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"Last Lecture" Professor Randy Pausch Dies
Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose ``last lecture'' about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, has died. He was 47. Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose ``last lecture'' about facing terminal cancer became an Internet s... more
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McCain gets $1,930 a month from 'broken' Social Security system
Republican presidential candidate John McCain cashes his monthly Social Security checks despite calling the federal program "a disgrace," the Associated Press reports.
"I'm receiving benefits," McCain told campaign reporters, but added, "the system is broken."
In 2007, he received benefits of $23,157 from Social Security, approximately $1,930 a month. The maximum monthly benefit under Social Security is $2,185. Social Security benefits are determined by age at retirement.
McCain, who is 71, has received benefits since he was 65. Republican presidential candidate John McCain cashes his monthly Social Security checks despite calling the federal program "a disgra... more -
Hundreds of Dead Baby Penguins Wash Up on Rio de Janeiro's Beaches
It is difficult to imagine what must have been going through the heads of Rio de Janeiro beachgoers in recent months as they have seen hundreds of baby penguins wash up onshore dead. At last count, more than 400 penguins, swept from the shores of Patagonia and Antarctica, have been found dead on Rio de Janeiro's beaches, reports the AP's Michael Astor.
Are pollution or overfishing to blame?
Though not an uncommon occurrence -- live and dead penguins are regularly swept in by ocean currents -- officials say it is the first time that they've seen so many dead penguins washing onshore in such a short period of time. While some are suggesting pollution may be to blame for the unprecedented number of deaths, others believe overfishing may have pushed the penguins to swim too far offshore -- leaving them vulnerable to hostile currents.
Another one to pin on climate change?
Erli Costa, a biologist at Federal University, has a different theory: He thinks rapidly fluctuating weather patterns, influenced by climate change, may be altering ocean currents and making the seas more treacherous. Since most of the penguins washing up are young, he postulates that they are babies that had just left their nests in search of food -- and succumbed to the fast-moving currents. If true, this is especially worrisome as it indicates that Rio de Janeiro and other regions can expect to see an increase in such events over the coming years.
Zoos and shelters in Rio de Janeiro have been doing their best to accommodate the arrivals of some live birds, but many are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number being swept in. It is difficult to imagine what must have been going through the heads of Rio de Janeiro beachgoers in recent months as they have seen... more -
Woman charged in gruesome baby napping
A woman suspected of cutting open a pregnant woman's uterus and stealing the baby has been charged with homicide, unlawful restraint and kidnapping, police said Sunday.
Andrea Curry-Demus, 38, of Wilkinsburg, is charged in the death of Kia Johnson, 18, of McKeesport.
Curry-Demus was originally under suspicion after entering a local hospital with a baby and claiming it was her own. The baby still had the umbilical cord attached and suspicious doctors immediately carried out a maternity test.
Curry-Demus changed her story saying that she had purchased the baby from a woman for $1000. She explained that she had had a miscarriage and didn't want to tell anyone.
Johnson's body was found Friday in Curry-Demus's apartment. The body was positively identified through dental records, Allegheny County Medical Examiner Karl Williams said Sunday.
In the criminal complaint, police said that video surveillance at the Allegheny County Jail from Tuesday afternoon shows Curry-Demus talking with Johnson for several minutes. The women were at the jail visiting different inmates, police said.
The clothing Johnson is seen wearing on the surveillance tape was consistent with the garments found on her body, police said. A woman suspected of cutting open a pregnant woman's uterus and stealing the baby has been charged with homicide, unlawful restraint a... more -
Boy, 12, pleads with his mother to get off rail tracks seconds before she is kille...
A boy of 12 began a desperate race to save his mother after finding a suicide note at their home.
Veronica Bell's son Jordan sped on his bike to the nearby train station, where he found her jumping down from the platform on to the track.
He pleaded with 41-year-old Mrs Bell not to kill herself for the sake of his two little sisters, whom she had just dropped at school.
The youngster's emotional appeal seemed to have worked and the mother of seven got out of the way of one train.
But as she tried to climb back up to safety, Jordan saw a second one hit her.
The driver of the trans-Pennine express put on the emergency brakes and sounded a warning after spotting her on the track 100 yards ahead, but could not stop in time.
Mrs Bell was said to be depressed after being arrested for an alleged assault on a 20-year-old man during a party at her home earlier this month.
An inquest will be held but relatives believe she was trying to get off the track when she died.
British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy which happened at 10.30am on Thursday at Manchester's Belle Vue Station.
Jordan's older brother Chris Clark, 19, said the youngster followed her to the station a few hundred yards away from their home in Gorton after becoming concerned by the note which ended with the words 'I'm going soon.'
Veronica Bell was hit by a train at Manchester's Belle Vue Station
He said: 'He knew something was wrong and had followed her. Jordan was talking to her, telling her to think of his sisters. She told him she was scared.
'From what he has told me, one train came by but she got out of the way. She just couldn't do it.
'He was talking to her and she seemed she was going to get back on the platform. She had put her bag back up. Then another train came and she looked round - and screamed.'
Mr Clark said his brother was traumatised. 'He was a mummy's boy, really protective of his mum, and followed her everywhere. He is devastated.'
Mrs Bell had been arrested over an assault at the family home on July 6. She was celebrating her 41st birthday with family members when a fracas broke out involving a knife. A man was treated for stab wounds which were not life threatening.
Mr Clark said his mother had never been arrested before and feared her younger children - aged between nine and 15 - would be taken away from her.
'She was always a happy mum who lived for her children,' said Mr Clark. 'After she was arrested she just wasn't herself. She may be gone but she will never be forgotten.'
A boy of 12 began a desperate race to save his mother after finding a suicide note at their home. ... more -
Budweiser sold to Belgians
InBev Bought Budweiser for $52 Million.
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Feel good story of the day: Panda adopted by cat chokes to death on milk
Remember this touching story a few weeks ago? A baby red panda which was rejected by its mother was touchingly adopted by a house cat, cute right?
Well, tragically, it was annouced today that the cub died after "its windpipe filled with milk", indicating that it choked to death.
"The zoo had hoped the panda would be able to suckle from the cat for three months before moving onto a diet of bamboo and fruit", but unfortunately it didn't get that far.
Take away message: "Life's a bitch" ... Remember this touching story a few weeks ago? A baby red panda which was rejected by its mother was touchingly adopted by a house cat,... more -
Israel Confirms Bodies are Missing Soldiers
Israeli defense officials say forensics experts have positively identified the remains of two soldiers released by Hezbollah guerrillas. Israeli defense officials say forensics experts have positively identified the remains of two soldiers released by Hezbollah guerrilla... more
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Big cat skin trade still alive in China
Snow leopards and Tigers: two evocative icons of the struggle against extinction faced by many of our planet's animals: The ever advancing spread of human influence, soon to be joined by global warming, is helping to destroy their habitat.
As if that weren't enough however, the people who should be protecting them the most are still actively hunting and killing critically endangered big cats for their skins.
According to the Telegraph, "buyers come from all over China to purchase the skins which are marketed as rugs or taxidermy specimens."
The Environmental Investigation Agency reported 13 skins of leopard and snow leopard, as well as an entire Tiger skin in less than a week, in a single street in June 2008.
This shocking report shows that the trade in skins in China is still rampant, despite measures by the government to crack down on the demand for the products, particularly in Tibetan communities. Snow leopards and Tigers: two evocative icons of the struggle against extinction faced by many of our planet's animals: The ever advan... more -
Is summer cancelled? Rain washes over Britain again
Britons fear that summer could be replaced by floods, in a repeat of 2007's disastrous weather, as heavy rain falls across the country today.
I've been sitting by my window in North Wales for hours, and I can barely see the fields in front as the rain is so heavy.
Whatever happened to July!? Is your area headed for floods? If so, have politicians made enough preparations so that the country can cope better than last year? And more importantly, thanks to the last year's lack of mood-brightening sunshine, can your mental health? Britons fear that summer could be replaced by floods, in a repeat of 2007's disastrous weather, as heavy rain falls across the country... more -
Fridges: The Dark Story of an Abandoned Refrigerator
"Fridges: The Dark Story of an Abandoned Refrigerator." This is an acclaimed Japanese animation. Critics have described this short film as the darkest-ever film about home refrigeration.
It starts off as a touching little film about a luckless, abandoned refrigerator trying to get by in the world, but it gradually turns into something much more surreal and deeply disturbing.
A photograph and the animated film are included.
"Fridges: The Dark Story of an Abandoned Refrigerator." This is an acclaimed Japanese animation. Critics have described this short f... more -
Gay marriage: until deportation do us part
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rita Boyadjian wishes she were in a better mood to celebrate the weddings of fellow gay friends after California began legally marrying same-sex couples last month.
But her partner of six years is a German woman whose U.S. student visa runs out soon. Even if they were to legally marry in California, Margot (not her real name) could not stay in the United States because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage for immigration purposes.
This month the well-to-do couple and their nine-month-old baby will move to Germany so they can stay together.
"It's a little bittersweet, I have to be honest," said Boyadjian, 38, a first-generation American who owns a Hollywood entertainment marketing company.
"I am very happy for my friends and I do know a lot of people who are getting married this summer ... but I am sad that while the celebrations are going on, I have to leave."
Gay rights activists estimate that 40,000 binational gay and lesbian couples in the United States are caught in the same legal limbo. A solution, they say, is years away.
When California's Supreme Court struck down a ban on gay marriage in May, becoming the second state after Massachusetts to allow same-sex nuptials, Boyadjian said she was inundated with congratulatory calls from friends believing the couple's problems were solved.
But the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirms that nothing changes with the California court's ruling. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rita Boyadjian wishes she were in a better mood to celebrate the weddings of fellow gay friends after Californ... more -
Teen dies in Amazon after father finds him
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - A Brazilian student lost in the Amazon rain forest for six weeks was found by his father, only to die in his arms a short time later, rescue officials said on Tuesday.
Jonathan dos Santos Alves, 18, had been lost in the forest since mid-May, when he became separated from two friends he was hunting with in an area 72 miles north of the city of Manaus.
Fire and rescue department chief Antonio Dias dos Santos told Reuters he had been missing for 42 days.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - A Brazilian student lost in the Amazon rain forest for six weeks was found by his father, only to die in his ... more -
Having children makes you unhappy
Despite deep-rooted cultural beliefs, studies find that having children really doesn't make you happy, or at least happier than people who don't have kids.
A study by Daniel Gilbert cites that 'marital satisfaction' sharply declines with the birth of the first-born child and only again inclines when the last child leaves the home. Gilbert even claims that parents are happier doing seemingly mundane tasks like grocery shopping or sleeping than actually spending time with their kids.
Robin Simon also conducted a comprehensive study of 13,000 Americans and came to the conclusion that no matter what type of parent (single, couple, divorced, step, etc.), they never reported better emotionally than people who had never had children at all. Simon says "Parents experience lower levels of emotional well-being, less frequent positive emotions and more frequent negative emotions than their childless peers,"
The cracking of this cultural myth may have to do with the increasingly complex lifestyle that comes with our current generation. High costs to raise kids, working outside of the home, lack of extended family support--all these factors can tie in to making parental life a chaotic and stressful one. Add to this the fact that most people are getting married later in life and are jumping from the highs of youthful freedom of going out and drinking and partying, to the abstemious-ness of rearing and caring for children.
What are your thoughts? Kids=Happiness? Or Kids=Hell? Despite deep-rooted cultural beliefs, studies find that having children really doesn't make you happy, or at least happier than people... more -
Teen decapitated by roller coaster
All right, here's the lowdown: a teenager in a Six Flags theme park in Georgia hops a fence to retrieve a hat, and is decapitated by an oncoming coaster. In this horrific event, is the park to blame for not being more blatant about the restricted area, or the teenager for going into the restricted area to begin with?
There is irony in this tragic event, but that doesn't take away from the tragedy. All right, here's the lowdown: a teenager in a Six Flags theme park in Georgia hops a fence to retrieve a hat, and is decapitated by a... more -
Depression strikes more Americans than cancer, AIDS, or coronary heart disease
Depression strikes about 17 million American adults each year--more than cancer, AIDS, or coronary heart disease--according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). An estimated 15 percent of chronic depression cases end in suicide. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected.
Many people simply don't know what depression is. "A lot of people still believe that depression is a character flaw or caused by bad parenting," says Mary Rappaport, a spokeswoman for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She explains that depression cannot be overcome by willpower, but requires medical attention.
Fortunately, depression is treatable, says Thomas Laughren, M.D., team leader for psychiatric drug products in FDA's division of neuropharmacological drug products.
In the past 13 years, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several new antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), Serzone (nefazodone), and Remeron (mirtazapine).
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 80 to 90 percent of all cases can be treated effectively. However, two-thirds of the people suffering from depression don't get the help they need, according to NIMH. Many fail to identify their symptoms or attribute them to lack of sleep or a poor diet, the APA says, while others are just too fatigued or ashamed to seek help.
Left untreated, depression can result in years of needless pain for both the depressed person and his or her family. And depression costs the United States an estimated $43 billion a year, due in large part to absenteeism from work, lost productivity, and medical costs, according to the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association.
Diagnosing the Disease
Medical professionals generally base a diagnosis of depressive disorder on the presence of certain symptoms listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The DSM (presently in the fourth edition) lists the following symptoms for depression:
* depressed mood
* loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
* changes in appetite or weight
* disturbed sleep
* slowed or restless movements
* fatigue, loss of energy
* feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
* trouble in thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
* recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
The diagnosis depends on the number, severity and duration of these symptoms.
Depression strikes about 17 million American adults each year--more than cancer, AIDS, or coronary heart disease--according to the Nat... more -
AP headline: "Everything seemingly is spinning out of control"
Great headline, and the article explains why the mood of misery abouds in America today
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500th Californian killed in "War on Terror"; father questions war effort
Mark Reitmer, 19, died in Wednesday in a rocket attack on his Humvee. He became the 500th Californian killed in these wars. Reitmar was scheduled to come home July 4 on a leave.
"We almost had him back," his father said.
The really sad thing is that this kid was only 19. When I was 19, I was in junior college trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. This kid went to another country and was killed by a "defeated" enemy in the Taliban.
"I don't blame the military. I am a military enthusiast," his father said. "I just don't know if we are making any difference over there. And if my son is No. 500, I don't want to see 501."
But these comments aren't shown in mainstream TV media. Instead, we see Cindy Sheehan made out like a crazy woman for protesting in front of W's ranch. Agenda? Mark Reitmer, 19, died in Wednesday in a rocket attack on his Humvee. He became the 500th Californian killed in these wars. Reitmar wa... more -
Elderly suicides surge in Japan
The number of elderly people who killed themselves in Japan surged in 2007, government figures showed.
Suicides involving people over the age of 60 rose by almost 9% to 12,107, making up nearly 40% of all cases in Japan, the National Police Agency said.
Japan's elderly are increasingly concerned about money and rising health care costs.
Nationwide, the number of suicides rose by 2.9% to 33,093, the second-highest figure since records began in 1978. The number of elderly people who killed themselves in Japan surged in 2007, government figures showed. ... more -
Tragic News For Elderly Hit-And-Run Victim
Doctors say the victim of a hit-and-run that was caught on videotape and viewed by a national audience will never breathe again without a respirator.
Angel Arce Torres, who is at Hartford Hospital, also will never return home, a family member said.
Torres was paralyzed from the neck down in the May 30 incident. He was struck by one of two cars that crossed the center line.
Angel Arce, the son of 78-year-old Torres, said his father's lung collapsed and he developed pneumonia.
Though Torres has remained conscious and does not have brain damage, Arce told the Hartford Courant his father will require around-the-clock care for the rest of his life.
Arce said he refuses to watch the video depicting his father's accident and is only interested in seeing the driver brought to justice.
"We lost my father," Arce told the newspaper. "We might as well say they killed my father. Someone has to know something. Somebody has got to say something. This was a human being, not a dog, man. And even if it was a dog, you don't leave a dog laying in the street."
"The people who did this to my father: Come forward. Don't be a coward. Come forward. Face the consequences. Turn yourself in," he told the newspaper.
This was a human being, not a dog, man. And even if it was a dog, you don't leave a dog laying in the street.
Angel Arce
The chilling scene touched off a round of soul-searching in Hartford, with the capital city's biggest newspaper blaring "SO INHUMANE" on the front page and the police chief lamenting: "We no longer have a moral compass."
Hartford officials say they received four cell phone calls within a minute of the incident. Police Chief Daryl Roberts initially said the city had lost its moral compass, noting that none of the witnesses appeared to come to Torres' aid.
"We have no regard for each other," Roberts said last week. Doctors say the victim of a hit-and-run that was caught on videotape and viewed by a national audience will never breathe again withou... more
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