Friday, November 30, 2007
Breaking News: Hostages Held By An Armed Man At Clinton Campaign Office in NH
Man Claiming To Have Bomb Holding People Hostage In N.H.
BOSTON -- A man claiming to have a bomb took two workers hostage Friday at a Hillary Clinton presidential campaign office in New Hampshire, police said.
The incident happened at about 1 p.m. Friday at 28 North Main St. in Rochester. The man had what appeared to be a bomb strapped to himself inside the Democrat's office, according to Bill Shaheen, a top state campaign official.
A witness said that she spoke to a woman shortly after she was released from the office by the hostage-taker.
"A young woman with a 6-month or 8-month-old infant came rushing into the store just in tears, and she said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," witness Lettie Tzizik said.
There are several police officers positioned across the street from the office, crouched down behind cruisers with guns drawn, according to a reported at the scene.
"There are sharp shooters on the roof, and police are negotiating with someone in the building," said another witness, who did not want to be identified. "The police are notifying all the business owners on the street to evacuate. There are fire trucks behind the Hillary Clinton office.
"I walked out and I immediately started running, and I saw that the road was blocked off. They told me run and keep going," said Cassandra Hamilton, who works in an office adjacent to the building.
Nearby businesses have been evacuated, and the St. Elizabeth Seaton School has been locked down.
Clinton, who is not in New Hampshire, is attending a National Democratic Committee meeting in Virginia. Presidential candidate Barack Obama also has an office in Rochester, and it has been evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries.
NewsCenter 5 and TheBostonChannel.com will have more information when it becomes available.
BOSTON -- A man claiming to have a bomb took two workers hostage Friday at a Hillary Clinton presidential campaign office in New Hampshire, police said.
The incident happened at about 1 p.m. Friday at 28 North Main St. in Rochester. The man had what appeared to be a bomb strapped to himself inside the Democrat's office, according to Bill Shaheen, a top state campaign official.
A witness said that she spoke to a woman shortly after she was released from the office by the hostage-taker.
"A young woman with a 6-month or 8-month-old infant came rushing into the store just in tears, and she said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," witness Lettie Tzizik said.
There are several police officers positioned across the street from the office, crouched down behind cruisers with guns drawn, according to a reported at the scene.
"There are sharp shooters on the roof, and police are negotiating with someone in the building," said another witness, who did not want to be identified. "The police are notifying all the business owners on the street to evacuate. There are fire trucks behind the Hillary Clinton office.
"I walked out and I immediately started running, and I saw that the road was blocked off. They told me run and keep going," said Cassandra Hamilton, who works in an office adjacent to the building.
Nearby businesses have been evacuated, and the St. Elizabeth Seaton School has been locked down.
Clinton, who is not in New Hampshire, is attending a National Democratic Committee meeting in Virginia. Presidential candidate Barack Obama also has an office in Rochester, and it has been evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries.
NewsCenter 5 and TheBostonChannel.com will have more information when it becomes available.
Breaking News: Chicago Train Collision; Atleast 5 People Were Injured!
AP CHICAGO — An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train today on the south side of the city, seriously injuring at least five employees, fire officials said.
Up to 150 passengers were on the Amtrak train when it came to a "very hard stop," Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said. Fifteen ambulances were on their way to the scene.
Passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the trains with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children. Most passengers walked away from the accident, but some were taken away on stretchers.
The five Amtrak employees who had serious or critical injuries were in the train's engine at the time of the collision, officials said.
The engine of the Amtrak train was resting on top of the last car of the freight train, but the Amtrak passenger cars remained upright. The red freight train's corrugated boxcar was crushed.
Most of the damage was concentrated on the passenger train's engine, Langford said.
The train was traveling from Grand Rapids, Mich., to Chicago when the accident occurred in a rail yard south of Union Station, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said. Langford said that it was unclear what caused the accident, only that the two trains were on the same track.
Up to 150 passengers were on the Amtrak train when it came to a "very hard stop," Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said. Fifteen ambulances were on their way to the scene.Passengers, many of them carrying winter coats and luggage, streamed off the trains with the help of rescue workers. Some held the hands of small children. Most passengers walked away from the accident, but some were taken away on stretchers.
The five Amtrak employees who had serious or critical injuries were in the train's engine at the time of the collision, officials said.
The engine of the Amtrak train was resting on top of the last car of the freight train, but the Amtrak passenger cars remained upright. The red freight train's corrugated boxcar was crushed.
Most of the damage was concentrated on the passenger train's engine, Langford said.
The train was traveling from Grand Rapids, Mich., to Chicago when the accident occurred in a rail yard south of Union Station, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said. Langford said that it was unclear what caused the accident, only that the two trains were on the same track.
News: New Bin Laden Message Broadcast
SkyNews - A new message purportedly from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden calls on European countries to end military cooperation with the US in Afghanistan.
"The American tide is ebbing, so it is best for you to press your leaders to change their policies," bin Laden said, addressing Europeans and referring to their countries' military contributions in Afghanistan.
Al Jazeera television broadcast two short excerpts of an audiotape.
Bin Laden said his Taliban allies had no knowledge of plans for the September 11 terror attacks in the US in 2001 - a main reason for the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.
"The events of Manhattan were retaliation against the American-Israeli alliance's aggression against our people in Palestine and Lebanon," he said. "I am the only one responsible for it. The Afghan people and government knew nothing about it. America knows that.
"Europe went along with it (the US invasion of Afghanistan) because they had no other alternative, only to be a follower," he said.
"The American tide is ebbing, with God's help, and they will leave back to their countries.
"Therefore it is better for you to stand against your leaders who are dropping in on the White House, and to work seriously to lift the injustice against the believers," he said, accusing US forces and their allies of intentionally killing women and children in Afghanistan.
Al Qaeda announced several days ago that it would release the tape soon.
It is bin Laden's fourth message this year.
"The American tide is ebbing, so it is best for you to press your leaders to change their policies," bin Laden said, addressing Europeans and referring to their countries' military contributions in Afghanistan.Al Jazeera television broadcast two short excerpts of an audiotape.
Bin Laden said his Taliban allies had no knowledge of plans for the September 11 terror attacks in the US in 2001 - a main reason for the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.
"The events of Manhattan were retaliation against the American-Israeli alliance's aggression against our people in Palestine and Lebanon," he said. "I am the only one responsible for it. The Afghan people and government knew nothing about it. America knows that.
"Europe went along with it (the US invasion of Afghanistan) because they had no other alternative, only to be a follower," he said.
"The American tide is ebbing, with God's help, and they will leave back to their countries.
"Therefore it is better for you to stand against your leaders who are dropping in on the White House, and to work seriously to lift the injustice against the believers," he said, accusing US forces and their allies of intentionally killing women and children in Afghanistan.
Al Qaeda announced several days ago that it would release the tape soon.
It is bin Laden's fourth message this year.
Breaking News: Jet Crashes in Turkey; No Survivors
'No Survivors' In Turkey Jet Crash
Sky - A Turkish airliner has crashed near the town of Isparta in central Turkey on Friday, killing all 56 people on board.
Wreckage of the crashed plane
"Rescue teams have reached the wreckage... There are no survivors," the chief executive of the AtlasJet airline, Tuncay Doganer, told a televised news conference.
Officials said all on board were believed to be Turkish.
The 165-seat MD 83 plane, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, crashed in the early hours of Friday in mountains in the Isparta province of central Turkey.
It had been flying from Istanbul with 49 passengers and seven crew.
It was not immediately clear what had caused the crash, which happened 7.5 miles from Isparta's Suleyman Demirel airport.
Mr Doganer said weather conditions were not abnormal at the time of the crash and that he knew of no technical deficiencies aboard the aircraft.
The aircraft's black box should explain what happened, he said.
Turkey is now in the grip of winter, with snow and fog common on higher ground across much of the country.
Rescue workers reached the mountainous crash site after military helicopters spotted the wreckage of the airliner.
The aircraft disappeared from radar screens shortly before it was due to land at Isparta, about 90 miles north of the Mediterranean resort of Antalya.
The state Anatolian news agency said aviation authorities lost contact with the plane just after the pilot said he was preparing to land at Isparta
Sky - A Turkish airliner has crashed near the town of Isparta in central Turkey on Friday, killing all 56 people on board.
Wreckage of the crashed plane "Rescue teams have reached the wreckage... There are no survivors," the chief executive of the AtlasJet airline, Tuncay Doganer, told a televised news conference.
Officials said all on board were believed to be Turkish.
The 165-seat MD 83 plane, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, crashed in the early hours of Friday in mountains in the Isparta province of central Turkey.
It had been flying from Istanbul with 49 passengers and seven crew.
It was not immediately clear what had caused the crash, which happened 7.5 miles from Isparta's Suleyman Demirel airport.
Mr Doganer said weather conditions were not abnormal at the time of the crash and that he knew of no technical deficiencies aboard the aircraft.
The aircraft's black box should explain what happened, he said.
Turkey is now in the grip of winter, with snow and fog common on higher ground across much of the country.
Rescue workers reached the mountainous crash site after military helicopters spotted the wreckage of the airliner.
The aircraft disappeared from radar screens shortly before it was due to land at Isparta, about 90 miles north of the Mediterranean resort of Antalya.
The state Anatolian news agency said aviation authorities lost contact with the plane just after the pilot said he was preparing to land at Isparta
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Breaking News: Musharraf Sworn In As Pakistan President
Sky - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in for a second term - but this time as a civilian head of state.
The former general was sworn in a day after fulfilling his promise to quit as chief of the army.
He said the event marked a "milestone" in his country's transition to democracy.
Mr Musharraf said he welcomed the return to Pakistan of two political foes, ex-prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
He said: "I personally feel this is good for the political reconciliation I have spoken of."
Ms Bhutto was held under house arrest for a period following her return from eight years of exile.
In September, Mr Sharif was detained and then deported minutes after returning to Pakistan, but this week he was allowed back.
Abdul Hameed Dogar, the chief justice Mr Musharraf hand-picked after purging the Supreme Court when he imposed emergency rule on November 3, administered the oath.
Meanwhile, lawyers protesting against Mr Musharraf have again clashed with police in the city of Lahore.
Syed Mohammad, president of the Lahore bar association, said: "Our battle is to block military intervention forever."
Police used batons in an unsuccessful attempt to disperse about 200 protesting lawyers, at least one of whom was hurt.
Black-suited lawyers have been at the forefront of opposition to Mr Musharraf since he tried to dismiss the country's chief justice in March.
The former general was sworn in a day after fulfilling his promise to quit as chief of the army.He said the event marked a "milestone" in his country's transition to democracy.
Mr Musharraf said he welcomed the return to Pakistan of two political foes, ex-prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
He said: "I personally feel this is good for the political reconciliation I have spoken of."
Ms Bhutto was held under house arrest for a period following her return from eight years of exile.
In September, Mr Sharif was detained and then deported minutes after returning to Pakistan, but this week he was allowed back.
Abdul Hameed Dogar, the chief justice Mr Musharraf hand-picked after purging the Supreme Court when he imposed emergency rule on November 3, administered the oath.
Meanwhile, lawyers protesting against Mr Musharraf have again clashed with police in the city of Lahore.
Syed Mohammad, president of the Lahore bar association, said: "Our battle is to block military intervention forever."
Police used batons in an unsuccessful attempt to disperse about 200 protesting lawyers, at least one of whom was hurt.
Black-suited lawyers have been at the forefront of opposition to Mr Musharraf since he tried to dismiss the country's chief justice in March.
Breaking News: Philippines Hotel Siege: Officers Give In
Sky.com - A group of renegade Filipino army officers have voluntarily left a hotel in central Manila which they had seized control of, sparking a siege by security forces.
The officers were demanding that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo resign.
Shortly before walking out of the hotel the leader of the rebels had said the group would give themselves up to avoid bloodshed, as SWAT teams prepared to storm the building.
Television pictures from inside the hotel appeared to suggest tear gas had been fired into the building.
Rebels wearing red armbands and journalists could be seen covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs to protect against the gas.
An armoured vehicle surrounded by armed men had been seen ramming the front door of the hotel.
Antonio Trillanes, a senator and leader of the rebel officers, held a news conference inside the hotel in which he said he and his colleagues would give themselves up.
He said: "Now, like soldiers, we are going to face this."
Asked what he was prepared for, he said: "Whatever - whatever they would want to do to me.
"We are going out for the sake of the safety of everybody - for your sake, because we won't live with our conscience if some of you get hurt or get killed in the crossfire."
He defended his actions, saying it was "tantamount to treason" to stand by and not take action against Ms Arroyo's administration. And he said the violence came from the government forces and not from his group.
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, left-wing leaders and two Roman Catholic bishops joined the military men at the hotel.
The officers had earlier defied a deadline to surrender after storming out of their trial for a coup which failed four years ago.
The trial relates to a 2003 insurrection in which troops commandeered a shopping centre and demanded that Ms Arroyo step down.
The officers were demanding that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo resign.
Shortly before walking out of the hotel the leader of the rebels had said the group would give themselves up to avoid bloodshed, as SWAT teams prepared to storm the building.Television pictures from inside the hotel appeared to suggest tear gas had been fired into the building.
Rebels wearing red armbands and journalists could be seen covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs to protect against the gas.
An armoured vehicle surrounded by armed men had been seen ramming the front door of the hotel.
Antonio Trillanes, a senator and leader of the rebel officers, held a news conference inside the hotel in which he said he and his colleagues would give themselves up.He said: "Now, like soldiers, we are going to face this."
Asked what he was prepared for, he said: "Whatever - whatever they would want to do to me.
"We are going out for the sake of the safety of everybody - for your sake, because we won't live with our conscience if some of you get hurt or get killed in the crossfire."
He defended his actions, saying it was "tantamount to treason" to stand by and not take action against Ms Arroyo's administration. And he said the violence came from the government forces and not from his group.
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, left-wing leaders and two Roman Catholic bishops joined the military men at the hotel.
The officers had earlier defied a deadline to surrender after storming out of their trial for a coup which failed four years ago.
The trial relates to a 2003 insurrection in which troops commandeered a shopping centre and demanded that Ms Arroyo step down.
News: Madeleine Police: Team Travels To UK
Sky.com - Portuguese forensic experts involved in the Madeleine McCann case will arrive in Britain today, Sky News has learned.
Crime correspondent Martin Brunt said two officers are coming to the UK with a detective and pathologist.
They will meet representatives from the national forensic service in Birmingham which has been testing samples from the case.
On top of that, they may liaise with police officers from Leicestershire - the county where the missing girl's parents Gerry and Kate live.
And they may also re-interview friends of the couple who were with the pair on the night Madeleine went missing.
But it is not thought they will speak to the McCanns themselves.
Brunt said: "This trip is more about the forensic scientists talking to the forensic service in Britain and finding out what processes they use."
The team may include Portugal's second most senior policeman Paulo Rebelo, who is now leading the inquiry.
Clarence Mitchell, a spokesman for the McCanns, said he could not confirm the visit was happening.
Madeleine disappeared on May 3 in the resort town of Praia da Luz.
Crime correspondent Martin Brunt said two officers are coming to the UK with a detective and pathologist.
They will meet representatives from the national forensic service in Birmingham which has been testing samples from the case.On top of that, they may liaise with police officers from Leicestershire - the county where the missing girl's parents Gerry and Kate live.
And they may also re-interview friends of the couple who were with the pair on the night Madeleine went missing.
But it is not thought they will speak to the McCanns themselves.
Brunt said: "This trip is more about the forensic scientists talking to the forensic service in Britain and finding out what processes they use."
The team may include Portugal's second most senior policeman Paulo Rebelo, who is now leading the inquiry.
Clarence Mitchell, a spokesman for the McCanns, said he could not confirm the visit was happening.
Madeleine disappeared on May 3 in the resort town of Praia da Luz.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Breaking News: Pakistan: Roaring Welcome For Ex-Leader
Former PM Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Pakistan after seven years in exile - and he has vowed to "rid the country of dictatorship".
He flew back to his home city of Lahore, where crowds of supporters were waiting to greet him.
Mr Sharif had been ousted by military chief General Pervez Musharraf in a bloodless coup in October 1999 and exiled to Saudi Arabia a year later.
His attempt to to return home in September failed and he was sent back to Saudi Arabia within hours of his arrival.
But this time President Musharraf, who imposed emergency rule on November 3, reluctantly agreed to allow him back.
Mr Sharif - the latest political heavyweight to join Pakistan's deepening power struggle - is due to lead his Muslim party in the country's elections on January 8.
"We want democracy and nothing else," he told the BBC. "I am here to play my role and also make my own efforts to rid the country of dictatorship."
In a reminder that Pakistan remains under emergency rule, security forces rounded up some of Mr Sharif's supporters and attempted to seal off the airport.
But they failed to prevent jubilant crowds pushing past barriers placed across approach roads.
Several hundred people swarmed into the terminal, waving the green flags of Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party.
They shouted slogans including "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif" and "Go, Musharraf, go!"
Hundreds more gathered outside the airport fence and loudspeakers mounted on trucks blared out patriotic songs.
He flew back to his home city of Lahore, where crowds of supporters were waiting to greet him.
Mr Sharif had been ousted by military chief General Pervez Musharraf in a bloodless coup in October 1999 and exiled to Saudi Arabia a year later.His attempt to to return home in September failed and he was sent back to Saudi Arabia within hours of his arrival.
But this time President Musharraf, who imposed emergency rule on November 3, reluctantly agreed to allow him back.
Mr Sharif - the latest political heavyweight to join Pakistan's deepening power struggle - is due to lead his Muslim party in the country's elections on January 8.
"We want democracy and nothing else," he told the BBC. "I am here to play my role and also make my own efforts to rid the country of dictatorship."
In a reminder that Pakistan remains under emergency rule, security forces rounded up some of Mr Sharif's supporters and attempted to seal off the airport.
But they failed to prevent jubilant crowds pushing past barriers placed across approach roads.
Several hundred people swarmed into the terminal, waving the green flags of Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party.
They shouted slogans including "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif" and "Go, Musharraf, go!"
Hundreds more gathered outside the airport fence and loudspeakers mounted on trucks blared out patriotic songs.
Breaking News: World Cup 2010 Qualifiers; England Seek Revenge Against Croatia
England have the chance for revenge after being drawn against Croatia in their qualifying group for the World Cup 2010 finals.
The Three Lions were knocked out of next summer's Euro 2008 championship after losing 3-2 to Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.
England - currently without a manager after Steve McClaren was sacked over the Croatia defeat - also face Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Andorra in Group 6.
Following today's draw in Durban, England will get the chance for revenge against Slaven Bilic's men when the road to South Africa begins next autumn.
Scotland will face Holland, Norway, FYR Macedonia and Iceland in their five-team group.
The Scots were placed in the smallest of the nine European groups, group nine.
The other eight groups all feature six teams.
Alex McLeish's side agonisingly missed out on qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals, and Scotland's last appearance at a major summer tournament came at the 1998 World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, John Toshack's Wales have been pitted against World Cup 2006 semi-finalists Germany in Group Four.
They also face Russia - the other side who qualified for Euro 2008 ahead of England - as well as Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.
Northern Ireland face tough tests against Czech Republic and Poland in Group Three.
Nigel Worthington's side, who narrowly missed out on qualification for the Euro 2008 finals last week, will also come up against Slovakia, Slovenia and San Marino.
Managerless Republic of Ireland have been drawn in Group Eight alongside reigning World champions Italy.
They will also face Bulgaria, Georgia, Montenegro and Cyprus.
The Three Lions were knocked out of next summer's Euro 2008 championship after losing 3-2 to Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.
England - currently without a manager after Steve McClaren was sacked over the Croatia defeat - also face Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Andorra in Group 6.Following today's draw in Durban, England will get the chance for revenge against Slaven Bilic's men when the road to South Africa begins next autumn.
Scotland will face Holland, Norway, FYR Macedonia and Iceland in their five-team group.
The Scots were placed in the smallest of the nine European groups, group nine.
The other eight groups all feature six teams.
Alex McLeish's side agonisingly missed out on qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals, and Scotland's last appearance at a major summer tournament came at the 1998 World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, John Toshack's Wales have been pitted against World Cup 2006 semi-finalists Germany in Group Four.
They also face Russia - the other side who qualified for Euro 2008 ahead of England - as well as Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.
Northern Ireland face tough tests against Czech Republic and Poland in Group Three.
Nigel Worthington's side, who narrowly missed out on qualification for the Euro 2008 finals last week, will also come up against Slovakia, Slovenia and San Marino.
Managerless Republic of Ireland have been drawn in Group Eight alongside reigning World champions Italy.
They will also face Bulgaria, Georgia, Montenegro and Cyprus.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Breaking News: Pakistan barred from Commonwealth
BBC - Pakistan has been suspended from the Commonwealth because of its imposition of emergency rule, the organisation has announced after a meeting in Uganda.
Secretary General Don McKinnon said Pakistan was being suspended "pending restoration of democracy and the rule of law".
Earlier Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge to Pervez Musharraf's re-election as president.
The president has said he will now step down as head of the army.
Mr McKinnon said the 53-member Commonwealth had reached the decision by consensus.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the "decision was taken in sorrow, not in anger", and that he hoped the group would be able to welcome Pakistan back soon.
"We're all clear that the choice is for Pakistan now, to make the changes that are in its interest nationally and internationally, and then to re-enter the Commonwealth as a proud and valued member," Mr Miliband added.
Militant violence
Ten days ago Commonwealth foreign ministers from the bloc gave Pakistan 10 days to lift its emergency rule or face suspension.
They also said Gen Musharraf had to step down as army chief, release political detainees and restore press freedoms.
Gen Musharraf imposed the state of emergency and suspended Pakistan's constitution on 3 November. He later defended his decision, saying that he had taken the "in the national interest".
He said Pakistan was in a crisis caused by militant violence and a judiciary which had paralysed the government.
Pakistan has been engulfed in political upheaval in recent months, and the security forces have suffered a series of blows from pro-Taleban militants opposed to Gen Musharraf's support for the US-led "war on terror".
In a lengthy televised speech on the night of 3 November, Mr Musharraf said the situation was threatening Pakistan's sovereignty and had forced him into making "some very painful decisions".
It is the second time that Pakistan has been expelled from the Commonwealth. The country was suspended in 1999, after Gen Musharraf seized power in a coup.
It was reinstated in 2004.
Courtesy: BBC.co.uk
Secretary General Don McKinnon said Pakistan was being suspended "pending restoration of democracy and the rule of law".
Earlier Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge to Pervez Musharraf's re-election as president. The president has said he will now step down as head of the army.
Mr McKinnon said the 53-member Commonwealth had reached the decision by consensus.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the "decision was taken in sorrow, not in anger", and that he hoped the group would be able to welcome Pakistan back soon.
"We're all clear that the choice is for Pakistan now, to make the changes that are in its interest nationally and internationally, and then to re-enter the Commonwealth as a proud and valued member," Mr Miliband added.
Militant violence
Ten days ago Commonwealth foreign ministers from the bloc gave Pakistan 10 days to lift its emergency rule or face suspension.
They also said Gen Musharraf had to step down as army chief, release political detainees and restore press freedoms.
Gen Musharraf imposed the state of emergency and suspended Pakistan's constitution on 3 November. He later defended his decision, saying that he had taken the "in the national interest".
He said Pakistan was in a crisis caused by militant violence and a judiciary which had paralysed the government.
Pakistan has been engulfed in political upheaval in recent months, and the security forces have suffered a series of blows from pro-Taleban militants opposed to Gen Musharraf's support for the US-led "war on terror".
In a lengthy televised speech on the night of 3 November, Mr Musharraf said the situation was threatening Pakistan's sovereignty and had forced him into making "some very painful decisions".
It is the second time that Pakistan has been expelled from the Commonwealth. The country was suspended in 1999, after Gen Musharraf seized power in a coup.
It was reinstated in 2004.
Courtesy: BBC.co.uk
Breaking News: McClaren Sacked as England Failed to Qualify for the EURO 2008 Finals
Steve McClaren has described his sacking as England head coach as one of the saddest days of his career.
He told a news conference: "Eighteen months ago was the proudest day.
"I was honoured to be the England head coach. But I can understand the decision by the FA and I have huge disappointment for the people who are really losing out - the fans.
"Basically, I am a fan and wanted this team to succeed as much as anyone.
"I'm not making any excuses. I take full responsibility. We failed to qualify - I paid the price."
He said the players had given him total support and he had no criticism of them.
The Football Association board took the unanimous decision to sack McClaren and assistant Terry Venables at an emergency meeting this morning.
The move came after the side's loss to Croatia and failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 competition.
McClaren said he was told of his sacking after the FA meeting.
At a news conference, the board announced there would now be a thorough examination of the whole England senior team set-up.
This will begin with immediate effect and be led by FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
He has also been given the task of finding the new head coach.
FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone.
"Of course, we have no divine right to play in major tournaments but it is quite right that qualification is expected.
"I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer.
"His commitment to the job could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future."
McClaren's fate was sealed at Wembley last night when England lost 2-3 to Croatia, despite having come back from two goals down.
Which make all the UK failed to have any country representing them. The likes of Sctoland, Wales, Ireland all failed to book a place in the competition.
They all look unto England having a better chance than them, but England lost the ticket to the third goal scored by the croatians
England had needed just a draw from the match to qualify.
The loss allowed Russia, 1-0 winners at Andorra, to leapfrog them into the second qualifying slot in the group for the finals in Switzerland and Austria next June.
It is the first time since the 1994 World Cup in the US that England have failed to qualify for the finals of a major tournament.
McClaren had been in charge for just 15 months having taken over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He told a news conference: "Eighteen months ago was the proudest day.
"I was honoured to be the England head coach. But I can understand the decision by the FA and I have huge disappointment for the people who are really losing out - the fans."Basically, I am a fan and wanted this team to succeed as much as anyone.
"I'm not making any excuses. I take full responsibility. We failed to qualify - I paid the price."
He said the players had given him total support and he had no criticism of them.
The Football Association board took the unanimous decision to sack McClaren and assistant Terry Venables at an emergency meeting this morning.
The move came after the side's loss to Croatia and failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 competition.
McClaren said he was told of his sacking after the FA meeting.
At a news conference, the board announced there would now be a thorough examination of the whole England senior team set-up.
This will begin with immediate effect and be led by FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
He has also been given the task of finding the new head coach.
FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone.
"Of course, we have no divine right to play in major tournaments but it is quite right that qualification is expected.
"I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer.
"His commitment to the job could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future."
McClaren's fate was sealed at Wembley last night when England lost 2-3 to Croatia, despite having come back from two goals down.
Which make all the UK failed to have any country representing them. The likes of Sctoland, Wales, Ireland all failed to book a place in the competition.
They all look unto England having a better chance than them, but England lost the ticket to the third goal scored by the croatians
England had needed just a draw from the match to qualify.
The loss allowed Russia, 1-0 winners at Andorra, to leapfrog them into the second qualifying slot in the group for the finals in Switzerland and Austria next June.
It is the first time since the 1994 World Cup in the US that England have failed to qualify for the finals of a major tournament.
McClaren had been in charge for just 15 months having taken over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Breaking News: Data Blunder in the UK as CD containing citizen's data got lost
Sky.com - Millions of people are facing the threat of identity theft after personal details of nearly half the population were lost in Britain's worst data protection breach.
Two compact discs containing names, addresses, dates of birth, child benefit numbers, national insurance numbers and bank or building society account details of some 7.25 million families have gone missing.
The "catastrophic" blunder could affect around 25 million people and means the details of virtually every family in the country with children under the age of 16 have been lost.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ordered a check of data security at all Government departments in the wake of the loss.
Speaking to MPs at Prime Minister's Question Time, he insisted there was no reason for Alistair Darling to resign as Chancellor, saying he had done "an excellent job" in the role.
However, the breach has already prompted the resignation of HM Revenue and Customs chairman Paul Gray.
The Government said a junior official sent the entire child benefit database from HMRC HQ in Tyne and Wear to the National Audit Office in London on October 18.
In breach of the agency's procedure, the package was not even posted recorded delivery through contracted courier TNT.
It never arrived at its destination.
The Metropolitan Police is now leading the hunt for the package, while Mr Darling has ordered a probe into security procedures at HMRC.
Former Scotland Yard Fraud Officer Tom Craig told Sky News he dealt with a case recently where the criminals were paying $5 for each person's information.
"If everyone's information in this case was sold it'd fetch over £60m, and then you have to take into consideration the fact the average victim of fraud loses £15,000," he said.
"We're talking potentially billions of pounds of fraud."
TNT has told Sky News it could not be certain the discs had actually left the building from which they were supposed to have been sent.
Mr Darling told Sky News: "I unreservedly apologise. It should not have happened. It shouldn't be possible."
He added procedures had been put in place to prevent such leaks - but had apparently been ignored.
The Chancellor also said there was no evidence the discs had fallen in to the wrong hands - with banks on alert to watch out for fraud.
"I don't for one moment deny that this is a very, very serious problem," he continued.
"However, we now have to deal with it.
"We will continue to do everything we possibly can to reduce the risks, and crucially make sure this sort of thing never happens again."
Sky.com
Two compact discs containing names, addresses, dates of birth, child benefit numbers, national insurance numbers and bank or building society account details of some 7.25 million families have gone missing.The "catastrophic" blunder could affect around 25 million people and means the details of virtually every family in the country with children under the age of 16 have been lost.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ordered a check of data security at all Government departments in the wake of the loss.
Speaking to MPs at Prime Minister's Question Time, he insisted there was no reason for Alistair Darling to resign as Chancellor, saying he had done "an excellent job" in the role.
However, the breach has already prompted the resignation of HM Revenue and Customs chairman Paul Gray.
The Government said a junior official sent the entire child benefit database from HMRC HQ in Tyne and Wear to the National Audit Office in London on October 18.
In breach of the agency's procedure, the package was not even posted recorded delivery through contracted courier TNT.
It never arrived at its destination.
The Metropolitan Police is now leading the hunt for the package, while Mr Darling has ordered a probe into security procedures at HMRC.
Former Scotland Yard Fraud Officer Tom Craig told Sky News he dealt with a case recently where the criminals were paying $5 for each person's information.
"If everyone's information in this case was sold it'd fetch over £60m, and then you have to take into consideration the fact the average victim of fraud loses £15,000," he said.
"We're talking potentially billions of pounds of fraud."
TNT has told Sky News it could not be certain the discs had actually left the building from which they were supposed to have been sent.
Mr Darling told Sky News: "I unreservedly apologise. It should not have happened. It shouldn't be possible."
He added procedures had been put in place to prevent such leaks - but had apparently been ignored.
The Chancellor also said there was no evidence the discs had fallen in to the wrong hands - with banks on alert to watch out for fraud.
"I don't for one moment deny that this is a very, very serious problem," he continued.
"However, we now have to deal with it.
"We will continue to do everything we possibly can to reduce the risks, and crucially make sure this sort of thing never happens again."
Sky.com
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Breaking News: Child-on-child rape case stuns small Georgia town
ACWORTH, Georgia (AP) -- They could barely see over the courtroom table, and their legs were too short to reach the floor: An 8-year-old and two 9-year-old boys, accused of raping an 11-year-old neighbor.
The case sent shockwaves through this community some 30 miles north of Atlanta, particularly in the working class apartment complex where the children live.
"It's just hard to understand," said Chris Ware, who has lived in the complex three years.
The boys are accused of forcing a girl they were playing with into a litter-strewn wooded area behind the complex Thursday. She said she was threatened with a rock, and that one of the boys raped her, according to Acworth Police Chief Mike Wilkie.
Authorities said the girl waited until Saturday to tell her family, who then reported it to police.
But the father of one of the boys told WGCL-TV that the girl made up the rape allegations to cover her own behavior.
"She's trying to cover her own butt by getting everyone else in more serious trouble," the station's Web site quotes the father as saying.
Reporters were briefly allowed in the courtroom where the tiny suspects sat Monday in restraints and navy blue jumpsuits.
Juvenile Court Judge A. Gregory Poole ruled against media requests for access, then closed off the hearing to determine whether there was probable cause to hold the boys. Poole also issued a sweeping gag order instructing participants in the case not to talk to the press.
Cobb County District Attorney Pat Head said the boys could not be charged with felonies because of their age but could be tried for alleged delinquent acts that could place them in a juvenile facility for up to five years. The next step will be for the court to schedule a hearing to determine how to proceed, Head said.
Wilkie also said the investigation is "far from over," and investigators are looking into claims that after the alleged attack, the girl talked about it with her friends at a slumber party.
The girl's mother told WGCL, "They do need to be taught a lesson because if they do it to her, they could do it to somebody else. And who knows when they become teenagers what they can do to other girls."
Police in this town of about 17,000 along the shores of Lake Allatoona said they have never investigated rape allegations where all the parties were so young.
"This wouldn't be normal anywhere, but especially not Acworth," police Capt. Wayne Dennard said.
Courtesy: CNN.com
The case sent shockwaves through this community some 30 miles north of Atlanta, particularly in the working class apartment complex where the children live.
"It's just hard to understand," said Chris Ware, who has lived in the complex three years.The boys are accused of forcing a girl they were playing with into a litter-strewn wooded area behind the complex Thursday. She said she was threatened with a rock, and that one of the boys raped her, according to Acworth Police Chief Mike Wilkie.
Authorities said the girl waited until Saturday to tell her family, who then reported it to police.
But the father of one of the boys told WGCL-TV that the girl made up the rape allegations to cover her own behavior.
"She's trying to cover her own butt by getting everyone else in more serious trouble," the station's Web site quotes the father as saying.
Reporters were briefly allowed in the courtroom where the tiny suspects sat Monday in restraints and navy blue jumpsuits.
Juvenile Court Judge A. Gregory Poole ruled against media requests for access, then closed off the hearing to determine whether there was probable cause to hold the boys. Poole also issued a sweeping gag order instructing participants in the case not to talk to the press.
Cobb County District Attorney Pat Head said the boys could not be charged with felonies because of their age but could be tried for alleged delinquent acts that could place them in a juvenile facility for up to five years. The next step will be for the court to schedule a hearing to determine how to proceed, Head said.
Wilkie also said the investigation is "far from over," and investigators are looking into claims that after the alleged attack, the girl talked about it with her friends at a slumber party.
The girl's mother told WGCL, "They do need to be taught a lesson because if they do it to her, they could do it to somebody else. And who knows when they become teenagers what they can do to other girls."
Police in this town of about 17,000 along the shores of Lake Allatoona said they have never investigated rape allegations where all the parties were so young.
"This wouldn't be normal anywhere, but especially not Acworth," police Capt. Wayne Dennard said.
Courtesy: CNN.com
Woman Sues Hubby Over Lottery Win
A woman is suing her husband after she Googled him - and found out he had won £5m on the lottery.
Donna Campbell became suspicious of her man when he kept turning the TV off and disconnecting the telephone.
Most wives would have been happy that their partners were trying to save money.
But he was actually trying to keep the news from her.
A postcard about a new home purchase gave the game away.
Ms Campbell entered her husband's name and lottery numbers on Google and discovered he was hiding a group $10.2m lottery win.
She found a Florida lottery press release that named 17 airline mechanics who had hit the jackpot.
Ms Campbell is now suing Arnim Ramdass for her share of his good luck.
''Here's a guy who for years has spent marital money on the lottery and at casinos, and he's always lost,'' said Bruce Baldwin, Ms Campbell's attorney.
"And now he finally wins, and he's trying to keep it from his wife. That's pretty low.''
Ms Campbell eventually confronted her husband with the words: "Do you have any news you want to share with me?"
The airline mechanics will each get £298,000 of the £5m win.
Courtesy: Sky.com
Donna Campbell became suspicious of her man when he kept turning the TV off and disconnecting the telephone.
Most wives would have been happy that their partners were trying to save money.
But he was actually trying to keep the news from her.
A postcard about a new home purchase gave the game away.
Ms Campbell entered her husband's name and lottery numbers on Google and discovered he was hiding a group $10.2m lottery win.
She found a Florida lottery press release that named 17 airline mechanics who had hit the jackpot.
Ms Campbell is now suing Arnim Ramdass for her share of his good luck.
''Here's a guy who for years has spent marital money on the lottery and at casinos, and he's always lost,'' said Bruce Baldwin, Ms Campbell's attorney.
"And now he finally wins, and he's trying to keep it from his wife. That's pretty low.''
Ms Campbell eventually confronted her husband with the words: "Do you have any news you want to share with me?"
The airline mechanics will each get £298,000 of the £5m win.
Courtesy: Sky.com
Monday, November 19, 2007
Could Peter Tobin be Jessie Earl killer?
Since Peter Tobin has been linked to two different murders, could he be the killer of another 22 year old Jessie Earl?
Jessie Earl had just finished her final college exams when she disappeared from her Eastbourne bedsit back in 1980.
Her mother Valerie could recalled that Jessie called her last from a payphone to say she was looking forward to coming home for the weekend - but was not heard from again.
After 9 years, Jessie's body was discovered at Beachy Head with her wrists tied by her bra.
"Her purse and glasses were on the bed, she hadn't taken any money with her. We don't know whether someone called for her... whether she was going out to make a phone call" Said her parents.
This murder was likely linked to Peter Tobin because he's house where two dead bodies which happen to be that of two young schoolgirls, Dinah McNicol and Vicky Hamilton, is very close to Eastborne where Jessie's body was found.
The police had earlier said that they were looking at a 30-year span to see whether Peter Tobin is a serial killer. And this span is within the time Jessie Earl was murdered.
Meanwhile, Ian McNicol, the father of teenager Dinah McNicol one of the dead schoolgirls was sited at the former home of murder suspect Peter Tobin to see where his daughter was buried in a makeshift grave.
Police are expected to examine more of Tobin's former homes, although this has not yet been confirmed.
He is known to have lived in several places around the country in the last 40 years: three or four places in Brighton, three or four places in Scotland, and a couple in Hampshire.
Tobin, 61, has appeared in court to be formally charged with the murder of Miss Hamilton, who disappeared 16 years ago in Bathgate, West Lothian.
Jessie Earl had just finished her final college exams when she disappeared from her Eastbourne bedsit back in 1980.
Her mother Valerie could recalled that Jessie called her last from a payphone to say she was looking forward to coming home for the weekend - but was not heard from again.After 9 years, Jessie's body was discovered at Beachy Head with her wrists tied by her bra.
"Her purse and glasses were on the bed, she hadn't taken any money with her. We don't know whether someone called for her... whether she was going out to make a phone call" Said her parents.
This murder was likely linked to Peter Tobin because he's house where two dead bodies which happen to be that of two young schoolgirls, Dinah McNicol and Vicky Hamilton, is very close to Eastborne where Jessie's body was found.
The police had earlier said that they were looking at a 30-year span to see whether Peter Tobin is a serial killer. And this span is within the time Jessie Earl was murdered.
Meanwhile, Ian McNicol, the father of teenager Dinah McNicol one of the dead schoolgirls was sited at the former home of murder suspect Peter Tobin to see where his daughter was buried in a makeshift grave.Police are expected to examine more of Tobin's former homes, although this has not yet been confirmed.
He is known to have lived in several places around the country in the last 40 years: three or four places in Brighton, three or four places in Scotland, and a couple in Hampshire.
Tobin, 61, has appeared in court to be formally charged with the murder of Miss Hamilton, who disappeared 16 years ago in Bathgate, West Lothian.
New: Man dies after police shot him with a Taser device
(CNN) -- A 20-year-old man died Sunday after being shot with a Taser device during a scuffle with a sheriff's deputy in Maryland, a spokeswoman for the Frederick County Sheriff's Office said.
Amnesty International blames dozens of deaths on police use of stun guns.
Cpl. Jennifer Bailey said deputies responding to a report of a fight in progress arrived at the location in Frederick, Maryland, just before 5 a.m. ET and found four people fighting.
A deputy used a Taser device on one of the men, who fell unconscious, Bailey said.
The man was taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity was not immediately released, pending the notification of his family.
The deputy, who has not been identified publicly, has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of an investigation, Bailey said.
Amnesty International has reported that, since June 2001, more than 150 people have died in the United States after being subdued with a stun gun. The organization has called for police departments to suspend use of the devices pending study of their possible risks.
Few have done so, said Amnesty, which added that more than 7,000 of the nation's 18,000 law enforcement agencies use the devices.
Last week, an airport security officer in Vancouver International Airport in Canada used a Taser device on a distraught 40-year-old man on his first airplane trip outside Poland. He died.
In a statement released Friday, Taser International cited the Vancouver case and said it "appears to follow the pattern of many in-custody deaths or deaths following a confrontation with police. Historically, medical science and forensic analysis has shown that these deaths are attributable to other factors and not the low-energy electrical discharge of the Taser."
A bystander's video of the Vancouver incident that showed the victim continuing to struggle after being shot with the device "is proof that the Taser device was not the cause of his death," the company said on its Web site. Cardiac arrest caused by electrical current would have caused immediate death, it said.
In addition, "the video clearly shows symptoms of excited delirium, a potentially fatal condition marked by symptoms of exhaustion and mania such as heavy breathing, profuse sweating, confusion, disorientation and violence toward inanimate objects," the company said.
"We are taken aback by the number of media outlets that have irresponsibly published conclusive headlines blaming the Taser device and/or the law enforcement officers involved as the cause of death before completion of the investigation," said Tom Smith, the company's founder and chairman of the board.
But Amnesty International, noting that coroners have identified Tasers as a contributory factor in more than 30 deaths, said such a link cannot be ruled out.
The devices use compressed nitrogen to shoot two probes -- connected to the device by wire -- up to 35 feet away at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
An electrical signal transmitted through the wires contacts the body or clothing, "resulting in an immediate loss of the person's neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse," according to the company.
Amnesty International blames dozens of deaths on police use of stun guns.Cpl. Jennifer Bailey said deputies responding to a report of a fight in progress arrived at the location in Frederick, Maryland, just before 5 a.m. ET and found four people fighting.
A deputy used a Taser device on one of the men, who fell unconscious, Bailey said.
The man was taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity was not immediately released, pending the notification of his family.
The deputy, who has not been identified publicly, has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of an investigation, Bailey said.
Amnesty International has reported that, since June 2001, more than 150 people have died in the United States after being subdued with a stun gun. The organization has called for police departments to suspend use of the devices pending study of their possible risks.
Few have done so, said Amnesty, which added that more than 7,000 of the nation's 18,000 law enforcement agencies use the devices.
Last week, an airport security officer in Vancouver International Airport in Canada used a Taser device on a distraught 40-year-old man on his first airplane trip outside Poland. He died.
In a statement released Friday, Taser International cited the Vancouver case and said it "appears to follow the pattern of many in-custody deaths or deaths following a confrontation with police. Historically, medical science and forensic analysis has shown that these deaths are attributable to other factors and not the low-energy electrical discharge of the Taser."
A bystander's video of the Vancouver incident that showed the victim continuing to struggle after being shot with the device "is proof that the Taser device was not the cause of his death," the company said on its Web site. Cardiac arrest caused by electrical current would have caused immediate death, it said.
In addition, "the video clearly shows symptoms of excited delirium, a potentially fatal condition marked by symptoms of exhaustion and mania such as heavy breathing, profuse sweating, confusion, disorientation and violence toward inanimate objects," the company said.
"We are taken aback by the number of media outlets that have irresponsibly published conclusive headlines blaming the Taser device and/or the law enforcement officers involved as the cause of death before completion of the investigation," said Tom Smith, the company's founder and chairman of the board.
But Amnesty International, noting that coroners have identified Tasers as a contributory factor in more than 30 deaths, said such a link cannot be ruled out.
The devices use compressed nitrogen to shoot two probes -- connected to the device by wire -- up to 35 feet away at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
An electrical signal transmitted through the wires contacts the body or clothing, "resulting in an immediate loss of the person's neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse," according to the company.
Breaking News: Court Backs Musharraf's Re-Election
Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed a series of challenges to President Pervez Musharraf's re-election.
The court rejected five out of six major challenges to General Musharraf's election
That leaves one objection to be heard later this week.
The current crisis began when Gen Musharraf sacked the Supreme Court's chief judge and declared emergency rule.
The Supreme Court was due to rule against Gen Musharraf's November re-election.
The new court was made up of judges chosen by Gen Musharraf.
Tim Marshall, Sky's foreign affairs editor, said the decision paves the way for the president to hang up his army uniform.
"Now that he is secure for another five years he can take off his uniform and resign from the army," Marshall said.
A central demand from the US and UK was for Gen Musharraf to end his role as a military leader.
They had also demanded an end to emergency rule.
Courtesy: Sky.com
The court rejected five out of six major challenges to General Musharraf's electionThat leaves one objection to be heard later this week.
The current crisis began when Gen Musharraf sacked the Supreme Court's chief judge and declared emergency rule.
The Supreme Court was due to rule against Gen Musharraf's November re-election.
The new court was made up of judges chosen by Gen Musharraf.
Tim Marshall, Sky's foreign affairs editor, said the decision paves the way for the president to hang up his army uniform.
"Now that he is secure for another five years he can take off his uniform and resign from the army," Marshall said.
A central demand from the US and UK was for Gen Musharraf to end his role as a military leader.
They had also demanded an end to emergency rule.
Courtesy: Sky.com
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Breaking News: Pipeline blast in Saudi Arabia kills 28
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- An accidental explosion and fire on a natural gas pipeline in eastern Saudi Arabia on Sunday killed 28 people and left 12 missing, Saudi officials said.
The blast occurred Sunday while oil officials attended an OPEC summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
An unspecified number were wounded in the blaze, which did not disrupt gas supplies, Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi told reporters during a summit of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Riyadh.
National oil company Saudi Aramco said the fire broke out just after midnight while contract workers were linking a new pipe to the line during maintenance work.
Aramco is the world's largest oil producer, located on the country's east coast. Its Hawiyah plant produces 310,000 barrels a day of ethane and liquefied natural gas.
"The company is taking all necessary measures to guarantee the continuation of the normal gas output," the company said. An Aramco official contacted by The Associated Press declined further comment.
The fire occurred about 19 miles from the Hawiyah plant. Five Aramco employees were among the 28 who were killed, said the company, which did not provide information about the other workers.
A Saudi adviser to Saudi Arabia's oil ministry said there was no link between the explosion and the OPEC summit. He said there was no question the fire was an accident and terrorism was ruled out.
"This is purely maintenance related," the adviser said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
Courtesy: CNN.com & Associate Press
The blast occurred Sunday while oil officials attended an OPEC summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.An unspecified number were wounded in the blaze, which did not disrupt gas supplies, Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi told reporters during a summit of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Riyadh.
National oil company Saudi Aramco said the fire broke out just after midnight while contract workers were linking a new pipe to the line during maintenance work.
Aramco is the world's largest oil producer, located on the country's east coast. Its Hawiyah plant produces 310,000 barrels a day of ethane and liquefied natural gas.
"The company is taking all necessary measures to guarantee the continuation of the normal gas output," the company said. An Aramco official contacted by The Associated Press declined further comment.
The fire occurred about 19 miles from the Hawiyah plant. Five Aramco employees were among the 28 who were killed, said the company, which did not provide information about the other workers.
A Saudi adviser to Saudi Arabia's oil ministry said there was no link between the explosion and the OPEC summit. He said there was no question the fire was an accident and terrorism was ruled out.
"This is purely maintenance related," the adviser said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
Courtesy: CNN.com & Associate Press
News: Missing Madeleine Is Alive
A private detective hired by Kate and Gerry McCann has said he is certain their missing daughter Madeleine is alive.
Madeleine is still missingFrancisco Marco also told a US television station that the net is closing on the youngster's abductors.
The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "He's very confident.
"He's 100% certain that she's alive and believes that they are 'very, very close' to finding the kidnapper.
"Naturally we are extremely encouraged by any indication by our investigators that things are going well.
"But there have been a number of leads that have come to nothing and Kate and Gerry remain cautious."
The comments come after new testimony emerged that Madeleine was seen in central Portugal two days after she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment.
The apartment in Praia da LuzMr Mitchell confirmed that a new sighting at an undisclosed location on May 5 was being investigated.
But he added: "This is very much an ongoing inquiry by our investigators. We will not comment on individual sightings."
Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents dined nearby with friends.
The McCanns, both still official suspects in her disappearance, hired agency Metodo 3 to boost efforts to find their daughter.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Marco said he thought Madeleine is alive in Morocco.
He also said he was following up reported sightings of a blonde-haired girl with her distinctive right eye.
Mr Marco said: "We have a six-month agreement with the McCanns.
"We have already spent a month and a half working. I will find her before that period is up."
A private detective hired by Kate and Gerry McCann has said he is certain their missing daughter Madeleine is alive.
Francisco Marco also told a US television station that the net is closing on the youngster's abductors.
The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "He's very confident.
"He's 100% certain that she's alive and believes that they are 'very, very close' to finding the kidnapper.
"Naturally we are extremely encouraged by any indication by our investigators that things are going well.
"But there have been a number of leads that have come to nothing and Kate and Gerry remain cautious."
The comments come after new testimony emerged that Madeleine was seen in central Portugal two days after she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment.
Mr Mitchell confirmed that a new sighting at an undisclosed location on May 5 was being investigated.
But he added: "This is very much an ongoing inquiry by our investigators. We will not comment on individual sightings."
Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents dined nearby with friends.
The McCanns, both still official suspects in her disappearance, hired agency Metodo 3 to boost efforts to find their daughter.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Marco said he thought Madeleine is alive in Morocco.
He also said he was following up reported sightings of a blonde-haired girl with her distinctive right eye.
Mr Marco said: "We have a six-month agreement with the McCanns.
"We have already spent a month and a half working. I will find her before that period is up."
Madeleine is still missingFrancisco Marco also told a US television station that the net is closing on the youngster's abductors.
The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "He's very confident. "He's 100% certain that she's alive and believes that they are 'very, very close' to finding the kidnapper.
"Naturally we are extremely encouraged by any indication by our investigators that things are going well.
"But there have been a number of leads that have come to nothing and Kate and Gerry remain cautious."
The comments come after new testimony emerged that Madeleine was seen in central Portugal two days after she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment.
The apartment in Praia da LuzMr Mitchell confirmed that a new sighting at an undisclosed location on May 5 was being investigated.
But he added: "This is very much an ongoing inquiry by our investigators. We will not comment on individual sightings."
Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents dined nearby with friends.
The McCanns, both still official suspects in her disappearance, hired agency Metodo 3 to boost efforts to find their daughter.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Marco said he thought Madeleine is alive in Morocco.
He also said he was following up reported sightings of a blonde-haired girl with her distinctive right eye.
Mr Marco said: "We have a six-month agreement with the McCanns.
"We have already spent a month and a half working. I will find her before that period is up."
A private detective hired by Kate and Gerry McCann has said he is certain their missing daughter Madeleine is alive.
Francisco Marco also told a US television station that the net is closing on the youngster's abductors.
The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "He's very confident.
"He's 100% certain that she's alive and believes that they are 'very, very close' to finding the kidnapper.
"Naturally we are extremely encouraged by any indication by our investigators that things are going well.
"But there have been a number of leads that have come to nothing and Kate and Gerry remain cautious."
The comments come after new testimony emerged that Madeleine was seen in central Portugal two days after she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment.
Mr Mitchell confirmed that a new sighting at an undisclosed location on May 5 was being investigated.
But he added: "This is very much an ongoing inquiry by our investigators. We will not comment on individual sightings."
Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents dined nearby with friends.
The McCanns, both still official suspects in her disappearance, hired agency Metodo 3 to boost efforts to find their daughter.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Marco said he thought Madeleine is alive in Morocco.
He also said he was following up reported sightings of a blonde-haired girl with her distinctive right eye.
Mr Marco said: "We have a six-month agreement with the McCanns.
"We have already spent a month and a half working. I will find her before that period is up."
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Mychal Bell of 'Jena 6' ordered to spend 18 months in a juvenile facility
(CNN) -- A black Louisiana teenager at the center of the racially charged "Jena 6" case was ordered Thursday to spend 18 months in a juvenile facility, after a judge ruled he had violated his probation for earlier juvenile convictions, a source with knowledge of the court proceedings said.
Mychal Bell, 17, who was freed two weeks ago after his adult criminal conviction for beating a white classmate was overturned, was sent to the Renaissance Home for Youth in Alexandria, Louisiana, the source said.
The decision came at the end of a two-day juvenile court hearing that was closed to the media and public.
Carol Powell-Lexing, one of Bell's attorneys, said the judge's decision would be appealed.
Bell was freed on $45,000 bail on September 27, after an appeals court threw out his conviction on battery and conspiracy charges in adult court and remanded the case to juvenile court.
But Judge J.P. Mauffrey agreed with prosecutors that Bell had violated the probation he was given for four previous juvenile offenses, including two simple battery charges, the sources said.
Bell had been placed on probation until he turned 18.
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton, who has championed Bell's case, denounced Thursday's decision as "revenge" by the judge and called on Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco to intervene.
Demonstrators in September took to the streets of the small town of Jena to protest how authorities handled the cases of Bell and five other teens accused of beating white student Justin Barker in December 2006. The incident was a culmination of fights between blacks and whites.
Advertisements
Many said they were angry that the students, dubbed the "Jena 6," were being treated more harshly than three white students who hung nooses from an oak tree on Jena High School property.
The white students were suspended from school but did not face criminal charges. The protesters said they should have been charged with a hate crime.
Mychal Bell, 17, who was freed two weeks ago after his adult criminal conviction for beating a white classmate was overturned, was sent to the Renaissance Home for Youth in Alexandria, Louisiana, the source said. The decision came at the end of a two-day juvenile court hearing that was closed to the media and public.
Carol Powell-Lexing, one of Bell's attorneys, said the judge's decision would be appealed.
Bell was freed on $45,000 bail on September 27, after an appeals court threw out his conviction on battery and conspiracy charges in adult court and remanded the case to juvenile court.
But Judge J.P. Mauffrey agreed with prosecutors that Bell had violated the probation he was given for four previous juvenile offenses, including two simple battery charges, the sources said.
Bell had been placed on probation until he turned 18.
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton, who has championed Bell's case, denounced Thursday's decision as "revenge" by the judge and called on Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco to intervene.
Demonstrators in September took to the streets of the small town of Jena to protest how authorities handled the cases of Bell and five other teens accused of beating white student Justin Barker in December 2006. The incident was a culmination of fights between blacks and whites.
Advertisements
Many said they were angry that the students, dubbed the "Jena 6," were being treated more harshly than three white students who hung nooses from an oak tree on Jena High School property.
The white students were suspended from school but did not face criminal charges. The protesters said they should have been charged with a hate crime.
News: Controversy Over Eurostar's Shock Advert
An advert depicting a tattooed skinhead urinating into a china teacup is being used to promote tourism to London.
The image is part of a new Eurostar campaign aimed solely at the Belgian market.
Posters have gone up on billboards in Antwerp, Brussels, Liege and Ghent to promote the new high-speed train connection to the English capital.
The company says the advert is great for British tourism.
"It's fun, it's supposed to show how cosmopolitan London is. Yes, I really think it says London is cosmopolitan," insisted a spokeswoman for Eurostar.
Lesley Retallack added: "You could walk down Camden market and you can see someone like that.
"It just captures your imagination, stops you, makes you think. People get it."
The campaign, created by a Belgian ad agency, also features John Cleese and his Ministry of Silly Walks along with Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and John Major apparently bursting Union Flag balloons.
Advertisements
Miss Retallack explained: "The whole idea is that London is just around the corner. Belgians absolutely love the British and follow them closely.
"The adverts are meant to show how cutting edge London is, the amazing mix.
"It's all meant to be very humorous, very funny and to get across the message that London is just around the corner."
She went on: "We wouldn't do something if it meant people were put off coming to London and they have been enormously effective."
Since the posters went up on November 14 only one member of the public has complained, said Ms Retallack.
Elliott Frisby of the British Tourist Authority, told Sky News: "Belgians think of themselves as closer to us than to France. They expect us to be quirky."
He said the adverts work well in Belgium and believes they are advertising Eurostar rather than Britain itself.
"We do not think the images are derogatory or give off the wrong message about the destination," he said.
"It is not what we would do but Eurostar is a commercial organisation."
The adverts have already prompted some Sky News Online viewers to react angrily.
Stressing that the campaign was intended to promote only London, Ms Retallack said: "Obviously a few British people may see it in the papers now but it's meant to appeal to the Belgian people."
The image is part of a new Eurostar campaign aimed solely at the Belgian market.
Posters have gone up on billboards in Antwerp, Brussels, Liege and Ghent to promote the new high-speed train connection to the English capital.
The company says the advert is great for British tourism.
"It's fun, it's supposed to show how cosmopolitan London is. Yes, I really think it says London is cosmopolitan," insisted a spokeswoman for Eurostar.
Lesley Retallack added: "You could walk down Camden market and you can see someone like that.
"It just captures your imagination, stops you, makes you think. People get it."
The campaign, created by a Belgian ad agency, also features John Cleese and his Ministry of Silly Walks along with Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and John Major apparently bursting Union Flag balloons.
Advertisements
Miss Retallack explained: "The whole idea is that London is just around the corner. Belgians absolutely love the British and follow them closely.
"The adverts are meant to show how cutting edge London is, the amazing mix.
"It's all meant to be very humorous, very funny and to get across the message that London is just around the corner."
She went on: "We wouldn't do something if it meant people were put off coming to London and they have been enormously effective."
Since the posters went up on November 14 only one member of the public has complained, said Ms Retallack.
Elliott Frisby of the British Tourist Authority, told Sky News: "Belgians think of themselves as closer to us than to France. They expect us to be quirky."
He said the adverts work well in Belgium and believes they are advertising Eurostar rather than Britain itself.
"We do not think the images are derogatory or give off the wrong message about the destination," he said.
"It is not what we would do but Eurostar is a commercial organisation."
The adverts have already prompted some Sky News Online viewers to react angrily.
Stressing that the campaign was intended to promote only London, Ms Retallack said: "Obviously a few British people may see it in the papers now but it's meant to appeal to the Belgian people."
News: Peter Tobin's Second Murder Charge
The 61 years old Peter Tobin will be charge for another murder case apart from the first. The first murder case was charged after the body of the Scottish 15 years old schoolgirl, Vicky Hamilton was found in his apartment. Vicky was missing 16 years ago. This time, another body was found in the same yard of Peter Tobin, where Vicky Hamilton's body was found. Detectives said the height of the body, as well as clothing and jewellery found during the excavation, led them to believe it was the 18-year-old, who vanished the same year the Scottish girl got missing.
The second body will be formally identified today, but it is believed to be Dinah McNikol. Her father Ian McNicol, 68, told Sky News he felt "elated and confused" at hearing the news.
He said he hoped it was her - saying he could not grieve until he knew what had happened.
"I would really like to know for sure it is Dinah," he added. "I can now die in peace if it is."
Continous investigation is still on, as police are investigating whether he is linked to a series of other unsolved murders and abductions of women.
And the search in the house will still continue until it is clear that there are no more human remains in the house.
I hope they won't find any other one, because it will be a sad story for Peter Tobin to be linked with murder case that is more than two.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
News: Record Sightings Of Basking Shark
Sightings of Britain's biggest fish, the basking shark, have reached record levels, according to marine biologists
Last year, 2,222 of the animals were spotted - an increase of 70% from the previous 12 months.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) detailed the findings in its annual Shark Watch report.
"It's really encouraging and we hope it suggests the population of sharks is recovering as a result of protection," said MCS official Angus Bloomfield.
The sharks are threatened so sightings are recorded to help protect the species.
But since 1987, volunteers have been sending in pictures and details of basking sharks, most of which are seen in the South West, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Basking sharks grow up to 36ft long and can weigh seven tonnes.
Their teeth are tiny so they do not pose a threat to humans, instead they feed on microscopic plankton which they filter from the sea.
Recent campaigns have helped give the sharks increasing levels of protection.
The species is now endangered, and a change to the law this year means it is now illegal for EU vessels to catch or disturb them.
Sadly, basking sharks are not very bright so when feeding they tend not to notice dangers like fishing lines or boats.
Although these figures are welcome news, there's still a lot the scientists don't know. This summer several sharks were tagged off the Isle of Man, because once winter begins no-one knows what happens to them.
Bizarrely, the British weather may account for the record sightings last year. When it's sunny, more people are outside to spot the sharks, and calm water makes the sharks more visible.
So with a damp, cold summer this year, Angus Bloomfield isn't hopeful the bumper crop of shark spots will continue.
He said: "It's difficult to say until the end of 2007 but I'll be very surprised if we have another increase in sightings."
Courtesy: Sky.com
Last year, 2,222 of the animals were spotted - an increase of 70% from the previous 12 months.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) detailed the findings in its annual Shark Watch report.
"It's really encouraging and we hope it suggests the population of sharks is recovering as a result of protection," said MCS official Angus Bloomfield.
The sharks are threatened so sightings are recorded to help protect the species.
But since 1987, volunteers have been sending in pictures and details of basking sharks, most of which are seen in the South West, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Basking sharks grow up to 36ft long and can weigh seven tonnes.
Their teeth are tiny so they do not pose a threat to humans, instead they feed on microscopic plankton which they filter from the sea.
Recent campaigns have helped give the sharks increasing levels of protection.
The species is now endangered, and a change to the law this year means it is now illegal for EU vessels to catch or disturb them.
Sadly, basking sharks are not very bright so when feeding they tend not to notice dangers like fishing lines or boats.
Although these figures are welcome news, there's still a lot the scientists don't know. This summer several sharks were tagged off the Isle of Man, because once winter begins no-one knows what happens to them.
Bizarrely, the British weather may account for the record sightings last year. When it's sunny, more people are outside to spot the sharks, and calm water makes the sharks more visible.
So with a damp, cold summer this year, Angus Bloomfield isn't hopeful the bumper crop of shark spots will continue.
He said: "It's difficult to say until the end of 2007 but I'll be very surprised if we have another increase in sightings."
Courtesy: Sky.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
News: Australians named worst emitters
A study of the world's power stations has shown the extent to which developed countries produce more carbon dioxide per head than emerging economies.
Australians were found to be the world's worst polluters per capita, producing five times as much carbon from generating power as China.
The US came second with eight tonnes of carbon per head - 16 times more than that produced by India.
The US also produced the most carbon in total, followed by China.
The Carbon Monitoring for Action (Carma) website is the first global inventory of emissions and looks at 50,000 power stations.
Its data was compiled by the Center for Global Development, a US think-tank.
Least efficient stations
Carma points out that while US power plants emit the most CO2, releasing 2.5bn tonnes into the atmosphere each year, Australian power stations are the least efficient on a per capita basis, with emissions of 10 tonnes, compared with the US's 8.2 tonnes.
TOP 10 EMITTERS
National power sector emissions (in tonnes of CO2):
1. US - 2,530 million
2. China - 2,430 million
3. Russia - 600 million
4. India - 529 million
5. Japan - 363 million
6. Germany - 323 million
7. Australia - 205 million
8. South Africa - 201 million
9. UK - 192 million
10. South Korea - 168 million
(Source: Carma/CGD)
China's power sector emits the second-highest total amount of carbon dioxide, pumping 2.4bn tonnes of the gas into the atmosphere annually.
However, its emissions are only one fifth of Australia's when measured on a per capita basis.
The UK's 192 million tonnes make it the ninth highest emitter, with per capita CO2 emissions of 3.2 tonnes.
The nation's largest power station, the coal-fired Drax plant, is deemed to be the 23rd most polluting power station in the world.
Powering change
Kevin Ummel, a research assistant at the Center for Global Development, hoped the online inventory would help the push towards a low carbon future.
"The experience of people in the environmental field has been that supplying the public and markets with information that they did not have has often led to improvements in environmental quality," he told BBC News.
"There is no reason why this could not happen for carbon emissions."
He said that the data for power stations in the US, Canada, Europe and India came from official, verified reports.
For the power plants that did not have robust reports, Mr Ummel said a model was used to calculate the volume of emissions.
The figure is derived by taking factors such as fuel type, size, age and various other technical specifications in account.
"It turns out that if you have this information then you can predict emissions from the plants with a high degree of certainty," he said.
"Carma is built from a massive database provided by private sector (organisations). It includes every type of fuel and it includes power plants of almost any size.
"Not only do we have the massive plants, like Drax in the UK, but everything down to the solar panels on the local high school.
"We feel quite confident that no-one else has information in such detail."
The philosophy behind the website is to provide people with information that they currently do not have.
"In this website, we do not push a particular agenda or outcome," explained Mr Ummel.
"In fact, we are very interested to see how people choose to use the data."
Surledfrom Sky.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Breaking News: Another Fire Tragedy in Northern Ireland
Family Of Seven Feared Dead In Fire
A couple and their five children are feared to have died in one of Northern Ireland's worst ever fire tragedies.
The youngest of the victims is reportedly a baby.
Flames swept through a terrace house in Lammy Crescent, Omagh, Co Tyrone, at around 4.30am.
Fire crews from Omagh and neighbouring towns and villages fought the blaze, which apparently started on the first floor.
The tiled roof collapsed and neighbours said there was little they could do to save the family, some of whom were spotted upstairs at the height of the fire.
Omagh independent councillor Paddy McGowan, a former fireman, said: "Neighbours were hammering on their windows and doors. They could hear screaming from the house which was on fire. There is nothing left but bare, black walls. Absolutely nothing.
"Nobody can believe this has happened. The family has been living there for about four years."
By the time the first fire officers arrived, the properly was well alight, with flames shooting up through the roof.
At one stage, a number of neighbours pushed a ladder up against the front window, but the fire was so intense that they were forced back.
It is understood there was an open fire in the house.
Retired barber Leo Doran, 66, who lives three doors away, said he was stunned at how quickly the blaze caught hold.
He said: "The flames were coming from everywhere - back, front, through the roof. Nothing could be done.
"Some young lads managed to get a ladder up at the front window. They could see the people inside, but there was nothing they could do.
"We've no idea where or how the fire started. It was a terrible sight. The walls inside these houses are so thin - stud walls - and the house was an inferno in a matter of minutes. The flames were just belching out."
The father of the children worked as a farmer.
The nearby St Conor's Primary School, which is within sight of the ruins, was closed. Some of the children who died were among the pupils.
The eldest of the children feared dead is a girl of 13, a student at the town's Sacred Heart College.
Curled from Sky.com
A couple and their five children are feared to have died in one of Northern Ireland's worst ever fire tragedies.
The youngest of the victims is reportedly a baby.
Flames swept through a terrace house in Lammy Crescent, Omagh, Co Tyrone, at around 4.30am.
Fire crews from Omagh and neighbouring towns and villages fought the blaze, which apparently started on the first floor.
The tiled roof collapsed and neighbours said there was little they could do to save the family, some of whom were spotted upstairs at the height of the fire.
Omagh independent councillor Paddy McGowan, a former fireman, said: "Neighbours were hammering on their windows and doors. They could hear screaming from the house which was on fire. There is nothing left but bare, black walls. Absolutely nothing.
"Nobody can believe this has happened. The family has been living there for about four years."
By the time the first fire officers arrived, the properly was well alight, with flames shooting up through the roof.
At one stage, a number of neighbours pushed a ladder up against the front window, but the fire was so intense that they were forced back.
It is understood there was an open fire in the house.
Retired barber Leo Doran, 66, who lives three doors away, said he was stunned at how quickly the blaze caught hold.
He said: "The flames were coming from everywhere - back, front, through the roof. Nothing could be done.
"Some young lads managed to get a ladder up at the front window. They could see the people inside, but there was nothing they could do.
"We've no idea where or how the fire started. It was a terrible sight. The walls inside these houses are so thin - stud walls - and the house was an inferno in a matter of minutes. The flames were just belching out."
The father of the children worked as a farmer.
The nearby St Conor's Primary School, which is within sight of the ruins, was closed. Some of the children who died were among the pupils.
The eldest of the children feared dead is a girl of 13, a student at the town's Sacred Heart College.
Curled from Sky.com
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Breaking News: Acclaimed American Novelist Norman Mailer Dies
The highly-respected literary figure and journalist died of renal failure at the age of 84, his biographer J. Michael Lennon said.
Mailer won the coveted Pulitzer Prize twice, for The Armies of the Night in 1968 and The Executioner's Song in 1979.
He was known for biting prose and as an antagonist of the feminist movement. His latest work, The Castle in the Forest, was published this year.
Born in 1923 in New Jersey, Mailer wrote dozens of books as well as plays, poems, screenplays and essays.
Mailer's first major success, the 1948 novel The Naked and the Dead, was based on his experiences in the Army in World War II.
His writing was characterised by violence, sexual obsession and views that angered feminists.
Biographer Peter Manso told Sky: "His journalism of the 60s and 70s were incandescent.
"It was mesmerising stuff."
Mailer was co-founder of The Village Voice alternative newspaper in New York.
Married six times and the father of nine children, Mailer once said in an NBC television interview that he was worried "women are going to take over the world".
Detractors considered him an intellectual bully and he feuded with fellow authors including Truman Capote, William Styron, Tom Wolfe and Norman Podhoretz.
Mr Manso told Sky Mailer "was not an easy person to be around".
Describing him more narcissistic in his later years, Mr Manso said Mailor pandered to the media and became obsessed with winning a Nobel prize.
"I think the past 15 to 20 years were a disappointment," he said.
Mailer won the coveted Pulitzer Prize twice, for The Armies of the Night in 1968 and The Executioner's Song in 1979.
He was known for biting prose and as an antagonist of the feminist movement. His latest work, The Castle in the Forest, was published this year.
Born in 1923 in New Jersey, Mailer wrote dozens of books as well as plays, poems, screenplays and essays.
Mailer's first major success, the 1948 novel The Naked and the Dead, was based on his experiences in the Army in World War II.
His writing was characterised by violence, sexual obsession and views that angered feminists.
Biographer Peter Manso told Sky: "His journalism of the 60s and 70s were incandescent.
"It was mesmerising stuff."
Mailer was co-founder of The Village Voice alternative newspaper in New York.
Married six times and the father of nine children, Mailer once said in an NBC television interview that he was worried "women are going to take over the world".
Detractors considered him an intellectual bully and he feuded with fellow authors including Truman Capote, William Styron, Tom Wolfe and Norman Podhoretz.
Mr Manso told Sky Mailer "was not an easy person to be around".
Describing him more narcissistic in his later years, Mr Manso said Mailor pandered to the media and became obsessed with winning a Nobel prize.
"I think the past 15 to 20 years were a disappointment," he said.
J Lo And Christina Aguilera, Can they be pregnant
I saw the News on Yahoo today. Can this two celebrity be pregnant? If they are why hiding it. I wonder why pregnancy has become something to be ashamed of. Or is it because they are celebrities?
Eugroo said on Yahoo! "Why do we think that celebs owe us an explanation. Its their life and when they are ready they will tells." I will agree with the comment here, but why the lies and why pretending.
Pregnancy is not something you can run away from. Even the most chaste of all ladies Holy Mary got pregnant. So I do think you dont have to hide anything about your pregnancy because after 9 months you will be called after your child's name.
J Lo and Christina are the two celebrities that has got to do with having secrets about their pregnancy. Well at last they all confessed that they are pregnant when you they can't hide it. And I think all people awaiting the truth have seen it.
The fans for these two celebs should not be annoyed or get frustrated with what anybody might say about them. They are celebrities. They've got nothing to hide.
ALL EYES ARE ON THEM
Eugroo said on Yahoo! "Why do we think that celebs owe us an explanation. Its their life and when they are ready they will tells." I will agree with the comment here, but why the lies and why pretending.
Pregnancy is not something you can run away from. Even the most chaste of all ladies Holy Mary got pregnant. So I do think you dont have to hide anything about your pregnancy because after 9 months you will be called after your child's name.
J Lo and Christina are the two celebrities that has got to do with having secrets about their pregnancy. Well at last they all confessed that they are pregnant when you they can't hide it. And I think all people awaiting the truth have seen it.
The fans for these two celebs should not be annoyed or get frustrated with what anybody might say about them. They are celebrities. They've got nothing to hide.
ALL EYES ARE ON THEM
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Surgery for girl with eight limbs is going smoothly doctors say
BANGALORE, India (CNN ) -- Partway through a mammoth 40-hour operation on a 2-year-old girl born with four arms and four legs, surgeons in India said the procedure is going according to plan, with no problems encountered.
Lakshmi Tatma, 2, sits in the lap of her mother, Poonam, a day before the marathon surgery.
"The surgery is going on very well so far," head surgeon Dr. Sharan Patil told CNN. The surgery to separate Lakshmi Tatma from her "parasitic twin" continues, he said, with a team of some 30 surgeons.
"We've managed to remove the parasitic twin out of Lakshmi's body and started reconstructing her pelvic bone. We have managed to get the pelvic bone together."
The little girl, he said, has "responded very well. ... Everything is going according to plan."
The task began early Tuesday in the southern Indian city of Bangalore and is expected to go on through the night, with surgeons working eight-hour shifts. Watch images of Lakshmi as she prepares for surgery »
The conjoined twin stopped developing in the mother's womb, and has a torso and limbs, but no head. It was joined to Lakshmi at the pelvis.
When Lakshmi was born into a poor, rural Indian family, villagers in the remote settlement of Rampur Kodar Katti in the northern state of Bihar believed she was sacred. As news of her birth spread, locals waited in line for a blessing from the baby.
Her parents, Shambhu and Poonam Tatma, named the girl after the Hindu goddess of wealth who has four arms. However, they were forced to keep her in hiding after they were approached by men offering money in exchange for putting their daughter in a circus.
The couple, who earn just $1 a day as casual laborers, wanted her to have the operation but were unable to pay for the rare procedure, which has never before been performed in India.
After Patil visited the girl in her village from Narayana Health City hospital in Bangalore, the hospital's foundation agreed to fund the $200,000 operation.
The operation is being conducted by specialists in pediatrics, neurosurgery, orthopedics and plastic surgery. Without it, doctors say, Lakshmi would be unlikely to survive beyond early adolescence.
Planning for the surgery took a month, Patil said, and Lakshmi spent that month in the hospital.
Her parents are being given regular updates but are not allowed to see their daughter during the operation.
"We are quite optimistic," Patil told CNN. "We do expect that she should be able to walk normally and lead a normal life."
Many villagers, however, remain opposed to surgery and are planning to erect a temple to Lakshmi, who they still revere as sacred.
Patil said Lakshmi's parents are "very practical" and knew the risks of the medical treatment. Asked about the belief she is a reincarnation of the goddess, he said, "She's a very charming young girl, and I'm sure she'll grow up and be something special." E-mail to a friend
Journalist Priyanjana Dutta in Bangalore contributed to this report.
Newsfrom CNN.com
Lakshmi Tatma, 2, sits in the lap of her mother, Poonam, a day before the marathon surgery.
"The surgery is going on very well so far," head surgeon Dr. Sharan Patil told CNN. The surgery to separate Lakshmi Tatma from her "parasitic twin" continues, he said, with a team of some 30 surgeons.
"We've managed to remove the parasitic twin out of Lakshmi's body and started reconstructing her pelvic bone. We have managed to get the pelvic bone together."
The little girl, he said, has "responded very well. ... Everything is going according to plan."
The task began early Tuesday in the southern Indian city of Bangalore and is expected to go on through the night, with surgeons working eight-hour shifts. Watch images of Lakshmi as she prepares for surgery »
The conjoined twin stopped developing in the mother's womb, and has a torso and limbs, but no head. It was joined to Lakshmi at the pelvis.
When Lakshmi was born into a poor, rural Indian family, villagers in the remote settlement of Rampur Kodar Katti in the northern state of Bihar believed she was sacred. As news of her birth spread, locals waited in line for a blessing from the baby.
Her parents, Shambhu and Poonam Tatma, named the girl after the Hindu goddess of wealth who has four arms. However, they were forced to keep her in hiding after they were approached by men offering money in exchange for putting their daughter in a circus.
The couple, who earn just $1 a day as casual laborers, wanted her to have the operation but were unable to pay for the rare procedure, which has never before been performed in India.
After Patil visited the girl in her village from Narayana Health City hospital in Bangalore, the hospital's foundation agreed to fund the $200,000 operation.
The operation is being conducted by specialists in pediatrics, neurosurgery, orthopedics and plastic surgery. Without it, doctors say, Lakshmi would be unlikely to survive beyond early adolescence.
Planning for the surgery took a month, Patil said, and Lakshmi spent that month in the hospital.
Her parents are being given regular updates but are not allowed to see their daughter during the operation.
"We are quite optimistic," Patil told CNN. "We do expect that she should be able to walk normally and lead a normal life."
Many villagers, however, remain opposed to surgery and are planning to erect a temple to Lakshmi, who they still revere as sacred.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Patil said Lakshmi's parents are "very practical" and knew the risks of the medical treatment. Asked about the belief she is a reincarnation of the goddess, he said, "She's a very charming young girl, and I'm sure she'll grow up and be something special." E-mail to a friend
Journalist Priyanjana Dutta in Bangalore contributed to this report.
Newsfrom CNN.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)