Michigan Furniture Store Explosion Leaves 3 Trapped

WAYNE, Mich. - A massive explosion at a furniture store in southeast Michigan has collapsed the building and left at least three people trapped.

NOLA lawyer prepares challenge to declaration of Gulf seafood’s safety

An environmental law firm in New Orleans said it was preparing to challenge the government's public declaration that following the nation's worst-ever oil disaster, seafood from the Gulf of Mexico remained safe to eat.

Food recall: parsley, cilantro, alfalfa sprouts

Cilantro is not exactly garni. Cilantro is often used in the condiment - salsa but parsley is put on the plate for color and alfalfa sprouts are often added to the plate (maybe to make it look fuller) or worse to the sandwich.

Good news: School officials destroy girl’s college plans over knife mix-up

Suspended for the school year and charged with misdemeanor possession of a weapon on school grounds. And by “weapon,” I of course mean … a paring knife.

Arts & Letters Daily Founder Denis Dutton, 66

"Dutton was a professor of philosophy at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. In 1998, he founded the website Arts and Letters Daily, an aggregator of intellectual Web content that swiftly caught worldwide attention.

Society of Professional Journalists Launches Illegal Alien Amnesty Campaign

Of course the Society of Professional Journalists would have a “Diversity Committee.” How else could liberals continue on with the thought policing of which they became so fond in college?

Damage from blizzard lingers in the Northeast

A historic blizzard that blanketed the Northeast with several feet of snow was still causing heartburn for pilots, air traffic controllers and stranded passengers Wednesday.

Police: Idaho man hit teen on flight over iPhone

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Police say an Idaho man on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas punched a teenage passenger who refused to turn off his iPhone as the plane approached the Boise airport.

Ring in the New Year on your iPhone with the official Times Square Ball app

Ever wanted to be in Times Square on New Years Eve instead of in your buddy's basement? Well, good luck with that. In the meantime you can download the first official Times Square Ball app.

If you really want Mayor Bloomberg to do something about the snow, just tell him that people are enjoying it

Associated Press: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he's “extremely dissatisfied” with how the city's emergency response system performed during the post-Christmas blizzard.

HHS Delivers Incentive Payments to States for Enrolling Low-Income Children in Health Insurance Plan

Here, conservative states; now will you provide care for poor children? (photo: Thomas Hawk via Flickr) It's a sad state of affairs that you have to bribe state governments to get them to give health insurance coverage to children, but that's ...

Don't Eat Tiny Greens Brand Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Tiny Greens Organic Farm's Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts have been preliminarily linked to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections.

Rebranding 'Obamacare'

In fact, it's the ungainly acronym of the new health-care law - PPACA, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Many people who support the law, or are neutral toward it, call it "puh-pack-uh" or "pee-pack-uh.

New Jersey helps with City EMS calls

A winter storm that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New York City is also whipping up criticism about how the city handled the response.

Late-night's best: Napolitano says Homeland Security on guard almost every day; Obama's gift for Hu Jintao

Leno: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says her department is working 24/7 364 days a year to protect the United States.

Aretha Franklin Died

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has died. That's the news that's topping Google Trends at this moment. Nothing is confirmed as yet.

New York – NYC Subway Stalled For Hours in Snow Drifts

New York - Passengers have been stuck for several hours on two New York City subway trains stalled in snow drifts near Kennedy Airport.

Bernie Wilson, Member of Classic Blue Notes Lineup, Passes Away

One of the last-standing members of the classic lineup for Harold Melvin the Blue Notes, baritone vocalist Bernie Wilson, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Storm Strands Buses, Planes, Trains On East Coast

NEW YORK - A powerful East Coast blizzard marooned thousands of would-be air, rail and road travelers Monday, shutting down major airports and rail lines for a second day, stranding buses on buried highways, and forcing New York City subway ...

East Coast Christmas Blizzard Closes NY La Guardia & JFK Airports — Travelers Stranded, 1,400 Flights Canceled (video)

The savage post-Christmas snowstorms on the East Coast continue. More than 1,400 flights have been canceled, stranding thousands of people at JFK and La Guardia Airports.

Merry Christmas!

I am so thankful this season for all the many blessings in my life. I have great friends, a loving family and wonderful readers like you!

TSA Alert Issued on Beverage Containers on Planes

The Homeland Security Department has alerted air carriers to a potential terror tactic involving insulated beverage containers like thermoses.

56 Year Old Claire Hirschkind, Alledged Rape Victim & Pacemaker Device in Chest Arrested by TSA for Refusing Pat Down

56 year old Claire Hirschkind, rape victim and pacemaker-like device implant airline passenger pushed to the floor, handcuffed and arrested for refusing to be patted down.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

An old-fashioned ASCII Art image to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If I missed anyone's language or got it wrong I apologize.

Top art collector Roy Neuberger dies at 107 in NY

NEW YORK (AP) - Roy R. Neuberger, a Wall Street investor who became one of the nation's top modern art collectors, has died. He was 107.

Weather service issues small stream flood advisory

And coming along right on schedule: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OXNARD HAS ISSUED AN * URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR... LOS ANGELES COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA... THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF... TUJUNGA... SUNLAND... SIERRA ...

Adrienne Nicole Martin 911 Call Was Delayed

ST LOUIS (LALATE) - Adrienne Nicole Martin (photos below) was dating August Busch IV when she died in his Huntleigh mansion last Sunday, but her death was not reported by local police until uncovered by St Louis news.

Newborn Girl Safely Surrendered to Firefighters on Christmas Eve

On Friday, December 24th, 2010 at 2:46 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, under the direction of Captain, S. Hilton took in a Safe Surrender of a newborn infant at 4370 South Hoover Street in Exposition ...

Storm heads to Washington after snowing in South

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A rare white Christmas in parts of the South was complicating life for some travelers as airlines canceled hundreds of flights, while snow was predicted for the nation's Capital and travel authorities warned of ...

Miracle on 22nd Street

Jim and Dylan, two men who live together in an apartment on 22nd Street in Manhattan, receive a large number of letters addressed to Santa Claus every year.

Rihanna Lands In Barbados For The Holidays [PHOTOS]

Rihanna landed at Barbados International Airport yesterday (December 22). Before departing, her mother and aunt surprised her and the family flew home together for the holidays.

Nas Serves Christmas Dinner In Harlem

Nas was in Harlem USA at Melba's Restaurant and and served Christmas dinners to families of HIV/AIDS victims. The event was thrown by activist Maria Davis of “Mad Wednesdays” fame.

Michael Vick: Dog owner?

Not long ago I saw a program on Michael Vick and his return to public life. At the beginning of the program I was so angry. I was watching it out of spite for a chance to poke holes in his so-called new life.

David Roberts on the EPAs Announcement on CO2 from Power Plants

Putting EPA's announcement on CO2 from power plants in context: A word on the EPA announcement today, since as usual most of what I read in the mainstream press is obscure or misleading.

State Of Emergency Declared In Los Angeles After Days Of Heavy Rain

Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Kings and Santa Barbara counties in response to destructive rains this week.

A 28-Year Santa Dishes On Kids' Requests

Portly men who don the visage of Santa Claus hear the darndest things. A man who has played Santa for 28 years started blogging about the poignant, funny and sad things kids have told him over the years.

Palestine Solidarity Activist Maureen Murphy on Receiving FBI Subpoena

by the Committee to Stop FBI Repression The Committee to Stop FBI Repression is circulating the following statement from Palestine solidarity activist Maureen Murphy.

Happy Holidays!

I wanted to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday. To those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas. For those who had celebrated Hanukkah, I hope you enjoyed the Festival of Lights earlier this month.

13 Year Old Boy Arrested in Class for Having a Sharpie … DeLynn Woodside Arrested Development

Arrest in Oklahoma middle school for possession of knife, gun, drugs, bong, cigarettes, explosive device, martial arts weapons … Sharpie.

TSA STRIKES BACK AT CRITIC: “An airline pilot is being disciplined by the Transportation Security A…

TSA STRIKES BACK AT CRITIC: “An airline pilot is being disciplined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for posting video on YouTube pointing out what he believes are serious flaws in airport security.

Lil Wayne Buys $11,000 Wheelchair for Fan’s Disabled Mother

Lil Wayne bought an $11,000 motorized wheelchair for a disabled woman after being moved by letters from her daughter. I pray for him every night thanking him for this chair,” Evelyn Austin told New York Daily News.

Right wing radio host Hal Turner gets 33 months for threats to judges

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A right-wing Internet radio host was sentenced on Tuesday to 33 months in prison for threatening the lives of three Chicago federal appeals court judges after they upheld a local gun control law.

Missouri, Illinois each lose one House seat

Despite the fact that Missouri grew by 7 percent and Illinois grew by 3.3 percent, Missouri and Illinois will lose one seat each in the US House of Representatives as a result of the population totals revealed Tuesday by the Census Bureau.

Dr. Azad Anand loses appeal to "Shankapotamus defense" as court establishes 'Fore yelled on a golf course is a courtesy and not a legal obligation

By Sam Foster AP is reporting that NY Supreme Court has thrown out Dr. Azad Anand's lawsuit by making official the newest man-rule; yelling 'fore on the golf course after making an errant golf shot is a courtesy, not a right.

A Record Low for Teen Birth Rates

New research released today from the National Center for Health Statistics reports that the teen birth rate for 2009 hit a record low.

Breaking: Eight States in South, West to Gain House Seats Based On 2010 Census Results, Population Reaches 308,745,538

Republican-leaning states all across the South and West will gain congressional seats based on the results of the 2010 Census, according to population counts released Tuesday.

The Lone Star Census: Texas Picks Up 4 Seats in Congress

Texas gained four House seats and Florida picked up two, while New York and Ohio each lost two seats in the new census count. The Census Bureau released highly awaited 2010 census results.

Author of pedophilia guide sold on Amazon facing obscenity charges in Florida

A Colorado man whose how-to guide for pedophiles sparked outrage when it appeared for sale on Amazon is now facing felony obscenity charges in Florida.

DHS probes ‘credible’ threat that terrorists could strike salad bars with ricin, cyanide

The Department of Homeland security has confirmed that they are looking into a “credible threat” that terrorists may be planning to strike buffets and salad bars with poisons including ricin and cyanide en masse over a brief period in the ...

The Obama Director of National Intelligence James Clapper Had No Idea there Were 12 Terrorist Arrests in the UK

THE WTF MOMENT OF THE WEEK … Just yet another reason why the Obama administration needs to be voted out of office in 2012. Obama's Director of National Intelligence (oxymoron) James Clapper had no idea that 12 terrorists had been arrested in the UK.

Federal Court Finds Emails Are Entitled to Fourth Amendment Privacy Protection

The government may not access your private emails without a warrant, says the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeal. In a landmark Dec. 14, 2010 opinion, United States vs.

Muslim Mom Cuts Out Child’s Heart As Religious Offering

Isn't it a shame how so many Muslims get it wrong about the proper practice of the religion of peace? In this case a mother killed her four-year-old daughter then cut out the child's heart and other vital organs while chanting verses from the Koran.

Professor Exposes 'Great College-Degree Scam'

While the number of American college graduates rose significantly from 1992 to 2008, 60 percent of the increased number worked in jobs that the Bureau of Labor Statistics considers relatively low skilled, a university economist disclosed.

The Underwear Bomber and Ex-Mayor Indicted; Detroit US Atty. Barbara McQuade Has Had a Busy 1st Year

By TRESA BALDAS Free Press Staff Writer DETROIT - A man suspected of trying to blow up a plane with a bomb in his underwear. A former mayor accused of turning city hall into a mob-like racket.

Khloe & Kim Kardashian Stranded In South Africa

Greeted by a mob of fans in South Africa this week, Khloe and Kim Kardashian are in Cape Town doing promotional duties for Brutal Fruit's new “Cheeky Cranberry” drink.

Mom sues McDonald's over Happy Meals

A mother-of-two from California launched a class-action lawsuit against McDonald's, claiming the toys given out with Happy Meals unfairly lure kids into eating unhealthy food.

Mexico Outraged By Killing Of Anti-Crime Crusader

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — Anger over Mexico's creaky, inefficient justice system boiled over after a mother who waged a two-year battle to bring her daughter's killer to justice was herself shot to death, possibly by the same man suspected ...

Kroger recalls pet foods at some stores

The Kroger Co is recalling select packages of dog and cat foods at some of its retail stores because the products may pose a health risk to pets.

Disgraceful petition tells Notre Dame to apologize for a rape that never occurred

As we chronicled here, a St. Mary's college student committed suicide nine days after reporting to Notre Dame police that a Notre Dame football player had touched her breasts.

Oil thieves cause pipeline blast that kills 22 in Mexico

Twenty-seven people were killed when a pipeline of Mexico's state oil monopoly, Pemex, exploded in San Martín Texmelucan some 60 miles south of Mexico City early on Sunday, civil protection authorities said.

First Andy Warhol, Now Robert Mapplethorpe: Which Other Artist Foundations Will The Smithsonian Alienate?

In exchange for yanking David Wojnarowicz's 1987 video work "Fire in My Belly" from its Hide/Seek exhibit, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has been treated to civilian zappers, the Andy Warhol Foundation pulling future $100,000 ...

A Post Begging for an Illustration: National Organization of Ugly Women Sues Hooters for Serving Kids Food and Soft Drinks

The National Organization for Women filed complaints against local Hooters restaurants Thursday, but not for exploiting its scantily clad waitresses by subjecting them to leering and groping customers.

Huge prison break in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico across border from Texas

Texas law enforcement agencies have confirmed earlier reports that a massive prison break took place in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, which sits just across from Laredo, Texas at the southern end of the I-35 corridor.

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Today, December 17, is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is a day to remember sex workers who have been murdered, and to acknowledge and spread the word about ...

Border Patrol: This Is The First Mexican Drone Crash We've Had

Officials confirm the drone, which crashed in residential yard Tuesday, was an unmanned, radio-controlled craft called an Orbiter Mini UAV owned by the Mexican government.

Awesome: TSA misses loaded Glock pistol in computer case; 'It happens all the time'

ABC News reports that a Houston-based Iranian American businessman left a loaded Glock pistol like the one pictured in his otherwise empty computer case.

Keyshia Cole Celebrates With Her Sister Neffe For ATL Album Release Party

Neffe donned on her newspaper blouse to kick it with her little sis Keyshia Cole at her album release party in Atlanta. Pics of Key, Neff, Joc, and more chillin' at Opera nightclub when you read on... Really Neffe? Really? What's really hood ...

Mom sues McDonald’s because Happy Meals make her feel guilty or something

No, really. That's the gist of the lawsuit. In fact, after reading the LA Times's piece on this and the press release from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, it looks like the Happy Meal angle is basically irrelevant to the case.

CPSC Updates: Girl's Clothing Recalled & No More Drop-Side Cribs

Also, the CPSC has approved new crib safety standards, which will go into effect in June 2011. The new mandatory crib standards will: (1) stop the manufacture and sale of dangerous, traditional drop-side cribs; (2) make mattress supports ...

James Meeks: Racialist Spoils System Should Only Benefit Blacks

Sorry, women. Sorry, Hispanics. Chicago mayoral candidate James Meeks says quota spoils in the form of set-aside city contracts should go only to blacks: “The word 'minority' from our standpoint should mean African American.

(VIDEO) Panama City School Board Member:"Nothing Short of a Miracle That Our Superintendent Is Alive and Well With and With Us Today"

by the Left Coast Rebel Talk about moving. Ryan Neves, a school board member that witnessed the Panama City school board meeting shooting yesterday addresses the press: "Nothing short of a miracle that our superintendent is alive and well with ...

(PHOTOS) Clay Duke Facebook Page Statement, Suicide Note (Manifesto)

by the Left Coast Rebel The internet Bolshevik trolls are circling the intertube conservative wagons - by golly-gee, they've gone-and-connected the dots on the Panama City school board meeting shooter Clay Duke, (left).

Weight Loss Drugs, Body Building And Sexual Enhancement Supplements Crackdown By FDA

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on manufacturers of certain weight loss, body building and sexual enhancement supplements that contain potentially dangerous ingredients.

Video of gunman opening fire at school board meeting

This is pretty scary but incredible at the same time. A gunman opened fire during a school board meeting in Panama, Florida and the whole event was caught on video camera.

USA: Black Segregation Drops To Lowest Point In A Century

Mainly fueled by black middle-class flight. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (hat tip: Constructive Feedback): "America's neighborhoods became more integrated last year than during any time in at least a century as a rising black middle ...

A dream denied: Border Patrol agent Brian Terry killed in Arizona

More horrible news from the southern border. One of the officers who put his life on the line to protect our security and sovereignty has been shot and killed.

The Census Survey and the New York Times just

It's hard not to get lost in a data projection like the NYT's Mapping America: Every City, Every Block, which allows you to parse through 20 or so different projections of the American Community Survey data over the last five years from the Census Bureau.

Feds Indict Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick

According to local news reports, former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been indicted on federal corruption charges. Kilpatrick was charged along with his father, Bernard Kilpatrick, and several other former city officials: city contractor ...

CSPI Makes Good On Threat To Sue McDonald's Over Happy Meals

Almost six months ago, the Center for Science in the Public Interest gave McDonald's an ultimatum: Remove toys from your Happy Meals or we'll sue.

[Video] Florida gunman Clay Duke shoots at school board, misses

A school board meeting in Panama City, Florida became nationally newsworthy yesterday when 56-year-old gunman Clay Duke confronted boardmembers after spray-painting a V For Vendetta reference on the wall.

Harvard LGBT Books Vandalized With Urine

Approximately 40 books dealing with LGBT issues were vandalized with what appeared to be urine in Lamont Library on November 24, according to a report filed Friday by the library security staff to the Harvard University Police Department.

Anne Hatch Dead, Apparent Suicide

CHICAGO (LALATE) - Anne Hatch is dead at 27 of an apparent suicide. Anne Hatch was found dead Sunday, reports Chicago news today. Hatch is the daughter of former Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch.

Why the DOJ is Eager to Appeal Today's Health Reform Ruling

Earlier today, federal Judge Henry Hudson ruled that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is unconstitutional. While this is an important victory for opponents of the health reform law, it's obviously not the end of the road.

WATCH: BALLET: NYC Ballerina Jenifer Ringer Responds To Body Criticism In NY Times Review

New York City Ballet dancer Jenifer Ringer appeared on the Today Show this morning to respond to a comment made about her weight in a recent NY Times review of her performance in The Nutcracker.

President Obama Signs Into Law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

This morning, President Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law. This bill will improve the nutritional standards of the National School Lunch Program.

The "Crash Tax"

"Getting hurt in a car accident is painful enough, but if firefighters have to respond, expect more pain - in your wallet. Starting next summer, the city plans to bill drivers in accidents that require an emergency response.

British Student Alfie Meadows Requires Brain Surgery After Police Beating

Alfie Meadows, a twenty-year-old philosophy student at England's Middlesex University, spent three hours in surgery last night after a police beating left him with bleeding on the brain.

Video: India “outraged†over TSA patdown of ambassador

As it turns out, the new security protocols from TSA don't just make American travelers unhappy. India has lodged a formal protest after an incident in a Mississipi airport in which their ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar, got a TSA patdown ...

Cali DMV Employee Suspended For Faith Based Hate Letter To Transwoman

I wrote about Amber Yust, who received a misgendring letter at her home a few days after visiting a California DMV location from the employee who handled her change of gender application.

Britain’s enraged students

By Andrew Winning There have been a series of increasingly angry protests in the run up to Britain's coalition government's plan to increase the maximum that UK universities can charge UK resident students in tuition fees.

Food Police Ban New Fast Food Restaurants in South LA

The road to hell, famous for being paved with good intentions, has been diverted to run through South Los Angeles. This past week, the LA City Council voted to ban new stand-alone fast food restaurants from opening within half a mile of one ...

Virginia Tech violated federal law during campus shootings

RICHMOND, Va. -- Federal education officials have rejected Virginia Tech's arguments that its response to a deadly 2007 shooting rampage at the campus met standards in place at the time, echoing previous findings that the university broke the ...

Conservatives Argue Government Doesn't Create Jobs But It Sure Can Kill Them When They're in Charge

A frequent argument from those on the right is that "government doesn't create jobs", something I don't agree with. In light of the decision by Gov-elect Walker to kill high speed rail in Wisconsin, Talgo train company has announced that ...

Explosions kill 1, injure 2 in central Stockholm

STOCKHOLM (AP) - A car explosion and what appeared to be a suicide attack injured two people, killed the apparent bomber, and caused panic among Christmas shoppers in Stockholm Saturday.

Poetic justice: Palin-Hating Columbia Professor, Huffington Post Blogger, Busted for Incest

These people that paint Sarah Palin as some backwards hick produce of interbreeding. Turns out some of them are actually interbreeding themselves.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan's High Hopes For Cathie Black

US Education Secretary Arne Duncan joined Mayor Bloomberg and outgoing Schools Chancellor Joel Klein this morning for a presser on the GED, and, of course, was asked about Klein's controversial replacement, former media exec Cathie Black, with ...

Michael Bloomberg Won't Run for President, Part MCLXVIII [Video]

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg tells Katie Couric that he's "not going to run for president," and there's "nothing" that could make him.

Coronation Street live episode is Al Qaeda terrorist threat, reckons Sun

The Sun has an amazing story today, saying that tonight's live episode of Coronation Street is a terrorist target. According to the newspaper Corrie stars will undergo full body searches with cast and crew passing through airport-style scanners ...

Ever wonder why gay or lesbian teens kill themselves at higher rates?

So much for the myth constantly being paraded by the right that gay and lesbian teens kill themselves at a higher rate because they are innately unhappy with their supposed choice of being gay or lesbian.

Controversy over video censored by Smithsonian continues to build steam

The controversy surrounding the Smithsonian Institution's decision to censor a video at the National Portrait Gallery shows little sign of dying down, with a report today that a commissioner for the gallery has resigned in protest.

Wife bites off husband’s tongue as she kisses him goodnight!

A Wisconsin woman ripped her husband's tongue off with her teeth when he tried to give her a kiss goodnight. When police arrived at the scene, they were stunned to see Karen Leuders, 57, singing Christmas carols and waving a party horn.

Chase DeBlase, Missing Alabama Boy, Believed Found Dead

VANCLEAVE, Miss. - An Alabama man who told authorities that he buried his two young children will be charged with murder now that investigators have found remains believed to be his 3-year-old son, police said Wednesday.

Wisconsin apparitions through the lens of Lourdes

Jesuit Father James Martin, who has written a book about his own Lourdes experience, writes today about the similarities between apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in France in 1858 and Adele Brise in Champion, Wisconsin, in 1859.

Escondido Bomb House: Controlled Burn Of Explosives

After several weeks of planning, the San Diego sheriff's department, ATF , and other authorities began a controlled burn of the so-called "Bomb House" in Escondido.

Shanghai Owns the International PISA Science Math Test

Education Week came up with the usual “OMG America stinks” international test ranking, with US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stating the “results, to be brutally honest, show that a host of developed nations are outeducating us … ...

Shanghai PISA scores

The Shanghai math (+1 SD) and science (+.75 SD) scores are almost a full SD above the OECD average of 500 (SD = 100). The top 10 percent of Shanghai math students are all above the 99th percentile for the US.

LA Times Piece Documents Harms of Seniority-Based Layoffs

The Times sought to measure the impact of about 2,700 seniority-based layoffs in the Los Angeles Unified School District in the last two years.

PISA Results: US Reaches International Average in Science, Still Below in Math

Our story is up this morning on the latest results from PISA, a prominent international assessment that compares student achievement in math, science, and reading.

Orexigen Beats the Odds, Wins OK from FDA Panel for Obesity Drug

Orexigen Therapeutics, the San Diego-based developer of obesity drugs, beat the odds today by winning a positive recommendation from an FDA advisory panel that said its lead drug deserves a spot on the US market.

Elizabeth Edwards, RIP

News breaking from WRAL in North Carolina that Elizabeth Edwards passed away this afternoon. She was gravely ill with breast cancer and announced yesterday that she had stopped medical treatment.

Sheboygan woman bites off husband's tongue after good night kiss

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin woman is accused of biting off her husband's tongue as he was giving her a good night kiss. Sheboygan police say the man in his late 70s called authorities about 11 pm Monday, but was having trouble speaking.

Judge Rules That Jamie McCourt Co-Owns The Los Angeles Dodgers

Jamie McCourt has won a key legal fight in her ongoing divorce battle with ex-husband Frank, when a judge ruled that the Los Angeles Dodgers cannot be excluded from the couple's mutual marital property.

Court rules that electronic cigarettes are not drugs

Electronic cigarettes are a product that has been on the market for more than a year. The FDA has been trying to ban electronic cigarettes as "unapproved drug delivery devices.

Five Columbia Students Busted for Drug Dealing in ‘Operation Ivy League’

Over a period of five months, undercover officers at Columbia made nearly $11,000 in drug purchases from five students before descending upon the campus in a storm that was labeled by the NYPD "Operation Ivy League.

Hearing on Texas death penalty stopped by court

HOUSTON (AP) - Texas' highest criminal court has stopped an unusual court hearing on the constitutionality of the death penalty in the state.

Even Crains Blasts Bloomberg Over Black Debacle

The selection of Cathleen Black as schools chancellorâ€"and the way she was chosenâ€"has reinforced the impression that Mr. Bloomberg is an imperial billionaire isolated in the world of the rich and famous.

WikiLeaks snubs NY Times-Washington Post

This time, the New York Times didn't get the goods from WikiLeaks. Instead, on Sunday, the newspaper began reporting a bombshell - the contents of thousands of private State Department cables - as a result of a leak of a leak.

Steve Martin At The 92 St. Y

Steve Martin learned Monday night that when a comedian talks about his book, nobody laughs. Or cares. On Nov. 29 Martin spoke with the New York Times columnist Deborah Solomon at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.

Cholera kills 140 in southwest Haiti

Via the Sydney Morning Herald, an AFP report: Cholera kills 140 in southwest Haiti. Excerpt: About 140 people have died of cholera in recent days in southwestern Haiti, a region that had been largely spared the epidemic that has killed more ...

University drops "Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award"

Wayne State University won't be bestowing any more diversity awards named for Helen Thomas following more controversial remarks by the former dean of the White House press corps.

State Department To Columbia University Students: DO NOT Discuss WikiLeaks On Facebook, Twitter

Talking about WikiLeaks on Facebook or Twitter could endanger your job prospects, a State Department official warned students at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs this week.

The Euro Crisis as a Model for State Debt

Two articles profitably read in tandem are the New York Time's description of mounting state debt and the Economist's roadmap of how a country may leave the Euro.

Update: Disabled bulker MV Golden Seas under tow to Dutch Harbor

MV Golden Seas, a 74,475 DWT bulk carrier, which suffered a turbocharger failure on its main engines and was in danger of drifting onto the Aleutian Islands, has been taken under tow by the tug/supply boat Tor Viking II.

Reports Indicate Jerry Kill Will Be Gophers' Next Coach

More photos » Carlos Osorio - AP Rivals is reporting confirmation that Northern Illinois' Jerry Kill will be the next coach of the Golden Gophers.

LEGAL ANALYSIS: What to expect as Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel hears Proposition 8 oral arguments

Are you ready for a gay ol' time? The holiday season is shaping up to be quite gay, indeed. Last week, the Pentagon released its long-awaited report detailing how ending the ban on openly gay service would be no big deal.

Cathie Black Makes Debut As NYC Schools Chancellor Amid Controversy

Incoming Chancellor Cathie Black made her first foray into public schools Tuesday, meeting and greeting parents, students and teachers at Public School 109 in the Bronx.

Victory! House Passes School Lunch Reform Bill

In a big win yesterday for sustainable foodies and public health advocates, the House passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the school lunch reform bill.

Assange: Parts of the cablegate archive reference UFOs

Mr Assange, have there ever been documents forwarded to you which deal with the topic of UFOs or extraterrestrials? Julian Assange: Many weirdos email us about UFOs or how they discovered that they were the anti-christ whilst talking with their ...

Rapper Kurtis Blow cited for marijuana possession at LAX

Rapper-producer Kurtis Blow was cited this week at Los Angeles International Airport for possession of marijuana. Authorities would not say whether the marijuana was found during a body scan or pat-down Thursday at 5:45 am as Blow was ...

FDA scrutinizes weight loss pill from Orexigen

WASHINGTON (AP) - Scientists for the Food and Drug Administration said Friday a pill to treat obesity from Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. helped patients lose weight, though it didn't meet all the criteria set forth by the agency.

3 plead guilty in harboring illegal aliens at Korean room salon

The owner and the managers of a room salon in Falls Church, Va., pled guilty to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for commercial advantage and financial gain.

EVIL EYE POST OF THE DAY: Toddler Hanged By Ankles In Closet, Beaten

Simply shameful. From the Associated Press: "An 18-month-old South Carolina boy is in critical condition after authorities say he was hanged by his ankles in a closet and repeatedly beaten by three teenagers.

Idaho Snowman Shaped Like KKK Member Appalls Local Residents

HAYDEN, Idaho - A white separatist drew complaints from neighbors and a visit from law enforcement officers after building a snowman shaped like a member of the Ku Klux Klan on his front lawn.

RevGal Friday Five: December Survival Edition

Whether a RevGal or a Pal most of us in this cyber community have enhanced responsibilities during this time of year. We also have traditions - religious and secular - that mark the season for us in a more personal way.

Hilary Duff Bonds With Young Children for “Blessings In A Backpack”

Hilary Duff is embracing the holiday spirit! The 24-year-old actress visited Normandie Ave. Elementary School Thursday in South Central LA to participate in the “Blessings In A Backpack” food program.

Kenny McKinley Gambling Problem: Broncos Receiver Was Deep In Debt Before Suicide

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley had a gambling problem and was deep in debt when he committed suicide on Sept.

Heart of Haiti Collection at Macys

Have you heard of the Heart of Haiti project? They are helping to rebuild Haiti through "Trade, Not Aid." by creating opportunities for Haitian artisans to earn income with dignity by creating jobs and income for the people of Haiti.

Keeping Brooklyn's Bees Out Of The Red Dye No. 40

Remember those bees in Brooklyn that were pumping out a bright red honey thanks to the presence of a nearby maraschino cherry factory (and its vast amounts of super-sweet HFCS colored with Red Dye No.

5 Free Disney Rewards Points

Five free Disney Movie Rewards Points can be earned by code dec2501. Wait a minute, 2501? Some freebie codes include the month in them, but is 2501 the year?

Catholic League Fires Back At Lincoln Tunnel Atheism Billboard

Days after the American Atheists posted their "You Know It's A Myth" billboard at the New Jersey entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, the Catholic League has erected an answering billboard at the other end.

That brings us to yesterday, when a federal judge ordered beets planted after that August ruling needed to be destroyed.

Earthjustice, a consumer group that brought the case against the USDA and had asked the judge to order the young plants be destroyed, said the action was the first court-ordered destruction of a GMO crop.

8 Facts You Missed About HIV/AIDS in the Black Community

The state of black health has mounted under wide concern among health experts and community advocates alike, who propose that more people of color are subjected to the HIV/AIDS disease than any other ethnic group.

NOM Demands Recusal Of Prop 8 Judge

NOM is demanding that Ninth Circuit Court Judge Stephen Reinhardt recuse himself from the three-judge panel set to hear the appeal of Prop 8's overturn on Monday.

World AIDS Day 2010

Every December 1, the world collectively works together to raise AIDS awareness by commemorating the day as World AIDS Day in an effort to raise money for AIDS treatment and research.

Boxer Christy Martin Shot by Husband After Admitting Lesbian Affair

Last week, former boxing champion Christy Martin was shot and stabbed allegedly by her husband in their Apopka, Florida home. Miraculously, Martin managed to escape and was treated for wounds at a nearby hospital.