The Scotsman
Comet opens its heart as probe hits target
IAN JOHNSTON
SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT
Key points
• NASA probe smashes into nine-mile comet at 23,000 miles per hour
• Astronomers hope analysis of debris will shed light on solar system's origins
• First ever mission to gather data from a comet's nucleus
Key quote
"As of now, I think we have a completely different understanding of our solar system. Its success exceeded our expectations" - Charles Elachi, NASA laboratory director
Story in full ECSTATIC NASA scientists were last night studying pictures of the inside of a comet after smashing a probe into the giant block of ice 83 million miles from the Earth.
Just before 7am yesterday, the fridge-sized Deep Impact probe flew into the path of the comet, Tempel 1 - nine-miles long and shaped like an avocado - creating an explosion watched by thousands of astronomers and amateur enthusiasts around the world.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=738142005&20050705163024
European Space Agency
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html
Tempel 1 is weak X-ray source, XMM-Newton confirms
Image recorded by EPIC instrument on XMM-Newton
5 July 2005
ESA's XMM-Newton observations of Comet 9P/Tempel 1 revealed that the object is a weak X-ray source. These data were acquired on 4 July 2005 by one of the EPIC X-ray cameras on board the spacecraft during the post-impact observation phase.
XMM-Newton observed that Tempel 1 emits X-rays, as suspected from previous observations of comets, but this emission is very weak. It is not certain whether it is possible to obtain spectral data which indicate the mechanisms by which the comet's X-rays are produced. Further analysis of the XMM-Newton data is needed to confirm this.
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMXA46DIAE_index_0.html
Chinese National Space Administration
http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/main_e.asp
China National Space Administration Delegation Visited 3 Latin American Countries
Vice Administrator Jin Zhuanglong with Venezuela Minister of Science and Technology
Vice Administrator Jin Zhuanglong Meet with Brazilian Minister for Science and technology
Vice Administrator Jin Zhuanglong Meet with AEB President Sergio Gaudenzi
CNSA delegation with State Secretary Moleno
Mr. Jin Zhuanglong, Vice Administrator of China National Space Administration (CNSA) and his delegation visited Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela during May 15-27，2005.
On May 16, CNSA held discussion with Brazilian counterparts for the Second JPC Meeting in San Paulo. Both sides extensively discussed the operation of CBERS 2 satellite and the development of CBERS 2B, CBERS 3 &4, and subsequently signed the minutes of meeting.
During the visit of Brazil, the delegation met with Brazilian Minister of Science and Technology and informed him the JPC meeting.
Bilateral meeting between CNSA and AEB were held for further coordination.
May 18-21, the delegation visited Argentina and held official talks with Argentina Communication State Secretary Mr. Moleno. Mr. Jin expressed that Chinese government and CNSA attaches great importance to the bilateral cooperation in space between the two countries, and hope to implement such cooperation under the principles of “Government cooperation implemented by industry, government set up platform for industries to perform". Concerning the export of satellite components, we shall actively participate. Minutes of meeting was signed after the conference.
http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/focus/show.asp?id=58
NASA
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/deepimpact_front/index.html
NASA's Deep Impact Generates its own Spectacular Photo Flash
07.04.05 -- The hyper-speed demise of NASA's Deep Impact probe generated an immense flash of light, which provided an excellent light source for the two cameras on the Deep Impact mothership.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/deepimpact/main/index.html
Brtish Astronomical Association
http://www.britastro.org/main/
Formed in 1890, the British Astronomical Association has an international reputation for the quality of its observational and scientific work. Membership is open to all persons interested in astronomy.
Objectives
The encouragement of all aspects of observational astronomy and the association of observers at all levels for mutual help.
The promotion of a general interest in astronomy for beginners as well as for the more advanced.
The circulation of current astronomical information and observational material.
The support of modern advanced techniques for observation, data handling and scientific presentation of results.
The presentation of medals and prizes in recognition of outstanding contributions to astronomy.
http://www.britastro.org/main/
Chirac pours scorn on Britain - and haggis
GERRI PEEV
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
JACQUES Chirac has mocked Britain and singled out haggis for particular scorn in front of Germany and Russia's leaders, just days before he enjoys the hospitality and cuisine of Gleneagles at the G8 summit.
The French president even jokingly blamed his country's poor relationship with NATO on attempts by Lord Robertson, the former secretary-general, to coerce him into trying haggis.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=737612005
Art teacher who claimed prince cheated wins dismissal claim
KAREN MCVEIGH
THE teacher who claimed to have helped Prince Harry cheat in his art A-level at Eton was unfairly sacked, a tribunal ruled yesterday in a judgment which was highly critical of the famous college.
The tribunal described the prince's senior teachers as "high-handed", "obstinate" and "unprofessional". It also found that staff "did not act reasonably towards" Sarah Forsyth, 30, and that her boss, Ian Burke, the head of art, "did undermine and bully her."
However, Ms Forsyth was also criticised by the panel over her accusations that the prince had cheated in his coursework and for secretly taping him to back up her claim - the "least attractive aspect" of her behaviour, it said.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=738052005
Truth hurts: women feel pain more than men
CRAIG BROWN
Key points
• Study suggests women feel more pain, for longer, and in more places
• Bath University study conducted into pain threshold and tolerance
• Study said to confirm perceptions in medical community
Key quote
"Research in the past has shown that in GP surgeries, there is a higher percentage of women with pain-related complaints; also that they feel pain at a lower threshold" - Dr Beverly Collett, president of the British Pain Society
Story in full THE long-held belief that women tolerate pain better than men has been thrown into doubt by new research which claims the opposite is true.
While researchers at Bath University say women feel more pain, experience it in more parts of the body, and more often and for a longer duration compared with men, their tolerance to it is also lower.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=738372005
The Colorado Post
Time is right for tally of state's open space
Great Outdoors Colorado is well-suited to the task of mapping the state's protected lands, but it should provide three-dimensional information.
As Colorado's population grew more than 30 percent in 10 years, state residents worried that we would lose our vistas, open spaces, recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat. With the growth - not just urban sprawl but also the spread of rural 35-acre ranchettes - came an alarming loss of farm and ranch land and a fragmentation of natural ecosystems.
http://denverpost.com/opinion/ci_2839828
Michael Moore Today
http://www.michaelmoore.com/
Roll Over Rove;
Rove Refusing Interviews on Plame Leak
By E&P Staff / Editor & Publisher
NEW YORK Two days after his lawyer confirmed that his name turned up as a source in Matthew Cooper's notes on the Valerie Plame/CIA case, top White House adviser Karl Rove refused to answer questions about the development today.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=3208
Rove refusing interviews on Plame leak
What's Everyone Looking At Me For?;
MSNBC Analyst Says 2nd Source Confirms Karl Rove as Plame Leaker
By Greg Mitchell / Editor & Publisher
NEW YORK Now that Time Inc. has turned over documents to federal court, revealing who its reporter, Matt Cooper, identified as his source in the Valerie Plame/CIA case, speculation runs rampant on the name of that source. Lawrence O'Donnell, senior MSNBC political analyst, now claims that at least two sources have confirmed that the name is--top White House mastermind Karl Rove.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=3190
Karl Rove fingered as Plame Leaker
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/07/02.html#a3746
(Click here for VIDEO!)
Schumer: Speak Up, Rove;
Schumer demands Rove speak up about leak
WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, called Sunday for Deputy White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove to personally deny leaking the name of a CIA official.
Saturday, Rove`s lawyer, Robert Luskin told The Washington Post Rove had not disclosed the name of Valerie Plame to Newsweek in a 2003 interview.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=3201
"it would be nice to hear it
directly from Mr. Rove"
'I'm Not Going to Come Home': One Marine's Third Iraq Tour
By Sylvia Moreno / Washington Post
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Shaded by a towering blue spruce in Wheeler Park stands a gray granite monument that honors this city's men and women who have died in combat from the Spanish-American War to, as the memorial reads, "Iraqi Freedom."
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=3211
U.S. Walls Off Its Corner of Baghdad, Annoying Some Neighbors
By James Glanz / New York Times
BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 4 - Iraqis call it Assur, the Fence. In English everyone calls it the Wall, and in the past two years it has grown and grown until it has become an almost continuous rampart, at least 10 miles in circumference, around the seat of American power in Baghdad.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=3212
The New York Times
Pentagon Weighs Strategy Change to Deter Terror
By THOM SHANKER and ERIC SCHMITT
Published: July 5, 2005
WASHINGTON, July 4 - The Pentagon's most senior planners are challenging the longstanding strategy that requires the armed forces to be prepared to fight two major wars at a time. Instead, they are weighing whether to shape the military to mount one conventional campaign while devoting more resources to defending American territory and antiterrorism efforts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/politics/05strategy.html?hp&ex=1120622400&en=21bc25d48243b5e9&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Hillary Clinton Joins Last Push for New York's Olympic Bid
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: July 5, 2005
Filed at 8:46 a.m. ET
SINGAPORE (AP) -- A day before the crucial vote, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton joined the New York delegation on Tuesday for a homestretch round of lobbying aimed at convincing the International Olympic Committee to award the city the 2012 Summer Games.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/sports/AP-OLY-2012-Clinton.html?hp&ex=1120622400&en=de3062f6c56a2138&ei=5094&partner=homepage
United Church of Christ Backs Same-Sex Marriage
By SHAILA DEWAN
Published: July 5, 2005
ATLANTA, July 4 - The United Church of Christ became the first mainline Christian denomination to support same-sex marriage officially when its general synod passed a resolution on Monday affirming "equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/national/05church.html?
At N.A.A.C.P. Helm, an Economic Approach to Rights
Black business leaders are cheering the appointment of Bruce S. Gordon, a retired Verizon executive, to be the new president of the N.A.A.C.P.
By JAMES DAO
Published: July 5, 2005
WASHINGTON, July 4 - When the N.A.A.C.P. recently announced plans to make Bruce S. Gordon, a retired Verizon executive, its new president, the reaction from some longtime civil rights activists was, "Bruce who?"
But black business leaders cheered, loudly.
"Like the excitement around the election of Barack Obama, Bruce Gordon will generate excitement in corporate America," said Earl G. Graves Sr., the founder and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, referring to the black United States senator from Illinois.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/national/05naacp.html
There is too much made of this issue.
Straight, Gay or Lying? Bisexuality Revisited
By BENEDICT CAREY
Published: July 5, 2005
Some people are attracted to women; some are attracted to men. And some, if Sigmund Freud, Dr. Alfred Kinsey and millions of self-described bisexuals are to be believed, are drawn to both sexes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/health/05sex.html?hp&ex=1120622400&en=98912eace83692a8&ei=5094&partner=homepage
The Moscow Times
Ruling May Let 1 Million People Move
By Anatoly Medetsky
The court said the plant caused 95 percent of the area's harmful emissions.
The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Russia to improve the living conditions of a woman whose home was polluted by the country's largest steelworks in a case that offers hope for the more than 1 million Russians who live in contaminated areas.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/07/05/001.html
Nuclear Subs? Huh?
Paper: Iran in Talks to Refurbish Subs
By Lyuba Pronina
AP
Russia is reportedly in talks to refurbish and arm Iran's three Kilo-class submarines for a price tag of $270 million.
Russia is reportedly in talks to upgrade three Iranian submarines, a $270 million deal that could revive the bilateral arms trade but further irritate the United States.
Rosoboronexport, the state-owned arms selling agency, is in negotiations to refurbish three Kilo-class diesel submarines and equip them with Club-S anti-ship missiles, Kommersant reported Monday, citing unidentified sources.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/07/05/041.html
Security Fears Delay Chechnya Concert
By Kevin O'Flynn
Staff Writer
Some concerts get canceled due to slow ticket sales, bad weather or stars crying off sick, but a planned rock concert in Chechnya was called off a day before it was due to take place because of security concerns.
Chechen Prime Minister Sergei Abramov said Monday in Grozny that the "Phoenix: Return to Life" concert planned for Tuesday would be postponed until September, Interfax reported, as organizers said they had been advised by military officials to call off the concert. The cancellation came three days after the deadliest bomb blast this year in the North Caucasus, which killed 10 soldiers in neighboring Dagestan.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/07/05/011.html
Bellona Urges Nuclear Reform
The Moscow Times
In a report presented at a Moscow news conference on Monday, campaigners from the Bellona environmental watchdog urged Russia to reform its nuclear energy industry and the handling of Soviet-era nuclear waste.
The report, called "Russian Nuclear Industry: The Need for Reform," said Russia had to safely store spent nuclear fuel, rather than reprocess it, and stop implementing the "potentially dangerous and expensive" program of extending operation of aging nuclear plants. It also called for the cleanup of contamination around nuclear power stations and nuclear-powered submarine bases.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/07/05/012.html
The Arizona Republic
County set for special head count
Edythe Jensen
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 5, 2005 12:00 AM
Maricopa County is the only large metropolitan area in the nation conducting a special census this year and the only jurisdiction using a sampling technique to get the job done, according to U.S. Census Bureau officials.
Blame it on rapid growth and lean budgets.
"Usually a jurisdiction the size of Maricopa County doesn't conduct a special census," said Kimberly Crews, census spokeswoman in Suitland, Md. She said the high cost of head-counting is a deterrent. "They have to weigh the cost of doing it versus the resources they'll receive as a result," she said.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0705sampling05.html
Net phones run into 911 hang-ups
Users can't always get through in emergencies
Josh Kelley
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 5, 2005 12:00 AM
The rising popularity of Internet phone services may provide a convenient, inexpensive way to communicate, but they can also produce disastrous consequences when calling 911.
Because the phone services send signals over the Internet and not regular telephone wires, 911 calls have often failed to reach an emergency dispatch center.
Although some providers of Internet phone services offer 911 service, others make it optional or don't have it.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0705internetphones05.html
Charter schools thrive with niche marketing
Anne Ryman
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 5, 2005 12:00 AM
Like a rapidly growing franchise, Arizona charter schools caught on quickly when they first opened in 1995, filling a need for different educational choices.
But after a decade of explosive expansion during which a dozen new schools typically opened each year, the number of charter schools now is stable at about 500 this year.
The more competitive marketplace means many charter schools serve educational niches. For parents and students, the increasing emphasis on niches means more educational choices.
http://www.azcentral.com/families/education/articles/0705charterschool05.html
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