President Obama still smoking? Doctor’s note may be smoking gun – New York Daily News
February 28, 2010
President Obama still smoking? Doctor’s note may be smoking gun – New York Daily News
 KATU |
President Obama still smoking? Doctor's note may be smoking gun
New York Daily News WASHINGTON – President Obama's doctors hinted Sunday that he still might be sneaking smokes when Michelle and the kids aren't around to yell at him. Obama's routine physical at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center found him in "excellent … Obama in great health but struggles with smoking Facts and figures on Obama's physical Obama: Thumbs up after physical |
Pelosi Confident on Health Vote – Wall Street Journal
 FOXNews (blog) |
Pelosi Confident on Health Vote
Wall Street Journal WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday expressed confidence that Democrats would have enough votes to pass a broad health-care overhaul, but acknowledged that it could come at a political cost to lawmakers who back the measure … Republicans Gird for Democrats' End Run on Health Care Dems, GOP Divided on Health Care Costs Pelosi's job to pass health care gets tougher every day |
PA moves cabinet meeting to Hebron to protest Israel heritage sites – Ha’aretz
 National Post |
PA moves cabinet meeting to Hebron to protest Israel heritage sites
Ha’aretz Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad plans to hold his government's weekly cabinet meeting in Hebron on Monday, in an effort to raise public and international awareness about Israel's … Israeli police, Palestinians clash at holy site Israeli police clash with Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City Tension high in Jerusalem |
Director of state hospital that treats child molesters accused of repeatedly … – Los Angeles Times
February 24, 2010
Director of state hospital that treats child molesters accused of repeatedly … – Los Angeles Times
|
Director of state hospital that treats child molesters accused of repeatedly …
Los Angeles Times The executive director of Napa State Hospital, a Northern California mental institution whose patients include convicted child molesters, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of sexually molesting a foster child in his care for more than a decade. … Napa State Hospital director arrested on child molestation charges Hospital Director Arrested on 35 Counts of Child Molestation Man arrested on suspicion of molesting Long Beach youth |
Argentina asks UN to bring UK into talks on Falklands – BBC News
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Argentina asks UN to bring UK into talks on Falklands
BBC News Argentina has formally asked United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to bring the UK into talks over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said he had asked Mr Ban to help stop Britain from "further … Argentina appeals to UN over Falklands oil drilling UN help sought in Falklands dispute Falklands oil: Britain paves the way for talks with Argentina |
GOP leaders agree to panel on federal deficit – Washington Post
February 18, 2010
GOP leaders agree to panel on federal deficit – Washington Post
 CBS News |
GOP leaders agree to panel on federal deficit
Washington Post President Barack Obama with commission chairmen Erskine B. Bowles and Alan K. Simpson, right. (Charles Dharapak/associated Press) By Lori Montgomery With the national debt soaring, Republican leaders reluctantly consented Thursday to join Democrats on … Obama sets up panel to tackle debt Bipartisan Commission Is Established to Cut Debt The VAT Commission |
US approves settlement for black farmers – Washington Post
 Washington Post |
US approves settlement for black farmers
Washington Post As president of the Black Farmers Association, John F. Boyd Jr. of Baskerville, Va., frequently lobbied members of Congress. (Melina Mara/the Washington Post) By Carrie Johnson The Obama administration announced a $1.25 billion settlement Thursday to … Black farmers: Government to fund racial bias settlement Black farmers win $1.25 billion in discrimination suit Deal Nearer for Farmers in Bias Case |
Witness becomes rescuer in Austin plane incident – CNN
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Witness becomes rescuer in Austin plane incident
CNN (CNN) — Robin Dehaven usually replaces windows. On Thursday morning, after a small plane crashed into an Austin, Texas, office building, he was breaking them, having rushed into the burning structure to help people escape. Dehaven, an Army veteran who … Man Angry at IRS Crashes Plane Into Building Attacks on IRS and its employees are all to common Protester Crashes Plane Into IRS Office |
Climate pact appears increasingly fragile; UN official quits – Washington Post
 The Guardian |
Climate pact appears increasingly fragile; UN official quits
Washington Post Just two months after patching together a climate deal in Copenhagen, the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases are trying to figure out how to keep the fragile accord together, while the United Nations, … Top UN Climate Diplomat Announces Resignation UN Climate Change Chief Stepping Down Profile: Yvo de Boer |
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.
Games saver – ESPN
February 12, 2010
 Reuters |
Games saver
ESPN A philosophical question to fill the long winter nights: If Lindsey Vonn falls near a forest, and nobody watches, does it really happen? The Winter Olympics have provided nearly a century of memories. Sonja Henie. Peggy Fleming. … Guide to the Vancouver Olympics Arnold Schwarzenegger takes 2010 Olympic torch in hand on final leg of relay What's on tap for Team Canada |
One month on, Haiti pauses to mourn the dead – Times Online
 Times Online |
One month on, Haiti pauses to mourn the dead
Times Online One month after the earthquake that killed an estimated 230000 people, Haiti honoured its dead with a national day of mourning today. Priests from the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Voodoo faiths were due to lead crowds in a ceremony of remembrance … Mourners gather in Haitian capital one month after deadly quake Haiti still desperate one month on Haitians remember the dead with three days of mourning |
Obama, congressional leaders emerge from meeting with pledge to work together – Washington Post
February 9, 2010
Obama, congressional leaders emerge from meeting with pledge to work together – Washington Post
 Reuters |
Obama, congressional leaders emerge from meeting with pledge to work together
Washington Post President Obama and congressional leaders emerged from a rare bipartisan meeting on Tuesday pledging to work together on a range of issues, including a job-creation bill that lawmakers hope to pass this month, along with longer-term … US Sen Reid Hopes To Complete Jobs Bill This Week Tax credits, Medicare fix in Senate jobs bill Obama optimistic about jobs bill after bipartisan meeting |
Gibbs Scrawls Grocery List on Hand in Jab at Palin – FOXNews
 OregonLive.com |
Gibbs Scrawls Grocery List on Hand in Jab at Palin
FOXNews White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs took a swipe at Sarah Palin Tuesday, mimicking the former vice presidential candidate's decision to use her hand as a notepad at the National Tea Party Convention last week. White House Press Secretary Robert … White House mocks notes on Sarah Palin's palm White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium Gibbs Plays a Palin Hand |
Gibbs Scrawls Grocery List on Hand in Jab at Palin – FOXNews
February 9, 2010
Gibbs Scrawls Grocery List on Hand in Jab at Palin – FOXNews
OregonLive.com |
Gibbs Scrawls Grocery List on Hand in Jab at Palin
FOXNews White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs took a swipe at Sarah Palin Tuesday, mimicking the former vice presidential candidate's decision to use her hand as a notepad at the National Tea Party Convention last week. White House Press Secretary Robert … White House mocks notes on Sarah Palin's palm White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium Gibbs Plays a Palin Hand |
Obama, congressional leaders emerge from meeting with pledge to work together – Washington Post
Reuters |
Obama, congressional leaders emerge from meeting with pledge to work together
Washington Post President Obama and congressional leaders emerged from a rare bipartisan meeting on Tuesday pledging to work together on a range of issues, including a job-creation bill that lawmakers hope to pass this month, along with longer-term … US Sen Reid Hopes To Complete Jobs Bill This Week Tax credits, Medicare fix in Senate jobs bill Obama optimistic about jobs bill after bipartisan meeting |
Endorsements aplenty rolling out in the GOP Senate primary … – Orlando Sentinel
 Palm Beach Post (blog) |
Endorsements aplenty rolling out in the GOP Senate primary …
Orlando Sentinel Charlie Crist has picked up the support of the Florida Association of State Troopers, a group that represents about 1700 active, reserve, auxiliary and retired troopers around the state. It is the oldest troopers' advocacy organization in Florida. … Grover Norquist endorses Marco Rubio Rubio smashes Crist in straw poll Rubio scores another conservative endorsement |
Rep. Dicks Top Contender for Defense Appropriations Seat Held by Murtha – FOXNews
February 9, 2010
Rep. Dicks Top Contender for Defense Appropriations Seat Held by Murtha – FOXNews
 CBC.ca |
Rep. Dicks Top Contender for Defense Appropriations Seat Held by Murtha
FOXNews Monday's death of Rep. John Murtha leaves vacant one of the most coveted and powerful positions in the House of Representatives — chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee — a seat that will likely go to Rep. … Murtha's death sets stage for competitive race Medical Alerts: Murtha's Death a Surgical Mistake & Broken-Heart Syndrome John Murtha, defense appropriations chair, dies |
Miss Me Yet Billboard: Bush Sign Taunts Obama – Right Pundits
 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer |
Miss Me Yet Billboard: Bush Sign Taunts Obama
Right Pundits By MCCAIN Here is the George Bush “Miss Me Yet” billboard that is causing an internet sensation. See the picture here, learn who made it, and tell us if your Barack Obama hangover is enough to wish the last president back into office. … Bush billboard on I-35: 'Miss me yet?' Ex-Prez Bush Billboard Near WI Border Best Sign Evah: "Miss Me Yet?" |
Gmail, Too, Seeks to Rival Facebook – Wall Street Journal
 Reuters |
Gmail, Too, Seeks to Rival Facebook
Wall Street Journal Google Inc. is taking a swipe at Facebook Inc. and Twitter Inc. with a new feature that makes it easier for users of Gmail to view media and status updates shared online by their friends. Google could announce the new Gmail … Google Brings Buzz Social Networking to Gmail, Mobile Google Buzz takes the fight to Facebook Google Tackles Social Networking with 'Buzz' |
US to Push for ‘Significant Regime of Sanctions’ Against Iran, Obama Says – FOXNews
 CBC.ca |
US to Push for 'Significant Regime of Sanctions' Against Iran, Obama Says
FOXNews President Obama said Tuesday that he's "bent over backwards" to engage Iran in "constructive" dialogue and the US will push in the United Nations to sanction the country, which has begun enriching uranium to levels capable of making an atomic bomb. … Iran uranium enrichment course 'not acceptable,' Obama says Barack Obama prepares for fresh sanctions over Tehran 'bomb' plan Iran Is Said to Begin Nuclear Enrichment |
Gmail, Too, Seeks to Rival Facebook – Wall Street Journal
February 9, 2010
Gmail, Too, Seeks to Rival Facebook – Wall Street Journal
Reuters |
Gmail, Too, Seeks to Rival Facebook
Wall Street Journal Google Inc. is taking a swipe at Facebook Inc. and Twitter Inc. with a new feature that makes it easier for users of Gmail to view media and status updates shared online by their friends. Google could announce the new Gmail … Google Brings Buzz Social Networking to Gmail, Mobile Google Buzz takes the fight to Facebook Google Tackles Social Networking with 'Buzz' |
Nancy Kerrigan’s father’s death ruled a homicide – USA Today
 E! Online (blog) |
Nancy Kerrigan's father's death ruled a homicide
USA Today The Massachusetts state medical examiner concluded today that ice skating star Nancy Kerrigan's dad, Daniel Kerrigan, 70, died of a heart attack as a result of a fight with son Mark Kerrigan, following an argument in their home on Jan. 24. … Death of Kerrigan's father is ruled a homicide Death of Kerrigan's father ruled a homicide Death of Kerrigan's father is ruled a homicide |
Three strikes lawI have one of my answers
February 7, 2010
Three strikes law
I have one of my answers on the three strikes law if professor Greg Newbold is correct.
An offender who committed two assaults and a murder – in that order – would be locked up for life, because the maximum sentence for murder was life imprisonment.But the new law would mean that someone who committed murder and then two assaults would only serve the maximum penalty for assault, a sentence length that varies depending on the attack and not a life sentence.
If you’re doing life without parole, why wouldn’t you kill a prison officer? What’s to stop you? What would you lose by killing a prison officer?”
If this is correct, the message for criminals is this: Make sure you do your worst crimes first. The message for prison guards is this: be wary of those who do their crimes in the other order.
The Herald has also said that this law is backed up by empirical evidence from the US which found that homicide rates increased in cities with “three strikes” laws when compared with those without such laws. Yet in some of these states, these “strikes” are for minor offences, like shoplifting, quite different to what is being proposed here.
Three strikes is back
Simon Power is the Minister of Justice and is fronting the sentencing and Parole reform bill. Today, three Ministers – Rodney Hide, John Key and Judith Collins – announced that the government had reached agreement on a three-strikes policy that will ensure the worst repeat criminals receive the maximum allowable sentence.
So why didn’t Simon Power contribute to making that announcement, given that this agreement is going to be incorporated into his bill?
The three strikes aspect to the bill means repeat serious offenders get the maximum allowable sentence, meaning more people will be behind bars for longer. I`m not sure what exactly counts as a strike, in terms of sentencing – what if your third strike was an historic crime done before your first strike? What if your second strike was overturned and your are in jail for your third strike -does your sentence get reduced, or do you get compensation? I’m not allowed to have a say on that at select committee as I didn’t do a submission to the initial bill.
The two Ministers of the Maori Party are unhappy and have introduced a new term that should get wide usage: “hide-bound”. The party says the proposed ‘three strikes legislation shows the government is hide-bound by political rhetoric on crime and punishment that has no factual basis.
The problem with the process of these changes is that only the people who have made submissions to the select committee on this bill will be given the opportunity to make submissions on this new aspect of the bill, a limited subset of “the public” as stated in the government’s media release.
Given that National’s confidence and supply agreement with Act meant that Acts “three strikes ” policy was to get a fair hearing at select committee, perhaps these latest proposals should have been in the original bill before submissions were called for.
The select committee is due to report in March.
