: "PHOENIX - Great views — and plenty of goosebumps for those afraid of heights.
An American Indian tribe with land along the Grand Canyon is planning to build a glass-bottomed walkway that will jut out 70 feet from the canyon's edge."
27.8.05
Argentine cleric caught on tape - Yahoo! News
Argentine cleric caught on tape - Yahoo! News: "Part morality play, part conspiracy tale and part soap opera, the resignation of a Roman Catholic bishop over his sexual encounter with a young man has Argentines both dismayed and riveted.
'Everything points to . . . political revenge,' said Rev. Guillermo Marco, a spokesman for the Buenos Aires archbishop.
The chauffeur, Alfredo Serrano, said he made the video to get back at Maccarone for failing to help his family and find the young man a good job."
'Everything points to . . . political revenge,' said Rev. Guillermo Marco, a spokesman for the Buenos Aires archbishop.
The chauffeur, Alfredo Serrano, said he made the video to get back at Maccarone for failing to help his family and find the young man a good job."
26.8.05
Xinhua - English
Xinhua - English: "LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Scientists reported on Thursday that Earth's core rotates faster than its surface by about 0.3 to 0. 5 degree per year and this finding is expected to end a nine-year debate.
The claim that Earth's inner core was getting ahead of itself seemed odd at first. But some computer simulations showed the molten-iron outer core dragging the inner core around by the magnetic field generated in the outer core.
Still, seismologists had problems with measurements of the inner core's excess spin. Now the researchers found persuasive evidence that the inner core really is spinning faster than the rest of the planet.
'Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof,' said Xiaodong Song, a professor of geology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and co-author of a paper to appear in the Aug. 26 issue of the journal Science. 'We believe we have that proof.'"
The claim that Earth's inner core was getting ahead of itself seemed odd at first. But some computer simulations showed the molten-iron outer core dragging the inner core around by the magnetic field generated in the outer core.
Still, seismologists had problems with measurements of the inner core's excess spin. Now the researchers found persuasive evidence that the inner core really is spinning faster than the rest of the planet.
'Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof,' said Xiaodong Song, a professor of geology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and co-author of a paper to appear in the Aug. 26 issue of the journal Science. 'We believe we have that proof.'"
C.I.A. Report Said to Fault Pre-9/11 Leadership - New York Times
C.I.A. Report Said to Fault Pre-9/11 Leadership - New York Times: "WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 - A long-awaited C.I.A. inspector general's report on the agency's performance before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks includes detailed criticism of more than a dozen former and current agency officials, aiming its sharpest language at George J. Tenet, the former director, according to a former intelligence officer who was briefed on the findings and another government official who has seen the report.
Mr. Tenet is censured for failing to develop and carry out a strategic plan to take on Al Qaeda in the years before 2001, even after he wrote in a 1998 memo to intelligence agencies that 'we are at war' with it, they said, speaking about the highly classified report on condition of anonymity."
Mr. Tenet is censured for failing to develop and carry out a strategic plan to take on Al Qaeda in the years before 2001, even after he wrote in a 1998 memo to intelligence agencies that 'we are at war' with it, they said, speaking about the highly classified report on condition of anonymity."
Life-Lengthening Hormone Found in Mouse Research
Life-Lengthening Hormone Found in Mouse Research: "Scientists have identified a hormone that significantly extends the life span of mice, a discovery that could mark a crucial step toward developing drugs that boost longevity in people.
The hormone is the first substance identified that is produced naturally in mammals, including humans, and can extend life span -- a long-sought goal in the intense effort to help people live longer."
The hormone is the first substance identified that is produced naturally in mammals, including humans, and can extend life span -- a long-sought goal in the intense effort to help people live longer."
Homeopathy no better than a placebo, says study : Mail & Guardian Online
Homeopathy no better than a placebo, says study : Mail & Guardian Online: "Homeopathic treatment is no more effective than a placebo, the dummy substance used in medical trials, according to a study appearing in Saturday's issue of The Lancet, the British medical weekly.
That is the conclusion of a team of doctors in Britain and Switzerland, who reviewed a mountain of published evidence.
They compared 110 trials of homeopathic remedies against a placebo with 110 trials of conventional medicines, which were also tested against a placebo.
The ailments being treated in these trials included respiratory-tract infections, pollen allergies and asthma, gynaecological and obstetric problems, muscle and joint ache and intestinal upsets.
The researchers found that in small trials which they deemed to be of poor quality, both homeopathic and conventional medicines appeared to fare better against placebos.
But in larger trials that were of high quality, there was no credible evidence that the homeopathic treatment worked any better than the placebo."
That is the conclusion of a team of doctors in Britain and Switzerland, who reviewed a mountain of published evidence.
They compared 110 trials of homeopathic remedies against a placebo with 110 trials of conventional medicines, which were also tested against a placebo.
The ailments being treated in these trials included respiratory-tract infections, pollen allergies and asthma, gynaecological and obstetric problems, muscle and joint ache and intestinal upsets.
The researchers found that in small trials which they deemed to be of poor quality, both homeopathic and conventional medicines appeared to fare better against placebos.
But in larger trials that were of high quality, there was no credible evidence that the homeopathic treatment worked any better than the placebo."
25.8.05
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online: "HALF the population will dismiss this story, but a study claims that the cleverest people are much more likely to be men than women.
Men are more intelligent than women by about five IQ points on average, making them better suited for “tasks of high complexity”, according to the authors of a paper due to be published in the British Journal of Psychology.
Genetic differences in intelligence between the sexes helped to explain why many more men than women won Nobel Prizes or became chess grandmasters, the study by Paul Irwing and Professor Richard Lynn concluded.
They showed that men outnumbered women in increasing numbers as intelligence levels rise. There were twice as many with IQ scores of 125, a level typical for people with first-class degrees.
When scores rose to 155, a level associated with genius, there were 5.5 men for every woman."
Men are more intelligent than women by about five IQ points on average, making them better suited for “tasks of high complexity”, according to the authors of a paper due to be published in the British Journal of Psychology.
Genetic differences in intelligence between the sexes helped to explain why many more men than women won Nobel Prizes or became chess grandmasters, the study by Paul Irwing and Professor Richard Lynn concluded.
They showed that men outnumbered women in increasing numbers as intelligence levels rise. There were twice as many with IQ scores of 125, a level typical for people with first-class degrees.
When scores rose to 155, a level associated with genius, there were 5.5 men for every woman."
KHON2 - The Team That Knows Hawaii | Home
KHON2 - The Team That Knows Hawaii | Home: "VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson has issued an apology for calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
'Is it right to call for assassination? No, and I apologize for that statement. I spoke in frustration that we should accommodate the man who thinks the U.S. is out to kill him,' Robertson's statement said.
Rev. Jesse Jackson told FOX News that an apology is not enough.
'The fact is that his impact is substantially great,' said Jackson. 'He supports the government, he is a former Republican presidential candidate. ... His statement carries weight.'
Robertson's statement acknowledged the controversy that has surrounded his remarks, but said the situation has shed light on an important topic.
'There are many who disagree with my comments, and I respect their opinions. There are others who think that stopping a dictator is the appropriate course of action,' he said. 'In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government's attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.'"
'Is it right to call for assassination? No, and I apologize for that statement. I spoke in frustration that we should accommodate the man who thinks the U.S. is out to kill him,' Robertson's statement said.
Rev. Jesse Jackson told FOX News that an apology is not enough.
'The fact is that his impact is substantially great,' said Jackson. 'He supports the government, he is a former Republican presidential candidate. ... His statement carries weight.'
Robertson's statement acknowledged the controversy that has surrounded his remarks, but said the situation has shed light on an important topic.
'There are many who disagree with my comments, and I respect their opinions. There are others who think that stopping a dictator is the appropriate course of action,' he said. 'In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government's attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.'"
Robertson Assassinations Remarks Not New - Los Angeles Times
Robertson Assassinations Remarks Not New - Los Angeles Times: "The Rev. Pat Robertson's suggestion that the United States assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was the latest in a long line of incendiary remarks by the religious broadcaster, including at least one other call to 'take out' oppressive world leaders.
Six years ago, Robertson said the U.S. could send agents to kill Osama bin Laden, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il and Saddam Hussein. "
Six years ago, Robertson said the U.S. could send agents to kill Osama bin Laden, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il and Saddam Hussein. "
C&EN: Latest News - Thin, Transparent Nanotube Sheets
C&EN: Latest News - Thin, Transparent Nanotube Sheets: "Using a solid-state process, researchers have found a way to transform a carbon nanotube 'forest' into strong, ultrathin, transparent carbon nanotube sheets or ribbons with exceptional mechanical and physical properties. The process, they say, appears to be scalable for continuous high-rate production, opening the door to a variety of potential applications such as artificial muscles, flexible organic light-emitting displays, low-noise electronic sensors, solar cells, and electricity-conducting appliqu�s"
American Legion Declares War on Protestors -- Media Next?
: "NEW YORK The American Legion, which has 2.7 million members, has declared war on antiwar protestors, and the media could be next. Speaking at its national convention in Honolulu, the group's national commander called for an end to all “public protests” and “media events” against the war, even though they are protected by the Bill of Rights.
"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.
The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."
In his speech, Cadmus declared: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”
He explained, "No one respects the right to protest more than one who has fought for it, but we hope that Americans will present their views in correspondence to their elected officials rather than by public media events guaranteed to be picked up and used as tools of encouragement by our enemies." This might suggest to some, however, that American freedoms are worth dying for but not exercising."
"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.
The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."
In his speech, Cadmus declared: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”
He explained, "No one respects the right to protest more than one who has fought for it, but we hope that Americans will present their views in correspondence to their elected officials rather than by public media events guaranteed to be picked up and used as tools of encouragement by our enemies." This might suggest to some, however, that American freedoms are worth dying for but not exercising."
24.8.05
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Arts | Thompson's ashes fired into sky
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Arts | Thompson's ashes fired into sky: "The ashes of gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson have been blown into the sky from a cannon in Aspen, Colorado.
Friends and admirers had gathered for the event at the writer's US home, six months after he shot himself there."
Friends and admirers had gathered for the event at the writer's US home, six months after he shot himself there."
CNN.com - Chavez offers cheap gas to poor in U.S. - Aug 23, 2005
CNN.com - Chavez offers cheap gas to poor in U.S. - Aug 23, 2005: "HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, popular with the poor at home, offered on Tuesday to help needy Americans with cheap supplies of gasoline.
'We want to sell gasoline and heating fuel directly to poor communities in the United States,' the populist leader told reporters at the end of a visit to Communist-run Cuba.
Chavez did not say how Venezuela would go about providing gasoline to poor communities. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA owns Citgo, which has 14,000 gas stations in the United States."
'We want to sell gasoline and heating fuel directly to poor communities in the United States,' the populist leader told reporters at the end of a visit to Communist-run Cuba.
Chavez did not say how Venezuela would go about providing gasoline to poor communities. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA owns Citgo, which has 14,000 gas stations in the United States."
FBI Agents' 'Wedding' Is a Bust for Guests: SouthFlorida.com
: " WASHINGTON — After their wedding guests had streamed into Atlantic City, N.J., for the festivities Sunday aboard the yacht Royal Charm, the happy couple surprised them all — by having them arrested as part of an alleged international Asia-based organized crime syndicate."
23.8.05
BBC NEWS | Europe | Portugal wildfires out of control
BBC NEWS | Europe | Portugal wildfires out of control: "Dozens of wildfires are still raging out of control across Portugal, despite desperate efforts to contain them.
The worst-hit areas include the central region, where fires are threatening the outskirts of the third-largest city of Coimbra, firefighters say."
The worst-hit areas include the central region, where fires are threatening the outskirts of the third-largest city of Coimbra, firefighters say."
Canoe – Infos – International - Le t�l�vang�liste am�ricain Pat Robertson appelle �l'assassinat d'Hugo Chavez
Canoe – Infos – International - Le télévangéliste américain Pat Robertson appelle à l'assassinat d'Hugo Chavez: "Le télévangéliste américain Pat Robertson appelle à l'assassinat d'Hugo Chavez"
t r u t h o u t - Robert Fisk | Secrets of the Morgue: Baghdad's Body Count
t r u t h o u t - Robert Fisk | Secrets of the Morgue: Baghdad's Body Count: "Bodies of 1,100 civilians brought to mortuary in July. Pre-invasion, July figure was typically less than 200. Last Sunday alone, the mortuary received 36 bodies. Up to 20 per cent of the bodies are never identified. Many of the dead have been tortured or disfigured."
USATODAY.com - Pat Robertson calls for assassination of Hugo Chavez
: "VIRGINIA BEACH (AP) — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson suggested on-air that American operatives assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to stop his country from becoming "a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism."
"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said Monday on the Christian Broadcast Network's The 700 Club.""
"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said Monday on the Christian Broadcast Network's The 700 Club.""
New Scientist Breaking News - Westerners and Easterners see the world differently
: "Chinese and American people see the world differently – literally. While Americans focus on the central objects of photographs, Chinese individuals pay more attention to the image as a whole, according to psychologists at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, US."
22.8.05
US satellite confirms NKorea reactivated nuclear reactor last month: report
US satellite confirms NKorea reactivated nuclear reactor last month: report: "TOKYO (AFP) Aug 21, 2005
A US spy satellite has found that North Korea reactivated its nuclear reactor last month after it spotted vapor coming out of the reactor's boiler, a Japanese daily said Sunday.
The reactivation of the Yongbyon nuclear complex came just before six-nation talks aimed at halting the North's nuclear drive began in Beijing in late July, the Asahi Shimbun daily said, quoting unnamed diplomatic sources.
The topic of the reactivated reactor had been discussed during the talks -- which involved the two Koreas, Russia, Japan, China and the United States -- the daily said without giving further details.
The Asahi said vapor had not been seen at the Yongbyon reactor since early April, and the report quoted a US source as saying that the release of vapor indicated renewed activity."
A US spy satellite has found that North Korea reactivated its nuclear reactor last month after it spotted vapor coming out of the reactor's boiler, a Japanese daily said Sunday.
The reactivation of the Yongbyon nuclear complex came just before six-nation talks aimed at halting the North's nuclear drive began in Beijing in late July, the Asahi Shimbun daily said, quoting unnamed diplomatic sources.
The topic of the reactivated reactor had been discussed during the talks -- which involved the two Koreas, Russia, Japan, China and the United States -- the daily said without giving further details.
The Asahi said vapor had not been seen at the Yongbyon reactor since early April, and the report quoted a US source as saying that the release of vapor indicated renewed activity."
CNN.com - 9/11�factors boost Gulf economies - Aug 21, 2005
CNN.com - 9/11�factors boost Gulf economies - Aug 21, 2005: "DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- In the United States, the September 11 attacks are seen as the catalyst for a period of fear, war and economic worry.
But in the oil-rich Arab countries of the Gulf, September 11 is increasingly being seen as the event that kicked off a galloping economic boom -- and prodded investors to pull their money out of a United States perceived as hostile to Arabs, and instead invest it at home.
Since late 2001, economies in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries have soared, with stock markets up a collective 400 percent. During the same period, investments from those countries into the U.S. slowed to a trickle."
But in the oil-rich Arab countries of the Gulf, September 11 is increasingly being seen as the event that kicked off a galloping economic boom -- and prodded investors to pull their money out of a United States perceived as hostile to Arabs, and instead invest it at home.
Since late 2001, economies in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries have soared, with stock markets up a collective 400 percent. During the same period, investments from those countries into the U.S. slowed to a trickle."
21.8.05
CNN.com - U.S., Taliban bargained�over bin Laden, documents show - Aug 19, 2005
CNN.com - U.S., Taliban bargained�over bin Laden, documents show - Aug 19, 2005: "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- During secret meetings with U.S. officials in 1998, top Taliban officials discussed assassinating or expelling Osama bin Laden in response to al Qaeda's deadly bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa, according to State Department documents.
The newly declassified documents, posted Thursday on the National Archives Web site, provide a fascinating glimpse into U.S. diplomacy exerted on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban -- a regime officially unrecognized by Washington -- nearly three years before the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.
According to the documents, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Alan Eastham Jr., met with Wakil Ahmed, a close aide to Taliban leader Mullah Omar, in November and December 1998. That was just months after the August al Qaeda attacks that killed more than 200 people at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania."
The newly declassified documents, posted Thursday on the National Archives Web site, provide a fascinating glimpse into U.S. diplomacy exerted on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban -- a regime officially unrecognized by Washington -- nearly three years before the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.
According to the documents, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Alan Eastham Jr., met with Wakil Ahmed, a close aide to Taliban leader Mullah Omar, in November and December 1998. That was just months after the August al Qaeda attacks that killed more than 200 people at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania."
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