Seattle Post Intelligencer
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Global warming to cost usMillions will be spent on higher prices, fixes, study says
By DAN RICHMANP-I REPORTER
Global warming is known to be destructive, but a study released Wednesday shows it also will be expensive, costing Washington state and its residents millions of dollars in higher prices and remedial measures.
Climbing temperatures over the next 40 years will boost the cost of timber, water and crops, cause twice the wildfire damage that occurs now, exacerbate health issues and require expensive shoring-up to avoid damage to Tacoma, Willapa Bay and other low-lying areas.
Those are the top-level conclusions reached in "Impacts of Climate Change on Washington's Economy," a 118-page, $100,000 study prepared by researchers from Washington and Oregon.
"It's safe to say that virtually every aspect of the state's economy will be affected by climate change," said co-author Bob Doppelt, director of the Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of "But the impacts are manageable with an appropriate response, and climate change does open the door for new economic opportunities."
The highly detailed study is this state's first attempt to assess how rising temperatures -- an average of 2 degrees higher than the 1970-99 average by the 2020s and 3 degrees higher by the 2040s -- will affect its $269 billion economy.
The study provided no dollar total for the changes' costs and gave no suggestions for policy changes to minimize the effect of climate change, because the group wasn't asked to do so, Doppelt said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/299234_climateecon11.html
Federal Way schools restrict Gore film'Inconvenient Truth' called too controversial
By ROBERT McCLURE AND LISA STIFFLERP-I REPORTER
This week in Federal Way schools, it got a lot more inconvenient to show one of the top-grossing documentaries in U.S. history, the global-warming alert "An Inconvenient Truth."
After a parent who supports the teaching of creationism and opposes sex education complained about the film, the Federal Way School Board on Tuesday placed what it labeled a moratorium on showing the film. The movie consists largely of a PowerPoint presentation by former Vice President Al Gore recounting scientists' findings.
"Condoms don't belong in school, and neither does Al Gore. He's not a schoolteacher," said Frosty Hardison, a parent of seven who also said that he believes the Earth is 14,000 years old. "The information that's being presented is a very cockeyed view of what the truth is. ... The Bible says that in the end times everything will burn up, but that perspective isn't in the DVD."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/299253_inconvenient11.html
Amid storms, emergency preparedness hits home
By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELLP-I REPORTER
You don't need to tell people in Woodinville about the need to prepare.
Mother Nature's triple whammy in the past six weeks -- record rains and flooding, a rush-hour snowstorm, then a ferocious windstorm -- hit the heavily wooded town harder than most in King County. After Wednesday night's snow and the latest forecast, Woodinville residents are taking emergency preparedness more seriously than ever.
"There's a lot of work to do," said Woodinville resident Al Taylor, a member of the just-formed city Emergency Preparedness Commission. "Emergency preparedness is not just experiencing and responding to an incident, but planning ahead for it. We want to prevent some of the problems that happened in Woodinville."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/299255_emergencyprep11.html
Caution urged for morning commute
By BRAD WONGP-I REPORTER
Major roads into Seattle are open Thursday morning but transportation officials are warning motorists to drive slowly and be ready for ice. Many commuters just stayed home.
In Seattle, residents in West Seattle and other neighborhoods faced patches of ice and traffic delays. Some drivers became stuck on what some called a "sheet of ice" as they made their way to the West Seattle Bridge.
The Wednesday evening storm gave motorists headaches, as they tried to head home and beat the normal rush hour congestion. At least one Metro Transit bus slid off the road in West Seattle.
Since midnight, there were at least 23 reported vehicle collisions in the city, said Sean Whitcomb, Seattle police spokesman.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/299302_commute11ww.html
Member Schools with Emergency Messages
http://www.schoolreport.org/
Much of Europe is basking in springlike weather
By WILLIAM J. KOLETHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
VIENNA, Austria -- Europe's unseasonably mild winter is nothing to sneeze at. Or maybe it is.
Experts warned Austrian allergy-sufferers on Wednesday that some species of trees are already flowering and about to release pollen -- an annual phenomenon that's usually not a problem until well into spring.
In the Swiss and Austrian Alps, World Cup ski race organizers canceled training runs to avoid chewing up grassy pistes already damaged by rain and warm conditions.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/299200_europe11.html
Global warming, warring and warning
By AMY GOODMANGUEST COLUMNIST
We begin this year with many milestones. 2006 was among the hottest years in recorded history. In Britain, it was the hottest year since they started keeping records in 1659. Ten of the hottest years in recorded history have occurred in the past 12 years. Snow has yet to fall in New York's Central Park. This hasn't happened in more than 100 years. And other records have been broken. ExxonMobil profits were slated to be the greatest ever. On Dec. 31, the Pentagon announced another grim milestone: 3,000 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq. It was a year of global warming, global warring and global warning.
ExxonMobil is the world's largest publicly traded company. It is also the most profitable corporation in history. The Union of Concerned Scientists just issued a report documenting how ExxonMobil has implemented tobacco-industry tactics in its efforts to fight the movement to accept global warming as truth and to require massive regulation to help slow its onset.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/299166_amy11.html
Body in survival suit washes ashore at Tahola
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TAHOLAH, Wash. -- A body of a man in a survival suit has washed ashore on a beach at Tahola near the mouth of the Quinault River.
Grays Harbor sheriff's Deputy Dave Pimentel says investigators are checking reports of missing people on the Northwest coast. He says the body may be that of a man who disappeared 30 days ago off a boat near Tillamook.
Soldier pleads guilty to Iraq murders
By RYAN LENZASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- A soldier pleaded guilty Thursday to murdering three detainees during a raid on a suspected al-Qaida compound last year in Iraq.
Spc. William B. Hunsaker, 24, pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and obstruction of justice during a hearing at Fort Campbell.
As part of a plea agreement, charges that Hunsaker had threatened another soldier's life if he told authorities of the killings were dropped.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Soldier_Charged.html
Pelosi bans smoking near House floor
By ERICA WERNERASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Smokers may be one minority in Congress with even fewer rights than newly demoted Republicans. Now they are losing one of their last, cherished prerogatives - a smoke break in the ornate Speaker's Lobby just off the House floor.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced a ban Wednesday, effective immediately.
"The days of smoke-filled rooms in the United States Capitol are over," Pelosi said. "Medical science has unquestionably established the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke, including an increased risk of cancer and respiratory diseases. I am a firm believer that Congress should lead by example."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1153AP_Congress_Smoking.html
Hotels are big business in Seattle
Seattleites fancy themselves a welcoming bunch -- provided that guests come, spend their money and leave. With a rash of new high-end hotels slated to open in the next two years, the city is poised to help more and more visitors do just that.
Seattle's hotel market is booming in the core. Although hotels are normally built at a rate of one every other year, recent demand has fueled construction on at least four hotels slated to open by 2008, and three opened in 2006.
At least six more hotels are in the design and planning phases, and developers are talking about still more.
Vacancy rates have fallen to near-record lows, and the average room price has spiked above $150 per night -- about $50 higher than the national average.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/299228_hotels11.html
Do iPods and TV hurt exercise benefits?
By MICHAEL HILLASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
Jennifer Unruh can run a mile in two songs.
"I've got it figured out," said Unruh, who moves to the beat of Van Halen and The Fray on her iPod. "Usually, every song lasts about four minutes. I run a mile in a little over eight. So if I can get through two songs, I know I'm a mile though my run."
Gyms are jammed with people like Unruh - the guy on the treadmill watching ESPN, the aerobic class bouncing to "Hollaback Girl," the spinner reading Self magazine. Words, images and especially songs can provide inspiration for exercisers, as well as a distraction from tedium and discomfort.
Unruh, director of wellness support at the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, uses her songs-per-mile mind games as a way to keep engaged.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/1500AP_Fitness_Exercise_Distraction.html
Six Flags selling Wild Waves, 6 other parks in $312 million deal
By MICHELLE CHAPMANAP BUSINESS WRITER
NEW YORK -- Theme-park operator Six Flags Inc., which has been struggling with falling attendance and a large debt load, said Thursday it will sell seven of its 30 North American parks, including one in Western Washington, for $312 million.
Shares of Six Flags gained 48 cents, or almost 9 percent, to $5.91 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange after the news.
The sale comes after a management shakeup at Six Flags in recent years. Mark Shapiro, a former executive at ESPN, became chief executive of the company in December 2005 following a proxy fight led by investor and Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder that resulted in the ouster of former CEO Keirian Burke and other executives.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_Six_Flags_Sale.html
Small U.S. force in Somalia hunts al-Qaida fightersTop militia leader reported killed
By MOHAMED OLAD HASSANTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOGADISHU, Somalia -- Ethiopia's prime minister said Wednesday that the U.S. military targeted 20 high-level members of an Islamic movement linked to al-Qaida in an airstrike this week in southern Somalia, attacking quickly before the Islamists could escape.
Also Wednesday, U.S. and Somali officials said that a small team of U.S. special operations forces is in Somalia hunting suspected al-Qaida fighters. But Pentagon officials dismissed the idea they are planning to send a large number of ground troops to the African nation.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/299266_somalia11.html
4 hurt in Ind. workplace shooting
By RICK CALLAHANASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS -- A man shot and wounded four co-workers Thursday morning at a manufacturing business that employs disabled people through Easter Seals, telling police he shot them over respect, police said.
Two men and two women were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, said Police Lt. Douglas Scheffel.
Jason Burnam, 24, was arrested inside the company cafeteria, said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Michael Spears. Burnam indicated to officers that the victims were targeted and when asked why he shot them, he said "it was over respect," Scheffel said. Police didn't elaborate.
Burnam had been having trouble with other workers in the days leading up to the shooting, Scheffel said. "Something was going on that was building up to this," he said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Workplace_Shooting.html
Soldier's father offers to trade himself for sonMilitant rejects face-to-face appeal to free Israeli corporal
By ARON HELLERTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JERUSALEM -- The father of a captured Israeli soldier confronted one of his son's captors in a dramatic joint radio appearance Wednesday -- pleading with the Hamas-linked militants to release his boy and take him instead.
The militant rejected the plea from Noam Shalit, saying the soldier will be freed only when Israel releases large numbers of Palestinian prisoners.
Cpl. Gilad Shalit, 20, was captured in a June 25 raid by militants who tunneled under the Gaza-Israel border and attacked an Israeli army post, killing two soldiers and taking Shalit with them.
Negotiations through Egyptian mediators have failed to win his freedom, with the two sides blaming each other for the breakdown.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/299207_mideast11.html
'Spy coins' found on U.S. workers in CanadaTransmitters hidden inside currency
By TED BRIDISTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- Can the coins jingling in your pocket trace your movements?
The Defense Department is warning its American contractor employees about a new espionage threat seemingly straight from Hollywood: It discovered Canadian coins with tiny radio frequency transmitters hidden inside.
In a U.S. government report, it said the mysterious coins were found planted on U.S. contractors with classified security clearances on at least three separate occasions between October 2005 and January 2006 as the contractors traveled through Canada.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/299189_coins11.html
Report: Bonds failed amphetamine test
NEW YORK -- Barry Bonds failed a test for amphetamines last season and originally blamed it on a teammate, the Daily News reported Thursday.
When first informed of the positive test, Bonds attributed it to a substance he had taken from teammate Mark Sweeney's locker, the New York City newspaper said, citing several unnamed sources.
"I have no comment on that," Bonds' agent Jeff Borris told the Daily News on Wednesday night.
"Mark was made aware of the fact that his name had been brought up," Sweeney's agent Barry Axelrod told the Daily News. "But he did not give Barry Bonds anything, and there was nothing he could have given Barry Bonds."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/2010AP_BBN_Bonds_Amphetamines.html
Outdoors Report: Hopes rise as rivers dropDrifters eager to share plunkers' steelhead success
By GREG JOHNSTONP-I REPORTER
Western Washington rivers are dropping fast with the cooler temperatures, heightening weekend anticipation for steelhead anglers.
In fact, the catching began for some earlier this week despite high river flows. Still fishermen, or "plunkers" in fishing parlance, who do well on high but falling flows, were scoring good catches of fish by Tuesday on the north coast. Several other coastal rivers were producing well before this latest storm. Steelhead were also being caught earlier this week on the upper Skagit and Cascade rivers in the north Puget Sound region.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/299258_out11.html
Monk Seals: The usually sequestered seal makes its return
By PETER SCHROEDERSPECIAL TO THE P-I
Backdropped by the soaring peak of Makana -- Bali Hai in the film "South Pacific" -- Tunnels Beach is Kauai's cover girl, one of the most-photographed strands in Hawaii.
Nevertheless, going there always gives me the thrill of discovery -- to find the beach, you have to know which mile marker leads to which sandy path through the casuarinas. (If you twist my arm, I'll tell you it's just past mile marker 8.)
On my most recent visit, I strolled along admiring the ivory curve of sand and the blue luminescence of water. Suddenly my paradise was punctured by what looked like a crime scene from "CSI: Hawaii." Orange warning tape cordoned off two bodies lying prone just above the waterline.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/getaways/298973_hawseals11.html
Indian government puts Starbucks' plan for retail outlets on hold; it wants details
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW DELHI -- The Indian government has put on hold a proposal from Starbucks Corp. to open retail outlets in the country because the company hasn't provided complete information about its plan, a senior government official said.
Starbucks was one of about 15 companies that applied to open stores in India after its government last year allowed foreign investment in retailing of single brand products.
Nine of those companies have got the government's approval and three were rejected. Proposals from three others, including Starbucks, are pending with the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Industry Secretary Ajay Dua told reporters late Tuesday.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/299212_starbucksindia11.html
Monthly U.S. trade gap falls againBut deficit with China still a concern
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- The trade deficit fell for a third straight month as the U.S. bill for foreign oil declined to the lowest level in 16 months and American exports hit an all-time high.
The deficit for November declined by 1 percent to $58.2 billion, the lowest since July 2005, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. The trade gap hadn't fallen for three consecutive months since early 2003.
The Bush administration hailed the improvement as a sign that its efforts to pry open foreign markets were working. "When we open overseas markets, American companies, consumers and workers benefit," Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said.
But administration critics said even with the recent improvement, the 2006 deficit will still be significantly higher than in 2005 with much of the deterioration coming from China.
For November, the U.S. deficit with China declined 5.9 percent to $22.9 billion. But for the first 11 months of 2006, the deficit with China totaled an all-time high of $213.5 billion, surpassing the old record of $202 billion set in 2005 with the December figure yet to be added.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/299213_economy11.html
Madonna defends her pal Rosie O'Donnell
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK -- Rosie O'Donnell has a powerfully ally in her feud with Donald Trump: her close friend Madonna.
"People are giving Rosie a hard time," Madonna, who starred with O'Donnell in 1992's "A League of Their Own," said Thursday on NBC's "Today" show. "I wish they'd stop. I don't think it's fair."
The 48-year-old pop star told "Today" co-host Meredith Vieira that she'd first heard about the flare-up between O'Donnell and Trump while vacationing "in the middle of the Indian Ocean" and quickly e-mailed O'Donnell.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/1403AP_People_Madonna.html
People in the News: Donald-Rosie feud widens
This is just so ridiculously cool. It's as if neither side knows when to shut up.
Trump
Donald Trump has now called Barbara Walters a liar and Rosie O'Donnell a loser. On Wednesday, they both fired back.
"Well, he's at it again," said O'Donnell, referring to a letter written to her by Trump and reported Tuesday by the media. The letter said Walters had told him that working with O'Donnell on ABC's "The View" is like "living in hell."
"That poor, pathetic man," said Walters, drawing whoops of approval from her TV audience.
O'Donnell high-fived Walters and co-hosts Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. "You know, he just can't -- he just can't let go, but we're moving on," Walters said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/people/299137_people11.html
On Radio: The fat lady is singing for opera and classical station KLDY-AM
By BILL VIRGINP-I REPORTER
Long before anyone had thought up the Jack-FM concept of "we play what we want," Olympia businessman Skip Marrow bought himself a small AM station to play the music he liked -- specifically anything recorded before Dec. 31, 1959.
That was a dozen years ago. Eight years ago, having lost the lease on a tower and needing a new one to broadcast KBRD-AM (680), Marrow bought a second small AM station, KLDY-AM (1280). While KBRD broadcasts a mishmash of big band, country, jazz and popular music, KLDY plays classical and opera.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/tv/299140_radiobeat11.html
Carlo Ponti, 1912-2007: Film producer did 'everything for love of Sophia'
By MARIA SANMINIATELLI AND FRANK JORDANSTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME -- Carlo Ponti, the film producer who discovered Sophia Loren, launched the movie icon's career and whose more than half-century romance endured threats of bigamy charges and excommunication, has died. He was 94.
"I have done everything for love of Sophia," Ponti said in a newspaper interview in 2002. "I have always believed in her."
Ponti died late Tuesday at a Geneva hospital, his family and Loren's agents said Wednesday. He had been hospitalized about 10 days earlier because of pulmonary complications.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/movies/299145_ponti11.html
Negroponte: Hezbollah a growing threat
By KATHERINE SHRADERASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Al-Qaida still poses the gravest terrorism threat to the United States, and an emboldened Hezbollah is a growing danger, the U.S. intelligence chief said Thursday.
In his annual review of global threats, National Intelligence Director John Negroponte highlighted an increasingly worrisome posture of Hezbollah - backed by Iran and Syria - since its 34-day war with Israel in July and August.
"As a result of last summer's hostilities, Hezbollah's self-confidence and hostility toward the U.S. as a supporter of Israel could cause the group to increase its contingency planning against U.S. interests," Negroponte told the Senate Intelligence Committee in written testimony.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1152AP_National_Threats.html
Bush war plan draws fire on Capitol Hill
By JIM KUHNHENNASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's decision to send 21,500 more combat troops to Iraq drew heavy fire from both Democrats and some Republicans on Thursday despite a plea by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for a "national imperative not to fail."
Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska told Rice the president's plan was "the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam, if it's carried out."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1153AP_US_Iraq.html
Poll: Americans oppose Iraq troop surge
By NANCY BENACASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Seventy percent of Americans oppose sending more troops to Iraq, according to a new poll that provides a devastatingly blunt response to President Bush's plan to bolster military forces there.
All sides in the Iraq debate are keenly aware of mounting public dissatisfaction with the situation: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday it's one thing on which all Americans - including administration officials - are united.
Yet the Associated Press-Ipsos poll found widespread disagreement with the Bush administration over its proposed solution, and growing skepticism that the United States made the right decision in going to war in the first place.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Iraq_AP_Poll.html
NATO, Pakistani army battle militants
By JASON STRAZIUSOASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
KABUL, Afghanistan -- NATO said Thursday its forces killed scores of insurgents who had crossed from Pakistan in the biggest battle of the Afghan winter, while Pakistan's army fired artillery at trucks supplying militants on the other side of the border.
NATO tracked the suspected Taliban militants through air surveillance while the fighters were still in Pakistan. Once they crossed the frontier, NATO and Afghan soldiers attacked the two separate groups with ground fire and airstrikes during a nine-hour battle that began Wednesday evening.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1104AP_Afghan_Violence.html
Iran, Syria denounce Bush's Iraq plan
By NASSER KARIMIASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran and Syria on Thursday denounced President Bush's new Iraq strategy that blames them for fueling violence in the war-torn country, and they said the plan to send more U.S. troops would only increase bloodshed. Bush's speech Wednesday night underlined his staunch rejection of recommendations that Washington reach out to Syria and Iran in an attempt to calm Iraq.
Instead, Bush set out plans to isolate the two countries, calling on help from Arab allies and vowing to cut off Syrian and Iranian aid to militants in Iraq. He announced the deployment of an additional aircraft carrier battle group and Patriot air defense missiles to the region - seen as muscle-flexing toward Iran.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Iran_US_Iraq.html
Israelis show support for Tali Fahima
By MATTI FRIEDMANASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
JERUSALEM -- An Israeli woman who was jailed for helping a wanted Palestinian gunman says she does not regret her actions and has even been applauded by some Israelis.
Tali Fahima, 31, of Tel Aviv, was freed last week after being held since 2004 on charges of assisting a Palestinian militant wanted for the deaths of Israelis in West Bank shooting attacks.
Fahima told The Associated Press that far from treating her as a pariah, Israelis on the street have been approaching her to express support.
"They say, good for you for standing up to the security services and standing up for your principles," Fahima said.
In 2003, Fahima - previously a hawk who believed Arabs should be expelled from Israel - befriended Zakariye Zubeydi, who heads a Fatah-linked militant group in the West Bank town of Jenin. Israel says Zubeydi was involved in numerous attacks against Israelis.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Israel_Gunmans_Friend.html
Most in Democratic field want troop cuts
By DENNIS CONRADASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- The growing field of Democratic presidential candidates is almost uniformly in favor of reducing the U.S. troop presence in Iraq - the reverse of President Bush's plan. Most Republicans stand behind Bush.
Two of the most prominent Democrats considering a run for the White House - Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. - said Wednesday that Bush is offering the wrong plan and called for pressure to change that approach. Both said the president should respond to voters' concerns about the Iraq war.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1131AP_Candidates_Iraq.html
Britain: New Bush plan won't alter ours
By THOMAS WAGNERASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
LONDON -- Prime Minister Tony Blair's government made it clear Thursday that the U.S. pledge to send more than 20,000 additional combat troops to Iraq won't change Britain's plans to eventually pull all its forces out of the country. Blair's government, America's top ally in the war, cautiously endorsed President Bush's plan, but said it won't match the U.S. commitment by sending any new troops of its own.
And in Russia, senior Defense Ministry official Vladimir Shamanov said the additional U.S. forces for Iraq "won't be able to radically change the situation with ensuring peace and security in this country."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Bush_World_View.html
Balmy weather slips up ice chess match
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ONDON -- Chess is a challenging game at the best of times. But try playing it in Trafalgar Square, with huge pieces carved from ice - on a relatively balmy British day that threatened to turn pawns to puddles.
Organizers of London's Russian Winter Festival knew players in their ice chess match Thursday would be battling not only each other but the weather. But the match was completed and the sculptures survived, despite a drizzly day and temperatures that reached 55 degrees.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Britain_Chess_Melt.html
Russian space legend would be 100 Friday
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOVASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
MOSCOW -- His work and even his name were once top Soviet secrets. It wasn't until after his death that Sergei Korolyov became known to the world as the man who led the team that put the world's first satellite into orbit and sent the first human into space. Russia marks the 100th anniversary Friday of the birth of Korolyov, who suffered years of torture, starvation and hard labor in Josef Stalin's gulag before becoming chief of the Soviet rocket program.
His daughter, Natalia, recalled how her father, who was forced to mine for gold in a labor camp amid freezing cold and hunger, loathed the precious metal for the rest of his days. "He kept repeating: I hate gold," she said in an interview published in the daily Rossiiyskaya Gazeta.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1501AP_Russia_Space_Father.html
U.N. backs deployment of troops to Somalia
By EDITH M. LEDERERASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
"They expressed their support for the plan to send a humanitarian assessment mission to the border between Somalia and Kenya and spoke of the importance of adequate humanitarian support for Somalia," he said. "They strongly supported inclusive political dialogue among various political forces in Somalia. They favor speedy deployment of IGASOM," a new force to be set up by the African Union and a seven-nation regional group.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1105AP_UN_Somalia.html
Strong earthquake hits in Pacific
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SUVA, Fiji -- A strong earthquake struck deep under the sea floor between Fiji and Tonga on Tuesday, officials said. There were no immediate reports of damage or tsunami warnings issued.
The 6.2 magnitude quake struck about 250 miles northwest of the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami warning.
The South Pacific is regularly rattled by earthquakes, but few cause any damage or casualties.
Protesters demand closure of Gitmo base
By ANITA SNOWASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
GUANTANAMO, Cuba -- Cindy Sheehan and other peace activists marched to the Cuban military zone wrapping around the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay on Thursday, demanding the United States close its prison for terror suspects five years after the first detainees arrived.
A dozen protesters walked along a lonely highway connecting the Cuban city of Guantanamo to the military zone. The women in the group tied pink and yellow flowers to the barbed-wire fence marking the start of the zone, a Cuban minefield with 4 1/2-mile road leading to the entrance of the U.S. base. The protesters were not allowed past the fence.
"What I've read happens in this prison makes me sick to my stomach," said Sheehan, who became an anti-war activist after her 24-year-old son Casey died in Iraq. "I'm calling for the cycle of violence to stop now, to close this prison."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1102AP_Cuba_Guantanamo_Protest.html
Mexican lawyer to help U.S. journalist
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico -- An award-winning human rights lawyer said Wednesday he will work with others seeking justice for U.S. activist-journalist Bradley Roland Will, who was shot dead in Oaxaca in October.
Miguel de los Santos, director of the Network of Community Defense, which provides legal defense, said Will's case is important to ensuring freedom of expression in Mexico. He said he will use his legal skills to pressure state and federal investigators to solve the case.
"It's important that those responsible are punished," De los Santos said. "If there is no justice, groups can go on killing journalists."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1102AP_Mexico_US_Journalist.html
Ottawa Citizen
Canadian soldier injured in Afghanistan
Doug Schmidt and Meagan Fitzpatrick, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
GHUNDEY GHAR STRONG POINT, Afghanistan - Atop a dusty mountain that juts out of a fertile plain deep inside Taliban country in southern Afghanistan, a special Canadian surveillance and patrol squadron is sweeping away Taliban insurgents in their former stronghold.
It’s dangerous work and they suffered their most recent casualty Thursday when a night patrol member stepped on an improvised explosive device.
Master Cpl. Jody Mitic from 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and is in stable condition in the medical facility at Kandahar airfield.
The incident happened at around 4:30 a.m. local time during a pre-dawn patrol about three kilometres east of Panjwaii district. While on foot patrol, the soldier stepped on the landmine.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=afed6b53-c237-4b37-b557-4f2912988e20&k=26181
NATO: 150 militants dead in Afghan clashes
Jason Straziuso, Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
KABUL - NATO on Thursday said as many as 150 insurgents were killed in a battle in eastern Afghanistan after two large groups of fighters crossed the border from Pakistan. A Taliban spokesman called the claim "a complete lie."
The fighters were attacked with ground fire and air strikes, NATO said. Gen. Murad Ali, the Afghan army regional deputy corps commander, said the insurgents had travelled into Paktika province with several trucks of ammunition.
A NATO statement said "initial battle damage estimates" indicated that as many as 150 fighters were killed. Ali said more than 50 fighters were killed late Wednesday and early Thursday. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, the spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, estimated the toll at 80.
It was not clear why there was such a disparity in the estimates. Independent confirmation of the death toll was not immediately possible on the remote battle site.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=61cdddac-fd5b-4cd5-856c-164dd4f3e9e1&k=76485
Parts of missing jetliner found by fisherman in northwestern Indonesia
Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
MAKASSAR, Indonesia - Parts of a jetliner that crashed with 102 people on board were found by fishermen or washed to shore in northwest Indonesia on Thursday, 10 days after the plane disappeared in stormy weather.
A one-metre section of tail, the back of a seat and other debris were the first pieces of wreckage to be recovered from the Boeing 737, which vanished without a trace on New Year's Day, baffling crash investigators and sparking a massive land and sea search.
Eddy Suyanto, the head of search and rescue operations, said the serial number on the tail - found 300 metres off the western coast of Sulawesi Island - confirmed it was part of Adam Air Flight KI-574.
No survivors or bodies confirmed as being on the aircraft have been found, Suyanto said.
Metro TV broadcast the corpse of a woman washed up close to where the debris was found, but quoted a doctor as saying that its condition indicated it had been in the water for just five days.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=6381beca-e7df-46bf-ab5d-59f0f9d3e692&k=15260
Accused killer sent for psychiatric tests
By Andrew Seymour, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
The first-degree murder trial of a Hawkesbury man accused of sexually assaulting and killing 81-year-old Violet Graves has been adjourned pending a psychiatric assessment.Robert Brunet, 61, will be moved to a secure wing at the Royal Ottawa Hospital to undergo a 30-day assessment, his lawyer Ian McKechnie said Thursday.The trial is not expected to resume until after Feb. 5, when the matter will next be spoken to in L'Orignal court.Mr. Brunet is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Violet Graves, who was found dead in her Hawkesbury apartment on July 30, 2000.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=743cdefa-0d13-43cd-8f2a-5e68030658a0&k=0
Security Council backs speedy deployment of African troops to Somalia
Edith M. Lederer, Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council said it backs the speedy deployment of African troops to Somalia and strongly urges a dialogue among all political players, in addition to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country.
Russia's UN Ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, the current council president, told reporters after a closed-door meeting Wednesday that members regard Somalia as "a high priority matter" and are concerned about instability, security, and the humanitarian situation.
"They expressed their support for the plan to send a humanitarian assessment mission to the border between Somalia and Kenya and spoke of the importance of adequate humanitarian support for Somalia," he said. "They strongly supported inclusive political dialogue among various political forces in Somalia. They favour speedy deployment of IGASOM," a new force to be set up by the African Union and a seven-nation regional group.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=e12d3085-1141-41c3-a424-118508160c30&k=6424
Six men going on trial for failed 2005 London transit bombings
Jill Lawless, Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
LONDON - The trial of six men who authorities allege attempted to bomb London's transit network in 2005, two weeks after suicide bombers killed 52 bus and subway commuters in the city, opens Thursday at a high-security London court.
The abortive July 21, 2005, attacks on three London Underground trains and a bus shook a city that was still reeling from explosions two weeks earlier that killed 52 passengers and the four bombers the deadliest attack on London since Second World War and the first suicide bombings in Western Europe.
During the alleged July 21 attempt, devices were triggered, again on three subway trains and a double-decker bus. They failed to detonate fully, and no one was injured.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=a966e636-92cb-491b-8c00-de2a6a79fc52&k=44316
Fatah stages anniversary rally
Show of strength in power struggle with Hamas
Mohammed Daraghmeh, Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
RAMALLAH, West Bank - In a show of strength against Hamas, President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement staged a large anniversary rally Thursday, but Abbas aides said the moderate Palestinian leader would also give coalition talks with the Islamic militant group another chance.
Thousands of Fatah supporters waving the movement's yellow flags streamed into Abbas walled headquarters in the city of Ramallah. Many were bused from across the West Bank, with organizers hoping to mirror a Fatah rally that drew tens of thousands in the Gaza Strip last week. Abbas was to address the crowd at his Ramallah headquarters, and police lined the access roads to the walled compound.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=7cedd238-71f8-40df-aa05-a28a7325a7e4&k=25478
Dell 'empowers' users to go green
Computer giant asks customers to offset emissions by backing environmental program
Vito Pilieci, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Wednesday, January 10, 2007
LAS VEGAS - Dell Inc. is going green, teaming with environmental charities to plant a tree for each laptop or desktop computer the company sells.
"We want to empower our customers to make a difference by offsetting the emissions of their new computer," Dell chairman Michael Dell told a crowd of about 1,500 yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show taking place here.
The "Plant a Tree for Me" program will be available to Canadians in April. Customers will be asked to donate $2 when they buy a computer to support it. Dell already offers free recycling of customers' old computer.
Mr. Dell challenged other manufacturers to offer similar programs to help cut back on greenhouse gas emissions created when electricity is produced to power computers.
Helping Mr. Dell make his announcement yesterday was an actor playing Dr. Evil from the popular Austin Powers movies.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/business/story.html?id=6da84462-b151-4d4d-882e-5926a3b41e36
Microsoft aims to maintain technological dominance
Lineup to hear Gates speak stretches more than a kilometre
Vito Pilieci, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Monday, January 08, 2007
LAS VEGAS - With Microsoft announcing plans to launch a new MP3 player, a YouTube-style website and a new wireless system for automobiles, the company hopes to continue its dominance of the technological world.
At least, that's the message that Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates delivered last night as he kicked off the Consumer Electronics' Show, the world's largest electronics exhibition, in Las Vegas.
Since 1967, the show has been responsible for introducing products such as the alkaline battery, the VHS cassette player, the CD player, the camcorder and the DVD player to the world.
The show annually attracts more than 150,000 people and 2,700 companies, which are eager to show off their technological wares.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=f9b2f075-5056-4e1c-8e3b-95c6baff59e1
Motorola rolls out bicycle-powered cellphone charger at electronics expo
Vito Pilieci, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Tuesday, January 09, 2007
LAS VEGAS - Motorola Inc. will release a new, bicycle-powered cellphone charger aimed at Third World residents who lack regular household power supplies.
"For people living in emerging markets, energy is a scarcity," Motorola chief executive Ed Zander said yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show. "In Southeast Asia, rural China and Latin America, we can actually put this in, hook it up and charge this device while we are riding a bike."
Mr. Zander played up the device by entering a packed auditorium at the Venetian Hotel on a bright yellow two-wheeler, to the music of Queen's Bicycle Race.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/business/story.html?id=a4297667-bf7e-439b-9d97-d87808dcd5f4
Famous Hubble discovery likely already blown apart
Will take 1,000 years for us to see change
Tom Spears, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
The "Pillars of Creation," subject of the Hubble Space Telescope's most famous picture, appear to have been destroyed by an exploding star. But it will take another 1,000 years for us to see the change.
The towering "pillars" were clouds of gas and dust in a region of space called the Eagle Nebula, where new stars are forming inside the vast clouds.
The composite image, with its rich colours and stars glimmering past the edges of mysterious clouds, has been reproduced on countless posters and wall calendars. Shot in 1995, it was one of the early Hubble pictures that caught the imagination of many people who had little previous interest in space.
"There were about six Hubble pictures, and that one in particular, that really captured people's imagination," said Phil Stooke, a planetary scientist at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=f3690828-cff0-46ad-ad13-a8156f27945d&k=41381
CanWest pays $2.3B for Alliance Atlantis
Deal creates a 'broadcasting powerhouse': Asper
Barbara Shecter, with files from John Harding and Lori McLeod, The Financial Post
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
TORONTO - Consolidation in the Canadian media sector took another leap forward yesterday, as CanWest Global Communications Corp. agreed to buy Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. for $2.3 billion, giving CanWest access to 13 specialty channels, including Showcase and Food Network Canada, to bolster its conventional television network.
CanWest, the Winnipeg-based owner of the Global television network, acquired Alliance Atlantis with a private equity arm of New York investment bank Goldman Sachs.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=cb80c707-923a-4142-82fe-29edc249cb2f&k=44268
New mayor’s death sparks controversy in small-town Louisiana
Doug Simpson, The Associated Press
Published: Wednesday, January 10, 2007
WESTLAKE, Louisiana — In the hours before his death on the evening of Dec. 30, the first black mayor of this overwhelmingly white town started learning his new job.About noon, he set City Hall’s alarm system for the first time. He got instructions on how to raise and lower the U.S. flag. He had already ordered a new mayoral letterhead with his name on it and a button-down shirt embroidered “Gerald Washington, Mayor.”A few hours later he indulged in a hobby, placing a $4 bet at a nearby horse racing track.But by 10 p.m. Gerald “Wash” Washington was dead in the deserted parking lot of a former high school, a bullet wound in his chest. His gun was found by the body.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=a8e30032-ed1c-4d49-996e-2d60cee28834&k=0
Timberlake isn't worried about playing a thug
Controversial Alpha Dog based on true story about teen murderers
Jamie Portman, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
NEW YORK - It's a question that Justin Timberlake didn't expect -- and it's happening only minutes after he's arrived to meet reporters.
It has to do with his controversial new film, Alpha Dog, and his performance as an accomplice in the kidnapping and murder of a 15-year-old boy.
What was the attraction of portraying such a "morally repulsive" human being?
In response, Timberlake first attempts a bit of cheerful sarcasm. "First of all, I'd like to thank you for pointing that out," he smiles. Then he turns defensive. "I don't think the point was for the characters to be repulsive. I think the point was just to show the truth of what was happening with the story."
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=00c0017d-e7b6-4c20-84bf-4df861ce8699&k=43956
A check on new bishops
Between Communist agents, pedophile-protectors and simple mediocrities, the Vatican's system for selecting archbishops is flawed
Adam DeVille, Citizen Special
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007
Whether Ottawa will see a new resident at 24 Sussex Drive this year, it is clear that the city will see new residents in other centres of power.
Some time this year, the Catholic archbishop of Ottawa, Marcel Gervais, will be replaced by a successor.
The process works something like this: the nuncio, who is the pope's ambassadorial representative to the national government, collaborates to produce a terna, a list of three candidates whose names are sent to Rome where they are supposedly scrutinized to make sure that no major flaws or scandals are associated with the candidates. The list is then sent to the Pope for the final decision.
This system fell apart last week in Poland. The pope had appointed Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus to Warsaw, only to see Archbishop Wielgus resign hours before his installation because a massive controversy erupted over his collaboration with the Communists when they were in power.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/opinion/story.html?id=e16330ba-55b3-4acc-bade-ad2657fbee17
Peoria Journal Star
FEMA to help with snowstorm costs
Federal grants can cover 75 percent of cleanup bill
By ELAINE HOPKINS
of the Journal Star
PEORIA - Local governments, school and park districts, and some not-for-profits, such as hospitals, can receive federal grants to cover 75 percent of their costs over a 48-hour time span during the December snowstorm.
Representatives from these organizations packed a Gateway Building meeting room Tuesday to hear officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency explain how to file for the grants. The minimum to be awarded is $1,000.
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/TRI_BC2GBC4Q.012.php
Feeling left out in the cold
Terry Bibo
The next time Peoria is paralyzed by a foot of snow, you better pray some tow truck drivers will still risk working with the city.
Only a third of the 18 tow companies on the Peoria police rotation list came out to move stranded cars during last month's blizzard, and some of them are still waiting to be paid. Because they could have made a lot more money on their own, they may well say, "Sorry, I'm busy," next time the snow flies.
"On the one hand, they beg you for help," says Bill Board, past president of the Illinois Towing Association. "On the other, they slap you in the face."
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/TER_BC274C6J.009.php
GULFPORT: State Farm liable for damage in Katrina insurance case
Federal judge rules for Mississippi homeowners; jury to consider punitive damages
By GARRY MITCHELL of The Associated Press
GULFPORT, Miss. —A federal judge ruled against an insurance company today in a Hurricane Katrina damage case that may have implications for hundreds of other homeowner lawsuits against insurers who refused to cover billions of dollars in damage from the storm’s surge.
U.S. District Judge L.T. Senter Jr. ruled that Bloomington-based State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. is liable for $223,292 in damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to a Biloxi couple’s home, but said a jury must decide whether to award millions of dollars more in punitive damages.
http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/gulfport_state_farm_liable_for_damage_in_katrina_insurance_case/
CHICAGO: IRS pilot program to benefit Illinois businesses
CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois business owners now can pay state withholding and federal taxes simultaneously under a first-in-the-nation electronic pilot program announced Thursday by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Illinois Department of Revenue.
The Treasury Department’s 10-year-old service, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, has processed more than $15 trillion and 630 million electronic transactions since its inception. But the pilot program marks the first time state withholding taxes also may be paid via the electronic system.
http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/chicago_irs_pilot_program_to_benefit_illinois_businesses/
Peoria to upgrade Web site
New look, new services among planned changes
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/TRI_BC2H8FGD.045.php
Ethanol plant set to grow
Expansion will allow Pekin facility to boost production
BY KAREN McDONALD
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
PEKIN - On the heels of completing a 56.5 million gallon per year expansion of its Pekin ethanol plant, Aventine Renewable Energy Inc. officials announced construction plans for a second dry mill facility that would boost local production to nearly 270 million gallons annually.
Company officials filed permits for a second dry mill plant in Pekin that would produce 110 million gallons of ethanol annually. Construction on that facility could begin late this year, said Jerry Weiland, vice president of operations.
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/TRI_BC2FML5G.028.php
Madigan wants to aid Obama
Illinois House speaker proposes moving up Illinois primary
By CHRISTOPHER WILLS
of The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD - The powerful speaker of the Illinois House said Wednesday he wants to help U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's possible campaign for president by moving up the state's 2008 primary election, figuring it will give the Democrat an early win.
Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, proposed moving the March 18 Illinois primary to Feb. 5. A long list of states have primaries tentatively scheduled that day, but only four - Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina - would be earlier than Illinois.
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/REG_BC2I3AMD.025.php
Bigger Northmoor, smaller yards
Residents say making road five lanes 'would be ridiculous'
By John Sharp
of the Journal Star
PEORIA - Northmoor Road's future is a serious concern for Tom and Carol Hopkins. As residents who live on the road, they don't want to see it seriously altered.
Neither does Doug Carrol, also a resident on the busy road. The same goes for Kensington Drive residents whose backyards border Northmoor.
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/TRI_BC2HAKKJ.061.php
Casualties of the War in Iraq
Updated November 6, 2006 - This database contains casualty information for members of all coalition forces. Names of service members who have died are entered only after their official release by the military. Since names are not always released immediately, the number of names in the database may not correspond to overall numbers of deaths reported by military authorities. Information on captured or missing service members has been obtained from the military or directly from the members' families. The database does not include injured service members because comprehensive information on them is not available.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/ap_wire/Casualties032505.html
Silent Treatment
ADDICTION IN AMERICA
A FIVE-DAY SERIES
More than 22 million Americans age 12 and older are addicted to drugs and alcohol, but nine out of 10 fail to get the treatment they need.
Welcome to Silent Treatment: Addiction in America, where you’ll find a wide range of resources and links, the latest research on addiction and treatment and personal stories of daily struggles and victories on the road to recovery — including a comprehensive five-part newspaper series appearing in newspapers nationwide, distributed through McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Groups will find tools and links to connect with others dedicated to improving addiction treatment, as well as information on organizing around Silent Treatment.
This multi-media, public education project is produced by Public Access Journalism LLC and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/ssection/addiction/index.shtml
D.C.: Gates not sure how long Iraq buildup will last
Democrats say Bush stands alone in choosing to escalate war
By JIM KUHNHENN of The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Democrats who control Congress today pounced on President Bush’s plan to increase troops in Iraq as a bad mistake that ignores public sentiment and the advice of top generals. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he could not say how long the buildup would last.
http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/dc_gates_not_sure_how_long_iraq_buildup_will_last/
Durbin strongly opposes Bush plan
By Dori Meinert
OF Copley News Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Giving the Democratic rebuttal to President Bush's new Iraq war strategy, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin on Wednesday harshly criticized the plan for placing more American lives at risk with little chance of stabilizing Iraq.
"The escalation of his war is not the change that the American people called for in the last election," Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said in his nationally televised remarks. "Instead of a new direction, the president's plan moves the American commitment in Iraq in the wrong direction.
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/NAT_BC2ISG06.025.php
Bush accepts Iraq blame
President sending 21,500 more American soldiers to country
By TERENCE HUNT
OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON, D.C.- President Bush acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he erred by not ordering a military buildup in Iraq last year and said he was increasing U.S. troops by 21,500 to quell the country's near-anarchy. "Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me," Bush said.
The buildup puts Bush on a collision course with the new Democratic Congress and pushes the American troop presence in Iraq toward its highest level. It also runs counter to widespread anti-war passions among Americans and the advice of some top generals.
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011107/NAT_BC2IVNK7.025.php
D.C: House to pass stem cell research bill today
But Democrats lack votes to override expected Bush veto
By ANDREW TAYLOR
of The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Their ranks bolstered by the November elections, supporters of legislation boosting taxpayer-funded research on embryonic stem cells were poised today to easily pass the bill again even though President Bush vetoed it last year.
The House was to pass the bill—the third piece of the Democrats’ first 100 hours agenda—this afternoon. But the vote was virtually certain to fall short of the two-thirds margin needed to override another Bush veto, vote counters on both sides of the issue said.
http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/dc_house_to_pass_stem_cell_research_bill_today/
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