Ladywriter

article "There's no smoke. Very little noise," said Paul Thomsen, director of policy and business management for Ormat Technologies Inc., which owns the operation. "People don't even know it's here." Geothermal energy may be the most prolific renewable fuel source that most people have never heard of. Although the supply is virtually limitless, the massive upfront costs required to extract it have long rendered geothermal a novelty. But that's changing fast as this old-line industry buzzes with activity after decades of stagnation. Billionaire Warren E. Buffett has invested big. Internet giant Google Inc. is bankrolling advanced research. Entrepreneurs are paying record prices for drilling leases in places such as Nevada, where they're prospecting for heat instead of metals. Read the full story here -OR- :Google Throws $10 Million At Geothermal :A Guide To Geothermal Energy :US Department of Energy to Invest $90 Million in Advanced Geothermal Research

Hard-charging Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel has accepted the job of chief of staff under Barack Obama, the Huffington Post has confirmed. Emanuel, who served as a political and policy aide in the Clinton White House before running for Congress, weighed the family and political considerations before accepting. He will have to resign his seat, relinquish his position in the House Democratic leadership and put aside hopes of becoming House speaker. more

Sudden consolidation raises questions about regulation, consumer impact The financial crisis that has been sweeping the globe has reshaped nearly every corner of the economy, but no industry has been altered more radically than banking.Several of the nation's biggest banks have failed or been absorbed by healthier institutions, leaving three giant "superbanks" with an unprecedented concentration of market power: Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. While that may be good news for emerging giants and the failing companies they helped rescue, the new oligopoly raises troubling questions about regulation and competition, analysts and consumer advocates say. "Bank fees are going up, up, up, and that’s the danger to consumers as more of these banks consolidate,” says Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumer League. “It’s difficult for the average person to get a bank account that doesn’t involve fees, and if you get into financial distress you’re cooked, and you’ll be ‘fee-ed’ to death.” According to a recently released banking fee study from Bankrate.com, ATM surcharges rose 11 percent this year to an average of $1.97, and the fee for a bounced checks rose 2.5 percent to an average $28.95. "Consumers are going to be victims of higher and more punitive fees,” Greenberg predicts. Moreover, many analysts worry about how federal and state authorities, who were unable to prevent the current financial industry meltdown, will be able to monitor the new giant banks that combine a wide range of operations from investment banking to consumer lending. “Large institutions are impossible to manage prudently, let alone regulate,” says Amar Bhide, a professor at the Columbia Business School. In fact, existing federal banking laws say that no bank can have more than 10 percent of the domestic deposit market — a threshold recently surpassed by all three superbanks. When asked whether the government would take any action, a Justice Department official was noncommittal. “It’s always something we’ve looked at and will continue to look at," said spokeswoman Gina Talamona. "It’s something we’ve looked at as part of our general antitrust review.” The reason limits on market share were put in place were so banks didn’t get so big they’d become monopolies that could risk the whole economy, explains Atul Gupta, finance department chair for Bentley University in Boston. But now the government appears to be pushing banks in the direction of more consolidation. The Treasury is pouring some $250 billion of taxpayer money into healthy financial institutions, and some of that is being used by stronger banks to snap up weaker rivals. “The government is convinced that allowing any of these firms to fail would have catastrophic implications,” says Gupta. “So the government is saying, ‘This bank is in trouble, so I want this bank to buy that one.’ And everyone holds their noses and hopes things work out.” In the current environment, such rapid consolidation is a “no brainer," says Gregory F. Udell, Chase Chair of Banking and Finance at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. The risk of creating monopolies, he says, “is a lot less than the risk of having a lot of zombie institutions out there.” He also points out that consolidation in the banking sector, though recently at a fever pitch, is nothing new. Indeed, the number of commercial banks and savings & loans in the United States has fallen in the past 20 years to 8,451 as of June, compared to 16,574 in 1988, according to FDIC data. Espen Eckbo, finance professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, believes economies of scale will only help the troubled financial sector. He maintains the banking sector got into trouble because of out-of-control risk taking — not because banks got too big. CONTINUED 'Exit strategy'?

Violence spreads as warlord's forces and government troops clash KIWANJA, Congo - A fragile cease-fire in Congo appeared to be unraveling Thursday as the U.N. said battles between warlord Laurent Nkunda's rebels and the army spread to another town in the volatile country's east. The latest fighting took place in the town of Nyanzale in North Kivu province, said U.N. peacekeeping spokesman Madnoje Mounoubai. He said the army abandoned its positions "and a large number of displaced also fled the combat" and sought shelter near a U.N. base. Speaking from behind rebel lines west of Kiwanja, Nkunda told The Associated Press that army forces backed by pro-government militias attacked rebel positions before dawn in Nyanzale. "We were attacked three times this morning," he said. "My soldiers have a right to defend themselves." He said the army had also taken part in fighting Saturday in two other towns in the region: Mweso and Kashuga. The army could not immediately be reached for comment. 'Treasonous government' Nkunda also reiterated a threat to march on the faraway capital. "This is a treasonous government that is betraying the people of Congo and that is why we will continue to fight until we reach Kinshasa," he said.

the govt's got no business going any further then saying to the 5 people you need to make it legal 'sign here and that will be however many dollars' Denying tax paying citizen their right to marry someone because of gender isn't freedom or equality in action. Religions and their theories about what marriage is need to butt the fuck out of individual liberty issues.

Rights groups challenge new gay-marriage ban I don't understand why this even has to be a problem. We have rights and liberties that grant us the option of choosing our spouse; ie not having to marry someone our family or govt picks out for us. We are free to choose who we marry period. The state or federal govt does not have the authority in our democracy to tell one human being they cannot marry another human being and no amount of amendments is going to make it right. States just need to file the marriage licenses and stay the hell out of peoples personal lives. This is not a theocracy. This is not a Christian only, Muslim only, pick your thing here only country. No religion may impose its doctrines on our laws. Separation of church and state. Religion serves as moral guidance, nothing more. Individual religions have the option of not blessing a marriage if it is not inline with their teachings. They do not have the right to force or influence our legislators to make laws that remove rights from citizens of this country. There is no reason for gay marriage to be illegal regardless of of what faiths oppose its practice. Religion has the option of not recognize a marriage between two people but does NOT have the right to stop it.

yep shes that stupid

ayup

Michael Crichton, who helped create the TV show "ER" and wrote the best-sellers "Jurassic Park," "The Andromeda Strain," "Sphere" and "Rising Sun," has died in Los Angeles, his public relations firm said in a news release. Michael Crichton, here in 2005, was a director and best-selling author. He co-created the TV series "ER." Crichton died unexpectedly Tuesday "after a courageous and private battle against cancer," the release said. He was 66. Crichton, a medical doctor, was attracted to cautionary science tales. "Jurassic Park" -- perhaps his best-known work -- concerned capturing the DNA of dinosaurs and bringing them to life on a modern island, where they soon run amok; "The Andromeda Strain," his first major fiction success, involves an alien microorganism that's studied in a special military compound after causing death in a nearby community. Crichton also invited controversy with some of his scientific views. He was an avowed skeptic of global climate change, giving lectures warning against "consensus science." He later took on global warming and the theories surrounding it in his 2004 novel, "State of Fear," which attracted attacks in its own right from scientists, including NASA climatologist James Hansen. iReport.com: Were you a fan? Share your tributes. Crichton was a distinctive figure in the entertainment business, a trained physician whose interests included writing, filmmaking and television. (He was physically distinctive as well, standing 6 feet 9 inches.) He published "The Andromeda Strain" while he was still a medical student at Harvard Medical School. He wrote a story about a 19th-century train robbery, called "The Great Train Robbery," and then directed the 1979 film version. He also directed several other films, including "Westworld" (1973), "Coma" (1978), "Looker" (1981) and "Runaway" (1984). In 1993, while working on the film version of "Jurassic Park" with Steven Spielberg, he teamed with the director to create "ER." The NBC series set in a Chicago emergency room debuted in 1994 and became a huge hit, making a star of George Clooney. Crichton originally wrote the script for the pilot in 1974. "Michael's talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of 'Jurassic Park,' " said Spielberg, a friend of Crichton's for 40 years, according to The Associated Press. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth. ... Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place." Crichton was "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful," "ER" executive producer John Wells told the AP. "No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation." Michael Crichton was born in Chicago in 1942 and grew up in New York's suburbs. His father was a journalist and Michael loved the writing profession. He went to medical school partly out of a concern he wouldn't be able to make writing a career, but the success of "The Andromeda Strain" in 1969 -- the book was chosen by the Book-of-the-Month Club and optioned by Hollywood -- made him change his mind, though he still had an M.D. Though most of Crichton's books were major best-sellers involving science, he could ruffle feathers when he took on social issues. "Rising Sun" (1992) came out during a time when Americans feared Japanese ascendance, particularly when it came to technology. "Disclosure" (1994) was about a sexual harassment case. Crichton won an Emmy, a Peabody, a Writers Guild of America Award for "ER," and won other awards as well. "Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," the news release said. Crichton was married five times and had one child. A private funeral service is expected sux

sux about gay marriage ppl who want to make lifelong commitments to each other should be allowed to do so

crap sorry I'll keep lookin

maybe this?

In recent days an outline of an Obama administration has begun to emerge -- both in the rumor mill and in press reports. Even before voting began, Washington was abuzz over what a Democratic White House might resemble. In recent days an outline of an Obama administration has begun to emerge -- both in the rumor mill and in press reports. The campaign itself has specifically and repeatedly denied any efforts as such. But sources confirm that advisers to the Senator are already plotting out the staffing of key cabinet positions. And the picture presented is one of experience, talent and bipartisanship. Chief of Staff The key figure here is Rahm Emanuel, who is already rumored to be the front man for the job. The Associated Press has reported that the Obama transition team is making overtures to the Illinois congressman, reports which both sides have played down. People in the know, meanwhile, are saying the likelihood is Rahm will be offered the post and will likely say yes - he has experience in the White House, connections and respect on Capitol Hill, and the combative, competitive demeanor that might be an asset for the post. If for some unforeseen reason Emanuel doesn't work out (sources say he's that much of a lock), the other names being bantered around are John Podesta, the current topper of the Center for American Progress and former chief of staff for Bill Clinton, and Tom Daschle, who has served as a key Obama adviser throughout the campaign and is formerly the Senate Majority Leader. Attorney General Janet Napolitano seems in line for this key-ranking position, which became a controversial post under the stewardship of Alberto Gonzales. The current Governor of Arizona is close with Obama, having endorsed his candidacy early on. And sources say that she wouldn't mind the move to D.C. What may end up deciding the appointment, however, is that Eric Holder - who served briefly as AG under Bill Clinton and headed Obama's vice presidential search committee - doesn't want to go through the rigors of a confirmation process and could take himself out of the running. Secretary of State This could be the big surprise. Sen. Dick Lugar, a Republican from Indiana may be, according to high-ranking Democrats, Obama's man for the job. The two have worked closely on several issues, none more so than securing loose nukes in former Soviet nations. But Democrats may not warm to the idea of an opposition party member getting an important foreign policy post (a complex to which liberals in particular are tired of being subjected). In light of that, Obama could consider -- and is rumored to be thinking about -- Sen. John Kerry, former U.N. Ambassador Dick Holbrooke, current foreign policy adviser Susan Rice and Greg Craig, another top Obama foreign policy adviser. Among cabinet positions, this seems to be one of the most wide open. Treasury Secretary For, perhaps, this most important position, Obama has a slew of options. The individual that sources say is rising closest to the top is former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, who has been a key endorser of the Obama candidacy in these tough economic times. At the same time, Obama could turn to Warren Buffet, though there is little indication that the Oracle of Omaha wants the job. Or he could look outside the box and tap Michael Bloomberg, though the New York City mayor is seeking a third term in office. Defense Secretary The consensus is emerging that, at least for the time being, Obama will keep current header Robert Gates in the cabinet. The job extension would provide the Illinois Democrat the cover he needs to reverse course in Iraq without risking charges of overt partisanship on the issue. Here too, however, there are a host of different names from which Obama can choose his own appointee. These include Republicans such as Sens. Chuck Hagel and Lugar, as well as Democrats like Sen. Jack Reed - a strong congressional voice on foreign policy - Holbrooke and Richard Danzig, former Secretary of the Navy and another key Obama endorser/adviser. All of this, of course, is speculation. And the list above excludes a bevy of names that have been rumored to be in the running for respective positions. But, from conversations with Washington insiders and in-the-know Democrats, it seems clear that the process of dwindling down the long lists of potential cabinet members has already begun. And the names emerging represent the type of politics that Obama has preached: competent, non-rigid, and above partisanship. Hard choices and challenges follow triumph [/url] No time off for President-elect Obama

Here's what fox noise is saying and the reality is........ e7FKaiXaz0o I did the happy dance in my living room too

In less than two weeks, bureaucrats at the National Organics Standards Board will be deciding whether fish exposed to mercury and highly toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or raised in farms that contaminate the environment, can be labeled organic. Personally, I expect the organic label to mean high standards. I believe in spending a bit more on quality food that is safe for my family and the environment. But selling toxic fish under the organic label? That defeats the whole purpose! Tell the National Organics Standards Board that you expect higher standards: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/ABHA2/xIw6/ANR12 The board is considering two situations that would lower the organic standards. One is labeling fish organic even if it is fed wild fish. But some wild- caught fish come from polluted environments and are high in mercury and PCBs, which would transfer and compound those toxins in the fish sold under the organic label. The second problem is labeling fish raised in open ocean net pens as organic. Ocean net pens, such as those used to farm salmon, can be highly polluting, with a great deal of waste and disease entering the surrounding natural ecosystems. Organic production should be environmentally sound -- not pollute our environment. We have less than two weeks to demand high standards for organic fish. Please take a moment to sign the petition today and defend "organic"! http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/ABHA2/xIw6/ANR12 Thanks for taking action! Natasha Care2 Campaign Team

Barack Obama will responsibly end the war in Iraq: Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: successfully ending the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased. Encourage political accommodation: Obama and Biden will press Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future and to substantially spend their oil revenues on their own reconstruction. Increase stability in Iraq and the region: Obama and Biden will launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to reach a comprehensive compact on the stability of Iraq and the region. They also will address Iraq's refugee crisis. http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

yeah that was an ugly dress X'D World reacts to Obama election victory Obama: 'This is your victory'

X'D shoulda seen that one coming We're watching OP with Totoro, up to the Rocketman stuff god I luv that train Sanji beatin that ramen guy beautiful X'D hilarious

omg I read about this shit yesterday I was like what a fuckin bitch

You aren't obligated to make sure that someone else who doesn't do the leg work for their education passes. If he's serious about educating himself he is capable of asking for help and doing the damn work.