With an earthquake in Philadelphia, tornadoes in Massachusetts and elsewhere, wildfires in Arizona and massive flooding in the Midwest, spring 2011 has been marked by rare disasters and extreme weather. As June ushers in the hurricane season, an extension specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences said people should prepare themselves for the next outbreak of the unexpected.
From Mississippi to North Dakota, recent natural disasters have struck at unusual times, in unusual locations or with unusual severity, said David Filson, Penn State Extension state program leader for emergency readiness. He said the nation is seeing an atypical number of natural mishaps and problems this spring, and no one is sure why this is occurring.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
AN ALIEN ENCOUNTER 20 YEARS AWAY?
Amplify’d from bigthink.com
"Life exists on other planets and we will find it within 20 years," said Andrei Finkelstein, director of the Russian Academy of Sciences Applied Astronomy Institute. Finkelstein made this prediction at a conference this week in St. Petersburg, and it instantly made headlines around the world. After all, while others have argued the same point, that we will soon detect intelligent life, and perhaps civilization on another planet, Finkelstein's time scale is particularly bold. For instance, theoretical physicist and Big Think expert Dr. Michio Kaku says contact with our earth-like twins could occur "perhaps sometime in this century." SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute Director Jill Carter hedged her bet when she told Big Think the detection of an extraterrestrial signal "could happen tomorrow," and it could also "happen never."
Carl Sagan on Drake Equation
The Drake equation (sometimes called the Green Bank equation or the Green Bank Formula) is an equation used to estimate the number of detectable extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. It is used in the fields of exobiology and the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI). The equation was devised by Frank Drake, Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Dotty is 95 Years Old Today (Video)
Amplify’d from www.youtube.com
Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room
Aggregation Is Invisible In Google+. Thank Goodness.
via Louis Gray
Amplify’d from blog.louisgray.com
updates, you don't see their blog posts automatically added, you don't see their Foursquare
Why Google+ won’t hurt Facebook, but Skype will hate it
Amplify’d from gigaom.com
Read more at gigaom.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Why did the USDA recently change its nutritional guidelines?
First Lady Michelle Obama may be remembered for toppling a pyramid. A food pyramid, that is: the longstanding icon of the USDA’s official nutritional recommendations for the American public.
Since 1992, the food pyramid has been recognized—if not embraced—as the government’s visual reminder about healthful eating practices. “The main criticism,” says Terry Hartman, an associate professor of nutrition at Penn State, “was that it was too complicated, and some perceived it as outdated.”
Taking its place as a teaching tool about nutrition? The less majestic (but perhaps more meaningful) symbol of a simple dinner plate.
Taking its place as a teaching tool about nutrition? The less majestic (but perhaps more meaningful) symbol of a simple dinner plate.
The Google+ Project Huddle
+Huddle
Coordinating with friends and family in real-time is really hard in real life. After all, everyone's on different schedules, in different places, and plans can change at any moment. Phone calls and text messages can work in a pinch, but they're not quite right for getting the gang together. So Google+ includes Huddle, a group messaging experience that lets everyone inside the circle know what's going on, right this second.
Coordinating with friends and family in real-time is really hard in real life. After all, everyone's on different schedules, in different places, and plans can change at any moment. Phone calls and text messages can work in a pinch, but they're not quite right for getting the gang together. So Google+ includes Huddle, a group messaging experience that lets everyone inside the circle know what's going on, right this second.
The Google+ Project Instant Uploads
+Mobile: share what’s around, right now, without any hassle
These days a phone is the perfect sharing accessory: it's always with you, it's always online, and it's how we stay close with our closest friends. We didn’t want “just” a mobile experience, however, so with Google+ we focused on things (like GPS, cameras, and messaging) to make your pocket computer even more personal.
+Location, location, location
In life, the places we visit shape conversations in lots of meaningful ways. If we call John from the airport, he’ll likely ask about our trip. Or if Jane texts from a nearby restaurant, we might join her for dessert. With Google+ you can add your location to every post. (Or not. It’s always up to you.)
+Instant Upload
Getting photos off your phone is a huge pain, so most of us don't even bother. Of course pictures are meant to be shared, not stranded, so we created Instant Upload to help you never leave a photo behind. While you're snapping pictures, and with your permission, Google+ adds your photos to a private album in the cloud. This way they're always available across your devices—ready to share as you see fit.
These days a phone is the perfect sharing accessory: it's always with you, it's always online, and it's how we stay close with our closest friends. We didn’t want “just” a mobile experience, however, so with Google+ we focused on things (like GPS, cameras, and messaging) to make your pocket computer even more personal.
+Location, location, location
In life, the places we visit shape conversations in lots of meaningful ways. If we call John from the airport, he’ll likely ask about our trip. Or if Jane texts from a nearby restaurant, we might join her for dessert. With Google+ you can add your location to every post. (Or not. It’s always up to you.)
+Instant Upload
Getting photos off your phone is a huge pain, so most of us don't even bother. Of course pictures are meant to be shared, not stranded, so we created Instant Upload to help you never leave a photo behind. While you're snapping pictures, and with your permission, Google+ adds your photos to a private album in the cloud. This way they're always available across your devices—ready to share as you see fit.
The Google+ Project Hangouts
+Hangouts: stop by and say hello, face-to-face-to-face
Whether it's inside a pub or on a front porch, human beings have always enjoyed hanging out. And why not? It's how we unwind, recharge, and spend unscheduled time with old and new friends alike. Hanging out is deceptively simple though, and the nuance gets lost online.
Just think: when you walk into the pub or step onto your front porch, you're in fact signaling to everyone around, “Hey, I've got some time, so feel free to stop by." Further, it’s this unspoken understanding that puts people at ease, and encourages conversation. But today’s online communication tools (like instant messaging and video-calling) don’t understand this subtlety:
With Google+ we wanted to make on-screen gatherings fun, fluid and serendipitous, so we created Hangouts. By combining the casual meetup with live multi-person video, Hangouts lets you stop by when you're free, and spend time with your Circles. Face-to-face-to-face:
Whether it's inside a pub or on a front porch, human beings have always enjoyed hanging out. And why not? It's how we unwind, recharge, and spend unscheduled time with old and new friends alike. Hanging out is deceptively simple though, and the nuance gets lost online.
Just think: when you walk into the pub or step onto your front porch, you're in fact signaling to everyone around, “Hey, I've got some time, so feel free to stop by." Further, it’s this unspoken understanding that puts people at ease, and encourages conversation. But today’s online communication tools (like instant messaging and video-calling) don’t understand this subtlety:
- They’re annoying, for starters. You can ping everyone that’s “available,” but you’re bound to interrupt someone’s plans.
- They’re also really awkward. When someone doesn't respond, you don't know if they’re just not there, or just not interested.
With Google+ we wanted to make on-screen gatherings fun, fluid and serendipitous, so we created Hangouts. By combining the casual meetup with live multi-person video, Hangouts lets you stop by when you're free, and spend time with your Circles. Face-to-face-to-face:
The Google+ Project Sparks
+Sparks: strike up a conversation, about pretty much anything
Healthy obsessions inspire sharing, and we’ve all got one (or two, or three...). Maybe it’s muscle cars, or comic books, or fashion, but the attraction is always the same: it comes up in conversation, we immediately jump in, and we share back and forth with other fans. Often for hours. The trick is getting things started, and getting over that initial hump. Fortunately, the web is the ultimate icebreaker.
The web, of course, is filled with great content—from timely articles to vibrant photos to funny videos. And great content can lead to great conversations. We noticed, however, that it’s still too hard to find and share the things we care about—not without lots of work, and lots of noise. So, we built an online sharing engine called Sparks.
Thanks to Google’s web expertise, Sparks delivers a feed of highly contagious content from across the Internet. On any topic you want, in over 40 languages. Simply add your interests, and you’ll always have something to watch, read and share—with just the right circle of friends:
Healthy obsessions inspire sharing, and we’ve all got one (or two, or three...). Maybe it’s muscle cars, or comic books, or fashion, but the attraction is always the same: it comes up in conversation, we immediately jump in, and we share back and forth with other fans. Often for hours. The trick is getting things started, and getting over that initial hump. Fortunately, the web is the ultimate icebreaker.
The web, of course, is filled with great content—from timely articles to vibrant photos to funny videos. And great content can lead to great conversations. We noticed, however, that it’s still too hard to find and share the things we care about—not without lots of work, and lots of noise. So, we built an online sharing engine called Sparks.
Thanks to Google’s web expertise, Sparks delivers a feed of highly contagious content from across the Internet. On any topic you want, in over 40 languages. Simply add your interests, and you’ll always have something to watch, read and share—with just the right circle of friends:
The Google+ Project Circles
+Circles: share what matters, with the people who matter most
Not all relationships are created equal. So in life we share one thing with college buddies, another with parents, and almost nothing with our boss. The problem is that today’s online services turn friendship into fast food—wrapping everyone in “friend” paper—and sharing really suffers:
In light of these shortcomings we asked ourselves, “What do people actually do?” And we didn’t have to search far for the answer. People in fact share selectively all the time—with their circles.
From close family to foodies, we found that people already use real-life circles to express themselves, and to share with precisely the right folks. So we did the only thing that made sense: we brought Circles to software. Just make a circle, add your people, and share what’s new—just like any other day:
Not all relationships are created equal. So in life we share one thing with college buddies, another with parents, and almost nothing with our boss. The problem is that today’s online services turn friendship into fast food—wrapping everyone in “friend” paper—and sharing really suffers:
- It’s sloppy. We only want to connect with certain people at certain times, but online we hear from everyone all the time.
- It’s scary. Every online conversation (with over 100 “friends”) is a public performance, so we often share less because of stage fright.
- It’s insensitive. We all define “friend” and “family” differently—in our own way, on our own terms—but we lose this nuance online.
In light of these shortcomings we asked ourselves, “What do people actually do?” And we didn’t have to search far for the answer. People in fact share selectively all the time—with their circles.
From close family to foodies, we found that people already use real-life circles to express themselves, and to share with precisely the right folks. So we did the only thing that made sense: we brought Circles to software. Just make a circle, add your people, and share what’s new—just like any other day:
The Google+ Project
Among the most basic of human needs is the need to connect with others. With a smile, a laugh, a whisper or a cheer, we connect with others every single day.
Today, the connections between people increasingly happen online. Yet the subtlety and substance of real-world interactions are lost in the rigidness of our online tools.
In this basic, human way, online sharing is awkward. Even broken. And we aim to fix it.
We’d like to bring the nuance and richness of real-life sharing to software. We want to make Google better by including you, your relationships, and your interests. And so begins the Google+ project:
Today, the connections between people increasingly happen online. Yet the subtlety and substance of real-world interactions are lost in the rigidness of our online tools.
In this basic, human way, online sharing is awkward. Even broken. And we aim to fix it.
We’d like to bring the nuance and richness of real-life sharing to software. We want to make Google better by including you, your relationships, and your interests. And so begins the Google+ project:
New Generation of Connected Health Devices
"People want to take a more active role in managing their healthcare – both to reduce costs and improve their quality of life"
Increasingly, wellness devices will be used to fill the information gap for consumers that are relatively healthy, but need devices that provide information to help them gain greater control over their conditions and lead healthier lives.
Monday, June 27, 2011
$600 Million Wasted, $1 Billion Nobody Wants
Sunday, June 26, 2011
US Mortgages: 26.8% Rejection Rate
Amplify’d from www.ritholtz.com
Mortgage application denial rates last year were highest in the South and along the Rust belt, according to a WSJ analysis.
Here’s the WSJ:
“The percentage of mortgage applications rejected by the nation’s largest lenders increased last year, spotlighting how banks’ cautious lending practices are hampering the nascent housing market recovery.
In all, the nation’s 10 largest mortgage lenders denied 26.8% of loan applications in 2010, an increase from 23.5% in 2009, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal of mortgage data filed with banking regulators.
Although lenders were expected to pull back from the freewheeling conditions that helped inflate the housing bubble, some economists argue they are now too conservative, and say that with the U.S. economy still wobbly, mortgages need to be easier to obtain for qualified borrowers, not harder.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/kjBfuF
Bachmann gives Romney a run for it in Iowa Poll
Amplify’d from www.msnbc.msn.com
In the first Iowa Poll of this campaign cycle, Romney got 23 percent of likely Republican caucus-goers, and Bachmann got 22 percent, the newspaper said.
“She’s up there as a real competitor and a real contender,” Republican pollster Randy Gutermuth, who is unaffiliated with any of the candidates, told the Register. “This would indicate that she’s going to be a real player in Iowa.”
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/lmSbOa
Saturday, June 25, 2011
World's Ugliest Dog
Ugly? Or, Cute?
MSNBC
Have you been touched by Alzheimer's? Visit the Alzheimer's Reading Room.
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| World's Ugliest Dog |
MSNBC
Have you been touched by Alzheimer's? Visit the Alzheimer's Reading Room.
ZERO WASTE, PACKAGING-FREE GROCERY STORE TO ROCK IN TEXAS
Nature doesn't litter, people do. In the US that trash amounts to 1.4 billion pounds per day. And 40% of that is packaging. Recently, Greenpeace tried to provoke the global community portraying Barbie as a serial killer because of her addiction to cheap packaging. I personally think that villainizing Barbie, who is nothing more than a toy, totally fails to get across the idea of personal responsibility and the impact of human activity. Still, the campaign got me thinking about the billions over billions of tons of packaging that is being produced and soon after disposed of, and how horrifyingly wasteful the whole process is.
N.Y. Legislature Votes To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Amplify’d from www.npr.org
New York lawmakers narrowly voted to legalize same-sex marriage Friday, handing activists a breakthrough victory in the state where the gay rights movement was born.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Bios Urn, Turn Yourself Into a Tree After You Die
Bios Urn is a biodegradable urn made from coconut shell, compacted peat and cellulose and inside it contains the seed of a tree. Once your remains have been placed into the urn, it can be planted and then the seed germinates and begins to grow. You even have the choice to pick the type of plant you would like to become, depending on what kind of planting space you prefer.
They're Back: Winklevoss Twins Still After Facebook Gold
Amplify’d from www.pcmag.com
Read more at www.pcmag.com
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Stress in the City Effects Brain
Being born and raised in a major urban area is associated with greater lifetime risk for anxiety and mood disorders.
“These findings suggest that different brain regions are sensitive to the experience of city living during different times across the lifespan,” says Pruessner. “Future studies need to clarify the link between psychopathology and these affects in individuals with mental disorders.These findings contribute to our understanding of urban environmental risk for mental disorders and health in general. They further point to a new approach to interface social sciences, neurosciences and public policy to respond to the major health challenge of urbanization.”
Jens Pruessner
Ryan Medicare Plan Would Make Americans Worse by 57%-34%, Poll Shows
Representative Paul Ryan, the House Budget Committee chairman who has become a star in the Republican Party with his plan to overhaul Medicare, is emerging as a polarizing figure among Americans.
Twenty-six percent of people view the Wisconsin lawmaker unfavorably while 23 percent see him favorably, according to a Bloomberg National Poll conducted June 17-20.
Twenty-six percent of people view the Wisconsin lawmaker unfavorably while 23 percent see him favorably, according to a Bloomberg National Poll conducted June 17-20.
Senator Bernie Sanders Quotes
“Senator Paul has suggested that only in Washington can people believe that spending money actually saves money. And I think that’s the kind of philosophy that results in us spending about twice as much per person on health care as any other country on earth. We have millions of millions of Americans who can’t get to a doctor on time. Some of them die, some of them become very, very ill and end up in the emergency room or end up in the hospital at great cost".
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Glen Campbell I Have Alzheimer's
Read it, watch the video, comment, send best wishes.
Amplify’d from www.alzheimersreadingroom.com
Why Italy is already priced to wreck the Eurozone
Italy has of course so far escaped a ‘debt’ crisis that’s mostly been about anything but the sheer quantum of sovereign debt to GDP facing a particular country. But it’s always been latent that any long-term repricing in sovereign risk premia, following the Greek default, would affect Italian interest payments.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Ten Things to Know About Fracking
Amplify’d from blogs.forbes.com
Fracking is under fire, as we know, from those who insist that it does or can cause huge problems to the surrounding environment.
If this were true then it would be very important. For it’s exactly fracking that is providing America with the gas to keep the lights on for another hundred years, so we’d rather like not to be poisoning ourselves by doing so.
Rewiring My Brain and Stepping into Alzheimer's World
Once you start to understand how things work in Alzheimer's World you get calm and comfortable. Once you get calm and comfortable you give off a better "vibe" to someone that has Alzheimer's.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
I wrote that on my da Vinci pad in 2004. This was at the same time I was coming to another conclusion, something had to change and that something was me.
I did not perceived the changes in communication as being difficult. After all, I had been studying communication and decision making all the way back to college days, and ever since. I figured some practice and I would get the hang of it.
What I did not immediately perceive was how difficult it would be to change all the things I had learned over the course of my life.
For example, I had to learn how NOT to feel bad when my mother said something mean spirited to me.
Monday, June 20, 2011
EVALUATING SOCIAL MARKETING CHANNELS (HOW TO PROVE ROI IN PHASES AND DECIDE WHERE TO INVEST)
Understanding the effectiveness of a marketing channel fully requires understanding the revenue impact that the channel drives. Both as a source of a prospect (e.g. prospects who respond to a notification email spends $12.17 in their first year with us) and, as an influence on a prospect (e.g. sending a prospect monthly nurture emails increases their average yearly purchase amount by 45%).
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/ir0Bjz
Predict AD, New Methods to Detect Alzheimer’s
I really don't know what percentage of Alzheimer's patients get a "fully baked" diagnosis. I do know this. I ask this simple question all the time, "did you get a written hard copy of the diagnosis"? The answer is almost always the same, No.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/jyKYXW
Alzheimer’s and The Checkbook
Then, one day, Great Grams’ son came to visit. Great Grams was very agitated. She didn’t recognize him. Throughout the day, she accused him of various horrific acts. That evening, when she was upstairs with her son, he said to her, as a joke, "So, can I have your checkbook"?......By Max Wallack
Go Read It
Meet Alex: A Dad and a Summer Organizer
Alex, a father of four, is devoting two months this summer to volunteering in his community as a summer organizer. Watch the video to hear him explain why, in his own words—then pass it on to a dad who's in your thoughts today.
Government Stays Glued to Mortgage Market
The fragile housing market is complicating Washington's stated goal of dialing back its support after it has reduced stakes in the financial-services and auto industries. The slide in home prices in turn is weighing on the economic recovery, and it threatens to hamper a bipartisan push to unwind the emergency support policymakers enacted three years ago.
Falling prices are eroding consumer confidence and hindering job mobility by leaving millions of borrowers trapped in homes worth less than what they owe. A glut of bank-owned foreclosures has slowed residential construction, damping a major source of job growth. In some markets, the share of buyers paying in cash for homes has hit its highest levels in years, a red flag that prices could fall below "fair value" due to a lack of credit.
Falling prices are eroding consumer confidence and hindering job mobility by leaving millions of borrowers trapped in homes worth less than what they owe. A glut of bank-owned foreclosures has slowed residential construction, damping a major source of job growth. In some markets, the share of buyers paying in cash for homes has hit its highest levels in years, a red flag that prices could fall below "fair value" due to a lack of credit.
"The Stare Master"
When Brandon meets a perfect 10 at his local gym, he proves he is a true master of the covert workout. This stealth Stay-At-Home-Dad will push it to the limit every-time, or until he's busted.
Start Spreading the News
‘Word of link’s power is like nothing we’ve experienced before. It’s about how we pass along information, share ideas, and expand business in our digital times.’
Read on ....
Oracle expert claims Google may owe up to $6 billion
Calling it "breathtaking" and "out of proportion to any meaningful measure," Google (GOOG) attorneys revealed late Friday that an expert working for Oracle (ORCL) has estimated Google may owe $1.4 billion to $6.1 billion in damages in a patent dispute over the popular Android mobile operating system.
Decide.com -- Help in Deciding What to Buy
Decide empowers people to avoid buyer’s remorse and save money when purchasing electronics.
Ever have trouble deciding whether to buy or wait. If you are like me, you are going to love this new web based business, Decide.com.
Here is what they say.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Yale's Shiller Sees ‘Substantial’ Probability of Recession
Noted economist Robert Shiller said Wednesday there was a “substantial” probability the U.S. could lurch again into recession.
Noting weak global data — including a stubbornly depressed U.S. housing market — were flashing warning signs, the Yale University economist said the economy right now faced a “tipping point.”
“Forecasting models would say no” on the question of whether the U.S. will face a double-dip, Shiller said. “But I’m seeing signs that encourage me to worry about that.”
Noting weak global data — including a stubbornly depressed U.S. housing market — were flashing warning signs, the Yale University economist said the economy right now faced a “tipping point.”
“Forecasting models would say no” on the question of whether the U.S. will face a double-dip, Shiller said. “But I’m seeing signs that encourage me to worry about that.”
Income Inequality
It was the 1970s, and the chief executive of a leading U.S. dairy company, Kenneth J. Douglas, lived the good life. He earned the equivalent of about $1 million today.
Forty years later, the trappings at the top of Dean Foods, as at most U.S. big companies, are more lavish. The current chief executive, Gregg L. Engles, averages 10 times as much in compensation as Douglas did, or about $10 million in a typical year.
The evolution of executive grandeur — from very comfortable to jet-setting — reflects one of the primary reasons that the gap between those with the highest incomes and everyone else is widening.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Obama on FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
A NEW APPROACH TO FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Starting today, you'll notice something new about President Obama's Facebook page and his Twitteraccount, @BarackObama.
Starting today, you'll notice something new about President Obama's Facebook page and his Twitteraccount, @BarackObama.
Crowdsourcing
THE voice of the crowd has never been louder.
Crowdsourcing is a call to the masses via the internet; an invitation to people to come up with ideas and solutions on anything from a new company logo to how to improve education in the developing world.
Decision-makers don't care whether you're the secretary or the CFO. When the call to create goes out, the best idea wins, regardless of your experience or your geographic location.
Read on
Crowdsourcing is a call to the masses via the internet; an invitation to people to come up with ideas and solutions on anything from a new company logo to how to improve education in the developing world.
Decision-makers don't care whether you're the secretary or the CFO. When the call to create goes out, the best idea wins, regardless of your experience or your geographic location.
Read on
Chicago Mayor Emanuel Making a Difference
Take what he found in the city's public schools. He described the situation that existed under his predecessor who happens to also be a friend.
"Over the years there was an implicit understanding. The elected officials, politicians got labor peace. The teacher' union negotiated constant regular pay increases. And Johnny and Susie got left on the side of the road. They didn't get any more instructional time.
"We have the shortest school day and year in the country of any major city. And what I said is 'I will not be a party to that agreement, cheating the kids.' Now we can sit around and say... 'This is all about the kids.' If it's all about the kids, how did we end up with the shortest school day and school year in the country?
"Just by way of example, a child in Houston and Chicago who both start kindergarten on the same day and they go all the way through high school, you know because of the length of day in Houston, the child in Houston spends the equivalent of three more days in the classroom learning just because of the length of day...
"I said (to teachers) 'You're going to get a pay raise,' but ... I'm happy that the governor signed into law on Monday the ability for us to finally get a length of day and a length of year that makes the kids' education competitive with the rest of the country and also with the kids in Hong Kong, with the kids in Singapore, with the kids in London. And Berlin. That's how you compete to win and seize the future."
The instant contradiction machine. Debrief of conversation with Ashton Kutcher @aplusk
Robert Scoble talks about his interview with Ashton Kutcher.
Obama Celebrating Fathers
On Father's Day weekend, President Obama reflects on his experience as a parent and discusses the challenges and necessity of being a good father.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Apps for the Environment, Take the Challenge
EPA is launching an effort called the Apps for the Environment Challenge that encourages private software developers to make smart phone Apps that use EPA’s data (and other sources of data) to help people and communities make decisions that affect their lives. Apps for the Environment provides all the details (like rules and judging criteria), and lots of helpful resources like links to EPA’s data, ideas for new apps, a list of existing environmental apps, and even a discussion forum.
World Awaits Another High-Stakes Weekend -- Will Greece Take Us Down?
As European officials meet in Luxembourg Sunday in a two-day bid to halt a spiralling Greek debt crisis, unsettling parallels can be found with a weekend gathering of U.S. officials three years ago.
As is now etched into popular memory, the frantic deal-making at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Sept. 14-15, 2008, failed to prevent the troubles of another single borrower, Lehman Brothers, from throwing the entire world’s financial markets into turmoil. Could the same happen again? Might the struggle to save Greece suffer from the same failure of best intentions?
As is now etched into popular memory, the frantic deal-making at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Sept. 14-15, 2008, failed to prevent the troubles of another single borrower, Lehman Brothers, from throwing the entire world’s financial markets into turmoil. Could the same happen again? Might the struggle to save Greece suffer from the same failure of best intentions?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Housing Starts and NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN MAY 2011
BUILDING PERMITS
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 612,000. This is 8.7 percent (±1.5%) above the revised April rate of 563,000 and is 5.2 percent (±2.4%) above the May 2010 estimate of 582,000.
Single-family authorizations in May were at a rate of 405,000; this is 2.5 percent (±1.1%) above the revised April figure of 395,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 190,000 in May.
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 612,000. This is 8.7 percent (±1.5%) above the revised April rate of 563,000 and is 5.2 percent (±2.4%) above the May 2010 estimate of 582,000.
Single-family authorizations in May were at a rate of 405,000; this is 2.5 percent (±1.1%) above the revised April figure of 395,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 190,000 in May.
"Pig Out" Slush Fund Another Tax Payer Rip -Off
Have you seen anything lately that passes with unanimous bipartisan support? Well, this bill passed out of the Senate with unanimous consent.
What does this tell you?
Me on the Web, Google Launches New Tool
In recent years, it’s become easier and easier to publish information about yourself online, through powerful new platforms like social networking sites and photo sharing services. One way to manage your privacy on these sites is to decide who specifically can see this information, determining whether it is visible to just a few friends, family members or everyone on the web. But, another important decision is choosing how you are identified when you post that information. We have worked hard to build various identity options into Google products.
Today we’ve released a new tool to help make it easier to monitor your identity on the web and to provide easy access to resources describing ways to control what information is on the web. This tool, Me on the Web, appears as a section of the Google Dashboard right beneath the Account details.
Read more about Google Me on the Web
Today we’ve released a new tool to help make it easier to monitor your identity on the web and to provide easy access to resources describing ways to control what information is on the web. This tool, Me on the Web, appears as a section of the Google Dashboard right beneath the Account details.
Read more about Google Me on the Web
5 Great Gifts for Dads with Memory Loss
Some people struggle with celebrating Father's Day once their dad begins suffering the effects of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of memory loss.
You and your family may feel like the past traditions just aren't possible anymore. However, Father's Day can still be meaningful for both your Dad and the whole family.
As difficult as it may seem, instead of focusing on all that you and your father are losing, try to focus on his remaining strengths and interests, and all that you still have.
Take comfort in knowing that by spending time with your father, you are giving him one of the most important gifts you can give: your continued presence in his life.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/jQN0RK
Life expectancy falls in many parts of U.S.
Americans are living longer than ever before, with life expectancy in the U.S. at an all-time high. But we can't all rejoice. A new study shows that in hundreds of U.S. counties - mostly in the South - life expectancy has fallen.
A baby born in 2009 could expect to live 78 years and 2 months, the CDC recently estimated. But the CDC doesn't calculate estimates by county. And Dr. Christopher Murray, a University of Washington researcher and editor of the online journal "Population Health Metrics," says, There are enormous variations within the country."
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/m5zVTs
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Empire Avenue Earnings Summary for (e)ARR June 15
(e)ARR
Join Empire Avenue
Price: 138.01
Current Dividend Yield: 1.04%
Dividend per share: 1.43 /share
Net Wealth: 27,518,048.497
Shares Owned in Others on Empire Avenue : 576,945 +
Names owned: 2,343
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Woman Hides Dead Mom In Her House For 6-Months
Hid her dead mother's body for 6-months so she could collect her £200 ($328) in government benefits
See this Amp at http://read.bi/lUmxGR
Miracle-Gro Medical Marijuana
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has long sold weed killer. Now, it's hoping to help people grow killer weed.
In an unlikely move for the head of a major company, Scotts Chief Executive Jim Hagedorn said he is exploring targeting medical marijuana as well as other niches to help boost sales at his lawn and garden company.
Iraq debacle gets worse: $6.6 billion has vanished
The phenomenal waste of lives and money and the economy that Iraq has represented just got a little bit worse today, with the news that $6.6 billion, sent to Iraq as cash by the planeload, has pretty much just vanished, and is presumed to have been stolen.
Apple Starts Selling Unlocked iPhone 4 in the U.S.
Confirming rumors that surfaced over the weekend, Apple has started selling the unlocked version of the iPhone 4 in Apple retail stores.
Santana and Clapton - Jingo
One of my all time favorites. I heard the original version at the Atlantic City Pop Festival in 1969. That was the first time Santana had every played on the east coast. No one had ever heard of them. The crowd refused to let them off the stage which pissed off some of the other artists and acts.
Empire Avenue Earnings Summary for (e)ARR June 14
(e)ARR
Join Empire Avenue
Earnings: 327.75e
This is what you earned for online activity on Twitter/Facebook etc.
Dividends/Investment Earnings: 265982.15e
What you earned from your investments in other people!
Other Earnings: 314686.09e
This is what you earned from people buying your shares, achievements etc.
You spent: 539056.45e
This is what you spent in the last day!
Total Buys In You: 3280 Shares by 65 people
Monday, June 13, 2011
Empire Avenue Update (e)ARR Alzheimer's Reading Room 6-13
Empire Avenue Update
(e)ARR
Join Empire Avenue
Price: 135.53
Current Dividend Yield: 1.07%
Dividend per share: 1.45 /share
Net Wealth: 26,533,049.495 e
Shares Owned in Others on Empire Avenue : 567,260 +
Names owned: 2,330
(e)ARR
Join Empire Avenue
Price: 135.53
Current Dividend Yield: 1.07%
Dividend per share: 1.45 /share
Net Wealth: 26,533,049.495 e
Shares Owned in Others on Empire Avenue : 567,260 +
Names owned: 2,330
Only 75% of State Legislators Graduate College
A study by The Chronicle of Higher Education finds that just less than 75% of the 7,400 state legislators in the USA have completed college -- and ponders: "Maybe that's not such a bad thing."
Threat to United States from new European E. coli strain unclear
Over the centuries, many unexpected things have come to the United States from Germany and caught on -- lager beer, sauerkraut, bratwurst and the Volkswagen Beetle are a few that come to mind -- but don't necessarily expect the novel strain of E. coli that is responsible for more than 2,800 cases of illness and 27 deaths in Germany to show up immediately in this country, advises a foodborne-disease expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Longest Total Lunar Eclipse in 11 Years Occurs Wednesday
The longest total lunar eclipse since July 2000 will occur on Wednesday (June 15), with skywatchers in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia in prime position to witness the lunar treat.
The event is the first lunar eclipse of 2011 and one of two total lunar eclipses this year. The eclipse, which will occur during June's full moon, will begin at 1:24 p.m. EDT (1724 GMT) and last until 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT), but it will not be visible from North America.
The event is the first lunar eclipse of 2011 and one of two total lunar eclipses this year. The eclipse, which will occur during June's full moon, will begin at 1:24 p.m. EDT (1724 GMT) and last until 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT), but it will not be visible from North America.
It's official: Filipino man named world's shortest
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/06/junrey-balawing-named-worlds-shortest-man/1?csp=34news
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Empire Avenue Dividends/Investment Earnings: 227, 349.69e (6/12)
I'm loaded with Eaves (500,000 e plus) and ready to buy...
Invest in ARR
Earnings: 216,840.23 e This is what I earned from people buying my shares, achievements etc.
Dividends/Investment Earnings: 227,349.69 e What I earned from investments in other people!
It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid
Amplify’d from krugman.blogs.nytimes.com
If Medicare costs had risen as fast as private insurance premiums, it would cost around 40 percent more than it does. If private insurers had done as well as Medicare at controlling costs, insurance would be a lot cheaper.
It’s a mystery why anyone claims that shifting more people into private insurance is a good idea. Actually, no, it isn’t a mystery; it’s an outrage.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/lXX1RY
Is QE2 a Savior, Inflator, or a Dud?
The Federal Reserve’s experiment with a second round of quantitative easing is nearing an end. Did it achieve its goal of lowering interest rates and stimulating the economy?The Federal Reserve’s experiment with a second round of quantitative easing is nearing an end. Did it achieve its goal of lowering interest rates and stimulating the economy?
http://bloom.bg/lP3stf
http://bloom.bg/lP3stf
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Ducklings Or Chicks, Ohio Investigates
Eight cases of salmonellosis have triggered an investigation by Ohio state officials who have linked them to ducklings and/or chicks sourced from an Ohio hatchery and bought at various agricultural outlets across the state. Health authorities are advising Ohioans to handle chicks and ducklings with care.
http://bit.ly/lSpBYS
http://bit.ly/lSpBYS
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Empire Avenue I have 500,000 Eaves a Day to Invest
Low on Eaves to invest on Empire Avenue? Ever wonder why?
I have 500,000 new Eaves to invest each day. That number keeps going up. Why? Because I understand the importance of building Net Wealth.
How do you build net wealth? Well one of the best ways to do it is by earning dividends from other people on Empire Avenue. Buying stocks with high Current Dividend Yield is the name of the game on Empire Avenue.
NFL Play of the Year 2010 - 'Miracle at New Meadowlands' (Video)
"That's one of the most incredible football plays I think I've ever seen."
In this Look Beyond the Obvious a punter does just the opposite of what is expected and required.
Tied at 31 with just 14 seconds left in regulation, Giants coach Tom Coughlin just needed his punter to kick the ball away from the most explosive athlete east of Derrick Rose.
It should have been simple for rookie Matt Dodge to do: Directionally kick the ball, sacrificing distance for safety. And, by all means, DON'T allow the return man to get his hands on it, especially when that guy is the Philadelphia Eagles DeSean Jackson.
Watch the Miracle at the Meadlowlands.
Friday, June 10, 2011
LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND MUSIC AS ALZHEIMER’S THERAPY?
Can either exercise, or healthy diet, or mental activities, or socialization, or music
be used as a therapy to treat people living with Alzheimer’s?
By Wantland J. Smith
Alzheimer's Reading Room
 |
| This Man Decided to Fight Alzheimer's -- Jay Smith |
But wait a minute! No one is promoting using these lifestyle prevention strategies as a treatment regimen. Nonetheless, I am beginning to, at least for myself, after living with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s for a long time – six years since my diagnosis of “early Alzheimer’s disease,” and more than a dozen years since the first symptoms became worrisome enough that I sought a neurological workup to try to find out what was causing them.
Read the complete article.
Empire Avenue (e)ARR Influence Mogel #32
I own over 550,000 shares in users on Empire Avenue.
There is a reason my Net Wealth is over 25 million, I am making people rich.
1.46 dividend per share. Current Dividend Yield 1.10%
There is a reason my Net Wealth is over 25 million, I am making people rich.
1.46 dividend per share. Current Dividend Yield 1.10%
Bad Meets Evil Video
Music video by Bad Meets Evil performing Fast Lane. © 2011 Shady Records/Interscope Records
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Empire Avenue Update (e)ARR Alzheimer's Reading Room 6-9
Empire Avenue Update
Join Empire Avenue
(e)ARR
Price: 131.48
Current Dividend Yield: 1.10%
Dividend per share: 1.44 /share
Net Wealth: 24,752,218.413
Shares Owned in Others on Empire Avenue : 545,000 +
Names owned: 2,310
Join Empire Avenue
(e)ARR
Price: 131.48
Current Dividend Yield: 1.10%
Dividend per share: 1.44 /share
Net Wealth: 24,752,218.413
Shares Owned in Others on Empire Avenue : 545,000 +
Names owned: 2,310
Car Runs On Goo
THE GIST -- ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY RUNS ON GOO
Read ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY RUNS ON GOO
- MIT researchers created a new battery prototype that promises to be more efficient than existing car batteries.
- The battery pumps goo through a unique system and the spent goo can be recharged.
- Drivers could choose from different electro-chemical fuel types, depending on the car performance they want.
Read ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY RUNS ON GOO
Investor Sentiment New Low For the Year in Bullish Sentiment
Amplify’d from www.bespokeinvest.com
This week's survey of sentiment from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) showed that individual investors are less bullish now than they have been at any other point since Ben Bernanke's now famous Jackson Hole speech in late August of last year. Unlike prior corrections in the market, where sentiment typically follows price, in the most recent pullback individual investor sentiment has clearly led prices lower.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/iZZBAf
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Are We Built to Run Barefoot?
At a recent symposium of the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Denver, cutely titled “Barefoot Running: So Easy, a Caveman Did It!,” a standing-room-only crowd waited expectantly as a slide flashed up posing this question: Does barefoot running increase or decrease skeletal injury risk?
Read Are We Built to Run Barefoot?
Read Are We Built to Run Barefoot?
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