15.10.05
Chinese 4x4 gets zero in safety test - News - Times Online
: "The first Chinese car to be sold in Europe has scored zero — the worst-ever score — in safety tests."
14.10.05
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com: "BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Four years ago, Etienne Verhees broke two vertebrae falling off a ladder, after which doctors put a metal plate in his neck to help heal the wound.
This week, the Belgian coughed up one of four screws used to hold the plate in place."
This week, the Belgian coughed up one of four screws used to hold the plate in place."
The Globe and Mail: Study turns pot wisdom on head
: "Calgary — Forget the stereotype about dopey potheads. It seems marijuana could be good for your brain.
While other studies have shown that periodic use of marijuana can cause memory loss and impair learning and a host of other health problems down the road, new research suggests the drug could have some benefits when administered regularly in a highly potent form.
Most "drugs of abuse" such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine and nicotine suppress growth of new brain cells. However, researchers found that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats' hippocampuses.
Hippocampuses are the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, and the study held true for either plant-derived or the synthetic version of cannabinoids.
"This is quite a surprise," said Xia Zhang, an associate professor with the Neuropsychiatry Research Unit at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon."
While other studies have shown that periodic use of marijuana can cause memory loss and impair learning and a host of other health problems down the road, new research suggests the drug could have some benefits when administered regularly in a highly potent form.
Most "drugs of abuse" such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine and nicotine suppress growth of new brain cells. However, researchers found that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats' hippocampuses.
Hippocampuses are the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, and the study held true for either plant-derived or the synthetic version of cannabinoids.
"This is quite a surprise," said Xia Zhang, an associate professor with the Neuropsychiatry Research Unit at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon."
Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | EU says internet could fall apart
Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | EU says internet could fall apart: "A battle has erupted over who governs the internet, with America demanding to maintain a key role in the network it helped create and other countries demanding more control.
The European commission is warning that if a deal cannot be reached at a meeting in Tunisia next month the internet will split apart."
The European commission is warning that if a deal cannot be reached at a meeting in Tunisia next month the internet will split apart."
BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey bird flu is deadly strain
BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey bird flu is deadly strain: "EU states have been urged to stockpile anti-viral drugs after confirmation that the bird flu virus found in Turkey is the H5N1 strain dangerous to humans."
12.10.05
Microsoft, Yahoo to Link IM Networks
Microsoft, Yahoo to Link IM Networks: "Microsoft and Yahoo are set to announce on Wednesday a blockbuster interoperability deal that will reshape the landscape of the fragmented instant messaging market.
The companies will connect their IM networks so users on each can communicate with one another using text and voice chat free of charge."
The companies will connect their IM networks so users on each can communicate with one another using text and voice chat free of charge."
11.10.05
TorontoSun.com - Peter Worthington - Bush's judge riles right
TorontoSun.com - Peter Worthington - Bush's judge riles right: "President George Bush seems to have achieved the unthinkable -- he's alienated the conservative 'right' in a way not even Democrats anticipated.
By nominating his Texan friend and White House counsel, Harriet Miers, to the U.S. Supreme Court (replacing Justice Sandra Day O'Connor who is retiring) he's outraged some of his most steady and loyal media allies -- the likes of George Will, Rush Limbaugh, Robert Novak, Laura Ingraham, Bill Bennett, Bill Kristol, Pat and Bay Buchanan, Ann Coulter, John Fund, Michelle Malkin and, of course, that nice David Frum."
By nominating his Texan friend and White House counsel, Harriet Miers, to the U.S. Supreme Court (replacing Justice Sandra Day O'Connor who is retiring) he's outraged some of his most steady and loyal media allies -- the likes of George Will, Rush Limbaugh, Robert Novak, Laura Ingraham, Bill Bennett, Bill Kristol, Pat and Bay Buchanan, Ann Coulter, John Fund, Michelle Malkin and, of course, that nice David Frum."
Schwarzenegger signs video game bill | CNET News.com
Schwarzenegger signs video game bill | CNET News.com: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation on Friday to outlaw the sale to teenagers of electronic games featuring reckless mayhem and explicit sexuality."
New Scientist Technology - Shock tactics to destroy torpedoes
New Scientist Technology - Shock tactics to destroy torpedoes: "THE US navy wants to protect its warships with a system that will destroy incoming torpedoes by firing massive underwater shock waves at them.
The ships would be equipped with arrays of 360 transducers each 1 metre square - effectively big flat-panel loudspeakers - running along either side of the hull below the waterline. When the ship's sonar detects an incoming torpedo, the transducers simultaneously fire an acoustic shock wave of such intensity that the torpedo either detonates early or is disabled by the pulse's crushing force."
The ships would be equipped with arrays of 360 transducers each 1 metre square - effectively big flat-panel loudspeakers - running along either side of the hull below the waterline. When the ship's sonar detects an incoming torpedo, the transducers simultaneously fire an acoustic shock wave of such intensity that the torpedo either detonates early or is disabled by the pulse's crushing force."
Mob boss ordered JFK hit, book says
Mob boss ordered JFK hit, book says: "'Mafia Princess' Antoinette Giancana, daughter of the late Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana, claims in a new book that her father ordered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
If true, this would make Sam Giancana guilty of one of history's worst crimes. But that doesn't trouble Antoinette Giancana.
'The Kennedys were not kind to my father,' she said. 'They were just as evil and corrupt as any mafioso.'"
If true, this would make Sam Giancana guilty of one of history's worst crimes. But that doesn't trouble Antoinette Giancana.
'The Kennedys were not kind to my father,' she said. 'They were just as evil and corrupt as any mafioso.'"
10.10.05
World's oldest party girl - The Other Side - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
World's oldest party girl - The Other Side - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au: "SOON to turn 175 years of age, Harriet the Galapagos tortoise - possibly the world's oldest living creature - is finally getting the recognition she surely deserves."
GIGWISE.com | Relationship Advice From Gene Simmons
GIGWISE.com | Relationship Advice From Gene Simmons: "Veteran Kiss rocker, Gene Simmons, is offering some pearls of wisdom on how to copulate with numerous ladies and remain happy in a long-term relationship. The key is – get involved with someone that doesn’t mind you bedding birds left, right and centre. And maybe even from behind.
Simmons, who claims to have sex with about four and a half thousand women has been with his girlfriend Shannon Tweed for 22 years and thanks his lucky stars that the pair never got married: “I have been happily unmarried for 22 years and we have two great kids but neither of us has dominion. Loving and caring about someone does not mean they have the right to own you. She will mount the milkman if she wants, so relax, why torture each other?”
“I’m the only one I know who has never been divorced. The biggest cause of divorce is marriage.”
Simmons also claims he has never had a complaint from any of the women he has slept with, because of his total honesty. He is quoted on femalefirst.com as saying: “I have not heard a complaint. That’s because I am straight with them. I don’t lie, like most men do. I will tell a girl I want and desire her, but I’ll tell her straight, “I want your sister and your mommy as well.”
Tempting, Gene, very tempting…"
Simmons, who claims to have sex with about four and a half thousand women has been with his girlfriend Shannon Tweed for 22 years and thanks his lucky stars that the pair never got married: “I have been happily unmarried for 22 years and we have two great kids but neither of us has dominion. Loving and caring about someone does not mean they have the right to own you. She will mount the milkman if she wants, so relax, why torture each other?”
“I’m the only one I know who has never been divorced. The biggest cause of divorce is marriage.”
Simmons also claims he has never had a complaint from any of the women he has slept with, because of his total honesty. He is quoted on femalefirst.com as saying: “I have not heard a complaint. That’s because I am straight with them. I don’t lie, like most men do. I will tell a girl I want and desire her, but I’ll tell her straight, “I want your sister and your mommy as well.”
Tempting, Gene, very tempting…"
,0263 FBI May Relax Rules on Marijuana Use From Asap
,0263 FBI May Relax Rules on Marijuana Use From Asap: "WASHINGTON (AP) - Just Say No is still the doctrine, but the FBI may decide it's OK that some applicants didn't heed Nancy Reagan's advice once or twice in college.
Senior FBI managers have been deeply frustrated that they could not hire applicants who acknowledged occasional marijuana use in college, but in some cases already perform top-secret work at other government agencies.
Some officials want to ease limits about how often - and how many years ago - applicants for jobs such as intelligence analysts, linguists, computer specialists, accountants and others had used illegal drugs.
FBI Director Robert Mueller will make the final decision. 'We can't say when or if this is going to happen, but we are exploring the possibility,' spokesman Stephen Kodak said"
Senior FBI managers have been deeply frustrated that they could not hire applicants who acknowledged occasional marijuana use in college, but in some cases already perform top-secret work at other government agencies.
Some officials want to ease limits about how often - and how many years ago - applicants for jobs such as intelligence analysts, linguists, computer specialists, accountants and others had used illegal drugs.
FBI Director Robert Mueller will make the final decision. 'We can't say when or if this is going to happen, but we are exploring the possibility,' spokesman Stephen Kodak said"
Telegraph | News | Bush will veto anti-torture law after Senate revolt
Telegraph | News | Bush will veto anti-torture law after Senate revolt: "The Bush administration pledged yesterday to veto legislation banning the torture of prisoners by US troops after an overwhelming and almost unprecedented revolt by loyalist congressmen.
The mutiny was the latest setback for an administration facing an increasingly independent and bloody-minded legislature. But it also marked a key moment in Congress's campaign to curtail the huge powers it has granted the White House since 2001 in its war against terrorism."
The mutiny was the latest setback for an administration facing an increasingly independent and bloody-minded legislature. But it also marked a key moment in Congress's campaign to curtail the huge powers it has granted the White House since 2001 in its war against terrorism."
9.10.05
News | canada.com network
After all, Americans are brash, arrogant and aggressive. We Canadians, on the other hand, are polite, modest and somewhat introverted.
We're as different from our neighbours to the south as, well, beavers are from bald eagles.
Aren't we?
Not according to a study of national personalities, which found that this time-honoured perception of our oh-so-unique Canadian psyche -- and other cultures' stereotypes of themselves -- are in fact just so much hooey.
"These stereotypes are as Canadians see themselves and Americans as they see themselves," said Robert McCrae of the U.S. National Institute on Aging, a principal investigator of the study on national personalities around the world.
"Canadians think they're extremely agreeable; the Americans think they're very disagreeable," he said. "Canadians believe that they're very calm and not irritable, very even-tempered, whereas Americans think they're more anxious and hostile.
"The fact is Canadians and Americans have almost identical average personality traits."
In a measure of five main areas of personality, covering a total of 30 traits, Canadians and their U.S. cousins fell roughly in the middle. Not only that, but they weren't all that different from other cultures around the globe, researchers found.">
8.10.05
CBC News: Catholic Church to open its doors to gay priests
CBC News: Catholic Church to open its doors to gay priests: "A Vatican document expected to be made public soon says the Church will allow gay men who have lived chastely for three years to be candidates for the priesthood.
The document, which has been in the works for three years will update Vatican policy which up until now made clear that homosexuals should be barred from the priesthood.
A senior official with the Vatican, who requested anonymity because the document has not yet been released said the new policy will permit candidates who have lived a chaste life for at least three years before their admission to the seminary."
The document, which has been in the works for three years will update Vatican policy which up until now made clear that homosexuals should be barred from the priesthood.
A senior official with the Vatican, who requested anonymity because the document has not yet been released said the new policy will permit candidates who have lived a chaste life for at least three years before their admission to the seminary."
Psychic seeks $25 million reward for Saddam - Yahoo! News
Psychic seeks $25 million reward for Saddam - Yahoo! News: "RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - A Brazilian court will consider a psychic's claim that the U.S. government owes him a $25 million reward for information he says he provided on the hiding place of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
Brazil's second-highest court, the Superior Court of Justice, decided Thursday the Brazilian justice system could rule on the matter and told a court in the psychic's home state of Minas Gerais to judge the case.
The lower court had earlier told Jucelino Nobrega da Luz it could not take up his claim and it would have to be judged in the United States, but the higher tribunal ruled otherwise.
'The Minas Gerais court will work with the claim,' said a spokesman for the Superior Court of Justice.
'Jucelino da Luz alleges that the U.S. armed forces only found Saddam based on his letters that provided his exact location, the very hole where he was hiding in
Iraq. So he filed a court case to claim the reward.'
The U.S. government offered the award for Saddam in July 2003 after the U.S.-led forces occupied the country. He was captured in December of the same year.
The court said Da Luz sent letters to the U.S. government from September 2001, describing Saddam's future hiding place -- a tiny cellar at a farmhouse near Tikrit. He never received a reply.
'His lawyers attest that the author has an uncommon gift of having visions of things that will come to pass. ... Via dreams, he sees situations, facts that will happen in the future,' a court statement said.
In case the court upholds the claim, it will be sent via diplomatic channels to the U.S. State Department."
Brazil's second-highest court, the Superior Court of Justice, decided Thursday the Brazilian justice system could rule on the matter and told a court in the psychic's home state of Minas Gerais to judge the case.
The lower court had earlier told Jucelino Nobrega da Luz it could not take up his claim and it would have to be judged in the United States, but the higher tribunal ruled otherwise.
'The Minas Gerais court will work with the claim,' said a spokesman for the Superior Court of Justice.
'Jucelino da Luz alleges that the U.S. armed forces only found Saddam based on his letters that provided his exact location, the very hole where he was hiding in
Iraq. So he filed a court case to claim the reward.'
The U.S. government offered the award for Saddam in July 2003 after the U.S.-led forces occupied the country. He was captured in December of the same year.
The court said Da Luz sent letters to the U.S. government from September 2001, describing Saddam's future hiding place -- a tiny cellar at a farmhouse near Tikrit. He never received a reply.
'His lawyers attest that the author has an uncommon gift of having visions of things that will come to pass. ... Via dreams, he sees situations, facts that will happen in the future,' a court statement said.
In case the court upholds the claim, it will be sent via diplomatic channels to the U.S. State Department."
SPIEGEL Surfs the Web: First Robot Fish on Display in London - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News
SPIEGEL Surfs the Web: First Robot Fish on Display in London - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News: "The world's first ever autonomously controlled fish made a splash at the London Aquarium this week. The three robotic fish, which are about the size of carp, use sensors to navigate round the place and can therefore avoid the other (real) fish they share a tank with."
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