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Curated News Edition

- 23/11/11

http://www.LibertyNewspost.com

Warm temps kick off holiday travel, but storm threats loom
(USATODAY.com News)

Philadelphia because of poor visibility, according to the Federal Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:33:30 AM Aviation Administration. Delays By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY there had dropped to about 20 Updated minutes by 11:25 a.m. ET, though Thanksgiving Day looks balmy the airport was likely to see offfor much of the country, but and-on delays much of the day. travelers in some parts could face In the New York area, delays weather delays Wednesday as averaging up to 45 minutes at they're heading out and over the Newark Liberty and up to 30 weekend as they return home. minutes at LaGuardia are likely to Find your local weather with The linger into the afternoon. W e a t h e r C h a n n e l z i p - c o d e In the West, poor visibility is lookup: backing up flights at San By J Pat Carter,, AP Francisco by about 55 minutes, Holiday travel season has only according to the FAA. Conditions just begun: A traveler waits with there could improve by the his family's luggage Tuesday at afternoon. the Miami International Airport. Few delays are being reported Today and Sunday are two of the elsewhere, but fliers should nation's busiest days for air travel. remain wary. What to expect for: Wednesday and Sunday mark The Eastern Seaboard. Heavy two of the nation's busiest days rains and scattered thunderstorms for air travel. prompted flood warnings and In the Northeast, where poor closed some roads across swaths weather is forecast for much of of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the day, delays averaging as much New York early Wednesday. as 45 minutes have been reported Snow mixed with sleet and m o s t o f t h e m o r n i n g a t freezing rain to make for

treacherous driving across parts of New England. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for northern New York State and most of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Up to 10 inches of snow is forecast to fall across those states today, according to AccuWeather. While the rain and snow continued in the Northeast, skies were clearing Wednesday morning along the East Coast from the mid-Atlantic into Florida. The Pacific Northwest. The strong storm that has been affecting the region will taper off slightly today, but yet another storm is expected to bring a round of howling winds along with heavy rain and snow to the area on Thanksgiving Day. The onslaught is expected to continue through the weekend. Wind gusts to 97 mph were reported along the Oregon coast Tuesday, and up to 85 mph in mountain passes and canyons, the

weather service reported. The Midwest. Temperatures will soar in parts of the central USA today and into Friday, with nearrecord highs in the 60s in the central Plains, about 20 degrees above average. While East Coast and Northwest travelers could endure a rough trip Wednesday, "the vast middle part of the country from the Rockies to the Midwest will have a great travel day," Weather Channel meteorologist Mark Ressler says. Ressler says that a big storm could develop by Sunday in the central and eastern USA for the return trip home, with rain and snow possible in parts of the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. "It could be a big, messy storm with lots of repercussions for ground and air travel." Contributing: Ben Mutzabaugh and Bart Jansen, USA TODAY; The Associated Press For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To

report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com. We've updated the Conversation Guidelines. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "Report Abuse" button. Read more. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Gingrich at center stage, national security in the spotlight


(USATODAY.com News)
Submitted at 11/22/2011 11:08:23 PM

WASHINGTON Republican presidential candidates clashed Tuesday on when to pull U.S. troops from Afghanistan, how to approach a hostile regime in Iran and whether to accede to cuts in the Pentagon budget as they sought to define themselves on national security issues. By H. Darr Beiser,, USA TODAY In the spotlight: Republican presidential candidates include Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich and Rep. Michele Bachmann applaud before Tuesday night's debate begins at Constitution Hall in Washington. Much of the attention was focused on Gingrich. By H. Darr Beiser,, USA TODAY In the spotlight: Republican presidential candidates include Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich and Rep. Michele Bachmann applaud before Tuesday night's debate begins at Constitution Hall in Washington. Much of the attention was focused on Gingrich. Just six weeks before the opening Iowa caucuses, the contenders drew clearer contrasts and challenged one another more sharply than before in a debate

focused on foreign policy and national security issues. Much of the attention was on a new front-runner, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who toward the end of the two-hour forum waded into one of the most contentious issues in Republican politics: Immigration. "I'm prepared to take the heat for saying, 'Let's be humane about enforcing the law,' " Gingrich said, saying some illegal immigrants who had been in the United States for a long time should be able to gain legal status. Such a policy would protect families, he said. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann immediately criticized the proposal as a "magnet" that would draw more illegal immigrants to this country. There were other disputes. Bachmann called Texas Gov. Rick Perry "highly naive" in calling for a cut-off of U.S. aid to Pakistan and other countries that don't support the United States. Romney and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman sparred on maintaining U.S. forces in Afghanistan. And former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain said he would consider having the United States join Israel in bombing suspected Iranian nuclear facilities, an idea

that Texas Rep. Ron Paul warned would be dangerous and unwise. The evening featured a reconfigured Republican field. In the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll released Monday, Gingrich edged Romney for the lead by a single, statistically insignificant percentage point, 22%-21% making him the sixth candidate or potential candidate to top the field this year in a roller coaster race. He is the latest contender to benefit from a search by some Republican voters, including more conservative ones, for an alternative to Romney. Gingrich, whose rise has been fueled by his performances in a string of debates, spoke with a characteristically professorial tone and laced his responses with references to U.S. history. Still, on immigration and defense, he took positions at odds with conservative orthodoxy, saying savings could be found in the Pentagon budget without endangering national security. Both issues could prove to be a

test of his appeal with GOP primary voters. Romney, in contrast, called for increased defense spending. The sometimes contentious forum was televised on CNN and co-sponsored by the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute. Many of the questions were posed by conservatives and neoconservatives from the two think tanks, including several veterans of past Republican administrations. The eight candidates arrayed across the stage at Constitution Hall, just a few blocks from the White House, faced distinct and pressing challenges: Cain was trying to recover from a video that went viral from a session last week with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board in which he struggled and stammered in response to a question about Libya. In the debate, however, he spoke less often than the candidates who have dealt with foreign policy issues in Congress or as a diplomat. Perry, who has fallen to single digits in national polls after once leading the pack, wanted to demonstrate a command of national issues after a string of stumbling debate performances.

He said he would impose a no-fly zone on Syria. Huntsman, a former U.S. ambassador to China, hoped to finally break through by demonstrating his foreign policy expertise. At the moment, his 1% standing in national polls just barely qualifies him to participate in the nationally televised debates. Also participating in the debate was former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum. In the opening exchange, the candidates differed on how to balance fighting terrorism with preserving civil liberties. Gingrich said he would support not only extending but also strengthening the controversial Patriot Act. "You want to use every tool that you can possibly use" against a terrorist armed with a nuclear weapon, Gingrich said. But Paul called the Patriot Act "unpatriotic." "You can prevent crimes by becoming a police state," he said. "You might prevent a crime. But the crime then will be against the American people." On Afghanistan, Huntsman said the time had come to pull out all U.S. troops, criticizing Romney's argument that he would listen to the commanders on the ground in GINGRICH page 3

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Headline/ Top News/ Policy/ Economy/

Merkel admits 'failures' in neo-Nazi investigation


(USATODAY.com News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 6:56:48 AM

GINGRICH
continued from page 2

BERLIN (AP) Chancellor Angela Merkel says German security services made "numerous failures" in not catching a small band of neo-Nazis before they allegedly killed 10 people, and promised the victims' families a full investigation. By Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images Anti-fascist protesters in Berlin Nov. 19 carry pictures of victims thought to have been killed by a neo-Nazi group. By Odd Andersen, AFP/Getty Images Anti-fascist protesters in Berlin Nov. 19 carry pictures of victims thought to have been killed by a neo-Nazi group. Merkel told Parliament on Wednesday that the "crimes were no more and no less than an attack on our democracy." She says "our responsiblity to the

redistributed. For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include victims is to undertake everything name, phone number, city and possible to clear up these horrible state for verification. To view our corrections, go to crimes." corrections.usatoday.com. We've Of the group's suspected founders, Beate Zschaepe, 36, is u p d a t e d t h e C o n v e r s a t i o n i n c u s t o d y w h i l e U w e Guidelines. Changes include a B o e h n h a r d t , 3 4 , a n d U w e brief review of the moderation Mundlos, 38 died in an apparant process and an explanation on murder-suicide as police closed in how to use the "Report Abuse" on them earlier this month. button. Read more. They're suspected of the 2007 This entry passed through the slaying of a policewoman and the Full-Text RSS service if this is killing of nine minorities over your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read more than a decade. Copyright 2011 The Associated the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentPress. All rights reserved. This only/faq.php#publishers. Five material may not be published, Filters recommends: Donate to b r o a d c a s t , r e w r i t t e n o r Wikileaks.

deciding when the mission was completed. A president "ought to be informed by a lot of different voices," he said. "This is not a time to cut and run," Romney replied. Tuesday's forum was the 11th debate of the political season. Two more are scheduled in Iowa next month. This entry passed through the

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China agrees to loan Venezuela $4 billion CanadianBusiness.com


(china - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:46:31 AM

Upstream Online China agrees to loan Venezuela $4 billion CanadianBusiness.com By AP | November 23, 2011 CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) China has agreed to a new $4 billion loan to help Venezuela boost its oil output and will also help upgrade power plants and increase production of iron and

aluminum, a Venezuelan official said... China agrees to loan $4 billion more to Venezuela to help boost oil production Washington Post (blog) China Development Bank to Lend Venezuela $4 Billion for Oil BusinessWeek Venezuela- China oil firms to boost output by 2014 Reuters Africa all 69 news articles

Pepper spray outrage - Reuters


(Top Stories - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:01:38 AM

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Wed Nov 23, 2011 11:35am EST

UC Davis students protest against police use of pepper spray. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is [unable to retrieve full-text

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Gingrich, Huntsman, Bachmann Likely to Shape Conversation After Debate


(The Front Page)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 2:07:00 AM

Jon Huntsman is at the back of the pack in the polls and Newt Gingrich is at the front, but their respective performances at the GOP presidential debate, sponsored by CNN, The Heritage Foundation, and the American Enterprise Institute, on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. will most impact the political discussion in the coming days. In a debate in which many of the questioners were associated with the neoconservative establishment that shaped much of George W. Bushs foreign policy but whose influenced has lessened considerably this election cycle, Huntsman emphatically stated that the United States did not need 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. In a testy exchange with Mitt Romney, Huntsman at one point asked Romney if Romney heard what I just said before explaining his position on Afghanistan again. When Romney mentioned that he would rely on his commanders and generals on the ground and disagreed with Huntsmans call for a withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan to better use the countrys military capabilities for counter-terror purposes in other regions, Huntsman pounced on Romneys

answer to remind Romney that, at the end of the day, the president of the United States is commander-in-chief. Further, Huntsman also went on to bring up the example of Vietnam, a war in which the socalled best and the brightest often turned out to be anything but that. This exchange put Huntsman closer to the primary electorate in the GOP and especially in New

Hampshire while making him seem more authoritative than Romney. Of more consequence, though, was Huntsmans linking the countrys economy directly to its foreign policy strength, or lack thereof. Huntsman said that our biggest problem is right here at home. So I have to say that our biggest problem is right here at home. And you can see it on every street

corner. It's called joblessness. It's called lack of opportunity. It's called debt, that has become a national security problem in this country. And it's also called a trust deficit, a Congress that nobody believes in anymore, an executive branch that has no leadership, institutions of power that we no longer believe in. Huntsman asked, How can we have any effect on foreign policy abroad when we are so weak at

home? We have no choice, Huntsman said. Weve got to get on our feet here domestically. Americans are increasingly frustrated with and distrustful of government and its institutions and want to throw them all out, and Huntsman may have found an issue -- the trust deficit -- that he can use to claw back into viability. That is something to keep an eye on in the days ahead. Gingrich, on the other hand, does not need to scrap his way back into the mix like he had to two months ago because he is at the front of the pack. He sparred with Ron Paul on civil liberties and national security and forcefully called for regime change in Iran. Gingrich turned in a commanding, calming, and convincing performance on the national security portion of the debate. But when asked about what he would do with illegal immigrants in this country, Gingrich gave a nuanced answer that distinguished between citizenship and legality. His answer could have the effect of giving him just enough conservative and establishment support to win the nomination while not losing his viability among potential Hispanic voters GINGRICH, page 10

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Top News/

Yemen's Saleh signs deal handing over power - CBS News


(Top Stories - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:16:38 AM

and towns across the nation, calling for democracy and the fall of Saleh's regime. (CBS/AP) Yemeni women burn veils to Updated at 11:56 a.m. ET protest crackdown R I Y A D H , S a u d i A r a b i a - US: Yemeni president renews Yemeni President Ali Abdullah resignation talks Saleh said he will cooperate fully Yemeni troops gun down antiwith his country's new proposed regime protesters unity government after he signed The uprising has led to a an agreement to transfer power to countrywide security collapse, his vice president. with armed tribesmen battling Saleh spoke Wednesday after security forces in different regions s i g n i n g a p r o p o s a l b y h i s and al Qaeda-linked militants country's powerful Gulf Arab stepping up operations in the neighbors aimed at ending his country's restive south. country's 9-month old uprising. For months, the U.S. and other Saleh spoke of the cost of the world powers tried to get Saleh to uprising to Yemen, but did not agree to a proposal sponsored by mention the demands of protesters Yemen's powerful Gulf Arab who called for his ouster. Instead, allies to end the crisis. he referred to the protests as a U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki"coup" and called a bombing of moon told reporters Wednesday his palace mosque that seriously that Saleh told him he will travel wounded him "a scandal." to New York for medical Saudi state TV showed a smiling t r e a t m e n t . Saleh sitting next to Saudi King Speaking to reporters in the Abdullah in the Saudi capital Yemeni capital Wednesday, the Riyadh as he signed four copies of U.N. Secretary General's special the proposal. He then clapped envoy to Yemen, Jamal bin Omar, briefly. said opposition and ruling parties Saleh's signature on the Gulf- agreed on a mechanism to carry brokered accord starts a new out the plan. chapter in the nine-month popular "The agreement is an important uprising that has shaken the Arab step for the people of Yemen to world's poorest country. Since solve the political crisis in the January, tens of thousands of country and move their country Yemenis have protested in cities toward a better future," bin Omar

said. The plan calls for a power transfer to Saleh's vice president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, within 30 days and early presidential elections within 90 days of the signing. It also calls for a two-year transition period in which a national unity government will amend the constitution, work to restore security and hold a national dialogue on the country's future. The deal gives Saleh immunity from prosecution contradicting one key demand of Yemen's opposition protesters. Saleh has repeatedly agreed to sign the deal, only to back away at the last minute. This time, though, a signing appeared more likely since Saleh flew to Saudi Arabia early Wednesday before the announcement was made. Yemeni state TV reported on Saleh's arrival in Riyadh and said Gulf Arab representatives who sponsored the agreement and European and American envoys would also attend the signing. In his statement, the U.N. envoy, bin Omar, praised Yemen's youth, saying the young people had "created the momentum" for change in the country and encouraging all "to invest in this historic opportunity." Still, Saleh's signing is unlikely

to appease the protesters on the streets, who demand more sweeping political changes. Protest organizer Walid alAmmar in Sanaa criticized the deal as a pact between Saleh's ruling party and a group of opposition parties, while ignoring protesters' demands. "They agreed. That's their business," he said. "For us, the revolution continues in the square." He said protesters set out not just to topple Saleh, but to get rid of corruption in Yemen's government. "If we see that the corrupt system is removed, we'll welcome it," he said, "not just replacing the corrupt people with others." Saleh had clung to power despite the 9-month-old uprising, daily mass protests calling for his ouster and a June assassination attempt that left him badly wounded and forced him to travel to Saudi Arabia for more than three months of hospital treatment. The unarmed protesters have held their ground with remarkable resilience, flocking to the streets of Sanaa and other Yemeni cities and towns to demand reforms and braving a violent crackdown by government forces that has killed hundreds.

Their uprising, inspired by other Arab revolts in the region that saw longtime rulers of Egypt and Tunisia go, has at times been hijacked by Yemen's two traditional powers the tribes and the military further deepening the country's turmoil. Breakaway military units and tribal fighters have been battling in Sanaa with troops loyal to Saleh, in fighting that has escalated in recent months. Security is particularly bad in southern Yemen, where al Qaeda militants from one of the world's most active branches of the terror network have taken control of entire towns, using the turmoil to strengthen their position. An impoverished nation of some 25 million people, Yemen is of strategic value to the United States and its Gulf Arab allies, particularly Saudi Arabia. It sits close to the major Gulf oil fields and overlooks key shipping lanes in the Red and Arabian seas. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Debate puts Newt Gingrich on defensive over immigration - Los Angeles Times
(Top Stories - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:28:57 AM

"Well, I don't agree that you would make 11 million workers legal, because that in effect is By Michael A. Memoli amnesty," she said. "And I also And just like that, another GOP don't agree that you would give frontrunner is on the defensive the Dream Act on a federal level. after another debate. This time it's And those are two things that I N e w t G i n g r i c h u n d e r t h e believe that the speaker had been microscope after he seemed to for." advocate what critics call a form The Romney campaign came of amnesty for illegal immigrants. down hard on Gingrich, while The former House speaker t a k i n g a s h o t a t a n o t h e r weighed in during an exchange on Republican who's taken heat on illegal immigration and border the immigration issue. security during Tuesday night's "I think Newt Gingrich is closer national security-focused debate to Rick Perry than he is to Mitt on CNN. Romney," Eric Fehrnstrom, a "I do not believe that the people s p o k e s m a n f o r t h e f o r m e r of the United States are going to Massachusetts governor, told take people whove been here for reporters after the debate. "He a quarter of a century ... [and] supported the 1986 amnesty, and separate them from their families even though he concedes it was a and expel them," Gingrich said. "I mistake he's willing to repeat that do believe we should control the mistake by granting amnesty to border. I do believe we should people who are today in the have very severe penalties." country illegally." He continued, "I don't believe Romney, Fehrnstrom said, that the party that says it's the "opposes amnesty, he opposes inparty of the family is going to say state tuition benefits for illegal its going to destroy families that immigrants, he wants to put in have been here for more than a p l a c e a s t r o n g e m p l o y e r quarter of a century. I'm prepared verification system with penalties to take the heat in saying: Let's be for companies that hire illegal humane in enforcing the law." immigrants." Minnesota Rep. Michele R.C. Hammond, a Gingrich Bachmann immediately seized on s p o k e s m a n , c o u n t e r e d t h a t the statement. Gingrich's position was being

distorted. "Newt is for the idea of a local community review board, where citizens can decide whether or not their neighbors who have come here illegally should find a path to legality -- not citizenship, which is two different things," he told reporters. The exchange on immigration was just one of the flashpoints in Tuesday's debate. Earlier in the debate, Gingrich on the offensive, berating Texas Rep. Ron Paul for saying he would do away with the Patriot Act, which the Texas congressman had called "unpatriotic" and a threat to individual liberty. "I'd look at strengthening [the Patriot Act] because I think the dangers are literally that great," Gingrich said. "That is unpatriotic because it undermines our liberty," Paul responded. "Terrorism still on the books, internationally and nationally, is a criminal -- it's a crime, and we should deal with it. We dealt with it rather well with Timothy McVeigh." "Timothy McVeigh succeeded," Gingrich fired back. "That's the whole point. ... I want a law that says you try to take out an American city, we're going to stop you."

U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan was the subject of another round of sparring between the candidates. Bachmann called Perry "highly naive" for saying he would cut off aid to Pakistan, which the Texas governor advocated because Pakistan had shown the world that "they can't be trusted." "And until Pakistan clearly shows that they have America's best interests in mind, I would not send them one penny, period," Perry said. Bachmann, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said in response that you "have to recognize what's happening on the ground." "They certainly aren't looking out for the best interests of the United States. I wouldn't expect them to. But at the same time we have to have our interest, which is national security, represented," she said. "The best way we can do that with an uneven actor state is to have some sort of presence there." Romney agreed, and defended a robust military presence in Afghanistan as well to ensure that it does not become a "launching point for terror." Jon Huntsman, the former Utah governor, said the United States

had achieved some major goals there, and needed to draw down its military presence. "We haven't done a very good job defining and articulating what the end point is in Afghanistan," he said. "I think the American people are getting very tired about where we find ourselves today." Romney said he would listen to the advice of commanders on the ground. Huntsman replied, "The president of the United States is commander in chief." Economic issues have dominated the Republican race for president, but with polls showing that no candidate has yet established a consistent, substantial lead, the issues raised Tuesday could further shake up the race. The Republican candidates won't meet again for a debate until Dec. 10 in Iowa. Kim Geiger contributed to this report. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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A Passionate and Articulate Advocate for Conservative Principles


(The Front Page)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 2:01:00 AM

by Al Cardenas 11/23/2011 Editor's note: We at HUMAN EVENTS are pleased to bring you this week a series of profiles from the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute. These are profiles of influential and prominent conservative women who have made a tremendous impact for the better on this great country. As Chairman of the American Conservative Union (ACU), I am pleased to honor my friend Cleta Mitchell, chairman of the ACU Foundation and a member of our Board of Directors, as one of the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institutes Top 10 Most Influential Conservative Women in America. From the opinion pages of the Washington Post, to the studios at Fox News or the left-leaning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, on Comedy Central, Cleta is a passionate, articulate advocate for conservative principles and a national leader of the conservative moment. And, right now, the stakes could not be higher. There has never been a more necessary time for leaders to lead. Approaching three years under the liberal management of President Barack

Obama, our nation is in perilfrom crushing debt and unconstrained federal spending to a discomforting loss of international political and economic standing in a world more complicated than ever. Thankfully, conservatives have Cleta Mitchell on our side. Cleta is one of the smartest Republicans I know. Iand a whole host of othersoften seek

her counsel and guidance on making tough decisions and communicating those decisions to our constituencies. She is a rocksolid-limited government conservative who believes deeply in President Ronald Reagans three-legged stool philosophy of uniting behind free market principles: a strong national defense, greater personal responsibility and traditional

moral values. Her leadership on ACUs Board has been a key guiding influence for our organization, especially as we look to inspire the next generation of young conservative leaders. Cletas passion for public service and willingness to publicly engage both her allies and opponents began early. She was elected student body president by her classmates at the University of

Oklahoma, where she would go on to earn her law degree, and later she was elected to and served for eight years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As President of the Republican National Lawyers Association, her impressive accomplishments in the field of law, especially in the areas of campaign finance and election law, are unrivaled. Cleta has long been a sought-after counselor, speaker and academic on many of the most pressing legal and political issues of the day. Shes testified before Congress, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the National Rifle Association, where she now serves on the Board of Directors, and has taught at storied collegiate institutions, from Harvard to George Washington University. With a track record like that, it is no surprise RedState founder Erick Erickson dubbed Cleta a conservative trench fighter who has helped more than a few conservatives out, including me. The American conservative movement owes a debt of gratitude to Cleta Mitchell for her leadership and poise and for always helping us navigate the most treacherous political waters while keeping us true to the PASSIONATE page 9

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Gratitude As A Business Strategy


Howie Jacobson (Fast Company)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:08:27 AM

Most of us are fantastic complainers. When someone doesn't meet our expectations, we let them know. We may even let their boss or mother know. There's nothing wrong with expecting excellence, and taking steps to get it. The problem is, we tend to take excellence--and thoughtfulness, and kindness, and joyfulness--for granted. When things go as we expect, we don't even notice or acknowledge it. Dennis Prager refers to this as the "broken tile" syndrome: look at a ceiling with one broken tile, and where is your eye naturally drawn? To the broken tile, of course. Not to the hundreds of whole ones. Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones - with ingratitude.--Benjamin Franklin Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.-William Arthur Ward Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.--Christiane Northrup If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "thank you," it will be enough.--Meister Eckhart To see if this is true for you, think for a moment about your

many contributions to the people around you. Do you get thanked enough for them? Does the gratitude-to-criticism ratio you experience feel right to you? Gratitude Deficit Disorder: A Global Epidemic Almost everyone I know, from pastors to parents, from cashiers to carpet cleaners, from architects to accountants, suffers from GDD: Gratitude Deficit Disorder. Despite all our good intentions and actions, we receive much more flak than gratitude. We are hungry for genuine appreciation and thanks. We want to know that

we matter, that our efforts are making the world a better place. And so do your customers and vendors and coworkers and friends and family. Think back on the past year. It's been tough for many of us, for many reasons. What have your business associates done that you are truly thankful for? An extra phone call? A volunteer effort? Special customer service? An unsolicited referral or testimonial? Between now and the end of the year, how can you communicate your appreciation? How can you fill the global hunger for

gratitude? How can you catch people in the act of goodness? Spend five minutes now making a list of people you are sincerely grateful towards. Then create an action plan to communicate your thanks, with no hidden agenda. Real Gratitude, Not Opportunistic Holiday BS I'm not talking about Thanksgiving sales fliers: "To thank you for your patronage, we're giving you 10% off all XXXL purple dress shirts from now until we make our sales quota." No, I'm talking about honest,

unselfish, respectful acknowledgment of another human being. Actually, I take that back--partly. Living gratefully is probably the most selfish thing you can do. In the moments when I am bathed in gratitude, for a caring gesture or a spectacular autumn morning, I feel phenomenal. And you can take that selfishness even further: When people notice that you thank them for their efforts, they'll naturally work even harder to please you in the future. GRATITUDE page 10

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Cain Signs Pro-Life Pledge


(Christianpost.com > Politics)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:26:59 AM

I am an associate Baptist Minister and am 100 percent prolife, Cain said in a written statement. I believe that all human beings have intrinsic dignity. [I] will work at all times to oppose government funding of abortion. I will veto any legislation that contains funds for abortion s. Cains written commitment on Tuesday may have come too late to give groups such as The Ffamily Leader, a pro-family Iowa group, confidence that Cain is completely committed to the pro-life cause. Cain becomes the eighth candidate to sign the groups pledge. The lone GOP holdout is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, whose inconsistent positions on abortion have kept many social conservatives from supporting his candidacy. Romney has refused to sign the well-meaning Anthony pro-life pledge, saying it is too broad and would have unintended

consequences such as limiting the presidents right to appoint qualified individuals to certain top -level cabinet positions. Karen McNeil, a pro-life activist and executive committee member of Life Choices in Memphis, Tenn., said Romneys reluctance to completely commit to the prolife issue is one reason why prolife supporters are leery of his intentions. Like us on Facebook Gov. Romneys hesitancy to sign pro-life pledges such as those proposed by Susan B. Anthony makes a lot of us nervous, McNeil told The Christian Post. We already have a president who supports abortion-on-demand and we need to make sure if we elect someone else, that they are 100 percent committed to the pro-life cause. It should be a really simple and easy decision for Gov. Romney to make. Bob Vander Plaats, the CEO of the Iowa organization The Family Leader, also said on Tuesday that the groups board of directors eliminated Cain and Texas Rep. Ron Paul for their list of

candidates they would consider endorsing. One of the reasons cited for Cain being marked off the list was his inconsistent statements on abortion and other conservative issues. Last month, Cain told CNNs Piers Morgan, "It comes down to it's not the government's role or anybody else's role to make that decision, when asked about abortion in the case of rape. The government shouldn't be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decisions that they need to make." Cain later clarified to conservatives that abortion should be clearly stated as illegal across this country and I would work to defund Planned Parenthood. Marjorie Dannefelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, was nevertheless enthusiastic about Cains latest support for the prolife pledge. This decision is consistent with the Herman Cain we have come to know, Dannefelser said in a written statement. He

understands the wound abortion is to America and especially to the most vulnerable among us people that Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger labeled human weeds. Specifically, the pledge ask candidates to nominate to the federal bench those who are committed to restraint and applying meaning to the Constitution; appoint only pro-life candidates to certain top cabinet level positions; and permanently end all U.S. taxpayer funding of abortion domestically and internationally. Be the first of thousands of iPosters by sharing your news, views, and analysis. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

China Beats US In Q3, Becomes Largest Smartphone Market By Volume TechCrunch


(china - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:30:25 AM

PASSIONATE
continued from page 7

principles that have long drawn conservatives together. Al Cardenas was elected Chairman of the American Conservative Union(ACU) after more than 30 years as a leader in the conservative movement. Mr.

Cardenas holds a law degree from Seton Hall (J.D., 1974) and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He and his wife of 32 years, Diana, reside in Key Biscayne, Florida. They have five children and four

grandchildren. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five

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AFP China Beats US In Q3, Becomes Largest Smartphone Market By Volume TechCrunch Learn More While smartphone adoption continues to pick up steam here in the US, new research from Strategy Analytics shows that China is hungrier for smartphones than we are. For the first time ever, China has pulled ahead of the United States in terms... China Outstrips US in Smartphone Market Wall Street Journal China now the world's largest smartphone market CNET China overtakes US as top smartphone market: study AFP Barron's (blog)- MarketWatch (press release)- BusinessWeek all 76 news articles

10

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Curated News Edition

GINGRICH,
continued from page 4

in the general election, or it could potentially allow his opponents to flank him from the right on immigration to chip away at his lead in the polls and drive down his positive intensity numbers among Republicans. If you're here -- if you've come here recently, you have no ties to this country, you ought to go home. Period, Gingrich said, before adding that, If you've been here 25 years and you got three kids and two grandkids, you've been paying taxes and obeying the law, you belong to a local church, I don't think we're going to separate you from your family, uproot you forcefully and kick you out. Immediately, Michele Bachmann disagreed: Well, I don't agree that you would make 11 million workers legal, because that, in effect, is amnesty. And I also don't agree that you would give the DREAM Act on a federal level. And those are two things that I believe that the speaker had been for, and he can speak for himself. But those are two areas

that I don't agree with. Romney also jumped in by saying, Look, amnesty is a magnet. What when we have had in the past, programs that have said that if people who come here illegally are going to get to stay illegally for the rest of their life, that's going to only encourage more people to come here illegally. Gingrich made clear that if someone has come recently to the United States illegally and has no ties to the U.S. that person should be deported--in addition to criminals. He said, We should have severe penalties for employers and should control the border first. Then, Gingrich reiterated what he has been saying at many campaign stops. I don't see how the party that says it's the party of the family is going to adopt an immigration policy which destroys families that have been here a quarter century, Gingrich said. And I'm prepared to take the heat for saying, let's be humane in

enforcing the law without giving them citizenship but by finding a way to create legality so that they are not separated from their families. While Gingrich made a nuanced distinction between citizenship and legality by emphasizing that these illegal immigrants should not gain citizenship but should have a legal way to stay in the country, his opponents may be able to jump on his words and frame him as a blanket supporter of amnesty. Bachmann can use this issue to get herself back in the game, particularly in Iowa and South Carolina. She had a strong showing on foreign policy, especially in describing Pakistan as too nuclear to fail, which was how an Atlantic Monthly/ National Journal cover story by Jeffrey Goldberg and Marc Ambinder described Pakistan. Rick Perry, whose candidacy imploded when he suggested that those who disagreed with his signing a Texas law that gave instate tuition rates to illegal

immigrants did not have a heart, can also hammer Gingrich as a supporter of amnesty and try to get back into contention. And if the race becomes a two person battle between Messrs. Gingrich and Romney, Romney could hit Gingrich on immigration to skim away just enough single issue voters to potentially put him over the top. Gingrich said that he is willing to take the heat for his nuanced stance on illegal immigration. How he handles the heat that will be turned up on him in the coming days may determine his fate. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Stocks slide on Europe, China worries CNNMoney


(china - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:39:14 AM

WISC Madison Stocks slide on Europe, China worries CNNMoney NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -US stocks slid deep in the red Wednesday, as eurozone fears rumbled on and a preliminary report showed that Chinese manufacturing slowed sharply.... US STOCKS-Wall St set for 6th losing day on Europe, China Reuters Wall Street falls 1 pc on Europe woes, China data Economic Times US STOCKS-Wall St continues slide on Europe woes, China data Reuters UK Financial Post (blog) all 84 news articles

GRATITUDE
continued from page 8

They may even start thanking you for your good work! Do you think it's possible that communicating an attitude of gratitude in your business could actually make you more money? Remember the cardinal rule of business: "Find a need and fill it." Who do you know who is a

masterful "thanker"? Do you have any stories or examples of gratitude as a marketing strategy? (If so, please share them in the comments below.) As Ken Blanchard writes, "All of us is smarter than any of us." Happy Thanksgiving. I wish you a holiday season filled with

abundance--lots of love, lots of kindness, and lots of gratitude. [Image: Flickr user AlicePopkorn]

Youthful Evil Eye Accessories Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Row Jewelry Line is Delicate and Young (TrendHunter.com)
(TREND HUNTER - The Latest Trends)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:18:03 AM

( TrendHunter.com) Their empire is expanding, and this time, the

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Row Jewelry line is the latest gem to the sister's collection. They have released three rings, two anklets and one necklace, and...

Curated News Edition

Top News/

11

Game Inventor Kim Vandenbroucke Talks Design Process, Board Game Renaissance
Tim McKeough (Fast Company)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:57:27 AM

Kim Vandenbroucke, Game Inventor .boxxy {display:inlineblock;width:280px;border:none;m argin:6px;vertical-align:top;} Photo by Brian Kelly When it comes to goofing off, Kim Vandenbroucke is a pro. As a board game and toy inventor, she has developed products such as Cranium Party Playoff for Hasbro, Barbie Mini Kingdom for Mattel, and Scattergories Categories for Winning Moves. Trained in industrial design, the 32-year-old Chicagoan mixes the fundamentals of product design with a passion for play. "It's about going beyond that first solution," she says. "You have to keep up with what's out there, what's been successful, and why it's been successful." That's one of the reasons Vandenbroucke launched the Game Aisle, a website offering reviews of what she considers to be the best new game releases. She hopes the resource will inspire folks to rediscover board games. "It's very social," she says. "Video games are great, but you all just end up staring at the TV." Here are some of the tools she uses to reclaim our attention. Meet Mr. Product"I love old

advertising characters--the styles, the names, the nostalgia," says Vandenbroucke. This book, by Warren Dotz and Masud Husain, offers a thorough look at the past, making it "a great place to get ideas." ($10, amazon.com) Dice When designing games, a set of normal white and black sixsided dice just won't cut it. "I have blank dice, dice with colors, and dice with skunks," she says. "I have them in giant cups behind my desk so I can just turn around and grab them." (Prices vary, chessex.com)

Wacom Cintiq 21UX"The more ideas I come up with and the quicker I can realize them, the more likely it is that I'll license something," says Vandenbroucke, who struggles with sketching by hand. With this display's undo function, "I can do some fabulous drawings in a third of the time." ($2,000, wacom.com) Deluxe Pit One of Vandenbroucke's favorite games, Pit "looks so lame because it's a commodities trading game," she says. "But it's awesome and so much fun." The Deluxe version

adds a bell to the action, which makes it even better: "Everybody loves a game with a bell," she says. ($18, winning-moves.com) Iwako Erasers When friends invited Sussman to Japan in 2004, she was torn between a beach trip to Ogasawara or a two-day hike to Yakushima to see a tree that locals said was 7,000 years old. "I was ready for an adventure," she says, and chose to skip the beach. In place of the sun and sand, she bought a bag of sea salt at a Tokyo department store. "It is delicious." (From $1, iwako.com)

Moleskine Sketchbook and Double-Pen Quiver"I have my little Moleskine with me always," says Vandenbroucke. But before she discovered the Quiver, she was often left scrambling to find a pen when inspiration hit. "I would end up forgetting a lot of ideas," she says. "The Quiver is so much better." ($13, moleskineus.com; $18, quiverglobal.com) Mille Bornes Vandenbroucke keeps her mother's 1962 edition of this card game close at hand. "It's GAME page 12

12

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Curated News Edition

Gingrich's Immigration Stance Could Alienate Iowa Voters


(Christianpost.com > Politics)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:30:55 AM

GAME
continued from page 11

illegal immigrants who have lived and worked in America for at least 25 years to remain with their families, possibly gaining a legal (Photo: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst) citizenship. Republican presidential candidate Gingrich said he is willing to former U.S. House Speaker Newt take the heat on his comments. Gingrich answers a question D r . L a r r y S a b a t o , t h e during the CNN GOP National distinguished professor at the Security debate in Washington, University of Virginia, told Fox November 22, 2011. News on Wednesday morning that Gingrich may lose support in the Earlier this fall, Texas Gov. Rick Hawkeye state. Perry defended his position on Theres a very strong anti-illegal allowing some illegal aliens to immigration contingent among receive in-state tuition at Texas the people who show up at the colleges and universities. The Iowa caucuses, said Sabato. heavy price he paid was a Thats where Gingrich hopes to substantial and immediate drop in make his breakthrough. He has to the polls. Some are asking if New do well in Iowa in order to Gingrich could suffer a similar compete in New Hampshire, fate. where Mitt Romney is doing very Moving away from the traditional well He came awfully close to G O P p o s i t i o n o n i l l e g a l Rick Perrys heartless comment, immigration, Gingrich said he which as we know caused Perry could not imagine an American enormous problems. that was not humane in enforcing Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) the law and would not allow and former Massachusetts Gov.

Mitt Romney wasted no time in jumping on Gingrichs comments, comparing it to a form of amnesty that could motivate even more illegal immigrants to cross the border. Like us on Facebook The failure of the federal government to enforce immigration laws costs federal, state and local governments billions of dollars annually, Bachmann said in a written statement released by her campaign. Our nation was founded on the rule of law, and we must ensure U.S. immigration laws are respected and enforced not only to preserve our national security, but to protect federal, state and local budgets, and to curb the unfair strain on our countrys job market. However, William Ghee, the political action committee chair for Americans for Legal Immigration, levied the toughest criticism against Gingrich,

suggesting that his campaign will implode. Newt Gingrichs campaign will noq take the Perry Plunge due to his support for DREAM Act Amnesty, Ghee said in a written statement. Newt Gingrich is finished! Former Bush adviser and political analyst Karl Rove indicated he thought Gingrich would not suffer any long-term damage over his comments. Youre never going to get everyone to agree with you every time, said Rove on Fox News. Be the first of thousands of iPosters by sharing your news, views, and analysis. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

a great reminder of how many generations can love one game," she says. "They just did the retro version of Mille Bornes, because great things don't go out of style." ($16, amazon.com) Toy catalogs"From the minute I went out on my own in 2006, I started collecting catalogs," she says of the pamphlets she picks up at trade fairs. "You have to make sure that you know what's already been done." [Photos by Brian Kelly] A version of this article appears in the December 2011/January 2012 issue of Fast Company.

Uncommon Knowledge Interview With Paul Rahe (Part Three)


(The Front Page)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 2:01:00 AM

by Uncommon Knowledge 11/23/2011

The administrative state ... grows by always offering people a helping hand. With that helping hand goes control. Uncommon Knowledge features

Hoover fellow Peter Robinson interviewing political leaders, distinguished scholars, and leading journalists. This entry passed through the

Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five

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13

Nokia Siemens Networks To Cut 17,000 Jobs, Phone Hacking Forces James Murdoch To Step Down, China As Biggest Smartphone Market
Nidhi Subbaraman (Fast Company)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:40:13 PM

Breaking news from your editors at Fast Company, with updates all day. Nokia Siemens Networks To Cut 17,000 Jobs. Nokia Siemens Networks has announced restructuring plans that will cut 17,000 jobs globally by the end of 2013. In a press release, the company explained that they would shift their focus to mobile broadband and mobile services. -NS James Murdoch Steps Down From U.K. Newspaper Boards In Hacking Scandal. James Murdoch, son of news media oligarch Rupert Murdoch, has just stepped down from the boards of U.K. newspapers The Times and The Sun. The move comes as the ongoing phone hacking scandal unravels in the U.K. and overseas, and effectively removes Murdoch from control of the British version of News Corp. --KE --Updated 8:45 a.m. EST Lovefilm Buys Netflix Ad Space. With Netflix approaching its 2012 U.K. launch date, U.K. movie

streaming service Lovefilm is fighting back. It just bought keyword ads on Google, deployed when someone searches for "Netflix" on the search engine. -NS China Becomes World's Largest Smartphone Market. In this third quarter, smartphone makers shipped 24 million units to China and only 23 million to the U.S., letting the Asian country overtake the U.S. as the world's largest

smartphone market. Over those months, shipment rates have grown by 58% to China and dropped 7% in the U.S., the BBC reports. --NS A pre-Thanksgiving Google Doodle celebrates the Hand Turkey. Google Spring Cleaning Purges Renewable Energy Project. The Renewable Energy Is Cheaper Than Coal engineering team worked on solutions to reduce the

cost of solar energy. Google will be shutting down the project and six other Google products as part of the "off-season spring cleaning series." --NS Indian Online Retailer Expects 10-fold Growth This Year."India's Amazon" Flipkart.com has told Bloomberg Businessweek that it is expecting a ten-fold growth this coming year. The Bangalorebased company was started by two Amazon alums in 2007, but

has seen a surge in growth this past year. Like many other web stores in India and China, FlipKart.com customers can pay for their shopping with cash or credit cards when it reaches their door. --NS China Reports Carbon Emission Cuts. A document on carbon emissions on China released by the Chinese government yesterday indicate that industries are becoming more efficient-reducing carbon emissions 20 percent between 2005 and 2010 per unit of gross domestic product. However, the overall carbon emissions from the country continue to increase year by year. China will join climate talks with other countries in Durban, South Africa next week. -NS --Updated 6:45 a.m. EST Yesterday's Fast Feed: Microsoft Buys VideoSurf, "4.74 Degrees" Between Any Two Facebook Users, HTC Is Building Facebook's "Buffy" Phone, and more.

14

Top News/ Business/

Curated News Edition

The 10 Things Pro-Family Iowa Group Dismisses Romney, Cain, Paul Investors Are Freaking From Possible Endorsement Out About Right Now
(Christianpost.com > Politics)

endorsement are former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:18:54 AM Santorum, Minnesota Rep. The evangelical vote makes up Michele Bachmann, Texas Gov. approximately 37 percent of Rick Perry and former Speaker of probable Iowa caucus voters so the House Newt Gingrich. In a t h e i m p a c t o f T h e F a m i l y statement released on Tuesday, Leaders endorsement could sway the group explained the rationale a number of votes to the endorsed behind their decision. candidate. Just how much the Each individual of the seven g r o u p s e n d o r s e m e n t w i l l member voting Board of Directors influence the caucus will probably e x p r e s s m a n y p o s i t i v e s o f not be known until the votes are Representative Ron Paul and tallied. But with a larger percent businessman Herman Cain. The of voters still undecided, it could stumbling block for the board make or break a candidates regarding Representative Paul future. dealt primarily with States If we are effective or if we can Rights as it pertains to the effectively coalesce even 30 sanctity of human life and Gods percent of support around a design for marriage. Regarding candidate it would be huge but we Mr. Cain, the board cited a first have to get there ourselves narrative of questions versus and were not there yet, Bob clarity on the key issues of life, Vander Plaats, the groups CEO, marriage, foreign policy, and told The Des Moines Register. presidential readiness. The board V a n d e r P l a a t s a n d h i s did not give consideration to organization led the charge last Governor Romney. year to oust three Iowa Supreme Like us on Facebook Court justices who legalized gay The elimination of Romney was marriage. not surprising given the Those still being considered for Massachusetts governor has not

spent much time in Iowa nor has he courted evangelical voters a fact demonstrated by his absence at last Saturdays Thanksgiving Family Forum in Des Moines. Vander Plaats compared the groups endorsement process to a three-legged stool. The three top issues are the personal core values of the candidate, their profamily vision and their ability to defeat President Obama. The board gave no definitive timeline in announcing their endorsement but said that it has committed to be prayerful, diligent, and expeditious in reaching a final decision. Be the first of thousands of iPosters by sharing your news, views, and analysis. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Simone Foxman (Business Insider)

aren't helping things either. The U.S. will slide back into recession. Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:42:37 AM Economic data has, on the whole, Investors are skittish right now, b e e n b e a t i n g e x p e c t a t i o n s with markets tanking and ominous recently, however there are a few headlines dominating the media. cracks in this painting. In fact, some are even saying that Consumer sentiment and initial there's actually just one reason j o b l e s s c l a i m s m i s s e s t h i s they'd be tempted to buy equities morning, an ominous economic right now: they're cheap! surprise index, failure of the Fear is moving markets right Congressional Supercommittee to now, and here are the biggest reach a deal on deficit reduction, worries on investors' minds right and a downward revision of Q3 now. France might lose its AAA GDP are just a few of the credit rating. headlines thinking that the U.S. Fears about a downgrade of might actually be headed for a French sovereign debt have been double-dip recession after all. moving markets all week. See the rest of the story at France has long been the subject Business Insider of downgrade speculation, but Please follow Money Game on now the credit agencies are Twitter and Facebook. a d d i n g f u e l t o t h a t f i r e . See Also: Meanwhile, yields on French CITI Presents CARBS: The 5 bonds are blowing out. Countries Dominating The Global China will experience a hard Commodity Markets landing. Asian Markets Are Mixed After HSBC Flash PMI fell to 48.0 US Super Committee Admits from 51.1 for November, a 32- Failure month low for the indicator. This Italian Yields Are Heading is stoking fears of a hard landing HIGHER, Rally Fizzling In for the Chinese economy. Europe The headlines we've seen about China's underground banking system over the last few months

Curated News Edition

Business/ News Wire/ World News/ Featured/

15

Look Who Just Passed Larry Page On Google+ (GOOG)


Matt Rosoff (Business Insider)

Lawrence lab SPORTS CHART OF THE worker 'made DAY: Albert Pujols Is Still Baseball's Most Valuable Player errors' Cork Gaines (Business Insider)

But celebrities have long dominated Twitter-- Lady Gaga is Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:34:42 AM on top with more than 16 million Google+ just opened to the followers, and Britney is number general public a month ago, and it 5 there. The highest ranking tech looks like the social network (or leader is Bill Gates, who's way whatever Google wants to call it) down at numer 42. i s f i n a l l y s t a r t i n g t o g o Please follow SAI on Twitter and mainstream. Facebook. Proof? Britney Spears just passed Join the conversation about this Google CEO Larry Page to story become the most-followed person See Also: on Google+. Larry Sullivan at Google+ Is Looking More And SearchEngineLand noticed the More Like Twitter, Not Facebook new victor earlier today. The Microsoft Employee Who Right now, 739,399 people have Was Busted For Tweeting Is Now Britney in their circles, while At Google Page is stuck at 739,344. HEY, LOOK: More People Are Page has been the most popular Saying Twitter Ads Are Pretty person on the site since late Neat October, when he passed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Data via Baseball-Reference.com Please follow Sports Page on Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:36:04 AM Twitter and Facebook. Justin Verlander of the Detroit Join the conversation about this Tigers and Ryan Braun of the story Milwaukee Brewers are this year's See Also: AL and NL (respectively) MVPs. T h e R e d S o x A r e S t i l l While both players were great this Struggling To Find A New Leader season, neither comes close to the So They Interviewed Bobby level of sustained dominance Valentine achieved by Albert Pujols. Check Out These Incredible Here is a look at the total points Baseball Stadiums That Were awarded in the AL and NL MVP Never Built voting over the last five years. As Everything You Need To Know you can see, it is Pujols, and there About Baseball's New Labor is everybody else. Prince Fielder, Agreement who like Pujols is a free agent, comes in second...

Mirror.co.uk

(Nation - Google News)


Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:49:05 AM

MSNBC's Sharpton Talks Politics, PieEating


Mark Hemingway (The Weekly Standard)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:30:00 AM

Nothing found for N2 _nj Php Rss Php?type=all


(Nothing found for N2 _nj Php Rss Php?type=all)

Telegraph.co.uk Lawrence lab worker 'made errors' Mirror.co.uk A lab worker made a series of errors in notes about clothes seized from a man suspected of murdering Stephen Lawrence, the Old Bailey has heard. Yvonne Turner used the wrong case reference number on forms linked to a jacket and cardigan seized from... Stephen Lawrence suspect's best friends investigated over death Telegraph.co.uk Stephen Lawrence jury hear Chisehurst defendant's case Bromley Times Stephen Lawrence murder trial: Police lab employee noted wrong case number on... Scottish Daily Record Evening Standard- This is Local London all 838 news articles

Psychiatric Disorders, Study Suggests 4. Chinese Earthquake Hero, Eulogized by State, 1. Foreigners Appeal for Justice Revealed As Fraud 5. Naked on Tiananmen Square: 10th Desperation Displayed on Streets Anniversary 2. Chinese TV Host of Guizhou Province, China Says Regime Nearly Bankrupt 3. (Video) M e d i t a t i o n M a y P r e v e n t This entry passed through the

Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Via Hot Air, here's the latest ad to come from MSNBC's ballyhooed publicity push. Those on the left like to disdain Fox News, but their chief alternative is a network that's hired a former cocaine dealer and agitator of race riots to deposit nacre like this before the porcine trough of the reality-based community:

16

News Wire/

Curated News Edition

China factory sector shrinks most in 32 months


(Reuters: Top News)

and underscored expectations that Beijing will lean more on policies to support growth than ones to An employee works on circuit fight inflation. boards at an electronic component "They are not going to want this factory in Hefei, Anhui province to go too far," said Tim Condon, August 1, 2011. head of Asia research at ING in Credit: Reuters/Stringer Singapore. "I'm not sure if it By Koh Gui Qing (PMI) is a tipping point but I BEIJING| Wed Nov 23, 2011 think it adds to the evidence." 10:28am EST Beijing has already announced (Reuters) - China's factory sector some selective steps, geared to shrank the most in 32 months in small business, to support the November on signs of domestic economy. HSBC said evidence in economic weakness, a preliminary the PMI of a sharp drop in PMI survey showed, reviving inflationary pressures meant worries that China may be Beijing had room for more slipping toward a hard landing selective measures if need be. and fuelling fears of a global "There remains no need to panic," recession. HSBC economist Qu Hongbin The steep fall in the HSBC flash said. "Easing inflation provides purchasing managers' index (PMI) room for more easing measures, to 48 in November from 51 in which will keep China on track O c t o b e r l a r g e l y r e f l e c t e d for a soft landing." domestic weakness as both output The sub-indexes for input and and new orders shrank even as output prices dropped around 10 export orders continued to grow. points each to below 50 to lows The flash PMI, the earliest last seen in April 2009. readout of China's industrial HSBC said the output sub-index activity, was the lowest since tumbled to a 32-month low of March 2009 and suggests the 46.7, a steep drop from October's factory sector contracted during final reading of 51.4 and new the month. A PMI reading of 50 orders suffered the biggest drop in demarcates expansion from 1-1/2 years to sink well below 50. contraction. Qu said the PMI data suggested The PMI unnerved financial industrial output growth in China markets already roiled by the euro will moderate in coming months zone debt crisis and a downward to an annual rate of 11-12 percent, revision in U.S. economic growth a pace not seen since 2009 when
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:28:40 AM

China was pulling out of the global financial crisis. Output has averaged close to 14 percent this year. The final PMI reading for November may be slightly higher than the flash number, a comparison of the data shows. HSBC has reported a flash PMI, which captures up to 90 percent of total responses, since February. On five occasions, the final PMI reading was higher than the flash reading; twice it was lower and the other two months it was unchanged. Kevin Lai, senior economist at Daiwa in Hong Kong, said the PMI data showed China's industrial production had started to contract on a month-on-month basis. "We see a 25 percent probability of a hard landing in the first quarter of next year," he said, meaning growth of less than 8 percent. GLOBAL GROWTH COOLS The Australian dollar fell to a six -week low after the data on concern that demand growth from Australia's biggest trading partner and export market will ease. Asia shares outside of Japan dropped more than 2 percent and U.S. S&P stock futures lost further ground as China's PMI added to the risk of a global recession.

A downward revision to U.S. third-quarter growth data on Tuesday had already put markets under pressure. Vice Premier Wang Qishan is convinced the world is heading into a major downturn, saying at the weekend that a "chronic" global recession was "certain", the most dire reading from a senior Chinese policymaker to date. Similar flash PMI surveys for the euro zone released later on Wednesday reinforced recession fears by showing the bloc's private sector contracted for a third month in November. The World Bank forecast on Tuesday that growth in the world's biggest economy after the United States would slip to 9.0 percent in 2011 and then to 8.4 percent in 2012, adding "the risks are tilted to the downside. China's export growth hit an eight -month low in October as industrial output grew at its weakest in a year. Up to a third of Hong Kong's 50,000 or so factories in China could downsize of shut by the end of this year, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries said this month. The exuberant Chinese property market is also coming off the boil, a factor HSBC said had weighed on the PMI. Average home prices ticked lower in October for the first time this year and property

sales fell. "Worse is yet to come," Conita Hung, head of equity research of Delta Asia Financial Group, said after the data. "Companies involved in shipping, exports and even banking and finance will be affected." Most analysts argue that China will keep to a policy Beijing has dubbed "fine tuning", under which it offers support to parts of the economy. These measures have included support for small businesses. In the latest move, the central bank effectively cut reserve requirements for five rural banks in eastern Zhejiang province -- a cradle of private enterprise -sources with knowledge of the matter said. Broader measures, such as a rate cut, are not warranted unless the downturn becomes much more serious. "We're not witnessing a collapse yet," said Connie Tse, an economist at Forecast in Singapore. "Policymakers are going to rely on selective finetuning measures." BANK RESERVE CUT POSSIBLE More aggressive policy easing measures are not needed because China's exposure to western CHINA page 21

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17

"Disastrous" bond sale shakes confidence in Germany


(Reuters: Top News)

reaching Germany," one of the more eurosceptic backbenchers in Angela Merkel's center-right By Stephen Brown and Noah government, Frank Schaeffler of Barkin the Free Democrats (FDP) who BERLIN| Wed Nov 23, 2011 are the junior coalition partners, 10:52am EST told Reuters. (Reuters) - A "disastrous" German The German debt agency was bond sale on Wednesday sparked forced to retain almost half of a fears that Europe's debt crisis was sale of 6 billion euros due to a even starting to threaten Berlin, shortage of bids by investors. The with the leaders of the euro zone's r e s u l t p u s h e d t h e c o s t o f two biggest economies still firmly borrowing over 10 years for the at odds over a longer-term bloc's paymaster above those for structural solution. the United States for the first time Investors were also unnerved by since October. reports that Belgium is leaning on "It is a complete and utter F r a n c e t o p a y m o r e i n t o disaster," said Marc Ostwald, emergency support for failed strategist at Monument Securities lender Dexia under a 90-billion- in London. euro ($120 billion) rescue deal The new bond promised to pay that had appeared done and out a 2.0 percent interest rate -dusted. the lowest ever on an issue of A special report by Fitch Ratings German 10-year Bunds. The suggested France had limited auction's average yield was 1.98 room left to absorb shocks to its percent, down from 2.09 percent finances like a new downturn in for the previous benchmark in growth or support for banks October. without endangering its cherished Ten-year Bund yields were last AAA credit status. up 12 basis points to 2.039 After one of the least successful percent versus 1.946 percent for d e b t s a l e s b y E u r o p e ' s U.S. T-notes. powerhouse economy since the GERMAN EXPOSURE launch of the single currency, the Finance Minister Wolfgang euro fell to 1.336 to the dollar and Schaeuble's spokesman told a European shares sank to 7-week news conference that the auction lows. did not mean the government has "The debt crisis is burrowing ever refinancing problems and few on deeper, like a worm, and is now financial markets disagreed.
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:52:05 AM

But it was a sign that as the bloc's paymaster Germany may slowly be pressured if the crisis continues to deepen. One senior ratings agency official said it could give Berlin cause to re-examine its refusal to embrace a broader solution. "It's quite telling that there has been upward pressure on yields in Germany - it might begin to change perceptions," David Beers of Standard & Poor's told a conference in Dublin. The borrowing costs of almost all euro zone states, even those previously seen as safe such as France, Austria and the Netherlands, spiked in the last two weeks as panicky investors dumped paper no longer seen as risk-free. "Bunds are starting to lose their appeal because markets have to believe the euro bonds story and Germany is very close to starting, essentially, to guarantee the debt of other countries," said Achilleas Georgolopoulos, strategist at Lloyds Bank in London. The crux of an acceleration of the crisis in the past month is Italian bond yields' jump to levels around 7 percent widely seen as unbearable in the long term, despite intervention by the European Central Bank to buy limited quantities. Determined not to be pushed

around by financial markets, Merkel is resisting calls, most notably from France, to allow the ECB to act more decisively. In a forceful speech to the Bundestag lower house of parliament, Merkel issued one of her starkest warnings yet against fiddling with the bank's strict inflation-fighting mandate. She also hit back at proposals from the European Commission on joint euro zone bond issuance, calling them "extraordinarily inappropriate." Shortly before she began speaking, French Finance Minister Francois Baroin told a conference in Paris that it was the ECB's responsibility to sustain activity in the currency bloc. "The best response to avoid contagion in countries like Spain and Italy is, from the French viewpoint, an intervention (or) the possibility of intervention or announcement of intervention by a lender of last resort, which would be the European Central Bank," Baroin said. STABILITY BOND The chancellor has said the EU treaty bars the ECB from acting as a lender of last resort and printing money to buy government debt. She rejected joint "euro bonds," dismissed a proposal to mutualise the euro zone's debt stock, and rebuffed attempts to allow the

bloc's rescue fund to borrow from the ECB or the IMF. Yet at the same time, she has declared that the only answer to the crisis was "more Europe" and won endorsement from her party to press for a fully fledged European political union based around the euro zone. The very public jousting over what to do next underscores just how divided European leaders are on how to resolve the turmoil which has accelerated to engulf big countries like Italy and Spain, and pushed out leaders in Rome and Athens. With time running out for politicians to forge a crisis plan that is seen as credible by the markets, the European Commission presented a study on Wednesday of joint euro zone bonds as a way to stabilize debt markets. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso unveiled proposals for much more intrusive oversight of euro zone countries' budgets and efforts to meet macroeconomic targets, and set out the options for introducing common euro zone bonds. "I welcome Barroso's proposals, which are a real step forward on many points," Dutch Finance Minister Jan Kees De Jager said "DISASTROUS" page 22

18

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Republicans bash Pakistan in debate


(Reuters: Top News)

American interests is nonsensical," said Perry, who has faded in polls after recent debate By John Whitesides stumbles but had a stronger WASHINGTON| Wed Nov 23, performance on Tuesday. 2011 5:34am EST Representative Michele (Reuters) - The Republican Bachmann, a member of the presidential hopefuls criticized House Intelligence Committee, U.S. policy toward Pakistan and called Perry "highly naive" and called for placing sanctions on said the United States should Iran's central bank in a lively and demand more from a "violent and substantive foreign policy debate unstable" Pakistan with nuclear on Tuesday. weapons. Newt Gingrich, a former House She called it "a nation that lies, of Representatives speaker, gave a that does everything possible that composed performance in the first you could imagine wrong. At the debate since he surged to the top s a m e t i m e t h e y d o s h a r e of polls. He backed an overhaul in intelligence data with us regarding immigration policy that would al Qaeda." include a guest-worker program Former Massachusetts Governor similar to plans condemned by Mitt Romney said U.S. aid to conservatives in the past. Islamabad could help "bring The debate, the second on foreign Pakistan into the 21st century, or policy in the last 10 days, featured the 20th century for that matter." sharp exchanges on a broad range The extensive criticism of of issues, including anti-terrorism Pakistan featured "nasty and laws, Pakistan and Afghanistan. provocative language," said The Republicans ganged up on Teresita Schaffer, a non-resident Pakistan and questioned whether f e l l o w a t t h e B r o o k i n g s the United States could trust it. I n s t i t u t i o n , b u t s h e s a i d a Texas Governor Rick Perry called Republican president probably Pakistan unworthy of U.S. aid would not change Pakistan policy because it had not done enough to much. help fight al Qaeda. 'COMPLICATED REALITY' "To write a check to countries that "I suspect that any plausible are clearly not representing Republican would have to deal
Submitted at 11/23/2011 4:34:12 AM

with the complicated reality in about the way the current administration is doing," Schaffer said. Democrats have criticized the Republican field for a lack of foreign policy knowledge, but the wide-ranging debate was substantive and devoid of major missteps. Jon Huntsman, a former U.S. ambassador to China, is the only candidate with deep foreign policy experience. In a discussion of ways to halt Iran's nuclear weapons program, Perry and Gingrich backed sanctions on the Iranian central bank. Gingrich called it "a good idea." "I think replacing the regime before they get a nuclear weapon without a war beats replacing the regime with war, which beats allowing them to have a nuclear weapon," Gingrich said of Iran. Eight Republicans participated in the debate at Washington's DAR Constitution Hall, which aired live on CNN and was the 11th for Republicans seeking the right to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012. Gingrich, as the latest in a series of conservatives to challenge the more moderate Romney for the top spot in the Republican race,

had the most to lose in the showdown. A series of recent polls gave Gingrich an edge over Romney, who has hovered near the top of polls all year but failed to win over many conservatives. Gingrich's campaign has soared as rivals like businessman Herman Cain and Perry faltered in the spotlight. But Gingrich could draw new criticism from conservatives with his support for an immigration overhaul with a guest worker program. If you are an immigrant with children who works, pays taxes and attends church, he said, "I don't think we're going to separate you from your family, uproot you forcefully and kick you out." The candidates largely agreed on the need to strengthen domestic surveillance and anti-terrorism laws but several warned of the potential threat to civil liberties. Gingrich said authorities should use "every tool that you can possibly use" to fight terrorism and endorsed strengthening the Patriot Act, the law passed after the September 11, 2001, attacks to expand police powers to battle terrorism. But libertarian Representative

Ron Paul said the law undermined personal liberties. "I would be very careful protecting the rule of law," he said. Former Senator Rick Santorum said he would back the use of profiling to give heavier airport screenings to Muslims, because they are "the folks who are most likely to commit these crimes." Cain refused to go that far, but called for "targeted identification" of passengers. He said profiling was "oversimplifying" the issue. The debate, co-sponsored by conservative think tanks the Heritage Foundation and American Enterprise Institute, is the first presidential debate in Washington since a 1960 face-off between Democrat John Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon that helped launch Kennedy's run to the White House. (Editing by Mohammad Zargham) This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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19

Want to Capture Bigfoot On Film? Permit Needed


(FOXNews.com)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:26:03 AM

The video shows a large animallike figure walking upright on a ridge on the top of Mount Monadnock, one of New Hampshires most popular hiking attractions. A group of tourists nearby are then interviewed. What is it that you saw? a mans voice off-camera asks. I saw a big hairy man-like creature on the top of Mount Monadnock, says a teenage boy, clearly having fun with the surreal scene. Were you afraid? another tourist is asked. I was horribly afraid, is the answer. No, its not the second coming of Bigfoot, its just performance artist Jonathan Doyle in his Yeti suit, who then acted as off-camera interviewer moments later. This is my art, he explained to a reporter recently. This is what I do for fun. Its about having fun and then posting it on YouTube. Its the YouTube posting that got Doyle kicked off Mount Monadnock. Park Rangers caught the video on the Internet and when Doyle came back to shoot a sequel, the rangers told him no,

claiming Doyle was a film crew, and needed a film permit. Doyle has now hooked up with New Hampshires American Civil Liberties Union and is suing the Rangers for violating his right to free speech. I am not a film crew, said Doyle. I am just a guy shooting a YouTube video like millions of other Americans. For years, the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation has required film permits for various commercial and film projects that require the scenic beauty of the mountain as a backdrop. The fee is $100. In addition, the film crew applicants are

dont have that kind of money. The Rangers say they can make anyone making a film apply for a film permit, even if the film is a YouTube video, and some legal observers agree. YouTube videos can be considered analogous to a filming, says Doug Burns, who argues the growth of the video site has changed the nature of YouTube. [YouTube] is widely disseminated to millions of people, he explained, so, required to provide proof of a $2 theoretically, it takes on a million insurance policy. commercial overtone. In a response to the suit, New I think thats absurd, responded Hampshire's attorney general Doyle. Im just a guy out there explained the policy, saying it is with some friends trying to have narrowly tailored to serve the fun. Related Video legitimate, significant, and Yeti Discovered in Siberia? substantial governmental interests Bigfoot enthusiasts search for o f m a n a g i n g v a r i e d a n d elusive snowperson competing uses of park resources, This entry passed through the m i t i g a t i n g t h e i m p a c t s o f Full-Text RSS service if this is commercial events, protecting and your content and you're reading it conserving the park, protecting on someone else's site, please read visitors from unwelcome and the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentunwanted interference, annoyance only/faq.php#publishers. Five or danger Filters recommends: Donate to Doyle says he simply cant afford Wikileaks. the hundred bucks much less the insurance policy. Im no Hollywood production company, explained Doyle. I

UPA tries to solve Parliament logjam, contacts Mulayam Hindustan Times


(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:40:18 AM

IBNLive.com UPA tries to solve Parliament logjam, contacts Mulayam Hindustan Times With Parliament's proceedings remaining disrupted for the second day on Wednesday as the opposition insisted on a debate on the price rise under a rule which entails voting, the government doubled its efforts to solve the impasse, reaching out to the... Govt, BJP reach truce, parliament standoff set to end tomorrow Daily News & Analysis After two days of ruckus, end to Parliament logjam in sight? NDTV Parliament logjam for 2nd day, no sign of end for rest of week IBNLive.com Deccan Herald- RediffMoneycontrol.com all 518 news articles

20

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Two New Cases of Alleged Sandusky Child-Sex Abuse


(FOXNews.com)

rocked Penn State, leading to the firings of legendary football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier. AP Nov. 5: In this photo Paterno is not the target of any provided by the Pennsylvania criminal investigation. But the Office of Attorney General, school's board of trustees fired former Penn State football him Nov. 9 because it felt the defensive coordinator Gerald coach did not go far enough in "Jerry" Sandusky, is escorted in alerting authorities after thenhandcuffs to a waiting police car graduate assistant Mike in Bellefonte, Pa. McQueary told him he witnessed an alleged assault in March 2002. Authorities are probing two new Two former university officials -cases of child sex-abuse athletic director Tim Curley and allegations against former Penn arrest to come from current he didn't have to post any VP of finance Gary Schultz -- are S t a t e a s s i s t a n t c o a c h J e r r y children. The other child sex- collateral to be freed, but his facing perjury charges for lying to Sandusky, the Patriot-News abuse cases against Sandusky status could change if additional a g r a n d j u r y a b o u t t h e i r involve alleged victims who are accusers surface and police file knowledge of Sandusky's alleged reports. new charges, as his lawyer fears. abuse. The two cases were reported less now adults. The former defensive coordinator His attorney, Joe Amendola, told The Associated Press contributed than 60 days ago, according to the newspaper, and the investigation for Penn State faces 40 criminal ABCs " Good Morning America" to this report. by Children and Youth Services counts for allegedly sexually that he anticipated more charges This entry passed through the in Pennsylvania is still in its initial abusing eight boys over a 15-year to be filed against his client in Full-Text RSS service if this is period. Sandusky, 67, has said he December. stages. your content and you're reading it "My concern is if they bring new on someone else's site, please read The agency only joins an is innocent. On Tuesday, a preliminary charges based upon new people the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentinvestigation when the allegations hearing was rescheduled for Dec. coming forth, that bail's going to only/faq.php#publishers. Five are made by victims still under 1 3 a t t h e C e n t r e C o u n t y be set, and he's going to wind up Filters recommends: Donate to 18. If the accusations are deemed C o u r t h o u s e i n B e l l e f o n t e . in jail," Amendola told the Wikileaks. Sandusky was released on network. credible, they would be the first $100,000 unsecured bail, meaning The child sex-abuse scandal has known cases since Sandusky's
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:26:03 AM

Leveson inquiry: NI under pressure over Kate McCann diaries The Guardian
(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:32:45 AM

Telegraph.co.uk Leveson inquiry: NI under pressure over Kate McCann diaries The Guardian News International has come under pressure to explain how it got hold of Kate McCann's private diaries and published them without permission in the News of the World in September 2008. Gerry McCann, the father of missing Madeleine, demanded a fresh... McCanns Tell Inquiry Of Distress And Disgust Sky News Kate McCann 'violated' by newspaper The Press Association McCanns: No respect shown for grieving mother or daughter BBC News stv.tv- Telegraph.co.uk- Press Gazette all 644 news articles

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Police Baffled Over Family's Disappearance in Florida


(FOXNews.com)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:26:03 AM

CHINA
continued from page 16

MyFoxOrlando.com Police in Florida say they are searching for a family of four believed to have disappeared from a motel. Authorities are appealing to the public for information after they realized that an entire family disappeared from a motel in Florida, MyFoxOrlando.com reports. The investigation began when Karen Burger, 57, was reported missing by her father in August. About six weeks into the search for her, detectives realized that Burger's daughter, Christina, her son-in-law, Allen Hilgefort, and the couple's two-year-old son were also missing. The four family members were last seen at a motel in Edgewater, Fla., in July, according to authorities. Police said there has been no activity with any of their bank accounts. "We're basically missing an entire family," detective Sgt. Eugene Griffith said.

Investigators said that Karen Burger is known to have drug and alcohol problems. Her elderly father reportedly waited a month to report her missing because he did not think it was out of the ordinary. But investigators said it's very strange that none of the other family members have surfaced yet. "We started trying to track down the daughter and son-in-law and came to some dead ends on that also, so now we determined that they're probably also missing and endangered," Griffith said. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Burger or the

demand is less now than it was during the 2008-2009 downturn and its dependence on exports for growth is lower, Qu at HSBC said. The underlying strength of the industrial sector is also stronger, he suggested. "It's not like 2008," Ting Lu of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch said. "This is not as bad. There's no need for China to be in a hurry to roll out measures. The central bank needs to become more flexible and watch the unfolding crisis. It's not the time for them to change policy stance." Still, like some other analysts, Condon said the selective measures could spread to broader measures in the months ahead as the economy weakens, so a cut in nationwide bank reserve Hilgefort family is being asked to requirements, currently a record call Crime Stoppers of Northeast high of 21.5 percent for big banks, Florida at (888) 277-TIPS. may be on the cards within three Newscore contributed to this months. report. Wang Hu, an economist of Click for more on this story from G u o t a i J u n a n S e c u r i t i e s i n MyFoxOrlando.com Shanghai, agreed but said a bank Police search for missing family: reserve cut could come by the end MyFoxORLANDO.com This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content- Matthew Holehouse (Finance only/faq.php#publishers. Five News - Business news from the Filters recommends: Donate to UK and world) Wikileaks.
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:55:09 AM

of the year. Chinese policymakers will also be wary of easing policy too quickly for fear of reigniting inflation after a long battle. Consumer inflation dropped from a three-year high in July of 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent in October, raising hopes the peak has passed. "Inflation risks are still on the radar," said Tse. "It'll be premature for the PBOC to loosen on the macro front." (Additional reporting by Kevin Yao and Langi Chiang in Beijing, Donny Kwok in Hong Kong, Masayuki Kitano in Singapore, Cecile Lefort in Sydney; Writing by Neil Fullick; Editing by Kim Coghill) This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Green energy could trigger 'catastrophic' blackouts


regional' electricity blackouts with multi-billion pound consequences, insurance giant Allianz has warned. 'Unstable' renewable energy sources increase the risk of 'supra-

22

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"DISASTROUS"
continued from page 17

in a statement. "It will, however, still be an uphill battle, for there are those who resist further discipline. "Eurobonds are not a magic solution to the current crisis and could even worsen it," he said. "We have to do first things first, and that means establishing strict supervision and enforcement of budget discipline." Another alarm bell for financial markets on Wednesday came when Standard & Poor's warned that credit ratings in the euro zone could come under renewed pressure if large parts of the currency bloc slip back into

recession, as expected, next year. Another round of poor data on Europe's manufacturing and service sectors on Wednesday added to conviction that the continent is heading into another recession. "With so much at stake, one would expect that some accommodation can be found between euro zone monetary authorities and national policy makers that balances substantive government policy actions with more aggressive steps by the ECB to counter a renewed economic downturn," Beers said. (Reporting by Stephen Brown,

Noah Barkin, Natalia Drozdiak, Veronica Ek, Eva Kuehnen; writing by Patrick Graham and Peter Millership) This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Tranny Streetwalker Shoots - Katsu Naito Captures Gay New York in the '90s with Westside Rendezvous (TrendHunter.com)
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Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:28:02 AM

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Over the Horizon: Obama's Trip a First Step in U.S. Shift to Asia
(World Politics Review: Articles)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 5:25:00 AM

President Barack Obamas recent trip to Australia highlighted, in a very deliberate way, a decision to shift U.S. attention and resources away from the Middle East and toward East Asia. Obamas remarks to the Australian Parliament, combined with his announcement of a new basing agreement at Darwin, on Australias northern coast, framed several days of discussions on the role that the United States would play in Asian power politics. Sam

Roggeveen of the Lowy Institute of International Politics, an Australian foreign policy think tank, suggested that Obamas speech in Canberra was as important and consequential as the Cairo speech of 2009. Of course, the speech itself is only worth as much as the underlying changes in policy that follow. In concrete terms, what does it mean when Obama that, as a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future? And how will we know that the United States is following

through on this commitment? One way that the speech and its attendant shift in U.S. military posture will have an impact is in how regional actors adjust their expectations of U.S. behavior. The important players in this regard include not just the U.S., China and Australia, but also India, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. This readjustment could reverberate through the defense and foreign policies of these nations, potentially in unpredictable ways. U.S. allies can be expected to act with more

confidence, while China might respond to what it perceives as a threat. For example, shortly before the Americas entry into World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt deployed the battleships of the Pacific Fleet to Hawaii from San Diego, even though the facilities at Pearl Harbor were not yet ready to maintain the fleet. This had the effect of sending a message to Japan, but also served to make the Pacific Fleet less ready for combat and more vulnerable to an attack, one that did ultimately come. Of course, no one expects

war to result from the current U.S. pivot to Asia, but China might feel the need to respond in some aggressive fashion. ... This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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23

East Asia Summit: U.S. and China, With ASEAN in the Middle
(World Politics Review: Articles)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 5:27:00 AM

It is usually difficult to judge with certainty the outcome of international summits in their immediate aftermath. But last weekends East Asia Summit in Bali, Indonesia, made at least one thing clear: The Obama administration has managed to mend the rift with the member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations that emerged under President George W. Bush. At Bali, President Barack Obama received strong and positive feedback from ASEAN countries. And in advance of the summit, he

strengthened the United States historic alliance with Australia, a country that seems to be emerging with a new role in the region. In this context, the People's Republic of China appears to have been left politically diminished. But it is worth noting that both economic and trade relations in the region reflect an opposite trend. ... This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Prince to visit region - Bendigo Advertiser


(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:11:44 AM

Anna Hazare wears a Gandhi cap but thinks like Taliban: SP Daily News & Analysis
(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:22:27 AM

Gulf Times Prince to visit region Bendigo Advertiser CASTLEMAINE will play host to a royal guest today when Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark arrives in town. Prince Frederik will visit Castlemaine's George Weston food processing plant this morning as part of his Victorian engagement on his

Australian... Princess Mary and Prince Frederik stick to the script Herald Sun Flowers key to royalty in Melbourne Sydney Morning Herald Royals welcomed to Melbourne ABC Online The Age- The Australian- The Canberra Times all 113 news articles

Homeowners reeling after bushfire loss - Sydney Morning Herald


(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:35:17 AM

Firstpost Anna Hazare wears a Gandhi cap but thinks like Taliban: SP Daily News & Analysis Anna Hazare's prescription to flog drunkards to curb alcoholism invited sharp reactions from politicians and activists Wednesday. Terming Anna's remedy as reminiscent of the Taliban, Samajwadi Party leader Mohan Singh said, While he wears a Gandhi cap... No peg to stand on Hindustan Times Anna Hazare faces Congress flak for comments on alcoholics Economic Times 'Anna's public flogging of alcoholics Talibani' IBNLive.com Zee News- Times of IndiaBusiness Standard all 122 news articles

Daily Mail Homeowners reeling after bushfire loss Sydney Morning Herald

"All my bits and pieces that make me are gone," says Marjorie Stewart, who lost her home in a raging bushfire in Western Australia's Margaret River region. She and husband Garreth are among dozens of people reeling

from their sudden loss in Wednesday's... homes razed in botched burn-off The Australian Burn-off destroys 20 homes near Margaret River Ninemsn Western Australia: Homes

threatened in South-West bushfire emergency NEWS.com.au ABC Online- Courier MailHerald Sun all 201 news articles

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Elderly care "failure" ITV.com


(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:36:55 AM

Mining profit tax clears first hurdle New Zealand Herald


(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:35:43 AM

ITN Elderly care "failure" ITV.com Care for the elderly in England is so bad that it breaches their human rights, a damning report out today has warned. The Equality and Human Rights Commission investigation found hundreds of older people are

being abused and neglected.... Basic home care help 'breaching human rights' BBC News Cruelty of the carers: Damning report into home help for the elderly finds... Daily Mail 'They know you are vulnerable' plight of older people in home care The Guardian Telegraph.co.uk- Mirror.co.ukThe Independent all 246 news articles

Aljazeera.com Mining profit tax clears first hurdle New Zealand Herald Julia Gillard has overtaken Tony Abbott as preferred prime minister for the first time in six months. Photo / AP Australia's Lower House of Parliament passed legislation for a 30 per

cent tax on coal and iron-ore profits as independent... Gillard battles to maintain mining tax tally The Australian Sour taste to Gillard's tax triumph Adelaide Now Parties trade blows over tax ABC Online Sydney Morning HeraldNEWS.com.au- Herald Sun all 928 news articles

Why I wrote to my MP about Keith Vaz's crusade against violent videogames


Duncan Geere
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:11:00 AM

India beats China in UN election - Economic Times


(Nation - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:28:25 AM

Cuddly Turtle Knapsacks - The Koopa Shell Backpack Will Transform You into an Animal (TrendHunter.com)
(TREND HUNTER - The Latest Trends)
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Moneycontrol.com India beats China in UN election Economic Times UNITED NATIONS: In a keenly watched election in the United

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The government's resident antivideogames moral crusader, Keith Vaz, has struck out against Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in an Early Day Motion put to Parliament. EDM 2427, asserts not only that Modern Warfare 3 makes players attack the general public, but also implies a link between violent videogames and violent video games players. Bizarrely, the EDM is titled Call of Duty 3, but given we've got no evidence that Vaz has played the game in question, we'll chalk that one up to an unfamiliarity with the subject matter. By: Duncan Geere, Edited by: Nate Lanxon Continue reading...

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Microsoft shoots down Google's Dart language


Stephen Shankland (CNET News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:15:59 AM

Google hopes to better the Web with Dart, but Microsoft has declared itself an opponent of the programming language rather than a potentially valuable ally. Google hopes Dart will address shortcomings in JavaScript, the programming language that endows Web sites with some brains. In a blog post yesterday, though, Microsoft said that improving JavaScript is the way to go. Five members of Microsoft's JavaScript team said the Dart sales pitch argues "JavaScript has fundamental flaws, and to support these scenarios requires a 'clean break' from JavaScript...We disagree with this point of view." Dart got off to a rough start, with Google alienating some potential allies with an insular early-stage development process. And allies are key: For Dart to live up to its potential, it needs support among browser makers. Microsoft's stance makes it look like it'll be very hard to build that support into Internet Explorer. In addition, Microsoft remains influential with programmers, and it just offered a very public vote of no confidence. JavaScript has the classic benefits of an incumbent technology.

Programmers are familiar with it, newer browsers are remarkably faster at running it, and many libraries of pre-written software such as jQuery make powerful features easily accessible to Web developers. Such factors mean a virtuous cycle of steady improvement that makes it harder for a more revolutionary approach to gain a foothold. And there are more improvements on the way--from Microsoft, from Mozilla, and yes, from Google itself, which continues to improve its JavaScript technology even as it preaches the gospel of Dart. The rise of JavaScript JavaScript began as a project at Netscape, back before Internet Explorer defeated it in the first browser war of the 1990s. Its name notwithstanding, JavaScript isn't actually related to Java, the Sun Microsystems language just becoming popular in the mid1990s, though Sun co-founder Bill Joy supported JavaScript as an easy-to-use companion to Java, said language creator and Mozilla Chief Technology Officer Brendan Eich. "I did the prototype for JavaScript in 10 days," Eich said in a history of JavaScript talk in 2010. It arrived in Netscape Navigator 2.0, the dominant browser of the day, and has steadily spread in

sophistication and popularity since. Its standardization, under the trademark-free name ECMAscript, has ensured many more than Netscape and its Mozilla descendant get a say in its development. Many expected Java to be the language that added interactivity to the Web, but JavaScript instead won that place. Now, despite plenty of rough patches, JavaScript is shouldering ever-heavier burdens. "In 1998, a complex JavaScript application was a few dozen lines of code. By 2008, leading-edge Web applications like Hotmail, Gmail, and CNN.com included hundreds of thousands of lines of JavaScript," said the Microsoft JavaScript team members, Shanku Niyogi, Amanda Silver, John Montgomery, Luke Hoban, and Steve Lucco. "Today, there are Web applications with a million lines of JavaScript. These Web applications look more and more like the applications we run on our desktops." Type inference's JavaScript speedup One potentially major change coming to JavaScript execution is taking place at Mozilla through a feature called type inference that's built into the upcoming Firefox 9. That version of Mozilla's browser is currently in beta testing, slated

to arrive before the end of 2012. Type inference gets to the heart of a fundamental divide between programming languages: the nature of variables that store information such as numbers or text. JavaScript is dynamically typed, which means that a variable can hold any sort of information. Traditional heavyduty languages such as C or Java, though, use statically typed variables whose nature must be declared in advance by the programmer. Dynamic typing adds flexibility, but it slows down program execution. And one of Dart's highprofile features is that it supported static typing. Dynamic typing is slower because a browser element called the just-in-time (JIT) compiler-which converts a programmer's JavaScript into the instructions a computer understands--must account for all the possible types a variable could be, said Brian Hackett, the lead type inference programmer, in a blog post. (For a lot more detail, check Mozilla's draft type inference paper (PDF).) Mozilla's hybrid type inference technology works by combining an analysis of JavaScript before it runs with further information gathered as the program runs. One person who has high hopes for type inference is Paul Bakaus,

CTO of Zynga Germany, which builds browser-based games. "One thing I was looking forward to looking at Dart was static types. If you have static typing in JavaScript, you could really drive performance," Backaus said. "Once you figure that out, there's not so much difference between typed languages like C or C++." And the performance is looking good, said Dave Mandelin, a Firefox programmer working on the Firefox's JaegerMonkey JavaScript engine. "JM+TI [JaegerMonkey and type inference] is looking good and on track for shipping with Fx9, with nice speedups pretty much across the board," he said in a blog post yesterday. ECMAscript improvements Microsoft has its own ideas for JavaScript--ideas that call for changes to the language, not just to how its browser runs it. Specifically, Microsoft promoted several new features at an ECMAscript standards meeting last week, the company said. The features would build several features into JavaScript's included library that programmers today must add on their own. Those features include a handful of mathematical and numeric operations, ways to process text, MICROSOFT page 29

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Can Publishers Find New Mobile Life With QR Codes? Link.me Thinks So.
Rip Empson (TechCrunch)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:14:03 AM

Youve heard the story before: The Internet forced many offline industries to adapt to new distribution media, find new business models amidst the rubble of old models, and accept the fact that peoples very behavior (and methods of consumption) were changing drastically. Do that or face the consequences. Some sadly thought it was just a fad. The Web has wreaked havoc on some of these industries more so than others, one of those notable victims being the publishing industry. Over the last few years, publishing companies have been forced to accomodate eReaders, tablets, social media, and a bevy of new multimedia channels. Perhaps more than others, theyve been slow to evolve and theyve struggled, because, as they say, Rome wasnt built in a day. (Even though it seems that apps can be.) Link.me, an Australian startup with headquarters in San Francisco, has been hard at work trying to find creative and costeffective ways for publishers to retain their print businesses while incorporating the new digital technologies that many readers have come to expect. To do so, Link.me started with QR codes

those pervading black-and-white pixellated squares that have come to represent bar codes 2.0. Publishers have incorporated QR codes onto book jackets for several years now, but due to (their seemingly institutional) hesitation, theyve been slow to integrate those codes into the actual text of their books, magazines, and so on. To better connect publishers with their audience (and give them a shot at acquiring new readers), Link.me has been forging partnerships with the top book publishers to launch trials, deals, promotions, and more through QR codes. The startups current client roster includes HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Penguin, Macmillan, McGraw-Hill and Random House. In October, Link.me signed with its newest client, McGraw-Hill, and as an example of the kind of work theyre doing, one of the publishing companys recent publications, The Zappos Experience, (written by Joseph Michelli) embedded QR codes in over 15 individual chapters. The goal was, of course, to bring The Zappos Experience to life, says Link.me Founder and CEO Antony McGregor Dey, and to allow readers to scan those codes with their smartphones to directly access multimedia content. For

example, a scanned code might open a Facebook page devoted to Zappos philosophy on Delivering Happiness or open video clips that offer a glimpse inside the Zappos conference room, and so on. Basically, these QR codes allow publishers to begin offering in their books the same extra features that music labels have added to albums over the decades or that the film industry adds to its DVDs. And with the growing rate of smartphone adoption and the ease of scanning, this kind of bonus content can stay digital and remain easy-touse. Link.me uses its mobile tags (along with mobile content) to try to get readers to register directly with the brand. The publishers, then, can gain direct access to their readers and attempt to build and maintain relationships with those readers through interactive content. Link.me essentially wants to give publishers the ability to build out direct marketing databases, propelled by the data gained from readers signing up for various extras and deals through their QR codes. As publishers aggregate data on customer interests, they can then target their marketing to readers based on their individual interests. And thats how Link.me is

making money; the startup charges publishers for access to their database, while usage remains free to readers. Through how-to videos on a kitchen appliance, for example, warranty registration, discounts towards future purchases, interviews with an author, free music tracks, Link.me wants to take any special content that a brand may have to offer and turn that into interactive content embedded within books. Dey says that he sees Link.mes service becoming a replacement for the old cardboard warranty registration cards you used get, but updated for the digital age, coupled with the goal of building direct marketing channels and retaining customers. And its not only QR codes, Link.me also offers these extra features by way of SMS and email. Through these tools, the startup has been building some good traction for their publishing clients. Dey said that response rates among readers have been as high as 20 percent of total books sales. In other words, if a book sells 300,000 copies, 60,000 of those readers are scanning QR codes or clicking through SMS. Dey said that even their lowest campaigns (in terms of response rate) have been above 4 percent. Compared to other comparable

marketing channels, like banner ads, which can average 0.2 percent click through rates and Facebook links which are even lower, Link.mes solution can have real value. Link.me, in several incarnations, has been around since 2008 (it was previously known as QMCodes) and has been operating in private beta for most of that time. Since its inception, the startup mostly focused on publishers, and thats where most of its current marketing efforts are today as thats where its found market penetration. But the Link.me CEO said that he sees opportunities for Link.mes model beyond publishing, especially in retail, whether it be for fashion, sporting goods, or kitchen appliances. Dey said that he and his team have made the Link.me platform adaptable, so that as adoption of NFC and image recognition become mainstream, they will be integrated as well. Link.me was initially angel funded by Andrew Barlow, the co -founder of online analytics company Hitwise and has also received some investment from the Australian government. The company is currently raising its series A. For more on Link.me, check em out at home here.

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Has the Windows Phone Marketplace Reached Critical Mass?


Dan Rowinski (ReadWriteWeb)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:30:00 AM

point where it can support a vibrant user base in the same way as iOS and Android. A little more than a year after Sponsor Windows Phone 7 was launched An analyst from Pacific Crest, to the world, the ecosystem is James Faucette, cut his prediction seeing some strong growth from for Windows Phones sold this Windows Phone Marketplace. quarter from 2 million to 500,000 According to a new report by with a note that the Nokia Lumia Distimo shows that the Windows had "no clear advantage over P h o n e M a r k e t p l a c e h a s other manufacturers' devices that downloads of 101,000 free would allow them to compete," applications per day and 20,000 according to the New York paid applications. The Windows 7 Times. Marketplace is 39 times smaller This is both at once true and not than the Apple App Store volume. true. We have been testing a The App Store is about 12.5 European build Nokia Lumia 800 times larger than the Windows (which had to be returned for a Phone Marketplace (500,000 apps firmware upgrade but is back to 40,000). The iOS user base is now). The hardware on the Lumia mammoth in in comparison to is impressive and easy to fall in WP7, with northwards of 200 love with. It feels a little heavier million devices sold against the than your standard smartphone at abysmal numbers for Windows first, but it is solid in the way that Phone (2 million devices shipped many Android smartphones, into the channel in Q3 2011). The BlackBerries or iPhones or even Nokia Lumia might help WP7 Windows Phones from Samsung a l o n g g l o b a l l y b u t t h e and HTC are not. Marketplace has almost reached a At the same time, the problem

difficult to use code from iOS and Android in creating an app for Windows Phone. Distimo reports that the Marketplace is adding 700 new publishers per month putting up 1300 paid applications and 1650 free applications monthover-month. Games are the most popular apps in the Marketplace, with tools & productivity, entertainment and travel/navigation the other top categories. The Marketplace is with Windows Phone is that, by currently available in 35 countries design, there is nothing really with a lot of localized traction different between a Samsung coming from South Africa (in version or an HTC version. Nokia games) and Japan, according to has the best hardware of the Distimo. bunch, but the UI is no different. IDC analyst Al Hilwa said in a Speaking with developers at recent note on the Marketplace, N o k i a W o r l d , t h e g e n e r a l "So far I am pleased with the consensus was that Windows application portfolio which I Phone is an easy platform to believe has already reached develop for. Microsoft provides a critical mass." p l e t h o r a o f t o o l s a n d t h e In testing the Windows Phone i n t e g r a t e d d e v e l o p e r with the Nokia Lumia, there environments are easier to work probably is a critical mass of apps with. The drawback to developing in the Marketplace, but it still for Windows Phone is that it is leaves much to be desired. Some

go-to apps, such as Qik, Pandora or any third party browsers are missing. If you are an iOS or Android consumer that is used to having any and all functionality you can think of in the App Store or Android Market, you will eventually find yourself disappointed. There are two aspects of Windows Phone that are fundamentally at odds. First, the Marketplace is becoming a destination that will have most (but not all) of the applications that users desire. That does not mean that Windows Phone will capture users' hearts and minds though, as Faucette points out. What it may eventually come down to is the huge eventual push into the United States by Nokia, Microsoft through partnerships with U.S. carriers. Discuss

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Microsoft to beef up SkyDrive following user complaints


Lance Whitney (CNET News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:49:25 AM

Microsoft is looking to make SkyDrive more user friendly.(Credit: Microsoft) Microsoft's SkyDrive online service has been too limited and complex for many users, admits the company, but improvements are on the way. Relying more on the cloud to store, sync, and manage both files and devices, people have increasingly run into obstacles with today's online services, says Omar Shahine, a group program manager for SkyDrive, in a recent blog. Though Shahine pointed to limitations in several cloud services, such as Dropbox, Google Docs, and iCloud, he didn't spare his company's own products. "We sometimes hear from customers who want to use SkyDrive in key scenarios but encounter limitations," Shahine said. "Over the years, we have built products that have been too complex. Often, we've asked customers to play 'system integrator' across numerous of our services and numerous other cloud services." Shining a light on SkyDrive, Shahine revealed some of the

criticisms that have been hurled against the service. One Twitter user asked why "synced storage" and "My Files" are separated instead of being used together. Another asked how to move files or folders on SkyDrive. One person questioned why the size of a video is limited to 100 megabytes when a full 25GB of storage is available. And another requested the ability to share individual files without sharing entire folders.

Shahine also cited stats showing low adoption of SkyDrive among certain power users, saying that only 10 percent of college students consider using it to retrieve or share documents. Aiming toward a brighter future for SkyDrive, Shahine outlined some key benefits offered by an ideal cloud-based service. Such a service would simply and securely sync files to the cloud and other devices and replace emailed attachments as a means of

which would directly tap into your Windows Live and SkyDriive accounts. But to achieve its goals, the company seems to be eyeing more of an evolutionary change for SkyDrive rather than a quick fix. "We know we have a ways to go to deliver a cloud that seamlessly connects today's files with tomorrow's modern device and app experiences," Shahine said. "We will measure our progress in meaningful releases that address feedback and bring us closer to our vision." I have a SkyDrive account that I use to sync and back up local documents automatically through Windows Live Mesh. But outside of that, I rarely log onto the service to directly store or work with files. And that's because it's sharing files. A certain amount of just too clumsy and limited. So I'd storage would be free, but users like to see what Microsoft can do could easily pay for more. The to improve SkyDrive and give me service would work across any more of a reason to use it. device and any operating system. This entry passed through the Further, it would cloud-enable Full-Text RSS service if this is your entire PC to store and sync your content and you're reading it your local content online. The on someone else's site, please read service would also work with e- the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentmail, photo software, and other only/faq.php#publishers. Five applications to let you organize Filters recommends: Donate to and share your content. Of course, Wikileaks. Microsoft has already outlined such a vision with Windows 8,

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MICROSOFT
continued from page 25

and globalization technology to more easily handle different currencies and date formats. In addition, Microsoft offered prototype software at its HTML5 Labs site that lets people try the technology. "As the Web transitions from Web sites to Web apps, and as Web developers build new experiences in HTML5, we know that JavaScript will also need to make this transition without compromising its simplicity, flexibility, or performance," the Microsoft JavaScript team members said. And without mentioning Dart directly, they called for evolution rather than revolution: "An approach that enables broad, incremental adoption by the Web developer community has the highest chance of success." Taking out the garbage Even if Dart were to take off tomorrow, there still is an endless amount of JavaScript on the Web, so running it fast is important for Google's "build a faster Web ambition. On top of that, another faction within Google remains committed to JavaScript and its next-generation "Harmony" changes. For those reasons, JavaScript performance is a top priority in the Chrome browser. Google has

been locked in a benchmark battle with IE, Safari, Opera, and Firefox for years, but now it's working on another JavaScript performance improvement: consistent performance. To that end, Google announced that the developer-channel version of Chrome now includes a feature called incremental garbage collection in its V8 JavaScript engine. It's designed to keep software responsive. "V8's new GC [garbage collection] reduces pause times dramatically while maintaining great peak performance and memory use," programmers Vyacheslav Egorov and Erik Corry said in a blog post. "The new GC in Chrome improves interactive performance and opens up new possibilities for the interactive Web." Garbage collection periodically frees up memory that a program claimed but didn't release, a very useful technology. But that process can hang up a computer while memory is tidied up. Incremental garbage collection breaks the process up into steps to reduce the pauses. Google measured its success with one of its V8 benchmark tests of JavaScript performance. "In our testing the maximum time to render a frame including pause

time is reduced from 272 milliseconds to 50 milliseconds," the programmers said. Good interactive performance is harder to achieve with larger JavaScript programs, because a larger amount of memory must be swept. Mozilla also is working on incremental garbage collection. "This stuff is hard, and we don't know how much tuning work there will be, but we're currently targeting IGC landing for Firefox 11," Mandelin said. Fiddling with the JavaScript engine is difficult but has paid performance dividends for all the browser makers--and for developers, too. Dart will have to offer very compelling benefits to dislodge the established language of the Web. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Spotify paying subscribers jumps to 2.5 million


Don Reisinger (CNET News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:05:20 AM

Compass serves up a 500m share buyback


Garry White (Finance News Business news from the UK and world)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:35:29 AM

Compass Group, the world's biggest caterer, reported a 5pc rise in full-year pre-tax profits and said it was focusing on fast

growing emerging markets to expand.

Spotify now has 2.5 million paying subscribers, the company announced in a blog post today. Spotify didn't say how the subscribers break down by country, but it appears that its expansion to the U.S. has been a significant factor in its growth. In March, the company hit 1 million paying subscribers before it had even launched its service in the States. Last month, Reuters reported that Spotify had 250,000 paying subscribers in the U.S. Spotify currently offers two paid plans. Its "unlimited" option costs customers $4.99 per month to listen to unlimited tracks with no ads. A "premium" option for $9.99 per month brings Spotify to mobile devices and includes an offline mode for listening to tracks. A key component in Spotify's gains appears to be the service's deep integration in Facebook. In September, Facebook announced that users could stream music from the social network, mainly through Spotify's service. Since then, Spotify chief content officer Ken Parks told Bloomberg, the

streaming-music provider has added 500,000 paying subscribers. However, there is some speculation that Spotify might be in trouble. Earlier this month, 200 independent music labels pulled their tracks from Spotify. Last month, the company was hit by news that both Coldplay and Tom Waits would not offer their latest albums on Spotify. But Spotify isn't ready to admit it has a problem. In fact, the company is planning to hold a press event on November 30 at 9 a.m. PT to talk about "what's next." The company has also reportedly said that it will focus on its plans for a "new direction" at the event. Spotify did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on how its paying subscribers breakdown across the world. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Technology/ Obituaries

Curated News Edition

The Squarest Black Bring On The Creepy! Friday Deal Finders: Faced.me Is Building A New Facial Recognition Mobile App Foursquare, Poorsquare
Alicia Eler (ReadWriteWeb)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:05:00 AM

Sarah Perez (TechCrunch)


Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:22:24 AM

image recognition. Thiago Teodoro, a manager in the Corporate Strategy division at HP, Hello, what do we have here? A is also helping advise the startup. new facial recognition mobile According to the companys app? Sure looks like it. The investor pitch, the Faced.me app company is called Faced.me, and uses proprietary technology to i t s u p c o m i n g a p p a i m s t o recognize a persons face in less recognize faces and then connect than 1 second by identifying those faces to users social different facial points. It then networking profiles, allowing you matches those faces to the social to friend and follow the people networking accounts for that user, you see. The company emerged allowing you to friend them on f r o m N o v e m b e r s S t a r t u p Facebook, follow them on Twitter Weekend in Brazil, but hasnt yet or connect on LinkedIn. Patents launched publicly. on the tech have been filed both The project reminds me a lot of l o c a l l y a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y Recognizr, the facial recognition t h r o u g h t h e P C T . mobile app from The Astonishing For now, the company can only Tribe (TAT), created prior to identify the faces of other TATs acquisition by RIM. Sadly, registered Faced.me users, who Recognizr remained a conceptual are required to provide a photo or demo app only it never arrived video upon signup. But Vanossi i n a n y m o b i l e a p p s t o r e . says the technology itself is Hopefully Faced.me wont meet already scalable enough to crawl the same fate. the photos tagged on Facebook, it T h e a p p s s t r a t e g y a n d just needs additional investment d e v e l o p m e n t t e a m i n c l u d e s to afford doing so. A l e x a n d r e R e s e n d e , T h a l i s The startup was chosen as the Antunes, Fernando Pauer, Pedro best by the Startup Weekend Saad, and Marco Vanossi, who judges. However, the judges, who previously created ClickPic, a included Dave McClure of 500 photo-sharing app that also uses Startups, Haroldo Korte of

Atomico Ventures and other top Brazilian VCs, gave Faced.me second place because it was clear the team had been working on the technology ahead of the weekend hackathon. Unfortunately for those of us who dont mind a little creepiness, most companies involved in the facial recognition space limit the use of the tech to tagging photos, not recognizing strangers. Google is rumored to have its own facial recognition technology developed, for example, but has held off on launching due to the ever-problematic creepy factor. Whatever. Creepy can be cool, you know just ask Facebook. In any event, the lack of other players in this space (TAT was scooped up by RIM, Polar Rose by Apple, PittPatt by Google) has left a great big hole startups can fill if they have the guts to cross the creepy line. Now, lets just hope the darned thing from Faced.me actually works if and when it arrives. Below, a demo video of the app in action this past weekend:

Even though Black Friday might be happening on Thanksgiving Day after dinner, there is obviously still an offline component to the whole ordeal. Location-based check-in service Foursquare, released an infographic on its blog yesterday that includes tips for finding deals. Users who are looking for an additional option can try Poorsquare, an app that uses Foursquare data to surface nearby locations where you can score free stuff. Sponsor Poorsquare is built with basic PHP/Javascript and not surprisingly, boasts zero bells and whistles. It is available in 85 U.S. cities and in London. Yesterday, it arrived in St. Louis. Some call Poorsquare"Foursquare for the

99%.". Co-creator Jeff Novich says that he's working on an iOS app. Meanwhile, the infographic from Foursquare shows that the top 25 retailers on Black Friday last year were Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Toys R Us and Macy's, respectively. Target, Toys R Us, Best Buy and Walmart are all offering Black Friday deals online one day early, too. Discuss

Vienna opera singer Jurinac dies at 90 (AP)


(Yahoo! News: Obituaries)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 8:15:33 AM

AP - Sena Jurinac, one of the Vienna State Opera's most celebrated performers in the

1940s and 50s in roles as both a soprano and mezzo-soprano, has died in southern Germany at age 90.

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DHS denies Illinois victim of Russian hackers


Chris Davies (SlashGear)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:28:46 AM

The Department of Homeland Security has denied foreign involvement in what was believed to be a sabotage attempt on utility equipment in Illinois earlier this month, claiming an earlier report from the states Terrorism and Intelligence Center was incorrect in its apparent findings. DHS and FBI have concluded that there was no malicious traffic from Russia or any foreign entities, as previously reported DHS spokesperson Chris Ortman told MSNBC, going on to insist that there was no evidence that login credentials had been stolen. An unnamed source inside the DHS later claimed that there are many reasons for a motor or pump to burn out and suggested that the organization had searched

through access logs to ascertain foreign involvement in the hardware fault. My understanding is that the company had some pretty good logs [of traffic in its system] and our people got access to those logs the security specialist revealed, though refused to go on record as they were unauthorized to comment publicly. Meanwhile, the FBI has confirmed it is looking into another possible case of hacking, with a Texas water system tipped to have been compromised. Schematics of the facility had been leaked online last week by an unknown hacker. The DHS and FBIs adamance about the Illinois fault is in contrast to a leaked report from the states own investigators. Over a period of two to three months, minor glitches had been

Blu-ray Movies Ripped Using PS3 LulzSec hackers swipe source code from Sony websites and post it online Fox News Twitter account hacked, Obama not shot Russian launch fails to put three nav satellites in orbit Sony Ericssons Canadian eShop latest hack victim: 2,000 user records stolen Russian Theater installs a cell phone blocker Russian dual-display 4G Android prototype gets video demo observed in remote access to the water districts SCADA [Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition] system the report claimed, with the login credentials said to have been stolen by an industrial software developer. The Illinois Terrorism and Intelligence Center is yet to comment on the discrepancy in findings. Relevant Entries on SlashGear.com US utility sabotage blamed on Russian hackers DHS denies Illinois victim of Russian hackers is written by Chris Davies& originally posted on SlashGear. 2005 - 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Wired 2011 video interview: Emer Coleman from the GLA


Olivia Solon
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:04:00 AM

It wasn't just the people on stage at Wired 2011 who had insights

to share; the delegation was also packed with visionaries. Wired.co.uk caught up with some of them in the breaks. Emer Coleman is the Greater London Authority's Director of

Digital Projects with responsibility for The London Datastore. She speaks to Wired.co.uk about collaborative consumption, real-time data

analytics, open data and public Wi -Fi. By: Olivia Solon, Continue reading...

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Curated News Edition

China Beats U.S. In Q3, Becomes Largest Smartphone Market By Volume


Chris Velazco (TechCrunch)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:25:37 AM

look at the manufacturer break down, and for the most part the winners are who you would While smartphone adoption expect. The two top vendors in continues to pick up steam here in the United States are HTC and the U.S., new research from Apple, who together account for Strategy Analytics shows that almost half of all smartphones China is hungrier for smartphones sold in the country during Q3. than we are. For the first time Meanwhile in China, Nokia and ever, China has pulled ahead of Samsung take the top two spots, the United States in terms of the with each company accounting for number of smartphones shipped. 28.5% and 17.6% of the market Those expecting a huge blowout respectively. may be a bit disappointed by the Nokia in particular had a good r e s u l t s : w h i l e 2 3 m i l l i o n quarter in China, as they shipped smartphones were shipped in the more units (6.8 million) than United States during Q3 2011, anyone else. The big question for China squeeked by with nearly 24 Nokia is whether or not that million units sold. With that, momentum will continue once China has become the worlds they complete their transition to largest smartphone market by Windows Phone. Microsoft has volume. Given that China has the been eyeing the Chinese market most cell phone users in the for a while now, and their world, it may not come as a huge forthcoming Tango version of shock, but companies looking to Windows Phone is reportedly break into the mobile space have meant to break into China and yet another reason to consider other emerging markets. China carefully. Chinas smartphone boom also Strategy Analytics also took a helps explain why their app

downloads have gone through the roof; recent data from Flurry indicates that China is also experiencing a huge uptick in the number of apps downloaded, although the existence of multiple independent app stores certainly doesnt hurt. Manufacturer market share is great, but what Id really like to see is a breakdown of mobile OS usage. Strategy Analytics Director Tom Kang notes that the Chinese smartphone surge is thanks in large part to the aggressive subsidizing by operators of highend models like the Apple iPhone, and an emerging wave of low-cost Android models from local Chinese brands such as ZTE. I would imagine that those low-end Android devices are beginning to supplant the feature phone as the device of choice for first-time users, but Apples smartphones enjoys considerable popularity (even if many of them are being used unofficially).

Apps launched for safer minicab journeys in the Capital


Katie Scott
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:25:00 AM

A 25-year-old graduate has taken an award from Kingston University and created a safe minicab service that he hopes to roll out nationwide early next year. Jayesh Hirani has launched Safer

Minicabs, which offers access to minicab firms that his company has vetted, via BlackBerry, Android and iPhone apps. The venture is being supported by Camden Council and is part funded by the UnLtd foundation. By: Katie Scott, Edited by: Nate Lanxon Continue reading...

Gen. Clark: 'Excellent Debate'


Daniel Halper (The Weekly Standard)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:10:00 AM

General Wesley Clark, a liberal

advocate who eventually endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, praised the Republican candidates for an "excellent debate" in an

appearance on MSNBC this morning: From the perspective of the democracy, General Clark says, I thought this was an excellent

debate. I thought people around the world who would have see this would have looked at this and said, boy, those Americans, they know what they're doing.

Curated News Edition

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33

Music Industry Wants $17 Billion From Streaming Site Grooveshark


John Paul Titlow (ReadWriteWeb)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:15:00 AM

The 10 Things Investors Are Freaking Out About Right Now


Simone Foxman (Money Game)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:42:00 AM

The music streaming site Grooveshark is no stranger to the ire of the music industry. The service's approach to hosting and streaming songs has resulted in a barrage of criticism from industry players, as well as a handful of lawsuits. The latest lawsuit is actually the second one to be filed by Universal Music Group, the biggest of the major record companies. This time, UMG is suing over a claim that Grooveshark employees were required to bulk-upload music files to the service, and even got a monetary bonus for beating their upload quota. The lawsuit demands $150,000 per alleged infringement, which works out to about $17 billion, as Digital Music News points out. Sponsor The accusation came from an anonymous blog comment left by somebody purporting to be a Grooveshark employee. "We are assigned a predetermined number of weekly uploads to the system

and get a small extra bonus if we manage to go above that (not easy)," they wrote. "The assignments are assumed as direct orders from the top to the bottom." Pretty scandalous stuff, but it is an anonymous comment on a blog. It could have been made by anybody, including a disgruntled intern or somebody working for a competing service. Or it could be accurate, in which case Grooveshark's legal defense had better be rock solid. This is only the latest in a series of legal challenges faced by Grooveshark. What makes the site so controversial is the way it handles the licensing, hosting and distribution of music. Rather than

The U.S. will slide back into recession. Economic data has, on the whole, taking the legally bulletproof Investors are skittish right now, b e e n b e a t i n g e x p e c t a t i o n s route of companies like Apple, with markets tanking and ominous recently, however there are a few Google or Spotify, Grooveshark headlines dominating the media. cracks in this painting. relies heavily on user-submitted In fact, some are even saying that Consumer sentiment and initial audio files, which are then there's actually just one reason j o b l e s s c l a i m s m i s s e s t h i s available to other users on the they'd be tempted to buy equities morning, an ominous economic service. As a result, the content right now: they're cheap! surprise index, failure of the library on Grooveshark isn't Fear is moving markets right Congressional Supercommittee to limited to commercially-released now, and here are the biggest reach a deal on deficit reduction, albums. Music fans can use the worries on investors' minds right and a downward revision of Q3 site to find bootlegs of concerts now. France might lose its AAA GDP are just a few of the and other rare material. credit rating. headlines thinking that the U.S. As a consequence of the ongoing Fears about a downgrade of might actually be headed for a litigation, Grooveshark's mobile French sovereign debt have been double-dip recession after all. presence has been hampered. moving markets all week. See the rest of the story at Earlier this year, its app was France has long been the subject Business Insider pulled from the Android Market, of downgrade speculation, but Please follow Money Game on although can still be accesed from now the credit agencies are Twitter and Facebook. the browser on Android-based a d d i n g f u e l t o t h a t f i r e . See Also: phones. Meanwhile, yields on French CITI Presents CARBS: The 5 Despite an HTML5 redesign, the bonds are blowing out. Countries Dominating The Global site's player still utilizes Flash, China will experience a hard Commodity Markets and thus won't work on iOS. That landing. Asian Markets Are Mixed After normally wouldn't be a big deal, HSBC Flash PMI fell to 48.0 US Super Committee Admits except that Apple has pulled and from 51.1 for November, a 32- Failure banned the service's iOS app from month low for the indicator. This All Of The Reasons Everyone the App Store over the legal is stoking fears of a hard landing Is Freaking Over France controversy. Users with for the Chinese economy. jailbroken iPhones can still get The headlines we've seen about Presented By: Win New Grooveshark from Cydia. China's underground banking C u s t o m e r s Discuss system over the last few months Ads by Pheedo aren't helping things either.

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Curated News Edition

Kyobo mirasol eReader flaunts color e-paper on video


Chris Davies (SlashGear)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:49:57 AM

Uncle Sarko Demands Your Freedom


Tyler Durden
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:19:36 AM

Qualcomm still hasnt announced any plans for a mirasol-based ereader outside of the Kyobo model launched in Korea this week, so were having to make do with vicarious enjoyment such as this live demo of the color device in question. Fresh to YouTube and apparently filmed at a display section in one of Kyobos retail stores, the eReader looks pleasingly responsive with its 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The color e-paper is the star of the show here, however, and it looks fantastic with Qualcomms front-light LED illumination system. That uses a bezelmounted light source to mimic direct sunlight on the transflective display: unlike a regular LCD panel, which is washed out in direct lighting, the mirasol screen only gets brighter the more light shining on it. Theres an interesting point in the video, at around the 1:10 mark, where the front-light goes out and the mirasol screen is left to work solely with ambient lighting. Colors become more muted at that

point, though its worth remembering even without the LEDs the screen quality can be impressive. Were hoping to get our hands on a Kyobo unit soon, and Qualcomm is expected to make more mirasol product announcements at CES 2012 in January. [ via The Digital Reader] Relevant Entries on SlashGear.com Kyobo eReader delivers mirasol and Android

New $1bn Qualcomm mirasol plant will make smartphone screens Qualcomm mirasol gets intelligent LED lighting; in ereaders this fall mirasol Android tablet video tease: Mockup or Pocketbook preview? Barnes & Noble register NookColor.com for Android ereader? Color E Ink devices to ship Q1 2011 Qualcomm mirasol color

ereader hands-on PocketBook Mirasol ereader due Q3 2011; IQ701 touchscreen tablet tipped Kyobo mirasol eReader flaunts color e-paper on video is written by Chris Davies& originally posted on SlashGear. 2005 - 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

After the smart Sarkozy spoke earlier, it is now time for the not so smart one to express what many are increasingly branding as Fascist intentions of forced cohesion: SARKOZY SAYS EURO ZONE MUST FURTHER INTEGRATE SARKOZY SAYS TROUBLED EURO COUNTRIES DIDN'T UNDERTAKE REFORMS SARKOZY SAYS EURO ZONE MEMBERSHIP IMPLIES OBLIGATIONS SARKOZY SAYS EUROPE'S FUTURE REQUIRES CONVERGENCE In other words, please hand over your sovereignty to France and the rest shall be ok. Average: Your rating: None Average: 4( 4 votes) This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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35

EFF offers to defend Carrier-IQ whistle blower from legal action


Shane McGlaun (SlashGear)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:51:18 AM

How uranium mining works


(Holy Kaw!)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:51:00 AM

Privacy is very important to most of us in the tech world. We dont want carriers following our every step online or in the real world. One Android user gong by the name TrevE discovered a violation for the Android users privacy being conducted by the Carrier-IQ tracking software a while back. The user then went on to warn all the other Android users out there what he had found. Its not as if the accusations were wild either, TrevE apparently has proof to back up his claims. That didnt stop carrier-IQ from sending him a cease and desist letter and threatening him with legal action if he didnt stop spreading his claims and alleged proof of the infractions against Android users. Anytime a big company threatens an individual with legal action it can be scary. In this case the Electronic

Frontier Foundation has offered to represent TrevE in the legal action against Carrier-IQ. The Carrier-IQ handset runs I the device RAM and allows the tracking of phone performance, what is typed on the keyboard on the phone and much more. TrevE found a method of stopping the software from running. Carrier-IQ has threatened

In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, many countries are re-evaluating their commitment to nuclear power. Others, like the world's new No. 1 uranium producer Kazakhstan, are forging ahead. What are the pros and cons of mining uranium? In this article, we'll chart the uranium mining process, tracking the element as it transitions from ore to fuel pellets ready to be used by nuclear reactors. We'll also look at the wax and wane of uranium mining, as well as the risks for humans and the environment Full article at to sue for a large sum of money. EFF offers to defend Carrier-IQ H o w S t u f f W o r k s . c o m . The drama is certainly to be whistle blower from legal action Total aggregation of is written by Shane McGlaun& H o w S t u f f W o r k s . c o m . ongoing with this case. originally posted on SlashGear. Photo credit: Fotolia [ via AndroidCommunity] R e l e v a n t E n t r i e s o n 2005 - 2011, SlashGear. All Permalink| Leave a comment right reserved. SlashGear.com Palm squares up to Apple over IP legal threats Law firm to distribute part of a $16.4 million class action

settlement against AT&T Jack Thompson ordered to appear before Florida Supreme court for allegedly abusing the legal system Lighter than air, louder than death metal AT&T says sorry to customer threatened with legal action for email iPhone 4 reception issues could prompt class-action suit Samsung Officially Responds to Apples Euro Galaxy Tab 10.1 Sales Block AT&T threatens customer with legal action for emailing CEO

5 techs that kept the pilgrims alive


(Holy Kaw!)

unfamiliar landscape. Half of the colony died that first year. But by Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:37:00 AM the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims and When the Pilgrims landed in New t h e o t h e r m e m b e r s o f t h e England in November 1620, they Mayflower colony celebrated faced huge odds: not enough food, their good fortune with a harvest disease, a cold winter and an feast, later described as the first

Thanksgiving. Historians attribute several things to their success. They made important alliances with local Native American tribes, triangulating a dispute between two rival groups in their favor.

They were also determined to live in, rather than exploit, the resources of the New World, as did some previous colonists. But perhaps the biggest reason for their success was technology. Full story at Discovery News.

More news from Discovery Communications. Permalink| Leave a comment

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Get (holiday) cooking with the Belkin Chef Stand + Stylus for iPad
Michael Grothaus (TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:00:00 AM

If you're an iPad fan and a foodie, chances are that you have more than a few of the great iPad cooking apps. With the holidays coming up, it's also likely you're going to be spending more time in the kitchen than usual. If you like combining your iPad with your culinary skills, I highly recommend taking a look at the Belkin Chef Stand + Stylus for iPad. The Chef Stand is a simple device that lets you use your iPad without fear of getting the ingredients from that latest batch of cookies all over it. The stand props up your iPad at an 80 degree or 45 degree angle -whichever is more comfortable to you. Using the included capacitive stylus you can safely interact with the iPad's

touchscreen even if your hands are covered in flour. What's especially nice is the stylus comes with its own holder, so you can put it down and not get ingredients all over it. Another great thing about the stylus is that it has a magnetic tip. This means you can use it to wake your iPad from sleep without using your

fingers. The Chef Stand also features a tough rubber, non-slip base so your iPad won't go sliding across your counter when you prod it with the stylus. But the thing chefs might like the most is that all three accessories - the stand, the stylus, and the stylus holder are hand washable with warm,

soapy water. Of course, that does mean you have one more thing to clean in the kitchen, but if it keeps your iPad from getting covered in egg yolk and sugar, it' something I'm sure most people won't mind doing. The Belkin Chef Stand + Stylus for iPad costs US$29.99 through Belkin.com and on Amazon. It's also available through retailers like Target and Apple stores. Get (holiday) cooking with the Belkin Chef Stand + Stylus for iPad originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Source| Permalink| Email this| Comments

Unsolved History: DaVinci Perfected World's Largest Horse Statue


(HowStuffWorks Daily Feed)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 8:00:56 AM

Spiders spin ant-repellent silk


(Holy Kaw!)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:40:00 AM

Certain spider webs send ants packing, according to a new study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B that should interest anyone who has ever tried to deal with an ant invasion.

We found that large Golden Orb Web Spiders add a defensive alkaloid chemical onto the silk, which stops the ants from walking onto the web when they come into contact with it, Daiqin Li, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National

University of Singapore, was quoted as saying in a press release. Full story at Discovery News. More news from Discovery Communications. Permalink| Leave a comment

Playlist | Unsolved History Videos Check out all 28 unsolved history videos in this playlist. There are 28 videos tagged "Unsolved History"' + ''; $('#googleAdRightRail').html(rt); } function getValidChannel() { var getChannel = function(subDomain) { return subDomain; } var validChannels = new Array("adventure", "auto","computer","electronics"," entertainment","food","health","h ome","mobiltravelguide","money" ,"people","recipes","science","trav el","www","reference","maps","vi deos","history","geography","ani m a l s " ) ; v a r subDomain=document.domain.spl it(".")[0]; if (subDomain) { var x; for (var x = 0; x This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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37

Cruise line to offer an iPad in every stateroom


Steven Sande (TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:00:00 PM

Cruise lines are always trying to outdo each other on the amenities that they offer to guests. For example, on a cruise I took in September, our large suite not only had a walk-in closet, but came with a laptop and a butler for our use. Of course, I didn't use the crappy HP laptop because I had my Apple devices with me, but it's the thought that counts. Now a major cruise line is equipping every stateroom on a ship with an iPad. Royal Caribbean's 2,074passenger Splendour of the Seas is currently in dry dock being refurbished, and one of the new additions to the ship will be an iPad for every stateroom. The idea is to give guests a new way to get information. The daily Cruise Compass newsletter will be accessible from the iPad, providing a list of events and activities, personal daily

ER or Tums: How to Know If Your Post-Thanksgiving Stomach Requires Medical Attention [Health]
Melanie Pinola (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 8:30:00 AM

Emergency rooms get much busier around the holidays, thanks in part to cooking-related itineraries, and shore excursions. going home with the passengers is years. accidents, food-born illnesses, etc. Guests can also watch movies or a question that needs to be Cruise line to offer an iPad in Let's say after your Thanksgiving surf the Internet. Want to look at a answered. I'm guessing that each e v e r y s t a t e r o o m o r i g i n a l l y feast you experience stomach restaurant menu or check your device will be outfitted with an a p p e a r e d o n T U A W - T h e pains or burning in your chest. ever-growing bar tab? There's an RFID tag to keep it from going Unofficial Apple Weblog on Should you head to the ER? Or iPad for that. ashore with guests. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. chalk it up to regular old holiday Guests will be able to take the Splendour's sister ships in the Please see our terms for use of heartburn? Here's how to tell. iPads around the ship, accessing Vision class -- Vision, Grandeur, feeds. More information from staterooms and Rhapsody, Enchantment, and Source| Permalink| Email this| a n y l o c a t i o n w i t h a g o o d Legend of the Seas -- are expected Comments connection to the ship-wide Wi-Fi to take on iPads as regular network. How Royal Caribbean travelers as they also go through plans on keeping the iPads from renovations over the next two

Top 10 First Date Conversations


Shawn Croft (AskMen Latest Articles)

So you finally gathered enough

courage to go talk to the cute redhead who caught your eye, but your friends aren't impressed just yet. You finally develop the backbone to ask her out, and now

your friends are impressed.They

ask where you plan to take her out, and, more importantly, what you're going to talk about on that nerve-racking first date. Your knees begin to tremble

uncontrollably, but fear not! Read this list and you will have the girl begging for seconds. Continue Reading

38

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Curated News Edition

Dear Aunt TUAW: Help Banks Make me support my mother-in- Plans for Eurolaw's iPad Zone Split
Erica Sadun (TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:15:00 AM

Dear Aunt TUAW, I currently provide remote support for my mother-in-law's 15 year old PC, frequently using TeamViewer to watch what she is doing rather than try to decipher garbled descriptions of what the screen is showing. This Xmas we are planning to buy her an iPad and so I wonder if there is an equivalent program that will allow me to continue supporting her and retain my sanity. Your loving nephew, Dave A Dear Dave, There are similar apps, but they aren't remote and only offered on jailbroken systems -- not a good match to your MIL's needs. On the other hand, most cats can

Love, Dave Dear Dave, You cannot solve relationship problems with technology. Your devoted, Auntie Auntie, Indeed, although the iPad has broken through my wife's resistance on the subject, I now have to ask permission to use it. Just hoping it does the same with MIL. Hugs, Dave Dear Aunt TUAW: Help me operate an iPad. I'm pretty sure support my mother-in-law's iPad your MIL is smarter than a cat. originally appeared on TUAW Hugs, The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Auntie T. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EST. Dear Auntie, Please see our terms for use of My MIL is smarter than a cat but feeds. most cats do not insist that she is Source| Permalink| Email this| incapable of learning something Comments new ;-). We shall see.

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Shedlock) (Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis)


Submitted at 11/23/2011 3:41:00 AM

Special Editorial: A Flock of Hawks


William Kristol (The Weekly Standard)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:05:00 AM

pre-Thanksgiving Republican presidential debate focused on foreign and defense policy. page one headline for the Washington Post's coverage of the

GOP rivals differ sharply on security issues. This was the

A few weeks ago many thought a breakup up the eurozone was "unthinkable". Today, "disaster plans" are being made by numerous banks to allow for just that event. The Wall Street Journal reports Banks Ponder Euro-Zone Split A key part of the world's foreignexchange trading infrastructure is bracing itself for the possibility of a breakup of the euro zone, the latest sign investor concerns about the Continent's debt crisis are on the rise. CLS Bank International, which operates a platform in which banks settle most of their currency trades, is running "stress tests" to prepare for the possible dissolution of the euro, according to people familiar with the situation. Some of the 63 banks that coown CLS are making similar plans. "We always plan for contingencies," said a senior executive at one of the largest currency-dealing banks. New York-based CLS is by far the biggest name in the currency

market known to be making preparations for such a scenario. Analysts with Japanese bank Nomura Holdings said Friday that a euro breakup is a "very real risk," while HSBC Holdings analysts told clients on Tuesday that it's "not unimaginable" for countries to leave the euro zone. This is the kind of discussion and action that is needed because a breakup appears inevitable. Mike "Mish" Shedlock h t t p : / / globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot. com Click Here To Scroll Thru My Recent Post List Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a registered investment advisor representative for SitkaPacific Capital Management. Sitka Pacific is an asset management firm whose goal is strong performance and low volatility, regardless of market direction. Visit http:// www.sitkapacific.com/ account_management.html to learn more about wealth management and capital preservation strategies of Sitka Pacific.

Curated News Edition

Policy/

39

Justice Denied - By Douglas Gillison


DOUGLAS GILLISON (Foreign Policy)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:14:37 AM

The U.N.-sponsored tribunal established to prosecute those responsible for the Khmer Rouges crimes is in shambles, and the United Nations doesnt have a clue how to fix it. BY DOUGLAS GILLISON| NOVEMBER 23, 2011 NEW YORK/PHNOM PENH, Cambodia In the evening hours of a sweltering Friday at the end of April, a team of U.N. lawyers in Cambodia alerted SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon to a crisis at a tribunal built to serve the millions of victims of the Khmer Rouge, arguably the most important court functioning in the world today. That day, the lawyers' bosses -- a judge from Germany and a prominent Cambodian appeals judge -- had shut down an investigation of two Khmer Rouge military leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity before it had even really begun. "It is our duty to notify you that we consider, as a matter of law and procedure, that the coinvestigating judges did not conduct a genuine, impartial or effective investigation and as such did not discharge their legal obligation to ascertain the truth," the lawyers wrote. "In our view, the decision to close the investigation at this stage

breaches international standards of justice, fairness and due process of law." The families of countless victims in the case would be denied justice. The leaders of Pol Pot's navy and air force -- accused among other crimes of eliminating

more than 4,500 of their subordinates -- would never be held to account for their alleged involvement in torture, executions and forced labor. And this would undoubtedly appear to have been done under pressure from the Cambodian

government, which had publicly announced that the case, as well as another larger investigation, was not "allowed." The team told Ban that it was writing "to seek your guidance on how to proceed in these circumstances."

In the seven months since the letter was written, the United Nations has not offered a substantive answer to these problems. Indeed, as matters continued to worsen, officials at JUSTICE page 40

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continued from page 39

headquarters in New York determined that their hands were tied, leaving matters to deteriorate to the point of scandal. It wasn't supposed to be this way. In 2006, the United Nations and the Cambodian government jointly established the court, known officially as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, to deliver justice for the crimes of a regime that had left up to 2.2 million Cambodians dead between 1975 and 1979 and devastated an entire nation. The trials were to consider the greatest number of victims of any since Nuremberg, a half century earlier. Opening arguments began on Nov. 21 in the court's second case, a landmark of international law involving senior leaders of the former regime charged with crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes for their alleged roles in a revolution that caused mass movements of millions of people at gunpoint, enslaving virtually all Cambodians in a regime of forced labor, imprisonment, hunger, torture and execution. Only three accused are likely to stand trial, as trial judges declared that a fourth defendant, former Social Action Minister Ieng Thirith, is mentally unfit (though prosecutors are appealing). The leader of Pol Pot's secret police, Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, was convicted in 2010 in the court's first case of crimes against humanity, for overseeing the brutal extermination of an

estimated 14,000 people. But as the court came to two other politically sensitive cases at the end of last year, Dr. Siegfried Blunk, hand-picked by the United Nations to serve as one of two coinvestigating judges, began a crude attempt to whitewash five suspects accused in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, including immediately telling his staff to seek new employment and that their office would likely close by the end of 2011. In addition to the case closed in April, Blunk all but publicly announced his intention to dismiss a fourth case in which prosecutors said three mid-level officials were tasked with a wave of criminality that swept Cambodia in 1997 as the regime began to falter, resulting in forced labor, genocide and an estimated number of executions that added up to between 250,000 and 300,000 people killed. Blunk remained equally opposed to a thorough investigation in this case, too, confining his inquiries to a handful of witnesses per suspect, whom he interviewed personally instead of delegating this task to investigators, and taking the unusual step of using the world "insolent" twice in a confidential order refusing a request from U.N. prosecutors to put evidence on file. One witness interviewed by Blunk described conditions that appeared less than likely to elicit candor -- he was conspicuously summoned to testify in front of local government officials and denied

knowledge of any crimes, before changing his story when private researchers visited him later. Blunk resigned in October this year amid calls for an investigation into allegations of his own misconduct. Judge Laurent Kasper-Ansermet, a Swiss financial crimes investigator, is now preparing to take office as his replacement. But he inherits an office now deserted by its legal staff and a situation in which all sides have dug in their heels for more than three years. Court officials and observers say that, rather than strengthening the rule of law and holding the Khmer Rouge accountable for their crimes, the U.N.-sponsored effort has risked reinforcing the notion that powerful people can dictate the law. "This is the worst possible example that we can set here. If you have the right judge, you can secure impunity," a U.N. staff member who worked under Blunk told me. "We came here to do exactly the opposite." "No one believed what we were saying ... until the whole thing blew up." Blunk, by the accounts of some who have interacted with him, is a bizarre man. Upon taking office in December 2010, he refused requests for interviews and quickly recalled his investigators from the field. On Dec. 16, he wrote a rambling letter to billionaire philanthropist George Soros, the founder of the Open Society Foundations, complaining of the "insolence" of its subsidiary Open Society Justice Initiative

(OSJI), which monitors the court, and threatening to denounce Soros publicly. "One of your female staff recently tried to invite me by e-mail for breakfast' at the luxury hotel Raffles Le Royal. Is this the kind of technical assistance' you envisaged?" he wrote. "I would appreciate a timely answer to these troubling questions to avoid going public on them." Aryeh Neier, president of the Open Society Foundations and chair of OSJI's board, responded by calling the letter's claims "not well considered." Reached by telephone, Blunk hung up on this reporter. According to the contents of official records and allegations made in interviews with senior court employees, in his 10 months on the job, he deliberately avoided collecting information, distorted the law, and repeatedly threatened his own staff, the news media, the chief U.N. prosecutor and anyone else who got in his way with disciplinary measures and even criminal sanctions. On his arrival, he told his office that his inquiries would be "suspect-based," seeking first to determine the guilt or innocence of defendants before examining the facts and allegations, a backwards approach his staff said appeared designed either for a frame-up or a cover-up. The method would be as if, upon discovering a dead body, police in a small town first attempted to clear a bystander of murder before even determining the cause of

death. Blunk's decision to close the investigation into the Khmer Rouge military came immediately after hearing damning evidence. On April 27, two days before he closed the investigation, Blunk and his Cambodian counterpart Co-Investigating Judge You Bunleng heard their last witness in the case -- Duch, the convicted former leader of the secret police. The suspects in the military case, known officially as Case 003, were Sou Met and Meas Muth, the leaders of the Khmer Rouge air force and navy, who stood accused, among other crimes, of sending thousands of their subordinates to die as suspected subversives at the hands of the secret police at their headquarters in Phnom Penh. No one alive could have been better placed to provide the information Duch was asked to give, and, though speaking cautiously, he quickly implicated both Met and Muth in the military purge with the late Defense Minister Son Sen, who himself was murdered 14 years ago. "Before making any decisions, Son Sen always asked for comments and assistance from the heads of the divisions," said Duch, according to a confidential record of the interview. The remark clearly indicated that Met and Muth would, as a matter of routine, have been consulted throughout the period of arrests and executions, even though he JUSTICE page 41

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knew of no documentation proving this. Division secretaries such as Met and Muth also had the power to spare lives, said Duch. But, he said, they "bore responsibility" in the eyes of their superiors for making any such requests. Rather than pursue these inviting comments, the judges abruptly ended the interview. Blunk and Bunleng ended their investigation in the next 48 hours -- at 4:49 pm, the close of business before a holiday weekend. The case had hardly been touched: Only 20 witnesses had been interviewed. The suspects had not even been questioned. The next working day, Blunk received an email that sent shudders through his office. Ysa Osman, a Muslim member of the Cham ethnic minority whose suffering was among the worst of all ethnic groups under the Khmer Rouge. "I feel extremely sad after learning that you have concluded investigations on the Case 003. Last night I tried to close my eyes and forget about it so I could sleep well. But how hard I tried, how suffer I endured in heart," wrote Osman, who worked as an analyst in Blunk's office. "For myself, I still remember very well on the day that my little sister was crying for food until she died," he wrote. "After arrival at a hospital, she was taken to a morgue while she was still alive. My mother and I followed her to sleep in the morgue with many dead bodies around us. Until

morning, the sister died without having a bite of food. Then, some people came to take her body. They threw it on a truck, and drove away." According to staff members, Judge Blunk replied by saying that he had been too busy dealing with disloyal subordinates to read Osman's email, but warned him of sanctions if he communicated with other colleagues in his office. By May, the court's staff began to quit. Two days after Osman's email, Dr. Stephen Heder, a consultant widely viewed as an unparalleled historian of the Khmer Rouge, resigned, citing in his parting email to Blunk a "toxic atmosphere of mutual mistrust generated by your management of what is now a professionally dysfunctional office." In early June, members of the legal team began to walk off the job, believing their position had become untenable. The team had been told in late May by U.N. headquarters that, following their letter to Ban, Blunk had himself written to New York, accusing his own staff of interference with the administration of justice -- a crime in many jurisdictions -- and asking for their dismissals for disloyalty, according to people with knowledge of the matter. When the departures became public in the middle of that month, judges responded by announcing that the lawyers would be replaced with consultants. But the consultants too began to leave: Amy Eussen, a lawyer formerly of the Yugoslav

Tribunal at The Hague, departed after less than a month. Blunk justified his resignation in October by claiming that public remarks by Cambodian officials who were opposed to the cases under his review had made his work impossible. But U.N. officials in Cambodia claim that his resignation actually arose from his own dirty secrets -- that he had been investigated by his own staff and confronted in the final days with evidence of his own alleged misdeeds, and that his resignation almost immediately followed those allegations. According to two officials briefed on the matter, Blunk and Bunleng began an inquiry in midSeptember for contempt of court after the Documentation Center of Cambodia, a repository of Khmer Rouge archives and research, revealed that it had interviewed a witness who had previously been questioned by Blunk at the scene of a former labor camp in western Banteay Meanchey province. While the precise motives for such an inquiry are unclear, police investigators assigned to the task turned the inquiry on Blunk himself, allegedly uncovering indications of the falsification of evidence, including witness tampering, and the back-dating of orders, according to people briefed on the matter. "People would go out and interview people and then the rogatory letter is issued," said a U.N. official describing the findings of the police working against Blunk. A rogatory letter is

a document empowering investigators to collect evidence. Issuing it after an interview could make it appear that a witness had been interviewed with prior authorization when in fact this had not been the case -- perhaps offering the judges the chance to pick and choose which testimony to enter into the record and which to ignore. Such a practice would appear to jibe with a minority opinion produced last month by U.N. pretrial judges at the tribunal, which found that Blunk and Bunleng had secretly removed an order from the court's case file and replaced it with a corrected, back-dated version in rejecting a motion filed by a New Zealander seeking reparations for the death of his brother. According to the pre-trial judges, this hid the fact that they had rejected the request while apparently considering the wrong case. The minority opinion, which was unsurprisingly opposed by the three Cambodian judges on the pretrial bench, was the first occasion when allegations of impropriety against Blunk and Bunleng became part of the official public record. The ruling clearly made an impression at U.N. headquarters in New York, where a spokesman said that U.N. legal officers would consider the minority opinion and "consult and consider carefully with senior colleagues here at Headquarters about any appropriate future steps." What motivated Blunk remains a

mystery. In an unprompted denial, the United Nations volunteered in June, months before his resignation, that the judge had not been instructed to scuttle his own cases. But whatever the case, Blunk's actions seem to fit with the Cambodian government's desire to sweep Met and Muth's case under the rug. It is a desire the U.N. secretarygeneral should understand quite well, because he was met with a rude shock when he went to Phnom Penh to visit the tribunal at the end of October 2010. After Ban's private meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who himself defected from the Khmer Rouge in 1977, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong announced to waiting reporters that the prime minister had definitively refused to allow the court to expand its prosecutions beyond the two cases already underway. "Successful convictions will finish with case two," Namhong declared. The court's Cambodian judges and prosecutors, who are more numerous but whose votes are given less weight in deliberations, have sided with this view at every opportunity. Hun Sen, who rose to power on the back of a Vietnamese military intervention in 1979 that toppled the Khmer Rouge government, has been a vocal opponent of trying more than a handful of Khmer Rouge suspects since at JUSTICE page 42

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least 1999. He made his first and loudest public objections to the new cases in March 2009, when the taking of evidence began in the court's first trial. "I will allow this court to fail but I will not allow Cambodia to have another war," he said, claiming that if more than a handful of suspects were tried, the country could return to the civil war that had ended by 1998. "This is an absolute stand. Please prosecute only those people," he said, referring to the five defendants already in detention. Hun Sen loudly repeated such statements throughout the following years, even expressing displeasure with a Japanese donation because it could allow the court to continue functioning. U.N. officials in New York made no response to his outbursts -- a stance that only changed in October when U.N. legal counsel and Undersecretary General for Legal Affairs Patricia O'Brien traveled to Phnom Penh and for the first time "strongly urged" Cambodian authorities not to make such remarks. The reasons for the Cambodian government's objections to the additional cases are open to interpretation. A possible motive is that members of Cambodia's governing class once occupied positions under the Khmer Rouge that are of similar rank to those under suspicion of crimes, making the prospect of broader prosecutions an embarrassment that threatens party unity. Following his meeting with Hun

Sen, according to U.N. officials briefed on the visit, Ban retired to a hotel where he gathered with a small group of people in his delegation, including O'Brien. At one point in the conversation, O'Brien floated the idea of convening a conclave of the tribunal's judges, who she imagined could unanimously do away with the two cases that Hun Sen did not want. This idea apparently went nowhere. Clint Williamson, the American prosecutor appointed as Ban's advisor on the court, revealed on multiple occasions during discussions with tribunal officials that he and perhaps others had likewise considered (but rejected) the possibility of negotiating a political settlement with Cambodian authorities to do away with the unwanted cases. "It's really only with the wisdom of hindsight that we can now say, unpalatable as it is, it's a million miles better than what we have got now" said a court official, who claimed that Williamson, who stepped down in September, had passed on this information, albeit disapprovingly. Through a U.N. spokesman, the Office of Legal Affairs said it could not discuss the contents of O'Brien's consultations with Ban, but said there was "never any negotiation with the Cambodian government or any other person or entity concerning the termination of cases 003 and 004." Williamson did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.

In public, U.N. officials insisted that the court was independent and rejected "media speculation" that Blunk was biased -- a posture that appeared to transfer blame from the Cambodian government to expressions of concern from the public and news media. Privately, they decided they could do nothing even if they wanted to. On June 22, O'Brien, the U.N. legal counsel, replied on Ban's behalf to the lawyers' emergency letter to headquarters. Due to judicial confidentiality, the letters' authors had themselves declined to elaborate on their circumstances when New York sent emissaries to Phnom Penh in May to examine the matter, she noted. The lawyers' complaints could not be separated from matters "that are currently or can be anticipated to be sub-judice." According to O'Brien, the United Nations simply could not touch a pending case. "[T]he United Nations believes that its commitment to noninterference with the judicial process requires that we refrain from intervening in the matter at this stage," wrote O'Brien. Grave as their problems might be, they were on their own. As problems worsened, Cambodia's allies -- the foreign governments who were paying the court's bills -- were no more vocal than the United Nations. A week after Ban's incident with Hun Sen, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Cambodia, where a centerpiece of U.S. aid is judicial reform, but avoided

directly addressing the controversy. Pressed by a reporter, she said the Cambodian government's attitude to cases three and four should be subject to consultations with the international community. "[T]he first piece of business is getting 002 to trial," she said, referring to the remaining case that is not opposed by the government. One senior diplomat representing a donor country said that if the cases the government does not like were to be dismissed, those paying the bills would be "relieved." "I think there are many people who would actually like cases three and four to go away for a number of reasons," the diplomat said, citing the cost and length of the trials. "But that doesn't mean that we are pressuring for that outcome." "The whole process is a compromise, and it's a compromise that the international community knew about from the outset," the diplomat continued. The United States in October gave the court's U.N. side $1.65 million, part of $5 million allocated for the 2012 fiscal year. But the court remains perennially short of cash. Stephen Rapp, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues, said in an interview last month that the United States had expressed support for the court's judicial independence but denied that the United States had stayed silent in order to placate

the Cambodian government. Was the U.S. position toward the court affected by the fact that it would be in its "geopolitical advantage" to see cases three and four dropped? "Absolutely not," said Rapp, who previously served as chief prosecutor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. "The court has to make its decisions independently on the facts and the law." As for whether to support an investigation of the events occurring under Blunk, "we haven't decided," he said. But OSJI, the court monitoring group, believe that the need for such an inquiry is incontrovertible. James Goldston, a former federal prosecutor who serves as OSJI's executive director, said the current allegations represent "a stain" on the tribunal and "they are potentially a stain on the United Nations and the international community." "The goal of an investigation would simply be to establish the truth, to what extent these allegations are founded that the co -investigating judges deliberately shut down the Case 003 investigation without attending to the facts and the evidence," Goldston said. Some sectors of the Cambodian public, particularly enclaves of former Khmer Rouge, appear jittery -- even baffled -- by the prospect of additional Khmer Rouge trials. But a survey by the JUSTICE page 43

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continued from page 42

Documentation Center in 2009 found that 57 percent of Cambodians favored more prosecutions rather than fewer. For Soeung Lim, a 75-year-old rice farmer and layman at a pagoda in Kampong Cham province's Prey Chhor district, the court is a far more distant reality than his memories of the murder and madness that once surrounded him. In an interview at his hut -- a stone's throw from the former Met Sop Security Center, one of the 29 distinct crime scenes identified by U.N. prosecutors in 2009 where executions stretched into the hundreds of thousands -- he recounted the atrocities of Khmer Rouge rule. "They killed children

like they killed a frog. They killed like a beast, animals," he said. As the court struggles to bring justice to those responsible for these crimes, it comes closer to affirming the Khmer proverb: Omnach khlaing cheang chbab. "Power is stronger than the law." This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is George Washington your content and you're reading it Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:05:57 AM on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentA poll last month from only/faq.php#publishers. Five R a s s m u s s e n f o u n d : Filters recommends: Donate to Two-out-of-three Americans Wikileaks. (66%) believe the federal government has not been aggressive enough in pursuing possible criminal behavior by some Wall Street bankers . Top economists and financial experts agree that our economy will never recover unless Wall Street fraud is prosecuted. See this and this. Libertarian, free market economists agree. Trust is necessary for a stable economy, and fraud prosecutions are necessary to restore trust. But

I Will Never Do Business In The United States Of America Again


because D.C. politicians are prostitutes ( pimps, technically) the government has made it official policy not to prosecute fraud, and instead to do everything necessary to cover up for Wall Street. Indeed, Obama is prosecuting fewer financial crimes than under Reagan or either Bush. Things have become so lawless in America that one investor wrote in response to the theft of over a billion dollars of client funds by MF Global: I will never do business in the United States of America again. The system to protect futures accounts is broken. And the whole world knows knows it. (Hes not the only one). Europe is no better. No wonder the European and American economies are on the ropes. On the other hand, Iceland which is prosecuting banking fraud at the CEO level (see this and this) is actually recovering. Average: 0 Your rating: None This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

10 Ways to Survive a Snowstorm


Charles W. Bryant (HowStuffWorks Daily Feed)

techniques are these days, weather systems are changeable forces of nature. They can come on Submitted at 11/23/2011 8:00:56 AM quickly, switch direction without There's no truer statement than notice and build in intensity in a the old adage "you can't control short period of time. Whether the weather." You can't- even you're at home, on foot, in your predict it with complete certainty. c a r o r a t w o r k , a w i n t e r A s a d v a n c e d a s o u r snowstorm can catch you off m e t e o r o l o g i c a l f o r e c a s t i n g guard.

The Nation-al Snow and Ice Data Center defines a blizzard as a "violent winter storm, lasting at least 3 hours, which combines below freezing temperatures and very strong wind laden with blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than 1 km." If a blizzard is bad enough, snow plows and salt trucks won't even

brave the elements. Roads become desol-ate ice paths, businesses shut down, schools close and grocery stores get picked clean. If your home loses power and you have no backup heating system in place, your very life becomes at risk. In this article, we'll give you 10 tips on how to survive a snowstorm.

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

44

Economy/

Curated News Edition

Understanding the Problem, Understanding the Solution, and Understanding Who is to Blame are Three Different Things
noreply@blogger.com (Michael Shedlock) (Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis)

unsustainable macroeconomic imbalances to which the launch of the euro contributed (in creditor and debtor countries) Submitted at 11/23/2011 5:58:00 AM Ambrose Evans-Pritchard speaks The challenges presented by of the Self-serving myths of Greece were always going to be Europes neo-Calvinists daunting, given the dysfunctional In his article he chastises nature of its political economy. Germany for its role in the The medicine prescribed to Eurozone mess, citing Germanys Greece which was partly Wolfgang Schauble and the motivated by an urge to punish it northern neo-Calvinists. Pritchard and to take a stand against moral also praises a report by Simon hazard was doomed to failure. Tilford and Philip Whyte on how A years worth of punishing s t r i c t e r r u l e s t h r e a t e n t h e austerity and contracting activity eurozone. has only succeeded in pushing There is certainly much in the Greece deeper into insolvency. report that I agree with, primarily The eurozone will not emerge a description of the problem. from the debt crisis without Unfortunately, there is even more economic growth. I disagree with, notably the It is now clear that a currency solution. shared by fiscally sovereign Ideas I agree with: member states is more vulnerable to losses of confidence than a Creditor countries cannot be monetary union that is more fully absolved of all blame. integrated. If the eurozone had been a fully A familiar pattern has now set -fledged fiscal union, it would not in. Under market duress, leaders be in its current predicament. hold an emergency summit and (Mish: It would be a different announce an agreement designed predicament, likely much worse) to restore confidence once and for The current crisis is not simply all. a tale of fiscal irresponsibility and After an initial bout of euphoria, lost competitiveness in the financial markets digest the e u r o z o n e s g e o g r a p h i c a l contents of the agreement, periphery. It is also about the conclude that it does not resolve

the underlying problems, and the cycle starts all over again. Each agreement buys less time and the stakes become larger with every summit.

enough to enter this untenable arrangement can look in the mirror and blame themselves. The Non-Solutions Unfortunately, the rest of the report borders on the nonsensical, Hopefully we can all agree on notably " All eurozone countries those 10 points. The problem is should therefore finance debt by the Euro was fatally flawed from issuing bonds which would be the beginning. jointly guaranteed by all of them." No in Many Languages The authors then proceed to No currency union has ever discuss all the inherent problems survived without there being a with the idea including " moral fiscal union at the same time. Is hazards", borrowing targets, etc, Germany to blame for this? stating " A dogmatic target of I say Nein, Non, Ochi, Iie, Nie, budgetary balance four years Nej, and of course No. hence, irrespective of a countrys Who is to Blame? position in the economic cycle, The rules of the Maastricht would achieve little." Treaty were known by everyone The authors then have to figure at the outset and there were many out a way around dogmatic architects of the Euro idea targets, proposing " rules should including Jean-Claude Trichet. In be set with reference to the that regard it makes as much cyclically-adjusted fiscal position sense to blame France as it does for each member state." Germany. That of course creates another Moreover, countries could have problem as to how to do that, accepted or rejected the treaty. coming to the conclusion that 17 Every country had a vote (or votes is too many, and a creditormany votes - as politicians dominated board would not work, crammed the Euro down their but " A board of nine economists, citizens' throats whether they from the big eurozone economies, wanted it or not). the European Commission, the The UK chose wisely, other European Central Bank (ECB) countries did not, including and the OECD might form a good Germany. Every country stupid basis."

Good grief. Wait, I am not done yet. The authors freely admit " the issuance of eurobonds will not prevent debt crises in the absence of steps to reduce trade imbalances within the eurozone" then attempt to dream up solutions to that problem. That idea makes as much sense as attempting to solve a trade disparity between California and Indiana. We are still not done yet. The authors see a need to " set up a jointly-funded, eurozone-wide deposit protection scheme." Finally, the authors conclude " The ECBs mandate is too restrictive. The central bank must guard against excessive inflation. But its fear of inflation blinds it to the much more serious threats confronting the eurozone economy." Apparently Europe needs a "mandate" but one that is meaningless, and allows the central bank to print at will. Conclusion The authors ramble on about various problems, real and imagined, then conclude with ... Eurozone leaders now face a UNDERSTANDING page 45

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45

UNDERSTANDING
continued from page 44

choice between two unpalatable alternatives. Either they accept that the eurozone is institutionally flawed and do what is necessary to turn it into a more stable arrangement. This will require some of them to go beyond what their voters seem prepared to allow, and to accept that a certain amount of rule-breaking is necessary in the short term if the eurozone is to survive intact. Or they can stick to the fiction that confidence can be restored by the adoption (and enforcement) of tougher rules. This option will condemn the eurozone to selfdefeating policies that hasten defaults, contagion and eventual break-up. Indeed, Not Pritchard, cited the above paragraph and finished with "Indeed. Read it all" I did read it all and nearly threw up at the self-serving myth there are only two options.

bailing out banks at the expense of taxpayers. The report by Simon Tilford and Philip Whyte with all their convoluted solutions culminating in the creation of a "fiscal nannyzone" should be enough to convince anyone the Euro is not worth saving. Countries that disagree can keep the damn thing. If France wants a fiscal nanny-state and unlimited printing by the ECB, fine. Let France have it. True Solution The best solution and the one I propose is for Germany to leave the Eurozone. I am quite sure other countries in Northern Europe would follow. The Euro will still survive in my proposal, and France can be king of the nanny-hill if it elects to stay in. Yes this would be disruptive. However, it would give the Eurofools what they want and Northern European voters (not Break the rules politicians) what they want. Stick to self-defeating policies Michael Pettis outlined a compelling case why Germany There is a third option and exiting the Eurozone is the best Pritchard should know it well: option. Please see Eurozone P l a n f o r a b r e a k u p o f t h e Breakup Logistics (Never Believe Eurozone and make banks write Anything Until It's Officially d o w n b a d i n v e s t m e n t s . Denied) for details. Bondholders will take a hit, but The Euroskeptics Were Right they deserve to. It is time to stop The Euroskeptics were right,

straight from the beginning. Pritchard was among those skeptics. He was right then. He was also correct in a major way when he stated the German supreme court would not allow Eurobonds or ECB printing. Please see Germany's Top Judge Throws Major Monkey Wrench Into Leveraged EFSF Machinery, Demands New Constitution and Popular Referendum for Further Powers for details. Unfortunately he is wrong now. In more ways than one.

idea is beyond foolish. John Hussman had an excellent writeup on Monday Why the ECB Won't (and Shouldn't) Just Print Over the past week, we've heard all sorts of propositions that the European Central Bank (ECB) "must" begin printing money to bail out Italy and other countries, because "there is no other option." There are three basic difficulties with this idea. The first is that ECB buying might help to address immediate liquidity issues of distressed European countries, but it would not address long-term solvency Pritchard is wrong on who to issues, and would in fact make blame them worse. Pritchard is wrong to perpetrate The second is that the ECB, the myth the euro can be saved under existing European treaties, Pritchard is wrong about fearing has no such authority, and the deflation (a natural state of affairs prohibitions against it are very actually, it is only fractional explicit. Changing that would be reserve lending and mountains of far more difficult than many debt that bring upon such fears. market participants seem to The solution is to get rid of believe, because it would require central bankers and end fractional an explicit and unanimous change reserve lending) in the EU Treaties that AAA rated Pritchard is wrong to not fear countries such as Germany and inflation in the scenario proposed Finland vehemently oppose. by Tilford and Whyte. The third difficulty is that even if the ECB was to buy the debt of Eurobond, Unlimited Printing distressed European countries Foolishness with printed money, the I am not the only one who thinks inflationary effects would likely the eurobond, unlimited printing be far more swift than anything

we've seen in the United States. This would not "save" the euro, but would simply destroy it by other means. Hussman builds an excellent case. I will conclude the way Pritchard did: "Indeed. Read it all". Mike "Mish" Shedlock h t t p : / / globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot. com Click Here To Scroll Thru My Recent Post List Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a registered investment advisor representative for SitkaPacific Capital Management. Sitka Pacific is an asset management firm whose goal is strong performance and low volatility, regardless of market direction. Visit http:// www.sitkapacific.com/ account_management.html to learn more about wealth management and capital preservation strategies of Sitka Pacific.

Tesco: drops prices again as fight for Christmas money hots up


Harry Wallop (Finance News Business news from the UK and world)

Tesco is cutting prices on 1,000 further items, as Britain's biggest retailer said the competition for

Christmas shoppers was as intense as it had ever been.

46

Economy/ Culture/

Curated News Edition

Europe Closes At Day's Lows As Sovereign Curves Invert


Tyler Durden
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:06:01 AM

European equities marginally outperformed credit markets on the day but both ended dreadfully as markets went bidless into the close. Ending the day the lows, having retraced over 75% of the 9 /23 to 10/28 swing rally, equity and credit markets are well into bear market territory as sovereign risk morphs back into financials and on into corporates. Sovereign spreads may look 'optically' marginally improved if one focuses merely on the 10Y levels, but a little more digging shows that almost without exception sovereign spread curves all bear flattened considerably today with the short-dated risk rising dramatically relative to mid maturities as jump risks become more and more of a concern. Equity (now 25.5% off its Feb11 highs) started to catch up to credit into the close but closing at the

The Reconstructed Bookcase Workspace [Featured Workspace]


Melanie Pinola (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:00:00 AM

lows into a low liquidity low volume long weekend suggests more than a little risk aversion. Equity, Credit, and FX markets are more in sync in Europe than in the US(where stocks remain a little exuberant still) and are back to 10/05-06 levels. And if one looks down the 10Y column - you could be mistaken for thinking it was a good day for sovereign credit (aside from

Belgium and Greece - and Austria off the chart). But it was the massive underperformance at the front-end that is most worrisome as inversions are more and more likely and bear flatteners appear the trade du jour. We suspect this is as much about the unwind of the crowded short-dated higheryield trade than an actual spec flattener trade. Charts: Bloomberg Average:

Your rating: None Average: 5( 1 vote) This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Programmer Peter Marks built today's featured workspace by hacking apart Ikea shelves then reassembling them into a unique standing desk. Dubbed "The Spaceship," the desk has lots of cube storage cubbies for organization. More

Here's Your Black Friday Survival Toolkit [Black Friday]


Melanie Pinola (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:30:00 AM

Will you be braving the crowds and parking lot traffic to score exclusive deals on this year's

biggest day for in-store shopping? If so, you'll need a strategy and some tools to arm yourself against

Black Friday shopping insanity. Here they are. More

Curated News Edition

Economy/ Gaming/

47

LIVE COVERAGE: Markets Swoon Some More, Dow Off 195, NASDAQ Down 2%
Joe Weisenthal (Money Game)

Video: German Failed Bond Auction, 6 Billion Offered, 3.6 Billion Takers; Contagion Spreads From Periphery to Outer Core, Then from Outer Core to Inner Core
noreply@blogger.com (Michael Shedlock) (Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis)

German bunds. If this is anything but a fluke, than the infection of Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:45:00 AM all of Europe is now complete. ORIGINAL P O S T , Not surprisingly, the US banks C O N T I N U O U S U P D A T E S are getting hammered. Bank of BELOW: And half an hour into America is down to $5.23. the trading day, any hopes of Morgan Stanley is off another having a nice restful day before 3.5%. Thanksgiving are being blown out We'll be refreshing this post of the water. LIVE all day. The market is diving again, as Update 10:21: And it gets worse. Europe goes nuts. Dow off 165. What makes today unusual? UPDATE 11:20: Still getting Germany held a bond auction that even worse. Dow off 191. Major drew in a shocking lack of indices off 2%. German bond demand, representing for perhaps yields have continued to widen the first time that a RISK OFF throughout the day. day did not see a big fat bid for Please follow Money Game on

Twitter and Facebook. Join the conversation about this story See Also: Markets Surge And Then Pull Back On The IMF's Proposed Liquidity Program STOCKS GO NOWHERE AND THE IMF OFFERS A PLAN: Here's What You Need To Know FORGET THE IMF: The Onus Is On Germany And The ECB To Fix Europe

and Portugal have now affected the core. Mike "Mish" Shedlock h t t p : / / Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:17:00 AM No doubt emergency meets are globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot. underway in numerous countries com right now following a failed Click Here To Scroll Thru My German bond auction. Bond Recent Post List Mike auctions have failed before, but "Mish" Shedlock is a registered not in Germany (at least by this investment advisor representative much), and never at a worse time. f o r S i t k a P a c i f i c C a p i t a l Link if above video does not Management. Sitka Pacific is an play: German Bond Auction asset management firm whose Disaster goal is strong performance and Key Ideas Expressed in Video low volatility, regardless of "What people are saying is market direction. Visit http:// Germany is going to have to pay w w w . s i t k a p a c i f i c . c o m / the bill. ... Just possibly, today is account_management.html to the day people may have decided l e a r n m o r e a b o u t w e a l t h German bonds are not the safe m a n a g e m e n t a n d c a p i t a l haven they thought they were. ... preservation strategies of Sitka It's all about confidence isn't it?" Pacific. It's actually about solvency, not liquidity, not confidence. Solvency issues in Greece, Spain,

PSA: Doom 3 source code now available


David Hinkle (Joystiq)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:30:00 PM

You've been patiently awaiting your crack at id Tech 4, the engine powering Doom 3, ever

since id Software announced its intention to release the source code. Now, the wait is over! You can download it for yourself from GitHub right now. And remember, id Tech 4 isn't

obsolete just yet. A modified

version of it will power Human Head's Prey 2 next year. PSA: Doom 3 source code now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our

terms for use of feeds. Permalink| Email this| Comments

48

Economy/ Culture/

Curated News Edition

This Is Turning Into One Of The Ugliest Thanksgiving Weeks For Stocks
Sam Ro (Money Game)

Twitter and Facebook. Join the conversation about this Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:46:00 AM story Last week, we pointed you to a See Also: JP Morgan note that showed STOCKS END THE WEEK stocks tend to do well from G O I N G N O W H E R E A N D Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. EUROPE IS STILL IN CRISIS: A c c o r d i n g t o B e s p o k e Here's What You Need To Know Investment Group, the week of The Weekend Is Over, And Thanksgiving tends not to be a Markets Are Instantly Going horrible one. Since 1941, there Lower have only been seven years where WAKE UP! Spreads Are Wider stock have fallen on the each of In Europe, And Markets Are t h e t h r e e d a y s b e f o r e Getting Hammered Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, if stocks close in Presented By: Strengthen the red today, 2011 will be added C u s t o m e r R e l a t i o n s h i p s to that list of unfortunate years. Ads by Pheedo Please follow Money Game on

10 Most Expensive Classic Cars


Patrick E. George (HowStuffWorks Daily Feed)

ones that are best described as madness sitting on four rubber tires. Submitted at 11/23/2011 8:00:56 AM As long as people have been Automotive aficionados know driving, cars like these have that are cars, and then there are existed. Some individual or some "cars." company has always been there to There are the cars we drive to push the envelope, to ask, "How work every day, the cars we use to much faster can we make this? take our kids to school, the cars How much better can it be?" we pick up groceries with and the Every era of automotive history ones we use to haul stuff from has its legends. They have names T h e H o m e D e p o t . T h e y ' r e like Bentley, Bugatti and Ferrari. utilitarian, reliable, practical and Many of them were made in in most cases, they're relatively extremely limited numbers during boring, too. their time, and of those few, many B u t o t h e r s a r e t h e r a r e became lost to history. A rare automobiles that provide more handful (or fewer) are still around, than just transportation. They're flaunting record-breaking speed the ones that border on rolling art. and handling from a time long The cars that most consider to be since past. miracles of engineering. The ones They can be yours, too -- if that glorify speed and luxury. The you've got the cash. The average

person would never even consider spending $100,000 on a car. So what would make a person spend several million dollars on a car? You're about to find out. In this article, we'll look at the most recent list of the world's 10 most expensive classic cars, the history behind them and how much of a financial hit their new owners' wallets took just to put them in their garages. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Isla Gets Bored as Sacha's Hugo Arrives In Theaters


Katie Henry (PopSugar)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:35:01 AM

Isla Fisher was full of laughs as she left a meeting in LA yesterday. The actress stepped out for a casual appointment in a cozy, polka dot sweater that she

paired with a denim skirt and boots. Her week started off on a high note Monday night when Isla's Bored to Death cameo aired on HBO. She's expected to star in a couple of episodes in the current season of Jason Schwartzman and Zach Galifianakis's show.

Isla and her family are back in

the States following an extended stay in Australia, where she filmed The Great Gatsby on location with Leonardo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire. The updated adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald classic isn't due out until next Christmas.

However, Isla's husband, Sacha Baron Cohen, has a new film opening today. He's one of the famous faces gracing the big screen in Martin's Scorsese's 3D childrens film Hugo. View Slideshow

Curated News Edition

Culture/

49

Signal of Destroyed Dark Matter Seen in Space Telescope's Data


ScienceNow (Wired Top Stories)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:30:00 AM

By Geoffrey Koch, Science NOW In 2008, the Italian satellite PAMELA picked up an unusual signal: a spike in antimatter particles whizzing through space. The discovery, controversial at the time, hinted that physicists might be coming close to detecting dark matter, an enigmatic substance thought to account for 85% of the matter in the universe. Now, new data from NASAs Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope confirm the spike. Alas, they also undermine its interpretation as a sign of dark energy. Theorists generally believe that when two dark matter particles collide, they should annihilate each other to produce ordinary particles, such as an electron and its antimatter twin, a positron. Thanks to Einsteins iconic equivalence between energy and mass, E=mc 2, each of those particles should emerge with an energy essentially equal to the mass of the original dark matter particle. So when the PAMELA team saw a spike in the ratio of positrons to the more abundant electrons over a particular slice of the energy spectrum, some physicists got excited. Perhaps

PAMELA was seeing evidence of

such annihilations.

SIGNAL page 50

50

Products/ Obituaries

Curated News Edition

SIGNAL
continued from page 49

However, because positrons are produced elsewhere in the universe, including in pulsars and neutron stars, the result was inconclusive at bestalthough it stirred quite a frenzy. At a conference where the preliminary PAMELA data was being presented, physicists used cell phones to snap photos of the Italian teams slides, then wrote and published papers on the Internet about the datas dark matter significance, all before the results were prepared for submission to a refereed journal. The plot thickened in 2009 when the Fermi team released data from its own satellites look at the cosmic ray spectrum, which showed no signals out of the ordinary. However, in that analysis, the Fermi group considered the sum total of all charged particles, electrons, and positrons. That was because the telescope was designed to measure neutral gamma rays and has no onboard magnet for distinguishing negatively charged electrons and positively charged positrons. Physicists hope they might use the accumulating data on antimatter to home in on the mass of the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP), which is thought to be the fundamental dark matter particle. The expected signal

would be a steady rise of positrons over a given range of energies, followed by a sudden drop-off. Noting the energy levelphysicists measure this in billions of electron voltsat which the positron signal drops off would allow physicists to calculate the WIMPs mass. After the excitement generated by the PAMELA result, Stanford University physicists Stefan Funk and Justin Vandenbroucke wanted to zero in on the positron signal. They found a way to do so, using Earth itself as a particle filter. You can basically look in certain directions from which only electrons or only positrons will get through the Earths magnetic field, Vandenbroucke says. Funk and Vandenbrouckes method, which has been submitted to Physical Review Letters, confirmed the Italian result. That is, that the relative abundance of positrons seems to rise from 20 billion to 100 billion electron volts. And for the first time, the researchers showed that the signal continues to get stronger up to 200 billion electron volts. If what theyre seeing are remnants of dark matter deaths, then the mass of the WIMP would have to be at least 100 times that of a proton, which is within many theoretical predictions. As a technical feat, it is

beautiful, says Harvard University physicist Doug Finkbeiner. Still, he says its too soon to say whether the new data say anything about dark matter. A close look at the results from PAMELA and Fermi suggests that the positron signal likely continues to get stronger at higher energies, Finkbeiner says, even beyond the upper end of the latest Fermi measurement. That is, maybe this isnt a distinct spike but rather a broad trend in cosmic ray spectrum, the source of which is impossible to say. The new paper is a wonderful confirmation of the PAMELA result, he says, however the positron signal will likely be there whether the positrons come from dark matter annihilation, or from pulsars, or from tooth fairies. Confirming the rise of positrons is good, it means theres something new going on, adds University of Chicago cosmologist Michael Turner, whose 1990 paper with Frank Wilczek, a theorist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, first suggested looking for positrons as evidence of WIMP annihilations. But without the sudden fall, we dont have a smoking gun. The search for Turners smoking gun is now counting on another detector, the $2.2

billion internationally funded Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02), which was carried to the International Space Station in May. AMS-02 includes a powerful magnet to parse cosmic rays and should be able to probe for the positron excess, and the sudden drop-off, at significantly higher energies than the Fermi telescope can manage. AMS-02 should be able to make a final statement on this, Funk says. This is something we are all eagerly awaiting. This story provided by Science NOW, the daily online news service of the journal Science. Image: The Fermi telescope (illustration) has confirmed an anomalous antimatter signal in the cosmic ray spectrum. (NASA) See Also: This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Another Reason To Cut The Cards And Go CashOnly


Phil Villarreal (The Consumerist)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:15:00 AM

Influential jazz drummer Paul Motian dies in NYC (AP)


(Yahoo! News: Obituaries)
Submitted at 11/22/2011 11:47:07 PM

AP - Longtime jazz drummer and composer Paul Motian, who came to prominence as a member of

pianist Bill Evans' trio in the late 1950s and influenced a generation of musicians with his astounding

sense of time, died Tuesday at age 80.

Back in July, we discussed several reasons that using only cash for purchases makes financial sense. Among the pluses were a lower risk of identity theft and simpler budgeting prospects. Deliver Away Debt checks in with another reason to stick with paper: Since cash is so physically difficult to part with, it makes you rethink your shopping mentality, even for staples. For instance, you may start opting for small-sized drinks rather than larges, or drifting toward generic products rather than brand names in order to make your cash stretch farther. You might even dream up ways to do without certain items or habits. That said, giving up the convenience of cards is easier said than done. The writer is embarking on a 30-day cash-only experiment and promises to report back with the results. Cash is King, Isn't It?[Deliver Away Debt] This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Culture/ Science/

51

Worst Gym Machines


lower lumbar and I wouldnt wish them on Nickelback. Well, maybe them, but no one else. This machine will destroy your low The worst machine in the gym back. Believe it. McGill explains Its interesting what money will in his book that this machine can make people do. I envision some put your lower lumbar discs in inventor for a fitness equipment serious jeopardy of a posterior company sitting at his desk one bulge. See, when you are in this day when his wife walks in to tell machine, you are bent at the waist him what a nightmare her pap at a 45-degree angle to start with. smear was. Then he starts This creates an anterior (front) thinking, "Hey, people go to the pinch of the lumbar vertebrae and gym to torture themselves" And an opening of the posterior the hip adduction machine was vertebrae. Between those born. But that is not the worst Here is why: Many people Use something in real life when your vertebrae are those gooey disc machine in the gym; its merely this machine instead of Doing entire back is anchored and you things. Trust me that you dont useless. In fact, there are plenty squats Guys -- big guys, even -- need to push hard with your legs. ever want anything bad to happen of useless machines in the gym. l o v e t h i s m a c h i n e . T h e y Im coming up empty. But dont to those disc things. It will make There are others that are half shouldnt. We all know of guys just take my word for it. Dr. your life hell. Then add a decent. Before I go on my rant, I who only ever work their upper Stuart McGill is a professor of crapload of downward force from will say that I have occasion to body bar muscles and strut s p i n a l b i o m e c h a n i c s a t t h e the weight on the machine in the use some of the basic machines. I about on chicken legs because University of Waterloo. He worst direction possible. Not only always start off with free weights. they hate doing legs. Hell, I used literally wrote the book on low that, but as your legs come toward But you reach a point after to hate doing legs, but I forced back disorders, appropriately your chest, the angle increases several sets when youre feeling myself to anyway. Eventually, I called Low Back Disorders. Ive and the opening of the vertebrae pretty done for. The gas tank is learned to love it. You must fall interviewed Dr. McGill for my at the back increases as well. It low but not empty. Any further in love with the squat. It is a damn L.A. Times column before. In the wont happen all at once; its free weights are unthinkable, but challenging exercise to get right. aforementioned book, McGill said cumulative. Repeated uses just you can pound out a couple more It demands perfect form. It takes of the leg pres, We still consider make it so that one day your low reps on a machine to finish things everything out of you. And yet it this a non-functional motor/ back is killing you and you dont off and really earn that beer. I do gives so much. When you master motion pattern. In other words, know why. Just because you can that sometimes. See, you can use the squat and make it part of your you can stack a whole bunch of use it without a problem now machines and not be a bad regular routine, taking pride in plates on that sucker to make doesnt mean it wont make you person. But there is one machine your ability to do it well, you, too, yourself look cool, but youre still hate life in the future. So ditch it. that deserves to be soaked in will find the love. Guys who hate accomplishing the square root of If you really cant do squats, try napalm and hurled into an active squats but still want to do legs bugger all in terms of functional the hack squat instead, but focus v o l c a n o . T h i s m a c h i n e think theyre doing fine with the strength gains. You will wreck on not letting your low back masquerades as being useful leg press, but theyre not. This is yourself I have experience with round outwards. More from James while is pretty useless. Whats because Its not a functional this. I didnt do it on this machine Fell: The Metabolism Myth You more, it will mess you up. It is the movement Think of what you do -- my low back tales of woe are Always Believed Was True 45-degree leg press, and you with a squat. That is a functional long and boring -- but know that I Continue Reading should never, ever use it again. movement. Now try to imagine have two bulging discs in my
James Fell (AskMen Latest Articles)

The Goods: November 2011's Hottest Gadgets


<p>Amanda Schupak and Madhumita Venkataramanan</p> (Popular Science - New Technology, Science News, The Future Now)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:00:22 AM

The Brauler The Zythos Project A stainless steel beer growler, an ultralight tent, high-tech binoculars and much more Every month we search far and wide to bring you a dozen of the best new ideas in gear. These gadgets are the first, the best and the latest. Check out the gallery below to get the first look at what consumer technology has brought us this month. Click to launch our guide to this November's best gadgets.

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Curated News Edition

A Charlie Brown Christmas Comes to the iPad


John Madden (Wired Top Stories)

I know my kid found it very slowly paced, even for a bedtime story its actually even more Submitted at 11/23/2011 7:45:00 AM slowly paced than I remember, Last Friday evening, sitting on but that doesnt bother me. the couch playing with my newly Closer to Christmas its still downloaded A Charlie Brown only November, after all Ill Christmas app for the iPad, I was try introducing him to the 1965 struck by the difference between animated film (which is on DVD what kids watch these days and and Blu-ray) and then try this what we watched when we were again. younger. At the other end of said For the moment, though, Ill be couch, my wife had our three-year enjoying this one with some hot -old on her lap, and they were chocolate on my own. watching a trailer for Happy Feet Wired: A beautifully designed Two, in which a bunch of squeaky app, and one that will tug at the -voiced penguin chicks do a dance heartstrings of anyone with fond routine to a parody medley of LL memories of the animated Cool Js Mama Said Knock You specials. Out and Justin Timberlakes Sexy Tired: Slowly-paced enough that Back(redone as Fluffy Back. You its probably not great for young know: for kids!) Im not saying kids. Relatively expensive for theres anything wrong with that what it is. per se, but it contrasted starkly A Charlie Brown Christmas is with this app and kicked me probably used to, as the app is crackle of an old recording, as do app, from the inclusion of Linus available now from iTunes, priced immediately into it wasnt like designed to emulate a pop-up the voices of the kids theyre recital of the relevant verses from at $6.99 and is compatible with that when I was a kid mode. book, right down to the paper all there from the 1965 TV the Gospel of St. Luke, to the fact your iPhone, iPod Touch, and Between this and Pixar and textures used throughout the special. The story is even told by that a major plot point of the story iPad, so long as its running iOS dont get me wrong, I love Pixar artwork. There are lots and lots of the now-quite-grown-up Peter is the staging of a Nativity play. 3.2.2 or later. the message is go big and go little treats to find, from mini- Robbins, the original voice of Personally, Ive no issue with it, This entry passed through the loud, or go home. games to unexpected things Charlie Brown. Using the original and I dont find it particularly in- Full-Text RSS service if this is A Charlie Brown Christmas, on happening when you click on the recordings means you also get the your-face, but your mileage may your content and you're reading it the other hand, trades almost screen. You even get the dance slightly stunted, now signature vary. on someone else's site, please read entirely on pure nostalgia. The started by playing the opening delivery style of the kids lines. The only real problem I can see the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentmusic and voices from the bars of Linus And Lucy. Its emotional manipulation at its and this may not be a problem, only/faq.php#publishers. Five original cartoon are all there, as is Charlie Brown and Linus finest, but believe me when I say really is that this may not be an Filters recommends: Donate to the simplistic animation in Building on the nostalgia factor is Im a willing participant. app for your kids so much as it is Wikileaks. fact, for the most part its actually Vince Guaraldis music which, Its also worth pointing out that for you. Its lots and lots of fun, CHARLIE page 53 even more basic than youre digitally added or not, has the there are religious aspects to this and its beautifully presented, but

Curated News Edition

Culture/ Food/

53

The Secret To Looking Taller: Style Q&A


choose mid-rise pants over lowrise versions. Keep your look streamlined, meaning no bulky accessories or pockets. Finally, This article is sponsored in party draw attention to your face with a by Tommy Hilfiger & clever detail such as a bright Macy's(What's this?) In order to pocket scarf. Q: Ive started to take your looks to the next le vel, travel a lot more for my job and you, our AskMen readers, am thinking about picking up a deserve the most custom, large carry-all so I dont have to practical and concrete advice check luggage. What should I be possible. To provide you with looking for? A: Not having to the specific information needed check your luggage means you to solve your fashion dilemmas, wont waste unnecessary time at we present our new weekly Style the airport and youll never have Q&As. Get personalized answers zip-up sweater or a pullover slim- you look distractingly hot. In to deal with the hassle of losing to your most pressing fashion fit hoodie. Q: I saw a photo of black or charcoal gray, this your bags. And while its always questions by sending them to: myself the other day and I had a cashmere sweater from Macy's is smart to pack lightly, its the only StyleQA@AskMen.com Q: I just noticeable muffin top going on. an excellent example of a piece way to travel when youre on a bought a tan suit. How should I Besides going to the gym, what that meets all the criteria just business trip. For a practical and pair the suit jacket up with things should I be doing to minimize this outlined for minimizing a muffin stylish buy, try this duffel bag when Im not wearing the entire flaw? A: Do not fall prey to the top. Q: Im 56 and am trying to meets rolling suitcase from Brics. suit? A: A tan suit is a great buy belief that baggier clothes will figure out ways to maximize my A tan colored exterior with that youll keep for years to come help you conceal a bulge; in fact, height without looking ridiculous. chocolate Tuscan leather trim because both the pants and the theyll only make you look Any suggestions? A: With the lends gentlemanly refinement to jacket pair well with a wide bigger. So aim to select tops that right pair of shoes and a few this piece, while a PVC-coated variety of other pieces. When skim over your body. Favor wardrobe tweaks, you can create cotton construction repels water, teamed with a pair of dark-rinse thinner fabrics and knits over the illusion of several extra inches and inline skate wheels save you jeans, like these ones from bulkier ones, V-necks over crew of height. Begin with these black from having to do much heavy Macy's, and a white button-down, necks and stay within a darker leather Bostonian dress boots, lifting. How to help your skin you have a killer smart-casual color palette. Finally, spend a which feature a decently sized battle the elements... ensemble. To add more interest to little more on your wardrobe as heel. Next, make sure that the Continue Reading your outfit, swap out the white higher quality clothes will not bottom hem of your pants or jeans dress shirt for a maroon-colored only fit you better, theyll make falls nearly to the floor, and
AskMen Editors (AskMen Latest Articles)

CHARLIE
continued from page 52

Holiday Gifts for Food Lovers


(Cooking Light: Editor's Picks)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 3:00:00 AM

What to gift the food lovera question that can prove to be quite a conumdrum. Luckily, our editors took up the project and deliver with their top holiday picks for the culinary connosieur. If a splurge is in order and a KitchenAid is absent, the 5-quart stand mixer now comes in a handsome espresso finish. Price:$399 Shop: KitchenAid Next Orange Howell Snowflakes This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Culture/ TV/

Curated News Edition

Heidi Klum Rocks "Lopsided" English Girl Kate Moss Has a Rainy Day Out to Katy Perry With Leni and Henry With Husband Jamie Hince
Katie Henry (PopSugar) Allie Merriam (PopSugar)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:30:05 AM

Kate Moss covered her head from the rain this morning to check in on the progress of construction at her new London home with her husband Jamie Hince. Both Kate and Jamie are home from a recent stint in Paris, where she was by his side during his shows with The Kills. Business of her own brought Kate to France earlier this Fall when she talked up her collection for Rimmel in a few select interviews. Kate Moss talked to writer Derek Blasberg about some funny and personal topics. It was revealed that Kate

wanted to sneak into the McQueen show in a wig shortly after her cocaine arrest in 2005, and she shared more anecdotes about dressing, style, and sharing a name with Duchess Kate. Miss Moss said: On the art of mixing high and low:"I get lots of things. I grew up wearing Marks & Spencer, and thats where I got all my underwear when I was young. Now I just mix it in with the Stella McCartney, darling." On how style differs among European women:"Theres definitely a different style from London to Europe: the French girls dress different from the

English girls and the Spanish girls and the Italian girls. . . and French girls have their look with their long hair and sophistication. And then we English girls look a little. . . lopsided." On the posters of her that went up before the royal wedding that said 'There's Only one Kate:'"Yeah, I saw them. I watched the wedding too, of course! We had a big party and all the kids came around. I thought Kate [Middleton] looked amazing. . . . [though] I think shes called Catherine with a C now." View Slideshow

Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:39:31 AM

Heidi Klum was in great company last night when she took her oldest kids, Leni and Henry Samuel, to Katy Perry's LA concert. The threesome looked like they had a great time and were still wearing their glow in the dark glasses for the car ride home. It's the second time Heidi's been treated to a Katy Perry performance this week. Heidi and Katy were both at Sunday's AMAs, where Katy sang and danced to her latest single, "The One That Got Away." Heidi had the honor of introducing the sinegr, and said that she and her whole family love Katy's tunes. With Thanksgiving one day

away, Heidi's also gearing up for Christmas! She got a head start on decorating a tree Monday at QVC headquarters. In typical Heidi fashion, her ornaments were extra chic as they happened to be items from her new jewelry line Wildlife. View Slideshow

'Smash': Katharine McPhee Covers Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful' (VIDEO)


Chris Harnick (AOL TV)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 5:20:00 AM

Filed under: Features, TV Previews, TV News, Midseason TV The'Smash' goodies keep on coming! Hot on the heels of the

new poster art, NBC has released the first official music video from the series, featuring Katharine McPhee covering Christina Aguilera's hit song 'Beautiful.' In the pilot episode, McPhee's auditions for a role in the new character Karen Cartwright Marilyn Monroe musical with the

song. Permalink| Email this| Linking In addition to original shots, the Blogs| Comments video also features new footage from the show. Watch the video below. 'Smash' premieres Mon., Feb. 6, 10PM ET on NBC.

Curated News Edition

Culture/ Politics-Left/

55

Spiders Coat Webs With Toxic Chemicals for Self-Defense


Adam Mann (Wired Top Stories)

typically found in the ant-rich tropical forests of Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:00:00 AM Philippines manage to avoid A tasty spider and its bundle of becoming dinner. prey might make an excellent They found that the spiders coat treat for a bunch of marauding their webs in a chemical called 2ants. So to protect their homes, pyrrolidinone, which acts as a and themselves, golden orb deterrent to many insect species, weavers ( Nephila antipodiana) i n c l u d i n g a n t s , m o t h s a n d use chemical warfare. caterpillars. The findings appear In an experiment, ants refused to Researchers had long wondered Nov. 23 in the Proceedings of the cross lengths of spider silk covered in 2-pyrrolidinone. The how this species of orb spider Royal Society B.

researchers suggest this may be because similar chemicals are found in the poison glands of several ant species. The substance could also be triggering a panic response in the ants, which use the same chemical as an alarm pheromone. The scientists found that smaller golden orb spiders didnt produce the chemical because their webs were too thin to support ants. Image: Li Daiqin

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Yemen's leader signs power-transfer deal


(AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (AJE))
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:20:11 AM

Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, the Yemeni vicepresident, to negotiate a power Yemeni President Ali Abdullah transfer with the opposition in Saleh has signed a deal to hand return for a promise of immunity o v e r h i s p o w e r s u n d e r a n from prosecution. agreement brokered by the Gulf As part of the deal early Co-operation Council. presidential elections will take Live footage of the ceremony place in 90 days. aired by Saudi state television on Saleh, who has ruled Yemen Wednesday showed Saleh sign the since 1978, spoke of the cost of G u l f - a n d U N - b r o k e r e d the uprising to Yemen, but did not a g r e e m e n t i n R i y a d h ' s A l - mention the demands of protesters Yamama royal palace watched who called for his ouster. Instead, over by members of the Yemeni he referred to the protests as a opposition as well as Saudi King "coup'' and called a bombing of A b d u l l a h a n d G u l f f o r e i g n his palace mosque that seriously ministers. wounded him "a scandal.' The deal will see Saleh leave After signing the deal, Saleh said office in 30 days, making way for his government welcomes the

partnership with what he called the "brothers in the opposition" and pledged a "real partnership" with them. The Saudi king hailed the signing as marking a "new page" in the Yemen's history. Saleh, 69, will now seek medical treatment in New York, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday. "He [Saleh] told me that he would come to New York after signing the agreement to have medical treatment," Ban said, giving details of a telephone conversation they had on Tuesday. The president's visit to the Saudi capital came after the UN's Yemen envoy said on Tuesday

that a deal aimed at ending months of political deadlock had been approved both by the opposition and by the president. Fresh protests In response to the deal, protests broke out in Sanaa's Change Square with many saying that the deal is not enough for them Al Jazeera's special correspondent in Sanaa said that those gathered are "protesting his [Saleh's] immunity from any legal repercussions". Protesters on "the streets reject the Gulf Initiative," Mohammed Qahtan, spokesman for the Common Forum parliamentary opposition bloc, told AFP news agency.

In May, Saleh's supporters many of which also reject the GCC deal - took to the streets besieging the Emirati embassy in Sanaa where foreign ambassadors were gathered for a signing ceremony. The signing was postponed and clashes broke out for the first time between Ahmar's men and Saleh's forces in AlHasaba. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Politics-Left/

Curated News Edition

Bahrain inquiry confirms rights abuses


(AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (AJE))
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:26:15 AM

Anti-government protesters confronted riot police near the Pearl Square in Manama in March [File/Reuters] Bahraini security forces used "excessive force" and tortured detainees in a March crackdown on Shia Muslim-led protests demanding democratic change, the head of an Independent Commission of Inquiry has announced. Responding to the inquiry's findings on Wednesday, an official spokesman said the Bahrain government accepted the criticisms. "The government welcomes the findings of the Independent Commission, and acknowledges its criticisms," a statement said. "We took the initiative in asking for this thorough and detailed inquiry to seek the truth and we accept it." The report also acknowledged that the commission did not find proof of an Iran link to the unrest, dispelling widespread allegations by Gulf Arab leaders that Iran played a role in instigating the Bahrain protests. "Evidence presented to the commission did not prove a clear link between the events in Bahrain and Iran," Cherif Bassiouni, the commission's lead investigator, said. Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa commissioned the report

to investigate allegations of government misconduct and human rights abuses against protesters, democracy activists, and opposition figures. He vowed that officials involved in the abuses would be held accountable and replaced.

"We must reform our laws to bring them in line with international standards," he added. The report blamed the opposition for not having accepted the Crown Princes initiative in March which it says might have led to a peaceful solution. It also

mentioned instances of aggression against the Sunnis of Bahrain as well as foreign workers. The mass demonstrations which rocked the Sunni-ruled kingdom earlier this year were violently crushed as government forces used live ammunition and heavy-

handed tactics to scatter protesters. Rights abuses Bassiouni said the death toll from the month-long unrest reached 35, including five security personnel. BAHRAIN page 57

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BAHRAIN
continued from page 56

Hundreds more were injured. The findings, which studied events in February and March, said that 11 other people were killed later. The commission concluded that a total of 2,929 people were detained during the protest movement, at least 700 remain in prison. International organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN human rights agency, have repeatedly accused the government of violating citizens' rights, citing allegations of torture, unfair trials, excessive use of force and violent repression. Investigations conducted by the panel commissioned by the king revealed that security forces "used excessive force" while "many detainees were tortured", Bassiouni said. Events in Bahrain between February 14 to March 18 In March, Bahraini security forces boosted by some 1,000 Gulf troops crushed the uprising in Manama's Pearl Square, the epicentre of the anti-government

movement. Bassiouni said the commission found no evidence that Gulf troops violated human rights. "The commission did not find any proof of human rights violations caused by the presence of the Peninsula Shield forces," he said. Iran and fellow Shias across the Arab world had criticised the Bahraini government for calling in forces from fellow Sunni monarchies, claiming that the Saudi-led force was used against Shia Bahrainis. The report's findings were released hours after clashes in at least two predominantly Shia villages on the outskirts of Manama. In A'ali, about 30km south of the Manama, clashed took place after officers allegedly ran a driver off the road. Al Jazeera's Gregg Carlstrom, reporting from Aali, said police had used tear gas and sound bombs against the protesters. "Protests initially began after police allegedly forced a man off the road, causing him to crash into

a house and die." Carlstrom said. He said police also raided a makeshift clinic and arrested a number of people. Bahrain's government had already admitted using excessive force against protesters before the release of the report on Wednesday, in what some analysts said is an attempt to control its possible fallout. Protests called Opposition leaders had called for protests to coincide with the reports release. Many have said the report will not lead to political reconciliation unless it faults senior officials, and the government follows it with a major concession, such as a general amnesty. King Hamad established a fivemember commission in June to investigate "whether the events of February and March 2011 [and thereafter] involved violations of international human rights law and norms". At least 35 people have been killed in this year's violence, with hundreds more wounded and

detained. The commission's final report was originally scheduled for release in late October. Journalists have recently been welcomed back into the country after months of restrictions, and the government announced on Monday that all forms of torture would be illegal, with more stringent penalties for those who commit them. Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, praised the governments move to ban torture, but argued that the report would limit itself to a handful of low-level targets. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Veggie Sides for Thanksgiving


(Cooking Light: Editor's Picks)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 3:00:00 AM

"I can't believe green bean casserole is light!" It is, and has none of the mush sometimes found in this classic American dish. You almost can't have too many vegetable side dishes, starting with those little green cruciferous Brussels sprouts. Do cook more than one ... Next Green Bean Casserole with Madeira Mushrooms This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Ronaldo looking for part in Seinfeld reunion


Ryan Bailey (Y! Sports Blogs Yahoo! Sports)

a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year who'd be perfect. Ronaldo posted this picture to his Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:34:33 AM Twitter account yesterday, If the Seinfeld producers were showing the world what happens looking to re-cast the part of when one of the most successful Kramer as someone overweight, athletes of all time succumbs to a Brazilian, mustachioed and life of transvestite prostitutes and could be a gesture for Movember, thoroughly devoid of sleep, there's Krispy Kreme. The mustache but is more likely another chapter

in the former striker's history of forgettable grooming (see questionable chin fluff and baffling haircut). Brazilian news sites have compared Fat Kramer's new look to Brazilian musician Tim Maia and Don King, but we at DT would much rather see him in a

sports jacket maniacally poking his head around the door of a New York apartment. Image:@ClaroRonaldo

58

Politics-Left/ TV/ Food/

Curated News Edition

ICC allows Libya to try Gaddafi son


(AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (AJE))
Submitted at 11/23/2011 4:34:27 AM

chief, Abdullah al-Senoussi, with crimes against humanity. Libyan officials said al-Senoussi The International Criminal was captured over the weekend Court's prosecutor has said that and is being held in the southern L i b y a c a n p u t M u a m m a r city of Sabha, although Libya's Gaddafi's son and one-time heir i n t e r i m p r i m e a p p a r e n t o n t r i a l a t h o m e , minister, Abdurrahim El Keib, provided there is a judicial could not confirm the report. process that does not shield him In a statement before his arrival, from international justice. Moreno-Ocampo called the arrest Luis Moreno-Ocampo said on of Saif al-Islam and al-Senoussi Wednesday at a news conference "a crucial step in bringing to in Tripoli, the capital, that it was justice those most responsible for very important for Libya that Saif crimes committed in Libya". al-Islam, the captured son of the "Saif is captured so we are here to late Libyan leader, is tried inside ensure co-operation," Morenothe country. Ocampo said. Moreno-Ocampo arrived in Libya "If they [Libyans] prosecute the on Tuesday for talks with Libya's case, we will discuss with them new leaders about their plans for how to inform the judges, and Saif al-Islam, who was captured they can do it, but our judges have on Saturday in southern Libya and to be involved." is being held by fighters in the Earlier this year, the ICC issued a m o u n t a i n t o w n o f Z i n t a n , warrant for Saif al-Islam's arrest s o u t h w e s t o f t h e T r i p o l i . on charges of crimes against The ICC has also charged humanity. Gaddafi's former intelligence The International Committee of

the Red Cross (ICRC), which visited Saif al-Islam in Zintan on Tuesday, said he appeared to be in good health. Steven Anderson, a spokesperson for the Geneva-based body, said the visit "took place in accordance with the ICRC's customary working procedures" and all further findings would remain confidential. Meanwhile, Libya's National Transitional Council named a new cabinet on Tuesday, making several unexpected appointments that suggested the line-up was meant to calm rivalries between regional factions. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

'A Very Gaga Thanksgiving': 5 Things We Want to See


Maggie Furlong (AOL TV)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 5:00:00 AM

Filed under: Features, TV Previews, The Show Girl It's Thanksgiving! The leaves are changing in certain parts of the country that still have seasons, the smell of butane from turkey fryers is filling the air and ABC is celebrating with ... Lady Gaga? Because nothing says making the holidays "hip" like Gaga! 'A Very Gaga Thanksgiving' (Thurs., Nov. 24, 9:30PM ET on ABC) is a 90-minute TV special conceived and directed by Gaga herself that finds the queen of shock performing eight songs for a small audience that includes her friends and family. The songs range from her biggest hits to holiday classic 'White Christmas,' and she's even doing a duet of

'The Lady Is a Tramp' with Tony Bennett. Yep, this is really a thing. ABC is calling it "Gaga-fied," I'm calling it awesomely random. Permalink| Email this| Linking Blogs| Comments

Online Features - December 2011


(Cooking Light: Editor's Picks)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 3:00:00 AM

Meet our Superfast Fan of the Month Meet our Superfast Fan of the Month winners and take the

challenge: Prepare any Superfast dish and share how your family l i k e d it, what tweaks you made, your quick tips, and pictures of the finished dish. more This entry passed through the

Full-Text RSS service if this is

your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Curated News Edition

TV/ Products/

59

Manufacturers ramp up on new SLR-like cameras


Ratings: Weve added some notable basic models as well. The top-rated Panasonic Lumix DMCSubmitted at 11/23/2011 6:59:59 AM FZ47 ($400) is a pricey Manufacturers ramp up on new superzoom, (24x optical zoom), SLR-like cameras and it maintains very good quality Although Canons new pro SLR, across the board, including video the 18-megapixel EOS-1D X, has and wide-angle capabilities, great been the most notable advanced for group portraits and camera recently announced, its Pentax Q($800, pictured) weighs l a n d s c a p e s . SLR-like models that have really only 9 ounces, while two of our Those looking for a portable been piquing the interest of Recommended Sonys, the SLT- model that fits easily into a pocket c a m e r a e n t h u s i a s t s . T h i s A55 ($750) and SLT-A33 ($600), s h o u l d c o n s i d e r a n o t h e r corresponds to what were seeing are each 27 ouncesas heavy as Recommended model, the 16in the marketplace: This relatively an SLR. megapixel Nikon Coolpix S100 n e w c a t e g o r y o f a d v a n c e d Manufacturers are also packing subcompact ($300). It has a 5x cameraintroduced in 2008is some of the newest features into optical zoom lens that doesnt the only type thats growing in these portable cameras. Several, telescope out when you turn the sales. Its also expanding in including the Olympus PEN E-P3 camera on. It also has a goodnumbers: Weve increased the ($900), have well-designed and quality, very large 3.4-inch debuted this fall, 'Suburgatory' has number of mirrorless-system interactive touch-screen displays display and takes better videos taken a big leap forward in quality cameras in our digital camera and the ability to capture 3D than many in its class. and tonight's Thanksgiving Ratings(available to subscribers) photos. Others, like most of the Be sure to check out our basic Sony SLR-like models, can camera Ratings and advanced episode is well worth a look. to almost two dozen. We also did a separate podcast While pricier than most basic c a p t u r e b o t h 2 D a n d 3 D camera Ratings before buying delving into Tuesday's shocking models, SLR-likes are by and panoramas using a special sweep- your favorite photographers a gift episode of 'Sons of Anarchy,' large cheaper than a number of panorama mode. Many also this holiday season. Subscribe top-rated SLRs, ranging in price include HDR (high dynamic now! which I wrote about here. S u b s c r i b e t o Running times for the first from $500 to $1,000, but they range), which lets you maintain score nearly the same in our details in highlights and shadow ConsumerReports.org for expert podcast are below. Permalink| Email this| Linking Ratings. Like SLRs, they accept a r e a s i n t o u g h l i g h t i n g Ratings, buying advice and interchangeable lenses and almost situationscapturing a landscape r e l i a b i l i t y o n h u n d r e d s o f Blogs| Comments always come with a kit lens. products. Update your feed at sunset, for example. SLR-like models run the gamut SLR-like models arent the only preferences in terms of size and weight. new additions to our camera Pentaxs debut SLR-like, the
Consumer Reports News (Consumer Reports)

Talking TV Podcast Takes on the 'Sons of Anarchy' and the Ladies of 'The Good Wife,' 'New Girl' and 'Suburgatory'
Maureen Ryan (AOL TV)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 6:30:00 AM

Filed under: Reality-Free, Stay Tuned Once again, Ryan McGee and I have recorded two podcasts for your listening pleasure. In the first podcast, we talk about what we're digging about three lady-centric shows: 'The Good Wife,' 'New Girl' and 'Suburgatory.' As I said in a piece I posted earlier today, which reexamines several shows that

60

Products/ Daily World/ Talk/

Curated News Edition

Centon 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card


(Woot! - One Day, One Deal)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:00:23 AM

Precious Memories Oscar, I said to get your grandfather a BIRTHDAY card, not what is this Centon 32GB SDHC card, anyway? Oscar, honestly. When I gave you that money, I said it was for your grandfathers 80th birthday, not for spending on some tiny little plastic wafer. Oh, okay, Im sorry, I meant Centon 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card I guess. Either way, it doesnt matter what the name is because we just dont have time now to stop and get him a REAL card, so well just have to pretend we forgot, I guess. I just dont know what got into you. How could you waste our money on this thing? What is it, some kind of toy? Oh, hello, Dad! Happy birthday! Sorry we didnt bring anything, Oscar and I came right from his school, we didnt have time to stop because we didnt want to be - oh, my Lord, Oscar, dont give him that! Dad, really, Im sorry,

Oscar got this crazy Centon 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card thing, we werent going to talk about it with you but I guess he felt bad he forgot to get you a REAL card. You know how kids are. Oscar, come here and let me throw out that- oh, Dad, you dont have to humor him by oh, I see. It goes in the computer, does it? Well, thats better, I guess, but I still dont see why-oh, my. Oscar. Are those my baby photos? And my Dads wedding? And is that a movie of your baptism? And whats that, a whole collection of westerns? Why, your grandfather LOVES westerns! And thats what you did with this Centon 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card? You filled it up with 32 gigs of things hed love! Oh, Oscar, come here! Come here and let me give you a big hug! This is an amazing gift, Oscar! It was wrong of me to make you feel bad, and Im sorry. This Centon 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card is MUCH better than some photo of a kitty. What? You put kitty photos on it

too? Oscar, how did you get so smart? Must take after your grandfather, because it certainly doesnt seem to be in my DNA. Warranty: 5 Year Centon Condition: New Features: Provide a reliable way to save, copy, download and back-up of your data Portable storage for your videos, images, music or other files 32GB Multi-Use SDHC Class 10 Memory Card Perfect for Full-HD video and Pro D-SLR cameras Additional Photos: Package Contents Capacity (Numbers may vary depending on formatted capacity, device model, format resolution, type of compression and pre-loaded software) Approximate Number of Photos - 6MP Camera: 11680- 7MP Camera: 10400- 8MP Camera: 9280- 10MP Camera: 7040-

12MP Camera: 5440 Approximate Number of Songs128Kbps: 7680 Approximate Minutes of VideoSP MPEG 2(6 Mbps): 660- HD AVCHD/H.264 (9 Mbps): 480 Specifications: Technology: SD/SDHC Flash Memory Cards Capacity: 32GB Write Speed: 10 MB/s Read Speed: 10 MB/s Speed: Class 10 RoHS: Yes Color: Blue Operating Temp: Commercial (0 to 70 C 32 to 158 F) System Requirements: SDHC compatible device In the box: (1) Centon 32GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card Model#: Centon 32GBSDHC10 (1) Jewel Case Discuss this product Price: $24.99 I want one!

TED: Joe Sabia: The technology of storytelling Joe Sabia (2011)


TEDTalks (TEDTalks (video))
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:11:04 AM

iPad storyteller Joe Sabia introduces us to Lothar Meggendorfer, who created a bold technology for storytelling: the pop-up book. Sabia shows how new technology has always helped us tell our own stories, from the walls of caves to his own onstage iPad.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 (11-23-11)


(Verse of the Day)

don't always go well for me! Some of my friends have abandoned me at my worst Be joyful always. possible moments. How can I be 1 Thessalonians 5:16(NIV) joyful ALWAYS? "Simple, my Thoughts on Today's Verse... child," the Father reminds me. Now wait just a minute. I have "First, joy is more than always some pretty sorry days! Things feeling happy, but is instead, a
Submitted at 11/23/2011 2:00:00 AM

deep abiding sense of being in God's grace and purpose. Second, no matter where you are, no matter how hopeless things may seem, your life is bound for glory -- my glory!" In the light of these incredible truths, all other things seem bland, out of touch, and

insignificant. My Prayer... O joyful praise for all that you have LORD, please give me a clearer done for me. In Jesus' name I sense of your glory and victory. pray. Amen. Please empower my faith to trust the truth of your conquest over hell. Please fill me with your Spirit and bring forth your fruit in my life. Please fill my mouth with

Curated News Edition

Products/

61

Store opening hours for Black Friday


Consumer Reports News (Consumer Reports)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 7:44:59 AM

Funny, The First Grade Teachers Say That About You Guys: Woot Weads The Wire
(Woot! - One Day, One Deal)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:00:00 AM

Store opening hours for Black Friday According to our holiday poll, one in four Americans plan to hit the stores on Black Friday. Whether you plan to do all of Thanksgiving Day: your shopping at brick and mortar Kmart 6 a.m. stores (44 percent of those Old Navy 9 a.m. Thanksgiving surveyed said just that), or if and midnight Friday you'll be comparing in-store and Toys R Us 9 p.m. online prices, the following list of Walmart 10 p.m. opening hours for some of the big Midnight Friday -name retailers can help you Ace Hardware strategically launch your holiday Best Buy shopping. Kohl's Keep in mind, however, that Target (which is opening despite Black Friday prices are not an employee's campaign to cancel always lowest for some of the this year's earlier hours) products we've recommended. In Friday: a p r i c e c o m p a r i s o n b y JCPenney 4 a.m. Decide.com, the lowest prices of Macy's 4 a.m. the season on electronics items Sears 4 a.m. were not on Black Friday or A.C. Moore 5 a.m. Cyber Monday.

Sports Authority 5 a.m. Half Price Books 7 a.m. Black Friday shopping tips: Black Friday: Big appliance buys at the big box stores Best GPS deals for 2011 Black Friday--Your guide to navigating doorbusters Best new car deals for Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend Black Friday 2011: 10 best TV deals Black Friday: There are good buys and there are CR Best Buys And for more holiday shopping strategies check out Black Friday 2011: 12 tips for getting the best deals, plus 7 tips for organized and hassle-free holiday shopping. Subscribe now! S u b s c r i b e t o ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences

Every week in this space, well take a look at the news and offer our own incisive blend of commentary, analysis, and poop jokes. The news you need, from a voice you can trust, in the 90 seconds you have to spare: thats Woot Weads the Wire. NASSAU, Bahamas ( UPI) -The first KISS Kruise, featuring live performances by the iconic rock band, has traveled from Miami to the Bahamas. Passengers report they were offered the chance to disembark and let some guy in fox makeup use their return ticket. ORLANDO, Fla. ( UPI) -- Most U.S. kindergarten teachers think most young children are unprepared for school when they enter kindergarten, a survey indicates. And in a related story, most U.S. kindergarten teachers were surprised to learn what the definition of "teaching" is. WASHINGTON ( UPI) -- One of the provisions in the U.S. spending bill signed into law Friday allows schools to continue

counting pizza as a vegetable serving. An unexpected side effect of this news is that children are now hiding the pizza under their mashed potatoes and moving it around the plate to make it look like they ate more than they did. EAST LANSING, Mich. ( UPI) - Few U.S. residents use the hour they gain during the changeover from daylight saving time to standard time to catch up on their sleep, a researcher said. Data hints that the extra hour is mostly spent reading the annual article about how few U.S. residents use the hour they gain from the changeover to catch up on extra sleep. WASHINGTON ( UPI) -Homeowners now have 3 minutes to get out of the house with a fire compared to 17 minutes in the 1970s because of home synthetics, U.S. scientists say. But they add that the change balances out, because homeowners no longer have to waste fifteen minutes gathering up 8-tracks while tripping over the cuff of their bell-bottom jeans.

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Products/

Curated News Edition

Senator Introduces Two Bills To Curb Checked Bag Fees


Chris Morran (The Consumerist)

GM recalls 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks for faulty seat belt electronics
Consumer Reports News (Consumer Reports)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 7:14:59 AM

piece of legislation that Landrieu intends to introduce is the Fair Airline Industry Revenue (FAIR) Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:38:23 AM Act, which would impose With so many people lining up at additional fees on airlines that the airport today and tomorrow to don't comply. fly home to stuff their stomachs Explains the Senator, who chairs with, well... stuffing, one U.S. the Senate Subcommittee on Senator has introduced two pieces Homeland Security: of legislation aimed at reining in When an airline advertises a the checked bag fees charged by flight, that is how much it should airlines. cost, plain and simple. Passengers Senator Mary Landrieu of should not be charged additional Louisiana has come up with what fees for checked or carry-on she's called the Airline Passenger baggage, drinkable water or other B a s i c A i r l i n e S t a n d a r d s t o reasonable requests.... Improve Customer Satisfaction Many airlines consider checking (BASICS) Act, which would a bag not to be a right, but a r e q u i r e a i r l i n e s t o a l l o w privilege - and one with a hefty passengers one checked and one f e e a t t a c h e d . T h e A i r l i n e carry-on bag for free. The second Passenger BASICS Act will

guarantee passengers one checked bag without the financial burden of paying a fee, or the headache of trying to fit everything into a carry-on It will be interesting to see if this legislation actually has some legs or if it will just go around and round, like some unclaimed luggage on the carousel. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

GM recalls 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks for faulty seat belt electronics General Motors is recalling about 5,220 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Certain models in both 2012 compact truck lines have faulty electronics that may not warn of incompletely latched seat belts which will fail to protect drivers during collisions. According to NHTSA, the problem has been traced to illfitting electrical connections in the drivers' seat belts. The loose connections may cause the trucks' seat belt warning systems to operate intermittently, a violation of federal vehicle safety standards. By the end of November, GM will begin notifying customers affected by this recall which it has identified as safety recall number 11322. Owners of recalled 2012

Chevrolet Colorado and GM Canyon pickup trucks will have the faulty seat belt buckle electronics replaced free of charge. For more information, consumers can call the toll-free customer support telephone lines (Chevrolet: 800-630-2438 GMC: 866-996-9463) or visit the N H T S A w e b s i t e : www.SaferCar.gov. Recall: 2012 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon - Front seat belts C a m p a i g n I D # 11V552000[NHTSA] Subscribe now! S u b s c r i b e t o ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences

Curated News Edition

Products/ Sports/ News Photos

63

Zappos Gets In The Holiday Spirit, Pays Tolls On Section Of Massachusetts Turnpike
Mary Beth Quirk (The Consumerist)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:00:00 AM

If you're traveling in Massachusetts today on a certain part of the turnpike, you'll have one less toll to pay. Online shoe and clothing retailer Zappos has teamed up with the state's Department of Transportation to pay tolls on a section of road from 5-7 p.m. today. The toll-free area will exist in both directions tonight at the Allston/Brighton toll plaza, saving drivers $1.50, says Boston's WWLP. The Massachusetts DOT says around 16,000 vehicles traveled through that area last year on the same day. Zappos is also covering the cost of all signs announcing

the tolls. "By teaming up with Zappos, it is my hope that we can make drivers a little less stressed about their commute during the holiday," DOT Secretary and CEO Richard Davey said. Now how's about the rest of the country, Zappos? *Thanks to Consumerist reader Jonathan T. for the tip! Zappos to pay for some Turnpike tolls[WWLP] This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Put-back at the buzzer extends Coastal Carolinas perfect start


Jeff Eisenberg (Y! Sports Blogs - Yahoo! Sports)

Internet mug shot photos of exPGMA not those submitted to Pasay RTC Robredo - Samar News.com
(news photos - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:08:46 AM

Samar News.com Internet mug shot photos of exPGMA not those submitted to Pasay RTC Robredo Samar News.com By DILG - Office of Public

Affairs MANILA Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo today disclosed that the mug shot photos of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which appeared on the Internet are not the same photos the police... and more

Coliseum and lift Coastal Carolina to 5-0 this season. Toppling a pair of teams from the Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:27:18 AM ACC and SEC in consecutive Only one week after Coastal w e e k s i s a n i m p r e s s i v e C a r o l i n a c o a c h C l i f f E l l i s accomplishment for a Coastal declared his team's surprising Carolina program that hasn't been victory over visiting LSU perhaps to the NCAA tournament since "the biggest win Coastal's ever 1993 and had slumped badly prior had," the Chanticleers may have to Ellis' arrival. The Chanticleers topped it. have won 28 games in back-toTuesday night's momentous 60- back seasons, but they've lost on 59 victory over a Clemson team their own floor in the Big South that won 22 games last season tournament both years. was more significant than the The conclusion to last season was LSU win for two reasons. Coastal especially galling for Coastal Carolina won on the road instead Carolina because it did not have of in its antiquated yet raucous its full complement of players. 1 , 0 3 9 - s e a t g y m , a n d t h e The Chanticleers finished with Chanticleers eked out the come- just eight scholarship players after f r o m - b e h i n d v i c t o r y i n a season-ending ACL tear particularly dramatic fashion. suffered by starting guard Kierre Trailing Clemson by 12 points in Greenwood and the suspension of the first half and by eight at conference player of the year halftime, Coastal Carolina roared candidate Desmond Holloway as back to pull within one with 7.1 a result of NCAA scrutiny for s e c o n d s r e m a i n i n g . S e n i o r alleged improper benefits. forward Chris Gradnigo missed a With Holloway playing short jumper from just inside the professionally overseas and allfree throw line with two seconds conference forward Chad Gray left, but he followed his own shot a l s o h a v i n g g r a d u a t e d , and scored on a put-back at the Greenwood, Gradnigo, guard buzzer to silence Littlejohn Anthony Raffa and center Sam

McLaurin have spearheaded the quick start. Raffa has scored a team-high 17.6 points per game, Gradnigo and Greenwood both also average double figures and McLaurin is averaging nearly a double-double in points and rebounds. It remains to be seen whether that nucleus will be enough to finally propel Coastal Carolina to the NCAA tournament, but efforts like Tuesday night's win at Clemson show what the Chanticleers can do when playing well. Clemson was motivated after a loss to College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina was a known commodity after its win over LSU, yet the Chanticleers still pulled off a road win. The outcome had to be particularly special for Ellis, who previously coached at Clemson for 10 seasons and remains the winningest coach there. He received a nice ovation during introductions on Tuesday night, then made his first win at Littlejohn Coliseum in 18 years a memorable one.

64

Sports/

Curated News Edition

Eagles are in the playoff hunt - just barely Philadelphia Daily News
(- Bing News)

French lessons from a cocker spaniel. All of the mathematical Having shown the maddening permutations are interesting, of ability on Sunday night to play course, as is the game-by-game well when the pressure is off - dissection of the rest of the which is never as useful as schedule, but the fact is there is no playing well when it matters - the reason to believe that the Eagles Eagles were dutifully returned to a team not good enough to play the "In The Hunt" playoff lists consistently thus far - will kept by those media outlets whose suddenly become a dependable consumers apparently can't read metronome the rest of the way. the standings for themselves. But this is where the Eagles have Whether the Eagles are actually left things, and what else are we hunting or are just in the vicinity going to pay attention to at the and can hear shooting will moment, whether Jason Kapono depend, among other things, on will ever work again? Probably how dreadful the NFC East not. actually might be. The Eagles Winning the division will require have a 3-1 record in the division, the Eagles to win five of their so that should be a clue right final six games, and those wins there. almost certainly have to include With six games to play, the beating Dallas and Washington at Eagles find themselves three the end of the schedule to ensure games out of a wild-card berth but the division-record tiebreaker. only two games behind the They will need some other help as division-leading Cowboys and well, since the Cowboys and Giants. That probably does Giants will have to each go 3-3 at qualify as "In The Hunt," even if best. they don't deserve it. Their Dallas still has two games against situation would be even more the Giants and one against the favorable had Washington been Eagles, but if those are the three able to kick a field goal in losses you give them - and the rest overtime against Dallas on of the Cowboys' schedule isn't Sunday, but expecting help from very difficult - then New York has the Redskins is like expecting to come up small in all of its big
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:03:03 AM

remaining tests. Those are against New Orleans, Green Bay and the Jets. It could happen, but it shows how little ammunition and how little room for aiming error the Eagles actually have for this hunt. With a loss Sunday to New England in Lincoln Financial Field, where they have lost seven of the last eight, the Eagles would then have to sweep Seattle, Miami, the Jets, Dallas and Washington. That would be unlikely even for a good team and, Sunday's surprise against the Giants notwithstanding, the Eagles haven't inspired confidence they would be up to the task. If the season ended today, three of the six NFC playoff participants - Dallas, Detroit and San Francisco - would be teams that finished with 6-10 records a year ago. (Dallas technically holds the tiebreaker over New York, although it is just a snapshot at this point.) Those teams must have held secret minicamps and OTAs or something to fuel their turnarounds, because that lack of an offseason is what everyone thinks doomed the Eagles. Maybe it also had something to do with changing the entire

defensive system, and the scheme along both lines, and with shuffling the roster until the locker room became a small city of strangers. It isn't as if the other teams didn't have turnover as well, though. The 49ers brought in a new head coach and an entirely new system, and had to keep playing with Alex Smith. Where the Eagles actually failed is anyone's guess. It looks like the combo platter at the moment: a heaping helping of bad coaching, poor personnel decisions, injuries and mercenary indifference from some of the players. If Sunday's win over New York was a beam of hope - and not an indictment of the Giants for taking off a game - the question is how the Eagles can put forth that kind of effort one week and be bad enough to lose to John Skelton and the dogpile Arizona Cardinals in another. The answer is that is what undependable teams do. Blame it on the changes or the lack of offseason or the players who were overrated, or whatever you like, but don't be fooled by the win over the Giants. This team is going to make you throw stuff at the television again. The bigger issues will remain to

be debated after the season. That's when you can chew over the mega -contract given to Michael Vick, and the matter of how to handle DeSean Jackson, a sensational talent who should have a nanny instead of an agent. That's the time to decide about fixing the mismatched cornerback situation and investing in linebackers. None of it can be solved, and this broken season can't be repaired, in the next six weeks. All you can do is study the schedule and do the math and wait for the hunt to end. It shouldn't be very long now. Contact columnist Bob Ford at bford@phillynews.com, read his blog at www.philly.com/ postpatterns, recent columns at www.philly.com/bobford, and follow @bobfordsports on Twitter. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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Sports/

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The Buffalo Sabres vs. Milan Lucic: Avenge or ignore?


Greg Wyshynski (Y! Sports Blogs - Yahoo! Sports)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:26:55 AM

Milan Lucic anticipated the questions as much as the hockey world anticipates his Boston Bruins' game against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. Did he intend to run Ryan Miller? Did he mock the Sabres for their lack of response in his postgame comments? Does he regret any of it? Lucic handled them all as he had for the last 10 days. On Miller, he still says his focus was on the puck and not the goalie playing it. On the Sabres: "I've always respected the Buffalo Sabres. I never called anyone a coward. I just said that we would have responded differently." Does he believe someone will take him on in the rematch? Lucic thought for a moment. "You know yes," he said. "I'm not going to lie: Yes. We'll just see what happens. That's what's going to make this game exciting. "I've been through it before with Montreal. That's what makes the game fun. It's what makes sports 'sports.'" So Lucic is ready for retribution. The NHL has discouraged it. What do the Buffalo Sabres, and their fans, expect to see in

tonight's grudge match for the Northeast Division lead? As was expected, the NHL has already stepped in to alert both teams "to not have any shenanigans tonight in the wake of the Milan Lucic- Ryan Miller

incident 11 days ago in Boston," according to the Buffalo News. That's after Sabres GM Darcy Regier and NHL VP of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan had a discussion during the GM meetings about Coach Lindy

Ruff's "irresponsible" comments regarding "open season" on goalies. What was Ruff saying ahead of this revenge game? From Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Ruff cut off a question about

retaliation a few seconds later by saying, "I don't think Shanahan would like to hear that." The media throng was large by regular-season standards, with BUFFALO page 66

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several outlets from Southern Ontario joining Buffalo and Boston reporters. Many of the Sabres were already off the ice and in trainers' areas when reporters were allowed in, and no one spoke to the likes of Paul Gaustad and Patrick Kaleta, the two likely candidates to do something with Lucic. Pressed again on what the Sabres need to do tonight, Ruff said, "I'll answer the question one more time: We were disappointed in our response and that won't happen again." Yet the chance to enact some vengeance on Lucic could be at loggerheads with the other goal here: Stopping a streaking Bruins team and making a statement on home ice about the Northeast Division title. From Dave Davis of The Sabres Observer: Even though Lucic and the Bruins aren't trembling in fear at the prospect of this rematch, they're certainly expecting that there will be some theatrics in front of a bloodthirsty Buffalo crowd tonight. Truthfully, there isn't anyone on Buffalo's roster capable of giving the 6'3" heavyweight forward the beating

he deserves. If the Sabres really did want revenge, they'd be better off going after Thomas - and accepting the inevitable suspension that would come with it. Alternatively, however, this is an opportunity for the Sabres to assert themselves as the superior team in the skill department. The Bruins could be expecting their pride-stricken opponents to be unfocused and distracted. You just know the officials are going to be all over this game, which could afford Buffalo the chance to put its 9th ranked power play to good use. Joe from Buffalo Wins sees tonight thusly: I think getting the win and not getting pushed around is all I ask for. If Boston plays physically, which we know they will, we need to try and match them. More importantly, we need to get respect. Respect doesn't have to be earned by having goalie fights. Beat them by 3 or 4 goals and you'll get their respect. Show you have guts and you can hit, and you'll get respect. Run them out of the building and it's R-E-S-P-E-CT. I guess what I'm trying to say is

that I won't go crazy if the Sabres don't respond in a bunk house brawl type. I'll be annoyed as hell if they get blown out. Just learn from your mistakes. I'm just not going to beat my head against the table because The (stupid) Code demands of it. I don't need retribution, I just don't want another situation where our goalie is sitting there with his helmet off and seeing Tweedy birds around his head. If the Bruins punch you, you punch back. That's all I demand. And the Bruins will punch. Is there another team in this League that'll bully you more at the first whiff of weakness? We expect the Bruins to come out at the aggressor. Then it's up to the Sabres to show they've learned from their emasculating, embarrassing response to Ryan Miller getting bull-dozered. It's not enough to point up and say "scoreboard." Answer a physical team by speaking its language.

Grady Sizemore returns to Indians - ESPN


(- Bing News)

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:50:26 AM Sizemore was not looking for a Updated: November 23, 2011, multiyear deal and wanted to to 12:29 PM ET play another season in Cleveland Outfielder Grady Sizemore has re to prove that he can still perform -signed with the Cleveland and stay healthy. Indians on a one-year deal, the Sizemore, a career .269 hitter team announced on its website. who twice appeared in all 162 Sizemore will be paid a $5 games for the Indians, hit .224 million base salary, plus $4 with 10 homers in 71 games in an million in performance-based injury-plagued 2011. incentives -- giving him a chance In eight major league seasons, to earn the $9 million he would Sizemore has hit 139 home runs, have made had the Indians not appeared in three All-Star Games declined a team option for 2012 and won two Gold Gloves. last month. Information from ESPN The Sizemore, 29, generated interest M a g a z i n e ' s B u s t e r O l n e y , from at least eight teams and ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick and appeared ready to let the market The Associated Press was used in play out over the coming weeks. this report. But the Indians got back into the This entry passed through the bidding and soon moved to the Full-Text RSS service if this is front of the line. your content and you're reading it "The Indians came at us with an on someone else's site, please read aggressive offer,'' agent Joe Urbon the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contenttold ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick only/faq.php#publishers. Five on Friday. "Grady has always Filters recommends: Donate to maintained that he would be Wikileaks. interested in returning to Cleveland.''

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Sports/ Gaming/ News Photos

67

NBA player returns to Wichita to hand out turkeys - msnbc.com


By KSNW News KSNW-TV (- Bing News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:50:26 AM

The Life of a Photo: The Pepper-Spraying Policeman - The Atlantic


(news photos - Google News)

WICHITA, Kansas (AP) The NBA lockout proved to be a blessing for some Wichita residents. Washington Wizards forward Maurice Evans spent some of his free time in his hometown Tuesday, delivering 500 turkeys as part of the NBA's Great Turkey Giveaway. He handed out turkeys at a Boys & Girls Club. Evans played basketball at Wichita Collegiate, Wichita State University and the University of Texas. He's played in the NBA for seven years, last season with the

Wizards. Evans said the players association usually distributes the turkeys in cities with NBA franchises. But he suggested some of the turkeys could go this year to players' communities. Evans, vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, said he remains hopeful that season will resume. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Kinect for Windows uses a new Kinect camera

Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:43:49 AM

News10.net The Life of a Photo: The PepperSpraying Policeman The Atlantic When did you first realize your photo was going to get national attention? I didn't actually realize that it was going to get national JC Fletcher (Joystiq) Kinect GM Craig Eisler notes). It attention until it got national makes sense for a device you attention I suppose. I spent that Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:00:00 PM would use while sitting at the night emailing different photo Microsoft's Kinect for Windows computer. editors and my... program doesn't just involve new In advance of the Kinect for PHOTOS: Lt. John Pike memes, firmware for PCs. There will be a Windows launch (early 2012), a viral phenomenon News10.net n e w v e r s i o n o f t h e K i n e c t Microsoft has launched the all 76 news articles hardware designed for Windows, "Kinect Accelerator" program, with "improvements" like a which will give $20,000 each to shorter USB cable ("to ensure ten startups using Kinect, along reliability across a broad range of with Microsoft development tools, computers") and a smaller USB " m a r k e t i n g v i s i b i l i t y " a n d dongle to better share space. mentoring. The firmware includes support Kinect for Windows uses a new for a new "Near Mode," designed Kinect camera originally appeared to see objects as close as 50 on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 centimeters away from the camera 12:00:00 EST. Please see our ("with graceful degradation down terms for use of feeds. to 40 centimeters," Windows Permalink| Email this| Comments

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Gaming/ News Photos

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New game from new BioWare studio could be Command & Conquer by Victory Games
Christopher Grant (Joystiq)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:30:00 AM

Photo program shines spotlight on talents of learning disabled - STLtoday.com


(news photos - Google News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:45:28 AM

In August, EA brass restructured the company putting Peter Moore in the role of COO and converting the illustrious BioWare brand from developer to "label," joining the ranks of EA Games (DICE, Visceral, Criterion, EA Partners, etc.), EA Sports (Madden, FIFA, Fight Night) and EA Play (Maxis, The Sims, MySims). With this new understanding of "BioWare" we bring you the latest scuttlebutt from internet scuttlebutter Superannuation, who spotted a LinkedIn resume(since edited) that described the Marina del Rey -based Victory Games as a BioWare studio. Victory Games, you might recall, is a new "strategy studio" announced by EA last February, as an offshoot of its EA Los Angeles location. Like Danger Close and Visceral Games,

Photo program shines spotlight on talents of learning disabled STLtoday.com Dan Talbot, 25, of Affton discusses his photos during a reception for the photography exhibit. Talbot has found a passion in photography after participating in Everyone Deserves a Shot. Although he has a learning disability and autism and often has... and more Victory is more of a "rebranding" than an entirely new studio; Victory was set up as the EALA shop handling all things Command & Conquer, much like Danger Close was established to handle all things Medal of Honor. Now, onto the new "BioWare" game being revealed on December 10 at the Spike Video Game Awards. With the latest teaser promising "a new direction, a new game, from a new BioWare studio," that sounds vague enough to contain a new Command & Conquer installment. New direction? That sounds like Victory's mandate for the franchise. New game? Well, yeah. A new BioWare studio? We're not sure what makes Victory a BioWare studio (per the above LinkedIn resume) instead of an EA Games studio, but there you have it. We'll find out on the 10th! New game from new BioWare studio could be Command & Conquer by Victory Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink| Email this| Comments

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Science/

69

Lost Mars Probe Briefly Phones Home, But the Window to Save the Phobos-Grunt Mission is Closing
Clay Dillow (Popular Science New Technology, Science News, The Future Now)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:00:02 AM

The Phobos-Grunt That Wasn't A Roscosmos rendering of PhobosGrunt approaching Mars and its moon Phobos. Roscosmos Finally, Russia's Phobos-Grunt spacecraft has called home. The European Space Agency has confirmed that Roscosmos' marooned spacecraft--stuck in Earth orbit after a failed booster firing failed to set it on a course for Mars earlier this month-made contact with an ESA tracking station in Perth, Australia, yesterday. But no telemetry data was exchanged in the brief contact, and the prospects for the mission are still next to hopeless. A quick primer: Phobos-Grunt launched on November 8 from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome and found Earth

orbit as intended. But two booster firings were supposed to send the 29,000-pound spacecraft on a course for Mars, where it would drop off a Chinese orbiter at the Red Planet before finding its way to Mars' moon Phobos. Neither firing happened, and the window to correct the problem and recover

the mission is swiftly closing. Yesterday's contact marks the first exchange of signals with Phobos-Grunt since that November 8 launch. And, as luck would have it, yesterday's contact was made during the ESA's final attempt to contact Phobos-Grunt before giving up. Now, the Perth

station's 49-foot antenna will attempt to establish communication a second time tonight. Still, hopes aren't high for the troubled mission. No meaningful data was swapped the first time and there's no telling if any telemetry data will be swapped tonight if indeed Perth can reestablish contact. If mission handlers can't get an idea of what's going on aboard PhobosGrunt, they can't fix the problem. And if the mission isn't rescued, Phobos-Grunt will likely make an uncontrolled reentry as early as late December or January, with some parts of the spacecraft perhaps surviving and plunging all the way to Earth. Which seems to be happening a lot lately. [ SPACE]

Archive Gallery: The Best of What Was New


Julie Beck (Popular Science New Technology, Science News, The Future Now)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:57:54 AM

The Mars Pathfinder Rover From climate-controlled clothing to Viagra, the first 10 years of PopSci's Best Of What's New Considering I was between the ages of -2 and 8 for the first 10 installments of the Best of What's New, it's remarkable how many vivid memories I have of the 1980s' and '90s' greatest innovations. I owned and loved the computer game that let you print out clothes for your Barbies. My dad taught me the rules of hockey by watching Red Wings games with me on Fox, where infrared technology left a streak of color behind the fast-moving puck so I could follow it. And I even built and programmed a Lego Mindstorms robot at nerd camp one summer. ARCHIVE page 70

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Click here to launch the archive gallery. That's what's great about BOWN. Not only do we feature military inventions, like bombers that are invisible to radar, or ambitious research projects, like the Pathfinder rover shown up top, we showcase technology that's on the verge of becoming part of people's everyday lives. Elliptical machines, DVDs and even Viagra have all been featured in our annual list of the 100 best science and technology achievements. Some of the innovations of the past we've picked out for this

week's archive gallery are landmark government projects, some are the very beginnings of what now feels like everyday technology, and some are just fun. But there's no way we could give you a full picture in just one gallery, so if you're in the mood for a trip down memory lane, we Matt Silverman (Mashable!) recommend taking a look through Submitted at 11/23/2011 11:25:44 AM the archives yourself.

Ereader Wars: Which Tablet Earned the Most Online Buzz? [INFOGRAPHIC]
It seems ereaders are going to be a hot holiday tech gift this year the Tickle Me Elmo for grownups, if you will. The space has certainly heated up of late. A market once dominated by the iPad and a few generations of Kindles is starting to rumble with the introduction of the Kindle Fire and the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet. How are these new gadgets being received on the web? Our friends at Tableau Software have been measuring, and compiled this sharp, interactive graphic. The Kindle Fire seems to have won the race by volume of searches and shares, and thats not surprising. Amazon has been a leader in the ereader space for years, and the Kindles leap to a modern mobile operating system ( Android) is big news. SEE ALSO: Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet vs. iPad 2 vs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab [CHART] However, note the sentiment analysis around the Nook Color. Theres a stronger margin of positivity around this new product than its competitors perhaps a sign of what the sales curves may look like after the holiday rush has subsided. Also please be aware that for the purposes of this graphic, Twitter data on iPad combined the

terms iPad and iPad 2. Powered by Tableau Visualization courtesy of Tableau Software. Image courtesy of iStockphoto, mikkelwilliam More About: data, ereaders, features, infographics, ipad, kindle fire, nook, Search, Social Media

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Health/ Technology/

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Study Lends Support To Long-Term Treatment With Statins


(Shots - Health Blog)

British study of Zocor, or simvastatin, that got rolling back in 1994 finds that using the drug JB Reed/ Landov over the long term is safe and Cholesterol-fighter simvastatin, effective. the generic version of Zocor, gets The researchers said it was a clean bill of health in an update reassuring that there was no to a study dating back to '90s. increase in deaths or illness, Standing in line at the drugstore i n c l u d i n g c a n c e r s , f r o m or Costco might lead you to noncardiovascular causes in the believe that just about everybody group taking simvastatin during i s t a k i n g a d r u g f o r h i g h an extended follow-up period that cholesterol. lasted an average of 11 years. And it's true that drugs to fight The benefits of statin treatment cholesterol, such as Zocor, now for about five years was evident generic, and Lipitor, which is for years afterward in reducing a b o u t t o b e , a r e t h e m o s t heart attacks and deaths from frequently prescribed in the cardiovascular causes, too. The nation. findings were published online by Even now, after all these years, The Lancet. researchers are still checking up At the start of the study, more on the drugs. And an update to a than 20,000 people at risk for
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:37:00 AM

heart disease and stroke got either daily simvastatin or a placebo. In the main part of the study that was previously reported, there were about 20 to 30 fewer deaths per 1,000 people treated with the statin for five years.

The latest update should go a long way toward dispelling any lingering worries that statins might increase cancer risk. That was an early concern with the medicines, but one that hasn't been borne out.

"We now have strong evidence ... that prolonged treatment with statins is indeed efficacious, safe, and has long-lasting beneficial effects, even after discontinuation of therapy," said an accompanying editorial, cowritten by cardiologist Christopher Cannon. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Nintendo 3DS available for $145 at Target's pre-Black Friday sale


Amar Toor (Engadget)

has now given birth to an entire generation of equally stygian offspring, oozing her mercantile It's official: Black Friday has tentacles into nearly every crevice transcended both space and time. of our American existence. Case N o l o n g e r b o u n d t o t h e in point: Target's pre-Black Friday Hipparchian constraints of the 24- sale. It's a sale in honor of a sale hour day, the Mother of all Sales that's in honor of a holiday -- the
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:21:00 PM

if you will. It's also where you can grab a Nintendo 3DS for just $145, as noted in this ad that we came across yesterday. So loosen those purse strings and clench your fists, because the Supra Sale Apollo to Thanksgiving's Jupiter, draws nigh. Nintendo 3DS available for $145

at Target's pre-Black Friday sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink| | Email this| Comments

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Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation


(Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation)

The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation The Nations Report Card: Congress Fails Test on Helping Students Learn The Right Way to Reform Immigration Family Fact Infographic: Be Thankful for

Family Meals Feasibility Study Rubber-Stamps U.S. Broadcasting Merger What Limited Government Looks Like: Adopting a Foster Child Dinner with Putin: And What About Russias Foreign Policy? Morning Bell: The GOP Debate over Protecting America Obamacare Oral Argument: What the High Courts Order Suggests Global

Investors Prefer the United States, Not China REACTION ROUNDUP: GOP Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy http://blog.heritage.org Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/ ?v=3.1.3 http://blog.heritage.org/ 2011/11/23/the-nations-reportcard-congress-fails-test-onhelping-students-learn/ http://

blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/thenations-report-card-congress-fails -test-on-helping-students-learn/ #comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:31 +0000 Matt Larsen http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84613 Earlier this month, the National Center for Education Statistics released another round of results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP),

also known as the Nations Report Card. While both fourth- and eighth-grade math scores saw modest increases, this glimmer of good news is dimmed, unfortunately, by persistently flat reading scores. Since 1996, fourth -graders math skills have improved significantlyby some CONSERVATIVE page 73

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17 points on a 500-point scale, and eighth-grade math has improved 14 points over the same time period. However, since 1998, fourth-graders have improved their reading scores by just More]]> Earlier this month, the National Center for Education Statistics released another round of results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nations Report Card. While both fourth- and eighth-grade math scores saw modest increases, this glimmer of good news is dimmed, unfortunately, by persistently flat reading scores. Since 1996, fourth-graders math skills have improved significantlyby some 17 points on a 500-point scale, and eighthgrade math has improved 14 points over the same time period. However, since 1998, fourthgraders have improved their reading scores by just six points and eighth graders by just two points. Overall, the 2011 NAEP results continue an unsettling trend of lagging achievement among the nations students. Today, only 40 percent of fourth-grade children in the U.S. are proficient in math, along with 34 percent of eighthgraders. And in 2011, just 32 percent of fourth- and eighthgraders can read proficiently. When the nations mediocre NAEP performance is coupled with the fact that, as Professor Jay Greene of the University of Arkansas details in his Global

Report Card, children in suburban school districts in the U.S. are barely keeping pace with the average student in other developed countries, the outcomes are even more concerning. Its not just overall NAEP results that should concern researchers, parents, and policymakers alike. Its the discreet data about the performance of certain subgroups, such as low-income children. Education researcher Matthew Ladner notes: Ten points roughly equals a grade level worth of progress. Lowincome [4 th grade] kids in Alaska and DC are reading almost as poorly as 1 st graders in Massachusetts, which is to say, not much at all. Unfortunately, stagnant test scores and nagging achievement gaps have been the trend for American students over the last four decades. Yet while achievement flounders, federal education spending and regulations have soared. Since the first authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)today known as No Child Left Behindin 1965, federal spending on education has tripled. Yet Congress continues to pursue the same failed approach to education. Most recently, Senators Tom Harkin (DIA) and Mike Enzi (RWY) introduced a massive, 860-page education bill to reauthorize ESEA, somehow convinced that this time Washington-centric education

policy will work. Rather than more federal spending and ever more regulations from federal politicians, states should have the flexibility to implement practices that will lead to better results among their specific students. Decades of attempts to improve education from Washington have failed to improve student learning or narrow achievement gaps. Rather than help schools, Washington has bound them with regulations and made schools more accountable to federal politicians than to children and families. Policies that give states autonomy in deciding how to spend their education dollars are the types of reforms that could finally move the needle on the NAEP and on Americas academic standing in K-12 education. Matt Larsen is currently a member of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation. For more information on interning at Heritage, please visit: http://www.heritage.org/ about/departments/ylp.cfm]]> http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/the-nations-report-cardcongress-fails-test-on-helpingstudents-learn/feed/ 0 http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/theright-way-to-reform-immigration/ http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/the-right-way-to-reformimmigration/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:30:34 +0000 Todd Thurman http:// author.blog.heritage.org/ ?p=84763 In an op-ed for FOX

News Heritages Jim Carafano lays out policy ideas that can lead to true immigration reform. The main argument was that immigration reform cannot begin with Amnesty. There are many other ways to confront the problem of illegal immigration, but Amnesty is a non-starter The first thing we must do, Carafano argues, is secure our borders. This will require a partnership with Mexico. Carafano states: we can and must do more stateside to secure the border. But we need sensible security measures, with D.C., the states More]]> In an op-ed for FOX News Heritages Jim Carafano lays out policy ideas that can lead to true immigration reform. The main argument was that immigration reform cannot begin with Amnesty. There are many other ways to confront the problem of illegal immigration, but Amnesty is a non-starter The first thing we must do, Carafano argues, is secure our borders. This will require a partnership with Mexico. Carafano states: we can and must do more stateside to secure the border. But we need sensible security measures, with D.C., the states and border communities all pulling in the same direction. In the last few years, the borders, especially on the Mexican side, have gotten much worse. The cartels have taken hold of the borders. The Cartels used to run when they saw the police, but

now they fight back. Hopefully, the tide will change soon. If we dont secure our borders first, we wont have meaningful reform. Another step to take for reform is giving employers thetools they need to prevent the from hiring illegal immigrants. Whether it is e -verify, or another policy, employers need more tools. Carafano argues: In addition to doing better operationally, we need to do a better job on the policy front. That includes effective, adequate temporary worker programs that get employers the employees when they need, when they need them to help grow the economy and create more jobs. It means opening the door to high-skilled immigration. It also means enforcing the immigration and workplace laws. Finally, Amnesty should not be a policy option. Not only would it encourage more illegal immigration, it would also reward those who have broken our laws. Finally, immigration reform cannot lead with amnesty. Americans will have to demonstrate wisdom and compassion in crafting strategies to deal with those are residing unlawfully in the United States now, but the campaign cannot start by granting a widespread amnesty. That would reward those who have broken our laws and undermine confidence in all other efforts to fix the problem. Amnesties just encourage more CONSERVATIVE page 74

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illegal entry and unlawful presence. Amnesty will lead to more problems and will not solve very many. One thing is clear. Our current policies are not working and they desperately need to be reformed.]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/theright-way-to-reform-immigration/ feed/ 0 http://blog.heritage.org/ 2011/11/23/family-factinfographic-be-thankful-forfamily-meals/ http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ family-fact-infographic-bethankful-for-family-meals/ #comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:00:42 +0000 Sarah Torre http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84594 This Thanksgiving, American families will gather around plump turkeys and homemade stuffing to share good food and good conversation with loved ones and family members. The benefits of the quality time families spend together over the Thanksgiving feast can go well beyond the last slice of pumpkin pie. As a brand new chart on Heritages FamilyFacts.org shows, sharing meals with family members can mean much more than full stomachs and plentiful leftovers. Teens who eat dinner five or more times per week with their families are at least half as More]]> This Thanksgiving, American families will gather around plump turkeys and homemade stuffing to share good food and good conversation with loved ones and family members. The benefits of the quality time families

spend together over the Thanksgiving feast can go well beyond the last slice of pumpkin pie. As a brand new chart on Heritages FamilyFacts.org shows, sharing meals with family members can mean much more than full stomachs and plentiful leftovers. Teens who eat dinner five or more times per week with their families are at least half as likely to have used tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana as those who attend family dinners two or fewer times a week. Teens who frequently break bread with family members are also less likely to report a desire to try drugs or alcohol or have friends who use them. The social benefits of increasing family time extend well beyond the kitchen table. As a FamilyFacts.org brief points out, mothers who frequently communicate with their children and fathers who regularly make time for family leisure activities can influence their childrens academic success. Families who spend time together through religious practice can also strengthen familial bonds. Children whose families regularly participate in religious activities are more likely to report seeing displays of affection between their parents. Likewise, parents of families who attend religious services together are more aware of their childrens social circles. As families gather tomorrow to give thanks for a multitude of blessings, policymakers should

express their own gratitude for the most effective social program in the nation: strong families. From decreasing risky teenage behavior to increasing childrens academic success, intact married families are integral to maintaining a thriving civil society.]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ family-fact-infographic-bethankful-for-family-meals/feed/ 0 http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/feasibility-study-rubber-stamps -u-s-broadcasting-merger/ http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ feasibility-study-rubber-stamps-us-broadcasting-merger/ #comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:30:51 +0000 Helle Dale http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84689 Dont say the wheels of government always spin slowly. When there is an agenda at work, they can move with considerable speed, and in the deconstruction of American overseas broadcasting, things are moving fast. Consider a new feasibility study completed on November 10 regarding a merger of three major entities of U.S. international broadcasting: Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (FRE/RL), Radio Free Asia (FRA), and the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MEBN). These are three critical components of U.S. public diplomacyin the case of RFE/ RL, going back to the beginning of the More]]> Dont say the wheels of government always spin slowly. When there is an agenda at work, they can move with considerable speed, and in the deconstruction

of American overseas broadcasting, things are moving fast. Consider a new feasibility study completed on November 10 regarding a merger of three major entities of U.S. international broadcasting: Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (FRE/RL), Radio Free Asia (FRA), and the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MEBN). These are three critical components of U.S. public diplomacyin the case of RFE/ RL, going back to the beginning of the Cold War, in which U.S. broadcasting was a highly successful player. The complex merger study was produced with almost dizzying speed by the management company Deloitte Consulting, LLP. Taking a little over a month, Deloitte surveyed the proposed merger of the three separate, private 501(c)3 organizations with combined resources of $240 million (provided graciously by U.S. taxpayers), broadcasts in a total of 39 languages, three separate headquarters, and approximately 2,000 employeesmostly based internationally. Indeed, the Deloitte study would be a feat, were it not that the study appears to be a rubber stamp (a $275,000 rubber stamp at that) of already existing decisions contained in the new Strategic Plan for U.S. International Broadcasting. The Broadcasting Board of Governors controversial new strategic plan aims to drive the broadcasters toward greater

integration, digital media venues, and potentially further separation from U.S. foreign policy priorities by privatization (also known as de-federalization). Nowhere in the document, by the way, are the words public diplomacy mentioned. The new strategic plan was adopted October 13 by the Broadcasting Board of Governors(BBG), the ninemember board responsible for the financial management and direction of the broadcasters. Part of the strategic plan was the proposal for Deloitte feasibility study; yet, the initial 4-hour meeting between Deloitte and members of the staff of the International Broadcasting Bureau took place on October 4nine days before the BBG voted to give the green light. Nor was the October 4 meeting an isolated occurrence. In total, 17 meetings and interviews with broadcasting managers and staff took place prior to the October 13 board meeting. Clearly, the train was already in motion by then. Unsurprisingly, then, Deloitte supports the existing plan for a merger of RFE/RL, RFA, and MEBN. In the current economic environment, continuing to operate three separate structures with redundant executive management teams, administrative infrastructures, audits, etc. seems to be an inefficient use of taxpayer money, says the Deloitte study. CONSERVATIVE page 75

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In the context of the current U.S. budgetary environment, who could quibble with the idea of saving money? But there are many questions that should be asked before the BBG hands Deloitte another $1.3 million to produce a follow-up implementation plan, which will affect key parts of the U.S. governments most important public diplomacy tool, its broadcasting complex. Will this improve the performance of the broadcasters in question? Who told Deloitte to jump the gun? Why does the study fail to examine any of the overseas locations of the three international broadcasting organizations? And, how did the Deloitte analysts arrive at the amount of budgetary savings, about $9 million annually? The numbers appear to be grabbed out of thin air, with few calculations behind them. The Deloitte study is only the first step in a long process that could end in privatizing and reconstituting all U.S. international broadcasting. It is clear that the congressional spotlight should be directed at its conclusions and the process behind them. It is time members of Congress start to hold the BBG accountable.]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ feasibility-study-rubber-stamps-us-broadcasting-merger/feed/ 0 http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/what-limited-governmentlooks-like-adopting-a-foster-child/ http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/what-limited-government-

looks-like-adopting-a-foster-child/ #comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:00:24 +0000 Jennifer Marshall http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84677 Many of us will give thanks for family this week. Sadly, more than one hundred thousand children awaiting adoption from the foster care system dont have a family to be thankful for. More than 400,000 children are in the foster care system, and about a quarter are in circumstances that will prevent them from being reunified with their family of origin. They need adoptive homes. November is National Adoption Month, and this years initiative aims to find permanent parents for these 107,000 foster children. Thats a call advocates of limited More]]> Many of us will give thanks for family this week. Sadly, more than one hundred thousand children awaiting adoption from the foster care system dont have a family to be thankful for. More than 400,000 children are in the foster care system, and about a quarter are in circumstances that will prevent them from being reunified with their family of origin. They need adoptive homes. November is National Adoption Month, and this years initiative aims to find permanent parents for these 107,000 foster children. Thats a call advocates of limited government should take seriously. Without adoption, these children will reach adulthood without a family to call their own. That will

put them at greater risk of economic distress, depending on welfare, having a child outside of marriage, and being convicted of a crime. Time is not on the side of these children. In 2003, Dr. Wade Horn, then Assistant Secretary for Children and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services, testified that after reaching age nine in foster care, a waiting child is more likely to remain in the foster care system than to be adopted. The foster care system urgently needs reform, as Thomas Atwood, former president of the National Council for Adoption, wrote in a Heritage Backgrounder earlier this year: Sadly, for many tens of thousands of children and youth, foster care is more like a trap door than a safety net, beneath which they languish for years in multiple placements without the loving parents and permanent family that all children need and deserve. Long-term foster care is the de facto case plan for many children. As a result, every year tens of thousands of youth age out of foster care without a family. The child welfare system as a whole, of which foster care is the largest and most costly piece, needs comprehensive reform. =? > 0%s?e years initiative aims to find permanent parents for these 107,000 foster children. Thats a call advocates of limited government should take seriously. But reforming policy wont be enough. These vulnerable children

need families. Adopting a foster child is civil society in action, a beautiful picture of conservative principles at work. Not everyone is in a position to foster or adopt, but we can all help those who assist foster children to find homes and support the families who take them in. This holiday season, spread the word about this good work. If you know a foster or adoptive family, thank them and ask how you can help. Consider a donation to Wait Nor More or Harvest of Hope(described below) on behalf of the more than 100,000 foster children waiting for adoption. For families, what better way to help children prize the blessing of family and consider the needs of others? For adults, how about directing the gift-giving spirit of your office, church, or other groups toward these children in need? To learn more or to contribute directly to help foster children find homes, check out these two ministries: Wait No More: Launched in 2008 by Focus on the Family to alert more Americans to the urgency of the need for adoption, Wait No More hosts events that gather government leaders, churches, private adoption agencies and prospective adoptive parents to provide information and opportunities to begin the adoption process on site. To date, 7,100 have attended Wait No More events, with 1,791 families

initiating adoption of foster children. In Colorado, where the group is headquartered, the number of foster children waiting for adoption dropped from about 800 to 350, thanks to the efforts of Wait No More in conjunction with other ministries and agencies. Harvest of Hope: Rev. Buster Soaries and his Somerset, NJ, congregation began their foster care work when they learned of a boarder baby crisisnewborns abandoned in hospitalsin their county and elsewhere in the state. The Harvest of Hope Program was created to find families for these infants. Since then, Harvest of Hope has recruited 385 foster families, placing a total of over 900 children in temporary foster care. Some 149 families have adopted 235 children. The ministrys efforts have expanded, with Harvest of Hope now leading a statewide network of churches from which foster parents are recruited and supported as they take in children.]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ what-limited-government-lookslike-adopting-a-foster-child/feed/ 1 http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/dinner-with-putin-and-whatabout-russias-foreign-policy/ http: //blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ dinner-with-putin-and-what-about -russias-foreign-policy/ #comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:00:28 +0000 Ariel Cohen http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84681 Last Friday, this author had the CONSERVATIVE page 76

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opportunity to dine in the company of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, his senior staff, and the attendees of the annual Valdai Club meeting at Le Cheval Blanc, a gourmet restaurant in Moscow. Responding to the Valdai Club report that found Russias managed democracy is running out of steam, Putin retorted that Russias current political system has not exhausted itself yetas he is running for president. Asked who are the next generation of politicians, he named President Dmitry Medvedev, then stalled and said more More]]> Last Friday, this author had the opportunity to dine in the company of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, his senior staff, and the attendees of the annual Valdai Club meeting at Le Cheval Blanc, a gourmet restaurant in Moscow. Responding to the Valdai Club report that found Russias managed democracy is running out of steam, Putin retorted that Russias current political system has not exhausted itself yetas he is running for president. Asked who are the next generation of politicians, he named President Dmitry Medvedev, then stalled and said more names will become known in a few months. Not everyone should be allowed close to power. Leaders are a unique commodity Everyone can try, but not everyone should get there, Russias national leader explained. This suggests that Putin is here to

stay, as the Russian colloquialism goes, seriously and for awhile, i.e., at least as long as the amended Russian constitution allows him, until 2024. Beyond that, the next-gen Medvedev may mind the store for another 12 years, until 2036. If the tandem, as they are known, succeeds to pull it off, this will make the Putivedev reign one of the longest in Russian history. To compare, the czar Nicholas I ruled for 30 years (18251855), and so did the communist dictator Joseph Stalin (19231953). Leonid Brezhnev, who is now proposed as a model for Putin, ruled only 18 years (19641982). All of them presided over periods of repression and stagnation and died in office. Putin is not messing around and is there to stay. A few of his statements at the three-plus-hour dinner suggest Russias possible direction during his third presidential term. First, Putin mentioned that, in the opinion of some experts, the multiparty political system has outlived its usefulness. One of these experts, sitting nearby, was nodding his head in approbation. What we need is more intraparty democracy, said the Russian leader, referring to the United Russia party that he leads. Today, such democracy does not exist. For example, another expert present at the dinnera future member of the Duma from United Russiaclaimed there was no connection between the primaries

he participated in and his ending up on the Duma candidate list. Russian members of parliament are elected through a complex procedure of national and regional lists, not in majority districts like representatives in the U.S. and U.K. Decision-making of this kind in Russia tends to be very informal, to put it mildly. There are many reports of people buying places on Duma lists, which can be attractive, as members of parliament have immunity from criminal prosecution. Yet, Putin is not nave: Politics is a struggle for power. By further emasculating the acutely anemic party, he will sweep political struggle under United Russias rug. Valdai Club experts presented Putin with a report of their own, listing possible future scenarios in Russias development: status quo and stagnation authoritarian modernization liberal-democratic reforms revolutionary-democratic reforms (I would add, either nationalistic or populist) repressive authoritarianism

vote count. The 60 percent result for United Russia seemed preordained. Needless to say, Russian leadership greeted the Valdai report without enthusiasm. Putin wants to have the best of both worlds. Under his plan, Russia would undergo modernization while simultaneously maintaining and expanding its gas and oil industry. The expansion would include, for example, the connection of the West Siberian gas transit system, which pumps resources to Western Europe, with the East Siberian network, which supplies East Asia. Putin did not address the economic feasibility of such a major project; it is not even clear if a feasibility study was conducted. And the implementation would cost tens of billions of dollars that are unlikely to appear out of thin air. Among the politicians we met, Sergei Mironov, the current leader of Just Russia, was the only one who supported deep reforms. However, as Russias former No. 3 official who was an important part of the Putin administration Timothy Colton, a Harvard for 10 years but gave up his professor and Boris Yeltsins position as the Chairman of the biographer, delivered the report. C o u n c i l o f t h e F e d e r a t i o n , He expressed the opinion of many Mironov does not have a lot of club members in saying that credibility left. Russias power structures are still Russia faces a number of serious weak; its economy may be challenges that its leadership developing, primarily through seems to be unwilling or unable to natural resources exports, but the address. How successful Putin is political system is stagnating. Not in forging his own way for the a lot of Russians we met put stock country remains to be seen. in the transparency and accuracy Historyand the Russianswill of the December 4 Duma election b e t h e o n l y j u d g e s o f t h e

outcome.]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ dinner-with-putin-and-what-about -russias-foreign-policy/feed/ 1 http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 23/morning-bell-the-gop-debateover-protecting-america/ http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ morning-bell-the-gop-debate-over -protecting-america/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:57:11 +0000 Mike Brownfield http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84712 They came, they saw, and they debated. Last night in Washington, D.C.s, Constitution Hall, eight Republican contenders for the presidency engaged in a debate on foreign policy and national security co-hosted by The Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, and CNN. When the dust had settled after the two-hour debate, Americans had a clearer picture of where each of the candidates stood on the seminal issue of how to best protect America. The candidates addressed questions ranging from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Africa to South America, and border security to terrorism. Critically, More]]> They came, they saw, and they debated. Last night in Washington, D.C.s, Constitution Hall, eight Republican contenders for the presidency engaged in a debate on foreign policy and national security co-hosted by The Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, and CNN. When the dust had settled CONSERVATIVE page 77

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after the two-hour debate, Americans had a clearer picture of where each of the candidates stood on the seminal issue of how to best protect America. The candidates addressed questions ranging from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Africa to South America, and border security to terrorism. Critically, the candidates confronted the challenge of defense spending and whether our military has the funding it needs to carry out its mission. Heritages James Carafano says that its an issue that cant be ignored: Regardless of what the candidates said tonight, the reality is that if one of them takes office, he or she will be commander in chief of a military that is underfunded and under-powered. President Obama has already put enough cuts on the table to leave the military smaller and less capable than when he took office. Changing the trajectory of the U.S. military will require investing in the military and dealing with our fiscal crisis. This debate gave each candidate an opportunity to make a case for being up to the job. The growing threat posed by Irans accelerating nuclear weapons program and support for terrorism surfaced as an issue at the top of nearly all the candidates concerns, though they disagreed on how to best confront the problem. Among the problems they identified were Irans growing ties with Venezuela and support for Hezbollah activity in

Latin America, the need for increased sanctions, and President Obamas lack of leadership on the issue. Border security and immigration, too, were hot topics, as was the growing threat of expanding socialism in South America, the relationship between Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as well as the everpresent menace of Mexican criminal cartels. For all the ground that was covered, unfortunately there was not enough time to discuss every issue of importance. Take Asia, for example, and concerns such as Chinese currency and exchange rate policies, the growing assertiveness of Chinese foreign policy toward its neighbors, and the impact of budget cuts on the U.S. military posture in Asia. North Korea, too, went unaddressed last night. Heritages Bruce Klingner says it should be a priority: North Korea already has six to eight nuclear weapons and 1,000 missiles that threaten South Korea, Japan, and U.S bases in Okinawa and Guam. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates warned in January 2011 that North Korea could hit the United States with a nuclear weapon by 2015. It would be worthwhile to discern whether the Republican candidates have a plan for dealing with Pyongyang before one of them potentially becomes commander in chief. There are other issues, too, that

the presidential candidates should address, including how America maintains its enduring alliances in Europe, the expansion of free trade, and the maintenance of an effective missile defense system. One thing is clear from last nights debate: the United States faces significant foreign policy and national security challenges, and even more attention should be focused on these issues in the 2012 presidential campaign. Heritage is proud to have had the opportunity to join with AEI and CNN in bringing these issues to light and fostering a thoughtful debate among the Republican candidates. Protecting our nation and amplifying American leadership globally is a critical issue one that is fundamental to the role of the President and the federal government. Hopefully the debate continues. Quick Hits:]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/23/ morning-bell-the-gop-debate-over -protecting-america/feed/ 43 http:/ /blog.heritage.org/2011/11/22/ obamacare-oral-argument-whatthe-high-courts-order-suggests/ http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 22/obamacare-oral-argumentwhat-the-high-courts-ordersuggests/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:26:10 +0000 Elizabeth Garvey http:// blog.heritage.org/?p=84662 When the Supreme Court agreed this month to hear the Obamacare constitutional challenge, it didnt surprise most Court watchers, but the amount of time it set aside for oral argument is highly unusual.

That is surprising for a few reasons, most of which should be unsettling to the current administration that is defending the law. The Supreme Courts Nov. 14 orders were a bit ambiguous on one point, but it seems to have scheduled 5 hours of oral argument on issues related to the one case brought by 26 More]]> When the Supreme Court agreed this month to hear the Obamacare constitutional challenge, it didnt surprise most Court watchers, but the amount of time it set aside for oral argument is highly unusual. That is surprising for a few reasons, most of which should be unsettling to the current administration that is defending the law. The Supreme Courts Nov. 14 orders were a bit ambiguous on one point, but it seems to have scheduled 5 hours of oral argument on issues related to the one case brought by 26 states and the NFIB. That is 5.5 times the amount allotted for the vast majority of cases the Court hears. In recent decades, the Court generally sets a maximum of 60 minutes for oral argument in each case (usually divided 30 minutes per side), even for complex and high-profile matters that may involve two or more consolidated cases or three or more legal issues to resolve. Each year, the Court might expand oral argument in one or two cases to 90 minutes. The Court allowed 90 minutes of argument for the two appeals in the presidential recount struggle

that led to Bush v. Gore(2000). More recent examples include Citizens United v. FEC(2010) (the campaign finance case President Obama tried to politicize), District of Columbia v. Heller(2008) (the DC gun case), and Boumediene v. Bush(2008) (involving detainees in Guantanamo) to name a few, were all under 90 minutes. But the argument regarding the McCainFeingold campaign finance law in McConnell v. FEC(2003) was the only one that was over two hours in the last decade. In the Courts earliest days, written briefs were not even required and oral arguments could last for days on end. Oral argument in the landmark cases McCullough v. Maryland(1819) and Gibbons v. Ogden(1824) lasted nine and five days respectively.[1] In fact, it was not until 1849 that the Court set a limit for oral argument, allocating two hours per side and requiring the parties to file briefs setting forth their arguments before the oral argument.[2] Over the years, the Court reduced oral argument from two hours per side, to 90 minutes per side, and then to 60 minutes per side. In the 1970s, the Court reduced the time to the current 30 minutes per side.[3] The Court sometimes allows or requires one side to split its 30 minutes (e.g., granting the U.S. Solicitor General 10 minutes of one sides time), but it rarely grants additional time than the hour allotted, and when it does so, CONSERVATIVE page 78

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it is usually 10, 20, or 30 extra minutes total. Since World War II, very few cases have been allowed more than four hours, as the Court will allow in the Obamacare argument. In the last sixty years, the biggest outlier is Brown v. Board of Education, which was first argued over three days in 1952 and again over another three days in 1953, but it also involved four consolidated cases. Since Brown, the only cases that are close to the amount of oral argument granted in the Obamacare challenges are Miranda v. Arizona(1966) (which also was four consolidated cases), clocking in at 5 hours, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan(1963), at just under 4 hours, and McConnell v. FEC at about 4 hours. Besides the extraordinary number of hours the Court has set aside for the Obamacare argument, of particular note is the 90 minutes alone (50% more than a standard case) for the issue of severability. The issue of severability involves whether the Court must strike down the entire law if it finds any portion of it unconstitutional. That issue is usually included in the standard 60 minutes of any other case. One has to wonder why the Court thinks it is worthy to set aside 90 minutes for nothing other than a legal debate that only comes into play if it rules one portion of the law unconstitutional (most likely, the individual mandate). The obvious answer is that a number of the justices must think the

constitutional challenge is strong enough that it is likely to need to decide the issue of severabilityand it wants 90 minutes of uninterrupted questioning on that issue. [1] Mark R. Kravitz, Words to the Wise, 5 J. App. Prac. & Process 543 (2003). [2] Sup. Ct. R. 53, 48 U.S. (7 How.) 580 (1849). [3] Sup. Ct. R. 44, 397 U.S. 2311 (1970).]]> http:// blog.heritage.org/2011/11/22/ obamacare-oral-argument-whatthe-high-courts-order-suggests/ feed/ 7 http://blog.heritage.org/ 2011/11/22/global-investorsprefer-the-united-states-not-china/ http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 22/global-investors-prefer-theunited-states-not-china/ #comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:00:35 +0000 Charles Kaupke http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84616 Conventional wisdom has it that Chinas growing economy poses a serious threat to Americas status as a global economic superpower. The media and politicians repeat time and again that the United States is losing much of its manufacturing base to China and that American jobs are disappearing as a result. Many Americans who believe these claims vote for politicians who promise to protect American jobs from foreign competition. A look at the numbers reveals that, contrary to the assertion that corporations prefer to invest in low-wage countries like China, the More]]> Conventional wisdom has it that

Chinas growing economy poses a serious threat to Americas status as a global economic superpower. The media and politicians repeat time and again that the United States is losing much of its manufacturing base to China and that American jobs are disappearing as a result. Many Americans who believe these claims vote for politicians who promise to protect American jobs from foreign competition. A look at the numbers reveals that, contrary to the assertion that corporations prefer to invest in low-wage countries like China, the United States is the worlds strongest magnet for investment dollars. Look at recent trends in foreign direct investment (FDI), which measures investment in factories and other enterprises, as opposed to indirect investment in stocks and bonds. According to the World Bank, FDI in America has been higher than FDI in China every year except one since 1970. The exception was in 2005, when FDI in China for the year was about $4.57 billion more than FDI in America. Since then, foreign investors have funneled 54 percent more money to the United States than to China. China has received $759 billion in new FDI since 2005, while the United States has received nearly $1.17 trillion. In 2010, even as commentators complained about jobs being outsourced from the United States to China, foreign investors continued to favor the United

States, pouring $236.2 billion into the U.S. economyabout 28 percent more than they sent to China. Although scary stories about U.S. jobs being outsourced to China continue to make headlines, these numbers reveal that international investors consistently prefer to send their job-creating dollars not to China, but to the United States. Charles Kaupke is currently a member of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation. For more information on interning at Heritage, please visit: http://www.heritage.org/ about/departments/ylp.cfm]]> http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 22/global-investors-prefer-theunited-states-not-china/feed/ 1 http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/ 22/tonight-gop-presidentialdebate-on-foreign-policy-national -security/ http://blog.heritage.org/ 2011/11/22/tonight-goppresidential-debate-on-foreignpolicy-national-security/ #comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:56:05 +0000 Mike Brownfield http://blog.heritage.org/?p=84645 North Korea: A Neglected National Security Threat - Bruce Klingner Its hard to overlook half of the globe, but thats what happened during the Republican presidential debate on national security. Despite the critical importance of Asia to U.S. economic and security interests, the region was largely ignored. China was mentioned only in passing during the candidates closing remarks, and there was no mention of Americas economic

partners and treaty allies. Irans continued efforts to develop nuclear weapons figured prominently in the evenings debate, with wide-ranging discussions on the impact on More]]> North Korea: A Neglected National Security Threat - Bruce Klingner Its hard to overlook half of the globe, but thats what happened during the Republican presidential debate on national security. Despite the critical importance of Asia to U.S. economic and security interests, the region was largely ignored. China was mentioned only in passing during the candidates closing remarks, and there was no mention of Americas economic partners and treaty allies. Irans continued efforts to develop nuclear weapons figured prominently in the evenings debate, with wide-ranging discussions on the impact on regional security, particularly for U.S. ally Israel. Unfortunately, North Koreas existing weapons programs, which are a far more developed security threat than Tehrans, were not addressed. North Korea already has six to eight nuclear weapons and 1,000 missiles that threaten South Korea, Japan, and U.S bases in Okinawa and Guam. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates warned in January 2011 that North Korea could hit the United States with a nuclear weapon by 2015. CONSERVATIVE page 79

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Pyongyang has historically proven to be most dangerous when it is ignored. During the past three years, the North Korean regime attacked South Korea twice and continues to threaten war against the United States and its allies. North Korea is currently engaged in a periodic charm offensive as it seeks large-scale food aid and economic assistance. But Kim Jong-il will inevitably return to provocative behavior if he fails to gain his objectives through peaceful means. President Obama discovered early on that offering to engage Pyongyang did not prevent North Koreas belligerent behavior. The next U.S. President could face a North Korean crisis early in his or her Administration. It would be worthwhile to discern whether the Republican candidates have a plan for dealing with Pyongyang before one of them potentially becomes commander in chief. Security in Latin America: One of Our Nations Greatest Threats? - Jessica Zuckerman In tonights Republican presidential debate, we heard several mentions of Latin America as the candidates came together to discuss our nations most pressing foreign policy and national security issues. Not surprisingly, talk of our Western Hemisphere neighbors arose in discussion of the relationship between Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as well

as in debate over the ever-present menace of Mexican criminal cartels. Yet, debate over American foreign policy and Latin America did not end there. As the event drew to a close and candidates were asked to highlight what they saw as the most significant threat to the United States that was not being discussed, the issue of this regions security was raised. Last week, Heritage had the pleasure to welcome Central Americas ambassadors to the stage for a discussion of Next Steps Toward Central American Security. Throughout each of the ambassadors remarks, a common theme emerged of a strong desire to work with the United States to build a more secure and stable Western Hemisphere. Americas present and future leaders would be wise to listen to the ambassadors calls and seek to build upon and expand existing security partnerships throughout the region. With the war on drugs in Mexico raging on and brutality and violence rampant throughout much of the region, Latin American security is an issue the United States cannot afford to ignore. Iran Policy Featured Prominently in Republican Presidential Debate - James Phillips U.S. policy regarding Iran emerged as a key focal point of tonights debate due to the growing threat posed by Irans accelerating nuclear weapons program and support for

terrorism. All the candidates (with the exception of Ron Paul) agreed that Irans Islamist regime poses a threat to U.S. national security, and several mentioned Irans growing ties with Venezuela and support for Hezbollah activity in Latin America. All agreed that the United States needs to do more to ratchet up sanctions to stop Irans nuclear program, although Jon Huntsman noted that sanctions alone would not work because China and Russia wont play ball. Michele Bachmann criticized President Obamas lack of leadership on Iran and called for energy independence as a means of reducing Irans oil power. Newt Gingrich said that to get serious about Iran would require a major expansion of U.S. energy production to reduce Irans leverage over oil-importing U.S. allies, and he maintained that any use of military force should be a last resort tied to regime change in Iran, not just targeted at Irans nuclear program. Mitt Romney stressed that tough action against Iran could be costly in terms of higher gasoline prices at home, but that a nuclear Iran ultimately would exact even greater costs. The candidates clashed more directly over U.S. policy toward Syria, with Rick Perry calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone, which most other candidates said was unnecessary or premature. Most supported stronger sanctions against Syria but not U.S. military action at this time, with Paul dismissing a no-fly zone as just

looking for more trouble. The only subject that all agreed on was that the Obama Administration had botched U.S. Middle East policy. China, Defense, and the Republican Candidates - Dean Cheng With the conclusion of the second debate focusing on foreign policy, the Republican candidates again faced few questions regarding China or Asia. Coming on the heels of President Obamas series of summits and meetings in Australia and Indonesia, it is somewhat surprising that no one raised the issue of Asian policy with any of the candidates. This situation is unlikely to last beyond the primaries. Once the Republican field is whittled down to a single opponent against President Obama, there will likely be aired a range of concerns, from Chinese currency and exchange rate policies to the growing assertiveness of Chinese foreign policy toward its neighbors, many of which are also U.S. allies and friends. The U.S. defense budget, which was raised in the course of the debate, will influence American policy toward China. With the failure of the super committee, the path is now set for sequestration and defense budget cuts in the $500 billion to $650 billion range. On top of the previously administered $450 billion cut, the Department of Defense is looking at $1 trillion in cuts in the coming years, which will inevitably affect recruiting,

acquisition, training, maintenance, and R&D. Disappointingly, while almost all of the candidates said they deplored the projected cuts, no clear policy was enunciated by any of them about how they would deal with such slash-andburn policies. In the absence of specifics, it is an open question how the Republican field would deal with the impact of budget cuts on the U.S. military posture in Asia, specifically its ability to respond to Chinese moves. Nonetheless, what did come through from the debate is a broad consensus that current U.S. foreign policy is rudderless and lackluster. No matter who eventually wins the nomination, it appears clear that, should a Republican win in 2012, American foreign policy will follow a new and different path. Reality Check: GOP Debate - James Jay Carafano One thing that should be abundantly clear after listening to all the issues raised in the debate is that America cant be defended on the cheap. Regardless of what the candidates said tonight, the reality is that if one of them takes office, he or she will be commander in chief of a military that is under-funded and underpowered. President Obama has already put enough cuts on the table to leave the military smaller and less capable than when he took office. Changing the trajectory of the U.S. military will require CONSERVATIVE page 82

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David Horowitz Introduces Glenn Beck


Frontpagemag.com (FrontPage Magazine FrontPage)
Submitted at 11/22/2011 10:50:32 PM

Editors note: Below is David Horowitzs introduction of Glenn Beck, who spoke at Horowitzs Restoration Weekend on Nov. 19, 2011 at the Breakers in West Palm Beach, Florida (Nov. 17-20, 2011). We will run the transcript of Becks speech in tomorrows edition. I am honored and privileged to introduce my friend Glenn Beck. Glenn is a man who began life in circumstances that would crush most of us, and almost did him, and has gone on to become one of the most successful and important political figures of our lifetime. He is a major force in American media, the host of top ranked radio and television shows that have reached millions of listeners and viewers. He is the author of six New York Times best-sellers in both fiction and non-fiction, and the organizer of unprecedented mass demonstrations in Washington to restore hope for our country and in Jerusalem to declare his solidarity with the Jewish state as its citizens are threatened with a second Holocaust by their Islamic enemies. As the organizer of the 9/12 movement and March on Washington, Beck is the real creator of the American Tea P a r t y , t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t our era, and in many ways the last He is currently in the process of development in conservatism in best hope for Americas future. launching Glenn Beck TV and

virtual monopoly of the left on American audiences, which it exerts either through direct control of media channels like MSNBC or through vicious attacks on advertisers who provide sponsorship for conservative programs like Glenn Becks on Fox. Glenn has been the target of the most vicious attacks of which the left is capable. He has been ridiculed and derided, his sanity has been questioned and his character has been assaulted as racist, sexist and Islamophobic and every other term the verbal assassins of the left regularly deploy to stigmatize and destroy the conservative voices they fear the most. Like many other conservatives in the crosshairs of the left, he has also been attacked by conservative elitists in Washington, and in identical terms: nutcase, reactionary, conspiracy theorist, extremist. Call it the Stockholm syndrome. It is a crippling disease of the Republican Party and the conservative movement to want the approval of their enemies by attacking their friends. To treat their enemies as misguided friends. To be polite and courteous to people who want to slit their throats. Let me tell you a personal story that will illuminate this problem. Twenty-five years ago when I was Mercury Enterprises a media complex designed to break the DAVID page 82

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The Islamist-Environmentalist Alliance


Daniel Greenfield (FrontPage Magazine FrontPage)
Submitted at 11/22/2011 10:42:53 PM

Saudi Arabia has no better friend than the Sierra Club, and the Emirates have no better salesmen than the environmentalists who keep the country hooked on conflict oil. The administrations sabotage of the Keystone XL project through delays aimed at killing the pipeline is a cynical act of cowardice, and its a shot in the arm to the very regimes that it claims to oppose. The Islamist Spring has mainly hit Arab governments without a huge oil industry, leaving them dependent on patronage, whether from the United States in the case of Egypt, or Iran in the case of Syria. The economic downturn tightened belts and drove mobs into the streets where Islamists and socialists funneled them into anti-government rallies for their own benefit. Qatar has been smugly stirring up trouble for the rest of the region through Al-Jazeera and laughing at its enemies from behind a shield of oil barrels and Western public relations firms. Libya, the one oil power to fall to the Islamists, would have still been ruled by its cross-dressing madman if NATO aircraft and special forces had not come to the rescue of the Al-Qaeda-linked Libyan Islamic Fighting Group. Saudi Arabia has an even bigger stack of oil barrels, and on top of

that black pyramid is a degenerate royal family wearing crowns of terrorism and tyranny. Iran has its own pyramid with hanging women dangling off it and the corpses of murdered student protesters floating in the crude. And if the environmentalists really cared about any of that, at least to the extent of wanting to end the wars, then they would be laying a pipeline that would funnel money out of the House of Saud and the Mullahs back to the United States of America. Instead billions have been poured

into the Peoples Republic of China, which lends us the money to pay for the solar and wind power components that we buy from them, and after the handful of watts from green power have been exhausted to spread joy and peace across parts of Vermont and Oregon, the country goes back with hat in hand to the grinning petroleum plutocracies. No activist group in America has promoted the growth of tyranny around the world the way that the environmentalist movement has. Every time drilling equipment

stands idle because it might endanger the home of the spotted purple mock warbler or the congealed nanny state lizard, the cash registers and card readers in the malls of Dubai ring in another payday. What matters more, the lives of the thousands and tens of thousands of people being ground under by Islamic regimes fueled by oil money, or theoretical harm to the sub-species of a sub-species that no one had ever heard of until it became a convenient way to stop a project that might actually

make driving a car a little more affordable? The myth of the Arab Spring has made the left a little too smug about its opposition to the war, but the only oil nation on the list that fell only did so through American military intervention. If they want reform in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf outposts where a degenerate native population lives off oil revenues and slave labor, then it will take a much larger war. Choosing between the tyrants and the Islamists is like flipping a coin between the Ebola virus and the Black Plague; whichever way the coin falls it wont be pretty. But if there wasnt quite so much oil money at stake, the Islamists wouldnt be as interested, and the petroleum daddies who finance their projects would be kept busy selling trinkets to tourists by the side of the road. The tyrants would still be around, but with one hand out for money they wouldnt be all that much of a threat. Its no coincidence that the craziest and most vicious tyrants in the Middle East are found squatting on the dirty thrones of oil regimes. Compare Saddam, the Ayatollahs, Gaddafi and the House of Saud to Mubarak or the Jordanian monarchy. Even Assads violent tantrums are brought to you by the oil wells of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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investing in the military and dealing with our fiscal crisis. This debate gave each candidate an opportunity to make a case for being up to the job. Why Europe Matters to the Next President - Sally McNamara Europe didnt come up as an issue with the GOP presidential candidates tonight, but that doesnt mean it shouldnt be a priority for them. They should be careful not to neglect Americas historic alliances across the Atlantic the way President Obama has. The next U.S. Administration must focus on revitalizing Americas bilateral alliances with key European nations, especially the Anglo-American Special Relationship. Despite the European debt crisis dominating most discussions of EuroAmerican relations of late, the transatlantic relationship is bigger than the EU, and it is certainly far too important to tie to the future of a single European currency. The next U.S. Administration shouldnt neglect Americas

bilateral alliances; in fact, the next Administration should invest the bulk of its time and attention to reinforcing them. Working closely with the U.K., the Netherlands, Poland, and other European nations, the United States will find that its closest partners in defending its many global interests are just across the Atlantic. Americas interests are common to Europe as wellincluding countering terrorism, preventing nuclear proliferation, promoting economic freedom, supporting democracy, preventing the redrawing of borders by force, and creating free energy markets in the world. The United States and the nations of Europe share a common commitment to peace, justice, security, democracy, and freedom. Ensuring that its enduring alliances in Europe are maintained must be on the next Administrations agenda. Missile Defense Glaringly Absent from Debate - Baker Spring It is disappointing that missile defense did not come up in the

Republican presidential national security debate in Washington. The debate over missile defense is not just about fielding another weapons system, because the matter of whether the U.S. will pursue a truly effective capability in this area speaks to a more fundamental policy issue. During most of the Cold War, the United States chose not to field effective missile defenses, because its prevailing policy determined that leaving itself and its allies vulnerable to nucleararmed missile attack strengthened stability. In a world where the proliferation of both nuclear weapons and ballistic missile delivery systems are looming, such vulnerability becomes a major source of instability. In short, Cold War notions that equate vulnerability with strategic stability are seriously flawed. Any serious presidential candidate must address this issue of new formulas for strategic stability in a proliferating world. The proper alternative to Cold War policy is one based on the United States defending itself and

its allies against strategic attacks to the best of its ability. A declared commitment by any of the candidates to field a robust missile defense capability would have been the best means for signaling a change in policy toward supporting a more defensive strategic posture. All the Republican presidential candidates missed an important opportunity to state that they recognize the need for this fundamental change in strategic policy.]]> http://blog.heritage.org /2011/11/22/tonight-goppresidential-debate-on-foreignpolicy-national-security/feed/ 23 This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

In the Debt Crisis, Moral Equivalence Is Moral Evasion


Bruce Thornton (FrontPage Magazine FrontPage)
Submitted at 11/22/2011 10:41:27 PM

The failure of the Congressional budget super-committee to address our geometrically expanding debt and deficits should surprise no one. From the beginning the committee was political theater designed to create the illusion of action when the will to act is missing. Unfortunately, this perennial bad habit of democracies to pursue DEBT page 83

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a recent refugee from the left and had begun addressing conservatives, one of my first invitations came from the Cardinal Mindszenty Foundation in St. Louis Missouri, named after a famous hero of the antiCommunist struggle during the Cold War. I had been a leader of the New

Left, a Marxist, a self-styled revolutionary, a small c communist and a large A antiAmerican. But when my conservative host introduced me, he said, This is David Horowitz, a former civil rights worker and peace activist. It is not just that my conservative host was too polite to notice that I

had been a self-declared enemy of our country and people like him. It is that conservatives either do not want to believe that this nation has enemies among its own citizens or that they do not want to be seen by the New York Times or the Washington Post as believing that this nation has enemies within. That is how

Barack Obama got elected to the White House. All that conservatives permitted themselves to see was a community organizer a civil rights worker and peace activist. All they saw was a progressive. My parents were card-carrying members of the Communist Party and wanted the Soviet enemy to

win the Cold War. Otherwise they were decent, law-abiding citizens (much more decent and more lawabiding than the Occupy WallStreeters who represent the left today). But my Communist parents invariably referred to themselves as progressives. DAVID page 83

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short-time interests at the expense of long-term needs is now too dangerous to indulge. The glory of constitutional government is its replacement of violence or coercion with speech and persuasion. But going back to ancient Athens, the primacy of verbal persuasion and processes makes it possible to substitute procedural words for actions when the courage or will to act is missing. The creation of committees, conferences, symposia, commissions of inquiry, and the like provides politicians with a ready answer to the citizens frustrated cry, Why isnt something being done? Since few in government want to anger the voters by calling for the sacrifices and hard choices needed to put our fiscal house in order, creating a committee buys time and creates the illusion that something is being done. And we know where the reluctance to do anything comes frommaking the hard choices necessary to deal with the impending fiscal apocalypse is attended by political costs that will have to be paid come the next election. Better to delay decisions until after November 2012, when the political stars will be better

aligned one way or the other. At this point many will be tempted into a pox on both your houses reaction, blaming Republicans and Democrats alike for the gridlock and partisan politics that are preventing a solution and letting us citizens down. But we should resist the lazy recourse to moral equivalency, which usually is a way to avoid making judgments about responsibility and culpability. Just look at the Israeli -Arab conflict, where a specious moral equivalency has let the Arab instigators of violence and disorder off the hook. So too with the current fiscal crisis, which is the result of overspending and the growth of the federal government. Thus the fair and balanced solution touted by the Presidentcombining tax increases with cuts to federal programsmay sound good superficially, but will not solve the problem. Quite clearly, the problem is spending, not revenues. When 40 cents of every dollar of GDP is spent by the government, when entitlement spending on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Obamacare will devour all of federal income tax

revenue by 2050, when debt is near 100% of GDP, when the latest deficit has reached a historical high of 8.7% of GDP, confiscating all of this countrys personal and corporate wealth, let alone raising top rates, will not balance our books. In fact, the International Monetary Fund estimates that all federal taxes would have to be increased 88% just to keep entitlement spending at current levels and to keep debt from growing. Moreover, history confirms Milton Friedmans observation that Politicians will always spend every penny of tax raised and whatever else they can get away with. Research by Richard Vedder and Stephen Moore shows that between World War II and 2009, every dollar of new tax revenue led to $1.17 in spending. Finally, most promises of spending cuts made to justify tax increases have not been kept, like the $3 of promised cuts that never materialized after Reagans 1982 tax increase, or the phantom cuts that sold George H.W. Bush on raising taxes in 1990.

When the Communist Party ran a candidate for president in 1948, they called the organizational front they had created for the purpose the Progressive Party. Calling it progressive was a ruse to hide their anti-American agendas. Progressive was a good old American thing to be. And conservatives bought the ruse and continued to buy it hook, line and singer. Until the arrival of Glenn Beck. What distinguishes Glenn Beck from other conservative figures with a national platform what makes him such a game-changing force in the struggle for Americas future is that he puts his finger on the enemy, names him, and wont let him go. This is why Glenn Beck is attacked by the anti-American, anti-capitalist, anti-Wall Street left in the streets, and by conservative elitists in Washington. Because his message is a discomforting and unpleasant truth. Until Glenn Beck came along, former radicals like myself were endlessly frustrated by conservatives refusal to look at history, refusal to connect the dots, refusal to understand that there is a dedicated anti-capitalist,

anti-liberty, and anti-American left, which numbers in the millions; which is financed by billionaires like George Soros, and billionaire foundations like Tides and Ford, and government unions like the SEIU, and criminal organizations like ACORN, with powerful links to the socialist international and to our Islamist enemies in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Former radicals like myself who know these people up close and personal spent years in the conservative wilderness beside ourselves with frustration as we watched conservatives call communists and socialists, and anti-American radicals liberals. And they call them progressives. They did so and do so because that is what the socialists and radicals who dominate our culture call themselves. They call themselves, although there is nothing liberal about them. They are bigoted and and intolerant: the last thing they want to see is a dissenting voice in the room.

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Where Was Santorums Safety Net?


David Frum (FrumForum David Frum)
Submitted at 11/22/2011 10:26:14 PM

Serious question: Why didnt the Bush administration give Rick Santorum some kind of consolation prize after his defeat in 2006? Heres a two-term senator, brought down by no mistake of his own, who had performed well in Congress and stood by the party leadership when called uponeg, endorsing Arlen Specter in 2004. Yet when Santorum fell casualty to the wave election of 2006, there was no ambassadorship for him. Nobody conveyed to a DC law firm that it would be appreciated at the White House if

an of counsel position could be found for him. I dont want to exaggerate, Santorum made a decent living after his defeat. But in the couple of conversations with him a year or so after his defeat, he projected the air of a man who felt friendless and

abandoned. This presidential run seems to emerge from that experience, and of course it wont end well. Thats not how political parties normally work. People who take a bullet for the team are looked after. Not Santorum. Why not?

Updated: The commentators are probably right: it must have been Santorums toxicity within the gay community that deprived him of his hope of administration patronage after his defeat in 2006. If so, thats a fascinating glimpse of the actual balance of power within the GOP as it stood five years agoas compared to today. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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China Takes Lead Over U.S. in Smartphone Market


Lauren Indvik (Mashable!)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:50:10 AM

significant, up 58% from just the previous quarter. Shipments of smartphones in the U.S. fell 7% China has overtaken the U.S. as from Q2 2011. t h e l a r g e s t m a r k e t f o r (Note the firms estimates only s m a r t p h o n e s b y v o l u m e , calculate the number of devices according to one firms estimates. shipped, not sold, and that the Nearly 24 million smartphones U.S. still leads the market by were shipped to providers in smartphone revenue.) China during the third quarter of Many smartphone manufacturers 2011, compared to 23.3 million have reported strong sales in units in the U.S., data from Greater China this year. For B o s t o n - b a s e d r e s e a r c h a n d instance, China accounted for just consulting firm Strategy Analytics 2% of Apples total sales in fiscal suggests.The growth of Chinas 2009, and 12% in fiscal 2011, smartphone market has been Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the

The firm suggested that an emerging wave of low-priced Android phones from local manufacturers has helped spur growth in the region. Image courtesy of M.I.C. Gadget More About: china, Nokia, smartphones For more Mobile coverage: Follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter companys fiscal 2011 earnings Despite Apples advances, Nokia Become a Fan on Facebook call. A subsequent 10-K filing s t i l l o w n s t h e l i o n s s h a r e Subscribe to the Mobile channel attributed the increase primarily to (28.5%), followed by Samsung Download our free apps for strong demand for the iPhone 4. (17.6%), says Strategy Analytics. Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: bags and cases


James Trew (Engadget)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:00:00 PM

Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added

throughout the holiday season. Santa may be able to toss a few thousand laptops in his bright red sack with nary a scratch to be seen -- but you sure can't. You'll want to keep those goods sparkly and new for as long as possible, and that's what today's gift selections are all about - getting your tech from A to B in the safest, most stylish way possible. There's plenty of choice for transporting your goodies, ranging from the bland to the bizarre,

from rucksacks to courier bags, silicone to silk -- there is literally something for everyone. Finding a one-size-fits-all solution is going

to be nigh-on impossible, but we're hopeful that what we've got here will be just the ticket to rewrap what you just unboxed.

Continue reading Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: bags and cases Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: bags and cases originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink| | Email this| Comments

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8 Enormous Things That Are Smaller Than Apple, Inc. [INFOGRAPHIC]


Matt Silverman (Mashable!)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:29:39 AM

Apple has been flirting with the title of Worlds Most Valuable Company for a good part of 2011. At a current valuation of about $370 billion (give or take an

app), the tech giant has not only surpassed its competition and other leading multinationals, but entire global industries. Thats a hard concept for us nonbillionaires to wrap our enfeebled minds around. Fortunately, data visualization

company Visual.ly has put things into perspective for us with the handy infographic below. Get ready to be amazed (and quite frankly, terrified) at how ginormous Apple, Inc. has become. Graphic courtesy of Visual.ly.

More About: apple, infographics, Download our free apps for Revenue, value Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad For more Business coverage: Follow Mashable Business on Twitter Become a Fan on Facebook Subscribe to the Business channel

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Needle bins at St Paul's camp to beat junkie health hazard


Peter Dominiczak and Rob Parsons (Evening Standard News)

that "urination and defecation" around the cathedral is now a "major issue" with protesters using one alley as a lavatory. Submitted at 11/23/2011 2:30:44 AM Peter Dominiczak and Rob A spokesman for the Occupy Parsons LSX demonstrators' group said 23 Nov 2011 the camp represented a Escalating drug use at the St "microcosm of society" and that Paul's tent city has forced the drug use there was no different l o c a l a u t h o r i t y t o i n s t a l l from "what would happen in containers for the safe disposal of every town centre". Occupy LSX syringe needles, the Standard said that they had requested reveals today. needle disposal boxes as part of The City of London Corporation their "welfare policy". said "sharps bins" were needed A church official reported in a a f t e r p o l i c e f o u n d a d d i c t s ' court document submitted by the paraphernalia, including needles, corporation that the cathedral has around tents. been subjected to "desecration" by Anti-capitalism demonstrators graffiti and human waste. have been camped outside St And police inspector John Zuber Paul's since October 15 and the s a i d t h a t " u r i n a t i o n a n d corporation has launched a court defecation" had been a "major bid to evict the group. issue" and that residents and local As the corporation prepared for businesses expressed concern that i t s f i r s t h e a r i n g t o d a y a a pedestrian alley nearby was spokesman said discarded needles being used as a lavatory. at the site were a "hazard for Some protesters denied that the everyone". There are concerns the corporation had been forced to camp has become "a magnet for install the boxes and said they had very vulnerable people" including provided their own. Protester those Andria Efthimiou-Mordaunt said living with HIV. she bought a sharps box from a In court documents filed by the local chemist. corporation, it was also reported She added: "We did it because it

was the responsible thing to do. I bought one two weeks ago. The City of London may have asked as well but I bought one anyway." She added that there are a small number of drug users at the site and said people infected with HIV are living in the tent city. She added: "This is the responsible way of addressing the prevention of any blood-borne diseases. People here are diabetic and living with things like HIV." A spokesman for the City of London Corporation told the Standard: "While we are committed to an early, legally backed solution that returns the highway to its proper use, in the meantime we will have to manage some issues. "Some of the most worrying issues revolve around vulnerable people, health and hygiene. Clearly, discarded syringes are a hazard for everyone. That is why we have installed the sharps boxes to help manage the problem." A spokesman for the Occupy LSX camp said: "There was a request from us [to have a sharps box installed] as part of our welfare policy. "It's only smart to have one of

these as part of your first aid policy. It's not a case of lots of needles - it's more of a precaution. It is to ensure that we are doing things the right way. "City of London want to paint this as a bad thing. Actually what the camp represents is a microcosm of society, You are seeing nothing different to what would happen in every town centre. This is an issue for society. The aim of the camp is to bring a more just society. Obviously people who want and need help are coming as part of that call. The City of London should be working with us - not against us." Last week protesters were given a deadline to clear the "public highway" but tore down eviction notices from their tents and vowed they would stay and fight. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Kate McCann tells hacking inquiry: Press harmed our search for Madeleine
Ross Lydall (Evening Standard - News)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:10:07 AM

The mother of Madeleine McCann today said the press coverage of her daughter's disappearance was so negative that it damaged the search for the three-year-old. Kate McCann told the Leveson inquiry into press standards: "When a story is so negative about her that is not helpful. "These were desperate times. We needed all the help we could get. We desperately wanted to shout out, 'It's not true it's not true'. We were desperate. "We were trying to find our daughter and you were stopping our chances of finding her." Mrs McCann and her husband Gerry, both 43, recalled how they were subjected to what Mr McCann called an "incredible amount of speculation and misinformation that led to confusion" after Maddy disappeared in May 2007 during a family holiday in Portugal. He said he believed that many of the stories were "made up" because he did not think their KATE page 88

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phones were hacked. "I do not think any of it was helpful," he said. "We were being tried by the media and we could not defend ourselves. "What we clearly saw were snippets of information and the British media couldn't tell whether it was true or not. It was often reported and exaggerated and blown up into tens and hundreds of front-page headlines. It was exaggerated and often downright untruthful and often, on occasions, was made up." Mr McCann called for a "system to be put in place to protect ordinary people from the damage the media can cause from the activity that falls well below the standards that I would deem acceptable". He said the couple returned to their holiday apartment after Maddy's disappearance to find "tens if not hundreds of journalists" camped outside. Initially the press coverage was helpful and the couple got the impression the reporters and their editors empathised with their plight.

"We quickly realised there was a tremendous amount of speculation in the coverage in newspapers," Mr McCann said. "We had 24hour news channels. We found that to be unhelpful. "I cannot tell you for certain it was the Portuguese police who were leaking...but that would be a perfectly reasonable assumption to make." The couple, from Rothley, Leicestershire, were both briefly named as suspects by Portuguese police four months after Maddy's disappearance. Their barrister said last week they suffered at the hands of a "hostile" press pack writing "nonsense" stories under pressure from editors in what amounted to "some of the darkest days" for the tabloid media. David Sherborne said one of the worst incidents was in September 2008 when the News of the World published a private diary Mrs McCann had written to Maddy recording her "innermost thoughts". The now-defunct Sunday paper made it appear that the diary -

believed to have been leaked from Portuguese police - had been provided by Mrs McCann. Mr Sherborne said the "staggering intrusion" left her, in the words of her husband, feeling like she had been "mentally raped". In March 2008 the Daily Express paid the Find Madeleine campaign 550,000 and printed a front-page apology for suggesting the McCanns were responsible for Maddy's death. In July 2008 British expat Robert Murat accepted 600,000 in damages over allegations in 11 British newspapers that he was involved in Maddy's disappearance. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

The Engadget Mobile Turkeycast, live at 2PM ET with guest Phil Nickinson!
Brad Molen (Engadget)

won't be downloadable until this weekend due to the holiday. All the more reason to join us live! If you're hoping to get ready for Wednesday, November 23, 2011 the holiday by listening to a few 2:00 PM EST turkeys, we have the perfect Continue reading The Engadget solution for you: Myriam Joire, Mobile Turkeycast, live at 2PM Brad Molen and Joseph Volpe. ET with guest Phil Nickinson! Oh, and Phil Nickinson from The Engadget Mobile Android Central will be thrown Turkeycast, live at 2PM ET with into the mobile oven as well. So guest Phil Nickinson! originally join us, each and every one of appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 you, for the Engadget Mobile Nov 2011 12:45:00 EDT. Please Podcast Turkeycast, live at 2PM see our terms for use of feeds. ET! Permalink| | Email this| Note: While we're recording the Comments podcast early this week, it likely
Submitted at 11/23/2011 12:45:00 PM

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Lawrence evidence from five suspects 'was kept in one cell'


Paul Cheston, Courts Correspondent (Evening Standard - News)

both of them. On the night Stephen was killed Dobson at first claimed he had been studying at home with his Submitted at 11/23/2011 9:09:03 AM Five suspects were arrested and parents. had their homes searched after the But later he admitted he had gone Stephen Lawrence murder, the out that night around midnight to Old Bailey heard today. collect a Bob Marley CD from Two of them were brothers Neil Jamie Acourt. and Jamie Acourt as well as the The Acourts were arrested as part defendants on trial now, David of a co-ordinated action on the Norris and Gary Dobson. But the same day that Dobson was seized identity of the fifth was not and Norris's house was searched, revealed to the jury because his two weeks after the murder in name "has not previously been April 1993. Norris was not at mentioned in court". home and volunteered himself at a Evidence seized from all the police station later. suspects' homes was stored in the Exhibits officer Dc Robert Crane same disused cell at Eltham police told the court that evidence from station where Stephen's own the homes of "four people taken clothing and evidence was kept, from three venues" was kept in the jury was told. the cell at Eltham. When Dobson was arrested he A further tranche of evidence told detectives that the Acourts from a fifth suspect was added had been his main male friends when his home was searched a over the previous two years, that few days later. he had been to their home many Forensic scientist Evonne Turner times and got on very well with told the court she muddled

evidence she was examining from the Lawrence case with a different case. She wrote the case reference number of a robbery on one of the Lawrence files by mistake, but later corrected her error. She said: "I was not concentrating and I was not focused at that stage when I wrote the case number but I clearly got to grips with the case and made the correction." Dobson, 36, and Norris, 35, both of south London, have pleaded not guilty to murder. The case continues. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Newt's Gift to Obama: A GOP Immigration Rift


Marc Ambinder (Politics : The Atlantic)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:23:44 AM

With his "humane" argument, the former House speaker has put the president's chief rival, Mitt Romney, in a difficult spot MORE FROM NATIONAL JOURNAL: The Return of Imperial Newt Did Gingrich Walk Into an Immigration Minefield? Presidential Debate Timeline During last night's debate, Newt Gingrich moved in a direction that is decidedly orthogonal to the party's conservative base on immigration. Whether Newt stays in his new position is to-bedetermined. But if he does, it might produce from the probable

Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, the type of reaction that President Obama's campaign advisers would relish. Said Gingrich: "I do not believe that the people of the United States are going to take people who have been here a quarter century, who have children and grandchildren, who are members of the community, who may have done something 25 years ago, separate them from their families and expel them. The party that says it's the party of the family is going to adopt an immigration policy which destroys families who have been here a quarter century. I'm prepared to take the heat for NEWT'S page 90

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saying, let's be humane in enforcing the law without giving them citizenship but by finding a way to create legality so that they are not separated from their families." This show of "humane" feeling from the speaker will be the talk of the cablers today. It's no secret that the media establishment finds the prospect of deporting 11 million illegal immigrants to be horrifying, and tends to reward politicians who move toward this default position. It's kind of funny for Newt to be praised by the journalists he often criticizes, but that's secondary. Mitt Romney reacted furiously to Gingrich's words. That very policy, he said, was a magnet for illegal immigrants. It was amnesty and Romney was against it. "... we have had in the past programs that said people who come here illegally will get to stay illegally for the rest of their life, that will only encourage more people to come here illegally." "... to say that we're going to say to the people that came here illegally that now you're all going to get to stay or some large number are going to get to stay and become permanent residents of the united states, that will only encourage more people to do the

same thing." Cue the DNC. I am not generally a fan of web videos produced by national party committees because they rarely escape the boundaries of the Beltway, but this one is a sign of what Gingrich's policy decision means for the general election. Quite simply, it could move Romney to the right, to a place where college-educated white voters question whether he is compassionate enough. Immigration is one of those suburban signal issues. George W. Bush was on the right side of it, as was John McCain, as was Bob Dole -- indeed, as were George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. It goes without saying that the DNC is also targeting Hispanics themselves. Brad Woodhouse, the DNC's communications chief, says in an e-mail that "Mitt Romney's extreme anti-immigrant views were on clear display. Romney once again went to the right of every other Republican presidential candidate, refusing to agree with others on the stage that tearing apart families is wrong or that we shouldn't implement an extreme and inhumane immigration policy." OK. Now, whether you agree with Gingrich or Romney,

recognize that the DNC and the Obama campaign now has a new incentive to see Newt Gingrich become the true face of the GOP anti-establishment opposition to Romney, as ironic as that last phrase is. If Gingrich and Romney publicly argue over immigration, the DNC and Obama 2012 will do everything they can to reproduce this debate before collegeeducated white voters in Virginia, North Carolina, the Rust Belt and elsewhere. It's a perfect time, because the national electorate is starting to wake up and pay attention to the race. Now is the time when Mitt Romney, the guy who Chicago expects will be the nominee, is at his most tender, most doughy, and most moldable. On Tuesday, National Journal's Ron Brownstein helped Ruy Teixeira and John Halpin introduce their latest demographic study of the electorate, which projects that the share of nonwhites voting in battleground states in 2012 will jump two percentage points, a boost for President Obama, or a cushion of sorts for any shedding of white voters. (Working class whites will correspondingly drop three percent.) The demographic battleground,

as Brownstein, Teixeira and Halpin see it, will be among college-educated whites, particularly women, who helped put Obama over the top in the Midwest, West, and in states like Florida and Virginia even though, across all the battlegrounds, that cohort gave its vote to John McCain by four points. Mitt Romney does better among these voters than any GOP candidate. And those college-educated white voters could question Romney's compassion if he takes too hardline a stance on immigration. Image credit: Evan Vucci/AP This article available online at: http://www.theatlantic.com/ politics/archive/2011/11/newtsgift-to-obama-a-gop-immigrationrift/249022/ This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Jonathan Chait on Unreasonable Self-Loathing Liberals


Clive Crook (Politics : The Atlantic)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:42:13 AM

Jonathan Chait's essay, When did liberals become so unreasonable?, is a brilliant piece of work. He argues that if liberals were to judge Obama by any intelligent standard--comparing him with the Republican alternatives, or with previous Democratic presidents-they would surely be impressed. Healthcare reform, financial regulation, the stimulus: by progressive lights, these are notable, even historic, achievements. But American liberals seem congenitally unable to apply such a standard. Liberals are dissatisfied with Obama because liberals, on the whole, are incapable of feeling satisfied with a Democratic president. They can be happy with the idea of a Democratic president --indeed, dancing-in-the-streets delirious--but not with the real thing. The various theories of disconsolate liberals all suffer from a failure to compare Obama with any plausible baseline. Instead they compare Obama with an imaginary president--either an imaginary Obama or a fantasy version of a past president. Chait traces the history of this syndrome at some length. The article is a JONATHAN page 91

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compelling read, and I think on most points correct--though I have a couple of questions and quibbles. Overall I think Chait lets his fellow liberals off too lightly. This recurring cycle of delirium and dejection suggests more than a lack of realism about the grind of actually existing politics. The mindset is not just romantic or naive or nobly ambitious and selfcritical. It's infantile. I also think the piece wobbles when Chait compares liberals and conservatives. Conservatives, compared with liberals, have higher levels of respect for and obedience to authority and prefer order over chaos and continuity over change. They are more likely than liberals to agree with statements like "It is more important to be a team player than to express yourself." There's something in this of course, but the Tea Party hardly fits the template. Rather than sliding by this awkward fact, Chait bravely makes a point of denying it: he emphasizes the contrast in style between the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, as though this confirms the distinction. I don't see it. OWS is bigger on drumming and defecation in public places, but

the two are alike in the relevant respect: wishing to stay leaderless and relatively unorganized. Loyalty to the Republican party and deference to authority in general are not salient Tea Party traits. Another big difference between the two, Chait says, is that liberals want to improve not just policy but politics. Progressivism developed a century ago out of a desire to cleanse politics of bosses and transactionalism. Republicans are focused only on dismantling government, and the great movements to reform politics have all come from the left. Doesn't "dismantling government" qualify as wanting to "reform politics"? The Tea Party's contempt for the ordinary processes of Washington politics is fully equal, I'd say, to that of its progressive counterparts. I also got a bit muddled when Chait turned his fire on "thirdparty activists" like Tom Friedman and Howard Schultz, whom Chait regards as moderate liberals. "They have a president who supports virtually everything they want," he says, and yet here they are agitating for a new party. Absurd! Hang on. If Obama wants

everything Tom Friedman and Howard Schultz want, don't progressives have grounds for complaint after all? Is it possible to be a good progressive president (judged by an appropriate standard) and a good moderate liberal president (judged the same way)? Maybe it is, if moderate liberalism is the most that progressives should ever hope to achieve. Is that what Chait believes? Defeatism of that sort is exactly what progressives aim to challenge. That will do for now. There's a lot to think about in this piece, and I'll probably come back to it. Meanwhile, I urge you to read it. This article available online at: http://www.theatlantic.com/ politics/archive/2011/11/jonathanchait-on-unreasonable-selfloathing-liberals/249025/ This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

Did Michele Bachmann Leak Classified Nuke Intelligence?


Jeffrey Goldberg (Politics : The Atlantic)
Submitted at 11/23/2011 10:27:00 AM

Yochi Dreazen makes the case that Michele Bachmann, inadvertently or not, leaked intelligence about Pakistan's nuclear program, and its vulnerabilities: Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann serves on the House Intelligence Committee, so her comments on Pakistan's nuclear program represent either a news-making leak of previously unknown classified information or another in her recent series of seemingly-random, and highly inaccurate, public comments. During the CNN debate, Bachmann said that 15 Pakistani nuclear sites were vulnerable to jihadist attacks, and that six of the sites had previously come under some form of Islamist attack. U.S. intelligence and military officials believe that Pakistan has 15 nuclear sites, but no U.S. official has publicly said that all of the sites were vulnerable to militant attack or confirmed that any of them had previously come under any form of jihadist attack. I have to cordially disagree with Yochi's conclusions here. The joint Atlantic/National Journal cover story on Pakistan's nuclear

program, written by Yochi's colleague Marc Ambinder and by yours truly, contains the information that Yochi suggests is material declassified on stage by Bachmann: At least six facilities widely believed to be associated with Pakistan's nuclear program have already been targeted by militants. In November 2007, a suicide bomber attacked a bus carrying workers to the Sargodha air base, which is believed to house nuclear weapons; the following month, a school bus was attacked outside Kamra air base, which may also serve as a nuclear storage site; in August 2008, Pakistani Taliban suicide bombers attacked what experts believe to be the country's main nuclear-weapons-assembly depot in Wah cantonment. If jihadists are looking to raid a nuclear facility, they have a wide selection of targets: Pakistan is very secretive about the locations of its nuclear facilities, but satellite imagery and other sources suggest that there are at least 15 sites across Pakistan at which jihadists could find warheads or other nuclear materials. I don't think Bachmann can be accused of leaking classified DID page 92

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information if the information has already been published in The Atlantic and in his own magazine (and in any case, the information about the attacks on the nuclear sites is open-source material). And I think it's a safe thing for Bachmann to surmise that U.S. officials are worried about jihadist attacks on nuclear sites. It would be newsworthy to find a U.S. official who isn't worried about attacks by jihadists on Pakistan's nuclear sites. This article available online at: http://www.theatlantic.com/

politics/archive/2011/11/didmichele-bachmann-leak-classified -nuke-intelligence/249020/ This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/contentonly/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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