Swine flu will kill 40 Britons a day
July 24, 2009
Swine flu will kill 40 Britons a day
Swine flu could kill 40 Britons a day by end of summer, says chief medical officer | Mail Online
We can look forward to 100,000 new cases a day and 40 deaths a day from swine flu H1N1 by the end of August predicts the UK Chief Medical Officer.
“There are a number of things we can test to see how strong your immune system is and based on those tests things we can help improve such as your essential fatty acid levels that you need for healthy membranes and cell structure” says London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston ” and test your cortisol levels which would give us some idea of how your body would cope with this kind of stress”
“We can also test for swine flu now that the Govt has stopped testing if you want to be sure that’s what you’ve got” adds Yvonne
Does Clayton Weatherston deserve a lower sentence than a robber or a sex offender?
Clayton Weatherston took a knife to his girlfriend’s place and stabbed her 216 times in the face, eyes, neck and heart. He has been charged with murder but is pleading a defence of provocation. This has led to repeated calls for the repeal of at least section 169 of the Crimes Act, which allows a provocation defence for murder. Labour’s Charles Chauvel has a bill [PDF]to do just that – although he is probably more concerned about the gay panic defence, rather than consistent sentencing.
Provocation operates as a partial defence. If Weatherston is successful he’d have a considerably reduced sentence. How much? Less than he’d get for sexual offences or kidnapping, at least. That’s because the sentence is purely up to the sentencing judge, not the legislation and sentences for manslaughter have been minimal because judges no longer apply the law to provide for tougher sentencing for the worst crimes.
The maximum sentence for rape is 20 years, and for manslaughter it is life. Life is the minimum for murder unless the judge gives written reasons for an alternate sentence.But many sex offenders (like Graham Capill) get higher sentences than those found guilty of killing a cop with a stolen car. Judges use previous cases to determine sentencing for manslaughter, none of which have been more than 16 years, most are far less. Here’s some comparisons.
This guy got six years for aggravated robbery, but this woman would have got just five years for manslaughter had the crown not appealed the sentence.This rapist got 10 years, but last month this killer got sentenced to just over four years, but could be out of prison next month. He spent time in custody before sentencing. This sentence is just over half the seven year maximum sentence for wounding with intent to injure. This guy got nine years for kidnapping – but Rachael Namana got six years for killing Lillybing. A guy I used to know got six and a half years for unlawful sexual connection, but had he slaughtered one of the kids with a baseball bat he may have got a shorter sentence. Had the kidnapper or Capill been convicted for manslaughter they’d have probably got shorter sentences too.
So in effect what Weatherston is trying to do is get a shorter sentence than many sex offenders get – but he killed a woman by stabbing her 216 times. If he is successful, and gets, say, the three years that this killer got after successfully using the provocation defence , that’s just five days for every stab. That is assuming he completes the full sentence.
The provocation defence may be the topic of the moment, but there is also something wrong with our sentencing system if politicians and judges think that those who kill people deserve lower sentences than do robbers and sexual offenders.
clarification Despite the title, this post is not to be seen as taking any normative position on Clayton Weatherston’s case, nor does it do so.
Obama: August healthcare deadline may "spill over" – Reuters
July 20, 2009
Obama: August healthcare deadline may "spill over" – Reuters
 Washington Post |
Obama: August healthcare deadline may "spill over"
Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama said on Monday the August deadline he had set for Congress to pass initial healthcare legislation may "spill over," but repeated that he wanted reforms enacted soon. "I want this done now," Obama said in an … Democrats battle to regain healthcare momentum Both sides in health care debate using scare tactics to make their … President hits back on health care, but relaxes the timetable for … |
CIT gets $3 bln lifeline from bondholders – Reuters
 Reuters |
CIT gets $3 bln lifeline from bondholders
Reuters NEW YORK (Reuters) – CIT Group Inc secured a $3 billion loan facility from its bondholders on Monday and said it plans a comprehensive restructuring of its liabilities, but gave few details. With the emergency loan, the 101-year-old lender to small and … CIT gets $3 billion bailout from bondholders CIT may be saved – but now what? CIT to Get Financing From Bondholders |
As Premier Faces Scandal, Italy Sets Stage for G-8 – New York Times
July 6, 2009
As Premier Faces Scandal, Italy Sets Stage for G-8 – New York Times
 Voice of America |
As Premier Faces Scandal, Italy Sets Stage for G-8
New York Times L'AQUILA, Italy — Dress rehearsals are well under way for the Group of 8 summit meeting that opens here on Wednesday, but whether the production is comedy, tragedy or the serious undertaking Italy hopes for may … Washington Post Foreign Service Berlusconi Hosts G-8 at a Difficult Time Italy's Earthquake Zone to Host G-8 Summit |
Slain SC serial killing suspect had long rap sheet – The Associated Press
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Slain SC serial killing suspect had long rap sheet
The Associated Press GAFFNEY, SC (AP) — The serial killer who terrorized a South Carolina community by shooting five people to death before police killed him Monday was a career criminal paroled just two months ago, authorities said. Patrick Burris, 41, was shot to death … Police Kill Suspected Serial Murderer US serial killer 'shot by police' Police say suspect in South Carolina serial killings is dead |
Sen.-elect Franken visits Capitol Hill – Los Angeles Times
 Boston Globe |
Sen.-elect Franken visits Capitol Hill
Los Angeles Times This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Get Flash The former comedian, who will give Senate Democrats a 60-vote supermajority, meets with the Senate majority leader. He will be sworn in Tuesday. … No joke: Al Franken takes his new job seriously Franken: From satirist to senator Our view: Finally, full representation for Minnesota |
California's 9th death from swine flu reported – San Jose Mercury News
June 23, 2009
California's 9th death from swine flu reported – San Jose Mercury News California's 9th death from swine flu reported
The Sun
San Jose Mercury News
AP REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—San Mateo County health officials are reporting California's ninth death from swine flu. The county health department said Monday that a middle-aged woman with underlying health problems had died after contracting the H1N1 flu.
State's only swine flu death still a mystery
H1N1 Cases Reach 81 In Nebraska
Iranian authorities scramble to negate Neda Soltan 'martyrdom' – Times Online Iranian authorities scramble to negate Neda Soltan 'martyrdom'
guardian.co.uk
Times Online
The Iranian authorities have ordered the family of a student shot dead in Tehran to take down mourning posters as they struggle to stop her becoming the rallying point for protests against the presidential election.
Video: Sen. John McCain on Iran
IPhone upgrades could hurt some applications – San Francisco Chronicle
June 21, 2009
IPhone upgrades could hurt some applications – San Francisco Chronicle IPhone upgrades could hurt some applications
New York Times
San Francisco Chronicle
The iPhone caused upheaval when it appeared two years ago, changing what people thought they could do with their mobile phones. The ripples are still coming.
Video: Lining up for new iphone
Greece's New Acropolis Museum opens to visitors – The Associated Press Greece's New Acropolis Museum opens to visitors
Brisbane Times
The Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece (AP) – The new Acropolis Museum opened its gates Sunday to hundreds of visitors eager to explore its vast collection of sculptures and artifacts from ancient Greece.
Acropolis Museum opens doors to public for first time
Greece to open long-awaited new Acropolis Museum
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California hires Kevin O'Neill as … – Hays Daily News LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California hires Kevin O'Neill as …
Washington Post
Hays Daily News
All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are …
Bold names: USC hires Kevin O'Neill as basketball coach
O'Neill not the right choice for USC gig
Obama tells men what kind of dads they should be – The Associated Press
June 20, 2009
Obama tells men what kind of dads they should be – The Associated Press Obama tells men what kind of dads they should be
Telegraph.co.uk
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – Barack Obama got a basketball, his first name and ambition from his father. Little else. The son gave back more than he received: a lifetime of ruminations about the man who abandoned the family, a memoir named "Dreams from My Father …
Video: Obama Holds Father's Day Events at White House
iphone fever drops a notch as 3G S debuts – Los Angeles Times iphone fever drops a notch as 3G S debuts
ABC News
Los Angeles Times
Eugene Watson of Los Angeles is first in line for the new I Phone 3G S at the Apple store in The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles.
iPhone 3G S: What's Missing
IPhone 3G S cements Apple's place at the top
Clinton has surgery to fix broken elbow – Reuters Clinton has surgery to fix broken elbow
Times Online
Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had successful two-hour surgery on Friday to repair her broken right elbow, her chief of staff said.
Video: Sec. Clinton to Have Surgery on Broken Elbow
Thailand reports 73 new cases of swine flu, total now 662 – Monsters and Critics.com
June 20, 2009
Thailand reports 73 new cases of swine flu, total now 662 – Monsters and Critics.com Thailand reports 73 new cases of swine flu, total now 662
Straits Times
Monsters and Critics.com
Bangkok – Thailand confirmed 73 new cases of swine flu Saturday, taking the country's total to 662, the Thai Health Ministry reported.
Video: Another critical case of H1N1 in Buffalo
It's plain as day: Burris misled intentionally – Chicago Sun-Times It's plain as day: Burris misled intentionally
ABC News
Chicago Sun-Times
With any luck, Sen. Roland Burris will see such vindication in a Downstate prosecutor's decision not to charge him with perjury that he'll try to use it as a basis to run in 2010.
Video: Senator Burris Won't Face Perjury Charge
Obama's Pledge on Donations Faces Reality – New York Times Obama's Pledge on Donations Faces Reality
Times Online
New York Times
By JEFF ZELENY WASHINGTON – When President Obama arrived at the Mandarin Oriental hotel for a fund-raising reception on Thursday night, the new White House rules of political purity were in order: no lobbyists allowed.
Video: Obama's Financial Overhaul
Nestle recall facts – Los Angeles Times Nestle recall facts
Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
What happened: Nestle has recalled all of its refrigerated cookie dough products, including tubes, tubs and sheets of cookies, bars and seasonal items.
Video: Cookie Dough Recall after E. Coli contamination
FDA Warns Against Use of Popular Cold Remedy – New York Times
June 17, 2009
FDA Warns Against Use of Popular Cold Remedy – New York Times FDA Warns Against Use of Popular Cold Remedy
Boston Globe
New York Times
By GARDINER HARRIS Federal drug regulators warned consumers to stop using Zicam, a popular homeopathic cold remedy, because it could damage or destroy their sense of smell.
Video: FDA: Zicam Nasal Spray Can Cause Loss of Smell
AT&T eases upgrade pricing for some early iPhone 3G adopters – Ars Technica AT&T eases upgrade pricing for some early iPhone 3G adopters
ABC News
Ars Technica
If you waited in line all day for an iPhone 3G last July and have one of the pricier calling plans, AT&T will throw you a bone and offer you a full subsidy for an iPhone 3G S. If not, well, then nothing has changed.
AT&T Alters iPhone 3G S Upgrade Policy
AT&T lets more iPhone users upgrade for lower price
Microsoft's Ballmer says Bing off to good start – Reuters Microsoft's Ballmer says Bing off to good start
Canada.com
Reuters
DETROIT, June 17 (Reuters) – Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) was off to a good start with its revamped search engine Bing that was launched a few weeks earlier, Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said on Wednesday.
Investors, Seeing Positive Catalysts, Warm To Microsoft
Bing Search Numbers Rise, But Not At Google's Expense
Health Care Rationing Rhetoric Overlooks Reality – New York Times
June 17, 2009
Health Care Rationing Rhetoric Overlooks Reality – New York Times Health Care Rationing Rhetoric Overlooks Reality
Washington Post
New York Times
By DAVID LEONHARDT As in: Wait, are you talking about rationing medical care? Access to medical care is a fundamental right. And rationing sounds like something out of the Soviet Union.
The Death and Life of Health 'Reform'
Arena Digest: What obstacles await Obama on health care?
Palin accepts Letterman apology, protest goes on – Washington Post Palin accepts Letterman apology, protest goes on
ABC News
Washington Post
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin accepted late-night TV host David Letterman's apology over a sexually charged joke about her teenage daughter, but it was not enough to stop a protest outside the comedian's studio on Tuesday.
Letterman comes out joking about Sarah Palin and the 'Fire Dave' rally
Sarah Palin accepts David Letterman's apology
Africa Union Launches New Campaign Against Human Trafficking – Voice of America Africa Union Launches New Campaign Against Human Trafficking
Voice of America
Voice of America
By James Butty The African Union (AU) has launched a new initiative to combat human trafficking on the continent. The launch Tuesday came on the same day the United States added six more African countries to a blacklist of countries trafficking in …
Recession boosts global human trafficking, report says
Partnering Against Trafficking
Lawmakers to Investigate Exclusive Phone Agreements – DailyTech Lawmakers to Investigate Exclusive Phone Agreements
TheWrap
DailyTech
Four US senators are now requesting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) look into cell phone service providers and how they tie certain cell phones to one carrier.
Video: FCC Nominee Julius Genachowski Opposes Fairness Doctrine
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag say Al Roker was too tough on them – Chicago Tribune
June 16, 2009
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag say Al Roker was too tough on them – Chicago Tribune Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag say Al Roker was too tough on them
The Inquisitr
Chicago Tribune
The newest media meanie? According to reality-TV creation Heidi Pratt (nee Montag), it's "Today" weatherman Al Roker.
Reality TV Star Heidi Montag Defends Playboy Magazine With Husband …
Al Roker is our hero
Best Buy Posts Lower Profit – Wall Street Journal Best Buy Posts Lower Profit
RTT News
Wall Street Journal
By KERRY E. GRACE Best Buy Co. reported Tuesday a 15% drop in fiscal first-quarter profit on restructuring charges and a sales decline for stores open at least a year.
Best Buy First-Quarter Profit Falls on Lower Consumer Demand
Best Buy posts lower quarterly profit, keeps view
Study Shows Possible Link Between Deaths and ADHD Drugs – Washington Post Study Shows Possible Link Between Deaths and ADHD Drugs
CBS News
Washington Post
By Shankar Vedantam Children taking stimulant drugs such as Ritalin to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are several times as likely to suffer sudden, unexplained death as children who are not taking such drugs, according to a study …
Video: ADHD drug linked to death in children
Yemen offers reward for information on kidnappers – Reuters Yemen offers reward for information on kidnappers
CTV.ca
Reuters
SANAA, June 16 (Reuters) – Yemen said on Tuesday it was offering a reward of $25000 for information leading to the capture of kidnappers thought to have shot foreign hostages.
Reward offered as fears rise for Briton kidnapped in Yemen
Germany: 2 citizens presumed killed in Yemen
