It really is amazing how people who use words like "communist" and "fascist" act like "communists" and "fascists".
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Google to end China censorship after e-mail breach
Google Inc. will stop censoring its search results in China and may pull out of the country completely after discovering that computer hackers had tricked human-rights activists into exposing their e-mail accounts to outsiders.
Google doesn't come out and say it, but it's pretty clear they're blaming the cyber attack on the Chinese government.
And Google is not amused.
And Google is not amused.
[W]e have evidence to suggest that a primary goal of the attackers was accessing the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists. Based on our investigation to date we believe their attack did not achieve that objective. Only two Gmail accounts appear to have been accessed, and that activity was limited to account information (such as the date the account was created) and subject line, rather than the content of emails themselves.
Third, as part of this investigation but independent of the attack on Google, we have discovered that the accounts of dozens of U.S.-, China- and Europe-based Gmail users who are advocates of human rights in China appear to have been routinely accessed by third parties. These accounts have not been accessed through any security breach at Google, but most likely via phishing scams or malware placed on the users' computers....
We launched Google.cn in January 2006 in the belief that the benefits of increased access to information for people in China and a more open Internet outweighed our discomfort in agreeing to censor some results. At the time we made clear that "we will carefully monitor conditions in China, including new laws and other restrictions on our services. If we determine that we are unable to achieve the objectives outlined we will not hesitate to reconsider our approach to China."
These attacks and the surveillance they have uncovered--combined with the attempts over the past year to further limit free speech on the web--have led us to conclude that we should review the feasibility of our business operations in China. We have decided we are no longer willing to continue censoring our results on Google.cn, and so over the next few weeks we will be discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all. We recognize that this may well mean having to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China.
The decision to review our business operations in China has been incredibly hard, and we know that it will have potentially far-reaching consequences. We want to make clear that this move was driven by our executives in the United States, without the knowledge or involvement of our employees in China who have worked incredibly hard to make Google.cn the success it is today. We are committed to working responsibly to resolve the very difficult issues raised.
Google basically just told China to go screw itself.
Cold case cops take on Capone-era murder
Chicago police will reopen the 1939 murder case of a mob-linked businessman turned federal informant who helped put Al Capone behind bars.
Irish bookie takes bets on Palin's FauxNews gig
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is taking her wingnut message to Faux News.
She has a multi-year deal to contribute to TV, radio and online outlets.
She has a multi-year deal to contribute to TV, radio and online outlets.
Mexico captures major Tijuana drug gang leader
Mexican security forces captured a top drug trafficker behind much of a surge in violence in the northern border city of Tijuana on Tuesday in a fresh victory for the country's drug war, government and police sources said.
Washington bloodmobile offers beer to blood donors
A Washington state blood center is offering donors a deal: Give a pint of blood, get a pint of beer.
Now, there's the ticket ... give someone who is a pint 'lite' to begin with, a pint of something that will 'lite'n' them up a bit more.
Real Genius at work there, boys!
(Beat they got a lot of blood, to boot.)
Murfreesboro Discriminates Against White Trash and College Students with Sofa Ban
Following the example of neighboring Nashville, who actually passed their own furniture related legislation some time ago, Murfreesboro recently passed a law that prohibits indoor furniture from being outdoors.
Smugglers caught trying to sell 36-year-old meat
Ukrainian smugglers were busted by Russian police trying to supply markets in Moscow with 36-year-old meat.
How to schmooze your way to success
How to schmooze your way to success
Stand out from the crowd and land your dream job with these networking tips.
Cheap and easy home upgrades
Cheap and easy home upgrades
Painting a wall in an unexpected color can give your kitchen a modern touch for under $20.
Radical proposal for bank bonuses
Radical proposal for bank bonuses
A noted economist says execs at the largest banks deserve zero bonuses for 2009.
Fewer nations considered 'free' in 2009
Fewer nations considered 'free' in 2009
A new report shows a disturbing trend in regions around the world — and says China plays a key role.
Rare map captures pivotal moment
Rare map captures pivotal moment
The 400-year-old "Impossible Black Tulip of Cartography" holds a crucial key to East-West relations.
Baggage fees are on the rise
Baggage fees are on the rise
Two airlines announce that travelers can expect higher surcharges for checked-in luggage.
Gourmet foods that aren't worth the cost
Gourmet foods that aren't worth the cost
Fancy olive oil and free-range chicken may not always make for tastier, healthier meals.
Internet-savvy mom turns tables on crook
Internet-savvy mom turns tables on crook
A woman sets up a sting and catches the thief of her handicapped daughter's computer.
Secrets to staying healthy and energized
Secrets to staying healthy and energized
Try these natural ways to maintain wellness during the winter season.
Major damage from Haiti quake
Major damage from Haiti quake
The 7.0-magnitude earthquake has damaged the presidential palace and a hospital.
Deadly Scorpion Venom Used to Create New, Safer Pesticide
From Treehugger:
Scorpions are notorious for harnessing a powerful, debilitating venom in their tails. Some species harbor venom potent enough to kill a human being. But other parts of that venom cocktail are only intended for other insects--and only affect other insects. If the strains of venom that do so were to be isolated, that could be a pretty potent insecticide, right? One researcher thought so--so he concocted a brand new, ecologically safe pesticide from the deadly venom found in scorpions.
Article continues: Deadly Scorpion Venom Used to Create New, Safer Pesticide
Houston Police Spy Plane
This isn't good people!Just another example of our freedom being taken away from us by the government.
Doing exactly what Osama bin Ladin wants.
Doing exactly what Osama bin Ladin wants.
Students only have ‘10-minute attention span’
According to a survey for the technology firm Olympus:
The average length of time a student could concentrate for in lectures was 10 minutes, according to the survey carried last month.
And a third blamed lack of sleep and being overworked for this.
Many students had been forced to take up part-time work to make ends meet.
Among the students surveyed, 13% admitted to missing up to five hours of lectures a week, while 17% said they had to prioritize their part-time jobs over lectures to be able to support themselves. [...]
Nearly half of students feared they would finish with high debts and no jobs, according to the study.
Race Riots Grip Italian Town, and Mafia Is Suspected
More than a thousand African workers were put aboard buses and trains in the southern Italian region of Calabria over the weekend and shipped out to immigrant detention centers, following some of the country’s worst riots in years.
The clashes began Thursday night in Rosarno, a working-class city amid citrus groves in Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot, after a legal immigrant from Togo was lightly wounded in a pellet-gun attack in a nearby city. It is not clear who pulled the trigger — the authorities said they were investigating whether organized crime had provoked the riots — but the consequences were severe.
Blaming racism for the attack, dozens of immigrants burned cars and smashed shop windows in Rosarno in two days of riots, throwing rocks at local residents and fighting with the police. More than 50 immigrants and police officers were wounded, none seriously, and 10 immigrants and locals were arrested before the authorities began sending the immigrants to detention centers elsewhere in southern Italy on Saturday.
Beware of 'bluewash'
Much of the advice given to consumers over sustainable seafood is flawed or inconsistent, and unscrupulous companies could exploit their confusion.Which fish should you buy?
First pollinating cricket caught on camera
Crickets are usually known for destroying plants, so researchers were stunned to see one give an orchid a helping hand.First pollinating cricket caught on camera
Liars and Fools
Today's Liar and Fool is:
Wingnut Andrew Napolitano, sitting in for Glenn Brick lies saying "If the feds had not stripped us of our natural rights to keep ourselves safe by keeping and bearing arms,9/11 would never have happened!""
Hello, our rights have been stripped from us AFTER 9/11, moron.
Also, you have NO 'natural' or otherwise right to keep and bear arms to begin with ... so you can not have taken away what you do not have in the first place.
Wingnut Andrew Napolitano, sitting in for Glenn Brick lies saying "If the feds had not stripped us of our natural rights to keep ourselves safe by keeping and bearing arms,
Hello, our rights have been stripped from us AFTER 9/11, moron.
Also, you have NO 'natural' or otherwise right to keep and bear arms to begin with ... so you can not have taken away what you do not have in the first place.
Cops News
In Cop News
New York jail guard busted for selling drugs and booze to inmates
TV station won't name Utah cop who's being sued for allegedly throwing suspect to ground, injuring him
Indiana ex-sheriff who was convicted of embezzlement now claims cop had no probable cause to pull him over when he had more than triple the legal limit blood alcohol
Once fired, reinstated Texas police officer accused of another theft
Florida jail guard lauded as "an exemplary friend, employee, parishioner, husband and father" gets six years in jail for gouging out the eye of mentally-ill inmate
New Jersey police officer accused of hitting handcuffed suspect, attempting to cover up incident
New York jail guard busted for selling drugs and booze to inmates
TV station won't name Utah cop who's being sued for allegedly throwing suspect to ground, injuring him
Indiana ex-sheriff who was convicted of embezzlement now claims cop had no probable cause to pull him over when he had more than triple the legal limit blood alcohol
Once fired, reinstated Texas police officer accused of another theft
Florida jail guard lauded as "an exemplary friend, employee, parishioner, husband and father" gets six years in jail for gouging out the eye of mentally-ill inmate
New Jersey police officer accused of hitting handcuffed suspect, attempting to cover up incident
Reports of bird-plane collisions skyrocket
Reports of bird-plane collisions skyrocket
The government's tally of wildlife crashes with aircraft for the past year could exceed 10,000 for the first time.
Fed earns record profit amid crisis
Fed earns record profit amid crisis
Aggressive moves to prop up the U.S. economy lead to the biggest windfall in the bank's 96-year history.
Smart tax moves for the new year
Smart tax moves for the new year
Be sure to take advantage of these new and existing tax breaks to lower your IRS bill.
Battle over boy's hair takes a new turn
Battle over boy's hair takes a new turn
A school board rules that a suspended 4-year-old can keep his long locks — but there's a catch.
Humans Now Wiping Out Species at 1,000 Times the Natural Rate
From Treehugger:
The Borneo Orangutan, one of the most endangered species in the world.
Eight years ago, world governments made a pledge to put a halt to growing biodiversity loss by 2010. They have not succeeded. The ongoing loss of biodiversity has instead become even more severe of a threat to the planet's once-balanced ecosystems--it's become a full-on extinction crisis. Thanks to human development and expansion, species are now going extinct exponentially faster than ever before--they're dying out at the frightening speed of 1,000 times the natural rate.
Humans Now Wiping Out Species at 1,000 Times the Natural Rate
Walmart pulling jewelry cited in AP cadmium report
Of course this is after they said this: "we consistently seek to sell only those products that meet safety and regulatory standards," ... "currently there is no required cadmium standard for children's jewelry."
Federal and state watchdogs opened a new front Monday in the campaign to keep poisons out of Chinese imports, launching inquiries into high levels of cadmium in children's jewelry while Walmart pulled many suspect items from its store shelves.
A day after The Associated Press documented the contamination in an investigative report, the top U.S.
Full StorySo, they only care about poisoning children AFTER they've been caught doing it, eh?
Wootton Bassett protest group Islam4UK to be banned
The order will come into effect on Thursday and make it a criminal offence to be a member, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The Latest Tiny, Trendy Pet: Micro-Pigs
Pet micro-pigs are the latest trend in must-have companions.
Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, reportedly gave her husband two for Christmas.
Paris Hilton has been heard to have one.
Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the "Harry Potter" movies, recently brought two home.
That's right, home.
Pet micro-pigs don't live in the barn, they live in your bedroom.
Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, reportedly gave her husband two for Christmas.
Paris Hilton has been heard to have one.
Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the "Harry Potter" movies, recently brought two home.
That's right, home.
Pet micro-pigs don't live in the barn, they live in your bedroom.
Florida airport gets commercial spaceport license
The sky's no longer the limit for Cecil Field airport in Jacksonville, Florida.
The airport was awarded a federal license on Monday to fly commercial space vehicles being designed to ferry tourists, researchers and others beyond Earth's atmosphere.
The airport was awarded a federal license on Monday to fly commercial space vehicles being designed to ferry tourists, researchers and others beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Ancient eyeliner guard against bacteria
Egyptian women in ancient times may have worn thick eyeliner to guard against bacterial infection, French scientists said.
"Lily The Bear" In Her Den
Have you ever wondered if bears really hibernate in the winter? Check out this website...you can watch live video of a real black bear in her den!
Watch Live Video Of "Lily The Bear" In Her Den
Some critics claim racist theme in 'Avatar'
Some critics claim racist theme in 'Avatar'
Despite the epic's cutting-edge effects, a few reviewers say it relies on a troubling old Hollywood formula.
The best nursing homes in America
The best nursing homes in America
These facilities ranked highest for their safety and attentive care of residents.
Notorious World War II shipwreck filmed
Notorious World War II shipwreck filmed
A hospital ship sunk in what Australian officials call a "barbaric act" is seen for the first time in decades.
Fun facts from 'Simpsons' anniversary
Fun facts from 'Simpsons' anniversary
Creator Matt Groening reveals which city inspired the Simpsons' hometown of Springfield.
And I Quote
Ultimately, the buck stops with me.
And when the system fails, it is my responsibility.
~ President Obama, channeling Harry 'Give'em Hell' Truman and acting like a man.
And when the system fails, it is my responsibility.
~ President Obama, channeling Harry 'Give'em Hell' Truman and acting like a man.
Rich people worry their kids are spoiled
From the "DUH!" Department:
Rich people worry their kids are spoiled
A full 35% of wealthy Americans say their kids "have too many material possessions."
Many secrets revealed in Nixon papers
From the "Are we surprised?" Department:
Many secrets revealed in Nixon papers
Youth have more mental health issues
From the "We could have told you that" Department:
Youth have more mental health issues
A new study finds that young people are dealing with anxiety and depression more than ever.
Next on the banned list: salt?
Let's hope so!
Next on the banned list: salt?
The NYC health department is pushing the food industry to reduce salt in its offerings.
Surgeon General's weight controversy
Surgeon General's weight controversy
Regina Benjamin responds to criticism that her size undermines her credibility.
Tips to stretch your retirement benefits
Tips to stretch your retirement benefits
These five clever tricks can help you maximize your Social Security payouts.
Prehistoric building found in modern city
Prehistoric building found in modern city
The three-room structure is believed to be about 8,000 years old and was built in the Neolithic period.
Calf born with heart-shaped mark
Calf born with heart-shaped mark
A dairy farm welcomes a newborn with a forehead mark that makes some people suspicious.
Woman single-handedly beats IRS in court
Woman single-handedly beats IRS in court
Few taxpayers dare take on the IRS, but one Maryland nurse did it on her own and won.
Sarah Palin signs on with Faux News
And with the most appropriate post to follow a post about Dung Beetles ...
Sarah Palin signs on with Faux News
The former Alaska governor has inked a multi-year TV deal, the network reports.
Fitting one fake joining another fake.
Dung beetles' secret superpower
The cowpatty munchers have astonishingly sophisticated visual systems – and they're teaching us a few tricks about seeing in the dark.Ultimate night sight
Grandma Jailed for Driving Too Slow
Broward's justice system is apparently doing their part to keep old people off of the roads in South Florida .
Grandma Jailed for Driving Too Slow
No here's an idea we should adopt here in our mountains for all Florida drivers ... 65mph means 65mph, not 15mph!
There is nothing more dangerous than rounding a curve in the mountains at 65 and coming upon some idiot from Florida doing 15!
Grandma Jailed for Driving Too Slow
No here's an idea we should adopt here in our mountains for all Florida drivers ... 65mph means 65mph, not 15mph!
There is nothing more dangerous than rounding a curve in the mountains at 65 and coming upon some idiot from Florida doing 15!
Jane Goodall's Chimpanzees Win Prizes
From Treehugger:
Images from Jane Goodall Institute
Jane Goodall has been around forever. Back in 1957 she was studying the habits of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, under the tutorship of Sir Louis Leakey, the famous archaeologist and paleontologist. She never left...and in 1977 she set up her own institute, the Jane Goodall Institute which is still going strong, with her at the head. Its mission is protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing conservation and development programs in Africa.
In recognition of the Institute's work, they have now received 2 grants and are in the money. One is from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to expand programmes to help local people become more involved in the conservation work, thus improving their lives and the chimp's as well. The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania has also given grant money to work on the sale of carbon credits with local community people.
Article continues: Jane Goodall's Chimpanzees Win Prizes
Ancient Costa Rica Pt. 2: The narrow road to Guayabo
A thousand years ago, there wouldn't have been much jungle here, just terraced plots of maize and clear view off the mountain slopes to the valley far below. Visitors got a dizzying look at the drop from either side of a cobblestone road that lurched upward along the back of a steep ridge. At the edge of town, they'd find themselves funneled into a stairway shadowed on either side by stone walls and tall guard houses. Up the steps, a cobble-paved causeway stretched ahead, rising gradually, its edges lined with sculptures and the piked heads of conquered enemies. At the end, the chiefs' house stood on a tall stone foundation, its conical roof mirrored by the peak of the volcano in the distance.
The modern entrance to the ancient city of Guayabo is not nearly so dramatic. There's a pockmarked gravel road up a mountain, with chasms that threaten to swallow the front wheel of our boxy, little Honda. A wooden ticket booth, like a lemonade stand, marks the spot were you park the car on the roadside. Carefully maintained nature trails wind through rainforest less than a century old—this land was a dairy farm not so very long ago—and spit you out in the center of what was once a city of some 10,000 inhabitants.
Guayabo—pronounce it "Why-ahbo"—is one of many ancient cities in eastern and central Costa Rica that get overlooked by the general public, largely because their builders worked mostly with materials—wood, thatch, cane—that disintegrated in the tropical climate. The massive communal houses rotted away long ago. But the stone foundations, roads, tombs and aqueduct systems that remain are, in themselves, impressive enough to be named an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Science News
From BBC-Science:
 | | The genetic cause of the Shar-pei dog's wrinkled skin is explained by scientists. |
What is a genome? 
Researchers have used a property of salad dressing to get electronics to self-assemble on a range of surfaces.
THE BIG PICTURE
Today is ...
Today is Tuesday, January 12, the 12th day of 2010.
There are 353 days left in the year.
The moon is waning.
The morning stars are Mercury and Mars.
Today In History January 12
There are no unusual holidays and celebrations today.
There are 353 days left in the year.
The moon is waning.
The morning stars are Mercury and Mars.
Today In History January 12
There are no unusual holidays and celebrations today.
Our Readers
Some of our readers today have been in:
London, England, United Kingdom
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Athens, Attiki, Greece
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Seoul, Kyonggi-Do, Korea
Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Goerich, Ontario, Canada
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
Como, Lombardia, Italy
Apeldoorn, Gelderland, Netherlands
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
as well as Montenegro, Poland, and the United States
London, England, United Kingdom
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Athens, Attiki, Greece
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Seoul, Kyonggi-Do, Korea
Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Goerich, Ontario, Canada
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
Como, Lombardia, Italy
Apeldoorn, Gelderland, Netherlands
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Paris, Ile-De-France, France
as well as Montenegro, Poland, and the United States
Daily Horoscope
Today's horoscope says:
Talk about busy.
There's a formidable astrological team on guard duty in your house of personality, and you'll be putting out 'pick me, pick me' vibes when any situation that requires leadership arises.
Anyone within shouting distance will be more than happy to let you have your wish, too -- especially with your past history of competence.
Don't forget your vitamins.
No, no, no, must not forget those!
Talk about busy.
There's a formidable astrological team on guard duty in your house of personality, and you'll be putting out 'pick me, pick me' vibes when any situation that requires leadership arises.
Anyone within shouting distance will be more than happy to let you have your wish, too -- especially with your past history of competence.
Don't forget your vitamins.
No, no, no, must not forget those!
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