Spitting Cobras' Sharp-Shooting Secrets

Spitting cobras spew blinding venom toward the eyes and face of victims with surprising accuracy, and now researchers know how they do it.

Venom spitting -- a defense mechanism only -- is a two-part process that's part muscle and part like a baseball pitcher psyching out batters before winding up before a throw, indicates a new study published in the latest issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology.

"Since the venom can cover a distance of over 6.5 feet, and the snakes appear to be very accurate, it is presumed to be a good deterrent," said Bruce Young, a biologist at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and lead author of the study.

For the study, Young and colleagues Melissa Boetig and Guido Westhoff analyzed adult, captive specimens of the red spitting cobra, the black-neck spitting cobra and the black-and-white spitting cobra. Source

Bernard Madoff arrested over alleged $50 billion fraud

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Bernard Madoff, a quiet force on Wall Street for decades, was arrested and charged on Thursday with allegedly running a $50 billion "Ponzi scheme" in what may rank among the biggest fraud cases ever.

The former chairman of the Nasdaq Stock Market is best known as the founder of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, the closely-held market-making firm he launched in 1960. But he also ran a hedge fund that U.S. prosecutors said racked up $50 billion of fraudulent losses.

Madoff told senior employees of his firm on Wednesday that "it's all just one big lie" and that it was "basically, a giant Ponzi scheme," with estimated investor losses of about $50 billion, according to the U.S. Attorney's criminal complaint against him.

A Ponzi scheme is a swindle offering unusually high returns, with early investors paid off with money from later investors.

On Thursday, two agents for the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation entered Madoff's New York apartment.

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New Maybank2u interface

Today, All New Maybank2u interface. Don't be fooled by fake maybank2u. and remember please don't login thru another link like from e-mail, blog, website etc.

October Toyota Corolla Best Deals

Up to $1,000 back or 0% financing for 36 months

With economy cars in high demand, the gas-thrifty, Toyota Yaris is not on sale. But the Corolla is, which we found surprising since the Corolla is newly remodeled for 2009 and is another bona fide member of the gas-thrifty club.

The truth is that September was one of Toyota USA's worst months in history and the company is looking to reverse its fortunes by placing sale stickers on even high-demand cars like the Corolla and Camry. But be aware that Toyota runs specials by region, meaning that you need to check with your local dealers to see just what deals are available to you.

MSRP: $15,350-$20,050
Invoice: $14,198-$18,144

yahoo autos

Melamine found in baby formula made in China

The Food and Drug Administration is alerting Asian and ethnic markets across the USA that infant formula made in China may be contaminated.

The FDA is working with state health agencies across the country to make members of Chinese-American communities aware of the danger. More in usatoday.com