Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Pope's Condition in Hospital Is Called Stable After Health Scare

My maternal grandmother lived to the age of 94. She was bright and coherent all her days until the last 48 hours, when she fell asleep not to wake up again. She has a weak heart. She took medicine for that weak heart since the age of sixty. As she aged and grew into her eighties it never failed that every February she came down with a lung infection and was admitted to the hospital. We used to call it 'her annual tune up.'

I think John Paul II needed his 'tune-up.'

February 3, 2005

Pope's Condition in Hospital Is Called Stable After Health Scare
By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL, International Herald Tribune

OME, Feb. 2 - Pope John Paul II was stable and working from his hospital bed on Wednesday, the Vatican said, after a scare that again raised questions about his failing health and the succession of leadership in the Roman Catholic Church.

The pope entered an Italian hospital on Tuesday night suffering from what is presumed to be influenza, which can pose a serious threat to people with Parkinson's disease. That progressive brain disorder has plagued him for more than a decade. While the Vatican said his breathing problems had stabilized with treatment during the night, he remained in the hospital.

Some respiratory experts predicted that it would be difficult for John Paul, who is 84, to ever fully regain his already frail health.

"If the bulletins today are honest and not diplomatic, he will recover, and this diagnosis is not harmful to his life," said Dr. Luigi Allegra, head of the cardiopulmonary department at Polyclinic Hospital in Milan. "But this is a further insult to a body that is already ill, and I am afraid that the outcome will not be perfect, and he will not recover to his previous condition."

The Vatican said Wednesday that the pope's breathing difficulties had been diagnosed as stemming from "acute laryngeal tracheitis," an inflammation of the breathing tubes that lead from the mouth to the lungs.

This common condition normally produces coughing spasms, hoarseness and fever, and it can also lead to shortness of breath in more severe cases, especially if the patient is weak. It can be caused by a number of viruses, including influenza.

But breathing difficulties of this sort can be extremely serious - even life threatening - in people with advanced Parkinson's disease, in part because their chest muscles that control breathing and coughing function poorly.

The pope was taken by ambulance from the Vatican to the Gemelli Polyclinic here late Tuesday night, in what his spokesman characterized as a "mainly precautionary" admission for "breathing difficulty." From Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday morning, he received "respiratory assistance therapies," which stabilized his condition, the Vatican said, and he was afterward able to sleep for "some hours."

He had "just a little fever," said his spokesman, Joaquín Navarro-Valls. The pope has been sick for several days.

Although the Vatican did not mention what treatments he had received, common treatments would include low doses of supplemental oxygen, and medicines or respiratory therapy to loosen the mucus in the airways. Therapy would probably include nebulizers.

People with Parkinson's disease may have slow reflexes and difficulty walking that limits their mobility. They may also have difficulty exhaling, in part because of weakness of their breathing muscles in the chest and because of an inability to "put their muscle movements together like other people," said Dr. Robert J. Joynt, a neurologist and former vice provost for health affairs at the University of Rochester.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Vatican reported that the pope had appointed two bishops from his hospital bed, suggesting a steady improvement in his condition.

"The pope is the pope," Dr. Allegra said. "He has been through a lot. We are used to miracles from him."

Lawrence K. Altman contributed reporting from New York for this article.

Pope John Paul II looks at a white dove freed at the end of the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square, at the Vatican, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005. According to a report on French radio, the Pontiff was taken to hospital, Tuesday Feb. 1, 2005.(AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)
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Just a little bit of beauty. This is a mother and child at a ceremony in Banda Aceh. PEACE. Posted by Hello

MUZAFFARABAD: Doctors operate Muhammad Shaban,2, at combined military hospital, who was gravely wounded by intense Indian shelling in Chakothi sector on Wednesday, in which another 11 year old boy was killed three others wounded.
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MUZAFFARABAD: Former French Minister for Health Professor Dr. Bernard Debre checks wounds of a 4 years old boy here at CMH on Monday, who was wounded by Indian shelling in Neelum Valley four days ago.
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WASHINGTON: Prime Miniser Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali along with other officials in a meeting with US President George W. Bush in Washington.
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ISLAMABAD: Kimbrly Dionne representative state of New Hampshire during an exclusive interview with ONLINE International News Network.
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ISLAMABAD: Frank V. Sapareto, MP of New Hampshire State Assembly/State Senate during the interview with ONLINE International News Network.
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MUZAFFARABAD: MMA member of Pakistan's National Assembly presenting a memorandum to UN military observers at UNMOGIP field unit office here on Sunday after completing 3 days hunger strike against the Indian shelling.
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NO MORE KILLING !! TAITWAL: Deputy Commissioner Muzaffarabad, Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan Raja standing on the Pakistan side of River Neelum in Taitwal, 50 kms northeast of Muzaffarabad, offering prayers for save transportation of the dead body of occupied Kashmiri boy.
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ISLAMABAD: Chairman Kashmir Committee, Hamid Nasir Chattha presiding over a meeting of Kashmir Committee, at foreign office. Prime Minister, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and federal ministers are also present.
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This has to stop. RAWALPINDI: Activists of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) holding portraits of their leaders Maqbool Butt & Yaseen Malik during a protest in front of United Nations Military Observer office in Rawalpindi on the occasion 20th death anniversary of Maqbool Butt who was hanged to death by India on Feb-11, 1984 in an Indian jail.
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Idols of Lord Ganesh in Bombay. Posted by Hello

I love India. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people. This is Sandakphu, India at 11,900 feet vertical. PLEASE DON'T KILL CHILDREN. They didn't do anything wrong. Posted by Hello

The Pak Tribune

Iraqi PM warns insurgency not over
Tuesday February 01, 2005 (0326 PST)

BAGHDAD, February 01(Online): Iraqi interim prime minister urged the country’s rival ethnic and religious groups to unite on Monday after millions voted in a historic election, but he warned that insurgents would launch more bloody attacks.
Iraqi PM warns insurgency not over
Within hours of his speech, the Arabic television channel Al Jazeera aired a videotape purporting to show insurgents shooting down a British military transport plane that crashed in Iraq. British officials declined comment but Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said earlier 10 servicemen were believed to have died in the crash on Sunday.

http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92229


Karzai appoints Afghan judiciary

KABUL, January 07 (Online): Afghan president Hamid Karzai has appointed temporary members of Afghan judiciary through a presidential order, Radio Mashhad reports.

http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=89481

Karzai appoints three women to Afghan cabinet

KABUL, December 26 (Online): Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has announced a new cabinet that excludes leading warlords and drug traffickers and includes three women for the first time in the Islamic country's history.

http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=88128


Hope and caution in Afghan press

KABUL, December 10 (Online): Papers in Afghanistan have welcomed the inauguration on Tuesday of Hamid Karzai as President, but warn that the country faces many challenges.

http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=86258

Japan to provide aid for improvement of national highway, CMTI

ISLAMABAD, February 02 (Online): Pakistan and Japan have signed an agreement under which Tokyo will provide financial assistance to improve the Kararo-Wad section of Karachi-Quetta-Chaman national highway besides to further develop Construction Machinery Training Institute (CMTI).

http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92377

Kashmir Committee in Canadian parliament to help highlight IHK issue

TORONTO, February 02 (Online): Constitution of Kashmir committee in Canadian parliament will help highlight Kashmir cause in a better way, said Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, opposition leader in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
Talking to media men after constitution of Kashmir committee by the Canadian parliamentarians here on Tuesday, he said, this step clearly speaks of the interest of Canadian MPs in Kashmir issue.

http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92368&PHPSESSID=f5cc3f9500e60830e7327b82d814095c

Troops martyr 87 Kashmiris in January

ISLAMABAD, February 02 (Online): In occupied Kashmir, the Indian troops, in their continued acts of state terrorism, martyred 87 Kashmiris during the outgoing month of January.

http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92365

Indian troops martyr 2 more Kashmiri youth
Monday January 31, 2005 (0600 PST)

SRINAGAR, February 01 (Online): In occupied Kashmir, the Indian troops, in their ongoing acts of state terrorism martyred, two more Kashmiri youth at Thana Mandi, in Rajouri district, during siege and search operation.

http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92132

KOUMI (LOC): Zeenat Bibi, 40, (yellow wreath) standing alongside the dead body of her 11 year old son Adalat Mughal who was killed by Indian shelling in Chakothi sector near Line of Control (LOC) on Wednesday.
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Bush Creationism Posted by Hello

Morning Papers - It's Origins

Rooster "Cock-A-Doodle-Do"

"Oak-He-Doe-$he"

History…

1789, Chinese troops driven out of Vietnam capital Thang Long

1790, Chief Justice John Jay presides over the first meeting of the Supreme Court of the United States in New York City.

1844, Eduard Adolf Strasburger German botanist (Angiospermen)

1859, Victor August Herbert Dublin Ireland, composer (Babes in Toyland)

1861, Texas voted to secede from the Union, the seventh state to do so. GOOD-BYE !! Why did we let them back in?

1865, JS Rock, 1st black lawyer to practice in Supreme Court, admitted to bar

1867, Bricklayers start working 8-hour days

1893, inventor Thomas A. Edison completed work on the world's first motion picture studio, his "Black Maria," in West Orange, N.J.

1893, Giacomo Puccini's Opera "Manon Lescaut" premieres in Turin

1896, Giacomo Puccini's Opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin

1898, 1st auto insurance policy in US issued, by Travelers Insurance Company

1902, China's empress Tzu-hsi forbids binding woman's feet

1906, 1st federal penitentiary building completed, Leavenworth KS

1910, 1st British labour exchange opens

1914, New York Giants & Chicago White Sox play an exhibition baseball game in Egypt

1914l Pennsylvania State Board of [motion picture] Censors appointed

1920, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police came into existence.

1920l Pierre Jonquéres d'Oriola France, equestrian jumper (Olympics-gold-1952, 64)

1922, The Washington Conference in the United States approves treaties restricting submarine warfare and the use of poison gas.

1923, Fascists Voluntary Militia forms in Italy under Mussolini

1924, Amsterdam's Netherlands Press Museum opens

1924, New British MacDonald government recognizes USSR

1928. Peter Gordon Dorrell archaeologist/photographer

1928. Sam Edwards physicist

1931, born Boris Yeltsin, Russian president.

1957, Donna Adamek Duarte CA, bowler (BWAA Woman of Year 1978-81)

1958, Maureen Madill Coleraine Northern Ireland, golfer (British Open Amateur 1979)

1959, Carolyn Hill Santa Monica CA, LPGA golfer (1994 McCall's Classic)

1961, Daniel M Tani Ridley Park MD, astronaut

1961, Gina Hull Jacksonville FL, LPGA golfer (1989 USX Golf Classic-8th)

1960, four black college students began a sit-in protest at a lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., where they'd been refused service.

1961 1st full-scale test of US Minuteman ICBM is successful

1968, during the Vietnam War, Saigon's police chief (Nguyen Ngoc Loan) executed a Viet Cong officer with a pistol shot to the head in a scene captured in a famous news photograph.

1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini received a tumultuous welcome in Tehran as he ended nearly 15 years of exile. Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran following the overthrow of the shah, claiming the shah and his American allies are "robbing us of our brains."

1979, newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst, whose sentence for bank robbery had been commuted by President Carter, left a federal prison near San Francisco.

2003, 'Columbia is lost,' The space shuttle Columbia breaks apart and burns while reentering Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members.

Missing in Action

1966 ALM RICHARD A. PAYALLUP WA
1966 COATES DONALD L. TIGARD OR
1966 DENGLER DIETER HILLSBORO CA 07/20/66 ESCAPED ALIVE IN 98
1966 HUMPHREY GALEN F. ST JOSEPH MO DAUGHTERS GAIL AND SUSAN IN ST. JOSEPH SON GARY FORMER PEROT EDS EMPLOYEE
1966 LOHEED HUBERT B. MIDDLEBORO MA REMAINS ID'D 08/23/94
1966 LUKER RUSSELL B. LANCASTER OH
1966 PREVOST ALBERT M. NORWALK CT
1966 VLAHAKOS PETER G. AUBURN ME
1968 ADKINS CLODEN 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG DECEASED OCT 1997
1968 BLOOD HENRY F. 07/69 DIC ON PRG LIST REMAINS IDENTIFIED 02 JUL 98
1968 BALAGOT ARTURO MENDOZA PHILIPPINES VOICE OF AMERICA 730305 RELSD BY DRV DECEASED
1968 GOSTAS THEODORE W. CHEYENNE WY 03/16/73 RELEASED BY PRG ALIVE 1998
1968 HAUKNESS STEVEN A. 08/16/74 REMAINS RECOVERED ID'D 03/23/75
1968 HENDERSON ALEXANDER 03/16/73 RELEASED BY PRG
1968 JOHNSON SANDRA 03/31/68 RELEASED
1968 MURDOCK MICHAEL GEORGE ROCKFORD WA 04/06/74 REMAINS RECOVERED
1968 MANHARD PHILLIP W. 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG HIGHEST RANKING CIV CAPTURED REFNO 1013 DECEASED 1998
1968 MEYER LEWIS E. SAN DIEGO CA 03/27/73 RELEASED BY PRG ALIVE 1998
1968 NELSON MARJORIE 03/68 RELEASED
1968 OLSON BETTY ANN NEW YORK NY 09/68 DIC ON PRG LIST
1968 OLSEN ROBERT F. 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG
1968 PAGE RUSSELL J. 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG DECEASED
1968 RANDER DONALD J. BRONX NY 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG ALIVE IN 98 REFNO 1023/1031/1014
1968 RUSHTON THOMAS SANTA MARIA CA 03/27/73 RELEASED BY PRG ALIVE IN 98
1968 SPAULDING RICHARD ENID OK 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG REFNO 1023 ALIVE 99
1968 STARK LAWRENCE J. CHICAGO IL 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG REFNO 1023 ALIVE AND WELL 98
1968 WEAVER EUGENE A. KENOSHA WI 03/16/73 RELEASED BY PRG CIA AGENT/KGB ATTEMT RECRUITMENT/VEITH
1968 WILLIS CHARLES E. 03/73 RELEASED BY PRG ALIVE IN 98
1969 LUNA DONALD A. HOUSTON TX

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Ronald Martin, Robert Patterson and Mark Martin at the Kress Lunch Counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, 1960. Posted by Hello


1926,

The History and Origins of African American History Month

Originally established as Negro History Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a noted African-American author and scholar, this event evolved into the establishment in 1976 of February as "Black History Month." This commemoration has increasingly been referred to as "African-American History Month," although both names are currently in use.

The Columbia's Crew Posted by Hello

"Columbia is lost." Posted by Hello

Morning Papers - continued...

The Guardian

Triumphant White House now looks to Europe

Julian Borger in Washington
Tuesday February 1, 2005
The Guardian
The high turnout in the Iraqi election has strengthened President Bush's hand at home and abroad, administration officials and the president's supporters said yesterday.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1402989,00.html

Video claims to show RAF plane being shot down

Richard Norton-Taylor and Rory McCarthy in Baghdad
Tuesday February 1, 2005
The Guardian
British and American investigators last night were continuing to search the wreckage of an RAF Hercules aircraft which crashed in mysterious circumstances in the single biggest fatality of British troops since the invasion of Iraq.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1403022,00.html

Flood risk could make 300,000 homes uninsurable

No new river defences, no mortgages, says report
Paul Brown, environment correspondent
Tuesday February 1, 2005
The Guardian
The insurance industry has said the government's plans to build 85,000 homes in the Thames Gateway must be modified - to include safeguards such as only occupying homes above first-floor level - due to the high risk of flooding.

http://money.guardian.co.uk/insurance_/story/0,1456,1402956,00.html

Sudan's Darfur crimes not genocide, says UN report

Ewen MacAskill, diplomatic editor
Tuesday February 1, 2005
The Guardian
The Sudanese government should be referred to the international criminal court for alleged crimes against humanity in Darfur, a United Nations-commissioned report has concluded.
But the study, which is expected to be debated by the UN security council today, falls short of describing the situation in the western region of Sudan as genocide.
The report by a five-member commission, headed by the Italian judge Antonio Cassese, is due to be published today.
The study was set up by the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, in October to investigate whether genocide was being conducted in Darfur, where tens of thousands have been killed and 1.8 million displaced.
A UN source said yesterday that the commission's conclusion was that the testimony it took did not amount to proof of genocide. "But it does say crimes against humanity of an ethnic nature have been committed and recommends going to the ICC."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sudan/story/0,14658,1402997,00.html

Exxon makes $25bn profit

David Teather in New York
Tuesday February 1, 2005
The Guardian
Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly quoted oil and gas firm, yesterday said it made $25bn (£13bn) in 2004, the highest profits in the company's history.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/oil/story/0,11319,1402979,00.html

continued...

Kahmeni Posted by Hello

Military Rumblings in Iran - Irregardless Iran is worrisome, but, not a threat to the USA.

With the Caspian Sea a stone's throw away do you actually think Cheney is going to stop now? No, but, is isn't the USA that faces danger. Cheney's words were these, "Israel "might well decide to act first" to destroy Iran’s alleged nuclear programme." Everyone reading those words need to clearly understand Dick Cheney isn't even sure there is a program to develop nuclear weapons in Iran. He clearly stated "...alleged nuclear programme." ALLEGED. Dick Cheney then assigns Israel to decide to act first. ACT FIRST ON WHAT? An alleged nuclear programme. Dick Cheney is a bigot and a racist of Muslims. He has no respect for life being willing to 'assign killing to Israel' regarding an alleged nuclear programme.

Cheney should be muzzled. He obviously hasn't learned from his mistakes in Iraq or the deaths of over 30,000 Iraqi children because of his recklessness. I am only grateful Israel has a depth of understanding regarding any danger with a great deal of caution acting against Iran.

With that in mind:

The surrounding neighborhood and Europe need to help Iran feel secure enough to set aside nuclear ambitions.

The USA will not fair as well in their attempt to 'take over' the oil rich area either.

Iran is of no danger to the USA. It does not have the capacity to harm us. There is no reason to be putting Iran on an agenda that North Korea should not be on EXCEPT for the oil glut of the Caspian.

Logistics:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/loc-mea.htm [...]
and
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/middle_east/iran/iran.htm
and
Pakistan and India and it's nuclear capacity.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/loc-asi.htm
and
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/indian_subcontinent/pakistan/pakistan.htm
Israel with it's nuclear capacity.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/loc-mea.htm
and
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinian_territories/israel_and_the_palestinian_territories.htm
Needless, to say it is a very dangerous neighborhood for all these countries from each other and not one country of the USA. Now, the reason this is a dangerous neighborhood is not the fact there is capacity for mutual nuclear annihilation but because there are huge 'tensions' there that have been exacerbated by Bush.

Bush's muscle flexing, espionage and fist shaking do no one any good and my deepest concern is that the Iranians will become 'tired' of feeling threatened and act. For that reason I am hoping the nations of the Caspian are talking and forming alliances and understandings to their peaceful well being and economies.

Israel has an understanding of Iran that is patient. They seem completely aware of the capacity of Iran and sees no immediate conflict. The 'frenzy' Bush is buiding around is the fact that 'frenzy' and 'fear' are all politics that have worked for him post 9/11. It is not reality. It is not the truth.
If I may:

Taking Stock / The Israeli army's secret bomb

By Guy Rolnik
Last Update: 27/01/2005 01:15

"By the end of 2005, Iran will have reached the point of no return in its technology for manufacturing nuclear bombs. Three to four years later it will be able to build a nuclear bomb." Mossad chief Meir Dagan, in an appearance before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee (Haaretz, January 25, 2005).

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArtVty.jhtml?sw=Iran&itemNo=532485&itemNo=532485

Let's also not lose sight of existing allies and building economies and intentions for peaceful co-existance in the Middle East that does not stop with just these countries. The dynamics over all for this area of the world is very good as long as the USA stops playing bully.

Turkey's on a roll in Russian salad

By Zvi Barel
Last Update: 21/01/2005 01:14

Both Turkey and Russia are anxious to carve a niche for themselves in the Middle East. Enhancement of mutal ties is a crucial part of this strategy
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArtVty.jhtml?sw=Iran&itemNo=530084 [...]
WITH RELATIONS improving all the time and Israel finding autonomy with trade ventures with Egypt there is reason for alarm except for the insitgator Bush.
.................

Khatami says US tops list of countries that are endangering world peace
Reuters

Tehran: President Mohammad Khatami, responding to comments by a senior US official that Iran tops the list of world trouble spots, said yesterday that the United States was the country which most endangered global peace.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=149469
.....................

With that in mind Iran's estimation of the USA is 'spot-on' if you ask me and if it's coalition members can't deter any more trouble making then we are faced again with a president 'ideologically' out of control risking this country's well being because the greater world won't continue to put up with it.

We'll have war on USA soil and then we'll find out who the world thinks is the real terrorist.
People need to write to their congress and senate representatives to let them know this aggression is unnecessary, it not done to protect the USA but will endanger it and the economic disaster this country is experiencing will only be compounded by 'mad men' like Cheney and Bush.
That doesn't even speak to the human death from such an aggression and environmental effects with far ranging consequences. Bush has enough fronts domestically he needs to leave other sovereign nations alone.

Pasted from <http://forums.nytimes.com/top/opinion/readersopinions/forums/editorialsoped/todayseditorials/index.html?offset=28333>


Najaf Then. This during USA attack on that Hamlet and before the return of The Grand Ayatollah al Sistani from Britain. They were fighting for their right to exist. Posted by Hello

Najaf Now Posted by Hello

Morning Papers - continued...

The New York Times

In South Africa, Yachting Erases a Racial Barrier

By MICHAEL WINES
Published: February 1, 2005

CAPE TOWN - Long before Marcello Burricks was born, South Africa's apartheid police swept his mother and her family from their home in Simon's Town, a period-piece village on the Cape of Good Hope, and dispatched them to an impoverished ghetto called Slangkop, or Snakehead.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/international/africa/01yachtsman.html?oref=login&hp

Vote Over, Iraq Faces Task of Forming a Government

By DEXTER FILKINS
Published: February 1, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 31 - The ballots are still being counted, but the hard bargaining to form a new Iraqi government has begun.
Less than a day after millions of Iraqis flocked to the polls, the leaders of the major political parties said they were reaching out to potential allies in what is almost certain to be a coalition government. Between rivals, candidates signaled that the battle lines had been drawn.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/international/middleeast/01challenges.html?hp&ex=1107320400&amp;en=50efc69dd3d9c8f9&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Ban on Federal Scientists' Consulting Nears
By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: February 1, 2005

The National Institutes of Health and the Office of Government Ethics are expected to announce a ban today on private consulting arrangements between scientists at the institutes and pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
The ban comes in the wake of damaging revelations that some government scientists leveraged their positions at the institutes to gain lucrative consulting contracts with such companies, arrangements that sometimes overlapped with their government work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/science/01ethics.html

As Clinton Shifts Themes, Debate Arises on Her Motives
By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ
Published: February 1, 2005

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 - Conservatives have long caricatured Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York's junior senator, as the sort of Democrat whose positions on social issues are out of step with Americans deeply concerned about religious and moral values.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/politics/01hillary.html


Evolution Takes a Back Seat in U.S. Classes
By CORNELIA DEAN
Published: February 1, 2005

Dr. John Frandsen, a retired zoologist, was at a dinner for teachers in Birmingham, Ala., recently when he met a young woman who had just begun work as a biology teacher in a small school district in the state. Their conversation turned to evolution.
"She confided that she simply ignored evolution because she knew she'd get in trouble with the principal if word got about that she was teaching it," he recalled. "She told me other teachers were doing the same thing."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/science/01evo.html

Michael Moore Today

Guantanamo Bay Tribunals Ruled Unconstitutional

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

IRAQ: Some Just Voted for Food
By Dahr Jamail / Inter Press Service
BAGHDAD, Jan 31 - Voting in Baghdad was linked with receipt of food rations, several voters said after the Sunday poll.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1228

US invited to engage in dialogue with Iran on nuclear issues
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The chief UN nuclear inspector urged the United States to engage in dialogue with Iran over its nuclear program as he implicitly rebuked US leaders for discussing military options against the Islamic republic, saying such talk was "very unhelpful."

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1218

Bush to Refrain from Iraq Exit Timetable
By Steve Holland / Reuters
WASHINGTON - President Bush, pressed by Democrats for an exit strategy from Iraq, will not give a timetable for a U.S. withdrawal but stress in his State of the Union speech the need to train Iraqi forces to take over security, the White House said on Monday.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1232

Shiite leader wants modern Islam, but execution for Saddam
BAGHDAD (AFP) - Shiite powerbroker Ibrahim Jaafari might get into trouble with his wife if he called for an Iraq where women could not drive, but he has no hesitation about supporting the death penalty for Saddam Hussein.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1235

Mother angry over son's death in Iraq
ABC News
The mother of an Australian man killed in a military plane crash in Iraq says she feels her son's life was wasted.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1233

First Amendment no big deal, students say
Study shows American teenagers indifferent to freedoms
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The way many high school students see it, government censorship of newspapers may not be a bad thing, and flag burning is hardly protected free speech.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1226

The Gulf News

Iraqis defy terror to cast votes

Agencies
Baghdad: Voters turned out in surprisingly high numbers yesterday for Iraq's first free election in half a century, defying insurgents who unleashed suicide bombers and mortar attacks that killed at least 37 people.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=149951

How to create a public opinion on democracy

By Adel Safty, Special to Gulf News
In a democracy, the media is supposed to shed light on how elected officials discharge their responsibilities and thus help keep them accountable.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/OpinionNF.asp?ArticleID=149956

Al Jazeera to be privatised

By Duraid Al Baik, UAE Editor and Barbara Bibbo, Correspondent
Dubai/Qatar/Washington: The Qatari Government is selling Al Jazeera, but not because of pressure from the United States, a spokesman for the channel told Gulf News yesterday.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=149966

8 million turn up to vote, says poll panel

Reuters
Baghdad: Iraq's independent electoral commission said yesterday it estimated that about eight million people took part in landmark election - or roughly 60 per cent of registered voters.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=149977

US and Gulf states review ways to press Iran over nuclear threat

Agencies
Manama/Washington/Tehran: The United States and Gulf Arab states are discussing ways of pressuring Iran over a perceived threat from Tehran's nuclear and missile programme, the top US diplomat in charge of disarmament said yesterday.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=149972>

Commandos clash with terrorists in Kuwait

By Nirmala Janssen, Correspondent
Kuwait City: An hour-long gun battle between security forces and a three-member terror cell holed up in an apartment in Salmiya left three dead - one policeman, a militant and a Bahraini bystander

Pasted from <http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=149969>

UN calls on UAE to further expand transportation infrastructure

Staff Report
Abu Dhabi: The United Nations has called on the UAE to continue improving and expanding its transportation infrastructure.

Leading representatives of the United Nations yesterday praised the country for being environment-friendly, but also warned it must not become complacent.
They were speaking during the opening of the Environment 2005 conference focusing on sustainable transportation in developing countries. The gathering also observed a minute's silence in memory of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/NationNF.asp?ArticleID=149940


The Seattle Post Intelligencer

Jimi Hendrix house on shaky ground
Home that rock legend once lived in at center of dispute
By KATHY MULADY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
The Seattle house where legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix once lived needs a new home. Again. And soon.
But members of a foundation that owns the home say they have nowhere to move it. They are worried that the city will demolish it.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/210174_hendrix01.html

Public-access TV porn under fire
Seattle network set to consider whether to end 'Mike Hunt TV'
By KERY MURAKAMI
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Flip the channels after midnight, past Nick at Nite and the infomercials. If you stumble upon the Seattle area's public-access channel, you might see a man and a woman having sex in a hot tub, followed by another man and woman doing it in a kitchen.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/210158_porn01.html

Low Sunni turnout in Iraq causes concern

CAIRO, Egypt -- Middle Eastern governments say they hope to establish good relations with whatever leadership emerges from Iraq's landmark election but expressed concern over the low Sunni Muslim turnout and the rise in Shiite Muslim influence.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apmideast_story.asp?category=1107&slug=Iraq%20Mideast

Militants say they are holding Iraq troops
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A branch of the group led by Iraq's most feared terrorist has announced in a video obtained Tuesday that it is holding four Iraqi National Guardsmen and that they will be punished.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apmideast_story.asp?category=1107&slug=Iraq%20Militants

Despite U.S. law, the spam flows on
Up to 80 percent of all e-mail might be junk; offshore firms targeted
By TOM ZELLER JR.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
A year after a sweeping federal anti-spam law went into effect, there is more junk e-mail on the Internet than ever, and Levon Gillespie, according to Microsoft Corp., is one of the reasons why.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/210161_spam01.html

A two-pronged approach
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
It was a mixed weekend for the region's homeless.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/210088_tented.html

Yellow raincoat freedom
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
Questions of yellow raincoats scattered the state's Supreme Court justices last week. In a 5-4 decision that included a dissent and two concurrences, the high court came down where it should -- on the side of protecting commercial free speech.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/210089_yellowed.html

Gay rights group challenging marriage ban
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SALEM, Ore. -- A gay rights group is challenging an amendment to Oregon's Constitution banning same-sex marriage, arguing it revises rather than amends the document.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=BRF%20Gay%20Marriage

Execution of Conn. serial killer on hold
By PAT EATON-ROBB
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Prosecutors first ran into legal roadblocks and then out of time in their attempt to conduct New England's first execution in 45 years.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=Connecticut%20Execution

Sri Lankan judge to decide on tsunami baby
By DILIP GANGULY
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
KALMUNAI, Sri Lanka -- More than five weeks after the tsunami ripped him out of her arms, Baby 81 may soon have a mother again. The question is which one.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apasia_story.asp?category=1104&slug=Tsunami%20Baby%2081

UN: Tsunami worst-ever tourism catastrophe

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia -- The top U.N. tourism official called Asia's tsunami the worst-ever catastrophe for the world's tourism industry, and Indonesia announced Tuesday that it found the bodies of 1,000 additional victims - more than five weeks after the disaster.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apasia_story.asp?category=1104&slug=Tsunami

Report: North Korea to continue dynasty
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will likely carry the communist world's first and only dynasty into the next generation of his family, media reports said.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apasia_story.asp?category=1104&slug=NKorea%20Successor

Timeline of events in Nepal
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Key events sence King Gyanendra took power:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apasia_story.asp?category=1104&slug=Nepal%20Chronology

Nepal's king dismisses government

KATMANDU, Nepal -- King Gyanendra dismissed Nepal's government and declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, saying leaders had failed to restore peace or hold elections. It was the second time he has taken direct control of the Himalayan kingdom in three years.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apasia_story.asp?category=1104&slug=Nepal%20Government%20Dismissed

Judge backs Guantanamo detainee challenges

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration must let foreign terror suspects challenge their confinement in U.S. courts, a judge said Monday in a ruling that found unconstitutional the hearing system set up by the Pentagon.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1152&slug=Guantanamo%20Detainees%20Lawsuit

Chertoff denies advising CIA on torture

WASHINGTON -- As he prepares for his upcoming confirmation hearing, Homeland Security Secretary designee Michael Chertoff has denied advising the CIA on using specific torture techniques on terror suspects when he headed the Justice Department's criminal division.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1152&slug=Chertoff%20Hearing>

U.S. lauds planned release of dissidents
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration welcomed on Monday Vietnam's announcement of an amnesty for 8,325 prisoners, including some prominent dissidents.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1152&slug=US%20Vietnam

The World According to Wal-Mart

Newest battle against Wal-Mart stirs up idyllic corner of Cobb
By YOLANDA RODRÍGUEZ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/31/05
As she drives through her neighborhood in northwest Cobb County, Teresa Stendahl points to a home with chickens scraping about in the back and another where the new owners decided to keep the four sheep and the dog that came with the property.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/0105/31walmart.html

Our soldiers will be caught between Sunni rebels and Shia rulers
Matthew Parris
I WILL never forget my short ride through the Baghdad streets in March in an American Humvee. Captain Magnulet, the US officer who arranged the trip, called it a security patrol but it was nothing of the sort. The only security that mattered was that of his own men, for we were running the gauntlet through hostile territory to show – if possible – that we could.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,482-1356072,00.html

Mourners bid farewell to slain Wal-Mart clerk
1/30/2005 10:51 AM
By: Associated Press
TYLER, Texas -- More than 1,000 mourners gathered Saturday in Tyler at a funeral service for a Wal-Mart clerk whose chilling abduction was captured on surveillance videotape.

http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=130194

Wal-Mart to source 1.2 billion dlrs worth products from India:
[Business India]: New Delhi, Jan 30 : Global retail giant Wal-Mart is expected to source 1.2 billion dollars worth of goods from factories and suppliers in India during 2005.

http://news.newkerala.com/business-news-india/?action=fullnews&id=66862

Wal-Mart works on image, tends to its growth
By Andrew Leckey
Tribune Media Services columnist
Published January 30, 2005
Q. I own shares of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., but the stock's performance has been lackluster since I invested in it five years ago. What is the outlook for the company?
V.C., via the Internet
A. This is the year the empire struck back. Fending off allegations of unfair labor practices, the world's largest retailer took ads in more than 100 newspapers nationwide in which Chief Executive Lee Scott defended its labor management.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/investing/personalfinance/chi-0501300102jan30,1,4516178.story?coll=chi-businessyourmoney-hed

Good night Ol' Wal-Mart
Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers
As much as I try to be a "Now" person, I sometimes miss the old. I am a creature of habit. If I like something, I buy a lot of it and often, only to find, one day, it has been "new and improved."

http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/1334843.shtml

What's Behind the Procter Deal? Wal-Mart
By CONSTANCE L. HAYS
Published: January 29, 2005

Did Wal-Mart's power and the proliferation of store brands have anything to do with Procter & Gamble's decision to buy Gillette?
"Not at all," says Alan G. Lafley, Procter's chief executive.
But many consumer products and retail experts say that is hardly the case. For 15 years, giant chains - Wal-Mart chief among them - have increasingly dominated their relationships with manufacturers, flexing their market muscle and seizing pricing power by showing a willingness to sell their private label products.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/29/business/29walmart.html

Wal-Mart workers may hold union vote
By Chelsea Bellows, MarketWatch
Last Update: 8:27 PM ET Jan. 28, 2005
E-mail it Print Alert Reprint RSS
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- The National Labor Relations Board ruled that employees at a Colorado Wal-Mart tire department may hold a union election, according to a published report Friday.

http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7B840A2CC4-7548-4C51-B375-DA9A731EF889%7D&siteid=google&dist=google

Small Explosion at Wal-Mart Store in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A small homemade bomb exploded at a Mexico City supermarket owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc early on Friday morning, but it caused no injuries or damage.
The tiny device was detonated in the parking lot of the Bodega Aurrera store owned by Wal-Mart's Mexico unit. Television images showed no damage was done.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7468114

continued...


Iraqi Barbed Wire and 'The Vote' Posted by Hello

Morning Papers - continued...

The Japan News

Heavy snow disrupts land, air transport

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 15:59 JST
TOKYO — Heavy snow has blanketed much of western Japan and the Sea of Japan coastal areas, and disrupted air, train and road transport, with the Japan Meteorological Agency warning Tuesday of continued snow, strong winds and high waves at least until Wednesday.

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=1&id=326403

6 hurt as jet fails in landing attempt on U.S. aircraft carrier off Chiba
Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 07:56 JST
YOKOSUKA — Six U.S. Navy personnel on board a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Pacific off Chiba Prefecture were injured, some seriously, Saturday when a fighter jet failed in its landing attempt, the U.S. Navy in Japan said Monday.

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=1&id=326303>

Six Japanese tsunami survivors thank Pakistan for rescuing them

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 07:13 JST
ISLAMABAD — A family of six Japanese survivors rescued by Pakistan naval ship from the Maldives in the aftermath of the Dec 26 tsunami have thanked Pakistan for the timely help, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday.

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=1&id=326343

Ishihara eyes power plant in sea to counter China's activities

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 16:06 JST
TOKYO — The government said Tuesday it is considering ways to utilize Okinotori Island separately from Tokyo Gov Shintaro Ishihara, who plans to build an electric power plant in waters around the island apparently to counter China's marine research activities.

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=9&id=326378

Bush asks Koizumi for stronger cooperation on North Korea
Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 16:05 JST
TOKYO — U.S. President George W Bush has sent a personal letter to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi calling for stronger ties and cooperation between the countries on issues like North Korea, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said Tuesday.

Pasted from <http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=9&id=326407>
Japan gives guarded welcome to Iraqi election

Monday, January 31, 2005 at 14:34 JST
TOKYO — Japanese government officials gave a guarded welcome Monday to the outcome of Iraq's first free elections in a half century Sunday.

Pasted from <http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=9&id=326285>

Toyota unveils hydrogen-powered fuel cell hybrid bus

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 02:00 JST
NAGOYA — Toyota Motor Corp unveiled on Monday a next-generation hydrogen-powered fuel cell hybrid-electric bus which will carry visitors during the 2005 Aichi World Exposition, which opens March 25.
Toyota allowed members of the press to a ride on the advanced transportation system, developed jointly with Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd, in the Aichi town of Nagakute. (Kyodo News)

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=326335

U.S. guards kill 4 in Iraq prison riot

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 09:52 JST
BAGHDAD — U.S. guards opened fire Monday on prisoners during a riot at the main detention facility for security detainees, killing four of them, the U.S. command said. Six other prisoners were injured.

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=8&id=326380

The Boston Globe

Urgent tasks loom after Iraq polling
Officials look to taming attacks, creating unity
By Anne Barnard, Globe Staff February 1, 2005
BAGHDAD -- With Iraq still counting millions of ballots from Sunday's historic national elections, US and Iraqi officials looked ahead yesterday to their most pressing challenges, from taming an insurgency that mounted a record 250 attacks on election day to coaxing the many Sunni Muslims who did not vote into accepting the new government.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/02/01/urgent_tasks_loom_after_iraq_polling/

Activists blast US influence, Iraq war
Forum denounces liberalized trade
By Alan Clendenning, Associated Press February 1, 2005
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil -- With some branding President Bush a terrorist, leftist activists opposed to the spread of American influence ended the fifth World Social Forum yesterday with a protest against unfettered capitalism and the war in Iraq.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/02/01/activists_blast_us_influence_iraq_war/

Debate builds over creating exit plan
By Farah Stockman, Globe Staff February 1, 2005
WASHINGTON -- Sunday's election in Iraq has prompted a sharp debate in Washington about a US exit strategy, with some arguing that it is time to announce a timetable or at least conditions for a US withdrawal, and others insisting that such moves would be dangerously premature.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/02/01/debate_builds_over_creating_exit_plan/

Antiriot plan eyes colleges, liquor sales
Mayor urges immediate expulsions
By Andrea Estes and Marcella Bombardieri, Globe Staff February 1, 2005
Mayor Thomas M. Menino asked Boston liquor stores and bars yesterday to limit alcohol sales to students on Super Bowl weekend, and he is urging universities to immediately expel students who take part in game-related riots.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/02/01/antiriot_plan_eyes_colleges_liquor_sales/

Governor to use predecessor's stationery
January 31, 2005
HASTINGS, Neb. -- Mike Johanns is out as Nebraska's governor, but his stationery will stay. Gov. Dave Heineman said he would have his name printed at the bottom of Johanns' stationery. To do otherwise would be wasteful, Heineman said.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/01/31/governor_to_use_predecessors_stationery/

Antiriot plan eyes colleges, liquor sales
Mayor urges immediate expulsions
By Andrea Estes and Marcella Bombardieri, Globe Staff February 1, 2005
Mayor Thomas M. Menino asked Boston liquor stores and bars yesterday to limit alcohol sales to students on Super Bowl weekend, and he is urging universities to immediately expel students who take part in game-related riots.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/02/01/antiriot_plan_eyes_colleges_liquor_sales/

PAC backing Romney distributes cash in key presidential states
February 1, 2005
BOSTON -- A political action committee established by friends and supporters of Gov. Mitt Romney has distributed more than $250,000 to Republican candidates and county GOP organizations across the nation, an early strategy often used by candidates considering a run for president.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/02/01/pac_backing_romney_distributes_cash_in_key_presidential_states/

Execution of Conn. serial killer on hold
By Pat Eaton-Robb, Associated Press Writer February 1, 2005
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Prosecutors first ran into legal roadblocks and then out of time in their attempt to conduct New England's first execution in 45 years.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/02/01/execution_of_conn_serial_killer_on_hold/

Afghan Jew's remains sent to Uzbekistan
By Stephen Graham, Associated Press Writer February 1, 2005
KABUL, Afghanistan -- The remains of the second-to-last Jew in Afghanistan were flown Tuesday to Uzbekistan, the first stop on a journey to Israel where the body will be buried, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2005/02/01/afghan_jews_remains_sent_to_uzbekistan/

US Hawk Hopes Diplomacy Will End Iran Nuclear Drive
February 1, 2005
ANKARA (Reuters) - A leading hawk in the Bush administration said on Tuesday he hoped that diplomatic pressure would be enough to persuade Iran to abandon its suspected nuclear weapons program.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/02/01/us_hawk_hopes_diplomacy_will_end_iran_nuclear_drive/

Flu Makes Pope Scrap 'Next Few Days' Appointments
February 1, 2005
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul has canceled his appointments for the "next few days" because he is still suffering from influenza, the papal spokesman said on Tuesday.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2005/02/01/pope_sidelined_by_flu_for_next_few_days/

The Moscow Times

Yukos Owners Put on Interpol's Wanted List

By Valeria Korchagina
Staff Writer

Two Yukos shareholders have appeared on an Interpol wanted list for their alleged involvement in a fraud scheme under investigation by Russian prosecutors.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/02/01/040.html>

McDonald's Plans 105 New Outlets

By Maria Levitov
Staff Writer

McDonald's plans to nearly double its national presence in the next three years, the fast-food giant said Monday as it marked the 15th anniversary of its first restaurant in Russia.
McDonald's is set to open 105 outlets nationwide, the hamburger flipper said, adding to its existing network of 127 restaurants in 37 cities.
"Our business here is thriving," said Michael Roberts, McDonald's president and CEO. "We will continue to grow."

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/02/01/042.html>

A Perfect World Policeman
By Pavel Felgenhauer

Millions of Iraqis lined up to vote in the country's first multiparty elections this Sunday. The American-led invasion in 2003, which was opposed by Russia and several European countries, in less than two years has been followed by the first genuine step towards democracy in Iraq.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/02/01/008.html>

Only Action Will Quell Xenophobia

It is reprehensible that 19 State Duma deputies signed a petition accusing Jews of fomenting ethnic hatred and demanding that prosecutors investigate all Jewish organizations in Russia, even if the authors later retracted the letter. It is even more reprehensible that the Communist and Rodina factions, to which the deputies belong, refused to take any disciplinary action.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/31/005.html>

Shock Over Petition to Ban Jewish Groups
By Mike Eckel
The Associated Press
A senior rabbi and Israel's embassy on Tuesday criticized a group of nationalist State Duma deputies who accused Jews of fomenting ethnic hatred and called for all Jewish organizations in Russia to be banned.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/26/014.html

Time to Fight Hate Crimes, Not Just Talk

This week, a group of State Duma deputies made it clearer than ever that certain members of parliament have disturbing sympathies with both Nazism and Bolshevik red nationalism. Twenty lawmakers belonging to the Rodina, Communist and Liberal Democratic factions sent a request to the Prosecutor General's Office demanding that all Jewish religious organizations be prohibited from operating in Russia, as "the Jewish religion is anti-Christian, inhumane and involves ritual killings." Strangely enough, lawmakers composed the letter in response to a recent series of lawsuits and court cases initiated by the prosecutor's office against extremist organizations and publications that allegedly broke the law by promoting interethnic hatred.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/27/006.html

Tears of Joy, Bitterness Over Anti-Semitism
The Associated Press
Elderly Holocaust survivors, Jewish leaders and Red Army veterans gathered Thursday in Moscow to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with what they called mixed feelings -- tears of joy over the Nazi defeat but bitterness over the persistent anti-Semitism in Russia.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/28/018.html

Gay Marriage for Fun and Convenience

It's not very often these days that Moscow produces a universal news story. News here tends to be peculiar and increasingly hard to explain to outsiders. But on Jan. 18, two men went to a Moscow registry office to apply for a marriage license in the hopes of filing a test case over the expected denial. This is the sort of step gay rights activists could take anywhere in the world, and the men who initiated the action sounded perfect: Ed Mishin is the editor of a gay magazine and web site, and Eduard Murzin is a member of parliament. Yes, they even have the same first name. Well, actually, no: Ed Mishin is a pen name -- and that's just one of the funny little details that set this story apart from others like it.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/31/007.html

Gay Activists Denied Right to Marry

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/20/014.html

The Washington Post

AND WHY NOT PASS IT ON TO THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE WHEN the local treasury is overflowing.

Invitation to Corruption
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; Page A16
IT'S GONE ON long enough. The D.C. practice, sanctioned by law, of allowing exploratory committees to collect contributions of unlimited amounts from donors, without having to disclose their identities or file reports with the Office of Campaign Finance, must be brought to a halt. The process lacks accountability, violates the spirit of campaign finance reform and invites corruption. If D.C. residents want to minimize sleaze and the influence of large amounts of unregulated money in District politics, they will insist that the D.C. Council close the dangerous loopholes in the exploratory committee law.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52769-2005Jan31.html

The Wrong Changes For the CIA
By Reuel Marc Gerecht
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; Page A17
Will Porter Goss reform the CIA's clandestine service? Though the media have focused on senior-level resignations under the new director, Goss's hiring priorities are a better indicator of whether meaningful change is arriving at Langley. So far, all signs show that his CIA will be the CIA of his predecessor: bureaucratically moribund at headquarters and operationally ineffectual in the field. If this were not the case, we would see Goss and the White House announcing plans first to fire, not hire, hundreds of operatives who do not advance the agency's primary counterterrorism mission.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52750-2005Jan31.html

Bartender, Pour Me Another Cup
Perhaps Inevitably: Caffeinated Beer
By Peter Carlson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, January 31, 2005; Page C01
America's largest brewing company, Anheuser-Busch, released its latest product last week -- a beer that contains caffeine.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50051-2005Jan30.html?nav=most_emailed_emailfriend

OSHA Slow to Act on Beryllium Exposure, Critic Says
By Cindy Skrzycki
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; Page E01
For several years, Adam M. Finkel, a top administrator at the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said he expected the agency to test its inspectors for exposure to beryllium fumes or dust. In 2002, he realized the agency was not moving in that direction, and he became a whistle-blower.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52864-2005Jan31.html

Decoding Why Few Girls Choose Science, Math
By Valerie Strauss
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; Page A07
In Sarah Wise's section of a computer systems laboratory at the elite Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, the 18-year-old senior is the only girl.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52344-2005Jan31.html


The Jerusalem Post

Mofaz to Dahlan: PA Gaza deployment insufficient

Any progress in the West Bank including a possible hand over of West Bank cities will be directly connected to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told top PA security advisor Muhammad Dahlan on Monday night, Army Radio reported.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107141483333>

Pictures of the Week

http://info.jpost.com/C003/Supplements/potw/current/

Mazuz to probe use of Nazi imagery

Interior Minister Ophir Paz-Pines asked Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz on Monday to examine whether the use of Nazi imagery by settlers opposed to the government's disengagement plan violates the law against incitement.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107141483757

Israel embarks on tsunami aid campaign

The Israel National Emergency Coalition's nationwide fundraising drive for the victims of the tsunami disaster was launched on Tuesday.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107055730765

Solana to meet Iran's Atomic Energy chief

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, is scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Iran's vice president and head of the country's Atomic Energy Organization, Gholamreza Aghazadeh.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107228083408&p=1078397702269

Ilan Ramon's experiment to be unveiled

When it crashed on February 1, 2003, the Columbia space shuttle had transmitted back to earth almost 80 percent of the data relating to the Israeli dust experiment its crew was conducting. Additional data was found on the ground after the crash.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1107141483736

concluding...

Ilan Ramon's Experiment to be unveiled. Posted by Hello

Morning Papers - concluding and starting tomorrow

The Globe and Mail

SA raises R10m for tsunami aid

South Africans have already topped the R10-million target the Red Cross set for aid to tsunami-ravaged Indian Ocean countries, the charity said on Tuesday.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=196586&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/>

Rough seas ahead for Namibia's fishing industry

Battered by two years of a strong Namibian dollar, the country's fishing sector -- a key foreign exchange earner -- is now in trouble, with retrenchments and factory closures on the horizon.
After mining, fishing is the largest industry in Namibia, bringing in just more than $52-million (R312-million) in export earnings each year and contributing about 8% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=196602&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/>

UN: Sudan's Darfur crimes not genocide

The Sudanese government should be referred to the international criminal court for alleged crimes against humanity in Darfur, a United Nations-commissioned report has concluded.
But the study, which is expected to be debated by the UN security council on Tuesday, falls short of describing the situation in the western region of Sudan as genocide.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleId=196541&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/


Dog rescues man trapped under snow

A dog in north-eastern Croatia was being hailed as a hero on Monday after it reportedly raised the alarm to rescue a man who had been buried under a snow drift during a blizzard.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleId=196515&area=/breaking_news/other_news/

Record number of airport weddings in Sweden

The number of weddings performed at Stockholm's Arlanda airport increased by more than 30% last year compared with 2003, an airport spokesperson said on Monday.
"It's mostly couples on their way to their honeymoon that take the opportunity to exchange rings at the airport," spokesperson Niclas Haerenstam said.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleId=196496&area=/breaking_news/other_news/

Bill Gates visits EU legislators

Microsoft chief Bill Gates visits the headquarters of the European Union on Tuesday, at a time when there is still a disagreement with the EU head office over how the software giant should adapt to the landmark ruling against it.
Microsoft said it will respect last March's ruling while its appeal is pending before EU courts, but the EU head office still has problems with exactly how the company's immediate compliance will work.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleId=196579&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__business/

The Miami Herald

BLACK HISTORY MONTH
South Floridians who overcame share experiences
BY ANDREA ROBINSON AND DARRAN SIMON
arobinson@herald.com
Many saw it as their duty. Others helped reluctantly -- at least at first. Ultimately they each embraced the idea that changes were necessary to bring equal access and better living conditions to black Americans.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/10783582.htm

FAITH & FITNESS
Churches in black communities get parishioners in shape
BY NATALIE P. McNEAL
nmcneal@herald.com
For Ivory Strong, faith and fitness are excellent partners.
A former tennis buff, Strong, 54, wanted to lose the 50-plus pounds she gained since Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. She also sought fellowship with her church members.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/10776945.htm

Fallen Columbia astronauts remembered at Cape Canaveral
BY PHIL LONG AND MARTIN MERZER
mmerzer@herald.com
CAPE CANAVERAL - White, red and purple carnations dangled on fences. Flags flew at half-staff. Eyes gazed at the ground with sorrow and then to the sky with purpose.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/10788883.htm

HAITI
Aristide seeking return as president
Though adjusting to exile in South Africa, Jean-Bertrand Aristide said he hopes to return to Haiti as president.
BY JACQUELINE CHARLES
jcharles@herald.com
Ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide is adjusting to exile in South Africa, teaching psychology at a local university and enjoying staples of an African and Haitian diet, but he still yearns to return home as president.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/10783609.htm

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
EU to renew contact with Cuba, press for change
The European Union gave Cuba a six-month reprieve from diplomatic sanctions imposed in response to the 2003 dissident crackdown.
BY NANCY SAN MARTIN
nsanmartin@herald.com
European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday approved a six-month suspension of EU diplomatic sanctions on Cuba, in hopes of winning more releases of jailed dissidents and propelling political reforms.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/10783612.htm

Depression in Children

Kids' antidepressant use declines
By Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY
Massive publicity about antidepressants causing suicidal behavior in children is prompting more parents and doctors to hesitate longer or "just say no" to giving kids the pills, suggest new prescription records and interviews with doctors.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-01-31-antidepressant-inside_x.htm

In brief: Depression lifts; Asthma link ...
DEPRESSION LIFTS
Mild to moderate depression could be helped with aerobic exercise. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports on a study which found that those who performed aerobic exercise (such as treadmill walking) three to five times a week for 30 to 35 minutes experienced nearly a 50 per cent improvement in their symptoms, compared with only a minor improvement in patients who did just stretching exercises.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8124-1464390,00.html

Pediatric Antidepressant Use Shows Substantial Decline Over Past Year
Physician and Parent Awareness of Antidepressant Risks for Children Cuts Patient Numbers by More Than 10% in 2004
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., February 01, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The number of children taking antidepressants has decreased considerably from 2003 to 2004 since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) re-evaluated and revised antidepressant warning labeling, according to data released today by Medco Health Solutions, Inc., , one of the nation's leading pharmacy benefit managers.

http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=209033&categoryid=10

Childhood abuse common with bipolar sufferers
February 01 2005 at 12:49PM
London - Nearly half of patients suffering from manic depression, or bipolar disorder, may have been abused as children, scientists say in a new report.
Emotional, physical and sexual abuse, or a combination of them, are linked with the condition, which causes dramatic mood swings and changes in behaviour.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=117&art_id=qw1107235263424B243


Business news in brief from around New Jersey
Associated Press
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. - Use of antidepressants by children fell 10 percent last year after government hearings and warnings that some of the drugs increased risk of suicide, according to data from prescriptions processed by the country's biggest pharmacy benefit manager.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/national/10788872.htm

Modern Day Medicine Man, new series:
Life Is About Living
NORMAN OK
Randy Veitenheimer 2/1/2005

PART ONE: There are many stories and much history about how we, the people, came to be the way we are today. History, the past, gives us stories and the future gives us dreams. Both of these take away from us energy and the life that only the present can give us.

It didn’t use to be that way. The traditions of our stories and songs were a way of giving information and a way of remembering that told us how to be. To be alive, to find joy in all life, and to know the truth. The truth of our journey, as a people and individually is the goal of this series.

http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=5916

Slain children's kin speak out
Most are angry that mother was sent to mental hospital
By Deb Frazier, Rocky Mountain News
February 1, 2005
LAMAR - Rebekah Amaya, sent to the state mental hospital Monday for drowning her two children, was condemned by one of the youngster's fathers, their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins for refusing to take responsibility and stand trial.

http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/state/article/0,1299,DRMN_21_3513398,00.html

S.C. defendant’s use of Zoloft reflects international debate
BY NICHOLE MONROE BELL
Knight Ridder Newspapers
The boy stood over the bed, lifted the shotgun and squeezed. Once. Twice.
With two blasts, Joe Pittman, 66, and Joy Pittman, 62, were dead. They were killed as they slept, police say, by their 12-year-old grandson.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/10770696.htm

Armed conflict

In recent decades, the proportion of civilian casualties in armed conflicts has increased dramatically and is now estimated at more than 90 per cent. About half of the victims are children.

An estimated 20 million children have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict and human rights violations and are living as refugees in neighbouring countries or are internally displaced within their own national borders.
More than 2 million children have died as a direct result of armed conflict over the last decade.

http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_armedconflict.html


The New Zealand Herald

PM seeks more women in work

02.02.05
By KEVIN TAYLOR

The Government is looking at British improvements to childcare services as it re-examines its childcare policies so more women can enter the workforce.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10009139

Elite exam worries principals

02.02.05

The Qualifications Authority should come clean on scholarship results amid claims the distribution of awards in the elite exams is unfair, a Wellington headmaster says.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10009150

Beach pair save a life

02.02.05

Two people yesterday saved a man who was pulled from water at Milford Beach unconscious and not breathing.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10009145

Ducks sacrificed for golf tournament
Sociable Daphne would greet visitors to Tiritiri Matangi.

02.02.05
By ANNE BESTON

A bird cull to prepare for the country's top golf tournament at the Gulf Harbour Country Club has backfired after a duck known to hundreds of schoolchildren was killed.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10009142

The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Ice Chime) is:

Scott Base

Clear

-6.0°

Updated Wednesday 02 Feb 9:59AM

end