China's desire to buy up farmland makes Brazil uneasy: China has become Brazil’s biggest trading partner, buying ever increasing volumes of soybeans and iron ore, while investing billions in Brazil’s energy sector. The demand has helped fuel an economic boom here that has lifted more than 20 million Brazilians from extreme poverty and brought economic stability to a country … [Read more...] about With Scarcity, Food Is Becoming The New Oil
The Unemployed: Kick ‘Em While They’re Down? (Guest Voice)
The Unemployed: Kick 'Em While They're Down? Tyrades! By Danny Tyree Your momma probably gave you inadequate advice about seeking a job. She likely told you that poor posture, low grades, a police record, body piercings and tattoos could all prejudice a potential employer against you. She probably FAILED to warn you, “Don’t go to work for a company that will someday in … [Read more...] about The Unemployed: Kick ‘Em While They’re Down? (Guest Voice)
Here We Go Again
Sigh. Another sigh. Double sigh. And a good summary HERE. UPDATE: And some friendly eyebrows are being raised on this one.. … [Read more...] about Here We Go Again
Mubarak, Other Regime Officials Fined $90 Million for Blocking Telecommunicatios
An Egyptian court has fined jailed former President Hosni Mubarak and two others from his discredited regime $90 million for slicing off telecommunications at the height of the demonstrations that ultimately toppled him. It may seem like a staggering amount of money but if other reports are believed it'll be a drop in the bucket to Mubarak, if he has even some of the money … [Read more...] about Mubarak, Other Regime Officials Fined $90 Million for Blocking Telecommunicatios
Homeland Security Confirms Lockheed Martin Was Hit By Cyber Attack
Last week the largest defense contractor in the world and the United States government's top technology information provider battled off a "significant and tenacious" cyber attack, Lockheed Martin Corp announced Saturday. And, the Huffington Post Reports, the Department of Homeland Security has now confirmed it: Hackers launched a "significant and tenacious" cyber attack … [Read more...] about Homeland Security Confirms Lockheed Martin Was Hit By Cyber Attack
British Councilman Waives Protest Rights, Says Twitter Released Personal Data
Update of Saturday story: Twitter, Gag Orders and The British Press : See Related Storify The Sunday London Telegraph has a screaming headline: Twitter reveals secrets: Details of British users handed over in landmark case that could help Ryan Giggs The problem is this: nothing in the story supports the assertion. The Telegraph listed five Twitter accounts as … [Read more...] about British Councilman Waives Protest Rights, Says Twitter Released Personal Data
Homeless in America — on Memorial Day
Some spent the night outside, in sleeping bags or just under the Texas stars. Many more showed up just after dawn. Close to opening time there were more than 200 people waiting and more were arriving. It might have been my imagination, but as we stepped through the crowd I thought I heard some piano music coming from inside the building. Also, I caught a whiff of food … [Read more...] about Homeless in America — on Memorial Day
Gil Scott-Heron: A Roundup
From NPR: "Gil Scott-Heron, Poet and Musician, Has Died." … [Read more...] about Gil Scott-Heron: A Roundup
Counting Cats
5,609,004 views and counting... Frankly, I think it's overrated. But, hey, the internet is made of cats. And it's a sweet diversion for a lazy holiday weekend. Let's turn now to animal behaviorist John Bradshaw, who will give this post some substance: We know they dream because you can measure the brain waves and the movements of the animal (unintelligible) which are … [Read more...] about Counting Cats
Innumeracy
Most Americans, and most people, are functionally innumerate. What is "innumerate?" Well, if a basic lack of literacy makes you illiterate, then a basic lack of mathematic understanding makes you innumerate. Of course the word "functional" is an important qualifier. For example, real illiteracy--an absolute inability to read--is extraordinarily rare in the United States, … [Read more...] about Innumeracy
Time Elapsed VIDEO of Puppy to Dog in 40 Seconds
A time elapsed video of puppty to dog in 40 seconds. Pretty amazing: … [Read more...] about Time Elapsed VIDEO of Puppy to Dog in 40 Seconds
Oprah Withdrawal (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Oprah Withdrawal (Cartoon)
Gil Scott Heron, The Father Of Rap, Has Passed
Gil Scott-Heron, whose spoken-word poetry songs like "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," "Winter In America" and "We Almost Lost Detroit" were precursors to rap, left this mortal coil on Friday afternoon in New York. He was 62. Gil, whom I knew through mutual friends, rejected the notion that he was the father of rap, explaining that his fusion of jazz, blues and soul … [Read more...] about Gil Scott Heron, The Father Of Rap, Has Passed
Romney’s Energizer Bunny Run
It’s only his second campaign for president but Mitt Romney seems to have been running forever, like that battery-powered toy in the classic commercial, always in motion but never in a straight line. In a Republican field where too little name recognition is a problem for most candidates, Romney has too much. In 2008, he changed positions on issues as often as shirts and is … [Read more...] about Romney’s Energizer Bunny Run
What You Need to Know Before Filling Up With Gas This Memorial Day Weekend (VIDEO)
The holiday weekend has begun. And yours truly leaves Sunday afternoon for a first stop near L.A., then a stop near Willliams, above Sacramento on Monday and then Tuesday afternoon will start the trek back. This weekend there are some important tips to remember when you're buying gas this weekend - courtesy of ABC News: … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know Before Filling Up With Gas This Memorial Day Weekend (VIDEO)
Can’t Fuhgeddaboud Christie (Guest Voice)
Can't Fuhgeddaboud Christie by Tom Purcell Yo, Chris Christie, governor of New Joisey, how ya doin'? What's this I'm hearin'? People are beggin' you to run for president and all you can say is "fuhgeddaboudit"? Well, you need to fuhgeddaboudDAT! Look, smart guy, you surely see what a mockery Republicans are makin' of their presidential nomination process. Yeah, … [Read more...] about Can’t Fuhgeddaboud Christie (Guest Voice)
Quote of the Day: Are “Now Hiring” Signs for Real or Just Business’ Doing PR?
Our political Quote of the Day comes from "Dr. Helen" Smith who raises an interesting question about the "Now Hiring" signs popping up in many cities. Here's part of her post: Why are there "Now Hiring" signs in front of so many businesses these days when so many people are complaining about not finding a job? Everywhere I go in Knoxville, there are generic "Now Hiring" … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Are “Now Hiring” Signs for Real or Just Business’ Doing PR?
Climate Change Debate (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Climate Change Debate (Cartoon)
‘Dear Bob Dylan’ (Die Welt, Germany)
Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone. Bob Dylan was 70 years old this week, and the editorial board of Germany's Die Welt published this open letter in tribute to the American music icon. Die Welt's message?: keep showing the world how to change with the time - because "the times - they are a changin'" The open letter from the Die Welt editorial board says in … [Read more...] about ‘Dear Bob Dylan’ (Die Welt, Germany)
The Republican Jobs Plan
Ezra Klein calls it the "now more than ever" plan: … [Read more...] about The Republican Jobs Plan