Tuesday, July 28, 2009
EarthObservatory.NASA.gov | El Nino Conditions Set in Across Pacific Ocean
In July 2009, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center reported that ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific had shifted into El Niño—anomalously warm—conditions. El Niño conditions are evident in this sea surface temperature anomaly image based on data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on July 26. THe current data are compared to long-term average temperatures (1985-1997) measured by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometers that have flown on several NOAA missions.Places where temperatures were near normal are cream-colored, places where temperatures were warmer than normal are red, and places where temperatures were cooler than normal are blue. An area of dark red occupies the eastern Pacific off the coast of Peru and Ecaudor (north of Peru), indicating temperatures were much warmer than average. Meanwhile, across the Pacific, ocean temperatures around Indonesia were slightly cooler (light blue) than usual.
The Pacific is Earth’s largest ocean, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the Pacific’s primary climate pattern—the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which climatologists shorten to “ENSO,”—is the single biggest influence on the average temperature, rainfall, and vegetation conditions in the tropics. ENSO includes an ocean component (the El Niño/La Niña pattern) as well as an atmospheric component, the Southern Oscillation.
Every 3-8 years, the prevailing easterly winds over the eastern equatorial Pacific weaken or reverse, water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific climb, and rainfall declines over most tropical land areas. In 1997-98, an historically strong El Niño event contributed to devastating fires in Indonesia’s tropical forests. The fires released huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and they led to the complete destruction of the Mentawai coral reefs west of Sumatra.
According to David Adamec, head of the Ocean Sciences Branch at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the development of El Niño ocean conditions isn’t a guarantee that a full-blown ENSO event will grip the climate by winter. So far, he says, the atmospheric component of the pattern, the Southern Oscillation, isn’t fully cooperating. As of July 26, the trade winds in the western Pacific (near Indonesia) had shifted direction and were blowing weakly toward the east (see NOAA wind anomaly graphic), but across the central and eastern Pacific, easterly trade winds were still of average or slightly above-average strength. For an ENSO event to fully develop, Adamec explains, the easterly trades will have to weaken across a much wider area of the Pacific than they have at present.
NASA image by Jesse Allen, using AMSR-E data processed and provided by Chelle Gentemann and Frank Wentz, Remote Sensing Systems. Caption by Rebecca Lindsey.
- Instrument:
- Aqua - AMSR-E
Docuticker.com | Daily update of new reports from government agencies, ngo’s, think tanks, and other groups July 28, 2009
FTC Testifies on Efforts to Protect Consumers in the Funeral Industry
Source: Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that the FTC will work with the Subcommittee and others to explore ways to deploy the FTC’s experience and resources in connection with the recent grievous events at the historic Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, and in addressing consumer protection concerns regarding cemeteries.
The testimony, presented by Charles Harwood, Deputy Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, commended Subcommittee Chairman Bobby L. Rush for holding the field hearing in Chicago, Illinois, on oversight of cemeteries and other funeral services. The FTC also lauded Illinois authorities’ thorough and rapid response to the desecrations at Burr Oak Cemetery, and stated that the agency is prepared to cooperate and coordinate with these authorities and take further action if warranted. The Commission vote authorizing the testimony was 4-0.
+ Full Testimony (PDF; 172 KB)
+ Consumer Rights Under the Funeral Rule
July 28th, 2009
New Reports From the Economic Analysis Group
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
+ Does Competition Among Medicare Advantage Plans Matter?: An Empirical Analysis of the Effects of Local Competition in a Regulated Environment (PDF; 153 KB)
+ Why Prices Rise Faster Than They Fall (PDF; 43 KB)
+ Who Are You Calling Irrational? Marginal Costs, Variable Costs, and the Pricing Practices of Firms (PDF; 103 KB)
U.S. energy use drops in 2008
Source: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Americans used more solar, nuclear, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007, according to the most recent energy flow charts released by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The nation used less coal and petroleum during the same time frame and only slightly increased its natural gas consumption. Geothermal energy use remained the same.
The estimated U.S. energy use in 2008 equaled 99.2 quadrillion BTUs (“quads”), down from 101.5 quadrillion BTUs in 2007. (A BTU or British Thermal Unit is a unit of measurement for energy, and is equivalent to about 1.055 kilojoules).
+ Annotated Chart (PDF; 816 KB)
Securing food supplies up to 2050: the challenges faced by the UK
Source: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
The reason for the sudden interest in food on the part of Governments across the world is clear: global food prices have increased substantially in recent years. According to the World Bank, global wheat prices increased by 181% over the three years up to February 2008, and overall global food prices increased by 83% over the same period. A report by Chatham House, Rising Food Prices: Drivers and Implications for Development, published in April 2008, stated that, although high prices were not uncommon in agricultural markets, “the unusual feature of the current situation is that the price spike applies to almost all major food and feed commodities, rather than just a few of them”.
It noted that the price of corn was at its highest level in 11 years, rice and soya their highest level in 34 years, and wheat its highest level ever. All of this followed on from a period between 1974 and 2005 when food prices fell in real terms.
Escalating food prices were blamed for violent protests in Egypt, Haiti, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon, and demonstrations in Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Bolivia and Indonesia. Some countries, including Argentina, imposed export restrictions. Rising food prices also affected people in the UK, albeit less dramatically. A report for the Soil Association by the Centre for Food Policy at City University noted that consumer prices index data published in August 2008 showed food inflation to be running at an annual rate of 13.7%. Prices for oils and fats rose by 29% in the year to July 2008, meat by 16.3%, bread and cereals by 15.9%, vegetables by 11.1% and fruit by 10.7%.
+ Direct link to document (PDF; 476.7 KB)
D-2009-092 Validity of DOD Civilian Employee Accounts (Project No. D2008-D000FC-0156.000) (PDF; 1.45 MB)
Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General
As of May 2008, the Defense Civilian Pay System (DCPS) included 7.3 million DoD civilian employee accounts with more than $148 billion in taxable earnings during the period January 2002 through April 2008 (excluding taxable earnings for calendar year 2007). However, DFAS did not ensure that DCPS contained only valid DoD civilian employee accounts. Specifically, DCPS included invalid Social Security numbers, employees under the legal employment age, and multiple employee accounts that shared the same bank account. As a result, DFAS may have paid approximately $15.4 million to more than 2,300 invalid DoD civilian employee accounts from January 2002 through April 2008 (excluding 2007). By reviewing the DoD civilian employee accounts identified and ensuring the accuracy of future accounts, DFAS will reduce the likelihood of paying invalid DoD civilian employees.
DFAS internal controls were not adequate. We identified internal control weaknesses in the administration of DoD civilian employee accounts. See the finding section for further details on the internal control weaknesses.
Electrocution Deaths in Iraq
Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General
+ IE-2009-006 Review of Electrocution Deaths in Iraq: Part I - Electrocution of Staff Sergeant Ryan D. Maseth, U.S. Army (PDF; 2.5 MB)
+ IPO2009E001 Review of Electrocution Deaths in Iraq: Part II - Seventeen Incidents Apart from Staff Sergeant Ryan D. Maseth, U.S. Army (PDF; 1.7 MB)
See also: SPO-2009-005 Assessment of Electrical Safety in Afghanistan (PDF; 2.6 MB)
Census Bureau of Reports on Residential Vacancies and Homeownership (PDF; 137 KB)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
National vacancy rates in the second quarter 2009 were 10.6 (+ 0.4) percent for rental housing and 2.5 (+ 0.1) percent for homeowner housing, the Department of Commerce’s Census Bureau announced today. The Census Bureau said the rental vacancy rate was higher than the second quarter 2008 rate (10.0 percent) and higher than the rate last quarter (10.1 percent). For homeowner vacancies, the current rate was lower than the second quarter 2008 rate (2.8 percent) and lower than the rate last quarter (2.7 percent). The homeownership rate at 67.4 (+ 0.5) percent for the current quarter was lower than the second quarter 2008 rate (68.1 percent), but not statistically different from last quarter’s rate (67.3 percent).
New York Leads in Per-Pupil Public Education Spending at Nearly $16,000, Census Bureau Reports
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Public schools in New York spent $15,981 per pupil in 2007, which was more than any other state or state equivalent, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. (See Table 11.) New Jersey ($15,691) and the District of Columbia ($14,324) had the next-highest spending. States spending the least per pupil were Utah ($5,683), Idaho ($6,625) and Tennessee ($7,113).
On average, each state spent $9,666 per pupil in 2007, a 5.8 percent increase over 2006. Of total public school financing, state governments contributed 47.6 percent, followed by local sources, which contributed 44.1 percent, and federal sources, which made up the remaining 8.3 percent.
+ Public education finances: 2007 (state and local financial and enrollment statistics) (PDF: 1 MB)
New Census Bureau Economics Releases
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
+ 2007 Economic Census: Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Industry Series
Wharton Private Equity Review: Navigating the Challenges Ahead
Source: Knowledge@Wharton
Private equity (PE) firms will see unprecedented challenges over the next few years, given the depth and duration of the current financial crisis. In this special report, produced in cooperation with the Wharton Private Equity Club, Knowledge@Wharton looks at how markets are shifting and what participants can expect in the coming months. One example: Deals that settled for just 15% in equity a couple of years ago now require 35% to 40%, and up to 75% for some smaller buyouts. Going forward, a “wall” of refinancing due in 2012 will challenge the survival of many portfolio companies — and PE firms as well. Also included in this report are a roundtable discussion on the secondaries industry (the buying and selling of pre-existing PE commitments) and an interview with Dalip Pathak of Warburg Pincus and Bridgepoint Capital’s Alastair Gibbons on the prospects for PE in India and China.
+ Full Report (PDF; 624 KB)
Gross domestic product: Preliminary estimate 2nd Quarter 2009 (PDF: 100 KB)
Source: Office for National Statistics
The preliminary estimate shows that the chained volume measure of gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the previous quarter. The decline in output was due to decreases in all component aggregate series.
The volume of output in the production industries is estimated to have decreased by 0.7 per cent this quarter. Manufacturing output decreased by 0.3 per cent. Mining and quarrying decreased by 1.0 per cent and electricity, gas and water supply decreased by 3.8 per cent. Output of the service industries is estimated to have decreased by 0.6 per cent.
Medical practitioners: education and training in Australia (PDF; 645 KB)
Source: Parliamentary Library of Australia
This background note summarises that process, elaborating upon the roles played by the major providers of medical education in Australia and the pathways taken by students to qualify as medical practitioners.
Charter School Replication: Growing a Quality Charter School Sector (PDF; 250 KB)
Source: National Association of Charter School Authorizers
“Replication” is the practice of a single charter school board or management organization opening several more schools that are each based on the same school model. The most rapid strategy to increase the number of new high-quality charter schools available to children is to encourage the replication of existing quality schools.
The Effect of California’s Budget Cuts on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People and Their Children (PDF; 336 KB)
Source: Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law
California faces a $26.3 million budget shortfall for the approaching fiscal year. In an effort to balance the budget, cuts are likely to some of California’s most vital services and programs including Medi-Cal, the State’s healthcare option for low-income children, families, elderly, and disabled. The poor, elderly, and disabled will undoubtedly bear a significant share of these cuts. This research note uses the 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) to explore the potential consequence of the severe downsizing or elimination of some of California’s public benefits programs on the often overlooked low-income lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population. Since that survey predates the current deep recession, the current numbers of LGB recipients is likely to be even higher than the figures presented here.
Understanding the form, function, and logic of clandestine cellular networks: the first step in effective counternetwork operations
Source: School of Advanced Military Studies Monographs/Combined Arms Research Library
Since the events of September 11, 2001 the United States military counternetwork operations, theory, and doctrine have failed to account for the form, function, and logic of clandestine cellular networks used by both interstate insurgencies, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as by global insurgencies, like al Qaeda and its associated movements. The failure to understand the form, function, and logic of clandestine cellular networks has led to the incorrect application of counternetwork theories. Counternetwork operations specifically targeting key leaders, facilitators, individuals with special skills, or highly connected individuals, intuitively seem to be the correct targets for disconnecting clandestine cellular networks. However, there has been little comparative analysis done to verify if these operations are in fact having the overall effect required to disrupt, neutralize, defeat, or ultimately destroy these networks. Understanding the form, function, and logic of clandestine cellular networks reveals that the removal of single individuals, regardless of function, is well within the tolerance of this type of organizational structure and thus has little long-term effect. At the same time, highly connected nodes violate the principles of clandestine operations since they are obviously highly visible when compared to a competent clandestine practitioner that does not want a discernable signature in order to remain hidden from the counterinsurgent. Thus, by focusing on the highly connected individuals as high priority targets, US efforts have effectively “culled the herd” of poor clandestine practitioners. These two examples provide the two most common errors in the current counternetwork theories and operations, and the errors are all due to a lack of a systemic understanding of clandestine cellular networks. This monograph uses a modified process-trace methodology to analyze the form, function, and logic of clandestine cellular networks in order to dispel the myths associated with current network and counternetwork theories, and challenge the contemporary thoughts on counternetwork operations. This work concludes with the development of six principles of clandestine cellular networks, along with a myriad of conclusion based on the analysis of the form, function, and logic of these networks, to provide a deeper understanding of clandestine cellular networks. Understanding the form, function, and logic of clandestine cellular networks is the first step to more effective counternetwork operations.
+ Full Paper (PDF; 1.08 MB)
Toronto Star | Arctic's 'canary in a coal mine'
Paul Watson/Toronto StarIce floes are seen from the deck of the icebreaker Louis St.-Laurent. (July 27, 2009)
READ MORE ....
Self-Sufficiency | WHAT TO DO IF A NUCLEAR DISASTER IS IMMINENT
Self-Sufficiency | Ultimate Survival Blast Match (cheapest price I could currently find)
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If the Ultimate Survival Blast Match becomes wet, simply wipe it off and it is ready for use. In combination with Ultimate Survival's Wet Fire Starting Tinder, you can start a fire even in the driving rain. At the heart of the Blast Match is a custom bar of high performance flint material. Spring loaded for compactness, the flint bar also rotates 360 degrees to help prevent uneven wear and tear. A tungsten carbide striker built into the striker button is set at the perfect angle for maximum sparking - taking the guess work out of starting a fire.
Incorporated into the Blast Match is a safety feature to prevent inadvertent ignition when accidentally plunged. The unique design requires the operator to press the thumb button in order to engage the striker mechanism. As with all Ultimate Survival products, the Blast Match has a lifetime warrantee, and will be replaced if you ever wear it out.
NaturalNews.com | Today's Featured Stories - July 28, 2009
| Ten Things You're Not Supposed to Know about the Swine Flu Vaccine (NaturalNews) She was deathly afraid of the flu. So she asked her doc what she should do. He jabbed her unseen With a swine flu vaccine Blurting, "Darling, I haven't a clue." - by the Health Ranger Let's not beat around the... |
| Breast Cancer Discovery: Vitamin A Derivative Normalizes Cell Growth (NaturalNews) What if a substance was found that normalizes out-of-control cell growth? The result could be a way to treat and prevent cancer. And a new study offers hope that discovery may have already been made. Scientists from the University of Chicago... |
| Learn How to Relieve Arthritis and Joint Pain with Apple Cider Vinegar We are a society deeply familiar with joint pain. Nearly 50 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis or a similar rheumatic condition, and countless others experience general joint pain on a regular basis. Conventional... |
| Kidney Stones: A Squeeze of Lemon Juice Prevents the Most Painful Condition Known to Man Kidney Stones truly are one of, if not THE, most painful medical problems on earth. This disabling illness sends tens of thousands to the Emergency Room in excruciating pain each year. But the research is clear: drinking a small amount... |
| Is This the 1970s? Coca-Cola Claims It Doesn't Rot Teeth - Insists It's "Kiddie Safe" (NaturalNews) The Coca-Cola Company's South Pacific division has been ordered to print a retraction of a full-page print ad claiming that Coca-Cola did not rot teeth or "[make] you fat." "Coke's messages were totally unacceptable, creating an impression... |
| Potential Health Hazard may Exist in Your Drinking Water Have you ever had a drink of water that tasted or smelled like turpentine? Was the odor and taste so unpleasant it was almost undrinkable? If so, there's a strong possibility your glass of water was contaminated with levels of methyl-t-butyl... |
| Licorice Treats Peptic Ulcers and Helicobacter Pylori Infection Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a natural treatment for ulcers and has been used with great success to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. Licorice treats the cause of the ulcers and promotes healing of the digestive tissues. Peptic ulcers... |
| TV Triggers Deadly Automatic Snacking Behavior Junk food television advertising may cause dangerous automatic snacking behavior and lead to potentially deadly weight gain and obesity in both adults and children alike, according to the results of a new study published in the journal |
| The Carbohydrate Conundrum The diet and weight loss industry is booming. Everywhere you turn, there's one gimmick or another guaranteed to melt the pounds away. From billboards and magazines to TV and radio ads, you can't escape the promises of the latest and greatest... |
News Updates from Citizens For Legitimate Government | 28 Jul 2009
Breaking: Senate Panel Votes in Favor of Sotomayor --Supreme Court Nominee Approved in 13-6 Vote 28 Jul 2009 The Senate Judiciary Committee this morning endorsed Sonia Sotomayor to become an associate justice of the Supreme Court on a largely partisan vote that sends her historic nomination to the full Senate for a final decision on her confirmation. The 13 to 6 vote came nearly two weeks after the committee's members grilled Sotomayor for 2 ½ days, eliciting answers that betrayed little indication of how the nominee, an appellate judge for the past 11 years, would rule on the most significant issues that come before the nation's highest court.
SteveQuayle.com | Hot Headlines - July 28, 2009
Bernanke Explains Crisis to 'Average Americans'
More Than 1,000 Banks May Fail in Coming Years, Analyst Say
Crazed Misery
'$20 Per Gallon
Lost Value of Equities in U.S. State and Local Government Pension
No Exit for Ben
US, China Have Pointed Questions in Private
When Debtors Decide to Default
Israeli Attack on Iran in Early August?
IDF Vets Train U.S. Jews to Protect Their Communities
Ignorant America: Just How Stupid Are We?
Family Law: Men Are Getting Kicked in the Teeth
Eritrea: Volcanic Eruption on the Eritrean-Ethiopian Border
Disaster Insurance Losses Seen at $11B in 1st Half
Page after Page of Reasons to Hate Obamacare
Europe Fast-Tracking Swine Flu Vaccine
Ebola in Pigs 'New Health Threat'
Mysterious Beasts Torment Villagers
Joyce Riley's The Power Hour News - July 28, 2009
Hawaii again declares Obama birth certificate real -- State officials in Hawaii on Monday said they have once again checked and confirmed that President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born American citizen, and therefore meets a key constitutional requirement for being president.
Learn How Coconut Oil Can Benefit Insulin Resistance and Diabetes -- The healthy fat in coconut oil plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar: it slows the digestive process to ensure a steady, even stream of energy from your food by lowering the overall glycemic index of your meal. When you include coconut oil in a meal with carbohydrates, the carbs are broken down into glucose more slowly, so blood sugar levels remain steady even after you eat.
Thought For The Day from our good friend Mike Tawse in the UK -- "The search for good health has so much more to offer than freedom from illness. It is as much about new insight as new eyesight and as much about new hope as new health." Be sure to check out his website My Serrapeptase Adventure
U.S. charges seven with plotting attacks overseas -- U.S. authorities on Monday arrested seven people from North Carolina who have been charged with plotting to carry out terrorist attacks overseas, including in Kosovo, Jordan and the Gaza Strip.
Government swine flu advisor on vaccine maker payroll -- “Professor Sir Roy Anderson sits on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), a 20-strong task force drawing up the action plan for the virus. Yet he also holds a £116,000-a-year post on the board of GlaxoSmithKline,” reports the Daily Mail.
Companies start shipping U.S. seasonal flu vaccine -- Both Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines unit of Sanofi Aventis, and CSL Biotherapies, a unit of Australia's CSL Ltd, said they had begun shipping seasonal flu vaccine to health providers in the United States.
US gears for huge swine flu vaccination push -- "This is the largest vaccine effort the world has ever seen," agreed Robin Robinson, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA), quoted in the Washington Post.
10 things you're not supposed to know about the swine flu vaccine -- there are a whole lot of things you'll never be told by health authorities about the upcoming swine flu vaccine. Read More...
Nurses Association opposes mandatory flu shots for health workers -- Speaking at a meeting of the New York State Hospital Planning and Review Council, the New York State Nurses Association strongly opposed a regulation that would require every healthcare worker in the state to be immunized for influenza.
FEMA toxic trailers expose larger RV industry problem -- A July 23 report from the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General officially blames FEMA for putting victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita at risk by mishandling formaldehyde problems in trailers.
12,000 children to be swine flu vaccine guinea pigs -- Around 12,000 U.S. children will be used as guinea pigs for an experimental swine flu vaccine known to contain the dangerous ingredient squalene, which has been directly linked with cases of Gulf War Syndrome and a host of other debilitating diseases.
Evaluating the capability and cost of a mass influenza & pneumonococcal vaccination clinic via computer simulation -- Objective. To determine if a mass influenza/pneumococcal vaccination clinic could vaccinate 15,000 clients in 17 h; optimize personnel configuration to maximize number of clients vaccinated; and estimate costs (opportunity and clinic) and revenue.
Health agency in Canada to test idea that vitamin D offers flu protection -- By screening infected blood, researchers hoping to find new ways to fight the virus.
Police in Texas can now use force to compel hurricane evacuation -- A new state law will allow police to arrest people who don’t leave town under mandatory evacuation orders. The law, passed this year, takes effect Sept. 1, in the heart of hurricane season in Texas. It also applies to other disasters, such as fires or floods.
Radio talk show hosts fired for interviewing Joseph Farah about Obama birth certificate issue -- A pair of Louisiana FM radio talkers say they got canned following an interview with WND Editor and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Farah on the subject of Barack Obama's constitutional eligibility for office.
Almost 1/4 of Spanish women take anti-depressants -- Psychopharmaceutical use has risen over recent years. This is fact, but what is not clear is the reason why. Researchers from four Madrid-based health centres have shown that family conflict is not a significant factor.
3,000 record low temperatures recorded in July -- Check out the chart.
FEDERAL JUDGES ENGAGE IN CONSPIRACY TO COVER UP INCOME TAX FRAUD by Devvy Kidd -- What can be more detrimental to the lives of the American people than the enforcement of the federal income tax under a law that doesn't exist? And corrupt judges on the bench running a bankruptcy fraud scheme?
A brief history of communications intelligence in the United States -- A BRIEF HISTORY OF COMMUNICATIONS INTELLIGENCE IN THE UNITED STATES by LAURANCE F. SAFFORD - CAPTAIN, USN (RET.)
More Taser abuse by police in Idaho -- Boise police already had the suspect handcuffed when they rammed a Taser gun into his anus and fired. Then they placed the Taser gun against his genitals and threatened to do the same.
Daniel Hauser ordered by judge to continue chemo treatments -- During court it was decided the Hausers have been completely compliant with the court's orders and that Daniel's treatment at Children's in Minneapolis is going well. "Dan Zwakman says, "Their history has shown that the Hauser's are going to cooperate here and they have been, there's been no objection as to what they've been doing.
UK: Secret tax for having a patio or scenic view -- Shocking new details of a stealth tax of up to £600 for householders with views of any kind, patios, conservatories and even a nearby bus stop are revealed for the first time today.
Phone gadget to diagnose disease -- Researchers have developed an add-on to a mobile phone that can take detailed images and analyse them to diagnose diseases such as tuberculosis.
Stupid news: California city spends thousands to defend red light camera ticket -- Fullerton, California spends $14,000 to convince a judge to overturn his own red light camera decision.
Verizon to cut 8,000 jobs by end of year -- The company will be cutting more than 8,000 employee and contractor jobs before the end of the year in the wireline business, speeding up its efforts to keep costs in line, according to chief financial officer John Killian.
Hindu.com | Transparent aluminium is 'new state of matter'
London (PTI): Oxford scientists have created a transparent form of aluminium by bombarding the metal with the world's most powerful soft X-ray laser.
'Transparent aluminium' previously existed only in science fiction, featuring in the movie Star Trek IV, but the real material is an exotic new state of matter with implications for planetary science and nuclear fusion.
In this week's 'Nature Physics', an international team led by Oxford University scientists report that a short pulse from the Hamburg-based FLASH laser 'knocked out' a core electron from every aluminium atom in a sample without disrupting the metal's crystalline structure.
This turned the aluminium nearly invisible to extreme ultraviolet radiation.
READ MORE....
GAO | Recently released reports and testimonies
- Air Pollution: Air Quality, Visibility, and the Potential Impacts of Coal-Fired Power Plants on Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- GAO-09-788R, July 27, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages)
- Federal Research: Information on the Government's Right to Assert Ownership Control over Federally Funded Inventions
- GAO-09-742, July 27, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 26 pages)
- Emergency Communications: Vulnerabilities Remain and Limited Collaboration and Monitoring Hamper Federal Efforts
- GAO-09-604, June 26, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 104 pages)
NaturalNews.com | Today's Feature Stories - July 28, 2009
| The Carbohydrate Conundrum Everywhere you turn, there's one gimmick or another guaranteed to melt the pounds away. From billboards and magazines to TV and radio ads, you can't escape the promises of the latest and greatest... |
| Feeding Fish Oils to Cows Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Bovine Farts (NaturalNews) Adding fish oil to the diets of cows and other ruminants may significantly reduce the amount of methane that the animals emit via belching or flatulence, according to a study conducted by researchers from University College Dublin and presented... |
| The Mothers Act Disease Mongering Campaign - Part II (NaturalNews) This is part two of an investigative series on The Mothers Act by Evelyn Pringle. Read part one here: http://www.naturalnews.com/026634_drugs_suicide_adhd.html The Mothers Act legislation specifically defines the term "postpartum conditions... |
| High Glycemic Foods Damage Arteries (NaturalNews) Anyone interested in healthy and nutritious foods has probably heard that whole grains are far better for you than the processed variety like white bread and sugar-laden cereals. There are several reasons for this, including the fact whole... |
| Monsanto GM Corn a Disaster in South Africa (NaturalNews) Farmers in South Africa have reported an inexplicable failure to seed in three different varieties of corn genetically modified (GM) by the Monsanto Corporation. "One can't see from the outside whether a plant is unseeded," said Kobus... |
| Heal Your Pet Naturally with Acupuncture Acupuncture, the natural healing technique of needle insertion on certain points of the body, is used all over the globe. But in most cases humans are the receivers, not animals. In China, where the technique has its origins, it has been... |
| Daniel Vitalis Part II: Water Gurus, Water Filters and Bottled Water This interview is an excerpt from Kevin Gianni's Renegade Roundtable, which can be found at http://www.RenegadeRoundtable.com. In this excerpt, Daniel Vitalis shares on water gurus, water filters, bottled water and more. Renegade... |
| The Obesity-Hypertension Connection: Your Weight may be Putting You at Risk Did your daily weigh-in cause your blood pressure to spike? If it did, you are not alone. More than 50 percent of Americans are overweight or obese and the numbers just keep on rising. These shocking statistics have doctors from the World... |
| Hypnotherapy Improves Self-Concept The term `self-concept` is someone`s awareness of themselves in relation to self-esteem, personality, and skills. Along with the present, it includes how people perceive themselves in their past and how they believe they will be in the future... |
| Don't Worry, Be Happy, America! (Tens Reasons Why) (NaturalNews) Following the publication of my story about "the new Mr. America: Bankrupt, Diseased and Running Out of Options," we received a number of complaints from some readers who thought the story was too dark. It's just "too negative" to talk about... |
Monday, July 27, 2009
Kiribati and Tuvalu climate change strategy: total evacuation
Breaking News and Commentary from Citizens For Legitimate Government | 27 July 2009
Vaccine guinea pigs: Addicts may get flu drug first --It's feared the new vaccine may cause side effects which won't be discovered until millions are dished out. 26 Jul 2009 Junkies may get the swine flu vaccine first under plans being studied by the Government. Heroin addicts who have registered for methadone could be among those considered vulnerable, because their immune systems are weak. The official in charge of the government's response to the looming crisis delivered the shock news to a parliamentary committee. The world's top flu expert has warned against the dangers of fast-tracking vaccines without proper checks. [See: Vaccine May Be More Dangerous Than Swine Flu --Vaccine contains squalene and gp120 By Dr. Russell Blaylock 07 Jul 2009 and Legal immunity set for swine flu vaccine makers 17 Jul 2009 Vaccine makers and federal officials will be immune from lawsuits that result from any new swine flu vaccine, under a document signed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.]
Fast-tracked Swine Flu Vaccine under Fire --The vaccines far more deadly than the swine flu; mass vaccinations a recipe for disaster By Dr. Mae-Wan Ho and Prof. Joe Cummins 27 Jul 2009 A swine flu outbreak occurred in Mexico and the United States in April 2009 and spread rapidly around the world by human-to human transmission. The new type A H1N1 influenza virus is unlike any that had been previously isolated, judging from the first data released in May. It is a messy combination of sequences from bird, human and swine flu virus lineages from North America and Eurasia. A senior virologist based in Canberra, Australia, told the press he thought that the virus could have been created in the laboratory and released by accident. Some even suggest it was made intentionally as a bioweapon, while others blame the intensive livestock industry... But what worries the public most is the mass vaccination programmes governments are putting in place to combat the emerging pandemic, which could well be worse than the pandemic itself.
Catacombs may be used to store bodies of swine flu [vaccine] victims --Exeter city council plans to use 19th century burial chambers as emergency mortuary if pandemic worsens 25 Jul 2009 A city council is considering using 19th century catacombs to store the bodies of swine flu [vaccine] victims if the outbreak worsens, it was confirmed today. Exeter city council has identified the empty underground burial chambers, currently used as a tourist attraction, as a potential mortuary. A council spokesman said the plan would be implemented if the crematorium and cemeteries could not keep up with funeral demands.
Swine flu pandemic could fuel rise in workplace litigation --Experts warn workers who contract virus could sue --Businesses have been advised on staff welfare 27 Jul 2009 Businesses could face a spate of legal claims from employees hit by swine flu, experts warn, as concerns mount that firms are not prepared to deal with legal issues arising from affected staff. Personal injury, health and safety, and negligence claims are all likely, according to employment lawyers, as litigation has continued to rise during the recession.
Human Genome Sciences scores second anthrax treatment order 22 Jul 2009 Rockville-based Human Genome announced Wednesday that the U.S. Government exercised its option to purchase an additional 45,000 doses of raxibacumab, also known by the trade name ABthrax, for the Strategic National Stockpile. Human Genome said it expects to receive approximately $151 million from the award as deliveries are completed. In April, Human Genome filled its first government order, delivering 20,000 doses of raxibacumab to the Strategic National Stockpile for emergency use in the treatment of inhalation anthrax.
Infectious Diseases Study Site Questioned --Tornado Alley May Not Be Safe, GAO Says [LOL!] 27 Jul 2009 The Department of Homeland Security relied on a rushed, flawed study to justify its decision to locate a $700 million research facility for highly infectious pathogens in a tornado-prone section of Kansas, according to a government report. The department's analysis was not "scientifically defensible" in concluding that it could safely handle dangerous animal diseases in Kansas -- or any other location on the U.S. mainland, according to a Government Accountability Office draft report obtained by The Washington Post. The GAO said DHS greatly underestimated the chance of accidental release and major contamination from such research, which has been conducted only on a remote island off the United States.
Texas: Police can use force to compel evacuation during 'disaster' --Law will facilitate Xe's ability to kill, seize property in any 'emergency' 26 Jul 2009 A new state law will allow police to arrest people who don’t leave town under mandatory evacuation orders. The new law gives county judges and mayors the power to authorize use of "reasonable force" to remove people from the area. The law, passed this year, takes effect Sept. 1, in the heart of hurricane season in Texas. It also applies to other disasters, such as fires or floods.
Iraq: $644 Million Stimulus Program Suspended, Money Siphoned to Insurgents 27 Jul 2009 The top U.S. aid agency has suspended a $644 million Iraq jobs program [!] after two outside reviews raised concerns about misspending, including an inspector general's audit that found evidence of phantom jobs and money siphoned to insurgents. The Community Stabilization Program, launched in 2006, was designed to tamp down the insurgency by paying Iraqis cash to do public works projects such as trash removal and ditch digging. International Relief and Development (IRD), a Virginia-based non-profit corporation, ran the program, one of many it manages for the U.S. government. More than 80% of IRD's $500 million annual budget comes from U.S. Agency for International Development, company tax filings show. [Notice the GOP doesn't squeal about *this* stimulus package?]
Torture -- new claim of secret UK complicity --They were dragged out of a restaurant as they dined on 21 July. The two British Muslims say they were threatened with torture, deprived of sleep, subjected to stress positions and told they would be killed and fed to dogs. 26 Jul 2009 A businessman who was held and mistreated in the United Arab Emirates following the London bombings believes he has evidence that British consular officials asked permission from the UK's own security services to visit him while he was detained. Heavily redacted documents seen by the Guardian appear to indicate that the request to visit Alam Ghafoor was made to an unidentified British intelligence officer and not to officials in the UAE. Ghafoor is one of several British men who allege there has been British complicity in their detention and torture while abroad.
The specter of a police state: Bush administration considered using military to arrest "Lackawanna Six" By Joe Kishore 27 Jul 2009 The Bush administration considered using the military to arrest six US citizens in Lackawanna, New York, in September 2002. While the proposal was ultimately rejected, the discussion was part of a concerted effort to expand the use of the military within the United States in violation of domestic law and the Constitution.
US Blackwater-Xe mercenaries spreads fear in Pakistani town 27 Jul 2009 Fear is spreading across University Town, an upmarket residential area in Pakistan's north-western city of Peshawar, due to the overt presence of the controversial US private security contractor Blackwater. Sporting the customary dark glasses and carrying assault rifles, the mercenaries zoom around the neighbourhood in their black-coloured armoured Chevy Suburbans, and shout at motorists when occasionally stranded in a traffic jam. The residents are mainly concerned about Blackwater's reputation as a ruthless, unbridled private army whose employees face multiple charges of murder, child prostitution and weapons smuggling in Iraq.
'Multiple' failures led to Iraq electrocution, Pentagon says --Nine deaths caused by improper grounding or faulty equipment --Fault placed with commanders, Army, KBR 27 Jul 2009 A Green Beret sergeant was electrocuted in Iraq in 2008 because of failures by the U.S. military and a major defense contractor [KBR], which did not properly ground and inspect electrical equipment, according to a Pentagon report out Monday. Nine of 18 electrocution deaths reported in Iraq were caused by [KBR's] "improper grounding or faulty equipment," including the January 2008 death of Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, the Defense Department's inspector-general found. The report found that a water pump installed by military contractor KBR was not grounded, leading to Maseth's electrocution when it short-circuited.
Hidden costs of Afghan war surpass £12 billion 27 Jul 2009 The cost of Britain's military 'mission' in Afghanistan has soared past has passed £12 billion, an assessment by the Independent on Sunday reveals. The assessment published on Sunday said that the "hidden costs" of fighting since the 2001 invasion would comprise a bill that would work out at £190 per every man, woman and child in the United Kingdom.
UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan 27 Jul 2009 Two UK soldiers have died in separate explosions in southern Afghanistan as an offensive against the Taliban enters its second phase. Both blasts took place on the morning of 27 July, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. Next of kin have been told. The MoD said one of the soldiers died taking part in Operation Panther's Claw - the first death of its second stage.
Six killed in Iraq violence 27 Jul 2009 A senior Iraqi army officer, a Sunni tribal chief and two Iraqi special forces soldiers were among six people killed in violence across the country on Monday, police and the US army said. In Fallujah, west of Baghdad, army Captain Ibrahim Khairallah Hamadi died when a bomb attached to his car exploded in his housing complex, police Major Yassin Mohammed told AFP. One of Hamadi's guards was wounded in the attack. In Mosul, a Sunni tribal chief was killed and his driver wounded in a similar attack in the centre of the northern city, according to a police officer who declined to be identified.
Police foil bomb plot in northeast Iran 27 Jul 2009 Iranian police forces have reportedly thwarted a bomb plot in the holy city of Mashhad in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi. The bomb, planted in a drug store, was defused by local law enforcement officers on Sunday just before it was to go off, Mehr News Agency reported. The drug store was located at a health clinic operated by the Iranian Basij -- a voluntary paramilitary force.
Jakarta bombing suspect released 27 Jul 2009 A man suspected of being involved in the Jakarta bombings ten days ago has been released due to lack of evidence. Two suicide bombers who targeted luxury hotels have not been identified, but a man named Achmadi had been held on suspicion of being involved after he surrendered himself to police.
7 charged with terror conspiracy in North Carolina 27 Jul 2009 A North Carolina man trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan has been charged along with six of his alleged recruits with conspiring to support terrorism and traveling overseas to participate in "violent jihad," according to an indictment unsealed Monday. Daniel Patrick Boyd and the six other men were arrested Monday and made their first appearances in Raleigh, charged with providing material support to terrorism.
Life in prison for American Qaeda suspect 29 Jul 2009 A US court has sentenced Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, an American who is believed to have conspired to kill former President [sic] George W. Bush, to life imprisonment. US District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee of Alexandria, Virginia, overturned an earlier long-term sentence against Abu Ali in 2006 on the grounds that the previous ruling was 'too lenient.' Judge Lee turned the 30-year prison term into a life sentence... In an 'involuntary' confession made under 'interrogation techniques,' Abu Ali testified on his role to implement 'terror' schemes in America. He has also been accused of plotting to assassinate the former US president George W. Bush. Speaking on Monday during the court of appeal session, Abu Ali told the judge, "This was a case manufactured by the Saudi torture regime and expedited to the United States for trial." He went on to insist on his innocence, asking the judge for clemency.
Student's coded emails 'part of terror plot' 27 Jul 2009 A Pakistani student used coded emails apparently about his relationship with his girlfriend to discuss a major terror plot, an immigration court heard today. The 23-year-old was days away from executing an attack against an "unspecified target" when he was arrested, it was claimed. The man, who can be named only as XC, was living in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, when he was detained by police in April as part of Operation Pathway. No charges were brought against him because of a lack of evidence, but the Home Office is seeking to deport him on the grounds that he poses a threat to national security.
Black market kidney trade exposed in US and Israel 27 Jul 2009 An international racket in the trade of black-market kidneys has been exposed in America. In the first documented case of organ trafficking in the US, the FBI last week arrested so-called kidney matchmaker, Levy Izhak Rosenbaum of Brooklyn. He was arrested only days after he had met with a secret government informant and an undercover FBI agent.
GM crop trials start again in Britain in secret: report 26 Jul 2009 Genetically modified crops are being grown in Britain for the first time in 12 months after controversial trials were resumed without alerting the public, a newspaper reported Monday. Cultivation of a field of potatoes designed to be resistant to pests was abandoned more than a year ago when environmental protesters ripped up the crop, the Daily Telegraph said. But, without alerting the public, the project near Tadcaster in northern England has been restarted, prompting warnings from green groups that local farms and residents could be put at risk, the newspaper said. One group accused the government of trying to "slip it under the radar."
Home Sales Surge, Raising Hope That Sector is Recovering 28 Jul 2009 More homes sold more quickly in the Washington area during the second quarter than in the period a year ago, while home prices showed some signs of stabilizing, according to a real estate industry study scheduled for release Tuesday. The local trend jibes with some national statistics released by the federal government Monday, which show that sales of newly built homes surged 11 percent in June from the previous month, the largest monthly gain in nine years.
Sarah Palin hands over power in Alaska --Taking parting shots at Democrats, environmentalists and the media, the governor transfers authority to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. 27 Jul 2009 [Polar bear killing-terrorist] Sarah Palin stepped down as Alaska governor Sunday, pledging to continue fighting for independence from Washington and for Americans' personal freedoms "as that grizzly guards her cubs." The hand-over to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell at a family-style picnic marked an unexpected end to a brief but remarkable governorship in which Palin turned the Republican Party on its head.
911 Tape Raises Questions in Gates Case 28 Jul 2009 The woman who called 911 to report a possible breaking and entering at the home of Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. told the dispatcher that she had "no idea" if the two men she saw were breaking in and said that, in fact, they might live there. A recording of the call, released on Monday by the Cambridge Police Department, raised new questions about the case, which ended in the arrest on July 16 of Professor Gates, a prominent Harvard scholar, on a disorderly conduct charge.
Previous lead stories: Private wars we can believe in: Military Weighs Broad Use of Mercenaries on Front Lines --Contract would award a commercial company unusually broad "theater-wide" authority to protect forward operating bases in a war zone 26 Jul 2009 The U.S. military command is considering contracting a private firm to manage security on the front lines of the war in Afghanistan, even as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates says that the Pentagon intends to cut back on the use of private security contractors mercenaries. On a Web site listing federal business opportunities, the Army this month published a notice soliciting information from prospective mercenaries who would develop a security plan for 50 or more forward operating bases and smaller command outposts across Afghanistan. Although the U.S. military has contracted out security services to protect individuals, military bases and other facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, this contract would award a commercial company unusually broad "theater-wide" authority to protect forward operating bases in a war zone. [Well, thank *God* Bush is out of there and we have Barack Obama!]
Secrets of CIA 'ghost flights' to be revealed --Guantánamo detainee's lawyers hail UK air firm's U-turn that allows rendition case to go to court 26 Jul 2009 Confidential documents showing the flight plans of a CIA "ghost plane" allegedly used to transfer a British resident to secret interrogation sites around the world are to be made public. The move comes after a Sussex-based company accused of involvement in extraordinary rendition dropped its opposition to a case against it being heard in court. Lawyers bringing the case against Jeppesen UK on behalf of the former Guantánamo Bay prisoner, Binyam Mohamed, claimed last night the climbdown had wide-ranging legal implications that could help expose which countries and governments knew the CIA was using their air bases to spirit terrorist suspects around the world.