India and Russia Sign Development Pacts – New York Times
March 12, 2010
India and Russia Sign Development Pacts – New York Times
 Novinite.com |
India and Russia Sign Development Pacts
New York Times NEW DELHI — India and Russia signed a series of agreements on nuclear, space and military issues on Friday after a visit by Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. The agreements pave the way to build at least a dozen more Russian … Russia and India sign major military deals Russia, India May Join Forces to Explore the Moon, Putin Says Russia signs India nuclear deal |
Health end game hinges on House, Senate trust – msnbc.com
 CBS News |
Health end game hinges on House, Senate trust
msnbc.com For the next few weeks, Obama-brand "hope" may be taking a back seat to "trust." President Barack Obama's decision on Friday to delay an overseas trip came after reports that an impartial Senate umpire is likely to … Obama delays Asia trip to focus on health care Health care timeline still unclear Democrats pare differences over health overhaul |
Australia police head to Israel over Dubai slaying – The Associated Press
March 2, 2010
Australia police head to Israel over Dubai slaying – The Associated Press
 Times Online |
Australia police head to Israel over Dubai slaying
The Associated Press JERUSALEM — Australian police and passport officials are being dispatched to Israel to meet with three dual Australian-Israeli nationals whose passports were used in the slaying of a top Hamas operative in Dubai, a spokeswoman for Australia's … Dubai to screen Israeli arrivals Dubai Limits Israeli Entry After Killing Dubai assassins drag America into row over fake passports |
Brown seeks governor’s mansion — or at least the office — again – CNN
 Washington Post |
Brown seeks governor's mansion — or at least the office — again
CNN Jerry Brown, the once and future California governor? The current state attorney general leads in polls. (CNN) — You could make a serious argument that Jerry Brown is the most unconventional politician America has ever … Jerry Brown to announce bid for governor today Jerry Brown to announce bid for governor Tuesday In California, Brown Is Said to Be Seeking His Old Job Back |
One Senator Holds Up Bill, in New Level of Gridlock – Wall Street Journal
 BBC News |
One Senator Holds Up Bill, in New Level of Gridlock
Wall Street Journal The Senate tied itself in knots Monday as it tried to get around a single lawmaker's objection to a spending bill, a showdown that has become emblematic of capital's partisan gridlock. Sen. Jim Bunning (R., Ky. … Bunning hurls curve, halts aid | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/02/2010 Wild pitches from Sen. Bunning Single US senator freezes unemployment payment |
Was Foster even entitled to an advance?Graham Foster’s
February 12, 2010
Was Foster even entitled to an advance?
Graham Foster’s story in the Sunday Star Timesdoesn’t tell the full story. He was refused a Work and Income grant to pay for a $50 pullover and a $140 pair of shoes. Instead he got an advance for the amount which he has to pay back at $3.00 per week. Any advances are supposed to be paid back within a 52 week period. But not this one. Still, Foster spent two years fighting the government through the courts, costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
The Benefit Review Committee decision of 2008 appears to be here, and was itself appealed. (The Court of Appeal’s recent decision is here). Foster wanted a lump sum non recoverable payment and reviewed a decision to advance the payment. His excuse for applying for these items was that his old jersey had a hole in it and as he sometimes suffered from mild bronchitis he didn’t want to catch a chill. He said he needed to wear specially constructed inner soles and good quality shoes and he said he needed to purchase Hush Puppy shoes ” that better fitted the odd contours of my feet”.
His budget indicated a deficiency of income over expenditure of $49.98 per week – and budgeted more than $87 a week on food . That’s in 2008. We have four in our family and don’t even spend double that each week. He also brought the Listener each week instead of reading it at the library for free. Although he wanted free shoes, the Social Security Appeal Authority noted that there is no specific provision in the Special Needs Grant programme for shoes. As Foster admitted that the items were needed due to to wear and tear, this was not an “emergency” as it was not unforseen. Clothes are expected to wear out, eventually. The authority said:
We are surprised to note that the appellant spends [$30 - inserted] per week on communication, apparently for cellphone, internet and fixed line charges. This seems particularly high for someone sharing accommodation. The appellant has not explained what his need for a cellphone might be. An allowance of $15.00 per week ought to be sufficient for telecommunications. We also have questions about the appellant’s allowance for transport, optometrist and newspapers. It is surprising that the appellant can afford to buy the Listener and pay for an internet connection but cannot budget for [shoes]. We are not convinced that the appellant has a deficiency in his budget of $49.98 per week. We accept that the appellant’s budget is tight but we consider that the appellant could have been expected to make provision for [shoes] in his budget.We are not satisfied on the basis of the evidence available that an emergency situation existed in this instance
But they did think it was fine for him to get an advance payment, even though he was able to make provision for it. In other words, the Committee considered that as Foster had an “immediate and essential need” he should be given a loan for the shoes and jersey, even though no emergency situation existed, and WINZ had no idea if he needed them because they apparently didn’t ask if he had other jerseys and shoes he could wear.
So how did they know that Foster had an immediate and essential need?
Has the Herald on Sunday breached name suppression?
Just got back from a week offline, and am still catching up with the news slowly. But from reading the Dom Post while I was away I learned that Cameron Slater ( who is extremely happy that he had 54,000 unique page views on his blog the other day) has been posting, in binary code on his blog, the name of a former MP who is up on charges of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
Now, I don’t know much about binary code, so I quickly found out by other means who this person was, and then saw an article in the Herald from Carolyne Meng-Yee, who loves to write about celebrities – and I`d be surprised if she understands most of the laws surrounding suppression. From that article I could narrow this man’s name down to two possibilities. He is a former MP, has a partner, he is not the father of the girl, and is a ” thoroughly decent bloke”. The girl’s mother is this former MP’s partner. But it was another sentence in that article that narrowed it down somewhat for me.
The Herald On Sunday has arguably published information that has led to the identity of the alleged offender, as it led with the man’s former occupation with the implication that he has links to more than one political party. The article is also in a more accessible form than Slater’s. In addition, another article on the same website the same week provided another piece to the jigsaw, which narrowed it down to one.
If a blogger provides clues that breach name suppression on one post, is that any worse than an online newspaper doing the same thing, but on different articles on different days? Particularly if both articles are available on the one page. Whatever, even if Slater posts clues to the multiple people who have suppression, as he has done, the Solicitor -General has said that he is not in contempt of court.
John Key has waded into the debate saying that Slater is not allowed to break a law he disagrees with. But the PM himself has advocated that it is fine to break the law if you want to smack your kids, whether you agree with the law or not.
Reports: Iranian panel denies Kerry visit to Tehran – CNN International
January 5, 2010
Reports: Iranian panel denies Kerry visit to Tehran – CNN International
 BBC News |
Reports: Iranian panel denies Kerry visit to Tehran
CNN International Sen John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, had requested a visit in December, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency says. Tehran, Iran (CNN) — An Iranian parliamentary committee has denied a request by US Sen. John Kerry to visit Tehran, according to reports … Iranian Lawmakers Reject Kerry Request to Visit China: Diplomacy Best Way to Resolve Iranian Nuclear Issue Clinton: US keeps dialogue open with Iran |
Brown, Coakley spar in radio debate – Boston Globe
 NECN |
Brown, Coakley spar in radio debate
Boston Globe The three candidates for US Senate met this morning for one of their final three debates in the special election to succeed Edward M. Kennedy, clashing over health care, abortion, and terrorism in an hour-long appearance on … Coakley, Brown spar in one of final Senate debates Poll: Coakley holds slim 9-point lead over Brown Naked Senate Candidate Scott Brown Loves Torture |
Report: Apple Buying Mobile Ad Company for $275 Million – PC World
 GoMo News |
Report: Apple Buying Mobile Ad Company for $275 Million
PC World Apple appears to be getting into the mobile advertising business, through a rumored purchase of Quattro Wireless for $275 million. This is about a third of what Google hopes to pay for competitor AdMob, if the feds don't end up … Apple Buys Mobile-Ad Firm Quattro Wireless confirms acquisition, CEO named Apple VP Internet Apple Reportedly Set to Buy Quattro Wireless for $275M |
Organic Foods – TheTruth on Health
January 4, 2010
Organic Foods – TheTruth on Health
Soil Association response to the Food Standards Agency’s Organic Review
I’m still at a loss at how the FSA reached their decision when you read their report carefully, despite the biased nature of the report, it still manages to identify major benefits of organic foods.
Obviously a major concern amongst consumers buying organic is to avoid xenoestrogens, toxins and other potential residue contaminants in conventional crops
The FoodStandard’s Agency study on Organic Foods admits
1. This review does not address contaminant content (such as herbicide, pesticide and fungicide residues) of organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.
It is well proven that (most probably due to modern conventional farming and harvesting methods) average nutrient levels in food have reduced in recent years. It’s suspected that the McCance and Widdowson data that nutritionists use could be hopelessly out of date for use as a therapeutic tool. Despite this studies as early as 1958 have been used by the FSA in the meta study.
The FSA study on Organic Food admits
2. Based on 162 relevant articles published, in peer-reviewed journals since 1st January 1958
The FSA meta study did find differences in important nutrient values The FSA study on Organic Food admits
3. Significant differences in content between organically and conventionally produced crops were found in some minerals (nitrogen higher in conventional crops; magnesium and zinc higher in organic crops),phytochemicals (phenolic compounds and flavonoids higher in organic crops)
London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston says “We have many clients in clinic displaying symptoms of magnesium deficiency and Zinc is very important for helping with infertility problems which are on the increase. It’s been shown anti oxidants such as flavonoids have an important role to play in protecting the body. It’s misleading for the FSA to suggest food with higher amounts of these nutrients is of ‘no importance’ for optimal health.”
In adition to disqualifying a major new EU study on organic foods the FSA also admits
4. Studies were also disqualified from inclusion if they were primarily concerned with non-nutrient contaminant content (cadmium, lead and mercury)
Identity politics v class politics
One of New Zealand’s best political blogs, Liberation, is running a series examining the controversy of Goff’s ‘Nationhood’ speech, attempting to show how the speech and resulting controversy can best be understood within the conceptual framework of ‘identity politics versus class politics’. It argues that to understand what’s going on in the Labour Party, what Goff has recently pushed for, and indeed what’s happened to the Green Party, is not a case of social liberalism versus social conservatism; nor is it left versus right; but instead it’s liberalism versus leftism – or simply: identity politics versus class politics.
Keep an eye out for it.
Lawyer: Husband of missing mom has left Utah – Washington Post
December 20, 2009
Lawyer: Husband of missing mom has left Utah – Washington Post
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man considered a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife has left the state with the couple’s two young children, his attorney said Sunday. Josh Powell’s attorney, Scott Williams, said in a text message to The Associated Press that his client went to his father’s
Hospital: Actress Brittany Murphy, star of ‘8 Mile,’ ‘Clueless,’ dies at age 32 in Los Angeles – Baltimore Sun
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brittany Murphy, the actress who got her start in the sleeper hit “Clueless” and rose to stardom in “8 Mile,” died Sunday in Los Angeles. She was 32. Murphy was pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Sally Stewart said. Stewart would
Astronauts blast off for Christmas space mission – Forbes
BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan — A Russian rocket blasted off from a cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and hurtled spaceward Monday, shuttling an American, a Russian and a Japanese to the International Space Station. The Soyuz TMA-17’s three astronauts will take the orbiting laboratory’s permanent crew to five
Spyker Cars renews bid to buy Saab from GM – MSNBC
STOCKHOLM – In a final attempt to rescue Saab Automobile AB, Dutch auto maker Spyker Cars on Sunday submitted a new offer to buy the Swedish brand from General Motors Co. Spyker said it has submitted a new 11-point proposal to GM, addressing the issues that made talks collapse earlier this week. GM
Robotic hamsters are holidays’ unlikely new craze – AOL
November 26, 2009
Robotic hamsters are holidays’ unlikely new craze – AOL
NEW YORK -When Lori Fowlkes first saw robotic Zhu Zhu Pets toy hamsters in September, she remembers her kids started jumping up and down and saying “Please! Please! Can we buy them?” Seeing a fully stocked shelf, she decided to hold off until Christmas. That was “before I knew that the hamsters
Seniors suffer in troubled California subdivision – Star-Banner
HEMET, Calif. – John and Donna Pringle were newly widowed when they fell in love and decided to slip into retirement together at a sprawling community being built for the 55-and-up crowd a few miles from their homes in this sun-bleached Southern California town. The Peppertree subdivision promised
Haiti bans Aristide’s party from 2010 election – Kansas City Star
Haiti’s electoral council has banned the influential party of exiled former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from running in next year’s legislative elections. Fanmi Lavalas is among the 17 parties barred from February’s elections because it submitted improper documents, provisional council
Charles Woodson donates $2 million to U-M hospital – AOL
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -Charles Woodson wants to be known as more than a football player. Donating $2 million to the new University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital gives him a chance to do that. The school announced Woodson’s gift on Thanksgiving before he played for the Green
Organic Foods – TheTruth on Health
November 5, 2009
Organic Foods – TheTruth on HealthSoil Association response to the Food Standards Agency’s Organic Review
I’m still at a loss at how the FSA reached their decision when you read their report carefully, despite the biased nature of the report, it still manages to identify major benefits of organic foods.
Obviously a major concern amongst consumers buying organic is to avoid xenoestrogens, toxins and other potential residue contaminants in conventional crops
The FoodStandard’s Agency study on Organic Foods admits
1. This review does not address contaminant content (such as herbicide, pesticide and fungicide residues) of organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.
It is well proven that (most probably due to modern conventional farming and harvesting methods) average nutrient levels in food have reduced in recent years. It’s suspected that the McCance and Widdowson data that nutritionists use could be hopelessly out of date for use as a therapeutic tool. Despite this studies as early as 1958 have been used by the FSA in the meta study.
The FSA study on Organic Food admits
2. Based on 162 relevant articles published, in peer-reviewed journals since 1st January 1958
The FSA meta study did find differences in important nutrient values The FSA study on Organic Food admits
3. Significant differences in content between organically and conventionally produced crops were found in some minerals (nitrogen higher in conventional crops; magnesium and zinc higher in organic crops),phytochemicals (phenolic compounds and flavonoids higher in organic crops)
London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston says “We have many clients in clinic displaying symptoms of magnesium deficiency and Zinc is very important for helping with infertility problems which are on the increase. It’s been shown anti oxidants such as flavonoids have an important role to play in protecting the body. It’s misleading for the FSA to suggest food with higher amounts of these nutrients is of ‘no importance’ for optimal health.”
In adition to disqualifying a major new EU study on organic foods the FSA also admits
4. Studies were also disqualified from inclusion if they were primarily concerned with non-nutrient contaminant content (cadmium, lead and mercury)
Organic Foods – TheTruth on Health
October 2, 2009
Organic Foods – TheTruth on HealthSoil Association response to the Food Standards Agency’s Organic Review
I’m still at a loss at how the FSA reached their decision when you read their report carefully, despite the biased nature of the report, it still manages to identify major benefits of organic foods.
Obviously a major concern amongst consumers buying organic is to avoid xenoestrogens, toxins and other potential residue contaminants in conventional crops
The FoodStandard’s Agency study on Organic Foods admits
1. This review does not address contaminant content (such as herbicide, pesticide and fungicide residues) of organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.
It is well proven that (most probably due to modern conventional farming and harvesting methods) average nutrient levels in food have reduced in recent years. It’s suspected that the McCance and Widdowson data that nutritionists use could be hopelessly out of date for use as a therapeutic tool. Despite this studies as early as 1958 have been used by the FSA in the meta study.
The FSA study on Organic Food admits
2. Based on 162 relevant articles published, in peer-reviewed journals since 1st January 1958
The FSA meta study did find differences in important nutrient values The FSA study on Organic Food admits
3. Significant differences in content between organically and conventionally produced crops were found in some minerals (nitrogen higher in conventional crops; magnesium and zinc higher in organic crops),phytochemicals (phenolic compounds and flavonoids higher in organic crops)
London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston says “We have many clients in clinic displaying symptoms of magnesium deficiency and Zinc is very important for helping with infertility problems which are on the increase. It’s been shown anti oxidants such as flavonoids have an important role to play in protecting the body. It’s misleading for the FSA to suggest food with higher amounts of these nutrients is of ‘no importance’ for optimal health.”
In adition to disqualifying a major new EU study on organic foods the FSA also admits
4. Studies were also disqualified from inclusion if they were primarily concerned with non-nutrient contaminant content (cadmium, lead and mercury)
Contest – - Rinascimento virtuale
Mario Gerosa, known as Frank Koolhaas on Second Life, will be presenting his new book, “Rinascimento virtuale” on Friday 11 April 2008 at noon SLT (9pm italian time), in the Toscana sim, in Second Life http://slurl.com/secondlife/toscana/85/215/105. The book, which has been published in Italy, is about the art generated in social network, avatar branding, grassroot culture, virtual tourism and much more.
For the occasion, a contest will be open to all SL residents, called “Second Renaissance.” The competitors must create one or more pics (max 3) inspired by famous Renaissance paintings, with the photos being entirely taken in SL. The avatars should take poses and situations by famous masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello.
Submissions are due by 3 pm slt, Thursday, April 10 (midnight Italian time) and must be submitted in .jpg format, no larger than 250 kB, to secondlife@intoscana.it. The submissions will be shown during the presentation on April 11. The jury wil be comprised of Mario Gerosa, journalist and writer; Mirko Lalli marketing and communication officer of Fondazione Sistema Toscana; and Sergio Tossi, gallery owner and curator of contemporary art exhibitions in Florence, Italy.
The three top pieces will receive these prizes:
1st prize: Weekend in a Tuscany agriturismo offered by B&B LA VILLANELLA (http://www.villanella.it, lavillanella@katamail.com – 0575.48394). Winner to provide their own transportation.
2nd : 5 books by Meltemi, shipping prepaid
3rd: 3 books by Meltemi, shipping prepaid
Deal buys Iran time to obscure activities at nuclear plant … – Los Angeles Times
October 2, 2009
Deal buys Iran time to obscure activities at nuclear plant … – Los Angeles Times
 ABC News |
Deal buys Iran time to obscure activities at nuclear plant …
Los Angeles Times After acknowledging the plant's existence, Iran has nearly a month to admit inspectors. Swifter access would have provided an advantage in information gathering, some officials say. By Paul Richter Reporting from Geneva – Iran's promise to admit … Q+A: After talks with Iran in Geneva, what next for US? Two-week Iran deadline not set 'in stone': State Department How to Talk to the Iranians |
Hamas releases video footage of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit – Telegraph.co.uk
 MiamiHerald.com |
Hamas releases video footage of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit
Telegraph.co.uk The militant Palestinian group Hamas has released video footage of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza for over three years. By Adrian Blomfield in Jerusalem Raising hopes that protracted negotiations over the 23-year-old corporal's … Diplomacy: Regional forecast: A thaw between Israel and the Gulf UN Postpones Vote on Controversial Gaza Report Video: Final Shalit deal uncertain |
Obama: Higher US Unemployment A ‘Sobering Reminder’ – Voice of America
 Voice of America |
Obama: Higher US Unemployment A 'Sobering Reminder'
Voice of America US President Barack Obama says the higher US unemployment rate in September shows that economic recovery will not be smooth or easy. The president also expressed regret that Chicago did not win the 2016 Summer Olympics bid. … Republicans Seize on Jobs as Proof Obama's Policies Have Failed Obama: Job Losses a 'Sobering Reminder' of the Work Ahead Latest job report 'sobering' : Obama |
Chicago supporters crushed, confused by early elimination – USA Today
 Times Online |
Chicago supporters crushed, confused by early elimination
USA Today CHICAGO — A huge sign hung on an office building across from the downtown civic rally in Daley Plaza Friday morning, showing the Chicago 2016 logo, a woman weightlifter and the word "IMAGINE" in capital letters. … An Olympic-sized whipping for Chicago Olympic vote deals US another humiliating defeat as Chicago gets … IOC hands US, Obama a stinging defeat |
