Morning Papers - continued ...

The Boston Globe

Recent growth hasn't erased recession losses, study says
By Mark Jewell, AP Business Writer October 5, 2005
BOSTON --New England continues to recover from recession more slowly than most of the nation, economists with the federal government's insurer of bank deposits said Tuesday.
A quarterly report from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. ranks New England eighth among nine regions nationally for job growth in this year's second quarter, compared with last year's April-June period.
The FDIC attributes the slow growth to lagging population growth across New England.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2005/10/05/recent_growth_hasnt_erased_recession_losses_study_says/


French and US chemists win Nobel for carbon "dance"
MIT professor Richard Schrock at his home in Arlington, Massachusetts October 5, 2005 after learning he is being recognized with the Nobel Prize for his contribution to the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)
By Simon Johnson October 5, 2005
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Frenchman Yves Chauvin and Americans Robert Grubbs and Richard Schrock won the 2005 Nobel Chemistry prize for showing how to tailor-make molecules for cheaper, cleaner chemicals and drugs to combat major diseases.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded them the 10 million crown prize for work in metathesis, where molecules "dance round and change partners" to create new molecules.
In an unusual step, two men and two women from the committee then took to the floor of the wood-panelled academy hall and danced quietly from partner to partner to give a simple illustration of the trio's complex work.

http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2005/10/05/frenchman_americans_win_nobel_for_organic_chemistry/


Jagger denies reports of Stones rift
Mick Jagger, nominated for a Golden Globe for his music in "Hotel Rwanda" arrives with L'Wren Scott for the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in this Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005 file photo, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jagger says his girlfriend, stylist L'Wren Scott, isn't trying to rehab the Rolling Stones' choice of clothing and smoking habits. "We have not had any disagreements about clothes, smoking or L'Wren, and this is all very hurtful for her," the 62-year-old rocker said in a statement Tuesday. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, FILE)
October 4, 2005
LONDON --Mick Jagger says his girlfriend, stylist L'Wren Scott, isn't trying to rehab the Rolling Stones' choice of clothing and smoking habits.
"We have not had any disagreements about clothes, smoking or L'Wren, and this is all very hurtful for her," the 62-year-old rocker said in a statement Tuesday.
He issued the statement after British newspaper reports suggested that Scott had angered band members by giving them fashion tips and urging some of them to stop smoking.
"It is completely untrue to say that L'Wren has caused a rift between myself and the rest of the band," Jagger's statement said. "This is all nonsense, everyone has their own style."

http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2005/10/04/jagger_denies_reports_of_stones_rift/


Iraq assembly changes mind, defuses vote rule row
An Iraqi man walks past a row of pro-constitution posters in central Baghdad October 4, 2005. (REUTERS/Ali Jasim)
By Alastair Macdonald October 5, 2005
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's parliament reversed itself on Wednesday over rules governing a forthcoming constitutional referendum, interpreting wording in a way that should make the October 15 ballot fairer, the assembly's acting chairman said.
The parliamentary about-face followed a storm of protest over its decision three days ago to define the word "voters" two ways in the same sentence -- in effect making it virtually impossible for Iraqis to reject the constitution.
Objections came particularly from disgruntled Sunni Arabs who dislike the constitution but also from the United Nations, which said such an interpretation was unfair and did not meet international standards.
On Wednesday, and under pressure from the U.N. and the United States, parliament decided to row back.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/10/05/iraq_assembly_changes_mind_defuses_vote_rule_row/


Freeway chase in Wash. ends in suicide
October 5, 2005
OLYMPIA, Wash. --A 10-mile freeway chase ended early Wednesday when the man pursued by police killed himself, authorities said.
Police said the chase began sometime after 3:30 a.m. when a man was suspected of driving drunk. During the chase, the man's car hit a spike strip that flattened his tires, and he crashed into a concrete barrier.
After the crash, authorities said the man appeared agitated and took pictures of officers with his cell phone. He then dialed 911 and asked that the officers back off for a minute, said Washington State Patrol trooper John J. Gunderson.
About five minutes later, an officer moved to open the car door. The man drew a gun and shot himself in the head, Gunderson said.
"That bullet almost hit one of the officers," he said.
Interstate 5 was closed near the state Capitol just before the morning commute started. Police did not immediately release the driver's identity.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/10/05/freeway_chase_in_wash_ends_in_suicide/


Putting the squeeze on Mayor Nagin.


Fairness in new New Orleans
By Xavier de Souza Briggsand Margery Austin Turner October 5, 2005
PRESIDENT BUSH has acknowledged the tragic consequences of residential segregation and poverty concentration exposed by Hurricane Katrina and pledged that the new New Orleans will not repeat the mistakes of the past. But that promise could easily get lost in the scramble to make investment dollars flow and to win contracts.
Planners have to get much more specific about both the ends and the means of rebuilding to ensure the equitable redevelopment of poor communities. Many observers have raised the prospect that a rebuilt New Orleans will resemble a Las Vegas or Disneyland on the Gulf, dominated by the entertainment and tourism industry, favoring luxury housing, and planned by a group that even The Wall Street Journal labeled ''the power elite." Clearly, that is an outcome to be avoided.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/10/05/fairness_in_new_new_orleans/

OR. Harvard can actually do the studies that will solve New Orleans problems forever in cooperation with a mayor and city council that would like to put their city back together without hardship and gentrification.

Harvard's chump change
By Mike Conway October 5, 2005
SO THE Harvard endowment grew 19 percent and is now up to $25.9 billion. Oh, what the heck, let's just say $26 billion. After all, what's a measly $100 million?
Actually, $26 billion is a lot of money -- no, it's an obscene amount of money. Seriously, how do you make $26 billion without cheating someone along the way?
For the sake of full disclosure, I am an ex-employee of Harvard Business School, but I assure you there are no hard feelings, even though they did make me pay to park in their huge employee parking lot. But that was back when they only had a shaky $19 billion, not like today.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/10/05/harvards_chump_change/


The nation's weather
By The Associated Press October 5, 2005
A tropical disturbance may produce scattered rain and embedded thunderstorms in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic states Wednesday, with downpours forecast for some areas.
Heavy rain also was possible in northern Florida and the coastal Carolinas. Otherwise, highs were expected to reach the 70s and 80s across much of the East.
In the nation's midsection, a strong low pressure system and draping cold front threatened to spark thunderstorms across much of the Plains and Mississippi Valley.
Snow showers were expected in North Dakota and Minnesota, with accumulations ranging from a trace to 3 inches. Rainy weather was likely in southern Texas.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/10/05/the_nations_weather/


RIA Novosti

Russia to stop free space trips for U.S. astronauts -- RSA
MOSCOW, October 1 (RIA Novosti) -- Russia has fulfilled its obligations on free space trips for NASA astronauts to the ISS. Financial conditions on the return trip for William McArthur, commander of the 12th expedition, which started on Saturday, will be discussed with NASA officials who are due to arrive in Moscow on October 6, Alexei Krasnov, head of the Russian Space Agency's Manned Space Programs who is currently at the Baikonur space center, said.
"We have fully met our obligations on free space trips for NASA astronauts to the ISS. Formally, we are not even obliged to take William McArthur back from the ISS in six months time aboard the Russian Soyuz craft so the conditions for his trip will be discussed with our NASA colleagues," he said.
While U.S. space shuttles are grounded, the only means of crew rotation are Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which are even used as rescue vehicles. Beginning with W. McArthur's return to earth, all trips to the ISS, as well as return trips for U.S. astronauts will be provided on a commercial basis.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20051001/41568040.html


Pravada

Russia to become strategic economic partner of the European Union
10/04/2005 16:21
The question of Russia's fuel deliveries to Europe has topped the agenda of the current Russia-EU summit in London
The leaders of Russia and the European Union sat down in London today to discuss most important political and economic issues. President Putin chairs the Russian delegation at the summit. Over 50 percent of the foreign trade turnover of Russia falls on EU countries: this fact has become the peculiar feature of the current summit, for such an accomplishment has been achieved for the first time in history. European leaders do not conceal that their economies depend on

Russia's energy sources. It goes without saying, though, that the EU's economic stronghold is not afraid of such ties. Quite on the contrary, EU's old-timers are ready to develop and deepen reciprocal cooperation with Russia.

http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/88/354/16245_EU.html


President Putin brings Russia's national treasures to Belgium
10/03/2005 13:47
Putin is set to participate in the opening of Europalia-Russia cultural festival in Brussels

President Putin is leaving to Belgium today with an official visit. The meeting, which Putin is to have at the airport of Brussels is said to become an unprecedented undertaking in diplomatic practice, Russia's ambassador to Belgium, Vadim Lukov said. According to the ambassador, the King of Belgium, Albert II, the Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, three vice premiers, several ministers and the leaders of the two houses of the country's parliament are expected to see the Russian president in at the airport.

http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/88/354/16237_Belgium.html


New takeover to make Russia's giant Gazprom one of world's largest oil and gas corporations
10/01/2005 17:33
Experts differ in their opinion about the recent deal, when Gazprom paid $13 billion for the oil company Sibneft
The deal conducted by Russia's gas giant Gazprom to acquire oil company Sibneft has already won the reputation as "the largest deal in present-day Russia." Indeed, the transaction has become one of the most important events of 2005. The acquisition may help Gazprom become another Russian company to run for the title of a world-class oil and gas corporation. Experts, however, differ in their opinions about the consequences of the deal.

http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/89/356/16232_Gazprom.html


Putin firmly defends Russia's sovereignty for Kurile Islands, Japan insists on their return
09/30/2005 12:09
The return of the islands is the basis of the peace treaty with Russia, Japanese politicians say
The scandal between Russia and Japan regarding the sovereignty of Kurile Islands has resumed this week again. Answering a question from a resident of Sakhalin in Russia's Far East during a call-in conference held on September 27, President Vladimir Putin stated that the sovereignty of Russia's four Kurile Islands was not to be discussed. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said two days later, though, that Japan would continue to insist on the return of the islands. According to Koizumi, it would be the mandatory condition upon which Japan would agree to sign the peace treaty.

http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/88/350/16223_Kurile.html


U.S. may be planning to overthrow Syria's president
17:58 2005-10-05
Shaul Mofaz, Israeli defence minister, said he believed sanctions would follow publication of a United Nations report expected to implicate senior Syrian officials in the murder of Rafik al-Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister.
"I won't be surprised if Syria gets a red card," Mr Mofaz told Israel radio. "[The United States] will take actions against Syria, beginning with economic sanctions and moving on to others, that will make it clear to the Syrians that their policies do not comply with UN decisions, the US's new world order or the prohibition of sovereign states to support terrorism."
On Saturday, President George W Bush and his national security council are to discuss America's options on Syria, ranging from tightening existing limited sanctions to military action.
Washington regards Syria as a transit point for fighters travelling to Iraq and a safe haven for Iraqi Ba'athists to organise and finance the insurgency.
Any action will have to await the outcome of the UN investigation into Hariri's murder in February.
Amid a wave of anti-Syrian anger and pressure from America and France, Assad was forced to withdraw his troops from Lebanon after a presence of 29 years, The Daily Telegraph reports.

http://newsfromrussia.com/world/2005/10/05/64522.html


Thailand: five soldiers allegedly killed by Islamic insurgents
17:56 2005-10-05
Gunmen in a pickup truck and motorcycles killed five soldiers at a south Thailand military outpost Wednesday evening, a Thai Army spokesman said.
Two other soldiers at the outpost were wounded, said Col. Somkuan Saengpataranetr.
The attackers, believed to be Islamic insurgents, shot the men with assault rifles and then escaped, laying metal spikes and logs on the road to thwart pursuers, Somkuan said.
Wednesday's attack took place in the southern province of Narathiwat.
The victims were members of the paramilitary Ranger force, as were four other soldiers killed in an ambush last week in nearby Yala province.

http://newsfromrussia.com/world/2005/10/05/64524.html


US dollar aims high, economy rises fast after Katrina and Rita hurricanes
10/05/2005 16:48
Specialists were surprised to register a rise of major economic indexes in the USA in September
The euro rate dropped to its all-time minimum over the recent two years on the Russian market on Tuesday. One euro costs 34.12 Russian rubles today: a similar price level of the European currency was registered only in September of 2003. The euro rate dropped in Russia on account of the current dynamics of the international market, where the dollar neared the euro and thus set the maximum level of the current year. The euro lost over 1.5 percent of its value against the dollar within only one day.

http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/368/16256_dollar.html


Russia and post-Soviet states to challenge USA's global dictatorship with a new economic block
10/04/2005 12:31
The West is interested in Russia solely as an exporter of natural resources, oil and gas first and foremost
Prime ministers of the Eurasian Economic Community gathered for a session of the community's international council in Dushanbe (the capital of Tajikistan) on September 27. Observers were not expecting any surprises from the session, although the results of the meeting turned out to be quite unexpected.
Spokespeople for all member-countries of the community, which incorporates Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, released statements about the results of the meeting. About 30 documents were signed in Tajikistan as a result of the EEC meeting.

http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/366/16243_Eurasia.html


Al-Qaeda trains 50 suicide bombers to conduct terrorist attacks in Turkey
10/04/2005 18:14
The terrorist network reportedly plans to perform a series of bloody terrorist acts during the holy month of Ramadan
Suicide bombers from Al-Qaeda and other international terrorist groups have become the horror of modern times. If a woman dressed in a black gown with a hijab on her head appears somewhere in public, in the Moscow metro, for example, she will obviously cause panic among people, especially if she looks like a woman of an Asian nationality. Someone will cast sidelong looks on the potentially dangerous passenger; others will prefer to call the police to avoid a possible life-threatening risk.

http://english.pravda.ru/accidents/21/96/382/16247_Turkey.html


Fun Stuff

Muppet Madness
Tart Time Machine
by Wolfen Moondaughter
In this month's edition, we present the first installment of a two-part article on the legacy of master puppeteer, Jim Henson (and his co-puppeteers, especially Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, David Goelz, Steve Whitmere, and Carol Spinney). This month we'll concentrate on the Muppets (including Sesame Street). Next month we'll discuss his other endeavors, as well as the projects his Creature Shop has contributed to since his death.
Of course, it all started with a little green frog named Kermit, didn't it? The original Kermit, if I recall, was made out of the felt and buttons of an old coat. He was a way for the shy, soft-spoken young Henson to talk to people. Is it any wonder that the Muppets have always had a little something ... extra to them? A certain spark that could totally make us forget that these were just objects of fabric, wire, and plastic that were "speaking" to us, and not "real" people? Something that made us forget about the wizard holding the strings — er, sticks?

http://www.sequentialtart.com/cv_1005_3.shtml


The Chicago Tribune

Daley aide quits amid questions
Planning chief is 9th Cabinet member to exit
By Gary Washburn, Tribune staff reporter. Tribune staff reporters Laurie Cohen, Todd Lighty and Dan Mihalopoulos contributed to this report
Published October 5, 2005
City Planning Commissioner Denise Casalino, once a rising star at City Hall, resigned Tuesday in the wake of questions about her role in real estate projects involving her husband, a developer.
Her decision to leave came after the Tribune made inquiries about a residential condominium unit in a new River North commercial building co-developed by Perry Casalino that city records show should not have been allowed.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0510050184oct05,1,3428291.story?coll=chi-news-hed


Overtime scheme alleged
City water worker says he paid off two of his bosses
By Laurie Cohen and Todd Lighty
Tribune staff reporters
Published October 5, 2005
City Hall said Tuesday it is investigating claims by a laborer in the Water Management Department that he paid bribes to supervisors in exchange for coveted overtime.
The allegation surfaced during a hearing before the city's Personnel Board concerning the firing of another water department worker.
Laborer Richard Pacheco said he testified Tuesday for several hours and disclosed that he paid bribes to two bosses amounting to several hundred dollars during the last few years.
In an interview, Pacheco said that at times he placed the cash directly in the bosses' hands and at other times he tucked the cash in envelopes. He said he always made the payments around the Christmas holidays.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0510050142oct05,1,806845.story?coll=chi-news-hed



Another woman dies of West Nile
Agencies uncertain about fatality total
By Josh Noel
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 5, 2005
The death of a suburban Cook County woman resulted from West Nile disease, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday, the second such announcement in two days.
The 86-year-old victim had already been reported as being hospitalized with the disease, state officials said.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0510050242oct05,1,1331134.story?coll=chi-news-hed


Hospitals set goal: Save 100,000 lives
Illinois facilities join effort to improve care
By Judith Graham
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 5, 2005
Seventy Illinois hospitals have joined a national campaign aimed at improving the quality of hospital care and saving patients' lives.
The "100,000 Lives Campaign" targets a well-documented problem: Too many patients receive less than optimal care in medical institutions, resulting in preventable injuries and deaths.
But the scope of this effort is unprecedented. It seeks to inspire enhancements to medical care at every hospital in America and keep 100,000 patients from dying unnecessarily by June.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0510050247oct05,1,3297219.story?coll=chi-news-hed


Please, the term is African-American
Kathleen Parker, Tribune Media Service
Published October 5, 2005
The 1st Amendment has been getting a workout in recent weeks on two college campuses--the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill--where students are learning that free speech is a messy business.
The two cases, one involving a columnist at North Carolina and the other a political cartoonist at Florida, have inflamed minority groups--Muslims and blacks, respectively--provoking protests and debate. That's the good news insofar as protest and debate are the currency of free speech.
What's not such good news is that the columnist was fired, while the Florida cartoonist has been condemned and threatened. Both students have been virtually abandoned by university officials, some of whom apparently are more concerned about burnishing their "multiculti" self-images than in demonstrating the importance of a founding principle that finds itself on increasingly shaky ground these days.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0510050019oct05,1,2559166.story?coll=chi-opinionfront-hed

continued …

September 30, 2005. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. The casas in the hills is a far drier place to be in the seaons of storms these days.

September 30, 2005. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. A look at the long and lower waves of Otis. They have the potential to deliver the same volume of water to the shoreline as more freqent and higher waves. 

September 30, 2005. Five foot waves and 35 mm of rain came to these mexican shores by Hurricane Otis. The waves for Otis are a bit different in that they are long and lower than Stan. Oddly, the volume of these waves still contain a lot of water that floods.The waves exhibit little 'undertow' at the shoreline and even through the waves are different than Stan there is still a good deal of 'piling up' at the shoreline causing issues of flooding. 

October 5, 2005. Hooker, Oklahoma. Moon Shine. 

Morning Papers - concluding

The (Greensboro) News and Record

I was looking initially for information and outrage to the 'gas utility' increase by 70% to 80%. People will freeze in their homes this winter if Easley doesn't do something about low income customers and those on fixed incomes. I think NC needs a statewide tax for a dedicated fund to help the low income this winter. A couple of years ago there was a severe winter storm that shut down electricity for eight days in some areas. During that time as rescue workers reached those isolated by 30 inches of snow there were admissions to area hospitals resulting in amputations of toes and feet that were frozen. This winter those same people will turn down their thermostats to the point of unbearable and people will freeze to death. Governor Easley needs to do something about this issue. It is unacceptable that the government did not act to change energy sources and now those most vulnerable are more vulnerable than ever.

Sailors killed off N.C. coast identified
MAYPORT, Fla. (AP) - The Navy identified three sailors killed when their helicopter crashed during night exercises off the North Carolina coast.
Pilots Lt. Robert L. Elortegui, 32, of Miami, and Lt. Thomas Brantley, 27, of Ahoskie, N.C.; and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Nestor L. Oterolebron, 27, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, were stationed at Mayport Naval Station with the Anti-Submarine Light Wing 44.

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051003/NEWSREC0101/51003016


Republican policies make people poorer
Republicans like to complain about poor people, especially those who "ride in the wagon." We saw the complaints in spades with Katrina, especially in right-wing blogs and on talk radio.
Our treatment of the poor is a moral issue and raises these questions: Why do Republicans, who have the power to do something about poverty, insist on creating more poor people? And why don't Republicans change their economic policies so people can get decent jobs and workers can make a living wage? Republican economics have been cruel.

http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/archives/2005/10/republican_poli.html


Lack of rain produces a yard without grass
A little rain in Greensboro the other night, and that's a good thing. It's too late for the plot of dirt that I used to call my front yard. Summer started off with plenty of rain -- no need for sprinklers. When it all dried up, I refrained from watering because I was trying to be a good citizen. My neighbors might say that I was just ready to be done with mowing season, but that's just a rumor.
I'm afraid to aerate this season for fear of jarring my fillings loose. Those aerators aren't meant to bounce across petrified dirt. Looks like another year without an award-winning lawn. It's a fine line between being a good citizen and a neighborhood annoyance.

http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/archives/2005/10/lack_of_rain_pr.html


Rescue children first, then save their pets
Now that all the children have been rescued and accounted for in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we can turn to the more important task of rescuing their pets.
Richard A. Davis
Pfafftown

http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/archives/2005/10/rescue_children.html


Katrina and high energy prices hit consumer pocketbooks
By Martin Crutsinger
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Hurricane Katrina has knocked the economy for a loop, and whether the economy revives or slips into recession depends on whether nervous consumers are willing to spend more.
New figures on Friday showed the storm caused incomes to fall in August, reflecting $100 billion in losses by people who didn't have adequate insurance to cover damage to homes, businesses and vehicles.
There is concern the surge in energy prices will rattle consumers and push the econmy into a recession.
The Commerce Department report showed that spending was on the skids even before Katrina struck. Soaring gasoline prices caused consumers to reduce spending by the largest amount since the September 2001 terrorist attacks.
The 1 percent drop, after adjusting for inflation, reflected not only the pain at the gas pump but a cutback in spending on new cars after two big sales months resulting from attractive incentives from automakers.
The impact of $3-per-gallon gasoline is taking a toll on consumer confidence. The University of Michigan reported Friday that its confidence survey for September fell to 76.9, the lowest level in 12 years. The August and September declines are the biggest back-to-back drops on record.

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051001/NEWSREC0103/510010315


Calming martial arts
By Tina Firesheets
Staff Writer
GREENSBORO -- They're not supposed to look at themselves in the mirror, but they can't seem to help it.
They should watch the flow of their hands. Instructor Joseph Loyd says tai chi is more of a feeling. He wants his students to rely on what they feel inside. If they look in the mirror, what they feel sometimes conflicts with what they see. But their eyes always travel back to the mirror.
Relaxing new age music fills the small studio at the Caldcleugh Multicultural Arts Center. The students inhale deeply, to breathe in positive energy. Then exhale, to breathe out negative energy. They spend a moment thinking about something good that happened to them that day.

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051002/NEWSREC010101/510020338


North Carolina winemaking comes of age
The Associated Press
MOUNT AIRY -- Like many North Carolinians who've ventured into growing wine grapes, Van and Kathy Coe came from farming families but didn't consider themselves farmers.
The threat of losing her family's farm changed that.
Five years ago, the Coes planted about 5 acres of grapes on the Surry County farm that had been in Kathy Coe's family for more than a century.

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051003/NEWSREC0101/510030307/1001/NEWSREC0201


N.C. biggest user of migrant program
3-day bus trip north, 4 months of farm work, a year's worth of wages
By Marta Hummel
Staff Writer
"Without working here I could not have a house. It is good work. I need to come -- thinking about other things is not reality."
Genaro Trejo Padilla, a 39-year-old father of four from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas
The white sheet-metal barn is tucked off the highway. The turn onto the rutted road is easy to miss if you don't see the mailbox with the weathered numbers.
For the 6,500 legal migrant farmworkers who entered the state this year, this is their first destination: the N.C. Growers Association in Vass.
The 89 men who arrived on a Thursday in mid-July stepped off into the humid morning. They stumbled off the bus, stiff from 72 hours in a seat and restless to begin making money, their sole purpose for coming.

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051002/NEWSREC0101/510020318/1001/NEWSREC0201


Easley's strange veto
Gov. Mike Easley's veto last week of a bill that would have made hiring teachers from other states easier was a curious move.
It was also the wrong one, given North Carolina's teacher shortage and the state's difficulty in attracting enough qualified teachers from elsewhere to fill vacancies.
The bill, which would allow teachers considered highly qualified in other states to be so designated here, won strong support from school administrators statewide and from legislators. The House vote was unanimous in favor of the bill, and only four votes were cast against it in the 50-member Senate.

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051003/NEWSREC010201/510030301/1014/NEWSREC020201


Rosemary Roberts: Bush record on conservation poor
At long last Our Leader is sermonizing against gas guzzling. President Bush told Americans this week to drive less to conserve gasoline.
"We can all pitch in ... by being better conservers of energy,'' he said. "People just need to recognize that the storms have caused disruption...." If we "are able to maybe not drive ... on a trip that's not essential, that would be helpful,'' he said.
These are the words of a president with one of the worst energy conservation records of any occupant of the White House. These are the words of a president whose energy policy was drafted by Vice President Dick Cheney and oil cronies, including Enron's Ken Lay.
Until now, the administration's profligate policy could be summarized as follows:

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050930/NEWSREC010201/509300301/1013/NEWSREC0202


Who's the Boss ? Who is the honest Boss?

Importance of precedent emphasized by Roberts
Supreme Court nominee offers glimpse of philosophy in Senate questionnaire; Calls criticism of judicial activism 'well-founded'
By Gwyneth K. Shaw
Sun National Staff
Originally published August 3, 2005

WASHINGTON - Amid dozens of pages of biographical information, financial details and legal accomplishments, Judge John G. Roberts Jr. offered a brief glimpse of his judicial philosophy to the Senate committee that will consider whether to elevate him to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In his responses to a questionnaire from the Senate Judiciary Committee, Roberts stressed the importance of applying precedent in making decisions. That comment could help gauge his views on cases, including challenges to Roe v. Wade, the landmark abortion decision.

"Roberts wrote that he was interviewed by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales on April 1, well before Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her intention to retire, which came in late June. That April meeting was followed by a discussion a month later with Vice President Dick Cheney, White House chief of staff Andrew H. Card Jr., deputy chief of staff Karl Rove,
White House Counsel Harriet Miers
and I. Lewis Libby, Cheney's chief of staff. Other meetings with Miers and a deputy counsel followed. President Bush interviewed Roberts in person July 15 and announced his choice four days later.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.roberts03aug03,1,3559969.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines [...]
Harriet keeps company with some of the most corrupt men that ever lived in the White House. Bush. Rove. Cheney. Libby.
Who do we trust?

http://forums.nytimes.com/top/opinion/readersopinions/forums/washington/issuesbeforethesupremecourt/index.html?page=recent&anchor=1


There is no indication Bird Flu is mutating. At all. Quarantine is not an effective method of handling this virus. The Pharmaceutical Industry needs to tool up and produce enough vaccine to stop the deaths globally.

Tests find avian flu can't spread easily
By Keith Bradsher The New York Times
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2005
HONG KONG A woman's death of avian influenza in Jakarta has caused considerable alarm there, but genetic tests performed in Hong Kong on samples of the virus from the woman showed Wednesday that the virus had not yet mutated in ways likely to make it more of a threat to people.
The genetic evidence suggests that cases identified so far in Indonesia may be no more dangerous by themselves than the nearly 100 cases recorded since the beginning of last year in Thailand and Vietnam. But the disease remains a potentially serious threat to human health because it could still evolve to become more readily transmissible among people.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/09/21/news/indo.php


Medicos at bird flu frontline
John Kerin
October 05, 2005
A TEAM of Australian emergency aid and medical experts has been sent to Indonesia to help the country's fight against an outbreak of deadly bird flu.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said yesterday the Australian team, headed by Ausaid director-general Bruce David, would meet Indonesian health and agriculture officials to see if Australia could provide further help.
"I think Indonesia is struggling a bit with (the bird-flu) outbreak," Mr Downer said yesterday.
"I think without our 50,000 anti-viral courses they wouldn't really have the capacity to counter the bird flu that has infected some people.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16819248%5E23289,00.html


Bird flu vaccine trial rushed forward
PM - Tuesday, 4 October , 2005 18:33:26
Reporter: Josie Taylor
MARK COLVIN: Terrorist attacks like the latest Bali bombings are damaging enough in themselves, but a leading bird flu researcher says they may also have the effect of obstructing the fight against the threat of avian flu.
A trial in Melbourne is about to start of one of the first human tests of a vaccination against bird flu.
Scientists at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute will begin injecting 400 men and women later this week.
They aim to have a preventative medication on the market by mid next year.
Researchers admit that the trial has been rushed forward in an attempt to get the product available as soon as possible.
In Melbourne, Josie Taylor.
JOSIE TAYLOR: Jason Elliott is a healthy, 37-year-old Victorian who's about to roll up his shirtsleeves and receive what's hoped to stop humans catching bird flu.
His motivation for getting involved is simple.
JASON ELLIOTT: I would like to be vaccinated. So I'm hoping that it's a success, because if it does hit then at least, for selfish reasons, you know, I'm covered.

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1474681.htm


Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Avian influenza

- Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia – update 32
29 September 2005

(image placeholder)
Responding to the avian influenza pandemic threat.
Recommended strategic actions
This document sets out activities that can be undertaken by individual countries, the international community and WHO to prepare the world for the next influenza pandemic and mitigate its impact once international spread has begun.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/


Michael Moore Today

One Month in New Orleans
Friends,

My staff has been down in New Orleans and on the Gulf Coast for nearly a month now setting up and running our own relief effort with Veterans for Peace. The overwhelming response from so many of you has directly affected the lives of thousands of people. Here's what we've been able to do with your help:

** Over 500 tons of food, water, clothing, medical supplies, baby products, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, power tools, and a boat and trailer for reaching those still flooded by water have been distributed directly to those in need

** Over 10,000 aid packages have been sent by you via UPS and FedEx to our camp and distributed

** Over two million dollars in donations, food, water, and supplies have been sent and distributed

** Tractor trailers, dozens of 20 foot trucks, six school buses, and other vehicles arrived loaded with supplies. Most stayed on to help distribute donations

** Over 200 chainsaws, 100 generators and 2,000 gallons of bleach have been distributed

** Doctors, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, psychologists, registered nurses, LPNs, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and social workers have volunteered from across the country and joined forces with us to create several mobile medical units providing prescription medication, first aid supplies, diabetic testing equipment, insulin and tetanus shots for those digging through the rubble of their homes

** People got in their cars and drove from 37 states to work with us in our camp

But beyond all these statistics are the personal testimonies of what my staff has experienced. Electricity was provided to a family whose young son suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, allowing him to continue his treatment until electricity in his neighborhood was restored. A 60 year old woman on a respirator was found, still in her home despite a gaping hole in the roof. We patched the roof and gave her food and water. Supplies were delivered to the Houma Indians, who had received no help (not even a visit) from the Red Cross or FEMA. A roof was put on their Cultural Center in Golden Meadows and a generator was provided to keep a years supply of seafood from spoiling in the sun. A man in Lefitte was found sitting on his porch, the house surrounded by four feet of water. A canoe-load of supplies was paddled to his doorstep by two of our volunteers. New Orleans evacuees joined our efforts. They served as our guides, leading us through now decimated communities and taking us to the areas of greatest need.
You can read more of these in the diaries posted here.

The harsh truth that I must report to you is that the federal government and Red Cross relief efforts are still a disorganized, embarrassing mess with little or no help reaching most people – this more than a month after Katrina. It is the freelance guerilla efforts like ours that are getting through. We aren't waiting for approval and we aren't stopping. We will make sure Bush and Co. pay for their failure later, but right now hundreds of thousands are homeless, hungry and in need of medical attention. And the rest of us have a responsibility to help them.

We have joined forces with S.O.S. Katrina, an organization that began as a temporary coalition of pre-existing community organizations that is doing amazing work with volunteers. They have become, with your help, a bright light offering immediate relief to the families who have lost everything. Find out what S.O.S. Katrina and other similar relief groups need, right now, from you.

Thanks again, everyone, for lending a hand. We won't give up and we know you won't either.

Yours,
Michael Moore MMFlint@aol.com http://www.michaelmoore.com/

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=187

Hurricane Relief Effort Continues in Affected Areas
The Hurricane Katrina relief effort, supported by your donations of goods and cash began over a month ago in the greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast area. Together with your support, we hope to continue to meet the needs of hurricane survivors.
Thanks to the support and generosity that rolled in, the effort was more far-reaching and long-lasting than anyone ever expected.
WISH LIST

1. Men's, Women's, and Children's SOCKS


2. Men's, Women's, and Children's UNDERWEAR (boxers, briefs, bras - big sizes too)


3. Tarps (the larger the better)


4. Toilet Paper


5. Bug Spray


6. Hand Sanitizer (all sizes)


7. Hydrogen Peroxide


8. Canned FOOD and dried fruits


9. Sponges and Scouring Pads


10. Hard Scrub Brushes


11. GAS CARDS


12. Pampers (especially pull-ups)


13. Heavy Duty Extension Cords (50')


14. Heavy Duty Rubber Gloves (chemical resistant)


15. Electric Dehumidifiers


16. Large Box Fans

PLEASE HELP THESE GROUPS CONTINUE THEIR RELIEF EFFORTS IN THE AFFECTED AREAS:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/covington.php?id=41


War-Hawk Republicans and Anti-War Democrats: What's the Difference?
A message from Cindy Sheehan
The past week in DC found me in many offices of our elected officials: Senators, Congresspersons, pro-war, "anti-war," Democrat, Republican. With a few notable exceptions, all our employees toed party lines.
Thanks to those who met with me, because, except for Sen. Barbara Boxer, (D-Ca), I was not their constituent. And I believe the Republicans who met with me, whether they knew it or not, were breaking with their leader on this, since he was too cowardly to meet with me.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/index.php?id=512


Thousands Seek 24 Mont. Bison Hunt Permits
By Becky Bohrer / Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. -- More than 6,000 people, most of them Montana residents, have applied for 24 licenses to hunt the state's bison for the first time in 15 years, wildlife officials said Monday.
Last month, wildlife commissioners approved a three-month hunt of bison that leave Yellowstone National Park and enter southern Montana. Friday marked the deadline to apply for a license.
A drawing will be held next week, said Tom Palmer, a spokesman for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks,

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=4395


Lawyer Casts Blame on Reporter for Time in Jail
Source Insists He Released Miller to Testify Last Year
By Carol D. Leonnig / Washington Post
A lawyer for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, said yesterday that New York Times reporter Judith Miller and her attorneys are responsible for Miller's 85 days in jail, reiterating that she was given permission a year ago to tell a prosecutor about private conversations she had with Libby.
Libby's attorney, Joseph A. Tate, escalated the sharp dispute over exactly when Libby freed Miller to be questioned by special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald, who is investigating whether any government officials broke the law by leaking the identity of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=4394


What does Miers know about George's missing Vietnam years?

Mixed Review of Bush Pick in Oversight of Gambling
By Ralph Blumenthal / The New York Times
HOUSTON, Oct. 3 - As the newly sworn governor of Texas, George W. Bush had an assignment for his personal lawyer and trusted confidante, Harriet E. Miers: lead the Texas State Lottery, then one of the most lucrative public gambling operations in the world. As chairwoman for nearly five years, spanning most of Mr. Bush's two terms in Austin to the eve of his run for president, Ms. Miers did just that, putting her and her boss's stamp on the commission through an often-stormy period marked by the firings of two directors and a critical state audit.
In naming Ms. Miers on Monday to serve on the United States Supreme Court, President Bush made a point of her lottery service, saying the commission "needed a leader of unquestioned integrity." Mr. Bush said, "I chose Harriet because I knew she would earn the confidence of the people of Texas." He added: "She delivered results."
More than five years after her departure, however, with the lottery struggling and brushed by scandal, those results are a matter of heated dispute. Fellow commissioners praise her tenure. "She was a calm voice in the storm, diligent, faithful and fair," said John L. Hill Jr., a former chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court who served on the lottery panel with her.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=4400


US sees up to $2.1 bln arms sales to Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Defense Department on Monday notified Congress of possible military sales to Saudi Arabia worth up $2.1 billion for items ranging from tactical display terminals to aircraft maintenance.
The biggest potential contract is $918 million to help modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard with equipment that includes 144 armored personnel carriers, 52 command and control vehicles, 3,600 assault rifles and 12 water cannon vehicles.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said principal contractors for the national guard modernization work would be Fabrique Nationale Herstal's U.S. unit, ITT Industries' Aerospace/Communications Division, Harris Corp. and Motorola Inc.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=4396


Grand Jury Re-Indicts DeLay on New Charge
By April Castro / Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas grand jury on Monday re-indicted Rep. Tom DeLay on charges of conspiring to launder money and money laundering after the former majority leader attacked last week's indictment on technical grounds.
The new indictment, handed up by a grand jury seated Monday, contains two counts: conspiring to launder money and money laundering. The latter charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Last week, DeLay was charged with conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=4389


Monitors Find Significant Fraud in Afghan Elections
By Carlotta Gall / The New York Times
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 2 - Election officials and observers said Sunday that with 80 percent of the ballots counted in Afghanistan's national and provincial elections, they had found significant incidents of fraud.
Whole districts have come under suspicion for ballot box stuffing and proxy voting, said Peter Erben, the chief of the United Nations-assisted Joint Election Management Board. He said ballot boxes from 4 percent of the 26,000 polling places - about 1,000 stations - had been set aside for investigation on suspicion of fraud and other irregularities.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/index.php?id=4388


"The Daily DeLay"

http://dailydelay.blogspot.com/

The New Zealand Herald

Geldof and Bono tipped to win Nobel Peace Prize
04.10.05
By Alister Doyle
OSLO - Irish rock stars Bob Geldof and Bono are among the bookmakers' tips to win the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, alongside more orthodox candidates like campaigners against nuclear arms or a peace broker for Indonesia.
Experts are divided about whether the secretive five-member committee would dare to broaden the scope of the $1.3 million award in 2005 to honor Geldof or Bono, who have campaigned for years to ease hunger and poverty in Africa.
Last year, the committee won both plaudits and brickbats for awarding the prize for the first time to an environmentalist, Kenya's Wangari Maathai, for leading a campaign to plant millions of trees across Africa.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10348522


Air force accidentally kills Santa's Rudolph
04.10.05 8.20am
Santa Claus will receive US$5000 ($7240) in compensation from the Danish air force after an F-16 jet frightened one of his reindeer to death.
Professional Santa Olavi Niikanoff complained after the jet roared over where his grazing animals, air force spokesman Captain Morten Jensen said.
"We acknowledge it was our fault," Jensen said, adding the air force regularly faced claims that its jets had frightened animals to death.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348469


Mudslides and rain kill 35 in Central America
04.10.05 1:00pm
SAN SALVADOR - Torrential rains and mudslides killed at least 35 people in Central America as collapsing hillsides buried homes and rivers burst their banks, rescue workers said on Monday.
El Salvador was the country hardest hit with at least 23 people killed when the heavy rains triggered mudslides in neighbourhoods south and west of the capital in the early hours of the morning.
"They are trapped in the mud that drowned them," sobbed Ana Ramos, whose niece Carmen Elena Ramos died with her husband and three children in San Marcos, just south of San Salvador.
The government declared a red alert on Monday and rushed to evacuate thousands of families.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348564


China evacuates 13,000 from rising flood waters
04.10.05 5:20
BEIJING - Authorities have evacuated about 13,000 people from a flood hit region of central China along the banks of a tributary of the Yangtze River.
More heavy rain is expected to fall in the next two days in the province of Hubei and the local government is on alert for further flooding along the Hanjiang River.
"The flood is still under control though it seems still severe," Cai Qihua, deputy director of the Yangtze flood control headquarters, was quoted as saying.
There was no mention of any casualties.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348602


Australia to send bird flu experts to Indonesia
04.10.05 4:20pm
Australia will send a team of advisers and specialists to Indonesia this week to help it cope with an outbreak of bird flu.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said AusAID director-general Bruce Davis would head the deployment.
"The team, drawn from a number of commonwealth government departments, is expected to meet with the Indonesian Ministers for Health and Agriculture, relevant Indonesian government officials and senior personnel from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation," he said.
"These experts will work to make an assessment of the avian influenza threat, convey Australia's concern and agree on specific areas of further Australian assistance.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348595


NZ stocks: Market opens lower after yesterday

05.10.05 10.40am

The New Zealand sharemarket eased in early trading this morning, after touching a fresh intra-day high yesterday.
The benchmark NZSX-50 index was 6.78 points lower at 3461.46 by 10.30am, having touched 3470.74 yesterday -- a fresh all time high.
The fall was leader-driven, with Telecom off 3c to 595, Contact Energy 1c lower at 766, and Fletcher Building down 3c at 807 -- after touching a fresh year high yesterday of 810.
Falls outnumbered rises by 14 to 12 among the 73 stocks traded so far. Turnover was light with 7 million shares worth $34 million changing hands.
- NZPA

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10348755


'Panda bonds' may help China hold yuan down
05.10.05 7.40am
BEIJING/HONG KONG - China is cuddling up to the world's capital markets with the authorisation of "panda bonds", yuan debt issued by foreign entities, a move that bankers say fits nicely with the government's financial strategy.
The new bonds should not only give a boost to the fledgling market in yuan debt, they could also help Beijing with its efforts to relieve upward pressure on the currency, analysts say.
China opened its domestic debt market to the Asian Development Bank and International Finance Corp, part of the World Bank group, last week, allowing them to raise a little over 2 billion yuan ($NZ362 million) in debt.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10348699


BP says hurricanes to knock 2005 output goal
05.10.05 5.40am
LONDON - BP Plc, the world's second-largest oil firm by market capitalisation, said on Tuesday it expected Hurricanes Rita and Katrina would cost it over $US700m ($NZ1.79 billion) and make it miss its 2005 output goal.
The London-based firm said in a statement that third-quarter oil and gas output averaged 3.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), compared with 4.1 million boepd in the second quarter and 3.9 million boepd in the third quarter of 2004.
Rita and Katrina cost BP 145,000 boepd in the quarter.
BP said the impact of the hurricanes, plus higher prices on production-sharing contracts, meant it was unlikely to meet its full-year production goal of 4.1-4.2 million boepd.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10348691


Oil: US willing to tap fuel reserves
05.10.05 8.40am
Oil tumbled by 2.4 per cent on Tuesday as Washington stood ready to tap its emergency oil stockpiles to prevent a winter fuel shortage in the world's biggest consumer.
Investors' conviction that record oil prices were battering consumer confidence and eroding demand for petrol also prompted a wave of selling, though the US oil industry's slow recovery from two hurricanes in less than a month limited losses.
US crude fell US$1.57 to settle at 63.90 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. London Brent crude was down US$1.58 at US$61.22 on the International Petroleum Exchange .

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10348739


Station could delay power line
05.10.05
Any new power station north of Auckland could delay construction of the controversial 400 kV line running through the Waikato to south Auckland.
Two state-owned enterprises, Genesis and Mighty River Power, are planning new stations to help supply the soaring demand for energy in Auckland and further north.
Transpower spokesman Chris Roberts said projects like the Genesis plan and the Marsden B proposal from Mighty River Power had the potential to defer the deadline of 2010 to build a new transmission line through the Waikato.
"If more generation is available from 2010 from whatever source, then the time when the existing transmission lines reach capacity may be pushed back a number of years."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10348659


Mining engineer graduates top pay poll with $140,00
05.10.05
SYDNEY - Australian mining engineers fresh out of college are earning as much as 60 per cent more than graduates hired by investment banks as China's commodities boom saps talent sought by producers such as BHP Billiton.
The Minerals Council of Australia says newly qualified mining engineers are earning as much as A$130,000 ($143,000) a year.
Investment banks pay recruits about A$90,000.
Australian universities are producing 50 per cent fewer mining engineers than in the late 1990s, when the dot-com era lured students into computing.
Now mining companies are hunting from Amsterdam to Chennai for graduates.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10348635


US manufacturing expands in storm's wake
04.10.05 1.00pm
Activity in the US manufacturing industry was surprisingly robust in September as new orders jumped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, while August construction spending rose at a record rate, data released today showed.
The Institute for Supply Management said its monthly indexes of manufacturing activity for September was 59.4, well above average expectations of a drop to 52.0 and the 53.6 level seen in August.
However, ISM cautioned that the jump was primarily driven by demand following the hurricane, which devastated the Gulf of Mexico coast at the end of August, and that the impact likely would be temporary.
"The flurry of activity and the strength of new orders -- I don't think that is a business cycle issue, that is an event-cycle issue driven by the storm," said Norbert Ore, chair of the ISM business survey committee.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10348584


US manufacturing expands in storm's wake
04.10.05 1.00pm
Activity in the US manufacturing industry was surprisingly robust in September as new orders jumped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, while August construction spending rose at a record rate, data released today showed.
The Institute for Supply Management said its monthly indexes of manufacturing activity for September was 59.4, well above average expectations of a drop to 52.0 and the 53.6 level seen in August.
However, ISM cautioned that the jump was primarily driven by demand following the hurricane, which devastated the Gulf of Mexico coast at the end of August, and that the impact likely would be temporary.
"The flurry of activity and the strength of new orders -- I don't think that is a business cycle issue, that is an event-cycle issue driven by the storm," said Norbert Ore, chair of the ISM business survey committee.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10348584


EU and Turkey get off to rocky start
05.10.05
By Catherine Field
Turkey's four-decade-old bid to join the European Union has cleared an important hurdle with a deal on the framework for negotiations.
But a split within the EU and a show of Turkish brinkmanship demonstrate just how turbulent the entry process will be.
At a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg that lurched from drama to farce, Austria demanded that the framework - a set of guiding principles for the entry negotiations - limit Turkey to a privileged partnership. In other words, Turkey would get wide access to the EU market but not full membership.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348683


Howard rules out changes to abortion laws
05.10.05
CANBERRA - Prime Minister John Howard has ruled out changes to abortion laws after the Family First party suggested women seeking terminations be made to wait 72 hours before undergoing surgery.
The Family First party says in its policy statement that pregnant women should be given enough time, support and information to make informed decisions.
"Family First supports the view that women seeking information on abortion be given adequate time in which to consider the advice and information before making a decision to proceed to termination (this could take the form of a 72-hour cooling off period)," the party's website said.
Abortion is regulated by state law but the commonwealth funds termination procedures through Medicare.
Mr Howard said while he was not aware of Family First's policy, the government was not considering changes to the law.
"I have previously expressed a view that people are obviously entitled to debate the issue, but we're not proposing any changes in relation to the law," he told reporters.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348668


Caesarean no bar to going full term
05.10.05
NEW YORK - Women who have undergone a caesarean delivery can safely attempt to give birth vaginally in a subsequent pregnancy, even when they're at or past their due date, say US researchers.
However, the chances of being able to complete a vaginal birth are reduced.
The safety of vaginal birth after caesarean in a variety of situations has been investigated before, the researchers explain in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, but little has been published about such birth attempts for women at or past their expected delivery date.
Dr Kara M Coassolo from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and colleagues looked at the results for 11,587 women attempting vaginal birth after a caesarean, before and after 40 weeks of gestation.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348637


Man jailed for starving his son
04.10.05 7.20am
A Japanese man has been jailed for 14 years for attempting to starve his 17-year-old son to death.
Yasunobu Karasuno, 42, beat his son repeatedly and restricted his meals in a conspiracy with his girlfriend Natsuyo Kawaguchi, 40, at their home in Kishiwada, Osaka Disteict Court heard. Karasuno denied he wanted to kill his son.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348468


China fears stir textile groups to seek own WTO pact
05.10.05 12:20pm
By Doug Palmer
Textiles and clothing should be removed from broader world trade talks aimed at reducing tariffs and dealt with separately because of the threat posed by China to other textile producers around the world, an international coalition said on Tuesday.
"We're not going to let any single country... take over business from 50 or 60 countries around the globe and monopolize the textile trade," said Zika Sukan, executive director of ITKIB Association USA, which represents Turkey's textile and clothing exporters in the United States.
Sukan spoke by telephone from Geneva on behalf of a coalition of textile trade associations in 55 countries called the Global Alliance for Fair Textile Trade, or GAFTT. US and Mexican industry representatives also were on the call.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10348759


Palestinian police demand end to chaos
04.10.05 1:00pm
GAZA - Palestinian policemen stormed into Gaza's parliament building on Monday to demand a crackdown on militants, and deputies called on President Mahmoud Abbas to sack the cabinet for failing to stamp out chaos in the streets.
The two challenges highlighted Abbas' uphill struggle to impose law and order in the Gaza Strip to make it the proving ground of a future Palestinian state after Israel's withdrawal of settlers and soldiers completed last month.
"We are on the verge of civil war if the situation remains out of control," said Qaddoura Fares, a reformist legislator with Abbas' mainstream Fatah movement.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348566


Hamas and Fatah calls for peace in Palestine
05.10.05 1:00pm
DAMASCUS - Leaders of Palestinian factions including rivals Fatah and Hamas pledged on Tuesday to refrain from violence in settling Palestinian problems after a firefight between Hamas activists and Palestinian police left three dead.
Farouk Kaddoumi, a leader of Fatah -- the ruling faction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the exiled leaders of Palestinian groups agreed in Damascus that dialogue should be the only way to solve their disputes.
Listing the decisions of their meetings, Kaddoumi said the leaders agreed to "call all Palestinian powers and factions to ban the use of weapons to solve internal differences".

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348765


Germany's Schroeder ready to bow out
04.10.05 1:00pm
BERLIN - Gerhard Schroeder signalled on Monday he might be ready to drop his demand to remain chancellor after Germany's inconclusive election, by saying he would not stand in the way of the creation of a stable new government.
Schroeder, who has led Germany since 1998, said in a brief interview with RTL television that his fight to stay in the chancellery was for the good of his Social Democrats (SPD) and their centre-left policies -- and not for personal gain.
His refusal to step aside since his party finished a close second to Angela Merkel's conservatives in the Sept. 18 vote, has been one of the chief hurdles to the formation of a coalition government.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348563


Strikes puts pressure on French government
05.10.05 1:00pm
By Timothy Heritage
Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated across France on Tuesday as a one-day strike snarled public transport, putting pressure on the government to change its labour and economic policies.
Some of the protesters demanded the resignation of conservative Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin after only four months in power as they marched through major cities such as Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Lyon.
Union organisers said at least a million people took part in 150 protests around France. A police estimate was not available.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348734


Chimp quits smoking
04.10.05 3.20pm
BEIJING - A chimpanzee in a northwest China zoo has quit smoking after 16 years with the help of her keepers, official media reported.
The staff, worried about her declining health, weaned 27-year-old "Ai Ai" off tobacco by distracting her with entertainment and a tastier diet, Xinhua news agency said.
"The zoo keepers tried every way to divert the chimp's attention from cigarettes: a walk after breakfast, a music session after lunch and gym after dinner," Xinhua said.
She also got fried dishes and dumplings, as well as the usual diet of milk, bananas and rice, said one zoo keeper.
"I also put earphones on her so that she could enjoy some pop music from my walkman," he said.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10348554

concluding …

October 3, 2005. "Snowy" goes for the evening walk. Intereting picture. Definately San Francisco. California. 

October 5, 2005. Flowers as tall as buildings in Oxford, England. A species of palm tree. Beautiful. Efficient for a city block. I would think sitting in the building of windows on the right of the pciture this would be a special treat. 

October 3, 2005. State of the art transportation in Ghandaa Village, Eritrea. 

October 3, 2005. A Ship of the Desert in Massawa, Eritrea. 

Brookfield Zoo Wind Chime 

Morning Papers - concluding

The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Ice Chime) is:

Scott Base

Clear

-27.0°

Updated Wednesday 05 Oct 9:59AM

The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is:

45 °F / 7 °C
Overcast

Humidity:
76%

Dew Point:
37 °F / 3 °C

Wind:
Calm

Pressure:
29.93 in / 1013 hPa

Visibility:
10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers

UV:
0 out of 16

Clouds:
Mostly Cloudy 6500 ft / 1981 m
Overcast 7000 ft / 2133 m
(Above Ground Level)

end

October 2, 2005. Paamul Beach, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. "Stan" as a tropical storm was packing an atypical punch to the beaches of Mexico. The tidal pictures below shows a sea whereby waves would be 'piling up' one after another to provide very high tides accompanied by flooding. The storm along also provided enough water displacement to the shores of surrounding countries and states to increase the height of their rivers and canals. In New Orleans the levees began to flood again. These storms displace a lot of water in their turbulence to the shores of The Gulf of Mexico. There maybe some effect as from a recent solar eclipse but the focus of that planetary alignment was over Spain and not Mexico.  

October 2, 2005. Paamul Beach, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Interesting skies.

October 2, 2005. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This was "Stan" as a tropical storm. 

October 2, 2005. Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Staring down a burgeoning hurricane. This was the sea as "Stan" a then tropical storm approached Mexico. 

October 4, 2005. 0330 Z. Currently there is no such thing as 'Prevailing Winds' or 'Trade Winds' as they are dominated by vortices. Within 24 hours there is every possibility no one will be happy with what this Global Warming dynamics will produce.