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Unread items (275)

March 16, 2010
10:07
Picture of the Day › Working out
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Singer Miki Fujimoto, 25, works out during an event to launch the spring lineup for Fast Retailing's low-priced g.u. brand of sportswear in Tokyo on…
9:17
Business › Tokyo stocks close lower on stronger yen, profit-taking
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Tokyo stocks closed lower Tuesday, snapping a three-day winning streak, with investor sentiment dampened by the yen's rise against the U.S. dollar and euro and…
9:08
Sports › Matsuzaka off to slow start in spring training
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka is likely to throw batting practice on Wednesday but is feeling the frustration of not being able to train…
8:42
National › Damages suit filed over death of MSDF officer in combat training
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The family of a Maritime Self-Defense Force officer who died after a training exercise has filed an 80 million yen damages suit, arguing that the…
8:18
Entertainment › ABBA, Hollies, Genesis enter Rock Hall in NYC bash
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The Swedish hit machine ABBA and English progressive rockers Genesis accepted inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, despite prominent members staying away…
6:44
Politics › Bills for child allowances, tuition-free schooling pass lower house
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The House of Representatives passed bills at a plenary session on Tuesday to provide monthly allowances to families raising children and make tuition free for…
6:44
Politics › Bills for tuition-free schooling, child allowances pass lower house
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The House of Representatives passed bills at a plenary session on Tuesday to provide monthly allowances to families raising children and make tuition free for…

5:14
Broadband key to growth, prosperity
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

In an Ideas piece, Jacobs argues for enforcement of the FCC's broadband recommendations.
5:14
On the fight against cyberterror
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

In an Ideas piece, Karp says technology may provide the map, but our values must remain the compass.
5:13
The case against threatening Iran
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

In an Ideas piece, the authors say Obama should tell regional allies a strike is highly unlikely.
5:11
Ohio gets full court press
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Obama and Biden swoop into battleground state to press case for health care.
5:10
Reform proposal hits Wall Street hard
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Dodd's financial reform proposal contains the much-maligned "Volcker rule."
5:08
House aides dish on unhappy meals
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

The lower chamber has a new workplace morale issue on its plate: lunch.
5:06
Govs. feel left out on health care
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

'Were we really asked to be involved in this process?" asks West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin.

5:06
Top Dem: 'Votes Are There'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Rep. John Larson goes further than other Dem leaders, says House already has the votes to pass health bill
• Spotlighted Health Care Victim Better Off Than Thought
• House Panel Pushes On With Health Care Maneuver
• White House Backs Out Of 'Sweetheart' Cuts
• FOX FORUM: Manipulation, Payoffs and Lies
• YOU DECIDE: If Health Reform Passes, Who Wins?
5:06
U.S.-Israel Feud Deepens
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama's Mideast peace envoy cancels trip to the region as Israeli officials remain defiant over plans to build housing
• U.S. Criticism of Israel Ignites Firestorm

5:03
Senators tiptoe on climate deals
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Toxic legislative environment means even mild compromises face much greater scrutiny.
5:03
Parties plot tactics at crunch time
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Jon Kyl warns it will be 'much harder" to reach bipartisan consensus if Dems use reconciliation.
4:58
Obama extends fraud fight
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Obama announces a plan to root out fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
4:53
Elite donors dodge DNC as 2010 looms
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Discontent among some of Obama's biggest fundraisersr helped push out Rogers, says one source.

4:49
British Boy Kidnapped in Pakistan Freed
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Kidnappers released a 5-year-old British boy unharmed Tuesday almost two weeks after abducting him from his grandparents' house in central Pakistan, British and Pakistani officials said.

4:48
Thai protesters give blood for rally
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Hundreds of demonstrators wearing red shirts have blood taken to be spilled at Government House in call for new elections
Anti-government protesters in Thailand today began donating blood to be spilled at the Thai government headquarters in a protest calling for new elections.
Hundreds of demonstrators, wearing red shirts, formed long queues to have their blood taken by nurses after protest leaders pledged to collect enough blood to fill 1,000 standard soft drink bottles for the protest at Government House.
As many as 100,000 protesters converged on the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Sunday to demand that the prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, dissolved parliament by midday yesterday.
Abhisit refused and blanketed the capital in security, but said his government would listen to what else protesters had to say.
Protest leaders then announced the "blood sacrifice" – a tactic condemned by the Red Cross as wasteful and unhygienic because diseases such as hepatitis and HIV can be spread if needles are reused.
Several Buddhist monks, who are forbidden by law from taking part in political activities, were among the first to give blood.
"I believe [in our leaders] and find their strategies rational and acceptable. If they say that we soldier on, I'm ready," Suriya Laemthong, a 28-year-old demonstrator, said, although, he admitted he doubted that the blood spilling would force the government to step down. .
The red-shirted protesters include supporters of the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and others who oppose the military coup in which he was ousted for alleged corruption and abuse of power in 2006.
They believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other areas of the traditional ruling class alarmed by Thaksin's popularity.
Yesterday, thousands departed from their encampment in Bangkok to besiege an army base on the edge of the capital where Abhisit has been based during some of the protests.
After later withdrawing from the 11th Infantry base, protest organisers said they were asking each demonstrator to donate between two and 20 teaspoons of blood.
They said more blood would be spilled at the headquarters of the ruling Democrat party and the prime minister's home if the calls for new elections were not heeded.
Abhisit told a nationwide television audience his government did not intend to "remain entrenched" but would not step down.
Protests have so far been peaceful, although embassies have issued warnings of possible violence and the US assistant secretary of state, Kurt Campbell, cancelled a scheduled visit later this week.
For a second successive day, Thaksin spoke to the demonstrators via video, urging them to continue their struggle in a non-violent way.
Thailand has been in political turmoil since early 2006, when anti-Thaksin demonstrations began.
In 2008, when his political allies came back to power for a year, his opponents occupied the prime minister's office compound for three months and seized control of Bangkok's two airports for a week.
- Thailand
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

4:47
Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
4:47
Census Bureau Over Budget as Counting Begins
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Census Bureau Over Budget as Counting Begins
4:47
Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
4:47
Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
4:47
Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
4:47
Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
4:47
Justice Thomas' Wife Jumps on Tea Party Wave
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Justice Thomas' Wife Jumps on Tea Party Wave

4:44
Baseball: Fighters right-hander Keppel has strong spring start+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ (EDS: TO BE LED) Right-hander Bobby Keppel threw five scoreless innings and Sho Nakata homered in consecutive at-bats, powering the Nippon Ham Fighters to a 6-1 win over the...

4:41
Colorado race tests party elites
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Insurgent challengers threaten to rebuke establishment in Senate Caucuses Tuesday.
4:40
Five ways to pass or sink reform
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Here is how health care could survive -- or falter inches from the finish line.

4:30
Lakers get 9th straight win over Warriors, 124-121
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Pau Gasol added 26 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their ninth straight victory over the Golden State Warriors, 124-121 on Monday night. Andrew Bynum...
4:29
US envoy cancels Mideast trip amid US-Israel feud
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

A U.S. envoy's postponement of his Mideast trip appeared Tuesday to deepen one of the worst U.S.-Israeli feuds in memory _ even as Israel's foreign minister signaled his government had no...

4:29
Ministers reject EU deficit cuts call
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Liam Byrne says European Commission proposals were 'too aggressive' and could cause 'irreparable damage' to public services
The government today rejected a warning from the European commission that Britain will fail to cut its deficit in accordance with EU rules.
According to leaks of a report last night, the commission will warn that the UK will not meet the 2014-15 deadline for reducing its budget deficit to below 3% of national output.
But Liam Byrne, the chief secretary to the Treasury, insisted today that the EU assessment was "wrong".
The suggestion that Britain had to find another £20bn of cuts by 2014-15 was "too aggressive" and could cause "irreparable damage" to public services, Byrne added.
The draft EU report, due to be approved by the commission but leaked to the news agency Reuters, warned: "A credible timeframe for restoring public finances to a sustainable position requires additional fiscal tightening measures beyond those currently planned."
The headline findings are likely to stoke what has become the pivotal political row between the two main parties ahead of next week's budget, and the subsequent general election campaign.
The report added: "The overall conclusion is that the fiscal strategy in the convergence programme is not sufficiently ambitious and needs to be significantly reinforced."
Byrne told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning that the scale of cuts proposed by Europe to reduce the budget deficit to below 3% of national output were equivalent to halving the education budget, or raising £20bn more in taxes on top of the 50p tax rate for high earners due to be introduced next month and the 1/2% rise in national insurance that is coming in next year.
He said: "We think that the EU has got the judgment wrong. We think the plan they have set out would require us to take out £20bn more out of the economy by 2014-15 and we believe that would do irreparable damage to public services or to taxpayers."
Under chancellor Alistair Darling's current proposals, the gap between spending and taxes would be reduced to 4.7% of gross domestic product, but the commission said that even this target might be missed as a result of weaker growth than the Treasury is expecting.
Byrne said: "We think that halving the deficit over four years is the right approach. It's not reckless. It's not painless either. What we have done is set out the clearest plans of G7 [countries] to deliver on that goal."
The Tories seized on the report to put pressure on Labour to "get on" with the job of speeding up the reduction of the structural deficit.
The shadow chancellor, George Osborne, claimed the report was a heavy blow for the prime minister. "The Conservatives have been arguing that we need to reduce our record budget deficit more quickly to support the recovery. Our argument is backed by credit rating agencies, business leaders, international investors and now the European commission. That is why we need a change of government to restore confidence in our economy at home and abroad."
Kenneth Clarke, the shadow business secretary, said cuts under the Tories "would be tough".
He told Today: "It's no good getting into this air of unreality: 'Oh, we can't do that' ... It is necessary to get rid of the structural deficit because if you don't do that interest rates will go up, we won't have economic recovery, you will have rising unemployment."
The EU Commission assessment did provide some support for Darling in the run-up to next week's budget, by saying the plans for the coming fiscal year were adequate, although the findings will increase speculation in the markets that the election will be quickly followed by fresh measures to cut spending and raise taxes, whatever the result.
In general, though, the report will add to pressure on the prime minister at a time when Labour's new-year resurgence appears to have stalled. A new ICM poll for the Guardian shows the gap between the parties has increased to a nine-point Conservative lead over Labour. It also suggests that Brown's personal unpopularity with the electorate remains a drag on the party's standing, even though the Tories have been beset by their own problems in recent weeks.
While today's poll will be dispiriting for Labour, it is also clear that voters are not convinced by the Conservatives. The survey shows only 18% think Britain would be best served by a strong Labour win. And though almost a third think a clear Conservative victory would be best, 44% want a hung parliament in which the government works with smaller parties such as the Liberal Democrats.
David Cameron is 11 points ahead of Gordon Brown as the man voters want to win, and 20 points ahead as the leader best campaigning for "the votes of people like you". He has a 14-point lead as the most competent prime minister, and an 11-point lead as the man most likely to lead Britain in the right direction.
The figures call into question recent excitement about a Labour fightback. The Tories, at 40%, are up three on the February Guardian poll, and up two on another more recent ICM poll last weekend. The Liberal Democrats are on 20%, unchanged since the last Guardian/ICM poll, while support for other parties is on 9%. Conservative support has been within three points of 40% in all ICM polls since October.
Hélène MulhollandLarry ElliottPatrick WintourJulian Glover
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

4:28
Officials: US missile attack kills 9 in Pakistan
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

An apparent U.S. missile attack destroyed a suspected militant compound in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing at least nine people, two intelligence officials said. It was not...
4:25
Army drops bayonets, busts abs in training revamp
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

At 5 a.m. on the Army's largest training base, soldiers grunt through the kinds of stretches, body twists and bent-leg raises that might be seen in an "ab blaster" class at a suburban gym....
4:23
Madoff family seek dismissal of cases against it
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Reuters) - Andrew and Mark Madoff, sons of fraudster Bernard Madoff, have submitted a request with a U.S. court to dismiss all the complaints against them, with prejudice, court documents...
4:21
Japanese banks to share crime syndicate data+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Japanese banks plan to introduce a mechanism in April to share data about antisocial forces such as companies linked to crime syndicates to help prevent such forces from raising

4:20
Classic Rock guitarist Adrian Galysh, Libertarian candidate for California State Senate
» ‎ Libertarian Republican

The California Libertarian Party has recruited a semi-celebrity candidate for a State Senate seat.

From the L.A. Daily News:

Adrian Galysh of Van Nuys has declared himself a candidate for the State Senate, hoping his rhetorical riffs prove as crowd-pleasing as his guitar licks.

Galysh, 35, has never before run for office, but does have three solo albums to his credit.

What does a rock musician know about government?

"I don't know anything about accruing a $600 billion debt (and) wasting people's tax money," Galysh said with a laugh on Monday. "I do know California is in dire straits and somebody has to tell the government `No."'

Playing the anti-tax chord, the Duquesne University graduate said he's "running on the ideals of limited government, fiscal responsibility and personal responsibility."

He cited an estimate that between California's budget deficit and what it owes to bond- and pension-holders, the state is in the hole to the tune of $600 billion.

If he were to say he's running on his record, he would have to be referring to the 2008 album "Earth Tones" (his latest solo effort) or the band Minnesota 13's 2008 release "Bottles, Bullets and Faith" (on which he is credited with all the guitar work).
Galysh will be challenging incumbent Democrat Senator Alex Padilla. A spokesman for the Padilla campaign commented, that the two candidates are not in accord.
[We have] "two very different visions."

"There's a difference between wasteful spending and investments we need to move our state forward," [Rose] Kapolczynski said.
As the review below suggests, Galysh has collaborated with musicians from Ted Nugent's band and Supertramp.

From a review of one of his recent albums, Earth Tones:
The "Interstellar Caf? shred fest is what you'd expect on an instrumental guitar album by a hotshot who pegged Ted Nugent bassist Marco Mendoza and Frank Gambale drummer Joey Heredia to comprise the rhythm section on Earth Tones, Adrian Galysh's third CD. But the California dude, thank goodness, loads this thing with enough musical diversity to silence players with half his talent.

The melodic title track sounds fat and airy, and "Ave Maria No Moro" is a reverent and lovely piece. Hell, Galysh even invited latter-day Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen to duet with him on the fast an d furious "Terrestrial Races." These are actual songs, my friends, not just excuses to solo.
More information - Libertarian Party of California www.ca.lp.org

4:15
Sumo: Hakuho marches on at spring sumo+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Hakuho enjoyed another easy day at the office Tuesday as the lone grand champion tore down veteran maegashira Wakanosato to preserve his unbeaten start to the Spring Grand Sumo...
4:12
Thai protesters give blood to pour on streets
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Anti-government protesters who donated their own blood Tuesday prepared to splatter gallons of it at the Thai government headquarters in a symbolic sacrifice to press their demands for new...

4:10
Sarfaraz blames PCB boss for encouraging 'gambling' by delaying captain selection
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz has blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt for encouraging 'gambling' and 'betting' by not disclosing the name of the captain for the upcoming assignments of the national team.
4:10
Pak Taliban offers 'no attack' deal to Punjab govt. after Shahbaz's plea
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

A day after Pakistan's Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif pleaded with the Taliban to exempt the region from violence, the banned terror outfit has proposed a deal with the government, saying the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) would not carry out attacks if there is no action against it in Punjab.
4:10
Pak Senate body recommends ban on Indian television channels
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

The Pakistan Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has proposed a ban on Indian television channels in the country.
4:10
Pak female MPA asks 'Taliban fearing' Shahbaz to wear dupatta
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Pakistan Punjab's Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif's statement pleading to the Taliban to spare the province from violence has attracted massive outrage in political circles of the country.
4:10
Omar Abdullah wants youth from across the border to return for normal life
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wishes that youths to return home from across the border and benefit from new policies drafted by his government with the aid of the central regime.

4:08
Sandbags Delivered Ahead of Fargo Flood Fight
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Police escorted convoys of flatbed trucks carrying piles of sandbags into neighborhoods Monday as the cities of Fargo in eastern North Dakota and neighboring Moorhead, Minn., went into flood-fighting mode.

4:08
Michele Bachmann suggests Americans avoid UnConstitutional Health Care law
» ‎ Libertarian Republican

Civil Disobedience or just doing one's duty upholding the Constitution?

The Congresswoman from eastern Minnesota is vastly becomming a hero to the libertarian movement. Over the weekend, at a rally held at the state capitol in St. Paul, Bachmann made the following remarks according to TPM (via Memeo):
"But mark my words, the American people aren't gonna take this lying down," Bachmann later said. "We aren't gonna play their game, we're not gonna pay their taxes. They want us to pay for this? Because we don't have to. We don't have to. We don't have to follow a bill that isn't law. That's not the American way, and that's not what we're going to do.

If they pass the bill legitimately, then yes, we have to follow the law -- until we repeal it. But if they pass it illegitimately, then the bill is illegitimate, and we don't have to lay down for this. It's not difficult to figure out. So if for some reason they're able to get their votes this week and pass this 2,700-page Senate bill -- if they get it, trillions of dollars is what it's gonna cost, when we didn't vote on it, we need to tell them a message: That if they get away with this, they will be able to get away with anything -- with anything. And you can't say you voted on a bill when you didn't, because it's fraud. But we are not helpless here. We are not helpless, there are things that we can do."
Previously pegged as a social conservative, Bachmann has been associating herself as of late more and more with libertarians such as Ron Paul, Glenn Beck, and Ted Nugent. Libertarian-leaning GOPer Sarah Palin has a fundraiser scheduled for Bachmann next month in her district.

4:07
Going green may make you mean
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Ethical consumers less likely to be kind and more likely to steal, study finds
When Al Gore was caught running up huge energy bills at home at the same time as lecturing on the need to save electricity, it turns out that he was only reverting to "green" type.
According to a study, when people feel they have been morally virtuous by saving the planet through their purchases of organic baby food, for example, it leads to the "licensing [of] selfish and morally questionable behaviour", otherwise known as "moral balancing" or "compensatory ethics".
Do Green Products Make Us Better People is published in the latest edition of the journal Psychological Science. Its authors, Canadian psychologists Nina Mazar and Chen-Bo Zhong, argue that people who wear what they call the "halo of green consumerism" are less likely to be kind to others, and more likely to cheat and steal. "Virtuous acts can license subsequent asocial and unethical behaviours," they write.
The pair found that those in their study who bought green products appeared less willing to share with others a set amount of money than those who bought conventional products. When the green consumers were given the chance to boost their money by cheating on a computer game and then given the opportunity to lie about it – in other words, steal – they did, while the conventional consumers did not. Later, in an honour system in which participants were asked to take money from an envelope to pay themselves their spoils, the greens were six times more likely to steal than the conventionals.
Mazar and Zhong said their study showed that just as exposure to pictures of exclusive restaurants can improve table manners but may not lead to an overall improvement in behaviour, "green products do not necessarily make for better people". They added that one motivation for carrying out the study was that, despite the "stream of research focusing on identifying the 'green consumer'", there was a lack of understanding into "how green consumption fits into people's global sense of responsibility and morality and [how it] affects behaviours outside the consumption domain".
The pair said their findings surprised them, having thought that just as "exposure to the Apple logo increased creativity", according to a recent study, "given that green products are manifestations of high ethical standards and humanitarian considerations, mere exposure" to them would "activate norms of social responsibility and ethical conduct".
Dieter Frey, a social psychologist at the University of Munich, said the findings fitted patterns of human behaviour. "At the moment in which you have proven your credentials in a particular area, you tend to allow yourself to stray elsewhere," he said.
- Ethical and green living
- Psychology
Kate Connolly
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

4:05
Osaka mother held for killing 2-month-old daughter+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ A 24-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of killing her 2-month-old daughter in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, police said. Asuka Takenaka allegedly shook her...

4:03
Pakistani Bank's Ex-chief Fights Extradition
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Jeffrey Anderson A naturalized U.S. citizen, who headed one of Pakistan's largest banks and is fighting extradition to that country in a $10 million fraud case, said on Monday he has been threatened ...

4:03
Sumo: Results of main bouts for 3rd day of spring sumo+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Results of makuuchi division bouts for Tuesday, the third day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (+ prefix denotes juryo division...
4:03
4 million antinuke signatures to be shipped to NPT review confab+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ A Japanese antinuclear group took the procedure Tuesday to deliver a petition for a world free of nuclear weapons signed by 4 million people to the upcoming U.N. conference to...

4:02
Kidnapped British boy found safe in Pakistan
» ‎ The Guardian World News
• Kidnappers left Sahil Saeed 25 miles away from Jhelum
• High commission describes his recovery as 'fantastic news'
The five-year-old British boy kidnapped on holiday in Pakistan nearly two weeks ago has been found, British officials and his family confirmed today.
Sahil Saeed was snatched from a house in the Punjab region of the country on 4 March, after robbers held his family hostage at gunpoint.
He is believed to have been recovered by police after being dumped by kidnappers in Kharian, about 25 miles (40km) from Jhelum, the town in Punjab from where he was taken.
"Sahil is in police custody," the boy's grandfather Raja Basharat told Pakistani media. "God willing, they will bring him to our house. The whole family has gathered here waiting."
Sahil, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was on holiday with his father, Raja Naqqash Saeed, visiting family in Jhelum, when robbers broke into the house and took the boy away.
The British high commission in Islamabad said today he had been released and was safe, describing his recovery as "fantastic news".
"It brings to an end the traumatic ordeal faced by Sahil Saeed's family," said Adam Thomson, the British high commissioner in Islamabad.
"I would like to praise the high level of co-operation between the UK and Pakistani authorities and in particular I would like to thank the Jhelum police for their role in bringing about the safe return of Sahil."
Sahil's mother, Akila Naqqash, who had begged for his release, has spoken to her son and is waiting for him to return home.
"They are overjoyed," said a police liaison officer at the family home. "For 12 or 13 days, waiting, building hopes up and then hopes going down. She is overjoyed. It is really happy, just really happy.
"They were made aware he had been found safe and well. Mother has spoken on the telephone and spoke to him for some time, a private conversation. He is safe and well.
"But the family do not want to say anything, they want to wait until he comes back."
Sahil is understood to still be in Pakistan and his return is being organised by the high commission.
In response to reports that Sahil was released after money was paid from a foreign source, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said it could not confirm any ransom was paid. The office would be making a statement later today.
Sahil's grandfather told ARY television that "according to my information, no ransom has been paid".
Rana Sanaullah, a provincial politician, said there had never before been so much government effort put into a kidnapping case. He said Pakistani intelligence was also involved in the boy's recovery.
Sanaullah said, without explaining further: "He [Sahil] was safe and sound for the last four to five days. It was just a question of [securing] his custody."
Last week Sanaullah mistakenly announced that Sahil had been recovered, mixing up the case with that of another kidnapped boy.
Raiders had struck as Sahil and his father were preparing to take a taxi to the airport for their flight home to the UK.
The kidnappers originally set a deadline of midday the next day for the money to be delivered.
After Sahil was taken, several men – including a taxi driver – were arrested.
His family suffered frustrations during the investigation, after Pakistani authorities said on several occasions they were close to securing the boy's release.
Sahil's mother begged for the safe return of her son, telling the kidnappers at one point: "I just want my son back. All is forgiven, I will forgive you."
Naqqash Saeed returned to the UK at the start of last week, despite reports that police in Pakistan wanted him to stay in the country as a witness and in case the kidnappers contacted him directly.
Rehman Malik, Pakistan's interior minister, said Sahil's father had left Pakistan last week "against our wishes". He also repeated the allegation that "a family member was involved" in the kidnapping.
Malik indicated that the kidnappers had "let the boy go in a village".
"Obviously the pressure on them [the kidnappers] was very high," he said. "All the phones they were using were being monitored."
Initial reports suggested the police had received an anonymous phone call telling them where Sahil had been left.
It is understood the police are carrying out a series of raids to try to capture the kidnapping gang.
- Pakistan
Saeed Shah
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

4:01
U.s. Missile Strike Kills 3 Militants In Pakistan
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan (Reuters) - A U.S. drone aircraft fired missiles into Pakistan's North Waziristan region on Tuesday, killing three militants, the latest such strike on a major al Qaeda and Tal...

3:56
Dollar falls to lower 90 yen in Tokyo on selling by Japanese exporters+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

TOKYO, March 16 (Kyodo) _ The U.S. dollar fell to the lower 90 yen level Tuesday in Tokyo on selling by Japanese exporters, while other participants mostly sat on the sidelines ahead of...

3:55
Us Missile Attack Kills 4 In Pakistan
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

MIR ALI, Pakistan Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile attack has killed at least four people in northwestern Pakistan. Two intelligence officials said an unknown...
3:51
Stop Terrorism Or We Will Deal With You, India Warns Pakistan
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

By Arun Kumar, Washington, March 16 : India has not abandoned the 'path of dialogue' but possesses the capacity 'to deal effectively with those that pursue destructive agendas' against the country, In...
3:51
Pakistani Woman Nabbed With Fake Indian Currency In Nepal
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

By Indo Asian News Service, Kathmandu, March 16 : A 55-year-old Pakistani woman has been arrested at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with fake Indian currency worth Rupees 3 million, ...

3:37
Sharks threatened by Asian consumers, says group
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Surging demand for shark fin soup among Asia's booming middle classes is driving many species of these big fish to the brink of extinction, a marine conservation group said Tuesday. ...
3:34
Sri Lanka's ex-army head faces court-martial
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

The general who led the army to victory in Sri Lanka's civil war and then was roundly defeated in his bid for the presidency appeared before a court-martial Tuesday on allegations of...
3:33
Toyota dismisses Calif. man's runaway Prius report
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Toyota Motor Corp. was quiet last week when James Sikes told reporters how the gas pedal got stuck on his 2008 Prius, leading him on a wild ride on a Southern California freeway. Now...

3:30
Pak-Kiwi Davis Cup tie shifted to New Zealand over security fears
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has decided to shift Pakistan's next Davis Cup tie to New Zealand citing security reasons.
3:30
Kidnapped Brit toddler recovered in Pak
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Pakistani police officials have claimed that the five-year old British child, Sahil Saeed, who was kidnapped from his grandmother's house in Punjab's Jhelum district two weeks ago, has been safely recovered.

3:30
AP NewsAlert
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Intelligence officials say suspected U.S. missile attack kills 4 people in northwest Pakistan.

3:29
Explosives Cache Found In Lahore
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Pakistani police have discovered a large amount of ammunition and 1,500 kg of explosives during a raid in the eastern city of Lahore, police said.The recovery was made from a shop in the Iqbal Town ar...
3:29
Explosives Cache Found In Lahore
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Pakistani police have discovered a large amount of ammunition and 1,500 kg of explosives during a raid in the eastern city of Lahore, police said.The recovery was made from a shop in the Iqbal Town ar...
3:26
Petition To Declare Nro Verdict Null And Void
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

The petition stated that Justice Ramday was part of the bench that gave the verdict while his brothers had PML-N affiliations. — Photo by AFP

3:24
Baseball: Nomura gets Rakuten honorary managerial post+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ The Rakuten Eagles said Tuesday they have appointed former skipper Katsuya Nomura as honorary manager on a three-year term. Nomura, 74, took the manager's job at Rakuten in...
3:24
Weather forecast for Wednesday+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Weather forecast for Wednesday, March 17: Tokyofair Osakafair Nagoyafair Sapporosnow/fair Sendaifair/cloudy Niigatacloudy/snow Hiroshimafair Takamatsufair Fukuokafair ...

3:22
Karachi 'water Mafia' Leaves Pakistanis Parched And Broke
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Corrupt politicians allow businessmen to siphon off as much as 41% of the city's water supply and turn around and sell it at exorbitant rates to residents, generating an estimated $43 million a year.

3:21
S. African diplomat denies N. Koreans working in S. Africa+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ A South African diplomat denied Tuesday a South Korean news report that North Korean laborers are working in stadiums across South Africa ahead of the football world cup. ...

3:19
Aide: Karzai 'Very Angry' at Taliban Boss' Arrest
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The Afghan government was holding secret talks with the Taliban's No. 2 when he was captured in Pakistan, and the arrest infuriated President Hamid Karzai, according to one of Karzai's advisers.
3:11
Mom, Son Missing After Van Found on Wash. Beach
» ‎ FOXNews.com

A woman heading to her stepfather's house was "beyond lost" when she and her 8-year-old son took one wrong turn after another through the backroads of Thurston County and onto a private Puget Sound beach, authorities said Monday.

3:10
ESPN reporter's stalker gets 2½ years in prison
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2½ years in prison before giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim.

3:09
1-‘china Knows Its Duties In Iran N-tussle’ .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

RIYADH: China fully knows what it should do as a global power in the effort to halt Iran’s nuclear push, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said in an interview published on Monday.
3:09
2-dr Shama Likely To Be Governor Of Gilgit-baltistan .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

ISLAMABAD: The government has finally made a decision to appoint a woman governor of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and in this race the name of a prominent social worker Dr Shama Khalid emerged as the front ...
3:09
3-trouble Brewing Within Ppp Ranks .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

“All treasury senators minus federal and state ministers will adopt a harsh line in the coming session,” coalition senators told our sources here on Monday. A PPP senator explained none of the ord...
3:09
4-new Nab Law Stuck On Swiss Cases Issue .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice, deliberating the draft of the new accountability commission law, is stuck on how to deal with the Swiss cases of President Asif ...
3:09
5-shahbaz Meets Coas Gen. Kayani .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at the Army House here on Monday evening.
3:09
6-ppp Mps To Quit Nwfp Govt If Demands Not Met .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PESHAWAR: The NWFP chapter of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) decided at a parliamentary party meeting on Monday to resign from the Awami National Party-led coalition government if their demands w...
3:09
7-kidnapped Pakistani-origin British Boy Found .....
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

JHELUM: Pakistani-origin British child Sahil Saeed who was kidnapped from his family house in Jhelum was found in Danga town of Punjab, police sources said.
3:08
“i Am Not Afraid Of Death”, Says Zardari
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that some people are still using religion as a weapon just for their benefits and we are facing their consequences at country’s borders.

3:07
Hunter Says Pics 'Repulsive'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

John Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter cried on the phone to Barbara Walters after seeing her photos in GQ | Hunter's Tell-All Interview | FOX FORUM
3:07
Biggest Record Deal Ever
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Michael Jackson's estate has landed the late King of Pop the biggest recording deal in history: a $200 million-plus contract | SLIDESHOW: MJ's Life and Death
3:07
Pratt Cyber Terror Shocker
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Defense firm confirms that 'Hills' star Spencer Pratt starting anti-cyber terrorism venture | HEIDI MONTAG HOT SHOTS
3:07
Kate a 'Diva' on 'DWTS'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

FOX411: The TLC reality mom reportedly not making friends with the cast of 'Dancing With the Stars' due to diva demands and nasty attitude with crew
3:07
App Controversy
» ‎ FOXNews.com

SLIDESHOW: In light of cell phone application that helps illegal immigrants crossing the border, check out some apps that YOU would like to see
3:07
Celebrity Smells
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LONG LIST: Kim Kardashian is just one of the celebrities producing fragrant aromas. See who's busy creating scents meant to attract...
3:07
Web of Hate
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The Net grew 20 percent uglier last year, and terrorists on Facebook and Twitter are targeting kids, finds the 2010 Digital Hate Report | SLIDESHOW: Worst of the Web
3:07
Everyone Into the Pool
» ‎ FOXNews.com

As 58 million scramble to finish brackets, are March Madness office pools boosting morale or draining productivity? | Bracket (pdf) | Tips Before Tip-Off

2:53
One Troop, One Extremist Killed In Nw Pakistan
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

At least one security personnel and an extremist were killed in a clash in the suburbs of Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province in Pakistan, local officials said Tuesday.They said a soldie...
2:53
Abducted British Boy Found Safe In Pakistan
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Sahil, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, was on the last day of a two-week vacation in Pakistan before he was to return home to Oldham, in northern England.

2:29
Plea entered in lotto winner's death
» ‎ CNN.com

A Florida woman accused in the death of a lottery millionaire pleaded not guilty at a court hearing Monday in Hillsborough County, CNN affiliate Bay News 9 reported.

2:27
Obama pitches health care; Dems point toward a vote
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic congressional leaders showed signs of progress Monday in winning anti-abortion Democrats whose votes are pivotal to President Barack Obama's fiercely contested remake of the health care system.

2:12
Guardian Daily: Brown 'a liability'
» ‎ The Guardian World News

Gordon Brown's unpopularity is still harming Labour's election chances, according to an ICM poll for the Guardian today. Julian Glover says the gap between the two main parties has grown to nine points.
Our design critic Jonathan Glancey arges that the advent of high-speed rail is the ideal time to rebuild the Euston Arch, the monumental landmark that stood for 130 years outside the London railway terminal.
Schoolchildren are being monitored by CCTV cameras as frequently as inmates in prisons and passengers at airports, according to Salford university researchers. Reporter Jessica Shepherd says schools may be breaking the law.
How might the research currently being undertaken by British scientists change the lives of future generations? Impact is the name of an exhibition opening today at the Royal College of Art in Kensington, west London, which attempts to answer that question. Anthony Dunne, head of design interactions at the RCA, shows us round.
Relations between Israel and the United States are at 35-year low, according to the Israeli ambassador to Washington. His comments came after Israel's announcement - during a visit by the US vice-president, Joe Biden - of plans to build 1,600 homes in occupied East Jerusalem. Ian Black, the Guardian's Middle East editor, looks at Israel's options.
Jon Dennis Andy Duckworth Tim Maby

2:00
Mexico seeking answers in wake of latest killings
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

President Calderón tries to show resolve days after 3 people linked to the U.S. Consulate were killed.
2:00
Crime-scene expert helps to train Iraqis
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

The forensic science expert who changed the way Phoenix police collect and process crime-scene evidence is leaving his job to join a company in Iraq.
2:00
911 officials fear budget cuts will endanger public safety
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

Basic service to stay intact, upgrades in jeopardy.
2:00
Get public records easily
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

As part of Sunshine Week, The Arizona Republic has put together the following guide to help you seek out basic, but important, facts about your neighborhood.
2:00
Financial overhaul unveiled in Senate
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

The reforms will target Wall Street, mortgage firms and banking.
2:00
Scottsdale chamber told to pay fines
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

The Scottsdale City Attorney's Office has ordered the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce to pay additional fines in the business-advocacy group's contested campaign-finance case.
2:00
Quitting smoking boosts arteries
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

ATLANTA - A year after kicking the habit, smokers' arteries showed signs of reversing a problem that can set the stage for heart disease, according to the first big study to test this.
2:00
Rick Renzi's embezzlement trial is delayed indefinitely
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

The corruption trial of former Congressman Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., which was scheduled to begin today, has been postponed indefinitely, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office and federal court records.
2:00
Charges against Stapley dismissed
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

Charges against a Maricopa County official have been dismissed but can be refiled by a different prosecutor.

2:00
In debt-plagued Greece, immigrants feel the heat
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Although ultra-right groups have been responsible for fanning anti-immigrant feeling in the economically distressed country, the influx of foreigners is increasingly resented by moderate citizens too.

Ancient Greece gave the world the word "xenophobia." Modern Greece is providing examples of it.
2:00
Velvet gloves in debate by California's GOP candidates in governor's race
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman skip lightly over solutions to state's finances.

Republican candidates for governor Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner met in a generally genteel debate Monday evening that skipped lightly over detailed solutions to California's grievous fiscal mess in favor of the familiar arguments that each has made for months as they drive toward the June 8 primary.
2:00
Place names are the domain of an obscure U.S. board
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Mt. Diablo or Mt. Reagan? And shouldn't it be the Gulf of America? The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has to decide.

One man wanted to name a stream in Glendale the Stream of Consciousness. An avid hiker proposed calling a rock formation in Utah the Golden Arches because it brought to mind McDonald's. And a Girl Scout troop dug into the cookie jar to come up with a name for a Pennsylvania creek: Tagalong Run.
2:00
About 1 in 4 in California lack health insurance, a UCLA study finds
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The jump in 2009 to 8.2 million adults and children from 6.4 million in 2007 stems largely from job cuts and the loss of employer-sponsored coverage amid the recession.

Nearly 1 in 4 Californians under age 65 had no health insurance last year, according to a new report, as soaring unemployment propelled vast numbers of once-covered workers into the ranks of the uninsured.

1:48
Top Dem: 'Votes Are There'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Rep. John Larson goes further than other Dem leaders, says House already has votes to pass health bill
• Spotlighted Health Care Victim Better Off Than Thought
• House Panel Pushes On With Health Care Maneuver
• White House Backs Out Of 'Sweetheart' Cuts
• FOX FORUM: Manipulation, Payoffs and Lies
• YOU DECIDE: If Health Reform Passes, Who Wins?
1:48
U.S. Criticism of Israel Ignites Firestorm
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Bipartisan parade of influential lawmakers and groups takes aim at Obama administration for railing against ally
• LIVESHOTS: Mideast Peace on Road to Damascus?

1:48
Official: Cops had gun in Pentagon spree
» ‎ CNN.com

A gun recovered from this month's shooting at the Pentagon was once in the possession of the Memphis Police Department, a law enforcement official told CNN.

1:40
Shahbaz Sharif in denial mode following mass outrage over Taliban plea
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Pakistan's Punjab province Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who has come under fire for pleading to the Taliban to exempt his province from terror attacks, has said his remarks have been misreported and twisted by some quarters of the media.
1:40
Pak Senators back 'exemplary' punishment for cricketers
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

In what could add to the turbulence in Pakistan cricket, members of the sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Sports have alleged that some of the members of the national cricket squad were involved in match-fixing during the doomed tour Down Under and backed the exemplary punishment handed out to senior players of the team.
1:40
Musharraf hints at comeback through 'registered' All Pakistan Muslim League
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has hinted of a come back to the country's political stage through a party named the All Pakistan Muslim League.

1:30
British boy found safe in Pakistan
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Sahil Saeed, aged five, has been found safe and well according to the British High Commission
The five-year-old British boy kidnapped on holiday in Pakistan nearly two weeks ago has been found, British officials and his family confirmed today.
Sahil Saeed was snatched from a house in the Punjab region of the country on March 4, after robbers held his family hostage at gunpoint.
He is believed to have been recovered by police after being dumped by kidnappers in Kharian, about 40km from Jhelum the town in the Punjab province where he was taken.
"Sahil is in police custody," said the boy's grandfather Raja Basharat, speaking to Pakistani media. "God willing, they will bring him top our house. The whole family has gathered here waiting."
Sahil, from Oldham, was on holiday with his father Raja Naqqash Saeed, visiting family in Jhelum, when robbers broke into the house and took the boy away.
The British High Commission in Islamabad said today he had been released and was safe, describing his recovery as "fantastic news".
"It brings to an end the traumatic ordeal faced by Sahil Saeed's family," said Adam Thomson, the British High Commissioner in Islamabad.
"I would like to praise the high level of cooperation between the UK and Pakistani authorities and in particular I would like to thank the Jhelum police for their role in bringing about the safe return of Sahil."
Rana Sanaullah, the provincial law minister, said there had never previously been so much government effort put into such a kidnapping case. He said that Pakistani intelligence were also involved in the boy's recovery.
Sanaullah added, without explaining further: "He (Sahil) was safe and sound for the last four to five days. It was just a question of (securing) his custody."
Last week Sanaullah had mistakenly announced that Sahil had been recovered, mixing up the case with that of another kidnapped boy.x
Raiders had struck as the pair were preparing to take a taxi to the airport for their flight home to the UK.
The kidnappers originally set a deadline of noon the next day for the money to be delivered.
After Sahil was taken, several men - including a taxi driver - were arrested.
His family suffered frustrations during the investigation, after Pakistani authorities said on several occasions they were close to securing the boy's release.
Sahil's mother, Akila Naqqash, begged for the safe return of her son back home in Oldham, telling the kidnappers at one point: "I just want my son back. All is forgiven, I will forgive you."
Naqqash Saeed returned to the UK at the start of last week, despite reports police in Pakistan wanted him to stay in the country as a witness.
- Pakistan
Saeed Shah
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

1:28
Haslam Chases Votes in Germantown — and Dodges the Flu
» ‎ Memphis Flyer

Oh, worry not. Equal time will shortly be provided in this space for the likes of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kim McMillan and Republican Zach Wamp, both of whom also made their presence felt in Shelby County on Monday. But in the meantime observe the door-to-doort efforts of Knoxville mayor Bill Haslam, a Republican who, on the fundraising scale, anyho, is the undisputed leader of the pack.

Haslam, who contends he goes door-to-door three times a week in various parts of the state, worked the Oakleigh section of Germantown on Monday. And — guess what? — he discovered homeowners who, just like the rest of us, could only have avoided seeing his ubiquitous TV commercials (which cost him just under a million) by becoming hermits or Luddites.

Like we said, observe:

\

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1:26
Plane Hits, Kills Man on South Carolina Beach
» ‎ FOXNews.com

An official says a plane making an emergency landing struck and killed a man who was walking or jogging along a Hilton Head, S.C., beach.

1:24
Strong, moderate quakes rock Chile
» ‎ CNN.com

A pair of earthquakes rattled coastal Chile overnight, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

1:21
DWP rates may rise between 8% and 28% to pay for mayor's green initiatives
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The hike would pay for more aggressive conservation programs and a solar plan designed to create 16,000 jobs as well as cover the fluctuating price of coal and natural gas.

Households that get their power from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power could see their electric bills go up between 8.8% and 28.4%, depending on where they live and how much energy they use, under a plan unveiled Monday by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
1:20
El Camino Real wins state Academic Decathlon
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The Woodland Hills high school will compete for a sixth national title. L.A.'s Marshall High finished second and took the Super Quiz title, and Granada Hills High finished third.

Hugs were shared, high-fives were dealt and hearts were broken.
1:17
South L.A. foster mother, boyfriend are under investigation in child's death
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Kiana Barker and James Julian were arrested in the death of 2-year-old Viola Vanclief, who was struck with a hammer.

A foster mother and her boyfriend are under investigation in the death of a 2-year-old child in their care who was beaten with a hammer, according to authorities and coroner's records.

1:16
Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
1:16
Bloomberg's Girlfriend Courted for N.Y. Senate Run
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Bloomberg's Girlfriend Courted for N.Y. Senate Run
1:16
Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
1:16
Census Bureau Over Budget as Counting Begins
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Census Bureau Over Budget as Counting Begins
1:16
Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
1:16
Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
1:16
Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
1:16
Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise

1:15
Palestinian unrest erupts in east Jerusalem
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Masked Palestinians have hurled rocks at Israeli police and burned tires in disputed east Jerusalem. Jerusalem police spokesman Shmuel Ben-Ruby says police fired stun grenades to...
1:13
Fiji declares state of emergency after cyclone+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Fiji declared a state of emergency in parts of the Pacific island country Tuesday after tropical cyclone Tomas caused significant damage to schools, hospitals and power and...

1:05
Protesters collect blood for message
» ‎ CNN.com

Anti-government protesters launched a blood drive Tuesday to collect enough samples to douse the ministers' offices.

1:02
Lieberman: Freeze demand 'unreasonable'
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Israel's foreign minister says it's "unreasonable" for the international community to expect Israel to freeze construction in east Jerusalem. Israeli building there has caused the most...

1:01
New HIV Infections Increasing Among Gays
» ‎ FOXNews.com

New HIV infections are increasing among homosexuals, drug users and prostitutes who don't seek help because of laws that criminalize these practices, the head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday.

1:01
Anthem Blue Cross should reimburse California man for transplant, jury says
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The insurer had refused to cover the liver surgery after Ephram Nehme decided to go out of state to face a shorter waiting list. Panelists in L.A. also say Blue Cross should pay Nehme's legal fees.

A Los Angeles jury concluded Monday that Anthem Blue Cross should cover the cost of an out-of-state liver transplant that a California man paid for after the insurer balked.

0:57
Israeli Envoy: U.S. Ties in 'Crisis of Historic Proportions'
» ‎ Atlas Shrugs

It is really horrible, all of it. The Muslim world must be itching for war as the perception in the Muslim world, where they refer to Obama as Muhammad and think him a Muslim, is that the Jewish people are alone.
Israeli Envoy: U.S. Ties in 'Crisis of Historic Proportions' FOXNews.com

Israeli media carried Ambassador Michael Oren's remarks as officials said the Obama administration is pressuring the Jewish nation to scrap the east Jerusalem building project that has ignited turmoil.
U.S.-Israeli relations have hit a 35-year low over a contentious east Jerusalem building project that threatens to derail peacemaking efforts with the Palestinians, Israel's envoy to Washington was quoted as saying Monday.
Ambassador Michael Oren's remarks clashed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assurances that the political turmoil resulting from the settlement announcement, which the Obama administration slammed as "an insult," was under control.
"Israel's ties with the United States are in their worst crisis since 1975 ... a crisis of historic proportions," the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper quoted Oren as saying to Israeli diplomats in a phone briefing over the weekend.
Israeli officials said that the U.S. is pressing the Jewish nation to scrap the east Jerusalem building project.
Competing Israeli and Palestinian claims to east Jerusalem were feeding tensions in the holy city, where Arabs and Jews maintain an uneasy coexistence and sometimes clash. Police were out in large numbers in the volatile Old City in expectation of renewed clashes

0:56
Ex-vice finance minister Sakakibara calls for consumption tax hike+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Eisuke Sakakibara, a former vice finance minister for international affairs, said Tuesday Japan should raise the consumption tax to secure stable financial resources for welfare
0:55
Record number of Chinese unhappy over inflation
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

BEIJING (Reuters) - More than one in two Chinese savers regard the current inflation rate as unacceptable, according to a central bank survey on Tuesday that is likely to fan official...

0:54
Musharraf Hints At Comeback Through 'registered' All Pakistan Muslim League
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Washington, Mar.16 : Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has hinted of a come back to the country's political stage through a party named the All Pakistan Muslim League.
0:54
Terror Devours Its Creators
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

The bombers struck during Friday prayers at around 12:50pm. The first bomber targeted an Army patrol unit near a mosque. Gunshots were also heard following the attack. As rescuers rushed to help victi...

0:52
Obama pitches health care; Dems point toward a vote
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic congressional leaders showed signs of progress Monday in winning anti-abortion Democrats whose votes are pivotal to President Barack Obama's fiercely contested remake of the health care system.

0:51
Sumo: Main bouts for 4th day of spring sumo+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Makuuchi division bouts for Wednesday, the fourth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (+ prefix denotes juryo division wrestler): ...

0:51
Taliban Internet Recruiting Through The Eyes of a Detainee
» ‎ Homeland Security News

The young Taliban detainee, shackled at the wrists, with his head covered with a black canvas bag, was chillingly clear about his life's mission: “The Taliban have only one objective: to continue killing the Americans.” The tools this particular terrorist had adopted to accomplish that goal were not suicide bombs or sniper rifles, but laptop computers [...]
This story comes to us via Homeland Security - National Terror Alert. National Terror Alert is America's trusted source for homeland security news and information.

Taliban Internet Recruiting Through The Eyes of a Detainee

0:50
Vietnam releases leading dissident from prison
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Vietnam has released one of its leading democracy activists, an ailing Catholic priest who suffered two strokes while in prison, so that he can receive medical treatment, family members...

0:46
Shoppers feel price aftershock in produce
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Shoppers feel price aftershock in produce
0:45
Homework is going high-tech at some North Texas schools
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Homework is going high-tech at some North Texas schools

0:44
Five Doomsday Scenarios for an IT Apocalypse
» ‎ Homeland Security News

Technology drives just about everything we do, and not just at our jobs. From banks to hospitals to the systems that keep the juice flowing to our homes, we are almost entirely dependent on tech. More and more of these systems are interconnected, and many of them are vulnerable. We see it almost every day. But [...]
This story comes to us via Homeland Security - National Terror Alert. National Terror Alert is America's trusted source for homeland security news and information.

Five Doomsday Scenarios for an IT Apocalypse

0:43
Clever Photoshop Making The Rounds
» ‎ iOwnTheWorld.com

Update: This is getting interesting. There are lots of sites that have the pic which clearly shows Karl Marx on the apple. Mediaite has it. So does the Examiner. Everyone but Newsweek. Strange. Now I want to see the printed cover before I say Hillbuzz is definitely wrong. Newsweek’s version is lower res than the rest of the other sites pics, but you can still clearly see that the Newsweek pic is not going to depict what the others show.

We love Hillbuzz,but as an agitpropist I have to say that I don’t think the pic they’ve posted depicting this week’s Newsweek cover is actually the real cover. I think it’s a photoshop – and a damn funny one. This is one of those stories that doesn’t need to be true to be accurate – if that makes any sense… it does to Dan Rather.

The pic that’s fudged seems to depict Karl Marx on the apple in front of Michelle – which is such an inspired sneaky, subtle photoshop that I am pissed it’s not true… but it is… but it isn’t.

Hillbuzz post of the Newsweek Cover

Actual cover from Newsweek.com

Close up.

Granted, the pic on Newsweek’s site is lower resolution. I just don’t think with better resolution the pic is suddenly going to develop those cheekbones. (For the record, I think it looks like Muhammad.)

0:41
Veteran Dallas County jail guard fired over comments
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Veteran Dallas County jail guard fired over comments

0:37
Mourinho gears up Inter for key game with Chelsea
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea with the ultimate revenge mission on his mind as Inter Milan attempt to knock his former club out of the Champions League. Mourinho will be back at...
0:35
Sports schedule for Wednesday, March 17+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Major sports events scheduled in Japan for Wednesday, March 17: BASEBALL Preseason games Yomiuri vs Hiroshima. Tokyo Dome. 2 p.m. Yakult vs Hanshin. Jingu Stadium. 1...
0:32
Thailand protesters press plan to bring down govt
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Tens of thousands of red-clad Thai protesters pressed on Tuesday with their rally calling for snap elections, despite the prime minister's firm rejection of their demands that he step down.
0:32
BOJ begins policy meeting to discuss further monetary easing+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ The Bank of Japan began a two-day policy meeting Tuesday, with market players closely awaiting its decision on whether to ease its ultraloose monetary policy further to combat...
0:29
LEAD: Bills for child allowances, tuition-free schooling pass lower house+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

TOKYO, March 16 (Kyodo) _ (EDS: UPDATING WITH PASSAGE OF BILLS) The House of Representatives passed bills at a plenary session on Tuesday to provide monthly allowances to families...

0:25
Hakeemullah Mehsud is Alive, Says Former ISI Officer
» ‎ Homeland Security News

A former officer in the Pakistani military intelligence service with close ties to terrorist groups has denied that Hakeemullah Mehsud, the leader of the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, was killed in a US air strike according to a report at The Long War Journal. Khalid Khawaja, a self-described humans rights activist with deep ties [...]
This story comes to us via Homeland Security - National Terror Alert. National Terror Alert is America's trusted source for homeland security news and information.

Hakeemullah Mehsud is Alive, Says Former ISI Officer

0:19
Area census workers out for the count of minorities, immigrants
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Area census workers out for the count of minorities, immigrants

0:18
Terrorists Targeting Children Via Social Media
» ‎ Homeland Security News

The Internet grew 20 percent uglier last year, with terrorists and racists increasingly turning to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter — and targeting children, finds the 2010 Digital Hate Report. The Internet grew 20 percent uglier last year, with terrorists and racists increasingly turning to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter [...]
This story comes to us via Homeland Security - National Terror Alert. National Terror Alert is America's trusted source for homeland security news and information.

Terrorists Targeting Children Via Social Media

0:10
Response to Alan Grayson
» ‎ Conservatives4Palin.com

As some of you know, Congressman Alay Grayson (D) for Florida's Eighth Congressional District recently released what some political analysts described as an outlandish rant against Governor Palin. We thought the following would be the proper response to Grayson:
There are quite a few candidates who are lining up in a contested primary who want to take out Alan Grayson. And we think Alan Grayson -- what can you say about Alan Grayson? Piper might read this blog, so we won't say anything about Alan Grayson that can't be said around children.

In any event, the real response to Grayson will come this November. Charlie Cook is one of the most conservative political analysts in the country in the sense that his predictions nearly always lean towards the incumbent holding his or her seat (for evidence, Cook characterizes the re-election chances of Harry Reid and Blanche Lincoln as "toss-ups"). Given how safe Cook likes to play it with his predictions, you know an incumbent is in serious jeopardy of losing his or her job when the incumbent lands on Cook's "toss-up" list. Cook places fifteen incumbent House Democrats running for re-election in his "toss-up" list. Included on the list is none other than Democrat Party hack Alan Grayson.

0:07
Tigers must shift gears, get focused on St. John's
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

The secret to winning in the NIT is often as simple as wanting to be there, or at the very least, playing like you want to be there.
0:06
Editorial: Wrong hands grab the guns
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

It's hard to fault authorities for selling guns seized during investigations. They're stretching crime-fighting dollars as far as they will go.

0:05
3 Filipinos arrested for illegal entry+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ Three Filipino men have been arrested in the city of Fukuoka for entering Japan on passports with women's names after undergoing sex change operations, police said. Although...

0:05
Good news: Architect's passion for building goes beyond property to character, lives
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Michael Walker builds houses and office buildings. He has built characters as an actor on stage and backdrops for those characters to move around. And he's helping build self-esteem and future success for a handful of young men at Manassas High School, both on and off the football field, as a volunteer coach and mentor.
0:05
Hoop dreams: Grizzlies basketball camp teaches lessons while working off energy
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Forget the running and the jumping and the dribbling and the passing.
0:04
Ban roadside pet sales
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

The curbside peddling of pets unfortunately has evolved beyond cute, fuzzy baby chicks and ducklings or furry bunnies for the kids at Easter.
0:04
Olive Branch garbage fee increase on aldermen table
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Olive Branch officials expect to raise the town's garbage fee 85 cents per customer during a meeting tonight.
0:03
In brief: Census 'vital,' DeSoto officials say
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Hernando: Census 'vital,' DeSoto officials say
0:02
Guest Column: Eye donation gives precious gift of sight
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

"One of the most magnificent presents that one human being can bestow upon another is the gift of sight. Incredible as it may seem, it is within the power of each of us to give this precious gift simply by making arrangements to donate our eyes after death."
0:02
House rejects school furloughs proposed by Senate
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

JACKSON -- House members on Monday rejected the Senate's proposal to furlough teachers and other local school district employees to save money.
0:00
Eugene Robinson: Profiting from Katrina's toxic legacy
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

The Obama administration is making a big health care mistake. I'm not talking about the final push for comprehensive reform legislation, which is righteous and necessary. I mean the sale of more than 100,000 contaminated trailers and mobile homes -- a move that could make people sick.
0:00
Letters: Bartlett officers did their job
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

I love the Bartlett police force — God bless them.
0:00
Zero-G Corp.'s airborne lab will let researchers go weightless from Memphis
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

The Zero-G Weightless Lab, flying out of Memphis International Airport, is a response to demand from researchers.
0:00
Bank leaders' compensation stirs criticism
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Executives from Memphis-based First Horizon National Corp. are among those in the pay spotlight.
0:00
Done Deals: Starkville sale brokered by CBRE agents
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Deal involves a 240-unit, 828-bed student housing community near Mississippi State University.
0:00
What to do
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Today, Wednesday and Thursday
0:00
Bulletin board: March 16, 2010
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Safe driving class
0:00
Illicit items find way into Shelby County Correctional Center
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

For the third time in less than a month, a woman was caught trying to sneak pot to an inmate at the Shelby County Correctional Center.
0:00
Ceremony for new citizens is civics lesson for students
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

They chose their names from a dictionary.

0:00
Cabbies facing longer hours, more risk
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

Two recent attacks raise concerns

In a recent survey conducted by a researcher with the University of Illinois at Chicago, more than one-fifth of Chicago-area drivers said they had been attacked or threatened with violence by a passenger at least once in their careers. Only half reported those attacks to police.
0:00
Sure you want to be tracked online?
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

Experts say location-based social networking services could easily make sharing information risky. But backers say privacy controls, coupled with a maturing digital citizenry, go a long way.

March 15, 2010
23:59
Damages suit filed over death of MSDF officer in combat training+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ The family of a Maritime Self-Defense Force officer who died after a training exercise has filed an 80 million yen damages suit, arguing that the martial-arts drill led to his...

23:58
Pakistan Court Admits Plea To Declare Kasab A Fugitive
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

(RTTNews) - An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan trying seven suspects for their involvement in the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, on Monday admitted the prosecution's plea to declare Ajmal Amir...

23:55
New HIV infections increasing among homosexuals
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

New HIV infections are increasing among homosexuals, drug users and prostitutes who don't seek help because of laws that criminalize these practices, the head of the U.N. AIDS agency said...
23:54
Abba, Genesis inducted into rock's Hall of Fame
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pop band Abba was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday in a ceremony that honored genres from the Swedish group's catchy tunes to the theatrical...

23:51
U.S. agencies join Mexico's inquiry into killings of 3 tied to American Consulate
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

U.S. agencies join Mexico's inquiry into killings of 3 tied to American Consulate

23:50
Thai Parliament Postpones Session Amid Protests
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Protesters continued to occupy the streets in Bangkok, but there were signs that crowds were thinning out.

23:50
Crash shuts down 1-55 lanes; injuries reported
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

23:47
Cyclone begins to weaken after lashing Fiji
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Cyclone Tomas' onslaught on Fiji began to weaken Tuesday, but a state of emergency was declared in the hardest-hit areas as the storm battered the South Pacific nation's northern outer...

23:44
Basketball Study Examines How Midmajors Get Stars
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

An analysis directed by a national talent evaluator finds striking trends in physiques and skills.

23:39
Gunbattle erupts at Indian space centre
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

BANGALORE, India (Reuters) - A gunbattle broke out between two armed men and security forces outside a high security space center in southern India early on Tuesday, the Indian Space...
23:35
Plane hits, kills man along Hilton Head, SC, beach
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

A single-engine plane with oil on its windshield struck and killed a man on a Hilton Head beach Monday afternoon as the pilot was attempting to make an emergency landing, authorities said....
23:32
Prosecutors want Nacchio in court for new sentence
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Federal prosecutors are objecting to former Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio's request to not be present in court when he is given a new sentence. The U.S. attorney's office said in a court filing...

23:17
Man dies in ATV accident near Verde River
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

A man died Monday afternoon after his ATV went off a cliff near the Verde River just north of the Valley, authorities said.
23:14
Hot air balloon makes hard landing in Phoenix
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

A hot air balloon landed hard in north Phoenix Monday evening, inuring at least one of its passengers, authorities said.

22:48
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes U.s. Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. — The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharra...

22:45
Obama’s Peace Ally Hamas Announces ‘Day of Rage’ in Jerusalem
» ‎ Gateway Pundit

Hamas terrorists announced a “day of rage” set for Tuesday in response to Israel reopening an ancient synagogue in the Old City’s Jewish Quarter.

The Hurva Synagogue was finally completed in 1856. Designed in a grand Neo-Byzantine style, it was one of the largest buildings in the Old City. (Boker tov, Boulder)

Haaretz reported, via Free Republic:

Warnings of widespread violence in Jerusalem on Monday proved to be unneeded, but police say the real test will be Tuesday.

Hamas announced a “day of rage” in response to the dedication of the restored Hurva synagogue in the Old City’s Jewish Quarter, police said. Large forces will continue to be deployed throughout the city, with 3,000 police and border police officers stationed in East Jerusalem and neighboring villages.

Limitations on access to Muslim prayers on Temple Mount will continue for the fifth day. Members of the Higher Arab Monitoring Committee are set to hold a procession in the east of the city on Wednesday. Jerusalem on Monday was tense but quiet. Around noon, Palestinians began throwing stones near the Mount of Olives cemetery, but no injuries were reported.

At 6 P.M., scores of youths hurled stones at Border Police troops from the Palestinian side of the Qalandiya crossing, north of Jerusalem. The youths were dispersed, and the crossing closed.

Barack Obama’s church of 20+ years supported Hamas over Israel.

22:38
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf praised President Barack Obama for committing 30,000 more troops to fighting the Taliban. But the former leader was sharply opposed to Obama's plan to ...

22:32
The Poodle Gets Kicked
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

By Patrick J. Buchanan

Actually, Joe set himself up. From the moment he set foot on Israeli soil, our vice president was in full pander mode.

First, he headed to Yad Vashem memorial, where he put on a yarmulke and declared Israel “a central bolt in our existence.”

“For world Jewry,” Joe went on, presumably including 5 million [...]

22:28
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf praised President Barack Obama for committing 30,000 more troops to fighting the Taliban. But the former leader was sharply opposed to Obama's plan to ...
22:27
Iran Rejects Allegations Over Earlier Nuclear Program By Help Of Pakistan
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast rejected Monday the allegations that Iran has been following the nuclear weaponry program in late 1980s by the help of Pakistan, the official IRNA ...

22:27
Biden in Israel: Tiff or Tipping Point?
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

by Jim Lobe – Antiwar.com

“Condemn” is not a word that rolls trippingly off the tongue of a U.S. politician addressing anything having to do with actions, however objectionable, by Israel.

So it was no surprise that close observers of U.S. Middle East policy sat [...]

22:19
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducts New Members
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

After years of being named finalists to enter the hall of fame, then getting outvoted, the Stooges were finally inducted this year.

21:36
Luxury Brands No Longer in Demand in Russia
» ‎ Pravda.Ru

Decrease in demand for products of Luxury, Premium and Upper Middle segments in Russia in 2009 amounted to 15-20% (in Rubles), which is equal to the drop of 40-45% because of the exchange rate difference. Most luxury operators had stopped their expansion and focused on the development of their existing projects in large Russian cities. All Diesel stores were closed in Moscow. Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen stores also left the market

21:31
Pamela Geller, Human Events: Glenn Beck, Think Before You Preach
» ‎ Atlas Shrugs

When Glenn Beck uttered those now infamous words, I was first to express shock at Beck's incompetence here. I embellish upon that post in my piece at Human Events today here:

Something very disturbing happened last Monday on FOX. Glenn Beck, who has, for the most part, steered clear of jihad, sharia and Islamic supremacism, put his toe in the water, and for the first time since I started fighting the long war, I got nervous.
Beck called the Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who produced the film Fitna about Islamic Koran-based violence, a fascist, and far-right.
What is Beck doing?
Why would he stigmatize Wilders this way? Wilders is the embodiment of what our founding fathers extolled. Individual rights. Freedom of speech. Not sharia law.
In the House of Lords on March 5, Wilders said:
I believe that Islam is not compatible with our Western way of life. Islam is a threat to Western values. The equality of men and women, the equality of homosexuals and heterosexuals, the separation of church and state, freedom of speech, they are all under pressure because of islamization. Ladies and gentlemen: Islam and freedom, Islam and democracy are not compatible. They are opposite values.
Was Beck saying that standing up to defend the “equality of men and women, the equality of homosexuals and heterosexuals, the separation of church and state” and “freedom of speech” is fascist?
Was Beck saying that quisling British authorities, quaking before the Muslims in the U.K. and afraid of the truths Wilders was telling, were right last year to ban Wilders from entering the country in the interests of “community harmony?” It certainly seemed so. And Beck went on to imply that the fact that Wilders was allowed to enter Britain last week was a dire sign.
It isn’t just Wilders, either. Beck runs videos of the riots in Greece, but he never runs the Muslim rampages throughout Europe.
Beck should be championing Wilders’ cause, not smearing him. Geert Wilders is on trial in the Netherlands for telling the truth about Islam. He is on trial for inciting hatred against Muslims, and when he requested eighteen witnesses – Muslims and non-Muslim scholars -- to prove that what he said about Islam was true and therefore couldn’t or shouldn’t be against the law, the Dutch kangaroo court disallowed all but three of them.
Read it all.

21:30
Sources: U.S. envoy delays Mideast visit
» ‎ CNN.com

The U.S. special envoy for Middle East peace has delayed a visit to the region as the United States awaits a response to its demand that Israel reverse a decision on construction in disputed territory in East Jerusalem, according to sources.

21:25
US Prepares for Aggression, Russia Could Be One of the Targets
» ‎ Pravda.Ru

The US military is to pay extra $500 to all officers and soldiers (in addition to translators and intelligence officers) who know at least one foreign language, especially Russian and Chechen. Those who know two foreign languages will be paid $1000 extra, and so on. The US is preparing for aggression that would not happen tomorrow, but this preparation is under way. The increase in the allowance for American officers should be considered as one of the elements of this preparation

20:54
Pelosi equates Republican Party position on health care with Libertarians
» ‎ Libertarian Republican

From the Plum Line:
“Give them credit for being true to their convictions,” Pelosi said. “They don’t believe in health care for all Americans with any public role in it. That’s by and large what the Republican Party believes.”
Pelosi speaking with a roundtable of liberal bloggers yesterday.

20:52
Three killed in Mexican drug violence
» ‎ The Guardian World News
President Obama 'outraged' as drug violence claims three workers with connections to US consulate
There was growing pressure on the Mexican government today to prove that it has not completely lost control of the drug wars raging around the country, after three people associated with the US consulate in the border city of Ciudad Juárez were murdered.
A White House statement said Barack Obama was "outraged" by the murders, which took place in two separate incidents on Saturday afternoon.
A pregnant consulate worker, Leslie Enriquez, and her husband, Arthur Redelfs, were shot in their car after leaving a children's birthday party at a colleague's house. Their seven-month-old baby was found unharmed in the back seat.
Almost simultaneously, assassins in a different part of the city killed Jorge Alberto Salcido, the Mexican husband of another consular employee who was driving away from the same event. His two children, aged four and seven, were recovering from gunshot wounds in hospital.
An army and police spokesman, Enrique Torres, said both murders took place after a brief car chase involving at least one vehicle with several gunmen inside. "They were not caught in crossfire," he said. "They were targeted, although we don't know why."
Mexico's president, Felipe Calderón, promised his "unbreakable commitment to resolve these grave crimes".
The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, said the killings reinforced the need to work with the Mexican government "to cripple the influence of trafficking organisations at work in Mexico".
An estimated 19,000 people have died in drug-related violence since Calderón sent in tens of thousands of troops to crack down on the cartels' inter-gang warfare three years ago. Very few of the murders have been resolved.
Juárez, just over the border from El Paso in Texas, suffered about 2,500 murders last year alone. The local cartel is trying to fend off incursion into its territory by the Sinaloa cartel, headed by trafficker Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
At street level, the war involves different local youth gangs associated with the different cartels, but the violence has been increasingly affecting people outside the gangs.
President Calderón was due to visit the city tomorrow as part of a drive to respond to growing anger there at the government's inability to control the killing and provide some hope to a community living in terror.
Fury boiled over after he initially dismissed 16 victims of a massacre at a teenager's party in January as gang members. There is no evidence to suggest they were anything other than ordinary school students trying to have a good time in a besieged city.
Saturday's murders were not the first time US citizens have been caught up in the violence, but the victims' links to the consulate and the timing raises the possibility that the gunmen may have been specifically targeting US officials.
The US state department has announced that consular workers will be allowed to evacuate their families across the border.
A statement from the Mexican police indicated that the first line of investigation in Saturday's murders pointed to a street gang called the Aztecas, which is linked to the Juaréz cartel. It did not give any more information and the US embassy in Mexico was unavailable for comment. Local media reported today that FBI agents were in Juaréz investigating the case.
It was not immediately clear how the murders might affect US support of the Mexican government's offensive, that began under President George W Bush and increased after Obama took office.
Obama has called Calderón "a hero" for taking on the cartels.
Recently, however, there are suggestions that the US authorities are working behind the scenes to encourage Calderón to alter the emphasis of his strategy away from the overriding military focus that does not seem to be working.
This has been nowhere more intense than in Juaréz itself, where the number of soldiers patrolling the city reached 8,000 in 2009. The numbers were reduced earlier this year in a move described by the US ambassador, Carlos Pascual, as "intelligent". There are currently 5,000 soldiers and 2,600 federal police in the city.
Jo Tuckman
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

20:49
We've all asked the question from the ...
» ‎ Pravda.Ru

We've all asked the question from the age of 2. Why did the universe have a beginning but not God? If God didn't have a beginning why should the universe have a beginning. Couldn't the universe just have always existed? Why a need for God? The answer is found in understanding why the universe had to have a beginning. Science supports Einstein's claim that the universe is a closed system

20:49
It Figures… Obama’s Rally Prop ‘Natoma Canfield’ Qualifies For Financial Aid; Is Patient At Top US Cancer Center; Won’t Lose Home
» ‎ Gateway Pundit

Obama’s Health Care Rally Prop Is In Hospital… Getting Care… Despite No Insurance.

Natoma Canfield is 50 years old. She was diagnosed with cancer 16 years ago. She quit her job or was laid off 12 years ago. She has reportedly held odd jobs cleaning homes the last few years. Natoma was paying $5,000 a year for her insurance but dropped it after it went up to $8,000. She wrote president Obama in December to tell him about it. She was worried she might lose her home that her parents built. Some people might say she’s lucky to still have a home after losing her job 12 years ago. Others say she’s lucky that today’s regulations weren’t around when she was diagnosed with cancer at 34. The current government officials don’t believe breast exams are necessary until much later in life.

Barack Obama flew to Ohio today and told the audience:
“I’m here because of Natoma.”

He should have stayed home.

Natoma Canfield is being cared for at one of the top cancer centers in America. She will qualify for financial aid and won’t lose her home.
FOX News reported:

Natoma Canfield, the cancer-stricken woman who has become a centerpiece of President Obama’s push for health care reform, will not lose her home over her medical bills and will probably qualify for financial aid, a top official at the Cleveland medical center treating her told FoxNews.com.

Though Canfield’s sister Connie Anderson said her sibling is afraid she’ll lose her house and Obama warned at an Ohio rally Monday that the patient is “racked with worry” about the cost of tests and treatment, she is already being screened for financial help.

Lyman Sornberger, executive director of patient financial services at the Cleveland Clinic, said “all indications” at the outset are that she will be considered for assistance.

“She may be eligible for state Medicaid … and/or she will be eligible for charity (care) of some form or type. … In my personal opinion, she will be eligible for something,” he said, adding that Canfield should not be worried about losing her home.

“Cleveland Clinic will not put a lien on her home,” he said.

Previously:
FAIL. Obama’s Health Care Rally Prop Is In Hospital… Getting Care… Despite No Insurance

20:42
Health care puts House Dems on the line
» ‎ CNN.com

House Democrats wary of the Senate health care plan have to decide: Do they vote on the Senate bill, trusting the fixes will be made?

20:36
Willy Wonka +1
» ‎ The Mike Slater Show

I didn’t do very well here, but it was worth it for what I can only assume is the first time the word “snozberries” has ever been used on MSNBC. -30 million Americans will get insurance. It’s going to reign in costs. It’ll prevent the insurance companies from doing some of their dastardly practices. Why not? -Ya [...]

20:35
Plan may tweak red-light ticketing
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

Car of legislator who opposes cameras shown running red light in video clip

Red-light camera tickets would be slightly harder to get and cheaper to appeal under a reform plan endorsed by Senate leaders.
20:31
Security chief: All fliers will get full-body scans in future
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

Chicago airport joins growing list of facilities using latest technology to screen passengers for weapons and other terrorism threats

O'Hare joins a growing list of facilities using the latest technology to screen passengers for weapons and other terrorism threats.
20:25
ESPN reporter's stalker gets 2½ years in prison
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2½ years in prison before giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim.

20:02
Hayek, Milton Friedman added to Texas Textbooks
» ‎ Libertarian Republican

MAJOR VICTORY FOR LIBERTARIANS!!

Thanks to the efforts of the hardright conservative majority on the Texas Board of Education, two Libertarian Giants in Economics will now be studied in State High Schools.

From the NY Times, Justin Wolfers (Freakonomics), "Hayek propped up by Government Intervention", March 15:
How do they plan to rewrite high school economics?

In economics, the revisions add Milton Friedman and Friedrich von Hayek, two champions of free-market economic theory, to the usual list of economists to be studied – economists like Adam Smith, Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes
Wolfers goes on to heartily approve of Friedman's inclusion, but not necessarily of Hayek. He believes him to be too obscure, based on relatively low amount of Google searches he receives in relation to other better known economists:

Sure, Hayek was an insightful economist. But insisting that high schools teach Hayek is a clear statement of ideology, not of economic science.
Free Market Mojo blogger responds to Wolfers:
Um, what’s the problem? Milton Friedman and Friedrich von Hayek are tremendously influential figures, not just in the field of economics. Can a truly honest study of the past century ignore their contributions to the world? I don’t think so. Mention them and criticize them if you must, but don’t ignore them.
There were other changes of note. Interestingly, the term "capitalism" was replaced in the textbooks by "free enterprise." additionally, early reports from Leftist bloggers had Thomas Jefferson removed from any mention in history books. This is incorrect. Jefferson was removed from only discussions of the enlightenment section not of American history. (Source: Village Voice)

19:59
The US National Security State Needs a National Security Department
» ‎ Pravda.Ru

The successful, but ad hoc, development of the US National Security State (NSS) was never in doubt. The US NSS is not a draconian military state nor is it some off-shoot of Chinese State Model. The US National Security State is a tolerant capitalist decentralized state. By any measure and from any vantage point, one can see, hear and feel its influence in many diverse fields such as sports, architecture, literature, entertainment, fashion, the media and finance

19:52
Ill. Senate approves bill to allow new nuclear power plants
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

19:47
World's shortest man dies aged 21
» ‎ The Guardian World News
The world's shortest man, He Pingping, who was just 2ft 5in (74.6cm) tall has died in Rome.
He, who was from China, died on Saturday in the Italian capital where he was taking part in a television show, after being admitted to hospital suffering chest pains. He was 21 years old.
Born in Wulanchabu, in northern China's Inner Mongolia region, with a form of primordial dwarfism, He officially became the world's smallest man in 2008 when Guinness World Records measured him at 74.6cm.
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of London-based Guinness World Records measured He in his hometown in China.
"For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world," he said. "From the moment I laid eyes on him I knew he was someone special – he had such a cheeky smile and mischievous personality, you couldn't help but be charmed by him. He brightened up the lives of everyone he met and was an inspiration to anyone considered different or unusual."
He, who at birth was no bigger than the palm of his father's hand, was a chain-smoker and reportedly a ladies' man despite his height.
Inner Mongolia is also home to Bao Xishun, the former world's tallest man.
Guinness World Records said He's successor will be announced at a later date.
Khagendra Thapa Magar, 18, from Nepal, who is reportedly 51cm tall, believes he is the rightful holder of the title. He travelled to Europe last year to lobby Guinness World Records to measure him for the accolade.
- China
- Italy
Aidan Jones
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19:39
Opposition to Mandatory Seat Belt laws a 10th Amendment issue
» ‎ Libertarian Republican

by Eric Dondero

Rhode Island is having a big debate right now over toughening the States' seat belt law. Same old story. The Feds are dangling dollars over the heads of Little Rhody legislators if they'd only enact a Primary law enforcement bill. This means cops could stop a non-wearer for no other reason than for violation of the seat belt law.

Of course, it's the Democrats who are proposing the legislation. The bill has been initiated by Rep. Douglas Gablinske.

But surprisingly Gablinske has been receiving a great deal of criticism, from various constituencies.

One of his biggest critics has been his own friend, columnist Jim Baron of Woonsocket. Baron makes a uniquely 10th Amendment argument on the issue.

From The Woonsocket Call, "We don't need a mandatory Seat Belt law" March 14:
Where are the Tenth Amendment people on this? There is a growing movement of folks out there, they seem to be one of the many tributaries to the larger Tea Party movement, who want to re-assert the force and effect of the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says that any powers not directly granted to the federal government by the constitution, or denied to the states by the constitution are reserved to the states or to the people and the feds should keep their cotton-picking hands off it. (The constitution doesn’t have the cotton-picking part; I added that.)

Well, nowhere in the enumerated powers granted to the federal government does it say anything about seat belt laws. And the Congress knows that because it didn’t pass a seat belt law. No, instead it circumvented the constitution by misusing the public purse to bribe the states to do its bidding by offering them money. Sometimes, Congress does it the other way around, by misusing the public purse to extort states to do its bidding by threatening to withhold funds if they don’t.
The Tea Party movement has cleverly steered clear of social issues. But this is one area that could be considered a social matter - 10th Amendment and Federal Bribery of State Governments - that's a natural for Tea Party involvement.

19:39
Democrats step up efforts to swiftly pass health bill
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Pressure intensifies on party conservatives as Pelosi starts the clock ticking to bring the legislation to the House floor.

Democrats on Monday began their climactic push to move healthcare legislation through the House by the end of the week, as President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other senior leaders stepped up their efforts to win over the final votes needed to pass the historic bill.

19:38
Official: Cops had gun in Pentagon spree
» ‎ CNN.com

A gun recovered from this month's shooting at the Pentagon was once in the possession of the Memphis Police Department, a law enforcement official told CNN.

19:32
L.A. Unified panel recommends changes in teacher evaluations
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The task force of about 50 parents, teachers and administrators suggests paying high-performing teachers more, using student test scores in evaluations and overhauling the tenure system.

High-performing teachers should earn more pay, tenure should be more difficult to achieve and teacher reviews should be tied to student test scores, a Los Angeles school district panel is expected to recommend Tuesday.

19:23
Britain told to cut deficit faster
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Leaked report reveals European doubts over Britain's finances and questions 'ambition' of Labour's plans to cut debt
Labour's strategy for controlling Britain's spending was tonight under fresh challenge when it emerged that the European commission is preparing to demand tougher government action to rein in the UK's record peacetime deficit. In findings which were seized upon by the Conservatives, Brussels warned that the current plans for repairing the black hole in the budget left by a deep and long recession needed to be more ambitious.
"A credible time frame for restoring public finances to a sustainable position requires additional fiscal tightening measures beyond those currently planned," said a draft report, due to be approved by the commission , but leaked to the news agency Reuters. It added: "The overall conclusion is that the fiscal strategy in the convergence programme is not sufficiently ambitious and needs to be significantly reinforced."
The findings are likely to stoke what has become the pivotal political row between the two main parties ahead of next week's budget, and the general election campaign that will follow.
They will add to pressure on the prime minister at a time when Labour's new-year resurgence appears to have stalled. An ICM poll for the Guardian tomorrow shows the gap between the parties has increased, to a nine-point Conservative lead over Labour. It also suggests that Brown's personal unpopularity with the electorate remains a drag on the party's standing, even though the Tories have been beset by their own problems in recent weeks.
The European commission is set to warn that on current plans the UK will not meet the 2014-15 deadline for reducing the budget deficit to below 3% of national output. Chancellor Alistair Darling's proposals envisage the gap between spending and taxes being reduced to 4.7% of gross domestic product, but the commission said even this target might be missed as a result of weaker growth than the Treasury is expecting.
The assessment provided some support for Darling ahead of next week's budget, when it said the plans for the coming fiscal year were adequate, but the findings will increase speculation in the markets that the election will be quickly followed by fresh measures to cut spending and raise taxes, whatever the result.
The shadow chancellor, George Osborne, claimed the report was a heavy blow for the prime minister. "The Conservatives have been arguing that we need to reduce our record budget deficit more quickly to support the recovery. Our argument is backed by credit rating agencies, business leaders, international investors and now the European commission. That is why we need a change of government to restore confidence in our economy at home and abroad."
A Treasury spokesman said the government was committed to halving the deficit over four years and that such a cut would be the sharpest among the Group of Seven industrialised countries. "The chancellor has taken a judgment on the appropriate pace of adjustment in 2010-11 and beyond," the spokesman said.
This takes into account "the uncertainty around prospects for the public finances given the exceptional nature and strength of the global downturn, the need to support the economy through the early stages of the recovery, and the need to deliver sustainable public finances," he said.
While tomorrow's poll will be dispiriting for Labour, it is also clear that voters are not convinced by the Conservatives.
The survey shows only 18% think Britain would be best served by a strong Labour win. And though almost a third think a clear Conservative victory would be best, 44% want a hung parliament in which the government works with smaller parties such as the Liberal Democrats.
The Tory leader is 11 points ahead of Gordon Brown as the man voters want to win, and 20 points ahead as the leader best campaigning for "the votes of people like you". He has a 14-point lead as the most competent for prime minister, and an 11-point lead as the man most likely to lead Britain in the right direction.
The figures call into question recent excitement about a Labour fightback. The Tories, at 40%, are up three on the February Guardian poll, and up two on another more recent ICM poll last weekend. The Liberal Democrats are on 20%, unchanged since the last Guardian/ICM poll, while support for other parties is on 9%. Conservative support has been within three points of 40% in all ICM polls since October.
Brown is likely to try to stay on even if he loses power, but a close result could mean there might have to be another election this year. Questioned on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, Brown said: "I will keep going. I will keep going because I want a majority."
Asked whether he owed it to the Labour party to stand aside if he did not secure a majority, he said: "I think I owe it to people to continue and complete the work we've started of taking this country out of the most difficult global financial recession."
ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1,002 adults by telephone on 12-14 March 2010. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Larry ElliottPatrick WintourJulian Glover
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19:20
Runaway Prius story questioned
» ‎ The Guardian World News
James Sikes made a panicky call to emergency services, saying his Toyota Prius was speeding out of control on a San Diego freeway. His account is now increasingly under scrutiny
It sounded like a motorist's worst nightmare: a Californian estate agent, James Sikes, made headlines around the world last week when he recounted how his Toyota Prius went out of control on a San Diego freeway, reaching a speed of up to 94mph until a highway patrol officer guided him to safety.
Sikes's account is now under scrutiny as experts puzzle over technical discrepancies and details emerge of his colourful financial history.
Sikes became the face of Toyota's safety crisis as a flustered, white-haired 61-year-old, when he went public with his story and a recording was released of his panicky voice telling an emergency operator: "My car won't slow down!"
His ordeal appeared to be the latest, most dramatic, in a string of incidents involving faulty accelerators that has led Toyota to recall more than 8m cars around the world. But after extensive tests, the US government's national highway traffic safety administration today revealed it had not found anything wrong with the 2008 blue hybrid car.
"So far, we have not been able to find anything to explain the incident that Mr Sikes reported," the agency said. "We would caution people that our work continues and we may never know exactly what happened with this car."
Toyota has dismissed Sikes's story, saying its own tests found the car's accelerator and backup safety system worked. It stopped short of saying Sikes had staged a hoax, but said yesterday that his account did not square with a series of tests it conducted on the petrol-electric hybrid.
Toyota said its testing found Sikes had rapidly pressed the accelerator and brakes back and forth more than 250 times.
A spokesman, Mike Michels, told a press conference: "We have no opinion on his account, what he's been saying, other than that the scenario is not consistent with the technical findings."
Meanwhile, public records have revealed that Sikes has a troubled financial past. In 2006, he appeared on a television game show called The Big Spin and won $55,000. But two years later he filed for personal bankruptcy, citing debts of $115,000 on 16 credit cards.
Darrell Issa, a Californian congressman on the house oversight committee,, expressed reservations about the incident, saying that some cases of faulty vehicles arose from driver error, while others could be perpetrated by people seeking "notoriety". Issa said the government's test result "doesn't mean it didn't happen. But let's understand, it doesn't mean it did happen."
After weaving around cars and lorries, Sikes's high-speed journey came to an end when a highway patrol officer guided him through an emergency braking procedure and then positioned his patrol car in front of the Prius to slow it down.
Sikes's lawyer, John Gomez, dismissed doubts, saying that his client is not suing Toyota and has declined television appearances. Gomez added that the highway patrol officer could smell burning brakes and saw the car's brake light on.
"There's a ghost in the machine," Gomez told the Los Angeles Times, adding that Toyota has made little progress in pinpointing problems with other runaway cars. "No one is able to replicate it or identify it."
Sikes's wife, Patty, pleaded with reporters to leave the couple alone, saying they had received death threats.
"Our careers are ruined and life is just not good anymore," she said.
Andrew Clark
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19:18
Gilbert center gets $36.8M Army contract
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

The U.S. Army has given a three-year, $36.8 million contract to Lockheed Martin's Arizona Support Center in Gilbert to modernize night vision equipment on Apache attack helicopters.

19:13
Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Rafa Benítez gambled and won as Liverpool moved back up to fifth with a victory that was stylish as well as convincing. Either throwing caution to the wind or realising that he could afford to take a few risks against the bottom-placed club, Benítez backed up Fernando Torres with Alberto Aquilani as well as Ryan Babel and was rewarded when all three made it on to the score sheet.
Perhaps a comfortable stroll against a team with Portsmouth's problems does not represent a turning point or even a return to business as usual for Liverpool but though at least the respite was welcome after two successive defeats and a truly grim performance at Wigan. For an eerie first half-hour until the goals arrived Anfield was noticeably quiet. By the end there were not only songs to sing and spontaneous bursts of applause for crisp passing moves but Aquilani's first goal in English football. "He is a good player and that will increase his confidence but we had many good players tonight," Benítez said.
Liverpool's win would have been more emphatic still had Stuart Attwell awarded a penalty when Glen Johnson was scythed down by Nadir Belhadj midway through the second half, though equally Liverpool would have been down to 10 men had the referee spotted Steven Gerrard's elbow on Brown, an assault that may jeopardise his involvement against Manchester United on Sunday should the official be invited to review his decision. Attwell penalised Gerrard for flooring Brown yet could not have seen the nature of the foul, otherwise a red card would have been produced. Benítez said he had not seen the incident.
Unusually poor delivery by Gerrard saw Liverpool waste a succession of free-kicks and corners in the opening minutes,, and Torres might have had an early penalty when Ricardo Rocha appeared to handle his shot in the area, though there were signs of growing understanding in a reshaped midfield. Aquilani started to link with Maxi Rodríguez and both were involved in setting up Gerrard for a shot that flew high into the Kop. Then the Italian was unlucky when his first-time volley missed by inches after Rodríguez's pass dropped over his shoulder.
It took a double mistake by the reserve goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown to open the floodgates for Liverpool. First his weak clearance was returned by Gerrard, then he dallied too long over Rocha's backpass and allowed the Liverpool captain to charge down his next attempt. Rodríguez unselfishly squared to Torres and the home side were in front. Two minutes later Liverpool doubled their lead and effectively killed the game, something of a rarity in these parts nowadays, when Torres picked up Johnson's cross at the far post and comprehensively beat Steve Finnan to allow Babel to check round his marker and score.
Torres was again the provider for Aquilani's goal, this time with a neat backheel. Once Gerrard's dummy had wrongfooted the defence it was simple for Aquilani to slide in a shot from close to the penalty spot. "We went to sleep for seven minutes," Avram Grant said after losing to Liverpool for the first time. "We made a mistake but you need to be awake all the time."
Liverpool could have had more before the interval, with Torres striking a post and Gerrard putting a good chance wide, though Portsmouth showed character in keeping going. Frédéric Piquionne in particular was a handful for the home defence, on one occasion being rather harshly recalled after breaking clear from Daniel Agger for what appeared minimal contact. Then, as half-time approached, he cut in powerfully from the right and rolled a shot narrowly past Pepe Reina's right-hand upright.
Ashdown partially atoned for his first-half errors by denying Gerrard and Babel in quick succession at the start of the second half though, not to be outdone, Reina produced an splendidly instinctive save, throwing out a hand to deflect the ball over the bar when Michael Brown seemed certain to score. The Liverpool goalkeeper produced one of the evening's most inspired pieces of distribution, setting Babel free down the left wingwith a kick from his hands of perfect weight and accuracy. Babel galloped eagerly into acres of space, beyond Finnan, then spoiled the moment by crossing to no one in particular. It was not a total surprise. Liverpool were much improved, complete transformations take a little longer.
They scored their fourth with a typical finish from Torres, picked out by a precise pass from the impressive Aquilani, before Portsmouth gained a not undeserved consolation goal in the 89th minute, Belhadj tapping in after Piquionne had volleyed his cross back across goal to leave Reina furious at being denied a clean sheet. The question now is how much Liverpool's teamsheet at Old Trafford will resemble this one.
Paul Wilson
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19:05
Men charged in cartoonist plot
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Two Muslim men were charged last night in the Irish Republic in connection with an alleged plot to murder Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, whose artwork outraged many Muslims after he depicted the Prophet Muhammad's head on the body of a dog in 2007.
Algerian Ali Charafe Damache and Abdul-Salam Mansour al-Jehani, from Libya, were brought before a specially convened court in Waterford, south-east Ireland late last night.
Damache, 44, was charged with sending a menacing text message while al-Jehani, 32, was charged with an immigration offence after allegedly giving a false name. Both men were remanded in custody until Friday after Irish detectives said they were not convinced of the authenticity of the men's identities.
The men, who both gave Waterford addresses to the court, were among seven people arrested last Tuesday morning over an alleged conspiracy to kill Vilks.
Acting on intelligence shared between the CIA, FBI and European security agencies, Irish police arrested the men in a series of raids.
Damache, who is believed to have lived in Ireland for about a decade, swore an oath on the Qur'an before taking the stand in an attempt to secure bail.
The alleged plot involves nationals from several countries reportedly recruited over the internet for an attack on Vilks.
It is alleged a 46-year-old American woman dubbed "Jihad Jane" is at the centre of the plot, recruiting the other suspects through intenet chat rooms. Colleen LaRose, from suburban Philidephia, was named in an indictment last week in a US court.
Another American woman was caught up in the alleged conspiracy. Jamie Paulin-Ramirez, a mother-of-one and a trainee nurse from Colorado, was questioned by Irish police in connection with the plot but was released. The 31-year-old is a Muslim convert.
In September 2007 Vilks had a $100,000 (£66,000) bounty placed on his head by an al-Qaida faction in Iraq in response to his drawings. Swedish newspapers reprinted the controversial cartoon after this week's arrests.
Aidan Jones
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19:05
Government funds nuclear firm
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Mandelson to announce £170m funding for nuclear manufacturer that could lead low-carbon industrial strategy
The government's much-vaunted "low-carbon industrial strategy" is set to receive a boost on Wednesday with the announcement of a long-awaited £170m funding package for the British nuclear manufacturer, Sheffield Forgemasters.
The company, which has been in funding negotiations for more than six months, has secured the last remaining £20m from bank loans, the Guardian has learnt.
It means Sheffield Forgemasters will be able to build a 15,000-tonne press to make large forgings used in modern reactors being built in the UK and overseas.
The business secretary, Lord Mandelson, and the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, will travel to Sheffield, along with the business minister, Pat McFadden, to make the announcement on Wednesday.
Boosting the hi-tech industrial economy in the UK will become a key political battleground in the run-up to the general election after the credit crunch exposed the dangers of becoming over-reliant on financial services. Official data recently showed that in its first decade in power Labour had allowed the manufacturing sector to shrink at a quicker rate than under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
In response, Mandelson, who has been heavily involved in the complex negotiations, has been championing a new policy of "industrial activism". Ministers say that without more government support for industry, the tens of billions of pounds of new reactors and wind turbines planned to reduce carbon emissions would have to be imported. British manufacturers and workers would miss out.
To secure the funding, the government has pledged £65m in soft loans, with £35m from the European Investment Bank. The nuclear reactor firm Westinghouse is paying £50m upfront for its orders.
The deal also provides a much-needed boost to the north-east, where traditional manufacturers such as Corus have been hammered by the recession and which has one of the highest UK jobless rates. Mandelson wants to create a hub of low-carbon manufacturers in the region with ties to Sheffield University. He recently opened a new £25m research facility in Rotherham for Britain's civil nuclear industry where Sheffield Forgemasters can work with other UK firms in the supply chain.
Dougie Rooney, of the Unite union, said: "The only hope for the nation in terms of being able to pay off its debts is for the UK's engineering industry to become a global supply-chain player supplying components and equipment for new energy projects."
The Sheffield firm is one of only a few around the world that can make the special forgings for reactors. There is increasing political pressure on nuclear companies to source as many components as possible from the UK. The deal will create 150 jobs directly, but thousands more could be created in the wider nuclear supply chain as a result, according to Unite.
Sheffield Forgemasters, whose origins go back to the 1750s, became notorious in the 1990s after becoming embroiled in the "Supergun affair" over arms sales to Iraq.
Tim Webb
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18:52
Memo From Speaker’s Office: Expect TENS OF THOUSANDS In DC Tomorrow
» ‎ Gateway Pundit

This memo was obtained and forwarded to me from the Office of the Assistant to the Speaker. It was sent out earlier today by Doug Thornell.

Democrats expect TENS OF THOUSANDS in DC tomorrow for the Code Red rally against their unconstitutional takeover of the health care industry:

From: Thornell, Doug [mailto:Doug.Thornell@mail.house.gov] Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 5:25 PM
To: Thornell, Doug
Subject: Tea Party Etiquette

TO: Freshman and Sophomore House Democrats
FROM: Office of the Assistant to the Speaker
DATE: March 15, 2010
RE: Tea Party Etiquette
As many of you have read, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 16, 2010, tens of thousands of conservative and Tea Party activists will be on the Hill as part of what they are dubbing a “Surge Against Obamacare.” Rick Scott, a multimillionaire investor and former hospital executive, is helping to lead the grassroots effort along with a number of other groups on the right like Dick Armey’s FreedomWorks. While many of you have met with outspoken activists in your districts in the past, we wanted to remind you of some of the best practices to review with your DC staff:
1. Be prepared. Activists are expected to begin arriving around 9am and they have been given instructions to wait in your office until they can have a meeting. Please have an orderly process and enough staff and interns to welcome what could be a very large number of visitors throughout the day:
• Have staff and/or Member time set-aside to visit with attendees in small groups;
• Ask for extra chairs or seating to be brought to your office or the hall in case there are seniors or disabled visitors that need to be accommodated;
• Consider having some light snacks, H2O, and coffee available;
• Ask visitors to leave all signs and banners outside the office.
2. Prioritize listening to your constituents:
• Have multiple guest books/comment sheets available for all visitors to sign-in and leave comments — we recommend you have one for residents of your district, one for residents of your state (but not your district), and one for out-of-state visitors. Have a Capitol Directory and map available to direct visitors to their Member of Congress and written instructions on how

to get over to the Senate side of the Hill.
• There is limited rationale for your Member to meet with out-of-district constituents, especially if you already had other business or meetings previously scheduled with constituents who had planned to visit with you tomorrow on other topics. It is up to individual offices to decide if staff would like to take these meetings.
3. Listen and communicate in small groups:
• As we learned in August, small groups are typically the best venue for exchanges on this complicated topic.
• Many of the conservative activists are not opposing the actual provisions in the bill, but are instead reacting to a caricature of the reform bill presented by right-wing media outlets. In fact, many conservative and GOP ideas and concerns are addressed in the legislation:
ü Reduces the deficit;
ü Cracks down on Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse;
ü Provides historic tax credit for small businesses and individuals to purchase health insurance;
ü Allows consumers to shop for health insurance across state lines via multi-state compacts;
ü Inaugurates medical malpractice reforms, (an area where the GOP failed to take any action when in charge of Congress for 12 years).
• Also, don’t assume common myths about this bill have been debunked. Be prepared to explain that there are no death panels, that Medicare is in fact strengthened, and that reform is not a government take-over, but it is an attempt to crack down on the abusive practices of health insurance companies by providing oversight and increasing competition.
• Finally, work to establish common-ground with visitors by ensuring they are aware and supportive of the important changes that will take place immediately:
ü Offer tax credits to small businesses to purchase coverage;

ü Prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions for children in all new plans;
ü Provide immediate access to insurance for uninsured Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition through a temporary high-risk pool;
ü Prohibit dropping people from coverage when they get sick in all individual plans;
ü Eliminate lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on benefits in all plans;
ü Require premium rebates to enrollees from insurers with high administrative expenditures and require public disclosure of the percent of premiums applied to overhead costs;
ü Ensure consumers have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal new insurance plan decisions;
ü Require plans to cover an enrollee’s dependent children until age 26;
ü Require new plans to cover preventive services and immunizations without cost-sharing;
ü Relief on the Donut Hole.
If you have any questions, please let us know.

Doug Ross reported that his source in DC said the unconstitutional “Slaughter Rule” will likely be used on Wednesday.

More… AllahPundit offers this advice to protesters tomorrow:

A few tips if you do find yourself inside some lucky Blue Dog’s office: Be sure to ask (a) what Pelosi’s bribing him with; (b) why, if Democrats are so confident about cost control, they had to rig the estimate on the first decade of costs by delaying the program’s start by five years (in fact, just hand your rep a copy of this); (c) how he/she can be so sure what’s in the bill when they’ll be busy writing it right at that very moment.

18:27
Census kickoff focuses on ease of form
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

Census Bureau director Robert Groves kicked off the 2010 national mail-in campaign Monday in Arizona by touting the ease in filling out the form.

17:56
ESPN peephole stalker sentenced
» ‎ CNN.com

A federal judge sentenced an Illinois man to two and a half years in prison Monday for taping ESPN sports reporter Erin Andrews in the nude.

17:48
US readies for Iraq exodus
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Each night, in a giant base north of Baghdad, a team that moves armies for a living prepares for a mission that will define America's time in Iraq, more than any other act since the invasion seven years ago.
Leading them is the senior American officer who will orchestrate the military withdrawal, a man who claims he has one of the highest job satisfaction levels in the country.
"I have the best job in Iraq right now," says Brigadier General Paul Wentz, of the US military's 13th Sustainment Command. "There is no question about it."
Whether that assessment is a reflection of the fraught earlier years of the occupation, or the imminent end of an increasingly unpopular war, or the fact that his staff have prepared so well that they can't fail, is open to conjecture. Either way, the men and women of the 13th Sustainment Command are raring to begin the biggest movement of troops and machines anywhere in the world since Vietnam, more than 40 years ago.
The order to do so will probably come within 60 days of a result being declared from Iraq's recent general election. The count of votes is painstakingly slow – only around 65% of ballots had been counted more than a week after polling day on 7 March. But if, as the Obama White House hopes, the result is eventually deemed to be credible, the US commander-in-chief will call an end to the war that he has previously described as "dumb".
As soon as Wentz receives the call from the commanding US general in Iraq, Ray Odierno, a massive network of trucks, planes and ships will start to evacuate around 45,000 troops and more than 1m tonnes of equipment, ranging from super-sized bulldozers to water coolers, as well as hundreds of different types of machines and weapons that were used to fight and run the war.
The pullout looms as quite a payday for the Iraqi army. Late last year the US government set a cap of $30m worth of equipment that commanders can leave behind at each facility – a 15-fold increase from when guidelines were first written five years ago.
A total of 31m items will be packed and stacked, including 43,000 military vehicles, 600-odd helicopters, 120,000 containers and 34,000 tonnes of ammunition. Shipping out is estimated to take 240,000 truckloads and 119 shipping freighters.
The withdrawal will leave only 50,000 US troops in Iraq by 30 August, none of them in combat roles, and reduce the number of bases from 290 to fewer than 10. Even with the remaining US presence, the withdrawal will probably be perceived, in Iraq and elsewhere, as the final act of the war.
It is a milestone Wentz is acutely aware of. "This will be a chapter in history and we will really try to make sure it's a good chapter in history," he says from an anteroom on the giant Balad airbase, near where his charges are still co-ordinating the movements of more than 3,000 US vehicles throughout Iraq each day. "Our guys are still busy and we like to feel we are making a difference. Success for us will be if we wake up in September and nobody knows we have gone."
That may be the benchmark inside Iraq, where people long ago started to rail against the enormous, slow-moving American convoys that used to snarl traffic, and the often interminable delays at checkpoints manned by US soldiers. But, in the US, another key indicator is more important – not repeating the mistakes of the last American withdrawal from Iraq, in 1991.
That pullout was blighted by delays, equipment losses and incompetence, and has since been seen as a case study of how not to do things.
"We have learned a lot since then," says Wentz. "We don't have those Indiana Jones warehouses that nobody knows what's inside.
"A lot of the bad things that came out of the first Gulf war have been fixed. We have introduced a lot of technology. This is very important to the American taxpayer. We have to be fiscally responsible and good stewards of government monies."
Although the bulk of the heavy lifting is yet to begin, tanks and giant military trucks known as MRAPS are already on the move, some of the pieces leaving Iraq with the units they arrived with and others being readied for another war.
"The equipment will be going south and will most likely be reworked in Kuwait and sent to the folks in Afghanistan," said Wentz.
"Some of the containers will go out through the port of Aqaba in Jordan and also the port of Umm Qasr. Each month we are getting rid of more and more capacity, but, so far, they are largely component parts that have built up over the years."
The preparation for the big move has been dubbed Operation Clean Sweep.
Most troops will fly out of Iraq into Kuwait, where they will connect with a well-established military flight network back to America.
Iraq's main roads are safer now, but the military still prefers to keep as many troops as possible away from the 10-hour drive south to Kuwait. The main thoroughfare down the spine of Iraq, known as Route Tampa, was built to move armies. The four-lane sealed highway was constructed by Saddam Hussein to move his troops and machines to the Iranian front and home again. It also gave him a direct route to Kuwait.
The US and British armies used Route Tampa to get to Baghdad in 2003. And American convoys have continued to use it ever since, despite being extensively targeted by militants who launched ambushes and detonated countless roadside bombs from sand berms that line the roads.
Captain Jason Vivian from the 80th Ordinance Battalion, based in Pennsylvania, is in charge of a clearing yard on the Balad base which will become one of the busiest hubs in Iraq when Odierno's move order is handed down. To him, getting the withdrawal rolling is the pinnacle of a career.
"This is why I joined the military," he says, standing between cranes and rows of heavy armour. "The surge and the invasion were both important, especially for a logistician, but this to me is what it's all about."
Martin Chulov
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17:11
Labour MP Ashok Kumar found dead
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Body of MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland was discovered at his home after staff failed to rouse him
Police and doctors are investigating the death of a Labour MP whose body was found at his home today.
Dr Ashok Kumar, 53, had been working as normal, with major commitments as parliamentary private secretary to Hilary Benn, the environment secretary. He was also campaigning for Corus steelworkers' jobs in his Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency. His body was found after anxious staff failed to rouse him by phone and called emergency services, who broke into his home.
The prime minister, Gordon Brown, led tributes to the former research scientist's 14-year Commons career, saying: "He was a tenacious campaigner for his constituents and a warm and incredibly generous man." The former prime minister Tony Blair, a fellow north-east MP before his retirement, said: "Ashok was a dedicated MP, with a determination to serve the community he was from."
Cleveland police said Kumar's death was not being treated as suspicious but remained unexplained. The MP had a majority of 8,000 in 2005, but there will be no byelection because of the proximity of the general election.
Kumar was single and lived alone, but had talked recently to neighbours. He was born in India and moved to Britain to study at Imperial College in London, before moving to Teesside as a senior researcher for British Steel.
His Commons work included advocacy of humanism and opposition to faith schools, but he principally campaigned on behalf of Teesside's declining heavy industry. He first entered parliament for Langbaurgh, also on the Tees south bank, in 1991, when he became the fifth Asian-origin MP since the end of the second world war. He lost the seat the following year, but returned to win the redrawn constituency in New Labour's landslide in 1997.
Police said paramedics had declared him dead at the scene and that relatives had been informed. Benn said: "It is very hard to believe that Ashok is no longer with us. He was a pioneer, a doughty fighter for his constituents and a Labour man through and through, who cared deeply for others. He was also fearless in pursuit of what he saw as right."
The death was announced to the Commons by the Speaker John Bercow, who said: "Ashok was a most assiduous member, much respected by the House."
Meanwhile, the MP for one of Labour's most marginal seats announced today she would not defend her 37-vote majority at the election. Laura Moffatt's decision gives party workers in Crawley, east Sussex, just weeks to find a new candidate.
Labour's national executive committee will draw up shortlists for her and Kumar's seats, as well as Blackpool North and Fleetwood, where Joan Humble announced her retirement late last month.
Martin Wainwright
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17:11
Mourinho: I should still be manager
» ‎ The Guardian World News
• Club have failed since I left, says Inter coach
• Return to Premier League remains an ambition
José Mourinho breezed back into Stamford Bridge last night to declare he was "home" and should still be Chelsea's manager. The Internazionale coach pointed out that while he has continued to accumulate silverware in Italy his former club have one FA Cup to show for the three years since his departure.
The Portuguese veered from an initially diplomatic script, marked by an admission that he would tone down his celebrations should the Italian champions eliminate their hosts from the Champions League this evening, to suggest some level of regret at the fracture of his relationship with Roman Abramovich after his glittering three-year spell in charge at the London club.
"I feel sorry but I look forward," said Mourinho. "I feel sorry because when I look at the big four teams from when I was in England, the managers are all still there: Sir Alex [Ferguson] is there. [Arsène] Wenger is there. [Rafael] Benítez is there. I did more than enough to be here. But the decision was made. Chelsea looked forward. I look forward. They move on. I move on. I keep winning important things. They keep winning ... something. They won an FA Cup.
"I have nothing to prove to Chelsea: to Chelsea's players, to Chelsea's fans, to Chelsea's board. The relations are great. When it's possible, happiness for me and happiness for them is the perfect situation. I don't believe I will be booed. I believe I will be clapped. But, for me, this game is just about getting to the quarter-finals. It doesn't mean anything else to me at all."
His only regret concerned the timing of his eventual departure, with Mourinho conceding he should have left Stamford Bridge on his own terms immediately after claiming the FA Cup in 2007. By then his relationship with Abramovich had fractured beyond repair, though the Portuguese was persuaded to remain at the club, only to be forced out in September of that year after a sluggish start to the following season.
Asked if there was one thing he could change from his time at Chelsea, he said: "I would have left the day after the FA Cup final at the end of that third season. The timing was wrong [when I eventually did leave]. I waited until September and I didn't enjoy my time after I left until I went to Inter. Being away from football was too painful. If I'd left in May I would have started the next season at a new club."
Inter – with whom he claimed the domestic title last season – may top Serie A again, albeit by a solitary point, but the 47-year-old is enduring a relatively torrid time in Italy at present. Defeat at lowly Catania last Friday has allowed Milan to gain ground in the championship race, while Mourinho and his Italian striker Mario Balotelli were reportedly embroiled in a spat at training in Milan today which has resulted in the forward being omitted from the squad for disciplinary reasons. Carlo Ancelotti has since suggested he might seek to work with Balotelli at Chelsea.
In the circumstances, and with his relations with the Italian press clearly strained, Mourinho appeared to relish a return to London and familiar haunts. "I feel at home," he said.
"I opened the door, went up to the second floor where there are people I know; to the third floor where there are people I know. The players didn't come to see me but they are working, or at the team hotel. Before the game I know everybody and I love them, and after the game the same, but, for 90 minutes on Tuesday night, I'll know nobody.
"I'll be restrained if we win, yes. Because it's Chelsea. Because it's the team where I worked for three and a half years, the same players, the same supporters who made me feel incredible every time we played in this stadium. But don't confuse this emotional control with a lack of professionalism or of me not having a desire to win. I watched the first leg seven times on DVD, stopping and going back over and over again. Chelsea is different and I have to be different but I gave everything to prepare for this game. So don't confuse my feelings for my ex-players and my ex-club with any lack of desire or motivation to win this game."
The Inter manager was confident enough to name seven of his starting line-up for this evening's collision with Ancelotti – with whom he endured a troubled relationship last season when they were on opposite sides of Milan – and said that his former club were in safe hands under their current manager. Mourinho said: "They have a good chef, yes, a chef with experience and with knowledge of the ingredients that football needs. They are in good hands."
Yet Mourinho still has designs to return to the Premier League in the future. "I have three things still to do in my career," the Portuguese said. "One thing is to come back to English football. Another is to win the Spanish championship, because no one has won Italian, English and Spanish titles.
"And another, when I'm old, is to coach my national team. But, for now, I would like to keep winning with Inter.
"I will still be the Special One whatever happens. How old is Giovanni Trapattoni? Seventy? I want to coach as long as him but, even at that age, I will still have things to prove. That's my motivation. So, after this game, I will still be the Special One. Win or lose."
Dominic Fifield
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17:00
White House 'will not shy away' from pushing for talks
» ‎ The Guardian World News
United States determined to persuade Israel into substantive peace talks with Palestinians, Obama administration source says
President Barack Obama and the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, are on a collision course today in a row described by a senior Israeli diplomat as the worst crisis between the two countries for more than three decades.
An Obama administration source told the Guardian that the White House and US state department are intent on pushing Israel into substantive peace talks with the Palestinians and will not shy away this time as they did when the last effort ended in embarrassing failure in September.
"No one gets anywhere by accusing each other. We are hoping to lay the foundations for negotiations," the source said. In order to get negotiations under way, the US is demanding that Netanyahu cancel or freeze plans to build 1,600 planned Jewish homes in Palestinian East Jerusalem. But Netanyahu, speaking at a meeting of his own Likud party, showed no signs of backing down. "The building in Jerusalem, and in all other places, will continue in the same way as has been customary over the last 42 years," he said.
The Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, in a weekend telephone call to other Israeli diplomats, expressed alarm about the extent of the confrontation.
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted the normally cool Oren, an academic-turned diplomat, as saying: "Israel's ties with the United States are in their worst crisis since 1975 … a crisis of historic proportions."
Oren was called to the state department last week in a rare rebuke for a diplomat from a country the US normally regards as one of its strongest allies.
The crisis began last week when the US vice-president, Joe Biden, travelled to Israel in the hope of securing a start to the long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. But his hopes were dashed when Israel announced the new construction in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian cabinet reiterated today that it will not enter into talks while such construction is planned.
The White House has steadily built up the heat on Israel over the last few days, with the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, berating Netanyahu in a 45-minute call on Friday and David Axelrod, the chief White House adviser, describing Israeli behaviour as an insult yesterday.
The US wants Israel not only to backtrack on the East Jerusalem building plans but to enter into talks with the Palestinians on substantive issues and not just talks about talks, as Israel wants. Washington also wants Israel to make gestures towards the Palestinians, such as releasing Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing more Israeli forces from Palestinian territory. The US special envoy to Israel and the Palestinian territories, the former senator George Mitchell, is to visit Israel this week in the hope of hearing that Israel will bow to at least some of the US demands.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address a meeting in Washington early next week of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), the powerful Israeli lobbying group. The US does not yet know whether he will attend in person or make a televised address.
The Israeli prime minister faces the problem of whether to offer the US a concession, such as a short freeze on house-building in East Jerusalem, a move that might lead to the break-up of his coalition government. Clinton will address the Aipac conference in person, a potentially dramatic occasion if she opts to repeat her calls for Netanyahu to back down.
Yesterday Aipac issued a statement critical of the Obama administration and today embarked on an intensive lobbying exercise to secure the backing of Jewish or strong Israeli-supporting members of Congress.
The more liberal Jewish lobbying organisation, J Street, said the US should use the crisis to push for peace talks. Its executive director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, said: "Too much time has already been lost in getting the two sides into negotiations. We must not lose further time allowing a single development, as objectionable as it may be, to derail progress."
The US magazine Foreign Policy posted a report on its website yesterdaythat in January top US commanders briefed the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, that US failure to stop Israel continuing with settlement building on the West Bank damaged US relations with the Arab world. Judith Kipper, a Middle East specialist at the Washington-based Institute of World Affairs, said there had long been a divergence between the US and Israel over various issues and a recognition of this fact was overdue.
She did not expect the US to threaten to withhold financial or military aid or intelligence and that going public was sufficient as a big stick.
Paul Scham, an academic at Washington's Middle East Institute, said: "What is interesting is that US has chosen to make a big deal of it. The reason for doing this is, it seems, to be ready to pull out some version of the peace offensive Obama has been promising for a year. Hopefully, it will not die down as it did last year."
Ewen MacAskill
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16:40
Charles Moore Dies; Depicted Rights Battles
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Charles Moore, who died last week, took some of the most memorable photographs of the civil-rights struggle.
15:00
Toyota Questions Case of Runaway Prius
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Safety regulators and Toyota were unable to recreate the sudden unintended acceleration reported by a California owner of a Prius.

14:46
Discovery heralds scar-free healing
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Mice engineered without P21 gene regrew holes punched in their ears with no scars
Human regeneration has to date been the preserve of science fiction. But mammals may have a dormant ability to regrow healthy tissue, research suggests, possibly paving the way for scar-free healing at some point in the future.
Biologists believe that a gene called p21 may hold the key to spontaneous healing, which could allow limited regeneration of the human body, as witnessed in newts, flatworms and the hydra.
It is thought that in mammals this healing potential has been lost through evolution, but may lie dormant in cells and could be reactivated by switching off the p21 gene. Mice engineered in the laboratory to lack the p21 gene, were able to renew surgically removed tissue so that no trace of an injury remained.
Removing p21 causes adult cells to behave like stem cells – those cells in embryos with a "pluripotent" power to become any kind of tissue.
In experiments, mice which were missing the gene had holes punched into their ears (as commonly done to identify lab animals), but after a few weeks all traces of the ear holes had disappeared.
"Much like a newt that has lost a limb, these mice will replace missing or damaged tissue with healthy tissue that lacks any sign of scarring, said Ellen Heber-Katz, a professor at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, who led the study.
"While we are just beginning to understand the repercussions of these findings, perhaps one day we'll be able to accelerate healing in humans by temporarily inactivating the p21 gene."
This gene is tightly controlled by another gene, p53, which is a well-known cell division regulator and tumour suppressor. Defective p53 can lead to many types of cancer.
In normal adult cells, p21 acts as an anti-cancer safety mechanism, blocking out cell division in the event of DNA damage, said the biologists. So, mice lacking p21 might be expected to suffer worsening damage to DNA, and eventually cancer.
But, while increased DNA damage was observed in experimental mice, there was no cancer surge, according to a report of the research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Instead there was an increase in "cell suicide", or apoptosis, a cancer-blocking mechanism that directs dysfunctional cells to kill themselves.
"The combined effects of an increase in highly regenerative cells and apoptosis may allow the cells of these organisms to divide rapidly without going out of control and becoming cancerous," said Prof Heber-Katz.
Caroline Davies
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14:10
Dodd Lays Out Details of Financial Overhaul Bill
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Senate Democrats put forward a plan, with the backing of the Obama administration, that calls for Washington to play a more active role in policing Wall Street.

14:06
Shakespeare's lost play 'no hoax'
» ‎ The Guardian World News
New evidence that Double Falsehood was, as 18th-century playwright Lewis Theobald claimed, based on Bard's Cardenio
It has thrills, spills, sword fights, violent sexual assault and – to modern ears – a terrible ending, but the little-known 18th century play Double Falsehood was propelled into the literary limelight today when it was claimed as a lost Shakespeare.
Professor Brean Hammond of Nottingham University will publish compelling new evidence next week that the play, a romantic tragi-comedy by Lewis Theobald is – as the author always maintained it was – substantially based on a real Shakespeare play called Cardenio.
Hammond has been backed in his assertion by the Shakespeare publisher Arden and there are unconfirmed rumours that the play will open at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre in Stratford when the venue reopens after its three-year closure.
The claim represents 10 years of literary detective work by Hammond. "I don't think you can ever be absolutely 100% but, yes, I am convinced that it is Shakespeare," he said. "It's fair to say it's been something of an obsession. You need to ask my wife but a fair few of my waking hours have been devoted to this subject."
Theobald's Double Falsehood, or The Distrest Lovers was first performed in 1727 at the Drury Lane theatre in London, along with the remarkable claim that it was based on Shakespeare's "lost play" Cardenio, which was first performed in 1613. Theobald claimed to have three original texts of Cardenio.
Double Falsehood went down well with audiences, but it was badly received by expert observers who dismissed Theobald as a hoaxer. Alexander Pope, in particular, was scornful but the two were committed enemies. "Theobald was the author of a volume in 1726 called Shakespeare Restored which was a hatchet job on Pope's editing of Hamlet," said Hammond. "In that volume Theobald made it pretty clear that he considered himself superior to Pope."
The denunciation became accepted as fact: Theobald was little more than a hoaxer, albeit an audacious one. The play then went largely to ground apart from a performance in 1846 when – after the audience shouted "author? author?" – a plaster bust of Shakespeare was brought out. It was laughed off stage.
The play reads like Shakespeare, but reworked Shakespeare. Hammond called Double Falsehood a "flawed play", adding: "This version of the Shakespeare play has been doctored. Theobald cut out material that he didn't think appropriate, but this was quite common. Shakespeare was very frequently rewritten in the 17th and 18th centuries."
The play is much shorter and more bitty than a normal Shakespeare play and there are no long speeches. But there is plenty of action that centres on two men and two women, including an aristocratic villain called Henriquez who ravishes the virtuous young girl Violante. By the end he has repented and is strikingly forgiven by all.
The Arden Shakespeare's general editor, Richard Proudfoot, said the play was being made accessible for the first time in 250 years. "I think Brean Hammond's detective work has been superb. He is quite open to the obvious fact that there is an element of speculation, but both of us believe that the balance of doubt lies in favour of its claim being authentic rather than a total fabrication."
Over the years some 77 plays have been attributed in whole or in part to Shakespeare, about half of them wrongly. There are also plenty of theories and books published claiming Shakespeare's plays were written by Edward de Vere, Sir Francis Bacon or Christopher Marlowe.
Act 2, scene 1 of Double Falsehood
Lopez [to Fabian]: Soft, soft you, neighbour; who comes here? Pray you, slink aside. [They withdraw.]
Henriquez: Ha! Is it come to this? O the devil, the devil, the devil!
Fabian [to Lopez]: Lo you now, for want of the discreet ladle of a cool understanding will this fellow's brains boil over!
Henriquez: To have enjoy'd her, I would have given – what?
All that at present I could boast my own,
And the reversion of the world to boot
Had the inheritance been mine. And now –
Just doom of guilty joys! – I grieve as much
That I have rifled all the stores of beauty,
Those charms of innocence and artless love,
As just before I was devour'd with sorrow,
That she refus'd my vows and shut the door
Upon my ardent longings.
Lopez [to Fabian]: Love! Love! Downright love! I see by the foolishness of it.
- William Shakespeare
- Royal Shakespeare Company
Mark Brown
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14:04
Playboy charged in crash that killed 2 in Florida
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

The troubled scion of a wealthy Chicago-area family has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed two British businessmen in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., last year.

13:52
Mexico Slayings Rock U.S. Consulate
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

The shooting of three people in Ciudad Juárez raised concerns about the government’s strategy for attacking drug cartels.

13:35
FedEx fossil arrives 300m years late
» ‎ The Guardian World News
A fossil amphibian has come to light on land owned by FedEx and has been named Fedexia striegeli
Fossil hunters have named a 300m-year-old amphibian in honour of the courier service FedEx, after unearthing the creature on land owned by the company near a US airport.
The remains of the ancient amphibian, which lived 70m years before the first dinosaurs, were recovered in 2004 from a slab of rock near Pittsburgh International Airport by Adam Striegel, an amateur fossil enthusiast on a geology field trip.
Researchers at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh described the creature on the basis of its remarkably well-preserved 12cm-long skull, which survived fossilisation without being crushed.
A group led by David Berman, curator of vertebrate palaeontology at the museum, identified the amphibian as a new genus and species, Fedexia striegeli, in the institution's journal, Annals of Carnegie Museum.
Fedexia belongs to a family of extinct amphibians called trematopidae, which lived at a time when the Earth's climate was in the throes of a dramatic transition. The planet's oceans were increasingly becoming locked up in polar ice, causing sea levels to drop and vast swathes of land to become drier and warmer.
Gradually, some groups of amphibians, including the trematopids, left their mostly aquatic environments and became more adapted to a terrestrial habitat, returning to the water perhaps only to mate or lay eggs.
The remarkable preservation of its skull allowed palaeontologists to identify Fedexia as a trematopid, mainly by a hallmark feature of the group: an elongated external nasal opening.
When it died, what is now Pittsburgh was situated near the equator and experienced huge downpours, making an ideal environment for amphibians to flourish.
"What is particularly amazing about this discovery is that it was made by an amateur who had no prior experience in recognising vertebrate fossils in the rock, a talent that usually takes years to develop," said Berman.
Ian Sample
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13:14
Peter Graves obituary
» ‎ The Guardian World News
American actor and star of television's Mission: Impossible who made fun of his image in Airplane!
Despite his long career as a serious actor in dozens of films and television shows, Peter Graves, who has died aged 83, might be most remembered for a role that lampooned his square-jawed, stolid screen persona. As the captain of a plane heading for disaster in the spoof movie Airplane! (1980), Graves got laughs by playing it as straight as his other roles. (Although his roles in a number of trashy, low-budget science fiction movies in the 1950s had produced unintentional laughs.)
Audiences around the world were also familiar with Graves as the tall, gruff, deep-voiced, silver-haired Jim Phelps, head of the IMF (Impossible Missions Force), an elite American espionage group, in the TV series Mission: Impossible (1967-73). He won a Golden Globe in the role in 1971.
The show famously opened with the words: "Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is ..." Following the briefing, Phelps was told: "As usual, should you or any member of your IM Force be captured or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim." After the puff of smoke cleared, Phelps always accepted the mission, usually involving some un-American foreign power.
Graves was very proud of – and proprietorial towards – Phelps, and when the big-screen version of Mission: Impossible (1996), starring Tom Cruise, was released, Graves was aggrieved that the character played by Jon Voight used the same name. "I am sorry that they chose to call him Phelps. They could have solved that very easily by either having me in a scene in the very beginning, or reading a telegram from me saying, 'Hey boys, I'm retired, gone to Hawaii. Thank you, goodbye, you take over now'," Graves remarked.
Born Peter Aurness in Minnesota, of Norwegian-German stock, he was the son of Rolf Cirkler Aurness, a businessman, and Ruth Duesler, a journalist. His older brother, the actor James Arness, also made his name in a TV series (Gunsmoke). After two years in the US air force, Graves studied drama at the University of Minnesota.
His first credited film roles were as a confused youngster in Rogue River (1951) and as Dane Clark's blind brother in the western Fort Defiance (1951). In 1952, Graves featured in The Congregation, produced by the Protestant Film Commission, an evangelical organisation, and had the leading role in Red Planet Mars, a McCarthyite tract in the guise of a Christian science fiction film. Graves played a scientist who gets messages from Mars, which pretends to be a utopian society but is controlled by Soviet agents, setting out to destroy the freedom of the US. As a result, Christian revolutionaries overthrow the communist government in Russia.
Graves's blond, rather bland good looks were brilliantly used by Billy Wilder in Stalag 17 (1953), revolving around a German informer masquerading as an American PoW. The director's brother, W Lee Wilder, who churned out low-grade science fiction movies, then cast Graves in Killers from Space (1954) as a nuclear scientist captured by aliens (kitted out in hooded sweatshirts, mittens and eyes made out of ping-pong balls), who manages to save Earth from them.
In It Conquered the World (1956) and Beginning of the End (1957), Graves battled against a Venusian and giant (back-projected) grasshoppers. He then reverted to treachery in a series of B-westerns: War Paint (1953), The Yellow Tomahawk (1954), Robbers' Roost (1955) and Canyon River (1956).
But, in 1955, Graves did manage to work in four excellent movies, though in minor roles. In Jacques Tourneur's Wichita, he played Morgan Earp, brother of Wyatt (Joel McCrea), and he appeared as military men in John Ford's The Long Gray Line and Otto Preminger's The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell. He also had a small but key role in Charles Laughton's haunting The Night of the Hunter. As Ben Harper, who shares a prison cell with a "fire and brimstone" preacher (Robert Mitchum), he talks in his sleep about the hidden $10,000 he has stolen from a bank, thus setting the evil preacher on the scent of the money.
In the 1960s, Graves's stern face was seldom off the TV screen. He started the decade with 34 episodes of an Australian western series called Whiplash, in which he played an American, Christopher Cobb, who established the first stagecoach line in Australia in the 1850s. He continued mostly in TV westerns, and the odd film, until he hit the jackpot with Mission: Impossible.
Jim Abrahams, who wrote, directed and produced Airplane! with the Zucker brothers, David and Jerry, thought that Mission: Impossible "was just so stupid and was great to send up". They had the wit to cast the straight-as-a-die Graves as Captain Oveur – much corny play is made of the character's name and that of his co-pilot, Roger Murdock, such as "Roger, Roger" and "Over, Oveur." Oveur is also at the helm with a young boy, Joey, whom he asks questions such as: "You ever seen a grown man naked?"; "Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?"; and "Have you ever been to a Turkish prison?"
It's hard to believe that audiences ever took Graves seriously again, but they did and he returned to a new series of Mission: Impossible from 1988 to 1990. He also hosted more than 50 episodes (between 1994 and 2006) of Biography, in which he sounded like an authority on every subject, whether they were artists, politicians, generals or film stars.
From 1997 to 2007, Graves made a number of guest appearances as John "The Colonel" Camden, the grandfather in the squeaky-clean Christian family in the TV series 7th Heaven. A devout Christian himself, Graves is survived by Joan, his wife since 1950, and by three daughters.
• Peter Graves, actor, born 18 March 1926; died 14 March 2010
Ronald Bergan
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12:55
Repeat Verse, Same as the First: Another Muslim Mosque Libel Against the Jews to Incite to Genocide
» ‎ Atlas Shrugs

The "Palestinian" Authority has libeled the Jewish people and said that Israel tried to burn down Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969, in what is eerily reminiscent of many of the blood libels spread by Muslim leaders against the Jews, specifically the ones that the Mufti of Jerusalem spread in the Muslim world before he co-conspired with Hitler to exterminate the Jews during the Holocaust.
4th April, 1920 was the day Haj Amin al-Husseini sprang into prominence as a figure to be reckoned with. On that day, Jerusalem became a city of carnage when Arab Moslem mobs descended on the Jewish quarters, massacring, burning, pillaging. The riots lasted four days. The victims were Jews, and they had no defence organization then.
Haj Amin al Husseini (the Mufti) was charged with incitement to violence. The spark was said to have been touched off by his inflammatory articles in the newspaper, Suriyahal Janubiyah.

[...] At the military trials that followed the two principals found to be responsible for the outbreak were Haj Amin al Husseini (the mufti) and Aref al Aref.

Both fled the country and were tried in absentia. They received ten years imprisonment, which suggests the grave view taken by the authorities of these men. But when Sir Herbert Samuel (a Jew) was appointed British High Commissioner for Palestine, he gave the mufti special amnesty and allowed him to return to Palestine. Jewish history is riddled with these self-loathing, appeasing traitors.

Back to the point.

According to Maurice Pearlman in the book, The Mufti of Jerusalem, the onslaughts were particularly savage (page 15):
In August 1929 simultaneous attacks by Muslims on Jews in Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed, Jaffa, Haifa, Hulda, and Beer Tuvia. Those were the centers with the highest casualties though other Jewish towns and villages were also attacked.

In the weeks preceding the attack faked pictures had been disseminated among the Arabs showing the Mosque Omar in ruins. The caption beneath declared that it had been destroyed by Jewish infidels who were now seeking to build on its site the Jewish Temple. [1]

August 1929: “Arab crowds enter the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem and initiate a wave of violence…. That al-Husayni explicitly encouraged or incited the violence is not documented…”
Husayni was the one who incited the crowds of worshipers to violence. In 1929, the most influential newspaper in Egypt, La Bourse Egyptienn, declared ; “ the murder of the Palestine Jews is an echo of the Mufti’s inflammatory exhortations in the mosque.” (Van Paassen, Days of Our Years, p.367) The Mufti accused the Jews of endangering mosques, including Al-Aqsa. He issued the call: “Kill the Jews!” and “ We will drink the blood of the Jews” (Dershowitz, The Case for Israel, p.41) and disseminated pictures of the Jewish victims, falsely claiming that they were Arabs murdered by the Jews. Faked photographs were circulated “showing the Jewish flag, with the Star of David at its centre, flying from the top of the Dome of the Rock- something which had never happened.” (Gilbert, Jerusalem in the Twentieth Century p. 120) The Supreme Muslim Council, which Husayni headed, issued a proclamation : “O Arab! Remember that the Jew is your strongest enemy and the enemy of your ancestor since olden times…for it is he …who poisoned Mohammed… It is he who now endeavors to slaughter you as he did yesterday.” (ibid. p126) “The Hebron massacre was the culmination of a series of religiously inspired massacres deliberately incited by the grand mufti…In August 1929 leaflets prepared by the mufti instructed Muslims to attack the Jews. One such leaflet said that the Jews had “violated the honor of Islam” and “raped the women and murdered widows and babies” It was a blood libel demanding a holy war against the Jews.” .” (Dershowitz, op. cit. p. 42-43)

“In the White Paper…the Secretary of State declared that “no one has been more active than the Mufti of Jerusalem” (Gilbert. p.125)

This is their insanity and bloodlust.
The 'Ibrahimi Mosque' -- otherwise known as "Ma'arat HaMachpela," the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, is the second holiest site to Jews in the world. The site was off-limits to Jews and Christians for 700 years -- from 1267-1967. This despite its sanctity to Jews, and despite the fact that the building above the caves was built by Herod some 2,000 years ago, six hundred years prior to Muhammad's birth. Since Israel's return to Hebron in 1967 the site has been accessible to all people of all faiths. However, Moslems refuse to accept freedom of worship, claim that it's a mosque and declare that should they ever again control the site, it will be off-limits to anyone not Moslem. (The site, nor the city of Hebron is mentioned anywhere in the Koran.)

Fast forward to... today:

Text on top: "Israeli aggression against the holy places"

Text in middle: "And on Aug. 21, 1969, the Jew Dennis Michael set fire to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the support of the Jewish government, which cut off the water supply from the neighborhoods close to the Al-Aqsa Mosque with a view to delaying the operations to extinguish [the fire]."

Text on bottom: "Aggression against the holy places - the occupation: a long history of defiling and desecrating that which is sacred."

PA Libel:

Israel tried to burn down

Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969

by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook

As Palestinians continue almost daily rioting in Jerusalem and other cities, claiming Israel is damaging places holy to Islam, the Palestinian Authority has chosen to rekindle another libel whose goal seems to be to increase the unrest and rioting.

This renewed libel is based on a rewriting of history by the Palestinian Authority, accusing Israel of assisting in the arson attack in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969.

The facts of the case were as follows: A non-Jewish Australian started a fire in the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Aug. 21, 1969. The fire was extinguished and the damage was repaired.

More than ten years ago the Palestinian Authority initiated the lie that Israel was involved in the arson or that it Jew who started the fire with the Israeli governme

The following is one example of an earlier version of the PA libel from the year 2000:

"Preparations for this crime [of burning the mosque] were expressed in the statements of senior officials and rabbis who said that Al-Aqsa does not belong to the Muslims and that it may be destroyed... They tried to instigate people against those in charge of Al-Aqsa and threaten them... Rohan the Australian who burned Al-Aqsa had no idea what Al-Aqsa was. He was recruited by number of people who trained him to do this dangerous and sinful task. The long-term goal was, as it was stated back then, a plot whose main goal was to attack the Muslim holy sites." [PA TV Aug. 21, 2000]

Click here to see more examples from PMW's website of the PA's rewriting of the history of the Land of Israel.

12:32
America wakes up to the Coffee Party
» ‎ The Guardian World News
At the New York meeting to mark the first National Coffee Party Day, there was anger, frustration – and a little hope
The stubborn weekend downpour was little match for a crowd of 40 or so chatty strangers, men and women mostly in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who met on the second floor of a nondescript deli in the shadow of the Rockefeller Centre, in midtown Manhattan. After a casual round of introductions, and group adherence to a "civility pledge" (" … I value people from different cultures, I value people with different ideas, and I value and cherish the democratic process"), the inaugural National Coffee Party Day was called to order.
"The Civility Pledge was language we came up with on a national level," Wayne Jacques, one of the facilitators of the meeting, told me. "We wanted to make sure this thing doesn't dissolve in to a shouting match. The country is in such a moment of crisis, and we've had plenty of that already."
This particular gathering of frustrated and progressive-minded New Yorkers was just one out of over 400 similar meetings that were unfolding simultaneously across the country. From a phenomenon that only existed on Facebook a few weeks ago (now at 150,000 fans and counting), to a juggernaut that has been covered far and wide by the mainstream media (including the Guardian), the Coffee Party movement is only the latest twist in the bizarre emergence of competing beverage-based social movements in the United States. It is hard to think of a more telling sign of the extent to which our dysfunctional legislative process, atrophied two-party system and horror-show economy are alienating ever-expanding swaths of the citizenry. "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold," wrote Yeats. It is uncertain if the Irish poet was a partisan of coffee or tea.
"I'm just tired of feeling hopeless, like we don't have any influence over the government," 19-year-old psychology student Matthew Collura tells me during the meeting. "This seems like a new format. We're doing this out of a gut reaction, a need for discourse."
In normal times, a group of liberal-leaning New Yorkers meeting at a place called Le Monde Café to discuss the politics of the day would hardly count as news: armchair liberals to the barricades! But these are far from normal times.

"There's just so much dysfunction in government right now. Just look at New York State. We have a $9bn deficit, schools and senior centres are closing down, and yet our politicians aren't talking to each other like adults," says PJ Kim, an NGO consultant who lives in lower Manhattan, and who helped spearhead and facilitate Saturday's meeting.
Like most other Coffee Party adherents I spoke with on Saturday, Kim doesn't claim to have jumped in to this out of commitment to any one particular burning issue. Rather, Saturday's many and varied conversations appear largely driven by a feeling of anger about a governing process completely overrun by corporate cash (with near unanimous condemnation of the recent supreme court decision that opened the floodgates even further), and frustration that the shrill voices of a newly energised grassroots right (ie the so-called Tea Party) are getting all the attention.
"It's so polarised, that's why I came here," says Katherine Bernstein of Hell's Kitchen, who I find arguing, albeit civilly, with fellow Manhattanite Richard Borkowski. Richard takes a tougher line on the role that corporate lobbyists should have in crafting policy (none), whereas Katherine, who has worked in the corporate sector for 30-plus years, thinks these things should be judged on a case-by-case basis. While the two aren't able to reach any consensus on this particular issue, they do come to an agreement on at least one other – healthcare. They both agree that insurance companies shouldn't be able to kick people off their plans due to pre-existing conditions. The Coffee Party's live and let live, pro-dialogue creed seems especially suited for this "agree to disagree" kind of conversation for a multi-issue crowd.
After two hours the meeting ended with plans for a second Coffee Day (27 March) and an upcoming lobbying blitz titled "Coffee with Congress" (29 March-11 April). There was talk of a summer march on Washington, and involvement in the Congressional elections this autumn.
Before leaving I asked the youngest person there, aforementioned student Matthew Collura, if he'll be coming back for more coffee. "Hell yeah," he tells me. "It gives me a little bit of hope."
Joseph Huff-Hannon
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12:16
Football Weekly: Brown out
» ‎ The Guardian World News

It's a sad day in podland, and not just because Phil Brown has been relieved of his duties at Hull City.
On your brand new Football Weekly, we sing an ode to David Beckham, whose World Cup dream is over in the wake of a potentially career-ending achilles injury (although that cut under his eye looks fairly nasty too). James Richardson and a dangerously sleep-deprived Rob Smyth shed a tear.
Before we get to that, proper journalist Owen Gibson looks ahead to Chelsea's Champions League clash with Internazionale. Plus, there's all the usual gubbins about the Premier League title race – could it all come down to goal difference? – and the fight for fourth place. Can Tottenham Hotspur really hang on in the face of the crumbling challenge from Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester City?
Finally, Sid Lowe tells us about a weekend of hat-tricks and theatrics in La Liga, and Rafa Honigstein rounds up all the action from the Bundesliga.
Have a listen and post your feedback below. We're also on iTunes, Facebook and Twitter, and if you enjoy this type of thing, get your daily dose of fooball with our tea-time email, The Fiver.
James Richardson Ben Green Raphael Honigstein Sid Lowe Owen Gibson Rob Smyth
11:33
BA strike union accuses PM of jumping on bandwagon
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Unite union says it will suspend walkouts if BA puts a previous offer back on the table for negotiation
British Airways has pledged to fly six out of 10 passengers to their destinations during a looming cabin crew strike next weekend, as the dispute escalates into a political row between the Unite trade union and Gordon Brown.
Unite has offered to suspend the strikes due to begin on Saturday if BA resubmits a peace offer. Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite, told Sky News: "If the offer is back on the table there is no reason why the strikes cannot be suspended."
BA has so far declined to reinstate the offer, despite the intervention of Acas, the conciliation service, which has asked both sides if they will draw back from confrontation if the document is put back on the table.
Last night BA indicated that the offer will only be reinstated if Unite recommends acceptance to members. "Tony Woodley is not saying that he would recommend it. He is not saying that he would accept it. BA has been threatened with strikes for months. We are fed up with the uncertainty and we are not going to put up with it," said a BA spokesman.
The offer, which includes a partial repeal of the staffing cuts at the heart of the dispute and a three-year pay deal, has already met with opposition from Unite's cabin crew branch, Bassa. In a document circulated to 12,000 BA cabin crew, Bassa said: "In our opinion it was far from a good offer, some nice words, but not much substance."
Gordon Brown yesterday used his harshest words yet to condemn the strike, even though it is being led by the union that bankrolls Labour. Brown has been in contact with Woodley and BA's boss, Willie Walsh, in the past 48 hours, as well as the TUC general secretary, Brendan Barber, in a desperate attempt to find a settlement.
Speaking on the BBC, Brown called for the strike to be called off: "It is the wrong time, it is unjustified, it is deplorable. We should not have a strike. It's not in the company's interest, it is not in the workers' interest and it's certainly not in the national interest."
The union has given Labour £11m in the past four years, prompting the Tories to demand that Labour hands the tainted cash back. There are senior figures in government that believe the union will have to be defeated in the dispute and calculate that BA can succeed in minimising the strike's impact by retraining staff.
Walsh has vowed to operate a significant proportion of BA's services during the first phase of the dispute starting this weekend. The airline aims to fly about 45,000 passengers per day using a volunteer cabin crew workforce of 1,000 people and 22 hired jets, complete with crew. Thousands more passengers are being put on to other airlines, or BA flights on different dates. Overall it plans to fly at 60% capacity, meaning that around 30,000 passengers per day will have to make alternative arrangements. BA has already offered full refunds to anyone booked to travel between 19 and 31 March.
On its website last night, BA announced its schedule for the first strike period and said that "all flights to and from London City and all long-haul flights to and from London Gatwick will continue to operate normally throughout any strike period".
"We are deeply sorry that our customers are the innocent victims of this cynical attack on their travel plans by the leaders of Unite," said Walsh. "Despite the desire of Unite's leadership to ground the airline, the flag will continue to fly."
No details were provided of BA's plans for the second strike, a four-day walkout due to start on 27 March.
BA's plans were announced shortly after Woodley hit back at the prime minister's labelling of the walkout as "unjustified and deplorable", Woodley said: "It's amazing, isn't it, how many people at interesting political times jump on how many bandwagons to condemn workers."
Speaking on The World At One on BBC Radio 4, Woodley also hit back at the transport secretary, Lord Adonis, who had said he "absolutely deplored" the planned strikes. "For an unelected person who hasn't got a clue about this dispute, I think he would have been much better to keep his counsel," Woodley said. "We have got a transport secretary [who] has no industrial experience whatsoever and didn't want to pick up the phone and find out exactly what the problem's about."
Sources close to the dispute say Brown's broadside followed direct communication with Woodley at the weekend, when it is understood the discussion was less confrontational and based on finding possible solutions, including the union reconsidering the BA offer. Unite's proposal, which now seems unlikely to be revived, includes a one-off 2.6% pay cut this year, which matches a similar move by BA's pilots, and the return of about 700 cabin crew to BA aircraft.
More than 1,100 cabin crew posts have been axed by BA since November after a voluntary redundancy scheme and a part-time working programme. BA's decision to do this unilaterally sparked the dispute and nearly led to a 12-day Christmas walkout that was only halted by an 11th-hour high court injunction.
Dan Milmo
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11:05
Sub crash commander 'misread chart'
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Commander Steven Drysdale admits charge over nuclear-powered HMS Superb's accident in Red Sea
A Royal Navy commander crashed a nuclear-powered submarine into a large rock in the Red Sea after misreading a number one as seven on a navigational chart, a court martial heard today.
Commander Steven Drysdale, who was in charge of HMS Superb, had ordered the vessel to take a shorter route to make sure it reached a rendezvous point in time for an operation. The submarine dived to reach deeper water so that it could travel faster, the hearing at Portsmouth naval base was told.
A pinnacle jutting out from the seabed was marked as being at a depth of 123 metres, but Drysdale misread it as 723. Thinking that the boat would clear the obstruction easily, the submarine was directed towards it and it grounded.
Drysdale, officer of the watch Lieutenant Commander Andrew Cutler and navigation officer Lieutenant Lee Blair all admitted at a previous hearing an offence of neglecting to perform their duty.
Captain Stuart Crozier, prosecuting, told the hearing that the submarine had been suffering from technical problems, causing it to lose speed, at the time of the incident in May 2008. He said there was pressure on Drysdale to ensure the submarine arrived in the Gulf on time for planned operations.
Crozier said Drysdale ordered a new route to be plotted that cut about four miles off the previous plan. He also ordered the submarine to dive deeper to where there was colder water, allowing it to travel faster.
When the new route was charted by the plotting officer, who does not face the court martial, all three defendants failed to spot that the pinnacle marked on the map was only 123 metres deep, the only shallow point in the area.
Crozier said that when the submarine collided with the pinnacle, the vessel was brought to an almost immediate halt. "The submarine collided with the underwater obstacle reducing its speed from 16 knots to three knots in a very short time," he said. "There was a significant amount of damage to the forehead of the submarine, but no casualties."
He said all three of the accused had looked at the chart. "No thorough check was made as to the depths in relation to the decision to take the submarine to this dive depth (250 metres). The new navigational track went directly over the pinnacle which showed 123 metres."
The court martial was told that checking the chart would have been made more difficult because the line of the new route had been drawn directly across the spot where the pinnacle lay on the map, making it difficult to see. The hearing was told that new procedures had since been introduced by the navy so that all depths are rechecked when a new route is charted for a submarine.
Commander Alison Towler, representing Drysdale, told the court that the commanding officer had since been moved to a desk job. She said the service had also stopped Drysdale from taking up the high-profile position of Royal Navy staff officer submarines in Washington DC shortly after the incident.
She said Drysdale, who has served in the navy for 25 years, had inspected the chart but had misread the depth of the pinnacle.
"Cdr Drysdale wishes to express his deep remorse and regret in relation to the incident which has led to this court martial. He fully accepts his responsibility in relation to this matter," she said.
Commander Joe Turner, representing Cutler, said: "He regrets the incident and fully accepts his responsibility. He will have to live with what happened for the rest of his life. He expresses his full remorse."
Commander Stuart Wright, representing Blair, said the navigation officer was "fatigued" at the time of the crash having lost his signal communications officer to illness.
The accident damaged HMS Superb's bow and its sonar equipment, causing it to have difficulty diving. The submarine had to abandon its planned deployment but was able to return to the UK under its own power, the hearing was told.
The submarine, which came into service in 1976, was decommissioned in September 2008 and the MoD has said the accident did not lead to the submarine being taken out of service earlier than planned.
Drysdale pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safe direction of the submarine, while Cutler pleaded guilty to failing to supervise the plot officer adequately. Blair pleaded guilty to failing to take into account all the dangers in or near the planned movements of HMS Superb.
- Military
Steven Morris
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10:40
Woman admits killing six newborn babies
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Celine Lesage faces life imprisonment for aggravated homicide, after children's corpses were found at her Valognes flat in 2007
A 38-year-old French woman has admitted killing six of her newborn children, at a trial in north-west France.
Celine Lesage, who faces life imprisonment if convicted of aggravated homicide, was arrested in 2007 after her then partner found the babies' corpses wrapped in plastic bags in the basement of her Valognes flat.
Speaking today at the opening of a four-day trial, Lesage bowed her head as the charges were read out, before responding: "I acknowledge the facts."
Chief judge Herve Locu pressed her to find out whether the babies had been stillborn or born alive. After repeated questioning, Lesage responded: "They were alive."
Her lawyer, Veronique Carre, said Lesage "does not contest the facts … but isn't explaining them either". Several medical and psychological experts are expected to testify at the trial.
"We are here to try to understand you before judging you," the judge told Lesage.
She has admitted strangling two of the infants and suffocating four others, according to judicial documents. The babies were born between 2000 and 2007.
Lesage told investigators that the father of five of the children was her ex-boyfriend, Pascal Catherine, who was detained for questioning after Lesage was arrested in 2007. She said the father of the sixth child was Luc Margueritte, the man who found the children's bodies, and a plaintiff in the case.
After Lesage, who also has a 14-year-old son, was arrested prosecutor Michel Garrandaux said she described giving birth to the first five alone in the apartment she shared with Catherine.
Garrandaux claimed Catherine was "far from unaware" of her pregnancies, but the investigation against him was dropped. He will testify as a witness tomorrow.
The prosecution says when Lesage and Catherine separated in 2006, Lesage moved in with Margueritte, taking the plastic bags to her new apartment.
The trial comes less than 12 months after a French woman was sentenced to eight years in prison for murdering three of her newborn children. Véronique Courjault burned one of the babies' bodies and stashed the other two corpses in a freezer, while she and her husband were living in South Korea.
During the trial psychiatrists testified that Courjault suffered from a psychological condition known as pregnancy denial, and family members pleaded for clemency on her behalf.
Germany saw a similar case in 2006 when Sabine Hilschenz killed eight of her newborn babies, burying them in flowerpots and a fish tank. She was found guilty of eight counts of manslaughter and jailed for 15 years.
- France
Adam Gabbatt
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10:29
The Aga can't
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Quite aside from their environmental impact, an Aga makes cooking many dishes unnecessarily difficult and others impossible. So what's the attraction?
I'll confess to feeling a flicker of schadenfreude at the news that Aga's profits fell 97% last year. In truth, I'm not a fan of Dr Dalén's miracle machine. How do I loathe them? Let me count the ways.
They're not really about cooking, are they? They're about lifestyle – genteel, welly-clad, Leiths-schooled niceties. Their design invokes a grim miasma of rustic cliché: twinsets and corduroy, pheasants in the scullery, smutty cartoons in a downstairs loo, a farting labrador, spinach roulade and sherried kidneys (I mean the owners').
Mary Berry, Aga doyenne and a woman who makes Delia Smith look like Tracey Emin, says in the introduction to her Aga Book (which comes free when you've forked out 10 grand for the machine) that owning one of these tepid beasts is "like joining the best club in the country ... when you meet another Aga owner it is like discovering an instant friend". Clubs, of course, are designed to exclude, and a certain smugness to the Aganauts' club is depressingly clear.
Agas' environmental damage is well-documented, and a food blog like this is no place for that discussion. But even Berry herself can drawl with nonchalance: "I like to be green on other things and do what I can, but I'm not so concerned about the Aga". Which kind of says it all.
So why are they so popular? Aga owners, of whom I've known many, whinny with joy at how wonderful the thing is for pressing sheets, or incubating gerbils, or thawing their bums after a bracing walk, or drying their boots. What about cooking, you ask. "Well it's great for bread," they say. "And stews and roasts and, um, things like that." Do these people honestly think that the perfect oven, the paragon of ranges, was designed 90 years ago? Of course not: it's a daft and reactionary idea. Times have moved on, and an Aga casserole is no better than one cooked in a normal oven.
Agas impose inaccuracy on even the most able cooks. They take ages to heat up or cool down, and, ironically, their heat is never high enough anyway. The moment you lift the lid on an Aga hotplate the oven starts cooling, making precision just a theory and several dishes (a crackling stir-fry, a vicious char on a bloody steak) impossible. Devotees will tell you that if only you adopt the different techniques, you'll never look back. But Aga cooking is not about technique: it's just concessions to the equipment.
And then there's the cost. Beyond the machine's price tag and the huge running expenses, Agas require countless semi-compulsory extras like the tennis-racquet-toaster to rack up their investment. Cookbooks designed for them have an almost handicapped air: the recipes read like they're making do under inadequate conditions – compromises and subtle euphemisms like: "If preparing a large quantity, increase the cooking times". Worst of all, in summer, an Aga will turn your kitchen into a proverbial Swedish sauna, so you turn it off and deny yourself a bare necessity of human life: the ability to cook your own food.
Do you agree, or have I missed the point about Agas? Would you quite fancy one in your own kitchen? And if you have one, how did it win you over? Do you sometimes pine for accurate temperatures, a clattering wok over a roaring flame, or some proud and puffy Yorkshire puds?
- Food & drink
Oliver Thring
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10:22
Iraq kidnappers deny Moore torture
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Iraqi Shia group's video shows captive watching television, exercising and playing with child
An Iraqi Shia group blamed for holding hostage the British IT consultant Peter Moore today denied his claims of torture and abuse and released new video footage of him apparently relaxing in captivity.
The group, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, accused Moore of lying when he recounted his mistreatment to the Times and Channel 4 last week. Moore said he was beaten almost every day, hung by his arms from a door, and at one point subjected to a mock execution.
The group, known in English as the League of the Righteous, said: "We deny the lies he said and assure all that we had treated him well."To confirm our position, we are showing you a video of Moore's circumstances while in custody."
The 46-second video depicts Peter Moore counting prayer beads while lying on a mattress inside a simple room. He is also shown watching television, playing with a small child, eating fruit, writing, and exercising on a treadmill.
Moore and his four bodyguards were taken hostage outside the finance ministry in Baghdad in May 2007 by men wearing uniforms. Moore was freed last December and returned home to Britain.
Three of the bodyguards, Jason Creswell, Jason Swindlehurst and Alec MacLachlan, were shot dead and their bodies returned to Britain last year. The fourth, Alan McMenemy, is also believed to be dead.
Moore described to Channel 4 News how he was led handcuffed to a mock execution, told to kneel down and felt a gun being put to his head. He said that at that moment he thought he was dead.
He described how he lay on a mat on the floor, blindfolded, handcuffed and chained by one ankle to a metal grille.
The Guardian reported that Moore and the bodyguards were taken to Iran within a day of their kidnapping in an operation led and masterminded by the Quds Force, part of Iran's revolutionary guard.
General David Petraeus, the head of US central command, said Moore was "certainly" held in Iran for at least some of his time in captivity.
But Moore believed he was held in houses in Basra and the cities of Hilla, Karbala and Baghdad during his captivity, although he conceded the men might have been driven across the border.
The group's statement also denied that the men had been taken to Iran.
- British hostages in Iraq
- Iraq
Matthew Weaver
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10:09
Senate Dems consider jobs all-nighter
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Senate leaders agree to Wednesday vote.

9:04
Keep the army out of Bangkok
» ‎ The Guardian World News
The Thai elites may not like it but the people support Thaksin-aligned parties. Bringing in the army is not the answer
It's not hard to identify the man at the centre of Thailand's latest political upheavals. Influential sections of Thai society, generally identified as the wealthy urban elite, the military and royalists, have been trying to get rid of Thaksin Shinawatra ever since he first became prime minister in 2001. Even though he now lives in exile, his banished shade haunts the streets of Bangkok.
An unsuccessful plot to blow up Thaksin's plane two months after his first election victory launched a decade of turmoil. He was re-elected by another landslide in 2005, only to face more judicial challenges, apparent assassination plots, and finally the military coup that ousted him in 2006. The demonstrations that reached a new climax in the capital today have one central focus: a call for fresh elections, which pro-Thaksin parties would almost certainly win.
Despite a recent court ruling that found him guilty of corruption and seized nearly £1bn of his assets, Thaksin remains the power to be reckoned with in Thai politics. "Brothers and sisters, don't give up. Don't fight for me. Fight for the country," he told his supporters at the weekend, speaking from an undisclosed overseas location. "I am a symbol of those bullied by the elite who do not care about democracy and justice."
Such statements smack of hyperbole. But Thailand's current prime minister, the Eton and Oxford-educated Abhisit Vejjajiva, is vulnerable to charges that he is a frontman for the vested interests of the Thai establishment. Abhisit did not gain office by popular vote but was installed at the end of 2008 after counter-demonstrations forced a pro-Thaksin coalition from office. Not long after, he was forced to declare a state of emergency to maintain his grip on power. Now he is adamantly resisting calls for new polls, thereby risking an escalation of the so far peaceful confrontation on the streets.
As always in Thailand, where the military has taken over 18 times since the country became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, the army is never far away. Watching this latest drama play out is a 50,000-strong security force including soldiers and riot police deployed across Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the Bangkok Post reported. The government has also invoked the Internal Security Act that allows the military to ban gatherings and impose curfews.
Given the impasse over new elections, and the decision by protesters belonging to the opposition United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship to symbolically shed their blood on the steps of Government House, it may not be long before involuntary bloodshed begins again in earnest, as happened last April.
A grenade attack on a military base has ratcheted up tensions. The prime minister, meanwhile, remains holed up at the 11th infantry regiment's barracks in Bangkok's Bangkhen district, which the defence minister and army chiefs are using as an emergency headquarters. Abhisit says he wants the situation resolved without violence. But police chief Amnuay Nimmano warned the demonstrators to watch what they say, implying they risk arrest for alleged incitement to unrest and libellous statements.
Thaksin's stance as champion of the people's freedoms must be taken with a large pinch of salt. His first term in office is remembered for a controversial drugs crackdown in which more than 2,000 people died; some, it was alleged, at the hands of government-licensed death squads. His failed attempt to end the low-level insurgency in Thailand's Muslim south was also widely criticised for brutality. His family's business dealings were always controversial and lie at the root of the corruption charges brought against him.
All the same, being ruled by democratically-elected governments seems to be important to the people of Thailand, north and south, rural and urban, as it is to other nations. The fact remains, unpalatable to those who revile Thaksin's populist politics, that he and his allies win elections whenever they are fairly and freely staged. This is also an important consideration for Thailand's regional and western allies. Next door, Burma provides a salutary warning of what the subversion of the democratic process and unfettered military rule can entail.
Thailand's political stability is important, too, for the region as a whole, for curbing the international drugs trade, keeping Islamist fundamentalism at bay, and for sustaining the economic rebound that has begun to take hold in south-east Asia. Thailand's recent history amounts to persuasive proof of the un-wisdom of military interventions in democratic life. Any respite from current troubles is only temporary. The coup-meisters only make matters worse.
- Thailand
- Protest
Simon Tisdall
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8:48
Osborne blasts FSA over Lehman
» ‎ The Guardian World News
• City regulator was not looking at 'big picture'
• Shadow chancellor suggests US banks were taking advantage of UK system
George Osborne has blasted City regulators for not spotting the accounting tricks used by Lehman Brothers to artificially inflate its balance sheet.
The shadow chancellor argued this morning that the failure of the Financial Services Authority to intervene before the Wall Street bank collapsed in 2008 was proof that Britain's financial regulatory system needed a thorough shake-up. He said it was disappointing that the watchdog did not spot the true scale of the problems at Lehmans.
Osborne, who has pledged to abolish the FSA if he reaches 11 Downing Street, also suggested that US banks and insurers may have been taking advantage of the British regulatory system.
"The FSA should have been taking a big picture view of what was going on at Lehmans, and indeed it is striking that the problems AIG ran into were also problems in its London arm," Osborne said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"In the end, we had a regulatory system that was looking at the minutiae of whether exactly this rule had been complied with or that rule had been complied with. They weren't taking a step back and thinking, hang on, we have a hugely leveraged banking system that is hugely dependent on the wholesale money markets. What happens if it goes wrong?"
Last week, a detailed investigation into the demise of Lehmans exposed that the bank had used controversial accounting techniques to artificially inflate its balance sheet by as much as $50bn (£33bn). At the end of a financial quarter it would temporarily offload assets with an obligation to repurchase them days later. This practice – dubbed "Repo 105" – inflated Lehmans' sales figures, and also suggested it had purged itself of toxic assets which it had actually just moved elsewhere for a short time.
Experts have claimed that under US law such transactions could not be booked as sales. But crucially, City law firm Linklaters gave a legal opinion in 2006 that transactions booked under Repo 105 could be treated as sales under UK law. This appears to have enabled Lehmans to keep billions of dollars of debt off its US balance sheet.
"They came over and got an opinion that they were a valid sale under English law and then used that for US accounting, which is really rather silly," said venture capitalist Jon Moulton, who runs Better Capital.
"Definitely they were jurisdiction shopping – they were trying to find the answer they wanted. They got it."
Lehmans' international arm operated out of offices in Canary Wharf, putting it under the FSA's remit.
Anton Valukas, the court-appointed US bankruptcy examiner who has produced a 2,200-page report into Lehmans' collapse, believes top bosses at the bank could face legal action. Accountancy firm Ernst & Young, which audited Lehmans' accounts for several years, is also under fire. On Sunday there were calls for a complete shake-up of the accountancy profession, with some analysts making comparisons with the Enron scandal.
Osborne, though, said it was important to take away the regulatory responsibilities that were handed to the FSA in 1997.
"We need a change of approach to regulation, and I think the people best able to bring about that change are the Bank of England. They have the ability to step back and take bigger judgment calls about how indebted the economy has become and whether or not, even though things have been technically complied with, the bigger picture points to serious risks to the economy."
Graeme Wearden
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8:20
Europe swoops on mafia suspects
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Spanish police confirm operation involving Germans, Swiss and Austrians
Police across Europe are carrying out dozens of arrests of suspected members of a Russian mafia network dedicated to extortion and violent crime in numerous countries, Spanish police confirmed today.
At least 69 people have been arrested in raids that started over the weekend, with police claiming that the gang had exported the worst Russian mafia methods to numerous countries, including Britain. "These people were prepared to kill if necessary and accepted tasks of that nature," an anonymous Spanish police source told El País newspaper this morning.
"The operation is ongoing. There will probably be even more arrests during the day," a Spanish police spokeswoman said.
Spain's special organised crime unit was in charge of the operation, she said, with 24 arrests in Barcelona, Bilbao and in the province of Valencia. It was not clear where the other 45 arrests were made. Investigators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are also involved in the operation, according to Spanish media.
The arrests were reportedly mostly of low-level foot soldiers in a mafia network that stretched from Turkey via much of continental Europe to Ireland and Britain. "This was a group that operated in various countries," El País's police source said. The money was laundered through messenger companies and small businesses set up in Spain. Those arrested were reportedly from Russia, Georgia and Armenia.
Police have carried out a series of operations against the Russian mafia and its money-laundering operations in Spain's corruption-riddled property sector over the past four years.
Among those to have been detained in recent years is Zakhar Kalashov, accused of being a senior mafia boss. Kalashov is on bail, awaiting sentence in a money-laundering trial that was carried out under tight security and that ended in December.
Spanish investigators complain that courts have been too ready to grant bail to the numerous alleged Russian mafia members they have detained. "We had gained a lot of prestige in Europe for our operations against the Russian mafias and these decisions have thrown part of that work into the dustbin," the El País source complained.
Alleged leaders of the Malyshevskaya criminal group are among those to have been released from jail on bail in recent times. Kalashov himself was released from prison on bail a fortnight ago. Those arrested today were recorded on phone-taps discussing his potential release, according to El País.
Giles Tremlett
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6:18
Top 10 snow-sure resorts for Easter
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Nicola Iseard rounds up 10 last-minute ski holiday offers at the best resorts for late-season snow
1. Tignes, France
It may not be the prettiest of ski resorts (stark apartment blocks and a treeless setting), but the appeal of Tignes lies in its high altitude (its slopes are between 1,550m-3,450m), which makes it one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. You can expect good snow cover, even on runs down to the village, as late as May, and there's also year-round skiing on the Grande Motte glacier (excluding brief closures mid-May to mid-June, and from September to October). The ski area is vast, too; it is linked with Val d'Isère to create the vast Espace Killy ski circuit.
The deal: Erna Low (0845 863 0525; ernalow.co.uk) has seven nights' self-catering from 3 April at the Residence Hameau du Borsat from £223pp (based on four sharing), including return Eurotunnel crossings.
• tignes.net
2. Saas Fee, Switzerland
This charming, car-free village, lined with chocolate-box chalets and surrounded by a ring of 4,000m-high peaks, is often hailed as "the prettiest ski village in Europe". But it has far more to offer than just good looks - it is also one of the most reliable resorts in Switzerland for late-season snow, with most of its runs above 2,500m and north-facing. It also has a glacier ski area, which is open most of the year.
The deal: Inghams (+44 (0)20 8780 4447; inghams.co.uk) has seven nights' half-board at the Du Glacia Hotel from £900pp (saving £161pp), including flights from Gatwick on 3 April and transfers.
• saas-fee.ch
3. Obergurgl, Austria
In general, Austria isn't the first place you would consider for late-season snow due to the lower altitudes of its ski resorts. However, Obergurgl is one of the exceptions; it is Austria's highest resort, with slopes between 1,795m-3,080m, and is arguably the most reliable of Europe's non-glacier resorts. Situated in the Ötz valley, it offers skiing late into spring along with its higher sister resort Hochgurgl, which is a mid-mountain gondola-ride away.
The deal: Thomson Ski (0871 971 0578; thomsonski.co.uk) has seven nights' half-board at Hotel Madeleine from £863pp (saving £106pp), including flights from Gatwick, Manchester or Cardiff on 3 April and transfers.
• obergurgl.com
4. Mammoth, California, USA
Higher than other Californian resorts at 2,425m, Mammoth has an impressive snow record and its slopes retain a good base well into spring, topped up generously by an ever-expanding array of snow guns. You can expect to find this big, sprawling mountain in full operation in April, with about half its terrain open in May.
The deal: Ski Independence (+44 (0)131 243 8097; ski-i.com) has seven nights' room only at the Alpenhof from £1,009pp, including return flights from Heathrow on 7 April and car hire.
• mammothmountain.com
5. Cervinia, Italy
With slopes reaching as high as 3,480m, Cervinia is one of the highest resorts in Europe and despite a lot of afternoon sun you can expect superb snow conditions late in the season. Grooming is excellent, too, and it has miles of long, cruising pistes that are unbeatable for intermediates. It's linked with Zermatt in Switzerland, and it is possible to cruise between the two countries from November until the start of May.
The deal: Interhome (+44 (0)20 8780 6629; interhome.co.uk) has seven nights' self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment from 10 April from £161.50pp (based on four sharing). Ref FR7476.250.2. Flights extra.
• cervinia.it
6. Geilo, Norway
This picturesque, 100-year-old resort is tucked away in a valley with two piste areas (Vestlia and Slaatta) on either side, making up the Geilolia Skisenter. Go in April and you can expect good late-season conditions (the season generally runs from late November through to the beginning of May), as well as empty slopes.
The deal: Alpine Tracks (+44 (0)1248 717440; alpinetracks.com) has seven nights' half-board from 4 April at the Hotel Ustedalen from £595pp (saving £100pp), including airport transfers. Flights extra. Children under 12 pay 50% of adult price when sharing room with parents.
• geilo.no/en
7. Whistler, Canada
Whister and Blackcomb together form the biggest ski area, with the longest runs, in North America. The resort gets an average of over 400 inches of snow a year - far more than any other Colorado resort - and, despite the unseasonable warm weather and lack of snow during the 2010 Winter Olympics last month, it is generally a sure-bet for late-season snow, especially on the two glacier areas. It offers the continent's longest season for a major resort, welcoming skiers until June.
The deal: Canadian Affair (+44 (0)20 7616 9933; canadianaffair.com) has seven nights' room-only at the Whistler Village Inn & Suites from £753pp (based on four sharing), including flights from Gatwick on 1 April (with ski/board carriage) and transfers. Free lift passes for children up to six years old (when purchased with an adult pass).
• whistlerblackcomb.com
8. Val Thorens, France
At 2,300m, this car-free, purpose-built resort is the highest in Europe, with more than 140km of its pistes above 3,000m. With most of these north-facing, it is unrivalled for late season snow - you can expect excellent conditions right through to the end of April. The resort, which is part of the vast Trois Vallées ski area, is so confident about snow reliability that it offers a snow guarantee that at least 70% of its lifts will be open, with free skiing days on a future visit if this guarantee is not met.
The deal: Crystal Ski (0871 231 2256; crystalski.co.uk) has seven nights' half-board at Chalet Le Sequoia from £799pp (saving £146pp), including flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds Bradford or Manchester on 3 April and transfers.
• valthorens.com
9. Zermatt, Switzerland
Like its Italian neighbour Cervina, conditions in Zermatt are usually excellent well into April. The car-free resort, which has some of the best gourmet mountain restaurants in the Alps, also boasts some of the highest slopes in Europe: 85% of the resort's ski area is above 2,000m. The predominantly north-facing slopes can be bitterly cold in December/January, but by April you can expect plenty of sunshine, with slopes in as good condition as they are midwinter.
The deal: W&O Travel Ski Dream (0845 277 3399; wandotravel.com) has seven nights' half-board at the Butterfly Hotel from £899pp (saving £100pp), including flights from Heathrow on 4 April and transfers. Book by 19 March.
• zermatt.ch
10. Kaprun, Austria
Like Obergurgl, Kaprun is another snow-sure Austrian resort. Together with neighbouring Zell am See, it offers 130km of pistes, 50km of which are found on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, where snow is guaranteed 365 days a year.
The deal: STA Travel (08712 308512; statravel.co.uk) has seven nights' B&B at Pension Bergblick from £389pp (saving £220pp), including flights from Gatwick on 3 April and transfers.
• en.kitzsteinhorn.at
Nicola Iseard
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4:40
What's the best mash method?
» ‎ The Guardian World News
There must be a million ways of splaying the tuber. What are your secrets to mouthwatering mash – do you like it rich and decadent or plain and fluffy?
Last year, I was lucky enough to be treated to dinner at Joël Robuchon Las Vegas. There was an absurdly decadent truffle-themed menu encrusted with all manner of culinary bling – yet secretly, all I wanted was mashed potato. Just as Albert Roux has Soufflé Suissesse, and Thomas Keller has 'oysters and pearls', Robuchon is famous for his legendary way with pommes purée, rumoured to involve a 50:50 ratio of potato and butter – and I was desperate to get my hands on some.
I didn't get my fix that evening (yes, I can feel your eyes misting over in pity), but such was my greed that, back in London, I made a pilgrimage to his – rather cheaper – operation, l'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, only to find that it wasn't on offer there either; or at least not ostensibly. My bottom lip began to quiver, the waitress took pity – and I was rewarded with a dish that showed me the very apotheosis of potato. I have to find out how to make this, I thought, running my finger discreetly around the rim of the bowl.
When I did, I quickly decided that, like croissants and pizza, Robuchon's purée is a dish best executed in a professional kitchen: investing in something called a tamis for one recipe is not something I can justify, even to myself. But it did get me thinking about how I could improve my own mash, which suddenly seemed rather dull in comparison.
In obeisance to received wisdom and the advice of the Potato Council, I always use floury potatoes, usually King Edwards or Maris Piper, yet fancy chefs like Robuchon and Heston Blumenthal seem to favour a waxy variety. Nigel Slater, who I trust on all things comfort-food related, counsels: "You can make a nice mash with a yellow waxy potato but it is a different thing altogether, and temperamental, too. Leave it to the chefs who do it so beautifully."
The gauntlet has been thrown down: I'm off to the market before Nigel has even warmed up on the subject of burying one's face in piles of 'blissful mash'. I return with a pound of Charlottes to add to my pile of Maris Pipers, and immediately spot one point in the latter's favour. The Charlottes are much smaller – presumably because most people use them whole in salads, or boiled. They take me quarter of an hour to peel, but their lovely buttery yellow colour puts me in mind of the Robuchon mash, the memory of which keeps me going. I then slice them into inch-long chunks and pop them into a pan of cold water. The Maris Pipers, fortunately, are somewhat easier to prepare. I notice that they also cook more quickly – presumably because the waxy flesh of the Charlottes is denser?
Once they're both drained, I weigh out 400g of each potato, add 50g of butter to it, then mash firmly. The waxy ones offer slightly more resistance, but I've never minded the odd lump as proof of my labour, so I cheerfully pour in 50ml of warm milk and beat it in with a wooden spoon. The waxy mash is buttercup coloured, and a lot less fluffy, but it tastes pretty damn good: more savoury somehow. I'm not sure it would make an ideal partner for sausages though – it's pretty dense, and lacks that generous bland featheriness that pairs so well with a banger. I could imagine making it for a special dinner though, to serve in neat, buttery little portions.
Potatoes are one of the few vegetables I generally cook from cold, but I realise now that I'm not exactly sure why. On occasion, when in an unseemly rush (not the proper state in which to approach a tuber) I've chucked them straight into a bubbling pan and the world appears to have carried on as normal. Possibly, however, I've been in too much of a hurry to notice any defects, so I do a pan of Maris Pipers in boiling water to settle the matter. They certainly cook quicker: in fact, they appear done after about 10 minutes, although when I test one, it's still raw inside. Once they're actually ready, I repeat the same procedure as with the two previous batches. Strangely enough, not only do they look very different to the yellow Charlottes, but also to the Maris Pipers cooked from cold – almost grainy, and even fluffier, like a cloud. When I taste them, they have a slightly woolly texture, which I suspect is because the outsides have overcooked in the time it's taken for the heat to reach the middle. Turns out grandma did know a thing or two about cooking after all.
One other thing I've been pondering for some time, without being brave enough to skip it, is the addition of milk. My boyfriend makes delectable crushed potatoes with a generous helping of butter, but no liquid. Nigel Slater lists milk as optional on his recipe for 'Best-Ever Mash', and Marco Pierre White doesn't seem to use it at all. What does milk actually add to the potato party? More Maris Pipers on to boil. Drained, mashed, and a bit more butter this time. They're slightly less fluffy, as Nigel predicts, and also lack the subtle sweetness that even a tablespoon of warm milk imparts, which I happen to think works well with the earthiness of a potato.
When I started thinking about mashed potato, the first person I turned to was Delia. If anyone knows how to make proper mash, it's her – she probably falls asleep on billowing pillows of the stuff. So I was shocked to find her advocating the use of a most unorthodox tool in her seminal Complete Illustrated Cookery Course: "how you mash or cream potatoes can be a personal thing," she explains, before dropping the bombshell that, "inclined to laziness myself, I use my electric hand-whisk." Consulting her proves costly – spinning motorised objects and boiled potatoes are apparently better suited to pebbledashing one's kitchen than preparing dinner. Perhaps my whisk is less powerful than Delia's, but it takes me far longer than using a masher too, and the results were rather glutinous. Turns out I'm even lazier than her: I'd rather spend three minutes exerting myself with a masher than 10 cleaning potato off the walls.
I'd already dismissed Robuchon's method as too costly, but flicking through the Fat Duck Cookbook, I realise I have all the equipment necessary to make Heston's pomme purée. (Luckily, I also have a free evening: it takes me about three hours from start to finish.) The secret to perfect mash, he says, lies in understanding the science of the potato: you must "break down the cell walls … in a controlled way, while leaving the starch granules essentially intact" in order to avoid the dreaded wallpaper-paste effect. This, of course, requires the use of every pan in your kitchen.
First off, you peel your potatoes, slice them, rinse them in cold water, and pop them in a pan of water at 70˚C for half an hour. While they're cooking, and you're frantically trying to maintain an even temperature in the pan, you must also put the potato peelings in the same amount of water, and simmer them for 40 minutes to make a broth that captures "that wonderful earthiness" of their flavour (although, presumably, no actual earth). Once the potatoes are done, you rinse them under cold water, then cook them in the potato-skin broth (skins having been removed and replaced by a pinch of salt) for 15 to 20 minutes.
So far, although labour-intensive, it all seemed fairly straightforward. I get on with cutting up the butter into cubes. It looks an awful lot: 250g for just 500g of potato, not a million miles from the proportions Robuchon won't admit to using. I love butter though, so I'm undaunted by the bowlful in front of me. After draining and drying the potatoes, I force them through a ricer into the fat, and fold the two together as instructed. At this point, the mixture suggests a greasy rice pudding rather than anything that could ever turn into something beautiful, but the end is at least in sight. And then I notice the apparently innocuous instruction: 'pass the mixture through a fine sieve'. Another half an hour of my life gone forever.
All that remains is to heat the milk (whole, naturally) to simmering point, then fold in the purée and season, and I've finished. By this point, I feel as if I too am half butter. The idea of tasting the fruits of my labours makes me queasy. Every surface seems to be coated in nuggets of potato and fat. But I've got this far – I have to go on. I gingerly take a teaspoonful (a fork doesn't seem appropriate, as the purée is still relatively liquid, more the kind of thing you'd smear artfully across a plate than serve with sausages), gag and swallow: it tastes of butter, salt, and (lastly) of potato.
Had I not spent the evening wrestling with pats of butter, I might even have enjoyed it, but at that moment, nothing could have induced me to take another bite. Not only is the texture too silky for my taste (homemade mash should be robust stuff, I realise belatedly), but the whole episode has shaken a fundamental tenet of my existence – it turns out that, sometimes, there is such a thing as Too Much Butter. Give me a masher and a single lump over an entire packet any day.
What are your secrets to mouthwatering mash – do you like it rich and decadent, or plain and fluffy? What variety of potato, and tools do you favour, and are lumps all part of the dish's rustic charm: or an inexcusable mistake? And lastly, what's the best mash you've ever eaten?
- Vegetable recipes
- Food & drink
Felicity Cloake
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March 14, 2010
18:03
Mexico Gunmen Kill American Consulate Staff Members in Ciudad Juarez
» ‎ Homeland Security News

Gunmen in the drug war-plagued Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez killed two Americans and a Mexican linked to the local U.S. consulate, an attack U.S. President Barack Obama said “outraged” him. An American woman working at the consulate in Ciudad Juarez, just over the border from El Paso, Texas, and her U.S. husband were fatally shot [...]
This story comes to us via Homeland Security - National Terror Alert. National Terror Alert is America's trusted source for homeland security news and information.

Gunmen Kill American Consulate Staff Members in Juarez

12:07
VIDEO: Islamic Jihad Worldwide Part II
» ‎ Atlas Shrugs

Here's part II of the GRAPHIC VIDEO: Islamic Jihad Worldwide

This video shows Islamic violence in:
Lebanon
Thailand
India
Libya
Greece
Gaza
Philippines
Egypt
Nigeria
Iran
Argentina

March 13, 2010
18:07
The recession-era B&B comes of age
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Gone are the doilies, the artificial flowers and the super-strict landladies… Today's B&Bs are all about style, originality and art
Bed and breakfasts never used to look like this. Instead of chintz, plastic Teasmades and cheap pine furniture, at 40 Winks in Stepney Green, east London, there are extravagant artworks, antiques and an overriding sense of high, theatrical glamour. In the bathroom, rather than an avocado suite, you find a silver tub with a lion's mouth for a tap, in front of an artfully distressed gold wall, and the breakfast room is modelled on Rome's 16th-century Palazzo Sacchetti.
"Mary McCartney was here last week, doing a photoshoot of Daisy and Pearl Lowe," says David Carter, the interior designer who owns it. "And tomorrow we're doing a shoot for a Dutch lingerie company."
In fact the four-storey townhouse, which dates from 1717, has been used for all manner of celebrity and fashion shoots, so Mark Owen's been in the bathtub, Orlando Bloom has lounged on the chaise longue and German Vogue declared it "the most beautiful small hotel in the world". But this is still a B&B, and a reasonably priced one at that: there are just two rooms – a single for £90 a night and a double for £130, both sharing the same bathroom.
While Carter's eye for interiors is unique, his decision last year to open the spare bedrooms of his home to paying guests is not. A growing number of designers, artists and gallery owners are renting out rooms and creating a new breed of super-stylish B&Bs. For the owners it's a chance to find new income in a recession, and draw in a new audience for their creative endeavours; for the customers they provide an interesting alternative to the increasingly identikit boutique hotel.
Similar things are happening around the country. After working in New York for Donna Karan, then in London and Italy, knitwear designer Wallace Shaw has returned to his native Scotland to open two rooms in his home within the grand Leith Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. In Hastings, East Sussex, fashion designer Lionel Copley runs the luxurious four-room Swan House B&B in a 15th-century cottage; in Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, designer Ann Hughes runs Llety Bodfor, a chic seaside property where if you like anything in your room, you can buy it from her interiors shop next door; and in Bath, sculptor Robert Hornyold-Strickland rents three rooms in his pretty Georgian house, letting guests watch him at work during their stay.
In Whitstable, the Front View gallery has been building up a reputation for its exhibitions of contemporary photography, but last year owners Julie Thorne and Tom Sutherland diversified into providing accommodation. "We were thinking about ways of getting more people to the gallery, then suddenly I had the idea of opening the rooms," says Thorne, who also works as an art director in the fashion industry. The couple converted two bedrooms in their home adjoining the gallery, decorating them to a standard that can rival any full-service hotel, but with an attention to detail that no large property can imitate. There's an airy, seaside theme – white-painted floorboards and rugs, white iMac computers on which you can watch TV, and complimentary drinks and chocolate. Breakfast is laid out in the gallery, and seems to have been as delicately curated as the exhibitions, from the artful choice of glassware to the old Kilner jars for the granola and cereal, the antique teapots and cute silver butter knife. Each double costs £95 a night, or a family can take both for £155.
Some within the hospitality industry are likening the trend to the "supper club" scene, where chefs or keen amateurs open their flats or houses to paying diners in search of a more original, intimate evening out.
"The thing is that over the last few years the boutique hotel concept has become so standard that it's very hard to stand out," says Justin Salisbury, the 22-year-old founder of Artist Residence, which opened in Brighton two years ago, to be followed in May this year by an outpost in Penzance. Salisbury himself isn't an artist, but all the staff he employs are. And while the prospect of a fearsome landlady meant many approached B&Bs with trepidation, now the chance to meet an owner who is plugged into the local art scene is part of the selling point.
"People are searching for experiences that are more authentic," says 40 Winks' Carter. "They want to have a connection with something human, rather than robots who have been on a customer-care programme."
The idea has certainly caught on. When he opened 10 months ago he anticipated hosting guests for the odd night, but now finds himself constantly booked. "I get emails from people saying they'll come anytime we have a vacancy in the next three months. It's taken over my life!"
In fact, rather than being the preserve of budget travellers, these B&Bs are even beginning to trump high-end hotels to become the most fashionable addresses to stay at. Carter confides that Kristin Scott Thomas roughed it in Stepney Green while in town for a Bafta event. "She had the choice of Claridge's or 40 Winks – and she plumped for 40 Winks!"
- Bed and breakfasts
Tom Robbins
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March 12, 2010
9:38
Post your questions for Lib Dems
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Michael Moore, Liberal Democrat spokesman on international development, will be live online on the Katine Chronicles blog at 11am (GMT) on Tuesday, 16 March, to answer your questions about aid and development. Post a question

Find out more about the Liberal Democrats' policies
International development faces serious challenges, whoever wins the next election. With domestic spending cuts a real possibility, protest at continued historically high spending on aid is inevitable. It is likely the aid budget will face a very tough fight.
Last year, the Liberal Democrats set out their thoughts on international development in a policy paper, which outlined support for the aid target of 0.7% of GDP, a call for renewed efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals and an acknowledgement that aid sometimes fails and that perhaps financial aid is not the most effective way of delivering support.
At 11am (GMT) on Tuesday, 16 March, the Lib Dems' spokesman on international development, Michael Moore, will be live online for one hour to answer your questions about the party's policies and the wider issues of aid and development.
Read the party's policy paper and Anne Perkins' report on the Lib Dems' policies and then post a question. You can post a question now or come back on Tuesday.
If you have problems posting, email Katine.editor@guardian.co.uk.
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March 11, 2010
23:23
Finally – A Bill To Get The US Out Of NAFTA
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

By Devvy Kidd

WebNote: Ron Paul has already signed on to this bill.

“Free” trade has all but destroyed our most important and productive jobs sectors: manufacturing, agriculture and industrial. Not to mention stomping on our sovereignty.

On February 15, 2010, I wrote a column titled, Congress refuses to bring home millions of jobs.[1] For all the talk [...]
22:22
VIDEO: SA@TAC – The Great Neo-Con: Libertarianism Isn’t ‘Conservative’
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

Unilke libertarianism, which Ronald Reagan once called “the very heart and soul of conservatism,” it has been neoconservatism that is an aberration to the conservative movement.
Click here to view the embedded video.
22:11
VIDEO: Ron Paul on Free Trade, NAFTA and the WTO
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

Ron Paul on Lou Dobbs: April 23, 2007
Click here to view the embedded video.
22:04
Dismantling America
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

By Patrick J. Buchanan

Though Bush 41 and Bush 43 often disagreed, one issue did unite them both with Bill Clinton: protectionism.

Globalists all, they rejected any federal measure to protect America’s industrial base, economic independence or the wages of U.S. workers.

Together they rammed through NAFTA, brought America under the World Trade Organization, abolished tariffs [...]
March 09, 2010
12:26
Grassroots Activists Call for ‘National Strike’ by Americans Set for April 15-18
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

By Mark Anderson – American Free Press

Web Note: This webmaster and many Buchanan Brigaders are in full support of this National Strike. For in-depth details, go to ArticlesofFreedom.us and Taxfree15.com.

Karen Quinn-Tostado of Oregon says she is just an everyday lady, but she is playing a significant role in an uncommon effort to get the American [...]
11:14
VIDEO: Max Keiser: Markets! Finance! Scandal!
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

This time Max Keiser and co-host, Stacy Herbert, report on the fake shop fronts making a “revived” economy in Northern England; the Chile quake causing Goldman Sachs’s high frequency trading to lose 2.1 trades per day; and the mobs in Indonesia, a “revolution” in Ireland and online media preventing an orderly transfer of wealth. Keiser [...]
9:13
VIDEO: Goldman Sucks
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

Click here to view the embedded video.
0:02
VIDEO: 9/11 Truth: Treason in America Conference
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

Click here to view the embedded video.
March 08, 2010
23:18
VIDEO: Former Israeli Officials in the U.S. Government
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

Click here to view the embedded video.
23:05
Who Should Pay the Piper?
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

By Patrick J. Buchanan

Greece this past weekend saw the worst rioting since the debt crisis began. After Athens had announced new tax hikes and budget cuts to reduce a deficit of 13 percent of gross domestic product, mobs drove guards from Greece’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attacked police. In our own country, [...]
March 06, 2010
8:28
VIDEO: Ron Paul on Assassinations
» ‎ Patrick J. Buchanan

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Recent items

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March 16, 2010
4:22
Politics › Campbell cancels trip to Japan; may be linked to Futenma stalemate
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The U.S. government said Monday that Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has cancelled his planned visit to Japan on Wednesday during his ongoing Asian…
4:00
Entertainment › Larger-than-life Erika Sawajiri returns
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Actress Erika Sawajiri, 23, is making her first comeback since being dismissed from her management office last September in a different medium. As of Monday,…
3:11
Crime › 22-yr-old man dies after being found bound, unconscious outside Tokyo park
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

A 22-year-old man was found dead with his wrists taped together outside a park in Kokubunji City on Monday morning, police said Tuesday. A passer-by…

2:00
Bacterial trail may be next forensic clue
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Crime scenes may one day make use of germ makeup, which can be traced to individuals. 'There's a rain forest of bacteria on your skin.'

Forget fingerprint dusting. Crime-scene drama fans might soon see a new forensic technique debut on their favorite TV series: hand-germ testing.
2:00
Karachi 'water mafia' leaves Pakistanis parched and broke
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Corrupt politicians allow businessmen to siphon off as much as 41% of the city's water supply and turn around and sell it at exorbitant rates to residents, generating an estimated $43 million a year.

Name a cash cow in this sprawling city of ragged slums and glass-walled office buildings and it's almost certain there's an organized crime syndicate behind it.
2:00
Late-term abortion doctors fill in for Tiller
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The murdered abortion provider was one of the few nationwide willing to perform abortions in the third trimester. A few others quietly step forward.

Last year, after Kansas abortion provider George Tiller was killed in church, his supporters worried about what would happen to the hundreds of women who sought late-term abortions each year at Tiller's clinic, which was closed after his death.
2:00
Erectile dysfunction is strong predictor of fatal heart ailments, study finds
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

Men treated for ED should routinely be checked for cardiovascular problems, experts say.

For the first time, researchers have shown that erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor of the likelihood that men will die of heart disease.
2:00
Dodd unveils slimmed-down financial reform proposal
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

As expected, his latest measure lacks a stand-alone consumer protection agency. Still, it would give the U.S. greater control over financial markets.

With memories of the financial crisis already fading, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd tried to jump-start the stalled effort to pass a major regulatory overhaul this year that would protect the public from another economic meltdown.
2:00
ANC youth leader mired in controversy
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The brash Julius Malema, an ally of Jacob Zuma, is found guilty of hate speech. 'I'm known for shooting from the hip & ignoring political correctness,' he says, unapologetically, via Twitter.

Julius Malema, president of the African National Congress Youth League, was found guilty Monday of hate speech and harassment for saying that a woman who accused now President Jacob Zuma of rape had a "nice time" because she stayed in his house until morning and asked for taxi money home.

1:32
Politics › Rudd plan to skip nonproliferation summit ups tensions with Japan
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's decision to skip a nuclear nonproliferation summit to be held in Washington next month is adding to Australia's already strained relations…
1:00
Quote of the Day › The nation is treading a path toward doom.
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Kunio Hatoyama, brother of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, on why he decided to resign from the opposition LDP and form a new party. (NHK)
1:00
Picture of the Day › Time out
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama talks with 2010 Miss Japan Grand Prix Mina Hayashi, left, and Miss Kimono Aimi Azuma at his official residence in Tokyo…
1:00
Politics › Japan, S Korea to join forces in opposing bluefin tuna trade ban
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Japanese Senior Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Masahiko Yamada and South Korean vice farm minister Ha Young Je agreed here Monday for Japan…
0:51
World › U.S. criticism of Israel ignites firestorm
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The Obama administration's fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism…
0:51
World › U.S. demands Israel cancel Jerusalem building plan
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The Obama administration is demanding that Israel call off a contentious building project in east Jerusalem and make a public gesture toward the Palestinians to…
0:23
Crime › Japan, China to fight copyright piracy
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Japan and China signed a memorandum Monday to fight copyright piracy through regular talks and personnel exchange, under which Japanese officials say they expect Beijing…
0:22
Crime › Detained activist says he boarded whaling ship to arrest captain
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

An antiwhaling activist charged with trespassing on a Japanese whaling vessel in the Antarctic Ocean last month has said he boarded the ship to arrest…
0:21
Sports › Toyota president eyes participation in 24-hour race in Germany
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Toyota Motor Corp President Akio Toyoda is considering taking part in a 24-hour endurance race in Germany in mid-May as a member of the Lexus…
0:21
Crime › Woman's torso found floating in Hakata Bay
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

A local resident discovered the torso of a woman floating near the shore of Nokono Island in Hakata Bay on Monday, police said, adding they…
0:20
Crime › Japan, China to fight copyright piracy
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Japan and China signed a memorandum Monday to fight copyright piracy through regular talks and personnel exchange, under which Japanese officials say they expect Beijing…
0:00
World › Democrats start countdown toward health care vote
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

House Democrats triggered the countdown Monday for the climactic vote on President Barack Obama's fiercely contested remake of the U.S. health care system, even though…
March 15, 2010
23:57
National › Gov't picks 39 groups for free language lessons for needy foreign children
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The education ministry has picked 39 groups and organizations across the country to hold free Japanese-language classes for foreign children who cannot afford to attend…
23:44
Top in Category › Continental Airlines to charge for food on some flights
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Attention coach passengers. Continental Airlines, which used to boast about giving away free hamburgers and barbecue while rivals passed out tiny bags of pretzels, is…

23:37
Top Dem: 'Votes Are There'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Rep. John Larson goes further than other Dem leaders, says House already has votes to pass health bill
• Spotlighted Health Care Victim Better Off Than Thought
• House Panel Pushes On With Health Care Maneuver
• White House Backs Out Of 'Sweetheart' Cuts
• FOX FORUM: Manipulation, Payoffs and Lies
• YOU DECIDE: If Health Reform Passes, Who Wins?
23:37
Census Counting Heads, Not Dollars
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Bureau is well into its constitutionally mandated 2010 count, but the exercise is already running over budget

23:34
Technology › Microsoft to give local gov'ts template to help with child allowances
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Microsoft Corp Japan will give small local governments free software to help with clerical work related to providing child-rearing allowances the national government will introduce…

23:18
Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
23:18
Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
23:18
Bloomberg's Girlfriend Courted for N.Y. Senate Run
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Bloomberg's Girlfriend Courted for N.Y. Senate Run
23:18
Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
23:18
Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Air Force Lesbian Axed After Marriage Doc Find
23:18
LIVESHOTS: Mideast Peace on Road to Damascus?
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LIVESHOTS: Mideast Peace on Road to Damascus?
23:18
LIVESHOTS: Mideast Peace on Road to Damascus?
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LIVESHOTS: Mideast Peace on Road to Damascus?
23:18
Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
23:18
Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Toyota Dismisses Case of Reported Runaway Prius
23:18
Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
23:18
Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
23:18
Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
23:18
Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
23:18
Report: Pentagon Official Caught in Spy Scandal Probe
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Report: Pentagon Official Caught in Spy Scandal Probe
23:18
Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Holder Claims Transparency, Studies Show Otherwise
23:18
Vegas Company Seeks Astronauts for Private Project
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Vegas Company Seeks Astronauts for Private Project

23:03
Sports › Beckham to miss World Cup after injury
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Unless David Beckham can mend it as well as he can bend it, football's now-limping glamour boy will miss this summer's World Cup -- a…
22:56
Business › Transport ministry launches safety checks of Skymark Airlines
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began a three-week-long inspection Monday of Skymark Airlines' head office in Tokyo after a series of incidents…
22:39
Technology › Carmakers, TEPCO to spread common charging technology for EVs
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Four major Japanese automakers and Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) said Monday they will work together to promote the use of rapid chargers for electric…

22:38
Leech Removal Not Covered By Obamacare
» ‎ iOwnTheWorld.com

22:37
What to do when disaster strikes
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Research into people's reactions to emergencies aims to make sure there are more survivors in future
Imagine you're stuck in a burning building, trying desperately to escape. After stumbling to the end of a smoke-filled corridor, you have to choose whether to turn left or right. The decision could determine whether you live or die – but the way you make it is not as random as you might think, according to Ed Galea, professor of mathematical modelling at the University of Greenwich.
Galea has forged a career out of working out the science and psychology behind how people's brains function in disaster zones. He has interviewed thousands of survivors, from 300 people who escaped the World Trade Center on 9/11 to plane crash and Paddington rail disaster survivors. The results of his research are used by governments, building designers and emergency workers around the world to try to plan for the effects of future catastrophes.
His latest project, funded by a €2 million (£1.8m) European Union grant, is BeSeCu (Behaviour, Security and Culture), which involves trying to understand whether culture affects the way people behave in emergency situations. "The question we're answering is, do people from different countries behave differently in a crisis?", says Galea. "Most of the data that's used in evacuation analysis is from the UK, US and Australia. There's an implicit assumption that people everywhere behave the same, but we're not sure that's true."
So BeSeCu is carrying out "unannounced evacuation drills" in multistorey university library buildings around Europe, including Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey, and comparing the results with evacuation data from Brazil and the UK. "We're going to compare the data on response time and behaviour. If it varies in different places, that will suggest a need to change how we plan for emergency situations – we'll have to take a much more localised approach."
Galea's interest was triggered by victims' responses to a tragic fire in the Daegu underground in Korea. "I looked at photographs of the inside of burning carriages, and collaborated with a Korean researcher who interviewed survivors. Most sat around, waiting for instructions from an authority figure. When I presented the findings at a UK conference, it was suggested that my data was irrelevant because 'that would never happen in the UK'. So I started wondering whether people around the world react differently."
Working at Greenwich's Fire Safety Engineering Group, Galea and his team have designed Exodus, a computer modelling system that can simulate how people behave in emergency evacuations, which is used in 33 countries. It was used in the design of London's O2 arena, Sydney's Olympic stadium, the "bird's nest" arena in Beijing and the Airbus A380.
Now he is adding to the model by analysing data from interviews with survivors of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London and the Madrid bombings. "By studying how people responded on the underground trains and in the stations, we hope to better understand how the perception of risk, reaction to authority figures and interaction with other survivors influences emergency behaviour." The findings will be used to improve computer software so it better reflects how people behave in emergencies and can be more reliable in building design.
There are also practical ideas that are easier to implement, Galea says. "I'm looking at how people respond to alarms and instructions. If people on trains always wait for an official to tell them what to do, then perhaps we need to improve communication systems on trains so they have a better chance of working in extreme situations."
Galea is also investigating how people think when trying to escape house fires or a flooding house. "We've set up an online survey looking at how people move – at intersections, do they go left or right, for example. So far it seems that left-handed and right-handed people behave differently, and so do people who drive on different sides of the road. Working out the patterns will give people a better chance of surviving future disasters."
Galea, who spends his days mapping human behaviour, fell into his work "completely by accident". More than two decades later, he has amassed plenty of advice on getting out of a fire or crash alive. "The main thing is having good situational awareness," he says. "Understand the environment you're in, whether it's a plane, train, ship or building, know where your nearest exit is and how you'd escape in a hurry. If you're travelling with family, plan what you would do in an emergency, like whether you'd try to reunite before escaping, or meet outside."
On planes, Galea recommends choosing a seat close to an exit. "I always try and sit within five rows of an exit on an aisle seat," he says. "Once you're seated, count the rows to your nearest two exits in case it becomes too dark to see." Galea stresses, however, that planes are "really quite safe".
One thing that does make him upset, however, is disaster movies. The latest to hit our screens is 2012, which Galea says makes him "frustrated about how badly Hollywood gets it wrong".
"Disaster films convey completely the wrong view of how most people behave in these kind of situations," he says. "Hollywood shows people panicking, but my research shows that 9.9 times out of 10, people don't turn into crazed individuals, but behave quite rationally. They tend to help each other, too."
That, says Galea, is a crucial part of his job. "The knowledge that most people react in a humanist way helps me to get in up in the morning – I come to work knowing that people tend to behave in a supportive, helpful way in emergencies, so any way we can help inform intelligent building design and disaster strategies will help them to survive."
• Galea is keen to hear from survivors of particular emergencies, including: • People who have experienced domestic fires in the last 10 years that required evacuation and the emergency services • People involved in the Royal Marsden hospital fire in January 2008 • Anyone who was on a train that was evacuated or in one of the stations that was evacuated during the 7/7 London bombs • Anyone who has been forced to evacuate their home due to floods Find out more: [fseg.gre.ac.uk]
Lucy Tobin
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
22:37
What to do when disaster strikes
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Research into people's reactions to emergencies aims to make sure there are more survivors in future
Imagine you're stuck in a burning building, trying desperately to escape. After stumbling to the end of a smoke-filled corridor, you have to choose whether to turn left or right. The decision could determine whether you live or die – but the way you make it is not as random as you might think, according to Ed Galea, professor of mathematical modelling at the University of Greenwich.
Galea has forged a career out of working out the science and psychology behind how people's brains function in disaster zones. He has interviewed thousands of survivors, from 300 people who escaped the World Trade Center on 9/11 to plane crash and Paddington rail disaster survivors. The results of his research are used by governments, building designers and emergency workers around the world to try to plan for the effects of future catastrophes.
His latest project, funded by a €2 million (£1.8m) European Union grant, is BeSeCu (Behaviour, Security and Culture), which involves trying to understand whether culture affects the way people behave in emergency situations. "The question we're answering is, do people from different countries behave differently in a crisis?", says Galea. "Most of the data that's used in evacuation analysis is from the UK, US and Australia. There's an implicit assumption that people everywhere behave the same, but we're not sure that's true."
So BeSeCu is carrying out "unannounced evacuation drills" in multistorey university library buildings around Europe, including Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey, and comparing the results with evacuation data from Brazil and the UK. "We're going to compare the data on response time and behaviour. If it varies in different places, that will suggest a need to change how we plan for emergency situations – we'll have to take a much more localised approach."
Galea's interest was triggered by victims' responses to a tragic fire in the Daegu underground in Korea. "I looked at photographs of the inside of burning carriages, and collaborated with a Korean researcher who interviewed survivors. Most sat around, waiting for instructions from an authority figure. When I presented the findings at a UK conference, it was suggested that my data was irrelevant because 'that would never happen in the UK'. So I started wondering whether people around the world react differently."
Working at Greenwich's Fire Safety Engineering Group, Galea and his team have designed Exodus, a computer modelling system that can simulate how people behave in emergency evacuations, which is used in 33 countries. It was used in the design of London's O2 arena, Sydney's Olympic stadium, the "bird's nest" arena in Beijing and the Airbus A380.
Now he is adding to the model by analysing data from interviews with survivors of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London and the Madrid bombings. "By studying how people responded on the underground trains and in the stations, we hope to better understand how the perception of risk, reaction to authority figures and interaction with other survivors influences emergency behaviour." The findings will be used to improve computer software so it better reflects how people behave in emergencies and can be more reliable in building design.
There are also practical ideas that are easier to implement, Galea says. "I'm looking at how people respond to alarms and instructions. If people on trains always wait for an official to tell them what to do, then perhaps we need to improve communication systems on trains so they have a better chance of working in extreme situations."
Galea is also investigating how people think when trying to escape house fires or a flooding house. "We've set up an online survey looking at how people move – at intersections, do they go left or right, for example. So far it seems that left-handed and right-handed people behave differently, and so do people who drive on different sides of the road. Working out the patterns will give people a better chance of surviving future disasters."
Galea, who spends his days mapping human behaviour, fell into his work "completely by accident". More than two decades later, he has amassed plenty of advice on getting out of a fire or crash alive. "The main thing is having good situational awareness," he says. "Understand the environment you're in, whether it's a plane, train, ship or building, know where your nearest exit is and how you'd escape in a hurry. If you're travelling with family, plan what you would do in an emergency, like whether you'd try to reunite before escaping, or meet outside."
On planes, Galea recommends choosing a seat close to an exit. "I always try and sit within five rows of an exit on an aisle seat," he says. "Once you're seated, count the rows to your nearest two exits in case it becomes too dark to see." Galea stresses, however, that planes are "really quite safe".
One thing that does make him upset, however, is disaster movies. The latest to hit our screens is 2012, which Galea says makes him "frustrated about how badly Hollywood gets it wrong".
"Disaster films convey completely the wrong view of how most people behave in these kind of situations," he says. "Hollywood shows people panicking, but my research shows that 9.9 times out of 10, people don't turn into crazed individuals, but behave quite rationally. They tend to help each other, too."
That, says Galea, is a crucial part of his job. "The knowledge that most people react in a humanist way helps me to get in up in the morning – I come to work knowing that people tend to behave in a supportive, helpful way in emergencies, so any way we can help inform intelligent building design and disaster strategies will help them to survive."
• Galea is keen to hear from survivors of particular emergencies, including: • People who have experienced domestic fires in the last 10 years that required evacuation and the emergency services • People involved in the Royal Marsden hospital fire in January 2008 • Anyone who was on a train that was evacuated or in one of the stations that was evacuated during the 7/7 London bombs • Anyone who has been forced to evacuate their home due to floods Find out more: [fseg.gre.ac.uk]
Lucy Tobin
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

22:36
Business › Honda to grant union's demand for bonuses in full
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Honda Motor Co said Monday it will accept in full a demand from its labor union for bonuses equivalent to 5.7 months' wages at this…
22:35
Business › Nissan to open car design studio in Beijing in early 2011
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Nissan Motor Co said Monday it will establish a design studio in Beijing early next year to develop cars that better meet the needs of…
22:33
Sports › Australia, Japan to play Davis Cup match on clay
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Australia will play its Asia-Oceania Group 1 Davis Cup match against Japan on a clay court in the Pat Rafter Arena at Brisbane's Queensland Tennis…
22:33
Business › British American Tobacco withdraws planned tobacco price hikes
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

In an unusual move, British American Tobacco Japan Ltd said Monday it has withdrawn its application filed with the Finance Ministry last month to raise…
22:32
Politics › Rudd plan to skip nonproliferation summit ups tensions with Japan
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's decision to skip a nuclear nonproliferation summit to be held in Washington next month is adding to Australia's already strained relations…
22:31
Politics › Ministry to set up panel on disclosure of diplomatic documents
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada plans to set up an ad hoc committee of experts in his ministry to promote the disclosure of diplomatic documents in…
22:31
Crime › S Korea, Japan police chiefs to cooperate ahead of G-20, APEC summits
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The police chiefs of South Korea and Japan agreed Monday to cooperate closely in the lead-up to international summits that the two countries will host…
22:31
Technology › Mobile operator Willcom to shed 250 jobs
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Mobile phone carrier Willcom Inc plans to reduce its workforce by about 250 within a year under business rehabilitation efforts sponsored by a government-backed corporate…
22:30
Business › Aozora Bank, Tsukuba Bank to tie up
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Aozora Bank and Tsukuba Bank said Monday they have agreed to form a strategic partnership, including a capital tie-up, possibly in May. The agreement comes…
22:28
National › Court suggests settlement terms for unrecognized Minamata sufferers
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

The Kumamoto District Court proposed Monday a 2.1 million yen lump sum and monthly medical allowances each for unrecognized patients claiming to suffer Minamata mercury…

22:27
DeSoto sheriff arrests crossing guard on sex charges
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Greenbrook Elementary guard accused of molesting at least two children.

22:25
Bartlett Detective Justified In Use Of Deadly Force
» ‎ WREG - Memphis News: daily news, local news and tv news

Family responds wondering why only one officer fired

22:23
Left warns Dems on health care vote
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Liberal leaders are expecting a wave of anger if Congress fails to pass health care.

22:22
Entertainment › Nozomi Sasaki and company strut their stuff in 3D
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Model and actress Nozomi Sasaki, 22, was one of many sexy ladies to strut down the catwalk at Tokyo Dome City's Prism Hall recently as…

22:20
With Medicaid Cuts, Doctors and Patients Drop Out
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

As states cut Medicaid, doctors find payments insufficient. Poor areas like Flint, Mich., face particular hardship.
22:19
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducts New Members
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

After years of being named finalists to enter the hall of fame, then getting outvoted, the Stooges were finally inducted this year. Iggy Pop declared, “Roll over, Woodstock. We won.”

22:13
Sports › All Blacks' Ellison signs with Japanese club
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

New Zealand All Blacks utility back Tamati Ellison has signed a contract with the Ricoh Black Rams of Japan's professional rugby union. The 26-year-old signed…

22:12
Britain Warns Mexican Authorities About Bomb Detector
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

A device manufactured by a British firm and used by the Mexican military and police to search for drugs and explosives may be ineffective, British officials said.
22:10
McChrystal Brings Most Special Operations Under His Control
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Action by the top American commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, was taken in part because of concern over civilian casualties.
22:10
McChrystal Brings Most Special Operations Under His Control
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Action by the top American commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, was taken in part because of concern over civilian casualties.

22:01
Just A Few Items
» ‎ An Ol' Broad's Ramblings

Tax and Control Bill

Page 87 – TREATMENT OF STATE BENEFIT MANDATES

Insofar as a State requires a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage to include benefits beyond the essential benefits package, such requirement shall continue to apply to an Exchange-participating health benefits plan, if the State has entered into an arrangement satisfactory to the Commissioner to reimburse the Commissioner for the amount of any net increase in affordability premium credits under subtitle C as a result of an increase in premium in basic plans as a result of application of such requirement.

Just my opinion, but don’t the words “benefit” and “mandate” kind of cancel each other out?

Page 167-168 – TAX ON INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT ACCEPTABLE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE.

‘‘(a) TAX IMPOSED.—In the case of any individual who does not meet the requirements of subsection (d) at
any time during the taxable year, there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 2.5 percent of the excess of—
‘‘(1) the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year, over
‘‘(2) the amount of gross income specified in section 6012(a)(1) with respect to the taxpayer.

If you can’t afford their version of “acceptable health care”, they will make you pay an increase in taxes you can’t afford to pay? 2.5% of the excess income? Do you have excess income? Well, those who live on our dime up there in D.C. might have some extra, but I don’t know anyone out here in the real world doesn’t it.

Page 1180 – SEC. 227. SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING ENROLLMENT OF MEMBERS IN THE PUBLIC OPTION.

It is the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, Federal Government run health insurance option, and senior members of the President’s administration, are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.

In other words, it would be nice if those who impose this crap on the American people would make use of it, but it’s not really necessary.

Is this thing giving anyone else a headache? I think that’s the whole idea. We’ll be going through this thing with a fine toothed comb, while those who wish to impose this crap on us, are chuckling at the idea that we care enough to read it, when they won’t.

22:00
Top Women’s Seeds: UConn, Stanford, Nebraska and Tennessee
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Connecticut was named the top seed in the women’s bracket, but won’t have the luxury of an in-state game this year. The other No. 1s are Stanford, Nebraska and Tennessee.
22:00
Top Women’s Seeds: UConn, Stanford, Nebraska and Tennessee
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Connecticut was named the top seed in the women’s bracket, but won’t have the luxury of an in-state game this year. The other No. 1s are Stanford, Nebraska and Tennessee.

21:58
Hunter Says Pics 'Repulsive'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

John Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter cried on the phone to Barbara Walters after seeing her photos in GQ | Hunter's Tell-All Interview | FOX FORUM
21:58
Hunter Says Pics 'Repulsive'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

John Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter cried on the phone to Barbara Walters after seeing her photos in GQ | Hunter's Tell-All Interview | FOX FORUM
21:58
App Controversy
» ‎ FOXNews.com

SLIDESHOW: In light of cell phone application that helps illegal immigrants crossing the border, check out some apps that YOU would like to see
21:58
Pratt Cyber Terror Shocker
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Defense firm confirms that 'Hills' star Spencer Pratt starting anti-cyber terrorism venture | HEIDI MONTAG HOT SHOTS
21:58
Kate a 'Diva' on 'DWTS'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

FOX411: The TLC reality mom reportedly not making friends with the cast of 'Dancing With the Stars' due to diva demands and nasty attitude with crew
21:58
Kate a 'Diva' on 'DWTS'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

FOX411: The TLC reality mom reportedly not making friends with the cast of 'Dancing With the Stars' due to diva demands and nasty attitude with crew
21:58
More Stars Without Makeup
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Ashley Tisdale looks pretty angry that photographers snapped her without her face paint. Click through to see how your fave celeb looks au naturel
21:58
More Stars Without Makeup
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Ashley Tisdale looks pretty angry that photographers snapped her without her face paint. Click through to see how your fave celeb looks au naturel
21:58
Celebrity Smells
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LONG LIST: Kim Kardashian is just one of the celebrities producing fragrant aromas. See who's busy creating scents meant to attract...
21:58
Celebrity Smells
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LONG LIST: Kim Kardashian is just one of the celebrities producing fragrant aromas. See who's busy creating scents meant to attract...
21:58
Web of Hate
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The Net grew 20 percent uglier last year, and terrorists on Facebook and Twitter are targeting kids, finds the 2010 Digital Hate Report | SLIDESHOW: Worst of the Web
21:58
Web of Hate
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The Net grew 20 percent uglier last year, and terrorists on Facebook and Twitter are targeting kids, finds the 2010 Digital Hate Report | SLIDESHOW: Worst of the Web
21:58
Everyone Into the Pool
» ‎ FOXNews.com

As 58 million scramble to finish brackets, are March Madness office pools boosting morale or draining productivity? | Bracket (pdf) | Tips Before Tip-Off

21:58
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Mush...
21:58
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Mush...

21:58
National › Researchers back from Antarctic no-kill whale trip
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Whale researchers returned from Antarctic waters Monday after a six-week expedition that they said proved Japan's annual kill of whales for scientific purposes is unnecessary.…

21:57
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf pra...

21:57
New Jersey Woman Wants to Weigh 1,000 Pounds
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Meet Donna Simpson. She's going to cost you. A lot.

21:52
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year.At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf prai...
21:52
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year.At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf prai...

21:49
Triumph for Xiaflex, Drug to Straighten Clenched Fingers
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

After 50 years, a tiny drug maker on Long Island has found a potentially lucrative use for its only medicine.
21:49
Triumph for Xiaflex, Drug to Straighten Clenched Fingers
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

After 50 years, a tiny drug maker on Long Island has found a potentially lucrative use for its only medicine.

21:44
N.C. Teacher Probed After Writing 'Loser' on Girl's Work
» ‎ FOXNews.com

A North Carolina teacher reportedly has been suspended after being accused of writing "loser" on a sixth grade student's school work.
21:44
N.C. Teacher Probed After Writing 'Loser' on Girl's Work
» ‎ FOXNews.com

A North Carolina teacher reportedly has been suspended after being accused of writing "loser" on a sixth grade student's school work.

21:40
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. — The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharra...
21:40
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore. — The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharra...

21:40
Versions of this photo have been floating around
» ‎ iOwnTheWorld.com

This one was developed from the negative. Just out of the mirror’s view is the coffin where Obama takes daytime naps. Word is that there is a massive garlic tax making its way through committee.

hat tip/JD

People thought I photoshopped this one…

21:26
Sony and Michael Jackson Estate Sign Sweeping Contract
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

The deal gives Sony the rights to sell the artist’s back catalog and draw on a large vault of unheard recordings.

21:26
IRS Reportedly Comes to Car Wash for 4-Cent Debt
» ‎ FOXNews.com

A California car wash owner says hes rather amused after two Internal Revenue Service agents visited his business to demand he pay a debt -- of four cents

21:24
Karachi 'water Mafia' Leaves Pakistanis Parched And Broke
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Corrupt politicians allow businessmen to siphon off as much as 41% of the city's water supply and turn around and sell it at exorbitant rates to residents, generating an estimated $43 million a year.

21:21
Business › Shiseido gains over 91.7% stake in U.S. cosmetics maker
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Cosmetics maker Shiseido Co said Monday it has completed its acquisition procedures for Bare Escentuals Inc. after purchasing some 91.7% of the U.S. cosmetics firm's…

21:20
Race for Monserrate’s Old Senate Seat Winds Down
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Voters in the special election on Tuesday for the state’s 13th Senate District will choose among Hiram Monserrate, José R. Peralta and Robert Beltrani.
21:20
Race for Monserrate’s Old Senate Seat Winds Down
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Voters in the special election on Tuesday for the state’s 13th Senate District will choose among Hiram Monserrate, José R. Peralta and Robert Beltrani.

21:15
Crime › Japan, China to fight copyright piracy
» ‎ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Japan and China signed a memorandum Monday to fight copyright piracy through regular talks and personnel exchange, under which Japanese officials say they expect Beijing…

21:07
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore.—The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf p...
21:07
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

PORTLAND, Ore.—The former president of Pakistan on Monday criticized U.S. plans to begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in just over a year. At a stop on his speaking tour, Pervez Musharraf p...

21:06
China coal mine fire reportedly kills 25
» ‎ CNN.com

A coal mine fire in central China has killed 25 people, state-run media cited local government as saying.
21:06
China coal mine fire reportedly kills 25
» ‎ CNN.com

A coal mine fire in central China has killed 25 people, state-run media cited local government as saying.

21:00
roots and nuts
» ‎ Memphis Flyer

Check out the Flyer's extensive food and dining coverage. [image-1]
[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]
21:00
roots and nuts
» ‎ Memphis Flyer

Check out the Flyer's extensive food and dining coverage. [image-1]
[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

20:58
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

But the former leader was sharply opposed to Obama's plan to begin withdrawing forces in July 2011, saying U.S. soldiers should fight until the Taliban is defeated.
20:58
Ex-pakistan Leader Opposes Plan For Afghan Pullout
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

But the former leader was sharply opposed to Obama's plan to begin withdrawing forces in July 2011, saying U.S. soldiers should fight until the Taliban is defeated.
20:57
Karzai's Call, A Step To Afghan-pakistan Rapprochement
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Sunday telephonic talk with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is seen as a follow up to Karzai's visit to Pakistan last week and a stepping stone to an emergi...
20:57
Karzai's Call, A Step To Afghan-pakistan Rapprochement
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Sunday telephonic talk with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is seen as a follow up to Karzai's visit to Pakistan last week and a stepping stone to an emergi...

20:52
Three killed in Mexican drug violence
» ‎ The Guardian World News
President Obama 'outraged' as drug violence claims three workers with connections to US consulate
There was growing pressure on the Mexican government today to prove that it has not completely lost control of the drug wars raging around the country, after three people associated with the US consulate in the border city of Ciudad Juárez were murdered.
A White House statement said Barack Obama was "outraged" by the murders, which took place in two separate incidents on Saturday afternoon.
A pregnant consulate worker, Leslie Enriquez, and her husband, Arthur Redelfs, were shot in their car after leaving a children's birthday party at a colleague's house. Their seven-month-old baby was found unharmed in the back seat.
Almost simultaneously, assassins in a different part of the city killed Jorge Alberto Salcido, the Mexican husband of another consular employee who was driving away from the same event. His two children, aged four and seven, were recovering from gunshot wounds in hospital.
An army and police spokesman, Enrique Torres, said both murders took place after a brief car chase involving at least one vehicle with several gunmen inside. "They were not caught in crossfire," he said. "They were targeted, although we don't know why."
Mexico's president, Felipe Calderón, promised his "unbreakable commitment to resolve these grave crimes".
The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, said the killings reinforced the need to work with the Mexican government "to cripple the influence of trafficking organisations at work in Mexico".
An estimated 19,000 people have died in drug-related violence since Calderón sent in tens of thousands of troops to crack down on the cartels' inter-gang warfare three years ago. Very few of the murders have been resolved.
Juárez, just over the border from El Paso in Texas, suffered about 2,500 murders last year alone. The local cartel is trying to fend off incursion into its territory by the Sinaloa cartel, headed by trafficker Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
At street level, the war involves different local youth gangs associated with the different cartels, but the violence has been increasingly affecting people outside the gangs.
President Calderón was due to visit the city tomorrow as part of a drive to respond to growing anger there at the government's inability to control the killing and provide some hope to a community living in terror.
Fury boiled over after he initially dismissed 16 victims of a massacre at a teenager's party in January as gang members. There is no evidence to suggest they were anything other than ordinary school students trying to have a good time in a besieged city.
Saturday's murders were not the first time US citizens have been caught up in the violence, but the victims' links to the consulate and the timing raises the possibility that the gunmen may have been specifically targeting US officials.
The US state department has announced that consular workers will be allowed to evacuate their families across the border.
A statement from the Mexican police indicated that the first line of investigation in Saturday's murders pointed to a street gang called the Aztecas, which is linked to the Juaréz cartel. It did not give any more information and the US embassy in Mexico was unavailable for comment. Local media reported today that FBI agents were in Juaréz investigating the case.
It was not immediately clear how the murders might affect US support of the Mexican government's offensive, that began under President George W Bush and increased after Obama took office.
Obama has called Calderón "a hero" for taking on the cartels.
Recently, however, there are suggestions that the US authorities are working behind the scenes to encourage Calderón to alter the emphasis of his strategy away from the overriding military focus that does not seem to be working.
This has been nowhere more intense than in Juaréz itself, where the number of soldiers patrolling the city reached 8,000 in 2009. The numbers were reduced earlier this year in a move described by the US ambassador, Carlos Pascual, as "intelligent". There are currently 5,000 soldiers and 2,600 federal police in the city.
Jo Tuckman
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

20:39
Gotta Love This Guy!
» ‎ An Ol' Broad's Ramblings

20:30
Dems: Store closed for reform deals
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

Pelosi plays hardball with rank and file in run-up to historic health care vote.

20:28
Coffee Break: Four Points by Sheraton to open here
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

Park Place Hotel, 5877 Poplar, will be converted to a Four Points by Sheraton by Sept. 1.

20:27
U.S.-Israel flap: What comes next?
» ‎ POLITICO Top Stories

The administration's forceful new line has many key players in a holding pattern.

20:21
Huge Cache Of Explosives Seized In Islamabad, Lahore
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Shakeel AnjumISLAMABAD: The Capital City Police, evading a Lahore-like wave of terrorism in the twin-cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on Monday recovered a huge consignm...
20:21
Huge Cache Of Explosives Seized In Islamabad, Lahore
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Shakeel AnjumISLAMABAD: The Capital City Police, evading a Lahore-like wave of terrorism in the twin-cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on Monday recovered a huge consignm...
20:21
Six Buses Burnt, 16 Damaged In Lahore Protest
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Moayyed Jafri and Sajid BashirLAHORE: Transport owners and students set on fire six buses, damaged 16 others and blocked the Ferozepur Road for over four hours during a pro...
20:21
Pso, Kesc Debt Issue Threatens City Power Supply
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiIt is learnt that the Pakistan State Oil has stopped furnace oil supply to KESC over the circular debt issue, which could adversely affect the a...
20:21
Pso, Kesc Debt Issue Threatens City Power Supply
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiIt is learnt that the Pakistan State Oil has stopped furnace oil supply to KESC over the circular debt issue, which could adversely affect the a...
20:21
Where Singers, Ward Boys Practice Medicine
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Rabia Ali KarachiIn a cramped Christian community of Taiser town, several people, including an eight-day-old baby, have lost their lives at the hands of quacks, as singe...
20:21
Where Singers, Ward Boys Practice Medicine
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Rabia Ali KarachiIn a cramped Christian community of Taiser town, several people, including an eight-day-old baby, have lost their lives at the hands of quacks, as singe...
20:21
Transvestites Letter Turned Into Petition; Ag Served Notice
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Jamal Khurshid Karachi The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notice to Advocate General (AG) Sindh, on the petition of transvestites seeking implementation of the Supreme Co...
20:21
Transvestites Letter Turned Into Petition; Ag Served Notice
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Jamal Khurshid Karachi The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notice to Advocate General (AG) Sindh, on the petition of transvestites seeking implementation of the Supreme Co...
20:21
Governor, Durrani Visit City Areas
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 KarachiSindh Governor, Dr Ishratul Ebad paid a visit to various city areas for four hours and reviewed the progress in respect of ongoing development schemes, cleanliness, san...
20:21
Governor, Durrani Visit City Areas
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 KarachiSindh Governor, Dr Ishratul Ebad paid a visit to various city areas for four hours and reviewed the progress in respect of ongoing development schemes, cleanliness, san...
20:21
Man Killed Over Karo-kari
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiShahzad Jatoi, 26, was killed in the Korangi Industrial Area (KIA) police limits as Karo-Kari. SHO KIA, Ismail Lashari said that the deceased wa...
20:21
Man Killed Over Karo-kari
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiShahzad Jatoi, 26, was killed in the Korangi Industrial Area (KIA) police limits as Karo-Kari. SHO KIA, Ismail Lashari said that the deceased wa...
20:21
over A Million Unsafe Abortions Carried Out Every Year
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiOver a million unsafe induced abortion takes place in Pakistan every year said Dr Shershah Syed, President of Society of Obstetricians and Gynec...
20:21
regional Bodies Needed To Highlight Consumer Rights
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiDistrict and regional committees should be formed to raise awareness regarding consumer rights, college students and other speakers said on Mond...
20:21
over A Million Unsafe Abortions Carried Out Every Year
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiOver a million unsafe induced abortion takes place in Pakistan every year said Dr Shershah Syed, President of Society of Obstetricians and Gynec...
20:21
clergy Must Step Forward To Promote Religious Harmony
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Gibran Ashraf KarachiReligion, which people have made a basis for differences, must now be used as a means for solving problems rather than creating more, said Dr Imam Y...
20:21
Students To Lead Legislators In Lyari Peace March
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent Karachi The Lyari Town Municipal Administration has organised various colourful activities to celebrate the Hamara Karachi Festival, which started on M...
20:21
52 Listed Buildings Illegally Demolished
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By Shahid Husain KarachiOut of the 580 listed buildings, as many as 52 have been demolished illegally, highlighting the apathy of the city authorities with regards to conse...
20:21
Arts Council Opens Membership Drive
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has opened new memberships on merit basis and also announced to entertain pending applications. This was decided in a meeting of the gover...
20:21
Arts Council Opens Membership Drive
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has opened new memberships on merit basis and also announced to entertain pending applications. This was decided in a meeting of the gover...
20:21
Four Killed In Mishaps
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiFour people died in the city in various mishaps on Monday. Ijaz, 30, was killed when a speeding vehicle ran over him near Old Sabzi Mandi in PIB...
20:21
solar Energy Helps Villagers Increase Income, Save Money
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiThe provision of electricity, through an LED-lightening project, to villages where the facility was hitherto not available, has increased workin...
20:21
solar Energy Helps Villagers Increase Income, Save Money
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 By our correspondent KarachiThe provision of electricity, through an LED-lightening project, to villages where the facility was hitherto not available, has increased workin...
20:21
Rs4 Million Bank Robbery In Rawalpindi
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our crime correspondent RawalpindiA gang of robbers Monday looted a bank at Khayaban-e-Sir Syed in broad daylight and took away Rs4 million after making staff and customers...
20:21
Rs4 Million Bank Robbery In Rawalpindi
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our crime correspondent RawalpindiA gang of robbers Monday looted a bank at Khayaban-e-Sir Syed in broad daylight and took away Rs4 million after making staff and customers...
20:21
asma-e-husna Along The Mall
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Saeed Ahmed RawalpindiThe Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), which is paying attention to the development of cantonment areas, is also laying special emphasis on disseminat...
20:21
Job Fair On March 25-26
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Employers-universities interaction urged Tuesday, March 16, 2010 IslamabadEmployers and educational institutions in Pakistan should have a strong interaction with each other not only to provide em...
20:21
Job Fair On March 25-26
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Employers-universities interaction urged Tuesday, March 16, 2010 IslamabadEmployers and educational institutions in Pakistan should have a strong interaction with each other not only to provide em...
20:21
Capital Calls, But Its Not Everyones Cup Of Tea!
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Ishrat Hyatt Many people, mostly foreigners or those coming from other cities, say that Islamabad does not reflect the rest of the country and looks just like any other met...
20:21
Capital Calls, But Its Not Everyones Cup Of Tea!
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Ishrat Hyatt Many people, mostly foreigners or those coming from other cities, say that Islamabad does not reflect the rest of the country and looks just like any other met...
20:21
100% Elimination Of Spurious Drugs Still A Far Cry
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Muhammad Qasim RawalpindiThe District Quality Control Board (DQCB) has expressed satisfaction over the performance of its drug inspectors during last 15 months. However 100...
20:21
100% Elimination Of Spurious Drugs Still A Far Cry
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Muhammad Qasim RawalpindiThe District Quality Control Board (DQCB) has expressed satisfaction over the performance of its drug inspectors during last 15 months. However 100...
20:21
Late Arrival Of Trains Irks Passengers
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent RawalpindiThe old railway tracks across the country are a cause behind the slow speed of trains that is resulting in immense problems for passengers trave...
20:21
Late Arrival Of Trains Irks Passengers
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent RawalpindiThe old railway tracks across the country are a cause behind the slow speed of trains that is resulting in immense problems for passengers trave...
20:21
Bisp To Launch Health Insurance Pilot Project In June
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Myra Imran IslamabadThe Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) plans to launch pilot project of health insurance worth Rs25,000 to 30,000 for needy families in the coming ...
20:21
Bisp To Launch Health Insurance Pilot Project In June
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Myra Imran IslamabadThe Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) plans to launch pilot project of health insurance worth Rs25,000 to 30,000 for needy families in the coming ...
20:21
Poetry Recitation At Fjwu
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent RawalpindiA poetry recitation session with feminist poets Kishwar Naheed and Atia Daud was organised by the Women Research and Resource Centre (Fatima Jin...
20:21
Poetry Recitation At Fjwu
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent RawalpindiA poetry recitation session with feminist poets Kishwar Naheed and Atia Daud was organised by the Women Research and Resource Centre (Fatima Jin...
20:21
Pollen Count Touches 40,000 Mark In Capital
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 IslamabadPollens, causing serious problems to allergy patients, are expected to further increase during this week as it touched about 40,000 per cubic meter mark in the air.Pa...
20:21
Zehras Dresses Go On Display
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent IslamabadWith the arrival of spring, many designers have started holding dress exhibitions to introduce their latest summer trends to the residents of the...
20:21
Zehras Dresses Go On Display
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent IslamabadWith the arrival of spring, many designers have started holding dress exhibitions to introduce their latest summer trends to the residents of the...
20:21
Special Remission Granted To Prisoners
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 IslamabadThe president, in exercise of powers under Article 45 of the Constitution has granted special remission in sentences of convicted prisoners on the occasion of Pakista...
20:21
Hit Dg Ordered To Implement Fst Decision
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent RawalpindiThe Lahore High Court (LHC), Rawalpindi Bench, here on Monday ordered the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) director-general to implement a 2002 dec...
20:21
Special Remission Granted To Prisoners
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 IslamabadThe president, in exercise of powers under Article 45 of the Constitution has granted special remission in sentences of convicted prisoners on the occasion of Pakista...
20:21
Consumers Blamed For Price Hike
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Khalid Iqbal RawalpindiConsumers are responsible for price-hike, adulteration and shortage of different items to a great extent because they do not have unity and ignorant ...
20:21
Lack Of Transparency Hinders Consumer Rights
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Noor Aftab Rawalpindi The participants of a training workshop on Monday agreed that lack of transparency and hesitation to timely disclose information leads to denial of ri...
20:21
People Asked To Form Consumer Pressure Groups
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Rasheed Khalid IslamabadAdvocate Tabish Tipu has called for engaging consumers in forming consumer pressure groups, saying that had we constituted consumer pressure groups,...
20:21
People Asked To Form Consumer Pressure Groups
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Rasheed Khalid IslamabadAdvocate Tabish Tipu has called for engaging consumers in forming consumer pressure groups, saying that had we constituted consumer pressure groups,...
20:21
Bd Artist Paints Stories Of Life
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent IslamabadPortraying the intellectual and personal reflections of Bangladeshi artist Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed, an exhibition of diverse and pleasing paintings...
20:21
Bd Artist Paints Stories Of Life
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Our correspondent IslamabadPortraying the intellectual and personal reflections of Bangladeshi artist Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed, an exhibition of diverse and pleasing paintings...

20:17
Germantown Mom Wins Food Network Contest
» ‎ WREG - Memphis News: daily news, local news and tv news

Her Crawfish and Andouille Sausage Pizza recipe impressed the judges

20:10
News Analysis: Array of Hurdles Awaits New Education Agenda
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

The challenges of implementing a new education policy for the Obama administration are political and practical.
20:10
News Analysis: Array of Hurdles Awaits New Education Agenda
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

The challenges of implementing a new education policy for the Obama administration are political and practical.

19:47
World's shortest man dies aged 21
» ‎ The Guardian World News
The world's shortest man, He Pingping, who was just 2ft 5in (74.6cm) tall has died in Rome.
He, who was from China, died on Saturday in the Italian capital where he was taking part in a television show, after being admitted to hospital suffering chest pains. He was 21 years old.
Born in Wulanchabu, in northern China's Inner Mongolia region, with a form of primordial dwarfism, He officially became the world's smallest man in 2008 when Guinness World Records measured him at 74.6cm.
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of London-based Guinness World Records measured He in his hometown in China.
"For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world," he said. "From the moment I laid eyes on him I knew he was someone special – he had such a cheeky smile and mischievous personality, you couldn't help but be charmed by him. He brightened up the lives of everyone he met and was an inspiration to anyone considered different or unusual."
He, who at birth was no bigger than the palm of his father's hand, was a chain-smoker and reportedly a ladies' man despite his height.
Inner Mongolia is also home to Bao Xishun, the former world's tallest man.
Guinness World Records said He's successor will be announced at a later date.
Khagendra Thapa Magar, 18, from Nepal, who is reportedly 51cm tall, believes he is the rightful holder of the title. He travelled to Europe last year to lobby Guinness World Records to measure him for the accolade.
- China
- Italy
Aidan Jones
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

19:37
Attack on a U.S. official is rare in Mexico
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

If drug traffickers in Ciudad Juarez deliberately targeted diplomatic personnel, it would mark a significant departure in tactics.

The danger signs had been mounting. The U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez recently shut down for a bomb threat (which proved false). Federal police guards were redoubled. Officials working at the diplomatic mission saw their movements being gradually restricted, some parts of the city deemed too dicey to frequent.
19:36
Results of Toyota's tests of runaway Prius 'inconsistent' with driver's account
» ‎ Los Angeles Times - Top News

The carmaker says it failed to reproduce the stuck accelerator that a motorist says took him on a wild ride near San Diego last week.

Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday that its preliminary investigation into a runaway Prius incident a week ago resulted in findings "inconsistent" with the driver's account.

19:34
Dems Bring Up the 'R-Word'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

House panel backs reconciliation, a risky maneuver Dems hope will get health care reform legislation over finish line
• White House Backs Out Of 'Sweetheart' Cuts
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to Health Care This Week
• FOX FORUM: Manipulation, Payoffs and Lies
• LIVESHOTS: Ross on What the Governors Think
• YOU DECIDE: If Health Reform Passes, Who Wins?
19:34
Toyota: Don't Believe the Hype
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Car company says there are 'significant inconsistencies' in man's claim that his Prius sped out of control on freeway
• Feds Stumped on California 'Runaway' Prius Case

19:34
‘We are not governing here today, we are greasing the skids’
» ‎ iOwnTheWorld.com

From RedState

So said Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) during today’s Budget Committee farce wherein the “shell” bill was passed. It now heads over to be marked up and can include whatever they want, including public option, and can be loaded with earmarks to secure wavering or undecided votes. Like I said last night, everything is now on the table. Everything.

Ryan then went on to say the following during Budget Committee today: “This abuse of the process, this abuse of the constitution…are not worthy of your support.” Among other things. The full eight minutes is well worth watching.

Rep. Paul Ryan knows that this is our moment and we must seize it. We, The People must not be willing to return to silence and apathy. We cannot lose sight of how high the stakes are. We cannot become dejected and give up. This isn’t about health care reform. It’s about Liberty and our very way of life. If it passes, we continue the fight to get it repealed as swiftly as possible before the insidious nature of socialized medicine can take root.

Click here to read the rest and to see the video

19:32
Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
19:32
Bloomberg's Girlfriend Courted for N.Y. Senate Run
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Bloomberg's Girlfriend Courted for N.Y. Senate Run
19:32
Air Force Lesbian Discharged After Marriage Doc Find
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Air Force Lesbian Discharged After Marriage Doc Find
19:32
Census Bureau Over Budget as Heavy Counting Starts
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Census Bureau Over Budget as Heavy Counting Starts
19:32
Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
19:32
Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
19:32
LIVESHOTS: Kellogg on Mideast Peace in Damascus
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LIVESHOTS: Kellogg on Mideast Peace in Damascus
19:32
U.S.-Israeli Ties in 'Crisis of Historic Proportions'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

U.S.-Israeli Ties in 'Crisis of Historic Proportions'
19:32
Millions in the Dark as Storm Pounds Northeast
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Millions in the Dark as Storm Pounds Northeast
19:32
Report: Pentagon Official Caught in Spy Scandal Probe
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Report: Pentagon Official Caught in Spy Scandal Probe
19:32
Swiss Designer Creates Dinosaur Dung Watch- Ancient Amphibian Skull Discovered at Airport
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Swiss Designer Creates Dinosaur Dung Watch- Ancient Amphibian Skull Discovered at Airport

19:32
Did This in November, and it’s as Appropriate Now as it Was Then
» ‎ iOwnTheWorld.com

From Hot Air:

Click Here to see Bachmann at the Kill The Bill Rally

19:30
ESPN reporter's stalker gets 2½ years in prison
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2½ years in prison before giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim.

19:29
Michael Foot's funeral
» ‎ The Guardian World News

Labour figures past and present among those mourning former leader at funeral
19:29
Michael Foot's funeral
» ‎ The Guardian World News

Labour figures past and present among those mourning former leader at funeral

19:29
Response to WTC Settlement Protester Avelino Montalvo Who Falsely Claims To Be a WTC Plaintiff
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Response to WTC Settlement Protester Avelino Montalvo Who Falsely Claims To Be a WTC Plaintiff

19:21
Tennessee Lady Vols to host Austin Peay in first round
» ‎ Memphis Commercial Appeal Stories

The No. 3-ranked Tennessee women's basketball team is on the same side of the bracket as undefeated Connecticut.

19:20
Runaway Prius story questioned
» ‎ The Guardian World News
James Sikes made a panicky call to emergency services, saying his Toyota Prius was speeding out of control on a San Diego freeway. His account is now increasingly under scrutiny
It sounded like a motorist's worst nightmare: a Californian estate agent, James Sikes, made headlines around the world last week when he recounted how his Toyota Prius went out of control on a San Diego freeway, reaching a speed of up to 94mph until a highway patrol officer guided him to safety.
Sikes's account is now under scrutiny as experts puzzle over technical discrepancies and details emerge of his colourful financial history.
Sikes became the face of Toyota's safety crisis as a flustered, white-haired 61-year-old, when he went public with his story and a recording was released of his panicky voice telling an emergency operator: "My car won't slow down!"
His ordeal appeared to be the latest, most dramatic, in a string of incidents involving faulty accelerators that has led Toyota to recall more than 8m cars around the world. But after extensive tests, the US government's national highway traffic safety administration today revealed it had not found anything wrong with the 2008 blue hybrid car.
"So far, we have not been able to find anything to explain the incident that Mr Sikes reported," the agency said. "We would caution people that our work continues and we may never know exactly what happened with this car."
Toyota has dismissed Sikes's story, saying its own tests found the car's accelerator and backup safety system worked. It stopped short of saying Sikes had staged a hoax, but said yesterday that his account did not square with a series of tests it conducted on the petrol-electric hybrid.
Toyota said its testing found Sikes had rapidly pressed the accelerator and brakes back and forth more than 250 times.
A spokesman, Mike Michels, told a press conference: "We have no opinion on his account, what he's been saying, other than that the scenario is not consistent with the technical findings."
Meanwhile, public records have revealed that Sikes has a troubled financial past. In 2006, he appeared on a television game show called The Big Spin and won $55,000. But two years later he filed for personal bankruptcy, citing debts of $115,000 on 16 credit cards.
Darrell Issa, a Californian congressman on the house oversight committee,, expressed reservations about the incident, saying that some cases of faulty vehicles arose from driver error, while others could be perpetrated by people seeking "notoriety". Issa said the government's test result "doesn't mean it didn't happen. But let's understand, it doesn't mean it did happen."
After weaving around cars and lorries, Sikes's high-speed journey came to an end when a highway patrol officer guided him through an emergency braking procedure and then positioned his patrol car in front of the Prius to slow it down.
Sikes's lawyer, John Gomez, dismissed doubts, saying that his client is not suing Toyota and has declined television appearances. Gomez added that the highway patrol officer could smell burning brakes and saw the car's brake light on.
"There's a ghost in the machine," Gomez told the Los Angeles Times, adding that Toyota has made little progress in pinpointing problems with other runaway cars. "No one is able to replicate it or identify it."
Sikes's wife, Patty, pleaded with reporters to leave the couple alone, saying they had received death threats.
"Our careers are ruined and life is just not good anymore," she said.
Andrew Clark
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

19:19
Mortgage fraud nets man 17-year prison sentence
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

A Haitian man was sentenced Monday to nearly 17 years in prison for leading a mortgage fraud scheme in Phoenix that authorities say cost banks about $9.5 million.

19:18
Church Fights Back After Town Bans Home Bible Study
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The national Alliance Defense Fund says a town code that bars religious assemblies in private homes in the Arizona community of Gilbert is unconstitutional.
19:18
Church Fights Back After Town Bans Home Bible Study
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The national Alliance Defense Fund says a town code that bars religious assemblies in private homes in the Arizona community of Gilbert is unconstitutional.

19:13
Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Rafa Benítez gambled and won as Liverpool moved back up to fifth with a victory that was stylish as well as convincing. Either throwing caution to the wind or realising that he could afford to take a few risks against the bottom-placed club, Benítez backed up Fernando Torres with Alberto Aquilani as well as Ryan Babel and was rewarded when all three made it on to the score sheet.
Perhaps a comfortable stroll against a team with Portsmouth's problems does not represent a turning point or even a return to business as usual for Liverpool but though at least the respite was welcome after two successive defeats and a truly grim performance at Wigan. For an eerie first half-hour until the goals arrived Anfield was noticeably quiet. By the end there were not only songs to sing and spontaneous bursts of applause for crisp passing moves but Aquilani's first goal in English football. "He is a good player and that will increase his confidence but we had many good players tonight," Benítez said.
Liverpool's win would have been more emphatic still had Stuart Attwell awarded a penalty when Glen Johnson was scythed down by Nadir Belhadj midway through the second half, though equally Liverpool would have been down to 10 men had the referee spotted Steven Gerrard's elbow on Brown, an assault that may jeopardise his involvement against Manchester United on Sunday should the official be invited to review his decision. Attwell penalised Gerrard for flooring Brown yet could not have seen the nature of the foul, otherwise a red card would have been produced. Benítez said he had not seen the incident.
Unusually poor delivery by Gerrard saw Liverpool waste a succession of free-kicks and corners in the opening minutes,, and Torres might have had an early penalty when Ricardo Rocha appeared to handle his shot in the area, though there were signs of growing understanding in a reshaped midfield. Aquilani started to link with Maxi Rodríguez and both were involved in setting up Gerrard for a shot that flew high into the Kop. Then the Italian was unlucky when his first-time volley missed by inches after Rodríguez's pass dropped over his shoulder.
It took a double mistake by the reserve goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown to open the floodgates for Liverpool. First his weak clearance was returned by Gerrard, then he dallied too long over Rocha's backpass and allowed the Liverpool captain to charge down his next attempt. Rodríguez unselfishly squared to Torres and the home side were in front. Two minutes later Liverpool doubled their lead and effectively killed the game, something of a rarity in these parts nowadays, when Torres picked up Johnson's cross at the far post and comprehensively beat Steve Finnan to allow Babel to check round his marker and score.
Torres was again the provider for Aquilani's goal, this time with a neat backheel. Once Gerrard's dummy had wrongfooted the defence it was simple for Aquilani to slide in a shot from close to the penalty spot. "We went to sleep for seven minutes," Avram Grant said after losing to Liverpool for the first time. "We made a mistake but you need to be awake all the time."
Liverpool could have had more before the interval, with Torres striking a post and Gerrard putting a good chance wide, though Portsmouth showed character in keeping going. Frédéric Piquionne in particular was a handful for the home defence, on one occasion being rather harshly recalled after breaking clear from Daniel Agger for what appeared minimal contact. Then, as half-time approached, he cut in powerfully from the right and rolled a shot narrowly past Pepe Reina's right-hand upright.
Ashdown partially atoned for his first-half errors by denying Gerrard and Babel in quick succession at the start of the second half though, not to be outdone, Reina produced an splendidly instinctive save, throwing out a hand to deflect the ball over the bar when Michael Brown seemed certain to score. The Liverpool goalkeeper produced one of the evening's most inspired pieces of distribution, setting Babel free down the left wingwith a kick from his hands of perfect weight and accuracy. Babel galloped eagerly into acres of space, beyond Finnan, then spoiled the moment by crossing to no one in particular. It was not a total surprise. Liverpool were much improved, complete transformations take a little longer.
They scored their fourth with a typical finish from Torres, picked out by a precise pass from the impressive Aquilani, before Portsmouth gained a not undeserved consolation goal in the 89th minute, Belhadj tapping in after Piquionne had volleyed his cross back across goal to leave Reina furious at being denied a clean sheet. The question now is how much Liverpool's teamsheet at Old Trafford will resemble this one.
Paul Wilson
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

19:12
Dollar trades at lower 90 yen level in early Tokyo deals+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ The U.S. dollar traded at the lower 90 yen level early Tuesday in Tokyo with sentiment slightly bearish compared with overnight trading in New York. At 9 a.m., the dollar...
19:10
North Dakota braces for floods
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Melting snow will cause major flooding along the Red River in North Dakota by Tuesday with water levels just below the record set in 2009 during one of the...

19:10
Indian Cabinet Backs Letting In Foreign Campuses
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

The bill, which awaits a decision by Parliament, appeared to be an acknowledgment that the country’s higher education system cannot cope with rising demand.

19:08
Karzai angry with Pakistan and US over Taliban capture
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

The Afghan leader, Hamid Karzai, is said to be very angry over the capture of the Taliban's number two official in Pakistan.

19:07
Drug gang blamed for killings of 3 with ties to U.S. consulate
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — The two families climbed into white SUVs and almost simultaneously left the children's birthday party put on by the U.S. consulate. One headed deeper into one of the world's most dangerous cities, the other toward a bridge to El Paso, one of America's safest.
19:07
Obama seeks to reassure seniors on health care
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — With a fresh sense of urgency, President Barack Obama sought to reassure seniors Monday about health care legislation approaching a final vote in Congress, pledging it would make preventive care cost-free and close a gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage.
19:07
Toyota casts doubt on story of runaway Prius driver
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota plans to cast doubt Monday on a California man's claim that his Prius sped out of control last week on the freeway, a person briefed on the matter told The Associated Press.

19:06
Boston art heist rattles investigators 20 years on
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

It remains the most tantalizing art heist mystery in the world. In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves walked into Boston's elegant Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum disguised...

19:05
Government funds nuclear firm
» ‎ The Guardian World News
Mandelson to announce £170m funding for nuclear manufacturer that could lead low-carbon industrial strategy
The government's much-vaunted "low-carbon industrial strategy" is set to receive a boost on Wednesday with the announcement of a long-awaited £170m funding package for the British nuclear manufacturer, Sheffield Forgemasters.
The company, which has been in funding negotiations for more than six months, has secured the last remaining £20m from bank loans, the Guardian has learnt.
It means Sheffield Forgemasters will be able to build a 15,000-tonne press to make large forgings used in modern reactors being built in the UK and overseas.
The business secretary, Lord Mandelson, and the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, will travel to Sheffield, along with the business minister, Pat McFadden, to make the announcement on Wednesday.
Boosting the hi-tech industrial economy in the UK will become a key political battleground in the run-up to the general election after the credit crunch exposed the dangers of becoming over-reliant on financial services. Official data recently showed that in its first decade in power Labour had allowed the manufacturing sector to shrink at a quicker rate than under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
In response, Mandelson, who has been heavily involved in the complex negotiations, has been championing a new policy of "industrial activism". Ministers say that without more government support for industry, the tens of billions of pounds of new reactors and wind turbines planned to reduce carbon emissions would have to be imported. British manufacturers and workers would miss out.
To secure the funding, the government has pledged £65m in soft loans, with £35m from the European Investment Bank. The nuclear reactor firm Westinghouse is paying £50m upfront for its orders.
The deal also provides a much-needed boost to the north-east, where traditional manufacturers such as Corus have been hammered by the recession and which has one of the highest UK jobless rates. Mandelson wants to create a hub of low-carbon manufacturers in the region with ties to Sheffield University. He recently opened a new £25m research facility in Rotherham for Britain's civil nuclear industry where Sheffield Forgemasters can work with other UK firms in the supply chain.
Dougie Rooney, of the Unite union, said: "The only hope for the nation in terms of being able to pay off its debts is for the UK's engineering industry to become a global supply-chain player supplying components and equipment for new energy projects."
The Sheffield firm is one of only a few around the world that can make the special forgings for reactors. There is increasing political pressure on nuclear companies to source as many components as possible from the UK. The deal will create 150 jobs directly, but thousands more could be created in the wider nuclear supply chain as a result, according to Unite.
Sheffield Forgemasters, whose origins go back to the 1750s, became notorious in the 1990s after becoming embroiled in the "Supergun affair" over arms sales to Iraq.
Tim Webb
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

19:01
Toyota casts doubt on "runaway" Prius claim
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

WASHINGTON/SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said on Monday it had found no evidence to support the driver's account of a widely publicized "runaway" Prius incident in California.
19:00
Broadband plan aims to boost speed, wireless
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators released a blueprint for upgrading Internet access for all Americans, with Internet speeds up to 25 times the current average, expanded coverage and...
18:54
Dodd Bill Offers Compromised Consumer Financial Protection Agency
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Dodd Bill Offers Compromised Consumer Financial Protection Agency

18:53
Body of Missing Bipolar N.H. Mother Found in Maine
» ‎ FOXNews.com

A New Hampshire woman who fled her home in a manic state, leaving her husband and young son behind, left few clues when she abandoned her car 150 miles away in another state on a highway median in a snowstorm.

18:46
On College Basketball: UConn Women, Like U.C.L.A. Men of Old, Are Good for Basketball
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Just as college basketball needed the U.C.L.A. men in the 1960s and 70s, it now needs the women’s dominance of UConn, who were seeded first Monday night.

18:46
Pelosi Statement on Senator Dodd's Wall Street Reform Proposal
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Pelosi Statement on Senator Dodd's Wall Street Reform Proposal

18:45
EUROPEAN UNION: Geert Wilders' Party of Freedom caled "Fascist" for Fiscal Conservatism
» ‎ Libertarian Republican

Just Released Video... Fireworks fly in the EU...

European Parliament proceedings. The PVV (Party for Freedom), representatives from the Netherlands ask for a general accounting of travel expenses and other questionable expenditures in the budget. They are joined in by members of other parties from other nations seeking more transparency and openess in accounting.

At 3:25 in, the debate becomes heated. A Socialist member yells out that the PVV-ers are "Fascist," for suggesting such an inquiry. The PVV members respond in an animated fashion; a common Dutch hand expression for "screw you."

The female PVV member is Laurence Stassen. She is a former TV news reporter.

There are three PVV members serving in the Euro Parliament out of a total of 761. They are the third largest Dutch delegation.

You can watch a video of Laurence Stassen here. For more info Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV)

Hat tip Astute Bloggers

18:43
Fed saves some regulatory authority in Dodd plan
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve would retain some but not all of its oversight powers in the changed financial landscape envisioned by Senate Banking Committee Chairman...
18:42
Connecticut is the overall No. 1 seed for the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Connecticut is the overall No. 1 seed for the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
18:41
Toyota dismisses account of runaway Prius
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Toyota Motor Corp. dismissed the story of a man who claimed his Prius sped out of control on the California freeway, saying Monday that its own tests found the car's gas pedal and backup...

18:38
McCain, Palin to campaign together next week
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

John McCain and Sarah Palin will campaign together in Arizona next week. It will be their first public appearance together since they conceded the presidential election in Phoenix in 2008.

18:37
Oh, those wacky Russians
» ‎ iOwnTheWorld.com

Tom Mannis sends me this site called Russian English. One post particularly caught my eye. It was about car modifications found in the streets of Russia. This reminds me of the tales our astronauts had when returning from the first docking with the Russians in space. They were HORRIFIED by the “gypsy jobs” that they were performing on highly technical things, like SPACE CRAFT! It must be a cultural thing. How else can you explain some of these cars.

See the rest here

18:37
Next Up On 'THE MO'NIQUE SHOW'....
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Next Up On 'THE MO'NIQUE SHOW'....
18:33
Woman, son missing after van found on Wash. beach
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

A woman heading to her stepfather's house was "beyond lost" when she and her 8-year-old son took one wrong turn after another through the backroads of Thurston County and onto a private...
18:32
CIBT Completes Acquisition of KGIC Education Group
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

CIBT Completes Acquisition of KGIC Education Group
18:30
Jersey Shore Waterpark and Amusement Piers, Morey's Piers Announces Spring Sale
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Jersey Shore Waterpark and Amusement Piers, Morey's Piers Announces Spring Sale
18:29
Tennessee is the No. 1 seed for the Memphis region of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Tennessee is the No. 1 seed for the Memphis region of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.

18:29
Slater: Karl Rove pins the blame for Bush White House troubles on others
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Slater: Karl Rove pins the blame for Bush White House troubles on others

18:24
Wachovia in talks to settle probe: report
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Reuters) - The Wachovia Bank unit of Wells Fargo & Co is in talks with the U.S. Justice Department to settle complaints relating to the alleged failure in bank controls that enabled...

18:24
Hunter Says Pics 'Repulsive'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

John Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter cried on the phone to Barbara Walters after seeing her photos in GQ | Hunter's Tell-All Interview
18:24
App Controversy
» ‎ FOXNews.com

SLIDESHOW: In light of cell phone application that helps illegal immigrants crossing the border, check out some apps that YOU would like to see
18:24
Pratt Cyber Terror Shocker
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Defense firm confirms that 'Hills' star Spencer Pratt starting anti-cyber terrorism venture | HEIDI MONTAG HOT SHOTS
18:24
Kate a 'Diva' on 'DWTS'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

FOX411: The TLC reality mom reportedly not making friends with the cast of 'Dancing With the Stars' due to diva demands and nasty attitude with crew
18:24
More Stars Without Makeup
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Ashley Tisdale looks pretty angry that photographers snapped her without her face paint. Click through to see how your fave celeb looks au naturel
18:24
Celebrity Smells
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LONG LIST: Kim Kardashian is just one of the celebrities producing fragrant aromas. See who's busy creating scents meant to attract...
18:24
Web of Hate
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The Net grew 20 percent uglier last year, and terrorists on Facebook and Twitter are targeting kids, finds the 2010 Digital Hate Report | SLIDESHOW: Worst of the Web
18:24
Everyone Into the Pool
» ‎ FOXNews.com

As 58 million scramble to finish brackets, are March Madness office pools boosting morale or draining productivity? | Bracket (pdf) | Tips Before Tip-Off

18:23
Cabinet approval falls to 32%, 56% see money politics as big issue+
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

(Kyodo) _ The approval rate for Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's Cabinet fell to 32 percent in the latest nationwide telephone poll from 37 percent in a February poll, the Asahi Shimbun...

18:21
The Female Factor: An Afghan Politician Pushes for a Comeback
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Malalai Joya, the youngest elected politician in Afghanistan, has received so many death threats that she lives what she calls a fugitive’s life in her own country.

18:21
Nebraska is No. 1 seed for the Kansas City region of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Nebraska is No. 1 seed for the Kansas City region of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
18:21
Sean Durfy announces resignation from WestJet
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Sean Durfy announces resignation from WestJet

18:14
Sarah Palin Urges American Patriots to Attend Code Red Rally on Tuesday
» ‎ Gateway Pundit

Sarah Palin is urging American Patriots to attend the rally tomorrow in Washington.
From her Facebook page:

American Grassroots Coalition www.americangrassrootscoalition.org What: CODE RED Health Care Rally to Kill The Bill!When: March 16, 2010 at 10:00 am EST.Where: Capitol Hill, Taft Park, Washington D.C.

18:06
ESPN reporter's stalker gets 2 1/2 years in prison
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in prison after giving a tearful apology that was harshly...

18:05
Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Dodd Unveils Plan to Expand Fed Powers Over Banks
18:05
Ex-NYC Bank President in Alleged TARP Scam
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Ex-NYC Bank President in Alleged TARP Scam
18:05
Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Erin Andrews' Stalker Gets 2 1/2 Years in Prison
18:05
Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Obama Irks Teachers, Revamps 'No Child Left Behind'
18:05
LIVESHOTS: Kellogg on Mideast Peace in Damascus
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LIVESHOTS: Kellogg on Mideast Peace in Damascus
18:05
Surgery Completed on Beckham's Achilles' Tendon
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Surgery Completed on Beckham's Achilles' Tendon
18:05
U.S.-Israeli Ties in 'Crisis of Historic Proportions'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

U.S.-Israeli Ties in 'Crisis of Historic Proportions'
18:05
Millions in the Dark as Storm Pounds Northeast
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Millions in the Dark as Storm Pounds Northeast
18:05
Report: Pentagon Official Caught in Spy Scandal Probe
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Report: Pentagon Official Caught in Spy Scandal Probe
18:05
Swiss Designer Creates Dinosaur Dung Watch- Ancient Amphibian Skull Discovered at Airport
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Swiss Designer Creates Dinosaur Dung Watch- Ancient Amphibian Skull Discovered at Airport
18:05
House Panel ForwardsDems' Health Bill Maneuver
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Budget panel approves reconciliation resolution, allowing the Senate to consider health care reform bill fix
• White House Backs Out Of 'Sweetheart' Cuts
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to Health Care This Week
• Obama Hunts for Health Care Votes in Ohio | BLOG
• FOX FORUM: Manipulation, Payoffs and Lies
• LIVESHOTS: Ross on What the Governors Think
• YOU DECIDE: If Health Reform Passes, Who Wins?
18:05
Tight Senate Race Turns Personal
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Michael Bloomberg's girlfriend is courted to run against incumbent Dem — a known target of the NYC mayor

18:03
US criticism of Israel ignites firestorm
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

The Obama administration's fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism of America's top...
18:00
Sandbags delivered ahead of expected Fargo flood
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

Police escorted convoys of flatbed trucks carrying piles of sandbags into neighborhoods along Fargo's Red River on Monday as residents began preparing to keep the looming flood waters away...

17:59
New Jersey Woman Wants to Weigh 1,000 Pounds
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Meet Donna Simpson. She's going to cost you. A lot.
17:58
Hunter Says Pics 'Repulsive'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

John Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter cried on the phone to Barbara Walters after seeing her photos in GQ | Hunter's Tell-All Interview
17:58
App Controversy
» ‎ FOXNews.com

SLIDESHOW: In light of cell phone application that helps illegal immigrants crossing the border, check out some apps that YOU would like to see
17:58
Pratt Cyber Terror Shocker
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Defense firm confirms that 'Hills' star Spencer Pratt starting anti-cyber terrorism venture | HEIDI MONTAG HOT SHOTS
17:58
Jess: Men 'Undressing Me'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

FOX411: Simpson says since John Mayer's 'sexual napalm' interview, men look at her differently | JESSICA HOT SHOTS
17:58
Kate a 'Diva' on 'DWTS'
» ‎ FOXNews.com

FOX411: The TLC reality mom reportedly not making friends with the cast of 'Dancing With the Stars' due to diva demands and nasty attitude with crew
17:58
More Stars Without Makeup
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Ashley Tisdale looks pretty angry that photographers snapped her without her face paint. Click through to see how your fave celeb looks au naturel
17:58
Celebrity Smells
» ‎ FOXNews.com

LONG LIST: Kim Kardashian is just one of the celebrities producing fragrant aromas. See who's busy creating scents meant to attract...
17:58
Web of Hate
» ‎ FOXNews.com

The Net grew 20 percent uglier last year, and terrorists on Facebook and Twitter are targeting kids, finds the 2010 Digital Hate Report | SLIDESHOW: Worst of the Web
17:58
Everyone Into the Pool
» ‎ FOXNews.com

As 58 million scramble to finish brackets, are March Madness office pools boosting morale or draining productivity? | Bracket (pdf) | Tips Before Tip-Off

17:57
Karachi 'water Mafia' Leaves Pakistanis Parched And Broke
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

Corrupt politicians allow businessmen to siphon off as much as 41% of the city's water supply and turn around and sell it at exorbitant rates to residents, generating an estimated $43 million a year.

17:57
Slater: Karl Rove pins the blame for Bush White House troubles on others
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Slater: Karl Rove pins the blame for Bush White House troubles on others

17:54
Man who shot nude video of ESPN's Erin Andrews gets 2½ years; Victim says it's not enough
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2½ years in prison before giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim.

17:52
Euro ministers say have Greek aid plan if needed
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Finance ministers from the 16-country euro zone agreed on Monday to mobilize financial aid for Greece rapidly if needed but revealed little of how their standby plan...

17:50
Animal Shelter Seeks Building
» ‎ WREG - Memphis News: daily news, local news and tv news

Needs donations for purchase

Many animals left in open air kennels year round
17:50
Casinos Optimistic on Economy
» ‎ WREG - Memphis News: daily news, local news and tv news

Convention bookings, travel up

Convention, travel bookings up for 2010

17:47
$8M worth of marijuana seized from auto repair shop
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

17:39
Butler Snubs Chief Justice for Commencement Speech
» ‎ FOXNews.com

Butler University faculty members have scuttled a student-led drive to invite U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts to speak at his niece's May 8 commencement.

17:38
Payback Time: Avalanche of Maturing Junk Bonds Looms for Markets
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

More than $700 billion of high-yield debt will mature over a three-year period beginning in 2012, raising worries about new loans, defaults and bankruptcies.

17:37
Phone In For TN’s 7th
» ‎ An Ol' Broad's Ramblings

Just had a nice chat with a staffer at Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s Memphis office. Voiced my opinion, on the most recent shenanigans of the Democrats in D.C. However, that wasn’t my primary reason for calling them, believe it or not. Seems that when an email, inviting constituents to participate in a phone town hall, went out, they forgot to include our little corner of the 7th District. Heh. Well, luckily, they are going to rectify that problem, and Hardin County will be added to the list, with the appropriate phone number to call in tomorrow.

Just thought if anyone around these parts got the same email, and wants to participate, you’ll be getting an updated email tomorrow morning. At least, I sure hope so!

17:36
Sex offender arrested at Arizona border
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

QUARTZSITE - U.S. Border Patrol agents say they have arrested a convicted California sex offender following a vehicle stop near Quartzsite.

17:30
In Expensive New York, Pizza for $1, or Even 99 Cents
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

In New York City, where an omelet can cost $1,000, incredibly cheap pizzerias are making their mark.

17:28
Match-fixing Major Reason For Pakistan's Poor Showing Down Under
» ‎ Pakistan News latest RSS headlines - Pakistan News.Net

KARACHI: Senators probing into what one of them termed as the 'Pakistan cricket mess' have found disturbing evidence that match-fixing was one of the major reasons behind Pakistan's catastrophic tour ...

17:26
Man found dead in overturned car on southern edge of Dallas
» ‎ dallasnews.com Latest News

Man found dead in overturned car on southern edge of Dallas

17:25
As Voting Fog Begins to Clear, Iraq Sees Hints of Change
» ‎ NYT > Home Page

Partial election results suggested a shift in power, with a secular candidate challenging the prime minister.

17:25
Home loan company to fill 100 jobs at Kierland office
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

Loan Resolution Corp. expects to quadruple number of short sales through two major banks

17:25
Baby Tossed Down 11th Floor Trash Chute
» ‎ WREG - Memphis News: daily news, local news and tv news

Father accused and being sought

17:24
3 injured in head-on crash in Apache Junction
» ‎ azcentral.com | news

Car drifted over center line, fire official says.

17:24
Spencer Pratt to Join Fight Against Cyberterrorism
» ‎ Homeland Security News

Spencer Pratt is ready to jump into the fight against cyber-terrorism according to a report on FoxNews.com. In the report, Bill Beasley, president of American Defense Enterprises, a firearms training firm in Los Angeles, told FoxNews.com that he and Pratt are in the “beginning stages” of negotiations to start a cybersecurity venture. [...] Beasley said Pratt contacted him [...]
This story comes to us via Homeland Security - National Terror Alert. National Terror Alert is America's trusted source for homeland security news and information.

Spencer Pratt to Join Fight Against Cyberterrorism

17:23
Bipartisan jobs bill advances past GOP filibuster
» ‎ RSS feed - channel BNews

A bipartisan bill that would provide tax cuts for businesses that hire unemployed workers cleared a GOP filibuster in the Senate Monday, opening the way for final congressional...

17:23
Drug gang blamed for killings of 3 with ties to U.S. consulate
» ‎ chicagotribune.com - News

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — The two families climbed into white SUVs and almost simultaneously left the children's birthday party put on by the U.S. consulate. One headed deeper into one of the world's most dangerous cities, the other toward a bridge to El Paso, one of America's safest.