CARE Regional Director Killed in Nairobi, Kenya
Geoffrey Chege, a 25-year veteran of CARE, was killed Saturday night in Nairobi during a car jacking attempt. Chege was born in Kenya.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Chairman: Bush officials misled public on global warming - CNN.com
The Democratic chairman of a House panel examining the government's response to climate change said Tuesday there is evidence that senior Bush administration officials sought repeatedly 'to mislead the public by injecting doubt into the science of global warming.'
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-California, said he and the top Republican on his oversight committee, Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia, have sought documents from the administration on climate policy, but repeatedly been rebuffed.
'The committee isn't trying to obtain state secrets or documents that could affect our immediate national security,' said Waxman, opening the hearing. 'We are simply seeking answers to whether the White House's political staff is inappropriately censoring impartial government scientists.'
'We know that the White House possesses documents that contain evidence of an attempt by senior administration officials to mislead the public by injecting doubt into the science of global warming and minimize the potential danger,' Waxman said.
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-California, said he and the top Republican on his oversight committee, Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia, have sought documents from the administration on climate policy, but repeatedly been rebuffed.
'The committee isn't trying to obtain state secrets or documents that could affect our immediate national security,' said Waxman, opening the hearing. 'We are simply seeking answers to whether the White House's political staff is inappropriately censoring impartial government scientists.'
'We know that the White House possesses documents that contain evidence of an attempt by senior administration officials to mislead the public by injecting doubt into the science of global warming and minimize the potential danger,' Waxman said.
Argh! My smoothie has 540 cal and 12g of Fat!
That's the end of that particular after-workout order - my Booster Juice smoothie of choice, the High Impact Acai - has far more calories than I burn off! I'm going to go back to the Mango Hurricane and save myself 200 cals.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Air America Radio Finds a Buyer
Newsvine - Air America Radio may have found a buyer. The network has been seeking a buyer since last fall when it filed for bankruptcy reorganization after reaching an impasse with one of its creditors. The network also said that Al Franken, its longtime headline personality, would depart next month - possibly to run for Senate in Minnesota.
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro euthanized
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized this morning after complications from the broken leg he suffered at the Preakness last May.
'We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain,' co-owner Roy Jackson said. 'It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time.'
'We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain,' co-owner Roy Jackson said. 'It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time.'
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Boomers retire idea of Freedom 55
Early retirement has fading appeal for many baby boomers, a Statistics Canada analyst said Wednesday, in response to the appointment of a federal panel examining the role of older Canadians in the workplace.
'The value that was placed on Freedom 55 is going away with the baby boom generation, and in this generation you have more people who want to stay connected,' said Statistics Canada researcher Leroy Stone.
Yesterday, Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg suggested baby boomers could ease a projected labour shortage if they delay their retirement plans.
'Our population is aging and we are facing labour shortages,' Solberg said in a release Tuesday. 'Now is the time to look at issues faced by older workers and make sure that they have the knowledge and tools they need to contribute to a strong Canadian workforce.'
-- be nice if they aligned themselves to the greening generation behind them too...
'The value that was placed on Freedom 55 is going away with the baby boom generation, and in this generation you have more people who want to stay connected,' said Statistics Canada researcher Leroy Stone.
Yesterday, Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg suggested baby boomers could ease a projected labour shortage if they delay their retirement plans.
'Our population is aging and we are facing labour shortages,' Solberg said in a release Tuesday. 'Now is the time to look at issues faced by older workers and make sure that they have the knowledge and tools they need to contribute to a strong Canadian workforce.'
-- be nice if they aligned themselves to the greening generation behind them too...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
US Senate panel rejects Iraq plan
A US Senate committee has rejected President Bush's plan to send extra troops to Iraq, passing the measure to a full Senate vote likely next week.
The Democratic-controlled Senate Foreign Relations Committee dismissed Mr Bush's policy as 'not in the national interest' in a 12-9 vote.
It comes a day after the president gave his State of the Union address asking Congress to give it 'a chance to work'.
The Democratic-controlled Senate Foreign Relations Committee dismissed Mr Bush's policy as 'not in the national interest' in a 12-9 vote.
It comes a day after the president gave his State of the Union address asking Congress to give it 'a chance to work'.
A Virgin Birth (of Komodo dragons)
A British zoo on Wednesday announced the virgin birth of five Komodo dragons, giving scientists new hope for the captive breeding of the endangered species.
In an evolutionary twist, the newborns' eight-year-old mother, Flora, shocked staff at the Chester Zoo in northern England when she became pregnant without ever having a male partner or even being exposed to the opposite sex.
(Hey, it's all Greek to me)
In an evolutionary twist, the newborns' eight-year-old mother, Flora, shocked staff at the Chester Zoo in northern England when she became pregnant without ever having a male partner or even being exposed to the opposite sex.
(Hey, it's all Greek to me)
Bush's state of union address
(On Iraq, it's "Trust Me")
In yesterday's annual state of the union address, U.S. President George W. Bush again defended his plan to send more troops to Iraq, but also focused on domestic issues facing Americans including affordable health insurance and the need to cut gasoline consumption.
He called on Americans to reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 per cent in the next 10 years. Bush said such a reduction would cut total imports by the equivalent of three-quarters the oil that the United States currently imports from the Middle East. (Good news for Canadian oil producers)
"Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq and I ask you to give it a chance to work," Bush said. "And I ask you to support our troops in the field and those on their way."
Of the Iraq War, Bush said he had reviewed the decision with military commanders and had considered every possible approach. (Remember "Mission Accomplished"?)
"In the end I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success," Bush said. "Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq — because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching."
"On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle," the president said. "So let us find our resolve and turn events toward victory."
Public support for the war is at a record low, according to polls, and a vast majority of Americans oppose his decision to send additional troops.
Bush said that the war on terror "is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. That is why it is important to work together so our nation can see this great effort through." (On behalf of the younger generations handed an increasingly aggressive world, I have this to say: "Thanks George").
He called on Americans to reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 per cent in the next 10 years. Bush said such a reduction would cut total imports by the equivalent of three-quarters the oil that the United States currently imports from the Middle East. (Good news for Canadian oil producers)
"Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq and I ask you to give it a chance to work," Bush said. "And I ask you to support our troops in the field and those on their way."
Of the Iraq War, Bush said he had reviewed the decision with military commanders and had considered every possible approach. (Remember "Mission Accomplished"?)
"In the end I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success," Bush said. "Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq — because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching."
"On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle," the president said. "So let us find our resolve and turn events toward victory."
Public support for the war is at a record low, according to polls, and a vast majority of Americans oppose his decision to send additional troops.
Bush said that the war on terror "is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. That is why it is important to work together so our nation can see this great effort through." (On behalf of the younger generations handed an increasingly aggressive world, I have this to say: "Thanks George").
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
OSCAR Nominees in, but I haven't seen these films
In truth, I've seen three of the films that make up the 79th Annual Academy Awards Nominees List - including the super stinker PoC: Deadman's Chest, The Devil Wears Prada (AH on my celebrity crush list!) and The Departed (which Neal hated - that Marky Mark guy can act!).
Considering that there was a time when I would be hard-pressed to find a film in the theaters that I hadn't seen, this is a remarkable thing.
I should rent "Little Miss Sunshine".
Oops! Make that four films... I did see "An Inconvenient Truth" (surprise, surprise). No! Five.. "Borat" (Funny once). Uh... six... "United 93" (OK at best).
Considering that there was a time when I would be hard-pressed to find a film in the theaters that I hadn't seen, this is a remarkable thing.
I should rent "Little Miss Sunshine".
Oops! Make that four films... I did see "An Inconvenient Truth" (surprise, surprise). No! Five.. "Borat" (Funny once). Uh... six... "United 93" (OK at best).
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Corn Row?
Argentina, Brazil and Guatemala have joined Canada in a trade fight with the United States over corn subsidies.
When it filed its request, the Canadian government said the U.S. accounted for 41 per cent of global corn production in 2005-2006 and 68 per cent of all corn exports during that period.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada also said U.S. corn subsidies have averaged almost $9 billion US per year over the past two years.
When it filed its request, the Canadian government said the U.S. accounted for 41 per cent of global corn production in 2005-2006 and 68 per cent of all corn exports during that period.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada also said U.S. corn subsidies have averaged almost $9 billion US per year over the past two years.
Letter to editor earns 81-year-old Pa. man a visit from Secret Service agents
An elderly man who wrote in a letter to the editor about Saddam Hussein's execution that "they hanged the wrong man" got a visit from Secret Service agents concerned he was threatening U.S. President George W. Bush.
It wasn't Dan Tilli's first run-in with the federal government over his letter writing. Two FBI agents from Allentown showed up at his home last year about a letter he wrote advocating a civil war to unseat Bush, he said.
It wasn't Dan Tilli's first run-in with the federal government over his letter writing. Two FBI agents from Allentown showed up at his home last year about a letter he wrote advocating a civil war to unseat Bush, he said.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Uganda's mystic rebel leader dies
The woman who began the long running insurgency in northern Uganda, Alice Lakwena, has died in exile in Kenya after a long illness.
The self-proclaimed prophetess founded the Holy Spirit Movement in the 1980s.
Many later regrouped to form the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), led by her cousin Joseph Kony. The LRA is holding talks to end its 20-year conflict. The LRA is known for kidnapping thousands of children and turning them into soldiers.
The self-proclaimed prophetess founded the Holy Spirit Movement in the 1980s.
Many later regrouped to form the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), led by her cousin Joseph Kony. The LRA is holding talks to end its 20-year conflict. The LRA is known for kidnapping thousands of children and turning them into soldiers.
Clinton in clear lead over rivals
Hillary Clinton has launched her race for the White House with a commanding lead over her Democratic rivals for the 2008 presidential candidacy, according to an opinion poll published on Sunday.
The New York senator moved quickly to toughen her stance over the war in Iraq as she sought to sharpen her differences with President George W. Bush and fend off a challenge from Barack Obama, the first-term senator for Illinois and her closest rival.
The New York senator moved quickly to toughen her stance over the war in Iraq as she sought to sharpen her differences with President George W. Bush and fend off a challenge from Barack Obama, the first-term senator for Illinois and her closest rival.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Darfur aid 'on brink of collapse'
Fourteen UN aid agencies working in Sudan's troubled Darfur region have warned that their relief operations will collapse unless security improves.
Humanitarian workers, they said, are 'holding the line' for the survival and protection of millions in Darfur. But they need 'solid guarantees' of security from all the parties involved in the conflict to be able to continue.
Violence in the western region of Sudan has claimed more than 200,000 lives and led 2.5 million to abandon their homes.
Humanitarian workers, they said, are 'holding the line' for the survival and protection of millions in Darfur. But they need 'solid guarantees' of security from all the parties involved in the conflict to be able to continue.
Violence in the western region of Sudan has claimed more than 200,000 lives and led 2.5 million to abandon their homes.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
(Just) Ahead in the Pool, Karina Away
So the Hockey Pool got updated and I'm still just managing to stay ahead of the pack... it's a tight thing now and I don't know if more money will necessarily do the trick. I'm going to hold Spezza with the thought that the hot Senators will put him back in fine scoring form.
Karina is in Vancouver today. Unfortunately I'm not going to get up to much trouble if I'm going to try to catch
The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos tonight - his guest is my ol' favourite angry man Henry Rollins.
Missed my workout at lunch today -- think I'll head there now and get in a hour or two of running, weights and sauna.
I'm working from home tomorrow but hope to get to Humberto's for an evening class.
Karina is in Vancouver today. Unfortunately I'm not going to get up to much trouble if I'm going to try to catch
The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos tonight - his guest is my ol' favourite angry man Henry Rollins.
Missed my workout at lunch today -- think I'll head there now and get in a hour or two of running, weights and sauna.
I'm working from home tomorrow but hope to get to Humberto's for an evening class.
Monday, January 15, 2007
A Stormy Monday
The weather today is terrible although the much talked about severe winter storm is not expected to arrive. The non-Torontonian readers of this blog will be happy to hear that this morning we were greeted with an inch of sleet and freezing rain that caused traffic chaos. I waited more than 20 minutes for the bus.
Yesterday Karina and I attended two different Church services with Mom and I think we have our mind made up as to where we'll have the wedding service. Saturday was spent in part at the Wedding Show at the Skydome... nothing too exciting to report from there although I do think we're getting closer to deciding on the type of cake we'd prefer.
There has been significant delay since the last update to the Richmond St. Hockey Pool -- I can only assume that this means SEb is all depressed because I'm still ahead and Hugh has a pile of injuries to work with.
Yesterday Karina and I attended two different Church services with Mom and I think we have our mind made up as to where we'll have the wedding service. Saturday was spent in part at the Wedding Show at the Skydome... nothing too exciting to report from there although I do think we're getting closer to deciding on the type of cake we'd prefer.
There has been significant delay since the last update to the Richmond St. Hockey Pool -- I can only assume that this means SEb is all depressed because I'm still ahead and Hugh has a pile of injuries to work with.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
U.S. lawmakers slam Bush's Iraq plan
U.S. lawmakers today hammered President George W. Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq, leaving the White House increasingly isolated over deepening American involvement in the unpopular war.
Some of Bush's fellow Republicans joined newly empowered Democrats in voicing skepticism over whether dispatching 21,500 extra troops to help Iraq's beleaguered government regain control of Baghdad would work.
Some of Bush's fellow Republicans joined newly empowered Democrats in voicing skepticism over whether dispatching 21,500 extra troops to help Iraq's beleaguered government regain control of Baghdad would work.
House passes stem-cell bill despite veto threat
The Democratic-controlled House Thursday passed a bill bolstering embryonic stem cell research that advocates say shows promise for numerous medical cures.
But the 253-174 vote fell short of the two-thirds margin required to overturn President Bush's promised veto, despite gains made by supporters in the November elections. Bush vetoed identical legislation last year and the White House on Thursday promised he would veto it again.
But the 253-174 vote fell short of the two-thirds margin required to overturn President Bush's promised veto, despite gains made by supporters in the November elections. Bush vetoed identical legislation last year and the White House on Thursday promised he would veto it again.
Word of the Day: Sarchasm
Sarchasm (n):
The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
House passes 9/11 security bill
The first item on the House Democrats' '100 hours' legislative agenda, a measure to implement some of the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, passed on Tuesday evening.
The vote was 299-128.
Nearly 70 Republicans crossed party lines to vote for the package. It mandates full inspection of air and sea cargo entering the United States and shifts more homeland security funding to communities with high-risk terror targets.
The vote was 299-128.
Nearly 70 Republicans crossed party lines to vote for the package. It mandates full inspection of air and sea cargo entering the United States and shifts more homeland security funding to communities with high-risk terror targets.
US executes Somali air strikes
The US has carried out at least two air strikes in southern Somalia targeting Islamist fighters, who the US believes include members of an al-Qaeda cell.
The militias were reported to have been tracked by aerial reconnaissance and then attacked by a US gunship launched from a US military base in Djibouti.
The US says Somali Islamists sheltered al-Qaeda operatives linked to the 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa.
The Somali transitional government says many people were killed in the raid.
The air strikes are taking place just a few days after the Union of Islamic Courts, which had taken control of much of central and southern Somalia during the past six months, was routed by soldiers from Ethiopia and Somalia's transitional government.
The militias were reported to have been tracked by aerial reconnaissance and then attacked by a US gunship launched from a US military base in Djibouti.
The US says Somali Islamists sheltered al-Qaeda operatives linked to the 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa.
The Somali transitional government says many people were killed in the raid.
The air strikes are taking place just a few days after the Union of Islamic Courts, which had taken control of much of central and southern Somalia during the past six months, was routed by soldiers from Ethiopia and Somalia's transitional government.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Monday Report
A new week after a pretty busy weekend - Friday night playing poker, Saturday day spent watching LFC lose to Arsenal in the FA Cup 3rd Round and night spent at PJ's, Sunday having lunch with the folks and then some errands too. Wedding stuff loaded in there too although Karin did all the heavy lifting.
In US politics today the House Democrats ready to start their '100 hour' clock to push through a raft of legislation - following tonight's footbal game of course.
Worked out on Sunday morning at Humberto's new gym - the place is looking great. The same couldn't be said for my workout. And tonight I have the "hard" workout at the club... guess I'll have to grind it out.
In US politics today the House Democrats ready to start their '100 hour' clock to push through a raft of legislation - following tonight's footbal game of course.
Worked out on Sunday morning at Humberto's new gym - the place is looking great. The same couldn't be said for my workout. And tonight I have the "hard" workout at the club... guess I'll have to grind it out.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Hockey in Kansas City? World Juniors Final Today
Believe it or not, but Kansas City has a strong offer to land an NHL franchise. The people connected with the Sprint Center have had early discussions with Mario Lemieux to move the Pittsburgh Penguins!
In other hockey news, Canada is playing Russia in the World Junior Finals. The Canadians are undefeated, although their semi-final victory over the Americans was scratched out in a shoot-out.
[An update: Canada won 4 - 2]
In other hockey news, Canada is playing Russia in the World Junior Finals. The Canadians are undefeated, although their semi-final victory over the Americans was scratched out in a shoot-out.
[An update: Canada won 4 - 2]
Thursday, January 04, 2007
US Politics: New era as Democrats take power
Today the Democrats are officially taking control of Congress after 12 years as a minority.
Nancy Pelosi has published a manifesto for the Democrats' first 100 hours. Along with a promise to stamp out corruption, it includes plans to boost the minimum wage, increase stem cell research, and end subsidies for large oil companies.
Democrats have also said they will put pressure on Mr Bush to begin a phased withdrawal from Iraq.
Nancy Pelosi has published a manifesto for the Democrats' first 100 hours. Along with a promise to stamp out corruption, it includes plans to boost the minimum wage, increase stem cell research, and end subsidies for large oil companies.
Democrats have also said they will put pressure on Mr Bush to begin a phased withdrawal from Iraq.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Why no posts? Blame wild living and Norwalk
Perhaps not wild living.
I've had a not so exciting past couple days as I've been fighting the Norwalk virus - I haven't had (or kept down) solid food since early on New Year's Day. I'm been in quarantine for nearly two days. Feeling better today but have been advised to give it another day in case I'm still contagious. Karina seems to be OK - hopefully I haven't infected the Prices.
I've had a not so exciting past couple days as I've been fighting the Norwalk virus - I haven't had (or kept down) solid food since early on New Year's Day. I'm been in quarantine for nearly two days. Feeling better today but have been advised to give it another day in case I'm still contagious. Karina seems to be OK - hopefully I haven't infected the Prices.
