A Burmese exile in Bangladesh, wearing Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's portrait as a headdress, protests abuses by Myanmar's military leadership (Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP).
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Taking On Burmese Generals, at Last
Burma, or Myanmar, whichever is your pleasure has no economy except what it can 'etch' out of cooperation with Vietnam. As a result there is a drug economy and hence the junta.
Myanmar and Vietnam are trying desperately to carry out a 'makeover' of their nations by building their own economic trade developement meeting as recently as December 2004 (before the 26th tsunami).
Myanmar is located between Thailand and Bangladesh. That speaks volumes to the issues besetting this country and why their generals are 'in control' and why there are exiles and movements to 'make an issue' loud enough for the world to hear. I congratulate the exiles for their verbose defiance AND their survival.
Now.
If there is to be a centralized government and a reasonably recognized society there needs to be a major economic country like China involved to help define a work ethic and a product the Burmese or Myanmarians can deliver. Their country is so small and the needs of the people so meager it would not take a huge effort to change the face to this benign little country. Any country 'taking on' the 'rescue' of Myanmar also has to take on such a role with it's profound friend in Vietnam.
Both countries have a populous dignified and willing to produce a proud product to define their citizenry in rescue of their nations.
The 'difficult' issue of course is now dealing with a 'warlord' undertone that serves the current drug economy. It is a difficult situtation but not an impossible one, especially for a country like China which can promise and deliver on much, hence forcing the drug economy into the margins. The margins can best be accomplished by promises from a country like China on delivering an economy IF what accompanies that economic developement is a representative government at the same time and the SAFE return of the exiles.
Myanmar and Vietnam are trying desperately to carry out a 'makeover' of their nations by building their own economic trade developement meeting as recently as December 2004 (before the 26th tsunami).
Myanmar is located between Thailand and Bangladesh. That speaks volumes to the issues besetting this country and why their generals are 'in control' and why there are exiles and movements to 'make an issue' loud enough for the world to hear. I congratulate the exiles for their verbose defiance AND their survival.
Now.
If there is to be a centralized government and a reasonably recognized society there needs to be a major economic country like China involved to help define a work ethic and a product the Burmese or Myanmarians can deliver. Their country is so small and the needs of the people so meager it would not take a huge effort to change the face to this benign little country. Any country 'taking on' the 'rescue' of Myanmar also has to take on such a role with it's profound friend in Vietnam.
Both countries have a populous dignified and willing to produce a proud product to define their citizenry in rescue of their nations.
The 'difficult' issue of course is now dealing with a 'warlord' undertone that serves the current drug economy. It is a difficult situtation but not an impossible one, especially for a country like China which can promise and deliver on much, hence forcing the drug economy into the margins. The margins can best be accomplished by promises from a country like China on delivering an economy IF what accompanies that economic developement is a representative government at the same time and the SAFE return of the exiles.
Abuse in the Catholic Church
Deadline on abuse cases at issue
SJC to hear appeal on three-year limit
By Michael Rezendes
Globe Staff, 2/3/2003
he Supreme Judicial Court is scheduled to hear an appeal in a clergy sexual molestation case this week that could erode the legal basis for many of the 500 or more claims pending against the Archdiocese of Boston.
The lawsuit was filed in 1998 by a woman who said she was repeatedly molested by the Rev. Gerard E. Creighton in 1958, when she was a 16- and 17-year-old high school student preparing to become a nun.
At issue is whether the state's statute of limitations for civil claims made by people abused as minors expired before the woman filed her suit. The statute sets a three-year limit for such claims, but has exceptions that allow many suits to be brought much later.
Attorneys who are following the Creighton case say that if the state's highest court decides that the statute of limitations has expired, it could limit future lawsuits against the church and prompt lawyers for many plaintiffs to settle their claims out of court.
On the other hand, if the SJC affirms an Appeals Court ruling and clears the way for a jury trial, it might encourage even more people with claims decades old to come forward and file lawsuits.
''If the court makes a big pronouncement on the statute of limitations, it could have a big impact on these cases,'' said Michael Avery, a Suffolk Law School professor and a specialist on rules of evidence.
Whatever the court decides after hearing arguments this Thursday, it will be addressing one of the more difficult questions in civil child sex abuse cases: Exactly when does the clock on the state's three-year statute of limitations start ticking?
Under state law, a person sexually assaulted as a minor has until three years after turning 18 to file a lawsuit. But the law also clears the way for cases brought long after that by saying that the clock on the three-year statute does not start until the victim either ''discovered or reasonably should have discovered'' that the alleged sexual molestation caused an emotional or psychological injury.
Many of the 500 pending claims against the archdiocese have been made by people who say they were abused decades ago, but who also claim they only recently realized that the molestation caused subsequent harm.
In the lawsuit against Creighton, the alleged victim, who is not named in court papers, said she began to suffer emotional harm immediately after the alleged abuse began in 1958, and continued to suffer for decades.
But David Dwork, the woman's attorney, said she did not make a connection between the alleged abuse and the emotional damage until 1995, when she confronted Creighton, who was on an extended leave of absence, in a Cape Cod furniture store that he operated. She filed her lawsuit almost three years later, in 1998. Creighton has denied the woman's allegations, although the Boston Archdiocese paid her $150,000 in 1998 to settle her separate claims against the church.
A superior court judge dismissed the lawsuit against Creighton in 2000, saying the statute of limitations had expired. In his ruling, Judge James F. McHugh wrote that the woman, by arguing that she did not make the connection between the alleged abuse and her emotional injury until she stopped blaming herself and started blaming Creighton, ''seeks to slice the matter too finely.''
The woman prevailed in the state Appeals Court. But then the high court agreed to hear Creighton's appeal -- and with more than 500 other claims pending, took the appeal on an expedited basis.
The Appeals Court decision was based on a 2001 SJC ruling -- in a lawsuit not involving clergy -- that said the question of whether the statute of limitations had expired in the case of a man sexually assaulted 30 years earlier should have been left to a jury.
But court records show there are significant factual differences between the abuse case that led to the 2001 decision and the case against Creighton. One difference is that the woman in the Creighton case, who is no longer a nun, became a teacher and was likely to know that sexual abuse of children can cause lasting psychological harm. In fact, teachers in Massachusetts and many other states are required to report child sexual abuse to authorities.
For this reason and others, Creighton has said it's clear the statute of limitations expired before the woman filed her suit, and that a judge should be allowed to make that determination without presenting the question to a jury.
Some attorneys believe that, because the SJC so recently issued its opinion in the case of the man molested 30 years ago, it's unlikely to reverse itself or narrow the time period in which child abuse victims may file suits. But others believe the court wouldn't have agreed to hear Creighton's appeal if it were not at least reconsidering its previous ruling.
Dwork, the attorney for the woman, said he will argue before the high court that a jury be allowed to determine whether the woman's suit falls within the statute of limitations.
But Marielise Kelly, one of the attorneys representing Creighton, said that if the woman prevails in her attempt to bring the question to a jury, the SJC will have said that ''for all practical purposes, there is no statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse.''
SJC to hear appeal on three-year limit
By Michael Rezendes
Globe Staff, 2/3/2003
he Supreme Judicial Court is scheduled to hear an appeal in a clergy sexual molestation case this week that could erode the legal basis for many of the 500 or more claims pending against the Archdiocese of Boston.
The lawsuit was filed in 1998 by a woman who said she was repeatedly molested by the Rev. Gerard E. Creighton in 1958, when she was a 16- and 17-year-old high school student preparing to become a nun.
At issue is whether the state's statute of limitations for civil claims made by people abused as minors expired before the woman filed her suit. The statute sets a three-year limit for such claims, but has exceptions that allow many suits to be brought much later.
Attorneys who are following the Creighton case say that if the state's highest court decides that the statute of limitations has expired, it could limit future lawsuits against the church and prompt lawyers for many plaintiffs to settle their claims out of court.
On the other hand, if the SJC affirms an Appeals Court ruling and clears the way for a jury trial, it might encourage even more people with claims decades old to come forward and file lawsuits.
''If the court makes a big pronouncement on the statute of limitations, it could have a big impact on these cases,'' said Michael Avery, a Suffolk Law School professor and a specialist on rules of evidence.
Whatever the court decides after hearing arguments this Thursday, it will be addressing one of the more difficult questions in civil child sex abuse cases: Exactly when does the clock on the state's three-year statute of limitations start ticking?
Under state law, a person sexually assaulted as a minor has until three years after turning 18 to file a lawsuit. But the law also clears the way for cases brought long after that by saying that the clock on the three-year statute does not start until the victim either ''discovered or reasonably should have discovered'' that the alleged sexual molestation caused an emotional or psychological injury.
Many of the 500 pending claims against the archdiocese have been made by people who say they were abused decades ago, but who also claim they only recently realized that the molestation caused subsequent harm.
In the lawsuit against Creighton, the alleged victim, who is not named in court papers, said she began to suffer emotional harm immediately after the alleged abuse began in 1958, and continued to suffer for decades.
But David Dwork, the woman's attorney, said she did not make a connection between the alleged abuse and the emotional damage until 1995, when she confronted Creighton, who was on an extended leave of absence, in a Cape Cod furniture store that he operated. She filed her lawsuit almost three years later, in 1998. Creighton has denied the woman's allegations, although the Boston Archdiocese paid her $150,000 in 1998 to settle her separate claims against the church.
A superior court judge dismissed the lawsuit against Creighton in 2000, saying the statute of limitations had expired. In his ruling, Judge James F. McHugh wrote that the woman, by arguing that she did not make the connection between the alleged abuse and her emotional injury until she stopped blaming herself and started blaming Creighton, ''seeks to slice the matter too finely.''
The woman prevailed in the state Appeals Court. But then the high court agreed to hear Creighton's appeal -- and with more than 500 other claims pending, took the appeal on an expedited basis.
The Appeals Court decision was based on a 2001 SJC ruling -- in a lawsuit not involving clergy -- that said the question of whether the statute of limitations had expired in the case of a man sexually assaulted 30 years earlier should have been left to a jury.
But court records show there are significant factual differences between the abuse case that led to the 2001 decision and the case against Creighton. One difference is that the woman in the Creighton case, who is no longer a nun, became a teacher and was likely to know that sexual abuse of children can cause lasting psychological harm. In fact, teachers in Massachusetts and many other states are required to report child sexual abuse to authorities.
For this reason and others, Creighton has said it's clear the statute of limitations expired before the woman filed her suit, and that a judge should be allowed to make that determination without presenting the question to a jury.
Some attorneys believe that, because the SJC so recently issued its opinion in the case of the man molested 30 years ago, it's unlikely to reverse itself or narrow the time period in which child abuse victims may file suits. But others believe the court wouldn't have agreed to hear Creighton's appeal if it were not at least reconsidering its previous ruling.
Dwork, the attorney for the woman, said he will argue before the high court that a jury be allowed to determine whether the woman's suit falls within the statute of limitations.
But Marielise Kelly, one of the attorneys representing Creighton, said that if the woman prevails in her attempt to bring the question to a jury, the SJC will have said that ''for all practical purposes, there is no statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse.''
Morning Papers - continued...
The Scotman
And the winners are ... the tactical voters
FRASER NELSON
NOW that the election has been called, a simple pleasure awaits millions of Britons - the chance to vote out your smug, idle local MP. Why spend time worrying who to vote for, if you already know who to vote against?
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=361692005
Mankind will beat cancer by 2015, says WHO scientist
IAN JOHNSTON
SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT
Key points
• Scientists say we are 10 years away from drugs preventing cancer fatalities
• New treatments likely to be very expensive, perhaps as much as £100,000
Key quote
"At the moment, most people will die from it once the disease spreads. That will stop in about 2015. [Cancers] will become controllable illnesses - you will still have cancer, but you’ll live with it for a long time, rather like diabetes." - PROF KAROL SIKORA, WHO
Story in full A GOLDEN age of cancer treatment which should finally overcome the killer disease is just a decade away, according to leading experts in the field.
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=361942005&20050406102212
Wark's final snub to Fraser Inquiry as tapes put in vault
HAMISH MACDONELL
SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR
Key points
• IWC have formally refused to hand over 400 hours of documentary footage
• Lord Fraser "astonished" by "deeply unsatisfactory" move
• Programme funded by almost £1 million of public money
Key quote
"If the material that is held by IWC is of use to the Fraser Inquiry, then they have a responsibility and a duty to hand it over, but if there is nothing in it, then why are they being so precious about it?" - MARGO MACDONALD
Story in full KIRSTY Wark’s production company has snubbed the official inquiry into the Holyrood fiasco by refusing to hand over any untransmitted material it recorded for The Gathering Place, the documentary series on the ill-fated building project.
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=360732005
Monaco's Prince Rainier dies
PRINCE Rainier of Monaco, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, died this morning at age 81 after a lengthy illness. His royal palace announced the death nearly a month after he was first admitted to hospital with a lung infection.
Prince Albert, his son and heir, was at his side. Rainier's doctors called Prince Albert, his son and heir, at around 5am BST to tell him that the end was near, the palace said. The monarch died about 35 minutes later.
A palace statement said Rainier died "as a result of the broncho-pulmonary, heart and kidney conditions that caused his hospitalisation."
http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=362972005
Playboy Prince Rainier is dead
By Robert Mendick, Evening Standard
6 April 2005
Monaco's Prince Rainier died today with his son at his bedside.
Look here too
• Rainier fairytale blighted by curse of the Grimaldis
Rainier, 81, will be succeeded by Albert, 47, the only son from his marriage to Grace Kelly who died in a car crash in 1982.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/17732568?source=Evening%20Standard
Rainier fairytale blighted by curse of the Grimaldis
By Valentine Low, Evening Standard
6 April 2005
Prince Rainier of Monaco, who has died aged 81, was the once handsome prince whose life should have been the stuff of dreams. He ruled over a tiny principality in the south of France that had become a byword for wealth and glamour, and married one of the most beautiful women in the world, the American actress Grace Kelly.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/17732716
The Washington Post
A 3rd DeLay Trip Under Scrutiny
1997 Russia Visit Reportedly Backed by Business Interests
By R. Jeffrey Smith and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A01
A six-day trip to Moscow in 1997 by then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) was underwritten by business interests lobbying in support of the Russian government, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the trip arrangements.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28319-2005Apr5.html
American Pope Highly Unlikely Given Views of Church Leaders
By Alan Cooperman and Daniel Williams
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A11
VATICAN CITY, April 5 -- American cardinals come to Rome representing an enthusiastic home church, one widely admired for its spirit and for its generosity in giving to Catholic causes.
But even before the 11 voting U.S. cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel to take part in electing a new pope, they know he will not be an American.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28307-2005Apr5.html
Planning to the Last Detail: Here's How
By January W. Payne
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 5, 2005; Page HE01
Nancy Crawford already has a living will, which describes the type of medical care she would want if she were too ill to speak for herself. But the intense news coverage about Terri Schiavo, the severely brain-damaged woman who died last week amid controversy about her wishes for medical treatment, have made Crawford and many others rethink what their written medical instructions should include.
Crawford plans to replace her living will with a more comprehensive document called "Five Wishes," which is distributed by the nonprofit Aging With Dignity. Her employer, Elkton, Md.-based Chesapeake Publishing Corp., has ordered copies of the document for all 500 of its employees.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26157-2005Apr4.html
Gonzales Proposes Patriot Act Renewal
By Mark Sherman
The Associated Press
Tuesday, April 5, 2005; 10:57 AM
The Bush administration's two top law enforcement officials on Tuesday urged Congress to renew every provision of the anti-terror Patriot Act. FBI Director Robert Mueller also asked lawmakers to expand the bureau's ability to obtain records without first asking a judge.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27535-2005Apr5.html
A Virginia Vintner's Full Court Press
The Case of Juanita Swedenburg Could Change the Nation's Wine Trade
By Walter Nicholls
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page F01
Even on a wet weekday afternoon in late March, a few people pull up to the door of the family-owned Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, one mile east of Middleburg in Loudoun County. What looks like a small, wheat-colored bungalow turns out to be the winery. That's where visitors meet owner Juanita Swedenburg -- a Virginia vintner for two decades and an unlikely free trade activist with a pivotal case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27398-2005Apr5.html
'Hotel Rwanda': Casting Light on Dark Times
By Jen Chaney
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 5, 2005;
"Hotel Rwanda" (PG-13; List price: $26.98
Release Date: April 12
When 800,000 Rwandans were killed in a 1993 civil war that can only be described as genocide, America and the rest of the Western world virtually ignored the crisis. The film "Hotel Rwanda" -- available on DVD next week -- stands as a sobering, cinematic reminder of what a heartless decision that was. Fortunately the Academy Award-nominated movie is about more than political finger-wagging; it also tells the dramatic, all-the-more-compelling-because-it's-true story of Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle), a hotelier who risked his own life to harbor refugees from the bands of murderous Hutu Rwandans intent upon eliminating the Tutsis and their sympathizers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25047-2005Apr4.html
Unhealthy Ethics
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A18
WE DON'T NORMALLY find ourselves in the position of arguing that ethics rules are too restrictive. Then again, we don't normally encounter ethics rules as overbroad, intrusive and unnecessarily punitive as those recently put in place by the National Institutes of Health. The NIH ethics rules needed to be tightened, especially in light of reports involving possible conflicts of interest by government researchers who also engaged in lucrative outside consulting work. But the new rules represent an ultimately self-defeating overreaction.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28425-2005Apr5.html
Peace in the Pipeline?
By David Ignatius
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A19
When a new Iraqi government finally takes office, it will have in its "in-box" an economic proposal that touches on some of the country's most sensitive questions: How to reduce violence in the Sunni Triangle, how to manage the country's increasingly tense relationship with neighboring Jordan, and how to expand its oil production and exports.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28416-2005Apr5.html
Of interest...
Confessions of an Identity Thief: Jim Stickley Robs Banks for a Living
Monday April 4, 10:00 am ET
BATON ROUGE, La., April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- It's not every day that a bank robber volunteers to share the secrets to his craft, but Jim Stickley is no ordinary bank robber. With over 100 successful heists to his credit, he's arguably one of the most successful bank robbers of all time. But unlike traditional bank robbers, he's not after the cash in the till. He's after something more valuable -- identity. He steals personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and passwords. Most bank robbers only get away with a few thousand dollars. Stickley gets away with information worth millions of dollars.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050404/sfm041.html?.v=4
Michael Moore Today
3rd DeLay Trip Under Scrutiny;
1997 Russia Visit Reportedly Backed by Business Interests
DeLay's Unusually Generous Political Groups Paid His Wife and Daughter Over $500,000
http://www.michaelmoore.com/
WELL, Golly, Molly, That's the way they do things Michael. It's called a 'kick back' and in return DeLay votes a certain way on issues that are important to his crony. It's like when Representative Bush #41 knew Bush #43 was getting an appointment to The National Guard. He was most surprised at the appointment and wrote a letter of thanks and encouragement that Georgie Junior would live up to all expectations. Well, that was a 'cover letter' so no one could say 'Daddy pulled strings' for little Georgie. And of course we know how much of an ingrate Bush #43 was as he went AWOL, never finished his service or showed up for a medical exam.
Political Groups Paid Two Relatives of House Leader
By Philip Shenon / New York Times
WASHINGTON, April 5 - The wife and daughter of Tom DeLay, the House majority leader, have been paid more than $500,000 since 2001 by Mr. DeLay's political action and campaign committees, according to a detailed review of disclosure statements filed with the Federal Election Commission and separate fund-raising records in Mr. DeLay's home state, Texas.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2109
UK Panel: U.S. Troops Too Heavy-Handed
By Ed Johnson / Associated Press
LONDON - U.S. troops in Iraq are provoking civilians and hampering rebuilding with an excessive use of force, British lawmakers said in a report Tuesday.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2113
New Nuclear Warhead Proposed to Congress; Funds Sought for Feasibility Study
By Walter Pincus / Washington Post
The head of the nation's nuclear weapons programs proposed yesterday that Congress approve funds to study the feasibility of building a new, more reliable nuclear warhead that could be deployed without nuclear testing in less than 10 years.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2098
Poll: Most in U.S. Oppose Nuclear Weapons
By Will Lester / Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Most Americans surveyed in a poll say they do not think any country, including the United States, should have nuclear weapons. That sentiment is at odds with current efforts by some nations that are trying to develop the weapons and by terrorists seeking to add them to their arsenal.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2033
Gallup: Bush Approval Rating Lowest Ever for 2nd-Term Prez at this Point
By E&P Staff / Editor and Publisher
NEW YORK It's not uncommon to hear or read pundits referring to President George W. Bush as a "popular" leader or even a "very popular" one. Even some of his critics in the press refer to him this way. Perhaps they need to check the latest polls.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2103
The Arab News
Most Wanted Terrorists Killed
Khaled Al-Awadh, Arab News
An injured security man being taken to hospital. Another picture on Page 5. (AN photos by Khaled Al-Awadh)
AL-RASS, 6 April 2005 — As many as 14 suspected terrorists, including most wanted Al-Qaeda leaders, have been killed and five others have been wounded in three days of fierce clashes, which ended here yesterday, the Interior Ministry said.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=61662&d=6&m=4&y=2005
Cartoon
http://www.arabnews.com/cartoon/
Talabani to Be New Iraqi President
Naseer Al-Nahr, Arab News
BAGHDAD, 6 April 2005 — Iraqi political groups reached agreement yesterday on the country’s next president and vice presidents in a step seen as overcoming a political impasse and forming a new government.
Leaders of the main political blocs said veteran Kurdish politician Jalal Talabani would be named president at a Parliament meeting today, more than nine weeks after millions of Iraqis braved insurgent bombs to vote.
Politicians said the two vice presidents will be Adel Abdul Mahdi, a Shiite who was finance minister in the outgoing government, and Sunni tribal leader Ghazi Al-Yawar, the previous president. The alliance that won a slim majority in Parliament and the Kurdish coalition that came second in the polls have been arguing over the shape of the new government for weeks.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=61663&d=6&m=4&y=2005
I see. And of course everything observed as happening in Darfur is everyone's imagination.
Editorial: Darfur to ICC
6 April 2005
IT comes as no surprise that the Sudanese government together with a significant proportion of the population in the north deeply resent the intrusion of the United Nations into their affairs.
A week ago, the Security Council voted that suspects indicted for war crimes in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur province should appear before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yesterday, the ICC was given a secret list of 51 suspects accused by a UN inquiry team of war crimes in the province. The list is believed to include a number of Sudanese government and army officials, as well as Janjaweed militia and rebel leaders.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=61689&d=6&m=4&y=2005
The New York Times
Iraqis in Accord on Top Positions, Ending Deadlock
BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 6 - Iraq's major political parties agreed Tuesday evening to appoint a president and two vice presidents at a meeting of the national assembly today, breaking a two-month deadlock in negotiations to form a new government, senior Iraqi officials said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/06/international/middleeast/06cnd-iraq.html?hp&ex=1112846400&en=f282cf077a0b3f0c&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Prince Rainier of Monaco Dies at 81
MONACO (AP) -- Prince Rainier III, whose marriage to American film star Grace Kelly brought elegance and glamour to one of Europe's oldest dynasties, died Wednesday at the hospital treating him for heart, kidney and breathing problems. He was 81.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Obit-Rainier.html?hp
In Tsunami Area, Relief Is Very Slow in Coming
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, April 3 - Three months after a tsunami devastated this city, vast areas remain a flatland of rubble, mud and stagnant water where only palm trees and the stumps of broken buildings break the low horizon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/06/international/asia/06aceh.html?hp&ex=1112846400&en=bb2cb9ab66641923&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Sugar and Spice, and Biochemistry
Several big food and beverage companies are looking at a new ingredient in the battle for health-conscious consumers: a chemical that tricks the taste buds into sensing sugar or salt even when it is not there.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/06/business/06senomyx.html
The Gulf News
Seven Saudi militants killed in fierce clashes
By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
Riyadh: Saudi security forces killed seven gunmen in the northern town of Al Russ, where gunbattles raged for a second day with suspected militants, the Interior Ministry said yesterday.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159391
Mideast must be free of WMD
By Mohammad Almezel, Bureau Chief
Manama: The Gulf Cooperation Council renewed its call for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, a top GCC official said.
"We look forward to a Middle East, including the Gulf region, that is free of such weapons," Abdul Rahman Al Attiya, secretary-general of the GCC, told Gulf News in an interview yesterday.
His statement refers to both Israel, which has a nuclear arsenal, as well as Iran, which the European Union is trying to convince to give up its controversial nuclear programme.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159406
Big salary increase for federal employees
By Stanley Carvalho and C.L. Jose, Staff Reporters
Abu Dhabi: The salary increase for UAE nationals and expatriates announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday was unanimously welcomed by residents.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/NationNF.asp?ArticleID=159570
EU hails Gulf states' reform march
By Mohammad Almezel, Bureau Chief
Manama: The European Union yesterday welcomed the steps taken by countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to introduce political reforms, and agreed with the Gulf states that these reforms should come from within without any outside pressure.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159538
Qatar and Kuwait sign raft of agreements
By Barbara Bibbo', Correspondent
Doha: Qatar and Kuwait signed a series of agreements in education, science and media cooperation here on Monday, the Qatar News Agency reported.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159542
continued...
And the winners are ... the tactical voters
FRASER NELSON
NOW that the election has been called, a simple pleasure awaits millions of Britons - the chance to vote out your smug, idle local MP. Why spend time worrying who to vote for, if you already know who to vote against?
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=361692005
Mankind will beat cancer by 2015, says WHO scientist
IAN JOHNSTON
SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT
Key points
• Scientists say we are 10 years away from drugs preventing cancer fatalities
• New treatments likely to be very expensive, perhaps as much as £100,000
Key quote
"At the moment, most people will die from it once the disease spreads. That will stop in about 2015. [Cancers] will become controllable illnesses - you will still have cancer, but you’ll live with it for a long time, rather like diabetes." - PROF KAROL SIKORA, WHO
Story in full A GOLDEN age of cancer treatment which should finally overcome the killer disease is just a decade away, according to leading experts in the field.
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=361942005&20050406102212
Wark's final snub to Fraser Inquiry as tapes put in vault
HAMISH MACDONELL
SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR
Key points
• IWC have formally refused to hand over 400 hours of documentary footage
• Lord Fraser "astonished" by "deeply unsatisfactory" move
• Programme funded by almost £1 million of public money
Key quote
"If the material that is held by IWC is of use to the Fraser Inquiry, then they have a responsibility and a duty to hand it over, but if there is nothing in it, then why are they being so precious about it?" - MARGO MACDONALD
Story in full KIRSTY Wark’s production company has snubbed the official inquiry into the Holyrood fiasco by refusing to hand over any untransmitted material it recorded for The Gathering Place, the documentary series on the ill-fated building project.
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=360732005
Monaco's Prince Rainier dies
PRINCE Rainier of Monaco, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, died this morning at age 81 after a lengthy illness. His royal palace announced the death nearly a month after he was first admitted to hospital with a lung infection.
Prince Albert, his son and heir, was at his side. Rainier's doctors called Prince Albert, his son and heir, at around 5am BST to tell him that the end was near, the palace said. The monarch died about 35 minutes later.
A palace statement said Rainier died "as a result of the broncho-pulmonary, heart and kidney conditions that caused his hospitalisation."
http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=362972005
Playboy Prince Rainier is dead
By Robert Mendick, Evening Standard
6 April 2005
Monaco's Prince Rainier died today with his son at his bedside.
Look here too
• Rainier fairytale blighted by curse of the Grimaldis
Rainier, 81, will be succeeded by Albert, 47, the only son from his marriage to Grace Kelly who died in a car crash in 1982.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/17732568?source=Evening%20Standard
Rainier fairytale blighted by curse of the Grimaldis
By Valentine Low, Evening Standard
6 April 2005
Prince Rainier of Monaco, who has died aged 81, was the once handsome prince whose life should have been the stuff of dreams. He ruled over a tiny principality in the south of France that had become a byword for wealth and glamour, and married one of the most beautiful women in the world, the American actress Grace Kelly.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/17732716
The Washington Post
A 3rd DeLay Trip Under Scrutiny
1997 Russia Visit Reportedly Backed by Business Interests
By R. Jeffrey Smith and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A01
A six-day trip to Moscow in 1997 by then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) was underwritten by business interests lobbying in support of the Russian government, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the trip arrangements.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28319-2005Apr5.html
American Pope Highly Unlikely Given Views of Church Leaders
By Alan Cooperman and Daniel Williams
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A11
VATICAN CITY, April 5 -- American cardinals come to Rome representing an enthusiastic home church, one widely admired for its spirit and for its generosity in giving to Catholic causes.
But even before the 11 voting U.S. cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel to take part in electing a new pope, they know he will not be an American.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28307-2005Apr5.html
Planning to the Last Detail: Here's How
By January W. Payne
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 5, 2005; Page HE01
Nancy Crawford already has a living will, which describes the type of medical care she would want if she were too ill to speak for herself. But the intense news coverage about Terri Schiavo, the severely brain-damaged woman who died last week amid controversy about her wishes for medical treatment, have made Crawford and many others rethink what their written medical instructions should include.
Crawford plans to replace her living will with a more comprehensive document called "Five Wishes," which is distributed by the nonprofit Aging With Dignity. Her employer, Elkton, Md.-based Chesapeake Publishing Corp., has ordered copies of the document for all 500 of its employees.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26157-2005Apr4.html
Gonzales Proposes Patriot Act Renewal
By Mark Sherman
The Associated Press
Tuesday, April 5, 2005; 10:57 AM
The Bush administration's two top law enforcement officials on Tuesday urged Congress to renew every provision of the anti-terror Patriot Act. FBI Director Robert Mueller also asked lawmakers to expand the bureau's ability to obtain records without first asking a judge.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27535-2005Apr5.html
A Virginia Vintner's Full Court Press
The Case of Juanita Swedenburg Could Change the Nation's Wine Trade
By Walter Nicholls
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page F01
Even on a wet weekday afternoon in late March, a few people pull up to the door of the family-owned Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, one mile east of Middleburg in Loudoun County. What looks like a small, wheat-colored bungalow turns out to be the winery. That's where visitors meet owner Juanita Swedenburg -- a Virginia vintner for two decades and an unlikely free trade activist with a pivotal case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27398-2005Apr5.html
'Hotel Rwanda': Casting Light on Dark Times
By Jen Chaney
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 5, 2005;
"Hotel Rwanda" (PG-13; List price: $26.98
Release Date: April 12
When 800,000 Rwandans were killed in a 1993 civil war that can only be described as genocide, America and the rest of the Western world virtually ignored the crisis. The film "Hotel Rwanda" -- available on DVD next week -- stands as a sobering, cinematic reminder of what a heartless decision that was. Fortunately the Academy Award-nominated movie is about more than political finger-wagging; it also tells the dramatic, all-the-more-compelling-because-it's-true story of Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle), a hotelier who risked his own life to harbor refugees from the bands of murderous Hutu Rwandans intent upon eliminating the Tutsis and their sympathizers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25047-2005Apr4.html
Unhealthy Ethics
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A18
WE DON'T NORMALLY find ourselves in the position of arguing that ethics rules are too restrictive. Then again, we don't normally encounter ethics rules as overbroad, intrusive and unnecessarily punitive as those recently put in place by the National Institutes of Health. The NIH ethics rules needed to be tightened, especially in light of reports involving possible conflicts of interest by government researchers who also engaged in lucrative outside consulting work. But the new rules represent an ultimately self-defeating overreaction.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28425-2005Apr5.html
Peace in the Pipeline?
By David Ignatius
Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A19
When a new Iraqi government finally takes office, it will have in its "in-box" an economic proposal that touches on some of the country's most sensitive questions: How to reduce violence in the Sunni Triangle, how to manage the country's increasingly tense relationship with neighboring Jordan, and how to expand its oil production and exports.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28416-2005Apr5.html
Of interest...
Confessions of an Identity Thief: Jim Stickley Robs Banks for a Living
Monday April 4, 10:00 am ET
BATON ROUGE, La., April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- It's not every day that a bank robber volunteers to share the secrets to his craft, but Jim Stickley is no ordinary bank robber. With over 100 successful heists to his credit, he's arguably one of the most successful bank robbers of all time. But unlike traditional bank robbers, he's not after the cash in the till. He's after something more valuable -- identity. He steals personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and passwords. Most bank robbers only get away with a few thousand dollars. Stickley gets away with information worth millions of dollars.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050404/sfm041.html?.v=4
Michael Moore Today
3rd DeLay Trip Under Scrutiny;
1997 Russia Visit Reportedly Backed by Business Interests
DeLay's Unusually Generous Political Groups Paid His Wife and Daughter Over $500,000
http://www.michaelmoore.com/
WELL, Golly, Molly, That's the way they do things Michael. It's called a 'kick back' and in return DeLay votes a certain way on issues that are important to his crony. It's like when Representative Bush #41 knew Bush #43 was getting an appointment to The National Guard. He was most surprised at the appointment and wrote a letter of thanks and encouragement that Georgie Junior would live up to all expectations. Well, that was a 'cover letter' so no one could say 'Daddy pulled strings' for little Georgie. And of course we know how much of an ingrate Bush #43 was as he went AWOL, never finished his service or showed up for a medical exam.
Political Groups Paid Two Relatives of House Leader
By Philip Shenon / New York Times
WASHINGTON, April 5 - The wife and daughter of Tom DeLay, the House majority leader, have been paid more than $500,000 since 2001 by Mr. DeLay's political action and campaign committees, according to a detailed review of disclosure statements filed with the Federal Election Commission and separate fund-raising records in Mr. DeLay's home state, Texas.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2109
UK Panel: U.S. Troops Too Heavy-Handed
By Ed Johnson / Associated Press
LONDON - U.S. troops in Iraq are provoking civilians and hampering rebuilding with an excessive use of force, British lawmakers said in a report Tuesday.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2113
New Nuclear Warhead Proposed to Congress; Funds Sought for Feasibility Study
By Walter Pincus / Washington Post
The head of the nation's nuclear weapons programs proposed yesterday that Congress approve funds to study the feasibility of building a new, more reliable nuclear warhead that could be deployed without nuclear testing in less than 10 years.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2098
Poll: Most in U.S. Oppose Nuclear Weapons
By Will Lester / Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Most Americans surveyed in a poll say they do not think any country, including the United States, should have nuclear weapons. That sentiment is at odds with current efforts by some nations that are trying to develop the weapons and by terrorists seeking to add them to their arsenal.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2033
Gallup: Bush Approval Rating Lowest Ever for 2nd-Term Prez at this Point
By E&P Staff / Editor and Publisher
NEW YORK It's not uncommon to hear or read pundits referring to President George W. Bush as a "popular" leader or even a "very popular" one. Even some of his critics in the press refer to him this way. Perhaps they need to check the latest polls.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=2103
The Arab News
Most Wanted Terrorists Killed
Khaled Al-Awadh, Arab News
An injured security man being taken to hospital. Another picture on Page 5. (AN photos by Khaled Al-Awadh)
AL-RASS, 6 April 2005 — As many as 14 suspected terrorists, including most wanted Al-Qaeda leaders, have been killed and five others have been wounded in three days of fierce clashes, which ended here yesterday, the Interior Ministry said.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=61662&d=6&m=4&y=2005
Cartoon
http://www.arabnews.com/cartoon/
Talabani to Be New Iraqi President
Naseer Al-Nahr, Arab News
BAGHDAD, 6 April 2005 — Iraqi political groups reached agreement yesterday on the country’s next president and vice presidents in a step seen as overcoming a political impasse and forming a new government.
Leaders of the main political blocs said veteran Kurdish politician Jalal Talabani would be named president at a Parliament meeting today, more than nine weeks after millions of Iraqis braved insurgent bombs to vote.
Politicians said the two vice presidents will be Adel Abdul Mahdi, a Shiite who was finance minister in the outgoing government, and Sunni tribal leader Ghazi Al-Yawar, the previous president. The alliance that won a slim majority in Parliament and the Kurdish coalition that came second in the polls have been arguing over the shape of the new government for weeks.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=61663&d=6&m=4&y=2005
I see. And of course everything observed as happening in Darfur is everyone's imagination.
Editorial: Darfur to ICC
6 April 2005
IT comes as no surprise that the Sudanese government together with a significant proportion of the population in the north deeply resent the intrusion of the United Nations into their affairs.
A week ago, the Security Council voted that suspects indicted for war crimes in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur province should appear before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yesterday, the ICC was given a secret list of 51 suspects accused by a UN inquiry team of war crimes in the province. The list is believed to include a number of Sudanese government and army officials, as well as Janjaweed militia and rebel leaders.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=61689&d=6&m=4&y=2005
The New York Times
Iraqis in Accord on Top Positions, Ending Deadlock
BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 6 - Iraq's major political parties agreed Tuesday evening to appoint a president and two vice presidents at a meeting of the national assembly today, breaking a two-month deadlock in negotiations to form a new government, senior Iraqi officials said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/06/international/middleeast/06cnd-iraq.html?hp&ex=1112846400&en=f282cf077a0b3f0c&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Prince Rainier of Monaco Dies at 81
MONACO (AP) -- Prince Rainier III, whose marriage to American film star Grace Kelly brought elegance and glamour to one of Europe's oldest dynasties, died Wednesday at the hospital treating him for heart, kidney and breathing problems. He was 81.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Obit-Rainier.html?hp
In Tsunami Area, Relief Is Very Slow in Coming
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, April 3 - Three months after a tsunami devastated this city, vast areas remain a flatland of rubble, mud and stagnant water where only palm trees and the stumps of broken buildings break the low horizon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/06/international/asia/06aceh.html?hp&ex=1112846400&en=bb2cb9ab66641923&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Sugar and Spice, and Biochemistry
Several big food and beverage companies are looking at a new ingredient in the battle for health-conscious consumers: a chemical that tricks the taste buds into sensing sugar or salt even when it is not there.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/06/business/06senomyx.html
The Gulf News
Seven Saudi militants killed in fierce clashes
By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
Riyadh: Saudi security forces killed seven gunmen in the northern town of Al Russ, where gunbattles raged for a second day with suspected militants, the Interior Ministry said yesterday.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159391
Mideast must be free of WMD
By Mohammad Almezel, Bureau Chief
Manama: The Gulf Cooperation Council renewed its call for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, a top GCC official said.
"We look forward to a Middle East, including the Gulf region, that is free of such weapons," Abdul Rahman Al Attiya, secretary-general of the GCC, told Gulf News in an interview yesterday.
His statement refers to both Israel, which has a nuclear arsenal, as well as Iran, which the European Union is trying to convince to give up its controversial nuclear programme.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159406
Big salary increase for federal employees
By Stanley Carvalho and C.L. Jose, Staff Reporters
Abu Dhabi: The salary increase for UAE nationals and expatriates announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday was unanimously welcomed by residents.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/NationNF.asp?ArticleID=159570
EU hails Gulf states' reform march
By Mohammad Almezel, Bureau Chief
Manama: The European Union yesterday welcomed the steps taken by countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to introduce political reforms, and agreed with the Gulf states that these reforms should come from within without any outside pressure.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159538
Qatar and Kuwait sign raft of agreements
By Barbara Bibbo', Correspondent
Doha: Qatar and Kuwait signed a series of agreements in education, science and media cooperation here on Monday, the Qatar News Agency reported.
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/RegionNF.asp?ArticleID=159542
continued...
Morning Papers - continued...
Bechtel announces vit plant layoffs
This story was published Saturday, April 2nd, 2005
By Annette Cary, Herald staff writer
Bechtel National has notified 92 union craft workers, mostly pipefitters, that they are being laid off at the $5.8 billion vitrification plant under construction at Hanford.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/6334574p-6211147c.html
Bechtel bags Sohar smelter EPCM contract
By Palazhi Ashok Kumar
Our Special Correspondent
MUSCAT — America’s Bechtel is understood to have bagged the prestigious Sohar smelter project’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract.
http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=13481&pn=business
Levy takes Pike bigs to task over leaks
By Casey Ross
Saturday, April 2, 2005
In a highly contentious meeting yesterday, a top Mass Pike official accused colleagues of improperly firing a Big Dig engineering expert and failing to police project managers responsible for fixing faulty work.
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=76185
China's illogical petroleum management system
Last Updated(Beijing Time):2005-04-04 12:59
By Bao Yujun
In recent years, the oil demand in China has been boosting quickly while the international oil price has been hiking successively, which requires that China's petroleum industry should be able to bear the heavy responsibility of assuring the supply of oil products, the effective allocation of oil resources as well as the prevention of oil crisis. However, China's petroleum industry management system, which was built up on the basis of administrative monopoly and cannot adapt to such a rigorous circumstance, has to be reformed.
http://en.ce.cn/Insight/200504/04/t20050404_3508928.shtml
States may be allowed to bring in petroleum products under VAT
New Delhi, April. 3 (PTI): States may be allowed to bring in petroleum products like petrol, diesel, CNG and cooking gas LPG under VAT from the existing Sales Tax.
"LPG, CNG, petrol, diesel and all other petroleum products can be taxed under VAT," an official source told PTI here today.
The Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers had earlier decided to keep petroleum products out of VAT. The White Paper on VAT also put petroleum products out of its ambit while listing other inputs on the 4 per cent category.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200504041655.htm
Norway, UK sign petroleum pact
Web posted at: 4/5/2005 1:17:18
Source ::: Agencies
OSLO: Norway and Britain signed yesterday a long-awaited treaty on cross-border cooperation in the offshore oil and gas sector, intended to boost development of resources in the North Sea and secure the UK's energy supply. Norwegian Oil and Energy Minister Thorhild Widvey and British Energy Minister Mike O'Brien signed the treaty after several delays and over two years of negotiations between the two governments. Widvey told a news conference that the new treaty is expected to lead to approval of two new cross-border projects, Enoch and Blane, by the summer. Large cross-boundary North Sea developments such as the Statfjord, Frigg and Murchison fields, have been subject to individual treaties between the two governments. The treaty covers future construction and operation of pipelines carrying oil and gas from Norway to the UK, joint exploitation of reservoirs straddling the border and the joint use of infrastructure.
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Business_News&subsection=market+news&month=April2005&file=Business_News2005040511718.xml
Lawmakers Complain Over Halliburton Probe
By DIANA ELIAS
Associated Press Writer
April 4, 2005, 5:09 AM EDT
KUWAIT CITY -- Lawmakers investigating claims a Kuwaiti supplier to a Halliburton subsidiary charged too much for fuel deliveries to Iraq are complaining about the lack of support the U.S. military and the American company have provided.
Parliamentarian Ali al-Rashed, who heads the five-member investigative committee, said the lack of cooperation from the U.S. military and Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg Brown & Root "harmed the investigation."
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-kuwait-halliburton-investigation,0,6596487.story?coll=sns-ap-world-headlines
The Truth About Halliburton
No-bid contracts, cronyism, profiteering—scandal clings to this company like lint on a $100 bag of laundry. But the really ugly tale about Halliburton? Its business.
By Peter Elkind
In an age of ugly symbols, a handful of companies have come to serve as shorthand for what’s wrong with corporate America. In 2004, Halliburton moved to the top of the roster.
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fortune500/articles/0,15114,1044619,00.html
U.S. oil giant acquiring Unocal to tap into Asia
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/04/04/business/unocal.html
Halliburton Chief's Bonus Jumps on Asbestos Deal
Mail this story to a friend Printer friendly version
USA: April 4, 2005
HOUSTON - Halliburton Co. more than tripled Chief Executive Officer Dave Lesar's bonus to nearly $3.5 million in 2004 for helping steer the oil field services company through its asbestos problems, the company said Friday.
Lesar, who is also the company's chairman and president, had received a $1 million bonus in 2003.
The bonus was on top of his 2004 salary of $1.26 million salary and another $5.4 million in restricted stock awards that were part of his long-term compensation package.
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/30206/story.htm
Jadoon asks geo-scientists to find more oil in Pakistani basins
ISLAMABAD: Amanullah Khan Jadoon, minister for petroleum and natural resources, called upon geo-scientists to find more oil in Pakistani basins by using advanced technology for meeting the present and future energy needs of the country.
He made these remarks while addressing participants at the two-day workshop on “Oil and Gas Generation and Accumulation in Pakistan,” organized by Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) on Monday.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_5-4-2005_pg5_10
Cheney Would Meet With Chalabi, Though He's Not Choosing Sides
BY IRA STOLL - Staff Reporter of the Sun
April 4, 2005
Vice President Cheney, in a wide-ranging meeting with the editorial board of The New York Sun, extended a friendly signal to Iraqi politician Ahmad Chalabi, whose relations with Washington had appeared frayed.
Mr. Cheney made his comments Friday during a meeting with the editors at the Plaza Hotel. During the 45-minute session, he also expressed optimism about winning Democrats over to support the administration's plans for personal accounts as part of Social Security.
http://www.nysun.com/article/11578
continued...
This story was published Saturday, April 2nd, 2005
By Annette Cary, Herald staff writer
Bechtel National has notified 92 union craft workers, mostly pipefitters, that they are being laid off at the $5.8 billion vitrification plant under construction at Hanford.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/6334574p-6211147c.html
Bechtel bags Sohar smelter EPCM contract
By Palazhi Ashok Kumar
Our Special Correspondent
MUSCAT — America’s Bechtel is understood to have bagged the prestigious Sohar smelter project’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract.
http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=13481&pn=business
Levy takes Pike bigs to task over leaks
By Casey Ross
Saturday, April 2, 2005
In a highly contentious meeting yesterday, a top Mass Pike official accused colleagues of improperly firing a Big Dig engineering expert and failing to police project managers responsible for fixing faulty work.
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=76185
China's illogical petroleum management system
Last Updated(Beijing Time):2005-04-04 12:59
By Bao Yujun
In recent years, the oil demand in China has been boosting quickly while the international oil price has been hiking successively, which requires that China's petroleum industry should be able to bear the heavy responsibility of assuring the supply of oil products, the effective allocation of oil resources as well as the prevention of oil crisis. However, China's petroleum industry management system, which was built up on the basis of administrative monopoly and cannot adapt to such a rigorous circumstance, has to be reformed.
http://en.ce.cn/Insight/200504/04/t20050404_3508928.shtml
States may be allowed to bring in petroleum products under VAT
New Delhi, April. 3 (PTI): States may be allowed to bring in petroleum products like petrol, diesel, CNG and cooking gas LPG under VAT from the existing Sales Tax.
"LPG, CNG, petrol, diesel and all other petroleum products can be taxed under VAT," an official source told PTI here today.
The Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers had earlier decided to keep petroleum products out of VAT. The White Paper on VAT also put petroleum products out of its ambit while listing other inputs on the 4 per cent category.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200504041655.htm
Norway, UK sign petroleum pact
Web posted at: 4/5/2005 1:17:18
Source ::: Agencies
OSLO: Norway and Britain signed yesterday a long-awaited treaty on cross-border cooperation in the offshore oil and gas sector, intended to boost development of resources in the North Sea and secure the UK's energy supply. Norwegian Oil and Energy Minister Thorhild Widvey and British Energy Minister Mike O'Brien signed the treaty after several delays and over two years of negotiations between the two governments. Widvey told a news conference that the new treaty is expected to lead to approval of two new cross-border projects, Enoch and Blane, by the summer. Large cross-boundary North Sea developments such as the Statfjord, Frigg and Murchison fields, have been subject to individual treaties between the two governments. The treaty covers future construction and operation of pipelines carrying oil and gas from Norway to the UK, joint exploitation of reservoirs straddling the border and the joint use of infrastructure.
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Business_News&subsection=market+news&month=April2005&file=Business_News2005040511718.xml
Lawmakers Complain Over Halliburton Probe
By DIANA ELIAS
Associated Press Writer
April 4, 2005, 5:09 AM EDT
KUWAIT CITY -- Lawmakers investigating claims a Kuwaiti supplier to a Halliburton subsidiary charged too much for fuel deliveries to Iraq are complaining about the lack of support the U.S. military and the American company have provided.
Parliamentarian Ali al-Rashed, who heads the five-member investigative committee, said the lack of cooperation from the U.S. military and Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg Brown & Root "harmed the investigation."
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-kuwait-halliburton-investigation,0,6596487.story?coll=sns-ap-world-headlines
The Truth About Halliburton
No-bid contracts, cronyism, profiteering—scandal clings to this company like lint on a $100 bag of laundry. But the really ugly tale about Halliburton? Its business.
By Peter Elkind
In an age of ugly symbols, a handful of companies have come to serve as shorthand for what’s wrong with corporate America. In 2004, Halliburton moved to the top of the roster.
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fortune500/articles/0,15114,1044619,00.html
U.S. oil giant acquiring Unocal to tap into Asia
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/04/04/business/unocal.html
Halliburton Chief's Bonus Jumps on Asbestos Deal
Mail this story to a friend Printer friendly version
USA: April 4, 2005
HOUSTON - Halliburton Co. more than tripled Chief Executive Officer Dave Lesar's bonus to nearly $3.5 million in 2004 for helping steer the oil field services company through its asbestos problems, the company said Friday.
Lesar, who is also the company's chairman and president, had received a $1 million bonus in 2003.
The bonus was on top of his 2004 salary of $1.26 million salary and another $5.4 million in restricted stock awards that were part of his long-term compensation package.
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/30206/story.htm
Jadoon asks geo-scientists to find more oil in Pakistani basins
ISLAMABAD: Amanullah Khan Jadoon, minister for petroleum and natural resources, called upon geo-scientists to find more oil in Pakistani basins by using advanced technology for meeting the present and future energy needs of the country.
He made these remarks while addressing participants at the two-day workshop on “Oil and Gas Generation and Accumulation in Pakistan,” organized by Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) on Monday.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_5-4-2005_pg5_10
Cheney Would Meet With Chalabi, Though He's Not Choosing Sides
BY IRA STOLL - Staff Reporter of the Sun
April 4, 2005
Vice President Cheney, in a wide-ranging meeting with the editorial board of The New York Sun, extended a friendly signal to Iraqi politician Ahmad Chalabi, whose relations with Washington had appeared frayed.
Mr. Cheney made his comments Friday during a meeting with the editors at the Plaza Hotel. During the 45-minute session, he also expressed optimism about winning Democrats over to support the administration's plans for personal accounts as part of Social Security.
http://www.nysun.com/article/11578
continued...
I wanted to share a picture with you of China's Three Gorges Dam. This is the dam they are concerned with in regard to earthquakes and have installed alarms. It is understandable the country of China would want to monitor this dam and it's potenitally dangerous impact if something unexpected happens. The Three Gorges Dam is so huge it shows up on satellites impacting on the water flow even to the ocean. It has and is developing it's own ecosystem. It provides a huge amount of water to the people of China.
The Big Dig in Boston. Bechtel's Pride and Joy that exploited the city for plenty money. It's open finally. Guess what? Problems. Oh, really? Tim Mahoney, a retired teacher from Arlington, sat behind the windshield of his sport utility vehicle, which was damaged by debris falling out of an overhead vent in the southbound lanes of the Central Artery tunnel yesterday. (Globe Photo / Zara Tzanev)
Morning Papers - continued...
The Jordan Times
Khatami says nuclear talks at delicate stage
PARIS (AP) — Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Tuesday condemned the US invasion of Iraq but expressed sadness over the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in the United States.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news5.htm
King names Badran PM
By Amy Henderson
AMMAN — Weeks-long anticipation of a government reshuffle on Monday turned into speculation on the constitution of a new government under the premiership of Adnan Badran, who was instructed by His Majesty King Abdullah to accelerate the pace of reform and institutionalise the reform process.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews1.htm
Jordan celebrates World Health Day
AMMAN (JT) — Jordan celebrated World Health Day on Tuesday calling for further measures to prioritise mother and child healthcare in the region.
"Every mother, and every child, counts," is the World Health Organisation's global theme for this year's World Health Day.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews8.htm
AHDR 2004 details challenges facing Arab world
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN — The Arab world is taking a serious gamble with the region's future stability and progress due to flawed political structures and limited personal freedoms, warned authors of the 3rd Arab Human Development Report (AHDR).
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews4.htm
Lessons from Gorbachev and Qadhafi
Rami G. Khouri
Syria is being driven, and is driving itself, into a very difficult corner, with fewer and fewer realistic policy options as time passes.
The status of Syria is all the more urgent and relevant, in view of its pullout from Lebanon under intense Lebanese and international pressure. Syria cannot leave Lebanon — as it has confirmed to the UN it will do by the end of this month — and simply watch the process and its aftermath on CNN and Al Jazeera. Pressures will increase against Damascus, which must respond in a more constructive and productive way than it has dealt with its predicament in the past few years.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/opinion/opinion2.htm
Hindawi asks US to reduce customs tariffs under FTA
By Rami Abdelrahman
AMMAN — A senior US trade official and the Minister of Industry and Trade Ahmad Hindawi held talks Tuesday on “reinforcing and further-developing economic and trade relations between both countries.”
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/economy/economy4.htm
Private sector views business opportunities to rebuild Iraq
By Sarah McGregor-Wood
AMMAN — Speaking at the opening of the Rebuild Iraq 2005 conference, Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmad Hindawi yesterday underlined the supporting role Jordan has been playing in the reconstruction effort and noted the importance of consolidating business relations between the two countries.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/economy/economy1.htm
Health
Health benefits help peanuts shed stigma
ALBANY, Ga. -- Peanuts, a dietary outcast during the fat-phobic 1990s, have made a comeback, with consumption soaring to its highest level in nearly two decades and more doctors recommending nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apscience_story.asp?category=1500&slug=FIT%20Peanuts%20Rebound
What Kills Billionaires
Vanessa Gisquet
Think trophy wives, boating accidents and feckless dependents are the primary causes of death for billionaires? Think again. Billionaires are killed by the same unglamorous things that kill the rest of us: diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, kidney failure and others.
The only difference is they may live a little longer.
The average age of death for the 20 billionaires featured in the 2004 and 2005 "In Memoriam" sections of the annual Forbes Billionaires list was 78.
http://www.forbes.com/2005/04/05/cx_vg_0405feat.html?partner=lifestyle_newsletter
Egypt Today
Death of a GIANT
Rafiq Al-Hariri rebuilt Lebanon from the ashes of civil war, only to be assassinated last month while gearing up for another run for the prime minister’s office.
http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4571
Egypt to the Rescue?
The Sharm El-Sheikh peace conference puts Israeli-Palestinian talks back on track
ONLY A FEW months after the June 2003 peace conference that gave birth to a US-led “Road Map” for peace in Israel and Palestine, then-Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas resigned his post, powerless after former President Yasser Arafat withheld control over the Palestinian security apparatus.
http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4486
Eyes Wide Shut
Why doesn’t Egypt keep better track of migrating bird species?
By
Richard Hoath
The black bush robin (Richard Hoath/Egypt Today)
THERE IS NO real reason why the black bush robin should enter the Egyptian psyche. This skulking, black relative of the thrushes was first confirmed in Egypt as recently as 2000 in Gebel Elba, to the nation’s far south, though there have been three previous unconfirmed records stretching back to 1896. Its chestnut relative, the rufous bush chat will be arriving here soon, but its sooty cousin remains a foreigner, an avian khawaga.
http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4476
…isms
Spain fights racism claims in defence of Madrid’s bid for 2012 Games
Web posted at: 4/3/2005 4:33:40
Source ::: Agencies
BRISBANE: Spanish IOC member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr yesterday jumped to the defence of his country amid suggestions that football racism could damage Madrid’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Sports_News&subsection=Olympics&month=April2005&file=Sports_News2005040343340.xml
Race/Gender Wage Study Finds Surprising Difference
Monday, 4 April 2005, 11:16 am
Article: Between The Lines
Between the Lines Q&A
A weekly column featuring progressive viewpoints
on national and international issues
under-reported in mainstream media
for release April 8, 2005
http://www.btlonline.org
Race/Gender Wage Study Reveals Surprising View of U.S. Work Force http://www.btlonline.org/btl040805.html
Interview with Avis Jones-DeWeever, Institute for Women's Policy Research, conducted by Melinda Tuhus
Listen in RealAudio: http://www.btlonline.org/jonesdeweever040805.ram (Needs RealOne player or RealPlayer)
A new report released in late March by the U.S. Census Bureau on the average earnings of workers with a four-year college education reveals that African American and Asian women earn significantly more than white women. Asian American women average almost $44,000 a year, while black women make $41,000 and white women just under $38,000. The survey also shows that white women earn just 58 percent of the $66,000 that white men with a bachelor's degree earn. Among men, whites earn the most, followed by Asians, then Hispanics with African Americans in last place. Far fewer black men than black women have college degrees.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0504/S00019.htm
Religions unite against gay festival
They say event set for Jerusalem would desecrate the Holy City
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN and GREG MYRE
New York Times
International gay leaders are planning a 10-day WorldPride festival and parade in Jerusalem this August, saying they want to make a statement about tolerance and diversity in the Holy City, home to three great religious traditions.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/3114276
Editorial: John Paul II broke the papal mould
April 04, 2005
SO little known was Cardinal Karol Wojtyla on October 16, 1978, that the Italian cardinal who introduced him to the throng in St Peter's Square could not pronounce his name properly. The crowd was dumbstruck. Then they saw a handsome, athletic 58-year-old standing before them on the balcony. He was not stern or formal. In accented but fluent Italian, he told the crowd he came from a faraway place but was already joined with them in the worldwide communion of faith. He apologised for his imperfect Italian, then joked: "If I make mistakes, you will correct me." The crowd went wild. Never mind that this man had emerged as a circuit-breaker after seven ballots in the conclave had failed to overcome the deadlock between the two leading candidates, both Italians. From day one, being pope seemed part of his, and the world's, destiny. Almost 26 tumultuous years later, he is for millions of adults the only pope they have known and loved.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12743409^7583,00.html
Bigotry from the Left
by Kimberley Jane Wilson
Bigotry can be found in the places one would least expect it to thrive.
Author Shirley Jackson, remembered most for horror tales such as The Lottery, understood this when she wrote the slyly brilliant story "After You My Dear Alphonse." The story's unnamed narrator is a middle-class, white housewife who considers herself an upstanding liberal in both actions and thoughts. She is delighted when her young son comes home with his new best friend - a black child named Boyd.
http://www.nationalcenter.org/P21NVWilsonRacism1204.html
‘Long chain of bigotry leads to sectarian violence’
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/36559.html
Saturday, April 2, 2005
MEMRI TV Clips: Antisemitism on Iranian TV
MEMRI TV Project
Friday April 1, 2005
Antisemitism on Iranian TV
From December 2004 through February 2005, MEMRI TV translated and released
clips from 'Zahra's Blue Eyes,' an Iranian series on Sahar TV produced by a
former official of the Iranian Education Ministry that depicts Israeli
government, military, and civilian personnel conspiring to steal the eyes of
Palestinian children. Today's clips include a Sahar TV report from March 13,
as well as other examples of Anti-semitism on Iranian TV: an Iranian
professor discussing Jews spreading corruption throughout history; a special
on the Protocols of the Elders of Zion; and a series on Jewish control of
Hollywood.
http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=24756
Israel: A Jews-only state- Part II
The Jews-only state in Palestine tries to purify its Jewish essence through the construction of Jews-only roads.
"Israel has established a 300-mile road network throughout the West Bank connecting the settlements. These are high-security roads-three football fields wide with their surrounding security perimeters - and they are accessible only to Israelis. They separate Palestinian population areas from each other and from their agricultural land; in fact, before the current warfare, they segmented the areas of semi-autonomous Palestinian control into 227 separate, non-contiguous patches of land." (Kathleen Christison 'Before There Was Terrorism')
http://www.aljazeera.com/cgi-bin/review/article_full_story.asp?service_ID=7723
Negative discrimination
By Liam McDougall, Home Affairs Editor
MUHAMMAD Qureshi will never forget the day he first stepped out on the beat as a fledgling police constable. The shirt, brilliantly white, was ironed to perfection and the buttons on the uniform were shiny silver.
http://www.sundayherald.com/48818
We need positive discrimination to meet race targets, say police chiefs
By David Harrison
(Filed: 03/04/2005)
Police applicants from the ethnic minorities should get automatic preference over white candidates with the same qualifications for posts in the service, according to senior officers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/04/03/ncop03.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/04/03/ixhome.html
Owners of Chalmette apartments settle discrimination lawsuit
CHALMETTE, La. Owners of more than one-hundred-twenty apartments in Saint Bernard Parish have agreed to pay 170 thousand dollars to settle a federal discrimination lawsuit.
http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=3158430
Lodi fire captain files discrimination lawsuit against city
By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Last updated: Friday, Apr 01, 2005 - 11:35:01 pm PST
A Lodi Fire captain is suing the city in federal court, claiming discrimination after suffering hearing loss in one ear.
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2005/04/02/news/8_firefighter_050402.txt
Combating online hatred, bigotry
Ignorant student postings show campus close-mindedness
By Angela Fiandaca
Published: Monday, April 4, 2005
I've recently had the words "intolerance" and "ignorance" defined for me. After reading more than 50 e-mails from the UMaine's College Republican folder on FirstClass, I felt sick to my stomach. Then, I wrote a letter to my friend - a letter it pained me to write: "I'm SO sorry you live in this type of world where you cannot just live the way you want to live and be who you truly are inside. No ands, ifs or buts - this is unfair and unjust."
http://www.mainecampus.com/news/2005/04/04/SoapBox/Combating.Online.Hatred.Bigotry-911904.shtml
The Boston Globe
Debris rains on vehicles in tunnel
By Raphael Lewis and John Ellement, Globe Staff April 6, 2005
One day after federal officials declared the Big Dig's tunnels safe, rocks and other debris rained down from an overhead vent in the Interstate 93 southbound tunnel yesterday and damaged at least five vehicles, including an ambulance transporting a patient from Massachusetts General Hospital.
http://www.boston.com/news/traffic/bigdig/articles/2005/04/06/debris_rains_on_vehicles_in_tunnel/
Among students held back, freshmen bear the brunt
By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff April 6, 2005
High school freshmen repeat the grade more than students at any other level in Massachusetts, a trend that some educators and researchers say could cause more teenagers to drop out.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/04/06/among_students_held_back_freshmen_bear_the_brunt/
Small earthquake felt in southeastern Massachusetts
April 6, 2005
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A minor earthquake shook southeastern Massachusetts on Tuesday evening, prompting a flood of worried calls to area police departments.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/04/06/small_earthquake_felt_in_southeastern_massachusetts/
Louisiana environmental official says he was forced to retire
April 5, 2005
BATON ROUGE, La. -- An environmental official in the state attorney general's office retired Tuesday after 27 years on the job. Willie Fontenot said he was forced out after a dispute with an industrial plant's security officers -- a charge denied by the attorney general's office.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2005/04/05/louisiana_environmental_official_says_he_was_forced_to_retire/
Israeli minister acknowledges U.S. rift
By Amy Teibel, Associated Press Writer April 6, 2005
JERUSALEM -- A senior Israeli Cabinet minister acknowledged Wednesday that serious differences exist between Israel and the United States over Jewish settlement expansion.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/04/06/israeli_minister_acknowledges_us_rift/
Partners in crime-fighting
April 6, 2005
MEETINGS BETWEEN Boston police officials and local clergy can sometimes resemble class reunions with plenty of bonhomie. But recent outbreaks of street violence, including a 12-hour period with four murders, are reminders that the crime-fighting partners responsible for helping to reduce gun and gang violence in the 1990s cannot live on past glory.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2005/04/06/partners_in_crime_fighting/
Haaretz
PM weighs relocating Gush Katif settlers en masse
By Nir Hasson and Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
Prime Minster Ariel Sharon is considering moving the entire Gush Katif population en masse to a new location near Ashkelon, sources in the Prime Minister's Office said Tuesday. He will also weigh amending the Evacuation-Compensation Law to increase the compensation being offered to the settlers designated for evacuation.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/561458.html
Official: No more room for Jews to build in East Jerusalem
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent
"It will not be possible to build new residential neighborhoods, or to expand construction of Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem," Jerusalem's city engineer Uri Shitrit said Tuesday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/561778.html
Jewish U.S. Nobel laureate Saul Bellow dies, aged 89
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK - Nobel laureate Saul Bellow, a master of comic melancholy who in "Herzog," "Humboldt's Gift" and other novels both championed and mourned the soul's fate in the modern world, died at age 89.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/561768.html
The Pope, the Church and the Jews
After centuries of strained and often bloodstained relations between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people, the papacy of John Paul II saw landmark events in the history of Catholic-Jewish ties, crowned by his visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome in the 1980s, the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel in 1993, and the Pope's official visit to Israel in 2000.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ArticleNews.jhtml?itemNo=560348&contrassID=13&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0
The real hero in reconciling Christians and Jews
By David Rosen
Forty years ago, during the papacy of Pope John XXIII, the Catholic Church determined that the attempt to present the Jewish people as rejected by God was false, and cleared the Jews of responsibility for the death of Jesus.
But it was Pope John Paul II who was the true hero of Christian-Jewish reconciliation. The late pontiff called for "a new and profound understanding between the Church and Judaism everywhere, in every country, for the benefit of all." He stated unequivocally that the idea that the Church has replaced the Jewish people in a covenant with God was wrong, and even questioned the attempt to proselytize among Jews.
The two most significant events in terms of Christian-Jewish reconciliation were his visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome in 1986 and his visit to Israel in 2000. The scene of John Paul embracing the chief rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff, reached millions of believers who did not choose to or who could not read his writings. He described the visit to the synagogue as the most important event of that year, one that would be remembered for "hundreds of thousands of years" and gave "thanks and praise to Providence" for the occasion.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=560054&contrassID=13
German neo-Nazis convicted of plot to bomb Munich synagogue
By The Associated Press
MUNICH, Germany - Five neo-Nazis were convicted Tuesday of involvement in plans to bomb the dedication of a Munich synagogue and community center in 2003. All were sentenced to probation.
Most of the defendants - three women and two men - were charged with membership in a terrorist organization, a serious charge rarely applied in Germany against the extreme right.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=561393&contrassID=1&subContrassID=9&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y
Keeping the Democrat in Democracy
Democrats Criticize Romney's Out-Of-State Speeches
Governor Speaks In South Carolina
POSTED: 6:34 pm EST February 22, 2005
UPDATED: 7:30 pm EST February 22, 2005
BOSTON -- Gov. Mitt Romney spoke before a group of Republicans in South Carolina, speaking about gay marriage and jobs, but it didn't sound like the speeches he makes in Massachusetts.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/4222286/detail.html
State Democrats seek contender
Big names decline to challenge Talent.
Published Sunday, April 3, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) - Missouri Democrats, shellshocked after a string of tough statewide losses, say they are increasingly optimistic about their chances to unseat Republican Sen. Jim Talent next year.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2005/Apr/20050403News008.asp
Democrats forced into leadership vote
From Staff reports
Posted April 3, 2005
Stephen Bacallao, who took over as chairman of the Seminole County Democratic Executive Committee just four months ago, is leaving the post for personal reasons.
The county Democratic committee will be run by Carol Cox until an election April 28. Only precinct committee members are eligible to run and to vote.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/seminole/orl-smsjustin03040305apr03,1,2991816.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-seminole&ctrack=1&cset=true>
Michigan Democrats push plan
State legislators hit the road to drum up support for Granholm's proposals to lift the state economy.
Detroit News staff and wire reports
LANSING -- Democrats in the Michigan House and Senate plan a statewide tour to promote Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposals to boost the state's stagnant economy.
They will hold 17 town hall meetings across the state through June.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0504/03/D08-137218.htm
Howard Dean to Speak to Ark. Democrats
Tuesday April 5, 2005 2:46 AM
LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and now chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will be the keynote speaker Friday at the Association of State Democratic Chairs luncheon.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4913947,00.html
Democrats want to limit number of lost insurance jobs
(Hartford-AP, Apr. 4, 2005 5:55 PM) _ Top Democrats are hoping to limit the number of Travelers Life and Annuity employees who could lose their jobs.
They fear as many as 12-hundred jobs could be cut. Employees are being notified this week.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3165356&nav=3YeXYGcG
Democrats give Edward Jones vote of confidence for John Hall's seat
Lance Martin Daily Herald Sammy Webb, left, congratulates Enfield Mayor Edward Jones after Jones got a vote of confidence from Halifax County Democrats to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. John Hall, who died two weeks ago.
Lance Martin/Herald Senior Staff Writer
HALIFAX - Enfield Mayor Edward Jones received a strong vote of confidence to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. John Hall, who died March 18.
http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2005/04/04/news/news1.txt
Live Feed from The Wailing Wall
http://www.aish.com/wallcam/default.asp
continued...
Khatami says nuclear talks at delicate stage
PARIS (AP) — Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Tuesday condemned the US invasion of Iraq but expressed sadness over the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in the United States.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news5.htm
King names Badran PM
By Amy Henderson
AMMAN — Weeks-long anticipation of a government reshuffle on Monday turned into speculation on the constitution of a new government under the premiership of Adnan Badran, who was instructed by His Majesty King Abdullah to accelerate the pace of reform and institutionalise the reform process.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews1.htm
Jordan celebrates World Health Day
AMMAN (JT) — Jordan celebrated World Health Day on Tuesday calling for further measures to prioritise mother and child healthcare in the region.
"Every mother, and every child, counts," is the World Health Organisation's global theme for this year's World Health Day.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews8.htm
AHDR 2004 details challenges facing Arab world
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN — The Arab world is taking a serious gamble with the region's future stability and progress due to flawed political structures and limited personal freedoms, warned authors of the 3rd Arab Human Development Report (AHDR).
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews4.htm
Lessons from Gorbachev and Qadhafi
Rami G. Khouri
Syria is being driven, and is driving itself, into a very difficult corner, with fewer and fewer realistic policy options as time passes.
The status of Syria is all the more urgent and relevant, in view of its pullout from Lebanon under intense Lebanese and international pressure. Syria cannot leave Lebanon — as it has confirmed to the UN it will do by the end of this month — and simply watch the process and its aftermath on CNN and Al Jazeera. Pressures will increase against Damascus, which must respond in a more constructive and productive way than it has dealt with its predicament in the past few years.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/opinion/opinion2.htm
Hindawi asks US to reduce customs tariffs under FTA
By Rami Abdelrahman
AMMAN — A senior US trade official and the Minister of Industry and Trade Ahmad Hindawi held talks Tuesday on “reinforcing and further-developing economic and trade relations between both countries.”
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/economy/economy4.htm
Private sector views business opportunities to rebuild Iraq
By Sarah McGregor-Wood
AMMAN — Speaking at the opening of the Rebuild Iraq 2005 conference, Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmad Hindawi yesterday underlined the supporting role Jordan has been playing in the reconstruction effort and noted the importance of consolidating business relations between the two countries.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/economy/economy1.htm
Health
Health benefits help peanuts shed stigma
ALBANY, Ga. -- Peanuts, a dietary outcast during the fat-phobic 1990s, have made a comeback, with consumption soaring to its highest level in nearly two decades and more doctors recommending nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apscience_story.asp?category=1500&slug=FIT%20Peanuts%20Rebound
What Kills Billionaires
Vanessa Gisquet
Think trophy wives, boating accidents and feckless dependents are the primary causes of death for billionaires? Think again. Billionaires are killed by the same unglamorous things that kill the rest of us: diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, kidney failure and others.
The only difference is they may live a little longer.
The average age of death for the 20 billionaires featured in the 2004 and 2005 "In Memoriam" sections of the annual Forbes Billionaires list was 78.
http://www.forbes.com/2005/04/05/cx_vg_0405feat.html?partner=lifestyle_newsletter
Egypt Today
Death of a GIANT
Rafiq Al-Hariri rebuilt Lebanon from the ashes of civil war, only to be assassinated last month while gearing up for another run for the prime minister’s office.
http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4571
Egypt to the Rescue?
The Sharm El-Sheikh peace conference puts Israeli-Palestinian talks back on track
ONLY A FEW months after the June 2003 peace conference that gave birth to a US-led “Road Map” for peace in Israel and Palestine, then-Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas resigned his post, powerless after former President Yasser Arafat withheld control over the Palestinian security apparatus.
http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4486
Eyes Wide Shut
Why doesn’t Egypt keep better track of migrating bird species?
By
Richard Hoath
The black bush robin (Richard Hoath/Egypt Today)
THERE IS NO real reason why the black bush robin should enter the Egyptian psyche. This skulking, black relative of the thrushes was first confirmed in Egypt as recently as 2000 in Gebel Elba, to the nation’s far south, though there have been three previous unconfirmed records stretching back to 1896. Its chestnut relative, the rufous bush chat will be arriving here soon, but its sooty cousin remains a foreigner, an avian khawaga.
http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4476
…isms
Spain fights racism claims in defence of Madrid’s bid for 2012 Games
Web posted at: 4/3/2005 4:33:40
Source ::: Agencies
BRISBANE: Spanish IOC member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr yesterday jumped to the defence of his country amid suggestions that football racism could damage Madrid’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Sports_News&subsection=Olympics&month=April2005&file=Sports_News2005040343340.xml
Race/Gender Wage Study Finds Surprising Difference
Monday, 4 April 2005, 11:16 am
Article: Between The Lines
Between the Lines Q&A
A weekly column featuring progressive viewpoints
on national and international issues
under-reported in mainstream media
for release April 8, 2005
http://www.btlonline.org
Race/Gender Wage Study Reveals Surprising View of U.S. Work Force http://www.btlonline.org/btl040805.html
Interview with Avis Jones-DeWeever, Institute for Women's Policy Research, conducted by Melinda Tuhus
Listen in RealAudio: http://www.btlonline.org/jonesdeweever040805.ram (Needs RealOne player or RealPlayer)
A new report released in late March by the U.S. Census Bureau on the average earnings of workers with a four-year college education reveals that African American and Asian women earn significantly more than white women. Asian American women average almost $44,000 a year, while black women make $41,000 and white women just under $38,000. The survey also shows that white women earn just 58 percent of the $66,000 that white men with a bachelor's degree earn. Among men, whites earn the most, followed by Asians, then Hispanics with African Americans in last place. Far fewer black men than black women have college degrees.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0504/S00019.htm
Religions unite against gay festival
They say event set for Jerusalem would desecrate the Holy City
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN and GREG MYRE
New York Times
International gay leaders are planning a 10-day WorldPride festival and parade in Jerusalem this August, saying they want to make a statement about tolerance and diversity in the Holy City, home to three great religious traditions.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/3114276
Editorial: John Paul II broke the papal mould
April 04, 2005
SO little known was Cardinal Karol Wojtyla on October 16, 1978, that the Italian cardinal who introduced him to the throng in St Peter's Square could not pronounce his name properly. The crowd was dumbstruck. Then they saw a handsome, athletic 58-year-old standing before them on the balcony. He was not stern or formal. In accented but fluent Italian, he told the crowd he came from a faraway place but was already joined with them in the worldwide communion of faith. He apologised for his imperfect Italian, then joked: "If I make mistakes, you will correct me." The crowd went wild. Never mind that this man had emerged as a circuit-breaker after seven ballots in the conclave had failed to overcome the deadlock between the two leading candidates, both Italians. From day one, being pope seemed part of his, and the world's, destiny. Almost 26 tumultuous years later, he is for millions of adults the only pope they have known and loved.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12743409^7583,00.html
Bigotry from the Left
by Kimberley Jane Wilson
Bigotry can be found in the places one would least expect it to thrive.
Author Shirley Jackson, remembered most for horror tales such as The Lottery, understood this when she wrote the slyly brilliant story "After You My Dear Alphonse." The story's unnamed narrator is a middle-class, white housewife who considers herself an upstanding liberal in both actions and thoughts. She is delighted when her young son comes home with his new best friend - a black child named Boyd.
http://www.nationalcenter.org/P21NVWilsonRacism1204.html
‘Long chain of bigotry leads to sectarian violence’
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/36559.html
Saturday, April 2, 2005
MEMRI TV Clips: Antisemitism on Iranian TV
MEMRI TV Project
Friday April 1, 2005
Antisemitism on Iranian TV
From December 2004 through February 2005, MEMRI TV translated and released
clips from 'Zahra's Blue Eyes,' an Iranian series on Sahar TV produced by a
former official of the Iranian Education Ministry that depicts Israeli
government, military, and civilian personnel conspiring to steal the eyes of
Palestinian children. Today's clips include a Sahar TV report from March 13,
as well as other examples of Anti-semitism on Iranian TV: an Iranian
professor discussing Jews spreading corruption throughout history; a special
on the Protocols of the Elders of Zion; and a series on Jewish control of
Hollywood.
http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=24756
Israel: A Jews-only state- Part II
The Jews-only state in Palestine tries to purify its Jewish essence through the construction of Jews-only roads.
"Israel has established a 300-mile road network throughout the West Bank connecting the settlements. These are high-security roads-three football fields wide with their surrounding security perimeters - and they are accessible only to Israelis. They separate Palestinian population areas from each other and from their agricultural land; in fact, before the current warfare, they segmented the areas of semi-autonomous Palestinian control into 227 separate, non-contiguous patches of land." (Kathleen Christison 'Before There Was Terrorism')
http://www.aljazeera.com/cgi-bin/review/article_full_story.asp?service_ID=7723
Negative discrimination
By Liam McDougall, Home Affairs Editor
MUHAMMAD Qureshi will never forget the day he first stepped out on the beat as a fledgling police constable. The shirt, brilliantly white, was ironed to perfection and the buttons on the uniform were shiny silver.
http://www.sundayherald.com/48818
We need positive discrimination to meet race targets, say police chiefs
By David Harrison
(Filed: 03/04/2005)
Police applicants from the ethnic minorities should get automatic preference over white candidates with the same qualifications for posts in the service, according to senior officers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/04/03/ncop03.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/04/03/ixhome.html
Owners of Chalmette apartments settle discrimination lawsuit
CHALMETTE, La. Owners of more than one-hundred-twenty apartments in Saint Bernard Parish have agreed to pay 170 thousand dollars to settle a federal discrimination lawsuit.
http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=3158430
Lodi fire captain files discrimination lawsuit against city
By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Last updated: Friday, Apr 01, 2005 - 11:35:01 pm PST
A Lodi Fire captain is suing the city in federal court, claiming discrimination after suffering hearing loss in one ear.
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2005/04/02/news/8_firefighter_050402.txt
Combating online hatred, bigotry
Ignorant student postings show campus close-mindedness
By Angela Fiandaca
Published: Monday, April 4, 2005
I've recently had the words "intolerance" and "ignorance" defined for me. After reading more than 50 e-mails from the UMaine's College Republican folder on FirstClass, I felt sick to my stomach. Then, I wrote a letter to my friend - a letter it pained me to write: "I'm SO sorry you live in this type of world where you cannot just live the way you want to live and be who you truly are inside. No ands, ifs or buts - this is unfair and unjust."
http://www.mainecampus.com/news/2005/04/04/SoapBox/Combating.Online.Hatred.Bigotry-911904.shtml
The Boston Globe
Debris rains on vehicles in tunnel
By Raphael Lewis and John Ellement, Globe Staff April 6, 2005
One day after federal officials declared the Big Dig's tunnels safe, rocks and other debris rained down from an overhead vent in the Interstate 93 southbound tunnel yesterday and damaged at least five vehicles, including an ambulance transporting a patient from Massachusetts General Hospital.
http://www.boston.com/news/traffic/bigdig/articles/2005/04/06/debris_rains_on_vehicles_in_tunnel/
Among students held back, freshmen bear the brunt
By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff April 6, 2005
High school freshmen repeat the grade more than students at any other level in Massachusetts, a trend that some educators and researchers say could cause more teenagers to drop out.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/04/06/among_students_held_back_freshmen_bear_the_brunt/
Small earthquake felt in southeastern Massachusetts
April 6, 2005
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A minor earthquake shook southeastern Massachusetts on Tuesday evening, prompting a flood of worried calls to area police departments.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/04/06/small_earthquake_felt_in_southeastern_massachusetts/
Louisiana environmental official says he was forced to retire
April 5, 2005
BATON ROUGE, La. -- An environmental official in the state attorney general's office retired Tuesday after 27 years on the job. Willie Fontenot said he was forced out after a dispute with an industrial plant's security officers -- a charge denied by the attorney general's office.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2005/04/05/louisiana_environmental_official_says_he_was_forced_to_retire/
Israeli minister acknowledges U.S. rift
By Amy Teibel, Associated Press Writer April 6, 2005
JERUSALEM -- A senior Israeli Cabinet minister acknowledged Wednesday that serious differences exist between Israel and the United States over Jewish settlement expansion.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/04/06/israeli_minister_acknowledges_us_rift/
Partners in crime-fighting
April 6, 2005
MEETINGS BETWEEN Boston police officials and local clergy can sometimes resemble class reunions with plenty of bonhomie. But recent outbreaks of street violence, including a 12-hour period with four murders, are reminders that the crime-fighting partners responsible for helping to reduce gun and gang violence in the 1990s cannot live on past glory.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2005/04/06/partners_in_crime_fighting/
Haaretz
PM weighs relocating Gush Katif settlers en masse
By Nir Hasson and Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
Prime Minster Ariel Sharon is considering moving the entire Gush Katif population en masse to a new location near Ashkelon, sources in the Prime Minister's Office said Tuesday. He will also weigh amending the Evacuation-Compensation Law to increase the compensation being offered to the settlers designated for evacuation.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/561458.html
Official: No more room for Jews to build in East Jerusalem
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent
"It will not be possible to build new residential neighborhoods, or to expand construction of Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem," Jerusalem's city engineer Uri Shitrit said Tuesday.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/561778.html
Jewish U.S. Nobel laureate Saul Bellow dies, aged 89
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK - Nobel laureate Saul Bellow, a master of comic melancholy who in "Herzog," "Humboldt's Gift" and other novels both championed and mourned the soul's fate in the modern world, died at age 89.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/561768.html
The Pope, the Church and the Jews
After centuries of strained and often bloodstained relations between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people, the papacy of John Paul II saw landmark events in the history of Catholic-Jewish ties, crowned by his visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome in the 1980s, the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel in 1993, and the Pope's official visit to Israel in 2000.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ArticleNews.jhtml?itemNo=560348&contrassID=13&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0
The real hero in reconciling Christians and Jews
By David Rosen
Forty years ago, during the papacy of Pope John XXIII, the Catholic Church determined that the attempt to present the Jewish people as rejected by God was false, and cleared the Jews of responsibility for the death of Jesus.
But it was Pope John Paul II who was the true hero of Christian-Jewish reconciliation. The late pontiff called for "a new and profound understanding between the Church and Judaism everywhere, in every country, for the benefit of all." He stated unequivocally that the idea that the Church has replaced the Jewish people in a covenant with God was wrong, and even questioned the attempt to proselytize among Jews.
The two most significant events in terms of Christian-Jewish reconciliation were his visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome in 1986 and his visit to Israel in 2000. The scene of John Paul embracing the chief rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff, reached millions of believers who did not choose to or who could not read his writings. He described the visit to the synagogue as the most important event of that year, one that would be remembered for "hundreds of thousands of years" and gave "thanks and praise to Providence" for the occasion.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=560054&contrassID=13
German neo-Nazis convicted of plot to bomb Munich synagogue
By The Associated Press
MUNICH, Germany - Five neo-Nazis were convicted Tuesday of involvement in plans to bomb the dedication of a Munich synagogue and community center in 2003. All were sentenced to probation.
Most of the defendants - three women and two men - were charged with membership in a terrorist organization, a serious charge rarely applied in Germany against the extreme right.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=561393&contrassID=1&subContrassID=9&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y
Keeping the Democrat in Democracy
Democrats Criticize Romney's Out-Of-State Speeches
Governor Speaks In South Carolina
POSTED: 6:34 pm EST February 22, 2005
UPDATED: 7:30 pm EST February 22, 2005
BOSTON -- Gov. Mitt Romney spoke before a group of Republicans in South Carolina, speaking about gay marriage and jobs, but it didn't sound like the speeches he makes in Massachusetts.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/4222286/detail.html
State Democrats seek contender
Big names decline to challenge Talent.
Published Sunday, April 3, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) - Missouri Democrats, shellshocked after a string of tough statewide losses, say they are increasingly optimistic about their chances to unseat Republican Sen. Jim Talent next year.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2005/Apr/20050403News008.asp
Democrats forced into leadership vote
From Staff reports
Posted April 3, 2005
Stephen Bacallao, who took over as chairman of the Seminole County Democratic Executive Committee just four months ago, is leaving the post for personal reasons.
The county Democratic committee will be run by Carol Cox until an election April 28. Only precinct committee members are eligible to run and to vote.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/seminole/orl-smsjustin03040305apr03,1,2991816.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-seminole&ctrack=1&cset=true>
Michigan Democrats push plan
State legislators hit the road to drum up support for Granholm's proposals to lift the state economy.
Detroit News staff and wire reports
LANSING -- Democrats in the Michigan House and Senate plan a statewide tour to promote Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposals to boost the state's stagnant economy.
They will hold 17 town hall meetings across the state through June.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0504/03/D08-137218.htm
Howard Dean to Speak to Ark. Democrats
Tuesday April 5, 2005 2:46 AM
LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and now chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will be the keynote speaker Friday at the Association of State Democratic Chairs luncheon.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4913947,00.html
Democrats want to limit number of lost insurance jobs
(Hartford-AP, Apr. 4, 2005 5:55 PM) _ Top Democrats are hoping to limit the number of Travelers Life and Annuity employees who could lose their jobs.
They fear as many as 12-hundred jobs could be cut. Employees are being notified this week.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3165356&nav=3YeXYGcG
Democrats give Edward Jones vote of confidence for John Hall's seat
Lance Martin Daily Herald Sammy Webb, left, congratulates Enfield Mayor Edward Jones after Jones got a vote of confidence from Halifax County Democrats to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. John Hall, who died two weeks ago.
Lance Martin/Herald Senior Staff Writer
HALIFAX - Enfield Mayor Edward Jones received a strong vote of confidence to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. John Hall, who died March 18.
http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2005/04/04/news/news1.txt
Live Feed from The Wailing Wall
http://www.aish.com/wallcam/default.asp
continued...
Morning Papers - continued...
The Chicago Tribune
Priests with spouses?
By Charlie Madigan
Tribune senior correspondent
Published April 5, 2005, 5:55 AM CDT
CHICAGO -- There aren't enough Roman Catholic priests.
Should the next pope change course to attack that problem?
Should women be priests? Should priests be allowed to marry?
My answer would be yes, but then, my answer doesn't matter. Not in the least.
I'm not among the priest bashers. I am clearly aware of the problems the church has had throughout its sexual abuse crisis. I am also aware that some of the best people I have ever known have been priests, along with ex-priests and wanna-be priests who just couldn't face the challenges of celibacy.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-gleaner,1,1375290.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Activist jailed in baseball blackmail case
By Maura Kelly Lannan
The Associated Press
Published April 5, 2005, 3:14 PM CDT
A federal judge revoked the bond Tuesday of a self-styled community activist charged with trying to blackmail New York Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield and his wife with a purported sex video.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-050405blackmail,1,87376.story?coll=chi-news-hed
U.S. to Tighten Border Controls by 2008
By DAVID RUNK
Associated Press Writer
Published April 6, 2005, 3:01 AM CDT
DETROIT -- Flashing your driver's license when returning from jaunts to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean won't be enough in a few years after federal officials announced plans to tighten re-entry rules.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-travel,1,586741.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Ukrainian president, Chicago-born first lady visit Chicago
By Michael Tarm
The Associated Press
Published April 5, 2005, 1:28 PM CDT
Ukraine's new president and his Chicago-born wife met with current and future business leaders Tuesday, assuring them that they are serious about attacking corruption and attracting commerce.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-050405ukraine,1,4548361.story?coll=chi-news-hed
The Jerusalem Post
Sharon considers Nitzanim plan
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Gaza settlers have bypassed the Disengagement Authority as they explore a plan to move many of the 1,700 families slated for evacuation to the beachfront area of Nitzanim between Ashkelon and Ashdod.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112581160840
Environmentalists oppose Nitzanim plan
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel objects to developing any part of the open space area between Ashdod and Ashkelon west of the Tel Aviv-Ashkelon highway, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The official, Ra'anan Burel, said the SPNI is opposed to construction not only in the roughly 20,000 dunams of virgin sandy soil which includes public beaches, a nature reserve, and a natural forest, but also the agricultural land that separates the sandy area from Highway 4, linking Tel Aviv and Ashkelon.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112668201141
Hizbullah cell cracked in Nablus
Three Palestinians suspected of being recruited by Hizbullah to compile intelligence on the deployment of IDF troops and the locations of IDF bases, and surveil the movements of an Israeli VIP who was to be targeted for attack, were arrested in a combined operation carried out by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and IDF in Nablus on February 25.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112668202832
US, Israel search for common ground
Israel and the US are drafting a statement on settlement construction that will come out of next week's meeting between US President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The statement is vague enough for both sides to live with, a senior diplomatic official said Tuesday.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112668202734
Exposing Orthodox conversion myths
The hysterical reaction of Orthodox spokesmen to the decision of the High Court concerning conversion was to be expected. Anything that impinges upon the Orthodox monopoly in Israel is seen by them as a dire threat. Nevertheless would it have been asking too much to expect that they would register indignation and protest without resorting to exaggeration and falsification of the facts?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112754015703
Keeping his identity in focus
'For me, coming to Israel is an axiom, not a question," states world-famous violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, here this week for a series of concerts in his honor with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
"Bringing top musicians here is tough work," continues Perlman, during a break in rehearsals. "So I'm here to help. When I'm here there's one less guest musician to care about."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112754015972
The World According to Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart US stores Sales up in March
Posted online: Monday, April 04, 2005 at 0048 hours IST
CHICAGO, APRIL 3: Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Saturday that March sales at US stores rose an estimated 4.2% or slightly above the 4.1% increase recorded in February. Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, said food sales were stronger than general merchandise and the south-east was the strongest performing region in the most recent week ended Friday.
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=86957
Wal-Mart issue awaiting Hillsborough board
By TODD MORRISON
Union Leader Correspondent
HILLSBOROUGH — Planners will hold their first public meeting on the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter a month after the last session ended early in frustration.
This time, a preliminary economic impact study that may support or diminish fears the retail giant will hurt local businesses will be unveiled at the meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hillsborough-Deering Middle School gymnasium. An update on traffic proposals will also be addressed.
http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=52860
About 50 groups join to take on Wal-Mart
Diverse coalition to launch coordinated effort to change the way retailer operates.
By Steven Greenhouse
The New York Times
April 3, 2005
Led by Wal-Mart's longtime foes in organized labor, a new coalition of about 50 groups -- including environmentalists, community organizations, state lawmakers and academics -- is planning the first coordinated assault to press the company to change the way it does business.
http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/234124-9481-010.html
Team Cat Daddy Wins Inaugural Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour Event in Fort Pierce, Earns $100,000
FORT PIERCE, Fla., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Team Cat Daddy headed byCaptain Danny Mathis of Gonzales, La., caught an impressive kingfish on daytwo weighing 56 pounds, 5 ounces to win the Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour eventpresented by Yamaha in Fort Pierce. A field of 107 teams competed for a shareof the $300,000 purse. Team Cat Daddy earned an unprecedented $100,000 cash inthe $1.7 million tour's inaugural event.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-02-2005/0003309976&EDATE=
Wal-Mart's critics weigh in as retailer welcomes media
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
By Teresa F. Lindeman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s public relations blitz of 2005 enters a new phase today when the company hosts an unprecedented media event in its Arkansas hometown -- a gathering billed as a way for the world's largest retailer to tell its own story.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05095/482880.stm
Wal-Mart tops Fortune 500 list for 4th year
Retailer's sales still outpace even an Exxon growing fat off $50 oil. Profits are up almost everywhere, but all the hiring's going on overseas.
By The Associated Press
Wal-Mart retained the top spot in Fortune magazine's 2005 ranking of the 500 largest publicly traded U.S. companies, but soaring commodity prices led to big gains in revenues and profits for oil and metal producers.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/invest/extra/P113953.asp
THE 2005 FORTUNE 500
Wal-Mart's $288 Billion Meeting
It's the single most important business gathering in the world. But can Wal-Mart's legendary Saturday Morning Meeting take the controversial company to the next level?
By Brent Schlender
It's about 6:30 on a foggy Saturday morning in September, and Wal-Mart's prosaic "home office" in Bentonville, Ark., is hopping as it always does on Saturday mornings, 52 weeks a year.
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fortune500/articles/0,15114,1044802,00.html
The Miami Herald
To get back to the U.S., pack a passport
The era of easy travel for U.S. citizens returning from Latin America and the Caribbean is over. Within months they will have to present passports -- instead of driver's licenses or birth certificates -- if they want to clear passport control.
BY ALFONSO CHARDY AND INA PAIVA CORDLE
achardy@herald.com
By year's end, the U.S. government will require Americans returning by air or sea from the Caribbean and Central and South America to carry U.S. passports -- a major change in travel procedures for citizens who for decades have been readmitted by merely flashing a driver's license or a birth certificate.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320401.htm
Rumsfeld slams Spain over sale of weapons
In an exclusive interview with The Herald, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld criticized Spain's sale of weapons to Venezuela, the toughest comments yet from the Bush administration about the sale.
By ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
aoppenheimer@herald.com
In a comment likely to further chill the already cool U.S.-Spanish relations, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Tuesday criticized Madrid's recent decision to sell military planes and boats to Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chávez.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320427.htm
Coca crop figures raise questions over drug war
The Bush administration says that Plan Colombia is thwarting illegal drug producers -- despite a stall in coca crop eradications.
BY PABLO BACHELET AND STEVE DUDLEY
pbachelet@herald.com
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration quietly released the number on March 25 -- Good Friday. But it jolted Colombia watchers accustomed to a steady flow of positive data in the U.S. war on drugs.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320443.htm
Latin American pope could put focus on key issues such as poverty
Question: At least five Latin Americans have been named as possible candidates to succeed John Paul II as pope. What would a Latin American pope mean for the region -- home to half of the world's Roman Catholics?
Answer from Thomas Quigley, policy advisor on Latin American and Caribbean affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: A Latin American pope could have an extraordinarily galvanizing effect on the life of the church in the region and, by extension, on the region itself. In terms of the internal life of the church itself, such a pope could instill new enthusiasm in the majority youth of the continent, as John Paul did with his immensely popular World Youth Days. While the large numbers of nominal Catholics each year moving into the ranks of the Pentecostal churches is not of the highest concern -- most are moving from nonobservance of any kind to a sometimes fervent religious practice -- a Latin pope would almost certainly advance the sluggish state of ecumenical relations throughout the area. But far more important, he could bring new force and life to the urgent campaign to wipe out the culture of corruption; he could press the unity and identity of Latin America as a counterforce in the face of a globalization in which the poor-rich gap continues to widen and Latin America falls ever farther behind; and could even bring a fresh and authentic attention to such problem areas as Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Colombia.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320446.htm
Ethics panel could get a power boost
The state Senate is considering giving the Florida Commission on Ethics more power to investigate ethical wrongdoing.
BY ERIKA BOLSTAD
ebolstad@herald.com
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Commission on Ethics would have more power to launch investigations into ethical wrongdoing under a proposal passed Tuesday in a Senate committee.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320358.htm
continued...
Priests with spouses?
By Charlie Madigan
Tribune senior correspondent
Published April 5, 2005, 5:55 AM CDT
CHICAGO -- There aren't enough Roman Catholic priests.
Should the next pope change course to attack that problem?
Should women be priests? Should priests be allowed to marry?
My answer would be yes, but then, my answer doesn't matter. Not in the least.
I'm not among the priest bashers. I am clearly aware of the problems the church has had throughout its sexual abuse crisis. I am also aware that some of the best people I have ever known have been priests, along with ex-priests and wanna-be priests who just couldn't face the challenges of celibacy.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-gleaner,1,1375290.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Activist jailed in baseball blackmail case
By Maura Kelly Lannan
The Associated Press
Published April 5, 2005, 3:14 PM CDT
A federal judge revoked the bond Tuesday of a self-styled community activist charged with trying to blackmail New York Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield and his wife with a purported sex video.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-050405blackmail,1,87376.story?coll=chi-news-hed
U.S. to Tighten Border Controls by 2008
By DAVID RUNK
Associated Press Writer
Published April 6, 2005, 3:01 AM CDT
DETROIT -- Flashing your driver's license when returning from jaunts to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean won't be enough in a few years after federal officials announced plans to tighten re-entry rules.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-travel,1,586741.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Ukrainian president, Chicago-born first lady visit Chicago
By Michael Tarm
The Associated Press
Published April 5, 2005, 1:28 PM CDT
Ukraine's new president and his Chicago-born wife met with current and future business leaders Tuesday, assuring them that they are serious about attacking corruption and attracting commerce.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-050405ukraine,1,4548361.story?coll=chi-news-hed
The Jerusalem Post
Sharon considers Nitzanim plan
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Gaza settlers have bypassed the Disengagement Authority as they explore a plan to move many of the 1,700 families slated for evacuation to the beachfront area of Nitzanim between Ashkelon and Ashdod.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112581160840
Environmentalists oppose Nitzanim plan
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel objects to developing any part of the open space area between Ashdod and Ashkelon west of the Tel Aviv-Ashkelon highway, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The official, Ra'anan Burel, said the SPNI is opposed to construction not only in the roughly 20,000 dunams of virgin sandy soil which includes public beaches, a nature reserve, and a natural forest, but also the agricultural land that separates the sandy area from Highway 4, linking Tel Aviv and Ashkelon.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112668201141
Hizbullah cell cracked in Nablus
Three Palestinians suspected of being recruited by Hizbullah to compile intelligence on the deployment of IDF troops and the locations of IDF bases, and surveil the movements of an Israeli VIP who was to be targeted for attack, were arrested in a combined operation carried out by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and IDF in Nablus on February 25.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112668202832
US, Israel search for common ground
Israel and the US are drafting a statement on settlement construction that will come out of next week's meeting between US President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The statement is vague enough for both sides to live with, a senior diplomatic official said Tuesday.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112668202734
Exposing Orthodox conversion myths
The hysterical reaction of Orthodox spokesmen to the decision of the High Court concerning conversion was to be expected. Anything that impinges upon the Orthodox monopoly in Israel is seen by them as a dire threat. Nevertheless would it have been asking too much to expect that they would register indignation and protest without resorting to exaggeration and falsification of the facts?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112754015703
Keeping his identity in focus
'For me, coming to Israel is an axiom, not a question," states world-famous violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, here this week for a series of concerts in his honor with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
"Bringing top musicians here is tough work," continues Perlman, during a break in rehearsals. "So I'm here to help. When I'm here there's one less guest musician to care about."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1112754015972
The World According to Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart US stores Sales up in March
Posted online: Monday, April 04, 2005 at 0048 hours IST
CHICAGO, APRIL 3: Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Saturday that March sales at US stores rose an estimated 4.2% or slightly above the 4.1% increase recorded in February. Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, said food sales were stronger than general merchandise and the south-east was the strongest performing region in the most recent week ended Friday.
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=86957
Wal-Mart issue awaiting Hillsborough board
By TODD MORRISON
Union Leader Correspondent
HILLSBOROUGH — Planners will hold their first public meeting on the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter a month after the last session ended early in frustration.
This time, a preliminary economic impact study that may support or diminish fears the retail giant will hurt local businesses will be unveiled at the meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hillsborough-Deering Middle School gymnasium. An update on traffic proposals will also be addressed.
http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=52860
About 50 groups join to take on Wal-Mart
Diverse coalition to launch coordinated effort to change the way retailer operates.
By Steven Greenhouse
The New York Times
April 3, 2005
Led by Wal-Mart's longtime foes in organized labor, a new coalition of about 50 groups -- including environmentalists, community organizations, state lawmakers and academics -- is planning the first coordinated assault to press the company to change the way it does business.
http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/234124-9481-010.html
Team Cat Daddy Wins Inaugural Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour Event in Fort Pierce, Earns $100,000
FORT PIERCE, Fla., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Team Cat Daddy headed byCaptain Danny Mathis of Gonzales, La., caught an impressive kingfish on daytwo weighing 56 pounds, 5 ounces to win the Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour eventpresented by Yamaha in Fort Pierce. A field of 107 teams competed for a shareof the $300,000 purse. Team Cat Daddy earned an unprecedented $100,000 cash inthe $1.7 million tour's inaugural event.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-02-2005/0003309976&EDATE=
Wal-Mart's critics weigh in as retailer welcomes media
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
By Teresa F. Lindeman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s public relations blitz of 2005 enters a new phase today when the company hosts an unprecedented media event in its Arkansas hometown -- a gathering billed as a way for the world's largest retailer to tell its own story.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05095/482880.stm
Wal-Mart tops Fortune 500 list for 4th year
Retailer's sales still outpace even an Exxon growing fat off $50 oil. Profits are up almost everywhere, but all the hiring's going on overseas.
By The Associated Press
Wal-Mart retained the top spot in Fortune magazine's 2005 ranking of the 500 largest publicly traded U.S. companies, but soaring commodity prices led to big gains in revenues and profits for oil and metal producers.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/invest/extra/P113953.asp
THE 2005 FORTUNE 500
Wal-Mart's $288 Billion Meeting
It's the single most important business gathering in the world. But can Wal-Mart's legendary Saturday Morning Meeting take the controversial company to the next level?
By Brent Schlender
It's about 6:30 on a foggy Saturday morning in September, and Wal-Mart's prosaic "home office" in Bentonville, Ark., is hopping as it always does on Saturday mornings, 52 weeks a year.
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fortune500/articles/0,15114,1044802,00.html
The Miami Herald
To get back to the U.S., pack a passport
The era of easy travel for U.S. citizens returning from Latin America and the Caribbean is over. Within months they will have to present passports -- instead of driver's licenses or birth certificates -- if they want to clear passport control.
BY ALFONSO CHARDY AND INA PAIVA CORDLE
achardy@herald.com
By year's end, the U.S. government will require Americans returning by air or sea from the Caribbean and Central and South America to carry U.S. passports -- a major change in travel procedures for citizens who for decades have been readmitted by merely flashing a driver's license or a birth certificate.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320401.htm
Rumsfeld slams Spain over sale of weapons
In an exclusive interview with The Herald, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld criticized Spain's sale of weapons to Venezuela, the toughest comments yet from the Bush administration about the sale.
By ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
aoppenheimer@herald.com
In a comment likely to further chill the already cool U.S.-Spanish relations, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Tuesday criticized Madrid's recent decision to sell military planes and boats to Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chávez.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320427.htm
Coca crop figures raise questions over drug war
The Bush administration says that Plan Colombia is thwarting illegal drug producers -- despite a stall in coca crop eradications.
BY PABLO BACHELET AND STEVE DUDLEY
pbachelet@herald.com
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration quietly released the number on March 25 -- Good Friday. But it jolted Colombia watchers accustomed to a steady flow of positive data in the U.S. war on drugs.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320443.htm
Latin American pope could put focus on key issues such as poverty
Question: At least five Latin Americans have been named as possible candidates to succeed John Paul II as pope. What would a Latin American pope mean for the region -- home to half of the world's Roman Catholics?
Answer from Thomas Quigley, policy advisor on Latin American and Caribbean affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: A Latin American pope could have an extraordinarily galvanizing effect on the life of the church in the region and, by extension, on the region itself. In terms of the internal life of the church itself, such a pope could instill new enthusiasm in the majority youth of the continent, as John Paul did with his immensely popular World Youth Days. While the large numbers of nominal Catholics each year moving into the ranks of the Pentecostal churches is not of the highest concern -- most are moving from nonobservance of any kind to a sometimes fervent religious practice -- a Latin pope would almost certainly advance the sluggish state of ecumenical relations throughout the area. But far more important, he could bring new force and life to the urgent campaign to wipe out the culture of corruption; he could press the unity and identity of Latin America as a counterforce in the face of a globalization in which the poor-rich gap continues to widen and Latin America falls ever farther behind; and could even bring a fresh and authentic attention to such problem areas as Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Colombia.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320446.htm
Ethics panel could get a power boost
The state Senate is considering giving the Florida Commission on Ethics more power to investigate ethical wrongdoing.
BY ERIKA BOLSTAD
ebolstad@herald.com
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Commission on Ethics would have more power to launch investigations into ethical wrongdoing under a proposal passed Tuesday in a Senate committee.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/11320358.htm
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