The Guardian
30 dead in Baghdad mosque blasts
Explosions timed to coincide with Friday prayers killed as many than 30 people and injured dozens more at two Shia mosques in Baghdad today.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1417645,00.html
Residents to get say in Stansted expansion
Staff and agencies
Friday February 18, 2005
Campaigners against airport expansion in the south-east today claimed a high court ruling as a "major setback" to plans to build a second runway at Stansted in Essex by 2012.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/transport/Story/0,2763,1417618,00.html
JUST BECAUSE THIS IS BRITISH DOESN'T mean it is legal, moral or EFFECTIVE
'Nobody is talking'
The evidence of two new books demonstrates that 9/11 created the will for new, harsher interrogation techniques of foreign suspects by the US and led to the abuses in Guantánamo, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond. In a special report, James Meek reveals that it is the British who refined these methods, and who have provided the precedent for legalised torture
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,1417225,00.html
Papers reveal Bagram abuse
· Prisoners subjected to 'mock executions'
· Photographs of detainees being sexually humiliated
Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington and James Meek
Friday February 18, 2005
The Guardian
New evidence has emerged that US forces in Afghanistan engaged in widespread Abu Ghraib-style abuse, taking "trophy photographs" of detainees and carrying out rape and sexual humiliation.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,1417396,00.html
Today's toddlers face huge debts by graduation
Staff and agencies
Friday February 18, 2005
Parents had better start saving now. By the time today's toddlers have graduated they will be in debt by, on average, £43,825, according to research published today.
http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,5500,1417533,00.html
Own tissue breast implant
Tim Radford in Washington
Friday February 18, 2005
The Guardian
Stem cells, the progenitors of living tissue, could alter the face of cosmetic surgery, claim scientists today, who report that implants of flesh grown from bone marrow could provide better material for reconstructive surgery following cancer treatment.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/science/story/0,12996,1417330,00.html
Child aggression linked to violent media
Debbie Andalo
Friday February 18, 2005
Young people can become more aggressive after looking at violent television programmes or video games, academics warned today.
http://society.guardian.co.uk/health/news/0,8363,1417636,00.html
South Africa v England - live!
Email your thoughts to rob smyth@guardian.co.uk. And click here for our live scoreboard
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/cricket/story/0,10069,1410823,00.html
Nuclear destruction
Monday February 14, 2005
The Guardian
It comes as no surprise that North Korea has proudly announced its nuclear arsenal to the world (We have the bomb, say North Koreans, February 11). I am reminded of the telegram sent to US president Harry Truman at Potsdam announcing the first successful nuclear test: "Baby safely delivered."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,1412132,00.html
US still has 110 nuclear weapons in UK
Richard Norton-Taylor
Thursday February 10, 2005
The Guardian
The US has more than 100 nuclear weapons at its Lakenheath base in Suffolk, three times the number previously thought, a respected US research agency said yesterday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1409542,00.html
The New York Times
Attacks on Baghdad Mosques Leave at Least 17 Dead
By TERENCE NEILAN
Published: February 18, 2005
wo mosques were attacked by suicide bombers in Baghdad today as worshippers were preparing to observe the holiest day of the year for Shiite Muslims. At least 15 people were killed and 43 were wounded, a hospital spokesman said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/international/middleeast/18cnd-iraq.html?hp
AIDS and Custom Leave African Families Nothing
By SHARON LaFRANIERE
Published: February 18, 2005
LANTYRE, Malawi - There are two reasons 11-year-old Chikumbutso Zuze never sees his three sisters, why he seldom has a full belly, why he sleeps packed sardinelike with six
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/international/africa/18property.html?hp&ex=1108789200&en=61483272e1048466&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Oversight Is Spotty on Rail-Crossing Safety Projects
When Missouri state auditors set out to learn if railroads were prudently spending government money to install warning signals at grade crossings, they found more than a few problems.
According to audit reports from two years ago, one railroad, Kansas City Southern, had submitted overcharges of nearly 100 percent, or almost $60,000, on one project. Another, BNSF Railway, also had an overcharge of nearly 100 percent.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/national/18rail.html
The Show Between Acts
By RANDY KENNEDY
Published: February 18, 2005
IF I were a David Mamet character, I might have reacted more creatively, or at least more emphatically, something like: "Are you telling me that ... what I think I hear you telling me is that ... am I being made to understand that there is no alcohol served at this place?"
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/theater/newsandfeatures/18inte.html
Dumbing Down Over-Engineered Cars
By JIM MOTAVALLI
Published: February 18, 2005
IT happens every time you get in the car. The stereo that you left at a comfortable setting to play the new U2 album at sing-along volume has infuriatingly been changed. In its wisdom, the carmaker has decided that it knows the proper decibel level for you.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/automobiles/18warn.html
Wholesale Prices Rose 0.3 Percent in January
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 18, 2005
Filed at 11:11 a.m. ET
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Wholesale prices rose 0.3 percent in January, driven up by big increases in the cost of new cars, cigarettes and alcohol, a development that could lead the Federal Reserve on a path toward steeper interest-rate increases.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Economy.html
The Mail and Guardian
Good reason to be confident, says Mbeki
South Africans have every reason to be confident of a bright future for their country, says President Thabo Mbeki.
Writing in the African National Congress' on-line publication, ANC Today, on Friday, he compared the transition period in South Africa with that in former communist East European states.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=197867&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
University obtains interdict against students
Pretoria, South Africa
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) obtained an urgent High Court interdict on Friday prohibiting protesting students from disrupting classes, damaging property or harassing students and staff.
Cited as respondents in the matter before the Pretoria High Court were Philani Hlatshwayo, president of the institution's GaRankuwa campus student representative council, his Soshanguve counterpart, Masinga Justice Mhlongo, and students from both campuses.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=197865&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
Judge upholds school's Afrikaans-only policy
Ben Maclennan Cape Town, South Africa
A Cape High Court judge has upheld a bid by the governing body of Cape Town's Mikro Primary School to preserve its Afrikaans-only status.
However, the matter could end up in the Constitutional Court if the Western Cape education department has its way.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=197866&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
PLAYING AT UNCW MARCH 7, 2005 - WELCOME !!
Vagina Monologues will 'corrupt Uganda's morals'
Kampala, Uganda
Ugandan authorities have banned the internationally acclaimed women's rights play The Vagina Monologues as an affront to public morality and threatened to arrest organisers if they follow through on plans to stage benefit performances, officials said on Friday.
Information Minister Nsaba Buturo said the play has been deemed offensive and vulgar and will corrupt public morals if performed in Uganda.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=197876&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/
Art experts, clerics debunk Da Vinci Code in 'trial'
Marta Falconi Rome, Italy
Art experts and conservative clerics are holding an unusual "trial" in the hometown of Leonardo da Vinci. Concerned about the legions of fans of The Da Vinci Code who take claims in the book as gospel truth, the mock tribunal aims to sort out fact from fiction.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=197882&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__international_news/
Women's World
Pheromone success for post-menopausal women
January 27, 2005
A SCENT exuded by young women as a subconscious sex attractant has been synthesised for post-menopausal women, who are finding it leads to more intimate attention from men, the British weekly New Scientist says.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12066670%255E30417,00.html
Fertility rate drops in developing nations
January 27, 2005
FOLLOWING a trend among rich nations, the fertility rate in developing countries has dropped below three children per women for the first time, a United Nations report says.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12066445%255E30417,00.html
The Chicago Sun Times
Cops: N. Side health worker sold meth
Michael Anderson was a senior staff member of a Chicago health center that's working with police to combat methamphetamine abuse in the gay community.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-meth18.html
3,800 prank calls to 911 came from 1 house
During the six-month period that ended Tuesday, 3,896 prank calls to Chicago's 911 emergency center were placed from a pair of phone numbers at a single West Side address.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-crank18.html
White Hen suit blames bad coffee cups on maker
When a company sold White Hen Pantry on a new coffee cup, it promised a sharp look and such solid workmanship that the so-called "KX2" design needed no annoying double-cupping.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-coffee18.html
Pakistan TV spot offers $25 million for bin Laden
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- A television and radio campaign offering a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Osama bin Laden hit the airwaves in Pakistan this week in a U.S. government-funded drive to get fresh leads about the al-Qaida leader.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/terror/cst-nws-laden18.html
The Jerusalem Post
Peres: Israel agrees to leave Philadelphi route 'in principle'
Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres said Friday that Israel has agreed in principle to evacuate the Philadelphi route on the Gaza-Egypt border which was one of the deadliest spots during the four-year Palestinian uprising.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108610313025
Putin: Iran has no nuclear arms plans
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he is convinced Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons and said he plans to visit Iran.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108696749298
Abu Dhabi man offers to buy settlements
An Abu Dhabi billionaire met Thursday with Ilan Cohen, the director-general of the Prime Minister's Office, with a proposal to buy the Gaza settlements from which Israel is to withdraw by the end of the year.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108610313019
Muslim scholar presents critique of suicide bombers
Letter to a Suicide Bomber, a new book by Algerian sociologist Khaled Fouad Allam, has a name destined to make newspaper headlines.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull%26cid=1108610313193
Hostile takeover
At a weekend seminar for new Bnei Akiva counselors several weeks ago, Roni Raffeld - a 10th grader from the movement's main branch in Jerusalem - arrived at the synagogue in Ramot Shapira to attend the seminar's first group meeting. Once inside, she realized that the girls were expected to sit at the back of the synagogue, behind the partition separating the women's section from the men's.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108610308786
The Los Angeles Times
Another Storm Rolls Into Southland
Sporadic rain flooded roads in Southern California today, causing headaches for morning commuters as forecasters warned of a wet holiday weekend ahead.
A flash flood warning was issued in Ventura County as the National Weather Service said up to an inch of rain an hour could pour into the area near the mouth of the Ventura River.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-021805storm_wr,0,4427667.story?coll=la-home-headlines
Afghan Photos Sparked Inquiry
WASHINGTON — In a case that echoes the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq, U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan posed before cameras while threatening to shoot prisoners in the head, shoving a detainee into a wall and punching another inmate. The troops also mugged for "trophy shots" with the corpse of an enemy fighter who had invaded their camp last year.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-abuse18feb18,0,6352698.story?coll=la-home-headlines
Hurt Troops Often Denied Pay, Benefits
Guard and Reserve soldiers injured in combat face financial and medical 'friendly fire' once back in the U.S., officials say.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-wounded18feb18,0,1624902.story?coll=la-home-nation
Haaretz
Livnat: Can't support pullout bill unless vote on each stage
By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
Education Minister Limor Livnat has said she cannot support the disengagement bill set to be voted on by the government Sunday, unless each stage of the plan to withdraw from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank receives individual approval, Israel Radio reported Friday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/542007.html
Settler said arrested for attacking Palestinian with a club
By Nir Hasson, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
A settler in the West Bank was arrested Friday for allegedly attacking a Palestinian in the Hebron area, Israel Radio reported.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/542120.html
Putin convinced Iran has no nuclear weapons program
By News Agencies
MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he is convinced Iran does not have a nuclear weapons program, and that he plans to visit Iran.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/542103.html
The Philadelphia Inquirer
No fund-raiser at Linc, Street insists
Records released by federal prosecutors suggest seats in the city's box were traded for donations.
By Marcia Gelbart, Mark Fazlollah and Nancy Phillips
Inquirer Staff Writers
Mayor Street yesterday repeated a denial he first made 18 months ago: He has not held a political fund-raiser in the city's luxury box at the new Eagles stadium.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10929065.htm
Changing Skyline Boxy, dark rowhouses made modern? These Phila. homeowners found a way.
By Inga Saffron
Inquirer Architecture Critic
Charles and Charlotte Perret's Old City house began its life in the manner of so many Philadelphia rowhouses. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was a gloomy, three-story vault with few windows and fewer amenities. It even served for a time as an actual vault, housing an enormous safe for the pharmacy next door.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10929004.htm
No charges for Cosby
By Tina Moore and Keith Herbert
Inquirer Staff Writers
Comedian and actor Bill Cosby will not face charges stemming from allegations that he drugged and sexually assaulted a former Temple University employee last year, officials said yesterday.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10929108.htm
Art Dali, for real
His obsessions and his extraordinary craftsmanship are on display in a superb Art Museum show that clarifies the surrealist's position in 20th-century art.
By Edward J. Sozanski
Inquirer Columnist
A serious and challenging artist always lurked behind Salvador Dalí's celebrity persona as a clownish, money-grubbing exhibitionist.
Paradoxically, while Dalí invented surrealism's signature image, the melting watch, the full range of and depth of his creative imagination remain largely beyond public consciousness.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10865176.htm
The Drug Safety Oversight Board is an excuse for 'FRONTING' for dangerous pharmaceuticals. The 'catch phrase' of this is 'Independent Variable' and it's 'Wrongful Death' use of it by a corrupt administration that would see a governmental board cover up the already existing dangers of American Pharmaceuticals manufacturers.
An Independent Variable is not a medication. The medications are formulas set in composition. A medication has an impact on body function. The INDEPENDENT VARIABLE is the individual receiving the perscription. An Independent Variable that includes decisions regarding a pharmaceutical by a LAY PERSON is placing that person directly in danger of misinformation as well as asking the consumer to balance their priorities in life with the possiblity of death. THAT is placing Commerce before Human Life. The Drug Safety Board is a human rights violator if it allows drugs like Vioxx back on the market with the understanding it is safe and it is possible for consumers to take these medications with a measurable risk. Bush has no morals. He allows people to die at their own risk !! The best reflection of some medications and their safety will depend on what the view of other countries are regarding their safety. The USA does not have a reliable source of safety information regarding medications anymore. A publication like the Physician's Desk Reference from someplace like Canada will be a better source of safety information. Bush belongs in prison.
Editorial Drug Safety
Write a better Rx for oversight
Any doting parent will recognize the "Little Johnny" problem that hampers drug-safety oversight at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
That's the analogy used by agency whistle-blower David Graham, who rolled a grenade under the FDA lab tables over the summer and fall.
In congressional testimony and interviews, Graham contended the FDA did a poor job of policing the dangers of popular painkillers once it had approved them for consumers.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10929099.htm
The Sydney Morning Herald
Xbox recall after cables burn carpet
By Kirsty Needham, Consumer reporterFebruary 19, 2005
Microsoft has warned consumers that more than 14 million Xbox games consoles could be a fire hazard after reports of gamers burning their hands and damaging lounge room carpets.
A worldwide recall of all power cords sold with Xbox machines manufactured before October 2003 was announced yesterday by the company.
The New Zealand Herald
Samoans cling to wreckage for 24 hours in huge seas
19.02.05
By ANGELA GREGORY
Four naked Samoan fishermen clung to debris from their sunken boat in huge seas for 24 hours before being spotted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The men, who had no lifejackets, stripped off their clothing to help stay afloat.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10111737
BUT, WILL THEY BRING 'MORAL' BUSINESS or 'CORRUPT' INTENTIONS???
US lawmakers urge free-trade pact with New Zealand
17.02.05 11.20am
US lawmakers have urged the Bush administration to begin free-trade talks with New Zealand, despite the country’s small economy, its anti-nuclear policies and opposition to the Iraq war.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10111426
Dentist put patients at risk
19.02.05
By ANGELA GREGORY
Close to 1200 patients of an unregistered Auckland dentist have been put at risk of blood infections, says the Ministry of Health.
Mt Roskill woman Rong Fang Zhang was yesterday convicted of charges relating to unlawfully practising dentistry.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10111749
The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Ice Chime) is:
Scott Base
Snow
-13.0°
Updated Saturday 19 Feb 3:59AM
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/tools/weather/international.cfm?intlareaID=10
A satellite to follow.
