10 KAMPALA — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday he was “shocked” by a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and demanded a full investigation. “I am shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on boats carrying supplies for Gaza,” the UN...
#Google Maps Lawsuit: Woman Follows Directions,...
Google Maps Lawsuit: Woman Follows Directions, Gets Run Over via Mashable! by Samuel Axon on 5/30/10 When Google Maps‘ walking directions instructed Lauren Rosenberg to walk along a very busy highway with no pedestrian walkway, she followed the directions exactly. Unfortunately, she was hit by a car in the process. Now she’s suing Google for damages, Search Engine Land reports. The walking...
Nothing to See Here, Just a Radioactive Fish #VT...
Nothing to See Here, Just a Radioactive Fish [Scary] via Gawker by Adrian Chen on 5/30/10 A fish in the Connecticut River found near a Vermont nuclear plant tested positive for strontium-90. Authorities think it’s fine: All living things are contaminated with trace amounts of strontium-90 because of 1950s weapons testing and Chernobyl. Phew....
Maggie Thatcher performs the Dead Parrot sketch
Too funny, worth the watch Maggie Thatcher performs the Dead Parrot sketch via Boing Boing by Cory Doctorow on 5/30/10 Here’s Margaret Thatcher at the 1980 Conservative Party conference making fun of the Liberal Democrats’ new mascot (a parrot), by performing the Monty Python “Dead Parrot” sketch. The ironies are, of course, glorious. First, because the Tories and the...
Perfect, Doc! Halladay throws perfect game for...
Not good news for the Marlins…wow perfect game! Perfect, Doc! Halladay throws perfect game for Phillies, beating Marlins 1-0 via Orlando Sentinel- Orlando news, sports and more on 5/29/10 MIAMI (AP) — Philadelphia ace Roy Halladay has thrown the 20th perfect game in major league history, delivering the marquee performance of his career in a 1-0 win over the Florida Marlins on Saturday...
'Easy Rider' actor Dennis Hopper dies of cancer
Sad Day, ‘Easy Rider’ actor Dennis Hopper dies of cancer via Orlando Sentinel- Orlando news, sports and more on 5/29/10 LOS ANGELES — Actor Dennis Hopper died at his home in Venice Beach Saturday morning from complications of prostate cancer, according to a family friend. Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Why Policy Makers Should Review the Facts Before...
Why Policy Makers Should Review the Facts Before Marching to the Drumbeat of the Xenophobes via TechCrunch by Vivek Wadhwa on 5/29/10 The H-1B visa has become the beachhead in the battle against the legal immigration of skilled workers. This is because it allows highly educated, skilled workers from abroad to take employment in the U.S. and eventually become citizens. Anti-immigrant groups...
VolcanoHeaven Volcano blows smoke rings
http://volcanoheaven.tumblr.com/ Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
I.H.T. Op-Ed Contributor - The End of an Era in...
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/opinion/27iht-edkeillor.html Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Pseudo-science and airport #security?
Pseudo-science and airport security via Boing Boing by Maggie Koerth-Baker on 5/28/10 The Pomona College student who was detained by airport security after they found Arabic flashcards in his carry-on luggage was originally pulled aside for questioning because of Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT), a pseudo-scientific program that’s supposed to teach TSA employees how to...
Herbal Supplement Sellers Dispense Dangerous...
Herbal Supplement Sellers Dispense Dangerous Advice, False Claims via Scientific American - Mind & Brain on 5/28/10 Numerous recent studies have undercut the purported benefits of various herbal supplements. Gingko , echinacea and St. John’s wort , have all been found relatively ineffective against many of the ills they have been claimed to help. [More] Herbalism - Health -...
Quite A Pro #Haley #politics
hmmmm Quite A Pro via Talking Points Memo by David Kurtz on 5/28/10 I hadn’t seen South Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley on camera until we found this video of her today addressing a hungry pack of reporters eager for any morsel about her alleged affair with political consultant turned blogger Will Forks. As a result, I didn’t realize what a consummate pro she...
#Rush "I Don't Make Things Up" #Limbaugh | Media...
And next he’ll claim he didn’t vote for Bush… http://mediamatters.org/research/201005280067 Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Psychedelic symbol in #Botticelli's Venus and Mars...
Psychedelic symbol in Botticelli’s Venus and Mars via Boing Boing by David Pescovitz on 5/28/10 An art historian suggests that Botticelli’s famous “Venus and Mars,” an homage to the power of love, may actually have a hidden psychedelic message. Art historian David Bellingham of Sotheby’s Institute of Art suggests that the plant clutched by the satyr in the bottom right...
Brilliant #idiot #florida #Lemieux
Brilliant via Talking Points Memo by David Kurtz on 5/28/10 Sen. George Lemieux (R-FL) suggested this morning that President Obama should relocate to the Gulf Coast and spend all his time leading the oil slick response, and if Obama can’t be there every minute, then Vice President Biden can sub for him. Watch. Barack Obama - Joe Biden - Oil spill - Gulf Coast of the United States -...
Wall To Wall Ugly #politics #muslim #rightwing
Wall To Wall Ugly via Talking Points Memo by Josh Marshall on 5/28/10 This is a story that deserves a lot of attention — from the sane people. A full scale right-wing freak out over the Muslim cultural center planned to be built near Ground Zero. Muslim - Right-wing politics - Ground zero - Politics - Conservatism Posted via email from vtblom’s...
Worst drivers in America by state
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/05/27/worst-drivers-in-america-by-state/ Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Worst drivers in America by state #NYfail
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/05/27/worst-drivers-in-america-by-state/ Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
#Soldier in Iraq Loses Home Over $800 Debt #sad
Soldier in Iraq Loses Home Over $800 Debt via Politics & Current Events | Mother Jones by Nick Baumann on 5/28/10 Michael Clauer is a captain in the Army Reserve who commanded over 100 soldiers in Iraq. But while he was fighting for his country, a different kind of battle was brewing on the home front. Last October, Michael returned to Frisco, Texas, to find that his homeowners’...
Approaching space object 'artificial, not...
Approaching space object ‘artificial, not asteroid’ says NASA via The Register on 5/28/10Too small for a proper mothership at ~10m, though NASA boffins report that an unknown object approaching the Earth from deep space is almost certainly artificial in origin rather than being an asteroid.… Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
May 28, 1959: Inventing a New Language for...
May 28, 1959: Inventing a New Language for Business via Wired Top Stories by Dylan Tweney on 5/27/10 A conference at the Pentagon leads to the the development of COBOL. Say Grace. Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
In reversal, #Florida's #Crist supports 'Don't...
In reversal, Florida’s Crist supports ‘Don’t Ask’ repeal via MiamiHerald.com: Political Currents on 5/27/10 In an apparent nod to Democrats, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he’d support repealing the policy that bars openly gay people from serving in the military, reversing what he told reporters three days earlier. Posted via email from vtblom’s...
When #science clashes with beliefs? Make science...
When science clashes with beliefs? Make science impotent via Ars Technica by jtimmer@arstechnica.com (John Timmer) on 5/27/10 It’s hardly a secret that large segments of the population choose not to accept scientific data because it conflicts with their predefined beliefs: economic, political, religious, or otherwise. But many studies have indicated that these same people aren’t...
'Don't ask' deal clears Senate hurdle
It’s done, now the shouting can begin… ‘Don’t ask’ deal clears Senate hurdle via POLITICO Top Stories by Jen DiMascio on 5/27/10 Armed Services Committee votes 16-12 to approve amendment to defense bill. Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Sunset, ahhh
Sent from my iPhone Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Look, It’s A Wacky New Libtard Social Media Way To...
Look, It’s A Wacky New Libtard Social Media Way To DESTROY BP! via Wonkette by Jim Newell on 5/27/10 “They leaked on us, it’s time to take a leak on them. If BP doesn’t agree to pay for the damages, then it’s only fair that we get to take a leak on our local BP station. Click ‘like’ if you like this idea, and stay tuned. Oh, and a caveat — please check the laws in your jurisdiction, and don’t do...
"Space Jam" and Mayan mythology #humor
“Space Jam” and Mayan mythology via Boing Boing by Maggie Koerth-Baker on 5/27/10 The Popol Vuh is the creation story of the ancient Maya. One of the main plot threads involves hero twins who are summoned to the underworld to take on the gods in a high-stakes ball game. In a 2001 paper, linguist Michal Brody points out some surprising similarities between the Popol Vuh and …...
The horrible, beautiful world of Bad Postcards
The horrible, beautiful world of Bad Postcards via Boing Boing by Bill Barol on 5/27/10 A friend of mine is about to go on a 10-day car trip through the Mountain States, and yesterday, at the end of a phone conversation, I asked him to send me a postcard from the road. I have no idea dusty, atavistic part of my brain spawned this request, which is clearly ridiculous: What I was asking him to do...
The 30-Year #Rubik's Invasion Continues
happy birthday to the “cube” The 30-Year Rubik’s Invasion Continues via Wired Top Stories by John Booth on 5/27/10 Three decades ago, the United States was introduced to what would become the most popular puzzle toy in history. And on this anniversary of the cube with ‘tude, its creator is still challenging us with his insidious inventions. Posted via email ...
Soviet Hobbit illustrations
Soviet Hobbit illustrations via Boing Boing by Cory Doctorow on 5/27/10 Thomas sez, “English Russia posted the gorgeous illustrations from the first soviet edition of Tolkien’s The Hobbit, accompagnied by three videos of a 70’s low budget telefilm/play broadcasted to entertain Soviet children. The result is truly hilarious, and yet touching. Gollum is a must-see!” ...
Invitation to view Alex's Picasa Web Album -...
You are invited to view Alex’s photo album: Creation Museum Creation Museum May 13, 2010 by Alex Speechless. View Album Play slideshow Message from vtblom: This is the Creation Museum, so you know where we all came from… and http://www.flickr.com/photos/williac/1036693826/ If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your...
Bring your green card! Radio contest offers...
Too funny, sad Bring your green card! Radio contest offers weekend in Arizona ‘chasing aliens’ via Raw Story by Ron Brynaert on 5/27/10 A conservative talk radio station in Ohio is offering an unusual contest that some might find offensive, a poster at the website Contexts notes. “Win a trip to Phoenix, Arizona! Make sure to bring your green card! 610 WTVN would like to send you where...
Palinisms: Did she really say that?
Now to replace the long favored bushisms Palinisms: Did she really say that? via Slate Magazine by Jacob Weisberg on 5/27/10 “I think it’s appalling and a violation of our freedom of the press.” —Speaking about the negative media coverage of Republican congressional candidate Vaughn Ward, Boise, Idaho, May 21, 2010 [more …] Idaho - Republican - United States -...
10 Great Malty Dark #Beers :: Blogs :: List of the...
This is the way to start the long weekend http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2010/05/10-great-malty-dark-beers.html Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
Looking Ahead to the Future of #NASA
Looking Ahead to the Future of NASA via MIT World: Recent Updates on 5/26/10From the MIT News Office: NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. defended President Barack Obama’s controversial plans for the U.S. space agency’s future and touted the president’s plan to invest billions of dollars in basic science research. Some in Congress have criticized Obama’s proposal to cancel the...
Study: 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Repeal Paves Way for...
Study: ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Repeal Paves Way for ‘Free-Rape Zone’ [Think Tanks] via Gawker by Jeff Neumann on 5/27/10 The conservative Family Research Council yesterday said that a repeal of DADT will lead to soldiers having unwanted gay sex and that “homosexuals in the military are about three times as likely to...
Home – America Speaking Out →
GOP’s hysterical new do it yourself town forum…
Man Buys PBR for $250 Million →
Just finished “The Post American World” by Fareed Zakaria. Good perspective. Now reading “Hot, Flat, and Crowded” by Tom Friedman.
Newspapers Outsourcing Stories to Online Sweatshop...
Newspapers Outsourcing Stories to Online Sweatshop [Media] via Gawker by Hamilton Nolan on 5/26/10 Demand Media is the robotic online content mill that pays freelancers paltry sums to churn out stories based on “what’s hot” search algorithms. Guess who’s about to start “creating articles” for your local...
#BP still deciding whether to pump mud to stop...
BP still deciding whether to pump mud to stop oil via Raw Story by The Associated Press on 5/26/10Powered by Mochila BP still deciding whether to pump mud to stop oil BP CEO expects to decide soon whether to start ‘top kill’ bid to plug Gulf oil leak with mud GREG BLUESTEIN and MIKE BAKER AP News May 26, 2010 07:51 EDT Story continues below… BP was still running tests and...
Community Board Endorses Ground Zero Muslim Center...
Community Board Endorses Ground Zero Muslim Center [Plots] via Gawker by Max Read on 5/25/10 A Manhattan Community Board will back a plan for a Muslim community center near the WTC site. Angry people gathered to protest the Muslim plot to provide a “500-seat performing arts center, a culinary school, [and] a swimming pool.” [NYT] More »...
Tea Party poems: The spoken verse of Sarah Palin.
Tea Party poems: The spoken verse of Sarah Palin. via Slate Magazine by Hart Seely on 5/25/10 Every time Sarah Palin speaks publicly—on Fox News, at Tea Party rallies, or just for the big paycheck—she manages to insert a few phrases that sound like nursery rhymes into her speech. The following have vaulted verbatim from Palin’s tongue to the page. No words have been changed.[more …] ...
Tea Party poems: The spoken verse of Sarah Palin.... →
The quest to design a better stop sign.
The quest to design a better stop sign. via Slate Magazine by Tom Vanderbilt on 5/25/10 In an Internet parody called “The Process,” a designer is given a corporate gig with a simple brief: to design a new stop sign. “We’re seeing reports that people don’t know what to do at an intersection,” he is told, and from there it descends in an absurd spiral of tweaks...
Oil Profiteer to Run for #Vermont State Senate...
Oil Profiteer to Run for Vermont State Senate [Politics] via Gawker by Jeff Neumann on 5/25/10 Peter Galbraith, a former US ambassador, NYRB contributor, and persona non grata at the UN is ready for home state politics. His experience advising Iraqi Kurds in shady oil deals should set him up for a lawmaking career. [AP] More » Posted...
May 25, 2001: Towel Day Honors #Hitchhiker Author...
May 25, 2001: Towel Day Honors Hitchhiker Author Adams via Wired Top Stories by Curtis Silver on 5/24/10 All Douglas Adams fans are encouraged to carry a towel with them for the day. Posted via email from vtblom’s posterous | Comment »
'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Compromise Approved by...
‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Compromise Approved by Obama [Good News] via Gawker by Max Read on 5/24/10 Good news! President Obama has given his stamp of approval to a compromise on repealing the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, which effectively bars gay people from serving in the military. It might...
James Rucker: Deliver a Message to CBC Members:...
James Rucker: Deliver a Message to CBC Members: Protect the Internet via Technology on HuffingtonPost.com by James Rucker on 5/24/10 Ever since the FCC decided to reclassify broadband as a communication service — preserving its basic regulatory authority over high-speed Internet — the big telephone and cable companies have been on the attack. One telecom industry front group,...
