HealthDay: "TUESDAY, Aug. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Many Cambodian refugees living in the United States who fled the brutal Khmer Rouge regime more than two decades ago remain traumatized, a new study finds.
Almost two-thirds (62 percent) of Cambodians surveyed suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 51 percent suffered from depression in the past year. This was six to 17 times higher than the national average for adults, according to the report in the Aug. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association."
3.8.05
FT.com / Home UK - World turning its back on Brand America
FT.com / Home UK - World turning its back on Brand America: "The US is increasingly viewed as a 'culture-free zone' inhabited by arrogant and unfriendly people, according to study of 25 countries' brand reputations.
The findings, published online today, will add to concerns that anti-Americanism is hurting companies whose products are considered to be distinctly 'American'.
The Anholt-GMI Nation Brands Index found that although US foreign policy remained a key driver of hostility, dissatisfaction with the world's sole superpower might run deeper.
'The US is still recognised as a leading place to do business, the home of desirable brands and popular culture,' said Simon Anholt, author of the survey. 'But its governance, its cultural heritage and its people are no longer widely respected or admired by the world.'"
The findings, published online today, will add to concerns that anti-Americanism is hurting companies whose products are considered to be distinctly 'American'.
The Anholt-GMI Nation Brands Index found that although US foreign policy remained a key driver of hostility, dissatisfaction with the world's sole superpower might run deeper.
'The US is still recognised as a leading place to do business, the home of desirable brands and popular culture,' said Simon Anholt, author of the survey. 'But its governance, its cultural heritage and its people are no longer widely respected or admired by the world.'"
2.8.05
Bad to the Last Drop - New York Times
Bad to the Last Drop - New York Times: "London
IT'S summertime, and odds are that at some point during your day you'll reach for a nice cold bottle of water. But before you do, you might want to consider the results of an experiment I conducted with some friends one summer evening last year. On the table were 10 bottles of water, several rows of glasses and some paper for recording our impressions. We were to evaluate samples from each bottle for appearance, odor, flavor, mouth, feel and aftertaste - and our aim was to identify the interloper among the famous names. One of our bottles had been filled from the tap. Would we spot it?
Skip to next paragraph
Readers
Forum: Op-Ed Contributors
We worked our way through the samples, writing scores for each one. None of us could detect any odor, even when swilling water around in large wine glasses, but other differences between the waters were instantly apparent. Between sips, we cleansed our palates with wine. (It seemed only fair, since water serves the same function at a wine tasting.)
The variation between waters was wide, yet the water from the tap did not stand out: only one of us correctly identified it. This simple experiment seemed to confirm that most people cannot tell the difference between tap water and bottled water. Yet they buy it anyway - and in enormous quantities."
IT'S summertime, and odds are that at some point during your day you'll reach for a nice cold bottle of water. But before you do, you might want to consider the results of an experiment I conducted with some friends one summer evening last year. On the table were 10 bottles of water, several rows of glasses and some paper for recording our impressions. We were to evaluate samples from each bottle for appearance, odor, flavor, mouth, feel and aftertaste - and our aim was to identify the interloper among the famous names. One of our bottles had been filled from the tap. Would we spot it?
Skip to next paragraph
Readers
Forum: Op-Ed Contributors
We worked our way through the samples, writing scores for each one. None of us could detect any odor, even when swilling water around in large wine glasses, but other differences between the waters were instantly apparent. Between sips, we cleansed our palates with wine. (It seemed only fair, since water serves the same function at a wine tasting.)
The variation between waters was wide, yet the water from the tap did not stand out: only one of us correctly identified it. This simple experiment seemed to confirm that most people cannot tell the difference between tap water and bottled water. Yet they buy it anyway - and in enormous quantities."
Was Di bumped off because of baby? : HTTabloid.com
Was Di bumped off because of baby? : HTTabloid.com: "Diana's lover Dodi Fayed's father, Mohamed Al Fayed is convinced that a new enquiry will prove that the Princess of Wales was murdered in the 1997 car crash in Paris, because she was pregnant with his son's child.
'I was very close to Diana and I know many things from her that show this was no accident. One thing that will be shown to be true when the inquest is held is that Diana was pregnant with my son's child. The security services are clearly very nervous about the positive findings the investigation is uncovering,' Contactmusic quoting him as saying to The Daily Express.
A senior French lawyer, who is helping the inquiry into the accident, said that the princess was preparing to announce her pregnancy before her tragic death.
Official documents, which are being investigated by former Metropolitan Police chief Lord Stevens, suggest that she was murdered to prevent her embarrassing the Royal Family by having a Muslim's child.
Weeks before her accident, Diana had told reports, 'You are going to get a big surprise.'"
'I was very close to Diana and I know many things from her that show this was no accident. One thing that will be shown to be true when the inquest is held is that Diana was pregnant with my son's child. The security services are clearly very nervous about the positive findings the investigation is uncovering,' Contactmusic quoting him as saying to The Daily Express.
A senior French lawyer, who is helping the inquiry into the accident, said that the princess was preparing to announce her pregnancy before her tragic death.
Official documents, which are being investigated by former Metropolitan Police chief Lord Stevens, suggest that she was murdered to prevent her embarrassing the Royal Family by having a Muslim's child.
Weeks before her accident, Diana had told reports, 'You are going to get a big surprise.'"
AOL News - U.S. Soldier Named Sheik by Iraqi Citizens
AOL News - U.S. Soldier Named Sheik by Iraqi Citizens: "QAYYARAH, Iraq (July 31) - Sheik Horn floats around the room in white robe and headdress, exchanging pleasantries with dozens of village leaders. But he's the only sheik with blonde streaks in his mustache - and the only one who attended country music star Toby Keith's recent concert in Baghdad with fellow U.S. soldiers.
Officially, he's Army Staff Sgt. Dale L. Horn, but to residents of the 37 villages and towns that he patrols he's known as the American sheik.
Sheiks, or village elders, are known as the real power in rural Iraq. And the 5-foot-6-inch Floridian's ascension to the esteemed position came through dry humor and the military's need to clamp down on rocket attacks.
... ...
And Horn doesn't take his responsibilities lightly. He lately has been prodding the Iraqi Education Ministry to pay local teachers, and he closely follows a water pipeline project that he hopes will ensure the steady flow of clean water to his villages.
"Ninety percent of the people in my area are shepherds or simple townspeople," said Horn. "They simply want to find a decent job to make enough money to provide food and a stable place for their people to live."
To Horn's commanders, his success justifies his unorthodox approach: no rockets have hit their base in the last half year.
"He has developed a great relationship with local leaders," said Lt. Col. Bradley Becker, who commands the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment. "They love him. They're not going to let anyone shoot at Sheik Horn." "
Officially, he's Army Staff Sgt. Dale L. Horn, but to residents of the 37 villages and towns that he patrols he's known as the American sheik.
Sheiks, or village elders, are known as the real power in rural Iraq. And the 5-foot-6-inch Floridian's ascension to the esteemed position came through dry humor and the military's need to clamp down on rocket attacks.
... ...
And Horn doesn't take his responsibilities lightly. He lately has been prodding the Iraqi Education Ministry to pay local teachers, and he closely follows a water pipeline project that he hopes will ensure the steady flow of clean water to his villages.
"Ninety percent of the people in my area are shepherds or simple townspeople," said Horn. "They simply want to find a decent job to make enough money to provide food and a stable place for their people to live."
To Horn's commanders, his success justifies his unorthodox approach: no rockets have hit their base in the last half year.
"He has developed a great relationship with local leaders," said Lt. Col. Bradley Becker, who commands the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment. "They love him. They're not going to let anyone shoot at Sheik Horn." "
BBC NEWS | Americas | Bolton appointed US envoy to UN
BBC NEWS | Americas | Bolton appointed US envoy to UN: "President George W Bush appoints John Bolton as US envoy to the UN
US President George W Bush has formally appointed John Bolton as US ambassador to the United Nations, without waiting for approval from the Senate.
Mr Bush said Democrats had forced him to bypass Congress by using 'shameful delaying tactics' to prevent a vote.
'This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about UN reform,' Mr Bush said.
After being sworn in in Washington, Mr Bolton went to New York to start work.
At times a stern critic of the UN, he will serve there until 2007."
US President George W Bush has formally appointed John Bolton as US ambassador to the United Nations, without waiting for approval from the Senate.
Mr Bush said Democrats had forced him to bypass Congress by using 'shameful delaying tactics' to prevent a vote.
'This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about UN reform,' Mr Bush said.
After being sworn in in Washington, Mr Bolton went to New York to start work.
At times a stern critic of the UN, he will serve there until 2007."
1.8.05
Scotland on Sunday - Entertainment - Never say never, but Connery ends career
Scotland on Sunday - Entertainment - Never say never, but Connery ends career: "IT IS a decision that will horrify his legion of worldwide fans and leave grown women in tears.
Scottish screen legend Sir Sean Connery has almost drawn the curtain on his long and glittering career by revealing it would take a Mafia-style 'offer he couldn't refuse' to tempt him to make another film.
At the age of 74, Connery still manages to be Britain's highest-paid actor, commanding up to �10m per movie. But his three-year absence from the industry has prompted questions about whether the Scots star has decided to retire after half a century in Hollywood and 77 films.
Now, Connery has provided the answer. In an interview with a New Zealand newspaper, the actor says he has no time for the 'idiots' now making films in Hollywood."
Scottish screen legend Sir Sean Connery has almost drawn the curtain on his long and glittering career by revealing it would take a Mafia-style 'offer he couldn't refuse' to tempt him to make another film.
At the age of 74, Connery still manages to be Britain's highest-paid actor, commanding up to �10m per movie. But his three-year absence from the industry has prompted questions about whether the Scots star has decided to retire after half a century in Hollywood and 77 films.
Now, Connery has provided the answer. In an interview with a New Zealand newspaper, the actor says he has no time for the 'idiots' now making films in Hollywood."
BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Iran will reopen nuclear facility
BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Iran will reopen nuclear facility: "Iran is to resume the processing of uranium at a nuclear plant, breaking seals placed on the facility by the UN nuclear watchdog in late 2004.
Officials in Tehran said they had delivered a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) explaining plans to restart uranium conversion.
The European Union, which failed to respond to an Iranian deadline to reopen talks, has urged restraint.
Iran halted uranium processing in 2004, but denies pursuing nuclear weapons."
Officials in Tehran said they had delivered a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) explaining plans to restart uranium conversion.
The European Union, which failed to respond to an Iranian deadline to reopen talks, has urged restraint.
Iran halted uranium processing in 2004, but denies pursuing nuclear weapons."
t r u t h o u t - New York Times | The Roots of Prisoner Abuse
t r u t h o u t - New York Times | The Roots of Prisoner Abuse: "This week, the White House blocked a Senate vote on a measure sponsored by a half-dozen Republicans, including Senator John McCain, that would prohibit cruel, degrading or inhumane treatment of prisoners. Besides being outrageous on its face, that action served as a reminder of how the Bush administration ducks for cover behind the men and women in uniform when challenged on military policy, but ignores their advice when it seems inconvenient.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who has shown real political courage on this issue, recently released documents showing that the military's top lawyers had warned a year before the Abu Ghraib nightmare came to light that detainee policies imposed by the White House and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld violated American and international law and undermined the standards of civilized treatment embedded in the American military tradition."
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who has shown real political courage on this issue, recently released documents showing that the military's top lawyers had warned a year before the Abu Ghraib nightmare came to light that detainee policies imposed by the White House and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld violated American and international law and undermined the standards of civilized treatment embedded in the American military tradition."
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Terror suspect gives first account of London attack
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Terror suspect gives first account of London attack: "One of the men accused of taking part in the failed terror attacks in London on 21 July has claimed the bomb plot was directly inspired by Britain's involvement in the Iraq war.
In a remarkable insight into the motives behind the alleged would-be bombers, Hussain Osman, arrested in Rome on Friday, has revealed how the suspects watched hours of TV footage showing grief-stricken Iraqi widows and children alongside images of civilians killed in the conflict. He is alleged to have told prosecutors that after watching the footage: 'There was a feeling of hatred and a conviction that it was necessary to give a signal - to do something.'"
In a remarkable insight into the motives behind the alleged would-be bombers, Hussain Osman, arrested in Rome on Friday, has revealed how the suspects watched hours of TV footage showing grief-stricken Iraqi widows and children alongside images of civilians killed in the conflict. He is alleged to have told prosecutors that after watching the footage: 'There was a feeling of hatred and a conviction that it was necessary to give a signal - to do something.'"
New Scientist Breaking News - Planting trees may create deserts
New Scientist Breaking News - Planting trees may create deserts: "Planting trees can create deserts, lower water tables and drain rivers, rather than filling them, claims a new report supported by the UK government.
The findings - which may come as heresy to tree-lovers and most environmentalists - is an emerging new consensus among forest and water professionals.
“Common but misguided views about water management,” says the report, are resulting in the waste of tens of millions of pounds every year across the world. Forests planted with the intention of trapping moisture are instead depleting reservoirs and drying out soils."
The findings - which may come as heresy to tree-lovers and most environmentalists - is an emerging new consensus among forest and water professionals.
“Common but misguided views about water management,” says the report, are resulting in the waste of tens of millions of pounds every year across the world. Forests planted with the intention of trapping moisture are instead depleting reservoirs and drying out soils."
31.7.05
Osprey Media Group Inc. - The Kingston Whig-Standard
Osprey Media Group Inc. - The Kingston Whig-Standard: "High-tech border pass raises alarm
Local News - Friday, July 29, 2005 @ 07:00
Kingston’s closest U.S. border crossing will employ high-tech radio frequency technology to monitor visitors from other countries who want to enter the States from Canada – a move that alarms both a Kingston privacy expert and an immigration specialist.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said this week that the crossing between Lansdowne and Alexandria Bay, N.Y., will be one of three Canada-U.S. land borders to require non-Canadians to carry wireless devices as part of a pilot project.
Travellers will be required to carry the devices as of Aug. 4.
The technology is part of US-VISIT, a billion-dollar anti-terrorism initiative launched last December that has kept about 700 criminals, including one posing as a Canadian, out of the States.
US-VISIT uses biometric information from photos and fingerprints taken from non-Canadians at border crossings to track residents from other countries who enter the U.S.
Canadian citizens are the only people in the world exempt from US-VISIT.
Travellers required to use the technology include landed immigrants living in Canada, Canadian citizens who are either engaged to a U.S. citizen or who have applied for a special business visa.
They’ll have to carry the wireless devices as a way for border guards to access the electronic information stored inside a document about the size of a large index card.
Visitors to the U.S. will get the card the first time they cross the border and will be required the carry the document on subsequent crossings to and from the States.
Border guards will be able to access the information electronically from 12 metres away to enable those carrying the devices to be processed more quickly.
Two other border crossings between Surrey, B.C., and Blaine, Wash., will also be implementing the technology as part of the pilot project.
Kimberly Weissman, spokeswoman for the US-VISIT program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told The Whig-Standard yesterday that the new devices can’t be tracked outside the border crossing area.
“It has a range of 10 to 15 metres,” she said. "
Local News - Friday, July 29, 2005 @ 07:00
Kingston’s closest U.S. border crossing will employ high-tech radio frequency technology to monitor visitors from other countries who want to enter the States from Canada – a move that alarms both a Kingston privacy expert and an immigration specialist.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said this week that the crossing between Lansdowne and Alexandria Bay, N.Y., will be one of three Canada-U.S. land borders to require non-Canadians to carry wireless devices as part of a pilot project.
Travellers will be required to carry the devices as of Aug. 4.
The technology is part of US-VISIT, a billion-dollar anti-terrorism initiative launched last December that has kept about 700 criminals, including one posing as a Canadian, out of the States.
US-VISIT uses biometric information from photos and fingerprints taken from non-Canadians at border crossings to track residents from other countries who enter the U.S.
Canadian citizens are the only people in the world exempt from US-VISIT.
Travellers required to use the technology include landed immigrants living in Canada, Canadian citizens who are either engaged to a U.S. citizen or who have applied for a special business visa.
They’ll have to carry the wireless devices as a way for border guards to access the electronic information stored inside a document about the size of a large index card.
Visitors to the U.S. will get the card the first time they cross the border and will be required the carry the document on subsequent crossings to and from the States.
Border guards will be able to access the information electronically from 12 metres away to enable those carrying the devices to be processed more quickly.
Two other border crossings between Surrey, B.C., and Blaine, Wash., will also be implementing the technology as part of the pilot project.
Kimberly Weissman, spokeswoman for the US-VISIT program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told The Whig-Standard yesterday that the new devices can’t be tracked outside the border crossing area.
“It has a range of 10 to 15 metres,” she said. "
29.7.05
The Sun Online - News: Jacko's new album flops
The Sun Online - News: Jacko's new album flops: "MICHAEL Jackson’s new album sold just 8,000 copies in its first week in the US.
The greatest hits CD charted at a lowly 128 as fans snubbed the star.
The flop is a huge blow for Jacko, 46, who hoped to make a comeback after he was cleared of child sex abuse charges last month."
The greatest hits CD charted at a lowly 128 as fans snubbed the star.
The flop is a huge blow for Jacko, 46, who hoped to make a comeback after he was cleared of child sex abuse charges last month."
28.7.05
ABC News: Study Finds N.Y. Smoking Ban Helping
ABC News: Study Finds N.Y. Smoking Ban Helping: "ALBANY, N.Y. Jul 27, 2005 — Bar and restaurant workers in New York are suffering fewer sore throats and runny noses since the state's workplace smoking ban went into effect, health officials reported Wednesday.
The reduction is linked to the dramatic decline in employees' exposure to second-hand smoke, according to findings published in the August issue of Tobacco Control, a public health journal. Prior to the smoking ban in 2003, employees reported being exposed to 12 hours of smoke over a four-day period; that figure dropped to 12 minutes in 2004."
The reduction is linked to the dramatic decline in employees' exposure to second-hand smoke, according to findings published in the August issue of Tobacco Control, a public health journal. Prior to the smoking ban in 2003, employees reported being exposed to 12 hours of smoke over a four-day period; that figure dropped to 12 minutes in 2004."
New Statesman - Politics - Blair's bombs
New Statesman - Politics - Blair's bombs: "Terror and the UK - The senseless repercussions of interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine demand that we renew our anger at our leaders. Our troops must come home. We owe it to all those who died in London on 7 July."
New Scientist Breaking News - Japan plans mind-boggling number-cruncher
New Scientist Breaking News - Japan plans mind-boggling number-cruncher: "Japan has revealed plans to build a supercomputer so staggeringly powerful that it will be five times swifter than the 500 fastest systems on the planet today – combined."
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Japanese develop 'female' android
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Japanese develop 'female' android: "Japanese scientists have unveiled the most human-looking robot yet devised - a 'female' android called Repliee Q1.
She has flexible silicone for skin rather than hard plastic, and a number of sensors and motors to allow her to turn and react in a human-like manner.
She can flutter her eyelids and move her hands like a human. She even appears to breathe.
Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University says one day robots could fool us into believing they are human."
She has flexible silicone for skin rather than hard plastic, and a number of sensors and motors to allow her to turn and react in a human-like manner.
She can flutter her eyelids and move her hands like a human. She even appears to breathe.
Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University says one day robots could fool us into believing they are human."
Osama tried to kill Americans with poison pills : HindustanTimes.com
Osama tried to kill Americans with poison pills : HindustanTimes.com: "Nearly a year after 9/11, Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden had plotted to kill thousands of Americans by selling poisoned cocaine in the US. Had his plan succeeded, the number of casualties would have been more than in the 9/11 tragedy, said a report in the New York Post.
According to the paper, Osama was willing to spend tens of millions of dollars to finance the deal, but his plot failed when the Colombian drug lords, whom he had approached, decided it would be bad for their business."
According to the paper, Osama was willing to spend tens of millions of dollars to finance the deal, but his plot failed when the Colombian drug lords, whom he had approached, decided it would be bad for their business."
27.7.05
Washington recasts terror war as 'struggle' - Americas - International Herald Tribune
Washington recasts terror war as 'struggle' - Americas - International Herald Tribune: "WASHINGTON The Bush administration is retooling its slogan for the fight against Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, pushing the idea that the long-term struggle is as much an ideological battle as a military mission, according to senior administration and military officials.
In recent speeches and news conferences, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the country's top military officer have spoken of 'a global struggle against violent extremism' rather than 'the global war on terror,' which had been the catchphrase of choice."
In recent speeches and news conferences, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the country's top military officer have spoken of 'a global struggle against violent extremism' rather than 'the global war on terror,' which had been the catchphrase of choice."
26.7.05
Newsday.com: Unsound practices
Newsday.com: Unsound practices: "In the 1980s, in an effort to skirt the payola laws, the record labels and radio stations began using independent promoters, or 'indies,' to get certain songs on the radio. Variations of that practice continue today, although Clear Channel Communications, Infinity Broadcasting and Cox Radio all have banned the use of indies.
Spitzer outlined several modern payola schemes in documents released yesterday, adding that deregulation of the radio industry and the rise of large conglomerates have resulted in 'increased sophistication' of such plans.
These days, DJs no longer pick the songs they play. The program directors do, choosing a handful of songs to add and remove from a set playlist. Because dozens of songs are released each week, vying for a spot on a station's playlist, record companies use 'promotional support' - vacations, laptop computers, concert tickets and other items - to add their songs to the list instead of their competitors'.
Once a song is added to the playlist, companies continue the 'promotional support' to keep the song on the week's playlist or get it played more often.
The more 'spins' a song gets, the more awareness it garners, the higher on the chart it gets and, presumably, the more records it sells."
Spitzer outlined several modern payola schemes in documents released yesterday, adding that deregulation of the radio industry and the rise of large conglomerates have resulted in 'increased sophistication' of such plans.
These days, DJs no longer pick the songs they play. The program directors do, choosing a handful of songs to add and remove from a set playlist. Because dozens of songs are released each week, vying for a spot on a station's playlist, record companies use 'promotional support' - vacations, laptop computers, concert tickets and other items - to add their songs to the list instead of their competitors'.
Once a song is added to the playlist, companies continue the 'promotional support' to keep the song on the week's playlist or get it played more often.
The more 'spins' a song gets, the more awareness it garners, the higher on the chart it gets and, presumably, the more records it sells."
New York Daily News - Home - DJs were paid to play that tune
New York Daily News - Home - DJs were paid to play that tune: "DJs were paid to play that tune
Spitzer probe finds gigantic payola scam; Sony will pay $10M
Sick of lousy songs on the radio?
Blame it on a corrupt record business that skews the Top 40 by giving free trips and other goodies to radio programmers - and cold cash to radio stations to play their artists, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer charged yesterday.
Big-name artists like Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Good Charlotte got airtime on the radio because their labels gave away computers and trips to Las Vegas, according to telltale industry E-mails Spitzer uncovered - and revealed yesterday.
'Payola is pervasive. It reaches to the very top of the industry, on the radio side and the label side,' Spitzer said yesterday as he announced the first settlement in his probe of pay-for-play in the music industry."
Spitzer probe finds gigantic payola scam; Sony will pay $10M
Sick of lousy songs on the radio?
Blame it on a corrupt record business that skews the Top 40 by giving free trips and other goodies to radio programmers - and cold cash to radio stations to play their artists, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer charged yesterday.
Big-name artists like Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Good Charlotte got airtime on the radio because their labels gave away computers and trips to Las Vegas, according to telltale industry E-mails Spitzer uncovered - and revealed yesterday.
'Payola is pervasive. It reaches to the very top of the industry, on the radio side and the label side,' Spitzer said yesterday as he announced the first settlement in his probe of pay-for-play in the music industry."
Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com
Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com: "BEIJING, July 26 (Reuters) - Six-party talks aimed at ending the crisis over North Korea's nuclear ambitions resumed on Tuesday after a one-year hiatus with positive signals from both Washington and Pyongyang raising hopes for progress.
While few expect a breakthrough this week in Beijing, the atmosphere in the run-up to the fourth round of discussions between the two Koreas, the United States, Russia, Japan and China has been upbeat.
The United States held a rare one-on-one meeting with North Korea on Monday and planned another on Tuesday, raising hopes of a less confrontational approach to discussions which have dragged on for nearly three years.
U.S. officials described the atmosphere at Monday's meeting, which lasted for 75 minutes, as positive and 'businesslike'.
'Opening talks is important. But what's more important is to achieve actual progress such as denuclearisation,' North Korean chief negotiator Kim Kye-gwan said at Tuesday's opening session.
'Our delegation is fully ready for this and we believe other parties including the United States are also ready for it.'
U.S. negotiator Christopher Hill responded in kind, with reassurances that Washington believed the North, which it once branded part of an 'axis of evil', was a sovereign state which it would not attack."
%20and%20North%20Korean%20Vice%20Foreign%20Minister%20Kim%20Gye%20Gwan%20(L)%20attend%20a%20welcoming%20banquet%20to%20the%20negotiators%20for%20the%20six-party%20talks%20held%20by%20Chinese%20Foreign%20Minister%20Li%20Zhaoxing%20at%20Diaoyutai%20State%20Guesthouse%20%20in%20Beijing%20on%20July%2025,%202005.%20REUTERS/Guang%20Niu/Pool){kind=link}
While few expect a breakthrough this week in Beijing, the atmosphere in the run-up to the fourth round of discussions between the two Koreas, the United States, Russia, Japan and China has been upbeat.
The United States held a rare one-on-one meeting with North Korea on Monday and planned another on Tuesday, raising hopes of a less confrontational approach to discussions which have dragged on for nearly three years.
U.S. officials described the atmosphere at Monday's meeting, which lasted for 75 minutes, as positive and 'businesslike'.
'Opening talks is important. But what's more important is to achieve actual progress such as denuclearisation,' North Korean chief negotiator Kim Kye-gwan said at Tuesday's opening session.
'Our delegation is fully ready for this and we believe other parties including the United States are also ready for it.'
U.S. negotiator Christopher Hill responded in kind, with reassurances that Washington believed the North, which it once branded part of an 'axis of evil', was a sovereign state which it would not attack."
25.7.05
New York City - AP New Jersey
New York City - AP New Jersey: "TRENTON, N.J. -- Ashtrays have been disappearing in cars like fins on Cadillacs, and so could smoking while driving in New Jersey, under a measure introduced in the Legislature.
Although the measure faces long odds, it still has smokers incensed and tearing into the idea as a Big Brother intrusion that threatens to take away one of the few places they can enjoy their habit. "
Although the measure faces long odds, it still has smokers incensed and tearing into the idea as a Big Brother intrusion that threatens to take away one of the few places they can enjoy their habit. "
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | GM crops created superweed, say scientists
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | GM crops created superweed, say scientists: "GM crops created superweed, say scientists
Modified rape crosses with wild plant to create tough pesticide-resistant strain
Modified genes from crops in a GM crop trial have transferred into local wild plants, creating a form of herbicide-resistant 'superweed', the Guardian can reveal."
Modified rape crosses with wild plant to create tough pesticide-resistant strain
Modified genes from crops in a GM crop trial have transferred into local wild plants, creating a form of herbicide-resistant 'superweed', the Guardian can reveal."
Opponents of Wal-Mart to Coordinate Efforts
Opponents of Wal-Mart to Coordinate Efforts: "How Costco Became the Anti-Wal-Mart
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
Published: July 17, 2005
ISSAQUAH, Wash. JIM SINEGAL, the chief executive of Costco Wholesale, the nation's fifth-largest retailer, had all the enthusiasm of an 8-year-old in a candy store as he tore open the container of one of his favorite new products: granola snack mix. 'You got to try this; it's delicious,' he said. 'And just $9.99 for 38 ounces.'
Some 60 feet away, inside Costco's cavernous warehouse store here in the company's hometown, Mr. Sinegal became positively exuberant about the 87-inch-long Natuzzi brown leather sofas. 'This is just $799.99,' he said. 'It's terrific quality. Most other places you'd have to pay $1,500, even $2,000.'
But the pièce de résistance, the item he most wanted to crow about, was Costco's private-label pinpoint cotton dress shirts. 'Look, these are just $12.99,' he said, while lifting a crisp blue button-down. 'At Nordstrom or Macy's, this is a $45, $50 shirt.'
Combining high quality with stunningly low prices, the shirts appeal to upscale customers - and epitomize why some retail analysts say Mr. Sinegal just might be America's shrewdest merchant since Sam Walton.
But not everyone is happy with Costco's business strategy. Some Wall Street analysts assert that Mr. Sinegal is overly generous not only to Costco's customers but to its workers as well.
Costco's average pay, for example, is $17 an hour, 42 percent higher than its fiercest rival, Sam's Club. And Costco's health plan makes those at many other retailers look Scroogish. One analyst, Bill Dreher of Deutsche Bank, complained last year that at Costco 'it's better to be an employee or a customer than a shareholder.' "
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
Published: July 17, 2005
ISSAQUAH, Wash. JIM SINEGAL, the chief executive of Costco Wholesale, the nation's fifth-largest retailer, had all the enthusiasm of an 8-year-old in a candy store as he tore open the container of one of his favorite new products: granola snack mix. 'You got to try this; it's delicious,' he said. 'And just $9.99 for 38 ounces.'
Some 60 feet away, inside Costco's cavernous warehouse store here in the company's hometown, Mr. Sinegal became positively exuberant about the 87-inch-long Natuzzi brown leather sofas. 'This is just $799.99,' he said. 'It's terrific quality. Most other places you'd have to pay $1,500, even $2,000.'
But the pièce de résistance, the item he most wanted to crow about, was Costco's private-label pinpoint cotton dress shirts. 'Look, these are just $12.99,' he said, while lifting a crisp blue button-down. 'At Nordstrom or Macy's, this is a $45, $50 shirt.'
Combining high quality with stunningly low prices, the shirts appeal to upscale customers - and epitomize why some retail analysts say Mr. Sinegal just might be America's shrewdest merchant since Sam Walton.
But not everyone is happy with Costco's business strategy. Some Wall Street analysts assert that Mr. Sinegal is overly generous not only to Costco's customers but to its workers as well.
Costco's average pay, for example, is $17 an hour, 42 percent higher than its fiercest rival, Sam's Club. And Costco's health plan makes those at many other retailers look Scroogish. One analyst, Bill Dreher of Deutsche Bank, complained last year that at Costco 'it's better to be an employee or a customer than a shareholder.' "
24.7.05
Telegraph | Money | China shows who's really the boss now
Telegraph | Money | China shows who's really the boss now: "China shows who's really the boss now
By Liam Halligan (Filed: 24/07/2005)
China's currency revaluation, which happened last Thursday, was an event of significance. While over-shadowed by London's second terrorist incident in a fortnight, Beijing's move was a landmark in economic history."
By Liam Halligan (Filed: 24/07/2005)
China's currency revaluation, which happened last Thursday, was an event of significance. While over-shadowed by London's second terrorist incident in a fortnight, Beijing's move was a landmark in economic history."
Ex-CIA Officers Rip Bush Over Rove Leak
Ex-CIA Officers Rip Bush Over Rove Leak: "WASHINGTON -- President Bush is jeopardizing national security by not disciplining Karl Rove for his role in leaking the name of a CIA officer, and has hampered efforts to recruit informants in the war on terror, former U.S. intelligence officers say."
22.7.05
CNN.com - 'He looked like a cornered fox' - Jul 22, 2005
CNN.com - 'He looked like a cornered fox' - Jul 22, 2005: "LONDON, England (CNN) -- Eyewitnesses to Friday's shooting at a London Underground station described seeing a man being chased onto a train and then shot several times at close range.
Police confirmed to CNN that armed officers had shot dead a male at Stockwell station in south London. (Full Story)
One witness, Mark Whitby, told BBC news the man appeared not to be carrying anything but was wearing a thick coat that looked padded.
Whitby said a young Asian man was shot five times after being chased into a train carriage by three men.
'As the man got on the train I looked at his face. He looked from left to right, but he basically looked like a cornered rabbit, like a cornered fox. He looked absolutely petrified,' said Whitby.
'He sort of tripped but they were hotly pursuing him and couldn't have been more than two or three feet behind him at this time.
'He half-tripped, was half-pushed to the floor. The policeman nearest to me had the black automatic pistol in his left hand, he held it down to the guy and unloaded five shots into him.
'He looked like a Pakistani but he had a baseball cap on, and quite a thickish coat. It was a coat like you would wear in winter, a sort of padded jacket. It looked out of place in the weather we've been having.'
Whitby said he had been about five yards away from where the incident occurred and was 'totally distraught' by what he had seen.
He said 10 to 15 police officers armed with pistols and sub-machine guns had run down to the platform as he was helping an elderly woman away from the train."
Police confirmed to CNN that armed officers had shot dead a male at Stockwell station in south London. (Full Story)
One witness, Mark Whitby, told BBC news the man appeared not to be carrying anything but was wearing a thick coat that looked padded.
Whitby said a young Asian man was shot five times after being chased into a train carriage by three men.
'As the man got on the train I looked at his face. He looked from left to right, but he basically looked like a cornered rabbit, like a cornered fox. He looked absolutely petrified,' said Whitby.
'He sort of tripped but they were hotly pursuing him and couldn't have been more than two or three feet behind him at this time.
'He half-tripped, was half-pushed to the floor. The policeman nearest to me had the black automatic pistol in his left hand, he held it down to the guy and unloaded five shots into him.
'He looked like a Pakistani but he had a baseball cap on, and quite a thickish coat. It was a coat like you would wear in winter, a sort of padded jacket. It looked out of place in the weather we've been having.'
Whitby said he had been about five yards away from where the incident occurred and was 'totally distraught' by what he had seen.
He said 10 to 15 police officers armed with pistols and sub-machine guns had run down to the platform as he was helping an elderly woman away from the train."
CNN.com - Police kill man on London Tube - Jul 22, 2005
CNN.com - Police kill man on London Tube - Jul 22, 2005: "LONDON, England (CNN) -- Police in London have shot a man dead at a subway station, a day after bombers apparently failed to repeat the carnage of the July 7 blasts.
The incident just after 10 a.m. (0900 GMT) Friday triggered new fears about the security of the capital's transit system just one day after four attempted bombings targeted three Underground trains and a bus.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that just after 10 a.m. armed officers entered Stockwell Tube station.
'A man was challenged by officers and subsequently shot. London Ambulance Service attended the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene.'"
The incident just after 10 a.m. (0900 GMT) Friday triggered new fears about the security of the capital's transit system just one day after four attempted bombings targeted three Underground trains and a bus.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that just after 10 a.m. armed officers entered Stockwell Tube station.
'A man was challenged by officers and subsequently shot. London Ambulance Service attended the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene.'"
MetroWestDailyNews.com - Printer Friendly
MetroWestDailyNews.com - Printer Friendly: "High Tech chill for the heat
By Rob Haneisen / Daily News Staff
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
NATICK -- Flying missions over the baked desert dunes of Iraq, U.S. Army helicopter pilots know a thing or two about beating heat similar to what is cooking Massachusetts this week.
They can thank the scientists at the U.S. Army Soldiers Systems Center in Natick for a secret weapon hidden under their clothes.
A liquid-cooled vest, part of the Air Warrior Microclimate Cooling System, has been worn by helicopter pilots in Iraq for the last year and this summer will be part of a test program to keep roasting soldiers cool in armored Humvees.
'We flew 5.5 hours in 120 degrees and it worked awesome,' an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq wrote to Natick Labs in an e-mail June 18. 'The crew agreed this system is the best thing we've done for the helicopter since we put a rotor on it.'
Air crewmembers wear the vest against their skin and under body armor and their flight suits. The tubing in the vest connects to a hose, which plugs into the cooling and pumping unit that sends 65 degrees of relief around the pilot and crewmembers' torsos.
According to Natick Labs scientist Walter Teal, the vests were developed in Natick in 1996 anticipating the need to keep helicopter pilots cool in extreme heat situations. The 1996 study suggested that pilots would only be able to tolerate 1.6 hours of flight time before succumbing to heat stress. "
By Rob Haneisen / Daily News Staff
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
NATICK -- Flying missions over the baked desert dunes of Iraq, U.S. Army helicopter pilots know a thing or two about beating heat similar to what is cooking Massachusetts this week.
They can thank the scientists at the U.S. Army Soldiers Systems Center in Natick for a secret weapon hidden under their clothes.
A liquid-cooled vest, part of the Air Warrior Microclimate Cooling System, has been worn by helicopter pilots in Iraq for the last year and this summer will be part of a test program to keep roasting soldiers cool in armored Humvees.
'We flew 5.5 hours in 120 degrees and it worked awesome,' an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq wrote to Natick Labs in an e-mail June 18. 'The crew agreed this system is the best thing we've done for the helicopter since we put a rotor on it.'
Air crewmembers wear the vest against their skin and under body armor and their flight suits. The tubing in the vest connects to a hose, which plugs into the cooling and pumping unit that sends 65 degrees of relief around the pilot and crewmembers' torsos.
According to Natick Labs scientist Walter Teal, the vests were developed in Natick in 1996 anticipating the need to keep helicopter pilots cool in extreme heat situations. The 1996 study suggested that pilots would only be able to tolerate 1.6 hours of flight time before succumbing to heat stress. "
Examiner
Examiner: "Treaty gives CIA powers over Irish citizens
By Dan Buckley
US INVESTIGATORS, including CIA agents, will be allowed interrogate Irish citizens on Irish soil in total secrecy, under an agreement signed between Ireland and the US last week.
Suspects will also have to give testimony and allow property to be searched and seized even if what the suspect is accused of is not a crime in Ireland.
Under 'instruments of agreement' signed last week by Justice Minister Michael McDowell, Ireland and the US pledged mutual co-operation in the investigation of criminal activity. It is primarily designed to assist America's so-called 'war on terror' in the wake of the September 11 atrocities. "
By Dan Buckley
US INVESTIGATORS, including CIA agents, will be allowed interrogate Irish citizens on Irish soil in total secrecy, under an agreement signed between Ireland and the US last week.
Suspects will also have to give testimony and allow property to be searched and seized even if what the suspect is accused of is not a crime in Ireland.
Under 'instruments of agreement' signed last week by Justice Minister Michael McDowell, Ireland and the US pledged mutual co-operation in the investigation of criminal activity. It is primarily designed to assist America's so-called 'war on terror' in the wake of the September 11 atrocities. "
CNN.com - House votes to extend Patriot Act - Jul 21, 2005
CNN.com - House votes to extend Patriot Act - Jul 21, 2005: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House voted Thursday to extend the USA Patriot Act, the nation's main anti-terrorism tool, just hours after televisions in the Capitol beamed images of a new attack in London.
As similar legislation worked its way through the Senate, House Republicans generally cast the law as a valuable asset in the war on terror. Most Democrats echoed that support but said they were concerned the law could allow citizens' civil liberties to be infringed."
As similar legislation worked its way through the Senate, House Republicans generally cast the law as a valuable asset in the war on terror. Most Democrats echoed that support but said they were concerned the law could allow citizens' civil liberties to be infringed."
21.7.05
BBC NEWS | Business | Q&A: China revalues its currency
BBC NEWS | Business | Q&A: China revalues its currency: "China has abandoned its currency's peg to the dollar and revalued the yuan by 2.2%. It now buys more US dollars than before.
With China both one of the world's largest exporters of manufactured goods and one of the largest importers of raw materials, the move's economic impact will be felt worldwide."
With China both one of the world's largest exporters of manufactured goods and one of the largest importers of raw materials, the move's economic impact will be felt worldwide."
National Post
National Post: "BEIJING (AP) - In a move that could have dramatic consequences for global economies, China said Thursday it will no longer peg its currency to the U.S. dollar but instead let it float in a tight band against a basket of foreign currencies."
Blue Skies, Green Cities
Blue Skies, Green Cities: "WASHINGTON - Ignoring inaction at the highest levels of the U.S. government, 145 mayors across the country have formed a coalition to combat global warming and begun to reshape their cities using innovative programs and technologies.
The mayors say they can make urban living more eco-friendly and at the same time create jobs and stimulate local economies.
The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty calling for reductions in the greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change, took effect in February. But the United States, which makes up four percent of the world's population and produces 22 percent of the world's greenhouse gases, did not ratify the treaty.
The George W. Bush administration opposes Kyoto because officials argue it would raise energy prices and kill five million U.S. jobs. The administration has also raised questions about the scientific legitimacy of climate change.
The House of Representatives and Senate have also done little to stop the Earth from heating up, the mayors say.
Tired of waiting for action from federal authorities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as the coalition is called, unanimously agreed last month to implement aspects of the protocol locally.
A total of 169 U.S. cities have now agreed to match or better the standards laid out in the Kyoto Protocol -- which requires industrialized nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of six percent below 1990 levels by the year 2012 -- through actions such as restoring forests, reducing urban sprawl, developing alternative energy technologies, and educating the public. "
The mayors say they can make urban living more eco-friendly and at the same time create jobs and stimulate local economies.
The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty calling for reductions in the greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change, took effect in February. But the United States, which makes up four percent of the world's population and produces 22 percent of the world's greenhouse gases, did not ratify the treaty.
The George W. Bush administration opposes Kyoto because officials argue it would raise energy prices and kill five million U.S. jobs. The administration has also raised questions about the scientific legitimacy of climate change.
The House of Representatives and Senate have also done little to stop the Earth from heating up, the mayors say.
Tired of waiting for action from federal authorities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as the coalition is called, unanimously agreed last month to implement aspects of the protocol locally.
A total of 169 U.S. cities have now agreed to match or better the standards laid out in the Kyoto Protocol -- which requires industrialized nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of six percent below 1990 levels by the year 2012 -- through actions such as restoring forests, reducing urban sprawl, developing alternative energy technologies, and educating the public. "
BBC NEWS | Business | How air-conditioning keeps changing the US
BBC NEWS | Business | How air-conditioning keeps changing the US: "We are now truly immersed - and it's the right word - in the full, awful steam bath season in much of North America.
Just to venture outside is to hit a wall of humidity that drains the spirit as it soaks the clothes.
Fortunately, though, America has embraced air conditioning with a vengeance.
If it's like a warm soup outside, the inside of cinemas and trains and stores is chilled to the point of discomfort.
Air conditioning in America seems like a necessity."
Just to venture outside is to hit a wall of humidity that drains the spirit as it soaks the clothes.
Fortunately, though, America has embraced air conditioning with a vengeance.
If it's like a warm soup outside, the inside of cinemas and trains and stores is chilled to the point of discomfort.
Air conditioning in America seems like a necessity."
20.7.05
Safe driving is yours for a song... - Yahoo! News
Safe driving is yours for a song... - Yahoo! News: "LONDON (Reuters) - Motorists who enjoy a sing-along while driving tend to concentrate more and fall asleep less than their silent counterparts, new research showed Tuesday.
However, drivers should avoid overly rousing tunes or complex rhythms which can divert attention away from the road.
'Singing while driving stimulates not only the mind but also the body which in turn produces heightened alertness and reduced fatigue,' said Dr Nicola Dibben, a music psychologist from the University of Sheffield.
She said music was more effective than silence, conversation or talk radio in achieving an optimal state of alertness."
However, drivers should avoid overly rousing tunes or complex rhythms which can divert attention away from the road.
'Singing while driving stimulates not only the mind but also the body which in turn produces heightened alertness and reduced fatigue,' said Dr Nicola Dibben, a music psychologist from the University of Sheffield.
She said music was more effective than silence, conversation or talk radio in achieving an optimal state of alertness."
IQ won't make you happy | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (16-07-2005)
IQ won't make you happy | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (16-07-2005): "IQ won't make you happy
By Adam Cresswell
July 16, 2005
MONEY can't buy you happiness, and now it seems brains can't either.
Researchers say clever people are no more likely to be happy in their old age than anybody else.
In a boost for exam-flunkers everywhere, a study published yesterday in the British Medical Journal found the levels of satisfaction with life recorded by 550 Scottish men and women aged 84-85 were unaffected by their mental abilities, either when they were young or much later.
The authors said the findings were contrary to previous thinking that 'cognitive vitality' was important in maintaining a good quality of life in old age. A link between happiness and intelligence 'might have been expected' because of the high value society placed on cleverness.
Advertisement:
The lack of such an association might be because smarter people were more likely to be aware of alternative lifestyles, or to have higher expectations or aspirations, the authors suggested."
By Adam Cresswell
July 16, 2005
MONEY can't buy you happiness, and now it seems brains can't either.
Researchers say clever people are no more likely to be happy in their old age than anybody else.
In a boost for exam-flunkers everywhere, a study published yesterday in the British Medical Journal found the levels of satisfaction with life recorded by 550 Scottish men and women aged 84-85 were unaffected by their mental abilities, either when they were young or much later.
The authors said the findings were contrary to previous thinking that 'cognitive vitality' was important in maintaining a good quality of life in old age. A link between happiness and intelligence 'might have been expected' because of the high value society placed on cleverness.
Advertisement:
The lack of such an association might be because smarter people were more likely to be aware of alternative lifestyles, or to have higher expectations or aspirations, the authors suggested."
Bigger wallet, more sex | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (18-07-2005)
Bigger wallet, more sex | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (18-07-2005): "Bigger wallet, more sex
By Mark Henderson in London
July 18, 2005
HIGH earners of both genders boast an increased libido over their poorer colleagues, but only the wealthy men end up having more sex.
As their incomes rise, men and women are more likely to have a higher sex drive, according to a study of almost 30,000 people from 170 countries - the largest survey of its kind.
The findings, from an online survey conducted by the BBC, offer fresh evidence for the theory that women tend to be more attracted to men with money and resources, but that a woman's wealth does not much affect her sex appeal to men.
Advertisement:
'Men accumulate resources, which they use to attract women,' said John Manning, professor of psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, who analysed the results.
'When it comes to men with little by way of resources, women are just not interested in them at all. As a man's earning power goes up, you would expect him to be having more sex and be with more sexual partners.'
Feminine charms were little enhanced by income because men paid more attention to other qualities, such as looks, Professor Manning said."
By Mark Henderson in London
July 18, 2005
HIGH earners of both genders boast an increased libido over their poorer colleagues, but only the wealthy men end up having more sex.
As their incomes rise, men and women are more likely to have a higher sex drive, according to a study of almost 30,000 people from 170 countries - the largest survey of its kind.
The findings, from an online survey conducted by the BBC, offer fresh evidence for the theory that women tend to be more attracted to men with money and resources, but that a woman's wealth does not much affect her sex appeal to men.
Advertisement:
'Men accumulate resources, which they use to attract women,' said John Manning, professor of psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, who analysed the results.
'When it comes to men with little by way of resources, women are just not interested in them at all. As a man's earning power goes up, you would expect him to be having more sex and be with more sexual partners.'
Feminine charms were little enhanced by income because men paid more attention to other qualities, such as looks, Professor Manning said."
British MPs criticised after only 30 turn up for terrorist drill - Yahoo! News
British MPs criticised after only 30 turn up for terrorist drill - Yahoo! News: "LONDON (AFP) - British lawmakers faced criticism from their own number after only 30 -- less than five percent of the total -- turned up for an anti-terrorism drill in parliament.
The exercise took place Tuesday morning, when the chamber and galleries of the House of Commons were cleared after a planned 'interruption' from one of the galleries.
However, of 646 MPs, only 30 decided to attend, with Leader of the House of Commons Geoff Hoon saying 'obviously' he would have liked more people to be at the pre-arranged exercise."
The exercise took place Tuesday morning, when the chamber and galleries of the House of Commons were cleared after a planned 'interruption' from one of the galleries.
However, of 646 MPs, only 30 decided to attend, with Leader of the House of Commons Geoff Hoon saying 'obviously' he would have liked more people to be at the pre-arranged exercise."
Arutz Sheva - Israel National News
Arutz Sheva - Israel National News: "Report: Israel Was Warned Ahead of First Blast
10:43 Jul 08, '05 / 1 Tammuz 5765
(IsraelNN.com) Army Radio quoting unconfirmed reliable sources reported a short time ago that Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred.
The Israeli Embassy in London was notified in advance, resulting in Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remaining in his hotel room rather than make his way to the hotel adjacent to the site of the first explosion, a Liverpool Street train station, where he was to address an economic summit."
10:43 Jul 08, '05 / 1 Tammuz 5765
(IsraelNN.com) Army Radio quoting unconfirmed reliable sources reported a short time ago that Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred.
The Israeli Embassy in London was notified in advance, resulting in Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remaining in his hotel room rather than make his way to the hotel adjacent to the site of the first explosion, a Liverpool Street train station, where he was to address an economic summit."
19.7.05
FOXNews.com - FOX Fan - U.S. Terror Attack — 'Ninety Days at Most'
FOXNews.com - FOX Fan - U.S. Terror Attack — 'Ninety Days at Most': "U.S. Terror Attack — 'Ninety Days at Most'
Counterterrorism expert Juval Aviv spoke with FOX Fan Central about what Americans can do to protect themselves in case of a terror attack.
Do you believe another terrorist attack is likely on American soil?
I predict, based primarily on information that is floating in Europe and the Middle East, that an event is imminent and around the corner here in the United States. It could happen as soon as tomorrow, or it could happen in the next few months. Ninety days at the most."
Counterterrorism expert Juval Aviv spoke with FOX Fan Central about what Americans can do to protect themselves in case of a terror attack.
Do you believe another terrorist attack is likely on American soil?
I predict, based primarily on information that is floating in Europe and the Middle East, that an event is imminent and around the corner here in the United States. It could happen as soon as tomorrow, or it could happen in the next few months. Ninety days at the most."
18.7.05
CNN.com - Congressman: Mecca a possible retaliation target - Jul 18, 2005
CNN.com - Congressman: Mecca a possible retaliation target - Jul 18, 2005: "DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- A Colorado congressman told a radio show host that the U.S. could 'take out' Islamic holy sites if Muslim fundamentalist terrorists attacked the country with nuclear weapons.
Rep. Tom Tancredo made his remarks Friday on WFLA-AM in Orlando, Florida. His spokesman stressed he was only speaking hypothetically.
Talk show host Pat Campbell asked the Littleton Republican how the country should respond if terrorists struck several U.S. cities with nuclear weapons.
'Well, what if you said something like -- if this happens in the United States, and we determine that it is the result of extremist, fundamentalist Muslims, you know, you could take out their holy sites,' Tancredo answered.
'You're talking about bombing Mecca,' Campbell said.
'Yeah,' Tancredo responded.
The congressman later said he was 'just throwing out some ideas' and that an 'ultimate threat' might have to be met with an 'ultimate response.'"
Rep. Tom Tancredo made his remarks Friday on WFLA-AM in Orlando, Florida. His spokesman stressed he was only speaking hypothetically.
Talk show host Pat Campbell asked the Littleton Republican how the country should respond if terrorists struck several U.S. cities with nuclear weapons.
'Well, what if you said something like -- if this happens in the United States, and we determine that it is the result of extremist, fundamentalist Muslims, you know, you could take out their holy sites,' Tancredo answered.
'You're talking about bombing Mecca,' Campbell said.
'Yeah,' Tancredo responded.
The congressman later said he was 'just throwing out some ideas' and that an 'ultimate threat' might have to be met with an 'ultimate response.'"
local6.com - News - Finger Scanning At Disney Parks Causes Concern
local6.com - News - Finger Scanning At Disney Parks Causes Concern: "ORLANDO, Fla. -- The addition of finger scanning technology at the entrances of Walt Disney World theme parks for all visitors has caused concern among privacy advocates, according to a Local 6 News report.
#
I think it's a step in the wrong direction,' Civil Liberties Union spokesman George Crossley said. 'I think it is a step toward collection personal information on people regardless of what Disney says.
Tourists visiting Disney theme parks in Central Florida must now provide their index and middle fingers to be scanned before entering the front gates."
#
I think it's a step in the wrong direction,' Civil Liberties Union spokesman George Crossley said. 'I think it is a step toward collection personal information on people regardless of what Disney says.
Tourists visiting Disney theme parks in Central Florida must now provide their index and middle fingers to be scanned before entering the front gates."
Ten year-old becomes Microsoft engineer - vnunet.com
Ten year-old becomes Microsoft engineer - vnunet.com: "Arfa Karim Randhawa, aged 10, has become the youngest person to be certified as a Microsoft engineer.
Randhawa passed her Microsoft Certified Professional examinations last year. She met Bill Gates this week and was taken on a tour of Microsoft's Redmond campus.
The 10 year-old, from Faisalabad in Pakistan, asked Gates why children were not allowed to work for Microsoft and was told that they should concentrate on their school studies."
Randhawa passed her Microsoft Certified Professional examinations last year. She met Bill Gates this week and was taken on a tour of Microsoft's Redmond campus.
The 10 year-old, from Faisalabad in Pakistan, asked Gates why children were not allowed to work for Microsoft and was told that they should concentrate on their school studies."
17.7.05
A flurry of suicide bombings shakes Iraq - Africa & Middle East - International Herald Tribune
A flurry of suicide bombings shakes Iraq - Africa & Middle East - International Herald Tribune: "BAGHDAD Suicide bombings continued in force here and in nearby locations over the weekend, with a devastating attack killing at least 70 people south of the capital as well as four explosions in the city area that led to 19 deaths. The bombings have killed well more than 100 people in a week and severely challenged the U.S. command.
Al Qaeda, which has sought to inspire suicide bombers to wage holy war in Iraq, claimed responsibility for the bombing campaign and promised more of the same.
Some 15 suicide bombers struck within slightly more than 48 hours in the capital and along the highway heading south - a region that Al Qaeda has declared it would use to seize control of Baghdad, Reuters reported."
Al Qaeda, which has sought to inspire suicide bombers to wage holy war in Iraq, claimed responsibility for the bombing campaign and promised more of the same.
Some 15 suicide bombers struck within slightly more than 48 hours in the capital and along the highway heading south - a region that Al Qaeda has declared it would use to seize control of Baghdad, Reuters reported."
15.7.05
FT.com / World / Asia-Pacific - Top Chinese general warns US over attack
FT.com / World / Asia-Pacific - Top Chinese general warns US over attack: "Top Chinese general warns US over attack
china us troubleChina is prepared to use nuclear weapons against the US if it is attacked by Washington during a confrontation over Taiwan, a Chinese general said on Thursday.
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“If the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition on to the target zone on China's territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons,” said General Zhu Chenghu.
Gen Zhu was speaking at a function for foreign journalists organised, in part, by the Chinese government. He added that China's definition of its territory included warships and aircraft.
“If the Americans are determined to interfere [then] we will be determined to respond,” said Gen Zhu, who is also a professor at China's National Defence University.
“We . . . will prepare ourselves for the destruction of all of the cities east of Xian. Of course the Americans will have to be prepared that hundreds . . . of cities will be destroyed by the Chinese.”"
china us troubleChina is prepared to use nuclear weapons against the US if it is attacked by Washington during a confrontation over Taiwan, a Chinese general said on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
“If the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition on to the target zone on China's territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons,” said General Zhu Chenghu.
Gen Zhu was speaking at a function for foreign journalists organised, in part, by the Chinese government. He added that China's definition of its territory included warships and aircraft.
“If the Americans are determined to interfere [then] we will be determined to respond,” said Gen Zhu, who is also a professor at China's National Defence University.
“We . . . will prepare ourselves for the destruction of all of the cities east of Xian. Of course the Americans will have to be prepared that hundreds . . . of cities will be destroyed by the Chinese.”"
HealthCentral- Curry Spice Shuts Down Melanoma
HealthCentral- Curry Spice Shuts Down Melanoma: "MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Curcumin, the ingredient that gives curry its yellow hue, blocked the growth of melanoma tumor cells and even stimulated their death in the laboratory, researchers report."
Sympatico / MSN : News : CTV.ca
Sympatico / MSN : News : CTV.ca: "U.S. declares border open to Canadian cattle
In a victory for Canadian producers, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns opened the border to Canadian cattle Thursday after a federal appeals court dismissed arguments that imports could spread mad cow disease.
The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a temporary injunction imposed by a Montana judge who blocked U.S. officials from reopening the border in March."
In a victory for Canadian producers, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns opened the border to Canadian cattle Thursday after a federal appeals court dismissed arguments that imports could spread mad cow disease.
The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a temporary injunction imposed by a Montana judge who blocked U.S. officials from reopening the border in March."
WPVI.com: Alleged Bomb Mastermind Captured
WPVI.com: Alleged Bomb Mastermind Captured: "Magdy Elnashar, 33, who authorities believe helped build the bombs, was taken into custody in suburban Cairo, Egypt. Elnashar had left England two weeks before the bombings, and British authorities had initiated a worldwide manhunt for him.
Police say it was Elnashar who helped the bombers set up their bomb factory in Leeds."
Police say it was Elnashar who helped the bombers set up their bomb factory in Leeds."
World's First Film Substrate-based Bendable Color Electronic Paper featuring Image Memory Function
World's First Film Substrate-based Bendable Color Electronic Paper featuring Image Memory Function: "
Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., Fujitsu Frontech Limited, and Fujitsu Limited today announced their joint development of the world's first film substrate-based bendable color electronic paper with an image memory function. The new electronic paper features vivid color images that are unaffected even when the screen is bent, and features an image memory function that enables continuous display of the same image without the need for electricity."
Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., Fujitsu Frontech Limited, and Fujitsu Limited today announced their joint development of the world's first film substrate-based bendable color electronic paper with an image memory function. The new electronic paper features vivid color images that are unaffected even when the screen is bent, and features an image memory function that enables continuous display of the same image without the need for electricity."
14.7.05
The Australian: Where carnage is fact of life [July 15, 2005]
The Australian: Where carnage is fact of life [July 15, 2005]: "Where carnage is fact of life
Stephen Farrell and Zahid Hussein
July 15, 2005
THE local kids rushed to greet the US patrol. 'Hello, Mister,' they cried to the American soldiers, who started handing out chocolate bars and keyrings. At that moment, a car sped from a side street and exploded right next to the crowd gathered around the Humvee.
As a result, more than 30 Baghdad children, aged between six and 15, are dead. The suicide bombing marked a new level of depravity even in a city used to daily carnage. But it will change nothing.
More than 80 Iraqis have been killed in at least 11 suicide attacks since London had its first taste of suicide bombings a week ago.
In the first half of this year more than 1000 Iraqis have died in about 130 suicide attacks. It has been a sustained terror assault that has steadily grown in intensity and has no precedent in Israel, Beirut or elsewhere.
Indeed, the bombings have become so constant and so commonplace that only those with exceptionally high death tolls are now reported in the international media."
Stephen Farrell and Zahid Hussein
July 15, 2005
THE local kids rushed to greet the US patrol. 'Hello, Mister,' they cried to the American soldiers, who started handing out chocolate bars and keyrings. At that moment, a car sped from a side street and exploded right next to the crowd gathered around the Humvee.
As a result, more than 30 Baghdad children, aged between six and 15, are dead. The suicide bombing marked a new level of depravity even in a city used to daily carnage. But it will change nothing.
More than 80 Iraqis have been killed in at least 11 suicide attacks since London had its first taste of suicide bombings a week ago.
In the first half of this year more than 1000 Iraqis have died in about 130 suicide attacks. It has been a sustained terror assault that has steadily grown in intensity and has no precedent in Israel, Beirut or elsewhere.
Indeed, the bombings have become so constant and so commonplace that only those with exceptionally high death tolls are now reported in the international media."
NKorea's goal is nuclear-free peninsula: Kim : HindustanTimes.com
NKorea's goal is nuclear-free peninsula: Kim : HindustanTimes.com: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Il told a visiting Chinese envoy that his country wants a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, the two governments said.
Kim expressed hope that six-nation nuclear talks could be an important platform for realizing that goal, the two governments said in state media reports. A new round of talks -- involving the two Koreas, the United States, China, Russia and Japan -- is expected to begin in Beijing the week of July 25.
Kim made his remarks to Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, who was visiting the North as President Hu Jintao's personal representative.
Kim said 'the denuclearisations of the Korean Peninsula was the behest of President Kim Il Sung,' his late father and the North's long time former leader, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported. According to the report, Kim said it was Pyongyang's 'consistent stand to seek a negotiated peaceful solution of the nuclear issue.'"
Kim expressed hope that six-nation nuclear talks could be an important platform for realizing that goal, the two governments said in state media reports. A new round of talks -- involving the two Koreas, the United States, China, Russia and Japan -- is expected to begin in Beijing the week of July 25.
Kim made his remarks to Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, who was visiting the North as President Hu Jintao's personal representative.
Kim said 'the denuclearisations of the Korean Peninsula was the behest of President Kim Il Sung,' his late father and the North's long time former leader, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported. According to the report, Kim said it was Pyongyang's 'consistent stand to seek a negotiated peaceful solution of the nuclear issue.'"
13.7.05
Ankle bracelets test DUI offenders' sweat for alcohol
Ankle bracelets test DUI offenders' sweat for alcohol: "RIVERSIDE, Calif. - One Southern California community is going high-tech to track convicted drunk drivers.
Riverside County is now strapping special ankle bracelets and GPS wristwatches on drunken drivers serving probation. The ankle bracelets test human sweat for alcohol, while the GPS watches track the offender's location."
Riverside County is now strapping special ankle bracelets and GPS wristwatches on drunken drivers serving probation. The ankle bracelets test human sweat for alcohol, while the GPS watches track the offender's location."
Independent Online Edition > Media : app2
Independent Online Edition > Media : app2: "The BBC has been lambasted by classical music labels for making all nine of Beethoven's symphonies available for free download over the Internet.
This week the BBC will announce there have been more than a million downloads of the symphonies during the month-long scheme. But the initiative has infuriated the bosses of leading classical record companies who argue the offer undermines the value of music and that any further offers would be unfair competition."
This week the BBC will announce there have been more than a million downloads of the symphonies during the month-long scheme. But the initiative has infuriated the bosses of leading classical record companies who argue the offer undermines the value of music and that any further offers would be unfair competition."
11.7.05
LancasterOnline.com: 450 Sheep Jump to Their Deaths in Turkey
LancasterOnline.com: 450 Sheep Jump to Their Deaths in Turkey: "ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - First one sheep jumped to its death. Then stunned Turkish shepherds, who had left the herd to graze while they had breakfast, watched as nearly 1,500 others followed, each leaping off the same cliff, Turkish media reported."
The New Zealand Herald
The New Zealand Herald: "A New Zealander working for Reuters in London says two colleagues witnessed the unconfirmed shooting by police of two apparent suicide bombers outside the HSBC tower at Canary Wharf in London.
The New Zealander, who did not want to be named, said the killing of the two men wearing bombs happened at 10.30am on Thursday (London time). "
The New Zealander, who did not want to be named, said the killing of the two men wearing bombs happened at 10.30am on Thursday (London time). "
9.7.05
asahi.com：New drug blocks HIV from entering cells�-�ENGLISH
asahi.com：New drug blocks HIV from entering cells: "A durable new drug that prevents HIV from entering human cells and causes almost no side effects has been developed by a team of researchers at Kumamoto University.
The new drug, code named AK602, was reported by the research team's leader, Hiroaki Mitsuya, at the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific in Kobe on Tuesday.
The drug's main feature is that it shuts out the AIDS virus at the point when it tries to intrude into a human cell.
Current AIDS medicines can lose their effectiveness in a few days when the virus changes and develops a resistance to those drugs. But AK602 is different because it reacts to human cells instead of attacking the virus, Mitsuya said."
The new drug, code named AK602, was reported by the research team's leader, Hiroaki Mitsuya, at the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific in Kobe on Tuesday.
The drug's main feature is that it shuts out the AIDS virus at the point when it tries to intrude into a human cell.
Current AIDS medicines can lose their effectiveness in a few days when the virus changes and develops a resistance to those drugs. But AK602 is different because it reacts to human cells instead of attacking the virus, Mitsuya said."
AP Wire | 07/09/2005 | North Korea OKs talks as Rice visits Asia
AP Wire | 07/09/2005 | North Korea OKs talks as Rice visits Asia: "BEIJING - North Korea said Saturday it will abandon its yearlong boycott of nuclear disarmament talks and resume negotiations this month with the U.S. and four other nations, a breakthrough reached just as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice began a mission to end the impasse.
North Korea's vice foreign minister, Kim Gye Gwan, informed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill that the North is prepared to return to the talks during the week of July 25.
Word of the decision came as Rice arrived in Beijing, the first stop on a four-country Asian tour devoted primarily to the North Korea situation.
For weeks, the U.S. has urged North Korea to get back to the bargaining table and take the discussions seriously.
A Bush administration official who spoke with reporters accompanying Rice said Kim told Hill that North Korea's purpose in the talks will be denuclearization and that its negotiators will be intent on making progress."
North Korea's vice foreign minister, Kim Gye Gwan, informed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill that the North is prepared to return to the talks during the week of July 25.
Word of the decision came as Rice arrived in Beijing, the first stop on a four-country Asian tour devoted primarily to the North Korea situation.
For weeks, the U.S. has urged North Korea to get back to the bargaining table and take the discussions seriously.
A Bush administration official who spoke with reporters accompanying Rice said Kim told Hill that North Korea's purpose in the talks will be denuclearization and that its negotiators will be intent on making progress."
Defense Tech: London: Panopticon Cracks
Defense Tech: London: Panopticon Cracks: "Londoners are seen on the city's vast amalgam of surveillance cameras an average of 300 times a day. Which means that the terrorists behind yesterday's bombings almost certainly knew they'd be caught on tape -- and went ahead with their attacks anyway."
8.7.05
myDNA.com - News: Manganese - serious health concern?
myDNA.com - News: Manganese - serious health concern?: "A new analysis based on animal studies suggests that showering in manganese-contaminated water for a decade or more could have permanent effects on the nervous system. The damage may occur even at levels of manganese considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
'If our results are confirmed, they could have profound implications for the nation and the world,' said John Spangler, M.D., an associate professor of family medicine. 'Nearly 9 million people in the United States are exposed to manganese levels that our study shows may cause toxic effects.'"
'If our results are confirmed, they could have profound implications for the nation and the world,' said John Spangler, M.D., an associate professor of family medicine. 'Nearly 9 million people in the United States are exposed to manganese levels that our study shows may cause toxic effects.'"
7.7.05
KTNV - Action News
KTNV - Action News: "It is one of the great natural wonders of the world -- and it will soon to be joined by an engineering marvel.
A fantastic glass bridge arcing 60-feet out over the grand canyon -- giving visitors an unobstructed view 4000-feet straight down."
A fantastic glass bridge arcing 60-feet out over the grand canyon -- giving visitors an unobstructed view 4000-feet straight down."
6.7.05
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Footprints of 'first Americans'
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Footprints of 'first Americans': "Human settlers made it to the Americas 30,000 years earlier than previously thought, according to new evidence.
A team of scientists came to this controversial conclusion by dating human footprints preserved by volcanic ash in an abandoned quarry in Mexico.
They say the first Americans may have arrived by sea, rather than by foot.
The traditional view is that the continent's early settlers arrived around 11,000 years ago, by crossing a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska."
A team of scientists came to this controversial conclusion by dating human footprints preserved by volcanic ash in an abandoned quarry in Mexico.
They say the first Americans may have arrived by sea, rather than by foot.
The traditional view is that the continent's early settlers arrived around 11,000 years ago, by crossing a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska."
5.7.05
Ouch … study finds men cope better with pain than women - The Herald
Ouch … study finds men cope better with pain than women - The Herald: "WHO is the best at dealing with pain – men or women? It is a debate usually decided by one word . . . childbirth.
However, scientists have suggested men have developed better strategies to cope with pain, taking a more problem-solving approach, as opposed to their female counterparts who tend to make the experience worse by focusing on the emotional effects. "
However, scientists have suggested men have developed better strategies to cope with pain, taking a more problem-solving approach, as opposed to their female counterparts who tend to make the experience worse by focusing on the emotional effects. "
Christian Group Passes Resolution to Support Same-Sex Marriage - New York Times
Christian Group Passes Resolution to Support Same-Sex Marriage - New York Times: "ATLANTA, Ga., July 4 - With a movement to amend the United States Constitution to ban gay marriage picking up steam, the United Church of Christ became the first mainstream Christian denomination to officially support same-sex marriages today when its general synod passed a resolution affirming 'equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender.'"
4.7.05
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.co.uk: "AMMAN (Reuters) - Move over Harry Potter. In Amman's downtown bazaars, the bestselling book these days is Saddam Hussein's bootlegged novel 'Get out of here, curse you!'
Banned by Jordan on the grounds the 186-page tale of an Arab tribesman who defeats foreign invaders could harm relations between Jordan and Iraq, Saddam's latest novel has become so popular booksellers say they can't keep up with demand."
Banned by Jordan on the grounds the 186-page tale of an Arab tribesman who defeats foreign invaders could harm relations between Jordan and Iraq, Saddam's latest novel has become so popular booksellers say they can't keep up with demand."
Guardian Unlimited | Online | Bush administration to keep control of internet's central computers
Guardian Unlimited | Online | Bush administration to keep control of internet's central computers: "The Bush administration has decided to retain control over the principal computers which control internet traffic in a move likely to prompt global opposition, it was claimed yesterday.
The US had pledged to turn control of the 13 computers known as root servers - which inform web browsers and email programs how to direct internet traffic - over to a private, international body.
But on Thursday the US reversed its position, announcing that it will maintain control of the computers because of growing security threats and the increased reliance on the internet for global communications. A Japanese government official yesterday criticised the move, claiming it will lend momentum to the debate about who controls the information flow online."
The US had pledged to turn control of the 13 computers known as root servers - which inform web browsers and email programs how to direct internet traffic - over to a private, international body.
But on Thursday the US reversed its position, announcing that it will maintain control of the computers because of growing security threats and the increased reliance on the internet for global communications. A Japanese government official yesterday criticised the move, claiming it will lend momentum to the debate about who controls the information flow online."
3.7.05
Video gamers may have quicker eyes - Yahoo! News
Video gamers may have quicker eyes - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Video game players may spend a lot of time on the couch, but when they're ready to go out they can find their keys quicker than the rest of us, a study suggests.
Researchers found that gamers who devote much of their free time to Grand Theft Auto and Super Mario may be able to scan their environment and spot the target of their search more quickly than non-gamers can.
In experiments with college students who were either hard-core video game players or novices, the researchers found that players were quicker to detect target objects on a busy computer screen than their peers were.
The findings, published in the journal Acta Psychologica, suggest that the vigilant watchfulness video games require makes for quicker visual processing."
Researchers found that gamers who devote much of their free time to Grand Theft Auto and Super Mario may be able to scan their environment and spot the target of their search more quickly than non-gamers can.
In experiments with college students who were either hard-core video game players or novices, the researchers found that players were quicker to detect target objects on a busy computer screen than their peers were.
The findings, published in the journal Acta Psychologica, suggest that the vigilant watchfulness video games require makes for quicker visual processing."
1.7.05
CNN.com - Sandra Day O'Connor leaving Supreme Court - Jul 1, 2005
CNN.com - Sandra Day O'Connor leaving Supreme Court - Jul 1, 2005: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court and a key swing vote on issues such as abortion and the death penalty, said Friday she is retiring.
O'Connor, 75, said she expects to leave before the start of the court's next term in October, or whenever the Senate confirms her successor."
O'Connor, 75, said she expects to leave before the start of the court's next term in October, or whenever the Senate confirms her successor."
Supporters, detractors deny U.S. hostage link / Some ex-detainees say they remember Iran's new leader
Supporters, detractors deny U.S. hostage link / Some ex-detainees say they remember Iran's new leader: "Supporters, detractors deny U.S. hostage link
Some ex-detainees say they remember Iran's new leader"
Some ex-detainees say they remember Iran's new leader"
CNN.com - Live Aid 1985: A day of magic� - Jul 1, 2005
CNN.com - Live Aid 1985: A day of magic - Jul 1, 2005: "LONDON, England (CNN) -- 'The sun was shining ... so were the people, and so were the bands,' U2's Bono said after coming off stage, one of the undoubted major stars of 'The Global Jukebox,' Live Aid 1985."
28.6.05
dallasobserver.com | News | Balls Out | 2005-06-16 | Printable
dallasobserver.com | News | Balls Out | 2005-06-16 | Printable: "Thirty-five years ago, on June 12, 1970, Pittsburgh Pirate and future Texas Rangers pitcher Dock Ellis found himself in the Los Angeles home of a childhood friend named Al Rambo. Two days earlier, he'd flown with the Pirates to San Diego for a four-game series with the Padres. He immediately rented a car and drove to L.A. to see Rambo and his girlfriend Mitzi. The next 12 hours were a fog of conversation, screwdrivers, marijuana, and, for Ellis, amphetamines. He went to sleep in the early morning, woke up sometime after noon and immediately took a dose of Purple Haze acid. Ellis would frequently drop acid on off days and weekends; he had a room in his basement christened 'The Dungeon,' in which he'd lock himself and listen to Jimi Hendrix or Iron Butterfly 'for days.'
A bit later, how long exactly he can't recall, he came across Mitzi flipping through a newspaper. She scanned for a moment, then noticed something.
'Dock,' she said. 'You're supposed to pitch today.'
Ellis focused his mind. No. Friday. He wasn't pitching until Friday. He was sure.
'Baby,' she replied. 'It is Friday. You slept through Thursday.'
Ellis remained calm. The game would start late. Ample time for the acid to wear off. Then it struck him: doubleheader. The Pirates had a doubleheader. And he was pitching the first game. He had four hours to get to San Diego, warm up and pitch. If something didn't happen in the interim, Dock Philip Ellis, age 25, was about to enter a 50,000-seat stadium and throw a very small ball, very hard, for a very long time, without the benefit of being able to, you know, feel the thing.
Which, it turns out, was one of the least crazy things that happened to him on that particular day."
A bit later, how long exactly he can't recall, he came across Mitzi flipping through a newspaper. She scanned for a moment, then noticed something.
'Dock,' she said. 'You're supposed to pitch today.'
Ellis focused his mind. No. Friday. He wasn't pitching until Friday. He was sure.
'Baby,' she replied. 'It is Friday. You slept through Thursday.'
Ellis remained calm. The game would start late. Ample time for the acid to wear off. Then it struck him: doubleheader. The Pirates had a doubleheader. And he was pitching the first game. He had four hours to get to San Diego, warm up and pitch. If something didn't happen in the interim, Dock Philip Ellis, age 25, was about to enter a 50,000-seat stadium and throw a very small ball, very hard, for a very long time, without the benefit of being able to, you know, feel the thing.
Which, it turns out, was one of the least crazy things that happened to him on that particular day."
27.6.05
CBC Arts: Voices behind Tigger, Piglet die
CBC Arts: Voices behind Tigger, Piglet die: "The two actors who provided the voices of Tigger and Piglet in the Winnie the Pooh films have died within a day of each other.
Paul Winchell, the voice of Tigger, died Friday morning in his sleep at his home in California. John Fiedler, the voice of Piglet, passed away on Saturday."
Paul Winchell, the voice of Tigger, died Friday morning in his sleep at his home in California. John Fiedler, the voice of Piglet, passed away on Saturday."
Boffins create zombie dogs | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (27-06-2005)
Boffins create zombie dogs | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (27-06-2005): "SCIENTISTS have created eerie zombie dogs, reanimating the canines after several hours of clinical death in attempts to develop suspended animation for humans.
US scientists have succeeded in reviving the dogs after three hours of clinical death, paving the way for trials on humans within years.
Pittsburgh's Safar Centre for Resuscitation Research has developed a technique in which subject's veins are drained of blood and filled with an ice-cold salt solution.
The animals are considered scientifically dead, as they stop breathing and have no heartbeat or brain activity.
But three hours later, their blood is replaced and the zombie dogs are brought back to life with an electric shock."
US scientists have succeeded in reviving the dogs after three hours of clinical death, paving the way for trials on humans within years.
Pittsburgh's Safar Centre for Resuscitation Research has developed a technique in which subject's veins are drained of blood and filled with an ice-cold salt solution.
The animals are considered scientifically dead, as they stop breathing and have no heartbeat or brain activity.
But three hours later, their blood is replaced and the zombie dogs are brought back to life with an electric shock."
23.6.05
Robot guards to patrol shops and offices - Yahoo! News
Robot guards to patrol shops and offices - Yahoo! News: "In an idea straight out of science fiction, robots could soon begin patrolling Japanese offices, shopping malls and banks to keep them safe from intruders. Equipped with a camera and sensors, the 'Guardrobo D1,' developed by Japanese security firm Sohgo Security Services Co., is designed to patrol along pre-programed paths and keep an eye out for signs of trouble."
Pentagon Creating Student Database
Pentagon Creating Student Database: "The Defense Department began working yesterday with a private marketing firm to create a database of high school students ages 16 to 18 and all college students to help the military identify potential recruits in a time of dwindling enlistment in some branches.
The program is provoking a furor among privacy advocates. The new database will include personal information including birth dates, Social Security numbers, e-mail addresses, grade-point averages, ethnicity and what subjects the students are studying."
The program is provoking a furor among privacy advocates. The new database will include personal information including birth dates, Social Security numbers, e-mail addresses, grade-point averages, ethnicity and what subjects the students are studying."
22.6.05
Boing Boing: Orgasms "turn off" part of female brains
Boing Boing: Orgasms "turn off" part of female brains: "Orgasms 'turn off' part of female brains
Scientists report that parts of a woman's brain switch off when she has an orgasm, including regions involved with emotion. Neuroanatomists from the University of Gronigen ran PET scans on women as they were resting, getting diddled by their partner's fingers, experiencing the 'big O,' or faking it"
Scientists report that parts of a woman's brain switch off when she has an orgasm, including regions involved with emotion. Neuroanatomists from the University of Gronigen ran PET scans on women as they were resting, getting diddled by their partner's fingers, experiencing the 'big O,' or faking it"
21.6.05
Saddam guards describe his Doritos habit - Iraq's New Chapter - MSNBC.com
Saddam guards describe his Doritos habit - Iraq's New Chapter - MSNBC.com: "NEW YORK - Thrust unexpectedly into the role of prison guards for Saddam Hussein, several young American soldiers found the deposed Iraqi leader to be a friendly, talkative “clean freak” who loved Raisin Bran for breakfast, could down a large bag of Doritos in 10 minutes and insisted he was still president of Iraq."
16.6.05
House Votes To Curb Patriot Act
House Votes To Curb Patriot Act: "The House handed President Bush the first defeat in his effort to preserve the broad powers of the USA Patriot Act, voting yesterday to curtail the FBI's ability to seize library and bookstore records for terrorism investigations.
Bush has threatened to veto any measure that weakens those powers. The surprise 238 to 187 rebuke to the White House was produced when a handful of conservative Republicans, worried about government intrusion, joined with Democrats who are concerned about personal privacy."
Bush has threatened to veto any measure that weakens those powers. The surprise 238 to 187 rebuke to the White House was produced when a handful of conservative Republicans, worried about government intrusion, joined with Democrats who are concerned about personal privacy."
14.6.05
Cano�Techno-M�gagiciel Cyberactualit�s - �Libert�, un mot tabou pour l’Internet chinois
CanoéTechno-Mégagiciel Cyberactualités - Liberté, un mot tabou pour l’Internet chinois: "Les utilisateurs de la section MSN Spaces du nouveau portail chinois de Microsoft reçoivent un message de réprimande à toutes les fois qu’ils emploient des mots jugés tabous par les autorités communistes — tels que démocratie, liberté et droits de la personne.
Langage prohibé dans le texte soumis, veuillez supprimer, dit le message."
Langage prohibé dans le texte soumis, veuillez supprimer, dit le message."
NPR : Unknown Bach Aria Discovered in Germany
NPR : Unknown Bach Aria Discovered in Germany: "An unknown composition by Johann Sebastian Bach has been discovered by a classical music scholar in Germany. Michael Maul, a researcher at Leipzig's Bach Archive, found the score two weeks ago among documents from the Anna Amalia Library in Weimar.
There was no previous record of the music, a two-page handwritten aria dated October 1713, when Bach was 28. But the archive has now verified the piece, which had been stashed in a box of birthday cards, as the work of Bach."
There was no previous record of the music, a two-page handwritten aria dated October 1713, when Bach was 28. But the archive has now verified the piece, which had been stashed in a box of birthday cards, as the work of Bach."
10.6.05
Ananova - Frogs rain down on Serbia
Ananova - Frogs rain down on Serbia: "Frogs rain down on Serbia
Traffic came to a halt and locals fled inside after thousands of frogs fell from the sky onto a Serbian village.
Residents in Odzaci told local daily Blic they thought the world was coming to an end."
Traffic came to a halt and locals fled inside after thousands of frogs fell from the sky onto a Serbian village.
Residents in Odzaci told local daily Blic they thought the world was coming to an end."
Citigroup division tells 3.9M customers personal info lost - Jun. 6, 2005
Citigroup division tells 3.9M customers personal info lost - Jun. 6, 2005: "NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Citigroup said Monday that personal information on 3.9 million consumer lending customers of its CitiFinancial subsidiary was lost by UPS while in transit to a credit bureau -- the biggest breach of customer or employee data reported so far."
9.6.05
SiliconValleyWatcher.com: Scoop! Smile for the Google 3D mapping truck
SiliconValleyWatcher.com: Scoop! Smile for the Google 3D mapping truck: "Google plans to use trucks equipped with lasers and digital photographic equipment to create a realistic 3D online version of San Francisco, and eventually other major US cities."
8.6.05
Bush Aide Softened Greenhouse Gas Links to Global Warming - New York Times
Bush Aide Softened Greenhouse Gas Links to Global Warming - New York Times: "A White House official who once led the oil industry's fight against limits on greenhouse gases has repeatedly edited government climate reports in ways that play down links between such emissions and global warming, according to internal documents.
In handwritten notes on drafts of several reports issued in 2002 and 2003, the official, Philip A. Cooney, removed or adjusted descriptions of climate research that government scientists and their supervisors, including some senior Bush administration officials, had already approved. In many cases, the changes appeared in the final reports.
The dozens of changes, while sometimes as subtle as the insertion of the phrase 'significant and fundamental' before the word 'uncertainties,' tend to produce an air of doubt about findings that most climate experts say are robust."
In handwritten notes on drafts of several reports issued in 2002 and 2003, the official, Philip A. Cooney, removed or adjusted descriptions of climate research that government scientists and their supervisors, including some senior Bush administration officials, had already approved. In many cases, the changes appeared in the final reports.
The dozens of changes, while sometimes as subtle as the insertion of the phrase 'significant and fundamental' before the word 'uncertainties,' tend to produce an air of doubt about findings that most climate experts say are robust."
7.6.05
Invention Allows Humans to Breathe Like Fish
Invention Allows Humans to Breathe Like Fish: "
Alan Izhar-Bodner, an Israeli inventor, has developed a way for divers to breathe underwater without cumbersome oxygen tanks. His apparatus makes use of the air that is dissolved in water, just like fish do."
Alan Izhar-Bodner, an Israeli inventor, has developed a way for divers to breathe underwater without cumbersome oxygen tanks. His apparatus makes use of the air that is dissolved in water, just like fish do."
HealthNewsDigest.com
HealthNewsDigest.com: "DALLAS – June 2, 2005 – The need for reading glasses or bifocals as we age may begin fading from sight with the latest generation of intraocular lenses.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center are among the first to receive the ReSTOR lens, a new surgically implanted lens that can allow patients who have trouble seeing at arms length to see near, intermediate and far distances without glasses or contacts.
“It’s a huge evolutionary step,” said Dr. James McCulley, professor and chairman of ophthalmology. “We all want a glasses-free and contact lens-free society and we are very rapidly moving toward that.” "
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center are among the first to receive the ReSTOR lens, a new surgically implanted lens that can allow patients who have trouble seeing at arms length to see near, intermediate and far distances without glasses or contacts.
“It’s a huge evolutionary step,” said Dr. James McCulley, professor and chairman of ophthalmology. “We all want a glasses-free and contact lens-free society and we are very rapidly moving toward that.” "
2.6.05
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries: "HUMAN EVENTS asked a panel of 15 conservative scholars and public policy leaders to help us compile a list of the Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries. Each panelist nominated a number of titles and then voted on a ballot including all books nominated. A title received a score of 10 points for being listed No. 1 by one of our panelists, 9 points for being listed No. 2, etc. Appropriately, The Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, earned the highest aggregate score and the No. 1 listing."
31.5.05
CNN.com - Bush: Amnesty report 'absurd' - May 31, 2005
CNN.com - Bush: Amnesty report 'absurd' - May 31, 2005: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush called a human rights report 'absurd' for criticizing the United States' detention of terrorist suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and said Tuesday the allegations were made by 'people who hate America.'
'It's absurd. It's an absurd allegation. The United States is a country that promotes freedom around the world,' Bush said of the Amnesty International report that compared Guantanamo to a Soviet-era gulag.
In a Rose Garden news conference, Bush defiantly stood by his domestic policy agenda while defending his actions abroad. With the death toll climbing daily in Iraq, he said that nation's fledging government is 'plenty capable' of defeating terrorists whose attacks on Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers have intensified"
'It's absurd. It's an absurd allegation. The United States is a country that promotes freedom around the world,' Bush said of the Amnesty International report that compared Guantanamo to a Soviet-era gulag.
In a Rose Garden news conference, Bush defiantly stood by his domestic policy agenda while defending his actions abroad. With the death toll climbing daily in Iraq, he said that nation's fledging government is 'plenty capable' of defeating terrorists whose attacks on Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers have intensified"
30.5.05
LCN - R�gional - Heurt�e par un train, elle s'en tire miraculeusement!
LCN - Régional - Heurtée par un train, elle s'en tire miraculeusement!: "Lac-Mégantic
Heurtée par un train, elle s'en tire miraculeusement!
Mélanie Lachance a un nom prédestiné: la fillette a échappé par miracle à la mort après avoir été heurtée par un train samedi à Lac-Mégantic."
Heurtée par un train, elle s'en tire miraculeusement!
Mélanie Lachance a un nom prédestiné: la fillette a échappé par miracle à la mort après avoir été heurtée par un train samedi à Lac-Mégantic."
GCC Urged to Peg Its Currency to Gold
GCC Urged to Peg Its Currency to Gold: "SHARJAH, 29 May 2005 — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should peg its proposed currency to gold rather than the American dollar or euro in view of the currency fluctuations in the international market, says an expert in currency and gold."
29.5.05
HP Announces New National Identity System Solution Built on Microsoft .NET Platform
HP Announces New National Identity System Solution Built on Microsoft .NET Platform: "The HP NIS solution allows governments to build and quickly deploy at an affordable price a complete, standards-based and technologically agile infrastructure that meets their changing needs for security and identity management.
Going beyond simple secure identification and authentication functionality, the solution enables modern national identification systems to allow citizens to access e-government services and conduct secure transactions. The solution also provides citizens with improved secure and intelligent identity documents.
For example, with heightened security awareness at national borders, the solution fulfills the new requirement to ensure traveler and citizen credentials across an entire country or region."
Going beyond simple secure identification and authentication functionality, the solution enables modern national identification systems to allow citizens to access e-government services and conduct secure transactions. The solution also provides citizens with improved secure and intelligent identity documents.
For example, with heightened security awareness at national borders, the solution fulfills the new requirement to ensure traveler and citizen credentials across an entire country or region."
27.5.05
How to detect lies - body language, reactions, speech patterns
How to detect lies - body language, reactions, speech patterns: "Introduction to Detecting Lies:
The following techniques to telling if someone is lying are often used by police, and security experts. This knowledge is also useful for managers, employers, and for anyone to use in everyday situations where telling the truth from a lie can help prevent you from being a victim of fraud/scams and other deceptions."
The following techniques to telling if someone is lying are often used by police, and security experts. This knowledge is also useful for managers, employers, and for anyone to use in everyday situations where telling the truth from a lie can help prevent you from being a victim of fraud/scams and other deceptions."
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Bird flu virus 'close to pandemic'
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Bird flu virus 'close to pandemic': "A leading scientist warned yesterday that the avian flu virus is on the point of mutating into a pandemic disease and says that current estimates that such a pandemic could cause 7.5m deaths may understate the threat.
His warnings come as experts writing in today's edition of Nature voice concerns about the world's inability to manufacture sufficient vaccines for a pandemic and warn of the impact that the virus - H5N1 - could have on the global economy."
His warnings come as experts writing in today's edition of Nature voice concerns about the world's inability to manufacture sufficient vaccines for a pandemic and warn of the impact that the virus - H5N1 - could have on the global economy."
26.5.05
New Scientist 11 steps to a better brain - Features
New Scientist 11 steps to a better brain - Features: "It doesn't matter how brainy you are or how much education you've had - you can still improve and expand your mind. Boosting your mental faculties doesn't have to mean studying hard or becoming a reclusive book worm. There are lots of tricks, techniques and habits, as well as changes to your lifestyle, diet and behaviour that can help you flex your grey matter and get the best out of your brain cells. And here are 11 of them."
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | French fries protester regrets war jibe
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | French fries protester regrets war jibe: "
It was a culinary rebuke that echoed around the world, heightening the sense of tension between Washington and Paris in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq. But now the US politician who led the campaign to change the name of french fries to 'freedom fries' has turned against the war.
Walter Jones, the Republican congressman for North Carolina who was also the brains behind french toast becoming freedom toast in Capitol Hill restaurants, told a local newspaper the US went to war 'with no justification'."
It was a culinary rebuke that echoed around the world, heightening the sense of tension between Washington and Paris in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq. But now the US politician who led the campaign to change the name of french fries to 'freedom fries' has turned against the war.
Walter Jones, the Republican congressman for North Carolina who was also the brains behind french toast becoming freedom toast in Capitol Hill restaurants, told a local newspaper the US went to war 'with no justification'."
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�: "Helen Thomas Rides White House Press Sec: 'Were we invited into Iraq?'"
25.5.05
Discovery Channel :: News :: Robot Recreates Human Speech
Discovery Channel :: News :: Robot Recreates Human Speech: "May 20, 2005— The only robot that uses human-like organs to mimic speech was unveiled recently by engineers at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.
Not only does the Waseda Talker 4, or WT-4, provide scientists with deeper insights into how the brain controls speech, it could lead to new methods and instruments of communication for people who cannot speak."
Not only does the Waseda Talker 4, or WT-4, provide scientists with deeper insights into how the brain controls speech, it could lead to new methods and instruments of communication for people who cannot speak."
24.5.05
New Scientist Breaking News - Human-powered hydrofoil seeks jumpy riders
New Scientist Breaking News - Human-powered hydrofoil seeks jumpy riders: "The first human-powered commercial hydrofoil, resembling a bizarre cross between a pogo stick and a jet ski, has gone on sale.
Riders operate the 'Pumpabike' by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the rear of the contraption, whilst holding onto a steering column at the front.
In doing so, they can reach speeds of up to 16 knots (30 kilometres per hour), says inventor Mike Puzey, who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Puzey’s design has no propeller and involves no pedalling. Instead, thrust comes entirely from the hydrofoils beneath the craft.
The vehicle is made from plastic and aluminium, and weighs just 14 kilograms. It has two hydrofoils, a large rear one that generates 80% of the lift, and a smaller one at the front for steering and stability. Each craft costs between $800 and $1200, depending on its configuration and where you buy it"
Riders operate the 'Pumpabike' by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the rear of the contraption, whilst holding onto a steering column at the front.
In doing so, they can reach speeds of up to 16 knots (30 kilometres per hour), says inventor Mike Puzey, who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Puzey’s design has no propeller and involves no pedalling. Instead, thrust comes entirely from the hydrofoils beneath the craft.
The vehicle is made from plastic and aluminium, and weighs just 14 kilograms. It has two hydrofoils, a large rear one that generates 80% of the lift, and a smaller one at the front for steering and stability. Each craft costs between $800 and $1200, depending on its configuration and where you buy it"
23.5.05
National Post
National Post: "QUEBEC (CP) - Quebec researchers have created a new lens they say could revolutionize photography by allowing the smallest cameras to take crystal-clear zoom photos.
The new lens, five times thinner than a sheet of paper, can zoom and focus with no moving parts, potentially eliminating the distortion caused by digital zoom and the bulky glass of conventional optical lens.
Tigran Galstian, an engineer and physicist at Laval University who has patented the new lens, says his invention could drastically improve the blurry photos taken by small cameras.
Galstian said the lens would work in cellphone cameras that take notoriously poor quality images.
'We have found an elegant and simple solution,' said Galstian, who is now looking for an industrial partner to help build a prototype and overcome remaining technical hurdles."
The new lens, five times thinner than a sheet of paper, can zoom and focus with no moving parts, potentially eliminating the distortion caused by digital zoom and the bulky glass of conventional optical lens.
Tigran Galstian, an engineer and physicist at Laval University who has patented the new lens, says his invention could drastically improve the blurry photos taken by small cameras.
Galstian said the lens would work in cellphone cameras that take notoriously poor quality images.
'We have found an elegant and simple solution,' said Galstian, who is now looking for an industrial partner to help build a prototype and overcome remaining technical hurdles."
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