conti2005 - 6:15 AM ET March 24, 2005 (#24242 of 24266)Killed in Battle in January in Iraq per NewsNight, Age 26 Fuller , age26 Gilbert , age 23 Gibson
Every battle the ultimate battle.
I told you so.
Now, Jeb Bush is trying to make Michael Schiavo into a criminal after fifteen years of patiently providing care for her while the system works it's political 'stars' to the top of the Religious Right 'Hit List.'
The issue is the people at the center of this are too indignant to call Americans anymore.
Here:
Mr. Schindler last night.
"It's not a good day for Terri and I think there's indication today the neurologist that said Terri is not in PVS joins 33 other doctors who have stated that that have been totally ignored by this judge, Judge Greer, who's on a crusade to kill our daughter Terri."
Do you think Judge Greer is out to kill a woman inappropriately feed to continue a life prisoned in a body that provides to quality?
NO.
Again:
"I don't think that the courts are going to be helpful at all. Actually they've banded together to uphold this one particular judge and we've had very little success in the courts. They're not hearing any of the evidence that we presented them.
And our only hope at this point, as we see it, is through the governor and the Department of Children and Families or very possibly the governor exercises his executive authority."
Do you think the courts have banded together (Circled the wagons.) to protect Judge Greer?
NO.
Do you think there is a very 'slick' politician who is at the center of this MILKING it for all it's worth?
YEAH. Several of them. I'll venture a guess at least Tom DeLay, Jeb and George Bush and half the Repuglican Party. I am surprised Cheney has 'crowed' in but then again mass killing is his specialty and he is polishing the nukes.
Again in the same conversation:
"... Terri has been I say really railroaded into a death sentence by this particular judge, the Circuit Court judge that has a background in real estate and he has a crusade to kill this girl."
Do you believe Judge Greer is only capable of reading Titles to Real Estate?
NO.
Maureen. Ready. Here comes the conspiracy that Jeb Bush and Mr. Schindler are desperately trying to fight together.
"The Department of Children and Families they came in and they see where she's being abused by her guardian, which is her husband, and they're trying to intercede and this Judge Greer again has blocked that and derailed that whole program. So, in essence you can see now who's running this country."
"...So, in essence you can see now who's running this country."
"...So, in essence you can see now who's running this country."
"...So, in essence you can see now who's running this country."
Helloooo....
And again...same conversation...
"By that I mean that the judges are running this country. It's not the people any longer. You have a judge like that, a Circuit Court judge, who can exercise so much influence and these other judges are backing him up and opposing the Congress. They're opposing the governor. I think the handwriting is on the wall."
THEN 'The Violation of Trust'
The Question of all Questions
"...This is a difficult question to ask. Is there anything at this point that any doctor could say to you that would make you believe that the best outcome here, as sad an outcome as it is, would be to let your daughter pass?"
THE QUESTION seems straight forward to me. No? What does Schindler do? He turns on the inquiry and attempts to redirect the focus. Slick.
The conversation ends shortly after this. "I don't understand exactly what you mean by that, that we should let her go?"
Redirect, same context:
"No, sir. I'm asking you -- no, sir. I'm asking you if there's anything any doctor could say to you that would convince you of her medical condition is such that the best outcome would be to let her pass?"
THE SCHINDLER REDIRECT:
"What we've been told by many, many doctors that if she was given proper therapy she could recover to a point where she could rejoin society.
...many, many doctors that if she was given proper therapy she could recover to a point where she could rejoin society.
...many, many doctors that if she was given proper therapy she could recover to a point where she could rejoin society."
GIVE ME A BREAK HERE.
"She'd never be 100 percent but she could improve. She talks. She's not in PVS. She responds. She's aware. But she's not been treated in ten, 12 years. She's been left literally on a shelf in a room and the prognosis for Terri, the prognosis for her is that if she was given any kind of treatment, therapy, she could improve and that's what we've been told by dozens of doctors."
WITH THAT THE conversation ends because it is becoming to bizarre to believe.
"Mr. Schindler, none of us who sit around and think about this or talk about this can imagine what it's like to walk in your shoes for all these years and we appreciate your time tonight. Thank you, sir, Bob Schindler."
I DO KNOW WHAT it is like to face a person who has no possible chance at life in a way that matters. I DON'T KNOW what it is like to face a person with no possible chance at life THAT IS USED AS A POLITICAL VOLLEY. Welcome to the insanity of The Bush Theocracy.
I thought this was interesting from Tony Blair yesterday:
"...Mr Blair, battered by Conservative tabloid pressures on abortion, insisted on Tuesday:
"I do not want to end up with an American style of politics, with us all going out there beating our chest about our faith."
http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Blair-vows-to-ke [...]
NOW, you'll excuse me, Maureen but I do actually have a life worth living and subjects more pressing than the CHRONIC AND CONTINUOUS indulgence of the Election of The Religious Right 'Nut Case Criminal' Party.
Have a better day everyone.
The Bushs are WACKOS !
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Maureen Dowd - A Renaissance Woman
March 24, 2005OP-ED COLUMNIST
DeLay, Deny and Demagogue
By MAUREEN DOWD
h my God, we really are in a theocracy.
Are the Republicans so obsessed with maintaining control over all branches of government, and are the Democrats so emasculated about not having any power, that they are willing to turn the nation into a wholly owned subsidiary of the church?
The more dogma-driven activists, self-perpetuating pols and ratings-crazed broadcast media prattle about "faith," the less we honor the credo that a person's relationship with God should remain a private matter.
As the Bush White House desperately maneuvers in Iraq to prevent the new government from being run according to the dictates of religious fundamentalists, it desperately maneuvers here to pander to religious fundamentalists who want to dictate how the government should be run.
Maybe President Bush should spend less time preaching about spreading democracy around the world and more time worrying about our deteriorating democracy.
Even some Republicans seemed appalled at this latest illustration of Nietzsche's observation that "morality is the best of all devices for leading mankind by the nose."
As Christopher Shays, one of five House Republicans who voted against the bill to allow the Terri Schiavo case to be snatched from Florida state jurisdiction and moved to federal court, put it: "This Republican Party of Lincoln has become a party of theocracy. There are going to be repercussions from this vote."
A CBS News poll yesterday found that 82 percent of the public was opposed to Congress and the president intervening in this case; 74 percent thought it was all about politics.
The president, who couldn't be dragged outdoors to talk about the more than a hundred thousand people who died in the horrific tsunami, was willing to be dragged out of bed to sign a bill about one woman his base had fixated on. But with the new polls, the White House seemed to shrink back a bit.
The scene on Capitol Hill this past week has been almost as absurdly macabre as the movie "Weekend at Bernie's," with Tom DeLay and Bill Frist propping up between them this poor woman in a vegetative state to indulge their own political agendas. Mr. DeLay, the poster child for ethical abuse, wanted to show that he is still a favorite of conservatives. Dr. Frist thinks he can ace out Jeb Bush to be 44, even though he has become a laughingstock by trying to rediagnose Ms. Schiavo's condition by video.
As one disgusted Times reader suggested in an e-mail: "Americans ought to send Bill Frist their requests: 'Dear Dr. Frist: Please watch the enclosed video and tell us if that mole on my mother's cheek is cancer. Does she need surgery?'"
Jeb, keeping up with the '08 competition, vainly tried to get Florida to declare Ms. Schiavo a ward of the state.
Republicans easily abandon their cherished principles of individual privacy and states rights when their personal ambitions come into play. The first time they snatched a case out of a Florida state court to give to a federal court, it was Bush v. Gore. This time, it's Bush v. Constitution.
While Senate Democrats like Hillary Clinton, who are trying to curry favor with red staters, meekly allowed the shameful legislation to be enacted, at least some Floridian House members decided to put up a fight, though they knew they couldn't win.
The president and his ideological partners don't believe in separation of powers. They just believe in their own power. First they tried to circumvent the Florida courts; now they're trying to pack the federal bench with conservatives and even blow up the filibuster rule. But they may yet learn a lesson on checks and balances, as the federal courts rebuffed them in the Schiavo case.
Mr. DeLay moved yesterday to file a friend of the court brief with the Supreme Court asking that Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube be restored while the federal court is deciding what to do. But as he exploits this one sad case, Mr. DeLay has voted to slash Medicaid by $15 billion, denying money to care for poor people in nursing homes, some on feeding tubes.
Mr. DeLay made his personal stake clear at a conference last Friday organized by the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group. He said that God had brought Terri Schiavo's struggle to the forefront "to help elevate the visibility of what's going on in America." He defined that as "attacks against the conservative movement, against me and against many others."
So it's not about her crisis at all. It's about his crisis.
E-mail: liberties@nytimes.com
DeLay, Deny and Demagogue
By MAUREEN DOWD
h my God, we really are in a theocracy.
Are the Republicans so obsessed with maintaining control over all branches of government, and are the Democrats so emasculated about not having any power, that they are willing to turn the nation into a wholly owned subsidiary of the church?
The more dogma-driven activists, self-perpetuating pols and ratings-crazed broadcast media prattle about "faith," the less we honor the credo that a person's relationship with God should remain a private matter.
As the Bush White House desperately maneuvers in Iraq to prevent the new government from being run according to the dictates of religious fundamentalists, it desperately maneuvers here to pander to religious fundamentalists who want to dictate how the government should be run.
Maybe President Bush should spend less time preaching about spreading democracy around the world and more time worrying about our deteriorating democracy.
Even some Republicans seemed appalled at this latest illustration of Nietzsche's observation that "morality is the best of all devices for leading mankind by the nose."
As Christopher Shays, one of five House Republicans who voted against the bill to allow the Terri Schiavo case to be snatched from Florida state jurisdiction and moved to federal court, put it: "This Republican Party of Lincoln has become a party of theocracy. There are going to be repercussions from this vote."
A CBS News poll yesterday found that 82 percent of the public was opposed to Congress and the president intervening in this case; 74 percent thought it was all about politics.
The president, who couldn't be dragged outdoors to talk about the more than a hundred thousand people who died in the horrific tsunami, was willing to be dragged out of bed to sign a bill about one woman his base had fixated on. But with the new polls, the White House seemed to shrink back a bit.
The scene on Capitol Hill this past week has been almost as absurdly macabre as the movie "Weekend at Bernie's," with Tom DeLay and Bill Frist propping up between them this poor woman in a vegetative state to indulge their own political agendas. Mr. DeLay, the poster child for ethical abuse, wanted to show that he is still a favorite of conservatives. Dr. Frist thinks he can ace out Jeb Bush to be 44, even though he has become a laughingstock by trying to rediagnose Ms. Schiavo's condition by video.
As one disgusted Times reader suggested in an e-mail: "Americans ought to send Bill Frist their requests: 'Dear Dr. Frist: Please watch the enclosed video and tell us if that mole on my mother's cheek is cancer. Does she need surgery?'"
Jeb, keeping up with the '08 competition, vainly tried to get Florida to declare Ms. Schiavo a ward of the state.
Republicans easily abandon their cherished principles of individual privacy and states rights when their personal ambitions come into play. The first time they snatched a case out of a Florida state court to give to a federal court, it was Bush v. Gore. This time, it's Bush v. Constitution.
While Senate Democrats like Hillary Clinton, who are trying to curry favor with red staters, meekly allowed the shameful legislation to be enacted, at least some Floridian House members decided to put up a fight, though they knew they couldn't win.
The president and his ideological partners don't believe in separation of powers. They just believe in their own power. First they tried to circumvent the Florida courts; now they're trying to pack the federal bench with conservatives and even blow up the filibuster rule. But they may yet learn a lesson on checks and balances, as the federal courts rebuffed them in the Schiavo case.
Mr. DeLay moved yesterday to file a friend of the court brief with the Supreme Court asking that Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube be restored while the federal court is deciding what to do. But as he exploits this one sad case, Mr. DeLay has voted to slash Medicaid by $15 billion, denying money to care for poor people in nursing homes, some on feeding tubes.
Mr. DeLay made his personal stake clear at a conference last Friday organized by the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group. He said that God had brought Terri Schiavo's struggle to the forefront "to help elevate the visibility of what's going on in America." He defined that as "attacks against the conservative movement, against me and against many others."
So it's not about her crisis at all. It's about his crisis.
E-mail: liberties@nytimes.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
World Water Day
World Water Monitoring Day - October 18th
Rooster "Cock-A-Doodle-Do"
"Okeydoke"
World Water Day
Thailand warns of worst drought in 7 years
The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives says the drought in Thailand this year might become the most severe in seven or eight years.
The drought will certainly affect the country's farming sector, said Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Newin Chidchob, adding the water supply may not be sufficient to cover second crop cultivation this year.
As part of the efforts to end the drought problem, the government will soon ask the Royal Thai Air Force to reserve about a dozen C-130 airplanes to help with an artificial rain plan which will cover drought-affected provinces in the country, Business Day reported.
"I expect only 10 percent of the country's arable land may have enough water to produce a second crop this year," Newin said.
Despite the worst-case scenario of drought and oil price hikes, Prime Minister Thaksin Shiwanatra recently said rising oil prices and the drought may have only a limited impact on Thai economic growth this year. He remained optimistic the country's economy would grow at a record 5 percent or six percent this year.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International
19 March, 2005 by roger
http://www.moneyplans.net/newsroom/news.php?action=fullnews&id=149
Farmers brace for worst drought in 28 years
By DEAN BRICKEY and TERRY MURRY of the East Oregonian
eonews@eastoregonian.com
TOP: McKay Reservoir south of Pendleton is more dirt than water. Normally it’s nearly full this time of year. BOTTOM: Boat owners are already finding it hard to launch their boats at McKay Reservoir. Staff photos by Don Cresswell
PENDLETON — Farmers and other water users are facing the worst drought in 28 years, according to Chet Sater of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Umatilla Field Office in Hermiston.
It’s been the third-driest winter in 75 years, according to scientists at the Columbia Basic Agricultural Research Center on Tubbs Ranch Road, northeast of Pendleton.
Steve Petrie, superintendent of the Oregon State University facility, said the winter of 2005, with just 5.32 inches of precipitation from Sept. 1-Feb. 28, is the driest since 1977, when just 3.45 inches of precipitation had fallen through the winter. And it’s the third driest since records began at the center in 1930. The second-driest year was 1937, when just 5.2 inches of precipitation was recorded from September through February.
http://www.eastoregonian.info/Main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=350&ArticleID=37307
No Drought Relief in Northwest Seen -- NOAA
Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:53 AM GMT
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyID=2005-03-18T055316Z_01_N17144104_RTRIDST_0_SCIENCE-WEATHER-USA-DC.XML
Ore. gov. tries to lessen drought impact
MAR. 22 2:20 A.M. ET With Oregon irrigation reservoirs at 50 percent of normal and snowpack even less, Gov. Ted Kulongoski announced measures he hopes will lessen the threat to farmers and fire-prone forests from one of the driest winters on record.
The dry spell "has serious implications for the state's economy as our summer months are critical to agriculture, fishing and recreation," Kulongoski said Monday at a news conference.
Barry Norris, technical services chief for the state Water Resources Department, said the state is facing a water year nearly as dry as 1977, which had set records for low snowpack.
Kulongoski said the state Forestry Department will assemble a plan by April 1 -- a month earlier than usual -- for rounding up extra firefighting crews and obtaining equipment, such as air tankers for water drops.
The governor also said he will consider whether to declare a statewide drought emergency next week after getting a recommendation from the state Drought Council, a technical panel.
He already has declared emergencies in Baker County, in Eastern Oregon, and Southern Oregon's Klamath County, a move that can give water users more flexibility to tap emergency water supplies.
Similar requests for declarations are pending from several other counties.
The governor urged the public to take steps to conserve water, even such small ones as planting spring flowers that don't need a lot of water and washing cars less often.
Kulongoski said the state is hampered by having all nine of its large Chinook National Guard helicopters, often used to battle forest fires, assigned to duty in the Middle East. The state's potential firefighting force also is reduced, he said, by having more than 1,000 Guard members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
"Oregon has and continues to make great contributions to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," Kulongoski said. "But if the safety of our forests, our citizens and our economy become threatened because we do not have the flight tools or the people-power to fight fires, I expect the federal government to take whatever steps necessary to make sure Oregon doesn't pay twice for our contributions."
------
On the Net:
Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html
------
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Women operated 6 percent of Nebraska's farms in 2002, up from 5.4 percent in 1997, according to the 2002 Census of Agriculture
The increase comes as the overall number of farms in the state dropped from 54,539 to 49,355, the Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service said Friday.
Women ran 3,005 farms in Nebraska in 2002, up from 2,948 in 1997 for an increase of two percent, the report said.
Women posted a 2 percent decrease in the total amount of land they operated in the same time frame, the agency said, going from 1.99 million acres to just over 1.95 million in 2002.
Nebraska ranked 29th in the nation in the number of women as principal farm operators. Women ran farms in each of the state's 93 counties. Women farm operators were older than the average farm operator, 59.7 years compared to 53.9 years, the report said.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D88VSEIG1.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down
Drought prompts King County to begin water-saving actions
King County Executive Ron Sims today formally activated King County's Drought Response Plan and directed facilities and fleet managers to immediately begin using less water in county operations.
http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2005/03/21waterSavings.htm
Drought impact predicted to be long lasting
A major welfare agency has warned the social and economic impacts of the drought in western Queensland will last for up to 15 years.
Anglicare says it has grave concerns about the social effect of the prolonged dry on rural communities in the area.
Drought coordinator Barbara Anderson says it is taking a huge toll on families.
"From my investigations there's a very high use of anti-depressants, particularly among the women, but even more concerning for me is that lately there is an increased use by many of our men and that I find is an extremely worrying factor...and really when our men and women have lost the desire to fight, our rural life really is in crisis," she said.
"We've had a number of properties that have run out of water...I know of women now who are actually having to take their washing into town because they don't have enough house water.
"Fancy having to take a basket of washing into a town to do your washing...so the drought is taking a huge toll on these women apart from the fact of the financial stress they're suffering."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1328994.htm
Drought Will Scuttle RBZ's Inflation Target
Zimbabwe Standard (Harare)
March 20, 2005
Posted to the web March 21, 2005
Allen Chifokoyo
THE prospect of another drought and the severe foreign currency crunch are going to make it harder for the country to achieve the inflation rate target set by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), economic analysts said.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200503210687.html
Drought Report
Western South Dakota ranchers know they need rain so grass will recover for their livestock. A federal report shows just how dry conditions are across the state.
The US Drought Monitor shows the middle part of the state around the Missouri River to be abnormally dry.
Farther west, the drought intensities change to moderate and then to severe. The Black Hills and other counties at the western edge of South Dakota are in extreme drought.
State Agriculture Secretary Larry Gabriel says ranchers will need to worry not only about growing grass but also about having enough good quality water to support their cattle.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail4514.cfm?ID=22,38540
Drought to boost CPO, rubber prices
BY HANIM ADNAN
THE prolonged drought in the region will have a positive impact on the prices of commodities like crude palm oil (CPO) and rubber, but production will be lower.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/3/22/business/10480065&sec=business
Storms help dry state
By WHITNEY ROYSTER
Star-Tribune environmental reporter Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Five-year-old Alanna Matthews pauses before the steps of her family's home near Casper College while playing in the rain on Monday afternoon. Today's high in Casper is expected to be 50, with partly cloudy skies, the National Weather Service said. Photo by Sarah Beth Barnett/Casper Star-Tribune.
Unless those in the northeast part of the state get significant moisture in the next week, the state climatologist will recommend that area be considered in an "exceptional" drought -- the most dire classification.
Jan Curtis, state climatologist, said areas around Newcastle are "really, really hurting" and currently considered in "extreme" drought conditions.
"In the northeast part of the state, they are about as bad as they can get," Curtis said.
The "exceptional" classification, if approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will likely mean water restrictions and a difficult summer for ranchers with widespread crop and pasture losses. It could also mean some government assistance.
http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2005/03/22/news/wyoming/db354c21248cfe9987256fcb0067c998.txt
Rare drought hits Brazil's southern breadbasket, damaging crops
print email this story
Associated Press
March 21, 2005
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - A rare drought has hit southern Brazil, forcing hundreds of towns to declare an emergency and destroying billions of dollars (reals) of crops in the country's traditional breadbasket, officials said Monday.
With no rain since December, 440 cities and towns have declared a state of emergency in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state and a major producer of wheat, soy beans, corn, grapes and beef.
"The economic damage is irreversible. Even if it starts to rain now, it's too late to harvest before winter comes," Maj. Gilberto Lippert of the Rio Grande do Sul civil defense department said by telephone from Porto Alegre, 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) south of Rio de Janeiro.
Pasted from <http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/11764.html>
Researchers: 2005 Could Be Dangerous Fire Year In SW Idaho
By Associated Press
NAMPA, Idaho -
Even in southwestern Idaho, it's usually a little damp this time of year.
Not in 2005.
Already in Canyon County, there have been a couple of fires on grass and farmland.
Federal researchers say that could be a precursor for a bad fire year -- not just in Idaho, but in the entire drought-plagued Pacific Northwest.
Ronald Neilson, a bioclimatologist with the U-S Forest Service, says conditions could reach levels last seen during the famous Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
He says the drought severity in the northwestern states will only get worse in the coming months. Recent light rains have done little to dent the water crisis.
The Treasure Valley is still more than two inches behind the average.
http://www.kbcitv.com/x5154.xml?ParentPageID=x5157&ContentID=x63562&Layout=KBCI.xsl&AdGroupID=x5154
Calamity state declared in drought-hit areas of S. Kudarat
Posted 05:44am (Mla time) Mar 21, 2005
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A19 of the Mar. 21, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Philippines -- The mild dry spell experienced in many areas in southwestern Mindanao is taking its toll on farmers.
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=31218
Water shortage a threat to 14,000
Cheyenne River Indian Reservation may run dry
By DORIS HAUGEN
Associated Press
published: 03/21/05
About 14,000 residents of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation could run out of water this summer because of a continued drought along the Missouri River basin, according to tribal and other officials.
Based on water-level predictions for the Missouri River, Wayne Ducheneaux and other tribal officials think the reservation could be out of water by August. And they fear the worst.
“It will be more than just running out of water for a couple of days. There will be 14,000 people that have no water whatsoever,” Ducheneaux said last week. He is a member of a task force working to come up with a water plan.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050321/NEWS/50321002/1001
Gregoire prepares for drought
David Ammons, The Associated Press
OLYMPIA - Gov. Christine Gregoire, stepping up efforts to ease the impact of the region's drought, on Friday called on citizens to curtail their water use, asked the Legislature for $12 million, and girded for a record fire season.
The Tivoli Fountain, popular with visitors to the Capitol campus, will be turned off April 1, state cars will be washed less frequently and state agencies will be asked to cut their water use by 25 percent.
The governor also urged development of new water storage projects as a longer-term fix to shortages.
Gregoire declared a statewide drought emergency last week as the Pacific Northwest prepares for possibly the worst drought since 1977. Precipitation is at or near record lows across the state, and mountain snow pack averages are running 26 percent of normal.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20050319/TopStories/235904.shtml
Zambia Drought: minor emergency No. 05ME015
The Federation’s mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 181 countries.
In Brief
CHF 50,000 (USD 42,822 OR EUR 32,255) HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FROM THE FEDERATION’S DISASTER RELIEF EMERGENCY FUND (DREF) TO RESPOND TO THIS OPERATION. UNEARMARKED FUNDS TO REPAY DREF ARE ENCOURAGED.
The situation
Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture has issued a drought alert following erratic and poor distribution of rainfall in many parts of the country, particularly the low-veldt areas of the southern, western and north-western provinces. According to press reports quoting Government sources, Zambia will face a crop failure of up to 65% this year due to ongoing drought in the current farming season. Last week the Zambian government banned exportation of maize meal to neighbouring countries in a bid to forestall the looming food deficit. The government's food reserve agency (FRA) disclosed that there were only 120,000 metric tones of maize in the state shells countrywide. This falls far short of the country's total maize requirement of 600,000 metric tons.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/DDAD-6ALPJF?OpenDocument
Floods
Floods kill over 200 in Afghanistan
[World News]: Kabul, Mar.21 : Floods caused by torrential rains and melting snow have killed more than 200 people and destroyed thousands of homes in several parts of Afghanistan over recent days, officials said on Sunday.
After the worst winter for a decade, there were always fears that the spring thaw would result in flooding from rivers running down from Afghanistan's mountain ranges.
Several hundred people were killed by the severe winter weather and the unlucky country had earlier suffered almost six years of drought.
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=88626
Military comes to rescue in rainy Afghanistan
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, March 21, 2005
Rick Scavetta / U.S. Army
Sgt. Ryan Garfield, UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief, holds a child rescued from rising floodwaters near the southern Afghanistan area of Deh Rawod. Garfield is a member of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Michael Abrams / S&S
Rain in the last couple of days has left Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan wet and muddy. But unlike other areas of the country, there is no danger of flooding at U.S. military posts.
Weather patterns
are hard to track
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — How does recent precipitation — both snow and rain — compare with other periods in Afghan history?
Capt. Laura Maddin, the officer in charge of the Air Force weather detachment in Bagram, said it’s hard to tell. The Taliban compared meteorology with sorcery and destroyed a lot of records when they were in power, she said.
Some records have been found in Kabul and the military is currently using those — adjusted somewhat for the lower altitude in Bagram — as a basis for historical averages.
Lt. Col. Kevin Kille, civil-military operations officer for CJTF-76, said countries in Southwest Asia historically suffer through five to seven years of drought every few decades.
Military officials also hear comments from local residents about the weather from time to time. “We’ve heard from some that when the Taliban left, they took the drought with them,” Kille said.
— Kent Harris
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — To recent arrivals, it might seem as if there are only two types of weather in Afghanistan: rain and the brief periods between rain.
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=27889
Flash floods kill 41 in Pakistan
[World News]: ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 20 (UPI) : Flash floods have killed at least 40 people in southwestern Pakistan, officials said Sunday.
The floods followed heavy rains in the Suleman mountains that divide the provinces of Balochistan and Punjab.
On Friday, the floods swept away a truck carrying 69 pilgrims returning from a local shrine in Dera Ghazi Khan district.Only 28 pilgrims could jump to safety.
Since the torrent washed away the truck along with the passengers, it took local authorities two days to assess the damage.By Sunday, they had discovered 41 bodies.
- -- Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=88381
200 missing in Afghan floods; 24 killed
By Noor Khan, Associated Press Writer March 20, 2005
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- More than 200 people were missing in a former Taliban stronghold Sunday after days of torrential rain sparked floods that have killed at least 24 people in other parts of Afghanistan.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2005/03/20/200_missing_in_afghan_floods_24_killed/
History...
1638, Religious dissident Anne Hutchinson is banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
1763, To raise revenue in the American colonies, the British Parliament passes the Stamp Act, levying a direct tax on colonial legal and commercial documents. The tax was repealed the following year.
1882, Congress outlawed polygamy.
1933, during Prohibition, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a measure to make wine and beer containing up to 3.2 percent alcohol legal.
1941, the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state went into operation.
1945, The Arab League is formed in Cairo, Egypt.
1963: The Beatles' first album Please Please Me is released in Britain; it is soon number one on the pop chart.
1972: The Equal Rights Amendment is passed by the Senate and sent to the states for ratification; it ultimately fails to win enough states to become part of the U.S. Constitution. (It fell three states short of the 38 needed for approval.)
Missing in Action
1968 GUY THEODORE W. ELMHURST IL 03/16/73 RELEASED BY NVA/KISSINGER DECEASED 04/23/99
1968 HATTORI MASAKI STOCKTON CA
1968 LYON DONOVAN L. HOLLYWOOD CA
1971 CLEVE REGINALD D. FARMINGTON MO "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
1971 HALL WALTER R. LOS ANGELES CA "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
1971 KNUTSEN DONALD P. BUFFALO NY "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
1971 MORIARTY PETER G. NEWINGTON CT
1971 TRAVER JOHN G. III JACKSONVILLE FL "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
The Wilmington Star News
Talk about a new low
Congress and President Bush ignored the Constitution when they whipped up a law that would take a legal dispute out of Florida courts and put it into a federal court, where some people hope it might be settled differently.
That seems doubtful; the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to accept the Terri Schiavo case, which suggests it believes Florida's courts have handled it properly.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050322/EDITORIAL/503220301
The Bemidji Pioneer
10 killed at Red Lake Shooter dead at scene after killing 7 at school and his grandparents; community in shock
Monday, March 21, 2005
By Molly Miron Pioneer Editor
mmiron@bemidjipioneer.com
RED LAKE
At about 3 p.m. on Monday a young man entered Red Lake High School and opened fire in a deadly shooting rampage.
According to reports from students on the scene at the school, the boy, a 17-year-old student named Jeff Weise, gunned down the security officer at the school door. He then apparently went through the school until he reached a classroom where he began shooting students and a teacher. As of 8:20 p.m., FBI Special Agent Paul McCabe confirmed that 10 people were dead as a result of the shooting, including a security guard, a teacher and several students.
McCabe said no names of victims have been released.
He said late Monday night that at some point during the shooting rampage, Red Lake Police officers arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the shooter in the hallway. The shooter then retreated to a classroom.
“Preliminary investigation leads us to believe the shooter’s cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” McCabe said.
He said it is too early in the investigation to speculate on motives for the shootings, but a search brings up the name of Jeff Weise of Red Lake on a Web site www.nazi.org. Students said he was teased because he dressed in gothic style. A tribal elder said the boy was on medication.
Red Lake Police Chief Pat Mills said that before going to the school, the shooter apparently went to the home of a 30-year veteran Red Lake Police officer and shot him and his wife. The couple, who lived in the Back of Town neighborhood, later died.
According to Red Lake Fire Chief Roman Stately, the police officer and his wife were the alleged shooter’s grandparents.
The Red Lake Net News, a Web site supported by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, identified the alleged shooter’s grandfather as Daryl “Dash” Lussier.
In addition to the 10 dead, about 12 students were injured. McCabe provided no details about the sequence of the shooting, but said most of the dead at the school were found in one room. However, he added that he believes the alleged shooter acted alone.
The injured were taken to Red Lake Hospital, North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji and MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D.
“This is, without doubt, the darkest hour in the history of our tribe,” said Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain. “Our community is in shock and dismay. It’s extremely painful. The community is in utter shock. Our hearts go out to the families.”
Law enforcement shut down the Red Lake Reservation with roadblocks at about 5 p.m. Monday.
Student Sondra Hegstrom said she was with her class in the room next door to the shootings.
“You could hear a girl saying, ‘No, Jeff. Quit! Quit! Leave me alone. Why are you doing this?’ Boom, boom, boom, and then no more screaming,” she said.
Hegstrom said she saw the alleged shooter carrying a gun before he opened fire. She said he aimed at one boy, then smiled and waved before shooting another student.
“I looked him in the eye and ran in a room and that’s when I hid,” she said. “I called 911 from a cell phone and they said, ‘Just sit there and wait until the cops come.’”
Teacher Diane Schwanz was in the school’s Culture Room with her class when she heard the shooting. “I got on the floor and said, ‘Kids, down on the ground, under the benches,’ and I called the cops,” she said.
Student Ashley Morrison was in the Culture Room when the gunshots started. At first, she said she thought something had fallen over to make the loud sound. Then, she said, the alleged shooter came to the door of the Culture Room.
“He started banging on our door,” Morrison said.
Wendy Johnson, Ashley’s mother, said that was when she received the phone call from her daughter.
“She was hiding and he was shooting the door she was in, trying to get in,” Johnson said. She said she remembers Ashley saying, “Mom, he’s trying to get in here and I’m scared.”
Hegstrom said teacher Keith Lussier come into their room and told them to run. The school was evacuated and law enforcement began combing the building. The students were directed to walk to the Drug Rehabilitation Center, about one block from the school, where school buses picked them up.
By then, groups of students, teachers and parents were trying to comfort each other in the area around the school.
Johnson left work when she received her daughter’s cell phone call.
“Seeing the kids running out crying, like Littleton,” said Johnson, referring to the 1999 Columbine High School Shooting.
“We’re just traumatized,” said Robin Isham, who left her work at the Early Childhood Center when she heard of the shootings. “I had four children in that building. I found them all.”
“You read about it happening other places, but not at our school,” said Hegstrom. “I thought our school was safe.”
Gov. Tim Pawlenty issued a statement Monday night: “With profound sorrow, the First Lady and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy. We ask Minnesotans to help comfort the families and friends of the victims who are suffering unimaginable pain by extending prayers and expressions of support.”
Monday’s shooting was the second major school shooting in Minnesota in recent years. In September 2003, two students were shot at Rocori High School in central Minnesota. The Littleton, Colo., Columbine High School cost 12 lives.
Red Lake High School has about 355 students in grades 9-12.
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com
Evidently there is a 'Citizen Paper' - IT IS A LITTLE ODD.
The Northern Herald
http://northernherald.com/
Minn. teen kills 7at school, 2 at home, and himself
BY BILL GARDNER
Knight Ridder Newspapers
RED LAKE, Minn. - (KRT) - A towering young loner who always wore a dark trench coat to Red Lake High School went on a shooting spree Monday, killing nine people, including his grandfather and a woman at their home and five students, a teacher and a security guard on campus before turning a gun on himself.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/11196469.htm
Michael Moore Today
Rooster "Cock-A-Doodle-Do"
"Okeydoke"
World Water Day
Thailand warns of worst drought in 7 years
The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives says the drought in Thailand this year might become the most severe in seven or eight years.
The drought will certainly affect the country's farming sector, said Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Newin Chidchob, adding the water supply may not be sufficient to cover second crop cultivation this year.
As part of the efforts to end the drought problem, the government will soon ask the Royal Thai Air Force to reserve about a dozen C-130 airplanes to help with an artificial rain plan which will cover drought-affected provinces in the country, Business Day reported.
"I expect only 10 percent of the country's arable land may have enough water to produce a second crop this year," Newin said.
Despite the worst-case scenario of drought and oil price hikes, Prime Minister Thaksin Shiwanatra recently said rising oil prices and the drought may have only a limited impact on Thai economic growth this year. He remained optimistic the country's economy would grow at a record 5 percent or six percent this year.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International
19 March, 2005 by roger
http://www.moneyplans.net/newsroom/news.php?action=fullnews&id=149
Farmers brace for worst drought in 28 years
By DEAN BRICKEY and TERRY MURRY of the East Oregonian
eonews@eastoregonian.com
TOP: McKay Reservoir south of Pendleton is more dirt than water. Normally it’s nearly full this time of year. BOTTOM: Boat owners are already finding it hard to launch their boats at McKay Reservoir. Staff photos by Don Cresswell
PENDLETON — Farmers and other water users are facing the worst drought in 28 years, according to Chet Sater of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Umatilla Field Office in Hermiston.
It’s been the third-driest winter in 75 years, according to scientists at the Columbia Basic Agricultural Research Center on Tubbs Ranch Road, northeast of Pendleton.
Steve Petrie, superintendent of the Oregon State University facility, said the winter of 2005, with just 5.32 inches of precipitation from Sept. 1-Feb. 28, is the driest since 1977, when just 3.45 inches of precipitation had fallen through the winter. And it’s the third driest since records began at the center in 1930. The second-driest year was 1937, when just 5.2 inches of precipitation was recorded from September through February.
http://www.eastoregonian.info/Main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=350&ArticleID=37307
No Drought Relief in Northwest Seen -- NOAA
Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:53 AM GMT
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyID=2005-03-18T055316Z_01_N17144104_RTRIDST_0_SCIENCE-WEATHER-USA-DC.XML
Ore. gov. tries to lessen drought impact
MAR. 22 2:20 A.M. ET With Oregon irrigation reservoirs at 50 percent of normal and snowpack even less, Gov. Ted Kulongoski announced measures he hopes will lessen the threat to farmers and fire-prone forests from one of the driest winters on record.
The dry spell "has serious implications for the state's economy as our summer months are critical to agriculture, fishing and recreation," Kulongoski said Monday at a news conference.
Barry Norris, technical services chief for the state Water Resources Department, said the state is facing a water year nearly as dry as 1977, which had set records for low snowpack.
Kulongoski said the state Forestry Department will assemble a plan by April 1 -- a month earlier than usual -- for rounding up extra firefighting crews and obtaining equipment, such as air tankers for water drops.
The governor also said he will consider whether to declare a statewide drought emergency next week after getting a recommendation from the state Drought Council, a technical panel.
He already has declared emergencies in Baker County, in Eastern Oregon, and Southern Oregon's Klamath County, a move that can give water users more flexibility to tap emergency water supplies.
Similar requests for declarations are pending from several other counties.
The governor urged the public to take steps to conserve water, even such small ones as planting spring flowers that don't need a lot of water and washing cars less often.
Kulongoski said the state is hampered by having all nine of its large Chinook National Guard helicopters, often used to battle forest fires, assigned to duty in the Middle East. The state's potential firefighting force also is reduced, he said, by having more than 1,000 Guard members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
"Oregon has and continues to make great contributions to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," Kulongoski said. "But if the safety of our forests, our citizens and our economy become threatened because we do not have the flight tools or the people-power to fight fires, I expect the federal government to take whatever steps necessary to make sure Oregon doesn't pay twice for our contributions."
------
On the Net:
Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html
------
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Women operated 6 percent of Nebraska's farms in 2002, up from 5.4 percent in 1997, according to the 2002 Census of Agriculture
The increase comes as the overall number of farms in the state dropped from 54,539 to 49,355, the Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service said Friday.
Women ran 3,005 farms in Nebraska in 2002, up from 2,948 in 1997 for an increase of two percent, the report said.
Women posted a 2 percent decrease in the total amount of land they operated in the same time frame, the agency said, going from 1.99 million acres to just over 1.95 million in 2002.
Nebraska ranked 29th in the nation in the number of women as principal farm operators. Women ran farms in each of the state's 93 counties. Women farm operators were older than the average farm operator, 59.7 years compared to 53.9 years, the report said.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D88VSEIG1.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down
Drought prompts King County to begin water-saving actions
King County Executive Ron Sims today formally activated King County's Drought Response Plan and directed facilities and fleet managers to immediately begin using less water in county operations.
http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2005/03/21waterSavings.htm
Drought impact predicted to be long lasting
A major welfare agency has warned the social and economic impacts of the drought in western Queensland will last for up to 15 years.
Anglicare says it has grave concerns about the social effect of the prolonged dry on rural communities in the area.
Drought coordinator Barbara Anderson says it is taking a huge toll on families.
"From my investigations there's a very high use of anti-depressants, particularly among the women, but even more concerning for me is that lately there is an increased use by many of our men and that I find is an extremely worrying factor...and really when our men and women have lost the desire to fight, our rural life really is in crisis," she said.
"We've had a number of properties that have run out of water...I know of women now who are actually having to take their washing into town because they don't have enough house water.
"Fancy having to take a basket of washing into a town to do your washing...so the drought is taking a huge toll on these women apart from the fact of the financial stress they're suffering."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1328994.htm
Drought Will Scuttle RBZ's Inflation Target
Zimbabwe Standard (Harare)
March 20, 2005
Posted to the web March 21, 2005
Allen Chifokoyo
THE prospect of another drought and the severe foreign currency crunch are going to make it harder for the country to achieve the inflation rate target set by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), economic analysts said.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200503210687.html
Drought Report
Western South Dakota ranchers know they need rain so grass will recover for their livestock. A federal report shows just how dry conditions are across the state.
The US Drought Monitor shows the middle part of the state around the Missouri River to be abnormally dry.
Farther west, the drought intensities change to moderate and then to severe. The Black Hills and other counties at the western edge of South Dakota are in extreme drought.
State Agriculture Secretary Larry Gabriel says ranchers will need to worry not only about growing grass but also about having enough good quality water to support their cattle.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail4514.cfm?ID=22,38540
Drought to boost CPO, rubber prices
BY HANIM ADNAN
THE prolonged drought in the region will have a positive impact on the prices of commodities like crude palm oil (CPO) and rubber, but production will be lower.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/3/22/business/10480065&sec=business
Storms help dry state
By WHITNEY ROYSTER
Star-Tribune environmental reporter Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Five-year-old Alanna Matthews pauses before the steps of her family's home near Casper College while playing in the rain on Monday afternoon. Today's high in Casper is expected to be 50, with partly cloudy skies, the National Weather Service said. Photo by Sarah Beth Barnett/Casper Star-Tribune.
Unless those in the northeast part of the state get significant moisture in the next week, the state climatologist will recommend that area be considered in an "exceptional" drought -- the most dire classification.
Jan Curtis, state climatologist, said areas around Newcastle are "really, really hurting" and currently considered in "extreme" drought conditions.
"In the northeast part of the state, they are about as bad as they can get," Curtis said.
The "exceptional" classification, if approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will likely mean water restrictions and a difficult summer for ranchers with widespread crop and pasture losses. It could also mean some government assistance.
http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2005/03/22/news/wyoming/db354c21248cfe9987256fcb0067c998.txt
Rare drought hits Brazil's southern breadbasket, damaging crops
print email this story
Associated Press
March 21, 2005
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - A rare drought has hit southern Brazil, forcing hundreds of towns to declare an emergency and destroying billions of dollars (reals) of crops in the country's traditional breadbasket, officials said Monday.
With no rain since December, 440 cities and towns have declared a state of emergency in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state and a major producer of wheat, soy beans, corn, grapes and beef.
"The economic damage is irreversible. Even if it starts to rain now, it's too late to harvest before winter comes," Maj. Gilberto Lippert of the Rio Grande do Sul civil defense department said by telephone from Porto Alegre, 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) south of Rio de Janeiro.
Pasted from <http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/11764.html>
Researchers: 2005 Could Be Dangerous Fire Year In SW Idaho
By Associated Press
NAMPA, Idaho -
Even in southwestern Idaho, it's usually a little damp this time of year.
Not in 2005.
Already in Canyon County, there have been a couple of fires on grass and farmland.
Federal researchers say that could be a precursor for a bad fire year -- not just in Idaho, but in the entire drought-plagued Pacific Northwest.
Ronald Neilson, a bioclimatologist with the U-S Forest Service, says conditions could reach levels last seen during the famous Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
He says the drought severity in the northwestern states will only get worse in the coming months. Recent light rains have done little to dent the water crisis.
The Treasure Valley is still more than two inches behind the average.
http://www.kbcitv.com/x5154.xml?ParentPageID=x5157&ContentID=x63562&Layout=KBCI.xsl&AdGroupID=x5154
Calamity state declared in drought-hit areas of S. Kudarat
Posted 05:44am (Mla time) Mar 21, 2005
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A19 of the Mar. 21, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Philippines -- The mild dry spell experienced in many areas in southwestern Mindanao is taking its toll on farmers.
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=31218
Water shortage a threat to 14,000
Cheyenne River Indian Reservation may run dry
By DORIS HAUGEN
Associated Press
published: 03/21/05
About 14,000 residents of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation could run out of water this summer because of a continued drought along the Missouri River basin, according to tribal and other officials.
Based on water-level predictions for the Missouri River, Wayne Ducheneaux and other tribal officials think the reservation could be out of water by August. And they fear the worst.
“It will be more than just running out of water for a couple of days. There will be 14,000 people that have no water whatsoever,” Ducheneaux said last week. He is a member of a task force working to come up with a water plan.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050321/NEWS/50321002/1001
Gregoire prepares for drought
David Ammons, The Associated Press
OLYMPIA - Gov. Christine Gregoire, stepping up efforts to ease the impact of the region's drought, on Friday called on citizens to curtail their water use, asked the Legislature for $12 million, and girded for a record fire season.
The Tivoli Fountain, popular with visitors to the Capitol campus, will be turned off April 1, state cars will be washed less frequently and state agencies will be asked to cut their water use by 25 percent.
The governor also urged development of new water storage projects as a longer-term fix to shortages.
Gregoire declared a statewide drought emergency last week as the Pacific Northwest prepares for possibly the worst drought since 1977. Precipitation is at or near record lows across the state, and mountain snow pack averages are running 26 percent of normal.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20050319/TopStories/235904.shtml
Zambia Drought: minor emergency No. 05ME015
The Federation’s mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 181 countries.
In Brief
CHF 50,000 (USD 42,822 OR EUR 32,255) HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FROM THE FEDERATION’S DISASTER RELIEF EMERGENCY FUND (DREF) TO RESPOND TO THIS OPERATION. UNEARMARKED FUNDS TO REPAY DREF ARE ENCOURAGED.
The situation
Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture has issued a drought alert following erratic and poor distribution of rainfall in many parts of the country, particularly the low-veldt areas of the southern, western and north-western provinces. According to press reports quoting Government sources, Zambia will face a crop failure of up to 65% this year due to ongoing drought in the current farming season. Last week the Zambian government banned exportation of maize meal to neighbouring countries in a bid to forestall the looming food deficit. The government's food reserve agency (FRA) disclosed that there were only 120,000 metric tones of maize in the state shells countrywide. This falls far short of the country's total maize requirement of 600,000 metric tons.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/DDAD-6ALPJF?OpenDocument
Floods
Floods kill over 200 in Afghanistan
[World News]: Kabul, Mar.21 : Floods caused by torrential rains and melting snow have killed more than 200 people and destroyed thousands of homes in several parts of Afghanistan over recent days, officials said on Sunday.
After the worst winter for a decade, there were always fears that the spring thaw would result in flooding from rivers running down from Afghanistan's mountain ranges.
Several hundred people were killed by the severe winter weather and the unlucky country had earlier suffered almost six years of drought.
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=88626
Military comes to rescue in rainy Afghanistan
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, March 21, 2005
Rick Scavetta / U.S. Army
Sgt. Ryan Garfield, UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief, holds a child rescued from rising floodwaters near the southern Afghanistan area of Deh Rawod. Garfield is a member of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Michael Abrams / S&S
Rain in the last couple of days has left Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan wet and muddy. But unlike other areas of the country, there is no danger of flooding at U.S. military posts.
Weather patterns
are hard to track
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — How does recent precipitation — both snow and rain — compare with other periods in Afghan history?
Capt. Laura Maddin, the officer in charge of the Air Force weather detachment in Bagram, said it’s hard to tell. The Taliban compared meteorology with sorcery and destroyed a lot of records when they were in power, she said.
Some records have been found in Kabul and the military is currently using those — adjusted somewhat for the lower altitude in Bagram — as a basis for historical averages.
Lt. Col. Kevin Kille, civil-military operations officer for CJTF-76, said countries in Southwest Asia historically suffer through five to seven years of drought every few decades.
Military officials also hear comments from local residents about the weather from time to time. “We’ve heard from some that when the Taliban left, they took the drought with them,” Kille said.
— Kent Harris
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — To recent arrivals, it might seem as if there are only two types of weather in Afghanistan: rain and the brief periods between rain.
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=27889
Flash floods kill 41 in Pakistan
[World News]: ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 20 (UPI) : Flash floods have killed at least 40 people in southwestern Pakistan, officials said Sunday.
The floods followed heavy rains in the Suleman mountains that divide the provinces of Balochistan and Punjab.
On Friday, the floods swept away a truck carrying 69 pilgrims returning from a local shrine in Dera Ghazi Khan district.Only 28 pilgrims could jump to safety.
Since the torrent washed away the truck along with the passengers, it took local authorities two days to assess the damage.By Sunday, they had discovered 41 bodies.
- -- Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=88381
200 missing in Afghan floods; 24 killed
By Noor Khan, Associated Press Writer March 20, 2005
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- More than 200 people were missing in a former Taliban stronghold Sunday after days of torrential rain sparked floods that have killed at least 24 people in other parts of Afghanistan.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2005/03/20/200_missing_in_afghan_floods_24_killed/
History...
1638, Religious dissident Anne Hutchinson is banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
1763, To raise revenue in the American colonies, the British Parliament passes the Stamp Act, levying a direct tax on colonial legal and commercial documents. The tax was repealed the following year.
1882, Congress outlawed polygamy.
1933, during Prohibition, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a measure to make wine and beer containing up to 3.2 percent alcohol legal.
1941, the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state went into operation.
1945, The Arab League is formed in Cairo, Egypt.
1963: The Beatles' first album Please Please Me is released in Britain; it is soon number one on the pop chart.
1972: The Equal Rights Amendment is passed by the Senate and sent to the states for ratification; it ultimately fails to win enough states to become part of the U.S. Constitution. (It fell three states short of the 38 needed for approval.)
Missing in Action
1968 GUY THEODORE W. ELMHURST IL 03/16/73 RELEASED BY NVA/KISSINGER DECEASED 04/23/99
1968 HATTORI MASAKI STOCKTON CA
1968 LYON DONOVAN L. HOLLYWOOD CA
1971 CLEVE REGINALD D. FARMINGTON MO "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
1971 HALL WALTER R. LOS ANGELES CA "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
1971 KNUTSEN DONALD P. BUFFALO NY "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
1971 MORIARTY PETER G. NEWINGTON CT
1971 TRAVER JOHN G. III JACKSONVILLE FL "CRASH, NO EXITS OBS, NO SEARCH"
The Wilmington Star News
Talk about a new low
Congress and President Bush ignored the Constitution when they whipped up a law that would take a legal dispute out of Florida courts and put it into a federal court, where some people hope it might be settled differently.
That seems doubtful; the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to accept the Terri Schiavo case, which suggests it believes Florida's courts have handled it properly.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050322/EDITORIAL/503220301
The Bemidji Pioneer
10 killed at Red Lake Shooter dead at scene after killing 7 at school and his grandparents; community in shock
Monday, March 21, 2005
By Molly Miron Pioneer Editor
mmiron@bemidjipioneer.com
RED LAKE
At about 3 p.m. on Monday a young man entered Red Lake High School and opened fire in a deadly shooting rampage.
According to reports from students on the scene at the school, the boy, a 17-year-old student named Jeff Weise, gunned down the security officer at the school door. He then apparently went through the school until he reached a classroom where he began shooting students and a teacher. As of 8:20 p.m., FBI Special Agent Paul McCabe confirmed that 10 people were dead as a result of the shooting, including a security guard, a teacher and several students.
McCabe said no names of victims have been released.
He said late Monday night that at some point during the shooting rampage, Red Lake Police officers arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the shooter in the hallway. The shooter then retreated to a classroom.
“Preliminary investigation leads us to believe the shooter’s cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” McCabe said.
He said it is too early in the investigation to speculate on motives for the shootings, but a search brings up the name of Jeff Weise of Red Lake on a Web site www.nazi.org. Students said he was teased because he dressed in gothic style. A tribal elder said the boy was on medication.
Red Lake Police Chief Pat Mills said that before going to the school, the shooter apparently went to the home of a 30-year veteran Red Lake Police officer and shot him and his wife. The couple, who lived in the Back of Town neighborhood, later died.
According to Red Lake Fire Chief Roman Stately, the police officer and his wife were the alleged shooter’s grandparents.
The Red Lake Net News, a Web site supported by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, identified the alleged shooter’s grandfather as Daryl “Dash” Lussier.
In addition to the 10 dead, about 12 students were injured. McCabe provided no details about the sequence of the shooting, but said most of the dead at the school were found in one room. However, he added that he believes the alleged shooter acted alone.
The injured were taken to Red Lake Hospital, North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji and MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D.
“This is, without doubt, the darkest hour in the history of our tribe,” said Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain. “Our community is in shock and dismay. It’s extremely painful. The community is in utter shock. Our hearts go out to the families.”
Law enforcement shut down the Red Lake Reservation with roadblocks at about 5 p.m. Monday.
Student Sondra Hegstrom said she was with her class in the room next door to the shootings.
“You could hear a girl saying, ‘No, Jeff. Quit! Quit! Leave me alone. Why are you doing this?’ Boom, boom, boom, and then no more screaming,” she said.
Hegstrom said she saw the alleged shooter carrying a gun before he opened fire. She said he aimed at one boy, then smiled and waved before shooting another student.
“I looked him in the eye and ran in a room and that’s when I hid,” she said. “I called 911 from a cell phone and they said, ‘Just sit there and wait until the cops come.’”
Teacher Diane Schwanz was in the school’s Culture Room with her class when she heard the shooting. “I got on the floor and said, ‘Kids, down on the ground, under the benches,’ and I called the cops,” she said.
Student Ashley Morrison was in the Culture Room when the gunshots started. At first, she said she thought something had fallen over to make the loud sound. Then, she said, the alleged shooter came to the door of the Culture Room.
“He started banging on our door,” Morrison said.
Wendy Johnson, Ashley’s mother, said that was when she received the phone call from her daughter.
“She was hiding and he was shooting the door she was in, trying to get in,” Johnson said. She said she remembers Ashley saying, “Mom, he’s trying to get in here and I’m scared.”
Hegstrom said teacher Keith Lussier come into their room and told them to run. The school was evacuated and law enforcement began combing the building. The students were directed to walk to the Drug Rehabilitation Center, about one block from the school, where school buses picked them up.
By then, groups of students, teachers and parents were trying to comfort each other in the area around the school.
Johnson left work when she received her daughter’s cell phone call.
“Seeing the kids running out crying, like Littleton,” said Johnson, referring to the 1999 Columbine High School Shooting.
“We’re just traumatized,” said Robin Isham, who left her work at the Early Childhood Center when she heard of the shootings. “I had four children in that building. I found them all.”
“You read about it happening other places, but not at our school,” said Hegstrom. “I thought our school was safe.”
Gov. Tim Pawlenty issued a statement Monday night: “With profound sorrow, the First Lady and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy. We ask Minnesotans to help comfort the families and friends of the victims who are suffering unimaginable pain by extending prayers and expressions of support.”
Monday’s shooting was the second major school shooting in Minnesota in recent years. In September 2003, two students were shot at Rocori High School in central Minnesota. The Littleton, Colo., Columbine High School cost 12 lives.
Red Lake High School has about 355 students in grades 9-12.
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com
Evidently there is a 'Citizen Paper' - IT IS A LITTLE ODD.
The Northern Herald
http://northernherald.com/
Minn. teen kills 7at school, 2 at home, and himself
BY BILL GARDNER
Knight Ridder Newspapers
RED LAKE, Minn. - (KRT) - A towering young loner who always wore a dark trench coat to Red Lake High School went on a shooting spree Monday, killing nine people, including his grandfather and a woman at their home and five students, a teacher and a security guard on campus before turning a gun on himself.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/11196469.htm
Michael Moore Today
"Bowling for Columbine"
A Grieving Father Struggles to Understand
http://www.michaelmoore.com/
Looking for Logic Amid the Pain; Grieving Father Struggles to Understand
By Stephanie McCrummen / Washington Post
Khizr Khan is a lawyer by training and demeanor, an articulate man, a careful and methodical thinker who is trying at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday to make sense of the fact that his 27-year-old son is gone forever.
It's a workday, so he finds someplace quiet, an empty conference room on the 13th floor of the office building where he works near the White House. He shuts the door, sits at a big empty table, picks up a pen.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=1903
IF CONGRESS COULD SAVE JUST 1500 LIVES, SHOULDN'T IT?
THE MARCH OF FREEDOM
George nominated John D. Negroponte as the nation's first 'intelligence czar'--but what intelligence did Mr. Negroponte have about Honduras death squads when he was ambassador there in the 1980s?
http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/index.php
Progess in Middle East Peace
Israel hands over Tulkarem to PNA
www.chinaview.cn 2005-03-22 10:34:44
BEIJING, March. 22 -- The Israeli army has handed over the security of the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), after a few hours' delay.
After signing on the security protocol, Tulkarem governor Izzedin al-Sharif told reporters that the disputes that delayed the handover were related to the Israeli insistence on keeping troops in the village of Ramin, to the east of Tulkarem.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/22/content_2727703.htm
Four nations seek Security Council seats
By Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press Writer March 22, 2005
UNITED NATIONS -- Four countries seeking permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council -- Brazil, Germany, India and Japan -- want the General Assembly to adopt a resolution to that effect by this summer. But Pakistan, Italy and other mid-size countries are still pushing a rival plan to expand the U.N.'s most powerful body.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/22/four_nations_seek_security_council_seats/
Palestinians restrict militants' weapons
MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH
Associated Press
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian officials took a tentative first step toward disarming militants, banning them from carrying guns in public and requiring all weapons to be registered, according to a new directive.
According to senior Palestinian security officials, the Interior Ministry distributed letters outlining weapons restrictions to militants in the West Bank. The AP obtained a copy of the letter Monday.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/11195851.htm
Tulkarem handover agreed
http://www.jordantimes.com/tue/news/news2.htm
Jeers: Crusade too late
Monday, March 21, 2005
Two years ago the novel, “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, hit the best-sellers lists. The story, a historical fiction/mystery story/code breaker, delves into the origins of Christianity. Now, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, a former Vatican official, and currently archbishop of Genoa, Italy, is calling for a boycott of the book. He claims the book is heresy, as in the premise that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, she was pregnant when Jesus was crucified, and they have descendants. Considering that “The Da Vinci Code” was published in 2003 and has been translated into 44 languages, with at least 29 million copies in print, the protest from Archbishop Bertone seems, surely, apocryphal.
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/Main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=94&ArticleID=18817
The weather across Earth (Crystal Wind Chime) is:
Warmed - Globally and Dry or Saturated depending on logistics.
end
Monday, March 21, 2005
The Schiavo Case is PURE POLITICS at the Expense of her Privacy and the authority of HER SPOUSE in her life.
It is Huge.
Tom DeLay is up on charges in Texas. It is directly in conflict to a chance for his re-election. It is also in direct conflict with impending Ethics Violations in Congress and his dismissal from his Congressional Seat.
Tom DeLay cleans up nice but the underpinnings of his life and legislative career STINK. And Stink Big Time. I am not convinced his constituency isn't as corrupt as he is which explains his continued election success.
DeLay Defends Trip and Vote, Attacks Critics
GOP Leader Offers To See Ethics Panel
By Mike Allen and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, March 16, 2005; Page A01
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) yesterday launched a defense of his travel arrangements and relationships with lobbyists, offering to appear before the ethics committee to answer questions and charging that his critics were relying on "fiction and innuendo."
DeLay's efforts at political damage control followed a recent spate of news reports raising ethical questions about his fundraising and overseas travel paid for by special interests.
THE POLITICS is huge for others as well. Standing on 'THE CLOUT' shoulders so far lining up with Tom DeLay is minimally, David Weldon of Florida stating his Florida offices are getting many popular calls from constituents supporting the parents of Terri Schiavo. And DeLay's 'good cowboy buddy' Clint Moore. I doubt if Clint Moore is related to Michael Moore, but, hey Mike gets his information somewhere.
The people who would fall if Tom DeLay is prosecuted and called before The Congressional Ethics Committee are numerous. I would venture a guess that entire corrupt Repuglican Party will suffer if DeLay goes down.
The Terri Schiavo Case is a Political Volley and NOTHING ELSE.
Tom DeLay is up on charges in Texas. It is directly in conflict to a chance for his re-election. It is also in direct conflict with impending Ethics Violations in Congress and his dismissal from his Congressional Seat.
Tom DeLay cleans up nice but the underpinnings of his life and legislative career STINK. And Stink Big Time. I am not convinced his constituency isn't as corrupt as he is which explains his continued election success.
DeLay Defends Trip and Vote, Attacks Critics
GOP Leader Offers To See Ethics Panel
By Mike Allen and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, March 16, 2005; Page A01
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) yesterday launched a defense of his travel arrangements and relationships with lobbyists, offering to appear before the ethics committee to answer questions and charging that his critics were relying on "fiction and innuendo."
DeLay's efforts at political damage control followed a recent spate of news reports raising ethical questions about his fundraising and overseas travel paid for by special interests.
THE POLITICS is huge for others as well. Standing on 'THE CLOUT' shoulders so far lining up with Tom DeLay is minimally, David Weldon of Florida stating his Florida offices are getting many popular calls from constituents supporting the parents of Terri Schiavo. And DeLay's 'good cowboy buddy' Clint Moore. I doubt if Clint Moore is related to Michael Moore, but, hey Mike gets his information somewhere.
The people who would fall if Tom DeLay is prosecuted and called before The Congressional Ethics Committee are numerous. I would venture a guess that entire corrupt Repuglican Party will suffer if DeLay goes down.
The Terri Schiavo Case is a Political Volley and NOTHING ELSE.
Evening Papers - It's really left over from this Morning Papers
Rooster "Cock-A-Doodle-Do"
"Okeydoke"
History…
1685, Johann Sebastian Bach, German organist and composer of the baroque era, one of the greatest and most productive geniuses in the history of Western music was born in Eisenach, Germany.
1790, Thomas Jefferson reported to President Washington in New York as the new secretary of state.
1804, The French Civil Code, later renamed the Code Napoléon, is promulgated, providing a uniform civil law.
1871, journalist Henry M. Stanley began his famous expedition to Africa to locate the missing Scottish missionary David Livingstone.
1918 Howard Cosell Winston-Salem NC, sportscaster (Monday Night Football)
1919 Geoffrey Pinnington journalist
1923 Mort Lindsey Newark NJ, orchestra leader (Merv Griffin Show)
1945, during World War II, Allied bombers began four days of raids over Germany.
1960, South African police open fire on a group of black protesters in the township of Sharpeville.
1963, Alcatraz, a federal prison for dangerous criminals in the San Francisco Bay, closes.
1965, more than 3,000 civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. began their march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama arrives in Montgomery five days later.
1966 Karen Lunn Cowra Australia, LPGA golfer (1993 Women's British Open)
1979, the Egyptian Parliament unanimously approved a peace treaty with Israel.
1985, police in Langa, South Africa, opened fire on blacks marching to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sharpeville shootings, killing at least 21 demonstrators.
Missing In Action
1966 BURER ARTHUR W. SAN ANTONIO TX 02/12/73 RELEASED BY DRV ALIVE AND WELL 98
1966 COMPTON FRANK R. CHATHAM VA
1966 TIDERMAN JOHN M. KANSAS CITY KS
1967 CHARVET PAUL CLAUDE GRAND VIEW WA
1968 HESFORD PETER D. MYSTIC CT
1968 STOWERS AUBREY E. JR. SENTINEL OK
1970 GONZALES DAVID VENTURA CA
1970 HUDGENS EDWARD MONROE TULSA OK REMAINS RECOVERED OCT 94 AND APRIL 95 ID MARCH 96
1970 UNDERWOOD THOMAS W. ZANESVILLE OH
Patriarchy was reportedly unaware and has launched enquiry
Saturday, March 19, 2005
JERUSALEM: Foreign Jewish investors have paid millions of dollars to buy two large properties at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City through a secret deal with the Greek Orthodox church, an Israeli newspaper reported on Friday.
The highly controversial deal, details of which appeared in the Maariv daily, saw a group of Jewish investors paying millions of dollars for a tract of land in Omar Ibn Khatib Square just inside Jaffa Gate, which lies at the main entrance to the Old City.
The Friday article did not give an exact purchase price for the deal.
The site is currently home to two landmark properties managed by two well-known Palestinian families: the Imperial and Petra hotels. A row of Palestinian-run shops selling tourist trinkets and memorabilia is situated on the ground floor of the two compounds.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=13574
Kuwait set for record windfall as oil income soars
For sixth year running emirate achieves budget surplus
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Monday, March 21, 2005
KUWAIT CITY: Oil-rich Kuwait is set to post its largest budget surplus ever in fiscal 2004-05 on the back of high oil prices and a rise in production, official statistics show.
Figures posted on the Finance Ministry's Web site Saturday show that total revenues in the first 11 months of the year reached 8 billion dinars ($27.1 billion), up on the $11.25 billion projected for the whole year.
Actual oil revenues reached $25 billion, up 31 percent on the corresponding period in 2003-04 of $19 billion and almost triple the budget projection for the whole current year of $9.27 billion.
The government calculated oil income on the basis of an ultra-conservative price of $15 a barrel at a daily output of 2 million barrels.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=13589
Arab League must stop playing ostrich and take a stand on Syria and Lebanon
Monday, March 21, 2005
It would be appropriate that the Arab League summit in Algiers revisit the Taif process, which was endorsed by the Arab League in 1989. It achieved, after all, an Arab endorsement to try to help settle the Lebanese civil war and bring about national reconciliation.
Today the Lebanese desperately seek this reconciliation and only differ over minor aspects of the Taif Accord. All Lebanese parties have expressed a commitment to ensuring the accord's complete implementation. Even the issue of armed resistance has been put on the table by Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as an item that is up for discussion.
The Lebanese cannot achieve the process of reconciliation on their own because the problems in Lebanon are not homegrown. Syria, Arab neglect and American influence are all involved in creating the present-day conundrum. Today, the Lebanese need a diplomatic umbrella under which they can gather for the purpose of national dialogue, which has been called for by all and sundry.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&article_id=13580&categ_id=17
Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' sells 50,000 copies in Turkey in three months
Sales reflect rise in nationalist sentiment
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, March 18, 2005
ANKARA: Cheap cover prices and a rise in nationalist sentiment have made an unlikely best-seller in Turkey of Adolf Hitler's infamous autobiography, "Mein Kampf." The book was first published in Turkey in 1939, when Axis and Allied countries were competing for Turkey's soul as they tried to woo it away from the neutrality it would maintain until the very end of World War II.
But since January, the book has sold more than 50,000 copies and is number four on the best-seller list drawn up by the D&R bookstore chain.
"'Mein Kampf' has always been a sleeper, a secret best-seller," said Oguz Tektas of Mefisto editions, one of several publishing houses to re-release the book Hitler wrote while in jail in 1925. "We took it out of the closet for purely commercial reasons." His company's sole aim, he stressed, was "to make money," which they did by slashing the cover price.
"Mein Kampf," published by about a dozen companies over the years, always sold at a fairly steady annual rate of about 20,000 copies at some 20 New Turkish Lira ($15) a copy.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&Article_id=13511
The Syria Times
Bush defends invasion of Iraq, anti-war protests held world-wide
President George W. Bush on Saturday defended his decision to order the invasion of Iraq two years ago, hailing the campaign as a زlandmark eventس in the history of what he called freedom.
summary: President George W. Bush on Saturday defended his decision to order the invasion of Iraq two years ago, hailing the campaign as a زlandmark eventس in the history of what he called freedom.
Though the invasion that started on March 20, 2003, remains controversial, Bush insisted in his weekly radio address that the war had made America زsaferس and was زinspiring changeس across the Middle East.
http://www.teshreen.com/syriatimes/_first.asp?FileName=20050320072533
AL chief calls on members to give full backing
Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa called on members Saturday to give the organisation their full backing, especially in financial terms, and criticised them for foisting off their failures on it.
summary: Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa called on members Saturday to give the organisation their full backing, especially in financial terms, and criticised them for foisting off their failures on it.
In opening remarks to foreign ministers laying the groundwork for the Arab summit here next week, Mousa said the League "needs the support of all its members," especially their material support, and challenged them to "step up to the level of events."
http://www.teshreen.com/syriatimes/_first.asp?FileName=20050320072506
Al-Shara discusses events with AL chief
The Algerian capital, Algiers, witnessed yesterday afternoon the opening of Arab foreign ministersص preparatory meeting, with the participation of Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaص, Arab foreign ministers and Arab League Secretary-General.
The Algerian capital, Algiers, witnessed yesterday afternoon the opening of Arab foreign ministersص preparatory meeting, with the participation of Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaص, Arab foreign ministers and Arab League Secretary-General.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Minister al-Sharaص received yesterday morning at his residence in Algiers AL chief Amre Moussa and held a meeting that included Mr. Moussa and Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hamoud.
http://www.teshreen.com/syriatimes/_first.asp?FileName=20050320072438
My Favorite Ad of All Time
"Okeydoke"
History…
1685, Johann Sebastian Bach, German organist and composer of the baroque era, one of the greatest and most productive geniuses in the history of Western music was born in Eisenach, Germany.
1790, Thomas Jefferson reported to President Washington in New York as the new secretary of state.
1804, The French Civil Code, later renamed the Code Napoléon, is promulgated, providing a uniform civil law.
1871, journalist Henry M. Stanley began his famous expedition to Africa to locate the missing Scottish missionary David Livingstone.
1918 Howard Cosell Winston-Salem NC, sportscaster (Monday Night Football)
1919 Geoffrey Pinnington journalist
1923 Mort Lindsey Newark NJ, orchestra leader (Merv Griffin Show)
1945, during World War II, Allied bombers began four days of raids over Germany.
1960, South African police open fire on a group of black protesters in the township of Sharpeville.
1963, Alcatraz, a federal prison for dangerous criminals in the San Francisco Bay, closes.
1965, more than 3,000 civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. began their march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama arrives in Montgomery five days later.
1966 Karen Lunn Cowra Australia, LPGA golfer (1993 Women's British Open)
1979, the Egyptian Parliament unanimously approved a peace treaty with Israel.
1985, police in Langa, South Africa, opened fire on blacks marching to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sharpeville shootings, killing at least 21 demonstrators.
Missing In Action
1966 BURER ARTHUR W. SAN ANTONIO TX 02/12/73 RELEASED BY DRV ALIVE AND WELL 98
1966 COMPTON FRANK R. CHATHAM VA
1966 TIDERMAN JOHN M. KANSAS CITY KS
1967 CHARVET PAUL CLAUDE GRAND VIEW WA
1968 HESFORD PETER D. MYSTIC CT
1968 STOWERS AUBREY E. JR. SENTINEL OK
1970 GONZALES DAVID VENTURA CA
1970 HUDGENS EDWARD MONROE TULSA OK REMAINS RECOVERED OCT 94 AND APRIL 95 ID MARCH 96
1970 UNDERWOOD THOMAS W. ZANESVILLE OH
Micheal Moore dot calm
Just go there !! No one else has Pinocchio Bush.
The Washington Post regarding CONFLICT OF INTEREST of Terri Schiavo and the DeLay of her death.
DeLay Defends Trip and Vote, Attacks Critics
GOP Leader Offers To See Ethics Panel
By Mike Allen and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, March 16, 2005; Page A01
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) yesterday launched a defense of his travel arrangements and relationships with lobbyists, offering to appear before the ethics committee to answer questions and charging that his critics were relying on "fiction and innuendo."
DeLay's efforts at political damage control followed a recent spate of news reports raising ethical questions about his fundraising and overseas travel paid for by special interests.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36954-2005Mar15.html
Environmental Impasse
Monday, March 21, 2005; Page A18
IN 1970, THE Clean Air Act was supported by liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans, including President Richard M. Nixon and Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.). When the act was amended under George H.W. Bush in 1990, a bipartisan Congress not only supported the changes but paid close attention, decreeing precise emission allowances and timetables.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A52527-2005Mar20?language=printer
Earthquake Hits Southern Japan
One Killed, 400 Injured as Magnitude 7.0 Tremor Jolts Islands
Associated Press
Monday, March 21, 2005; Page A12
FUKUOKA, Japan, March 20 -- A powerful earthquake jolted southern Japanese islands on Sunday, killing an elderly woman, injuring 400 people and triggering landslides.
In a region still jittery from the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in late December, authorities evacuated half the residents of a tiny island near the epicenter and warned of a tsunami, but later canceled the alert.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52376-2005Mar20.html
A Marine's Choice, A Mother's Conflict
Antiwar Parent Copes With Enlistment, Then Death
By Christian Davenport
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, March 21, 2005; Page B01
CLICK TO PLAY AUDIO: Tracy Miller reflects on the life and death of her 22-year-old son, Nicholas Ziolkowski, who was killed by a sniper's bullet in Fallujah last November. (Audio by Amanda M. Zamora - washingtonpost.com; Photo by Michael Robinson-Chavez - The Washington Post)
First of five articles
The memory remains vivid in Tracy Miller's mind: She is stepping carefully over the guys sprawled out on her living room floor, doing her best not to wake them as she heads toward the door.
The one whose legs are sticking out from under the coffee table is her son, Nicholas Ziolkowski. The others, none of whom bothered to use the blankets she offered, are the Marine Corps buddies he brought home for the weekend from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/specials/homefront/miller_article.html
The Sydney Morning Herald
Detention and religion: PM denies Christian bias
March 21, 2005 - 12:14PM
Prime Minister John Howard today denied immigration detainees were more likely to be allowed to stay in Australia if they converted to Christianity
The Sydney Morning Herald today reported that 30 of Australia's longest-serving immigration detainees were having their cases reviewed and could be freed because they had converted to Christianity since arriving in the country.
But Mr Howard today denied there was a bias towards Christianity in immigration matters.
"There's no denominational or religious-specific clause in the administration of our immigration policy," Mr Howard told ABC Radio in Brisbane.
"Concerns about religious persecution can vary from one religion to another (and) are always factors in deciding how we deal with people," he said.
"But the idea that we would introduce something that is peculiar only to people who convert to Christianity - that's not correct."
The newspaper quoted a spokesman for Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone as saying the only reason for reconsidering the 30 cases was their new religion.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Immigration/Detention-and-religion-PM-denies-Christian-bias/2005/03/21/1111253926775.html
Detainees who find Christ may be allowed to stay
By Mike Seccombe and Linda Morris
March 21, 2005
Thirty of Australia's longest-term immigration detainees are having their cases reviewed and could be freed because they have converted to Christianity since arriving.
The Federal Government has made the move quietly as it searches for a face-saving way to soften its policy on failed asylum seekers who have been in custody for more than three years, and cannot be repatriated to their countries of origin.
It follows strong lobbying efforts by several Government backbenchers, churches and the powerful Family First party for the Government to relax its refugee policy for Christian converts.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Find-Christ-and-you-may-stay/2005/03/20/1111253889168.html
Blair was told US fixed case for war: BBC
March 21, 2005
The head of Britain's foreign intelligence agency told the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, that the case for war in Iraq was being "fixed" by Washington to suit United States policy, according to a new BBC documentary.
Nine months before hostilities began in March 2003, Richard Dearlove, head of MI6, briefed Mr Blair and a group of ministers on the US's determination to begin the invasion, says the program, which was due to be aired last night.
After attending a briefing in Washington, Mr Dearlove told the meeting that "the facts and intelligence" were being "fixed round the policy" by the Bush Administration.
The allegations against Mr Blair just weeks before an expected general election are likely to reopen a feud between the Government and the BBC. The two fell out last year over allegations by a BBC reporter that Britain "sexed up" the case for war.
The documentary argues that Mr Blair had signed up to follow President George Bush's plans for "regime change" in Iraq as early as April 2002.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/After-Saddam/Blair-was-told-US-fixed-case-for-war-BBC/2005/03/20/1111253887254.html
The Daily Star
Jordan accepts amendments to peace proposal
Syria angles for support at summit
Compiled by Daily Star staff
Monday, March 21, 2005
Arab foreign ministers met in Algiers over the weekend to fine-tune the agenda for this week's Arab summit, which includes a controversial Jordanian proposal to resurrect a plan for peace with Israel.
Under pressure from other Arab countries, Jordan accepted amendments to its contentious proposal that aimed to revise the long-standing Arab strategy to normalize relations with Israel.
Diplomats said Saturday that the initiative reaffirms the Arab commitment to peace with Israel in return for the land Arabs lost to the Jewish state in the 1967 war.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=13595
Jewish investors secretly buy Old City properties from Greek Orthodox Church
Patriarchy was reportedly unaware and has launched enquiry
Saturday, March 19, 2005
JERUSALEM: Foreign Jewish investors have paid millions of dollars to buy two large properties at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City through a secret deal with the Greek Orthodox church, an Israeli newspaper reported on Friday.
The highly controversial deal, details of which appeared in the Maariv daily, saw a group of Jewish investors paying millions of dollars for a tract of land in Omar Ibn Khatib Square just inside Jaffa Gate, which lies at the main entrance to the Old City.
The Friday article did not give an exact purchase price for the deal.
The site is currently home to two landmark properties managed by two well-known Palestinian families: the Imperial and Petra hotels. A row of Palestinian-run shops selling tourist trinkets and memorabilia is situated on the ground floor of the two compounds.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=13574
Kuwait set for record windfall as oil income soars
For sixth year running emirate achieves budget surplus
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Monday, March 21, 2005
KUWAIT CITY: Oil-rich Kuwait is set to post its largest budget surplus ever in fiscal 2004-05 on the back of high oil prices and a rise in production, official statistics show.
Figures posted on the Finance Ministry's Web site Saturday show that total revenues in the first 11 months of the year reached 8 billion dinars ($27.1 billion), up on the $11.25 billion projected for the whole year.
Actual oil revenues reached $25 billion, up 31 percent on the corresponding period in 2003-04 of $19 billion and almost triple the budget projection for the whole current year of $9.27 billion.
The government calculated oil income on the basis of an ultra-conservative price of $15 a barrel at a daily output of 2 million barrels.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=13589
Arab League must stop playing ostrich and take a stand on Syria and Lebanon
Monday, March 21, 2005
It would be appropriate that the Arab League summit in Algiers revisit the Taif process, which was endorsed by the Arab League in 1989. It achieved, after all, an Arab endorsement to try to help settle the Lebanese civil war and bring about national reconciliation.
Today the Lebanese desperately seek this reconciliation and only differ over minor aspects of the Taif Accord. All Lebanese parties have expressed a commitment to ensuring the accord's complete implementation. Even the issue of armed resistance has been put on the table by Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as an item that is up for discussion.
The Lebanese cannot achieve the process of reconciliation on their own because the problems in Lebanon are not homegrown. Syria, Arab neglect and American influence are all involved in creating the present-day conundrum. Today, the Lebanese need a diplomatic umbrella under which they can gather for the purpose of national dialogue, which has been called for by all and sundry.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&article_id=13580&categ_id=17
Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' sells 50,000 copies in Turkey in three months
Sales reflect rise in nationalist sentiment
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, March 18, 2005
ANKARA: Cheap cover prices and a rise in nationalist sentiment have made an unlikely best-seller in Turkey of Adolf Hitler's infamous autobiography, "Mein Kampf." The book was first published in Turkey in 1939, when Axis and Allied countries were competing for Turkey's soul as they tried to woo it away from the neutrality it would maintain until the very end of World War II.
But since January, the book has sold more than 50,000 copies and is number four on the best-seller list drawn up by the D&R bookstore chain.
"'Mein Kampf' has always been a sleeper, a secret best-seller," said Oguz Tektas of Mefisto editions, one of several publishing houses to re-release the book Hitler wrote while in jail in 1925. "We took it out of the closet for purely commercial reasons." His company's sole aim, he stressed, was "to make money," which they did by slashing the cover price.
"Mein Kampf," published by about a dozen companies over the years, always sold at a fairly steady annual rate of about 20,000 copies at some 20 New Turkish Lira ($15) a copy.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&Article_id=13511
The Syria Times
Bush defends invasion of Iraq, anti-war protests held world-wide
President George W. Bush on Saturday defended his decision to order the invasion of Iraq two years ago, hailing the campaign as a زlandmark eventس in the history of what he called freedom.
summary: President George W. Bush on Saturday defended his decision to order the invasion of Iraq two years ago, hailing the campaign as a زlandmark eventس in the history of what he called freedom.
Though the invasion that started on March 20, 2003, remains controversial, Bush insisted in his weekly radio address that the war had made America زsaferس and was زinspiring changeس across the Middle East.
http://www.teshreen.com/syriatimes/_first.asp?FileName=20050320072533
AL chief calls on members to give full backing
Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa called on members Saturday to give the organisation their full backing, especially in financial terms, and criticised them for foisting off their failures on it.
summary: Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa called on members Saturday to give the organisation their full backing, especially in financial terms, and criticised them for foisting off their failures on it.
In opening remarks to foreign ministers laying the groundwork for the Arab summit here next week, Mousa said the League "needs the support of all its members," especially their material support, and challenged them to "step up to the level of events."
http://www.teshreen.com/syriatimes/_first.asp?FileName=20050320072506
Al-Shara discusses events with AL chief
The Algerian capital, Algiers, witnessed yesterday afternoon the opening of Arab foreign ministersص preparatory meeting, with the participation of Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaص, Arab foreign ministers and Arab League Secretary-General.
The Algerian capital, Algiers, witnessed yesterday afternoon the opening of Arab foreign ministersص preparatory meeting, with the participation of Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaص, Arab foreign ministers and Arab League Secretary-General.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Minister al-Sharaص received yesterday morning at his residence in Algiers AL chief Amre Moussa and held a meeting that included Mr. Moussa and Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hamoud.
http://www.teshreen.com/syriatimes/_first.asp?FileName=20050320072438
My Favorite Ad of All Time
In Honor of Stephen Johnson at the EPA.
http://www.ericblumrich.com/animation.html
"Dust Bin America"
The Miami Herald
Shining a light on government secrecy
OUR OPINION: EFFORTS TO IMPROVE INFORMATION ACT DESERVE SUPPORT
Of all the rights that Americans value, few rate higher than the right to know what the government is up to. What you don't know can hurt you. Lately, however, it's become harder and harder to find out, thanks to the growing obsession with secrecy.
As reported in The Herald last week, the number of pages classified by the government grew to 14 million annually in 2003 from 6.5 million in 1995. Pages declassified dropped to 43 million from 204 million per year in the same period.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/opinion/11189379.htm
The Los Angeles Times
Supreme Court Declines Moussaoui Appeal
WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON-The Supreme Court today denied an appeal by Zacarias Moussaoui of the conditions limiting his access to potential witnesses in his trial in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks.
As a result his trial, delayed by appeals, appeared to be back on track. Federal District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema had said that Moussaoui's trial could begin no sooner than 180 days after final Supreme Court action, meaning that the trial could open in late September.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-032105moussaoui_lat,0,5618075.story?coll=la-home-headlines
IN BRIEF / COLORADO IN BRIEF / NEW YORK IN BRIEF / FLORIDA
Death of Disruptive Air Passenger Is Probed
Prosecutors are investigating the death of a man who was subdued by several fellow airline passengers after he became disruptive on a New York-bound flight from Los Angeles, a spokesman for American Airlines said.
William Lee, 48, was pronounced dead late Friday after he was removed from American Flight 4 at Kennedy International Airport.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-briefs21.2mar21,0,5606418.story?coll=la-home-nation
Justices Take Up Future of Net Access
A high-court case could affect how consumers get voice and video over high-speed connections.
Jim Pickrell's business — providing Internet service to about 350 residential, government and business customers — may be doomed. But he's not giving up without a fight.
While keeping two dozen servers running and stuffing billing statements into envelopes, the owner and only full-time employee of Brand X Internet Services in Santa Monica also is leading a legal attack on the cable TV industry and federal regulators.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-brandx21mar21,0,7060626.story?coll=la-home-business
On Top of the World
In a journey through the Himalaya, Michael Palin meets the mountains, which first lay him low and later lift him up.
By Michael Palin
Michael Palin may be best known for his roles in "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and the highly irreverent film "Life of Brian," but it is through his travels that many of us feel a common bond. In 1988, he undertook a globe-circling trip for the BBC that became the book "Around the World in 80 Days."
http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/magazine/la-tm-palin12mar20,0,7270263.story?coll=la-home-magazine
The Boston Globe
Private lawyers seek more pay for representing the poor
March 21, 2005
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The chairman of a special legislative commission says it will recommend another pay hike for private lawyers representing the poor that could boost their pay for handling felony cases by 50 percent.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/03/21/private_lawyers_seek_more_pay_for_representing_the_poor/
Sexy library worker pursues discrimination case against Harvard
By Denise Lavoie, AP Legal Affairs Writer March 21, 2005
BOSTON -- Desiree Goodwin thought she had the perfect resume to succeed at Harvard, working in the largest academic library system in the world.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/03/21/sexy_library_worker_pursues_discrimination_case_against_harvard/
Two men arraigned for separate weekend shootings
March 21, 2005
BOSTON -- Two men arrested for separate killings in a recent spate of violence pleaded innocent on Monday and were ordered held without bail.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/03/21/two_men_arraigned_for_separate_weekend_shootings/
Documentary confirms Hogzilla's existence
By Elliott Minor, Associated Press Writer March 21, 2005
ALAPAHA, Ga. -- A team of National Geographic experts has confirmed south Georgia's monster hog, known to locals as Hogzilla, was indeed real -- and really, really big.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/21/documentary_confirms_hogzillas_existence/
U.S. announces textile import monitoring
By Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer March 21, 2005
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration, faced with a flood of clothing and other textiles from China, said Monday it was starting special monitoring to keep track of imports now that global quotas have ended.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/03/21/us_announces_textile_import_monitoring/
Experts: Steroid hearings will boost use
By Joe Milicia, Associated Press Writer March 21, 2005
CLEVELAND -- Steroid use among high school students is on the rise, and experts warn that the recent focus on major league baseball's drug problems will only make such use increase.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/21/experts_steroid_hearings_will_boost_use/
CHENEY doesn't like his friends prosecuted. All the more reason to make The USA Tax Structure 'user friendly.'
Millionaire sentenced for tax fraud
By Bonnie Pfister, Associated Press Writer March 21, 2005
TRENTON, N.J. -- A millionaire who came under fire for taking a big tax writeoff after selling rare musical instruments was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison Monday as part of a plea deal in an unrelated tax case.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/21/millionaire_sentenced_for_tax_fraud/
AT least Boston keeps up with 'THE LATEST' of the deaths. On CNN's NewsNight they are 'dribbling' soldiers identified back in January. Sharon "The Neocon Adovcate" von Zwieten is attempting to make the deaths go away. She allows only two and on a rare occasion three names to be displayed to minimize the impact the deahts BUT also at the same time THE RESPECT these people deserve. Sharon is a dishonest woman to say the least and Aaron enables the 'immoral control.' David Bohrman started the segment in honor of those in service to this country. It was never intended to be a BURDEN to the agenda of CNN or NewsNight. BUT, then again it was never intended to manipulate the hearts and minds of the public. Pathetic.
Another Union Drive on at Quebec Wal-Mart
March 21, 2005
TORONTO (Reuters) - United Food and Commercial Workers Canada said on Monday it made another attempt to unionize workers at a Quebec-based Wal-Mart
http://www.boston.com/news/world/canada/articles/2005/03/21/another_union_drive_on_at_quebec_wal_mart/
Darfur Rebels Call on Arabs to Protect Minorities
March 21, 2005
CAIRO (Reuters) - Rebels from Sudan's Darfur region want an Arab summit this week to show support for minorities in Arab countries and help bring war criminals to justice, rebel leaders said on Monday.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/03/21/darfur_rebels_call_on_arabs_to_protect_minorities/
The Chicago Tribune
Tree preservation leaves opponents with ax to grind
By Robert Channick
Special to the Tribune
Published March 21, 2005
When Deerfield resident Dave Grimm learned that the village was considering a tree preservation ordinance, he decided to stay one step ahead of the proposed law.
With expensive tree-removal fees looming, Grimm, 64, bought a chain saw and leveled a dozen trees at his Wilmot Road home.
"There were a lot of trees that gave me a problem," said Grimm, a retiree who moved to the 38-year-old brown colonial on a half-acre corner lot three years ago. "I saw the ordinance coming and I was able to get the trees down that I was worried about."
Under the proposal, slated for final approval Monday, a permit would be required to remove trees with a diameter of 8 inches or more, with a substantial replacement fee charged for large, healthy trees.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0503210167mar21,1,2445244.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Three Kids Presumed Dead in Lodge Blast
By ERIN GARTNER
Associated Press Writer
Published March 21, 2005, 11:38 AM CST
PAONIA, Colo. -- Three children missing since a powerful blast leveled a secluded mountain lodge in western Colorado are presumed dead, the sheriff said Monday as searchers began combing the rubble for their bodies.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-lodge-explosion,1,3859118.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Bishops Renew Anti-Death Penalty Efforts
By RICHARD N. OSTLING
AP Religion Writer
Published March 21, 2005, 12:14 PM CST
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced a new campaign against the death penalty Monday, saying they will step up lobbying and educational efforts, and buttressing their arguments with polls they commissioned that find support for executions has weakened among American parishioners.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-bishops-death-penalty,1,1735497.story?coll=chi-news-hed
12 hurt in River Rouge fire
By Bree Fowler
The Associated Press
Published March 21, 2005, 4:39 PM CST
DEARBORN, Mich. -- Spilled molten steel caused a fire and explosion Monday morning in a steel plant at the sprawling River Rouge industrial complex, injuring 12 people, officials said.
A transport vehicle that can carry up to 400 tons of molten steel was backing into a building when some of its high temperature cargo sloshed out, said William Hornberger, a spokesman for Severstal North America Inc.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-050321rougefire,1,780677.story?coll=chi-business-hed
Time Warner Settles SEC Fraud Charges
By SETH SUTEL
AP Business Writer
Published March 21, 2005, 3:29 PM CST
NEW YORK -- Closing a difficult chapter, Time Warner Inc. said Monday it would pay $300 million and restate three years of financial results to settle civil fraud charges stemming from its accounting of online advertising revenues and subscriber counts at its AOL unit.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-sec-time-warner,1,6380249.story?coll=chi-business-hed
The New Zealand Herald
Poor teeth prompt brush-up of services
22.03.05
by Martin Johnston
Children's deteriorating teeth and outdated equipment have forced the Government to plan a reorganisation of state-funded dental services.
Details and costings are not expected for three months but Health Minister Annette King says she wants new community dental clinics to provide for many preschoolers, adolescents and, crucially, low-income adults, for whom few state-funded dental services are available.
The Dental Association yesterday panned Ms King's scheme, saying existing services needed to be adequately funded.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10116575
Quake shakes lower North Island
22.03.05 11.00am
An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale shook the lower North Island early this morning.
The quake, which struck at 3.17am, was centred 10km west of Eketahuna at a depth of 30km, Geological and Nuclear Sciences said.
It was felt in the lower North Island.
There were no immediate reports of damage.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10116590
Building plan angers Palestinians
22.03.05
JERUSALEM - Israel plans to build thousands of new homes in the occupied West Bank to cement its hold on Jerusalem, Government sources said, drawing a Palestinian warning that peace efforts were at risk.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10116537
North Korea steps up nuclear arsenal
22.03.05 7.20am
SEOUL - North Korea said Monday it has increased its nuclear arsenal to help prevent a US attack on the reclusive communist state, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10116586
Nobel push for Sistani
22.03.05 5.20am
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, spiritual leader of Iraq’s Shi'ites, should be given the Nobel Peace Prize for helping smooth the road toward democracy in the country, influential New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman has written.
Friedman noted that President George W. Bush’s name would likely be bandied about as a contender but it was Sistani who had insisted on a direct national election, rejecting the regional caucus proposal.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10116545
UK ID cards cost soaring
22.03.05
As the House of Lords debates the introduction of ID cards, experts are warning the Home Office that the cost of introducing the cards could soar above its 5.5 billion ($14.2 billion) estimate.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10116505
The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Ice Chime) is:
Scott Base
Snow
-17.0°
Updated Tuesday 22 Mar 8:59AM
The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is:
37 °F / 3 °C
Overcast
Windchill:
31 °F / 0 °C
Humidity:
33%
Dew Point:
10 °F / -12 °C
Wind:
8 mph / 13 km/h from the East
Pressure:
29.85 in / 1011 hPa
Visibility:
10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV:
1 out of 16
Clouds (AGL):
Mostly Cloudy 4900 ft / 1493 m
Overcast
Tomorrow is another day.
end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)