Many Factors Blamed for Child Obesity

The rising epidemic of obesity is almost at its peak. Over 9 million children over the age of 6 are obese, and no single factor can be put to blame. No factor acting alone can correct the problem either. Obesity is something that can't be taken care of overnight and in order for the mission of weight loss to be successful, the public as a whole must support the long-term effort. Several things that are being done to encourage people with weight loss are healthier lunch menu choices. Other aids include the limitation of T.V. and communities coming up with more recreational activities. Restaurants are going to provide smaller portions for meals and include more nutritional information on their menus. The Food and Drug Administration is going to create better food labels and is also going to set guidelines for funding research on foods and nutrients. The public needs to act together in order for this effort to be successful. Many corporations are pulling their "weight," it's time to help and pull ours.

Farrelly Brothers Film at Fenway

The Farrelly Brothers, who directed such films as The Lady Killers (2004), Something About Mary. and Dumb & Dumber, are filming a new film entirely devoted to the Boston Red Sox. "Fever Pitch," will star Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. Fallon is a die hard Red Sox fan who is split between the Red Sox and his love for Barrymore. The very neat thing about this film, is the Farrelly Brothers have been shooting the film while the actual games are being played. The Farrelly Brothers asked Red Sox Director of Business Affairs, Chuck Steedman if making this movie would be alright with the ball club. Steedman explained that the Red Sox organization had three guidelines: 1) Make sure the film does not interfere with the Red Sox's chance of a playoff berth, 2) the integrity of the game; the Farrelly Brothers cannot "screw with the game," while filming, and 3) do not damage the already damaged Boston Red Sox field any more than it needs. A movie date has not been set.

http://channels.netscape.com/ns/movies/story.jsp?floc=FF-APO-1402&idq=/ff/story/0001%2F20040929%2F1821636658.htm&sc=1402

Farrelly Brothers Film at Fenway

The Farrelly Brothers, who directed such films as The Lady Killers (2004), Something About Mary. and Dumb & Dumber, are filming a new film entirely devoted to the Boston Red Sox. "Fever Pitch," will star Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. Fallon is a die hard Red Sox fan who is split between the Red Sox and his love for Barrymore. The very neat thing about this film, is the Farrelly Brothers have been shooting the film while the actual games are being played. The Farrelly Brothers asked Red Sox Director of Business Affairs, Chuck Steedman if making this movie would be alright with the ball club. Steedman explained that the Red Sox organization had three guidelines: 1) Make sure the film does not interfere with the Red Sox's chance of a playoff berth, 2) the integrity of the game; the Farrelly Brothers cannot "screw with the game," while filming, and 3) do not damage the already damaged Boston Red Sox field any more than it needs. A movie date has not been set.

Trial Set for Sexual Assault Case Against Colorado

University of Colorado is faced with a lawsuit due to a recruitment scandal in football. There has been allegations made against the football team for using sex and drugs to draw recruits to the program. Three women have filed lawsuits for being raped by football players a the 2001 party. The school denies all allegations and the charges were dropped. Mary Keenan, prosecutor for Boulder County made public the allegations and brought the case up to a grand jury. The jury found that sex, drugs, and alcohol were used to recruit football players without the schools knowledge.

Strokes Reduced by Implant

A new implant for patients with heart problems has been introduced and is being tested. This implant, called the PLAATO device, reduces the risk of stroke caused by irregular heartbeat. The condition, known as atrial fibrillation, is most common among elderly. It affects the top chambers of the heart known as the atria. The new PLAATO device can virtually cure this problem. In a study done on 111 patients with this device implanted, only two suffered a stroke in a year. This is a large decrease from 5.5% expected in this population. It is complicated to implant, but it is a great for the patients.

Time on a Chip: The Incredible Shrinking Atomic Clock

Dr. John Kitching, a physicist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Co, is working to develop an atomic clock the size of a microchip. Standard atomic clocks today are about the size of a deck of cards and unlike the microchip versions can not fit inside small portable devices such as cell phones and Global positioning Systems. The NIST-F1 atomic clock provides the national time reference and is over six feet tall. Dr. Kitching's micro-clock uses the same element as the F1, cesium, as it's basic reference signal. Unlike quarts crystals, which are the standard units used in watches other small devices today, cesium atoms oscillate with a much more accurate frequency, 9.2 billion cycles per second, and don't have as large of variations with temperature. The chip for the micro-clock is basic silicon, but with a well filled with about 100 cesium atoms and covered by a tiny glass dome. A laser is shot through the atoms and "tuned" until they oscillate. To keep the atoms at the precise frequency, a small heater surrounds the well and keeps the atoms at 212 degrees F. The heater expends a lot of power, about one AA battery in a few days, and is the major drawback of the clock. Price is another drawback at the present, with each one costing around 100 dollars.

Vioxx

A drug called Vioxx is used to treat arthritis, but side effects show huge risks foar strokes and heart attacks. With this being the case, the drug was pulled from the market. A good point made in the article was that "the deciding factor is in determining whether a drug's benefits outweigh its undesirable effects. Studies show that these bad side effects don't begin to show up until about 18 months after the therapy begins. Celebrex seems to be the good treatment on the market right now for arthritis. Docotors also recommend that just ibprofen can help pain just as well too!

WEAC Members Cyberlobby Against Tax Scheme

This week, about 400 members of WEAC used the OnWEAC Members Only Cyberlobby to protest a proposed constitutional amendment called the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). TABOR would undermine local authority over taxes, resulting in lack of control over services to citizens, including public schools. Also, many people were concerned because the proposed changes were only just made available a few hours before the public hearing. This late release left very little time to examine the amendment and realize the future repercussions. The Legislature is expected to debate the issue in January. The soonest it would go to voters is in the year 2007. http://www.weac.org/Capitol/2003-04/july04/tabor_wrap.htm

Environment Agency targets "cowboy" tyre disposal operations

Due to a current ban on whole tire disposal in landfills and and upcoming similar ban on shredded tires in the UK, illegal dumpage of tires is becoming a steadily increasing problem. Companies are faced with ever increasing disposal costs due to the ban so many are trying to get around the costs by illeagally dumping. Though companies may avvoid these costs, they are transferred to the tax paying public that funds clean up organizations.
http://www.letsrecycle.com/info/waste_management/news.jsp?story=3767

Libya demands permanent UN seat

Lybian Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalghem has made an appeal to the U.N. to enstate Lybia as one of the countries with a permanant seat and veto power. Right now there are five such Nations, China, France, Russia, the UK and the US. There are also 10 seats elected regionally every 2 years. However, no African or South American nations hold permanents seats in the U.N. Lybians argue for the position based on the fact that their country is a stablizing force in a tumultuous region. Shalghem called for transfer of power in the U.N. from the security counsel to the general assembly as well. He denounced the current state of the U.N. saying, "Before we can talk about the lack of democracy in the world, we must first admit that it is lacking in the United Nations." Shalghem also encouraged other nations that if the power was not distributed more evenly, to stop putting money into the U.N., which he described as "a dead body."

Forget the streak, Patriots say they're focused on Bills

The New England Patriots are taking a streak of 17 consecutive games into the matchup against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. A win in Buffalo will land the Patriots in the NFL record book as only the sixth team to ever win 18 straight games. Coach Bill Belichick has continually told his players not to worry about the streak. He wants them to stay focused on the important issues, like going to the playoffs and winning another Super Bowl. As linebacker Mike Vrabel said about the streak, "That's not going to get us where we want to get to, which is into the playoffs and winning a championship." If Belichick can keep his guys in line they're going to be a tough bunch to beat, and I would say a sure bet to see once again in the Super Bowl.

Dozens Killed in Attack Near U.S. Convoy in Western Baghdad

Three car bombs went off near a U.S. Convoy killing about 35 people and wounding many others. Ten American soldiers were injured in the blast and there were many Iraqi casualties. Witnesses say that a ceremony to open a new water and sewage plant was occurring during the time of the attack. Earlier, an American soldier was killed and three others injured at a checkpoint by an exploding roadside bomb in western Baghdad.

Mexico Spreading Organic Eating at Home Land

Mexico exports 85% of its organic food to the United States, European Union members, and Japan. Less than 5% of these chemical-free foods are actually sold in Mexico. Mexico's cultural history and cultivation past make it ideal for growing organic goods. Past land was owned by the Indians and peasant farmers, neither of which used chemicals because they couldn't afford them. The increase in growing organic produce began in Mexico in 1980, when the world demand for organic products increased and the Europeans realized the great quality of Mexican organic coffee. Now, local organic stores are looking to broaden their horizons and open stores in middle-class areas so organic foods can be available to a wider range of classes in Mexico.

Alaska Lawmaker Finds Name on No - Fly List

Earlier this month, Donald E. Young, the chairman of the House of Transportation Committee, was mistaken by Alaska Airlines to be Donald Lee Young, a individual listed on the government’s no-fly list. Consequently, the chairman was not able to board his flight from Anchorage to Seattle. Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, along with Georgia Senator John Lewis have both been confused as people on the government’s no-fly list in the past, too. The Transportation Security Administration is currently in the process of taking over the task of comparing the names of airline passengers with the names on the government’s watch list.

Florida Republican John Mica currently amended a bill requiring that the government develop a process that would permit those passengers branded as threats to petition the classification and correct inaccurate information. Mica also added an amendment requiring that the government check for watch-list names before take off. These precautions are part of legislation approving a budget for more than $1.5 billion to be used for safety measures in 2005.

CBS Works Past Troubles for Premiere Week

With all the controversary with the CBS News and '60 Minutes,' CBS finally has some air to breathe. CBS' "Without a Trace" out viewed ER, which was the first time a show ever outbeat an original episode. CBS' crime investigative shows are ousting the situation comedies. It is somewhat interesting that America is infatuated with three types of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Miami, and New York. CBS' TV entertainment success is probably greatly appreciated, seeing how CBS News, after Dan Rather appologized about the National Guard Report, lost 500,000 viewers and it's continuously declining.

Will Bush Really Reinstate the Draft if Re-elected?

Internet Rumor Running Rampant, Worrying Young Men and Families

-With the horrors of Vietnam still in memory, the idea of a new military draft has many worried as the rumor runs rampant across the internet. Specifically, the e-mail suggests that if Bush is re-elected to a second term, he will reinstate the draft. Pentagon officials and the vice-president both vehemently deny the idea, describing it as "hogwash." The e-mail claims that the Selective Service System was given $28 million to prepare for a new draft, and is currently hiring to meet the needs to run such a program. Furthermore, it highlights two bills in Congress to reinstate the draft. The problem with these claims is that both of these bills were introduced by Democrats, and at least one has openly admitted that it was done as a protest against the Iraq war. The Pentagon is actually against the idea of a draft also because of the amount of training a soldier must go through in today's high tech military. They say if they need more soldiers, they'll pay higher incentives to volunteers.

Thailand Sees Long, Long Battle Against Bird Flu

This is not a problem only in birds; it has been proven to be able to be transmitted to humans. The real problem is that the flu is not only in Thailand but also in Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. This would make any form of containment difficult because there is no way to stop birds from migrating. The Prime Minister in Thailand says it will take at least three to five years to control. As it stands over thirty people have died due to the bird flu. At first it was thought that the virus was only transmitted from bird to human. Now there is evidence that it can be transmitted from human to human. Officials are still trying to think of a way to stop the spread of the virus. The rush is the fact that this virus is very efficient at making swift mutations. If it were to combine with a human flu virus it could cause a pandemic, to which humans would have little to no resistance.

Sudan 'allows monitors in camps'

IDPs (Internationally Displaced Persons) in camps in Sudan, which are currently monitored only by local police, will soon be recieving more protection from the African Union. The U.N. says that a force of 5,000 monitors and their protection force are needed to prevent violence and ensure safety of refugees. Part of the problem and the relative insecurity in the camps is, after the humans rights abuses they have wittnessed being committed by official forces, the people's distrust of any one in uniform particularly the police. Currently Sudan has 98 camps, holding 1.5 million IDPs. A rebellion in Sudan which was so brutally put down by government militia that Colin Powell declared it genocide, resulted in this extensive humanitarian crisis.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/africa/09/29/sudan.monitors/index.html

Thailand Sees Long, Long Battle Against Bird Flu

This is not a problem only in birds; it has been proven to be able to be transmitted to humans. The real problem is that the flu is not only in Thailand but also in Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. This would make any form of containment difficult because there is no way to stop birds from migrating. The Prime Minister in Thailand says it will take at least three to five years to control. As it stands over thirty people have died due to the bird flu. At first it was thought that the virus was only transmitted from bird to human. Now there is evidence that it can be transmitted from human to human. Officials are still trying to think of a way to stop the spread of the virus. The rush is the fact that this virus is very efficient at making swift mutations. If it were to combine with a human flu virus it could cause a pandemic, to which humans would have little to no resistance.

Briton begs Blair to meet captors’ demands

The third hostage being held by al-Zarqawi and his followers is now known to be alive. In a video that surfaced Wednesday, a grim Ken Bigley was shown pleading to Tony Blair to save his life. Bigley was shown in an orange jumpsuit inside a makeshift cage. “Tony Blair, I am begging you for my life,” Bigley, 62, a civil engineer, said between sobs. “Have some compassion. Only you can help me now.” This is the second video that has been released this week. Bigley will be held until the Iraqi women hostages are released. Two Americans were already beheaded for the same reason. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6015597/

I.B.M. Supercomputer Sets World Record for Speed

Overtaking the Earth Simulator, a Japanese climate simulator built by NEC Corporation, International Business Machines' (I.B.M.) BlueGene/L has become the fastest supercomputer in the world by breaking the record made in 2002. Supercomputing technology was held in high esteem in the 80's and 90's, however in the US fell by the way side in recent times, much to the concern of US companies that need to stay fast to stay competitive such as biotechnology and medical science. The Linpack benchmark, a test program that solves a dense system of mathematical equations, showed that BlueGene/L could hold a sustained performance of 36.01 trillion calculations per second, or teraflops, compared to the Earth Simulator's 35.86. The machine which broke the speed record, housed in I.B.M.'s production center in Rochester, MN, is only the prototype with 16,000 processors. The full-sized machine has 130,000 processors and is scheduled to be installed in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA sometime in 2005. It has been speculated that speeds provided by the BlueGene/L system will have a significant impact on science in the coming years.

Liver Cancer treatment

A pharmaceutical company has come up with a treatment that shrinks the size of tumors in the liver and stabilizes the disease. This treatment does not kill healthy cells like treatments do such as chemotherapy. But even though this treatment is helpful by shrinking the size of tumors, results show that the average survival rate was still only 9 months. In some of the trials patients had this treament shrink their tumors as much as 50%. Another advantage of this, is the side effects are minimal. As of now the drug is considered to be an orphan drug, meaning only used to treat small amounts of patients.

A Salvadoran Hero's Justice

Inside the main doors of the National Cathedral stands a statue of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero. This man helped the poor in El Salvador and even gave his life when he was assassinated. It took 25 years to bring justice to the ones responsible for Romero's death. Last Friday a federal judge ordered the man who hired the gunman to shoot Romero to pay $10 million in compensation and punitive damages. Their was a lead on this man in 1993 after the civil war in El Salvador, but after that the government enacted a law that prohibited prosecution of those who were accused of crimes during the war. Some thought the trial in America will reflect back to El Salvador and change their amnesty laws like Chile and Argentina have been doing. However, El Salvadoran President, Tony Saca, denied a request to lift the amnesty law to find Romero's killer. He said, "Opening up the wounds of the past would not help a country that is looking to the future."

Dropouts given chance to graduate

UW Oshkosh has announced plans to implement a program that will give dropouts the chance to graduate. The goal of the Oshkosh Graduation Project is to increase the number of state residents with degrees. During the Spring semester, 100 students who are within one semester of graduation will be invited back to complete their degree. Each of these students left the University in good academic standing. The project is modeled after a similar program that was proven successful at the University of New Mexico.

Toxic environment takes its toll on monument

Highly polluted air and water are slowly eating away at the marble exterior and sandstone foundation of the Taj Mahal. The water of the Yamuna, which flows very close to the monument, is laden with chemicals that chemically react with the sandstone foundation and slowly eat it away. Organiztions are pushing the government to impose regulations on the amount of vehicle emissons into the air and industrial dumpage in the Yamuna that is allowed, but little progress has been made.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1031145,0006.htm

Favre reveals injury to non-throwing shoulder

Brett Favre revealed that he has added yet another body part to his growing list of injuries. After the loss at Indianapolis on Sunday Favre told reporters that his left shoulder has been bothering him for about two years now. "If it was my right one, I wouldn't be playing," said Favre. Packer fans everywhere hold there breath when Favre gets hit, but the durable quarterback has managed to start 211 consecutive games, an NFL record. Coach Sherman knows that Favre isn't really concerned about the injury, but Sherman keeps his eye on Favre and makes sure the doctors check him out. Favre sat out the Packers last series against the Colts because of a charley horse in the back of his leg, but Sherman isn't worried about that injury and is confident he'll make his 212 consecutive start on Sunday.

Abortion 'too fundamental' For Judges

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated that "abstract moralizing" has brought disruption to the American judicial system. He feels that judges should not be able to determine what happens over issues involving things such as abortion and assisted suicides. He believes it goes against democracy and that society should have a say in these "value-laden decisions." Scalia stated, "I believe in liberal democracy, which is a democracy that worries about the tyranny of the majority, but it is the majority itself that must draw the lines."

Arteries Already Stiff in Obese 7-Year-Olds

Italian and U.S. researchers reported on Monday that obese children as young as 7 years old have the beginning signs of artery disease. When observing 100 children, researchers found that carotid arteries are already becoming thick and stiff which can lead to a higher risk of diabetes. Doctors are very concerned with this growing trend of obesity and are urging parents to help their children control their weight issues. The studies that are being done show that obesity acts quickly to damage arteries and parents need to act promptly to protect their children. The growing rate of obesity is getting out of control and both parents and children need to know what types of danger they are putting themselves in when they begin to deal with obesity. More and more often, diseases are a part of the weight issue, but the most concerning factor that needs to be confronted is that people can control this problem by eating what is healthy for them and getting a little exercise. All too often, people go to food for comfort when they are distraught. What they should do is look at the problems that weight gain causes and resort to an alternative method for comfort. Disease is not something that should be taken lightly, and people need to know that excessive weight damages the internal body system as well as the physical appearance and self esteem.

Delta to Cut Wages 10 Percent

Delta Airlines Inc., the third airline in the U.S., stated on Tuesday that it will cut wages by 10 percent starting January 1 for its nonunion employees. The chief executive of Delta will also go unpaid for the remainder of the year. The airline reported that it will be forced to file for bankruptcy soon if more cuts are not enforced. As a result of the pay cuts being made, the airline is in need of $1 billion in annual cost savings from its 7,400 pilots who are part of its only principal unionized group. To save costs, Delta announced earlier this month that it will also cut up to 7,000 employees over the next year and a half. Consequently, if staffing levels fall too low, Delta pilots have signed an agreement allowing the airline to use retired pilots. Delta is currently taking these cost-saving measures in an attempt to save $5 billion a year by 2006.

Dan Rather's Hometown Bans Him

After CBS correspondant, Dan Rather, appologized on CBS for not being able to authenticate the National Gaurd Reports on President Bush, the Houston CBS Radio affiliate KPRC had enough of Rather. More and more reports of radio stations around America, like a station in Virgina and New Jersey want Rather to leave CBS. There is even a website that is dedicated in getting rid of Dan Rather. It's called DanRatherMustGo.com. I'm afraid to see it happen, but I'll miss Rather. One journalistic mistake can truly ruin a persons career.

Money's the big issue for UW System, leader says

In a speech Tuesday, new System President Kevin Reilly said that the UW system needs to "stop osing its brightest professors, increase the percent of students with college degrees, and resist a drift towards private education." In the speech to the members of the Wisconsin Innovation Network, an econmic development group that promotes entrepreneurship, Reilly said that the loss of professors due to better pay at other institutions was threatening UW-Madison's reputation as "one of the nations foremost research institutions." Over the past 10 years, 700 faculty members have left, taking with them grant connections. The number of classes taught by instructors as opposed to professors has increased by 30 percent in the past five years.

Plastic Surgery Grows Popular with Young Adults

Plastic surgery is becoming a trend with teenagers, and is common in children as young as six years old. In 2003 and overwhelming 74,233 teenagers ages 18 and younger had some type of cosmetic surgery performed on themselves. Experts say that teenagers must have good justification to undergo any form of cosmetic surgery. Some surgeons can, however, make very good decisions about cosmetic surgery for very good reasons. After cosmetic surgery, the teenager's self-image improves and they no longer worry about the way they look. Age is a concern for cosmetic surgery though, because surgery usually cannot occur unless the part of the body is matured. However, otoplasty, or corrective surgery on the ears, can be performed on children as young as six if teasing is hurting the child psychologically. The surgeries are not any less expensive for children than they are for adults. Cosmetic surgery can run from about $2,500 to about $3,375.

N.J. Group Tackles Obesity Epidemic

In New Jersey, the obesity rate in adults is rising faster than that of it's neighbors. From 1991 to 1998, the obesity rate flamed up to 57 percent and by 2001, hit 19 percent which is just below the national average of 20 percent. Susan Shapses, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Rutgers, and her colleagues are trying to pinpoint specific genetic and environmental causes of obesity and put it to a halt. So far, they've examined specific genes that are more sensitive to the bitter tastes in vegetables. By trying to eliminate that gene, they hope to correct peoples' eating habits. They also are offering an outreach group to aid those who are trying to lose weight. With the serious studies and help groups, hopefully the obesity rates will slow down or better yet, go in the opposite direction.

Five men detained at suspected terrorist site

During a raid on a suspected terrorist site, five men were detained because of suspicions about future terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Iraq. During the raid, automatic weapons, mortar tubes, mortar base plates, grenades, explosives and blasting caps were found on the site, along with a moped that was rigged to be a bomb.

The Problems with the Polls

People Beginning to Seriously Question their Accuracy in Campaign 2004

- With polls contradicting each other simulataneously in the last weeks of the election, people are starting to wonder if they can even be trusted. One recent poll placed President Bush 13 points ahead of John Kerry, while another showed the race as dead even. Some suggest the polls can affect the people's vote, by demoralizing the voter's of the candidate shown as falling behind, while at the same time energizing the leader's base. Others believe the the fluctuating polls show just how undecided the nation really is about who they want for a leader. Many pollsters admit that the system is also full of error, being susceptible to pollster bias, sampling errors, and poor questioning of the sample group. One problem arises by how polling companies vary on their method of choosing "likely voters." Another debated practice is weighting a sample based on the numbers of the political party, age, race, and gender. According to John Zogby of Reuters, "polling is 80 percent science and 20 percent art."

Syracuse Football Player Stabbed in Fighthttp://Syracuse Football Player Stabbed in Fight

Tanard Jackson, starting cornerback for Syracuse was stabbed early Monday morning. Jackson was stabbed after trying to break up a fight between fraternity groups at a dance. The coach says he is doing fine and was released from the hospital on Monday. He hopes for a quick recovery and to get back out on the field to return to play.

New Waste Management Policy Will Improve Enviroment

Northern Ireland will soon unveil a new waste management policy that aims to improve the enviroment through a well informed, sustainable progam based on hard and accurate evidence. 5 million dollars is being put into the program over three years. The program will be based on eight main themes; "sustainable resource consumption and management, systems for resource recovery, residual wastes management, market development and intervention, social dimensions, enviroment and health, economics, and decision tools.
http://www.4ni.co.uk/nationalnews.asp?id=33566

Nigerian Militia Threatens Armed Struggle

In Nigeria, the world's seventh largest oil exporter, armed forces are threatening to begin a "full-scale armed struggle." Militia in the Niger oil delta, threaten to attack oil pumping operations in order to force foreign workers to leave the region. The Nigerian military and large oil companies dismiss the threats as a psychological ploy. However, the leader of the militia Moujahid Dokubo-Asari, a folk heroe of the poor who have never benefitted from th country's oil wealth, says his forces will strike if given in any opportunity. This militia claims to be fighting for more autonomy for the region. Analysts think that the group may be able to create disturbances in oil production, they will not be able to stop or completely shut down opperations. Yet Dokubo-Asari claims to have 2,000 fighter and many more local tribes men as part of his force.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=515&ncid=723&e=1&u=/ap/20040928/ap_on_re_af/nigeria_oil_violence

Mexican Pop Star Freed After Judge Dismisses Charges

Gloria Trevi is a Mexican pop superstar who spent five years in jail on charges of kidnapping, rape, and corruption of minors. On Tuesday, September 21 she walked free after the judge ruled there was not enough evidence to support the charges. She stated that she is ready to begin her singing career again. Her next CD will show her feelings about being incarcerated. Many believe she will become very strong after this incident as she was already popular in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The case against her was that she and her boyfriend kidnapped girls and sexually abused them while traveling on tour. Her boyfriend is still awaiting trial in Mexico.

This month looks like one of deadliest for U.S.

63 Americans have been killed so far this month, many of them by homemade bombs. About 40% of these bombs are found roadside by the U.S. military before they explode. September is the fifth deadliest month since President Bush declared an end to major combat operations on May 1st, 2003. Also in September, there were two beheadings of American military. Also, the pace of U.S. military deaths has been steadily rising since America handed over political force to the Iraqi government on June 28th. President Bush and military leaders expect that the fatality rate will go up until the elections in January. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6089592/

Schwarzenegger Bans Smoking in Prisons

Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, has recently signed a bill prohibiting tobacco from Califonia prisons. Any violators of this bill will be fined. Other criminal justice facilities in California have already banned smoking. It was estimated that about half of the prisoners smoke, which cost the state about $280 million in related health care costs. The ban will help save the state money and improve the health of the inmates.

Cognitive therapy and sleeping pills

Many adults in today society suffer from insomnia. Results show that 35% of adults have it every night and 58% reported that they have it at least a few times a week. Research shows that just taking the sleeping pill or just having cognitive theraphy, results aren't quite as good if you have both of these together. Docotors say that the best bet for those who are suffering from insomnia is to get cognitive theraphy and a short-term medication of sleeping pills because the improvements in sleeping will occur much more quickly than those who don't.

Manning shows that he's worth the money

This past March the Indianapolis Colts re-signed Peyton Manning to a franchise record $98 million contract. Some people wondered whether or not he was actually worth all that money. Well, if you look at the numbers he has posted in just his first three games of this season most would agree that he's worth it. In just these first three games Manning already has nine touchdown passes and an outrageous quarterback passer rating of 119.9. To put Manning's stats for this year into perspective one just needs to look at the Colts opponents for this week. Jacksonville's quarterback, Byron Leftwich, has 391 yards passing this year. That's two less yards than Manning put up this last Sunday alone. At this rate it doesn't even matter what the defense does, because Manning always has an answer.

WEAC Against Bush

Hundreds of WEAC and Union members showed up to protest Bush's administration policies in Janesville last week. The main issue: the "No Child Left Behind" law. According to protesting teacher Dorothy Vogel, the law is a "one-size-fits-all approach on children." Basically, the law labels children as failures, punishes the schools that have these failing children, and sets high standards with no financial support for the schools. Vogel also commented that "President Bush's so-called 'No Child Left Behind' law has a great name but it's a bad law."http://www.weacm.org/content/update/2004-05/9_27/1.htm

Kenya Pushes for Ban on Hunting Lions

Kenya is looking for a ban on all hunting of lions. The records show that the numbers of African Lions are still declining at an alarming rate. In 1980 there were seventy-six thousand lions and in 2002 the numbers had dropped to thirty-nine thousand lions. Kenya is hoping to get maximum protection for these lions, prohibiting any hunting, from the volunteer treaty called, CITES. The lions from Europe and the Middle East are already extinct, and of the subspecies left in Africa, only a few hundred remain. Right now the treaty allows regulated hunting of the lion, so other areas like Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are able to sell some licenses to trophy hunters. Many of these areas feel if lion hunting is banned it will hurt their economy. Only fifty percent of the lions left are protected by national parks, the ones outside the parks are in serious danger. Kenya explains that the reputation of the lion being such a powerful creature makes it a target for hunters and the only way to make sure the lion has a chance of survival outside the parks is a complete ban. The meeting is scheduled for October second to the fourteenth.

Kenya Pushes for Ban on Hunting Lions

Kenya is looking for a ban on all hunting of lions. The records show that the numbers of African Lions are still declining at an alarming rate. In 1980 there were seventy-six thousand lions and in 2002 the numbers had dropped to thirty-nine thousand lions. Kenya is hoping to get maximum protection for these lions, prohibiting any hunting, from the volunteer treaty called, CITES. The lions from Europe and the Middle East are already extinct, and of the subspecies left in Africa, only a few hundred remain. Right now the treaty allows regulated hunting of the lion, so other areas like Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are able to sell some licenses to trophy hunters. Many of these areas feel if lion hunting is banned it will hurt their economy. Only fifty percent of the lions left are protected by national parks, the ones outside the parks are in serious danger. Kenya explains that the reputation of the lion being such a powerful creature makes it a target for hunters and the only way to make sure the lion has a chance of survival outside the parks is a complete ban. The meeting is scheduled for October second to the fourteenth.

Yahoo Gives Web Site a Facelift

Over the last year Yahoo, the internet search engine, has been improving its features. On Tuesday Sept 28th, they plan to unveil their updated web site to highlight the improved features. They also bought Musicmatch Inc., an online jukebox provider, for $160 million and now have a music section across the top of the homepage. They have also added a new feature that shows the topics that have been access the most often and is updated frequently. Yahoo is hoping to promote the power of their internet search engine as it has recently stopped it's use of their rival Google's technology.

Kenya Pushes for Ban on Hunting Lions

Kenya is looking for a ban on all hunting of lions. The records show that the numbers of African Lions are still declining at an alarming rate. In 1980 there were seventy-six thousand lions and in 2002 the numbers had dropped to thirty-nine thousand lions. Kenya is hoping to get maximum protection for these lions, prohibiting any hunting, from the volunteer treaty called, CITES. The lions from Europe and the Middle East are already extinct, and of the subspecies left in Africa, only a few hundred remain. Right now the treaty allows regulated hunting of the lion, so other areas like Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are able to sell some licenses to trophy hunters. Many of these areas feel if lion hunting is banned it will hurt their economy. Only fifty percent of the lions left are protected by national parks, the ones outside the parks are in serious danger. Kenya explains that the reputation of the lion being such a powerful creature makes it a target for hunters and the only way to make sure the lion has a chance of survival outside the parks is a complete ban. The meeting is scheduled for October second to the fourteenth.

Kenya Pushes for Ban on Hunting Lions

Kenya is looking for a ban on all hunting of lions. The records show that the numbers of African Lions are still declining at an alarming rate. In 1980 there were seventy-six thousand lions and in 2002 the numbers had dropped to thirty-nine thousand lions. Kenya is hoping to get maximum protection for these lions, prohibiting any hunting, from the volunteer treaty called, CITES. The lions from Europe and the Middle East are already extinct, and of the subspecies left in Africa, only a few hundred remain. Right now the treaty allows regulated hunting of the lion, so other areas like Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are able to sell some licenses to trophy hunters. Many of these areas feel if lion hunting is banned it will hurt their economy. Only fifty percent of the lions left are protected by national parks, the ones outside the parks are in serious danger. Kenya explains that the reputation of the lion being such a powerful creature makes it a target for hunters and the only way to make sure the lion has a chance of survival outside the parks is a complete ban. The meeting is scheduled for October second to the fourteenth.

Kenya Pushes for Ban on Hunting Lions

Kenya is looking for a ban on all hunting of lions. The records show that the numbers of African Lions are still declining at an alarming rate. In 1980 there were seventy-six thousand lions and in 2002 the numbers had dropped to thirty-nine thousand lions. Kenya is hoping to get maximum protection for these lions, prohibiting any hunting, from the volunteer treaty called, CITES. The lions from Europe and the Middle East are already extinct, and of the subspecies left in Africa, only a few hundred remain. Right now the treaty allows regulated hunting of the lion, so other areas like Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are able to sell some licenses to trophy hunters. Many of these areas feel if lion hunting is banned it will hurt their economy. Only fifty percent of the lions left are protected by national parks, the ones outside the parks are in serious danger. Kenya explains that the reputation of the lion being such a powerful creature makes it a target for hunters and the only way to make sure the lion has a chance of survival outside the parks is a complete ban. The meeting is scheduled for October second to the fourteenth.

US Airways May Liquidate by February

U.S. Airways Inc. may have to liquidate by February if a judge does not enforce a provisional 23 percent pay cut on its union workers by October 14. Without these cutbacks, the airline’s cash reserves will drop down so low by February, when it has to make $260 million in debt and lease payments on its aircrafts, that its lenders will probably withdraw their financing. Consequently, without the financial backing of these lenders, the company will no longer have the ability to continue operating while in bankruptcy. The U.S. Airways bankruptcy court filing also signified that it will now take $950 billion in permanent yearly cost reductions from its union workers pay. As a result, the drop in pay of the average U.S. Airways Inc. employee would put U.S. Airways Inc. seventh among major U.S. airlines. A court date is set to hear this issue on October 7.

For Mexicans, a chorus of patriotism

At noon on September 16th Mexicans around the world burst into their national anthem in commemoration of its 150th anniversary. This day is also Mexico's Independence Day. This singing is a way to show their patriotism, pride of their culture, able to unite, and a way to push aside the worries about poverty and crime in their country to show the happiness of their identity. Some people went out and waved their flag in traffic to the enthusiastic beeps from other proud Hispanics. Mexico's president Vincente Fox stood at the balcony of Mexico City's central square to lead the shouts of "Viva Mexico."

Proposals have boosts for north

Suggestions for improving education in Wisconsin were made by State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster in her "State of Education" address. Her plans would require $211 million for the first year and $165 milion for the following years, but it is unclear where the money will come from. These plans include helping schools cover the costs of transportation, raising revenue caps for the lowest-spending school districts, increasing the money in the SAGE program by $500 per student, budgeting for teacher mentoring, and repealing salary caps for teachers. Although it is unlikely that all initiatives will go through, a couple are expected to gain acceptance.

Rather's Career Up in the Air

Dan Rather of CBS, is quite worried about his job security after the Bush National Guard incident. Many conservatives are angry with Rather by relying on false information that criticized President Bush. Yet, Rather's future will be decided on CBS ratings, and possibly the outcome of the Presidential Election. It is most likely projected that if Bush loses, thousands of conservatives are feared to boycot CBS unless Rather is removed. As of today, one radio station has dropped CBS News because of the incident. Rather's future as a newscaster practically relies on how well CBS does for the next upcoming months. As for me, I hope the Rather stays, but CBS should be look into replacements incase America doesn't agree with me.

Chocs Downsized in Obesity Battle

Britain is downsizing some of their king-size chocolate bars due to the growing pressure about rising levels of obesity. What they are actually doing is breaking the bar into "two shareable portions." Health experts blame the portion distortion for aiding the increasing waistline of adults and children in Britain. Statistics show that twenty-two percent of adults and sixteen percent of children between the ages of six and sixteen are obese. Health experts also say that more needs to be done to cut the intake of sugars and fats to reduce the obesity rates. This is just one of the many ways to approach the solution to this worldwide problem.

Bin Laden 'alive and in Pakistan'

Pervez Musharraf told reporters that interrogations of al-Qaeda operatives and technological evidence indicate bin Laden is still alive. Mucharraf was asked if he knows the whereabouts of bin Laden and he said he didn't, but he wish he did. The top al-Qaeda members and bin Laden are more likely to be in Pakistan than in Afghanistan. It is believed that al-Qaeda members feel more safe in Pakistan. No major al-Qaeda figures have been caught or killed in Afghanistan since 2002, but over a dozen members have been caught or killed in Pakistan. One of these men, Amjad Hussain Farooqi, was killed in an early morning raid on Monday. Farooqi has been acused of being involved in a spate of attacks. Farooqi was worth $34,000. http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/09/27/pakistan.musharraf.binladen/index.html

Environment splits candidates

UN embassador Keyes and senator Obama of Hyde park are competing for a US senate seat in the upcoming election. Keyes has shown little support for the enviroment while Obama has displayed great concern for enviromental issues and the relationship between federal government and the enviroment. Obama has brought issues to the table such as the negative impacts of drilling for oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge, Bush's lax mercury emmission standards and, the possible increase of automobile fuel efficency. Keyes claims that he does care for the enviroment, but states that federal policy must not enfringe on the rights of business owners. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/cdh/20040927/lo_cdh/environmentsplitscandidates

Gibbs, Parcells: A lot alike, a lot different

Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells will once again meet tonight when the Redskins play host to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. There are a lot of similarities between these two very successful coaches, yet there are a lot of differences also.
Both coaches know a lot about football. They are both smart enough to surround themselves with other coaches that also know what they're doing. Both coaches are also 63 years old and each has suffered from different health problems. Gibbs and Parcells both retired from the game of football with Super Bowl victories under their belts, only to return after realizing they couldn't go without it. However, that is about where the similarities end. Parcells seems to be the coach who will let you know when you've done something wrong. "...he's going to get in your face, point, bring you to the stage and let everybody know," said Redskins guard Randy Thomas who played for Parcells in New York. Whereas Gibbs will pull a player aside and let him know what he is doing wrong and what he needs to do about it. Parcells is 11-6 against Gibbs and is looking to add one more notch in the Win column tonight, but Gibbs isn't going to make it that easy.

Nasal Spray for obesity

Nastech has deveolped a new drug to treat obesity. This drug is in nasal spray form and according the test taken, show that the drug is effective. The spray contains the effective peptide ingredient called YY 3-36(PYY), a hormone made by the small intestine. This hormone is what sends the message to brain saying they have ate enough. An experiment was conducted by giving volunteers a dose of this drug and some were just given placebo. The participants then went to a buffet lunch, and those who took the YY 3-36 ate 30% less than those who were just given the placebo. The drug is not yet on the market, but they are working towards it. The very few drugs that are on the market for weightloss and obesity normal contain side effects, they are hoping this one will not. Another positive of this drug is it would not have to be taken as an injection, instead its just nasal spray!

Egypt's Mufti Approves Synchronized Call to Praye

In Cairo, Egypt, controversy is arising over the traditional Islamic call to prayer which is issued five times a day through out the city from from various minarets. However, since all these calls to prayer are sent out seperately by different individuals the timing is always somewhat different for each minaret. Religious Endowments Minister Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk has proposed transmitting one unified call throughout the city so that they will all occur at the same time. Opponents of this plan fear that this will lead to too much standardization and even sermons will eventually become standardized. However, according to theGrand Mufti of Egypt, Ali Gomaa, who is the official interpreter of Islamic law, all four schools of Islamic thought agree that this is an acceptable practice.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=574&ncid=723&e=9&u=/nm/20040925/wl_nm/egypt_prayer_dc

Janey Makes Brisk Work Of Schools

Washington D.C.'s new Superintendent Clifford Janey jumped right into his new job by examining learning standards in that area. These standards, that describe what students in each level should know, were only present in math and reading. Janey plans to set new, more intense standards. He is currently digging into the problems his predecessors had and thinking of new solutions. He started by asking principals to come up with assessments for their schools. He hopes to negotiate with education unions and develop a system where schools are rewarded financially for their success, but not left to suffer if they don't improve.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52441-2004Sep26.html

Next President Will Pick Scores of Judges

The justices of the Supreme Court are getting older and it is likely there will shortly be a vacant seat to fill. It is likely that our next president will have to choose at least one new justice over the next four years. This is one issue that has not been focused on in the presidential campaign. It is important for voters to know which possible judges the next president will appoint, because these judges serve for life, not just the term of the president that chooses them. It is likely that the Court will be the deciding factor when it comes to controversial issues and cases. Americans should know what kind of views each possible justice has, because it may affect which candidate they chose to vote for.

Former Guantanamo Prisoner Is Killed

A Taliban commander was killed on Saturday by Afghan forces. He and two other men were planning to attack the police in the Chachani district in Kabul. The man was released a year ago from the detainee prison in Cuba. Officials said that at least five prisoners that were released from Guantanamo have returned to Afghanistan to fight with the Taliban.

Rare ‘white buffalo’ dies

About a decade ago, a little white buffalo was born. Indian legends said that the white buffalo would reunite the human races and restore balance with Mother Nature. For this reason she was named Miracle. The coat of Miracle did not stay white, it darkened during her first winter, but it was expected that it would return to white in old age. Sadly she died of natural causes before this could happen. Miracle passed away on Sunday and was buried in an unmarked grave.

The Debates May Prove to be the Key to the White House

A Good Showing by Either Candidate May Be Enough to Seal the Deal

-With only five weeks to go until voters head to the polls, both candidates need to make a good case at the debates. A sound victory may be enough to push John Kerry past President Bush, as Bush remains vulnerable with polls showing voters are unhappy with his performance. Both candidates are seasoned veterans of the televised debate, so defeating one another will prove to be no easy task. The key may lie simply in style and appearance. Bush's strengths are in his unorthodox style of approach to the debate, including bluntness, definitive facial expressions, and a simple theme repeated again and again. Kerry, on the other hand, is a strong debater known for his aggressive, ruthless style and attention to minute details of policy. With the debate focused on foreign policy, Kerry will likely attack the president on the Iraq war. Bush will likely defend the war as a choice in which there was no better alternative. However, in a competition where emotion is often seen as more important than intellect, both sides must pay attention to the smallest details. Bush's famous double take in the 2000 election may have cost Gore the debates, and George H. W. Bush's glance at his watch in 1992 proved to be enormously damaging, despite its trivial nature.

Burundi refugees shun U.N. camps

The 3,000 Tutsi Congolese refugees in Gatamba, Burundi, refused to be moved into U.N. camps deeper in the country, for fear of another masacre. Refugees in feel they would be no safer in the new location than they were previously when large numbers of their kinsman were slaughtered. In August 160 refugees were brutally slaughtered at Gatumba. These refugees came to Burundi to escape the fighting in the Congo, but were attacked at supposedly safe camps by Burundian Hutu rebels and two armed groups from Congo. Now they protest and threaten to move into the no man's land between the Congo and Burundi boarders, as guards refuse to allow them to cross the boarder to the still war torn Congo. However, Gatamban officials refuse to garuntee their safety if they enter the no man's land.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/africa/09/24/burundi.refugees.reut/index.html

Battling the Ghost

The city of Denver has changed the address of INVESCO field, where the Denver Broncos play their home football games. The address of the stadium is now 7 John Elway Drive. With that the football crazy fans of Denver were once again reminded that John Elway is not their quarterback anymore. For now the people of Denver have to realize that Jake Plummer is their quarterback and hope that the ghost of Elway helps Plummer instead of haunting him. Plummer has started this season looking pretty good; he has lead his team to a 2-1 start and they are in first place in the AFC West. Plummer's game hasn't exaclty made improvements by leaps and bounds since he left college at Arizona State. He still plays like "Jake the Snake" the daredevil kid who goes for all or nothing and hopes for the best. However, as long as Plummer finds a way to win the fans in Denver will be sure to remember him as well. Perhaps maybe even a road named after him in the future?

Beijing tightens rules on petrol to save environment

In preparation for cleaner air at the 2008 Olympics, Bejing, China is imposing strict regulations on the emissions levels of gasoline and diesel sold in the city. All gas must meet the Euro 2 emissions standard so the city can support an ever increasing number of cars without much increase in enviromental damange. http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asia/story/0,4386,274814,00.html

When Budget Is Starved, Challenging Courses Are Frills

Many Midwood High students got quite a surprise when their advanced placement courses and other higher level classes weren't on their schedules. It was not a mistake. The lack of challenging courses is the direct result of budget cuts and a severe lack of funding overall. Many students, who would be applying to elite colleges, ended up with only half a day of classes, including gym. Other programs also suffered, such as the SAT-prep program for over 1,000 people and sessions for immigrating students leaning English. The principal of Midwood gave priority to classes required for graduating. However, only one extra remedial class was removed in comparison to the many AP and advanced classes that were removed despite their necessity for college. This situation is not limited to Midwood High or just New York. Almost every school district faces these problems, and unfortunately, too many challenging courses are deemed "extras." http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/22/education/22education.html?pagewanted=2

Beijing tightens rules on petrol to save environment

In preparation for cleaner air at the 2008 Olympics, Bejing, China is imposing strict regulations on the emissions levels of gasoline and diesel sold in the city. All gas must meet the Euro 2 emissions standard so the city can support an ever increasing number of cars without much increase in enviromental damange.

Now Playing: The Old Man and the Football Team

http://Now Playing: The Old Man and the Football Team
Tim Frisby, a twenty year Army veteran was eligible by the NCAA to play for the University of South Carolina. Frisby is thirty nine years old and has six children, whose nickname "Pops," stands true. Tim served with the eighty second Aiborne division who is seen as a very respected and wonderful family man. Frisby has stated he does not want to novelty, but is out there struggling for playing like the rest of the men out on the field.

Education: The Promise of America

In a press release today, President Bush proposed new advancements for educational reform. The new goals are built off the success of his earlier reforms. Bush plans to increase funding by $250 million for academic assessment tests (for grades three through eleven) to ensure all students are at the level they should be. He also wants to create online courses for both students and adults. In addition, he proposed a $125 million Community College Access Grants fund to improve the quality of education at community colleges and to encourage high school students to continue their education. Lastly, Bush plans to expand the Head Start program, which strengthens early childhood education.

The Airport as Flight Boutique

In 1995, the Winchester County Airport received a multimillion-dollar makeover. Since the renovation, the airport has taken on a healthy, new appearance and higher standing; however, despite the airports high reputation, the number of passengers coming through the airport has fallen 25 percent over the last couple of years. Consequently, late last year country officials had no other choice than to use money from a special airport revenue fund to compensate for the expected $850,000 deficit in this year’s budget. The drop in passengers is partly due to the impacts on travel caused by the terrorist attacks on September 11, the wavering economy, along with the cost for airport fares at Winchester, which are considered to be some of the highest in the U.S. by some travel agents. Users of the airport also state that the airport’s lack of direct flights to popular locations and its limited amount of alternatives offered if flights are cancelled, are other reasons for the decrease in travelers.

Two Car Bombs Detonated Near Fallujah

Two car bombs exploded on Sunday near an Iraqi National Guard compound. Both cars were loaded with explosives, and were detonated inside the barriers of the base. The attack happened at 8 a.m. and damaged the main building of the compound. American and Iraqi forces were both injured. The two suicide-bombers died in the blast. No serious injuries were reported from the U.S. military.

Why We Fear the Digital Ballot

An event was held at the National Press Club last Wednesday to highlight the dangers of electronic voting. The attendees watched a film of a chimpanzee pressing keys on a keyboard. The film was supposed to be evidence that even an animal could mess up an electronic vote. Possible problems with the tabulating software of an electronic voting machine were shown as indications that democracy is in trouble. In contrast with this view, few experts say that electronic voting could completely undermine the November election, however, most do say that electronic voting does have serious problems. Over the last century, there have been many new ways to vote, and most of them were rejected by experts at first because they were thought to be too easy to tamper with. The public has been more accepting, until now. The 2000 election produced a quick surge in the demand for electronic voting machines, however, now people are more savvy about the problems with computer systems, namely viruses, hackers, and worms, to fully embrace the machines.

Obese Women Who Diet Not at Risk for Binge Eating

Obese women shouldn't fear the rumors of a low-calorie diet leading to a binge-eating disorder. New study findings say that obese women who diet for 10 months are no more likely to develop a binge-eating disorder that those who don't diet at all. Doctors say that women of this stature shouldn't be deterred from trying to lose weight by following a well balanced diet and exercise. Dr. Thomas A. Wadden and a team of researchers examined the risk of binge eating in 123 obese women who were followed for 40 weeks on particular diets. Studies and observations showed that all the women (though put on different types of low-cal. diets), had similar results throughout the diet time period. In the end, all were happier with their bodies and none had developed a binge-eating disorder. Hopefully this article will clear up the misunderstandings of diets.

Top companies 'ignore risk from environment damage'

Top UK companies of the FTSE are being warned of the highly negative economic impact associated with the ignorance of biodiversity maintinance. Though the appeal of fast money is evident in cutting enviromental corners, companies must realize the long term impact of biodiversity reduction and the possibility of, "greater regulation, higher costs (for companies) and even fines." Corperations must be aware of the positive economic effects of quick adaptation to new regulations and standards.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ft/20040926/bs_ft/c68d3daa0fde11d9ba6200000e2511c8

Cat Lovers Leave Fortune to Vet School

How much do you love animals? Two million dollars sound about right? Well to one couple that was just it. Mr. and Mrs. Morris gave two million dollars to the University of Georgia Veterinary School, where their favorite veterinarian graduated from. Their huge donation will be turned into a ninety thousand dollars a year trust fund for students going for a doctorate and a PhD at the same time. Their veterinarian, William Meriwether, was shocked by the gift. They wanted their legacy to live in animals because they had not children, was the reason given by their nephew.

TSA Tests Relaxed Security for Team Charter Flights

The Transportation Security Administration, or the TSA, is running a new pilot program that relaxes safety measures for professional sports teams traveling on chartered flights. The Washington Redskins was the first team to take part in this new pilot program. Current security procedures for jets depend on the size of the aircraft. According to the U.S. government, larger jets must “ensure that the aircraft is free of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries before the individuals board.” Since team chartered flights usually have the same number of passengers as smaller flights, the TSA is considering whether or not team chartered flights need to abide by the rules stated for larger chartered jets, or the less strict rules enforced for smaller jets.

CBS Nixes '60 Minutes' Story on Iraq War

CBS had planned on airing a show that explained the rationale of the invasion of Iraq, yet has decided to shelf the story, because it is too close to the Presidential Election. This report on weapons of mass destruction would have been aired on Sept. 8, but the story on President Bush's National Guard Story aired instead. Now with the Guard story's infamy, CBS News spokeswoman, Kelli Edwards, would not comment on why the report on weapons of mass destruction would not air so close to the presidential election. CBS did not handle things well at all with the Guard story, now is staying quiet when it comes to exposing the rationality of why America is at war America started.


http://my.aol.com/news/news_story.psp?type=4&cat=0800&id=2004092519410001277706

Investors Banking on Hispanic Growth

There are some 40 million Hispanics with legal US citizenship making the middle class demand products that fit their needs and wants. This group is the second biggest demographic shift since the baby boomers and many investors are trying to take advantage of this growing group of consumers. The target markets are media, financial services, consumer products, food, and beverages. One of the bigger firms in the Hispanic Market is Solera Capita, a $250 million company that bought the magazine named Latina for $20 million, whose target market is young Hispanic women. One popular forecast for this market is that it will reach $1 trillion for goods and services by 2010.

Bush Visits Janesville

President Bush made an appearance in Janesville yesterday where he focused his speech on education. Although Bush says he views Wisconsin as a leader in the field of education, he also says that progress must be made at a faster rate. Bush called for new worker training programs, expanded college grant options, and technical training partnerships with small businesses. Bush also addressed issues such as health care and social security.

The QEO

On Monday, September 20th, over 100 teachers and their supporters picketed before a school board meeting protesting the QEO (qualified economic offer). One of the biggest issues about the QEO is that teachers only have to be given a 3.4% raise, which is usually the max given out each year. That raise more often than not turns into a pay cut as cost of living and health care increases more rapidly, and the QEO remains at a steady percentage every year. Protesters said that the QEO is a main reason why the school board doesn't negotiate with the teachers union. They don't have to. Also, teachers here aren't allowed to go on strike, so the board has no reason to fear them. http://www.weac.org/BARGAIN/2004-05/sept04/newholstein.htm

As With Other Chip Makers, Sales Begin to Stall at Philips

Royal Philips Electronics has predicted that sales in their semiconductor division will stall, at least in the near future. They originally thought to have a spike of about 4%, however, now think to make less than this year's second quarter did. Philips is the latest company to have an annoucement of this sort, joining Intel and Texas Insturments. The reason for this stall is said to come from having double orders earlier in the year and the buyers, mostly makers of TV, cell phones and DVD recorders, have now taken stock and decided to wait to order more. It is not clear whether this signals a drop in comsumer demand for the divices the chips are used in, however, in any case, falling sales are not good for prices.

Darfur 'fear and rape' decried

According to Louise Arbour, human rights worker in the Darfur region of Africa fear and terror continues for refugees. Along with all of the grisly events such as bombing and displacements Sudanese refugees have also suffered the atrocity of rape which only serves to instill more fear into the already abused refugees. Often merely leaving camps to collect fire wood becomes a dangerous situation for refugee women. The govnerment denies many claims of rape that women make, saying that they have exagerated the situation, but aid workers disagree pointing out that women would not exagerate in such a humiliting situation. To combat the situation aid workers are calling for a stronger international presence and more intervention by the African Union.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3690232.stm

Soldiers recieve corrective eye surgery

In 1993 the military started a program that gives soldiers refractive surgery. The soldiers recieve the surgery, and the army takes care of the bill. Now, over 26,000 U.S. soldiers have recieved the surgery at the expense of the army. The cost of each surgery is about $1,000, much less than it would cost to get done clinically because the army doesn't perform the surgery for profit. About 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers recieve this surgery each year, and the people next in line are the ones most likely to be in combat. Soldiers that have had that surgery say that it's a major benefit. The screening for people that want the surgery is extremely thorough.

U.S. warplanes, tanks strike Fallujah

U.S. tanks, artillery, and warplanes struck the city Fallujah on Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding fifteen. The marines located a meeting place in Fallujah where fighters loyal to Jordanian-born terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi would go. al-Zarqawi is responsible for the beheadings of the American soldiers, and possibly the British soldier. Intelligence sources reported this meeting place was used to plan Zarqawi's attacks against Iraq. Zarqawi has also claimed responsibility for numerous car bombings, kidnappings, and other assaults. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6095119/

Beware Food Companies' Health Claims

Many food companies are interested in one main thing--the quickest money making route to extra sales. The more people buy and eat from that specific company, the fatter the companies profits become. Food companies have introduced new, reformulated products to satisfy every trend in nutrition no matter how poorly it may be grounded in science. Nontheless, when consumers read the nutrition lables, they automatically think if they eat a lot of these new products, they will be healthier and thinner. What they don't know is that the supporters of the food companies, such as Food and Drug Administration, are struggling to catch up with the flow of new, incoming "healthy food" products. Another aspect that consumers don't consider is that food companies manipulate their claims made. When a company wants a product to go on the market as a healthy food, they advertise claims that make the product appeal to one aspect and hide the realistic facts of the nutrient content. Remember, the next time you go shopping to be diligent and read the lables discerning what is good for your health and what is not.

Airport Screening Still Falls Short, Tests Find

According to the results of confidential government tests taken last November, airport screeners are still not detecting all knifes, guns, and explosives that pass through checkpoints. Although these test results are approximately the same as tests taken earlier in the year, according to a Congressional aide, scores still need improvement. Explosives are the hardest to identify by screeners. Concern over explosives has increased since August when two Russian airliners were destroyed by Chechen suicide bombers. Clark Kent Ervin, inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security, released a final report regarding these tests this week, which included recommendations for improving screeners' ability to detect explosives. The Transportation Security Administration is already testing some new technologies.

Officials Find 40 Dead Animals in Yard

A dreadful stench was reported by angry neighbors in a North Carolina town. When it was investigated police found the remains of five unburied animals in the yard of Charles Larry Grant Jr. He was charged with failure to dispose of deceased animals on Thursday. Animal control officers found a grand total of forty dead animals on the premises. The animals included; two rabbits, seventeen chickens, seven goats, one duck, and thirteen pigeons. People who live on the same street have reported seeing dead animals near the street in the past, but it is still unknown why Grant has these animals. Animal control officers are attempting to determine the cause of death, and depending on the findings more charges may be filed.

Kerry Reveals His Plan for the War on Terror

Criticizes Bush's "Diversional War"

- In a speech at Temple University today, John Kerry outlined his plan for the war on terror while calling the war in Iraq, "a profound diversion from the battle against our greatest enemy, al-Qaeda." John Kerry proposed to do a lot of things differently than the president, who he proclaimed to be living in "a fantasy world of spin" relating to the situation in Iraq. Kerry promised, "I will fight a tougher, smarter, more effective war on terror." The speech outlined several new proposals, including:

• Re-emphasizing Afghanistan as the main priority in the war on terror.
• Improving the security of loose chemical and nuclear weapons, especially those of the former Soviet Union within four years.
• Doubling the number of special forces.
• Speeding the implementation of new anti-terror technology.
• Making rogue nuclear arms production more difficult with internationally supported nuclear building material bans.
• Engaging in serious talks with North Korea over its nuclear program.
• Strengthening and rebuilding the alliances which the president is blamed for weakening.

Class size, accountability focus of Democrats' education plan

The state of Nevada's Democratic Party revealed its education agenda for 2005 on Thursday. Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins introduced the "ABC" plan, calling for accountability, better schools, and communication. The party plans to introduce two bills when the legislature convenes on February 7. The first requires parents to sign "expectation agreements" provided by the school. The agreement, which is given out at the beginning of the academic school year, discusses homework loads and other details of the child's education. The second bill would allow parents to take time to participate in a school sponsored activity without penalization from their employers. The party also wants to establish a full-day kindergarten program, citing the success of other states' programs. They also want to focus on reducing class sizes, and keeping them down throughout the school year.

Overcrowding is a Growing Issue

Parents and teachers in New York City have all noticed the dramatic increase in student enrollment, especially in high-performing high schools. City education officials admitted that in some cases there would be more students than last year. However, "more students" seems to mean hundreds. According to Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers, more than 11,000 classes in the city alone exceed the student limit of their contracts. She also suggested the four main reasons were: budget and staff cuts, the opening of small schools that don't make use of their larger space, computer software that schedules classes, and new enrollment policies that allow more students into the schools. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/24/education/24school.html

Miracle Baby Born in Belgium

A women who recieved an ovarian tissue transplant gave birth to a baby girl yesterday at a hospital in Belgium. This is the first time in history a baby has been born to a woman after recieving this procedure. The woman was diagnosed with cancer when she was 25 and a ovarian tissue was removed from her and frozen before she recieved the cancer treatments that may damage or cause infertility in a woman. Six years after she began treatment for cancer she was declared free of cancer and the transplant took place. Four months after the transplant, her ovarian function was restored and she was able to give birth. This procedure may also helps women to have children after they are passed menopause.

Six Egyptians kidnapped in Baghdad

Gunman abducted six Egyptians while at work in a Iraq phone company. It is the latest in a string of kidnappings. Two of the men kidnapped were hustled into a black BMW which then sped away. The other four men were kidnapped while working outside of Baghdad. The details of this kidnapping are unknown. More than 140 foreigners have been kidnapped in Iraq, some by anti-U.S. insurgents or by criminals seeking ransoms. At least 26 of the captured were killed. The kidnappings reveal Iraq's poor security. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6015597/

Verizon Wireless Expands High-Speed Data Network

The cell phone company Verizon Wireless announced that it will be expanding its high-speed data network into 14 new cities starting on Monday, September 27. Verizon's network is currently offered in three cities, San Diego, Washington, and Las Vegas. They are the fastest wireless service, with the ability to download information at 300 to 500 kilobits per second, offering broadband Internet access, however AT&T has the fastest nationwide high-speed access network at download speeds of 80 to 120 kilobits per second and is available where ever AT&T Wireless service is offered. Verizon's network costs $79.95 a month, but people using laptops have to purchase a separate access card that costs $200. With the speeds that Verizon are offering, some analysts say that wireless companies could become major competitors to the traditional land-line and cable Internet companies.

Morphine-free poppy

Some reachers from Australia have a found a natural poppy that produces painkilling compounds but excluding the addictive compounds of morphine and codeine. In the new opium poppy, the active ingredient morphine is now contained of heroin. Manufactures have already began working on making this new addicitve free drug.

Sudan 'welcomes' Darfur autonomy

Sudanese officials are finally willing to negotiate with rebels in the Darfur region of Sudan in regard to granting the region more autonomy, or self government. This comes after severe international preasure including threats of oil santions by the UN. The hope of Sudan's government is that this will end the current humanitarian crisis which the UN call the world's worst humanitarian crisis and the US has labeled as genocide. According to BBC news, "More than a million Darfur residents have fled their homes, and thousands are said to be dying every month. " Due to recent attacks, more than 20,000 people have fled the southern DarFur region in last week alone. The government of Sudan blames this on the rebellion which started last year, while rebel forces accuse athorities of ignoring the region.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3687168.stm

2 Egyptians Seized by Gunmen in Baghdad

Two Egyptians were kidnapped from their office in Baghdad overnight. The telecoms company they worked for, Orascom, has had six other employees kidnapped from Falluja. The two egyptians kidnapping is reported as "not politcally motivated."

Owens Silent about Mariucci

There is one topic that the usually out-spoken Terrell Owens won't talk about: Steve Mariucci. The relationship between Owens and Mariucci has been on the rocks for the six seasons they were together in San Francisco. Now Owens plays for Philadelphia and Mariucci coaches for Detriot. Both teams are 2-0 and they will meet on Sunday. The conflict between the two hit a high point in a game at Dallas in 2000. Owens performed a questionable celebration after a touchdown which resulted in a fine from the NFL and Mariucci suspended him for one game. However, Mariucci insists that his memorys of T.O. are good ones. Mariucci had respect for how Owens practiced and played; "...he gives you his all," said Mariucci. When Mariucci was fired from San Francisco him and Owens had a friendly conversation and left each other in good terms.

Study: Early overeating may lead to bulimia

Psychiatrists have been doing research and have come to a conclusion that excessive eating and gaining weight at a young age could be warning signs that children will develop bulimia as adults. It's estimated that 5 to 10 percent of women worldwide suffer from an eating disorder and are petrified of the thought of gaining weight. In a recent study, 154 pairs of sisters eating habits were under observation to determine whether there were signs leading to an eating disorder. There were 71 pairs of sisters in which one had developed an eating disorder. The psychiatrists asked the mother to describe the daughter with the eating disorder from the age of 5 to 10 years. They soon found out that the daughter as a young child was overweight and ate more than the healthy sibling. The research is still being studied to make sure that the evidence is relevant and accurate, but it's definitely something to consider and think about for the upcoming generations.

The Verdict: Better Pay for Juries

Law makers feel that the best way to guarantee jury participation is by increasing the amount jury members are paid. In many jurisdictions there are very few people who answer the call of service. It is believed that some reasons citizens don't show up for duty are illness, belief they won't give a fair verdict, unwillingness, or the factor that is focused on here: it doesn't pay enough. For this reason some states have decided to compensate juries for their pay loss. Others pay more to juries who are assigned to extended trials. The system is still looking into improvement.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0409240293sep24,1,4258516.story

Dinosaur May Have Been Stealth Hunter

Imagine a vacuum-like eating dinosaur!!! The remains of a peculiar looking creature with a three-foot long body and a neck of five and a half feet were found in China. This creature was an ocean dweller in its day, which happened to be about two hundred and thirty million years ago. The head of this creature was found in 2002, the body was recovered later and given the name, Dinocephalosaurus orientalis. This name affectionately means "terrible headed lizard from the Orient". With a name like this, one would imagine that this creature would have an awesome head, but this is not the case. This creature had a tiny little head. This of course was part of the master plan. The dinosaur had a different sort of neck than others similar to it; its neck had twenty-five vertebrae. This is double the expected amount. The reason for this is because the neck had rib-like bones in it. This is where the suction comes from. Due to the rib-like bones, the neck could expan and flattens out; this causes a tremendous inward suction. In the murky waters in which it lived the surrounding fish would have no clue that this little head in the distance was attached to a massive body and could suck them in. This is an amazing feeding technique!

American Cuts Flights and May Charge for Food

Due to current increases in fuel prices, along with escalating competition from low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines Co. and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines is taking into consideration new sources of revenue. This may mean a decrease in available flights for passengers and even a fee for onboard food. AMR Corp., American’s parent, is also considering refinancing an $834 million credit line to cover costs. Whatever the case, American must increase profits to begin paying for its more than $22 billion debt.

Anti-War Documentary Finds Distributor

After Warner Bros. rejected filmmaker David O. Russell's intentions to include his anti-war documentary in the DVD release of "Three Kings," Russell has finally found a distributor, Cinema Libre Studio to release his film, "Soldiers Pay." Along with Russell's documentary, will be another documentary called "Uncovered: The War in Iraq." The movies should have been released in theaters today in San Francisco. The reason Warner Bros. rejected Russell's intentions to include his anti-war documentary with "Three Kings," had to deal with the same reason why Walt Disney Co. refused to distribute Micheal Moore's film, "Fahrenheit 9/11." If either company had distributed these films, there company would have been promoting a documentary that would raise political sensitivity in society. If Disney distributed "Fahrenheit 9/11," it would be like they agreed with what Micheal Moore had said in his film. There are stock holders who did not agree with what Moore had documented, so if Disney had agreed to distribute, their business may be more inclined to drop. I am very proud of Cinema Libre Studio, because they are not as interested in making money, but more interested in giving Russell a chance to express his views through the lens of a camera.

http://channels.netscape.com/ns/movies/story.jsp?floc=FF-APO-1402&idq=/ff/story/0001%2F20040923%2F0049097165.htm&sc=1402

Latin American Flavor

Latin American food is popular all over the world. When you are actually in a Latin American country it is even better than what Taco Bell can produce. Their food is rich in culture because of the mix of foreign food that have combined with the Spanish original flavor. When the Spaniards were on their way to India they found new flavor in American, African, Asian, and European dishes. These different tastes added to their already imaginative recipes. Hispanics great flavor shows during Hispanic Heritage Month where you can experience many different flavors of the rich Latino menu. If you visit this website it has a quiz where you can test your knowledge on Latin American cuisine.

Bush's Lead Appears to be Growing in Electoral College

New CNN Poll Gives Bush Over 300 Electoral Votes

- According to a new survey released today by CNN, President Bush would recieve 301 electoral votes if the election were held today. Democratic challenger John Kerry would recieve the other 237. With the magic number for winning the presidency standing this year at 270, Bush would be re-elected for another four years in office. Of course, the electoral vote does not reflect the popular vote of the people, but is in the end what elects the president. Bush has overtaken New Hampshire and Iowa in recent weeks from John Kerry, giving him 33 states in the union while John Kerry holds the other 17 and the District of Columbia. With Kerry claiming the West Coast and most of the northeastern states and Bush in charge of the entire southern block (except California) as well as the mountain states, the main battleground for votes still remains the Midwest. Having to cancel campaign rallies due to illness has not helped Kerry here in the last week, especially in key states such as Iowa.
Kerry holds slight leads in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine. Al Gore carried these states in the 2000 election. Bush's leads are minisucle in two states, Colorado and New Mexico. The situation is complicated in Colorado though, as a proposed amendment in the state government may allow the state to split its electoral votes based on percentages to each candidate. Bush, according to the poll, leads Kerry 45 to 44 percent there. Bush also leads in key state Florida as well as Wisconsin.

DPI wants more funds for schools

State Superintendent Burmaster recently proposed her 2005-2007 budget. Her proposal includes increased funding for the SAGE program (which reduces class sizes), early learning, programs for children learning English and more. Her plan dedicates $11.2 billion to educate students and fund a property tax credit. A price which state Rep. Dean Kaufert says is much too steep. According to him, such an increase in education spending just isn't possible. The Northwestern quotes him saying, "'We're not out of the woods yet fiscally.'"http://www.thenorthwestern.com http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/

Long Road From a Prison Cell to a Safe Haven on the Field

Marcus Dixon, defensive lineman for Hampton University, was accused of rape after having sex with a fifteen year old in a vacant classroom. Dixon was released from prison on May 3 after being charged with raped and melestation. The judge dropped the melestation charges and Dixon was only charged with statatory rape, but had already served over the amount of time he was supposed to serve. Marcus is now living the life he once had dreamed of and is doing extremely well in football.

A Widow Looks for Trophies, and Finds More

Lisa Sealey, mother of Malik Sealey , mistakenly ran into a man who had been part of the New York Athletic Club, which immediatlely recongnized who she was by her sons name. The club had been looking for her to let her know her husband, Malik Sealey, former Timberwolve who had been killed in an accident was being inducted into the hall of fame. Lisa Sealey had run into Herb Turetzky while ordering trophies for her sons basketball team. Though finding out about the honor her husband would be receiving this had been a very difficult time for Lisa Sealey.

Court Appoints Third Expert to Examine Datson

http://Court Appoints Third Expert to Examine DatsonCarlton Datson, a Baylor basketball player, is being examined by Dr. Mark to see if he is actually mentally incompetent because of killing Patrick Dennehy in year 2003 in Maryland . If Dr. Mark finds Carl mentally ill, the judge could send Datson to a state menatal institute for 120 days. On the other hand if Dr. Mark does not find Datson mentally ill he will be sentenced to life in prison for killing Patrick Dennehy.

Study: Fat Students Sap School Finances

The number of overweight school children has tripled from 1980 and has reached a peak at 9 million for obese students. With the increases in overweight students, the school's financial status has decreased. Why? Studies have shown that poor nutrition and inactivity are the cause of absenteeism. Schools are now trying to focus on nutrition and exercise to boost their funds. How are they doing it? They're banning soda and sweets from vending machines and taking steps towards teaching students the importance of a well-balanced diet. They are also strongly encouraging a half-hour of exercise each day. With these plans, schools hope to get attendance records and financial statuses up.

From Storage, a New Fashion

In computers everywhere, from classroom to coffee shop, there has been an explosion in the use of USB flash drives, or Universal Serial Bus, commonly called jump drives. These small portable storage devices come in capacities ranging from 16 or 32 megabytes to 2 gigabytes, which is 2048 megabytes, and are fast replacing floppy disks and even CD's and Zip disks. Aside from the storage purpose, flash drives have also become a fashion statement. They come in a rainbow of colors, from standard silver and i-Podish ivory to a mix of candy colors. They can be seen clipped onto backpacks and hanging from keychains, hanging from lanyards around peoples necks, and even hidden inside every day objects such as pens. Flash drive sales have tripled over the last year and are expected to rise even more. With their new popularity comes easier use, as most computers built now come ready to recognize flash drives without utilizing special drivers and more USB ports, the spot on the computer you plug the flash drives into, are put into PCs and laptops. There are some computer users that are not as enchanted with the new technology as some. One such person is Jose Velasco, a film-maker from New York, who says that the drives don't have enough capacity for his digital video files and that the larger ones are still too expensive. Some analysts say that prices will fall as capacities rise, but they are certainly big enough for high schools, some of which now require a flash drive as part of students school materials.

Redford Calls Bush 'Blind' on Environment

Robert Redford spoke in Las Vegas on Wednesday before an event sponsored by the Enviromental Accountability Fund. Redford has worked as an enviromental activist since the 1970s when he assisted the formation and instigation of the Clean Air and Water Acts. Redford accused Bush of taking sevearl steps backward on the enviromental advances made in recent years, calling Bush's additude toward enviromental pollicy, "divisive, totalitarian, mean, and narrow." A Bush spokeswoman responded weakly by saying that, "Our air and water are cleaner and clearer under this administration."
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040923/ap_en_ce/people_redford_2

Medicare Drug Cards

The Bush Administration is going to send 1.8 million drug discount cards to people who are eligable but didn't sign up. This cards helps people get a 20% discount on retail drug prices and up to $1,200 in federal aid. Bush states that this is part of his commitment to help older people recieve proper medical care. Seventeen companies agreed to work with the government to issue the cards.

Groups mobilizing to make education matter at the polls

Last night, over 3,800 house parties were conducted to make education a "political priority in an election debate dominated by war, terror, and jobs." The issues discussed were smaller class sizes, more help for teachers, and tutoring for all students regardless of their financial situation. The groups also suggested a solution to educational issues: more funding for schools and teachers.