Blogging in Berkeley. Notes on news, politics, law, and technology in the US and China. [This blog is inactive. I am now staying busy and having a great time at UVA Law.]
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Tag! Your it!
Iranian Jews sue ex-president Khatami - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK - A group of Jewish Iranians who say their missing relatives were kidnapped and tortured by the Iranian government have sued the country's former president, delivering the summons to him directly while he was visiting the United States. " ¶ 9/10/2006 07:12:00 AM
Tag jurisdiction...
Iranian Jews sue ex-president Khatami - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK - A group of Jewish Iranians who say their missing relatives were kidnapped and tortured by the Iranian government have sued the country's former president, delivering the summons to him directly while he was visiting the United States. " ¶ 9/10/2006 07:12:00 AM
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Judge to lawyers: Play the game - Jun. 7, 2006
ORDERED that said Motion is DENIED. Instead, the Court will fashion a new form of alternative dispute resolution, to wit: at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, June 30, 2006, counsel shall convene at a neutral site agreeable to both parties. If counsel cannot agree on a neutral site, they shall meet on the front steps of the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 North Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida 33602. Each lawyer shall be entitled to be accompanied by one paralegal who shall act as an attendant and witness. At that time and location, counsel shall engage in one (1) game of "rock, paper, scissors." The winner of this engagement shall be entitled to select the location for the 30(b)(6) deposition to be held somewhere in Hillsborough County during the period July 11-12, 2006. If either party disputes the outcome of this engagement, an appeal may be filed and a hearing will be held at 8:30 A.M. on Friday, July 7, 2006 before the undersigned in Courtroom 3, George C. Young United States Courthouse and Federal Building, 80 North Hughey Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. ¶ 6/07/2006 11:50:00 PM
Judge to lawyers: Play the game - Jun. 7, 2006: "NEW YORK (FORTUNE) - Faced with the inability of two bickering attorneys to resolve even the most innocuous scheduling questions without his intervention, a Florida federal judge yesterday ordered the two to meet on the steps of the federal courthouse and resolve their latest quarrel by playing 'one (1) game of 'rock, paper, scissors.' '"
ORDERED that said Motion is DENIED. Instead, the Court will fashion a new form of alternative dispute resolution, to wit: at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, June 30, 2006, counsel shall convene at a neutral site agreeable to both parties. If counsel cannot agree on a neutral site, they shall meet on the front steps of the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 North Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida 33602. Each lawyer shall be entitled to be accompanied by one paralegal who shall act as an attendant and witness. At that time and location, counsel shall engage in one (1) game of "rock, paper, scissors." The winner of this engagement shall be entitled to select the location for the 30(b)(6) deposition to be held somewhere in Hillsborough County during the period July 11-12, 2006. If either party disputes the outcome of this engagement, an appeal may be filed and a hearing will be held at 8:30 A.M. on Friday, July 7, 2006 before the undersigned in Courtroom 3, George C. Young United States Courthouse and Federal Building, 80 North Hughey Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. ¶ 6/07/2006 11:50:00 PM
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Portrait of Mao to go under hammer and sickle
The original model for the Mao painting that hung above Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of the China's Communist revolution, is expected to fetch 1 million to 1.2 million yuan ($120,000-$150,000) when it is sold through a Beijing auction house, the China Daily reported on Friday." ¶ 5/18/2006 10:50:00 PM 2 comments
Portrait of Mao to go under hammer and sickle: "BEIJING (Reuters) - Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China, is to fall victim to a distinctly capitalist tradition when his portrait goes up for auction next month.
The original model for the Mao painting that hung above Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of the China's Communist revolution, is expected to fetch 1 million to 1.2 million yuan ($120,000-$150,000) when it is sold through a Beijing auction house, the China Daily reported on Friday." ¶ 5/18/2006 10:50:00 PM 2 comments
Monday, May 08, 2006
ABC News: Baghdad Journal: May 7, 2006
Nevertheless, I wasn't thinking about any of this as I was going for my morning run today on the treadmill (yes, wearing my hunky lilac sneakers). I was on about mile two when all of a sudden the power went out. The treadmill stopped, but I didn't. I launched myself forward in a manner so clumsy it defies imagination. Somehow I survived. " ¶ 5/08/2006 09:13:00 AM 0 comments
ABC News: Baghdad Journal: May 7, 2006: "I survived Fallujah, but the treadmill nearly got me. If you have followed any news from Iraq, you know the power here is only on for about eight hours a day, and that is a good day. One grows quite used to the lights going on and off and on and off, and generators turning on and off, etc.
Nevertheless, I wasn't thinking about any of this as I was going for my morning run today on the treadmill (yes, wearing my hunky lilac sneakers). I was on about mile two when all of a sudden the power went out. The treadmill stopped, but I didn't. I launched myself forward in a manner so clumsy it defies imagination. Somehow I survived. " ¶ 5/08/2006 09:13:00 AM 0 comments
ABC News: Baghdad Journal: May 7, 2006
Nevertheless, I wasn't thinking about any of this as I was going for my morning run today on the treadmill (yes, wearing my hunky lilac sneakers). I was on about mile two when all of a sudden the power went out. The treadmill stopped, but I didn't. I launched myself forward in a manner so clumsy it defies imagination. Somehow I survived. " ¶ 5/08/2006 09:13:00 AM 0 comments
ABC News: Baghdad Journal: May 7, 2006: "I survived Fallujah, but the treadmill nearly got me. If you have followed any news from Iraq, you know the power here is only on for about eight hours a day, and that is a good day. One grows quite used to the lights going on and off and on and off, and generators turning on and off, etc.
Nevertheless, I wasn't thinking about any of this as I was going for my morning run today on the treadmill (yes, wearing my hunky lilac sneakers). I was on about mile two when all of a sudden the power went out. The treadmill stopped, but I didn't. I launched myself forward in a manner so clumsy it defies imagination. Somehow I survived. " ¶ 5/08/2006 09:13:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Patrick J. Kennedy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patrick J. Kennedy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "On May 4, 2006, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Patrick Kennedy was operating a motor vehicle with its lights turned off in the darkness. He collided with a parked Capitol police cruiser before smashing into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast at 3 a.m. The officer approached the driver who allegedly staggered out of his vehicle and stated that he was late for a vote even though Congress had adjourned three hours earlier. Capitol Police patrol officers reportedly did not perform field sobriety tests at the scene. Officers were ordered away by the Watch Commander and later drove Kennedy home. Currently the Capitol Police are investigating the accident." ¶ 5/04/2006 08:58:00 PM
Nice, it's already made it to his Wikipedia entry...
Patrick J. Kennedy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "On May 4, 2006, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Patrick Kennedy was operating a motor vehicle with its lights turned off in the darkness. He collided with a parked Capitol police cruiser before smashing into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast at 3 a.m. The officer approached the driver who allegedly staggered out of his vehicle and stated that he was late for a vote even though Congress had adjourned three hours earlier. Capitol Police patrol officers reportedly did not perform field sobriety tests at the scene. Officers were ordered away by the Watch Commander and later drove Kennedy home. Currently the Capitol Police are investigating the accident." ¶ 5/04/2006 08:58:00 PM
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2006
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2006?: "ROLL CALL reports: According to a letter sent by Officer Greg Baird, acting chairman of the USCP FOP, the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy's car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast.
?The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,? Baird?s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who ?declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.?
Baird wrote that Capitol Police Patrol Division units, who are trained in driving under the influence cases, were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on the Congressman. Instead, two sergeants, who also responded to the accident, proceeded to confer with the Capitol Police watch commander on duty and then ?ordered all of the Patrol Division Units to leave the scene and that they were taking over.?" ¶ 5/04/2006 08:41:00 PM
Wow...how corrupt are these cops that they think they can cover up an incident like this? This is something out of another decade...and what is it with Kennedys and cars anyway? I'd never take a ride with any of them.
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2006?: "ROLL CALL reports: According to a letter sent by Officer Greg Baird, acting chairman of the USCP FOP, the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy's car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast.
?The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,? Baird?s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who ?declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.?
Baird wrote that Capitol Police Patrol Division units, who are trained in driving under the influence cases, were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on the Congressman. Instead, two sergeants, who also responded to the accident, proceeded to confer with the Capitol Police watch commander on duty and then ?ordered all of the Patrol Division Units to leave the scene and that they were taking over.?" ¶ 5/04/2006 08:41:00 PM
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
In the Roberts Court, More Room for Argument - New York Times
'The tone has changed,' Prof. Richard J. Lazarus of the Georgetown University Law Center, where he runs the Supreme Court Institute and teaches a course on Supreme Court advocacy, said on Tuesday.
In common with every other Supreme Court specialist contacted for this article, Professor Lazarus listed several obvious changes. 'They're not stepping on each other,' he said of the justices. 'They take longer before someone asks the first question. They give the lawyers more time to answer.'" ¶ 5/02/2006 07:31:00 PM
In the Roberts Court, More Room for Argument - New York Times: "While it is too soon for substantive appraisals of the first year of the Roberts court, it is not too soon for stylistic observations about what is clearly, in the view of lawyers who have appeared there this term, a different court.
'The tone has changed,' Prof. Richard J. Lazarus of the Georgetown University Law Center, where he runs the Supreme Court Institute and teaches a course on Supreme Court advocacy, said on Tuesday.
In common with every other Supreme Court specialist contacted for this article, Professor Lazarus listed several obvious changes. 'They're not stepping on each other,' he said of the justices. 'They take longer before someone asks the first question. They give the lawyers more time to answer.'" ¶ 5/02/2006 07:31:00 PM
CNN.com - Killer executed the hard way - May 2, 2006
CNN.com - Killer executed the hard way - May 2, 2006: "COLUMBUS, Ohio (Reuters) -- A double murderer was put to death in Ohio Tuesday but not until after one of his veins collapsed, causing the condemned man to sit up and tell his executioners, 'It's not working,' officials said." ¶ 5/02/2006 06:36:00 PM
That a gruesome scene like this is even possible in our society is degrading to us all...
CNN.com - Killer executed the hard way - May 2, 2006: "COLUMBUS, Ohio (Reuters) -- A double murderer was put to death in Ohio Tuesday but not until after one of his veins collapsed, causing the condemned man to sit up and tell his executioners, 'It's not working,' officials said." ¶ 5/02/2006 06:36:00 PM
Monday, May 01, 2006
Anna Nicole Smith Wins Supreme Court Case - New York Times
Skip to next paragraph
The justices were unanimous in finding that Ms. Smith, who is also known as Vickie Lynn Marshall, could pursue her claim in federal court. The justices overturned a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which had held that the case really belonged in Texas state probate court." ¶ 5/01/2006 02:00:00 PM
Anna Nicole Smith Wins Supreme Court Case - New York Times: "The former Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith was given a new chance by the Supreme Court today to try to get part of the vast fortune of her late husband, a Texas oil tycoon who was six decades her senior.
Skip to next paragraph
The justices were unanimous in finding that Ms. Smith, who is also known as Vickie Lynn Marshall, could pursue her claim in federal court. The justices overturned a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which had held that the case really belonged in Texas state probate court." ¶ 5/01/2006 02:00:00 PM
Sunday, April 30, 2006
United Press International?-?The Washington Times, America's Newspaper
'Minute Mutt,' a 3-month-old puppy picked up last week with a group of illegal aliens, faced immediate deportation after no one claimed ownership, The Washington Times reported Sunday.
Fortunately, however, a Minuteman volunteer from Phoenix decided to take the puppy home to his three young children.
Volunteers believe the puppy, who appears to be half-coyote, survived the journey from Mexico to the United States by eating field mice and drinking water found in the sparse desert terrain. " ¶ 4/30/2006 06:01:00 PM
United Press International?-?The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "A four-legged illegal alien captured by the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona has been granted what amounts to unconditional amnesty.
'Minute Mutt,' a 3-month-old puppy picked up last week with a group of illegal aliens, faced immediate deportation after no one claimed ownership, The Washington Times reported Sunday.
Fortunately, however, a Minuteman volunteer from Phoenix decided to take the puppy home to his three young children.
Volunteers believe the puppy, who appears to be half-coyote, survived the journey from Mexico to the United States by eating field mice and drinking water found in the sparse desert terrain. " ¶ 4/30/2006 06:01:00 PM
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Deputies' feelings trumped her rights
Deputies' feelings trumped her rights: "I'm pretty sure we all have a right to close our blinds and lock our doors to keep police from peeking or barging in without a warrant, at least when there is no emergency going on.
A garage door was still open. Lutz stood where he could block the safety beam to prevent it from closing. He heard the closer activate but the door stayed open.
By then, another deputy had arrived. When Cynthia Coffin came out to her garage to complain, the deputies threatened her with arrest if there was 'further resistance,' [TO LETTING THEM INTO HER HOME WITHOUT A WARRANT!!!] the report says.
When she turned to walk away, 'the deputies feared she was going to enter the residence and lock the door,' according to the report, and so, 'to avoid further obstruction' they 'grabbed her arms to place her under arrest.'
How the heck is that legal?
The deputies had no legal basis for entering a home without permission, and no power to demand help from Cynthia Coffin even if she could have made her husband come out.
She, on the other hand, had every right to lock her doors to make it clear the deputies were not invited in. Good idea, actually, since the deputies apparently had no concept of her rights in her own home, which police in America are supposed to respect.
The report says she pulled away when the deputies grabbed her, so they forced her to the ground to handcuff her.
The legality of that notwithstanding, it was an effective ploy. Those deputies now had the man's wife on the ground as bait.
Sure enough, he came right out." ¶ 4/29/2006 10:32:00 AM
This is totally unacceptable...
Deputies' feelings trumped her rights: "I'm pretty sure we all have a right to close our blinds and lock our doors to keep police from peeking or barging in without a warrant, at least when there is no emergency going on.
A garage door was still open. Lutz stood where he could block the safety beam to prevent it from closing. He heard the closer activate but the door stayed open.
By then, another deputy had arrived. When Cynthia Coffin came out to her garage to complain, the deputies threatened her with arrest if there was 'further resistance,' [TO LETTING THEM INTO HER HOME WITHOUT A WARRANT!!!] the report says.
When she turned to walk away, 'the deputies feared she was going to enter the residence and lock the door,' according to the report, and so, 'to avoid further obstruction' they 'grabbed her arms to place her under arrest.'
How the heck is that legal?
The deputies had no legal basis for entering a home without permission, and no power to demand help from Cynthia Coffin even if she could have made her husband come out.
She, on the other hand, had every right to lock her doors to make it clear the deputies were not invited in. Good idea, actually, since the deputies apparently had no concept of her rights in her own home, which police in America are supposed to respect.
The report says she pulled away when the deputies grabbed her, so they forced her to the ground to handcuff her.
The legality of that notwithstanding, it was an effective ploy. Those deputies now had the man's wife on the ground as bait.
Sure enough, he came right out." ¶ 4/29/2006 10:32:00 AM
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Brigade de l'Argent des Fran?ais: La BAF crash la manif des Islamistes contre les caricatures
Video of Muslims in France bullying two lone counter-protesters. They will take advantage of Western free speech when in Western nations (rights they don't have in their own countries), and here they attack other people for exercising their own rights to free speech. Helllloooooo irony. ¶ 4/27/2006 07:16:00 PM
Brigade de l'Argent des Fran?ais: La BAF crash la manif des Islamistes contre les caricatures
Video of Muslims in France bullying two lone counter-protesters. They will take advantage of Western free speech when in Western nations (rights they don't have in their own countries), and here they attack other people for exercising their own rights to free speech. Helllloooooo irony. ¶ 4/27/2006 07:16:00 PM
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Malaysia weighs concerns of Muslim space travelers?|?Reuters.com
Malaysia weighs concerns of Muslim space travelers??Reuters.com: "BANGI, Malaysia (Reuters) - As Malaysia prepares to pick its first astronaut, the country's space agency is hunting for solutions to the problems it expects devout Muslims to face while in orbit, such as in which direction to pray." ¶ 4/26/2006 03:20:00 PM
IR // News // Judge Hints at Code in 'Da Vinci' Ruling
Since Judge Peter Smith delivered his ruling April 7, lawyers in London and New York began noticing odd italicizations in the 71-page document.
In the weeks afterward, would-be code-breakers got to work on deciphering Smith's code.
'I can't discuss the judgment,' Smith said in a brief conversation with The Associated Press, 'but I don't see why a judgment should not be a matter of fun.'" ¶ 4/26/2006 03:16:00 PM
IR // News // Judge Hints at Code in 'Da Vinci' Ruling: "LONDON - The judge who presided at the 'Da Vinci Code' copyright infringement trial has put a code of his own into his ruling, and he said Wednesday he would 'probably' confirm it to the person who breaks it.
Since Judge Peter Smith delivered his ruling April 7, lawyers in London and New York began noticing odd italicizations in the 71-page document.
In the weeks afterward, would-be code-breakers got to work on deciphering Smith's code.
'I can't discuss the judgment,' Smith said in a brief conversation with The Associated Press, 'but I don't see why a judgment should not be a matter of fun.'" ¶ 4/26/2006 03:16:00 PM
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
The Volokh Conspiracy - An Unintentionally Funny Article by Former Duke Law Professor Michael Byers
'[After 9/11], fear replaced curiosity as the standard response to things unknown. Before 9/11, my wife's English accent often generated a friendly response, including the comment 'You sound just like Princess Diana.' After the attacks, the warm chatter gave way to a strained silence.'
Right. I remember that wave of anti-British fear and loathing that swept over the U.S. after 9/11. Is it possible that Professor Byers is both playing to (and encouraging) the stereotypical view of the Canadian left of Americans as a bunch of ignorant, parochial, anti-foreigner goobers?" ¶ 4/25/2006 08:10:00 PM
The Volokh Conspiracy - An Unintentionally Funny Article by Former Duke Law Professor Michael Byers: "An Unintentionally Funny Article by Former Duke Law Professor Michael Byers explaining why he gave up his U.S. green card and returned to Canada, in the Globe and Mail (hat tip: Leiter). For example, he claims:
'[After 9/11], fear replaced curiosity as the standard response to things unknown. Before 9/11, my wife's English accent often generated a friendly response, including the comment 'You sound just like Princess Diana.' After the attacks, the warm chatter gave way to a strained silence.'
Right. I remember that wave of anti-British fear and loathing that swept over the U.S. after 9/11. Is it possible that Professor Byers is both playing to (and encouraging) the stereotypical view of the Canadian left of Americans as a bunch of ignorant, parochial, anti-foreigner goobers?" ¶ 4/25/2006 08:10:00 PM
BREITBART.COM - Iran Ready to Transfer Nuclear Know-How
BREITBART.COM - Iran Ready to Transfer Nuclear Know-How: "Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that the country is ready to transfer its nuclear technology to other countries. Meanwhile, Tehran threatened to halt all cooperation with the U.N. atomic energy agency if the U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions, warning that it might hide its nuclear program if the West takes any other 'harsh measures.' " ¶ 4/25/2006 12:31:00 PM
Unreal...
BREITBART.COM - Iran Ready to Transfer Nuclear Know-How: "Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that the country is ready to transfer its nuclear technology to other countries. Meanwhile, Tehran threatened to halt all cooperation with the U.N. atomic energy agency if the U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions, warning that it might hide its nuclear program if the West takes any other 'harsh measures.' " ¶ 4/25/2006 12:31:00 PM
Monday, April 24, 2006
Chron.com | Judge: Web-Surfing Worker Can't Be Fired
Administrative Law Judge John Spooner reached his decision in the case of Toquir Choudhri, a 14-year veteran of the Department of Education who had been accused of ignoring supervisors who told him to stop browsing the Internet at work." ¶ 4/24/2006 09:53:00 AM
Chron.com Judge: Web-Surfing Worker Can't Be Fired: "NEW YORK ? Saying surfing the web is equivalent to reading a newspaper or talking on the phone, an administrative law judge has suggested that only a reprimand is appropriate as punishment for a city worker accused of failing to heed warnings to stay off the Internet.
Administrative Law Judge John Spooner reached his decision in the case of Toquir Choudhri, a 14-year veteran of the Department of Education who had been accused of ignoring supervisors who told him to stop browsing the Internet at work." ¶ 4/24/2006 09:53:00 AM
Overreacting to Protest
Ms. Wang, a member of the Falun Gong sect, which China suppresses, got into the media section at the White House lawn ceremony with credentials from a newspaper run by the spiritual group. According to court documents, she waved a yellow banner and shouted in Chinese: 'Stop oppressing the Falun Gong,' 'Your time is running out,' and 'Anything you have done will come back to you in this lifetime.' She also yelled to Mr. Bush, 'Stop him from persecuting Falun Gong!'"
No kidding...are we really going to put someone in jail for shouting words in protest? It is polite to respect the culture and customs of visiting foreign dignitaries, but we are under no obligation to respect their dictatorial standards for suppressing free speech. ¶ 4/24/2006 05:36:00 AM
Overreacting to Protest: "WENYI WANG acted rudely when she yelled and waved a banner at visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao during his White House appearance Thursday. The Secret Service was right to hustle her off the grounds. President Bush was right to apologize. But does Ms. Wang deserve to go to prison for six months? That might be the response to embarrassing and rude speech in Beijing. It shouldn't be in Washington. But yesterday the U.S. government charged Ms. Wang under a law that could bring her that sentence.
Ms. Wang, a member of the Falun Gong sect, which China suppresses, got into the media section at the White House lawn ceremony with credentials from a newspaper run by the spiritual group. According to court documents, she waved a yellow banner and shouted in Chinese: 'Stop oppressing the Falun Gong,' 'Your time is running out,' and 'Anything you have done will come back to you in this lifetime.' She also yelled to Mr. Bush, 'Stop him from persecuting Falun Gong!'"
No kidding...are we really going to put someone in jail for shouting words in protest? It is polite to respect the culture and customs of visiting foreign dignitaries, but we are under no obligation to respect their dictatorial standards for suppressing free speech. ¶ 4/24/2006 05:36:00 AM
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Chinese flee backlash from Pacific cold war
The former British protectorate, with a population of little more than 500,000, was the scene of riots and looting last week that destroyed many Chinese-owned businesses in the capital, Honiara.
Trouble flared last week when the islands' parliament chose Snyder Rini to be prime minister, amid allegations that his new government was corrupt and heavily influenced by local Chinese businessmen and Taiwan." ¶ 4/23/2006 06:36:00 PM
Guardian Unlimited Special reports Chinese flee backlash from Pacific cold war: "Australia and New Zealand sent more troops to the troubled Solomon Islands yesterday as Chinese residents continued to flee violence sparked by claims of electoral corruption.
The former British protectorate, with a population of little more than 500,000, was the scene of riots and looting last week that destroyed many Chinese-owned businesses in the capital, Honiara.
Trouble flared last week when the islands' parliament chose Snyder Rini to be prime minister, amid allegations that his new government was corrupt and heavily influenced by local Chinese businessmen and Taiwan." ¶ 4/23/2006 06:36:00 PM
Friday, April 21, 2006
'South Park' creators banned from showing image of Islamic prophet -- Beliefnet.com
The network's decision was made over concerns for public safety, the person said.
Comedy Central said in a statement issued Thursday: 'In light of recent world events, we feel we made the right decision.' Its executives would not comment further.
As is often the case with Parker and Stone, they built 'South Park' around the incident. In Wednesday's episode, the character Kyle is shown trying to persuade a Fox network executive to air an uncensored 'Family Guy' even though it had an image of Muhammad.
'Either it's all OK, or none of it is,' Kyle said. 'Do the right thing.'
The executive decides to strike a blow for free speech and agrees to show it. But at the point where Muhammad is to be seen, the screen is filled with the message: 'Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.' " ¶ 4/21/2006 03:23:00 PM
'South Park' creators banned from showing image of Islamic prophet -- Beliefnet.com: "Parker and Stone were angered when told by Comedy Central several weeks ago that they could not run an image of Muhammad, according to a person close to the show who did not want to be identified because of the issue's sensitivity.
The network's decision was made over concerns for public safety, the person said.
Comedy Central said in a statement issued Thursday: 'In light of recent world events, we feel we made the right decision.' Its executives would not comment further.
As is often the case with Parker and Stone, they built 'South Park' around the incident. In Wednesday's episode, the character Kyle is shown trying to persuade a Fox network executive to air an uncensored 'Family Guy' even though it had an image of Muhammad.
'Either it's all OK, or none of it is,' Kyle said. 'Do the right thing.'
The executive decides to strike a blow for free speech and agrees to show it. But at the point where Muhammad is to be seen, the screen is filled with the message: 'Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.' " ¶ 4/21/2006 03:23:00 PM
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Report Alleges Semel's Yahoo Helped China Again - Forbes.com
It then goes on to list evidence used by the prosecution including 'email account information provided by Yahoo! Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd.' " ¶ 4/20/2006 08:42:00 AM
Report Alleges Semel's Yahoo Helped China Again - Forbes.com: "Lijun, 39, is serving a four-year prison term after being convicted in November 2003. The verdict published on the Reporters Without Borders Web site and translated by the Dui Hua Foundation said that Jiang Lijun had 'used the Internet? to promote so-called Western-style democracy,' and 'advocate that our country implement a multiparty system.?
It then goes on to list evidence used by the prosecution including 'email account information provided by Yahoo! Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd.' " ¶ 4/20/2006 08:42:00 AM
Slashdot | Yahoo! Allegedly Helps Beijing Arrest a Third Reporter
Slashdot Yahoo! Allegedly Helps Beijing Arrest a Third Reporter: "'According to a damning press release from Reporters without Borders, Yahoo has helped Beijing to locate, arrest, and imprison a 3rd reporter. This latest incident occurs about 2 months after Yahoo testified, under oath in front of Congress, that the company regrets being 'forced' to help Beijing.' " ¶ 4/20/2006 08:18:00 AM
Hu's Visit Bigger For China Than U.S. - CBS News
The visit is not quite as important for President Bush, says former National Security Council official and University of Michigan China scholar Ken Lieberthal. 'The visit of a Chinese leader is rarely a triumph' for American presidents, Lieberthal said in a telephone interview. For one thing, Mr. Bush is at odds with fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill about how hard to push the Chinese leader on trade issues. Among many topics on the agenda between the two leaders, the lack of human rights and religious freedom in China ? which Mr. Bush will raise during their talks ? almost always take a back seat to the trade and security-related aspects of the relationship. " ¶ 4/20/2006 07:41:00 AM
Hu's Visit Bigger For China Than U.S. - CBS News: "The 21-gun salute China?s President Hu Jintao receives on the South Lawn of the White House this week is likely to appear a lot more impressive in Beijing than it will in Washington. The fact that there will be no state dinner honoring Hu will be downplayed, while what the White House calls a 'social' lunch with President Bush and the all-important symbolism of the 21-gun salute and reception with full military honors will be front and center as reports of the trip are relayed back to China.
The visit is not quite as important for President Bush, says former National Security Council official and University of Michigan China scholar Ken Lieberthal. 'The visit of a Chinese leader is rarely a triumph' for American presidents, Lieberthal said in a telephone interview. For one thing, Mr. Bush is at odds with fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill about how hard to push the Chinese leader on trade issues. Among many topics on the agenda between the two leaders, the lack of human rights and religious freedom in China ? which Mr. Bush will raise during their talks ? almost always take a back seat to the trade and security-related aspects of the relationship. " ¶ 4/20/2006 07:41:00 AM
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
ABC News: Hawaii May Honor Humuhumunukunukuapuaa
A bill reinstating the critter known as humuhumu for short passed the Legislature on Monday and heads next to the office of Gov. Linda Lingle for a signature.
The little fish with the long name was deposed in 1990 by a clause in the law that gave it its crown, which made the measure expire after five years.
But few in the state were aware of the change and the fish, also known as the rectangular triggerfish, and it has continued to be touted as Hawaii's state fish. " ¶ 4/18/2006 08:45:00 AM
ABC News: Hawaii May Honor Humuhumunukunukuapuaa: "HONOLULU Apr 18, 2006 (AP)? The humuhumunukunukuapuaa officially lost its title as the state fish more than a decade ago but is set to reclaim the honor.
A bill reinstating the critter known as humuhumu for short passed the Legislature on Monday and heads next to the office of Gov. Linda Lingle for a signature.
The little fish with the long name was deposed in 1990 by a clause in the law that gave it its crown, which made the measure expire after five years.
But few in the state were aware of the change and the fish, also known as the rectangular triggerfish, and it has continued to be touted as Hawaii's state fish. " ¶ 4/18/2006 08:45:00 AM
ABC News: Hawaii May Honor Humuhumunukunukuapuaa
A bill reinstating the critter known as humuhumu for short passed the Legislature on Monday and heads next to the office of Gov. Linda Lingle for a signature.
The little fish with the long name was deposed in 1990 by a clause in the law that gave it its crown, which made the measure expire after five years.
But few in the state were aware of the change and the fish, also known as the rectangular triggerfish, and it has continued to be touted as Hawaii's state fish. " ¶ 4/18/2006 08:45:00 AM
ABC News: Hawaii May Honor Humuhumunukunukuapuaa: "HONOLULU Apr 18, 2006 (AP)? The humuhumunukunukuapuaa officially lost its title as the state fish more than a decade ago but is set to reclaim the honor.
A bill reinstating the critter known as humuhumu for short passed the Legislature on Monday and heads next to the office of Gov. Linda Lingle for a signature.
The little fish with the long name was deposed in 1990 by a clause in the law that gave it its crown, which made the measure expire after five years.
But few in the state were aware of the change and the fish, also known as the rectangular triggerfish, and it has continued to be touted as Hawaii's state fish. " ¶ 4/18/2006 08:45:00 AM
Monday, April 17, 2006
TKS on National Review Online
A couple of newspapers, bloggers, and the South Park guys!" ¶ 4/17/2006 08:41:00 AM
TKS on National Review Online: "We've learned that when the issue is the First Amendment right to publish something offensive to Muslims, the first to fold and capitulate are newspapers, television networks, and bookstores! The ones who are supposed to be the most staunch defenders of our First Amendment freedoms! And who rallied to insist that no, the Islamic rules for blasphemy do not apply to non-Muslims?
A couple of newspapers, bloggers, and the South Park guys!" ¶ 4/17/2006 08:41:00 AM
Sunday, April 16, 2006
"Iran president filth" got 4 fired - Persian Journal Iran news, Latest iran news Iranian newspaper women zan
Fires head of phone company, sues over claim he doesn't wash
When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad got an anonymous text message suggesting he didn't wash enough, he did not take it lying down.
He fired the president of the phone company, had four people arrested, took other legal action and accused those involve of conspiring with the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad" ¶ 4/16/2006 06:42:00 PM
"Iran president filth" got 4 fired - Persian Journal Iran news, Latest iran news Iranian newspaper women zan: "Iran prez arrests 4 over text message
Fires head of phone company, sues over claim he doesn't wash
When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad got an anonymous text message suggesting he didn't wash enough, he did not take it lying down.
He fired the president of the phone company, had four people arrested, took other legal action and accused those involve of conspiring with the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad" ¶ 4/16/2006 06:42:00 PM
Monday, April 10, 2006
For Visitors, Graveyard Holds Memories of a Bloody Era - New York Times
The rusted front gate, locked for many years, opens into a walled cemetery that amounts to a time capsule from an era the Communist Party wants to forget. Revolutionary slogans, long since discredited, are etched onto huge, ornate tombstones, including the large concrete marker that Mr. Xi built for his mother when he was a teenager.
'It is my obligation to speak about this history,' said Mr. Xi, now 54. 'It is the Communist Party's crime. Of course, they don't want to talk about it. No one wants to talk about shameful things.'
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Revolution, a milestone that has met with official silence and only glancing attention in the state news media. Here in Chongqing, the industrial hub of central China, the obscure graveyard is one of the few reminders of the bloody fighting that erupted across the city between rival factions of Red Guards.
Last Wednesday, a steady flow of people passed through the graveyard for the traditional day of mourning known as Qingming, when families across China visit grave sites to honor the dead. For many families who lost relatives in the Cultural Revolution, the annual Qingming visit offers a rare public opportunity to confront the damage that was wrought.
'The Cultural Revolution brought tragedy to my family,' said Liu Li, 41, who visited his father's grave with several other family members. 'My son is now 17. When I've brought him here, I tell him of the tragedy.' ¶ 4/10/2006 06:17:00 AM
For Visitors, Graveyard Holds Memories of a Bloody Era - New York Times: "CHONGQING, China, April 7 ? One of the many unexpected things about the small graveyard here where Xi Qingsheng buried his mother during the mayhem of the Cultural Revolution is that it still exists.
The rusted front gate, locked for many years, opens into a walled cemetery that amounts to a time capsule from an era the Communist Party wants to forget. Revolutionary slogans, long since discredited, are etched onto huge, ornate tombstones, including the large concrete marker that Mr. Xi built for his mother when he was a teenager.
'It is my obligation to speak about this history,' said Mr. Xi, now 54. 'It is the Communist Party's crime. Of course, they don't want to talk about it. No one wants to talk about shameful things.'
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Revolution, a milestone that has met with official silence and only glancing attention in the state news media. Here in Chongqing, the industrial hub of central China, the obscure graveyard is one of the few reminders of the bloody fighting that erupted across the city between rival factions of Red Guards.
Last Wednesday, a steady flow of people passed through the graveyard for the traditional day of mourning known as Qingming, when families across China visit grave sites to honor the dead. For many families who lost relatives in the Cultural Revolution, the annual Qingming visit offers a rare public opportunity to confront the damage that was wrought.
'The Cultural Revolution brought tragedy to my family,' said Liu Li, 41, who visited his father's grave with several other family members. 'My son is now 17. When I've brought him here, I tell him of the tragedy.' ¶ 4/10/2006 06:17:00 AM
Thursday, April 06, 2006
MGGPillai.com :: [Independent] Rise of Chinese whizzkid ends in lethal injection
MGGPillai.com :: [Independent] Rise of Chinese whizzkid ends in lethal injection: "Yuan Baojing's remarkable rise from rural poverty to the head of a multi-billion-pound investment group ended with a lethal injection. The stock market whizzkid has been executed for hiring his brother and cousins to murder a policeman turned hitman turned blackmailer.
It's New China's Scarface and Goodfellas, with a dash of Wall Street thrown in, and the 40-year-old tycoon's case has gripped the country's attention.
Yuan Baojing, his brother, Yuan Baoqi, and his cousin, Yuan Baosen, were executed on Friday after a trial in Liaoyang city, Liaoning province. Another cousin, Yuan Baofu, was also sentenced to death, but the sentence was suspended for two years, which means that, with good behaviour, he may yet escape death.
Even Yuan Baojing's sentence was in some doubt. Right up to the last minute, many feared that he would escape with his life. His wife, Zhuo Ma, a famous Tibetan dancer and professor at Beijing's Central University for Nationalities, insisted he had been wrongfully convicted, claiming inconsistencies in the way evidence was handled.
A day before he was to be executed in October, she transferred ownership of shares in an Indonesian oilfield, worth (Brittish Pounds) 3.5bn, to the government. That won a stay of execution - amid many public grumbles - until last week." ¶ 4/06/2006 11:38:00 AM
Fascinating...but could the transfer (bribe) to save her husband have really been 3.5 BILLION brittish pounds? They must mean millions...
MGGPillai.com :: [Independent] Rise of Chinese whizzkid ends in lethal injection: "Yuan Baojing's remarkable rise from rural poverty to the head of a multi-billion-pound investment group ended with a lethal injection. The stock market whizzkid has been executed for hiring his brother and cousins to murder a policeman turned hitman turned blackmailer.
It's New China's Scarface and Goodfellas, with a dash of Wall Street thrown in, and the 40-year-old tycoon's case has gripped the country's attention.
Yuan Baojing, his brother, Yuan Baoqi, and his cousin, Yuan Baosen, were executed on Friday after a trial in Liaoyang city, Liaoning province. Another cousin, Yuan Baofu, was also sentenced to death, but the sentence was suspended for two years, which means that, with good behaviour, he may yet escape death.
Even Yuan Baojing's sentence was in some doubt. Right up to the last minute, many feared that he would escape with his life. His wife, Zhuo Ma, a famous Tibetan dancer and professor at Beijing's Central University for Nationalities, insisted he had been wrongfully convicted, claiming inconsistencies in the way evidence was handled.
A day before he was to be executed in October, she transferred ownership of shares in an Indonesian oilfield, worth (Brittish Pounds) 3.5bn, to the government. That won a stay of execution - amid many public grumbles - until last week." ¶ 4/06/2006 11:38:00 AM
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Chinese man bids to sell his soul on auction site - Yahoo! News
A man in his late 20s in Jiaxing, a city near Shanghai, has attempted to sell his soul on Taobao, China's top online auction site, attracting bids from some 58 soul-searching buyers before the posting was pulled.
'We reviewed Taobao's policies and realised we had no specific policy on the selling of souls,' said Porter Erisman, spokesman for Taobao's parent, Yahoo-backed Alibaba.com. 'After reviewing our policies, the posting was taken down last Friday.'
Erisman said Taobao wasn't opposed to the idea of soul selling online, but wanted more proof that the seller could provide the goods.
'After some discussion, we decided that we will allow the member to sell his soul on Taobao, but only if he can provide written permission from a 'higher authority',' he said." ¶ 4/05/2006 01:02:00 PM
Chinese man bids to sell his soul on auction site - Yahoo! News: "SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Some might call it an auction to die for, as the Chinese observe their traditional Qing Ming festival honouring the dead.
A man in his late 20s in Jiaxing, a city near Shanghai, has attempted to sell his soul on Taobao, China's top online auction site, attracting bids from some 58 soul-searching buyers before the posting was pulled.
'We reviewed Taobao's policies and realised we had no specific policy on the selling of souls,' said Porter Erisman, spokesman for Taobao's parent, Yahoo-backed Alibaba.com. 'After reviewing our policies, the posting was taken down last Friday.'
Erisman said Taobao wasn't opposed to the idea of soul selling online, but wanted more proof that the seller could provide the goods.
'After some discussion, we decided that we will allow the member to sell his soul on Taobao, but only if he can provide written permission from a 'higher authority',' he said." ¶ 4/05/2006 01:02:00 PM
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Spitzer Sues 'Spyware' Co. Over Pop-Up Ads - Yahoo! News
Eliot Spitzer said Direct Revenue LLC has installed millions of pop-up ad programs that also monitor the Internet activity of users. He asked a state court to stop the practice.
'These applications are deceptive and unfair to consumers, bad for businesses that rely on efficient networks to do their jobs, and bad for online retailers that need consumers to trust and enjoy their online experience,' Spitzer said. 'We will continue to side with consumers in their fight for control of their desktops.'" ¶ 4/04/2006 11:34:00 AM
Spitzer Sues 'Spyware' Co. Over Pop-Up Ads - Yahoo! News: "ALBANY, N.Y. - New York's attorney general sued another Internet pop-up advertising company Tuesday, accusing it of secretly installing malicious programs on personal computers and sending ads through 'spyware' that is already installed.
Eliot Spitzer said Direct Revenue LLC has installed millions of pop-up ad programs that also monitor the Internet activity of users. He asked a state court to stop the practice.
'These applications are deceptive and unfair to consumers, bad for businesses that rely on efficient networks to do their jobs, and bad for online retailers that need consumers to trust and enjoy their online experience,' Spitzer said. 'We will continue to side with consumers in their fight for control of their desktops.'" ¶ 4/04/2006 11:34:00 AM
Friday, March 31, 2006
MercuryNews.com | 03/31/2006 | Free Harvard tuition for students from low-income homes
The new program, the most generous in the eight-school Ivy League, will begin in September, the school said in a statement. Its plan also reduces the amount families with combined incomes of $60,000 to $80,000 will have to pay." ¶ 3/31/2006 10:46:00 AM
MercuryNews.com 03/31/2006 Free Harvard tuition for students from low-income homes: "Harvard University, the oldest college in the United States, said students from families with a combined income of $60,000 or less can attend the school for free.
The new program, the most generous in the eight-school Ivy League, will begin in September, the school said in a statement. Its plan also reduces the amount families with combined incomes of $60,000 to $80,000 will have to pay." ¶ 3/31/2006 10:46:00 AM
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Friendly Greeting
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Friendly Greeting: "I suppose across the world their are various ways to greet someone. Looks like Italy is definitely the friendliest. This is Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi greeting a traffic cop just before he gets in his limousine." ¶ 3/30/2006 11:49:00 AM
China says it will close new Rolling Stone magazine - Mark Magnier :: China Digital Times (CDT) ??????
The rock-and-roll publication entered the Chinese market early this month with a huge splash, including billboard advertisements, a 125,000-copy roll-out and free 'Rolling Stone' hats with each copy. On yesterday, regulators said they were shutting it down after one issue.
Authorities have been cracking down on the media, with the editor of Beijing News sacked in December and the well-regarded weekly supplement Freezing Point closed in January, subsequently reopened with a new, and presumably more cooperative, editor.
Articles in the first Chinese edition of Rolling Stone about a rock star associated with the Tiananmen protests and a blogger who wrote about her sex life pushed the limits of what is permissible. But the case appears to be more about a clash between the magazine's brash business strategy and regulators keen to show who is boss. " ¶ 3/30/2006 11:31:00 AM
China says it will close new Rolling Stone magazine - Mark Magnier :: China Digital Times (CDT) ??????: "Rolling Stone has hit a wall.
The rock-and-roll publication entered the Chinese market early this month with a huge splash, including billboard advertisements, a 125,000-copy roll-out and free 'Rolling Stone' hats with each copy. On yesterday, regulators said they were shutting it down after one issue.
Authorities have been cracking down on the media, with the editor of Beijing News sacked in December and the well-regarded weekly supplement Freezing Point closed in January, subsequently reopened with a new, and presumably more cooperative, editor.
Articles in the first Chinese edition of Rolling Stone about a rock star associated with the Tiananmen protests and a blogger who wrote about her sex life pushed the limits of what is permissible. But the case appears to be more about a clash between the magazine's brash business strategy and regulators keen to show who is boss. " ¶ 3/30/2006 11:31:00 AM
Hemlock
To our Chairman?s left will be: the spotty accountant, starring as the nervous Chief Financial Director; Number-One Son, starring as the blinking and fidgeting scion destined one day to run the operation into the ground within days of inheriting it; and the Deputy Managing Director, starring as himself. To the great man?s right will sit the other Deputy Managing Director, starring as the man who can convincingly dismiss disappointing numbers as aberrations, and ? trying desperately not to be noticed ? me, starring as the Company Gwailo, mute but incontrovertible evidence that this must be a modern, international organization. I will hide behind the screen of a laptop PC, apparently controlling the Big Boss?s brain as he extols the wondrous benefits of contemporary Cantonese business management practice. " ¶ 3/30/2006 10:49:00 AM
Hemlock: "The working day starts in a deserted hotel ballroom. Rows of chairs face a dais, which has a long table on it. Behind it is an expanse of scarlet curtain and a cheap polystyrene and cardboard sign. My suggested snappy slogan ? ?Another year of mindless, impulsive deal-making and obscene shareholder returns? ? was rejected in favour of the more prosaic, even moronic, ?S-Meg Holdings 2005 annual results announcement?, in order not to confuse the literal-minded audience. In a few hours, these veteran business reporters, some even in their 20s, will be sharpening their pencils and testing their tape recorders, while TV cameramen and newspaper photographers circle around the podium trying to capture the Big Boss looking down on the assembled press corps at his most statesmanlike, profound and visionary.
To our Chairman?s left will be: the spotty accountant, starring as the nervous Chief Financial Director; Number-One Son, starring as the blinking and fidgeting scion destined one day to run the operation into the ground within days of inheriting it; and the Deputy Managing Director, starring as himself. To the great man?s right will sit the other Deputy Managing Director, starring as the man who can convincingly dismiss disappointing numbers as aberrations, and ? trying desperately not to be noticed ? me, starring as the Company Gwailo, mute but incontrovertible evidence that this must be a modern, international organization. I will hide behind the screen of a laptop PC, apparently controlling the Big Boss?s brain as he extols the wondrous benefits of contemporary Cantonese business management practice. " ¶ 3/30/2006 10:49:00 AM
GreenvilleOnline.com -Local News-Bauer not ticketed after being clocked at 101 mph - (3/29/2006)
GreenvilleOnline.com -Local News-Bauer not ticketed after being clocked at 101 mph - (3/29/2006): "COLUMBIA ? Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer was stopped twice for speeding in the last four months ? once for going 101 miles per hour in his state car ? but wasn't issued a citation, state records show.
Bauer last week denied to a reporter for The Greenville News that he had been stopped for speeding by the Highway Patrol." ¶ 3/30/2006 10:45:00 AM
South Carolina corruption.
GreenvilleOnline.com -Local News-Bauer not ticketed after being clocked at 101 mph - (3/29/2006): "COLUMBIA ? Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer was stopped twice for speeding in the last four months ? once for going 101 miles per hour in his state car ? but wasn't issued a citation, state records show.
Bauer last week denied to a reporter for The Greenville News that he had been stopped for speeding by the Highway Patrol." ¶ 3/30/2006 10:45:00 AM
BostonHerald.com - Local / Regional News: ?Sopranos? stars divided on bawdy body language
?It?s an obscenity,? Joseph Gannascoli, who plays capo Vito Spatafore on the HBO drama ?The Sopranos,? said of Scalia?s gesture, which involved flicking his hand under his chin.
The conservative jurist employed the expression when a Herald reporter sought his response, after a Mass in Boston Sunday, to people who question his impartiality on matters of church and state.
?It?s not like grabbing your crotch, not that bad an obscenity,? Gannascoli said. ?But it?s an obscenity. It?s something you would do after paying a bookie, to your bookie, but not something you would do in church.?
Gannascoli?s take on Scalia?s gesture, made minutes after he took Communion, comes amid continuing furor surrounding the episode. " ¶ 3/30/2006 10:39:00 AM
BostonHerald.com - Local / Regional News: ?Sopranos? stars divided on bawdy body language: "Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says anybody who thinks his Sicilian gesture was obscene has been watching ?too many episodes of ?The Sopranos,? ? but a star of the TV mob hit says such body language is just as injudicious in real life.
?It?s an obscenity,? Joseph Gannascoli, who plays capo Vito Spatafore on the HBO drama ?The Sopranos,? said of Scalia?s gesture, which involved flicking his hand under his chin.
The conservative jurist employed the expression when a Herald reporter sought his response, after a Mass in Boston Sunday, to people who question his impartiality on matters of church and state.
?It?s not like grabbing your crotch, not that bad an obscenity,? Gannascoli said. ?But it?s an obscenity. It?s something you would do after paying a bookie, to your bookie, but not something you would do in church.?
Gannascoli?s take on Scalia?s gesture, made minutes after he took Communion, comes amid continuing furor surrounding the episode. " ¶ 3/30/2006 10:39:00 AM
BostonHerald.com - Local / Regional News: ?Sopranos? stars divided on bawdy body language
?It?s an obscenity,? Joseph Gannascoli, who plays capo Vito Spatafore on the HBO drama ?The Sopranos,? said of Scalia?s gesture, which involved flicking his hand under his chin.
The conservative jurist employed the expression when a Herald reporter sought his response, after a Mass in Boston Sunday, to people who question his impartiality on matters of church and state.
?It?s not like grabbing your crotch, not that bad an obscenity,? Gannascoli said. ?But it?s an obscenity. It?s something you would do after paying a bookie, to your bookie, but not something you would do in church.?
Gannascoli?s take on Scalia?s gesture, made minutes after he took Communion, comes amid continuing furor surrounding the episode. " ¶ 3/30/2006 10:39:00 AM
BostonHerald.com - Local / Regional News: ?Sopranos? stars divided on bawdy body language: "Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says anybody who thinks his Sicilian gesture was obscene has been watching ?too many episodes of ?The Sopranos,? ? but a star of the TV mob hit says such body language is just as injudicious in real life.
?It?s an obscenity,? Joseph Gannascoli, who plays capo Vito Spatafore on the HBO drama ?The Sopranos,? said of Scalia?s gesture, which involved flicking his hand under his chin.
The conservative jurist employed the expression when a Herald reporter sought his response, after a Mass in Boston Sunday, to people who question his impartiality on matters of church and state.
?It?s not like grabbing your crotch, not that bad an obscenity,? Gannascoli said. ?But it?s an obscenity. It?s something you would do after paying a bookie, to your bookie, but not something you would do in church.?
Gannascoli?s take on Scalia?s gesture, made minutes after he took Communion, comes amid continuing furor surrounding the episode. " ¶ 3/30/2006 10:39:00 AM
Impact Lab - Losing Faith In Television
The world of advertising will never be the same.
'As DVRs look to climb above 30 million households in the next three years, advertisers are finding themselves forced to reconsider their media mix,' said Josh Bernoff of Forrester Research. 'Television networks continue to publish research that traditional TV advertising is potent as ever, but national advertisers aren't buying it and are seeking alternatives to enhance their budgets and move them beyond the customary 30-second spot.'" ¶ 3/30/2006 10:35:00 AM
Impact Lab - Losing Faith In Television: "A new survey from the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) and Forrester Research found that 78% of advertisers feel that over the last two years television advertising has lost effectiveness, and ? as a direct result ? marketers are exploring emerging technologies to help bolster their television advertising spend.
The world of advertising will never be the same.
'As DVRs look to climb above 30 million households in the next three years, advertisers are finding themselves forced to reconsider their media mix,' said Josh Bernoff of Forrester Research. 'Television networks continue to publish research that traditional TV advertising is potent as ever, but national advertisers aren't buying it and are seeking alternatives to enhance their budgets and move them beyond the customary 30-second spot.'" ¶ 3/30/2006 10:35:00 AM
Ben Maller : Archives
The Phillies had sent about 4,000 DVDs to season-ticket holders who had not renewed their season tickets, and as far as they know, only two have featured the sport where specially bred gamecocks are placed in an enclosure to fight to a bloody death.
The DVD manufacturer, ProAction Video, took responsibility for the error. It said when it started its Phillies DVD run, a few DVDs from a previous run to another customer inadvertently remained in the molding equipment.
Oops." ¶ 3/30/2006 10:32:00 AM
Ben Maller : Archives: "The traditional blood sport of cockfighting has not made its way into baseball's fabric, and it probably never will considering that it is illegal in 48 states and the District of Columbia. So imagine the surprise of two Phillies season-ticket holders when they recently played a Phillies highlights DVD only to find a Spanish-language cockfighting video, according to the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER.
The Phillies had sent about 4,000 DVDs to season-ticket holders who had not renewed their season tickets, and as far as they know, only two have featured the sport where specially bred gamecocks are placed in an enclosure to fight to a bloody death.
The DVD manufacturer, ProAction Video, took responsibility for the error. It said when it started its Phillies DVD run, a few DVDs from a previous run to another customer inadvertently remained in the molding equipment.
Oops." ¶ 3/30/2006 10:32:00 AM
High school was time of torment
High school was time of torment: "On April 10, Ghyslain Raza's $160,000 lawsuit against three ex-classmates is to be heard by a Quebec Court judge in Trois Rivieres. Raza - who gained notoriety in 2003 as the 'Star Wars Kid' - is suing his former classmates for posting a private video of him wielding a mock 'light sabre' on the Internet." ¶ 3/30/2006 10:31:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, March 27, 2006
Inside Bay Area - IBA - Bay Area Living
And British researchers blame 'wrap rage' for more than 60,000 injuries in that country. In 2004, a writer for The Times of London described the CD as 'the crucible of wrap rage,' whose old cardboard box was replaced by a 'zip strip. The answer to our unwrapping prayers! Yet 12 years later, a pull-tab torn off in hand, we are still chewing through plastic like wild dogs.' " ¶ 3/27/2006 08:45:00 AM
Inside Bay Area - IBA - Bay Area Living: "Concerns about hard-to-open packaging may not be just about consumer inconvenience. According to 2001 Census Bureau data, people suffered more than twice as many injuries related to household packaging and containers than from skateboards or swimming pools (although those numbers include injuries that involve dropping a package on a foot).
And British researchers blame 'wrap rage' for more than 60,000 injuries in that country. In 2004, a writer for The Times of London described the CD as 'the crucible of wrap rage,' whose old cardboard box was replaced by a 'zip strip. The answer to our unwrapping prayers! Yet 12 years later, a pull-tab torn off in hand, we are still chewing through plastic like wild dogs.' " ¶ 3/27/2006 08:45:00 AM
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
6abc.com: Legal Loophole Ends Bigamy Case
6abc.com: Legal Loophole Ends Bigamy Case: "You can't get married if you're already married.
That's the legal loophole that has led Virginia authorities to drop bigamy charges against Charles Hicks. Court records show he was married to seven women over the last 40 years.
Officials say he got hitched three times while married to someone else. But under Virginia law, the marriages are invalid. Hicks later divorced wife number-five and officials say therefore, his marriage to wife seven is legal.
However, prosecutors say they may file additional charges.
The 61-year-old Hicks is a former Naval Postgraduate School administrator and now works for the Army Publishing Directorate. " ¶ 3/22/2006 12:49:00 PM
Old but interesting:
6abc.com: Legal Loophole Ends Bigamy Case: "You can't get married if you're already married.
That's the legal loophole that has led Virginia authorities to drop bigamy charges against Charles Hicks. Court records show he was married to seven women over the last 40 years.
Officials say he got hitched three times while married to someone else. But under Virginia law, the marriages are invalid. Hicks later divorced wife number-five and officials say therefore, his marriage to wife seven is legal.
However, prosecutors say they may file additional charges.
The 61-year-old Hicks is a former Naval Postgraduate School administrator and now works for the Army Publishing Directorate. " ¶ 3/22/2006 12:49:00 PM
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Turkmen president offers a place in heaven to his readers - Yahoo! News
Turkmen president offers a place in heaven to his readers - Yahoo! News: "ASHGABAT (AFP) - Turkmenistan's president-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov announced on state television that anyone reading his philosophical work three times would be assured a place in heaven." ¶ 3/21/2006 08:20:00 AM
German court prescribes viagra for stallion - Yahoo! News
The buyer of the horse called Vedor paid just a tenth of the price of over 4,000 euros (2,772 pounds), claiming it had only one testicle and failed to get frisky with a female pony.
A vet found the testicle after an examination, said Egbert Simons, a spokesman for the court in the eastern town of Neuruppin.
And when the stallion was given the potency drug, it emerged he was fully functional, he added.
The court ordered the buyer to pay the full price. " ¶ 3/21/2006 08:03:00 AM
German court prescribes viagra for stallion - Yahoo! News: "BERLIN (Reuters) - A German court ordered viagra to be given to a stallion after his new owner claimed he was impotent and refused to pay the full asking price.
The buyer of the horse called Vedor paid just a tenth of the price of over 4,000 euros (2,772 pounds), claiming it had only one testicle and failed to get frisky with a female pony.
A vet found the testicle after an examination, said Egbert Simons, a spokesman for the court in the eastern town of Neuruppin.
And when the stallion was given the potency drug, it emerged he was fully functional, he added.
The court ordered the buyer to pay the full price. " ¶ 3/21/2006 08:03:00 AM
Tampabay: Horse sense and the law
Pelszynski says she was turned away. Florida law gets murky when it comes to holistic therapies for animals, such as aromatherapy and acupressure. Is it legal to massage a horse without a veterinary degree? Advocates for alternative care and veterinarians can't agree.
But Pelszynski could risk a felony citation for massaging another person's animal." ¶ 3/21/2006 07:47:00 AM
Tampabay: Horse sense and the law: "Robyn Pelszynski trained with experts to provide the ultimate in relaxing messages to Fancy, her 15-year-old gray Arabian horse. Looking for some part-time work, she then inquired about getting a license as a horse massage therapist in Pasco County.
Pelszynski says she was turned away. Florida law gets murky when it comes to holistic therapies for animals, such as aromatherapy and acupressure. Is it legal to massage a horse without a veterinary degree? Advocates for alternative care and veterinarians can't agree.
But Pelszynski could risk a felony citation for massaging another person's animal." ¶ 3/21/2006 07:47:00 AM
Friday, March 17, 2006
Judge refuses request to end baby boy's treatment - Yahoo! News
The boy's parents had opposed their request, arguing that although he was severely physically disabled, the boy could still enjoy spending time with his family." ¶ 3/17/2006 11:38:00 AM
Judge refuses request to end baby boy's treatment - Yahoo! News: "LONDON (Reuters) - A High Court judge on Wednesday refused a request from doctors to turn off a ventilator keeping alive an 18-month-old boy with incurable spinal muscular atrophy.
The boy's parents had opposed their request, arguing that although he was severely physically disabled, the boy could still enjoy spending time with his family." ¶ 3/17/2006 11:38:00 AM
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com
The facility in the city of Nanjing has a collection of 500 different smells, meant for comparison with samples taken from crime scenes. They are kept on ice -- at minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees F).
'This way the scent sample can maintain its freshness for at least three years,' bank founder Song Zhenhua was quoted as saying in the overnight report.
Only odors that elicit identical reactions from at least three trained crime dogs will pass muster for a place in the bank's vaults, Xinhua said.
Xinhua did not explain how the smells would be captured or stored. In other countries that use olfactory forensic evidence, odors are taken from clothing or collected using gauze pads and airtight plastic containers." ¶ 3/17/2006 11:33:00 AM
Oddly Enough News Article Reuters.com: "BEIJING (Reuters) - Police in eastern China can tap the country's first human body odor bank to help their dogs get a nose for criminals, Xinhua news agency said.
The facility in the city of Nanjing has a collection of 500 different smells, meant for comparison with samples taken from crime scenes. They are kept on ice -- at minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees F).
'This way the scent sample can maintain its freshness for at least three years,' bank founder Song Zhenhua was quoted as saying in the overnight report.
Only odors that elicit identical reactions from at least three trained crime dogs will pass muster for a place in the bank's vaults, Xinhua said.
Xinhua did not explain how the smells would be captured or stored. In other countries that use olfactory forensic evidence, odors are taken from clothing or collected using gauze pads and airtight plastic containers." ¶ 3/17/2006 11:33:00 AM
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com
The facility in the city of Nanjing has a collection of 500 different smells, meant for comparison with samples taken from crime scenes. They are kept on ice -- at minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees F).
'This way the scent sample can maintain its freshness for at least three years,' bank founder Song Zhenhua was quoted as saying in the overnight report.
Only odors that elicit identical reactions from at least three trained crime dogs will pass muster for a place in the bank's vaults, Xinhua said.
Xinhua did not explain how the smells would be captured or stored. In other countries that use olfactory forensic evidence, odors are taken from clothing or collected using gauze pads and airtight plastic containers." ¶ 3/17/2006 11:33:00 AM
Oddly Enough News Article Reuters.com: "BEIJING (Reuters) - Police in eastern China can tap the country's first human body odor bank to help their dogs get a nose for criminals, Xinhua news agency said.
The facility in the city of Nanjing has a collection of 500 different smells, meant for comparison with samples taken from crime scenes. They are kept on ice -- at minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees F).
'This way the scent sample can maintain its freshness for at least three years,' bank founder Song Zhenhua was quoted as saying in the overnight report.
Only odors that elicit identical reactions from at least three trained crime dogs will pass muster for a place in the bank's vaults, Xinhua said.
Xinhua did not explain how the smells would be captured or stored. In other countries that use olfactory forensic evidence, odors are taken from clothing or collected using gauze pads and airtight plastic containers." ¶ 3/17/2006 11:33:00 AM
Scalia critical of what he calls the 'judge-moralist' - Boston.com
'Anyone who thinks the country's most prominent lawyers reflect the views of the people needs a reality check,' he said during a speech to New England School of Law students and faculty at a Law Day banquet on Wednesday night." ¶ 3/17/2006 10:59:00 AM
Scalia critical of what he calls the 'judge-moralist' - Boston.com: "BOSTON --U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia railed against the era of the 'judge-moralist,' saying judges are no better qualified than 'Joe Sixpack' to decide moral questions such as abortion and gay marriage.
'Anyone who thinks the country's most prominent lawyers reflect the views of the people needs a reality check,' he said during a speech to New England School of Law students and faculty at a Law Day banquet on Wednesday night." ¶ 3/17/2006 10:59:00 AM
Sunday, March 12, 2006
A spoof hits China's Web - and a star is born | csmonitor.com
Titled 'A Murder Caused by Mantou,' the video is a spoof of a new film, 'The Promise,' by famed director Chen Kaige." ¶ 3/12/2006 04:58:00 PM
A spoof hits China's Web - and a star is born csmonitor.com: "BEIJING ? An underground video sweeping Chinese cyberspace has half the country cracking up.
Titled 'A Murder Caused by Mantou,' the video is a spoof of a new film, 'The Promise,' by famed director Chen Kaige." ¶ 3/12/2006 04:58:00 PM
A spoof hits China's Web - and a star is born | csmonitor.com
Titled 'A Murder Caused by Mantou,' the video is a spoof of a new film, 'The Promise,' by famed director Chen Kaige." ¶ 3/12/2006 04:58:00 PM
A spoof hits China's Web - and a star is born csmonitor.com: "BEIJING ? An underground video sweeping Chinese cyberspace has half the country cracking up.
Titled 'A Murder Caused by Mantou,' the video is a spoof of a new film, 'The Promise,' by famed director Chen Kaige." ¶ 3/12/2006 04:58:00 PM
Thursday, March 02, 2006
WorldNetDaily: Snorer in the court? Ruth Bader Ginsburg snoozes
WorldNetDaily: Snorer in the court? Ruth Bader Ginsburg snoozes: "According to the Associated Press, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg snoozed during oral arguments today over political redistricting in Texas. " ¶ 3/02/2006 09:13:00 PM
McDonald's Videogame
Ruin the world through corporate greed in this McD's simulator. ¶ 3/02/2006 11:07:00 AM
McDonald's Videogame
Ruin the world through corporate greed in this McD's simulator. ¶ 3/02/2006 11:07:00 AM
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
BBC NEWS | Middle East | No-one else to blame, says Saddam
At the end of a second straight day of prosecution evidence, he said the court should not be trying anyone else - a reference to his seven co-defendants" ¶ 3/01/2006 10:56:00 AM
BBC NEWS Middle East No-one else to blame, says Saddam: "Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has told his trial in Baghdad that he alone should be made to answer for the actions of his regime.
At the end of a second straight day of prosecution evidence, he said the court should not be trying anyone else - a reference to his seven co-defendants" ¶ 3/01/2006 10:56:00 AM
Hemlock
In the Ming cartoon, investors take the Hang Seng Index up to 15,999 before stepping back to watch disinterestedly as their very own Central People?s Government lashes out at Taiwan?s President Chen Shui-bian, who has scrapped the dormant and symbolic National Unification Council and its ?One China? guidelines. Apparently, this will ?stoke tensions and trigger a serious crisis in the Straits ? [and] threaten to destroy peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region? ? which must be why the Hong Kong stock market ended the day only 94 points up. On the Internet, excitable young Mainlanders froth at the mouth about forgetting the Olympics and vaporizing their beloved Taiwanese compatriots.
Beijing takes things too seriously. What a relief, therefore, to read of the latest events in Manila, which have unfolded with all the organization, precision and clarity we expect of the Philippines. The excitement began before the weekend, with reports of unauthorized troop movements around the capital and mutterings about a coup plot, which transpired to be an ?attempted withdrawal of support?. A group of Marines protested the dismissal of their commander. Diminutive President Gloria Arroyo issued Proclamation 1017, a state of emergency that should instantly impose total order and discipline onto the entire nation, but in practice seems to mean a day off school for the kids. Barbed wire and soldiers appeared on approaches to Government offices. Now... Arroyo congratulates the Marines for their professionalism and not doing whatever they were planning. Mobilized by cell phone text messages, former presidents whose terms of office were blighted with corruption and constitutional shenanigans call on the vote-rigging, husband-favouring Arroyo to stand down. A hunt starts for alleged plotters – including, of course, Gregorio Honasan, ‘resident adviser on failed coup attempts’, who took part in revolts against Marcos and Aquino before quitting the army and joining the Senate. The streets throng with the inevitable nuns. And everyone asks the burning question – are the schools open again yet?" ¶ 3/01/2006 07:07:00 AM
Hemlock: "?We ought to look as if we care what?s going on,? reads the punch line in this morning?s Business Post cartoon strip. It?s not easy. Reading the newspapers in the gwailo?s lair on the top floor of S-Meg Tower, I strain to turn the pages, so heavy are they with the tedium of contemporary world affairs.
In the Ming cartoon, investors take the Hang Seng Index up to 15,999 before stepping back to watch disinterestedly as their very own Central People?s Government lashes out at Taiwan?s President Chen Shui-bian, who has scrapped the dormant and symbolic National Unification Council and its ?One China? guidelines. Apparently, this will ?stoke tensions and trigger a serious crisis in the Straits ? [and] threaten to destroy peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region? ? which must be why the Hong Kong stock market ended the day only 94 points up. On the Internet, excitable young Mainlanders froth at the mouth about forgetting the Olympics and vaporizing their beloved Taiwanese compatriots.
Beijing takes things too seriously. What a relief, therefore, to read of the latest events in Manila, which have unfolded with all the organization, precision and clarity we expect of the Philippines. The excitement began before the weekend, with reports of unauthorized troop movements around the capital and mutterings about a coup plot, which transpired to be an ?attempted withdrawal of support?. A group of Marines protested the dismissal of their commander. Diminutive President Gloria Arroyo issued Proclamation 1017, a state of emergency that should instantly impose total order and discipline onto the entire nation, but in practice seems to mean a day off school for the kids. Barbed wire and soldiers appeared on approaches to Government offices. Now... Arroyo congratulates the Marines for their professionalism and not doing whatever they were planning. Mobilized by cell phone text messages, former presidents whose terms of office were blighted with corruption and constitutional shenanigans call on the vote-rigging, husband-favouring Arroyo to stand down. A hunt starts for alleged plotters – including, of course, Gregorio Honasan, ‘resident adviser on failed coup attempts’, who took part in revolts against Marcos and Aquino before quitting the army and joining the Senate. The streets throng with the inevitable nuns. And everyone asks the burning question – are the schools open again yet?" ¶ 3/01/2006 07:07:00 AM
Scientist debunks football strategy - LiveScience - MSNBC.com
Obviously the conservative coach knows something the fans don't. He's analyzed the numbers and is making a sound judgment.
Right?
Actually, the decision is consistently botched, according to a new study by David Romer of the University of California at Berkeley." ¶ 3/01/2006 06:58:00 AM 1 comments
Scientist debunks football strategy - LiveScience - MSNBC.com: "It's fourth-and-goal in the first quarter of an important National Football League game. The fans rally for the coach to go for it, but they know he probably won't. As usual, the kicker trots out.
Obviously the conservative coach knows something the fans don't. He's analyzed the numbers and is making a sound judgment.
Right?
Actually, the decision is consistently botched, according to a new study by David Romer of the University of California at Berkeley." ¶ 3/01/2006 06:58:00 AM 1 comments
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Astronomers claim 10th planet
"US astronomers have discovered an object in the outer reaches of the solar system -- a rock bigger than pluto, which they labelled as the 10th planet.
If confirmed, the discovery would be the first of a planet since pluto was identified in 1930.
'Get out your pens. Start re-writing textbooks today,' Mike Brown, a planetary scientist at the California Institute of Technology, said announcing the discovery." ¶ 7/30/2005 01:20:00 PM
Astronomers claim 10th planet:
"US astronomers have discovered an object in the outer reaches of the solar system -- a rock bigger than pluto, which they labelled as the 10th planet.
If confirmed, the discovery would be the first of a planet since pluto was identified in 1930.
'Get out your pens. Start re-writing textbooks today,' Mike Brown, a planetary scientist at the California Institute of Technology, said announcing the discovery." ¶ 7/30/2005 01:20:00 PM
Monday, July 25, 2005
Late for a Court Date
"An Iowa man who led officers on a highway chase that ended at the Clay County Courthouse Wednesday ran inside and tried to barricade himself in the courtroom where he was scheduled to appear, authorities said.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office was asked to help find a pickup truck suspected in a hit-and-run accident on Interstate 29 in Union County.
A state Highway Patrol officer Wednesday was pursuing the vehicle on Highway 50 into Vermillion, where the man stopped the truck in the middle of the street and backed into the courthouse retaining wall, said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe.
'It seemed to just get more and more strange,' Howe told KVHT radio in Yankton Wednesday. 'Typically the pursuits don't come right to us as this one did. Officers actually left the sheriff's office and the police department to go assist with the pursuit, only to find themselves right back here.' " ¶ 7/25/2005 09:24:00 AM
ABC7Chicago.com: After chase, man ends up in own courtroom:
"An Iowa man who led officers on a highway chase that ended at the Clay County Courthouse Wednesday ran inside and tried to barricade himself in the courtroom where he was scheduled to appear, authorities said.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office was asked to help find a pickup truck suspected in a hit-and-run accident on Interstate 29 in Union County.
A state Highway Patrol officer Wednesday was pursuing the vehicle on Highway 50 into Vermillion, where the man stopped the truck in the middle of the street and backed into the courthouse retaining wall, said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe.
'It seemed to just get more and more strange,' Howe told KVHT radio in Yankton Wednesday. 'Typically the pursuits don't come right to us as this one did. Officers actually left the sheriff's office and the police department to go assist with the pursuit, only to find themselves right back here.' " ¶ 7/25/2005 09:24:00 AM
