Arctic Ice Caps May Be More Prone to Melt:
Today, the Arctic is synonymous with "cold." But a new study suggests the polar region has experienced periods of intense warmth over the past 2.8 million years that may have been hot enough to melt the Greenland ice sheet.
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Friday, 22 June 2012
GM recalls 400,000 Chevrolet Cruze cars
GM recalls 400,000 Chevrolet Cruze cars: Vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years in the US, Canada and Israel are being recalled by the company due to a risk of engine fire
Mystery Over Turkey Jet Missing Near Syria
Mystery Over Turkey Jet Missing Near Syria: Turkey has lost a warplane over the Mediterranean, but its prime minister says he cannot confirm reports that Syria shot it down.
Reported by Sky News 18 minutes ago.
Reported by Sky News 18 minutes ago.
She tried to ignore bullies; you didn't
She tried to ignore bullies; you didn't: The verbal abuse suffered by 68-year-old bus monitor Karen Klein became a prism through which total strangers, the world round, characterized her experience as symbolic of everything wrong with modern-day parenting, children and more. Beyond anger, some expressed sadness for the seemingly defenseless older woman who, they felt, bravely suffered the slings and arrows flung at her for no good reason at all.
Drug Kingpin’s Son Is Arrested in Mexico
Drug Kingpin’s Son Is Arrested in Mexico: Mexico’s navy said it had arrested Jesús Aflredo Guzmán Salazar, 26, “the presumed son” of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, nicknamed El Chapo, who runs the Sinaloa drug gang.
'Cascading bug' took Twitter down
'Cascading bug' took Twitter down: Twitter has blamed a "cascading bug" for knocking the social networking site out for over an hour on Thursday.
Natwest: technical problems continue to hamper millions of customers
Natwest: technical problems continue to hamper millions of customers: Up to 12 million Natwest and Royal Bank of Scotland customers are still unable to pay bills or move money after a computer glitch froze their bank accounts.
The Fed Is Shooting Blanks
The Fed Is Shooting Blanks:
Today's significant market decline most likely marks the end of the oversold bounce from the June 4th lows. The rally was based on little more than the hope of central bank rescues around the world in the face of what has now become a widely recognized global slowdown that threatens the onset of another recession. In our view the market faces a number of major headwinds including deteriorating economic conditions, a dimmer outlook for corporate earnings, the European solvency crisis and a major slowdown in China and other emerging nations.
While some have called today's decline a severe over-reaction to a Goldman short recommendation and the sharp drop in the Philadelphia Fed index, the slowdown started becoming evident to us almost three months ago and has been accelerating ever since. In our comment of March 29th, entitled "The Market Sweet Spot Is Ending", we noted that, "In just the last two weeks it has been noticeable that expectations have become so high that a number of indicators have started to disappoint". Since that time the majority of key economic indicators have continued either to fall short of expectations or show actual declines. Therefore, the sharp decline in the Philadelphia Fed index reported today, far from being an outlier, is in line with the weight of the evidence that has been developing over the last three months.
In addition to the deteriorating economic conditions, cracks have also started to develop in the corporate earnings picture, which has been the major strong point for the market over the last three years. We have recently seen either disappointing earnings or lower management guidance for a number of major companies such as Proctor and Gamble, McDonalds, Phillip Morris, Pepsi, Caterpillar, Bed, Bath & Beyond and many others. The drop in commodity prices along with the slowdown will adversely affect cyclical and energy companies as well. With earnings season coming up in just a few weeks, it is likely that this will the most disappointing earnings period since the end of the recession. We believe major markdowns in corporate earnings estimates will be a key market feature for the rest of 2012 as well as 2013.
The European sovereign debt crisis will also be a continuing story in the period ahead, and has the potential to be a "Lehman" type situation. The markets will not give the EU the time it needs for any permanent solution such as full political integration, and anything else will just have the effect of papering things over. A significant bailout of Spain and Italy will require huge amounts of funds that only Germany can possibly provide, and it is understandable why Germany would be unwilling to place itself in financial and economic jeopardy.
China and the rest of the emerging nations are also slowing down significantly. While the Chinese government, unlike the Western democracies, can order plants to be built and can force banks to lend, the result would be only more idle plants or factories that produce items that cannot be sold. The key point is that China and the emerging nations are export-based economies that are highly dependent on Europe and the U.S. to buy their goods.
In the midst of the U.S. economic slowdown, the ability of the Fed to do much more is doubtful. Despite the Fed's reduction of its growth estimate and its increase in the unemployment projection, the action it took is minimal and unlikely to help. As we wrote in last week's Special Report, ".the easiest and most reliable measures have already been taken and any remaining weapons are unorthodox, untried and subject to unknown negative side effects".
Chairman Bernanke essentially confirmed this at yesterday's press conference, when in answer to a reporter's question, he said, ".the types of unconventional programs that are now available.we know less about them.they have various costs and risks, and for that reason, we might get a different amount of financial accommodation in this kind of regime than one where short-term interest rates can be varied freely". He added that a larger Fed balance sheet would be harder to reduce later, could impair markets or foster financial instability. Although Bernanke did say that the Fed was not out of ammunition, we got the impression that the Fed had done pretty much all it can and that factors such as Europe and the U.S. "fiscal cliff" were beyond the Fed's control.
In the face of the current economic and financial situation, it is notable that the stock market rally that started in October topped at 1422 (S&P 500) on April 2nd. After dropping 11%, the subsequent oversold bounce retraced 62% of the decline, and has now turned down once again, re-confirming the downtrend. In our view the April 2nd peak marked the top of the entire three-year rally dating back to March 2009, and a new cyclical decline has begun.
Today's significant market decline most likely marks the end of the oversold bounce from the June 4th lows. The rally was based on little more than the hope of central bank rescues around the world in the face of what has now become a widely recognized global slowdown that threatens the onset of another recession. In our view the market faces a number of major headwinds including deteriorating economic conditions, a dimmer outlook for corporate earnings, the European solvency crisis and a major slowdown in China and other emerging nations.
While some have called today's decline a severe over-reaction to a Goldman short recommendation and the sharp drop in the Philadelphia Fed index, the slowdown started becoming evident to us almost three months ago and has been accelerating ever since. In our comment of March 29th, entitled "The Market Sweet Spot Is Ending", we noted that, "In just the last two weeks it has been noticeable that expectations have become so high that a number of indicators have started to disappoint". Since that time the majority of key economic indicators have continued either to fall short of expectations or show actual declines. Therefore, the sharp decline in the Philadelphia Fed index reported today, far from being an outlier, is in line with the weight of the evidence that has been developing over the last three months.
In addition to the deteriorating economic conditions, cracks have also started to develop in the corporate earnings picture, which has been the major strong point for the market over the last three years. We have recently seen either disappointing earnings or lower management guidance for a number of major companies such as Proctor and Gamble, McDonalds, Phillip Morris, Pepsi, Caterpillar, Bed, Bath & Beyond and many others. The drop in commodity prices along with the slowdown will adversely affect cyclical and energy companies as well. With earnings season coming up in just a few weeks, it is likely that this will the most disappointing earnings period since the end of the recession. We believe major markdowns in corporate earnings estimates will be a key market feature for the rest of 2012 as well as 2013.
The European sovereign debt crisis will also be a continuing story in the period ahead, and has the potential to be a "Lehman" type situation. The markets will not give the EU the time it needs for any permanent solution such as full political integration, and anything else will just have the effect of papering things over. A significant bailout of Spain and Italy will require huge amounts of funds that only Germany can possibly provide, and it is understandable why Germany would be unwilling to place itself in financial and economic jeopardy.
China and the rest of the emerging nations are also slowing down significantly. While the Chinese government, unlike the Western democracies, can order plants to be built and can force banks to lend, the result would be only more idle plants or factories that produce items that cannot be sold. The key point is that China and the emerging nations are export-based economies that are highly dependent on Europe and the U.S. to buy their goods.
In the midst of the U.S. economic slowdown, the ability of the Fed to do much more is doubtful. Despite the Fed's reduction of its growth estimate and its increase in the unemployment projection, the action it took is minimal and unlikely to help. As we wrote in last week's Special Report, ".the easiest and most reliable measures have already been taken and any remaining weapons are unorthodox, untried and subject to unknown negative side effects".
Chairman Bernanke essentially confirmed this at yesterday's press conference, when in answer to a reporter's question, he said, ".the types of unconventional programs that are now available.we know less about them.they have various costs and risks, and for that reason, we might get a different amount of financial accommodation in this kind of regime than one where short-term interest rates can be varied freely". He added that a larger Fed balance sheet would be harder to reduce later, could impair markets or foster financial instability. Although Bernanke did say that the Fed was not out of ammunition, we got the impression that the Fed had done pretty much all it can and that factors such as Europe and the U.S. "fiscal cliff" were beyond the Fed's control.
In the face of the current economic and financial situation, it is notable that the stock market rally that started in October topped at 1422 (S&P 500) on April 2nd. After dropping 11%, the subsequent oversold bounce retraced 62% of the decline, and has now turned down once again, re-confirming the downtrend. In our view the April 2nd peak marked the top of the entire three-year rally dating back to March 2009, and a new cyclical decline has begun.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Threat To Carlos Slim's America Movil Heats Up As Televisa Acquisition Of Iusacell Stake Okayed
Threat To Carlos Slim's America Movil Heats Up As Televisa Acquisition Of Iusacell Stake Okayed: Mexico’s leading broadcaster, Televisa, and cell-phone provider Iusacell have accepted conditions set by the country’s competition watchdog to consummate their $1.6 billion tie-up, a spokeswoman for the competition commission confirmed on Wednesday.
Facebook Moves Toward Payment Platform
Facebook Moves Toward Payment Platform: Facebook has announced it will move toward a payment system in which people everywhere can buy and subscribe to third parties in their local currency. The company is ditching its virtual currency used for Farmville and other game purchases.
China's Tencent Buys Stake In U.S. Epic Games
China's Tencent Buys Stake In U.S. Epic Games: China internet and gaming company Tencent Holdings (HKG: 0700) acquired a minority stake in U.S. gamer Epic Games, makers of the popular 'Gears of War' and mobile game "Infinity Blade".
Israel eyes landfill site for Bedouin nomads
Israel eyes landfill site for Bedouin nomads: AL-KHAN AL-AHMAR, West Bank (Reuters) - Bedouin tents and wandering goats dot the barren hills on the drive from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea, giving residents and visitors a glimpse of how the Holy Land must have looked in ancient times.
Russia jails two men for giving China nuke secrets
Russia jails two men for giving China nuke secrets: MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has jailed two university professors for passing top secret information on Moscow's next generation nuclear missile system to China, sentencing each of them to at least 12 years in jail, local media reported on Wednesday.
Italy's Monti asks parties to speed labor reform
Italy's Monti asks parties to speed labor reform: ROME (Reuters) - Prime Minister Mario Monti on Wednesday asked Italy's political parties to swiftly approve his contested labor reform so that it is law by the time he attends a crucial European Union summit in Brussels on June 28.
China tests troubled waters with $1 billion rig for South China Sea
China tests troubled waters with $1 billion rig for South China Sea: HONG KONG (Reuters) - China has spent nearly $1 billion on an ultra-deepwater rig that appears intended to explore disputed areas of the South China Sea, one of Asia's most volatile hotspots and where the United States is strengthening ties with Beijing's rival claimants.
Uruguay aims to legalize, oversee marijuana market
Uruguay aims to legalize, oversee marijuana market: MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Uruguay's government unveiled a proposal on Wednesday to legalize and monitor the marijuana market, arguing that the drug is less harmful than the black market where it is trafficked.
Spain expected to request bank aid after debt test
Spain expected to request bank aid after debt test: MADRID/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Spain's borrowing costs will probably hit a new euro era high at a debt auction on Thursday, a few hours before it sheds light on the dire state of its weaker banks and possibly makes a formal request for European Union funds to rescue them.
EBay to power data center with renewable energy
EBay to power data center with renewable energy: (Reuters) - EBay Inc said it plans to build a data center powered by startup Bloom Energy's renewable energy fuel cells, a more environmentally-friendly alternative to drawing power from the mostly coal-based electric grid.
Scientists behaving badly: the Berlin patient
Scientists behaving badly: the Berlin patient:
As scientists we are taught to present our data and opinions through a defined network. New findings are published in peer-reviewed journals, not the New York Times ; our opinions are recorded at scientific meetings, not in press releases. At the heart of this lies our desire to keep science free from the undue influence of the media and untainted by personal motivations. While this system may make some researchers overly wary of speaking with journalists, for the most part it works; cutting edge research is first assessed by scientists with the necessary background, not the general population.
The scientific landscape is littered with stories of those scientists who have disobeyed. In 1954 Jonas Salk spoke on a radio program about the large-scale success of his polio vaccine prior to publication, promptly losing some respect in the scientific community. In 1984 Robert Gallo announced the discovery of the virus that causes AIDS in a press conference with President Reagan s secretary of health and human services one month prior to publication, and afterward lost much of his credibility.
[More]
As scientists we are taught to present our data and opinions through a defined network. New findings are published in peer-reviewed journals, not the New York Times ; our opinions are recorded at scientific meetings, not in press releases. At the heart of this lies our desire to keep science free from the undue influence of the media and untainted by personal motivations. While this system may make some researchers overly wary of speaking with journalists, for the most part it works; cutting edge research is first assessed by scientists with the necessary background, not the general population.
The scientific landscape is littered with stories of those scientists who have disobeyed. In 1954 Jonas Salk spoke on a radio program about the large-scale success of his polio vaccine prior to publication, promptly losing some respect in the scientific community. In 1984 Robert Gallo announced the discovery of the virus that causes AIDS in a press conference with President Reagan s secretary of health and human services one month prior to publication, and afterward lost much of his credibility.
[More]
Scots agree US stem research deal
Scots agree US stem research deal: First Minister Alex Salmond announces that universities in Scotland and California will work together on medical research into diseases such as Parkinson's.
Deadly Colorado wildfire surpasses 100-square-mile mark
Deadly Colorado wildfire surpasses 100-square-mile mark: DENVER (Reuters) - A deadly, stubborn wildfire that ranks as the most destructive on record for Colorado has scorched more than 100 square miles (259 square km) of rugged mountain terrain northwest of Denver, but a cool snap on Wednesday gave fire crews a chance to take the offensive.
Bugs have key role in farming approach to storing CO2 emissions
Bugs have key role in farming approach to storing CO2 emissions: Edinburgh UK (SPX) Jun 20, 2012
Tiny microbes are at the heart of a novel agricultural technique to manage harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists have discovered how microbes can be used to turn carbon dioxide emissions into soil-enriching limestone, with the help of a type of tree that thrives in tropical areas, such as West Africa.
Researchers have found that when the Iroko tree is grown in dry, acidic soil
Tiny microbes are at the heart of a novel agricultural technique to manage harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists have discovered how microbes can be used to turn carbon dioxide emissions into soil-enriching limestone, with the help of a type of tree that thrives in tropical areas, such as West Africa.
Researchers have found that when the Iroko tree is grown in dry, acidic soil
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Miro work smashes auction record
Miro work smashes auction record: Joan Miro's 1927 work Peinture (Etoile Bleue) sells for more than £23 million at Sotheby's in London, breaking the auction record for the Spanish artist.
Nike's Twitter ad campaign banned
Nike's Twitter ad campaign banned: The UK's advertising watchdog issues its first Twitter-related ban after posts by Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere.
China rare earth pool 'declining'
China rare earth pool 'declining': China warns the decline in its reserves of rare earth elements, used in the production of electrical goods, is "accelerating", as most of the original resources are depleted.
Turtles fossilised in sex embrace
Turtles fossilised in sex embrace: Turtles killed as they were having sex and then fossilised in position have been described by scientists.
Developing countries to the rescue at G-20
Developing countries to the rescue at G-20: LOS CABOS, Mexico (AP) -- The scene at the just-concluded Group of 20 summit held in this seaside resort would have been unthinkable a decade ago: Hundreds of dignitaries gathered in opulent Mexican hotels and convention halls to hammer out an economic bailout for Europe. Meanwhile, the leaders of Brazil and China kicked in tens of billions of dollars to the International Monetary Fund to rescue downtrodden Spain and Greece....
Reported by AP 19 minutes ago.
Reported by AP 19 minutes ago.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Defaced By Facebook
Defaced By Facebook: This is a guest post by Facebook mobile app user, Marjorie Sterne, who found, to her surprise, that the online social network had replaced her profile picture with an advertisement for beer.
China's 'Twitter' introduces fees
China's 'Twitter' introduces fees: Sina Weibo, China's biggest Twitter-like microblogging platform, introduces a fee for premium features after posting a financial loss.
More wind, more heat, more trouble battling wildfire
More wind, more heat, more trouble battling wildfire: Forecasters are expecting warmer than normal temperatures and gusty winds Tuesday in a northern Colorado area ravaged by a wildfire, not a good combination for the 1,700 people battling the blaze
Shortages: Water supplies in crisis
Shortages: Water supplies in crisis: How will we get our water in future?
Coca-Cola 'not to blame for US obesity'
Coca-Cola 'not to blame for US obesity': Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent insists his company is not responsible for the rise in US obesity despite New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent moves to limit the consumption of sugary drinks.
Lyme Disease Outfoxes Deer
Lyme Disease Outfoxes Deer:
Deer ticks and Lyme disease go hand-in-hand in some places. But you can’t always put the blame on Bambi. Because new research shows that the incidence of Lyme disease tracks less with the abundance of deer than it does with the disappearance of foxes. The study is in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . [Taal Levi et al, Deer, predators, and the emergence of Lyme disease ]
[More]
Deer ticks and Lyme disease go hand-in-hand in some places. But you can’t always put the blame on Bambi. Because new research shows that the incidence of Lyme disease tracks less with the abundance of deer than it does with the disappearance of foxes. The study is in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . [Taal Levi et al, Deer, predators, and the emergence of Lyme disease ]
[More]
Italian Seniors Outraged by Pension Policy Shift
Italian Seniors Outraged by Pension Policy Shift:
Italian pensioners with the CGIL trade union rally in central Rome on Sept. 29, 2010, over imposed austerity measures. Today, Italian seniors are angry again because pensions rules have suddenly changed leaving hundreds of thousands with an income gap. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images)
BIELLA, Italy—Tension is growing for thousands of Italian seniors who may have to face months, or even years, without a source of income after the retirement age was raised under new pension reforms.
The pensioners, labeled “esodati,” roughly translated as exodus or sent out, had previously agreed to take early retirement packages in exchange for lump sum payouts or continued salaries until their retirement date. For the banks and firms who offered the deals, a smaller workforce saved them taxes, even if it meant paying an elderly employee to stay home.
Now that the retirement age has been unexpectedly raised, that agreement has left the esodati with the prospect of a long period without pay or pension.
The esodati, with their expectations of more gentile days ahead shattered, are not waiting to be consulted about their futures. They have become determined demonstrators, ready to appear wherever possible with placards and banners.
“I personally got involved from the beginning—it is unacceptable,” says Mara Polato, 56, a resident of Brescia, not far from Milan.
Polato signed an agreement with her employer, the Italian Post Office, in March 2011.
She agreed to retire a year early during which time she’d receive her normal salary and the post office would even continue to make pension contributions. Now she has to wait a year and a half longer, with no pension and no salary.
“I have worked since I was 16 years old,” she says. “Working for me is a dignity.”
Polato said if she had known they were considering increasing the retirement age, she would have continued to work for another year and a half.
“I feel really aggrieved,” she said, “I had a steady job and nobody would have sent me away.”
Pension reform was the first emergency measure of the Save Italy decree instituted by Mario Monti and his caretaker government of technocrats who took over the country in November 2011 when scandal-ridden Silvio Berlusconi resigned.
Under the Monti government scheme, the retirement age for men went from 65 to 66, and for women from 60 to 62, with the latter expected to eventually rise to match the men.
The government has sought measures to help around 65,000 esodati, saying in a statement that it was “committed to find fair and financially sustainable solutions for these workers.” But it acknowledged that the measures were not comprehensive and offered little comfort for many others affected by the pension reforms.
While solving the gap requires huge amounts of capital, which is in short supply, the unions and labor organizations are fighting back.
“The government must find money to provide a solution for all,” Susanna Camusso, general secretary of the General Confederation of Italian Workers (CGIL), one of Italy’s largest unions, said in a statement.
“The decree as it is now is not fair. It creates disparities. They cannot keep avoiding the issue,” said Camusso.
The situation became even tenser after Italian news agency ANSA exposed a report leaked from the National Institute of Social Security (INPS), which estimates that some 390,000 Italians took the early retirement option under the previous law.
This unexpected turn of events has prompted protests and requests for clarification by politicians and trade unionists. Labor Minister Elsa Fornero, who has taken much of the heat over the reforms, is expected to give some explanation in Parliament Tuesday, June 19.
Meanwhile, the seniors have taken to the Internet to further their campaign.
“We started a blog, we are finding out about each other,” said Mara Polato.
There are 6,020 people who made similar arrangements with the Italian Post Office in 2011, she said, and many others in different companies.
“I talk to any politician whenever I have the chance. I won’t give up.”
Italian pensioners with the CGIL trade union rally in central Rome on Sept. 29, 2010, over imposed austerity measures. Today, Italian seniors are angry again because pensions rules have suddenly changed leaving hundreds of thousands with an income gap. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images)
The pensioners, labeled “esodati,” roughly translated as exodus or sent out, had previously agreed to take early retirement packages in exchange for lump sum payouts or continued salaries until their retirement date. For the banks and firms who offered the deals, a smaller workforce saved them taxes, even if it meant paying an elderly employee to stay home.
Now that the retirement age has been unexpectedly raised, that agreement has left the esodati with the prospect of a long period without pay or pension.
The esodati, with their expectations of more gentile days ahead shattered, are not waiting to be consulted about their futures. They have become determined demonstrators, ready to appear wherever possible with placards and banners.
“I personally got involved from the beginning—it is unacceptable,” says Mara Polato, 56, a resident of Brescia, not far from Milan.
Polato signed an agreement with her employer, the Italian Post Office, in March 2011.
She agreed to retire a year early during which time she’d receive her normal salary and the post office would even continue to make pension contributions. Now she has to wait a year and a half longer, with no pension and no salary.
“I have worked since I was 16 years old,” she says. “Working for me is a dignity.”
Polato said if she had known they were considering increasing the retirement age, she would have continued to work for another year and a half.
“I feel really aggrieved,” she said, “I had a steady job and nobody would have sent me away.”
Pension reform was the first emergency measure of the Save Italy decree instituted by Mario Monti and his caretaker government of technocrats who took over the country in November 2011 when scandal-ridden Silvio Berlusconi resigned.
Under the Monti government scheme, the retirement age for men went from 65 to 66, and for women from 60 to 62, with the latter expected to eventually rise to match the men.
The government has sought measures to help around 65,000 esodati, saying in a statement that it was “committed to find fair and financially sustainable solutions for these workers.” But it acknowledged that the measures were not comprehensive and offered little comfort for many others affected by the pension reforms.
While solving the gap requires huge amounts of capital, which is in short supply, the unions and labor organizations are fighting back.
“The government must find money to provide a solution for all,” Susanna Camusso, general secretary of the General Confederation of Italian Workers (CGIL), one of Italy’s largest unions, said in a statement.
“The decree as it is now is not fair. It creates disparities. They cannot keep avoiding the issue,” said Camusso.
The situation became even tenser after Italian news agency ANSA exposed a report leaked from the National Institute of Social Security (INPS), which estimates that some 390,000 Italians took the early retirement option under the previous law.
This unexpected turn of events has prompted protests and requests for clarification by politicians and trade unionists. Labor Minister Elsa Fornero, who has taken much of the heat over the reforms, is expected to give some explanation in Parliament Tuesday, June 19.
Meanwhile, the seniors have taken to the Internet to further their campaign.
“We started a blog, we are finding out about each other,” said Mara Polato.
There are 6,020 people who made similar arrangements with the Italian Post Office in 2011, she said, and many others in different companies.
“I talk to any politician whenever I have the chance. I won’t give up.”
'Locked-in' Tony Nicklinson to ask High Court for right to die
'Locked-in' Tony Nicklinson to ask High Court for right to die: A man with "locked-in syndrome" who is unable to move or speak will tell a court today that being allowed to die would transform what is left of his life.
Men who drink 7 cups of tea are 50 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer
Men who drink 7 cups of tea are 50 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer: Men who are heavy tea drinkers are 50 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer, according to study.
Faulty tests blamed for California nuclear plant leak
Faulty tests blamed for California nuclear plant leak: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, California (Reuters) - Tubes that leaked radioactive steam at a California nuclear power plant, leading to an indefinite shutdown, were not properly tested by the manufacturer prior to installation, nuclear regulators told an overflowing public hearing on Monday.
UEFA chafes over 'lucky' underpants
UEFA chafes over 'lucky' underpants: Denmark's Nicklas Bendtner has been fined US $125,800 for exposing boxer shorts adorned with the logo of an online betting company as he celebrated scoring against Portugal at Euro 2012.
Iraq ambassador nominee withdraws
Iraq ambassador nominee withdraws: Brett McGurk, President Obama's pick to be ambassador to Iraq, has withdrawn from consideration following revelations about questionable conduct, an administration official said Monday.
Settlers suspected in West Bank mosque vandalism
Settlers suspected in West Bank mosque vandalism: Jaba, West Bank (Reuters) - A mosque in the village of Jaba in the occupied West Bank was vandalized and set on fire early on Tuesday, in an attack Palestinians blamed on Israeli settlers.
Tasty booty in Spain as crisis spawns crop theft
Tasty booty in Spain as crisis spawns crop theft: SANT CLIMENT DE LLOBREGAT, Spain (AP) -- Drop those cherries, you're under arrest. Crops and cops are converging along Spain's journey through economic crisis: People enduring hardship are stealing the earth's bounty from farmers to help get by from day to day....
Reported by AP 19 minutes ago.
Reported by AP 19 minutes ago.
Monday, 18 June 2012
The Obama administration's non-existent limo shopping spree
The Obama administration's non-existent limo shopping spree: Numbers show the government went on limo bender, but then axed over half its fleet the next year. So what really happened?
It's difficult to decide which is more troubling: the idea that the Obama administration may have gone on a limousine-purchasing binge, or the idea that officials may be incapable of telling a limousine from a shuttle bus.
According to new official figures, the federal government's limousine fleet was 62% smaller in 2011 than it was in 2010. That sounds great, for anyone concerned about budgetary bloat. The problem is that the actual number of vehicles is about the same; it's just that the criteria for what qualifies as a limo appear to have radically shifted.
The number of limousines owned by the government fell from 412 in 2010 to 158 in 2011, according to the annual fleet report released last month. On paper, it's a dramatic offloading of luxury rides.
But as the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) reports, the double-digit fleet correction comes on the heels of an even larger swing (percentage-wise) in the opposite direction the previous year, when the government added 174 limo to its existing fleet of 238.
That big expansion of the limo fleet raised a lot of eyebrows, and drew accusations that the Obama team was wasting money and ruining its own populist message. Populists don't take limos.
The state department, which acquired the lion's share of the new rides in 2010, told CPI that the limousines were used to ferry "distinguished foreign visitors" and that many of the vehicles were armored for safety, for work in dangerous places.
But now the government has changed its explanation of why it apparently acquired so many new limos in 2009-2010 – and the new explanation conveniently brings the limo count back to acceptable levels.
The count exploded, the General Services Administration explains, because agencies were incorrectly qualifying vehicles such as shuttle buses to be limos. Apparently the rash of inability to identify vehicles spiked just after the current president took office. Helpfully, the GSA has issued new, extremely specific guidelines as to what a limo is. A limo, a new government-wide memo states, "is a vehicle with a lengthened wheelbase, generally driven by a dedicated driver", including "privacy panels" and stretching. "Vehicles, including shuttle buses, without the aforementioned characteristics should not be reported as limousines," the memo says.
Presto! The number of limos falls by 254. With nary a mention of cupholders.
Reported by guardian.co.uk 43 minutes ago.
It's difficult to decide which is more troubling: the idea that the Obama administration may have gone on a limousine-purchasing binge, or the idea that officials may be incapable of telling a limousine from a shuttle bus.
According to new official figures, the federal government's limousine fleet was 62% smaller in 2011 than it was in 2010. That sounds great, for anyone concerned about budgetary bloat. The problem is that the actual number of vehicles is about the same; it's just that the criteria for what qualifies as a limo appear to have radically shifted.
The number of limousines owned by the government fell from 412 in 2010 to 158 in 2011, according to the annual fleet report released last month. On paper, it's a dramatic offloading of luxury rides.
But as the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) reports, the double-digit fleet correction comes on the heels of an even larger swing (percentage-wise) in the opposite direction the previous year, when the government added 174 limo to its existing fleet of 238.
That big expansion of the limo fleet raised a lot of eyebrows, and drew accusations that the Obama team was wasting money and ruining its own populist message. Populists don't take limos.
The state department, which acquired the lion's share of the new rides in 2010, told CPI that the limousines were used to ferry "distinguished foreign visitors" and that many of the vehicles were armored for safety, for work in dangerous places.
But now the government has changed its explanation of why it apparently acquired so many new limos in 2009-2010 – and the new explanation conveniently brings the limo count back to acceptable levels.
The count exploded, the General Services Administration explains, because agencies were incorrectly qualifying vehicles such as shuttle buses to be limos. Apparently the rash of inability to identify vehicles spiked just after the current president took office. Helpfully, the GSA has issued new, extremely specific guidelines as to what a limo is. A limo, a new government-wide memo states, "is a vehicle with a lengthened wheelbase, generally driven by a dedicated driver", including "privacy panels" and stretching. "Vehicles, including shuttle buses, without the aforementioned characteristics should not be reported as limousines," the memo says.
Presto! The number of limos falls by 254. With nary a mention of cupholders.
Reported by guardian.co.uk 43 minutes ago.
Indian man beheads daughter because he was 'upset with her indecent behaviour'
Indian man beheads daughter because he was 'upset with her indecent behaviour': A man in western India paraded his daughter's severed head through his village, after he killed her because he was upset with her lifestyle and "indecent behaviour"
Baroness Ashton caught on film panicking because she does not know what Serb president looks like
Baroness Ashton caught on film panicking because she does not know what Serb president looks like: Baroness Ashton caught on film panicking as she does not know what Serbian President looks like ahead of key meeting.
Dilma e Cristina, duas presidentes, dois estilos
Dilma e Cristina, duas presidentes, dois estilos:
BUENOS AIRES — As presidentes Cristina Kirchner e Dilma Rouseff se encontraram na cúpula do G-20 no México e, mais uma vez, as diferenças de estilo foram evidentes. Começando pelos pés. O salto altíssimo usado pela presidente argentina contrastou com o sapato escolhido por Dilma, como sempre, de salto baixo. De um lado Cristina, com suas longas unhas pintadas e seu relógio dourado, cabelos compridos e avermelhados, impecável, como se tivesse acabado de sair do cabeleireiro. Do outro, a presidente brasileira mostrava estilo bem mais simples, com seu cabelo curto e um conjunto de calça preta e camisa azul. Já Cristina, de vestido preto, continua com seu rigoroso luto, há quase dois anos da morte do marido, o ex-presidente Néstor Kirchner (2003-2010).
A foto, registrada pela Presidência argentina, é desta segunda-feira, em Los Cabos. As duas presidentes voltarão a se encontrar semana que vem, na cúpula de presidentes do Mercosul, na província argentina de Mendoza. Cristina certamente usará seus casacos de pele, pretos e Dilma algum modelito menos vistoso. As duas únicas mulheres do bloco não poderiam ter estilos mais diferentes.
BUENOS AIRES — As presidentes Cristina Kirchner e Dilma Rouseff se encontraram na cúpula do G-20 no México e, mais uma vez, as diferenças de estilo foram evidentes. Começando pelos pés. O salto altíssimo usado pela presidente argentina contrastou com o sapato escolhido por Dilma, como sempre, de salto baixo. De um lado Cristina, com suas longas unhas pintadas e seu relógio dourado, cabelos compridos e avermelhados, impecável, como se tivesse acabado de sair do cabeleireiro. Do outro, a presidente brasileira mostrava estilo bem mais simples, com seu cabelo curto e um conjunto de calça preta e camisa azul. Já Cristina, de vestido preto, continua com seu rigoroso luto, há quase dois anos da morte do marido, o ex-presidente Néstor Kirchner (2003-2010).
A foto, registrada pela Presidência argentina, é desta segunda-feira, em Los Cabos. As duas presidentes voltarão a se encontrar semana que vem, na cúpula de presidentes do Mercosul, na província argentina de Mendoza. Cristina certamente usará seus casacos de pele, pretos e Dilma algum modelito menos vistoso. As duas únicas mulheres do bloco não poderiam ter estilos mais diferentes.
Even Landfills Don't Want Fracking Fluid Waste
Even Landfills Don't Want Fracking Fluid Waste:
Two Kansas landfills near a fracking site have declined to take in the drilling fluid waste, citing a blanket ban on liquids that cannot be contained.
Gale Rose from The Pratt Tribune in Pratt, KS writes the Pratt County landfill rejected an unnamed drilling company's proposal after a nearby landfill with more advance control precautions, like a protective liner, also said no.
"If they (nearby Reno County) have concerns about it I definitely have concerns about it,” Dean Staab, director of Environmental Services for Pratt County, told Rose.
The fluid is actually a mud, Rose reports. If it were to be delivered dry, the landfills would consider storing it, she said.
Meanwhile New Jersey last week voted to ban the transport of fracking wastewater into the state.
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, a Democrat who's one of the measure's sponsors, said in a statement that allowing fracking waste to come into New Jersey is too risky for public health.
"Given the relative newness of this practice, the total damage inflicted during and after drilling is still unknown," Huttle said. "But the evidence is already mounting that fracking comes with serious environmental consequences."
Two Kansas landfills near a fracking site have declined to take in the drilling fluid waste, citing a blanket ban on liquids that cannot be contained.
Gale Rose from The Pratt Tribune in Pratt, KS writes the Pratt County landfill rejected an unnamed drilling company's proposal after a nearby landfill with more advance control precautions, like a protective liner, also said no.
"If they (nearby Reno County) have concerns about it I definitely have concerns about it,” Dean Staab, director of Environmental Services for Pratt County, told Rose.
The fluid is actually a mud, Rose reports. If it were to be delivered dry, the landfills would consider storing it, she said.
Meanwhile New Jersey last week voted to ban the transport of fracking wastewater into the state.
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, a Democrat who's one of the measure's sponsors, said in a statement that allowing fracking waste to come into New Jersey is too risky for public health.
"Given the relative newness of this practice, the total damage inflicted during and after drilling is still unknown," Huttle said. "But the evidence is already mounting that fracking comes with serious environmental consequences."
Teacher has kids hit 6-yr-old 'bully'
Teacher has kids hit 6-yr-old 'bully': A teacher forces 24 students to line up and hit their six-year-old classmate as a punishment for alleged bullying.
Denmark Pushes Through First-Ever EU Energy Efficiency Law
Denmark Pushes Through First-Ever EU Energy Efficiency Law: With the clock running out on its EU presidency, Denmark achieved on June 13 one of the chief aims of its six months in control of the European agenda. Negotiators from the Danish presidency, the European Commission, and the European Parliament agreed to the EU?s first-ever energy efficiency law, a package of measures estimated to reduce the bloc?s energy consumption by 17% by 2020.
Israel coloca tanques na fronteira com Sinai após ataque
Israel coloca tanques na fronteira com Sinai após ataque:
JERUSALÉM — Em uma ação incomum, as Forças de Defesa de Israel colocaram dois tanques próximos à fronteira egípcia nesta segunda-feira. A ação foi uma resposta à invasão de milicianos da Península do Sinai ocorrida mais cedo. Após cruzar a fronteira, os invasores balearam civis que trabalhavam na construção de uma barreira de segurança, segundo informaram autoridades israelenses. Um operário morreu e dois milicianos foram mortos após soldados israelenses revidarem em um ataque aéreo, horas depois.
O uso de tanques na região é proibido com base nos acordos de paz de Camp David, firmados entre Israel e Egito. A área deve permanecer desmilitarizada, sem a presença de tanques, artilharia ou mísseis antitanques. Segundo o jornal israelense “Haaretz”, os tanques já foram retirados e as Forças de Defesa israelenses afirmaram não planejar usar mais blindados na área.
De acordo com investigações preliminares, três homens invadiram a barreira fronteiriça entre Sinai e Gaza na manhã desta segunda-feira. Eles teriam instalado explosivos e esperado pela passagem de um carro. Quando isso ocorreu, detonaram a bomba e abriram fogo, matando um israelense.
Nenhum grupo assumiu a autoria do ataque, o que ressalta a crescente anarquia no Deserto do Sinai desde a queda do ditador Hosni Mubarak, em 2011. A tenente-coronel Avital Leibovich, porta-voz militar, reconheceu que os oficiais israelenses suspeitam da possível participação de milicianos palestinos da Faixa de Gaza, que também compartilha a fronteira com o Sinai. Os extremistas do Hamas afirmaram que os dois homens mortos no ataque aéreo integravam uma “missão de reconhecimento” e prometeram vingança.
A situação da segurança na região tem preocupado Israel, que após a saída de Mubarak já aumentou a construção da barreira de segurança na fronteira, em uma tentativa de impedir a entrada de milicianos e imigrantes africanos não autorizados.
Em agosto de 2011, o Egito enviou milhares de soldados com tanques ao Sinai, em uma tentativa coordenada com Israel de restabelecer a segurança na região.
JERUSALÉM — Em uma ação incomum, as Forças de Defesa de Israel colocaram dois tanques próximos à fronteira egípcia nesta segunda-feira. A ação foi uma resposta à invasão de milicianos da Península do Sinai ocorrida mais cedo. Após cruzar a fronteira, os invasores balearam civis que trabalhavam na construção de uma barreira de segurança, segundo informaram autoridades israelenses. Um operário morreu e dois milicianos foram mortos após soldados israelenses revidarem em um ataque aéreo, horas depois.
O uso de tanques na região é proibido com base nos acordos de paz de Camp David, firmados entre Israel e Egito. A área deve permanecer desmilitarizada, sem a presença de tanques, artilharia ou mísseis antitanques. Segundo o jornal israelense “Haaretz”, os tanques já foram retirados e as Forças de Defesa israelenses afirmaram não planejar usar mais blindados na área.
De acordo com investigações preliminares, três homens invadiram a barreira fronteiriça entre Sinai e Gaza na manhã desta segunda-feira. Eles teriam instalado explosivos e esperado pela passagem de um carro. Quando isso ocorreu, detonaram a bomba e abriram fogo, matando um israelense.
Nenhum grupo assumiu a autoria do ataque, o que ressalta a crescente anarquia no Deserto do Sinai desde a queda do ditador Hosni Mubarak, em 2011. A tenente-coronel Avital Leibovich, porta-voz militar, reconheceu que os oficiais israelenses suspeitam da possível participação de milicianos palestinos da Faixa de Gaza, que também compartilha a fronteira com o Sinai. Os extremistas do Hamas afirmaram que os dois homens mortos no ataque aéreo integravam uma “missão de reconhecimento” e prometeram vingança.
A situação da segurança na região tem preocupado Israel, que após a saída de Mubarak já aumentou a construção da barreira de segurança na fronteira, em uma tentativa de impedir a entrada de milicianos e imigrantes africanos não autorizados.
Em agosto de 2011, o Egito enviou milhares de soldados com tanques ao Sinai, em uma tentativa coordenada com Israel de restabelecer a segurança na região.
Google: government requests to censor content "alarming"
Google: government requests to censor content "alarming": BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Google has received more than 1,000 requests from authorities to take down content from its search results or YouTube video in the last six months of 2011, the company said on Monday, denouncing what it said was an alarming trend.
China, maior poluidora do mundo, lidera ranking de sustentabilidade da ONU
China, maior poluidora do mundo, lidera ranking de sustentabilidade da ONU: Índice de Riqueza Inclusiva é a proposta lançada na Rio+20 para avaliar o crescimento das economias contando também bens naturais e humanos. China, Alemanha e França lideram o ranking. Brasil aparece em quinto.
Organs to be taken without consent in Wales
Organs to be taken without consent in Wales: People in Wales could soon have their organs removed after death, even if they never expressly signed up to be donors when they were alive.
Arctic Vegetation Changing in response to warming
Arctic Vegetation Changing in response to warming: Recent years' warming in the Arctic has caused local changes in vegetation, reveals new research by biologists from the University of Gothenburg and elsewhere published in the journals Nature Climate Change and Ecology Letters. The results show that most plants in the Arctic have grown taller, and the proportion of bare ground has decreased. Above all, there has been an increase in evergreen shrubs.
"We've managed to link the vegetation changes observed at the different sites to the degree of local warming," explains researcher and biologist Robert Björk from the University of Gothenburg.
Shrubs and plants more widespread
Comparisons show that the prevalence of vascular species, such as shrubs and plants, is increasing as temperatures rise. The degree of change depends on climate zone, soil moisture and the presence of permafrost. Researchers working on the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) have been gathering data for almost 30 years.
"We've managed to link the vegetation changes observed at the different sites to the degree of local warming," explains researcher and biologist Robert Björk from the University of Gothenburg.
Shrubs and plants more widespread
Comparisons show that the prevalence of vascular species, such as shrubs and plants, is increasing as temperatures rise. The degree of change depends on climate zone, soil moisture and the presence of permafrost. Researchers working on the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) have been gathering data for almost 30 years.
Wait, Did This 15-Year-Old From Maryland Just Change Cancer Treatment?
Wait, Did This 15-Year-Old From Maryland Just Change Cancer Treatment?: If you're feeling inferior about how U.S. kids lag the world in science and math, or just in a funk about politics or the mess in Europe, take in this story of a high school freshman from Crownsville, Md. who came up with a prize-winning breakthrough that could change how cancer and other fatal diseases are diagnosed and treated.
Russia 'sending warships to Syria'
Russia 'sending warships to Syria': Russia is preparing to send two amphibious assault ships to the Syrian port of Tartus according to the Interfax news agency.
Steely Neelie: EU is crippled by its clueless tech-ignorant workforce
Steely Neelie: EU is crippled by its clueless tech-ignorant workforce:
Who will free us from this rabble of dunderheads?
Half of Europe's workforce is too tech-challenged to fill all the extra ICT jobs that will be knocking around in the next few years, the European Commission has said.…
Who will free us from this rabble of dunderheads?
Half of Europe's workforce is too tech-challenged to fill all the extra ICT jobs that will be knocking around in the next few years, the European Commission has said.…
Airport sells off Duchess's lost diamond tiara
Airport sells off Duchess's lost diamond tiara: The Duchess of Argyll, who lost five pieces of jewellery including a diamond tiara at Glasgow Airport, spotted one of them in an auction catalogue after BAA sold it off, it was reported.
Facebook to pay out $10m to settle lawsuit with angry users
Facebook to pay out $10m to settle lawsuit with angry users: Facebook has agreed to pay out $10m (£6m) to five users who were angry about their profile being used in adverts on the site.
Fabricated bank adds to China's list of fakery
Fabricated bank adds to China's list of fakery: BEIJING (AP) -- In a China awash with fake iPhones, pirated DVDs and knockoff Louis Vuitton bags, rice trader Lin Chunping took fakery to a whole new level: He invented a U.S. bank and claimed he bought it....
The little-known businessman shot to fame in January when state media reported that he had taken over Delaware-based Atlantic Bank. The unprecedented acquisition brought him praise: His hometown gave him a prestigious political appointment and state media called his business experience "legendary."
Reported by AP 28 minutes ago.
The little-known businessman shot to fame in January when state media reported that he had taken over Delaware-based Atlantic Bank. The unprecedented acquisition brought him praise: His hometown gave him a prestigious political appointment and state media called his business experience "legendary."
Reported by AP 28 minutes ago.
Printing money: How to create a currency
Printing money: How to create a currency: An IMF expert on creating new currencies reveals how it is done
Experts say the largest coin should be worth about 2% of the average day's wage and the smallest note should be worth 5% of the average day's wage.
Experts say the largest coin should be worth about 2% of the average day's wage and the smallest note should be worth 5% of the average day's wage.
German utility company turns back on nuclear plants
German utility company turns back on nuclear plants: Germany's second-biggest energy supplier, RWE, will stop building nuclear power plants, its future CEO has announced. It will also continue moving out of all nuclear projects that it is involved in abroad.
Black bears show counting skills
Black bears show counting skills: Black bears demonstrate they have counting abilities during touch-screen computer tests.
"We're really trying to differentiate between the ability to perceptually discriminate amount from actually quantifying a number of items," explained Assistant Professor Vonk.
"We're really trying to differentiate between the ability to perceptually discriminate amount from actually quantifying a number of items," explained Assistant Professor Vonk.
Colombia volcano spits out ash
Colombia volcano spits out ash: Volcanologists in Colombia warn of the activity of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano as a plume of ash and smoke continues to rise from its crater.
ONU: 800 mil pessoas fugiram de seus países em 2011
ONU: 800 mil pessoas fugiram de seus países em 2011:
GENEBRA — As crises na Líbia, Sudão, Somália, entre outros lugares, obrigaram cerca de 800 mil pessoas a fugirem de seus países no ano passado. O número é o mais alto em 11 anos, revelou a Agência das Nações Unidas para Refugiados (Acnur).
Um relatório disponibilizado na segunda-feira pela Acnur informou que, incluindo as pessoas que deixaram seus lares, mas não seus países, um total de 4,3 milhões de pessoas se deslocaram em 2011. A quantidade de refugiados que cruzaram as fronteiras de seus países foi a maior desde 2000, quando o número ficou em 822 mil.
No entanto, o número total das pessoas que ou eram refugiados, deslocados internos ou estavam no processo de asilo no final do ano passado caiu para 42,5 milhões, de 43,7 milhões em 2010. A razão é que 3,2 milhões de pessoas que foram deslocadas, mas permaneceram em seus países, foram capazes de retornar para suas casas, a maior taxa em mais de uma década, disse a agência.
De acordo com a organização, os números apontam para tendências preocupantes, já que o total de refugiados excedeu 42 milhões para cada um dos cinco últimos anos.
A Acnur também disse que os últimos números sugerem que as pessoas que se tornam refugiadas tendem a ficar nesta condição por um longo tempo. Dos 10,4 milhões de refugiados abrangidos pela agência, 7,1 milhões estão em exílio por no mínimo cinco anos.
O Afeganistão permanece como a maior fonte de refugiados, com cerca de 2,7 milhões. Em seguida estão Iraque, com 1,4 milhões, a Somalia, com 1,1 milhão, o Sudão, com 500 mil e o Congo, com 491 mil.
GENEBRA — As crises na Líbia, Sudão, Somália, entre outros lugares, obrigaram cerca de 800 mil pessoas a fugirem de seus países no ano passado. O número é o mais alto em 11 anos, revelou a Agência das Nações Unidas para Refugiados (Acnur).
Um relatório disponibilizado na segunda-feira pela Acnur informou que, incluindo as pessoas que deixaram seus lares, mas não seus países, um total de 4,3 milhões de pessoas se deslocaram em 2011. A quantidade de refugiados que cruzaram as fronteiras de seus países foi a maior desde 2000, quando o número ficou em 822 mil.
No entanto, o número total das pessoas que ou eram refugiados, deslocados internos ou estavam no processo de asilo no final do ano passado caiu para 42,5 milhões, de 43,7 milhões em 2010. A razão é que 3,2 milhões de pessoas que foram deslocadas, mas permaneceram em seus países, foram capazes de retornar para suas casas, a maior taxa em mais de uma década, disse a agência.
De acordo com a organização, os números apontam para tendências preocupantes, já que o total de refugiados excedeu 42 milhões para cada um dos cinco últimos anos.
A Acnur também disse que os últimos números sugerem que as pessoas que se tornam refugiadas tendem a ficar nesta condição por um longo tempo. Dos 10,4 milhões de refugiados abrangidos pela agência, 7,1 milhões estão em exílio por no mínimo cinco anos.
O Afeganistão permanece como a maior fonte de refugiados, com cerca de 2,7 milhões. Em seguida estão Iraque, com 1,4 milhões, a Somalia, com 1,1 milhão, o Sudão, com 500 mil e o Congo, com 491 mil.
Loss of biodiversity increasingly threatens human well-being
Loss of biodiversity increasingly threatens human well-being: Kelowna, Canada (SPX) Jun 18, 2012
The loss of the planet's biological diversity is increasingly threatening Mother Nature's ability to provide humans with goods and services like food, water, fodder, fertile soils, and protection from pests and disease, according to a sweeping review of 20 years of research by an international team of ecologists, including biologists from the University of British Columbia and McGill.
The loss of the planet's biological diversity is increasingly threatening Mother Nature's ability to provide humans with goods and services like food, water, fodder, fertile soils, and protection from pests and disease, according to a sweeping review of 20 years of research by an international team of ecologists, including biologists from the University of British Columbia and McGill.
Alaska's Tongass forest sparks battle over logging
Alaska's Tongass forest sparks battle over logging: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Environmental advocates readied for battle in Congress this week over what they maintain is an erosion of protections for the biggest, oldest trees in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, often called the crown jewel of the U.S. forest system.
Google removes 640 videos from YouTube promoting terrorism
Google removes 640 videos from YouTube promoting terrorism: Details of the new removals were released in the internet giant's latest Transparency Report which reveals requests by international authorities to remove material.
Though Google agreed with Acpo's request, it repeatedly refused to comply with others.
Paedophiles know more about children's homes than the police, MPs warn
Paedophiles know more about children's homes than the police, MPs warn: Paedophiles often know more about children's care homes in their area than police because of data protection and human rights rules, a stark report on the system by MPs warns
Euro Will Ride Out Greek Election But Not Failure in Spain and Mexico
Euro Will Ride Out Greek Election But Not Failure in Spain and Mexico: The ability of the Greek elections to inflict terminal damage on the Euro is now limited, though that won't stop short-term market reaction when the results are known tomorrow. The limiting factor, however, is Spain. The failure of the Spanish bailout puts Greece into context. Greece is now a sideshow. The problem is much, much bigger. The Euro will ride out the Greek crisis, because the EU can dredge up more money to face that one down. The bigger danger for the world is that nobody addresses the dismantling of the Euro, quickly enough.
Widespread Amazon and Internet Taxes Coming Soon
Widespread Amazon and Internet Taxes Coming Soon: Amazon taxes are not new taxes. They merely address who is responsible for collecting tax that's always been due on tangible personal property sales. Most states--45--have sales tax. If you buy online and have items shipped into one of those states you are liable for use tax, the mirror image of sales tax.
Six in Tokyo slammer after Android smut scam
Six in Tokyo slammer after Android smut scam:
Malware was distributed through adult site. Six men including three IT executives have been arrested in Tokyo in connection with an Android malware scam which netted them over 20 million yen (£160,740).…
Malware was distributed through adult site. Six men including three IT executives have been arrested in Tokyo in connection with an Android malware scam which netted them over 20 million yen (£160,740).…
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Obesity 'Threatens Global Food Reserves'
Obesity 'Threatens Global Food Reserves': Scientists are warning that if obesity continues to grow the world's population is in danger of running out of food.
Reported by Sky News 10 minutes ago.
Reported by Sky News 10 minutes ago.
Mental health 'shockingly' under-treated, claims report
Mental health 'shockingly' under-treated, claims report: Only a quarter of people under 65 with mental health problems are receiving care, according to a landmark report that is highly critical of the lack of access to therapy
Victory for free speech, jury affirms right to film police
Victory for free speech, jury affirms right to film police: Victory for freedom of speech and the press. A federal jury awarded damages to an Oregon man who was illegally arrested for filming a cop who he believed, was infringing on his First Amendment right to protest outside of a bank. Now, it seems that this guy had set up a table...
Did CO2 Cause Mass Extinction 252 Million Years Ago?
Did CO2 Cause Mass Extinction 252 Million Years Ago?: New clues in a mass murder that took place 252 million years ago points to a suspect: Ocean acidification may have driven the largest extinction of animals the world has ever seen.
Carbon dioxide belched out by volcanic eruptions during the Permian period could have caused the oceans’ chemistry to change. That’s worrisome because CO2 levels are rising today — thanks to the burning of fossil fuels — and pushing down seawater pH, researchers report online June 8 in Geology.
Carbon dioxide belched out by volcanic eruptions during the Permian period could have caused the oceans’ chemistry to change. That’s worrisome because CO2 levels are rising today — thanks to the burning of fossil fuels — and pushing down seawater pH, researchers report online June 8 in Geology.
Greek wildfire rages unabated near Athens
Greek wildfire rages unabated near Athens: ATHENS (Reuters) - A wildfire near Athens raged unabated on Sunday, burning rural land and sending some residents fleeing their homes, but firefighters said they expected to bring it under control within hours
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