Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.co.uk: "Under an arrangement between prison officials and San Bernardino, high-risk parolees known to belong to street gangs will be released from custody on the condition that they wear a GPS bracelet on their ankles at all times.
They appear as moving dots on a map and if they try to remove the anklet or enter unauthorised areas the device sends an alert to a base station monitored by law enforcement officials.
The University of California at Irvine will review the results of the pilot program for its effectiveness."
18.3.06
village voice > news > Liberty Beat by Nat Hentoff
village voice > news > Liberty Beat by Nat Hentoff: "On February 16, a British high court judge, Sir Andrew Collins, emphasized: 'America's idea of what is torture is not the same as ours and does not appear to coincide with that of most civilized nations.'
He was referring to a February 15 report by five independent U.N. special rapporteurs on torture that Guant�namo be closed and its prisoners be tried or released."
He was referring to a February 15 report by five independent U.N. special rapporteurs on torture that Guant�namo be closed and its prisoners be tried or released."
village voice > news > Liberty Beat by Nat Hentoff
village voice > news > Liberty Beat by Nat Hentoff: "In a startling, ominous decision—ignored by most of the press around the country—Federal District Judge David Trager, in the Eastern District of New York, has dismissed a lawsuit by a Canadian citizen, Maher Arar, who, during a stopover at Kennedy Airport on the way home to Canada after vacation, was kidnapped by CIA agents.
Arar was flown to Syria, where he was tortured for nearly a year in solitary confinement in a three-by-six-foot cell ('like a grave,' he said). He became, internationally, one of the best-known victims of the CIA's extraordinary renditions—the sending of suspected terrorists to countries known for torturing their prisoners.
Released after his ordeal, Arar has not been charged with any involvement in terrorism, or anything else, by Syria or the United States. Stigmatized by his notoriety, still traumatized, unemployed, he is back in Canada, where the Canadian Parliament had opened an extensive and expensive public inquiry into his capture and torture. The United States refuses to cooperate in any way with this investigation."
Arar was flown to Syria, where he was tortured for nearly a year in solitary confinement in a three-by-six-foot cell ('like a grave,' he said). He became, internationally, one of the best-known victims of the CIA's extraordinary renditions—the sending of suspected terrorists to countries known for torturing their prisoners.
Released after his ordeal, Arar has not been charged with any involvement in terrorism, or anything else, by Syria or the United States. Stigmatized by his notoriety, still traumatized, unemployed, he is back in Canada, where the Canadian Parliament had opened an extensive and expensive public inquiry into his capture and torture. The United States refuses to cooperate in any way with this investigation."
15.3.06
CNN.com - Judge to force Google's hand - Mar 14, 2006
CNN.com - Judge to force Google's hand - Mar 14, 2006: "SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- A federal judge said Tuesday he intends to require Google Inc. to turn over some information to the Department of Justice in its quest to revive a law making it harder for children to see online pornography."
14.3.06
Media Matters - O'Reilly: Blowing Iran "off the face of the earth ... would be the sane thing to do"
Media Matters - O'Reilly: Blowing Iran "off the face of the earth ... would be the sane thing to do": "On the March 8 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Bill O'Reilly stated: 'You know, in a sane world, every country would unite against Iran and blow it off the face of the earth. That would be the sane thing to do.' O'Reilly made the remark during a discussion of Iran's recent threat to cause 'harm and pain' to the U.S. if it pursues sanctions against Iran in the U.N. Security Council because of Iran's developing nuclear program.
As Media Matters for America has documented, O'Reilly recently declared that 'it's just a matter of time ... before we have to bomb' Iran."
As Media Matters for America has documented, O'Reilly recently declared that 'it's just a matter of time ... before we have to bomb' Iran."
American Civil Liberties Union : ACLU Releases First Concrete Evidence of FBI Spying Based Solely on Groups’ Anti-War Views
American Civil Liberties Union : ACLU Releases First Concrete Evidence of FBI Spying Based Solely on Groups’ Anti-War Views: "PITTSBURGH – The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Pennsylvania today released new evidence that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting investigations into a political organizations based solely on its anti-war views."
13.3.06
Reuters AlertNet - IRAQ: Women attacked for removing headscarves, NGO says
Reuters AlertNet - IRAQ: Women attacked for removing headscarves, NGO says: "BAGHDAD, 7 March (IRIN) - Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in early 2003, the number of women attacked for choosing not to wear head scarves and veils has more than tripled, according to the Women's Rights Association (WRA), a local NGO in the capital, Baghdad."
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Former top judge says US risks edging near to dictatorship
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Former top judge says US risks edging near to dictatorship: "
Julian Borger in Washington
Monday March 13, 2006
The Guardian
Sandra Day O'Connor, a Republican-appointed judge who retired last month after 24 years on the supreme court, has said the US is in danger of edging towards dictatorship if the party's rightwingers continue to attack the judiciary."
Julian Borger in Washington
Monday March 13, 2006
The Guardian
Sandra Day O'Connor, a Republican-appointed judge who retired last month after 24 years on the supreme court, has said the US is in danger of edging towards dictatorship if the party's rightwingers continue to attack the judiciary."
Former Bush Aide Charged in Felony Theft - Claude Allen had recently resigned as White House domestic-policy adviser. By Rachel Shteir
Former Bush Aide Charged in Felony Theft - Claude Allen had recently resigned as White House domestic-policy adviser. By Rachel Shteir: "
By Rachel Shteir
Updated Friday, March 10, 2006, at 5:44 PM ET
When Claude Allen, President Bush's longtime domestic-policy adviser, resigned suddenly on Feb. 9, it baffled administration critics and fans. The White House claimed that Allen was leaving to spend more time with his family, while the Washington Times speculated that the 45-year-old aide, a noted social conservative, might have quit to protest a new Pentagon policy about military chaplains. Allen himself never publicly explained the reason for his departure.
News today may shed light on the mystery of Allen's resignation. According to the Montgomery County Police Department, Allen was arrested yesterday and charged in a felony theft and a felony theft scheme."
By Rachel Shteir
Updated Friday, March 10, 2006, at 5:44 PM ET
When Claude Allen, President Bush's longtime domestic-policy adviser, resigned suddenly on Feb. 9, it baffled administration critics and fans. The White House claimed that Allen was leaving to spend more time with his family, while the Washington Times speculated that the 45-year-old aide, a noted social conservative, might have quit to protest a new Pentagon policy about military chaplains. Allen himself never publicly explained the reason for his departure.
News today may shed light on the mystery of Allen's resignation. According to the Montgomery County Police Department, Allen was arrested yesterday and charged in a felony theft and a felony theft scheme."
Members of US Congress demand Impeachment Inquiry
Members of US Congress demand Impeachment Inquiry: "30 US Reps for Bush Impeachment Inquiry
1. APN Interviews Conyers, Swanson, and Goodman
By Matthew Cardinale, Editor, Atlanta Progressive News (March 10, 2006)
(APN) ATLANTA – 30 US House Representatives have signed on as sponsors or co-sponsors of H. Res 635, which would create a Select Committee to look into the grounds for recommending President Bush’s impeachment, Atlanta Progressive News has learned.
“There has been massive support for House Resolution 635 from a very vigorous network of grassroots activists and people committed to holding the Bush Administration accountable for its widespread abuses of power,” US Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) said in a statement prepared for Atlanta Progressive News.
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) also released a book, Articles of Impeachment Against President Bush. The Center is extremely influential in high-profile court fights over issues such as wiretapping, the treatment of detainees by the US, and felon voting rights.
“We have the book, we are calling for the impeachment of the President, and we’re supporting Conyers’s resolution,” Bill Goodman, CCR Legal Director, told Atlanta Progressive News.
“The fraudulent basis on which the President got us into the war in Iraq; the obvious criminality of the warrantless wiretapping; indefinite detention in violation of the Constitution; torture as a part of indefinite detention and other ways; special rendition and torture, which is the outsourcing of torture... All of these violate various laws of the US, and they also violate his oath office which he swears to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, and he’s doing just the opposite, he’s undermining the Constitution and attempting to destroy certain parts of it,” Goodman said."
1. APN Interviews Conyers, Swanson, and Goodman
By Matthew Cardinale, Editor, Atlanta Progressive News (March 10, 2006)
(APN) ATLANTA – 30 US House Representatives have signed on as sponsors or co-sponsors of H. Res 635, which would create a Select Committee to look into the grounds for recommending President Bush’s impeachment, Atlanta Progressive News has learned.
“There has been massive support for House Resolution 635 from a very vigorous network of grassroots activists and people committed to holding the Bush Administration accountable for its widespread abuses of power,” US Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) said in a statement prepared for Atlanta Progressive News.
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) also released a book, Articles of Impeachment Against President Bush. The Center is extremely influential in high-profile court fights over issues such as wiretapping, the treatment of detainees by the US, and felon voting rights.
“We have the book, we are calling for the impeachment of the President, and we’re supporting Conyers’s resolution,” Bill Goodman, CCR Legal Director, told Atlanta Progressive News.
“The fraudulent basis on which the President got us into the war in Iraq; the obvious criminality of the warrantless wiretapping; indefinite detention in violation of the Constitution; torture as a part of indefinite detention and other ways; special rendition and torture, which is the outsourcing of torture... All of these violate various laws of the US, and they also violate his oath office which he swears to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, and he’s doing just the opposite, he’s undermining the Constitution and attempting to destroy certain parts of it,” Goodman said."
11.3.06
New Scientist 'Mental typewriter' controlled by thought alone - Breaking News
New Scientist 'Mental typewriter' controlled by thought alone - Breaking News: "A computer controlled by the power of thought alone has been demonstrated at a major trade fair in Germany.
The device could provide a way for paralysed patients to operate computers, or for amputees to operate electronically controlled artificial limbs. But it also has non-medical applications, such as in the computer games and entertainment industries."
The device could provide a way for paralysed patients to operate computers, or for amputees to operate electronically controlled artificial limbs. But it also has non-medical applications, such as in the computer games and entertainment industries."
Gallup: More Than Half of Americans Reject Evolution, Back Bible
Gallup: More Than Half of Americans Reject Evolution, Back Bible: "NEW YORK A Gallup report released today reveals that more than half of all Americans, rejecting evolution theory and scientific evidence, agree with the statement, 'God created man exactly how Bible describes it.'
Another 31% says that man did evolve, but 'God guided.' Only 12% back evolution and say 'God had no part.'
Gallup summarized it this way: 'Surveys repeatedly show that a substantial portion of Americans do not believe that the theory of evolution best explains where life came from.' They are 'not so quick to agree with the preponderance of scientific evidence.'
The report was written by the director of the The Gallup Poll, Frank Newport.
Breaking down the numbers, Gallup finds that Republican backing for what it calls 'God created human beings in present form' stands at 57% with Democrats at 44%.
Support for this Bible view rises steadily with age: from 43% for those 18 to 29, to 59% for those 65 and older. It declines steadily with education, dropping from 58% for those with high school degrees to a still-substantial 25% with postgraduate degrees. "
Another 31% says that man did evolve, but 'God guided.' Only 12% back evolution and say 'God had no part.'
Gallup summarized it this way: 'Surveys repeatedly show that a substantial portion of Americans do not believe that the theory of evolution best explains where life came from.' They are 'not so quick to agree with the preponderance of scientific evidence.'
The report was written by the director of the The Gallup Poll, Frank Newport.
Breaking down the numbers, Gallup finds that Republican backing for what it calls 'God created human beings in present form' stands at 57% with Democrats at 44%.
Support for this Bible view rises steadily with age: from 43% for those 18 to 29, to 59% for those 65 and older. It declines steadily with education, dropping from 58% for those with high school degrees to a still-substantial 25% with postgraduate degrees. "
7.3.06
BBC NEWS | Business | US government near to debt limit
BBC NEWS | Business | US government near to debt limit: "US government near to debt limit
US Treasury Secretary John Snow
John Snow is asking Congress to approve more borrowing
US Treasury Secretary John Snow has told Congress to raise the government's credit limit in order to avoid having some of its operations shut down.
The government needs Congressional authority to borrow and the total accumulated debt is now close to its limit of $8.2 trillion (�4.7 trillion).
If the limit is not increased, the government could find it difficult to pay debts or borrow money.
Congress is expected to agree to an extension, averting any debt crisis.
Massive deficits
In a letter to Congress, Mr Snow said he has already taken 'prudent and legal actions' to avoid reaching the debt limit.
These include tapping the civil service pension funds and using the $15bn in the Exchange Stabilisation Fund, a reserve held for smoothing out volatile movements in the value of the dollar in currency markets.
But the Treasury has warned that such measures will only postpone the credit deadline until mid-March, when an extension will be needed.
This is the fourth time George W Bush's administration has asked Congress to raise the government debt limit.
His administration has produced a series of massive deficits, brought on by the post dot-com recession, tax cuts, the September 11 attacks and wars and reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The US government has never defaulted on its debts, and to do so would destroy its credit rating and raise the cost of any future borrowing."
US Treasury Secretary John Snow
John Snow is asking Congress to approve more borrowing
US Treasury Secretary John Snow has told Congress to raise the government's credit limit in order to avoid having some of its operations shut down.
The government needs Congressional authority to borrow and the total accumulated debt is now close to its limit of $8.2 trillion (�4.7 trillion).
If the limit is not increased, the government could find it difficult to pay debts or borrow money.
Congress is expected to agree to an extension, averting any debt crisis.
Massive deficits
In a letter to Congress, Mr Snow said he has already taken 'prudent and legal actions' to avoid reaching the debt limit.
These include tapping the civil service pension funds and using the $15bn in the Exchange Stabilisation Fund, a reserve held for smoothing out volatile movements in the value of the dollar in currency markets.
But the Treasury has warned that such measures will only postpone the credit deadline until mid-March, when an extension will be needed.
This is the fourth time George W Bush's administration has asked Congress to raise the government debt limit.
His administration has produced a series of massive deficits, brought on by the post dot-com recession, tax cuts, the September 11 attacks and wars and reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The US government has never defaulted on its debts, and to do so would destroy its credit rating and raise the cost of any future borrowing."
5.3.06
WSJ.com - Capital
WSJ.com - Capital: "American families had net worth -- the value of houses, cars, 401(k) plans, stock portfolios and saving accounts minus mortgages and other debts -- of $50 trillion in 2004, according to the Fed. Its estimate is based on surveys of 4,522 families, with special efforts to include the rich.
How much better off than others are the wealthy?
Those in the 90th percentile -- not Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, but those with bigger balance sheets than 90% of American families -- had net worth of $831,600 in 2004.
That's nearly nine times the $93,100 held by the family at the statistical middle. And it's 62 times the net worth of families at the 25th percentile, the ones who don't have much, but have more than the poorest 25%, many of whom have more debts than assets."
How much better off than others are the wealthy?
Those in the 90th percentile -- not Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, but those with bigger balance sheets than 90% of American families -- had net worth of $831,600 in 2004.
That's nearly nine times the $93,100 held by the family at the statistical middle. And it's 62 times the net worth of families at the 25th percentile, the ones who don't have much, but have more than the poorest 25%, many of whom have more debts than assets."
4.3.06
BBC NEWS | Europe | Soviets 'ordered Pope shooting'
BBC NEWS | Europe | Soviets 'ordered Pope shooting': "An Italian parliamentary commission has concluded that the former Soviet Union was behind the 1981 assassination attempt on the late Pope John Paul II."
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Altruism 'in-built' in humans
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Altruism 'in-built' in humans: "Dr Warneken and colleague Professor Michael Tomasello wanted to see whether very young children who had not yet learned social skills were willing to help strangers.
Our closest living relative, the chimp, also shows rudimentary helping behaviour
The experimenters performed simple tasks like dropping a clothes peg out of reach while hanging clothes on a line, or mis-stacking a pile of books.
Nearly all of the group of 24 18-month-olds helped by picking up the peg or the book, usually in the first 10 seconds of the experiment.
They only did this if they believed the researcher needed the object to complete the task - if it was thrown on the ground deliberately, they didn't pick it up.
'The results were astonishing because these children are so young - they still wear diapers and are barely able to use language, but they already show helping behaviour,' said Felix Warneken."
Our closest living relative, the chimp, also shows rudimentary helping behaviour
The experimenters performed simple tasks like dropping a clothes peg out of reach while hanging clothes on a line, or mis-stacking a pile of books.
Nearly all of the group of 24 18-month-olds helped by picking up the peg or the book, usually in the first 10 seconds of the experiment.
They only did this if they believed the researcher needed the object to complete the task - if it was thrown on the ground deliberately, they didn't pick it up.
'The results were astonishing because these children are so young - they still wear diapers and are barely able to use language, but they already show helping behaviour,' said Felix Warneken."
3.3.06
Wired 14.03: START
Wired 14.03: START: "A123's real target, however, is your car. Chiang says A123's cells could lighten a Toyota Prius' 100-pound battery by as much as 80 percent and help boost any hybrid's performance. The quick recharging time - the M1 takes five minutes to reach 90 percent capacity - plus high peak power also would be ideal for plug-in versions of gas-electric vehicles. With a bit more research, the world's roads may someday see fast, zero-carbon autos that zip past gas guzzlers and tank up from the grid faster than a rest-stop Starbucks can serve you a latte."
2.3.06
Adelphia.net - News
Adelphia.net - News: "LONDON (AP) — A Scottish distillery said Monday it was reviving a centuries-old recipe for whisky so strong that one 17th-century writer feared more than two spoonfuls could be lethal."
Blair's wife takes swipe at US over Guantanamo - World - smh.com.au
Blair's wife takes swipe at US over Guantanamo - World - smh.com.au: "Cherie Booth, the wife of Britain's Prime Minister described torture as 'the terrorism of the state, usually practised for the same reasons that terrorists use violence: to break the will of those they cannot persuade by lawful means.'"
25.2.06
Cheney's Canned Kill, and Other Hunting Excesses of the Bush Administration
Cheney's Canned Kill, and Other Hunting Excesses of the Bush Administration: "Vice President Dick Cheney went pheasant shooting in Pennsylvania in December 2003, but unlike most of his fellow hunters across America, he didn't have to spend hours or even days tramping the fields and hedgerows in hopes of bagging a brace of birds for the dinner table.
Upon his arrival at the exclusive Rolling Rock Club in Ligonier Township, gamekeepers released 500 pen-raised pheasants from nets for the benefit of him and his party. In a blaze of gunfire, the group—which included legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with major fundraisers for Republican candidates—killed at least 417 of the birds. According to one gamekeeper who spoke to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Cheney was credited with shooting more than 70 of the pen-reared fowl.
After lunch, the group shot flocks of mallard ducks, also reared in pens and shot like so many live skeet. There's been no report on the number of mallards the hunting party killed, but it's likely that hundreds fell.
Rolling Rock is an exclusive private club for the wealthy with a world-class golf course and a closed membership list. It is also a 'canned hunting' operation—a place where fee-paying hunters blast away at released animals, whether birds or mammals, who often have no reasonable chance to escape. Most are 'no kill, no pay' operations where patrons only shells out funds for the animals they kill.
Bird-shooting operations offer pheasants, quail, partridges, and mallard ducks, often dizzying the birds and planting them in front of hunters or tossing them from towers toward waiting shotguns. There are, perhaps, more than 3,000 such operations in the United States, according to outdoor writer Ted Williams."
Upon his arrival at the exclusive Rolling Rock Club in Ligonier Township, gamekeepers released 500 pen-raised pheasants from nets for the benefit of him and his party. In a blaze of gunfire, the group—which included legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with major fundraisers for Republican candidates—killed at least 417 of the birds. According to one gamekeeper who spoke to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Cheney was credited with shooting more than 70 of the pen-reared fowl.
After lunch, the group shot flocks of mallard ducks, also reared in pens and shot like so many live skeet. There's been no report on the number of mallards the hunting party killed, but it's likely that hundreds fell.
Rolling Rock is an exclusive private club for the wealthy with a world-class golf course and a closed membership list. It is also a 'canned hunting' operation—a place where fee-paying hunters blast away at released animals, whether birds or mammals, who often have no reasonable chance to escape. Most are 'no kill, no pay' operations where patrons only shells out funds for the animals they kill.
Bird-shooting operations offer pheasants, quail, partridges, and mallard ducks, often dizzying the birds and planting them in front of hunters or tossing them from towers toward waiting shotguns. There are, perhaps, more than 3,000 such operations in the United States, according to outdoor writer Ted Williams."
24.2.06
Animal Planet :: News :: Power from Dog Poo
Animal Planet :: News :: Power from Dog Poo: "Feb. 23, 2006 — San Francisco is hoping to convert its dog dung into energy that may be able to power everything from an electricity-generating turbine to a home stove, according to Norcal Waste Systems Inc., which oversees garbage collection, recycling and disposal for San Francisco and several other Northern California cities."
23.2.06
Capitol Hill Blue: Secret Service agents say Cheney was drunk when he shot lawyer
Capitol Hill Blue: Secret Service agents say Cheney was drunk when he shot lawyer: "Secret Service agents say Cheney was drunk when he shot lawyer
By DOUG THOMPSON
Feb 22, 2006
Secret Service agents guarding Vice President Dick Cheney when he shot Texas lawyer Harry Whittington on a hunting outing two weeks ago say Cheney was 'clearly inebriated' at the time of the shooting.
Agents observed several members of the hunting party, including the Vice President, consuming alcohol before and during the hunting expedition, the report notes, and Cheney exhibited 'visible signs' of impairment, including slurred speech and erratic actions."
By DOUG THOMPSON
Feb 22, 2006
Secret Service agents guarding Vice President Dick Cheney when he shot Texas lawyer Harry Whittington on a hunting outing two weeks ago say Cheney was 'clearly inebriated' at the time of the shooting.
Agents observed several members of the hunting party, including the Vice President, consuming alcohol before and during the hunting expedition, the report notes, and Cheney exhibited 'visible signs' of impairment, including slurred speech and erratic actions."
17.2.06
Vietnam latest news - Thanh Nien Daily
Vietnam latest news - Thanh Nien Daily: "Vietnam man handles three decades without sleep
As songbirds awaken the early risers at dawn on the farm, one resident is already up; in fact, he never slept – not once in the past 33 years."
As songbirds awaken the early risers at dawn on the farm, one resident is already up; in fact, he never slept – not once in the past 33 years."
15.2.06
BBC NEWS | Americas | Man Cheney shot has heart attack
BBC NEWS | Americas | Man Cheney shot has heart attack: "Man Cheney shot has heart attack
American Vice-President Dick Cheney
Cheney has refused to comment publicly on the incident
The lawyer shot by US Vice-President Dick Cheney in a hunting accident has suffered a minor heart attack, a Texas hospital spokesman has said.
He said Harry Whittington, 78, suffered a heartbeat irregularity caused by a pellet lodged in his heart.
Mr Whittington was moved back into intensive care on Tuesday and will be treated for at least another week."
American Vice-President Dick Cheney
Cheney has refused to comment publicly on the incident
The lawyer shot by US Vice-President Dick Cheney in a hunting accident has suffered a minor heart attack, a Texas hospital spokesman has said.
He said Harry Whittington, 78, suffered a heartbeat irregularity caused by a pellet lodged in his heart.
Mr Whittington was moved back into intensive care on Tuesday and will be treated for at least another week."
WOAI: San Antonio News - Pizza Toppings Tell All
WOAI: San Antonio News - Pizza Toppings Tell All: "“The combinations of pizza eaters’ favorite toppings show a correlation between those toppings and their behavior,” according to Dr. Hirsch.
'What the Toppings Tell'
The study examined how pizza-topping preferences translate into personality.
Non-traditionalists
Those who prefer non-traditional toppings such as pineapple and onion tend to be aggressive, achievement-oriented, natural leaders. They do not easily suffer fools.
Pepperoni Please
People who prefer traditional, single meat toppings described themselves as being irritable, argumentative, procrastinators, who frequently conveniently “forget” obligations at work and at home.
Meat Fanatics
Those who preferred traditional, multiple meat toppings are dramatic, seductive extroverts who thrive as the center of attention. They crave novelty in all aspects of their life, are fashionable and impeccably groomed.
One Veggie Please
Pizza eaters who prefer traditional, vegetable, one-topping pizzas are empathetic, understanding, well adjusted and easy going, making them the ideal parents.
Pile on the Veggies
Those who prefer multiple vegetable toppings are trustworthy, loyal and dependable. They value friendship as the ultimate manifestation of life’s ideals. They function best in a group environment. They are humble, introverted, and avoid the spotlight.
Additional study findings revealed:
•People are passionate about pizza. Forty-four percent of respondents agreed completely that they are passionate about their pizza topping choices.
•I eat pepperoni, therefore I am. Nearly two-thirds of respondents somewhat or completely agreed that their pizza topping choices reflect their personalities.
•Pizza eaters seem stuck in their ways. Forty-eight percent say they would never try new pizza topping combinations, while 38 percent say they order the same pizza every time.
•Meat edges out the veggies. Sixty-seven percent prefer meat and cheese toppings over vegetable and cheese toppings.
•Toppings rule. When asked if their dream pizza would have more or less toppings, nearly 60 percent opted for a fully loaded pizza. Twenty-seven percent think 10 toppings would constitute their dream pizza."
'What the Toppings Tell'
The study examined how pizza-topping preferences translate into personality.
Non-traditionalists
Those who prefer non-traditional toppings such as pineapple and onion tend to be aggressive, achievement-oriented, natural leaders. They do not easily suffer fools.
Pepperoni Please
People who prefer traditional, single meat toppings described themselves as being irritable, argumentative, procrastinators, who frequently conveniently “forget” obligations at work and at home.
Meat Fanatics
Those who preferred traditional, multiple meat toppings are dramatic, seductive extroverts who thrive as the center of attention. They crave novelty in all aspects of their life, are fashionable and impeccably groomed.
One Veggie Please
Pizza eaters who prefer traditional, vegetable, one-topping pizzas are empathetic, understanding, well adjusted and easy going, making them the ideal parents.
Pile on the Veggies
Those who prefer multiple vegetable toppings are trustworthy, loyal and dependable. They value friendship as the ultimate manifestation of life’s ideals. They function best in a group environment. They are humble, introverted, and avoid the spotlight.
Additional study findings revealed:
•People are passionate about pizza. Forty-four percent of respondents agreed completely that they are passionate about their pizza topping choices.
•I eat pepperoni, therefore I am. Nearly two-thirds of respondents somewhat or completely agreed that their pizza topping choices reflect their personalities.
•Pizza eaters seem stuck in their ways. Forty-eight percent say they would never try new pizza topping combinations, while 38 percent say they order the same pizza every time.
•Meat edges out the veggies. Sixty-seven percent prefer meat and cheese toppings over vegetable and cheese toppings.
•Toppings rule. When asked if their dream pizza would have more or less toppings, nearly 60 percent opted for a fully loaded pizza. Twenty-seven percent think 10 toppings would constitute their dream pizza."
Telegraph | News | UN inquiry demands immediate closure of Guantanamo
Telegraph | News | UN inquiry demands immediate closure of Guantanamo: "
UN inquiry demands immediate closure of Guantanamo
By Con Coughlin, Defence and Security Editor in New York
(Filed: 13/02/2006)
A United Nations inquiry has called for the immediate closure of America's Guantanamo Bay detention centre and the prosecution of officers and politicians 'up to the highest level' who are accused of torturing detainees.
The UN Human Rights Commission report, due to be published this week, concludes that Washington should put the 520 detainees on trial or release them."
UN inquiry demands immediate closure of Guantanamo
By Con Coughlin, Defence and Security Editor in New York
(Filed: 13/02/2006)
A United Nations inquiry has called for the immediate closure of America's Guantanamo Bay detention centre and the prosecution of officers and politicians 'up to the highest level' who are accused of torturing detainees.
The UN Human Rights Commission report, due to be published this week, concludes that Washington should put the 520 detainees on trial or release them."
Beer comment scrubbed from NBC story - ThoughtCrimes.org
Beer comment scrubbed from NBC story - ThoughtCrimes.org: "Alert reader StickDog at DU caught this tidbit. When first posted, NBC news quoted Katharine Armstrong as saying:
'There may be a beer or two in there,' she said, 'but remember not everyone in the party was shooting.'.
About an hour later, the quote was deleted from the story.
The original text was captured by Google and you can see it here.
BushCo still has major clout as they managed to remove even this small mention of alcohol.
It begins to make sense that Cheney refused to speak with a deputy until later Sunday morning, if there was a danger of the deputy would smell beer or notice Cheney was obviously drunk."
'There may be a beer or two in there,' she said, 'but remember not everyone in the party was shooting.'.
About an hour later, the quote was deleted from the story.
The original text was captured by Google and you can see it here.
BushCo still has major clout as they managed to remove even this small mention of alcohol.
It begins to make sense that Cheney refused to speak with a deputy until later Sunday morning, if there was a danger of the deputy would smell beer or notice Cheney was obviously drunk."
12.2.06
Cheney Accidentally Shoots Fellow Hunter - Yahoo! News
Cheney Accidentally Shoots Fellow Hunter - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - Vice President
Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a companion during a weekend quail hunting trip in Texas, spraying the fellow hunter in the face and chest with shotgun pellets."
Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a companion during a weekend quail hunting trip in Texas, spraying the fellow hunter in the face and chest with shotgun pellets."
Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com
Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com: "HOUSTON (Reuters) - The United States will always rely on foreign imports of oil to feed its energy needs and should stop trying to become energy independent, a top Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) executive said on Tuesday.
'Realistically, it is simply not feasible in any time period relevant to our discussion today,' Exxon Mobil Senior Vice President Stuart McGill said, referring to what he called the 'misperception' that the United States can achieve energy independence.
The comments, in a speech at an energy conference in Houston, come a few days after U.S. President George W. Bush declared America was addicted to Middle Eastern oil and promised to help the country kick the habit."
'Realistically, it is simply not feasible in any time period relevant to our discussion today,' Exxon Mobil Senior Vice President Stuart McGill said, referring to what he called the 'misperception' that the United States can achieve energy independence.
The comments, in a speech at an energy conference in Houston, come a few days after U.S. President George W. Bush declared America was addicted to Middle Eastern oil and promised to help the country kick the habit."
10.2.06
Sweden Plans to Be World's First Oil-Free Economy
Sweden Plans to Be World's First Oil-Free Economy: "Sweden Plans to Be World's First Oil-Free Economy
15-year limit set for switch to renewable energy
Biofuels favoured over further nuclear power
by John Vidal
Sweden is to take the biggest energy step of any advanced western economy by trying to wean itself off oil completely within 15 years - without building a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Sweden...gets almost all its electricity from nuclear and hydroelectric power, and relies on fossil fuels mainly for transport. Almost all its heating has been converted in the past decade to schemes which distribute steam or hot water generated by geothermal energy or waste heat.
The attempt by the country of 9 million people to become the world's first practically oil-free economy is being planned by a committee of industrialists, academics, farmers, car makers, civil servants and others, who will report to parliament in several months.
The intention, the Swedish government said yesterday, is to replace all fossil fuels with renewables before climate change destroys economies and growing oil scarcity leads to huge new price rises.
'Our dependency on oil should be broken by 2020,' said Mona Sahlin, minister of sustainable development. 'There shall always be better alternatives to oil, which means no house should need oil for heating, and no driver should need to turn solely to gasoline.'
According to the energy committee of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, there is growing concern that global oil supplies are peaking and will shortly dwindle, and that a global economic recession could result from high oil prices.
Ms Sahlin has described oil dependency as one of the greatest problems facing the world. 'A Sweden free of fossil fuels would give us enormous advantages, not least by reducing the impact from fluctuations in oil prices,' she said. 'The price of oil has tripled since 1996.'
A government official said: 'We want to be both mentally and technically prepared for a world without oil. The plan is a response to global climate change, rising petroleum prices and warnings by some experts that the world may soon be running out of oil.'"
15-year limit set for switch to renewable energy
Biofuels favoured over further nuclear power
by John Vidal
Sweden is to take the biggest energy step of any advanced western economy by trying to wean itself off oil completely within 15 years - without building a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Sweden...gets almost all its electricity from nuclear and hydroelectric power, and relies on fossil fuels mainly for transport. Almost all its heating has been converted in the past decade to schemes which distribute steam or hot water generated by geothermal energy or waste heat.
The attempt by the country of 9 million people to become the world's first practically oil-free economy is being planned by a committee of industrialists, academics, farmers, car makers, civil servants and others, who will report to parliament in several months.
The intention, the Swedish government said yesterday, is to replace all fossil fuels with renewables before climate change destroys economies and growing oil scarcity leads to huge new price rises.
'Our dependency on oil should be broken by 2020,' said Mona Sahlin, minister of sustainable development. 'There shall always be better alternatives to oil, which means no house should need oil for heating, and no driver should need to turn solely to gasoline.'
According to the energy committee of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, there is growing concern that global oil supplies are peaking and will shortly dwindle, and that a global economic recession could result from high oil prices.
Ms Sahlin has described oil dependency as one of the greatest problems facing the world. 'A Sweden free of fossil fuels would give us enormous advantages, not least by reducing the impact from fluctuations in oil prices,' she said. 'The price of oil has tripled since 1996.'
A government official said: 'We want to be both mentally and technically prepared for a world without oil. The plan is a response to global climate change, rising petroleum prices and warnings by some experts that the world may soon be running out of oil.'"
Schoolboy's bias suit - The Boston Globe
Schoolboy's bias suit - The Boston Globe: "Schoolboy's bias suit
Argues system is favoring girls
By Tracy Jan, Globe Staff | January 26, 2006
At Milton High School, girls outnumber boys by almost 2 to 1 on the honor roll. In Advanced Placement classes, almost 60 percent of the students are female.
It's not that girls are smarter than boys, said Doug Anglin, a 17-year-old senior at the high school.
Girls are outperforming boys because the school system favors them, said Anglin, who has filed a federal civil rights complaint contending that his school discriminates against boys."
Argues system is favoring girls
By Tracy Jan, Globe Staff | January 26, 2006
At Milton High School, girls outnumber boys by almost 2 to 1 on the honor roll. In Advanced Placement classes, almost 60 percent of the students are female.
It's not that girls are smarter than boys, said Doug Anglin, a 17-year-old senior at the high school.
Girls are outperforming boys because the school system favors them, said Anglin, who has filed a federal civil rights complaint contending that his school discriminates against boys."
8.2.06
FORTUNE: How Pepsi outgunned Coke - Feb. 1, 2006
FORTUNE: How Pepsi outgunned Coke - Feb. 1, 2006: "NEW YORK (FORTUNE) - Pepsi beat Coke in December for the first time in their 108-year rivalry, surpassing its nemesis in market capitalization. The great irony of Pepsi's rise is this: It has never sold more soda than Coke, even today.
'Pepsi's been on fire,' notes Robert van Brugge, beverage analyst with Sanford Bernstein. Over the past five years its stock has risen more than a third, while Coke's has sunk 30 percent."
'Pepsi's been on fire,' notes Robert van Brugge, beverage analyst with Sanford Bernstein. Over the past five years its stock has risen more than a third, while Coke's has sunk 30 percent."
Salt Lake Tribune - Business
Salt Lake Tribune - Business: "Has BYU prof found AIDS cure?
Compound could be long-sought breakthrough
By Bob Mims
The Salt Lake Tribune
Researchers, including a BYU scientist, believe they have found a new compound that could finally kill the HIV/AIDS virus, not just slow it down as current treatments do.
And, unlike the expensive, drug cocktails 25 years of research have produced for those with the deadly virus, the compound invented by Paul D. Savage of Brigham Young University appears to hunt down and kill HIV.
Although so far limited to early test tube studies, CSA-54, one of a family of compounds called Ceragenins (or CSAs), mimics the disease-fighting characteristics of anti-microbial and anti-viral agents produced naturally by a healthy human immune system.
Under a study sponsored by Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, Savage and his colleagues developed and synthesized the compound for Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine. In his Nashville, Tenn., laboratories, Derya Unutmaz, an associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology, tested several CSAs for their ability to kill HIV.
While issuing a cautious caveat about his early results, Unutmaz acknowledged Monday that CSAs could be the breakthrough HIV/AIDS researchers have sought for so long. "
Compound could be long-sought breakthrough
By Bob Mims
The Salt Lake Tribune
Researchers, including a BYU scientist, believe they have found a new compound that could finally kill the HIV/AIDS virus, not just slow it down as current treatments do.
And, unlike the expensive, drug cocktails 25 years of research have produced for those with the deadly virus, the compound invented by Paul D. Savage of Brigham Young University appears to hunt down and kill HIV.
Although so far limited to early test tube studies, CSA-54, one of a family of compounds called Ceragenins (or CSAs), mimics the disease-fighting characteristics of anti-microbial and anti-viral agents produced naturally by a healthy human immune system.
Under a study sponsored by Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, Savage and his colleagues developed and synthesized the compound for Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine. In his Nashville, Tenn., laboratories, Derya Unutmaz, an associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology, tested several CSAs for their ability to kill HIV.
While issuing a cautious caveat about his early results, Unutmaz acknowledged Monday that CSAs could be the breakthrough HIV/AIDS researchers have sought for so long. "
7.2.06
Iran to publish Holocaust cartoons - Breaking news - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Iran to publish Holocaust cartoons - Breaking news - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "Iran to publish Holocaust cartoons
From: Agence France-Presse
From correspondents in Tehran
February 07, 2006
IRAN'S largest selling newspaper announced today it was holding a contest on cartoons of the Holocaust in response to the publishing in European papers of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.
'It will be an international cartoon contest about the Holocaust,' said Farid Mortazavi, the graphics editor for Hamshahri newspaper - which is published by Teheran's conservative municipality.
He said the plan was to turn the tables on the assertion that newspapers can print offensive material in the name of freedom of expression.
'The Western papers printed these sacrilegious cartoons on the pretext of freedom of expression, so let's see if they mean what they say and also print these Holocaust cartoons,' he said."
From: Agence France-Presse
From correspondents in Tehran
February 07, 2006
IRAN'S largest selling newspaper announced today it was holding a contest on cartoons of the Holocaust in response to the publishing in European papers of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.
'It will be an international cartoon contest about the Holocaust,' said Farid Mortazavi, the graphics editor for Hamshahri newspaper - which is published by Teheran's conservative municipality.
He said the plan was to turn the tables on the assertion that newspapers can print offensive material in the name of freedom of expression.
'The Western papers printed these sacrilegious cartoons on the pretext of freedom of expression, so let's see if they mean what they say and also print these Holocaust cartoons,' he said."
Jacko may sing late Pope's prayers - Breaking news - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Jacko may sing late Pope's prayers - Breaking news - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "Jacko may sing late Pope's prayers
From: Reuters
From correspondents in Rome
February 07, 2006
POP star Michael Jackson could sing some of the prayers written by the late Pope John Paul, the head of the music company coordinating the project said today.
Father Giuseppe Moscati of the Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, which specialises in church music and organises musical events at the Vatican, said his company had the rights to 24 of Pope John Paul's prayers and wanted to put together a group of international artists to set them to music.
'We have been contacted by people close to Michael Jackson who have expressed interest and we are thinking about it,' Father Moscati said.
He dismissed the recent controversy surrounding Jackson, who is living in Bahrain after a Californian court acquitted him of child molestation charges last June.
'He has been cleared of all charges,' Father Moscati said.
'As a celebrity he is perhaps a bit remote from the teachings contained in the Pope's prayers. But if he can help us put together a group of singers that fulfil the criteria of the project, then we'll study the proposal,' he said.
Advertisement:
Vatican deputy spokesman Father Ciro Benedettini said the Vatican was not involved in the initiative.
The Catholic church has been rocked by a US priestly sexual abuse scandal that began in Boston in 2002, when it emerged that priests who had abused children and teenagers were transferred from parish to parish instead of being defrocked.
Jackson, originally from Indiana, rose to fame as a child with his brothers in the Jackson 5, and became one of the world's most successful singers. Thriller, from 1982, is one of the biggest-selling albums of all time."
From: Reuters
From correspondents in Rome
February 07, 2006
POP star Michael Jackson could sing some of the prayers written by the late Pope John Paul, the head of the music company coordinating the project said today.
Father Giuseppe Moscati of the Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio, which specialises in church music and organises musical events at the Vatican, said his company had the rights to 24 of Pope John Paul's prayers and wanted to put together a group of international artists to set them to music.
'We have been contacted by people close to Michael Jackson who have expressed interest and we are thinking about it,' Father Moscati said.
He dismissed the recent controversy surrounding Jackson, who is living in Bahrain after a Californian court acquitted him of child molestation charges last June.
'He has been cleared of all charges,' Father Moscati said.
'As a celebrity he is perhaps a bit remote from the teachings contained in the Pope's prayers. But if he can help us put together a group of singers that fulfil the criteria of the project, then we'll study the proposal,' he said.
Advertisement:
Vatican deputy spokesman Father Ciro Benedettini said the Vatican was not involved in the initiative.
The Catholic church has been rocked by a US priestly sexual abuse scandal that began in Boston in 2002, when it emerged that priests who had abused children and teenagers were transferred from parish to parish instead of being defrocked.
Jackson, originally from Indiana, rose to fame as a child with his brothers in the Jackson 5, and became one of the world's most successful singers. Thriller, from 1982, is one of the biggest-selling albums of all time."
The Observer | UK News | The cure for your allergy: a hookworm
The Observer | UK News | The cure for your allergy: a hookworm: "The cure for your allergy: a hookworm
Jo Revill, health editor
Sunday February 5, 2006
The Observer
A team of British scientists investigating whether a tiny tropical hookworm could provide a cure for asthma and hay fever have committed the ultimate act of bravery by infecting themselves with the parasite to observe the effects.
The experts wanted to see if there would be any unpleasant or dangerous side effects from the worm, Ancylostoma duodenale, so they made the bold decision to allow their own bodies to be infected. Each scientist had to stick some of the tiny hookworm larvae on to their skin with a plaster and wait for the larvae to wriggle through the skin into the lungs, through the bloodstream and into the intestine, where they would produce eggs. The eggs are excreted, but once the adult hookworms are in the gut they start to suck blood from the walls of the intestine. The theory is that this infection triggers an immune response which helps to 'dampen down' the over-reaction of the rest of the system, which is why patients with allergies such as asthma develop symptoms.
Professor David Pritchard and his team at Nottingham University's School of Pharmacy administered different amounts of the hookworms to themselves to prove that it would be safe. Pritchard himself stuck 50 of the larvae onto his skin. 'It was fairly itchy when they first go through the skin,' he admitted. 'After that you don't really notice them.'
The trials proved that at a low 'dosage' of 10 worms the infection was safe. Last week the first patients arrived at the school of pharmacy to have the hookworm larvae administered, to see if it would quell hay fever symptoms. Pritchard said: 'The pollen season is coming in spring and we hope that we might see an alleviation of symptoms in some of the patients who received the worms. If we think there's some indication of success, we would move on to asthma patients.'
In the Seventies doctors first noticed that people infected with hookworms did not seem to suffer from allergies such as asthma, and scientists have reported that Crohn's disease also does not appear in countries where the infection is rife. Pritchard wants to see if the hookworms are influencing regulatory T-cells, which seem to keep the immune responses in check. 'If we can work out how these cells are switched on, then the pharmaceutical industry could become involved.'"
Jo Revill, health editor
Sunday February 5, 2006
The Observer
A team of British scientists investigating whether a tiny tropical hookworm could provide a cure for asthma and hay fever have committed the ultimate act of bravery by infecting themselves with the parasite to observe the effects.
The experts wanted to see if there would be any unpleasant or dangerous side effects from the worm, Ancylostoma duodenale, so they made the bold decision to allow their own bodies to be infected. Each scientist had to stick some of the tiny hookworm larvae on to their skin with a plaster and wait for the larvae to wriggle through the skin into the lungs, through the bloodstream and into the intestine, where they would produce eggs. The eggs are excreted, but once the adult hookworms are in the gut they start to suck blood from the walls of the intestine. The theory is that this infection triggers an immune response which helps to 'dampen down' the over-reaction of the rest of the system, which is why patients with allergies such as asthma develop symptoms.
Professor David Pritchard and his team at Nottingham University's School of Pharmacy administered different amounts of the hookworms to themselves to prove that it would be safe. Pritchard himself stuck 50 of the larvae onto his skin. 'It was fairly itchy when they first go through the skin,' he admitted. 'After that you don't really notice them.'
The trials proved that at a low 'dosage' of 10 worms the infection was safe. Last week the first patients arrived at the school of pharmacy to have the hookworm larvae administered, to see if it would quell hay fever symptoms. Pritchard said: 'The pollen season is coming in spring and we hope that we might see an alleviation of symptoms in some of the patients who received the worms. If we think there's some indication of success, we would move on to asthma patients.'
In the Seventies doctors first noticed that people infected with hookworms did not seem to suffer from allergies such as asthma, and scientists have reported that Crohn's disease also does not appear in countries where the infection is rife. Pritchard wants to see if the hookworms are influencing regulatory T-cells, which seem to keep the immune responses in check. 'If we can work out how these cells are switched on, then the pharmaceutical industry could become involved.'"
6.2.06
Laugh Doctor's Love Survey Reveals Notable Results About Smiles: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Laugh Doctor's Love Survey Reveals Notable Results About Smiles: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey conducted by the Laugh Doctor, Dr. Cliff Kuhn, 90 percent of women ranked smiles and friendliness ahead of physical appearance when gauging someone's approachability revealing that the ability to smile and to have fun help to attract the opposite sex.
'Wearing a smile appears to be the magnet that will pull someone in faster than dress or other physical attributes, and that's consistent with my field work over the past 35 years,' stated Dr. Kuhn.
Dr. Kuhn, a nationally recognized self improvement guru and personal performance coach says that smiling can enhance sexuality because it immediately decreases stress and fills people with energy and creativity.
'Laughter and a playful sense of humor create an age-old bond that not only brings people together but keeps them together,' stated Dr. Kuhn."
'Wearing a smile appears to be the magnet that will pull someone in faster than dress or other physical attributes, and that's consistent with my field work over the past 35 years,' stated Dr. Kuhn.
Dr. Kuhn, a nationally recognized self improvement guru and personal performance coach says that smiling can enhance sexuality because it immediately decreases stress and fills people with energy and creativity.
'Laughter and a playful sense of humor create an age-old bond that not only brings people together but keeps them together,' stated Dr. Kuhn."
Sex - Dark Side of the Moon: Laugh - A Matter Of Sex
Sex - Dark Side of the Moon: Laugh - A Matter Of Sex: "'Men see being funny as a male thing. When forced to choose between humour production and humour appreciation in potential partners, women valued humour production. Men valued receptivity to their own humour.'"
Indian groom quits wedding midway for lack of dowry - Yahoo! News
Indian groom quits wedding midway for lack of dowry - Yahoo! News: "Although the demanding and giving of a dowry was officially banned in 1961, the practice continues.
Every year, about 6,000 women are killed in India -- often doused with kerosene and set on fire in staged kitchen 'accidents' -- or harassed into suicide by husbands and in-laws angered by unmet dowry demands."
Every year, about 6,000 women are killed in India -- often doused with kerosene and set on fire in staged kitchen 'accidents' -- or harassed into suicide by husbands and in-laws angered by unmet dowry demands."
Pocket-lint.co.uk Google delists BMW Germany for foul play news story
Pocket-lint.co.uk Google delists BMW Germany for foul play news story: "Google delists BMW Germany for foul play
05 February 2006 - Google has flexed its muscles and dropped BMW Germany from its search engine following the German car manufacturer’s attempts to artificially boost its popularity ranking.
The move is likely to send shockwaves through the Internet industry over fears that one company has such power and effect over a websites access to the public.
The delisting was reported by Matt Cutts, a software engineer at Google, who works to stop websites tricking the system by featuring hidden text or different content from what the website visitor sees. "
05 February 2006 - Google has flexed its muscles and dropped BMW Germany from its search engine following the German car manufacturer’s attempts to artificially boost its popularity ranking.
The move is likely to send shockwaves through the Internet industry over fears that one company has such power and effect over a websites access to the public.
The delisting was reported by Matt Cutts, a software engineer at Google, who works to stop websites tricking the system by featuring hidden text or different content from what the website visitor sees. "
ABC News: Eye Scan Technology Comes to Schools
ABC News: Eye Scan Technology Comes to Schools: "Jan. 25, 2006 — Parents who want to pick up their kids at school in one New Jersey district now can submit to iris scans, as the technology that helps keep our nation's airports and hotels safe begins to make its way further into American lives.
The Freehold Borough School District launched this high-tech, high-wattage security system on Monday with funding from the Department of Justice as part of a study on the system's effectiveness.
As many as four adults can be designated to pick up each child in the district, but in order to be authorized to come into school, they will be asked to register with the district's iris recognition security and visitor management system. At this point, the New Jersey program is not mandatory.
When picking up a child, the adult provides a driver's license and then submits to an eye scan. If the iris image camera recognizes his or her eyes, the door clicks open. If someone tries to slip in behind an authorized person, the system triggers a siren and red flashing lights in the front office. The entire process takes just seconds."
The Freehold Borough School District launched this high-tech, high-wattage security system on Monday with funding from the Department of Justice as part of a study on the system's effectiveness.
As many as four adults can be designated to pick up each child in the district, but in order to be authorized to come into school, they will be asked to register with the district's iris recognition security and visitor management system. At this point, the New Jersey program is not mandatory.
When picking up a child, the adult provides a driver's license and then submits to an eye scan. If the iris image camera recognizes his or her eyes, the door clicks open. If someone tries to slip in behind an authorized person, the system triggers a siren and red flashing lights in the front office. The entire process takes just seconds."
InformationWeek | GPS | LA Cops Fight Car Chases With GPS Devices | February 3, 2006
InformationWeek | GPS | LA Cops Fight Car Chases With GPS Devices | February 3, 2006: "LA Cops Fight Car Chases With GPS Devices
Los Angeles police will propel a GPS device onto a fleeing car. The device will stick to the car and track its location. That'll hopefully reduce dangerous high-speed chases. "
Los Angeles police will propel a GPS device onto a fleeing car. The device will stick to the car and track its location. That'll hopefully reduce dangerous high-speed chases. "
BBC NEWS | Health | Acupuncture 'deactivates brain'
BBC NEWS | Health | Acupuncture 'deactivates brain': "'We have found something quite unexpected - that acupuncture is having a measurable effect on the human brain.
'We are not suggesting that it should be used during surgery, although it is in China, but just that it acts as a pain relief and should be taken seriously.'"
'We are not suggesting that it should be used during surgery, although it is in China, but just that it acts as a pain relief and should be taken seriously.'"
MuniWireless � Blog Archive � “The $200 Billion Broadband Scandal.” — AKA Where’s the 45MB/s I Already Paid for!
MuniWireless � Blog Archive � “The $200 Billion Broadband Scandal.” — AKA Where’s the 45MB/s I Already Paid for!: "The fiber optic infrastructure you paid for was never delivered... "
5.2.06
The End of the Internet?
The End of the Internet?: "Mining Your Data
At the core of the new power held by phone and cable companies are tools delivering what is known as 'deep packet inspection.' With these tools, AT&T and others can readily know the packets of information you are receiving online--from e-mail, to websites, to sharing of music, video and software downloads.
These 'deep packet inspection' technologies are partly designed to make sure that the Internet pipeline doesn't become so congested it chokes off the delivery of timely communications. Such products have already been sold to universities and large businesses that want to more economically manage their Internet services. They are also being used to limit some peer-to-peer downloading, especially for music.
But these tools are also being promoted as ways that companies, such as Comcast and Bell South, can simply grab greater control over the Internet. For example, in a series of recent white papers, Internet technology giant Cisco urges these companies to 'meter individual subscriber usage by application,' as individuals' online travels are 'tracked' and 'integrated with billing systems.' Such tracking and billing is made possible because they will know 'the identity and profile of the individual subscriber,' 'what the subscriber is doing' and 'where the subscriber resides.'
Will Google, Amazon and the other companies successfully fight the plans of the Bells and cable companies? Ultimately, they are likely to cut a deal because they, too, are interested in monetizing our online activities. After all, as Cisco notes, content companies and network providers will need to 'cooperate with each other to leverage their value proposition.' They will be drawn by the ability of cable and phone companies to track 'content usage...by subscriber,' and where their online services can be 'protected from piracy, metered, and appropriately valued.'"
At the core of the new power held by phone and cable companies are tools delivering what is known as 'deep packet inspection.' With these tools, AT&T and others can readily know the packets of information you are receiving online--from e-mail, to websites, to sharing of music, video and software downloads.
These 'deep packet inspection' technologies are partly designed to make sure that the Internet pipeline doesn't become so congested it chokes off the delivery of timely communications. Such products have already been sold to universities and large businesses that want to more economically manage their Internet services. They are also being used to limit some peer-to-peer downloading, especially for music.
But these tools are also being promoted as ways that companies, such as Comcast and Bell South, can simply grab greater control over the Internet. For example, in a series of recent white papers, Internet technology giant Cisco urges these companies to 'meter individual subscriber usage by application,' as individuals' online travels are 'tracked' and 'integrated with billing systems.' Such tracking and billing is made possible because they will know 'the identity and profile of the individual subscriber,' 'what the subscriber is doing' and 'where the subscriber resides.'
Will Google, Amazon and the other companies successfully fight the plans of the Bells and cable companies? Ultimately, they are likely to cut a deal because they, too, are interested in monetizing our online activities. After all, as Cisco notes, content companies and network providers will need to 'cooperate with each other to leverage their value proposition.' They will be drawn by the ability of cable and phone companies to track 'content usage...by subscriber,' and where their online services can be 'protected from piracy, metered, and appropriately valued.'"
AOL and Yahoo take lead in putting price on e-mail - Business - International Herald Tribune
AOL and Yahoo take lead in putting price on e-mail - Business - International Herald Tribune: "NEW YORK Companies will soon have to buy the electronic equivalent of a postage stamp if they want to be certain that their e-mail will be delivered to many of their customers.
America Online and Yahoo, two of the world's largest providers of e-mail accounts, are about to start using a system that gives preferential treatment to messages from companies that pay from a quarter of a cent to one cent each to have them delivered. The Internet companies say this will help them identify legitimate mail and cut down on junk e-mail, identity-theft scams and other scourges.
The two companies also stand to earn millions of dollars a year from the system if it is widely adopted."
America Online and Yahoo, two of the world's largest providers of e-mail accounts, are about to start using a system that gives preferential treatment to messages from companies that pay from a quarter of a cent to one cent each to have them delivered. The Internet companies say this will help them identify legitimate mail and cut down on junk e-mail, identity-theft scams and other scourges.
The two companies also stand to earn millions of dollars a year from the system if it is widely adopted."
Networking Pipeline | Blog | Google: We Won't Pay Broadband Cyberextortion
Networking Pipeline | Blog | Google: We Won't Pay Broadband Cyberextortion: "Google: We Won't Pay Broadband Cyberextortion
BellSouth and Verizon have been trying to force big Web sites to pay extortion-type fees if the sites want adequate bandwidth, with Google a prime target. But Google has news for them: It won't pay.
Google told Networking Pipeline's Paul Kapustka in no uncertain terms that it won't give in to the cyberextortion. And despite reports to the contrary, Google says, it isn't talking with any carriers about the issue.
Google's Barry Schnitt told Paul in an email: 'Google is not discussing sharing of the costs of broadband networks with any carrier. We believe consumers are already paying to support broadband access to the Internet through subscription fees and, as a result, consumers should have the freedom to use this connection without limitations.'
Google has that absolutely right. We're all already paying through the nose for Internet access, especially compared with the low access prices in the rest of the world. Good for Google for standing up to this cyberextortion.
The BellSouths and Verizons of the world should focus on offering better services at lower prices -- not trying to fine-tune the Tony Soprano business model. That's been tried already, by a company you may have heard of, called Enron. And look where it got them."
BellSouth and Verizon have been trying to force big Web sites to pay extortion-type fees if the sites want adequate bandwidth, with Google a prime target. But Google has news for them: It won't pay.
Google told Networking Pipeline's Paul Kapustka in no uncertain terms that it won't give in to the cyberextortion. And despite reports to the contrary, Google says, it isn't talking with any carriers about the issue.
Google's Barry Schnitt told Paul in an email: 'Google is not discussing sharing of the costs of broadband networks with any carrier. We believe consumers are already paying to support broadband access to the Internet through subscription fees and, as a result, consumers should have the freedom to use this connection without limitations.'
Google has that absolutely right. We're all already paying through the nose for Internet access, especially compared with the low access prices in the rest of the world. Good for Google for standing up to this cyberextortion.
The BellSouths and Verizons of the world should focus on offering better services at lower prices -- not trying to fine-tune the Tony Soprano business model. That's been tried already, by a company you may have heard of, called Enron. And look where it got them."
World news from The Times and the Sunday Times - Times Online
World news from The Times and the Sunday Times - Times Online: "PRESIDENT BUSH had plans to lure Saddam Hussein into war by flying an aircraft over Iraq painted in UN colours in the hope he would shoot it down, a book reveals."
Technology, Technology news, Times Online
Technology, Technology news, Times Online: "Google has long been rumoured to be planning to launch a PC to retail for less than $100. The Google computers are likely to be low-grade machines that require a connection to Google to be able to perform functions such as word processing and spreadsheet manipulations. While using the computers, it is understood that consumers will be shown personalised advertising from the company's AdWords network.
The various reports prompted analysts Bear Stearns to note last year: 'We think Google could be experimenting with new hardware endeavours that could significantly change potential future applications by Google, creating another advantage for Google over its competitors. Investors may currently under appreciate Google as a potential hardware company.'
The technology industry has also been alive with talk that the Google $100 machines will be less like a standard home PC and more like a television: in effect, one of the first convergent devices betweem the internet and television. While offering the standard PC applications, the 'Google Cube' will also offer interactive content from a variety of sources while retaining Google branding and displaying Google advertising.
A leading content provider, who did not wish to be named, told Times Online: 'We are in discussions with Google to provide content for their alternative internet service, to be distributed through their Google Cube product. As far as I'm aware they have been conducting negotiations with a number of other players in our marketplace to provide quality content to their users.'
However, industry insiders fear that the development of a network of Google Cubes powered over a Google-owned internet network will greatly increase the power that Google wields over online publishers and internet users.
Should Google successfully launch an alternative network, it is is theoretically possible for them to block out competitor websites and only allow users to access websites that have paid Google to be shown to their users."
The various reports prompted analysts Bear Stearns to note last year: 'We think Google could be experimenting with new hardware endeavours that could significantly change potential future applications by Google, creating another advantage for Google over its competitors. Investors may currently under appreciate Google as a potential hardware company.'
The technology industry has also been alive with talk that the Google $100 machines will be less like a standard home PC and more like a television: in effect, one of the first convergent devices betweem the internet and television. While offering the standard PC applications, the 'Google Cube' will also offer interactive content from a variety of sources while retaining Google branding and displaying Google advertising.
A leading content provider, who did not wish to be named, told Times Online: 'We are in discussions with Google to provide content for their alternative internet service, to be distributed through their Google Cube product. As far as I'm aware they have been conducting negotiations with a number of other players in our marketplace to provide quality content to their users.'
However, industry insiders fear that the development of a network of Google Cubes powered over a Google-owned internet network will greatly increase the power that Google wields over online publishers and internet users.
Should Google successfully launch an alternative network, it is is theoretically possible for them to block out competitor websites and only allow users to access websites that have paid Google to be shown to their users."
3.2.06
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Inventor develops 'artificial gills'
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Inventor develops 'artificial gills': "An Israeli inventor has developed an underwater breathing system that literally squeezes oxygen directly from seawater, doing away with the need for compressed air tanks."
2.2.06
Insight
Insight: "New weapon could mean the end of collateral damage
The U.S. military has been developing a gunship that could literally obliterate enemy ground targets with a laser beam.
The military plans to test the Advanced Tactical Laser, a laser weapon mounted on a C-130H air transport that could destroy any weapon system without collateral damage.
The laser could have tremendous repercussions on the battlefield, particularly in urban warfare in such countries as Afghanistan and Iraq. 'It's the kind of tool that could bring about victory within minutes,' an official said."
Ben oui!
The U.S. military has been developing a gunship that could literally obliterate enemy ground targets with a laser beam.
The military plans to test the Advanced Tactical Laser, a laser weapon mounted on a C-130H air transport that could destroy any weapon system without collateral damage.
The laser could have tremendous repercussions on the battlefield, particularly in urban warfare in such countries as Afghanistan and Iraq. 'It's the kind of tool that could bring about victory within minutes,' an official said."
Ben oui!
SPACE.com -- The Great Storm: Solar Tempest of 1859 Revealed
SPACE.com -- The Great Storm: Solar Tempest of 1859 Revealed: "A pair of strong solar storms that hit Earth late last week were squalls compared to the torrent of electrons that rained down in the 'perfect space storm' of 1859. And sooner or later, experts warn, the Sun will again conspire again send earthlings a truly destructive bout of space weather.
If it happens anytime soon, we won't know exactly what to expect until it's over, and by then some modern communication systems could be like beachfront houses after a hurricane."
If it happens anytime soon, we won't know exactly what to expect until it's over, and by then some modern communication systems could be like beachfront houses after a hurricane."
USATODAY.com - It's bigger than Pluto but is it a planet?
USATODAY.com - It's bigger than Pluto but is it a planet?: "It's bigger than Pluto — but is it a planet?
By Peter N. Spotts, The Christian Science Monitor
If Pluto truly is the ninth planet, then it's official: Our solar system has 10. Astronomers have sized up an object — known formally as 2003 UB313 — and determined that it really is bigger than Pluto."
By Peter N. Spotts, The Christian Science Monitor
If Pluto truly is the ninth planet, then it's official: Our solar system has 10. Astronomers have sized up an object — known formally as 2003 UB313 — and determined that it really is bigger than Pluto."
31.1.06
AC Propulsion T-zero
AC Propulsion T-zero: "Remember when mobile phones took up the size of a briefcase? Now you can practically wear them on your wrist. That's thanks largely to Lithium-ion battery technology, which weighs about one sixth that of lead acid. This relatively new battery technology has provided obvious benefits for phones and mobile computing, but what happens when you try putting 6,800 AA size lithium cells into an electric sports car? Well that's what AC propulsion decided to do with their T-zero model. The answer is 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, a range of 300 miles and a cost to 'fill up' of about �2.
The makers could barely believe the results themselves when they first tested it, so organised some races at a local dragstrip. They started with modest competition, but soon found out that these just weren't up to the job, so had to resort to some more exotic machinery to really give the T-Zero a good fight. In the end, the T-zero out-accelerated (among others), a Corvette C5, a Porsche Carrera 4, a Lamborghini and a Ferrari 360"
The makers could barely believe the results themselves when they first tested it, so organised some races at a local dragstrip. They started with modest competition, but soon found out that these just weren't up to the job, so had to resort to some more exotic machinery to really give the T-Zero a good fight. In the end, the T-zero out-accelerated (among others), a Corvette C5, a Porsche Carrera 4, a Lamborghini and a Ferrari 360"
27.1.06
Telegraph | News | Smokers who stop 'on a whim' more likely to succeed
Telegraph | News | Smokers who stop 'on a whim' more likely to succeed: "Those who stopped suddenly were twice as likely not to be smoking after six months and in the following five years."
26.1.06
BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Israel 'has to withdraw further'
BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Israel 'has to withdraw further': "Israel will have to withdraw from further parts of the West Bank, acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said.
In his first policy speech as interim leader, he said the main challenge ahead was to shape Israel's borders for good to ensure a Jewish majority.
It could not continue to control parts with a Palestinian majority, but would keep its main settlements, he said.
Mr Olmert is also acting as chair of Kadima, a party formed by PM Ariel Sharon before he suffered a stroke.
The party intends to run in Israeli general elections on 28 March on a platform of withdrawal from occupied territory."
In his first policy speech as interim leader, he said the main challenge ahead was to shape Israel's borders for good to ensure a Jewish majority.
It could not continue to control parts with a Palestinian majority, but would keep its main settlements, he said.
Mr Olmert is also acting as chair of Kadima, a party formed by PM Ariel Sharon before he suffered a stroke.
The party intends to run in Israeli general elections on 28 March on a platform of withdrawal from occupied territory."
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Palestinian PM to quit after poll
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Palestinian PM to quit after poll: "It comes as the militant Islamic group appeared to be heading for a shock win.
With counting still under way, officials from the ruling Fatah party said Hamas had won a majority. Official results are due at 1900 (1700 GMT).
Israel, the US and the EU consider Hamas a terrorist group and have said they do not want to deal with it."
With counting still under way, officials from the ruling Fatah party said Hamas had won a majority. Official results are due at 1900 (1700 GMT).
Israel, the US and the EU consider Hamas a terrorist group and have said they do not want to deal with it."
SilverStockReport.com: Silver Users Fear Silver Shortage: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
SilverStockReport.com: Silver Users Fear Silver Shortage: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "SilverStockReport.com: Silver Users Fear Silver Shortage
Thursday October 27, 3:49 pm ET
GRASS VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Silver Users Association (SUA), a group devoted to the conflicting goals of keeping silver prices low and keeping silver available for users, stunned the silver investing community last month by repeating the claims made by silver investors and analysts, including SilverStockReport.com (http://www.silverstockreport.com), that the silver market is very tight and that any significant investor demand will create a shortage of silver.
The SUA made the bullish case for silver when asking the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to deny Barclays' petition for a Silver Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). The Silver ETF will require Barclays Global Investors to buy up to 130 million ounces of silver prior to the approval of a silver ETF, in anticipation of investor demand for the silver ETF. But the COMEX division of NYMEX only has 117 million oz. of silver in all warehouse stock categories combined. Furthermore, COMEX market participants, through approximately 140,000 silver futures contracts at 5000 ounces each, already have claims of up to 700 million ounces of silver -- silver that may not exist."
Thursday October 27, 3:49 pm ET
GRASS VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Silver Users Association (SUA), a group devoted to the conflicting goals of keeping silver prices low and keeping silver available for users, stunned the silver investing community last month by repeating the claims made by silver investors and analysts, including SilverStockReport.com (http://www.silverstockreport.com), that the silver market is very tight and that any significant investor demand will create a shortage of silver.
The SUA made the bullish case for silver when asking the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to deny Barclays' petition for a Silver Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). The Silver ETF will require Barclays Global Investors to buy up to 130 million ounces of silver prior to the approval of a silver ETF, in anticipation of investor demand for the silver ETF. But the COMEX division of NYMEX only has 117 million oz. of silver in all warehouse stock categories combined. Furthermore, COMEX market participants, through approximately 140,000 silver futures contracts at 5000 ounces each, already have claims of up to 700 million ounces of silver -- silver that may not exist."
25.1.06
Australian IT - Google yields to China (Eric Auchard in San Francisco, JANUARY 25, 2006)
Australian IT - Google yields to China (Eric Auchard in San Francisco, JANUARY 25, 2006): "AS it fights US Government demands to turn over data, Google is introducing a new service for China that restricts access to services such as email, chat rooms and blogs.
The new Chinese service at www.google.cn will offer a censored version of Google's popular search system that could restrict access to thousands of terms and web sites.
Terms may include issues like independence for Taiwan or Tibet or outlawed spiritual group Falun Gong."
The new Chinese service at www.google.cn will offer a censored version of Google's popular search system that could restrict access to thousands of terms and web sites.
Terms may include issues like independence for Taiwan or Tibet or outlawed spiritual group Falun Gong."
Doctors claim suspended animation success - Health And Fitness - smh.com.au
Doctors claim suspended animation success - Health And Fitness - smh.com.au: "Doctors claim suspended animation success
London: Researchers are testing potentially life-saving techniques for keeping humans in a state of suspended animation while surgeons repair their wounds.
US doctors have developed a method of inducing hypothermia to shut down the body's functions for up to three hours.
In tests, they reduced the body temperature of injured pigs from 37C to 10C before operating on them and then reviving them.
Now they are applying for permission to test the procedure on casualty patients without a pulse who have lost large amounts of blood, New Scientist magazine reported.
It is thought this method and others could one day be used on car crash and gunshot victims, as well as in the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers.
A surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Hasan Alam, has tested the technique about 200 times on pigs, with a 90 per cent success rate."
London: Researchers are testing potentially life-saving techniques for keeping humans in a state of suspended animation while surgeons repair their wounds.
US doctors have developed a method of inducing hypothermia to shut down the body's functions for up to three hours.
In tests, they reduced the body temperature of injured pigs from 37C to 10C before operating on them and then reviving them.
Now they are applying for permission to test the procedure on casualty patients without a pulse who have lost large amounts of blood, New Scientist magazine reported.
It is thought this method and others could one day be used on car crash and gunshot victims, as well as in the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers.
A surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Hasan Alam, has tested the technique about 200 times on pigs, with a 90 per cent success rate."
24.1.06
Cyberpresse | Le Soleil
Cyberpresse | Le Soleil: "� la veille de l’�lection du prochain gouvernement f�d�ral, plusieurs s’interrogent sur les intentions de Stephen Harper quant au Protocole de Kyoto. Il faut dire que durant l’ann�e 2005, M. Harper est rest�pratiquement muet sur cet enjeu. Pourtant, en 2002, M. Harper �tait on ne peut plus explicite : � En ce qui concerne l’accord de Kyoto, nous serons le seul parti �la Chambre qui non seulement s’opposera �sa ratification, mais exhortera les provinces et tous les autres qui sont en mesure de l’appliquer �le rejeter, et nous nous engageons pour notre part �abroger cet accord �la premi�re occasion. �"
Whale spew find may net $1m for family. 24/01/2006. ABC News Online
Whale spew find may net $1m for family. 24/01/2006. ABC News Online: "A family on South Australia's west coast has discovered a rare specimen of whale vomit on the beach that is tipped to be worth over $1 million.
The specimen, known scientifically as ambergris, is sought after by perfume companies and worth about $US20 per gram."
The specimen, known scientifically as ambergris, is sought after by perfume companies and worth about $US20 per gram."
20.1.06
Smooth Operator - The only website broadcast 24-7 into space!
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The Proposed Iranian Oil Bourse - Print Version
The Proposed Iranian Oil Bourse - Print Version: "The Iranian government has finally developed the ultimate 'nuclear' weapon that can swiftly destroy the financial system underpinning the American Empire. That weapon is the Iranian Oil Bourse slated to open in March 2006. It will be based on a euro-oil-trading mechanism that naturally implies payment for oil in Euro. In economic terms, this represents a much greater threat to the hegemony of the dollar than Saddam's, because it will allow anyone willing either to buy or to sell oil for Euro to transact on the exchange, thus circumventing the U.S. dollar altogether. If so, then it is likely that almost everyone will eagerly adopt this euro oil system:
* The Europeans will not have to buy and hold dollars in order to secure their payment for oil, but would instead pay with their own currencies. The adoption of the euro for oil transactions will provide the European currency with a reserve status that will benefit the European at the expense of the Americans.
* The Chinese and the Japanese will be especially eager to adopt the new exchange, because it will allow them to drastically lower their enormous dollar reserves and diversify with Euros, thus protecting themselves against the depreciation of the dollar. One portion of their dollars they will still want to hold onto; a second portion of their dollar holdings they may decide to dump outright; a third portion of their dollars they will decide to use up for future payments without replenishing those dollar holdings, but building up instead their euro reserves.
* The Russians have inherent economic interest in adopting the Euro - the bulk of their trade is with European countries, with oil-exporting countries, with China, and with Japan. Adoption of the Euro will immediately take care of the first two blocs, and will over time facilitate trade with China and Japan. Also, the Russians seemingly detest holding depreciating dollars, for they have recently found a new religion with gold. Russians have also revived their nationalism, and if embracing the Euro will stab the Americans, they will gladly do it and smugly watch the Americans bleed.
* The Arab oil-exporting countries will eagerly adopt the Euro as a means of diversifying against rising mountains of depreciating dollars. Just like the Russians, their trade is mostly with European countries, and therefore will prefer the European currency both for its stability and for avoiding currency risk, not to mention their jihad against the Infidel Enemy."
* The Europeans will not have to buy and hold dollars in order to secure their payment for oil, but would instead pay with their own currencies. The adoption of the euro for oil transactions will provide the European currency with a reserve status that will benefit the European at the expense of the Americans.
* The Chinese and the Japanese will be especially eager to adopt the new exchange, because it will allow them to drastically lower their enormous dollar reserves and diversify with Euros, thus protecting themselves against the depreciation of the dollar. One portion of their dollars they will still want to hold onto; a second portion of their dollar holdings they may decide to dump outright; a third portion of their dollars they will decide to use up for future payments without replenishing those dollar holdings, but building up instead their euro reserves.
* The Russians have inherent economic interest in adopting the Euro - the bulk of their trade is with European countries, with oil-exporting countries, with China, and with Japan. Adoption of the Euro will immediately take care of the first two blocs, and will over time facilitate trade with China and Japan. Also, the Russians seemingly detest holding depreciating dollars, for they have recently found a new religion with gold. Russians have also revived their nationalism, and if embracing the Euro will stab the Americans, they will gladly do it and smugly watch the Americans bleed.
* The Arab oil-exporting countries will eagerly adopt the Euro as a means of diversifying against rising mountains of depreciating dollars. Just like the Russians, their trade is mostly with European countries, and therefore will prefer the European currency both for its stability and for avoiding currency risk, not to mention their jihad against the Infidel Enemy."
Israel readies forces for strike on nuclear Iran - Sunday Times - Times Online
Israel readies forces for strike on nuclear Iran - Sunday Times - Times Online: "Israel readies forces for strike on nuclear Iran
Uzi Mahnaimi, Tel Aviv, and Sarah Baxter, Washington
ISRAEL’S armed forces have been ordered by Ariel Sharon, the prime minister, to be ready by the end of March for possible strikes on secret uranium enrichment sites in Iran, military sources have revealed."
Uzi Mahnaimi, Tel Aviv, and Sarah Baxter, Washington
ISRAEL’S armed forces have been ordered by Ariel Sharon, the prime minister, to be ready by the end of March for possible strikes on secret uranium enrichment sites in Iran, military sources have revealed."
"Intelligent design" not science: Vatican paper - Yahoo! News
"Intelligent design" not science: Vatican paper - Yahoo! News: "PARIS (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Church has restated its support for evolution with an article praising a U.S. court decision that rejects the 'intelligent design' theory as non-scientific."
19.1.06
Google rebuffs feds over access to search data - Tech News & Reviews - MSNBC.com
Google rebuffs feds over access to search data - Tech News & Reviews - MSNBC.com: "Google rebuffs feds over access to search data
Bush administration wants details of what users look for
NBC VIDEO
Launch
• Google subpoenas
Jan. 19: NBC's Pete Williams reports on what the Justice Department is looking for
Nightly News
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• US Justice Dept subpoenas Google over online porn law
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• CIA confirms speaker on tape is bin Laden
• Google rebuffs feds over access to search data
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• Test your innate geometrical sense
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• Scientists overjoyed with comet samples
• Sept. 11 workers die of respiratory problems
• Pluto mission lifts off after days of delay
• Dozens of endangered sea turtles found dead
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Updated: 8:24 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. is rebuffing the Bush administration’s demand for a peek at what millions of people have been looking up on the Internet’s leading search engine — a request that underscores the potential for online databases to become tools for government surveillance."
Bush administration wants details of what users look for
NBC VIDEO
Launch
• Google subpoenas
Jan. 19: NBC's Pete Williams reports on what the Justice Department is looking for
Nightly News
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# Weekend project: Computerize your car
# The new and improved Web
# Government Web sites are keeping an eye on you
Related Stories
| What's this?
• Google resists pressure on website searches
• US Justice Dept subpoenas Google over online porn law
• US Justice Dept subpoenas Google over online porn law
• Google makes massive push into content
• Blackberry gets Google Talk and Google Local
Most Popular
• Most Viewed • Top Rated • Most E-mailed
• CIA confirms speaker on tape is bin Laden
• Google rebuffs feds over access to search data
• Police: Man faked death to avoid child support
• Test your innate geometrical sense
• Witherspoon’s Globe gown was worn by Dunst
• Most viewed on MSNBC.com
• Scientists overjoyed with comet samples
• Sept. 11 workers die of respiratory problems
• Pluto mission lifts off after days of delay
• Dozens of endangered sea turtles found dead
• Justice for a rape, 30 years later
• Most viewed on MSNBC.com
• Google rebuffs feds over access to search data
• Police: Man faked death to avoid child support
• Reports on college literacy levels sobering
• Vatican paper raps ‘intelligent design’
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Updated: 8:24 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. is rebuffing the Bush administration’s demand for a peek at what millions of people have been looking up on the Internet’s leading search engine — a request that underscores the potential for online databases to become tools for government surveillance."
18.1.06
Does lack of snow indicate Mount Fuji's about to blow? - MSN-Mainichi Daily News
Does lack of snow indicate Mount Fuji's about to blow? - MSN-Mainichi Daily News: "Some experts say that it would not be surprising for Mount Fuji to erupt at any moment.
'It's my personal belief that magma build-up inside Mount Fuji has already reached a critical stage,' Prof. Masaaki Kimura, a seismology professor at the University of the Ryukyus tells Shukan Post. 'Mount Fuji erupts about once every 300 years. And it's been about 300 years since Mount Fuji's last eruption. Volcanoes go in periods where they're active for about 300 to 400 years and then dormant for 300 to 400 years. But, it's a matter of simple arithmetic that Mount Fuji is due to erupt pretty soon.'
It seems the natural world fears that Fuji-san is about to blow, too. Since the start of 2004, frogs and stinkbugs once prominent in the area have virtually disappeared. Some see this as a sign that they've sensed something untoward is about to happen and they're avoiding the place like the plague. Observers have noticed this phenomenon, too.
'The most recent change has probably been the sudden disappearance of sparrows around the mountain since about the middle of October,' Hideaki Kuribayashi, a photographer who bases himself near Mount Fuji, tells Shukan Post. 'Normally, sparrows flock to this place, even in the middle of winter.' (By Ryann Connell)"
'It's my personal belief that magma build-up inside Mount Fuji has already reached a critical stage,' Prof. Masaaki Kimura, a seismology professor at the University of the Ryukyus tells Shukan Post. 'Mount Fuji erupts about once every 300 years. And it's been about 300 years since Mount Fuji's last eruption. Volcanoes go in periods where they're active for about 300 to 400 years and then dormant for 300 to 400 years. But, it's a matter of simple arithmetic that Mount Fuji is due to erupt pretty soon.'
It seems the natural world fears that Fuji-san is about to blow, too. Since the start of 2004, frogs and stinkbugs once prominent in the area have virtually disappeared. Some see this as a sign that they've sensed something untoward is about to happen and they're avoiding the place like the plague. Observers have noticed this phenomenon, too.
'The most recent change has probably been the sudden disappearance of sparrows around the mountain since about the middle of October,' Hideaki Kuribayashi, a photographer who bases himself near Mount Fuji, tells Shukan Post. 'Normally, sparrows flock to this place, even in the middle of winter.' (By Ryann Connell)"
17.1.06
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 contract is still a contract – even if it is a contract to kill
By Alan Hamilton
A woman who hired a hitman to kill her has been awarded �2,000 because she is still alive
IT SOUNDS like the law of 1920s East Side Chicago, but it is also the law of England.
A contract is a contract, even if it is a contract to kill.
Break it, and if the mob don’t get you, Maidstone Crown Court will."
By Alan Hamilton
A woman who hired a hitman to kill her has been awarded �2,000 because she is still alive
IT SOUNDS like the law of 1920s East Side Chicago, but it is also the law of England.
A contract is a contract, even if it is a contract to kill.
Break it, and if the mob don’t get you, Maidstone Crown Court will."
14.1.06
Iran Focus-Iran to hang teenage girl attacked by rapists - Women - News
Iran Focus-Iran to hang teenage girl attacked by rapists - Women - News: "Tehran, Iran, Jan. 07 – An Iranian court has sentenced a teenage rape victim to death by hanging after she weepingly confessed that she had unintentionally killed a man who had tried to rape both her and her niece."
8.1.06
Your phone records are for sale
Your phone records are for sale: "Your phone records are for sale
January 5, 2006
BY FRANK MAIN Crime Reporter
The Chicago Police Department is warning officers their cell phone records are available to anyone -- for a price. Dozens of online services are selling lists of cell phone calls, raising security concerns among law enforcement and privacy experts."
January 5, 2006
BY FRANK MAIN Crime Reporter
The Chicago Police Department is warning officers their cell phone records are available to anyone -- for a price. Dozens of online services are selling lists of cell phone calls, raising security concerns among law enforcement and privacy experts."
Drivers find a snitch - Yahoo! News
Drivers find a snitch - Yahoo! News: "Drivers find a snitch
Fri Jan 6, 7:30 AM ET
It's common knowledge that airplanes have 'black boxes' that record flight data so safety experts can reconstruct what went wrong after an accident. But few motorists are aware that their late-model cars contain similar devices - and that police and insurers might use the data against them.
ADVERTISEMENT
click here
Six states (Arkansas, California, Nevada, New York, North Dakota and Texas) have recently passed laws requiring that automakers notify motorists of the devices, known as event data recorders (EDRs), and limiting access to them. Nevada's law, which took effect Jan. 1, requires the owner's permission before data can be retrieved.
In the absence of any federal guidelines, the states are wise to set some parameters. The devices, the size of a pack of cigarettes, are in more than 70% of all new passenger vehicles, foreign and domestic. The
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wants them in every new car sold in America, but that fortunately hasn't yet happened because of privacy concerns.
EDRs monitor speed, braking, seat-belt use, steering and more. Ideally, the data can sort out responsibility for accidents and lead to improved vehicle design.
But will police download the data to assign blame after a crash? Can auto insurers use the information to raise premiums or cancel policies? Will lawyers demand access in order to sue you or others? The answers are unclear. Few guidelines exist over who owns the data, and court rulings vary.
With the spread of the devices and NTSB's pressure to mandate them, it's time for the federal government to establish reasonable rules so that all motorists are informed of the devices' presence and who owns them.
EDRs can lead to safety improvements. But it's wrong to demand that motorists ride with a silent snitch under the hood."
Fri Jan 6, 7:30 AM ET
It's common knowledge that airplanes have 'black boxes' that record flight data so safety experts can reconstruct what went wrong after an accident. But few motorists are aware that their late-model cars contain similar devices - and that police and insurers might use the data against them.
ADVERTISEMENT
click here
Six states (Arkansas, California, Nevada, New York, North Dakota and Texas) have recently passed laws requiring that automakers notify motorists of the devices, known as event data recorders (EDRs), and limiting access to them. Nevada's law, which took effect Jan. 1, requires the owner's permission before data can be retrieved.
In the absence of any federal guidelines, the states are wise to set some parameters. The devices, the size of a pack of cigarettes, are in more than 70% of all new passenger vehicles, foreign and domestic. The
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wants them in every new car sold in America, but that fortunately hasn't yet happened because of privacy concerns.
EDRs monitor speed, braking, seat-belt use, steering and more. Ideally, the data can sort out responsibility for accidents and lead to improved vehicle design.
But will police download the data to assign blame after a crash? Can auto insurers use the information to raise premiums or cancel policies? Will lawyers demand access in order to sue you or others? The answers are unclear. Few guidelines exist over who owns the data, and court rulings vary.
With the spread of the devices and NTSB's pressure to mandate them, it's time for the federal government to establish reasonable rules so that all motorists are informed of the devices' presence and who owns them.
EDRs can lead to safety improvements. But it's wrong to demand that motorists ride with a silent snitch under the hood."
5.1.06
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Jesus 'healed using cannabis'
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Jesus 'healed using cannabis': "Jesus w as almost certainly a cannabis user and an early proponent of the medicinal properties of the drug, according to a study of scriptural texts published this month. The study suggests that Jesus and his disciples used the drug to carry out miraculous healings."
2.1.06
Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World
Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World: "The United States government reportedly began coordinating with NATO its plans for a possible military attack against Iran.
The German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel collected various reports from the German media indicating that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are examining the prospects of such a strike.
According to the report, CIA Director Porter Goss, in his last visit to Turkey on December 12, requested Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to provide military bases to the United States in 2006 from where they would be able to launch an assault.
The German news agency DDP also noted that countries neighboring Iran, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and Pakistan were also updated regarding the supposed plan. American sources sent to those countries apparently mentioned an aerial attack as a possibility, but did not provide a time frame for the operation.
Although Der Spiegel could not say that these plans were concrete, they did note that according to a January 2005 New Yorker report American forces had entered Iran in 2005 in order to mark possible targets for an aerial assault."
The German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel collected various reports from the German media indicating that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are examining the prospects of such a strike.
According to the report, CIA Director Porter Goss, in his last visit to Turkey on December 12, requested Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to provide military bases to the United States in 2006 from where they would be able to launch an assault.
The German news agency DDP also noted that countries neighboring Iran, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and Pakistan were also updated regarding the supposed plan. American sources sent to those countries apparently mentioned an aerial attack as a possibility, but did not provide a time frame for the operation.
Although Der Spiegel could not say that these plans were concrete, they did note that according to a January 2005 New Yorker report American forces had entered Iran in 2005 in order to mark possible targets for an aerial assault."
30.12.05
United Press International - NewsTrack - Bush was denied wiretaps, bypassed them
United Press International - NewsTrack - Bush was denied wiretaps, bypassed them: "WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush decided to skip seeking warrants for international wiretaps because the court was challenging him at an unprecedented rate.
A review of Justice Department reports to Congress by Hearst newspapers shows the 26-year-old Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court modified more wiretap requests from the Bush administration than the four previous presidential administrations combined.
The 11-judge court that authorizes FISA wiretaps modified only two search warrant orders out of the 13,102 applications approved over the first 22 years of the court's operation.
But since 2001, the judges have modified 179 of the 5,645 requests for surveillance by the Bush administration, the report said. A total of 173 of those court-ordered 'substantive modifications' took place in 2003 and 2004. And, the judges also rejected or deferred at least six requests for warrants during those two years -- the first outright rejection of a wiretap request in the court's history."
A review of Justice Department reports to Congress by Hearst newspapers shows the 26-year-old Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court modified more wiretap requests from the Bush administration than the four previous presidential administrations combined.
The 11-judge court that authorizes FISA wiretaps modified only two search warrant orders out of the 13,102 applications approved over the first 22 years of the court's operation.
But since 2001, the judges have modified 179 of the 5,645 requests for surveillance by the Bush administration, the report said. A total of 173 of those court-ordered 'substantive modifications' took place in 2003 and 2004. And, the judges also rejected or deferred at least six requests for warrants during those two years -- the first outright rejection of a wiretap request in the court's history."
28.12.05
Ecuadorean Pyramid Scheme Sparks a Panic - Yahoo! News
: "QUITO, Ecuador - A 71-year-old provincial notary who died in a luxury hotel room earlier this year left behind a teenage girlfriend ? who said he'd been on cocaine and Viagra ? and a crumbling $800 million pyramid scheme that has blossomed into a nationwide scandal.
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Jose Cabrera's sudden death sparked panic among thousands of people who gave him a minimum of $10,000 each over two decades in exchange for up to 10 percent monthly interest.
Most were rank-and-file police and military personnel ? more than 6,500 of them ? and residents of Machala, the port city where Cabrera was based. But the scandal has spread to high-ranking current and former military officials, judges, politicians and their families.
The head judge of the Machala Superior Court resigned after acknowledging that he had invested $15,000. Ecuador's former commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff put in $45,000 and the wife of a former defense minister contributed $125,000, local media have reported."
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Jose Cabrera's sudden death sparked panic among thousands of people who gave him a minimum of $10,000 each over two decades in exchange for up to 10 percent monthly interest.
Most were rank-and-file police and military personnel ? more than 6,500 of them ? and residents of Machala, the port city where Cabrera was based. But the scandal has spread to high-ranking current and former military officials, judges, politicians and their families.
The head judge of the Machala Superior Court resigned after acknowledging that he had invested $15,000. Ecuador's former commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff put in $45,000 and the wife of a former defense minister contributed $125,000, local media have reported."
24.12.05
Didgeridoo lessons ease sleep disorders. 23/12/2005. ABC News Online
Didgeridoo lessons ease sleep disorders. 23/12/2005. ABC News Online: "Kept awake at night by a snoring partner? The answer to your woes could lie with the didgeridoo.
Researchers in Switzerland have examined 25 patients who suffered from snoring and moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, both common sleep disorders.
Half the group were given daily lessons in playing the didgeridoo."
Researchers in Switzerland have examined 25 patients who suffered from snoring and moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, both common sleep disorders.
Half the group were given daily lessons in playing the didgeridoo."
Sweet little mystery - Health - Times Online
: "GIVING a child a sweet to make them feel better isn?t just a parental con trick, it really does kill pain, according to new research from the Monell Chemical Senses Centre, in Philadelphia.
Sugar makes kids feel better physically as well as psychologically. And the new study, published in the journal Pain this month, shows that the children who get the greatest painkilling effect are those who like sweet tastes most."
Sugar makes kids feel better physically as well as psychologically. And the new study, published in the journal Pain this month, shows that the children who get the greatest painkilling effect are those who like sweet tastes most."
23.12.05
EFF: DeepLinks
EFF: DeepLinks: "Yesterday, Magistrate Judge Gorenstein of the federal court for the Southern District of New York issued an opinion permitting the government to use cell site data to track a cell phone's physical location, without the government having to obtain a search warrant based on probable cause."
Independent Online Edition > Transport
Independent Online Edition > Transport: "Britain is to become the first country in the world where the movements of all vehicles on the roads are recorded. A new national surveillance system will hold the records for at least two years.
Using a network of cameras that can automatically read every passing number plate, the plan is to build a huge database of vehicle movements so that the police and security services can analyse any journey a driver has made over several years.
The network will incorporate thousands of existing CCTV cameras which are being converted to read number plates automatically night and day to provide 24/7 coverage of all motorways and main roads, as well as towns, cities, ports and petrol-station forecourts."
Using a network of cameras that can automatically read every passing number plate, the plan is to build a huge database of vehicle movements so that the police and security services can analyse any journey a driver has made over several years.
The network will incorporate thousands of existing CCTV cameras which are being converted to read number plates automatically night and day to provide 24/7 coverage of all motorways and main roads, as well as towns, cities, ports and petrol-station forecourts."
: "MUSIC shop boss Steve Kowalski has been told he will have to pay to play if his customers want to try out his instruments before they buy.
And that, he says, is a fiddle.
The Performing Rights Society claims he needs a licence if he, or any of his punters, want to "have a go" on anything from a harmonica to a harpsichord or castanets to clarinets.
And officers have told him that if he doesn?t stump up cash to the tune of �114 he will have to face the music."
And that, he says, is a fiddle.
The Performing Rights Society claims he needs a licence if he, or any of his punters, want to "have a go" on anything from a harmonica to a harpsichord or castanets to clarinets.
And officers have told him that if he doesn?t stump up cash to the tune of �114 he will have to face the music."
20.12.05
Scotsman.com News - International - Stalin's half-man, half-ape super-warriors
In 1926 the Politburo in Moscow passed the request to the Academy of Science with the order to build a "living war machine";. The order came at a time when the Soviet Union was embarked on a crusade to turn the world upside down, with social engineering seen as a partner to industrialisation: new cities, architecture, and a new egalitarian society were being created."
1.12.05
BBC NEWS | Health | Woman has first face transplant
BBC NEWS | Health | Woman has first face transplant: "Surgeons in France have carried out the first face transplant, it has been reported.
The woman had lost her nose, lips and chin after being savaged by a dog.
In the controversial operation, tissues, muscles, arteries and veins were taken from a brain-dead donor and attached to the patient's lower face.
Doctors stress the woman will not look like her donor, but nor will she look like she did before the attack - instead she will have a 'hybrid' face."
The woman had lost her nose, lips and chin after being savaged by a dog.
In the controversial operation, tissues, muscles, arteries and veins were taken from a brain-dead donor and attached to the patient's lower face.
Doctors stress the woman will not look like her donor, but nor will she look like she did before the attack - instead she will have a 'hybrid' face."
28.11.05
The Observer | International | The leak that revealed Bush's deep obsession with al-Jazeera
The Observer | International | The leak that revealed Bush's deep obsession with al-Jazeera: "The US president planned to bomb the Qatar-based channel - that was the remarkable claim made in a top-secret memo. Why is the world's most powerful man so worried about a TV station? "
Former Canadian Minister Of Defence Asks Canadian Parliament Asked To Hold Hearings On Relations With Alien "Et" Civilizations - Yahoo! News
: "On September 25, 2005, in a startling speech at the University of Toronto that caught the attention of mainstream newspapers and magazines, Paul Hellyer, Canada’s Defence Minister from 1963-67 under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prime Minister Lester Pearson, publicly stated: "UFOs, are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head."
Mr. Hellyer went on to say, "I'm so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something."
Hellyer revealed, "The secrecy involved in all matters pertaining to the Roswell incident was unparalled. The classification was, from the outset, above top secret, so the vast majority of U.S. officials and politicians, let alone a mere allied minister of defence, were never in-the-loop."
Hellyer warned, "The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning. He stated, "The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide."
Hellyer’s speech ended with a standing ovation. He said, "The time has come to lift the veil of secrecy, and let the truth emerge, so there can be a real and informed debate, about one of the most important problems facing our planet today.""
Mr. Hellyer went on to say, "I'm so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something."
Hellyer revealed, "The secrecy involved in all matters pertaining to the Roswell incident was unparalled. The classification was, from the outset, above top secret, so the vast majority of U.S. officials and politicians, let alone a mere allied minister of defence, were never in-the-loop."
Hellyer warned, "The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning. He stated, "The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide."
Hellyer’s speech ended with a standing ovation. He said, "The time has come to lift the veil of secrecy, and let the truth emerge, so there can be a real and informed debate, about one of the most important problems facing our planet today.""
22.11.05
CNN.com - 'Ugly dog' Sam dies at 14 - Nov 22, 2005
CNN.com - 'Ugly dog' Sam dies at 14 - Nov 22, 2005: "SANTA BARBARA, California (AP) -- Sam, the dog whose ugliness earned him TV appearances, limousine rides and even a meeting with millionaire Donald Trump, has died, the Santa Barbara News-Press reported Tuesday."
Telegraph | News | Last soldier serving in 1914 Christmas truce dies, aged 109
Telegraph | News | Last soldier serving in 1914 Christmas truce dies, aged 109: "
Last soldier serving in 1914 Christmas truce dies, aged 109
By Auslan Cramb, Scottish Correspondent
(Filed: 22/11/2005)
The last veteran of the Christmas truce during the First World War died in his sleep yesterday, aged 109.
Alfred Anderson, who was born in 1896, was 18 on December 25, 1914, when British and German troops climbed out of their trenches and crossed no-man's land to shake hands, sing carols and share cigarettes.
The soldiers famously played football together, kicking around empty bully-beef cans and using steel helmets as goal posts. The unauthorised truce spread across much of the 500-mile Western Front, where more than a million soldiers were encamped.
Recalling the truce last year, Mr Anderson said: 'All I'd heard for two months in the trenches was the hissing, cracking and whining of bullets in flight, machinegun fire and distant German voices.
'But there was a dead silence that morning, right across the land as far as you could see. We shouted 'Merry Christmas', even though nobody felt merry.
'The silence ended early in the afternoon and the killing started again. It was a short peace in a terrible war.'"
Last soldier serving in 1914 Christmas truce dies, aged 109
By Auslan Cramb, Scottish Correspondent
(Filed: 22/11/2005)
The last veteran of the Christmas truce during the First World War died in his sleep yesterday, aged 109.
Alfred Anderson, who was born in 1896, was 18 on December 25, 1914, when British and German troops climbed out of their trenches and crossed no-man's land to shake hands, sing carols and share cigarettes.
The soldiers famously played football together, kicking around empty bully-beef cans and using steel helmets as goal posts. The unauthorised truce spread across much of the 500-mile Western Front, where more than a million soldiers were encamped.
Recalling the truce last year, Mr Anderson said: 'All I'd heard for two months in the trenches was the hissing, cracking and whining of bullets in flight, machinegun fire and distant German voices.
'But there was a dead silence that morning, right across the land as far as you could see. We shouted 'Merry Christmas', even though nobody felt merry.
'The silence ended early in the afternoon and the killing started again. It was a short peace in a terrible war.'"
2.11.05
Denver Voters OK Marijuana Possession - Yahoo! News
Denver Voters OK Marijuana Possession - Yahoo! News: "DENVER - Residents of the Mile High City have voted to legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for adults. Authorities, though, said state possession laws will be applied instead.
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With 100 percent of precincts reporting early Wednesday, 54 percent, or 56,001 voters, cast ballots for the ordinance, while 46 percent, or 48,632 voters, voted against it.
Under the measure, residents over 21 years old could possess up to an ounce of marijuana."
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With 100 percent of precincts reporting early Wednesday, 54 percent, or 56,001 voters, cast ballots for the ordinance, while 46 percent, or 48,632 voters, voted against it.
Under the measure, residents over 21 years old could possess up to an ounce of marijuana."
Telegraph | News | Secret MoD poll: Iraqis support attacks on British troops
Telegraph | News | Secret MoD poll: Iraqis support attacks on British troops: "Millions of Iraqis believe that suicide attacks against British troops are justified, a secret military poll commissioned by senior officers has revealed.
The poll, undertaken for the Ministry of Defence and seen by The Sunday Telegraph, shows that up to 65 per cent of Iraqi citizens support attacks and fewer than one per cent think Allied military involvement is helping to improve security in their country.
It demonstrates for the first time the true strength of anti-Western feeling in Iraq after more than two and a half years of bloody occupation.
The nationwide survey also suggests that the coalition has lost the battle to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, which Tony Blair and George W Bush believed was fundamental to creating a safe and secure country."
The poll, undertaken for the Ministry of Defence and seen by The Sunday Telegraph, shows that up to 65 per cent of Iraqi citizens support attacks and fewer than one per cent think Allied military involvement is helping to improve security in their country.
It demonstrates for the first time the true strength of anti-Western feeling in Iraq after more than two and a half years of bloody occupation.
The nationwide survey also suggests that the coalition has lost the battle to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, which Tony Blair and George W Bush believed was fundamental to creating a safe and secure country."
Telegraph | News | Secret MoD poll: Iraqis support attacks on British troops
: "The survey was conducted by an Iraqi university research team that, for security reasons, was not told the data it compiled would be used by coalition forces. It reveals:
• Forty-five per cent of Iraqis believe attacks against British and American troops are justified - rising to 65 per cent in the British-controlled Maysan province;
• 82 per cent are "strongly opposed" to the presence of coalition troops;
• less than one per cent of the population believes coalition forces are responsible for any improvement in security;
• 67 per cent of Iraqis feel less secure because of the occupation;
• 43 per cent of Iraqis believe conditions for peace and stability have worsened;
• 72 per cent do not have confidence in the multi-national forces.
The opinion poll, carried out in August, also debunks claims by both the US and British governments that the general well-being of the average Iraqi is improving in post-Saddam Iraq."
• Forty-five per cent of Iraqis believe attacks against British and American troops are justified - rising to 65 per cent in the British-controlled Maysan province;
• 82 per cent are "strongly opposed" to the presence of coalition troops;
• less than one per cent of the population believes coalition forces are responsible for any improvement in security;
• 67 per cent of Iraqis feel less secure because of the occupation;
• 43 per cent of Iraqis believe conditions for peace and stability have worsened;
• 72 per cent do not have confidence in the multi-national forces.
The opinion poll, carried out in August, also debunks claims by both the US and British governments that the general well-being of the average Iraqi is improving in post-Saddam Iraq."
1.11.05
CNN.com - Democrats force Senate into unusual closed session - Nov 1, 2005
CNN.com - Democrats force Senate into unusual closed session - Nov 1, 2005: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats forced the Republican-controlled Senate into an unusual closed session Tuesday, questioning intelligence that led to the Iraq war and deriding a lack of congressional inquiry."
31.10.05
Tiny Vegas home sits at center of housing craze - Real Estate - MSNBC.com
: "LAS VEGAS - Its front windows wish you “Feliz Navidad” in paint that won’t wash off. The landscaping consists of four shriveling cacti and a patio piled with empty cat food boxes. Inside, it’s 700 square feet of confirmed bachelor’s clutter.
And it can all be yours for $1.2 million — cash.
There’s perhaps no better evidence of the condo fever raging through Las Vegas’ real estate market than the asking price on Manuel Corchuelo’s home. Once considered deadlocked in the wasteland where the Las Vegas Strip fizzled into a decaying downtown, the World War II-era home is now happily nestled in the shadows of billions of dollars of new and proposed high-rise condominium projects."
And it can all be yours for $1.2 million — cash.
There’s perhaps no better evidence of the condo fever raging through Las Vegas’ real estate market than the asking price on Manuel Corchuelo’s home. Once considered deadlocked in the wasteland where the Las Vegas Strip fizzled into a decaying downtown, the World War II-era home is now happily nestled in the shadows of billions of dollars of new and proposed high-rise condominium projects."
riverfronttimes.com | News & Features | Feature | Hell of a House | 2005-10-26
riverfronttimes.com | News & Features | Feature | Hell of a House | 2005-10-26: "For the residents of this tidy, tree-lined Bel-Nor neighborhood, the haunting story that surrounds the home at 8435 Roanoke Drive may be their worst-kept secret.
'Oh yeah, that's the house,' confirms neighbor Cris Coy when asked if he's aware of the occult history of the two-story brick colonial next door.
'That's what they say,' acknowledges Jean Kustura, a 72-year-old widow who for twenty years has kept watch over the north St. Louis County neighborhood from her bungalow on the other side of the infamous house. 'But all of that happened back in the 1940s. I'm told the victim is still alive. He won't talk about it.'
Other neighbors, including the couple across the street and several families living on adjacent blocks, are also quick to share the mysterious story of the house. Indeed, it seems the only people who aren't eager to recount the sordid tale are the home's current owner, Gary Stafford, and the real-estate agent trying to sell the house.
'I don't want to talk about it,' bristles realtor Patrick McLaughlin before quickly hanging up the phone. 'It's not going to help me sell the home.'
Stafford, a real-estate investor who has never lived in the three-bedroom house, says he became aware of the 'rumors' only after he purchased it out of bankruptcy this summer. The last person to occupy the residence, a man named Elvis Fantroy, left the building in June and hasn't been heard from since.
'I don't think publicizing it is a good thing,' says Stafford, who's asking $169,900 for the sturdy 63-year-old domicile that has been on the market more than two months. 'It's certainly not something we'd need to disclose to the future buyer -- that, some 50 years ago, a boy who stayed in the house may or may not have been possessed.'
'Besides,' adds Stafford, attempting to further distance his investment from the events purported to have occurred there, 'the exorcism didn't happen there. It happened at [Saint Louis University].'
But the fact remains that the real-life story behind author William Peter Blatty's best-selling novel The Exorcist had its origins in St. Louis.
Legend tells of an ill thirteen-year-old boy who, in the late winter of 1949, traveled to St. Louis from suburban Washington, D.C. Convinced the child was possessed by the Devil, Jesuit priests from Saint Louis University performed a grueling month-long exorcism on the boy, at last freeing the teen from Satan's grasp in the psych ward at Alexian Brothers Hospital.
Whether the child was actually possessed is still a matter of debate, but the fact that priests did perform the archaic ritual of the exorcism is not."
'Oh yeah, that's the house,' confirms neighbor Cris Coy when asked if he's aware of the occult history of the two-story brick colonial next door.
'That's what they say,' acknowledges Jean Kustura, a 72-year-old widow who for twenty years has kept watch over the north St. Louis County neighborhood from her bungalow on the other side of the infamous house. 'But all of that happened back in the 1940s. I'm told the victim is still alive. He won't talk about it.'
Other neighbors, including the couple across the street and several families living on adjacent blocks, are also quick to share the mysterious story of the house. Indeed, it seems the only people who aren't eager to recount the sordid tale are the home's current owner, Gary Stafford, and the real-estate agent trying to sell the house.
'I don't want to talk about it,' bristles realtor Patrick McLaughlin before quickly hanging up the phone. 'It's not going to help me sell the home.'
Stafford, a real-estate investor who has never lived in the three-bedroom house, says he became aware of the 'rumors' only after he purchased it out of bankruptcy this summer. The last person to occupy the residence, a man named Elvis Fantroy, left the building in June and hasn't been heard from since.
'I don't think publicizing it is a good thing,' says Stafford, who's asking $169,900 for the sturdy 63-year-old domicile that has been on the market more than two months. 'It's certainly not something we'd need to disclose to the future buyer -- that, some 50 years ago, a boy who stayed in the house may or may not have been possessed.'
'Besides,' adds Stafford, attempting to further distance his investment from the events purported to have occurred there, 'the exorcism didn't happen there. It happened at [Saint Louis University].'
But the fact remains that the real-life story behind author William Peter Blatty's best-selling novel The Exorcist had its origins in St. Louis.
Legend tells of an ill thirteen-year-old boy who, in the late winter of 1949, traveled to St. Louis from suburban Washington, D.C. Convinced the child was possessed by the Devil, Jesuit priests from Saint Louis University performed a grueling month-long exorcism on the boy, at last freeing the teen from Satan's grasp in the psych ward at Alexian Brothers Hospital.
Whether the child was actually possessed is still a matter of debate, but the fact that priests did perform the archaic ritual of the exorcism is not."
Guardian Unlimited | Life | One side can be wrong
Guardian Unlimited | Life | One side can be wrong: "Accepting 'intelligent design' in science classrooms would have disastrous consequences, warn Richard Dawkins and Jerry Coyne "
30.10.05
Independent Online Edition > Middle East
Independent Online Edition > Middle East: "Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has defied worldwide outrage at his call for the destruction of Israel, by joining a demonstration in Tehran and restating his desire to see Israel 'wiped from the map'.
The populist firebrand sparked a crisis in Iran's foreign relations on Tuesday when he told a Tehran conference that Israel should be 'wiped out' in a new wave of Palestinian attacks.
Yesterday, he was on the streets of the capital with demonstrators waving placards calling for the 'death of America'. He said: 'My words are the Iranian nation's words. Westerners are free to comment but their reactions are invalid.'
The diplomatic storm comes at a dangerous time for Iran, with the US pushing for Tehran to be taken to the UN Security Council over its nuclear programme."
The populist firebrand sparked a crisis in Iran's foreign relations on Tuesday when he told a Tehran conference that Israel should be 'wiped out' in a new wave of Palestinian attacks.
Yesterday, he was on the streets of the capital with demonstrators waving placards calling for the 'death of America'. He said: 'My words are the Iranian nation's words. Westerners are free to comment but their reactions are invalid.'
The diplomatic storm comes at a dangerous time for Iran, with the US pushing for Tehran to be taken to the UN Security Council over its nuclear programme."
The Free Press -- Independent News Media - Election 2004
The Free Press -- Independent News Media - Election 2004: "the GAO report now confirms that electronic voting machines as deployed in 2004 were in fact perfectly engineered to allow a very small number of partisans with minimal computer skills and equipment to shift enough votes to put George W. Bush back in the White House.
Given the growing body of evidence, it appears increasingly clear that's exactly what happened. "
Given the growing body of evidence, it appears increasingly clear that's exactly what happened. "
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