26.9.05
BBC NEWS | Magazine | Out-of-body or all in the mind?
BBC NEWS | Magazine | Out-of-body or all in the mind?: "One in 10 people has had an out-of-body experience, yet scientists know very little about the phenomenon. Researchers say a new study could bring us closer to the ultimate question of what happens when we die."
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Out There - Out There: Man-Made Hurricanes?
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Out There - Out There: Man-Made Hurricanes?: "Global warming? Act of God? Nope, says one Idaho weatherman — Hurricane Katrina was part of a man-made plot against America.
Scott Stevens, a meteorologist who for nine years has been forecasting the weather on KPVI-TV (search) in Pocatello, says the Yakuza — the Japanese mafia — is using a Russian-made electromagnetic generator to launch terrific storms against the U.S. mainland.
The devastation of New Orleans was in revenge for the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Stevens explains on his Web site. He says it will soon be used again against another major American city.
'A battle in the skies is waged daily. Some battles are won and others lost. We yet know not which,' Stevens writes on the front page of his site. 'For years this massive global project has been under way, but only now is it making it to the forefront of the consciousness of those with curious minds.'
Rumors have long circulated of a secret Soviet weather weapon, but Stevens told the Idaho Falls Post Register he became convinced it existed after noticing strange patterns in a Montana cold front in 2004."
Scott Stevens, a meteorologist who for nine years has been forecasting the weather on KPVI-TV (search) in Pocatello, says the Yakuza — the Japanese mafia — is using a Russian-made electromagnetic generator to launch terrific storms against the U.S. mainland.
The devastation of New Orleans was in revenge for the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Stevens explains on his Web site. He says it will soon be used again against another major American city.
'A battle in the skies is waged daily. Some battles are won and others lost. We yet know not which,' Stevens writes on the front page of his site. 'For years this massive global project has been under way, but only now is it making it to the forefront of the consciousness of those with curious minds.'
Rumors have long circulated of a secret Soviet weather weapon, but Stevens told the Idaho Falls Post Register he became convinced it existed after noticing strange patterns in a Montana cold front in 2004."
The Korea Times : Seoul to Build Combat Robot
The Korea Times : Seoul to Build Combat Robot: "Defense and communications technicians will team up to develop a mobile combat robot to fight alongside human soldiers on the battlefield, the government said Wednesday.
Officials heading the project said they have requested 33.4 billion won ($32.4 million) in funding between 2006 and 2011 to develop the horse-like robot for deployment.
According to design blueprints released during a meeting of science-related ministers, the robot will have six or eight extendable legs with wheels allowing it to move like an insect over uneven terrain.
The robot will be armed with various weapons and will operate both by remote control and its own artificial intelligence system."
Officials heading the project said they have requested 33.4 billion won ($32.4 million) in funding between 2006 and 2011 to develop the horse-like robot for deployment.
According to design blueprints released during a meeting of science-related ministers, the robot will have six or eight extendable legs with wheels allowing it to move like an insect over uneven terrain.
The robot will be armed with various weapons and will operate both by remote control and its own artificial intelligence system."
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | 600 barrels of loot found on Crusoe island
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | 600 barrels of loot found on Crusoe island: "The archipelago is named after Robinson Crusoe, but perhaps it should have been called Treasure Island.
A long quest for booty from the Spanish colonial era appears to be culminating in Chile with the announcement by a group of adventurers that they have found an estimated 600 barrels of gold coins and Incan jewels on the remote Pacific island.
'The biggest treasure in history has been located,' said Fernando Uribe-Etxeverria, a lawyer for Wagner, the Chilean company leading the search. Mr Uribe-Etxeverria estimated the value of the buried treasure at US$10bn (�5.6bn)."
A long quest for booty from the Spanish colonial era appears to be culminating in Chile with the announcement by a group of adventurers that they have found an estimated 600 barrels of gold coins and Incan jewels on the remote Pacific island.
'The biggest treasure in history has been located,' said Fernando Uribe-Etxeverria, a lawyer for Wagner, the Chilean company leading the search. Mr Uribe-Etxeverria estimated the value of the buried treasure at US$10bn (�5.6bn)."
USATODAY.com - Army investigating new allegations of prisoner abuse
USATODAY.com - Army investigating new allegations of prisoner abuse: "The Human Rights Watch report detailed severe, routine beatings of detainees by the 82nd Airborne Division. One of the sergeants told the group that military intelligence personnel, eager for information, often instructed soldiers to 'smoke' detainees — called Persons Under Control or PUCs — during questioning, according to the report. 'Smoking' prisoners meant physically abusing them until they lost consciousness.
Frustrated soldiers would often beat the Iraqis as a stress release, the sergeant said.
'In a way it was sport,' the sergeant said. 'One day (another sergeant) shows up and tells a PUC to grab a pole. He told him to bend over and broke the guy's leg with a mini-Louisville Slugger, a metal bat.'
The soldier said anything short of death was acceptable. 'As long as no PUCs came up dead, it happened,' he said. 'We kept it to broken arms and legs.'"
Frustrated soldiers would often beat the Iraqis as a stress release, the sergeant said.
'In a way it was sport,' the sergeant said. 'One day (another sergeant) shows up and tells a PUC to grab a pole. He told him to bend over and broke the guy's leg with a mini-Louisville Slugger, a metal bat.'
The soldier said anything short of death was acceptable. 'As long as no PUCs came up dead, it happened,' he said. 'We kept it to broken arms and legs.'"
25.9.05
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Country is hurtling towards disintegration, Saudis warn
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Country is hurtling towards disintegration, Saudis warn: "The Saudi government yesterday warned that Iraq is hurtling towards disintegration and that an election planned for December is unlikely to make any difference. The government said it was delivering this bleak assessment to both the US and British administrations as a matter of urgency.
Saudi fears of a break-up were voiced by Prince Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister, in an interview with Associated Press published yesterday, and at a meeting on Thursday night with the US media, including the New York Times and the Washington Post. He said: 'The impression is gradually going toward disintegration. There seems to be no dynamic now that is pulling the country together. All the dynamics there are pushing the people away from each other.'
His comments are the most pessimistic about Iraq to be made in public by a Middle East leader in recent months.
Prince Saud, who is meeting Bush administration officials in Washington, said his government warned the US before the war of the consequences of the invasion but was ignored. 'It is frustrating to see something that is clearly going to happen, and you are not listened to by a friend, and soon harm comes out of it. It hurts.'"
Saudi fears of a break-up were voiced by Prince Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister, in an interview with Associated Press published yesterday, and at a meeting on Thursday night with the US media, including the New York Times and the Washington Post. He said: 'The impression is gradually going toward disintegration. There seems to be no dynamic now that is pulling the country together. All the dynamics there are pushing the people away from each other.'
His comments are the most pessimistic about Iraq to be made in public by a Middle East leader in recent months.
Prince Saud, who is meeting Bush administration officials in Washington, said his government warned the US before the war of the consequences of the invasion but was ignored. 'It is frustrating to see something that is clearly going to happen, and you are not listened to by a friend, and soon harm comes out of it. It hurts.'"
VOA News - China Issues New Rules for News Websites
VOA News - China Issues New Rules for News Websites: "China has imposed new rules on Internet news sites in another step to regulate web sites in the country.
The official Xinhua news agency says the new regulations are effective immediately.
It says Internet news sites and content must provide information that is beneficial to the public and state. It added that sites are prohibited from spreading news that goes against China's security and public interest.
Chinese authorities closely monitor Internet content and remove sites they believe are inappropriate. China also requires people to register their websites and blogs."
The official Xinhua news agency says the new regulations are effective immediately.
It says Internet news sites and content must provide information that is beneficial to the public and state. It added that sites are prohibited from spreading news that goes against China's security and public interest.
Chinese authorities closely monitor Internet content and remove sites they believe are inappropriate. China also requires people to register their websites and blogs."
Independent Online Edition > Invest & Save : app1
Independent Online Edition > Invest & Save : app1: "Britain's leading retailers are slowly but surely retreating from cash - and the financial services industry is keen to help. Tesco and Marks & Spencer have in recent weeks suggested they may introduce tills - or even stores - where customers have to pay by plastic. And the plastic providers are introducing new products to speed up the move towards a cashless society."
Independent Online Edition > Americas : app5
Independent Online Edition > Americas : app5: "US forces have fired so many bullets in Iraq and Afghanistan - an estimated 250,000 for every insurgent killed - that American ammunition-makers cannot keep up with demand. As a result the US is having to import supplies from Israel."
22.9.05
BREITBART.COM - Just The News
BREITBART.COM - Just The News: "SEOUL, South Korea
In a second day of bluster after its disarmament accord, North Korea accused the United States on Wednesday of planning a nuclear attack and warned it could retaliate.
North Korea 'is fully ready to decisively control a pre-emptive nuclear attack with a strong retaliatory blow,' the communist nation's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in an English-language commentary carried by the state Korean Central News Agency.
At six-nation talks in Beijing on Monday, North Korea promised to give up its nuclear weapons program in return for economic aid and security assurances.
Since then, however, the North's rhetoric has underscored its unpredictability and cast doubt on its commitment to the accord hammered out with China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States after four rounds of contentious negotiations stretching over two years."
In a second day of bluster after its disarmament accord, North Korea accused the United States on Wednesday of planning a nuclear attack and warned it could retaliate.
North Korea 'is fully ready to decisively control a pre-emptive nuclear attack with a strong retaliatory blow,' the communist nation's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in an English-language commentary carried by the state Korean Central News Agency.
At six-nation talks in Beijing on Monday, North Korea promised to give up its nuclear weapons program in return for economic aid and security assurances.
Since then, however, the North's rhetoric has underscored its unpredictability and cast doubt on its commitment to the accord hammered out with China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States after four rounds of contentious negotiations stretching over two years."
20.9.05
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com: "VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Orthodontists have national conventions, as do lawyers and computer salespeople. So why not exorcists? At the end of his weekly general audience Wednesday Pope Benedict greeted Italian exorcists who, he disclosed, are currently holding their national convention.
The Pope encouraged them to 'carry on their important work in the service of the Church.'
Problem was that until the Pope spoke few people outside the inner circle knew that a convention of Beelzebub-busters was going on, presumably in Rome.
And where were they holding it? In a church, a hotel, a graveyard?
'They try to keep these things quiet,' said a Catholic professor who has dealings with exorcists.
The Roman Catholic Church has shown growing interest in exorcism in Italy.
In 1999, the Vatican issued its first updated ritual for exorcism since 1614 and warned that the devil is still at work."
The Pope encouraged them to 'carry on their important work in the service of the Church.'
Problem was that until the Pope spoke few people outside the inner circle knew that a convention of Beelzebub-busters was going on, presumably in Rome.
And where were they holding it? In a church, a hotel, a graveyard?
'They try to keep these things quiet,' said a Catholic professor who has dealings with exorcists.
The Roman Catholic Church has shown growing interest in exorcism in Italy.
In 1999, the Vatican issued its first updated ritual for exorcism since 1614 and warned that the devil is still at work."
local6.com - News - Couple 'Freakishly Lucky' To Survive 6 Hours In Shark-Infested Waters
local6.com - News - Couple 'Freakishly Lucky' To Survive 6 Hours In Shark-Infested Waters: "A British woman and man who found themselves floating in shark-infested Australian waters for six hours are 'freakishly lucky' to have survived, according to a Coast Guard captain.
Strong currents separated Louise Woodger, 29, and Gordon Pratley, 31, from their dive boat in Australia's northeast coast on Sunday.
They floated in the water for six hours among sharks.
'We just stayed really close, held hands, made sure we didn't get separated,' Pratley said. 'Just supported each other, kept each others spirits up. Bit of singing.'"
Strong currents separated Louise Woodger, 29, and Gordon Pratley, 31, from their dive boat in Australia's northeast coast on Sunday.
They floated in the water for six hours among sharks.
'We just stayed really close, held hands, made sure we didn't get separated,' Pratley said. 'Just supported each other, kept each others spirits up. Bit of singing.'"
Ananova - Artists erect giant pink bunny on mountain
Ananova - Artists erect giant pink bunny on mountain: "An enormous pink bunny has been erected on an Italian mountainside where it will stay for the next 20 years."
New twist on aid for Iraq: U.S. seeks donations - Yahoo! News
New twist on aid for Iraq: U.S. seeks donations - Yahoo! News: "Although more than $30 billion in taxpayer funds have been appropriated for Iraqi reconstruction, the administration earlier this month launched an Internet-based fundraising effort that it says is aimed at giving Americans 'a further stake in building a free and prosperous Iraq.'
Contributors have no way of knowing who's getting the money or precisely where it's headed because the government says it must keep the details secret for security reasons.
But taxpayers already finance the projects for which the administration is seeking charitable donations, such as providing water pumps for farmers. And officials say any contributions they receive will increase the scope of those efforts rather than relieve existing taxpayer burdens.
The campaign is raising eyebrows in the international development and not-for-profit communities, where there are questions about its timing--given needs at home--and whether it will set the government in competition with international not-for-profits.
On a more basic level, experts wonder whether Americans will make charitable donations to a government foreign aid program and whether the contentious environment surrounding Iraq will make a tough pitch even tougher.
'I'm a little skeptical, and the timing certainly isn't the best,' said James Ferris, director of the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at the University of Southern California. 'It's going to be a hard sell.'
Cost of rebuilding skyrockets
The U.S. Agency for International Development, the federal government's primary distributor of foreign aid, said Friday, 'Charitable contributions play an important role in enriching and extending U.S. government efforts.'
The effort is just the newest twist in the administration's struggle to rebuild Iraq. Andrew Natsios, head of USAID, first predicted it would cost taxpayers no more than $1.7 billion. The tab has since risen to more than $30 billion, with congressional Republicans and Democrats sharply critical of the high cost and slow pace of progress.
In addition, the new campaign comes amid increasing concerns that some of the administration's major projects in Iraq will be scrapped or only partially completed because of rising costs, especially for security. Some officials fear money may run out before key projects are completed."
Contributors have no way of knowing who's getting the money or precisely where it's headed because the government says it must keep the details secret for security reasons.
But taxpayers already finance the projects for which the administration is seeking charitable donations, such as providing water pumps for farmers. And officials say any contributions they receive will increase the scope of those efforts rather than relieve existing taxpayer burdens.
The campaign is raising eyebrows in the international development and not-for-profit communities, where there are questions about its timing--given needs at home--and whether it will set the government in competition with international not-for-profits.
On a more basic level, experts wonder whether Americans will make charitable donations to a government foreign aid program and whether the contentious environment surrounding Iraq will make a tough pitch even tougher.
'I'm a little skeptical, and the timing certainly isn't the best,' said James Ferris, director of the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at the University of Southern California. 'It's going to be a hard sell.'
Cost of rebuilding skyrockets
The U.S. Agency for International Development, the federal government's primary distributor of foreign aid, said Friday, 'Charitable contributions play an important role in enriching and extending U.S. government efforts.'
The effort is just the newest twist in the administration's struggle to rebuild Iraq. Andrew Natsios, head of USAID, first predicted it would cost taxpayers no more than $1.7 billion. The tab has since risen to more than $30 billion, with congressional Republicans and Democrats sharply critical of the high cost and slow pace of progress.
In addition, the new campaign comes amid increasing concerns that some of the administration's major projects in Iraq will be scrapped or only partially completed because of rising costs, especially for security. Some officials fear money may run out before key projects are completed."
19.9.05
Hurricanes Are Getting Stronger, Study Says
Hurricanes Are Getting Stronger, Study Says: "BOULDER -- The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes worldwide has nearly doubled over the past 35 years, even though the total number of hurricanes has dropped since the 1990s, according to a study by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The shift occurred as global sea surface temperatures have increased over the same period. The research appears in the September 16 issue of Science.
Peter Webster, professor at Georgia Tech's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, along with NCAR's Greg Holland and Georgia Tech's Judith Curry and Hai-Ru Chang, studied the number, duration, and intensity of hurricanes (also known as typhoons or tropical cyclones) that have occurred worldwide from 1970 to 2004. The study was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), NCAR's primary sponsor."
Peter Webster, professor at Georgia Tech's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, along with NCAR's Greg Holland and Georgia Tech's Judith Curry and Hai-Ru Chang, studied the number, duration, and intensity of hurricanes (also known as typhoons or tropical cyclones) that have occurred worldwide from 1970 to 2004. The study was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), NCAR's primary sponsor."
US President snapped requesting 'bathroom break'. 16/09/2005. ABC News Online
US President snapped requesting 'bathroom break'. 16/09/2005. ABC News Online: "A photographer has snapped United States President George W Bush apparently writing a note to ask whether a toilet break is possible during a United Nations meeting.
Mr Bush is said to have written the note to his Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
'I think I may need a bathroom break? Is this possible?' a Reuters news agency photographer caught him writing during a UN summit.
The photo has since been doing the rounds of the Internet. It has become the most-emailed picture on the Yahoo portal's news site."
Mr Bush is said to have written the note to his Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
'I think I may need a bathroom break? Is this possible?' a Reuters news agency photographer caught him writing during a UN summit.
The photo has since been doing the rounds of the Internet. It has become the most-emailed picture on the Yahoo portal's news site."
Desire and DNA: Is Promiscuity Innate? (washingtonpost.com)
Desire and DNA: Is Promiscuity Innate? (washingtonpost.com): "A fierce debate about whether jealousy, lust and sexual attraction are hardwired in the brain or are the products of culture and upbringing has recently been ignited by the growing influence of a school of psychology that sees the hidden hand of evolution in everyday life.
Fresh sparks flew last month when a study of more than 16,000 people from every inhabited continent found that men everywhere -- whether single, married or gay -- want more sexual partners than women do."
Fresh sparks flew last month when a study of more than 16,000 people from every inhabited continent found that men everywhere -- whether single, married or gay -- want more sexual partners than women do."
TheDenverChannel.com - News - 'Don't Let Me Die,' Lightning Victim Pleads
TheDenverChannel.com - News - 'Don't Let Me Die,' Lightning Victim Pleads: "A gold chain and crucifix melted around his neck when a lightning bolt struck Jason Crawford in the head while he and his brother were riding dirt bikes in Gunnison County.
The bolt melted part of his helmet, fractured his skull and left burn scars on his chest and left arm.
Still, Crawford knows it could have been worse. Doctors told him if he hadn't had his helmet on, he would have died. Even with the helmet, it took 30 stitches to close a wound in his head caused by the freak lighting strike."
The bolt melted part of his helmet, fractured his skull and left burn scars on his chest and left arm.
Still, Crawford knows it could have been worse. Doctors told him if he hadn't had his helmet on, he would have died. Even with the helmet, it took 30 stitches to close a wound in his head caused by the freak lighting strike."
The Globe and Mail: Ex-Wal-Mart workers win battle
The Globe and Mail: Ex-Wal-Mart workers win battle: "Quebec — The Quebec Labour Board has ruled that the closing of a Wal-Mart store this year amounted to a reprisal against unionized workers and has ordered the company to compensate former employees."
ABC News: Doctor Pushes for First Face Transplant
ABC News: Doctor Pushes for First Face Transplant: "CLEVELAND Sep 17, 2005 — In the next few weeks, five men and seven women will secretly visit the Cleveland Clinic to interview for the chance to have a radical operation that's never been tried anywhere in the world.
They will smile, raise their eyebrows, close their eyes, open their mouths. Dr. Maria Siemionow will study their cheekbones, lips and noses. She will ask what they hope to gain and what they most fear.
Then she will ask, 'Are you afraid that you will look like another person?'
Because whoever she chooses will endure the ultimate identity crisis.
Siemionow wants to attempt a face transplant."
They will smile, raise their eyebrows, close their eyes, open their mouths. Dr. Maria Siemionow will study their cheekbones, lips and noses. She will ask what they hope to gain and what they most fear.
Then she will ask, 'Are you afraid that you will look like another person?'
Because whoever she chooses will endure the ultimate identity crisis.
Siemionow wants to attempt a face transplant."
CNN.com - N. Korea agrees to give up nuclear program - Sep 19, 2005
BEIJING, China (CNN) -- Nearly three years after ordering U.N. nuclear inspectors out of the country, North Korea Monday agreed to give up its entire nuclear program, including weapons, a joint statement from six-party nuclear arms talks in Beijing said.
17.9.05
After Blocking the Bridge, Gretna Circles the Wagons - Los Angeles Times
: "GRETNA, La. — Little over a week after this mostly white suburb became a symbol of callousness for using armed officers to seal one of the last escape routes from New Orleans — trapping thousands of mostly black evacuees in the flooded city — the Gretna City Council passed a resolution supporting the police chief's move."
16.9.05
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com: "SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian man built up a 40,000-volt charge of static electricity in his clothes as he walked, leaving a trail of scorched carpet and molten plastic and forcing firefighters to evacuate a building.
Frank Clewer, who was wearing a woolen shirt and a synthetic nylon jacket, was oblivious to the growing electrical current that was building up as his clothes rubbed together.
When he walked into a building in the country town of Warrnambool in the southern state of Victoria Thursday, the electrical charge ignited the carpet.
"We tested his clothes with a static electricity field meter and measured a current of 40,000 volts, which is one step shy of spontaneous combustion, where his clothes would have self-ignited," Barton said."
Frank Clewer, who was wearing a woolen shirt and a synthetic nylon jacket, was oblivious to the growing electrical current that was building up as his clothes rubbed together.
When he walked into a building in the country town of Warrnambool in the southern state of Victoria Thursday, the electrical charge ignited the carpet.
"We tested his clothes with a static electricity field meter and measured a current of 40,000 volts, which is one step shy of spontaneous combustion, where his clothes would have self-ignited," Barton said."
15.9.05
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | The beauty products from the skin of executed Chinese prisoners
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | The beauty products from the skin of executed Chinese prisoners: "A Chinese cosmetics company is using skin harvested from the corpses of executed convicts to develop beauty products for sale in Europe, an investigation by the Guardian has discovered."
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Giant mirror to light up village
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Giant mirror to light up village: "Residents of Viganella, a small hamlet in the Italian Alps, have more reason than most to dread the imminent arrival of winter. From November to February, they lose the sun behind a mountain ridge that towers over the village and the 197 inhabitants live in permanent gloom.
But now residents, led by their mayor Pierfranco Midali, may have solved the problem - they want to erect a giant mirror, powered by an electric motor, sited to the north of the village, 80 miles from Milan."
But now residents, led by their mayor Pierfranco Midali, may have solved the problem - they want to erect a giant mirror, powered by an electric motor, sited to the north of the village, 80 miles from Milan."
14.9.05
Ananova - Inventor turns dead cats into diesel
Ananova - Inventor turns dead cats into diesel: "A German inventor says he's found a way to make cheap diesel fuel out of dead cats."
The Daily Telegraph | Patients put down
The Daily Telegraph | Patients put down: "DOCTORS working in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans killed critically ill patients rather than leave them to die in agony as they evacuated."
Man given public airport strip search | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (12-09-2005)
Man given public airport strip search | The Other Side | Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au (12-09-2005): "A SENIOR member of a French association for accident victims said Friday he would sue a German airport for stripping him in public when a security device reacted to a metal plate in his body."
BBC NEWS | South Asia | India's marathon boy, aged three
BBC NEWS | South Asia | India's marathon boy, aged three: "He runs seven hours at a stretch, sometimes as much as 48km (30 miles). On a daily basis.
And Budhia Singh is just three and a half years old."
And Budhia Singh is just three and a half years old."
Google Earth threatens democracy | The Register
Google Earth threatens democracy | The Register: "The recent news that South Korea is to take the US to task over Google Earth images which expose its military installations to close Commie scrutiny has provoked a mini stampede of other peace-loving nations eager to protect their assets from prying eyes.
Enter stage right Thailand, which says it may ask Google to 'block images of important state buildings vulnerable to attack'. Armed forces spokeschap Major General Weerasak Manee-in told Reuters: 'We are looking for possible restrictions on these detailed pictures, especially state buildings. I think pictures of tourist attractions should do, not crucial places which could threaten national security.'"
Enter stage right Thailand, which says it may ask Google to 'block images of important state buildings vulnerable to attack'. Armed forces spokeschap Major General Weerasak Manee-in told Reuters: 'We are looking for possible restrictions on these detailed pictures, especially state buildings. I think pictures of tourist attractions should do, not crucial places which could threaten national security.'"
13.9.05
NTI: Global Security Newswire - Monday, September 12, 2005
: "WASHINGTON — Contrasting earlier denials, the Defense Department appears to be formalizing military guidelines for seeking presidential approval to use nuclear weapons pre-emptively against suspected WMD facilities (see GSN, July 22)."
12.9.05
Alternative Fuel Stocks Skyrocketing - Yahoo! News
: "NEW YORK — Alternative energy has long been dismissed as too expensive to be practical, but with oil hovering around $65 a barrel, solar energy and fuel cells are starting to look positively affordable. As a result, alternative fuel companies' stock has soared this summer alongside oil prices."
10.9.05
Dateline: Hollywood � ROBERTSON BLAMES HURRICANE ON CHOICE OF ELLEN DEGENERES TO HOST EMMYS
: "Hollywood – Pat Robertson on Sunday said that Hurricane Katrina was God’s way of expressing its anger at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its selection of Ellen Degeneres to host this year’s Emmy Awards. “By choosing an avowed lesbian for this national event, these Hollywood elites have clearly invited God’s wrath,” Robertson said on “The 700 Club” on Sunday. “Is it any surprise that the Almighty chose to strike at Miss Degeneres’ hometown?”"
7.9.05
Barbara Bush: Things Working Out 'Very Well' for Poor Evacuees from New Orleans
Barbara Bush: Things Working Out 'Very Well' for Poor Evacuees from New Orleans: "NEW YORK Accompanying her husband, former President George H.W.Bush, on a tour of hurricane relief centers in
Houston, Barbara Bush said today, referring to the poor who had lost everything back home and evacuated, 'This is working very well for them.' "
Houston, Barbara Bush said today, referring to the poor who had lost everything back home and evacuated, 'This is working very well for them.' "
Defense Tech: Dutch Counter-Flood Tech
Defense Tech: Dutch Counter-Flood Tech: "After devastating floods killed nearly 2,000 people in the Netherlands, the Dutch erected a futuristic system of coastal defenses that is admired around the world today as one of the best barriers against the sea's fury - one that could withstand the kind of storm that happens only once in 10,000 years.'
Linking offshore islands with dams, seawalls and other structures, the Dutch erected a kind of forward defensive shield, drastically reducing the amount of vulnerable coastline. Mr. de Haan, director of the water branch of the Road and Hydraulic Engineering Institute of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, said the project had the effect of shortening the coast by more than 400 miles.
For New Orleans, experts say, a similar forward defense would seal off Lake Pontchartrain from the Gulf of Mexico. That step would eliminate a major conduit by which hurricanes drive storm surges to the city's edge - or, as in the case of Katrina, through the barriers.
The Dutch also increased the height of their dikes, which now loom as much as 40 feet above the churning sea. (In New Orleans, the tallest flood walls are about half that size.) The government also erected vast complexes of floodgates that close when the weather turns violent but remain open at other times, so saltwater can flow into estuaries, preserving their ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
The Netherlands maintains large teams of inspectors and maintenance crews that safeguard the sprawling complex, which is known as Delta Works. The annual maintenance bill is about $500 million. 'It's not cheap,' Mr. de Haan said. 'But it's not so much in relation to the gross national product. So it's a kind of insurance.'"
Linking offshore islands with dams, seawalls and other structures, the Dutch erected a kind of forward defensive shield, drastically reducing the amount of vulnerable coastline. Mr. de Haan, director of the water branch of the Road and Hydraulic Engineering Institute of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, said the project had the effect of shortening the coast by more than 400 miles.
For New Orleans, experts say, a similar forward defense would seal off Lake Pontchartrain from the Gulf of Mexico. That step would eliminate a major conduit by which hurricanes drive storm surges to the city's edge - or, as in the case of Katrina, through the barriers.
The Dutch also increased the height of their dikes, which now loom as much as 40 feet above the churning sea. (In New Orleans, the tallest flood walls are about half that size.) The government also erected vast complexes of floodgates that close when the weather turns violent but remain open at other times, so saltwater can flow into estuaries, preserving their ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
The Netherlands maintains large teams of inspectors and maintenance crews that safeguard the sprawling complex, which is known as Delta Works. The annual maintenance bill is about $500 million. 'It's not cheap,' Mr. de Haan said. 'But it's not so much in relation to the gross national product. So it's a kind of insurance.'"
Bob Denver, TV's Gilligan, Dead at 70 - Yahoo! News
Bob Denver, TV's Gilligan, Dead at 70 - Yahoo! News: "LOS ANGELES -
Bob Denver, whose portrayal of goofy castaway Gilligan on the 1960s TV show 'Gilligan's Island' made him an iconic figure to generations of TV viewers, has died. He was 70."
Bob Denver, whose portrayal of goofy castaway Gilligan on the 1960s TV show 'Gilligan's Island' made him an iconic figure to generations of TV viewers, has died. He was 70."
4.9.05
Bush visit halts food delivery
: "Three tons of food ready for delivery by air to refugees in St. Bernard Parish and on Algiers Point sat on the Crescent City Connection bridge Friday afternoon as air traffic was halted because of President Bush’s visit to New Orleans, officials said.
The provisions, secured by U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, and state Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom, baked in the afternoon sun as Bush surveyed damage across southeast Louisiana five days after Katrina made landfall as a Category 4 storm, said Melancon’s chief of staff, Casey O’Shea.
“We had arrangements to airlift food by helicopter to these folks, and now the food is sitting in trucks because they won’t let helicopters fly,” O’Shea said Friday afternoon.
The food was expected to be in the hands of storm survivors after the president left the devastated region Friday night, he said."
The provisions, secured by U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, and state Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom, baked in the afternoon sun as Bush surveyed damage across southeast Louisiana five days after Katrina made landfall as a Category 4 storm, said Melancon’s chief of staff, Casey O’Shea.
“We had arrangements to airlift food by helicopter to these folks, and now the food is sitting in trucks because they won’t let helicopters fly,” O’Shea said Friday afternoon.
The food was expected to be in the hands of storm survivors after the president left the devastated region Friday night, he said."
3.9.05
CNN.com - Castro offers medical aid to U.S. - Sep 3, 2005
CNN.com - Castro offers medical aid to U.S. - Sep 3, 2005: "HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Cuban President Fidel Castro has offered to send help to the United States in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
At a nightly roundtable program on state-run television Friday, the Cuban leader said his nation was ready to send 1,100 doctors and 26 tons of medicine and equipment.
'Others have sent money; we are offering to save lives,' he said."
At a nightly roundtable program on state-run television Friday, the Cuban leader said his nation was ready to send 1,100 doctors and 26 tons of medicine and equipment.
'Others have sent money; we are offering to save lives,' he said."
1.9.05
The Australian: It's a miracle: mice regrow hearts [August 29, 2005]
The Australian: It's a miracle: mice regrow hearts [August 29, 2005]: "SCIENTISTS have created 'miracle mice' that can regenerate amputated limbs or damaged vital organs, making them able to recover from injuries that would kill or permanently disable normal animals.
The experimental animals are unique among mammals in their ability to regrow their heart, toes, joints and tail.
And when cells from the test mouse are injected into ordinary mice, they too acquire the ability to regenerate, the US-based researchers say.
Their discoveries raise the prospect that humans could one day be given the ability to regenerate lost or damaged organs, opening up a new era in medicine."
The experimental animals are unique among mammals in their ability to regrow their heart, toes, joints and tail.
And when cells from the test mouse are injected into ordinary mice, they too acquire the ability to regenerate, the US-based researchers say.
Their discoveries raise the prospect that humans could one day be given the ability to regenerate lost or damaged organs, opening up a new era in medicine."
Pakistan, India to sign missile tests agreement (LEAD) .:. New Kerala - India's Top Online Newspaper
Pakistan, India to sign missile tests agreement (LEAD) .:. New Kerala - India's Top Online Newspaper: "By Muhammad Najeeb, Islamabad: Pakistan and India decided Thursday to exchange advance information on missile tests through an agreement that will be signed by their foreign ministers next month.
'We have agreed to inform each other prior to missile tests and an agreement will be signed Oct 3 during a meeting of foreign ministers of both the countries,' Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan told mediapersons after talks with his Indian counterpart Shyam Saran here.
Pakistan and India already have an understanding for pre-notification of any missile tests but now this will be turned into an agreement.
The foreign ministers of both the countries will be meeting Oct 3-5 to review the peace process and initiate the third round of composite dialogue."
'We have agreed to inform each other prior to missile tests and an agreement will be signed Oct 3 during a meeting of foreign ministers of both the countries,' Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan told mediapersons after talks with his Indian counterpart Shyam Saran here.
Pakistan and India already have an understanding for pre-notification of any missile tests but now this will be turned into an agreement.
The foreign ministers of both the countries will be meeting Oct 3-5 to review the peace process and initiate the third round of composite dialogue."
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Iraq Hangs Three Convicted Murderers
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Iraq Hangs Three Convicted Murderers: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraq hanged three convicted murderers Thursday, the first executions since the 2003 ouster of Saddam Hussein, the government said.
Iraqi authorities reinstated the death penalty after the end of the U.S.-led occupation in June 2004 so they would have the option of executing Saddam Hussein if he is convicted of crimes committed by his regime. Saddam is expected to stand trial soon after the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum, an official said Thursday.
``At 10 a.m. in Baghdad, the first executions were carried out since the fall of the regime, against three criminals,'' spokesman Laith Kubba said."
Iraqi authorities reinstated the death penalty after the end of the U.S.-led occupation in June 2004 so they would have the option of executing Saddam Hussein if he is convicted of crimes committed by his regime. Saddam is expected to stand trial soon after the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum, an official said Thursday.
``At 10 a.m. in Baghdad, the first executions were carried out since the fall of the regime, against three criminals,'' spokesman Laith Kubba said."
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online: "A YOUNG girl has been saved from drowning by an extraordinary computer system that keeps an eye on everybody in a swimming pool.
The girl was pulled unconscious from 12ft of water at the deep end of a public pool in Bangor, North Wales, when underwater cameras spotted that she was not moving and alerted a lifeguard. The lifeguard could not see the girl in the crowded pool but was able to respond to the alert within seconds."
The girl was pulled unconscious from 12ft of water at the deep end of a public pool in Bangor, North Wales, when underwater cameras spotted that she was not moving and alerted a lifeguard. The lifeguard could not see the girl in the crowded pool but was able to respond to the alert within seconds."
31.8.05
New Scientist Breaking News - Most scientific papers are probably wrong
New Scientist Breaking News - Most scientific papers are probably wrong: "Most published scientific research papers are wrong, according to a new analysis. Assuming that the new paper is itself correct, problems with experimental and statistical methods mean that there is less than a 50% chance that the results of any randomly chosen scientific paper are true."
29.8.05
Houston Voice Online
: "Falwell speaks in favor of gay rights
The Human Rights Campaign has formally thanked Rev. Jerry Falwell for apparently speaking out in favor of gay rights for the first time publicly.
Falwell, the high profile televangelist, founder of the Moral Majority and of the Liberty University, recently discussed potential Supreme Court nominees with President Bush before a pick was named.
On Aug. 5, during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Situation with Tucker Carlson,” Falwell raised eyebrowns when he said he was not troubled by reports that nominee John Roberts had done volunteer legal work for gay rights activists on the case Romer vs. Evans. "
The Human Rights Campaign has formally thanked Rev. Jerry Falwell for apparently speaking out in favor of gay rights for the first time publicly.
Falwell, the high profile televangelist, founder of the Moral Majority and of the Liberty University, recently discussed potential Supreme Court nominees with President Bush before a pick was named.
On Aug. 5, during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Situation with Tucker Carlson,” Falwell raised eyebrowns when he said he was not troubled by reports that nominee John Roberts had done volunteer legal work for gay rights activists on the case Romer vs. Evans. "
28.8.05
The Australian: Dumping of US dollar could trigger 'economic September 11' [August 29, 2005]
The Australian: Dumping of US dollar could trigger 'economic September 11' [August 29, 2005]: "THE nightmare scenario that haunts global strategist Clyde Prestowitz is an economic September 11 -- a worldwide financial panic triggered by a sudden massive sell-off of US dollars that would lead inexorably to the collapse of economies around the world.
If that happens, Prestowitz predicts: 'It would make the Great Depression of the 1930s look like a walk in the park.'
Australia would be sucked into the vortex of such a recession, which would cause great hardship throughout the world, he warns."
If that happens, Prestowitz predicts: 'It would make the Great Depression of the 1930s look like a walk in the park.'
Australia would be sucked into the vortex of such a recession, which would cause great hardship throughout the world, he warns."
27.8.05
Grand Canyon to Get Glass-Bottomed Walk - Yahoo! News
: "PHOENIX - Great views — and plenty of goosebumps for those afraid of heights.
An American Indian tribe with land along the Grand Canyon is planning to build a glass-bottomed walkway that will jut out 70 feet from the canyon's edge."
An American Indian tribe with land along the Grand Canyon is planning to build a glass-bottomed walkway that will jut out 70 feet from the canyon's edge."
Argentine cleric caught on tape - Yahoo! News
Argentine cleric caught on tape - Yahoo! News: "Part morality play, part conspiracy tale and part soap opera, the resignation of a Roman Catholic bishop over his sexual encounter with a young man has Argentines both dismayed and riveted.
'Everything points to . . . political revenge,' said Rev. Guillermo Marco, a spokesman for the Buenos Aires archbishop.
The chauffeur, Alfredo Serrano, said he made the video to get back at Maccarone for failing to help his family and find the young man a good job."
'Everything points to . . . political revenge,' said Rev. Guillermo Marco, a spokesman for the Buenos Aires archbishop.
The chauffeur, Alfredo Serrano, said he made the video to get back at Maccarone for failing to help his family and find the young man a good job."
26.8.05
Xinhua - English
Xinhua - English: "LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Scientists reported on Thursday that Earth's core rotates faster than its surface by about 0.3 to 0. 5 degree per year and this finding is expected to end a nine-year debate.
The claim that Earth's inner core was getting ahead of itself seemed odd at first. But some computer simulations showed the molten-iron outer core dragging the inner core around by the magnetic field generated in the outer core.
Still, seismologists had problems with measurements of the inner core's excess spin. Now the researchers found persuasive evidence that the inner core really is spinning faster than the rest of the planet.
'Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof,' said Xiaodong Song, a professor of geology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and co-author of a paper to appear in the Aug. 26 issue of the journal Science. 'We believe we have that proof.'"
The claim that Earth's inner core was getting ahead of itself seemed odd at first. But some computer simulations showed the molten-iron outer core dragging the inner core around by the magnetic field generated in the outer core.
Still, seismologists had problems with measurements of the inner core's excess spin. Now the researchers found persuasive evidence that the inner core really is spinning faster than the rest of the planet.
'Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof,' said Xiaodong Song, a professor of geology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and co-author of a paper to appear in the Aug. 26 issue of the journal Science. 'We believe we have that proof.'"
C.I.A. Report Said to Fault Pre-9/11 Leadership - New York Times
C.I.A. Report Said to Fault Pre-9/11 Leadership - New York Times: "WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 - A long-awaited C.I.A. inspector general's report on the agency's performance before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks includes detailed criticism of more than a dozen former and current agency officials, aiming its sharpest language at George J. Tenet, the former director, according to a former intelligence officer who was briefed on the findings and another government official who has seen the report.
Mr. Tenet is censured for failing to develop and carry out a strategic plan to take on Al Qaeda in the years before 2001, even after he wrote in a 1998 memo to intelligence agencies that 'we are at war' with it, they said, speaking about the highly classified report on condition of anonymity."
Mr. Tenet is censured for failing to develop and carry out a strategic plan to take on Al Qaeda in the years before 2001, even after he wrote in a 1998 memo to intelligence agencies that 'we are at war' with it, they said, speaking about the highly classified report on condition of anonymity."
Life-Lengthening Hormone Found in Mouse Research
Life-Lengthening Hormone Found in Mouse Research: "Scientists have identified a hormone that significantly extends the life span of mice, a discovery that could mark a crucial step toward developing drugs that boost longevity in people.
The hormone is the first substance identified that is produced naturally in mammals, including humans, and can extend life span -- a long-sought goal in the intense effort to help people live longer."
The hormone is the first substance identified that is produced naturally in mammals, including humans, and can extend life span -- a long-sought goal in the intense effort to help people live longer."
Homeopathy no better than a placebo, says study : Mail & Guardian Online
Homeopathy no better than a placebo, says study : Mail & Guardian Online: "Homeopathic treatment is no more effective than a placebo, the dummy substance used in medical trials, according to a study appearing in Saturday's issue of The Lancet, the British medical weekly.
That is the conclusion of a team of doctors in Britain and Switzerland, who reviewed a mountain of published evidence.
They compared 110 trials of homeopathic remedies against a placebo with 110 trials of conventional medicines, which were also tested against a placebo.
The ailments being treated in these trials included respiratory-tract infections, pollen allergies and asthma, gynaecological and obstetric problems, muscle and joint ache and intestinal upsets.
The researchers found that in small trials which they deemed to be of poor quality, both homeopathic and conventional medicines appeared to fare better against placebos.
But in larger trials that were of high quality, there was no credible evidence that the homeopathic treatment worked any better than the placebo."
That is the conclusion of a team of doctors in Britain and Switzerland, who reviewed a mountain of published evidence.
They compared 110 trials of homeopathic remedies against a placebo with 110 trials of conventional medicines, which were also tested against a placebo.
The ailments being treated in these trials included respiratory-tract infections, pollen allergies and asthma, gynaecological and obstetric problems, muscle and joint ache and intestinal upsets.
The researchers found that in small trials which they deemed to be of poor quality, both homeopathic and conventional medicines appeared to fare better against placebos.
But in larger trials that were of high quality, there was no credible evidence that the homeopathic treatment worked any better than the placebo."
25.8.05
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online: "HALF the population will dismiss this story, but a study claims that the cleverest people are much more likely to be men than women.
Men are more intelligent than women by about five IQ points on average, making them better suited for “tasks of high complexity”, according to the authors of a paper due to be published in the British Journal of Psychology.
Genetic differences in intelligence between the sexes helped to explain why many more men than women won Nobel Prizes or became chess grandmasters, the study by Paul Irwing and Professor Richard Lynn concluded.
They showed that men outnumbered women in increasing numbers as intelligence levels rise. There were twice as many with IQ scores of 125, a level typical for people with first-class degrees.
When scores rose to 155, a level associated with genius, there were 5.5 men for every woman."
Men are more intelligent than women by about five IQ points on average, making them better suited for “tasks of high complexity”, according to the authors of a paper due to be published in the British Journal of Psychology.
Genetic differences in intelligence between the sexes helped to explain why many more men than women won Nobel Prizes or became chess grandmasters, the study by Paul Irwing and Professor Richard Lynn concluded.
They showed that men outnumbered women in increasing numbers as intelligence levels rise. There were twice as many with IQ scores of 125, a level typical for people with first-class degrees.
When scores rose to 155, a level associated with genius, there were 5.5 men for every woman."
KHON2 - The Team That Knows Hawaii | Home
KHON2 - The Team That Knows Hawaii | Home: "VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson has issued an apology for calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
'Is it right to call for assassination? No, and I apologize for that statement. I spoke in frustration that we should accommodate the man who thinks the U.S. is out to kill him,' Robertson's statement said.
Rev. Jesse Jackson told FOX News that an apology is not enough.
'The fact is that his impact is substantially great,' said Jackson. 'He supports the government, he is a former Republican presidential candidate. ... His statement carries weight.'
Robertson's statement acknowledged the controversy that has surrounded his remarks, but said the situation has shed light on an important topic.
'There are many who disagree with my comments, and I respect their opinions. There are others who think that stopping a dictator is the appropriate course of action,' he said. 'In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government's attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.'"
'Is it right to call for assassination? No, and I apologize for that statement. I spoke in frustration that we should accommodate the man who thinks the U.S. is out to kill him,' Robertson's statement said.
Rev. Jesse Jackson told FOX News that an apology is not enough.
'The fact is that his impact is substantially great,' said Jackson. 'He supports the government, he is a former Republican presidential candidate. ... His statement carries weight.'
Robertson's statement acknowledged the controversy that has surrounded his remarks, but said the situation has shed light on an important topic.
'There are many who disagree with my comments, and I respect their opinions. There are others who think that stopping a dictator is the appropriate course of action,' he said. 'In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government's attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.'"
Robertson Assassinations Remarks Not New - Los Angeles Times
Robertson Assassinations Remarks Not New - Los Angeles Times: "The Rev. Pat Robertson's suggestion that the United States assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was the latest in a long line of incendiary remarks by the religious broadcaster, including at least one other call to 'take out' oppressive world leaders.
Six years ago, Robertson said the U.S. could send agents to kill Osama bin Laden, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il and Saddam Hussein. "
Six years ago, Robertson said the U.S. could send agents to kill Osama bin Laden, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il and Saddam Hussein. "
C&EN: Latest News - Thin, Transparent Nanotube Sheets
C&EN: Latest News - Thin, Transparent Nanotube Sheets: "Using a solid-state process, researchers have found a way to transform a carbon nanotube 'forest' into strong, ultrathin, transparent carbon nanotube sheets or ribbons with exceptional mechanical and physical properties. The process, they say, appears to be scalable for continuous high-rate production, opening the door to a variety of potential applications such as artificial muscles, flexible organic light-emitting displays, low-noise electronic sensors, solar cells, and electricity-conducting appliqu�s"
American Legion Declares War on Protestors -- Media Next?
: "NEW YORK The American Legion, which has 2.7 million members, has declared war on antiwar protestors, and the media could be next. Speaking at its national convention in Honolulu, the group's national commander called for an end to all “public protests” and “media events” against the war, even though they are protected by the Bill of Rights.
"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.
The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."
In his speech, Cadmus declared: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”
He explained, "No one respects the right to protest more than one who has fought for it, but we hope that Americans will present their views in correspondence to their elected officials rather than by public media events guaranteed to be picked up and used as tools of encouragement by our enemies." This might suggest to some, however, that American freedoms are worth dying for but not exercising."
"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.
The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."
In his speech, Cadmus declared: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”
He explained, "No one respects the right to protest more than one who has fought for it, but we hope that Americans will present their views in correspondence to their elected officials rather than by public media events guaranteed to be picked up and used as tools of encouragement by our enemies." This might suggest to some, however, that American freedoms are worth dying for but not exercising."
24.8.05
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Arts | Thompson's ashes fired into sky
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Arts | Thompson's ashes fired into sky: "The ashes of gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson have been blown into the sky from a cannon in Aspen, Colorado.
Friends and admirers had gathered for the event at the writer's US home, six months after he shot himself there."
Friends and admirers had gathered for the event at the writer's US home, six months after he shot himself there."
CNN.com - Chavez offers cheap gas to poor in U.S. - Aug 23, 2005
CNN.com - Chavez offers cheap gas to poor in U.S. - Aug 23, 2005: "HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, popular with the poor at home, offered on Tuesday to help needy Americans with cheap supplies of gasoline.
'We want to sell gasoline and heating fuel directly to poor communities in the United States,' the populist leader told reporters at the end of a visit to Communist-run Cuba.
Chavez did not say how Venezuela would go about providing gasoline to poor communities. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA owns Citgo, which has 14,000 gas stations in the United States."
'We want to sell gasoline and heating fuel directly to poor communities in the United States,' the populist leader told reporters at the end of a visit to Communist-run Cuba.
Chavez did not say how Venezuela would go about providing gasoline to poor communities. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA owns Citgo, which has 14,000 gas stations in the United States."
FBI Agents' 'Wedding' Is a Bust for Guests: SouthFlorida.com
: " WASHINGTON — After their wedding guests had streamed into Atlantic City, N.J., for the festivities Sunday aboard the yacht Royal Charm, the happy couple surprised them all — by having them arrested as part of an alleged international Asia-based organized crime syndicate."
23.8.05
BBC NEWS | Europe | Portugal wildfires out of control
BBC NEWS | Europe | Portugal wildfires out of control: "Dozens of wildfires are still raging out of control across Portugal, despite desperate efforts to contain them.
The worst-hit areas include the central region, where fires are threatening the outskirts of the third-largest city of Coimbra, firefighters say."
The worst-hit areas include the central region, where fires are threatening the outskirts of the third-largest city of Coimbra, firefighters say."
Canoe – Infos – International - Le t�l�vang�liste am�ricain Pat Robertson appelle �l'assassinat d'Hugo Chavez
Canoe – Infos – International - Le télévangéliste américain Pat Robertson appelle à l'assassinat d'Hugo Chavez: "Le télévangéliste américain Pat Robertson appelle à l'assassinat d'Hugo Chavez"
t r u t h o u t - Robert Fisk | Secrets of the Morgue: Baghdad's Body Count
t r u t h o u t - Robert Fisk | Secrets of the Morgue: Baghdad's Body Count: "Bodies of 1,100 civilians brought to mortuary in July. Pre-invasion, July figure was typically less than 200. Last Sunday alone, the mortuary received 36 bodies. Up to 20 per cent of the bodies are never identified. Many of the dead have been tortured or disfigured."
USATODAY.com - Pat Robertson calls for assassination of Hugo Chavez
: "VIRGINIA BEACH (AP) — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson suggested on-air that American operatives assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to stop his country from becoming "a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism."
"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said Monday on the Christian Broadcast Network's The 700 Club.""
"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said Monday on the Christian Broadcast Network's The 700 Club.""
New Scientist Breaking News - Westerners and Easterners see the world differently
: "Chinese and American people see the world differently – literally. While Americans focus on the central objects of photographs, Chinese individuals pay more attention to the image as a whole, according to psychologists at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, US."
22.8.05
US satellite confirms NKorea reactivated nuclear reactor last month: report
US satellite confirms NKorea reactivated nuclear reactor last month: report: "TOKYO (AFP) Aug 21, 2005
A US spy satellite has found that North Korea reactivated its nuclear reactor last month after it spotted vapor coming out of the reactor's boiler, a Japanese daily said Sunday.
The reactivation of the Yongbyon nuclear complex came just before six-nation talks aimed at halting the North's nuclear drive began in Beijing in late July, the Asahi Shimbun daily said, quoting unnamed diplomatic sources.
The topic of the reactivated reactor had been discussed during the talks -- which involved the two Koreas, Russia, Japan, China and the United States -- the daily said without giving further details.
The Asahi said vapor had not been seen at the Yongbyon reactor since early April, and the report quoted a US source as saying that the release of vapor indicated renewed activity."
A US spy satellite has found that North Korea reactivated its nuclear reactor last month after it spotted vapor coming out of the reactor's boiler, a Japanese daily said Sunday.
The reactivation of the Yongbyon nuclear complex came just before six-nation talks aimed at halting the North's nuclear drive began in Beijing in late July, the Asahi Shimbun daily said, quoting unnamed diplomatic sources.
The topic of the reactivated reactor had been discussed during the talks -- which involved the two Koreas, Russia, Japan, China and the United States -- the daily said without giving further details.
The Asahi said vapor had not been seen at the Yongbyon reactor since early April, and the report quoted a US source as saying that the release of vapor indicated renewed activity."
CNN.com - 9/11�factors boost Gulf economies - Aug 21, 2005
CNN.com - 9/11�factors boost Gulf economies - Aug 21, 2005: "DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- In the United States, the September 11 attacks are seen as the catalyst for a period of fear, war and economic worry.
But in the oil-rich Arab countries of the Gulf, September 11 is increasingly being seen as the event that kicked off a galloping economic boom -- and prodded investors to pull their money out of a United States perceived as hostile to Arabs, and instead invest it at home.
Since late 2001, economies in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries have soared, with stock markets up a collective 400 percent. During the same period, investments from those countries into the U.S. slowed to a trickle."
But in the oil-rich Arab countries of the Gulf, September 11 is increasingly being seen as the event that kicked off a galloping economic boom -- and prodded investors to pull their money out of a United States perceived as hostile to Arabs, and instead invest it at home.
Since late 2001, economies in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries have soared, with stock markets up a collective 400 percent. During the same period, investments from those countries into the U.S. slowed to a trickle."
21.8.05
CNN.com - U.S., Taliban bargained�over bin Laden, documents show - Aug 19, 2005
CNN.com - U.S., Taliban bargained�over bin Laden, documents show - Aug 19, 2005: "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- During secret meetings with U.S. officials in 1998, top Taliban officials discussed assassinating or expelling Osama bin Laden in response to al Qaeda's deadly bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa, according to State Department documents.
The newly declassified documents, posted Thursday on the National Archives Web site, provide a fascinating glimpse into U.S. diplomacy exerted on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban -- a regime officially unrecognized by Washington -- nearly three years before the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.
According to the documents, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Alan Eastham Jr., met with Wakil Ahmed, a close aide to Taliban leader Mullah Omar, in November and December 1998. That was just months after the August al Qaeda attacks that killed more than 200 people at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania."
The newly declassified documents, posted Thursday on the National Archives Web site, provide a fascinating glimpse into U.S. diplomacy exerted on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban -- a regime officially unrecognized by Washington -- nearly three years before the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.
According to the documents, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Alan Eastham Jr., met with Wakil Ahmed, a close aide to Taliban leader Mullah Omar, in November and December 1998. That was just months after the August al Qaeda attacks that killed more than 200 people at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania."
20.8.05
local6.com - News - Drug Suspect's Pet Squirrel Attacks Officer
local6.com - News - Drug Suspect's Pet Squirrel Attacks Officer: "A police officer in Massachusetts was treated at a hospital after a drug suspect's squirrel attacked him during an attempted arrest, according to a Local 6 News report."
18.8.05
CNN.com - Bored on the phone? Beware the Jerk-O-Meter - Aug 12, 2005
CNN.com - Bored on the phone? Beware the Jerk-O-Meter - Aug 12, 2005: "CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts (AP) -- Ever wonder if that spouse, friend or co-worker on the other end of the phone is really paying attention? The 'Jerk-O-Meter' may hold the answer.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing software for cell phones that would analyze speech patterns and voice tones to rate people -- on a scale of 0 to 100 percent -- on how engaged they are in a conversation."
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing software for cell phones that would analyze speech patterns and voice tones to rate people -- on a scale of 0 to 100 percent -- on how engaged they are in a conversation."
16.8.05
Guardian | How Bush would gain from war with Iran
Guardian | How Bush would gain from war with Iran: "President Bush has reminded us that he is prepared to take military action to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. On Israeli television this weekend, he declared that 'all options are on the table' if Tehran doesn't comply with international demands.
In private his officials deride EU and UN diplomacy with Iran. US officials have been preparing pre-emptive war since Bush marked Iran out as a member of the 'axis of evil' back in 2002. Once again, this war is likely to have British support.
A plausible spin could be that America and Britain must act where the international community has failed, and that their action is the responsible alternative to an Israeli attack. The conventional wisdom is that, even if diplomacy fails, the US is so bogged down in Iraq that it could not take on Iran. However, this misunderstands the capabilities and intentions of the Bush administration.
America's devastating air power is not committed in Iraq. Just 120 B52, B1 and B2 bombers could hit 5,000 targets in a single mission. Thousands of other warplanes and missiles are available. The army and marines are heavily committed in Iraq, but enough forces could be found to secure coastal oilfields and to conduct raids into Iran.
A US attack is unlikely to be confined to the suspected WMD locations or to involve a ground invasion to occupy the country. The strikes would probably be intended to destroy military, political and (oil excepted) economic infrastructure. A disabled Iran could be further paralysed by civil war. Tehran alleges US support for separatists in the large Azeri population of the north-west, and fighting is increasing in Iranian Kurdistan."
In private his officials deride EU and UN diplomacy with Iran. US officials have been preparing pre-emptive war since Bush marked Iran out as a member of the 'axis of evil' back in 2002. Once again, this war is likely to have British support.
A plausible spin could be that America and Britain must act where the international community has failed, and that their action is the responsible alternative to an Israeli attack. The conventional wisdom is that, even if diplomacy fails, the US is so bogged down in Iraq that it could not take on Iran. However, this misunderstands the capabilities and intentions of the Bush administration.
America's devastating air power is not committed in Iraq. Just 120 B52, B1 and B2 bombers could hit 5,000 targets in a single mission. Thousands of other warplanes and missiles are available. The army and marines are heavily committed in Iraq, but enough forces could be found to secure coastal oilfields and to conduct raids into Iran.
A US attack is unlikely to be confined to the suspected WMD locations or to involve a ground invasion to occupy the country. The strikes would probably be intended to destroy military, political and (oil excepted) economic infrastructure. A disabled Iran could be further paralysed by civil war. Tehran alleges US support for separatists in the large Azeri population of the north-west, and fighting is increasing in Iranian Kurdistan."
Shrinking Detroit has 12,000 abandoned homes - Yahoo! News
Shrinking Detroit has 12,000 abandoned homes - Yahoo! News: "DETROIT, United States (AFP) - Rats or lead poisoning. When it comes to the threats from the broken down house next door, Dorothy Bates isn't sure which is worse.
'When it's lightening and thundering you can hear the bricks just falling,' the 40-year-old nurse said as she looked at the smashed windows and garbage-strewn porch. 'If you call and ask (the city) about it they say they don't have the funds to tear it down.'
There are more than 12,000 abandoned homes in the Detroit area, a byproduct of decades of layoffs at the city's auto plants and white flight to the suburbs. And despite scores of attempts by government and civic leaders to set the city straight, the automobile capitol of the world seems trapped in a vicious cycle of urban decay."
'When it's lightening and thundering you can hear the bricks just falling,' the 40-year-old nurse said as she looked at the smashed windows and garbage-strewn porch. 'If you call and ask (the city) about it they say they don't have the funds to tear it down.'
There are more than 12,000 abandoned homes in the Detroit area, a byproduct of decades of layoffs at the city's auto plants and white flight to the suburbs. And despite scores of attempts by government and civic leaders to set the city straight, the automobile capitol of the world seems trapped in a vicious cycle of urban decay."
Sky News : iPod Licensing Lapse Lets In Microsoft
Sky News : iPod Licensing Lapse Lets In Microsoft: "Computer firm Apple may have to pay Microsoft $6 for each iPod it sells after a huge licensing lapse.
Lawyers at Bill Gates' firm filed a patent for technology behind the hugely successful digital music player two months before Apple.
The US Patent Office has ruled that Microsoft has the right to charge competitors a licence fee for each iPod sold.
Furious, Apple has said it will appeal the decision but at the moment it looks as though the firm will be paying a high price for the success of its product."
Lawyers at Bill Gates' firm filed a patent for technology behind the hugely successful digital music player two months before Apple.
The US Patent Office has ruled that Microsoft has the right to charge competitors a licence fee for each iPod sold.
Furious, Apple has said it will appeal the decision but at the moment it looks as though the firm will be paying a high price for the success of its product."
15.8.05
Researchers Think They've Got the Incas' Numbers - Los Angeles Times
Researchers Think They've Got the Incas' Numbers - Los Angeles Times: "Two Harvard University researchers believe they have uncovered the meaning of a group of Incan khipus, cryptic assemblages of string and knots that were used by the South American civilization for record-keeping and perhaps even as a written language.
Researchers have long known that some knot patterns represented a specific number. Archeologist Gary Urton and mathematician Carrie Brezine report today in the journal Science that computer analysis of 21 khipus showed how individual strings were combined into multilayered collections that were used as a kind of ledger.
The ledger could then be used to transfer data and instructions between regional centers and the Incan capital, Cusco.
'What we see is information moving vertically,' Urton said."
Researchers have long known that some knot patterns represented a specific number. Archeologist Gary Urton and mathematician Carrie Brezine report today in the journal Science that computer analysis of 21 khipus showed how individual strings were combined into multilayered collections that were used as a kind of ledger.
The ledger could then be used to transfer data and instructions between regional centers and the Incan capital, Cusco.
'What we see is information moving vertically,' Urton said."
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Scientists aim for lab-grown meat
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Scientists aim for lab-grown meat: "An international research team has proposed new techniques that may lead to the mass production of meat reared not on the farm, but in the laboratory.
Developments in tissue engineering mean that cells taken from animals could be grown directly into meat in a laboratory, the researchers say.
Scientists believe the technology already exists to directly grow processed meat like a chicken nugget.
The technology could benefit both humans and the environment.
'With a single cell, you could theoretically produce the world's annual meat supply. And you could do it in a way that's better for the environment and human health.
'In the long term, this is a very feasible idea,' said Jason Matheny of the University of Maryland, part of the team whose research has been published in the Tissue Engineering journal.
Growing the meat without the animal could reduce the need to keep millions of animals in cramped conditions and would lessen the damage caused by the meat production to the environment.
Laboratory-grown meat could also be healthier, proponents say."
Developments in tissue engineering mean that cells taken from animals could be grown directly into meat in a laboratory, the researchers say.
Scientists believe the technology already exists to directly grow processed meat like a chicken nugget.
The technology could benefit both humans and the environment.
'With a single cell, you could theoretically produce the world's annual meat supply. And you could do it in a way that's better for the environment and human health.
'In the long term, this is a very feasible idea,' said Jason Matheny of the University of Maryland, part of the team whose research has been published in the Tissue Engineering journal.
Growing the meat without the animal could reduce the need to keep millions of animals in cramped conditions and would lessen the damage caused by the meat production to the environment.
Laboratory-grown meat could also be healthier, proponents say."
NewsNet5.com - Irresistible - Kids Get To Keep $98,000 They Found
NewsNet5.com - Irresistible - Kids Get To Keep $98,000 They Found: "BOULDER, Colo. -- Three Boulder County children split more than $98,000 after finding the cash in a field last February and turning it in.
The children were walking through a field on Feb. 14 when they came across a duffel bag filled with stacks of bills. The bag appeared to have been left in the field for some time and the bills were wet and moldy.
The children took the money home and then turned it in to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, which said it could have been drug money, but finally determined it was not related to any current case."
The children were walking through a field on Feb. 14 when they came across a duffel bag filled with stacks of bills. The bag appeared to have been left in the field for some time and the bills were wet and moldy.
The children took the money home and then turned it in to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, which said it could have been drug money, but finally determined it was not related to any current case."
14.8.05
Experimental Hybrid Cars Get Up to 250 Mpg - Yahoo! News
Experimental Hybrid Cars Get Up to 250 Mpg - Yahoo! News: "CORTE MADERA, Calif. - Politicians and automakers say a car that can both reduce greenhouse gases and free America from its reliance on foreign oil is years or even decades away. Ron Gremban says such a car is parked in his garage.
It looks like a typical Toyota Prius hybrid, but in the trunk sits an 80-miles-per-gallon secret — a stack of 18 brick-sized batteries that boosts the car's high mileage with an extra electrical charge so it can burn even less fuel.
Gremban, an electrical engineer and committed environmentalist, spent several months and $3,000 tinkering with his car."
It looks like a typical Toyota Prius hybrid, but in the trunk sits an 80-miles-per-gallon secret — a stack of 18 brick-sized batteries that boosts the car's high mileage with an extra electrical charge so it can burn even less fuel.
Gremban, an electrical engineer and committed environmentalist, spent several months and $3,000 tinkering with his car."
13.8.05
CBC News: New York releases 9/11 tapes
CBC News: New York releases 9/11 tapes: "The City of New York has released hours of radio transmissions and thousands of pages of oral histories from firefighters, paramedics and police who responded to the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center."
Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Liquid manure spill flows into upstate NY river; headed for Lake Ontario
Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Liquid manure spill flows into upstate NY river; headed for Lake Ontario: "LOWVILLE, N.Y. (CP) - More than 11 million litres of liquid manure that spilled into a river snaked its way closer to Lake Ontario on Friday as workers diluted a stinking mess already blamed for killing countless fish."
12.8.05
One in 25 men might be raising another’s child - Men's Health - MSNBC.com
One in 25 men might be raising another’s child - Men's Health - MSNBC.com: "LONDON - One in 25 fathers could unknowingly be raising another man’s child, British scientists said on Thursday.
Researchers at Liverpool’s John Moores University examined the findings of dozens of studies, published over the past 54 years, on cases of paternal discrepancy — where a man is proved not to be the biological father of his child."
Researchers at Liverpool’s John Moores University examined the findings of dozens of studies, published over the past 54 years, on cases of paternal discrepancy — where a man is proved not to be the biological father of his child."
http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/08/11/9600147_Edison_Stirling_largest_solar/index.html
http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/08/11/9600147_Edison_Stirling_largest_solar/index.html: "20-year purchase agreement between Southern California Edison and Stirling Energy Systems, Inc. will result in 20,000 dish array, covering 4,500 acres, and capable of generating 500 MW -- more electricity than all other U.S. solar projects combined."
New Scientist News - Climate warning as Siberia melts
New Scientist News - Climate warning as Siberia melts: "THE world's largest frozen peat bog is melting. An area stretching for a million square kilometres across the permafrost of western Siberia is turning into a mass of shallow lakes as the ground melts, according to Russian researchers just back from the region.
The sudden melting of a bog the size of France and Germany combined could unleash billions of tonnes of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
The news of the dramatic transformation of one of the world's least visited landscapes comes from Sergei Kirpotin, a botanist at Tomsk State University, Russia, and Judith Marquand at the University of Oxford.
Kirpotin describes an 'ecological landslide that is probably irreversible and is undoubtedly connected to climatic warming'. He says that the entire western Siberian sub-Arctic region has begun to melt, and this 'has all happened in the last three or four years'."
The sudden melting of a bog the size of France and Germany combined could unleash billions of tonnes of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
The news of the dramatic transformation of one of the world's least visited landscapes comes from Sergei Kirpotin, a botanist at Tomsk State University, Russia, and Judith Marquand at the University of Oxford.
Kirpotin describes an 'ecological landslide that is probably irreversible and is undoubtedly connected to climatic warming'. He says that the entire western Siberian sub-Arctic region has begun to melt, and this 'has all happened in the last three or four years'."
Mirror.co.uk - News - EXCLUSIVE: WAS IT SUICIDE?
Mirror.co.uk - News - EXCLUSIVE: WAS IT SUICIDE?: "Why did they buy return train tickets to Luton? Why did they buy pay & display tickets for cars? Why were there no usual shouts of 'Allah Akhbar'? Why were bombs in bags and not on their bodies?
By Jeff Edwards
THE London bombers may have been duped into killing themselves so their secrets stayed hidden.
Police and MI5 are probing if the four men were told by their al-Qaeda controller they had time to escape after setting off timers. Instead, the devices exploded immediately.
A security source said: 'If the bombers lived and were caught they'd probably have cracked. Would their masters have allowed that to happen? We think not.'
The evidence is compelling: The terrorists bought return rail tickets, and pay and display car park tickets, before boarding _ a train at Luton for London. None of the men was heard to cry 'Allah Akhbar!' - 'God is great' - usually screamed by suicide bombers as they detonate their bomb."
By Jeff Edwards
THE London bombers may have been duped into killing themselves so their secrets stayed hidden.
Police and MI5 are probing if the four men were told by their al-Qaeda controller they had time to escape after setting off timers. Instead, the devices exploded immediately.
A security source said: 'If the bombers lived and were caught they'd probably have cracked. Would their masters have allowed that to happen? We think not.'
The evidence is compelling: The terrorists bought return rail tickets, and pay and display car park tickets, before boarding _ a train at Luton for London. None of the men was heard to cry 'Allah Akhbar!' - 'God is great' - usually screamed by suicide bombers as they detonate their bomb."
WorldNetDaily: Chertoff warns of nuclear terror
WorldNetDaily: Chertoff warns of nuclear terror: "Issuing yet the latest warning of the threat of nuclear terrorism in the U.S., Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said there are far worse security problems facing the country than bombings of mass-transit systems.
In comments during a visit to Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California this week, Chertoff said the foremost concern for the nation's security now is the threat of a larger chemical, biological or nuclear attack.
Chertoff joins the growing list of public officials – including President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Chertoff's predecessor at Homeland Security, Tom Ridge – who have strongly hinted that nuclear terrorism has moved center stage as the No. 1 security threat facing the U.S."
In comments during a visit to Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California this week, Chertoff said the foremost concern for the nation's security now is the threat of a larger chemical, biological or nuclear attack.
Chertoff joins the growing list of public officials – including President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Chertoff's predecessor at Homeland Security, Tom Ridge – who have strongly hinted that nuclear terrorism has moved center stage as the No. 1 security threat facing the U.S."
Articles, government corruption, freedom of speech, truth
Articles, government corruption, freedom of speech, truth: "Rumors inside the military say that a growing faction of discontented high-ranking officers are attempting internally to try and stop the Bush administration’s imminent plans for war with Iran in an effort to avert global war.
Although the exact number of high-ranking military involved is undetermined, sources have disclosed it appears to be evenly split between pro Bush and anti Bush factions.
Even though speculation abounds about that an attempted coup relating to the Byrnes firing, no one would question the strange rumblings of war against Iran and warnings of terrorist threats on the homeland that are beginning to circulate from administration officials and media talking heads almost on a daily basis."
Although the exact number of high-ranking military involved is undetermined, sources have disclosed it appears to be evenly split between pro Bush and anti Bush factions.
Even though speculation abounds about that an attempted coup relating to the Byrnes firing, no one would question the strange rumblings of war against Iran and warnings of terrorist threats on the homeland that are beginning to circulate from administration officials and media talking heads almost on a daily basis."
Witness to genocide An observer watches helplessly as a government-sponsored military operation annihilates African tribes in Sudan - The Register-Gua
Witness to genocide An observer watches helplessly as a government-sponsored military operation annihilates African tribes in Sudan - The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA: "Our helicopter touched down in a cloud of camel-brown sand, dust and plastic debris. As the cloud gradually settled into new layers on the bone-dry desert landscape, we could make out the faces of terrified villagers. ``Welcome to Sudan,'' I murmured to myself, grabbing my pen and waterproof notebook.
A former Marine, I had arrived in Sudan's Darfur region in September 2004 as one of three U.S. military observers for the African Union, armed only with a pen, pad and camera. The mandate for the A.U. force allowed merely for the reporting of violations of a cease-fire that had been declared last April and the protection of observers. The observers sometimes joked morbidly that our mission was to search endlessly for the cease-fire we constantly failed to find. I soon realized that this was no joke."
A former Marine, I had arrived in Sudan's Darfur region in September 2004 as one of three U.S. military observers for the African Union, armed only with a pen, pad and camera. The mandate for the A.U. force allowed merely for the reporting of violations of a cease-fire that had been declared last April and the protection of observers. The observers sometimes joked morbidly that our mission was to search endlessly for the cease-fire we constantly failed to find. I soon realized that this was no joke."
11.8.05
OpinionJournal - Leisure & Arts
OpinionJournal - Leisure & Arts: "In the 1960s, Walt Disney joked that one day he'd replace his elite corps of animators, known as the 'Nine Old Men,' and their slow, expensive way of making hand-drawn movies, with Audio-Animatronic figures.
At the end of last month, Walt's joke came true. The studio bearing his name announced that, due to a 'changing creative climate and economic environment,' it will be shutting DisneyToon Studios Australia next year. The studio, which turned out sequels (such as 'Tarzan II,' 'The Lion King II' and 'Bambi II') was the company's last remaining facility creating hand-drawn (or 2-D) traditional animation. To compete in the 3-D computer-generated imagery (or CGI) arena, the house that a hand-drawn mouse built will become a pixels, rather than a paper-and-pencils, place.
As the old animators often asked themselves, 'What would Walt think?'
The decision was not entirely unexpected. In the past few years, Disney 2-D facilities in Florida, France, Canada and Japan have been closed, and 3-D computers have replaced all the traditional animation drawing tables at the studio's home base in Burbank, Calif."
At the end of last month, Walt's joke came true. The studio bearing his name announced that, due to a 'changing creative climate and economic environment,' it will be shutting DisneyToon Studios Australia next year. The studio, which turned out sequels (such as 'Tarzan II,' 'The Lion King II' and 'Bambi II') was the company's last remaining facility creating hand-drawn (or 2-D) traditional animation. To compete in the 3-D computer-generated imagery (or CGI) arena, the house that a hand-drawn mouse built will become a pixels, rather than a paper-and-pencils, place.
As the old animators often asked themselves, 'What would Walt think?'
The decision was not entirely unexpected. In the past few years, Disney 2-D facilities in Florida, France, Canada and Japan have been closed, and 3-D computers have replaced all the traditional animation drawing tables at the studio's home base in Burbank, Calif."
CNN.com - Chavez: U.S. will 'bite the dust' if it invades - Aug 9, 2005
CNN.com - Chavez: U.S. will 'bite the dust' if it invades - Aug 9, 2005: "CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told thousands of visiting students that if U.S. forces were to invade the South American country, they would be soundly defeated.
The U.S. government has strongly denied Chavez's claims that it is considering military action against Cuba's closest ally in the Americas.
But Chavez said late Monday that the U.S. government, which 'won't stop caressing the idea of invading Cuba or invading Venezuela,' should be warned of the consequences.
'If someday they get the crazy idea of coming to invade us, we'll make them bite the dust defending the freedom of our land,' Chavez said to applause."
The U.S. government has strongly denied Chavez's claims that it is considering military action against Cuba's closest ally in the Americas.
But Chavez said late Monday that the U.S. government, which 'won't stop caressing the idea of invading Cuba or invading Venezuela,' should be warned of the consequences.
'If someday they get the crazy idea of coming to invade us, we'll make them bite the dust defending the freedom of our land,' Chavez said to applause."
10.8.05
GSN Magazine
GSN Magazine: "In September 2000, one year before the Al Qaeda attacks of 9/11, a U.S. Army military intelligence program, known as “Able Danger,” identified a terrorist cell based in Brooklyn, NY, one of whose members was 9/11 ringleader Mohammed Atta, and recommended to their military superiors that the FBI be called in to “take out that cell,” according to Rep. Curt Weldon, a longtime Republican congressman from Pennsylvania who is currently vice chairman of both the House Homeland Security and House Armed Services Committees."
ABC 7 News - Air Force Officer Accused Anti-Bush Vandal
ABC 7 News - Air Force Officer Accused Anti-Bush Vandal: "DENVER (AP) - A full-time Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel could face criminal charges for allegedly vandalizing cars parked at Denver International Airport bearing pro-Bush bumper stickers. Lt. Col. Alexis Fecteau, director of operations for reserve forces at the National Security Space Institute in Colorado Springs, is believed to be responsible for defacing at least 10 vehicles between December and June, police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Tuesday. A bait car left by a police detective was also defaced and the detective tracked down Fecteau, who turned himself in Friday."
Money woes on home front | csmonitor.com
Money woes on home front | csmonitor.com: "ASHLAND, ORE. – As the war in Iraq grinds through its third year, one number keeps going up: the number of men and women in Reserve and National Guard units mobilized for active duty. Last week, their ranks swelled again to 139,218.
But these citizen-soldiers are drawing not only tough assignments - they represent some 40 percent of all American troops in Iraq and, so far this month, two-thirds of US fatalities. They also find themselves burdened with financial problems back home. The challenge has become so common that some critics call it the 'patriot penalty.'
(Photograph)
TOUGH TIMES: Staff Sgt. Steven Cummings in Milan, Mich., fell $15,000 in debt during his 14-month stint in Iraq with the Army National Guard.
Spc. Blaine Hall of the Army National Guard in Washington State is one example."
But these citizen-soldiers are drawing not only tough assignments - they represent some 40 percent of all American troops in Iraq and, so far this month, two-thirds of US fatalities. They also find themselves burdened with financial problems back home. The challenge has become so common that some critics call it the 'patriot penalty.'
(Photograph)
TOUGH TIMES: Staff Sgt. Steven Cummings in Milan, Mich., fell $15,000 in debt during his 14-month stint in Iraq with the Army National Guard.
Spc. Blaine Hall of the Army National Guard in Washington State is one example."
Study: In dating, extravagant gifts keep on giving - Yahoo! News
Study: In dating, extravagant gifts keep on giving - Yahoo! News: "If you want to win the object of your affection, an extravagant gift that has no resale value is the way to go.
That's not the opinion of a battle-weary veteran of the dating scene. It's the conclusion of a mathematical model created by researchers at University College London."
That's not the opinion of a battle-weary veteran of the dating scene. It's the conclusion of a mathematical model created by researchers at University College London."
Straight men say `I Do` to tax breaks
Straight men say `I Do` to tax breaks: "TORONTO, ON, Canada (UPI) -- Two Toronto men are putting a twist on new same-sex marriage legislation -- they`re straight.
Bill Dalrymple, 56, and best friend Bryan Pinn, 65, say they want to shed light on the widespread financial implications of the new legislation.
'There are significant tax implications that we don`t think the government has thought through,' Pinn told the Toronto Sun.
Dalrymple said he has talked to a lawyer and there are no laws in marriage that define sexual preference.
There are obvious tax benefits to marriage, the men said, telling the newspaper that they don`t want their marriage to insult gays and lesbians.
'I disagree with the government getting involved with what people should and shouldn`t do,' Dalrymple said. 'Stay out of the bedrooms.'"
Bill Dalrymple, 56, and best friend Bryan Pinn, 65, say they want to shed light on the widespread financial implications of the new legislation.
'There are significant tax implications that we don`t think the government has thought through,' Pinn told the Toronto Sun.
Dalrymple said he has talked to a lawyer and there are no laws in marriage that define sexual preference.
There are obvious tax benefits to marriage, the men said, telling the newspaper that they don`t want their marriage to insult gays and lesbians.
'I disagree with the government getting involved with what people should and shouldn`t do,' Dalrymple said. 'Stay out of the bedrooms.'"
BBC NEWS | Americas | Bush weighs into evolution debate
BBC NEWS | Americas | Bush weighs into evolution debate: "President George Bush has started a national debate in the US over the teaching of evolution in school.
The president has suggested that a theory known as 'intelligent design' should be taught in the classroom.
It proposes that life is too complex to have developed through evolution, and an unseen power must have had a hand.
President Bush's championing of intelligent design will be interpreted as further evidence of the growing influence of the religious right.
The US president told newspaper reporters in Texas that children should be taught about intelligent design so they could better understand the debate about the origins of the universe.
Intelligent design differs from biblical creationism in that it is not tied to a literal interpretation of the biblical book of Genesis.
Nevertheless, intelligent design points to the role of a creator, and it has become increasingly influential in Christian circles."
The president has suggested that a theory known as 'intelligent design' should be taught in the classroom.
It proposes that life is too complex to have developed through evolution, and an unseen power must have had a hand.
President Bush's championing of intelligent design will be interpreted as further evidence of the growing influence of the religious right.
The US president told newspaper reporters in Texas that children should be taught about intelligent design so they could better understand the debate about the origins of the universe.
Intelligent design differs from biblical creationism in that it is not tied to a literal interpretation of the biblical book of Genesis.
Nevertheless, intelligent design points to the role of a creator, and it has become increasingly influential in Christian circles."
9.8.05
BBC NEWS | Health | 'Thoughts read' via brain scans
BBC NEWS | Health | 'Thoughts read' via brain scans: "Scientists say they have been able to monitor people's thoughts via scans of their brains.
Teams at University College London and University of California in LA could tell what images people were looking at or what sounds they were listening to.
The US team say their study proves brain scans do relate to brain cell electrical activity."
Teams at University College London and University of California in LA could tell what images people were looking at or what sounds they were listening to.
The US team say their study proves brain scans do relate to brain cell electrical activity."
8.8.05
CNN.com - Soldier's mom digs in near Bush ranch - Aug 7, 2005
CNN.com - Soldier's mom digs in near Bush ranch - Aug 7, 2005: "CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- A mother whose son was killed in Iraq says she is prepared to continue her protest outside President Bush's ranch through August until she is granted an opportunity to speak with him."
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