Thaicom, a Thai satellite company has begun airing Hezbollah network Al-Manar, much to Israel's discontent. Al-Manar now can be viewed in Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and most of Europe, a blow to Israel who is trying to fight Hezbollah. Many fear this will increase support and recruiting for Hezbollah, which the United States, Israel and some other countries consider a terrorist organization. Thaicom considers Al-Manar programming as "news and entertainment."
Al-Manar was designated a 'terrorist entity', and banned by the United States in December 2004. It has also been banned by France and Spain, and has run into some service and license problems abroad , making it unavailable in the Netherlands, South America and Canada while it has not officially been banned in any of these regions.
The station was launched by Hezbollah in 1991 with the help of Iranian funds. By 2004, Al Manar was estimated to hold 10-15 million viewers daily worldwide. Critics claim al-Manar's agenda is influenced by Iran by virtue of the "significant portion" of Hezbollah's budget shortfall that is covered by Iran, via some of the "US$100 and $200 million a year" Iran provides to Hezbollah itself. Al-Manar officials strongly deny this, saying they are subsidized by the Hezbollah party and donations from other Muslims, not by Iran. Al-Manar calls itself the "Station of the Resistance" (qanat al-muqawama) and is a key player in what Hezbollah calls its "psychological warfare against the Zionist enemy"
"It's a war. Al-Manar is Hezbollah's main communication tool, through which it spreads anti-Israeli, anti-Semitic, and anti-American incitement. It spreads Hezbollah and Iranian values of radical Islam," Dr. Reuven Erlich said. Erlich is the head of the Terrorism Information Center in Herzliya, Israel. He added that the fact that Al-Manar can now be seen in south-east Asia, means that Indonesia and Malaysia, two countries with a large Muslim population, are open to its messages of hatred.
Thaicom said it is considering its response and will only offer a formal reaction over the weekend adding the decision to transmit Al-Manar broadcasts was a "purely business decision, which had nothing to do with politics."
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Alabama father throws children in river
Lam Luong, a 37 year old shrimp fisherman from Irvington, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, United States, has confessed to throwing his four children off an 80 feet high bridge after a fight with his wife the day before. Police have charged Luong with 4 counts of capital murder.
Family members and friends told Fox News that the couple had been fighting over several things, including Luong's girlfriend, on Sunday evening and Monday morning. Luong later drove off with his four children, whom he reported missing to the police and claimed he had left them with his girlfriend who lives in a hotel. Police however became suspicious due to "holes in his story" and he later changed his story. The Associated Press say that the authorities believe that Dauphin Island Bridge is where Luong threw the four children, of which he was the biological father of three, into the water.
Initially the family had feared that Luong had traded his children to fund a drug habit. Luong's wife, Ngoc Phan, is at the family home which they shared with her mother. She was not available to comment to the media, but other family members said that they still have hope that the children are alive.
Police and other authorities are using divers, dogs and helicopters to search for the bodies in a 100-square-mile area with a total of 70 people on the case. The search had to be called off on Wednesday due to fog. Luong is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday January 10, 2008.
Family members and friends told Fox News that the couple had been fighting over several things, including Luong's girlfriend, on Sunday evening and Monday morning. Luong later drove off with his four children, whom he reported missing to the police and claimed he had left them with his girlfriend who lives in a hotel. Police however became suspicious due to "holes in his story" and he later changed his story. The Associated Press say that the authorities believe that Dauphin Island Bridge is where Luong threw the four children, of which he was the biological father of three, into the water.
Initially the family had feared that Luong had traded his children to fund a drug habit. Luong's wife, Ngoc Phan, is at the family home which they shared with her mother. She was not available to comment to the media, but other family members said that they still have hope that the children are alive.
Police and other authorities are using divers, dogs and helicopters to search for the bodies in a 100-square-mile area with a total of 70 people on the case. The search had to be called off on Wednesday due to fog. Luong is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday January 10, 2008.
2008 Taipei Game Show preview highlights computer industry
The 2008 Taipei Game Show, organized by Taipei Computer Association, supported by Bahamut Gamer Community, will begin on January 24 and then close on the 28 at the Taipei World Trade Center. This exhibition is sponsored by FamilyMart and titled the official motto with "Where You Are One of the Gamers" (in Chinese: 全家都是玩家) to invite the public to visit the show.
Not only the main show and the votes of the 2007 Taiwan Digital Contents Award, but world-class experts from the gaming industry like Yoshiyuki Tomino and David Gould will share experiences about gaming developments at the 2008 Taiwan Digital Content Forum.
Crowded visitors.
Crowded visitors.
According to the organizer, the award ceremony of the Taiwan Digital Contents Award was held before the main show in the past, but due to the schedule and arrangements of the Industrial Development Bureau of Ministry of Economic Affairs, the organizer decided to exhibit nominees from the 2007 Taiwan Digital Contents Award and postpone the award ceremony to February.
For the issues on noise and flow of people, the organizer will bring some security policy by the venue owner TAITRA into practice during the show hours to prevent disorders of the show. Minors under age 12 also will be allowed to visit the show.
Not only the main show and the votes of the 2007 Taiwan Digital Contents Award, but world-class experts from the gaming industry like Yoshiyuki Tomino and David Gould will share experiences about gaming developments at the 2008 Taiwan Digital Content Forum.
Crowded visitors.
Crowded visitors.
According to the organizer, the award ceremony of the Taiwan Digital Contents Award was held before the main show in the past, but due to the schedule and arrangements of the Industrial Development Bureau of Ministry of Economic Affairs, the organizer decided to exhibit nominees from the 2007 Taiwan Digital Contents Award and postpone the award ceremony to February.
For the issues on noise and flow of people, the organizer will bring some security policy by the venue owner TAITRA into practice during the show hours to prevent disorders of the show. Minors under age 12 also will be allowed to visit the show.
Alabama father throws children in river
Lam Luong, a 37 year old shrimp fisherman from Irvington, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, United States, has confessed to throwing his four children off an 80 feet high bridge after a fight with his wife the day before. Police have charged Luong with 4 counts of capital murder.
Family members and friends told Fox News that the couple had been fighting over several things, including Luong's girlfriend, on Sunday evening and Monday morning. Luong later drove off with his four children, whom he reported missing to the police and claimed he had left them with his girlfriend who lives in a hotel. Police however became suspicious due to "holes in his story" and he later changed his story. The Associated Press say that the authorities believe that Dauphin Island Bridge is where Luong threw the four children, of which he was the biological father of three, into the water.
Initially the family had feared that Luong had traded his children to fund a drug habit. Luong's wife, Ngoc Phan, is at the family home which they shared with her mother. She was not available to comment to the media, but other family members said that they still have hope that the children are alive.
Police and other authorities are using divers, dogs and helicopters to search for the bodies in a 100-square-mile area with a total of 70 people on the case. The search had to be called off on Wednesday due to fog. Luong is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday January 10, 2008.
Family members and friends told Fox News that the couple had been fighting over several things, including Luong's girlfriend, on Sunday evening and Monday morning. Luong later drove off with his four children, whom he reported missing to the police and claimed he had left them with his girlfriend who lives in a hotel. Police however became suspicious due to "holes in his story" and he later changed his story. The Associated Press say that the authorities believe that Dauphin Island Bridge is where Luong threw the four children, of which he was the biological father of three, into the water.
Initially the family had feared that Luong had traded his children to fund a drug habit. Luong's wife, Ngoc Phan, is at the family home which they shared with her mother. She was not available to comment to the media, but other family members said that they still have hope that the children are alive.
Police and other authorities are using divers, dogs and helicopters to search for the bodies in a 100-square-mile area with a total of 70 people on the case. The search had to be called off on Wednesday due to fog. Luong is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday January 10, 2008.
British troops may have received contaminated blood from American donors
Several British troops who received blood transfusions from American emergency front-line donors face the risk of infectious diseases such as AIDS, the Ministry of Defence confirmed, but said risk of infection was low.
Eighteen troops who fought and were wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq are being tested for HIV as well as Chagas, Hepatitis B, HTLV and Syphilis.
The British military says that the unscreened transfusions were needed to keep the troops alive when they were receiving emergency treatment for their wounds.
The U.S. says that all of the donors have since been found not to be infected with HIV or hepatitis B, but does say that the donors did not receive the proper testing that is required for donating blood.
"These 18 service personnel would almost certainly have died without receiving an emergency blood transfusion at the front line. We are working with the appropriate health authorities to do all that we can to test and reassure the people involved. We continue to do all that we can to support them and their families through this uncertain time," said British Defense Minister,
Eighteen troops who fought and were wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq are being tested for HIV as well as Chagas, Hepatitis B, HTLV and Syphilis.
The British military says that the unscreened transfusions were needed to keep the troops alive when they were receiving emergency treatment for their wounds.
The U.S. says that all of the donors have since been found not to be infected with HIV or hepatitis B, but does say that the donors did not receive the proper testing that is required for donating blood.
"These 18 service personnel would almost certainly have died without receiving an emergency blood transfusion at the front line. We are working with the appropriate health authorities to do all that we can to test and reassure the people involved. We continue to do all that we can to support them and their families through this uncertain time," said British Defense Minister,
Moderate earthquake strikes off the Oregon coast, US
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a preliminary magnitude 6.4 earthquake has struck off the coast of Oregon in the United States.
The quake struck at 01:37 (UTC) and its epicenter was located 242 kilometers (151 miles) west, northwest of Barview. It registered at a depth of 10 k.m. (6.2 miles).
So far there are no reports of damage, injuries or deaths and no tsunami warning has been issued, but small waves could be locally generated by any possible landslides.
"The magnitude is such that a tsunami is not expected. However, in coastal areas of intense shaking, locally generated tsunamis can be triggered by underwater landslides," said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in a statement on its website. No further messages will be generated it adds.
Firefighters in Bandon report that they didn't even feel the temblor and police say that no one has yet called to report any quake related incidents. Bandon is also located within 150 miles of the quake's epicenter.
The quake struck at 01:37 (UTC) and its epicenter was located 242 kilometers (151 miles) west, northwest of Barview. It registered at a depth of 10 k.m. (6.2 miles).
So far there are no reports of damage, injuries or deaths and no tsunami warning has been issued, but small waves could be locally generated by any possible landslides.
"The magnitude is such that a tsunami is not expected. However, in coastal areas of intense shaking, locally generated tsunamis can be triggered by underwater landslides," said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in a statement on its website. No further messages will be generated it adds.
Firefighters in Bandon report that they didn't even feel the temblor and police say that no one has yet called to report any quake related incidents. Bandon is also located within 150 miles of the quake's epicenter.
Hollywood "Mayor" Johnny Grant dead at 84
The death of longtime Los Angeles civic personality and honourary mayor Johnny Grant, who often presided at the installation of new stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has been reported. He was 84.
Grant, who had lived at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, was found dead in his bed by members of his staff around 7:00pm Wednesday evening. Police say he died from a natural cause.
"He was supposed to appear at some kind of function and they checked on him and found he passed away on his bed," said LAPD spokesman, Officer Jason Lee.
Grant, who had lived at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, was found dead in his bed by members of his staff around 7:00pm Wednesday evening. Police say he died from a natural cause.
"He was supposed to appear at some kind of function and they checked on him and found he passed away on his bed," said LAPD spokesman, Officer Jason Lee.
At least 24 killed in suicide bombing in Pakistan
At least 24 people were killed and more than 60 were injured when a suicide bomber struck outside a courthouse in the Pakistani city Lahore. The bombing took place at approximately 0700 UTC (1200 local time)
Lahore Police Chief Malik Iqbal says the bomber was aiming at police, who were deployed outside the Lahore courthouse Thursday, preparing for an anti-government protest by lawyers.
"This was a suicide attack and the police on duty were the target," he said.
Local television footage showed a chaotic scene outside the courthouse, with the road littered with the dead and injured.
Pakistan has suffered from a wave of bomb attacks in recent months, mostly against the security forces. Hundreds of people have been killed. The government blames Islamic militants linked to al-Qaeda for the attacks.
Two weeks ago, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a bomb and gunfire attack, as she left an election rally in Rawalpindi.
Police Chief Iqbal says security has been tightened, throughout Lahore, following the latest attack.
"A large number of police are deployed...and the entire police (are) under high security alert and a large number of policemen are spread out around Lahore…. And, we are enhancing the security of important personalities," he said.
However, Ayaz Amir, a political analyst, says the continuing violence, coupled with a deepening power crisis, is plunging the nation into chaos.
"It really means a greater slide into chaos. The government is loosing its grip," Amir said. "It doesn't have its grip on anything…They don't have a grip on energy, the power cuts and they don't certainly have a grip on the suicide bombers or whoever is causing mayhem across the country. They don't have a grip on that."
President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, last November, and suspended the constitution. He says the extreme measures were necessary to curb rising violence by Islamic militants.
But opponents say his real motive was to dismiss judges who were getting ready to rule that his re-election as president had been illegal. Since then, the nation's lawyers have been among Mr. Musharraf's strongest critics.
The emergency was lifted in December and elections were scheduled for this month. But the three days of rioting that followed the Bhutto assassination prompted Mr. Musharraf to postpone the elections to February 18.
Lahore Police Chief Malik Iqbal says the bomber was aiming at police, who were deployed outside the Lahore courthouse Thursday, preparing for an anti-government protest by lawyers.
"This was a suicide attack and the police on duty were the target," he said.
Local television footage showed a chaotic scene outside the courthouse, with the road littered with the dead and injured.
Pakistan has suffered from a wave of bomb attacks in recent months, mostly against the security forces. Hundreds of people have been killed. The government blames Islamic militants linked to al-Qaeda for the attacks.
Two weeks ago, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a bomb and gunfire attack, as she left an election rally in Rawalpindi.
Police Chief Iqbal says security has been tightened, throughout Lahore, following the latest attack.
"A large number of police are deployed...and the entire police (are) under high security alert and a large number of policemen are spread out around Lahore…. And, we are enhancing the security of important personalities," he said.
However, Ayaz Amir, a political analyst, says the continuing violence, coupled with a deepening power crisis, is plunging the nation into chaos.
"It really means a greater slide into chaos. The government is loosing its grip," Amir said. "It doesn't have its grip on anything…They don't have a grip on energy, the power cuts and they don't certainly have a grip on the suicide bombers or whoever is causing mayhem across the country. They don't have a grip on that."
President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, last November, and suspended the constitution. He says the extreme measures were necessary to curb rising violence by Islamic militants.
But opponents say his real motive was to dismiss judges who were getting ready to rule that his re-election as president had been illegal. Since then, the nation's lawyers have been among Mr. Musharraf's strongest critics.
The emergency was lifted in December and elections were scheduled for this month. But the three days of rioting that followed the Bhutto assassination prompted Mr. Musharraf to postpone the elections to February 18.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Alaskan plane crash survivors: Cargo door swung open
Survivors of this weekend's airplane crash in Alaska, United States say they saw the the forward cargo door of their Piper Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain swing open shortly after takeoff. The plane crashed into frigid waters a short distance from the runway, killing six of the ten on board, including the pilot, and leaving the other four hospitalized.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident, and NTSB investigator Clint Johnson said "There have been some incidents and accidents that did result from the door coming open. We don't know yet if there are similarities." He refused to speculate on accident cause, pointing out that a full investigation would take some time to complete.
The remains of the fuselage have been laid out in a maintenance hangar close to the Kodiak Island accident site and is scheduled for examination tomorrow pending arrival of an accident investigation representative from Piper, who will provide detailed technical assistance. The nine-passenger complement had chartered the Servant Air plane to fly to Homer, and represented maximum capacity for the twin-engined plane.
It appears that the survivors were seated at the rear of the plane. The deceased were identified as pilot Robin Starrett, 50, of Kodiak and five Homer residents - Stefan F. Basargin, 36, Pavel F. Basargin, 30, Zahary F. Martushev, 25, Iosif F. Martushev, 15, and Andrian Reutov, 22. The survivor's names have now also been released; they are Karnely Ivanov, 32, of Anchor Point, Feodot Basargin, 33, of Anchorage, Anton Rijkoff, 30, of Anchorage, and Andrean Basargin, 25, of Homer.
There have been two previous cases of Alaskan Piper Navajo crashes confirmed to have been caused by open forward cargo hatches. In April 1990 a compartment opened during takeoff from Deadnight; this caused separation of an engine cover which proceeded to strike and damage the horizontal stabilizer. No-one was injured.
It was discovered that a vital spring designed to exert pressure and thus keep the door shut was missing; the operator had improvised its own device to shut the door without correctly locking it.
The second crash occurred in May 1996. A Cape Smythe Air Services owned-and-operated aircraft attempting takeoff at Point Hope had its forward door unexpectedly open as the nose lifted off. Cargo went through the left propeller, forcing an emergency crash landing on the ice severely injuring two people.
The pilot had loaded the hold and then visually inspected the door. Under the false impression that it had been secured properly he proceeded to takeoff. He had originally attempted to turn the aircraft around and told the NTSB he had thought that the aircraft should have been able to fly despite the open door, although he appreciated aircraft documentation did not specifically mention such conditions.
Small, local-based Servant Air had been operating the 1979 aircraft since 2004 without any difficulties. As with many such carriers, the pilot is responsible for loading and checking the door. The door is approximately 3 1/2 feet wide and 2 1/2 feet high.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident, and NTSB investigator Clint Johnson said "There have been some incidents and accidents that did result from the door coming open. We don't know yet if there are similarities." He refused to speculate on accident cause, pointing out that a full investigation would take some time to complete.
The remains of the fuselage have been laid out in a maintenance hangar close to the Kodiak Island accident site and is scheduled for examination tomorrow pending arrival of an accident investigation representative from Piper, who will provide detailed technical assistance. The nine-passenger complement had chartered the Servant Air plane to fly to Homer, and represented maximum capacity for the twin-engined plane.
It appears that the survivors were seated at the rear of the plane. The deceased were identified as pilot Robin Starrett, 50, of Kodiak and five Homer residents - Stefan F. Basargin, 36, Pavel F. Basargin, 30, Zahary F. Martushev, 25, Iosif F. Martushev, 15, and Andrian Reutov, 22. The survivor's names have now also been released; they are Karnely Ivanov, 32, of Anchor Point, Feodot Basargin, 33, of Anchorage, Anton Rijkoff, 30, of Anchorage, and Andrean Basargin, 25, of Homer.
There have been two previous cases of Alaskan Piper Navajo crashes confirmed to have been caused by open forward cargo hatches. In April 1990 a compartment opened during takeoff from Deadnight; this caused separation of an engine cover which proceeded to strike and damage the horizontal stabilizer. No-one was injured.
It was discovered that a vital spring designed to exert pressure and thus keep the door shut was missing; the operator had improvised its own device to shut the door without correctly locking it.
The second crash occurred in May 1996. A Cape Smythe Air Services owned-and-operated aircraft attempting takeoff at Point Hope had its forward door unexpectedly open as the nose lifted off. Cargo went through the left propeller, forcing an emergency crash landing on the ice severely injuring two people.
The pilot had loaded the hold and then visually inspected the door. Under the false impression that it had been secured properly he proceeded to takeoff. He had originally attempted to turn the aircraft around and told the NTSB he had thought that the aircraft should have been able to fly despite the open door, although he appreciated aircraft documentation did not specifically mention such conditions.
Small, local-based Servant Air had been operating the 1979 aircraft since 2004 without any difficulties. As with many such carriers, the pilot is responsible for loading and checking the door. The door is approximately 3 1/2 feet wide and 2 1/2 feet high.
China has plan to obtain North Korea's nuclear weapons
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has a plan to seize North Korea's nuclear weapons if it becomes necessary, says a report by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank.
CSIS experts have been talking to Chinese military researchers who claimed that in the case of instability in neighboring North Korea the Chinese military would dispatch the military to obtain the nuclear weapons the North Korean military has developed over the past years. The report says that China would try and coordinate its efforts in such a case with the international community, primarily the United Nations. The report however goes on to state that China would intervene earlier if "the international community did not react in a timely manner as the internal order in North Korea deteriorated rapidly".
Jiang Yu, a spokeswomen for the Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China, one of the five nations on the UN Security Council and a legitimate nuclear power in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty from 1968, said she was unaware of such plans, she also did not deny the existence of such a plan.
Richard Spencer of The Daily Telegraph says the plan indicates a major change in attitude of the PRC government towards it's neighbor.
CSIS experts have been talking to Chinese military researchers who claimed that in the case of instability in neighboring North Korea the Chinese military would dispatch the military to obtain the nuclear weapons the North Korean military has developed over the past years. The report says that China would try and coordinate its efforts in such a case with the international community, primarily the United Nations. The report however goes on to state that China would intervene earlier if "the international community did not react in a timely manner as the internal order in North Korea deteriorated rapidly".
Jiang Yu, a spokeswomen for the Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China, one of the five nations on the UN Security Council and a legitimate nuclear power in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty from 1968, said she was unaware of such plans, she also did not deny the existence of such a plan.
Richard Spencer of The Daily Telegraph says the plan indicates a major change in attitude of the PRC government towards it's neighbor.
Singapore Airlines bid for China Eastern Airlines unsuccessful
A bid made by Singapore Airlines for a 24% stake in China Eastern Airlines was turned down by minority shareholders.
Talks about a sale started in March 2007 when Singapore Airlines and China Eastern started negotiations about a possible deal. According to Forbes the deal would have helped China Eastern's earnings and accelerate the consolidation and would have improved the market position of China's third-largest airline. Talks went on throughout the year and both companies suspended trading of their shares on May 21, 2007, according to a AFP press release.
The vote took place at a shareholder meeting in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. According to Financial Times Online, the blocking of the SA bid by minority shareholders is bad news for China Eastern Airlines managers, who were and still are in full support of Singapore Airlines, which the Singaporean government owns a 55% stake in via Temasek Holdings.
Financial Times Online says this is most likely due to the fact that Air China not having made any formal bids yet, instead creating many media rumors about a possible purchase. The bid by Air China, that is likely to be larger than that of Singapore Airlines, may be supported by Cathay Pacific, who are in a cross-shareholding relationship with China National Aviation Corp., the parent company of Air China.
Talks about a sale started in March 2007 when Singapore Airlines and China Eastern started negotiations about a possible deal. According to Forbes the deal would have helped China Eastern's earnings and accelerate the consolidation and would have improved the market position of China's third-largest airline. Talks went on throughout the year and both companies suspended trading of their shares on May 21, 2007, according to a AFP press release.
The vote took place at a shareholder meeting in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. According to Financial Times Online, the blocking of the SA bid by minority shareholders is bad news for China Eastern Airlines managers, who were and still are in full support of Singapore Airlines, which the Singaporean government owns a 55% stake in via Temasek Holdings.
Financial Times Online says this is most likely due to the fact that Air China not having made any formal bids yet, instead creating many media rumors about a possible purchase. The bid by Air China, that is likely to be larger than that of Singapore Airlines, may be supported by Cathay Pacific, who are in a cross-shareholding relationship with China National Aviation Corp., the parent company of Air China.
John McCain and Hillary Clinton win New Hampshire primaries
According to media reports, John McCain has won the New Hampshire Primary for the Republicans in the 2008 Presidential race.
"I hate to use to the word kid, but I think we showed the people of this country what a real comeback looks like. I'm grateful to the people of New Hampshire. I'm committed to keeping this country safe, and we're going to move on to Michigan and South Carolina and win the nomination," said McCain.
Also according to media reports, New York Senator Hillary Clinton has won the New Hampshire Primary in the 2008 United States Presidential race.
MSNBC reports that Clinton beat Barack Obama by a "very narrow margin."
"I hate to use to the word kid, but I think we showed the people of this country what a real comeback looks like. I'm grateful to the people of New Hampshire. I'm committed to keeping this country safe, and we're going to move on to Michigan and South Carolina and win the nomination," said McCain.
Also according to media reports, New York Senator Hillary Clinton has won the New Hampshire Primary in the 2008 United States Presidential race.
MSNBC reports that Clinton beat Barack Obama by a "very narrow margin."
Monday, January 7, 2008
A Sri Lankan government minister was killed after a roadside bomb struck his convoy, police said.
A Sri Lankan government minister was killed after a roadside bomb struck his convoy, police said.
Police in Texas arrest man eating dead girlfriend
Christopher Lee McCuin, 25, from Tyler, Texas in the United States has been arrested after police found him possibly preparing to eat the body parts of his dead girlfriend, Jana Shearer aged 21. He was also charged with stabbing his ex-wife's boyfriend, William Veasley, 42.
According to reports, Shearer's mother was told by McCuin to "look in the garage" where she discovered the mutilated body of her daughter. She then flagged down a police officer on the road.
McCuin called 911 after the mother left the house. According to reports, he told the dispatcher that he was boiling Shearer's body parts and preparing to eat them. When police got to his home, they discovered one of Shearer's ears boiling in a pot, and an unnamed piece of her flesh on the kitchen table, with silverware placed beside it. The rest of her body had several "chunks" missing from it, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph quoting Sheriff J.B. Smith of the Smith County Sheriff's Department.
Police later found out that McCuin had stabbed his ex wife's boyfriend, and also broke into Tyler Custom Openings, a local business, sometime on Friday or Saturday. He started by going to Shearer's home on Friday January 4 to have a discussion with her, but she was never seen alive again. Before stabbing Veasley, he beat Shearer "with a blunt object, multiple times" to death. On Saturday Morning, he arrived at his ex-wife's home and fought with Veasley, stabbing him. He is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.
McCuin then broke into the Tyler Custom Openings and then went to his mother's house where he took her to his home to show her what he had done. Although McCuin was inside the house when police arrived, he was able to escape and was chased for a short distance before being caught again.
McCuin is currently being held on a US$2,000,000 bail at Smith County jail.
According to reports, Shearer's mother was told by McCuin to "look in the garage" where she discovered the mutilated body of her daughter. She then flagged down a police officer on the road.
McCuin called 911 after the mother left the house. According to reports, he told the dispatcher that he was boiling Shearer's body parts and preparing to eat them. When police got to his home, they discovered one of Shearer's ears boiling in a pot, and an unnamed piece of her flesh on the kitchen table, with silverware placed beside it. The rest of her body had several "chunks" missing from it, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph quoting Sheriff J.B. Smith of the Smith County Sheriff's Department.
Police later found out that McCuin had stabbed his ex wife's boyfriend, and also broke into Tyler Custom Openings, a local business, sometime on Friday or Saturday. He started by going to Shearer's home on Friday January 4 to have a discussion with her, but she was never seen alive again. Before stabbing Veasley, he beat Shearer "with a blunt object, multiple times" to death. On Saturday Morning, he arrived at his ex-wife's home and fought with Veasley, stabbing him. He is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.
McCuin then broke into the Tyler Custom Openings and then went to his mother's house where he took her to his home to show her what he had done. Although McCuin was inside the house when police arrived, he was able to escape and was chased for a short distance before being caught again.
McCuin is currently being held on a US$2,000,000 bail at Smith County jail.
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on constitutionality of lethal injection
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on the constitutionality of the use of lethal injection as a method for the imposition of the death penalty in the United States. Two men, Ralph Baze and Thomas Clyde Bowling Jr., who were convicted of murder in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sentenced to death, sued the state in 2004 arguing that the use of lethal injection as a method of imposition of capital punishment violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
Thirty-seven states and the Federal Government have capital punishment for some crimes, all except Nebraska (which uses electrocution) use lethal injection. The process uses three chemicals in a "cocktail", which, by the procedures that are used to apply them to the condemned, (three injections given consecutively) allegedly "create a significant and unnecessary risk of inflicting severe pain that could be prevented by the adoption of reasonable safeguards", their lawyers said in court papers. "Kentucky seeks to execute in a relatively humane manner and has worked hard to adopt such a procedure," Kentucky Attorney General Gregory Stumbo has said. The state has also argued in its brief against supporting the plaintiffs' appeal that it will lead to "an endless road of litigation. ... Condemned inmates will never run out of ideas for changes to the procedures, drugs or equipment used during lethal injection."
Baze was scheduled to be executed on January 8 after Governor of Kentucky Ernie Fletcher signed his death warrant, but the Kentucky Supreme Court suspended his execution on September 12, 2007, arguing it needed more time to examine arguments he had made in a separate appeal. He was convicted of killing Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe in 1992 while the lawmen were trying to serve him with arrest warrants. Bowling was convicted of killing Edward and Tina Earley in Louisville in 1990.
According to the article on lethal injection in Wikipedia, the three chemicals used are Sodium thiopental to render the offender unconscious; Pancuronium/Tubocurarine: to stop all muscle movement except the heart, causing muscle paralysis, collapse of the diaphragm, and would eventually cause death by asphyxiation; and Potassium chloride to stop the heart. The chemicals apparently cannot be combined together as they could precipitate into a solid and be ineffective. It is argued that thiopental is a very short-term anesthetic and may wear off during the procedure, causing anesthesia awareness and excruciating pain from the effects of the other drugs.
In oral hearings today, the justices seemed skeptical that the chemical concoction causes extreme pain or that a better method was available. A lawyer for one of the plaintiffs argued that if insufficient anesthetic is given, when the inmate is given the paralyzing drug, they will experience agonizing pain, but be unable to react, and that it is even illegal in Kentucky to euthanize animals in this fashion. Some of the justices have considered sending the case back for further hearings to determine if a single barbiturate would be superior to the current method.
While the Supreme Court has examined the application of the death penalty many times over the past 40 years, this is the first time the court has reviewed the issue of the method of execution in 100 years, according to lawyers for the plaintiffs. A ruling is not expected until June. There are about 3,000 people on death row in the United States, and about 60 are executed each year. Since the case was accepted by the Supreme Court, all executions in the United States have been temporarily suspended pending the decision.
Baze v. Rees.
Thirty-seven states and the Federal Government have capital punishment for some crimes, all except Nebraska (which uses electrocution) use lethal injection. The process uses three chemicals in a "cocktail", which, by the procedures that are used to apply them to the condemned, (three injections given consecutively) allegedly "create a significant and unnecessary risk of inflicting severe pain that could be prevented by the adoption of reasonable safeguards", their lawyers said in court papers. "Kentucky seeks to execute in a relatively humane manner and has worked hard to adopt such a procedure," Kentucky Attorney General Gregory Stumbo has said. The state has also argued in its brief against supporting the plaintiffs' appeal that it will lead to "an endless road of litigation. ... Condemned inmates will never run out of ideas for changes to the procedures, drugs or equipment used during lethal injection."
Baze was scheduled to be executed on January 8 after Governor of Kentucky Ernie Fletcher signed his death warrant, but the Kentucky Supreme Court suspended his execution on September 12, 2007, arguing it needed more time to examine arguments he had made in a separate appeal. He was convicted of killing Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe in 1992 while the lawmen were trying to serve him with arrest warrants. Bowling was convicted of killing Edward and Tina Earley in Louisville in 1990.
According to the article on lethal injection in Wikipedia, the three chemicals used are Sodium thiopental to render the offender unconscious; Pancuronium/Tubocurarine: to stop all muscle movement except the heart, causing muscle paralysis, collapse of the diaphragm, and would eventually cause death by asphyxiation; and Potassium chloride to stop the heart. The chemicals apparently cannot be combined together as they could precipitate into a solid and be ineffective. It is argued that thiopental is a very short-term anesthetic and may wear off during the procedure, causing anesthesia awareness and excruciating pain from the effects of the other drugs.
In oral hearings today, the justices seemed skeptical that the chemical concoction causes extreme pain or that a better method was available. A lawyer for one of the plaintiffs argued that if insufficient anesthetic is given, when the inmate is given the paralyzing drug, they will experience agonizing pain, but be unable to react, and that it is even illegal in Kentucky to euthanize animals in this fashion. Some of the justices have considered sending the case back for further hearings to determine if a single barbiturate would be superior to the current method.
While the Supreme Court has examined the application of the death penalty many times over the past 40 years, this is the first time the court has reviewed the issue of the method of execution in 100 years, according to lawyers for the plaintiffs. A ruling is not expected until June. There are about 3,000 people on death row in the United States, and about 60 are executed each year. Since the case was accepted by the Supreme Court, all executions in the United States have been temporarily suspended pending the decision.
Baze v. Rees.
Kenya's leader Kibaki seeks Ghanaian president Kufuor's mediation
Ghana’s President John Kufuor is expected to travel to Kenya this week to help resolve the escalating violence that has plunged Kenya into a political crisis. This comes after Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki sent an envoy to brief the Ghanaian president, who is also chairman of the African Union on the current situation in Kenya. Kibaki has also reportedly said he is willing to dialogue without pre-condition with opposition leader Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement who is claiming he won December’s presidential election. Odigna has decided to call off protests that were due to take place tomorrow as a result of the action. He has agreed to take part in the mediation process. This is despite earlier reports that he would not take part in the mediation.
Akwasi Osei-Adjei is Ghana’s foreign minister. He tells VOA reporter Peter Clottey that President Kufuor is concerned about the tensions in Kenya.
“Basically, the president has been invited to Kenya to see for himself the situation and offer advise as to how the two leaders can come together to stop what is happening in Kenya. As you know, people are being killed and there are a lot of disturbances in Kenya and Kenya is like a pillar of a democratic country is now blowing up in our faces. And I don’t think it is for any African country to stand by and more so the chair of the AU (Africa Union) to sit by for such a thing to happen to Kenya. He (president Kufuor) is going there to offer advice,” Osei-Adjei noted.
He reckoned that President Kufuor’s expected trip would yield positive results that would help alleviate the escalating violence in Kenya.
“We hope so. He (President Kufuor) wouldn’t move from Ghana to Kenya not expecting to make a difference to make the situation calm and normal. You know so that is what we expect,” he said.
Osei-Adjei denied speculations that President Kufuor’s mediation efforts could possibly worsen the situation just like in Zimbabwe.
“No, I don’t think so. Zimbabwe is quite a different issue. This is coming out as a result of elections, the recent elections and what is happening that we have to be there to ensure that the two leaders can sit down and then calm the situation,” Osei-Adjei pointed out.
He said President Kibaki invited the Ghanaian president to help solve the escalating violence, which is blamed on the controversy surrounding the December elections.
“Well, the envoy came yesterday to brief the president of Ghana and at the same time the chair of the AU the situation before elections, during elections and after the elections. Upon this then he also added the President (Kibaki) has also asked him to invite the president of Ghana that is President Kufuor of Ghana to be there to help calm the situation. This is what was said yesterday that President Kufuor is going to Kenya to talk to the two leadership and then make them come to if you like some the peace pipe so that things in Kenya will calm down so that of course the necessary things could be done, and then ensure that people go about their normal businesses,” he said.
Akwasi Osei-Adjei is Ghana’s foreign minister. He tells VOA reporter Peter Clottey that President Kufuor is concerned about the tensions in Kenya.
“Basically, the president has been invited to Kenya to see for himself the situation and offer advise as to how the two leaders can come together to stop what is happening in Kenya. As you know, people are being killed and there are a lot of disturbances in Kenya and Kenya is like a pillar of a democratic country is now blowing up in our faces. And I don’t think it is for any African country to stand by and more so the chair of the AU (Africa Union) to sit by for such a thing to happen to Kenya. He (president Kufuor) is going there to offer advice,” Osei-Adjei noted.
He reckoned that President Kufuor’s expected trip would yield positive results that would help alleviate the escalating violence in Kenya.
“We hope so. He (President Kufuor) wouldn’t move from Ghana to Kenya not expecting to make a difference to make the situation calm and normal. You know so that is what we expect,” he said.
Osei-Adjei denied speculations that President Kufuor’s mediation efforts could possibly worsen the situation just like in Zimbabwe.
“No, I don’t think so. Zimbabwe is quite a different issue. This is coming out as a result of elections, the recent elections and what is happening that we have to be there to ensure that the two leaders can sit down and then calm the situation,” Osei-Adjei pointed out.
He said President Kibaki invited the Ghanaian president to help solve the escalating violence, which is blamed on the controversy surrounding the December elections.
“Well, the envoy came yesterday to brief the president of Ghana and at the same time the chair of the AU the situation before elections, during elections and after the elections. Upon this then he also added the President (Kibaki) has also asked him to invite the president of Ghana that is President Kufuor of Ghana to be there to help calm the situation. This is what was said yesterday that President Kufuor is going to Kenya to talk to the two leadership and then make them come to if you like some the peace pipe so that things in Kenya will calm down so that of course the necessary things could be done, and then ensure that people go about their normal businesses,” he said.
TWTC Nangang will be included into 2008 Tour de Taiwan
2008 The 20th Tour de Taiwan, sponsored by Atunas, organized by Chinese Taipei Cycling Association, will be raced on March 9 to 16 from Kaohsiung City through Pingtung, Changhua, Taiching, Hsinchu, and Taipei County, to Taipei City. What's different from last year is that the cross-division road race will not be arranged.
Roads around TWTC Nangang will be included in this race.Image: Rico Shen.
Roads around TWTC Nangang will be included in this race.
Image: Rico Shen.
For the joint promotion of Taipei Cycle at Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall and TaiSPO at TWTC Hall 1, the 2008 Tour de Taiwan will successively include elimination races around roads of TWTC Nangang and Taipei City Hall.
According to the organizer, 23 teams from 15 countries will participate on this race, and for the promotion of "2008-2009 Visit Taiwan Year" by Tourism Bureau of Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China, ESPN Star Sports and Formosa Television will record on this race, the organizer predicted that spectators from 63 countries will watch this race on television.
Roads around TWTC Nangang will be included in this race.Image: Rico Shen.
Roads around TWTC Nangang will be included in this race.
Image: Rico Shen.
For the joint promotion of Taipei Cycle at Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall and TaiSPO at TWTC Hall 1, the 2008 Tour de Taiwan will successively include elimination races around roads of TWTC Nangang and Taipei City Hall.
According to the organizer, 23 teams from 15 countries will participate on this race, and for the promotion of "2008-2009 Visit Taiwan Year" by Tourism Bureau of Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China, ESPN Star Sports and Formosa Television will record on this race, the organizer predicted that spectators from 63 countries will watch this race on television.
Sun begins Solar Cycle 24
The first sunspot on The Sun of solar cycle 24 was announced on January 4, 2008. This sunspot is a precursor for the normal increase in activity which takes place during the 11-year solar cycles.
"This sunspot is like the first robin of spring. In this case, it’s an early omen of solar storms that will gradually increase over the next few years," said solar physicist Douglas Biesecker of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
The new sunspot, identified as #10,981, is the latest visible spot to appear since NOAA began numbering them on January 5, 1972. Its high-latitude location at 27 degrees North, and its negative polarity leading to the right in the Northern Hemisphere are clear-cut signs of a new solar cycle, according to NOAA experts. The first active regions and sunspots of a new solar cycle can emerge at high latitudes while those from the previous cycle continue to form closer to the equator.
The sunspot has been reported by several observatories, confirming this is the first spot which developed into a visible sunspot group. SpaceWeather.com reported that it produced auroras on Jan. 5th. "It was a nice flowing display that persisted for an hour and a half," reports photographer Calvin Hall of Palmer, Alaska.
A sunspot is an area of highly organized magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. The new 11-year cycle is expected to build gradually, with the number of sunspots and solar storms reaching a maximum by 2011 or 2012, though devastating storms can occur at any time.
"This sunspot is like the first robin of spring. In this case, it’s an early omen of solar storms that will gradually increase over the next few years," said solar physicist Douglas Biesecker of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
The new sunspot, identified as #10,981, is the latest visible spot to appear since NOAA began numbering them on January 5, 1972. Its high-latitude location at 27 degrees North, and its negative polarity leading to the right in the Northern Hemisphere are clear-cut signs of a new solar cycle, according to NOAA experts. The first active regions and sunspots of a new solar cycle can emerge at high latitudes while those from the previous cycle continue to form closer to the equator.
The sunspot has been reported by several observatories, confirming this is the first spot which developed into a visible sunspot group. SpaceWeather.com reported that it produced auroras on Jan. 5th. "It was a nice flowing display that persisted for an hour and a half," reports photographer Calvin Hall of Palmer, Alaska.
A sunspot is an area of highly organized magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. The new 11-year cycle is expected to build gradually, with the number of sunspots and solar storms reaching a maximum by 2011 or 2012, though devastating storms can occur at any time.
A1GP New Zealand races Boeing 777
An Air New Zealand Boeing 777 and A1GP Team New Zealand's car held two races together at an operational airport today.
At Auckland International Airport this morning (NZDT), the national airline of New Zealand offered the use of a runway for the two to race against each other. The A1GP car nicknamed Black Beauty was driven by official race driver, Jonny Reid; and the commercial airliner codenamed NZ Alpha One (NZA1) piloted by Captain Dave Morgan.
Mr Reid said, "I've never been on a such a wide track before and it was fantastic looking across and seeing the Boeing 777 alongside me - it was something else altogether."
Captain Morgan was able to win the first race against Mr Reid after it was given a head start due to it's slow start time. NZA1 left the tarmac traveling at around 270 km/h, whereas Black Beauty had just sped past at 300 km/h.
In the second race, Black Beauty managed to win despite having a slower start due to surface water on the runway. But water was not too much of a problem because the track was straight, Mr Reid says.
Black Beauty was not able to reach its top speed due to a speed limiter being required for A1GP races.
Prior to the commencement of the first race, Captain Morgan said that the biggest challenge he faces is trying to keep NZA1 on the ground due to less fuel than normally on a test flight, and no passengers.
Auckland International Airport managed to accommodate the race while just adjusting scheduled times and keeping the rest of the airport fully functional after being approached with the deal six-months ago. The airport has never closed since opening 42-years ago.
The stunt was used for promotion of the next race, to be held on January 20 at Taupo, New Zealand. Twenty-one nations will be arriving to take part in the sprint and feature race. Team New Zealand is currently ranked third in overall standings.
At Auckland International Airport this morning (NZDT), the national airline of New Zealand offered the use of a runway for the two to race against each other. The A1GP car nicknamed Black Beauty was driven by official race driver, Jonny Reid; and the commercial airliner codenamed NZ Alpha One (NZA1) piloted by Captain Dave Morgan.
Mr Reid said, "I've never been on a such a wide track before and it was fantastic looking across and seeing the Boeing 777 alongside me - it was something else altogether."
Captain Morgan was able to win the first race against Mr Reid after it was given a head start due to it's slow start time. NZA1 left the tarmac traveling at around 270 km/h, whereas Black Beauty had just sped past at 300 km/h.
In the second race, Black Beauty managed to win despite having a slower start due to surface water on the runway. But water was not too much of a problem because the track was straight, Mr Reid says.
Black Beauty was not able to reach its top speed due to a speed limiter being required for A1GP races.
Prior to the commencement of the first race, Captain Morgan said that the biggest challenge he faces is trying to keep NZA1 on the ground due to less fuel than normally on a test flight, and no passengers.
Auckland International Airport managed to accommodate the race while just adjusting scheduled times and keeping the rest of the airport fully functional after being approached with the deal six-months ago. The airport has never closed since opening 42-years ago.
The stunt was used for promotion of the next race, to be held on January 20 at Taupo, New Zealand. Twenty-one nations will be arriving to take part in the sprint and feature race. Team New Zealand is currently ranked third in overall standings.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Benazir Bhutto receives Irish peace prize
Reports say that the Tipperary Peace Convention located in Ireland will be giving its 2007 Peace Prize to former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
"Benazir fought all her battles through dialogue and was an example to all those who do not use or surrender to terrorism. Her selection as Peace Prize recipient should act as an inspiration to those in Pakistan who seek to secure democracy and reconciliation for their country. She was an incredibly brave and courageous woman who had returned from exile to her homeland to lead her party in the forthcoming elections," said the organization in a statement to the press.
Bhutto was assassinated during a rally for democracy on December 27. She was shot by a suicide attacker in the neck and chest, who then blew himself up killing 21 others.
The organization was founded in 1984. Its goal is to "give recognition to those who promote the ideals of peace and peaceful co-operation both in Ireland and abroad," says their website. The award will be presented in her honor in April of 2008 during the organization's International Festival of Peace in Tipperary Town.
Past recipients of the prize include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani who received his honors in 2001, former United States President Bill Clinton received the award in 2000 and Nelson Mandela in 1989.
"Benazir fought all her battles through dialogue and was an example to all those who do not use or surrender to terrorism. Her selection as Peace Prize recipient should act as an inspiration to those in Pakistan who seek to secure democracy and reconciliation for their country. She was an incredibly brave and courageous woman who had returned from exile to her homeland to lead her party in the forthcoming elections," said the organization in a statement to the press.
Bhutto was assassinated during a rally for democracy on December 27. She was shot by a suicide attacker in the neck and chest, who then blew himself up killing 21 others.
The organization was founded in 1984. Its goal is to "give recognition to those who promote the ideals of peace and peaceful co-operation both in Ireland and abroad," says their website. The award will be presented in her honor in April of 2008 during the organization's International Festival of Peace in Tipperary Town.
Past recipients of the prize include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani who received his honors in 2001, former United States President Bill Clinton received the award in 2000 and Nelson Mandela in 1989.
Mob attack on church in Kenya leaves 30 dead
A mob set fire to a church in western Kenya Tuesday, killing at least 30 people inside who were seeking refuge from widespread post-election violence. Some reports state that as many as 50 people were killed. It is believed that appoximately half of the dead are children. Witnesses say the fire was set by a gang of young men who poured fuel on the structure before setting it ablaze.
Reporter Abjata Khalif of the Africa Pastoralist Journalists Network visited the scene. He told VOA he counted 13 bodies lying in pools of blood within the Kenya Assemblies of God Pentacostal church in the village of Burnt Forest just a few kilometers outside Eldoret.
“The attackers came and overran the entire church,” he said. “They broke down the doors and the broke the windows. Several of the bodies I saw had big cuts; others were dismembered.”
“[Some of the bodies] were barefoot,” he continued. “ They ran away from their farms or their homes because the violence was (expected).
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
[Many], who were in the church [originally] with the children and old people, ran for dear life [as the attack began] and left the others inside.”
Khalif said NGOs including the Red Cross are looking for those who successfully fled the church to identify the dead. Aid agencies also predict that there would be a "humanitarian catastrophe," if problems in Kenya are not resolved soon.
He says some politicians are calling for calm include the opposition MP for the area, William Ruto. Khalif said Ruto, who was expected to be named prime minister if opposition candidate Raila Odinga were named president, “made an effort to calm down the [Kalinjin people, saying we’re [trying] to solve the election [controversy] at international and national levels.” He said Ruto asked the public not to take part in acts of violence against life or property.
Khalif said authorities are girding for more potential unrest because the opposition has called for a mass action at the grounds of Uhuru Park in Nairobi Thursday, despite government warnings that such actions are illegal. He said up to two million people are expected.
The attack in the Eldoret area pushed the death toll from the violence to about 275. World leaders are calling on Kenyan politicians to help end the crisis, which divides Kenya's people mainly along ethnic lines -- the Kikuyu tribe of President Mwai Kibaki and the Luo tribe of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Reporter Abjata Khalif of the Africa Pastoralist Journalists Network visited the scene. He told VOA he counted 13 bodies lying in pools of blood within the Kenya Assemblies of God Pentacostal church in the village of Burnt Forest just a few kilometers outside Eldoret.
“The attackers came and overran the entire church,” he said. “They broke down the doors and the broke the windows. Several of the bodies I saw had big cuts; others were dismembered.”
“[Some of the bodies] were barefoot,” he continued. “ They ran away from their farms or their homes because the violence was (expected).
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
[Many], who were in the church [originally] with the children and old people, ran for dear life [as the attack began] and left the others inside.”
Khalif said NGOs including the Red Cross are looking for those who successfully fled the church to identify the dead. Aid agencies also predict that there would be a "humanitarian catastrophe," if problems in Kenya are not resolved soon.
He says some politicians are calling for calm include the opposition MP for the area, William Ruto. Khalif said Ruto, who was expected to be named prime minister if opposition candidate Raila Odinga were named president, “made an effort to calm down the [Kalinjin people, saying we’re [trying] to solve the election [controversy] at international and national levels.” He said Ruto asked the public not to take part in acts of violence against life or property.
Khalif said authorities are girding for more potential unrest because the opposition has called for a mass action at the grounds of Uhuru Park in Nairobi Thursday, despite government warnings that such actions are illegal. He said up to two million people are expected.
The attack in the Eldoret area pushed the death toll from the violence to about 275. World leaders are calling on Kenyan politicians to help end the crisis, which divides Kenya's people mainly along ethnic lines -- the Kikuyu tribe of President Mwai Kibaki and the Luo tribe of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Delay expected for Pakistani elections
Pakistan
Other stories from Pakistan
* 2 January 2008: Delay expected for Pakistani elections
* 2 January 2008: Benazir Bhutto receives Irish peace prize
* 31 December 2007: Pakistani general election likely to be postponed
* 31 December 2007: Bilawal Bhutto, son of Benazir, to assume leadership of PPP
* 29 December 2007: Musharraf orders strong action against rioters in Pakistan
...More articles here
Location of Pakistan
A map showing the location of Pakistan
To write, edit, start or view other articles on Pakistan, see the Pakistan Portal
...
Portal:Pakistan
Pakistan's election commission is expected to announce a new date for the January 8 election after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto last week triggered nation-wide violence. VOA's Nancy-Amelia Collins in Islamabad has more.
Election officials say it is impossible to hold the vote January 8 because many of their offices and voting materials were destroyed in riots that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Analysts expect the vote to be delayed until mid-February or March.
But the two main opposition parties want the vote to be held as originally planned, saying they will take to the streets if the government postpones the elections.
Political analyst Talat Masood says delaying the elections would be ill-advised for the government of President Pervez Musharraf.
Some polling offices were burnt during an incident after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. This may make carrying out the election more difficult.
"I think that it is an extremely dangerous move that the government is doing and one blunder after another they continue to make not understanding the implications of all this. I'm really worried about Pakistan," said Masood. "The way that President Musharraf is handling the state of affairs, he is only interested in perpetuating himself."
President Musharraf is to address the nation on television at 1500 UTC Wednesday.
Other stories from Pakistan
* 2 January 2008: Delay expected for Pakistani elections
* 2 January 2008: Benazir Bhutto receives Irish peace prize
* 31 December 2007: Pakistani general election likely to be postponed
* 31 December 2007: Bilawal Bhutto, son of Benazir, to assume leadership of PPP
* 29 December 2007: Musharraf orders strong action against rioters in Pakistan
...More articles here
Location of Pakistan
A map showing the location of Pakistan
To write, edit, start or view other articles on Pakistan, see the Pakistan Portal
...
Portal:Pakistan
Pakistan's election commission is expected to announce a new date for the January 8 election after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto last week triggered nation-wide violence. VOA's Nancy-Amelia Collins in Islamabad has more.
Election officials say it is impossible to hold the vote January 8 because many of their offices and voting materials were destroyed in riots that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Analysts expect the vote to be delayed until mid-February or March.
But the two main opposition parties want the vote to be held as originally planned, saying they will take to the streets if the government postpones the elections.
Political analyst Talat Masood says delaying the elections would be ill-advised for the government of President Pervez Musharraf.
Some polling offices were burnt during an incident after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. This may make carrying out the election more difficult.
"I think that it is an extremely dangerous move that the government is doing and one blunder after another they continue to make not understanding the implications of all this. I'm really worried about Pakistan," said Masood. "The way that President Musharraf is handling the state of affairs, he is only interested in perpetuating himself."
President Musharraf is to address the nation on television at 1500 UTC Wednesday.
Police station in Algeria hit by bombing
A police station has been hit by a bomb in Naciria, which is at the north of Algeria and is about 50 km east of the Algerian capital Algiers.
According to reports at least 4 people are dead and at several are injured. Full details have not yet been released. The bomb went off at about 0600 UTC (7 AM local time) today.
It is currently not clear whether the bombing was caused by a car bomb or a suicide attack.
The bombing, although less serious than the December bombings which killed 40 people, is likely to raise suspicions that violence has not ended in Algeria. It is the first bombing to hit Algeria since the bombings in early December.
The bombing was announced in a statement by a spokesman for the Algerian Interior Ministry in which the following was said - "There has been an attack with explosives near a police station in Naciria. The attack left three dead and seven wounded."
Frequent terrorism first hit Algeria after measures were carried out by the government to stop a Muslim Fundamentalist party winning the elections. That party has now been banned.
An witness of the event said that the majority of injuries hit Police Officers and not the general public.
According to reports at least 4 people are dead and at several are injured. Full details have not yet been released. The bomb went off at about 0600 UTC (7 AM local time) today.
It is currently not clear whether the bombing was caused by a car bomb or a suicide attack.
The bombing, although less serious than the December bombings which killed 40 people, is likely to raise suspicions that violence has not ended in Algeria. It is the first bombing to hit Algeria since the bombings in early December.
The bombing was announced in a statement by a spokesman for the Algerian Interior Ministry in which the following was said - "There has been an attack with explosives near a police station in Naciria. The attack left three dead and seven wounded."
Frequent terrorism first hit Algeria after measures were carried out by the government to stop a Muslim Fundamentalist party winning the elections. That party has now been banned.
An witness of the event said that the majority of injuries hit Police Officers and not the general public.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
World's oldest orangutan dies
A 55-year-old orangutan named Nonja, who was believed to be the oldest living orangutan in the world both in captivity and the wild, has died at the Miami MetroZoo in Miami, Florida.
"Everybody's very sad, especially with an animal like an orangutan. You see a lot of yourself in these animals. The great apes are our closest relatives. She was really a grand old dame," said zoo spokesman Ron Magill.
Nonja, which means 'girl' in Dutch, was born in 1952 in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. She arrived at the Miami MetroZoo in 1983. Her death is believed to have been caused by a small brain tumor or aneurysm which ruptured.
According to the zoo, an orangutan normally only lives about 40-50 years. Orangutans are part of an endangered species and in 2003, only about 7,300 were believed to be left living in the wild.
"Everybody's very sad, especially with an animal like an orangutan. You see a lot of yourself in these animals. The great apes are our closest relatives. She was really a grand old dame," said zoo spokesman Ron Magill.
Nonja, which means 'girl' in Dutch, was born in 1952 in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. She arrived at the Miami MetroZoo in 1983. Her death is believed to have been caused by a small brain tumor or aneurysm which ruptured.
According to the zoo, an orangutan normally only lives about 40-50 years. Orangutans are part of an endangered species and in 2003, only about 7,300 were believed to be left living in the wild.
Egyptian woman becomes third to die of bird flu in a week
A woman in Egypt has died of the H5N1 strain of bird flu. H5N1 has killed two other Egyptian women already this week, bringing the total dead of the virus in Egypt to 18.
Fardous Mahammed Hadad was taken into hospital on Sunday after having difficulty breathing and developing a high fever, and subsequently tested positive for bird flu. She died today, at the age of 36.
As well as Hadad, who was from Menoufia, this week saw the deaths of Fatima Fathi Mohammed from Daqahliya and Ola Youness Mohammed from Beni Suef. They all died from H5N1; Ola Youness Mohammed's case was Egypt's first since July. In adition, the World Health Organisation says two further woman are infected without giving any further details; the United Nations health agency says that on December 24 a 50-year-old woman was hospitalised and remains in critical condition, whilst a chicken seller, 22, is recovering from the infection in intensive care.
Egypt's Ministry of Health has recorded a total of 42 confirmed cases of H5N1 infection, including the 18 fatal cases. Most of the cases, including the latest death, were females who had daily contact with chickens or turkeys, most keeping the animals in their back yards. Egypt's first case of bird flu was in February 2006.
Bird flu began in Asia in 2003, and since then has spread accross 45 countries worldwide, killed at least 212 people of 340 infections and triggered the killing of millions of birds. Egypt is one of the worst-hit non-Asian countries, due in part to a combination of it's location along the paths taken by many migratory birds and the fact that many people keep fowl close to their homes. It is feared that if the virus mutates into a form that can be easily transfered from human to human the result could be a global pandemic causing millions of deaths.
Fardous Mahammed Hadad was taken into hospital on Sunday after having difficulty breathing and developing a high fever, and subsequently tested positive for bird flu. She died today, at the age of 36.
As well as Hadad, who was from Menoufia, this week saw the deaths of Fatima Fathi Mohammed from Daqahliya and Ola Youness Mohammed from Beni Suef. They all died from H5N1; Ola Youness Mohammed's case was Egypt's first since July. In adition, the World Health Organisation says two further woman are infected without giving any further details; the United Nations health agency says that on December 24 a 50-year-old woman was hospitalised and remains in critical condition, whilst a chicken seller, 22, is recovering from the infection in intensive care.
Egypt's Ministry of Health has recorded a total of 42 confirmed cases of H5N1 infection, including the 18 fatal cases. Most of the cases, including the latest death, were females who had daily contact with chickens or turkeys, most keeping the animals in their back yards. Egypt's first case of bird flu was in February 2006.
Bird flu began in Asia in 2003, and since then has spread accross 45 countries worldwide, killed at least 212 people of 340 infections and triggered the killing of millions of birds. Egypt is one of the worst-hit non-Asian countries, due in part to a combination of it's location along the paths taken by many migratory birds and the fact that many people keep fowl close to their homes. It is feared that if the virus mutates into a form that can be easily transfered from human to human the result could be a global pandemic causing millions of deaths.
Fire kills three and closes main transport route into Western Australia
A fire in the Borrabbin National Park between Southern Cross and Coolgardie Western Australia, so far 29,000 hectares and killed three truck drivers when the convoy they were travelling in was engulfed by the flames. Great Eastern Highway the primary road for all traffic from Perth heading to the East Coast of Australia has been closed. An alternative route is in place, police are diverting traffic at Norseman the diversion adds 250km(160mi) for the journey to Perth
The three truck drivers died on Sunday night after they joined a convoy that was released from Coolgardie after being told that the road was safe. Kieran McNamara director general of the Department of Environment and Conservation(DEC) admitted that it had been caught out its decision to reopen the road at 8pm(wst) on 30th December.
Mr MaNamara said "The decision was made with the advice from people at the firefront, and with the latest weather forecasts, and was judged to be the right decision and the safe decision at the time and in those circumstances... Regrettably and with hindsight, that’s not how it’s turned out."
The driver of another truck in the convoy that was destroyed escaped with burns to his hands and was rushed through the fire front by firefighters to Yellowdine, another driver was rescued uninjured and return to Coolgardie, a spokesman for Whiteline transport the owners of this truck were thankful their driver survived unharmed saying the cost of the vehicle lost was about AU$400,000 plus cargo. Police confirmed that four trucks were destroyed by the fire.
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia reported that they were fighting the fire without using water. All efforts were focused on building fire breaks with heavy machinery to contain the fire, that 90 volunteer fire fighters on the scene were there to defend the bulldozers.
The fire is still burning on a 150km(90mi) front, DEC spokesman says fire fighters are hoping to bring the fire under control with an expected cool change on Wednesday. The Weather Bureau has forecast temperatures to return above 40°C(105°F) by Thursday.
Local Police say that Great Eastern Highway will remain closed until the fire is under control and the damaged vehicles have been removed from the scene, at this stage its not expected to occur before Sunday.
The three truck drivers died on Sunday night after they joined a convoy that was released from Coolgardie after being told that the road was safe. Kieran McNamara director general of the Department of Environment and Conservation(DEC) admitted that it had been caught out its decision to reopen the road at 8pm(wst) on 30th December.
Mr MaNamara said "The decision was made with the advice from people at the firefront, and with the latest weather forecasts, and was judged to be the right decision and the safe decision at the time and in those circumstances... Regrettably and with hindsight, that’s not how it’s turned out."
The driver of another truck in the convoy that was destroyed escaped with burns to his hands and was rushed through the fire front by firefighters to Yellowdine, another driver was rescued uninjured and return to Coolgardie, a spokesman for Whiteline transport the owners of this truck were thankful their driver survived unharmed saying the cost of the vehicle lost was about AU$400,000 plus cargo. Police confirmed that four trucks were destroyed by the fire.
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia reported that they were fighting the fire without using water. All efforts were focused on building fire breaks with heavy machinery to contain the fire, that 90 volunteer fire fighters on the scene were there to defend the bulldozers.
The fire is still burning on a 150km(90mi) front, DEC spokesman says fire fighters are hoping to bring the fire under control with an expected cool change on Wednesday. The Weather Bureau has forecast temperatures to return above 40°C(105°F) by Thursday.
Local Police say that Great Eastern Highway will remain closed until the fire is under control and the damaged vehicles have been removed from the scene, at this stage its not expected to occur before Sunday.
Croatia abolishes compulsory military service
The Republic of Croatia officially abolished compulsory military service on January 1, 2008, which had been in place since it was a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and following in the tracks of its neighbour Bosnia and Herzegovina, which did the same two years prior on January 1, 2006.
The changes came fast-tracked in a bid by Croatia to be invited into NATO in April 2008, and join it accordingly the same year. The Croatian Parliament approved the changes on October 4, 2007, which deviated from the initial plan to professionalise the military by 2010, due to the defence ministry insisting it happen sooner to boost chances of being invited into NATO.
The changes came fast-tracked in a bid by Croatia to be invited into NATO in April 2008, and join it accordingly the same year. The Croatian Parliament approved the changes on October 4, 2007, which deviated from the initial plan to professionalise the military by 2010, due to the defence ministry insisting it happen sooner to boost chances of being invited into NATO.
Taipei 101 shows "Love Taiwan" mark after 2008 New Year's Eve in Taipei, Taiwan
In the "2008 Taipei City New Year Countdown Party", several local and foreign media focused on the fireworks of the Taipei 101 due to the notability of the skyscraper world-wide.
After some criticism from government executives because some wordmarks by sponsors appeared on the Taipei 101, the Taipei Financial Center (owner of Taipei 101) decided to set up 12,000 sparklers 500 meters tall from the 34th floor to the top of the tower on the 101st floor.
Even though the ingredients of the sparklers were made in China, Vice President of Taipei 101 Michael Liu commented that the idea issues on quality of production and trends of industry.
The "Love Taiwan" Symbol.
The "Love Taiwan" Symbol.
According to TV channel TVBS, the light of "Love Taiwan" wordmarks accidentally appeared before the celebration while President of the Republic of China Shui-bian Chen addressed in the "2008 Dream More Kaohsiung" New Year Celebration in Kaohsiung City. After the Taipei City Government became aware of this accident and remonstrated against current Chairman of Taipei 101 Diana Chen, the Taipei 101 re-lighted the wordmark after successfully celebrating New Year's.
After this incident, Michael Liu said to media: "We [Taipei 101] earlier lighted (the wordmarks) in a rush after we received a call from the Executive Yuan. Originally, we didn't consider to do this."
Current Mayor of Taipei Lung-pin Hau regretted the incident and hoped the Executive Yuan could notify the government in the future of the incident. The Minister of the Government Information Office Jhy-wey Hsieh complained in the City's Government of the sponsorships. The 2008 Taipei City New Year Countdown Party was apparently "faded" with political factor.
After some criticism from government executives because some wordmarks by sponsors appeared on the Taipei 101, the Taipei Financial Center (owner of Taipei 101) decided to set up 12,000 sparklers 500 meters tall from the 34th floor to the top of the tower on the 101st floor.
Even though the ingredients of the sparklers were made in China, Vice President of Taipei 101 Michael Liu commented that the idea issues on quality of production and trends of industry.
The "Love Taiwan" Symbol.
The "Love Taiwan" Symbol.
According to TV channel TVBS, the light of "Love Taiwan" wordmarks accidentally appeared before the celebration while President of the Republic of China Shui-bian Chen addressed in the "2008 Dream More Kaohsiung" New Year Celebration in Kaohsiung City. After the Taipei City Government became aware of this accident and remonstrated against current Chairman of Taipei 101 Diana Chen, the Taipei 101 re-lighted the wordmark after successfully celebrating New Year's.
After this incident, Michael Liu said to media: "We [Taipei 101] earlier lighted (the wordmarks) in a rush after we received a call from the Executive Yuan. Originally, we didn't consider to do this."
Current Mayor of Taipei Lung-pin Hau regretted the incident and hoped the Executive Yuan could notify the government in the future of the incident. The Minister of the Government Information Office Jhy-wey Hsieh complained in the City's Government of the sponsorships. The 2008 Taipei City New Year Countdown Party was apparently "faded" with political factor.
US diplomat shot and killed in Sudan
A volunteer American Foreign Service diplomat for the Peace Corps. has been shot and killed in Sudan.
John Granville, aged 33 from Buffalo, New York was traveling home from a New Years Eve party in Khartoum when his car was ambushed in a residential area of the city. His driver, Abdel Rahman Abbas aged 40 who was an employee for the U.S. embassy in Sudan was also shot and killed in what the embassy described as a 'hail of gunfire'.
"This afternoon, the American officer succumbed to his injuries and passed away. We are working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident," said the embassy in a statement.
Granville was shot five times and taken to a hospital where he later died. Abbas was killed instantly. It is not yet known whether the attack was a random act of violence, or if Granville was exclusively targeted.
"At this point we're not ruling anything out, but we don't know," said spokesman for the U.S. embassy, Walter Braunohler.
Despite the embassy's statement, the Sudanese government claims that a fight between people in two other cars, one with "foreigners," near Granville turned deadly and the individuals began to open fire on the car carrying the foreigners.
John Granville, aged 33 from Buffalo, New York was traveling home from a New Years Eve party in Khartoum when his car was ambushed in a residential area of the city. His driver, Abdel Rahman Abbas aged 40 who was an employee for the U.S. embassy in Sudan was also shot and killed in what the embassy described as a 'hail of gunfire'.
"This afternoon, the American officer succumbed to his injuries and passed away. We are working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident," said the embassy in a statement.
Granville was shot five times and taken to a hospital where he later died. Abbas was killed instantly. It is not yet known whether the attack was a random act of violence, or if Granville was exclusively targeted.
"At this point we're not ruling anything out, but we don't know," said spokesman for the U.S. embassy, Walter Braunohler.
Despite the embassy's statement, the Sudanese government claims that a fight between people in two other cars, one with "foreigners," near Granville turned deadly and the individuals began to open fire on the car carrying the foreigners.
South Australian Premier Rann wants apology from Hicks
South Australian Premier Mike Rann has said that David Hicks, a convicted terrorism supporter, should apologise unconditionally to the Australian public for his actions.
Hicks, who was released from Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide, was expected to make an apology upon release, but his lawyer read a prepared statement instead. He spent six years at Guantanamo Bay before being convicted of providing material support to terrorists.
Mr. Rann says it would be appropriate for Hicks to apologise.
"Rather than working for the Taliban, I think it's appropriate for Mr. Hicks to make an apology to the people of Australia," Rann stated.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said that Hicks "should be treated no differently to any other Australian citizen in these circumstances".
Hicks, who was released from Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide, was expected to make an apology upon release, but his lawyer read a prepared statement instead. He spent six years at Guantanamo Bay before being convicted of providing material support to terrorists.
Mr. Rann says it would be appropriate for Hicks to apologise.
"Rather than working for the Taliban, I think it's appropriate for Mr. Hicks to make an apology to the people of Australia," Rann stated.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said that Hicks "should be treated no differently to any other Australian citizen in these circumstances".
NHL game held outdoors in stadium; Pittsburgh defeats Buffalo in shootout
On New Year's Day, the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League played in the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic, an outdoor game held at Orchard Park, New York's Ralph Wilson Stadium. This was the second outdoor game in league history and the first outdoor game held in the United States.
The Penguins won the game 2 to 1 after a shootout in which Sidney Crosby made a goal between the legs of goalie Ryan Miller to win it. Colby Armstrong of the Penguins scored 21 seconds into the game, and Brian Campbell scored the lone goal for the Sabres in the 2nd period.
A temporary ice rink was built on the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium, which normally hosts games played by the National Football League's Buffalo Bills.
Sidney Crosby, who made the winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sidney Crosby, who made the winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Snow and heavy winds were prevalent throughout the game, and Zambonis were brought out to clear the ice in the middle of each period. The temperature was around the freezing point when the game began at 1:20 p.m. ET.
Several rule changes were in effect in order to lessen the impact of the weather on gameplay. These changes included stopping play in the middle of the 3rd period to allow teams to switch sides and dividing the overtime period into two 2:30 segments. In the shootout, the goalies were allowed to choose which side to defend, with both choosing the same side.
The attendance for the game was 71,217, beating the record of 57,167 at the Heritage Classic, another outdoor game which was held in 2003 between the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers. Two of the Edmonton players in the Heritage Classic, Georges Laraque and Ty Conklin, played for Pittsburgh in the Winter Classic.
Tickets to the game were made available to the general public on September 18, 2007; all 41,000 were sold out within 30 minutes.
The Penguins won the game 2 to 1 after a shootout in which Sidney Crosby made a goal between the legs of goalie Ryan Miller to win it. Colby Armstrong of the Penguins scored 21 seconds into the game, and Brian Campbell scored the lone goal for the Sabres in the 2nd period.
A temporary ice rink was built on the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium, which normally hosts games played by the National Football League's Buffalo Bills.
Sidney Crosby, who made the winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sidney Crosby, who made the winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Snow and heavy winds were prevalent throughout the game, and Zambonis were brought out to clear the ice in the middle of each period. The temperature was around the freezing point when the game began at 1:20 p.m. ET.
Several rule changes were in effect in order to lessen the impact of the weather on gameplay. These changes included stopping play in the middle of the 3rd period to allow teams to switch sides and dividing the overtime period into two 2:30 segments. In the shootout, the goalies were allowed to choose which side to defend, with both choosing the same side.
The attendance for the game was 71,217, beating the record of 57,167 at the Heritage Classic, another outdoor game which was held in 2003 between the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers. Two of the Edmonton players in the Heritage Classic, Georges Laraque and Ty Conklin, played for Pittsburgh in the Winter Classic.
Tickets to the game were made available to the general public on September 18, 2007; all 41,000 were sold out within 30 minutes.
Finnish actor Markku Peltola dies at 51
January 1, 2008
Finnish actor Markku Peltola has died. He was 51.
Peltola was most well known for starring in the 2002 Aki Kaurismäki-directed film The Man Without a Past, which won a Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
He also had supporting roles in Drifting Clouds (1996) and Juha (1999), both directed by Kaurismaki. In total he had played over 30 roles in film and television.
Helsinki-born Peltola, son of a taxi driver, was also a guitarist in a band and a director. In 1996 he co-founded Telakka, a theatre-themed restaurant, in his hometown of Tampere. In October 2007 he directed a play there called Activist.
His most recent film roles were a small role on the 2006 film Jade Warrior and the Estonian movie I Was Here, which will premiere in that country in September this year.
Peltola died in his Tampere home yesterday. According to local media, he had suffered poor health for some time.
Finnish actor Markku Peltola has died. He was 51.
Peltola was most well known for starring in the 2002 Aki Kaurismäki-directed film The Man Without a Past, which won a Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
He also had supporting roles in Drifting Clouds (1996) and Juha (1999), both directed by Kaurismaki. In total he had played over 30 roles in film and television.
Helsinki-born Peltola, son of a taxi driver, was also a guitarist in a band and a director. In 1996 he co-founded Telakka, a theatre-themed restaurant, in his hometown of Tampere. In October 2007 he directed a play there called Activist.
His most recent film roles were a small role on the 2006 film Jade Warrior and the Estonian movie I Was Here, which will premiere in that country in September this year.
Peltola died in his Tampere home yesterday. According to local media, he had suffered poor health for some time.
Senior security official: "Hardly any chance" to ban German Church of Scientology
Responding to a request of the chairman of the German Minister of Interior Conference, the interior affairs chief of the State of Saxony, Mr. Albrecht Buttolo, told the Associated Press (AP) today that he sees hardly any chance to ban the German Church of Scientology. His statement adds to heavy critique by the extremism expert of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Kristina Köhler, as well as speakers of all other Federal Parliament parties, who stated that it would not be a governmental task to ban a group like the Church of Scientology. The Berlin government expert Ulrich Battis added that a religious community like Scientology is almost impossible to ban.
The organization has been under investigation by the German government for over a decade by the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution. A spokesperson of the Office stated recently that a ban of the organization would be "not realistic" at the moment and that there isn't enough evidence to support freezing its activities.
As German domestic security services prepared for a December 7 meeting, they found that the organization does operate in ways that may be perceived as hostile to the German constitution, but that at present the Church of Scientology has failed to successfully infiltrate German society; membership has stagnated. Investigators will initiate more intense surveillance through the Autumn of 2008 before deciding on whether to take further action.
Counterpressure
A speaker of the Federal Ministry of Interior, senior agency of the Office for Protection of the Constitution, stated that the public request for a ban was organized by some State Ministers of Interior as a "warning shot" for Scientology. The Church of Scientology had been increasing its public activities in 2006 and has opened new 41,000 square foot headquarters in the German capital Berlin in 2007. Also, in November 2007 well-known Scientologist Tom Cruise was awarded the German media prize "Bambi", for courage in taking on the subject of German Resistance in the Third Reich in his newest movie Valkyrie. Cruise had been under public attack by the Federal Government first and refused permits for filming at historical sites. Later the Government dropped its concerns and decided to allow him to shoot scenes at the requested locations.
The organization has been under investigation by the German government for over a decade by the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution. A spokesperson of the Office stated recently that a ban of the organization would be "not realistic" at the moment and that there isn't enough evidence to support freezing its activities.
As German domestic security services prepared for a December 7 meeting, they found that the organization does operate in ways that may be perceived as hostile to the German constitution, but that at present the Church of Scientology has failed to successfully infiltrate German society; membership has stagnated. Investigators will initiate more intense surveillance through the Autumn of 2008 before deciding on whether to take further action.
Counterpressure
A speaker of the Federal Ministry of Interior, senior agency of the Office for Protection of the Constitution, stated that the public request for a ban was organized by some State Ministers of Interior as a "warning shot" for Scientology. The Church of Scientology had been increasing its public activities in 2006 and has opened new 41,000 square foot headquarters in the German capital Berlin in 2007. Also, in November 2007 well-known Scientologist Tom Cruise was awarded the German media prize "Bambi", for courage in taking on the subject of German Resistance in the Third Reich in his newest movie Valkyrie. Cruise had been under public attack by the Federal Government first and refused permits for filming at historical sites. Later the Government dropped its concerns and decided to allow him to shoot scenes at the requested locations.
Violent clashes in Kenya kills scores
At least 140 people have died in Kenya in post-election clashes across the nation. Incumbent President Mwai Kibaki was declared re-elected on Sunday in a close vote. His opponent Raila Odinga disputes the result and has called for a recount.
The clashes have been along tribal lines, with Kibaki backed by the Kikiyu and Odinga by the Luo. The fighting has been particularly severe in western Kenya, a power base for Odinga. Police have been ordered to shoot looters on sight and have imposed a curfew in Kisumu, Kenya's third largest city.
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Violent clashes in Kenya kills scores
There is no difference between [Mwai Kibaki] and Idi Amin and other military dictators who have seized power through the barrel of the gun.
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Violent clashes in Kenya kills scores
—Raila Odinga, Kenyan opposition leader
Kibera, the slum in Nairobi, has been sealed off by riot police and paramilitary troops to contain violence.
The Kenyan government has banned live television broadcasts and censored news reports in what it says is an effort to prevent violence.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
Odinga also announced that he wanted a mass rally to take place later in the day in the main park of Nairobi.
The violence led to an announcement by Kenyan police which stated that any person caught outside their homes in the slums of Nairobi will be shot dead on the spot.
In the riots, some residents who believed the vote was rigged, took extreme measures. Houses have been burned down, and some people have had the intention of killing others.
The clashes have been along tribal lines, with Kibaki backed by the Kikiyu and Odinga by the Luo. The fighting has been particularly severe in western Kenya, a power base for Odinga. Police have been ordered to shoot looters on sight and have imposed a curfew in Kisumu, Kenya's third largest city.
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Violent clashes in Kenya kills scores
There is no difference between [Mwai Kibaki] and Idi Amin and other military dictators who have seized power through the barrel of the gun.
...
Violent clashes in Kenya kills scores
—Raila Odinga, Kenyan opposition leader
Kibera, the slum in Nairobi, has been sealed off by riot police and paramilitary troops to contain violence.
The Kenyan government has banned live television broadcasts and censored news reports in what it says is an effort to prevent violence.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
Odinga also announced that he wanted a mass rally to take place later in the day in the main park of Nairobi.
The violence led to an announcement by Kenyan police which stated that any person caught outside their homes in the slums of Nairobi will be shot dead on the spot.
In the riots, some residents who believed the vote was rigged, took extreme measures. Houses have been burned down, and some people have had the intention of killing others.
Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
Today at midnight, the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Malta, both small island states in the Mediterranean and former British colonies, adopted the euro as their official currency; less than four years after their accession to the European Union. Because Cyprus and Malta are in different time zones, Cyprus adopted the euro one hour before Malta did the same. In both countries the euro was welcomed with outdoor celebrations, including a fireworks display in Malta's capital Valletta. According to the BBC Cypriot Finance Minister Michalis Sarris has said the euro "will benefit consumers and businesses alike because of the eurozone's low inflation, low interest rates and large market."
The BBC reports that Cypriot and Maltese leaders "made symbolic withdrawals of euros from cash machines just minutes into the New Year." TIME reports that Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had to wait a little while before getting his hands on the new currency because "an automated teller machine did not work when Gonzi tried to withdraw euros, and he was obliged to use a different ATM."
The Cypriot pound (CYP) and the Maltese lira (MTL) will remain in use during a dual circulation period that will last until the end of this month, at which point they will cease to be legal tender. However, it will still be possible to exchange them for Euro free of charge after the end of this period. Commercial banks in Cyprus will exchange Cypriot pounds for Euro until 30 June, but only for amounts up to CYP 1000 per customer and per transaction in banknotes and up to CYP 5O in coins. The Central Bank of Cyprus will exchange coins until the end of 2009 and banknotes until the end of 2017. Maltese commercial banks will exchange Maltese lira for Euro until the end of March, with a limit for non-customers of MTL 250, whereas the Central Bank of Malta will exchange coins until 1 February 2010 and banknotes until 1 February 2018.
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Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
We're sorry to say goodbye to our pound but happy to welcome the euro.
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Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
—Tassos Papadopoulos, President of the Republic of Cyprus.
The single currency has replaced the Cypriot pound and the Maltese lira at a rate of one euro to 0.585274 Cypriot pound and 0.4293 to the Maltese lira, or 1.71 euro per Cypriot pound and 2.33 per Maltese lira. This conversion rate had been fixed on 10 July 2007 by Ecofin, the council comprising the finance ministers of the EU Member States.
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Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
Today with the adoption of the Euro, Cyprus and Malta have become even more integrated in the heart of the European Union, less than four years after they joined the EU.
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Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
—Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.
Cyprus and Malta are the 14th and the 15th country to join the Eurozone, which already includes Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Slovenia. All EU Member States are required to join the Eurozone once certain conditions are fulfilled, except Denmark and the United Kingdom which have negotiated a so-called opt-out that allows them not to adopt the single currency.
Cypriot €1 coin
Cypriot €1 coin
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the de facto independent Turkish-controlled area in the north of Cyprus, will not join the Eurozone. Northern Cyprus is not part of the European Union and is recognised only by Turkey. As a result, the Turkish lira will remain the official currency in the north of the island; however, TIME reports that "many Turkish Cypriot merchants will also accept euros along with Turkish lira." Cypriot Euro coins are inscribed in both Greek and Turkish.
The euro will also be legal tender in the Sovereign Base Areas, British military bases in Cyprus.
The national sides of the Cypriot Euro coins feature three separate designs for the three series of coins. The 1, 2 and 5-cent coins feature the mouflon, or wild sheep, the 10, 20 and 50-cent coins feature the Kyrenia ship, the wreck of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship discovered in 1967 and salvaged closed to Kyrenia, and the €1 and €2 coins feature the Idol of Pomos, a prehistoric sculpture from the village of Pomos, three national symbols of Cyprus. The designs were jointly created by Tatiana Soteropoulos and Erik Maell.
Maltese €1 coin
Maltese €1 coin
The Maltese euro coins' national sides will also feature national motifs. The 1, 2 and 5-cent coins will feature the altar of the Mnajdra temple grouping, a complex of three Neolithic temples on the southern coast of Malta and one of the oldest free-standing temple groupings in the world, the 10, 20 and 50-cent coins will feature the Coat of Arms of Malta, and the €1 and €2 coins will bear the Maltese cross, a symbol associated with an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta, which was based on Malta for more than 250 years after they had been given the islands by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. The designs of Maltese engraver Noel Galea Bason were selected after two rounds of public consultations in which people were invited to vote via SMS.
Both Cyprus and Malta have taken a number of steps to address fears of undue price rises. 7,130 Cypriot companies have subscribed to a Fair Pricing Code launched by the authorities and the Cypriot government urged companies to round their prices down. In Malta, the FAIR initiative, a fair pricing scheme, was put in place in January 2007. This scheme, which provides for administrative fines for those failing to respect their commitment, now involves 80% of all retail outlets. Malta, according to the BBC, has also signed 12 price stabilisation agreements with importers, which will last until March 2008.
In both countries, the authorities will monitor retailers to ensure they do not exploit the changeover for unfair gain by rounding up their prices, contributing to inflation.
The BBC reports that Cypriot and Maltese leaders "made symbolic withdrawals of euros from cash machines just minutes into the New Year." TIME reports that Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had to wait a little while before getting his hands on the new currency because "an automated teller machine did not work when Gonzi tried to withdraw euros, and he was obliged to use a different ATM."
The Cypriot pound (CYP) and the Maltese lira (MTL) will remain in use during a dual circulation period that will last until the end of this month, at which point they will cease to be legal tender. However, it will still be possible to exchange them for Euro free of charge after the end of this period. Commercial banks in Cyprus will exchange Cypriot pounds for Euro until 30 June, but only for amounts up to CYP 1000 per customer and per transaction in banknotes and up to CYP 5O in coins. The Central Bank of Cyprus will exchange coins until the end of 2009 and banknotes until the end of 2017. Maltese commercial banks will exchange Maltese lira for Euro until the end of March, with a limit for non-customers of MTL 250, whereas the Central Bank of Malta will exchange coins until 1 February 2010 and banknotes until 1 February 2018.
...
Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
We're sorry to say goodbye to our pound but happy to welcome the euro.
...
Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
—Tassos Papadopoulos, President of the Republic of Cyprus.
The single currency has replaced the Cypriot pound and the Maltese lira at a rate of one euro to 0.585274 Cypriot pound and 0.4293 to the Maltese lira, or 1.71 euro per Cypriot pound and 2.33 per Maltese lira. This conversion rate had been fixed on 10 July 2007 by Ecofin, the council comprising the finance ministers of the EU Member States.
...
Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
Today with the adoption of the Euro, Cyprus and Malta have become even more integrated in the heart of the European Union, less than four years after they joined the EU.
...
Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro
—Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.
Cyprus and Malta are the 14th and the 15th country to join the Eurozone, which already includes Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Slovenia. All EU Member States are required to join the Eurozone once certain conditions are fulfilled, except Denmark and the United Kingdom which have negotiated a so-called opt-out that allows them not to adopt the single currency.
Cypriot €1 coin
Cypriot €1 coin
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the de facto independent Turkish-controlled area in the north of Cyprus, will not join the Eurozone. Northern Cyprus is not part of the European Union and is recognised only by Turkey. As a result, the Turkish lira will remain the official currency in the north of the island; however, TIME reports that "many Turkish Cypriot merchants will also accept euros along with Turkish lira." Cypriot Euro coins are inscribed in both Greek and Turkish.
The euro will also be legal tender in the Sovereign Base Areas, British military bases in Cyprus.
The national sides of the Cypriot Euro coins feature three separate designs for the three series of coins. The 1, 2 and 5-cent coins feature the mouflon, or wild sheep, the 10, 20 and 50-cent coins feature the Kyrenia ship, the wreck of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship discovered in 1967 and salvaged closed to Kyrenia, and the €1 and €2 coins feature the Idol of Pomos, a prehistoric sculpture from the village of Pomos, three national symbols of Cyprus. The designs were jointly created by Tatiana Soteropoulos and Erik Maell.
Maltese €1 coin
Maltese €1 coin
The Maltese euro coins' national sides will also feature national motifs. The 1, 2 and 5-cent coins will feature the altar of the Mnajdra temple grouping, a complex of three Neolithic temples on the southern coast of Malta and one of the oldest free-standing temple groupings in the world, the 10, 20 and 50-cent coins will feature the Coat of Arms of Malta, and the €1 and €2 coins will bear the Maltese cross, a symbol associated with an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta, which was based on Malta for more than 250 years after they had been given the islands by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. The designs of Maltese engraver Noel Galea Bason were selected after two rounds of public consultations in which people were invited to vote via SMS.
Both Cyprus and Malta have taken a number of steps to address fears of undue price rises. 7,130 Cypriot companies have subscribed to a Fair Pricing Code launched by the authorities and the Cypriot government urged companies to round their prices down. In Malta, the FAIR initiative, a fair pricing scheme, was put in place in January 2007. This scheme, which provides for administrative fines for those failing to respect their commitment, now involves 80% of all retail outlets. Malta, according to the BBC, has also signed 12 price stabilisation agreements with importers, which will last until March 2008.
In both countries, the authorities will monitor retailers to ensure they do not exploit the changeover for unfair gain by rounding up their prices, contributing to inflation.
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