These are the National Geographic BEST p ... | CopyTaste

These are the National Geographic BEST p ... | CopyTaste

40-Million-Year-Old Virus Found In Human Genome

Humans carry in their genome the relics of an animal virus that infected their forerunners at least 40 million years ago, according to research published by the British science journalNature.The invader is called bornavirus, a brain-infecting pathogen that was first identified in 1970s. Scientists led by Keizo Tomonaga of Japan’s Osaka University compared the DNA of a range of mammals, including humans, apes, elephants, marsupials and rodents, to look for tell-tale signatures of bornavirus code.

First study of mummy DNA leads to all sorts of discoveries

King Tut—plus 10 other royal mummies—recently became the first ancient Egyptians to get their DNA analyzed. The results, published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, turned up a treasure trove of new information about the famous boy king, his family and Egyptian royalty in general. Among the discoveries:

• Tut had a bone disorder that would have forced him to walk with a cane, and which may have been a result of royal inbreeding.
• A mummy known as KV55 has turned out to be Tut's father, Akhenaten, a controversial pharaoh best known for his failed attempt at converting Egypt to monotheism. Based on sculptures and art that depict a feminized Akhenaten, researchers had long suspected that he suffered from a genetic hormone disorder called gynecomastia. But the DNA evidence says otherwise. Instead, Akhenaten's feminine features are likely to have been an artistic conceit, added for symbolic, religious reasons.
• Other previously unidentified mummies are now known to be Tut's grandfather, grandmother and mother.
• Contrary to speculation, Tut's mother probably wasn't his father's chief wife, Nefertiti. She and Akhenaten are never described as being related, and Tut is definitely the product of brother/sister incest.
• King Tut had malaria. He likely died from a combination of that disease and complications of his bone disorder. The malarial DNA found in Tut's body is the oldest genetic evidence of the disease ever found.

Crews await better conditions to rescue man in Mount St. Helens crater

(CNN) -- Rescue crews in Washington state will try again Tuesday to get to a hiker who fell 1,500 feet into the crater of Mount St. Helens volcano.

The 52-year-old hiker was with another hiker Monday afternoon at the summit, near the edge of the crater, when the accident occurred, according to Dave Cox, public information officer with the Skamania County, Washington, Sheriff's Department.

Full story

Our Pets Diaries

The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Evil People!!

Day 984 of my captivity.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 985 of my captivity.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now......

Roadside Graphix

Best Bang For The Buck

T-Shirts and other garments are by far the best advertising you can do during this economic down time. These walking billboards can be key in taking your company to the next level. Roadside Graphix strives make your company stand out from the competition. Our extensive quality control process ensures we give our customers a quality product at a fair market price. screen printing services

http://www.work-at-home.org/ ????

Has been down for a few days now. I guess no-one is working form home from that site !@!

Secret Joint Raid Captures Taliban’s Top Commander

WASHINGTON — The Taliban’s top military commander was captured several days ago in Karachi, Pakistan, in a secret joint operation by Pakistani and American intelligence forces, according to American government officials.

More Here !!

Recession Crimes ! Man Shoots Cousin for Work Comp Money!

I found this fascinating quote today:

Recession Crimes ! Man Shoots Cousin for Work Comp Money!

In Philadelphia, a man shot his cousin in a fake robbery in order to split workmans compensation benefits. The insurancecompany paid the injured cousin $250,000 in a lump sumdisability settlement which the two split. A friend of the shooter tipped police and when the jig was up they both confessed. Talk about a desparate act! The word is they split the proceeds 50/50. I think the guy who took the bullet got the raw end of the deal. Until next time be careful out there. KG. Kevin Nemith President CNC Insurance Associates Inc., Risk & Business, Feb 2010

You should read the whole article.

Simple Cooking !!

I was surfing around the net today and saw some recipies for quick meals..

Grilled Pineapple Tarragon Chicken

This simple recipe is perfect for entertaining; serve with a rice pilaf to soak up the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

· 6 oz. can frozen pineapple or orange juice concentrate, thawed

· 1/4 cup pineapple preserves

· 1/4 cup honey

· 1 tablespoon olive oil

· 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon leaves or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon

· 1/4 tsp. salt

· 1/8 tsp. white pepper

· 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tuna Tortellini

The key to this dish is the tuna canned in olive oil. The meat is more flavorful, with not many more calories, and the oil is necessary to finish the dish. If you can't find it, you'll need to add olive oil to the recipe.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

· 1 lb. refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini

· 2 cups frozen baby peas

· 1 (12-ounce). can tuna in olive oil

· 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

· Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water until tender, adding the peas for the last minute of cooking. Drain.

Meanwhile, drain tuna, reserving 3 tablespoons of the oil. Return tortellini and peas to pot and add the tuna along with reserved oil, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat through, stirring gently.

You can sprinkle this with Parmesan cheese, but that makes four ingredients! Serves 4

Cobra

Cobra's Insurance is out(freaking)ragious !!! $391.17 a mon for a single guy !

Tough Times

Unemployed...and my stocks are down ...