Thursday, January 31, 2008
TCS Daily - Blowin' in the Wind
TCS Daily - Blowin' in the Wind: "Even in Europe's windiest country, the winds are just 'too variable', with most turbines consistently under-performing. Having analysed figures submitted to the UK electricity watchdog Ofgem on every farm's load factor, Engineering Consultant Jim Oswald explained to the BBC, 'It's the power swings that worry us. Over a 20-hour period you can go from almost 100 percent wind output to 20 percent.'"
After Mining Deal, Financier Donated to Clinton - New York Times
After Mining Deal, Financier Donated to Clinton - New York Times: "Within two days, corporate records show that Mr. Giustra also came up a winner when his company signed preliminary agreements giving it the right to buy into three uranium projects controlled by Kazakhstan’s state-owned uranium agency, Kazatomprom.
The monster deal stunned the mining industry, turning an unknown shell company into one of the world’s largest uranium producers in a transaction ultimately worth tens of millions of dollars to Mr. Giustra, analysts said.
Just months after the Kazakh pact was finalized, Mr. Clinton’s charitable foundation received its own windfall: a $31.3 million donation from Mr. Giustra that had remained a secret until he acknowledged it last month. The gift, combined with Mr. Giustra’s more recent and public pledge to give the William J. Clinton Foundation an additional $100 million, secured Mr. Giustra a place in Mr. Clinton’s inner circle, an exclusive club of wealthy entrepreneurs in which friendship with the former president has its privileges."
The monster deal stunned the mining industry, turning an unknown shell company into one of the world’s largest uranium producers in a transaction ultimately worth tens of millions of dollars to Mr. Giustra, analysts said.
Just months after the Kazakh pact was finalized, Mr. Clinton’s charitable foundation received its own windfall: a $31.3 million donation from Mr. Giustra that had remained a secret until he acknowledged it last month. The gift, combined with Mr. Giustra’s more recent and public pledge to give the William J. Clinton Foundation an additional $100 million, secured Mr. Giustra a place in Mr. Clinton’s inner circle, an exclusive club of wealthy entrepreneurs in which friendship with the former president has its privileges."
Lucianne.com News Forum
Lucianne.com News Forum: "They may have done nothing illegal, but tha
t does not mean they are not still WRONG. The Airport stated they:
'could not confirm that weapons [on the plane] would be secured and safeguarded in accordance with Department of Defense regulations and that the Marines and soldiers would leave their weapons on board.'
Put a 12 dollar an hour security guard at the planes door, no weapons out no problem for marines to use the can. Frankly why would any american worry about an armed marine anyway? That being said I have travelled on Commercial flights with deploying soldiers and each of those guys (Regular army usually) carried their weapons with them although they were shipped as checked luggage.
SHAME on the airport management for not finding a way to deal with this situation in a manner of respect these young men and women deserved."
t does not mean they are not still WRONG. The Airport stated they:
'could not confirm that weapons [on the plane] would be secured and safeguarded in accordance with Department of Defense regulations and that the Marines and soldiers would leave their weapons on board.'
Put a 12 dollar an hour security guard at the planes door, no weapons out no problem for marines to use the can. Frankly why would any american worry about an armed marine anyway? That being said I have travelled on Commercial flights with deploying soldiers and each of those guys (Regular army usually) carried their weapons with them although they were shipped as checked luggage.
SHAME on the airport management for not finding a way to deal with this situation in a manner of respect these young men and women deserved."
My Way News - McCain Changes Story on Tax Cut Stance
My Way News - McCain Changes Story on Tax Cut Stance: "Republican John McCain says he opposed President Bush's tax cuts because they didn't come with spending cuts. That is not what he said at the time.
In a presidential debate on Wednesday, McCain said he voted against the Bush tax cuts because he wanted to rein in spending.
'I disagreed when we had tax cuts without spending restraint,' the Arizona senator said.
The explanation fits with his history of railing against wasteful federal spending. But it does not fit with McCain's comments when he opposed the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003.
In 2001, McCain said the tax cuts favored the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. In 2003, he said there should be no tax cuts until the Iraq war costs were known.
His aversion to the Bush tax cuts is just another reason McCain gives heartburn to many in the conservative GOP base. Besides taxes, there is also his more forgiving attitude toward illegal immigration, his effort to limit money in politics and his long-running feuds with leaders of the Christian right.
The debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., came on the heels of Tuesday's Florida primary, when McCain defeated former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, gaining an advantage going into next week's Super Tuesday primary."
In a presidential debate on Wednesday, McCain said he voted against the Bush tax cuts because he wanted to rein in spending.
'I disagreed when we had tax cuts without spending restraint,' the Arizona senator said.
The explanation fits with his history of railing against wasteful federal spending. But it does not fit with McCain's comments when he opposed the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003.
In 2001, McCain said the tax cuts favored the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. In 2003, he said there should be no tax cuts until the Iraq war costs were known.
His aversion to the Bush tax cuts is just another reason McCain gives heartburn to many in the conservative GOP base. Besides taxes, there is also his more forgiving attitude toward illegal immigration, his effort to limit money in politics and his long-running feuds with leaders of the Christian right.
The debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., came on the heels of Tuesday's Florida primary, when McCain defeated former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, gaining an advantage going into next week's Super Tuesday primary."
Teacher could face firing over giving test answers - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
Teacher could face firing over giving test answers - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com: "'The guy should resign, retire and leave,' said Bill Bloemendaal, a retired teacher and a 12-year member of the West Ottawa board.
Bloemendaal, however, voted against trying to fire Nadolsky, noting tenure battles are lengthy and that the teacher would be paid during the fight. The board member feels Nadolsky could supervise a study hall or perform another school function."
Bloemendaal, however, voted against trying to fire Nadolsky, noting tenure battles are lengthy and that the teacher would be paid during the fight. The board member feels Nadolsky could supervise a study hall or perform another school function."
Brits at their Best
Brits at their Best: "Sun's low magnetic activity may portend an ice age
The Canadian Space Agency’s radio telescope has been reporting Flux Density Values so low they will mean a mini ice age if they continue."
The Canadian Space Agency’s radio telescope has been reporting Flux Density Values so low they will mean a mini ice age if they continue."
EU threatens to ban patio heaters - Times Online
EU threatens to ban patio heaters - Times Online: "A vote in Brussels today is expected to call on the European Commission to abolish the heaters to help to tackle climate change. Such a move could cost the pub and catering trade dear"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "MBIA Inc. and Ambac Financial Group Inc., the two largest bond insurers, may each lose $11.6 billion on guarantees of mortgage-linked debt and other securities, according to hedge fund manager William Ackman.
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide
Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "MBIA Inc. and Ambac Financial Group Inc., the two largest bond insurers, may each lose $11.6 billion on guarantees of mortgage-linked debt and other securities, according to hedge fund manager William Ackman.
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
The losses were calculated using a model supplied by an unnamed investment bank, and the findings were sent in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo. Ackman, a managing partner of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, began questioning MBIA's AAA rating in 2002. He has trades set up that would profit from a decline in the price of the shares and bonds of MBIA and Ambac.
Ackman, 41, stepped up his attack by posting on the Internet a list of asset-backed collateralized debt obligations and other securities guaranteed by MBIA and Ambac that allows others to craft their own loss predictions. Ackman said the unnamed bank provided details on many of the securities, not all of which have been disclosed by the companies.
``Up until this point in time, the market and the regulators have had to rely on the bond insurers and the rating agencies to calculate their own losses in what we deem a self-graded exam,'' Ackman said in a statement preceding release of the letter. ``Now the market will have the opportunity to do its own analysis.''"
My Way News - Planet Mercury Is Shrinking, Volcanic
My Way News - Planet Mercury Is Shrinking, Volcanic: "The first pictures from the unseen side of Mercury reveal the wrinkles of a shrinking, aging planet with scars from volcanic eruptions and a birthmark shaped like a spider."
My Way News - Forbes: Madonna Richest Woman in Music
My Way News - Forbes: Madonna Richest Woman in Music: "Madonna is the richest woman in music.
The 49-year-old entertainer leads Forbes.com's list of the top 20 'Cash Queens of Music,' earning $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007.
The pop star's 'Confessions' world tour pulled in $260 million, Forbes said. She also made money from album sales, her fashion line with H&M and a deal with NBC to broadcast her concert performance at London's Wembley Stadium.
Forbes.com said it compiled the list by examining concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and other revenue from clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements.
Barbra Streisand is No. 2 with $60 million, thanks to her comeback tour of North America and Europe.
Celine Dion ranks third with $45 million, largely from her successful 'A New Day' show in Las Vegas, which she wrapped up in December after a five-year engagement at Caesars Palace.
Shakira is fourth with $38 million, followed by Beyonce ($27 million), Gwen Stefani ($26 million), Christina Aguilera ($20 million), Faith Hill ($19 million), the Dixie Chicks ($18 million) and Mariah Carey ($13 million).
Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride each banked $12 million.
Britney Spears ranked 14th on the list, earning $8 million from music royalties and sales of her fragrances with Elizabeth Arden.
Spears is followed by Carrie Underwood and Nelly Furtado ($7 million each); Fergie, Jennifer Lopez and Sheryl Crow ($6 million each); and Norah Jones ($5.5 million)."
The 49-year-old entertainer leads Forbes.com's list of the top 20 'Cash Queens of Music,' earning $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007.
The pop star's 'Confessions' world tour pulled in $260 million, Forbes said. She also made money from album sales, her fashion line with H&M and a deal with NBC to broadcast her concert performance at London's Wembley Stadium.
Forbes.com said it compiled the list by examining concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and other revenue from clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements.
Barbra Streisand is No. 2 with $60 million, thanks to her comeback tour of North America and Europe.
Celine Dion ranks third with $45 million, largely from her successful 'A New Day' show in Las Vegas, which she wrapped up in December after a five-year engagement at Caesars Palace.
Shakira is fourth with $38 million, followed by Beyonce ($27 million), Gwen Stefani ($26 million), Christina Aguilera ($20 million), Faith Hill ($19 million), the Dixie Chicks ($18 million) and Mariah Carey ($13 million).
Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride each banked $12 million.
Britney Spears ranked 14th on the list, earning $8 million from music royalties and sales of her fragrances with Elizabeth Arden.
Spears is followed by Carrie Underwood and Nelly Furtado ($7 million each); Fergie, Jennifer Lopez and Sheryl Crow ($6 million each); and Norah Jones ($5.5 million)."
Wash. to Fix Aerospace Worker Shortage: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Wash. to Fix Aerospace Worker Shortage: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Gov. Chris Gregoire said Tuesday that she and state House and Senate leaders will try to add $3 million to this year's budget for aerospace and technology apprenticeship programs.
Speaking at a union hall packed with machinists, Gregoire said that during recent visits to suppliers in Eastern Washington, executives told her they're faced with a troubling shortage of skilled workers."
Speaking at a union hall packed with machinists, Gregoire said that during recent visits to suppliers in Eastern Washington, executives told her they're faced with a troubling shortage of skilled workers."
FOXNews.com - Human Tongue Accidentally Served Up in Hospital - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News
FOXNews.com - Human Tongue Accidentally Served Up in Hospital - Health News Current Health News Medical News: "A human tongue has been served up in a hospital canteen's chicken risotto — and bosses reckon it was accidentally dropped into the food by a doctor.
Slovenian officials are investigating after a doctor complained about a strange piece of meat on his plate.
Ananova.com revealed the doctor insisted it was not chicken and after some intense bickering it was sent away for tests — and found to be part of a human tongue.
Inspectors have closed the canteen in Izola, southern Slovenia, to review hygiene standards.
Bosses believe a doctor could have unwittingly dropped the tongue in the food after treating a patient.
A hospital spokesman insisted: 'I can say clearly that we have never used patients' parts in any of our dishes.'"
Slovenian officials are investigating after a doctor complained about a strange piece of meat on his plate.
Ananova.com revealed the doctor insisted it was not chicken and after some intense bickering it was sent away for tests — and found to be part of a human tongue.
Inspectors have closed the canteen in Izola, southern Slovenia, to review hygiene standards.
Bosses believe a doctor could have unwittingly dropped the tongue in the food after treating a patient.
A hospital spokesman insisted: 'I can say clearly that we have never used patients' parts in any of our dishes.'"
FOXNews.com - Illinois Bicyclist Tased After Running From Police - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
FOXNews.com - Illinois Bicyclist Tased After Running From Police - Local News News Articles National News US News: "Rivera was charged with resisting arrest, riding a bicycle without proper lighting, riding under the influence of alcohol and use of false citizenship/government documents."
Lou Dobbs alert: Illegal immigrants may get rebates - The Crypt's Blog - Politico.com
Lou Dobbs alert: Illegal immigrants may get rebates - The Crypt's Blog - Politico.com: "In their bipartisan zeal to quickly cut a deal on an economic stimulus bill, GOP lawmakers overlooked something that will certainly inflame the conservative base _ illegal immigrants could receive a tax rebate check from the government."
Left-turn lights will flash yellow soon - Michigan News, Updates, Photos & Video | Detroit, Lansing - MLive.com
Left-turn lights will flash yellow soon - Michigan News, Updates, Photos & Video Detroit, Lansing - MLive.com: "In the name of safety, the federal government has issued a mandate to do away with those familiar blinking reds for left turns and replace them with a four-phase system of left-turn arrows."
Extreme Mortman » It All Depends On What The Definition Of Pledge Is - Just When You Thought it Was Safe to Take Politics Seriously Again
Extreme Mortman » It All Depends On What The Definition Of Pledge Is - Just When You Thought it Was Safe to Take Politics Seriously Again: "Clinton coldly and knowingly lied to New Hampshire and Iowa. Her promise was not a vague statement. It was a signed pledge with a clear and unequivocal meaning."
Pajamas Media: Drunkblogging the Florida Primary
Pajamas Media: Drunkblogging the Florida Primary: "Get ready to see a slew of McCain/Giuliani bumper stickers at the Republican convention, if not sooner."
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
TheStar.com | Canada | Bra size at 20 may predict Type 2 diabetes risk: Study
TheStar.com Canada Bra size at 20 may predict Type 2 diabetes risk: Study: "researchers said the figures still show that women who wore B, C and D cups developed the disease at higher rates than women who wore A cup bras."
Houston mom who left kids for Africa trip is now in jail | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
Houston mom who left kids for Africa trip is now in jail Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "'The 1-year-old was so malnourished, they could feel his ribs when they picked him up,' Jordan said.
The roaches were only one sign of the squalid conditions in which the children lived, Jordan said.
There were no diapers, baby food or formula for the 1-year-old, no sheets on beds and fruit was rotting in a basket, he said.
Jordan said police went to a fast-food restaurant and bought the children food.
He said the 16-year-old girl didn't live with the family but was at the house when police investigated.
Mosley is being held without bond, Jordan said. She is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, when an attorney will likely be appointed to represent her.
The family is from New Orleans, but came to Texas originally Port Arthur after Hurricane Katrina.
The children are all in foster homes.
CPS officials said when they took custody of the children that they saw no evidence Mosley was employed.
'We don't know how she was able to make payments on the home or if she has assistance,' CPS spokeswoman Estella Olguin said earlier this month."
The roaches were only one sign of the squalid conditions in which the children lived, Jordan said.
There were no diapers, baby food or formula for the 1-year-old, no sheets on beds and fruit was rotting in a basket, he said.
Jordan said police went to a fast-food restaurant and bought the children food.
He said the 16-year-old girl didn't live with the family but was at the house when police investigated.
Mosley is being held without bond, Jordan said. She is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, when an attorney will likely be appointed to represent her.
The family is from New Orleans, but came to Texas originally Port Arthur after Hurricane Katrina.
The children are all in foster homes.
CPS officials said when they took custody of the children that they saw no evidence Mosley was employed.
'We don't know how she was able to make payments on the home or if she has assistance,' CPS spokeswoman Estella Olguin said earlier this month."
ABC News: Rezko Locked Up Until Trial Starts Feb. 25
ABC News: Rezko Locked Up Until Trial Starts Feb. 25: "The money to Rezko came from an Iraqi businessman implicated in the oil-for-food scandal, Nadhmi Auchi, the chairman of General Mediterranean Holding."
Smith to Kennedy: 'Agents of Change End Up Being Targets, As You Well Know' | NewsBusters.org
Smith to Kennedy: 'Agents of Change End Up Being Targets, As You Well Know' NewsBusters.org: "I'm measuring my words carefully. Harry Smith has raised the possibility that Barack Obama's life could be in danger."
Smith to Kennedy: 'Agents of Change End Up Being Targets, As You Well Know' | NewsBusters.org
Smith to Kennedy: 'Agents of Change End Up Being Targets, As You Well Know' NewsBusters.org: "I'm measuring my words carefully. Harry Smith has raised the possibility that Barack Obama's life could be in danger."
www.kansascity.com | 01/29/2008 | Wichita ends busing for integration
http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/465522.html: "In a historic vote Monday, the Wichita school board chose to end 37 years of busing black and white students across town for school integration.
Board members shared emotional — and at times tearful — stories of their own experiences with busing before unanimously voting to do away with Wichita’s integration plan"
Board members shared emotional — and at times tearful — stories of their own experiences with busing before unanimously voting to do away with Wichita’s integration plan"
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