Monday, March 30, 2009

China uses abortion pill to cut gerbil population

China: Hand, foot and mouth virus kills 18 kids

Plague locusts spotted near Broken Hill - Australia

Indonesia dam burst kills dozens


Plains buried by snow; Gulf Coast inundated with rain
Storms bring twister, hail risk
Hail damage reported in North Texas
Two Tornadoes Touch Down In Eastern North Carolina
Heavy storms, tornadoes hit South for a second day
Kansas City Airport Closed Due to Snow Storm
With jokes and tears, Fargo mayor fights flood
River reaches record high in Fargo, region braces
Fargo spends day in church and fighting off floods

Local - Blackwater continues to rise
Normal volume is about 100 ~ 120 gallons. It was close to 160, 000 at its highest

Meteorite hunters 'strike gold' in Sudan
Remember that meteorite?

Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe
A fierce solar storm could lead to a global disaster on an unprecedented scale – it's time to heed the warnings

Seamless Biometric Security Being Developed by Apple?





Mount Semeru gets level 2 volcanic activity warning-Indonesia
Three Indonesia volcanoes put on second-level alert status


Alaska volcano erupts twice, sends ash 12 miles up
Alaska's Mt. Redoubt volcano continues to erupt
Redoubt eruption continues; trace ash fall 'possible' in Anchorage
Ash falls on Anchorage as volcano keeps spewing
Alaska volcano quiets down after making ashy mess
Minor eruption reported at Redoubt volcano


4.3 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand North Island

Australians 'complacent' to earthquakes

Magnitude 6.0 - NORTHWEST OF THE RYUKYU ISLANDS
Strong earthquake strikes off Japan

Magnitude 5.5 - NEAR THE COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
Earthquake rattles northern Peru

Magnitude 4.9 - ASCENSION ISLAND REGION

Magnitude 5.0 - SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA

Magnitude 5.3 - GUERRERO, MEXICO

Magnitude 4.8 - SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

Magnitude 5.4 - SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS

Magnitude 5.3 - TARAPACA, CHILE

Magnitude 4.6 - OFF THE COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

Magnitude 4.4 - GUATEMALA

Magnitude 4.9 - SOUTH OF PANAMA

Magnitude 4.8 - SUCRE, VENEZUELA

Magnitude 5.1 - WEST OF THE BONIN ISLANDS

Magnitude 4.3 - SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA

Magnitude 5.9 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Strong earthquake hits Papua region

Magnitude 2.6 - SOUTH CAROLINA
Small earthquake shakes southwestern So. Carolina

China shaken by 4.2-magnitude earthquake


Magnitude 5.1 - FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA

Magnitude 5.0 - VANUATU

Magnitude 1.8 - SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

Magnitude 4.4 - SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA

Magnitude 4.8 - GUATEMALA


Magnitude 5.9 - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Magnitude 5.2 - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Magnitude 4.2 - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Magnitude 4.3 - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Magnitude 4.7 - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
Magnitude 5.7 - ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
Magnitude 5.8 - ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS., ALASKA
Multiple Large Earthquakes Rattle The Last Frontier



Time to worry about earthquake swarm near north O.C.?
Yes.
Quake scientists focus on the southern San Andreas


Magnitude 4.3 - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Francisco Bay Area shaken by 4.3 magnitude quake

Geologists Set Up Earthquake Detection Stations
The southern end of the 800 mile San Andreas Fault in California is currently being wired so that scientists will know when “the big one” hits.
!!! When "the big one" hits, I don't think they'll need equipment to tell them.

Fresh earthquake in Yorba Linda-area ’swarm’

Eastern Congo volcanoes show eruption warning signs
Suicide attack kills 48 at Pakistani mosque

US accuses Pakistan spies of helping Al Qaeda

Pakistan to get billions from U.S. despite oversight concerns

'Mumbai terrorists' say group will increase attacks on India
The terrorist group which carried out the Mumbai massacre last November and is suspected of the commando raid on Sri Lanka's cricket team in Pakistan earlier this month has warned it is to step up its attacks on India.

Pakistan army raid 'kills rebels'

Pakistan militants kill five in kidnap chase

Siege at Pakistan police academy
Troops are trying to retake a police academy near the Pakistani city of Lahore after gunmen seized it, with up to 40 people reported dead.

U.N.: Up to 190,000 trapped in Sri Lanka fighting

Areva to Start Operations at 8 New Factories in India

India’s Sugar Output May Fall 45% as Jaggery Attracts More Cane

India, Iran, Russia mull strategy to fight Taliban

US opens route to Afghanistan through Russia's backyard

Iran accepts US Afghan invitation
Iran has agreed to attend a US-backed international conference on Afghanistan next week, but Washington played down the prospect of a high-profile meeting.

Iranian ex-minister slams Germany's dealings with Tehran

Iraq to move Iranian opposition group: official
Iraq to Relocate Members of Iranian Opposition Group

***

Car Bomb Kills 16 in Baghdad Market
Iraq car bombing kills 26 in Baghdad

Sunni Arab cleric killed in Iraq's Diyala province

Iraq battle after militia arrest

Without pay, Iraqi Sunni fighters threaten to quit

Iraq: The most dangerous place in the world for Christians

Roadside bomb kills four in Iraq's major southern city of Basra

Iraq army pulls out from Baghdad flashpoint

British forces to start Iraq pullout


Lebanon soldiers kill drugs baron: army

6 alleged militants arrested in Yemen

Qaeda says hit Koreans in Yemen over U.S. ties

***

Arab leaders in busy consultation ahead of summit

Arab common market likely to help overcome economic crises, says NYIT economist

Sudan leader in Qatar for summit

Egypt skips key Arab summit on unity

***

Report: Israel Attacked Sudan Three Times near Egyptian Border
Sudan: Strike obliterates Iranian ship at sea

Sudanese President Reportedly Visits Libya

Egypt official in Syria to push for Palestinian unity

Gas tanker hijacked by Somali pirates released
Somali pirates free German gas tanker

German Ship Captures 7 Pirates in Gulf of Aden

China Gezhouba wins US$400 mln contract from Libya

Egypt Has 2 Million Tons of Wheat, Corn in Strategic Storage




Areva signs uranium agreement in Congo

Kenya-Uganda Oil Pipeline To Be Extended To Albertine Rift-Co

Brazil's Vale starts $1.3 billion coal project in Mozambique

Mozambique and South Africa to build oil pipeline

Madagascar: Police fire on demonstrators
31 injured as police break up Madagascar demo

Tuareg rebels in Niger 'ready for peace talks'

French president arrives in Niger

Zimbabwe 'to arrest land thieves'
Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai vows to arrest anyone invading farms - in an apparent challenge to Robert Mugabe.

Britain opens new embassy in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean refugees moved around South Africa

Mwana Africa to re-open Zimbabwean gold mine

Africa: African Union Must Join G20, Says SA Finance Minister




OPEC could cut oil output at next meet: Venezuela
The next meeting isn't until May 28, but they're already issuing statements.

Venezuela to Nationalize Drug Trafficking-Linked Airline Aeropostal

Engine parts from US plane fall from sky in Brazil

Guatemala finds Mexico drug smuggler training camp

Guatemalan police seize 500 grenades in raid
Netanyahu government to be sworn in on March 31

Largest ever Israeli gov't takes shape

Netanyahu: We'll do all we can to make peace with our neighbors
At Knesset session commemorating Israel-Egypt deal, PM-designate hails efforts of Olmert, who says there is "no substitute" for two-state solution.

EU warns Israel on two-state issue
Comply or else.



Israeli army disperses protest in West Bank town

Western Wall Cleared of Prayer Notes
Cleaning up for Passover





(ECO) TURKISH ENERGY MINISTER MEETS WITH CHAIRMAN OF GAZPROM

Turkey willing to revive Israel-Syria talks: PM

Turkish party leader killed in helicopter crash
Bodies found at Turkish helicopter crash site
Hmm.

Turkey's ruling party in close race in Istanbul
Turkey's Islamist-leaning ruling party easily won municipal elections across most of the country Sunday, but appeared close to suffering an upset in Istanbul, the largest and most cosmopolitan city.

Gul Denies Saying "Kurdistan" During Iraq Visit



US envoy urges calm as Georgia tensions rise

Georgia's new unrest led by protest singer

Georgian opposition reeling from videos


Armenian and Azerbaijani journalists to create joint web-site

President of the Central Bank of Armenia off to Moscow





Chechen warlord murdered in Dubai
Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister, is facing fresh international scrutiny after a powerful Chechen warlord who fell out with the Kremlin was assassinated in Dubai.

Russia to end Chechnya anti-terror mission
Looks more like a change in strategy to me.

Gazprom to build gas depot, generator in Turkey

Turkmenistan: Ashgabat Wonders Whether Russia Still Has Deep Pockets

Russia-American crew blasts off to space station

Russia launches its latest rocket

Gorbachev upbeat on U.S.-Russia ties after Obama visit

Russia says won't stand still in race for Arctic
Russia sends troops to frozen north to claim Arctic resources
Russia signalled its determination to win the race for the Arctic's mineral wealth yesterday by announcing plans to establish military bases along its northern coastline.

Siemens plans to become Gazprom’s strategic partners in LNG sphere.

Gazprom in Nord Stream windfall

Russia to build 6 nuclear subs with cruise missiles

Medvedev: No nuclear trade-off with US
Russia won't increase pressure on Iran even if US cancels deployment of European defense system.





Polish gas monopolist PGNiG hopes to sign deal with Gazprom on 2009 gas supplies soon

The Nabucco Conspiracy

Video: Sir Fred Goodwin's £3m home attacked by vandals
An anti-capitalist group calling itself Bank Bosses Are Criminals has claimed responsibility for an attack on the home of Sir Fred Goodwin, former chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Populism!

GDF Suez strikers block French LNG terminals

`Aladdin's cave' of criminality found in safe deposit boxes

Revolution at the palace as Brown plans to give female Royals equal succession rights
Does it really matter?

The resignation of Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali is a victory for Islamism :: Damian Thompson

The Baltic Sea and the Black Sea will be connected via the newly established Water transport system Riga-Herson-Astrahan.

President of Ukraine is to pay official visit to Azerbaijan

Norway offers to boost IMF with up to $4.6 billion





Australian PM's China advocacy thrown off course

Billionaire Li Ka-shing Says China Will Lead Global Recovery

China says Pentagon report will hurt military ties

French visits to patch up ties in China

China's hi-tech 'death van' where criminals are executed and then their organs are sold on black market

China Natural Gas Seeking New CFO

China police station attacked near Tibetan areas

China to reopen Tibet to foreign tourists

Riots Occurring More Frequently In Chian’s Hainan Province

China-based network caught in cyber-espionage



China, Russia Lukewarm Over Sanctioning N. Korea

Seoul warns N. Korea over rocket launch


Former Thai PM Thaksin addresses protestors

Thai PM defiant as protest enters third day
'Dr. Doom' predicts some big banks will be nationalized

Contingency! What’s It Good For? by Andrew C. McCarthy

Eight Dead After Shooting at N.C. Nursing Home

Jewish center marked with anti-Semitic graffiti

Fear of new regs drives gun, ammo shortage

***

AP Source: GM CEO Wagoner to step down immediately
Because Obama told him to. When the state runs businesses, what do you call it, again?

Obama to unveil plan for carmakers on Monday

Big March rally put on hold - stocks down
U.S. stocks fell rapidly for a second straight session Monday as turmoil in the auto industry and continued worry about the financial sector further eroded the market's upswing of recent weeks. Over the weekend the Obama administration forced out the chief executive of General Motors and said that the best chance for success for the struggling auto maker and Chrysler may be bankruptcy.

***

Ex-Saudi envoy is Obama's choice to run Navy

Obama seeking Muslims for high administration positions

Analysis: Clinton pushes for stronger China role

Obama considering meeting with Assad in June

Obama worried by spillover from Mexico drug fight
Which will likely be used as an excuse for a gun grab. Hence the shortages.

Obama unveils agenda for first overseas trip

President Obama's "European Vacation"
His whole presidency seems like a National Lampoon movie, doesn't it?

Prospect of Barack Obama show causes UK to clear its decks
In addition, a team from the White House kitchen will travel with the president to prepare his food. As one official put it: "When the president travels, the White House travels with him, right down to the car he drives, the water he drinks, the gasoline he uses, the food he eats. America is still the sole superpower and the president must have the ability to handle any crisis, anywhere, any time."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pentagon looks at green options
aaaaarrgh
Gates sees sanctions as best bet on Iran
aaaaarrgh




Dollar reserve issue won't get G20 traction: Canada
Global reserve currency debate unlikely to be G20 meeting focus
At least not publicly.

Call for global currency wins int'l backing
UN backs new new global currency reserve

Indonesia feels the need for new international currency

Death Of The Dollar?
Abandoning the greenback would mark a final step in the dismantling of the post-WW II monetary order, with the dollar as its anchor. This is just what Russia and China — and the U.N. — want.

Center-left leaders mull crisis strategy ahead of G20

UK's Brown wants $100 billion trade finance fund

Brown snubbed over tax, Germans wreck ‘global new deal’

G-20 Group Urges ‘System-Wide’ Approach to Regulation

G20 leaders to discuss IMF gold sales - source



Fake cash, pop-up tents and protests to hit London

Biden appeals to G20 protesters

London Protest Draws More Than 12,000 Before G-20



USAID Provides $3.7 million to Assist with Global Food Security in Senegal
'Food Security.'

U.S. to push for UN climate deal but no magic wand

UN climate conference starts in Bonn

Sunday, March 29, 2009

I don't know what the heck is wrong with my supposed 'high speed' internet connection, but since it's not even loading this 'new post' page properly, I'm not even gonna try links tonight.

Tomorrow, watch out for BO/the TOTUS's plan for the auto industry. They leave for London Tuesday, and the G20 officially opens Thursday. Netanyahu is supposed to have his government sworn in Tuesday as well.

And the Alliance of Civilizations meeting/BO's trip in Istanbul (not Constantinople) is early next week, and Passover begins near the end of the week.

Spirit says April is a month to watch, and there's plenty to watch.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Syrian leader: Syria to wait before judging Obama

Syria offers to help Obama pull troops from Iraq

Lebanon press says PLO bomb 'settling of scores'



Kurdish rebels: We won't stop fighting in Iraq

Video: Iraqi Christians in peril

Four Iraqi children killed in bomb blast

Maliki says Iraq no place for PKK, Iranian rebels

For troops in Iraq, shower may be fatal

Kidnappers claim deal struck to free British hostages seized in Iraq



Iran-Armenia oil pipeline construction work begins

Yemen arrests al-Qaeda suspects

yemen: Sanaa eyes financial windfall from first gas plant

Saudi woman launch lingerie shop boycott




Netanyahu: Palestinians Have 'Partner for Peace'
Surrender.

Obama Pushes Two State Solution For Israel and Palestinians

Obama, Abdullah talk two-state solution

Assad: Peace possible with Netanyahu

Barkat: Jerusalem must stay united
It won't.


Muslim Leader Arrested for Assaulting Police

‘Land of Milk and Honey’ Praised as ‘Land of Opportunity’

Israel slams UN rights report on Gaza

Situation at Gaza crossings is "intolerable" - U.N.

Calm returns to Israeli town after riot
Rioting in Umm el-Fahm highlights tension

Israel successfully tests 'Iron Dome' anti-rocket shield





Egyptian police seize 560 smuggled sheep
Too. Many. Jokes.

Egypt says adoptive moms were human smugglers

Sudan's Bashir in Egypt on second trip since warrant

Egypt reports new human case of bird flu: WHO

Egypt tries to hang up on killer SMS rumours

Egypt says mediating Mideast prisoner swap talks

Egypt's EFG-Hermes says buys back 900,000 own shares
Egypt's largest investment bank by market value.

Amos Gilad: Egypt our ally against Iran, Hamas
'Egypt still views Israel as relative threat'


Radio: Somali pirates hijack yacht from Seychelles
Wife of murdered yachtsman describes ordeal at hands of pirates

Pirates seize tankers off Somalia


Sudanese officials confirm convoy strike
Sudanese minister: US carried out raid
Olmert hints at Sudan strike: 'No place Israel can't reach'


India, Libya enter into pact to promote investment


The African Axis
As the world watches the governments of the Middle East divide into two competing blocs based on their allegiance to Iran, a similar Iron Curtain is being created in Africa. The Iran-Syria Axis is teaming up with rogue countries like Sudan, Eritrea, and Zimbabwe, and even radical Islamic forces in Somalia. Opposing this Axis is Ethiopia and Djibouti, although many more countries will enlist themselves in either bloc in the years ahead.


Sarkozy to Push for French Investment in Congo During Visit

Congo assembly speaker quits in fall-out with Kabila

Angola stealing DR Congo oil, says minister

Zimbabwe Gets 60,000 Carats of Gems From Chiadzwa, Times Says




Report: Brazil invited to join OPEC

Petrobras Oil Union Says It May Extend Strike

Police arrest Brazil builders' directors for fraud

'Blue-eyed bankers' to blame for crash, Brazil's Lula tells Gordon Brown


Gazprom, Lukoil, TNK and Rosneft to operate in controversial Venezuela zone


Police Officer Slain in Western Mexico
U.S. marshal's body found in Mexico

Mexico arrests 'top trafficker'

Cartels' guns flow from U.S.

Clinton, Mexico, Immigrants and Narcotics

Scientists Say Herbicide Used on Mexican Border is Safe
Belarus’ participation in Eastern Partnership to promote European economic integration

Ukraine gas pipeline modernization could cost $16 bln - Gazprom

Pro-Russia protest against US frigate in Sevastopol

Yushchenko asks Europe help develop Black Sea shelf gas deposits

Tymoshenko: Ukraine ready to participate in creation of new collective security system in Europe



UK report warns nuclear attack realistic

Threat of dirty bombs 'increased'



Czech leader loses vote of confidence
Topolanek Toppled: EU without a Leader after Czech Government Collapses
Czech collapse 'no threat to EU'
Another one bites the dust!


Serbian Police Detain 30 After Protest To Mark NATO Campaign


Wendel CEO quits amid debate over strategy
Areva chairman quits, to become Wendel CEO-Figaro


The 300 Billion Dollar Bailout of Sharia Finance
Sharia Banking conquers Europe


Northern Ireland killings were an act of war, says Republican Sinn Féin




Russia's richest man proposes rescue plan for RBC

Russia suspicious of EU-Ukraine gas master plan

Gazprom warns Ukraine against going ahead with pipeline plan

Russia Sparks Fears of New Gas Spat

Kremlin critic in ammonia attack

Russia to strengthen strategic nuclear subs

Report: Russian subs to help stake Arctic shelf

Russia wants up to 10 submarines in Black Sea Fleet

Russia, Ukraine still arguing over Black Sea Fleet

Fool's gold
MOSCOW - Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has put his signature on one of the strangest mine prospector's pay-sheets drafted in the history of mining.

Gazprom to buy oil stakes of Eni, Enel

Gazprom, Japan’s energy agency signed an agreement on scientific and technical cooperation

Russian, Turkmen Leaders Postpone Pipeline Accord

Lavish bonuses could provoke unrest: Putin ally




Indonesia, Libya boosts relationship through agreements

FM: Missing American cameraman has left China

China makes door-to-door hunt for killer

GE gets $300M contract for China gas pipeline
China's Milestone West-to-East Pipeline, One of the World's Largest Gas Transmission Projects, Again Turns to GE Oil & Gas Technology

Manila says 7 groups eyeing 600MW coal plant

Alarm Over North Korea Missile Prep
Japan Gives Order to Destroy Any North Korean Missile




Suicide attack kills guard in Islamabad

U.S. plans to boost civilian aid to Pakistan

Russia ‘Concerned’ About Security of Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal
Me too.

Taleban tap into Swat's emeralds

Taliban enforces Sharia ruthlessly: Report

Pakistani officials: Suspected US strike kills 8

Pakistan still running terror camps: Army chief - India

Kashmir fighting leaves 25 dead, India says

Pakistan Fails to Control Lashkar Group in Kashmir, India Says

Pakistan arrests 74 Indian fishermen

India’s Nuclear Power Plans to Borrow 3 Billion Euros


Sources: Obama to OK more trainers to Afghanistan

Rudd, Obama avoid Afghanistan troop level issue

US to ask Europe to increase aid to Afghanistan


British-run orphanage in Bangladesh 'is Islamist training camp'




9 in Opposition Party Arrested in Georgia
Georgia: Opposition buying guns to spark violence
Georgian Crackdown Continues With 'Antistate' Arrests
8 Georgian opposition members to remain in custody

Church leader sparks Georgian baby boom


Ammunitions found in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam Region
Ceasefire broken on disengagement line between Azerbaijan and N Karabakh

Azerbaijan: Contemplating Life without the Nabucco Pipeline


Gazprom Increases Stake in Armenian Gas Distribution

U.S. Envoy Again Visits Armenia


Chechnya's Kadyrov claims peace

Afghan, Pakistani leaders to meet in Turkey
Officials seek new power over financial companies
Pointing with dismay to the AIG debacle, the nation's top economic officials argued Tuesday for unprecedented powers to regulate and even take over financial goliaths whose collapse could imperil the entire economy. President Barack Obama agreed and said he hoped "it doesn't take too long to convince Congress."

U.S. Seeks Expanded Power to Seize Firms
The Obama administration is considering asking Congress to give the Treasury secretary unprecedented powers to initiate the seizure of non-bank financial companies, such as large insurers, investment firms and hedge funds, whose collapse would damage the broader economy, according to an administration document.

US GOVTS: Proposed Resolution Authority To Be Led By Treasury, FDIC

That's a HUGE category of private property the government wants to grab.

Power power power. Anyone who thinks we're not headed for fascism is an idiot.


I couldn't make my way through the circus they called a press conference. Ugh. Talk about overexposed.

Text of Obama's news conference

Full text of Barack Obama's online town hall meeting



PRUDEN: Taking the show on the road
The president is aware not only that "it's the economy, Stupid," but he understands that Stupid can't think about two bad things at once. Worrying about where groceries come from is only human, and it helps close the sale abroad when Stupid is foolishly spending all his outrage on the AIG bonuses.


Obama’s just not that into you
Obama has to oppose nationalization today in order to achieve it tomorrow. He has to show the country and the world that he is doing all he can to help the private sector to sort things out with government help. He must ostentatiously invite the hated demons of Wall Street to join him in rescuing the banks in order, later, to say that he did his best to avoid having to take over the banks. Only then will nationalization be an acceptable alternative — when he has run out of other options.

Meanwhile, he makes sure the private sector won’t play ball by going after their bonuses, sending an implicit message to the other executives on Wall Street that reads: Stay away.

Even when he takes over the banks, as he almost inevitably will, he is going to have to dress up the nationalization as a temporary measure forced on him by the economy and the previously unrealized depth of the problem. He will cite the example of Sweden, where the government nationalized the banks only temporarily and returned them to private hands quickly.

You can’t be for nationalization. But Obama hopes to accomplish it nonetheless.

Obama lays out US-Mexico border strategy
Clinton Admits U.S. Demand Feeds Mexico’s Drug Trade
Obama Mexico border plan not enough-US senator
The U.S. Guns In Mexico's Drug War
Makes a nice pretext for all sorts of crackdowns, doesn't it?

Obama Tells Digital Town Hall Expect to Lose More Jobs

Obama, NATO chief talk Afghanistan, Russia

Gateway Pundit: Obama's Hitler Youth Will Not Be Allowed to Express Religious Beliefs

EU Presidency: Obama Plans 'a Way to Hell'

White House: Obama To Meet Presidents Of China, Russia




No Need For Global Currency, Obama Says
I foresee the expiration date on this one coming very, very soon.

EU says dollar secure as reserve currency
Not so much.

Geithner sends dollar on roller-coaster ride - MarketWatch
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner shook markets on Wednesday when some of his comments over China’s call for a new global reserve currency led to confusion over U.S. policy and triggered a brief plunge in the dollar.

A world currency moves nearer after Tim Geithner's slip

UN panel touts new global currency reserve system

Global currency 'could save world economy'

Global currency flies with push from Russia and slip from Timothy Geithner

Meltdown 101: Will China global currency idea fly?
WASHINGTON -- China's central bank has called for the creation of a new global currency as an alternative to the dollar, in the latest sign of that country's growing assertiveness on the international stage. But would the idea even work?

China ‘Super Currency’ Call Shows Dollar Concern

German President calls for new financial order

Pax Consortis: A new global order?

U.K. leader hears advice from banks about G-20

Global situation 'extremely worrying': IMF

Rudd to meet World Bank president

U.N. urged to reject bar on defamation of religion

Soros: G20 a make or break event for markets
But at least he's having a good crisis! :
'I'm having a very good crisis,' says Soros - who made £1billion as the world plunged into recession

U.N. urges G20 to back $1 trillion aid for poor nations

Papering over the cracks at G20

The U.N.'s 'Alliance of Civilizations'

International brawl looms over Arctic rights




U.S. bill seeks to rescue faltering newspapers

Caught on Tape: Government Ineptitude
Shock!

Levin: US and Russia should unite against Iran
Sorry, they'll unite against us.

US lawmaker: missile threat from Iran exaggerated
WASHINGTON — A candidate for a top nonproliferation post in the Obama administration played down today the threat from Iran’s long-range missile program as a reason to build a European missile defense system.
aaaaaaaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhh!

Call for help: Postal chief says agency crashing
And just think, the government wants to run lots more businesses!

Pentagon should establish fourth military service to wage cyberwars

California's Wipeout Economy

Libraries, Booksellers Face Anti-Lead Ban On Older Books for Kids

Pentagon criticizes China on military transparency
U.S. Sees Chinese Military Rise, and a Need for More Contact
Sounds like we're a-scared of 'em to me.

The non-kosher kosher hot dog riot

Missouri State Highway Patrol orders militia report shut down
Blizzard whips northern Plains; travel difficult
Flood warnings issued; N. Dakota braces for record deluge
North Dakota Flooding
Tired Fargo gets worse flood forecast


Tornadoes Destroy Dozens of Homes, Injure 20 in Mississippi

Zimbabwe cholera 'past its peak'

STDs May Change Stance on Circumcision

Rat attack: Rodent army lays siege to railway stations

Four Hospitalized After 'Killer' Bee Attack




Magnitude 4.5 - ANDAMAN ISLANDS, INDIA REGION

Magnitude 6.0 - NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Strong earthquake hits Papua New Guinea: USGS

Oil terminal a concern as Alaska volcano rumbles
ALASKA VOLCANO PHOTOS: Redoubt Spurs Huge Mudflow, Ash
Small eruption blows plume from Alaska volcano
Alaska volcano erupts twice, ash soars 65,000 feet

Magnitude 5.2 - NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

Magnitude 4.8 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Moderate quake strikes Salton Sea
Over the weekend, the Salton Sea was struck by 42 smaller quakes during a 48-hour period, beginning Saturday morning and tapering off early Monday. Scientist have been keeping a close watch on the region because they believe an earthquake there could set off a fault movements leading to a major earthquake that would devastate Los Angeles.
Earthquakes continue to rumble across Southern California


Magnitude 5.2 - NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Magnitude 4.7 - OFF THE COAST OF ATACAMA, CHILE

Magnitude 4.7 - OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Magnitude 5.0 - GUAM REGION

Magnitude 4.5 - OFFSHORE SUCRE, VENEZUELA

Magnitude 5.2 - TONGA REGION

Magnitude 4.4 - ALBANIA

Big earthquake could be headed our way -- or not
New Madrid rumbled like crazy after they announced it was dying.

Magnitude 5.2 - TONGA REGION

Magnitude 4.0 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Magnitude 5.8 - MID-INDIAN RIDGE

Magnitude 5.2 - TONGA REGION

Volcano Plumes Spin Like Tornadoes

Mild earthquake rocks Orissa, Jharkhand




Pentagon Plan to Regrow Limbs: Phase One, Complete

Conficker Computer Worm Threatens Chaos
Computer security experts are massing against the Conficker computer worm. They say Conficker is remarkably sophisticated. They don't know who started the attack or why -- or what will happen when it follows a built-in command on April 1.


Europe to Get Smart Meters by 2020
The European Parliament also managed to add a provision under which every household is to have "smart meters" allowing them not only to carefully screen and control energy consumption, but also to sell energy back to the network, for instance by installing solar panels on the roof.

"The price of electricity in particular is determined by when the peak hours are," British Labour MEP Eluned Morgan explained to journalists at a press conference. "So if you could take the peak hours out by getting people to use dishwashers or washing machines at night, you would get a more sophisticated way of using electricity. These smart meters can actually speak to the generator and tell it to stop putting up the amount of energy they use."

China criticised over YouTube

Facebook, Bebo and MySpace 'to be monitored by security services'
In the UK!

'Miracle fruit' turns sour things sweet

Pentagon exploring robot killers that can fire on their own

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Continuing from last night:

Car Bomb Tragedy Narrowly Averted at Haifa Mall

Report: India buys Israeli spy satellite

Egypt won't boycott peace anniversary

Netanyahu seeks to reassure Egypt over FM pick

State Department: 'Durban II' text changes not enough

Police arrest 20 at Palestinian 'culture event'

U.S. furious over Israel's demolition of East Jerusalem homes

U.N. reports say Israel targeted civilians in Gaza

Blair: Netanyahu could support a two-state solution
Solana urges future Israeli gov't to stick to two-state solution
Abbas says new Israel PM must accept Palestinian state
God says "I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."




EU energy plan to include Nabucco
Will it or won't it? I'm betting on "won't."

Italy says Eni pipeline case is a security issue

Ukraine gas pipeline upgrade 'key' to EU accession

Online game company approved for real-world bank
The use of money in virtual worlds has stepped into the real world. Swedish company MindArk is starting a traditional bank, which will be integrated with its virtual world platform, Entropia Universe.

Romanian railways to cut 12000 jobs

Fears that Italy's 'dangerous' hunting laws could get worse
Liberal weenies.

This way to Britain: Unmasked, the sinister Mr Fixit sneaking illegal immigrants to Britain in the back of lorries

Hungary's premier offers to resign
Hungarian Forint Falls Against Euro as Prime Minister Resigns
Iceland, now Hungary...Who's next?

UK population must fall to 30m, says Porritt
You first!

Country faces 'riots' unless public finances are solved, Frank Field warns
Maybe the riots will take care of the population problem!

Greek Fisherman Catches a 2,200-Year-Old Bronze Statue




Russia: S. Ossetia, Abkhazia independent

Russia seeks to bring Georgia under control - intelligence chief

Russian planes fly over U.S. naval ships

Governor in Russia Is Ousted by Kremlin

Armed clashes in Russia's Dagestan, 21 die

Moscow Set to Legalize Government Funding of Church-Held Property
Hmm.

Russia expels foreign rabbis

Putin: Ukraine gas plan unprofessional




U.S. warship enters Black Sea

Turkey to launch Armenian-language radio station

The Shadowy Turkish Deep State
The Islamists aren't getting rid of Turkey's shady Deep State, but replacing it with one of their own.

Turkey's Gul in landmark Iraq visit

Turkey could block Rasmussen at NATO, official says
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey could block Denmark's prime minister from becoming the next NATO chief given concerns over his past stance on Turkey and a row over Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.

Analysis: Turkey's first nuclear plant moves toward governmental decision

Iraq - Turkey urges Iraqi crackdown on PKK

Bomber kills 15 at Kurdish funeral tent in Iraq
Suicide bomber kills 23 at Iraqi funeral (update)

U.S. hands almost all Sunni guards to Iraqi control

Syria wants UN to back off on Lebanon - report

Palestinians say Lebanon army soiled Iran food aid

Lebanon bomb kills PLO official

***

Iranian leader: Obama's rhetoric not enough

Iran's Axis of Nuclear Evil
Now we know the mullahs were paying for the Syrian reactor that Israel destroyed.
No, really?

Amir Taheri Says Iran Has Started a Mideast Nuclear Arms Race

Iran targets the US

U.S. Navy vessels in Bahrain for evaluation after collision

Abu Dhabi investment arm buying big stake in Daimler

Saudi businesses sceptical over GCC currency union plan

Saudis Set Up New SWF To Invest In Foreign Stocks

Yemen to Promote Investment in Holland

Yemen to implement nuclear power project, adviser says

Yemen court orders would-be spy put to death




Pirates seize Greek cargo ship in Gulf of Aden

Somali pirates release ship with 16 Indians on board

U.S. Navy detains, releases six suspected pirates

Pirates fire on Japanese ship off Somalia

Official: African migrant boat capsizes near Yemen

Tiny Italian island figures large for migrants

Seven immigrants die when boat capsizes

Egypt wants a 3,000-year-old coffin back from US

***

LRA rebels kill 12, kidnap 40 in northern Congo

DR Congo government, CNDP rebels 'sign peace deal'

Congo to push forward with $9 bln Chinese contract


Mugabe's wife beats assault charges in Hong Kong

Zimbabwe: Over 100 Suspects Rounded Up

Harare diary: Bread winners and losers

How Zimbabwe slew the dragon of hyperinflation
By abandoning their currency and using others. What will the US do when ours is in the same shape? I don't like the answer.




World Bank Official Says Turkmenistan Moving Toward Privatization

How long will Pakistan's army chief sit on sidelines?

US 'needs new Pakistan strategy'

India accuses Pakistan over Kashmir exchange

India has 'proof' of Pakistan role in Mumbai attacks

World's cheapest car hits Indian market

Indian left-wing rebels blow up railway track

Bangladesh tries using silt to protect against sea levels

Violence to 'spike' in Afghanistan: Dutch general

Afghanistan unrest kills more than 70: officials

30 armed militants killed in Afghanistan

Afghan clerics call for peace talks, Saudi role

US wants Afghanistan "exit strategy", meets NATO




China 'aggressive' on sea: US commander

China military trains first public relations team

Nearly 100 Tibetan monks arrested as riots break out

China tells Japan it wants aircraft carrier

2 China officials fired over disease reporting

China names aluminum executive to Cabinet post

Investors Should Buy China Property Stocks, UBS Says




Spanish priest killed in Brazil

Itau Unibanco Boosts Funding to Robotic Arts, Movies in Brazil
ROBOTS!

Mexico says Citi unit to help in crisis

Inside Mexico's most dangerous city

Patrol watches Texas-Mexico border - from pub in Australia

Rural Mexican villages dig moats to repel gangsters

Monday, March 23, 2009

Alaska's Mount Redoubt Erupts Overnight
Erupting Redoubt dumps ash in Su Valley
Alaska's Mount Redoubt volcano erupts for first time in 20 years, shooting ash nine miles into air

Finally!

Magnitude 4.2 - HUDSON BAY ISLANDS, NUNAVUT, CANADA
Hudson Bay?!

Magnitude 5.0 - NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
5.8 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand

Magnitude 3.1 - WYOMING

Magnitude 1.9 - TENNESSEE

Geologists lower Okmok Volcano warning level

Underwater volcano creates new island off Tonga

Swarm of quakes bedevils Hanford

Scientists cable seafloor seismometer into California's earthquake network

Magnitude 4.6 - REYKJANES RIDGE
Magnitude 4.5 - REYKJANES RIDGE

Magnitude 4.9 - MID-INDIAN RIDGE

Magnitude 5.1 - SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Magnitude 4.9 - SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Magnitude 4.7 - SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Magnitude 5.0 - SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

Magnitude 4.7 - YUNNAN-GUIZHOU BORDER REGION, CHINA
Earthquake rocks China

Magnitude 5.3 - NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Magnitude 3.6 - OFF THE COAST OF OREGON

Magnitude 3.0 - COLORADO

Magnitude 1.3 - NEW YORK
Magnitude 2.8 - NEW YORK
Magnitude 2.1 - NEW YORK

Magnitude 5.2 - CARLSBERG RIDGE

Magnitude 5.2 - TONGA REGION

Magnitude 3.3 - UTAH
Minor earthquake hits southern Utah




5,000 evacuated after hazardous acid spill in Pa.

Marysville residents get together to plan rebuilding after Victoria fires - Australia

Hundreds of animals flee Kenyan wildfire

Canadian Ebola vaccine used on German woman after accident

Officials Ask for Volunteers as Floods Threaten North Dakota, Minnesota

Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe slows : WHO

YouTube - World Water Day Video from charity: water




Obama Says Treasury Secretary's Job Is Secure
Yeah, 'cause Barry's never reversed himself before.

Organized labor gives Obama high grades so far
Of course!

Guess who else does:

Hamas leader hails Obama's new approach: report

Guess who's NOT impressed?

Venezuela's Chavez calls Obama ignoramus

Mark Steyn: AIG execs the new 'enemy combatants'

Obama advisers note populist tone, urge restraint
He and his administration are the ones that whipped it up!!!

ACORN's Federal Judge
Yep.

Justice Department to San Francisco Police: Shut Up!

Barack Obama's troubleshooter Richard Holbrooke unveils strategy to halt Afghanistan 'drift'
Great, I feel better already.

Analysis: don’t take our support for granted, President Obama warns
President Obama, even as he prepares a battle-weary American public for a long war in Afghanistan, is sending a clear message to Hamid Karzai that it would be a mistake to take US military and economic support for granted.

Judd Gregg Slams Obama "This Country Will Go Bankrupt"

'60 Minutes' transcript
"Are you punchdrunk?"

Srsly. I haven't watched the whole thing yet, but that ill-timed laughter creeps me out BIGTIME. It sounded like a cross between nervous laughter and maniacal evil-overlord giggling. Neither of which is very reassuring from the most powerful man in the world.




Treasury's toxic asset plan could cost $1 trillion

From now on, think of the US as a bigger Zimbabwe

A note to the US: print and be damned

***

The Mother of all Bells - Peter Schiff

Citigroup, Bank of America, JPMorgan Criticize Limits

Mass Hysteria Over AIG Obscures Simple Truths: Michael Lewis

Jonathan Clements Says the Bonus Tax Creates a Disincentive to Work

Kansas, Colorado, Georgia Banks Shut as Losses Mount

Stocks cheer Treasury plan for banks; Dow up almost 500 pts
Don't count on it lasting.

What's driving up price of oil?

Robbing the Pentagon to Pay Foggy Bottom

Raytheon lands $27M Boeing radar deal

Iraq war protesters rally in DC to mark 6th year

U.S. Supports U.N. Declaration on Homosexuality

Feinstein: Don't Spoil Our Desert With Solar Panels
H - Y - P - O - C - R - I - T - E.

Jury recommends death for Lam Luong in bridge death of 4 children
Any legal form of execution is too good for this SOB.

Gunman kills 3 officers, wounds 4th in Oakland

EPA proposal aims to regulate carbon
They should tell Redoubt to quit erupting, then.





Road map out of crisis - By Angela Merkel and Jan Peter Balkenende
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrggggggggrghhhhhhhhhhhh

Gordon Brown's G20 summit agenda is already unravelling

G20 warned unrest will sweep globe
They're probably right.

Met: G20 protesters will stretch us to our limit
Scotland Yard issued a stark warning of violent disorder in the City of London on the eve of the G20 summit, with the police stretched to their limit in the middle of an extraordinary week of public protest.

Office staff warned of confrontation as City braces for mass G20 protests

A guide to G20 protests in London

G20 must address collapsing world trade, says UK

G-20 Meeting May Give Impetus to WTO Accord, U.K., Brazil Say

New group may take over from G20

China pushes SDR as global super-currency



On a mission to change the world
KEVIN Rudd today embarks on the most important foreign mission of his prime ministership.

His ambition is epic.

He wants to transform the way the world is governed.

First, he will go to Washington to see Barack Obama for their first face-to-face meeting. He will also see the President's key cabinet colleagues. Then it's a day in New York with the mavens of American capitalism, the men and women who pull the levers of the US economy.

Then it's across to London for appointments with Gordon Brown and the Queen, and the critical G20 meeting.

The G20 is to Rudd what APEC was to Paul Keating.

Just as Keating did with APEC, Rudd wants to create a permanent G20 leaders meeting as the critical new instrument of global government, the new centre of institutional global power.

Rudd's ambition is even bigger than Keating's, for Rudd wants to change not just the way the Asia Pacific is run, but the basic institutions of global governance.