Scotsman.com News - Sci-Tech - Ancient DNA hints at natural warming

Scotsman.com News - Sci-Tech - Ancient DNA hints at natural warming: "A SCIENTIST yesterday claimed climate change could be caused by natural conditions after finding ancient DNA in Greenland, which indicates the region was much warmer during the Ice Age than previously thought."

AlterNet: Senator, You Used to Be a Pot Head -- Now You're Talking Like a Narc

AlterNet: Senator, You Used to Be a Pot Head -- Now You're Talking Like a Narc

AlterNet: Senator, You Used to Be a Pot Head -- Now You're Talking Like a Narc

AlterNet: Senator, You Used to Be a Pot Head -- Now You're Talking Like a Narc

Private contractors outnumber U.S. troops in Iraq - Los Angeles Times

Private contractors outnumber U.S. troops in Iraq - Los Angeles Times: "'These numbers are big,' said Peter Singer, a Brookings Institution scholar who has written on military contracting. 'They illustrate better than anything that we went in without enough troops. This is not the coalition of the willing. It's the coalition of the billing.'

The numbers include at least 21,000 Americans, 43,000 foreign contractors and about 118,000 Iraqis — all employed in Iraq by U.S. tax dollars, according to the most recent government data."

World's Richest Person - News - CNBC.com

World's Richest Person - News - CNBC.com: "Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim is the world's richest man, worth an estimated $67.8 billion, after overtaking Microsoft founder Bill Gates, according to a respected tracker of Mexican financial wealth on Monday."

New Drug Deletes Bad Memories | LiveScience

New Drug Deletes Bad Memories | LiveScience: "Do you have a really bad memory, or past heartache, that you would prefer to forget?

Researchers at Harvard and McGill University (in Montreal) are working on an amnesia drug that blocks or deletes bad memories. The technique seems to allow psychiatrists to disrupt the biochemical pathways that allow a memory to be recalled.

In a new study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, the drug propranolol is used along with therapy to 'dampen' memories of trauma victims. They treated 19 accident or rape victims for ten days, during which the patients were asked to describe their memories of the traumatic event that had happened 10 years earlier. Some patients were given the drug, which is also used to treat amnesia, while others were given a placebo.

A week later, they found that patients given the drug showed fewer signs of stress when recalling their trauma."

Mechanical Fingers Give Strength, Speed to Amputees

Mechanical Fingers Give Strength, Speed to Amputees: "If the X-Finger looks like a prop from The Terminator, relax. It isn't out to kill you, and it isn't robotic. In fact, it's a mechanical prosthetic finger so effective it provides articulation as fast and flexible as the real thing."

Roswell aliens theory revived by deathbed confession | NEWS.com.au

Roswell aliens theory revived by deathbed confession | NEWS.com.au

Prince's free album causes storm with retailers - USATODAY.com

Prince's free album causes storm with retailers - USATODAY.com: "LONDON — U.S. rock star Prince is to give away his new album for free with a U.K. tabloid newspaper, weeks before its official launch, in a move that has caused dismay among music retailers."

Putin's Arctic invasion: Russia lays claim to the North Pole - and all its gas, oil, and diamonds | the Daily Mail

Putin's Arctic invasion: Russia lays claim to the North Pole - and all its gas, oil, and diamonds | the Daily Mail: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is making an astonishing bid to grab a vast chunk of the Arctic - so he can tap its vast potential oil, gas and mineral wealth.

His scientists claim an underwater ridge near the North Pole is really part of Russia's continental shelf."

Rolling Stone : The Record Industry's Decline

Rolling Stone : The Record Industry's Decline: "Record sales are tanking, and there's no hope in sight: How it all went wrong"

Campaigns & Elections

Campaigns & Elections: "WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2007) - Today the House of Representatives passed H. Con.Res.21, a resolution that pressures the United Nations Security Council to charge Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of his alleged calls for the destruction of Israel.

'There is reasonable doubt with regard to the accuracy of the translations of President Ahmadinejad's words in this resolution. President Ahmadinejad's speeches can also be translated as a call for regime change, much in the same manner the Bush Administration has called for regime change in Iraq and Iran, making this resolution very ironic,' Kucinich said.

Kucinich attempted to insert into the Congressional Record two independent translations of the speech from The New York Times and Middle East Media Research Institute, which contain significant differences in the translations of the speech compared to the resolution before the House. However, Members objected formally and the attempt was blocked. "

The Raw Story | Revealed: Bush EPA chief says she quit after Cheney rewrote coal power plant rules

The Raw Story | Revealed: Bush EPA chief says she quit after Cheney rewrote coal power plant rules: "Christine Todd Whitman is the media darling of talk shows, the conservative former governor of New Jersey and head of President George W. Bush's Environmental Protection Agency who quit the Bush Administration to 'spend more time with her family.'

Evidently, that's not true.

In a groundbreaking article today by the Washington Post, the paper alleges that Whitman left the Administration because they pressured her to accept pro-industry coal power plant rules which threatened ghoulish levels of air pollution.

After industry officials complained to Vice President Cheney about Clinton-era rules requiring plants to update their technology when they conducted routine maintenance to comply with air quality standards, Cheney turned to Whitman, she said."

Giant microwave turns plastic back to oil - earth - 26 June 2007 - New Scientist Environment

Giant microwave turns plastic back to oil - earth - 26 June 2007 - New Scientist Environment

Professor claims to survive on just sunshine and fruit juice | the Daily Mail

Professor claims to survive on just sunshine and fruit juice | the Daily Mail: "Michael Werner looks normal enough. He's six foot tall, grey and bespectacled, weighs in at 12-and-a-half stone and enjoys playing tennis, socialising and jogging - three brisk miles before breakfast with his wife Angelica, a nice fry-up for her and a quick coffee for him.

All very ordinary. It's just that Michael doesn't eat. At all.

In fact, the last item of food that passed his lips was a huge helping of potato salad and a slice of cake on New Year's Eve 2001."

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Afghan opium production 'soars'

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Afghan opium production 'soars': "Opium production in Afghanistan is soaring out of control, the annual UN report on illegal drugs says."

Was 9/11 an 'inside job'?

Was 9/11 an 'inside job'?: "More than a third of the American public suspects that federal officials assisted in the 9/11 terrorist attacks or took no action to stop them so the United States could go to war in the Middle East, according to a new Scripps Howard/Ohio University poll."

A horror movie come to life | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

A horror movie come to life | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Cell phone technology allows remote monitoring of calls, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Known as a “roving bug,” it works whether a phone is on or off. FBI agents tracking organized crime have used it to monitor meetings among mobsters. Global positioning systems, installed in many cell phones, also make it possible to pinpoint a phone’s location within a few feet."

Top scientist debunks global warming | | The Australian

Top scientist debunks global warming | | The Australian: "MANKIND is naive to think it can influence climate change, according to a prize-winning Australian geologist.

Solar activity is a greater driver of climate change than man-made carbon dioxide, argues Ian Plimer, Professor of Mining Geology at the University of Adelaide and winner of several notable science prizes.

“When meteorologists can change the weather then we can start to think about humans changing climate,” Prof Plimer said.

“I think we really are a little bit naive to think we can change astronomical and solar processes.”"

Herbal remedy cut colds in studies

Herbal remedy cut colds in studies: "The herbal remedy echinacea can prevent colds and speed recovery from runny noses, coughs and other symptoms, according to a study published Sunday that could renew interest in the discredited product.

The analysis of 1,600 patients pooled from 14 previously published studies found that echinacea reduced the chances of catching a cold by 58 percent and shaved 1.4 days off the duration of a cold, researchers said."

glumbert.com - Saltwater into Fire

glumbert.com - Saltwater into Fire: "Saltwater into Fire"

Body absorbs 5lb of make-up chemicals a year | Uk News | News | Telegraph

Body absorbs 5lb of make-up chemicals a year | Uk News | News | Telegraph: "Women who use make-up on a daily basis are absorbing almost 5lb of chemicals a year into their bodies, it is claimed."

'Wiped off the Map' – The Rumor of the Century - by Arash Norouzi

'Wiped off the Map' – The Rumor of the Century - by Arash Norouzi: "Across the world, a dangerous rumor has spread that could have catastrophic implications. According to legend, Iran's president has threatened to destroy Israel, or, to quote the misquote, 'Israel must be wiped off the map.' Contrary to popular belief, this statement was never made."

Two-year-old 'Matilda' becomes youngest ever girl in Mensa | the Daily Mail

Two-year-old 'Matilda' becomes youngest ever girl in Mensa | the Daily Mail: "Her parents knew Georgia Brown was bright. After all, she could count to ten, recognised her colours and was even starting to dabble with French.

But it was only when their bubbly little two-year-old took an IQ test that her towering intellect was confirmed.

Georgia has become the youngest female member of Mensa after scoring a genius-rated IQ of 152."

Firstborn children are the cleverest - being-human - 21 June 2007 - New Scientist

Firstborn children are the cleverest - being-human - 21 June 2007 - New Scientist: "Firstborn children score significantly higher in IQ tests than their younger siblings, according to a large study of 250,000 military draftees in Norway."

Geronimo's great-grandson wants bones returned - Boston.com

Geronimo's great-grandson wants bones returned - Boston.com: "SANTA FE, N.M. --Legend has it that Yale University's ultrasecret Skull and Bones society swiped the remains of American Indian leader Geronimo nearly a century ago from an Army outpost in Oklahoma... Harlyn Geronimo, 59, of Mescalero, N.M., wants to prove the skull and bones purportedly taken from a burial plot in Fort Sill, Okla., are indeed those of his great-grandfather. They're now said to be in a stone tomb that serves as the club's headquarters."

U.S. Arming Sunnis in Iraq to Battle Old Qaeda Allies - New York Times

U.S. Arming Sunnis in Iraq to Battle Old Qaeda Allies - New York Times: "BAGHDAD, June 10 — With the four-month-old increase in American troops showing only modest success in curbing insurgent attacks, American commanders are turning to another strategy that they acknowledge is fraught with risk: arming Sunni Arab groups that have promised to fight militants linked with Al Qaeda who have been their allies in the past."

ABC News: Patient Bleeds Dark Green; Docs Shocked

ABC News: Patient Bleeds Dark Green; Docs Shocked: "TORONTO (CP) - The green blood came as a bit of a shock to Dr. Alana Flexman and her colleagues when they tried to put an arterial line into a patient about to undergo surgery in Vancouver's St. Paul's Hospital."

'Indiana Jones' returning, but without Sean Connery - Los Angeles Times

'Indiana Jones' returning, but without Sean Connery - Los Angeles Times: "Indiana Jones will be back, hat and all. But his dad likes retirement too much, which means that actor Sean Connery, who played Harrison Ford's father in 1989's 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' won't be returning for the latest installment in the lucrative action franchise that begins filming this month."

Calvi murder: The mystery of God's banker - Independent Online Edition > Europe

Calvi murder: The mystery of God's banker - Independent Online Edition > Europe: "Twenty-five years after the event, the trial of the alleged killers of Roberto Calvi has ended with the sensational acquittal of all five defendants: a Sardinian property dealer and his mistress, a Mafia accountant already serving life for other offences, a Roman loan shark and the banker's one-time bodyguard, all are absolved."

The Raw Story | Arkansas GOP head: We need more 'attacks on American soil' so people appreciate Bush

The Raw Story | Arkansas GOP head: We need more 'attacks on American soil' so people appreciate Bush: "In his first interview as the chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party, Dennis Milligan told a reporter that America needs to be attacked by terrorists so that people will appreciate the work that President Bush has done to protect the country."

VOA News - Putin: Russia Will Retaliate if US Puts Rocket Base in Europe

VOA News - Putin: Russia Will Retaliate if US Puts Rocket Base in Europe: "Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country will aim its rockets at European targets if the United States goes ahead with plans to build a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic."

B.C. to follow California on tailpipe emissions : Top Stories : News : Sympatico / MSN

B.C. to follow California on tailpipe emissions : Top Stories : News : Sympatico / MSN: "With California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at his side, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has agreed to implement the toughest tailpipe emissions standards in Canada. "

Ethanol boom may fuel shortage of tequila - International Business - MSNBC.com

Ethanol boom may fuel shortage of tequila - International Business - MSNBC.com: "MEXICO CITY - Mexican farmers are setting ablaze fields of blue agave, the cactus-like plant used to make the fiery spirit tequila, and resowing the land with corn as soaring U.S. ethanol demand pushes up prices."

Russia tests missile able to 'penetrate' defences

Russia tests missile able to 'penetrate' defences: "Russia on Tuesday said it had successfully tested a new multiple warhead ballistic missile designed to overcome air-defence systems such as the US shield planned for deployment in central Europe."

Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health - Independent Online Edition > Health

Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health - Independent Online Edition > Health: "Sodium benzoate has already been the subject of concern about cancer because when mixed with the additive vitamin C in soft drinks, it causes benzene, a carcinogenic substance."

Strange but True: When Half a Brain Is Better than a Whole One: Scientific American

Strange but True: When Half a Brain Is Better than a Whole One: Scientific American: "You might not want to do it, but removing half of your brain will not significantly impact who you are"

WorldNetDaily: Bush makes power grab

WorldNetDaily: Bush makes power grab: "President Bush, without so much as issuing a press statement, on May 9 signed a directive that granted near dictatorial powers to the office of the president in the event of a national emergency declared by the president."

Press TV

Press TV: "A recent statement issued by the UN Security Council (UNSC) says Iran is the most active country in countering terrorism... The UN statement stressed that the report sent by Iran comes even as the governments of the US and Israel both declined to provide their own reports on anti-terrorism activities."

BBC NEWS | England | Merseyside | Pilotless police drone takes off

BBC NEWS | England | Merseyside | Pilotless police drone takes off: "Merseyside police are using the 'spy drone', fitted with CCTV cameras, mainly for tackling anti-social behaviour and public disorder.

The machine is 1m wide, weighs less than a bag of sugar, and can record images from a height of 500m."

BBC NEWS | Health | Pre-birth apples 'benefit babies'

BBC NEWS | Health | Pre-birth apples 'benefit babies': "Children of mothers who eat plenty of apples during pregnancy are less likely to develop asthma, research suggests."

S.C. lawmakers consider allowing concealed weapons on campuses - CNN.com

S.C. lawmakers consider allowing concealed weapons on campuses - CNN.com: "COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) -- To prevent school shootings, some South Carolina legislators want more guns on campuses."

Scientist stuns experts by saying trees worsen greenhouse effect

Scientist stuns experts by saying trees worsen greenhouse effect: "Hamburg- A leading expert in Germany has spawned a major scientific debate by claiming that trees put millions of tons of methane into the atmosphere every year exacerbating the greenhouse effect. Amid controversy, Dr Frank Keppler of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry has reaffirmed findings by his team in Mainz, Germany, in January 2006 that they had detected methane exhaled from living

plants. "

Law enforcment access to Internet communications expanded - NJ.com: Star-Ledger updates

Law enforcment access to Internet communications expanded - NJ.com: Star-Ledger updates: "Effective today, broadband providers and Internet phone companies must open their networks for lawful intercepts of e-mails, calls and other electronic communications.

Authorities hail the move as an important step to combat terrorism and crime. Critics call it another erosion of personal freedoms."

Don't Do It, Mr. President

Don't Do It, Mr. President

Strange but True: Helmets Attract Cars to Cyclists: Scientific American

Strange but True: Helmets Attract Cars to Cyclists: Scientific American: "Although you might not want to leave your protective gear at home, just know that if you do, drivers will be a lot more scared of hitting you."

Putin likens U.S. foreign policy to that of Third Reich - Print Version - International Herald Tribune

Putin likens U.S. foreign policy to that of Third Reich - Print Version - International Herald Tribune: "MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin of Russia obliquely compared the foreign policy of the United States to the Third Reich in a speech Wednesday commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, in an apparent escalation of anti-American rhetoric within the Russian government."

The Sun Online - News: Cap gives you full kip in 3hrs

The Sun Online - News: Cap gives you full kip in 3hrs: "SCIENTISTS have devised a way to cram a good night’s kip into THREE HOURS.

They have created a machine placed above the head like a “cap” that puts wearers in deep sleep."

Daily Express: The World's Greatest Newspaper :: News / Showbiz :: The easy way to boost your brain

Daily Express: The World's Greatest Newspaper :: News / Showbiz :: The easy way to boost your brain: "WIGGLING your eyes from left to right helps to boost your memory...and it doesn’t cost a penny.

Scientists say the eye movement fires up both the left and right hemispheres of the brain at the same time."

Japanese developers find way to create hot rice with cold water - MSN-Mainichi Daily News

Japanese developers find way to create hot rice with cold water - MSN-Mainichi Daily News: "TSUKUBA, Ibaraki -- An environmental consulting firm and other developers here have come up with a non-perishable food pack that creates steaming hot rice with the simple addition of cold water."

Lesbians twice as likely to be obese | The Daily Telegraph

Lesbians twice as likely to be obese | The Daily Telegraph: "LESBIANS are twice as likely as heterosexual women to be overweight or obese, which puts them at greater risk for obesity-related health problems and death, US researchers said."

Ebola-like virus killing fish in Great Lakes - USATODAY.com

Ebola-like virus killing fish in Great Lakes - USATODAY.com: "A deadly Ebola-like virus is killing fish of all types in the Great Lakes, a development some scientists fear could trigger disaster for the USA's freshwater fish."

The CFL mercury nightmare

The CFL mercury nightmare: "How much money does it take to screw in a compact fluorescent light bulb? About US$4.28 for the bulb and labour -- unless you break the bulb. Then you, like Brandy Bridges of Ellsworth, Maine, could be looking at a cost of about US$2,004.28, which doesn't include the costs of frayed nerves and risks to health.

Sound crazy? Perhaps no more than the stampede to ban the incandescent light bulb in favour of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)."

Greenhouse effect is a myth, say scientists | the Daily Mail

Greenhouse effect is a myth, say scientists | the Daily Mail: "Research said to prove that greenhouse gases cause climate change has been condemned as a sham by scientists.

A United Nations report earlier this year said humans are very likely to be to blame for global warming and there is 'virtually no doubt' it is linked to man's use of fossil fuels.

But other climate experts say there is little scientific evidence to support the theory.

In fact global warming could be caused by increased solar activity such as a massive eruption."

The Raw Story | Retired Lt. General declares Bush 'seems to have gone AWOL'

The Raw Story | Retired Lt. General declares Bush 'seems to have gone AWOL': ""I am not now nor have I ever been a Democrat or a Republican. Thus, I do not speak for the Democratic Party. I speak for myself, as a non-partisan retired military officer who is a former Director of the National Security Agency. I do so because Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, asked me.

"In principle, I do not favor Congressional involvement in the execution of U.S. foreign and military policy. I have seen its perverse effects in many cases. The conflict in Iraq is different. Over the past couple of years, the President has let it proceed on automatic pilot, making no corrections in the face of accumulating evidence that his strategy is failing and cannot be rescued."

Taiwan stung by millions of missing bees - Yahoo! News

Taiwan stung by millions of missing bees - Yahoo! News: "Over the past two months, farmers in three parts of Taiwan have reported most of their bees gone, the Chinese-language United Daily News reported. Taiwan's TVBS television station said about 10 million bees had vanished in Taiwan."

newsobserver.com | Death toll excludes bombs

newsobserver.com | Death toll excludes bombs: "WASHINGTON - U.S. officials who say there has been a dramatic drop in sectarian violence in Iraq since President Bush began sending more American troops into Baghdad aren't counting one of the main killers of Iraqi civilians.

Car bombs and other explosive devices have killed thousands of Iraqis in the past three years, but the administration doesn't include them in the casualty counts it has been citing as evidence that the surge of additional U.S. forces is beginning to defuse tensions between Shiite and Sunni Muslims."

Iran: US seeks to undermine regime | Jerusalem Post

Iran: US seeks to undermine regime | Jerusalem Post: "According to the official Iranian news agency, the official, who deals with defense issues, said that no American would be safe from Iran's long-range missiles.

'We are prepared to fire tens of thousands of these missiles every day,' he said."

Clinton: US might have to confront Iran | Jerusalem Post

Clinton: US might have to confront Iran | Jerusalem Post: "Democratic presidential candidate and New York Senator Hillary Clinton said Tuesday that it might be necessary for America to confront Iran militarily, addressing that possibility more directly than any of the other presidential candidates who spoke this week to the National Jewish Democratic Council."

GM crop failure a warning, says US adviser. 30/11/2005. ABC News Online

GM crop failure a warning, says US adviser. 30/11/2005. ABC News Online: "A former agricultural adviser to US presidents says the failure of a genetically modified field pea trial should act as a warning for future GM crop testing.

The 10-year CSIRO trial was abandoned when tests found the peas were making mice seriously ill.

Dr Charles Benbrook, who advised presidents Carter, Bush senior, Reagan and Clinton says the field pea trial failure shows current GM crop testing is grossly inadequate."

'Little girl Rambo' Jessica Lynch decries US propaganda | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited

'Little girl Rambo' Jessica Lynch decries US propaganda | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited: "The former US private Jessica Lynch today condemned what she said were Pentagon efforts to turn her into a 'little girl Rambo', and accused military chiefs of using 'elaborate tales' to try to make her into a hero of the Iraq war."

World powers may be ready to consider Tehran's enrichment program - Israel News, Ynetnews

World powers may be ready to consider Tehran's enrichment program - Israel News, Ynetnews: "The United States, Russia, China and the European Union are for the first time ready to listen to an Iranian proposal that would allow Tehran to keep some of its uranium enrichment program intact instead of mothballing it completely, government officials said Tuesday."

Press TV

Press TV: "Israel was criticized for firing cluster bombs in Lebanon in the final three days of the conflict, when both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire. Israel says its use of the munitions was in line with international law. "

Official University of Alberta DCA Site

Official University of Alberta DCA Site

"DCA is an odourless, colourless, inexpensive, relatively non-toxic, small molecule. And researchers at the University of Alberta believe it may soon be used as an effective treatment for many forms of cancer.

Dr. Evangelos Michelakis, a professor at the U of A Department of Medicine, has shown that dichloroacetate (DCA) causes regression in several cancers, including lung, breast, and brain tumors"

Al-Qaeda‘planning big British attack’-News-UK-TimesOnline

Al-Qaeda‘planning big British attack’-News-UK-TimesOnline: "He claims the operation will be on ‘a par with Hiroshima and Naga-saki’ and will ‘shake the Roman throne’. We assess that this operation is most likely to be a large-scale, mass casualty attack against the West."

50% Good News Is the Bad News in Russian Radio - New York Times

50% Good News Is the Bad News in Russian Radio - New York Times: "MOSCOW, April 21 — At their first meeting with journalists since taking over Russia’s largest independent radio news network, the managers had startling news of their own: from now on, they said, at least 50 percent of the reports about Russia must be “positive.”

In addition, opposition leaders could not be mentioned on the air and the United States was to be portrayed as an enemy, journalists employed by the network, Russian News Service, say they were told by the new managers, who are allies of the Kremlin."

Catholic Church buries limbo after centuries - Yahoo! News

Catholic Church buries limbo after centuries - Yahoo! News: "VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Church has effectively buried the concept of limbo, the place where centuries of tradition and teaching held that babies who die without baptism went."

Cannabis compound slows lung cancer in mice - health - 18 April 2007 - New Scientist

Cannabis compound slows lung cancer in mice - health - 18 April 2007 - New Scientist: "The active compound in marijuana, THC, can slow the growth of lung tumours and reduce the spread of the cancer in mice, a preliminary study reveals."

BBC NEWS | Health | Cutting salt 'reduces heart risk'

BBC NEWS | Health | Cutting salt 'reduces heart risk': "Eating less salt can cut cardiovascular disease risk by a quarter and fatal heart disease by a fifth, work shows."

Former Mossad chief: Kill Ahmadinejad | Jerusalem Post

Former Mossad chief: Kill Ahmadinejad | Jerusalem Post: "Western countries must unite in an effort to assassinate Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former head of the Mossad Meir Amit said on Wednesday night.

'Even though in the past I have been opposed to assassinating Arab leaders, this case is different because it alone is the center of the nuclear issue,' Amit told the weekly Kfar Chabad magazine set be published on Thursday."

BBC NEWS | UK | England | 'Talking' CCTV scolds offenders

BBC NEWS | UK | England | 'Talking' CCTV scolds offenders: "'Talking' CCTV cameras that tell off people dropping litter or committing anti-social behaviour are to be extended to 20 areas across England."

McClatchy Washington Bureau | 04/18/2007 | Administration pursued aggressive legal effort to restrict voter turnout

McClatchy Washington Bureau | 04/18/2007 | Administration pursued aggressive legal effort to restrict voter turnout: "WASHINGTON - For six years, the Bush administration, aided by Justice Department political appointees, has pursued an aggressive legal effort to restrict voter turnout in key battleground states in ways that favor Republican political candidates."

Chinese make first artificial snowfall | International News | News | Telegraph

Chinese make first artificial snowfall | International News | News | Telegraph: "China claimed yesterday to have caused a snowfall for the first time as part of its increasingly ambitious attempts to control the weather."

Hurricanes to Be Sapped, Not Strengthened, by Warming?

Hurricanes to Be Sapped, Not Strengthened, by Warming?: "Climate change could lead to stronger wind shear, a weather pattern that weakens hurricanes, a new study says. Some previous, widely publicized studies have linked global warming to stronger hurricanes."

Ramazzini - Portal on the research and prevention of cancer - portale sulla ricerca e prevenzione del cancro

Ramazzini - Portal on the research and prevention of cancer - portale sulla ricerca e prevenzione del cancro: "A second study conducted by the European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF) confirms the carcinogenicity of aspartame."

Internet radio dealt severe blow as Copyright Board rejects appeal

Internet radio dealt severe blow as Copyright Board rejects appeal: "A panel of judges at the Copyright Royalty Board has denied a request from the NPR and a number of other webcasters to reconsider a March ruling that would force Internet radio services to pay crippling royalties. The panel's ruling reaffirmed the original CRB decision in every respect, with the exception of how the royalties will be calculated. Instead of charging a royalty for each time a song is heard by a listener online, Internet broadcasters will be able pay royalties based on average listening hours through the end of 2008.

The ruling is a huge blow to online broadcasters, and the new royalty structure could knock a large number of them off the 'Net entirely."

Digital Journal - Candidate says US going bankrupt

Digital Journal - Candidate says US going bankrupt: "Presidential candidate Ron Paul, campaigning in Iowa, says that the US is going bankrupt.
Speaking to a group of supporters at the University of Iowa, the Republican candidate said that:

'As time goes on, our country will realize that we can't afford to pay all the promises we've made.'

He said that our entitlements programs, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and our monetary policy are causing such a drain on the country's finances that in the very near future our trading partners abroad will lose confidence in the dollar and then there will be a very severe financial crisis, possibly worse than the Great Depression of the 30's. "

Are mobile phones wiping out our bees? - Independent Online Edition > Wildlife

Are mobile phones wiping out our bees? - Independent Online Edition > Wildlife: "The theory is that radiation from mobile phones interferes with bees' navigation systems, preventing the famously homeloving species from finding their way back to their hives. Improbable as it may seem, there is now evidence to back this up."

YouTube - Trump: Bush is the Worst President in History

YouTube - Trump: Bush is the Worst President in History: "Trump: Bush is the Worst President in History"

Bush Renews Call for 'Culture of Life' | World Latest | Guardian Unlimited

Bush Renews Call for 'Culture of Life' | World Latest | Guardian Unlimited: "``We must continue to work for a culture of life where the strong protect the weak and where we recognize in every human life the image of our creator,'' Bush said."

Custodians of chaos

Custodians of chaos: "Custodians of chaos

In this extract from his forthcoming memoirs, Kurt Vonnegut is horrified by the hypocrisy in contemporary US politics"

Scotsman.com News - Police chief- Lockerbie evidence was faked

Scotsman.com News - Police chief- Lockerbie evidence was faked: "A FORMER Scottish police chief has given lawyers a signed statement claiming that key evidence in the Lockerbie bombing trial was fabricated.

The retired officer - of assistant chief constable rank or higher - has testified that the CIA planted the tiny fragment of circuit board crucial in convicting a Libyan for the 1989 mass murder of 270 people."

Former Bush Speechwriter Hints at 9/11 Inside Job

Former Bush Speechwriter Hints at 9/11 Inside Job: "Victor Gold is a veteran GOP campaign operative who worked closely with George H.W. Bush on his presidential campaign and also co-wrote his autobiography. He was also tasked with writing the profiles for Dick and Lynn Cheney for the official Inauguration program in 2001.

In his new book, Invasion of the Party Snatchers: How the Neo-Cons and Holy Rollers Destroyed the GOP, Gold slams the current administration and exposes their zeal for creating a pretext for a war that was planned many years in advance."

The prospect of all-female conception - Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology

The prospect of all-female conception - Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology: "Women might soon be able to produce sperm in a development that could allow lesbian couples to have their own biological daughters, according to a pioneering study published today.

Scientists are seeking ethical permission to produce synthetic sperm cells from a woman's bone marrow tissue after showing that it possible to produce rudimentary sperm cells from male bone-marrow tissue."

Mankind 'can't influence' climate | NEWS.com.au

Mankind 'can't influence' climate | NEWS.com.au: "MANKIND is naive to think it can influence climate change, according to a prize-winning Australian geologist.

Solar activity is a greater driver of climate change than man-made carbon dioxide, argues Ian Plimer, Professor of Mining Geology at the University of Adelaide and winner of several notable science prizes.

“When meteorologists can change the weather then we can start to think about humans changing climate,” Prof Plimer said.

“I think we really are a little bit naive to think we can change astronomical and solar processes.”"

Astronomers find water out of this world | COSMOS magazine

Astronomers find water out of this world | COSMOS magazine: "WASHINGTON: The first evidence of water in the atmosphere of a planet outside our own Solar System has been discovered by U.S. astronomers.

The find suggests that many planets orbiting other stars may also harbour water, a key building block of life."

Iacocca: Where Have All the Leaders Gone? | The Second (2nd) Great Depression

Iacocca: Where Have All the Leaders Gone? | The Second (2nd) Great Depression: "We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course.' Stay the course? You've got to be kidding."

Russia threatening new cold war over missile defence | Russia | Guardian Unlimited

Russia threatening new cold war over missile defence | Russia | Guardian Unlimited: "Defence experts say there is little doubt that the real target of the shield is Russia. 'The geography of the deployment doesn't give any doubt the main targets are Russian and Chinese nuclear forces,' General Vladimir Belous, Russia's leading expert on anti-ballistic weaponry, told the Guardian. 'The US bases represent a real threat to our strategic nuclear forces.'"

US forces to 'wall off Baghdad streets' | Herald Sun

US forces to 'wall off Baghdad streets' | Herald Sun: "US FORCES in Baghdad are planning to seal off vast areas of the city with barricades, effectively imprisoning the inhabitants of neighbourhoods, according to The Independent."

Ananova - Swan feeds fish at zoo

Ananova - Swan feeds fish at zoo: "A swan in a Chinese zoo feeds its fish friends every day to the amazement of visitors."

Cigarettes, coffee may lower Parkinson's risk: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Cigarettes, coffee may lower Parkinson's risk: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "People who smoke cigarettes and drink lots of coffee are less likely to get Parkinson's disease than their family members who don't indulge in caffeine and nicotine, a new seven-year study shows."

Schoolchildren to be fingerprinted in Big Brother-style shake-up | the Daily Mail

Schoolchildren to be fingerprinted in Big Brother-style shake-up | the Daily Mail: "Up to 5.9million children face having their fingerprints taken by schools in another move towards a 'Big Brother' society.

Pupils will have to hand over their biometric details simply to borrow library books or gain access to school dinners."

Diets damage health, shows biggest ever study | the Daily Mail

Diets damage health, shows biggest ever study | the Daily Mail: "The world's largest study of weight loss has shown that diets do not work for the vast majority of slimmers and may even put lives at risk.

More than two-thirds pile the pounds straight back on, raising the danger of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Indeed most dieters end up heavier than they did to start with, the researchers found."

Now you see it: forgotten magic manual contains original da Vinci code - World

Now you see it: forgotten magic manual contains original da Vinci code - World: "AFTER lying almost untouched in the vaults of an Italian university for 500 years, a book on the magic arts written by Leonardo da Vinci's best friend and teacher has been translated into English for the first time.

The world's oldest magic text, De viribus quantitatis (On the Powers of Numbers), was penned by Luca Pacioli, a Franciscan monk who shared lodgings with da Vinci."

The Raw Story | Halliburton winds up Iran work

The Raw Story | Halliburton winds up Iran work: "US oil services giant Halliburton said Monday it had wrapped up its work commitments in Iran and was no longer conducting any projects in the Islamic republic.

Halliburton announced in January of 2005 that it was shutting-down its Iran operations, but would honor existing 'contractual commitments' until they were fulfilled.

'Halliburton announced today that all of its contractual commitments in Iran have been completed and the company is no longer working in Iran,' the firm said in a brief statement."

Xinhua - English

Xinhua - English: "WASHINGTON, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Bush administration allowed Ethiopia to complete a secret arms purchase from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in an apparent violation of UN sanctions aimed at punishing Pyongyang's nuclear test, the New York Times reported on Sunday."

Russian General Says U.S. Continues Preparations for Iran Strike - NEWS - MOSNEWS.COM

Russian General Says U.S. Continues Preparations for Iran Strike - NEWS - MOSNEWS.COM: "“Preparations to strike Iran’s strategic facilities continue. Three major groups of U.S. forces are still in the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Altogether, they have up to 450 cruise missiles on alert,” the general said.

“Military operations against Tehran will begin with the launch of at least two unexpected strikes using Tomahawk cruise missiles and air power in order to disable Iran’s air defense capabilities,” he said.

“According to our data, up to 150 aircraft are to be involved in each strike on Iran. Land-based air defense systems will be disabled in the first place, then mobile short-range systems, which Tehran has (including some 30 new systems),” he said."

Iran Says It's Able to Make Nuclear Fuel | World Latest | Guardian Unlimited

Iran Says It's Able to Make Nuclear Fuel | World Latest | Guardian Unlimited: "With great honor, I declare that as of today our dear country has joined the nuclear club of nations and can produce nuclear fuel on an industrial scale,'' Ahmadinejad said."

Iraq 101: Aftermath - Long-Term Thinking

Iraq 101: Aftermath - Long-Term Thinking: "Our study yields one resounding finding: The rate of fatal terrorist attacks around the world by jihadist groups, and the number of people killed in those attacks, increased dramatically after the invasion of Iraq. Globally there was a 607 percent rise in the average yearly incidence of attacks (28.3 attacks per year before and 199.8 after) and a 237 percent rise in the fatality rate (from 501 to 1,689 deaths per year). A large part of this rise occurred in Iraq, the scene of almost half the global total of jihadist terrorist attacks. But even excluding Iraq and Afghanistan—the other current jihadist hot spot—there has been a 35 percent rise in the number of attacks, with a 12 percent rise in fatalities."

'Fish Man' completes Amazon River swim. 08/04/2007. ABC News Online

'Fish Man' completes Amazon River swim. 08/04/2007. ABC News Online: "A Slovenian man has become the first person to swim the entire length of South America's Amazon River.

Martin Strel, 52, completed the 5,265-kilometre swim from Peru to Brazil in 66 days."