Thousands of Egyptians are demonstrating against the pace of reform under the country's military rulers.
The military took over after President Hosni Mubarak resigned in February following a popular revolution.
In Cairo's Tahrir Square, the focus of the anti-Mubarak rallies, one target was the head of the military council, Hussein Tantawi. He served as Mubarak's defense minister.
One banner read, "Egyptians, come out of your homes, Tantawi is Mubarak."
Protester Khaled Abdel-Hamid said Tantawi's plan to transfer power to civilian rule is unclear. He and thousands more are also protesting against the trials of civilians in military courts.
It was the first major rally in the square in a month. Smaller crowds demonstrated in other Egyptian cities.
http://(Yahoo.News)
Associated Press
Sabado, Setyembre 10, 2011
Actor sentenced to life in prison for gang rape
A bit actor who appeared in the first "Austin Powers" movie was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the violent 1990 gang rape of a Southern California woman.
Joseph Son, 40, was found guilty of one felony count of torture Aug. 25 after being linked to the crime through DNA evidence, said Farrah Emami, spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney.
Son and co-defendant Santiago Lopez Gaitan, 40, abducted the then-19-year-old victim as she was walking her dog by her apartment on Christmas Eve.
Son and Gaitan drove the woman to Huntington Beach and repeatedly raped and sodomized her in the back of the car at gunpoint. They also pistol-whipped her and repeatedly threatened to kill her, counting the bullets and telling her she was going to die.
The victim was named Jane Doe, begged for her life before Son and Gaitan released her, naked, badly injured and blindfolded with her own pants.Evidence was collected from the woman that Christmas Eve, but the case eventually went cold.
In an "impact statement" to the court, the woman said she deals with post-traumatic stress disorder daily, and Christmas has become difficult to celebrate every year.
"My emotional scars are intense," she told the court. "My twenties were stripped from my life as I relearned how to walk, see, hear and cope with the outside world again."
Gaitan pleaded guilty in January to five felonies, including kidnapping and sodomy by force in concert. He was sentenced to 17 years and four months in state prison.
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Joseph Son, 40, was found guilty of one felony count of torture Aug. 25 after being linked to the crime through DNA evidence, said Farrah Emami, spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney.
Son and co-defendant Santiago Lopez Gaitan, 40, abducted the then-19-year-old victim as she was walking her dog by her apartment on Christmas Eve.
Son and Gaitan drove the woman to Huntington Beach and repeatedly raped and sodomized her in the back of the car at gunpoint. They also pistol-whipped her and repeatedly threatened to kill her, counting the bullets and telling her she was going to die.
The victim was named Jane Doe, begged for her life before Son and Gaitan released her, naked, badly injured and blindfolded with her own pants.Evidence was collected from the woman that Christmas Eve, but the case eventually went cold.
In an "impact statement" to the court, the woman said she deals with post-traumatic stress disorder daily, and Christmas has become difficult to celebrate every year.
"My emotional scars are intense," she told the court. "My twenties were stripped from my life as I relearned how to walk, see, hear and cope with the outside world again."
Gaitan pleaded guilty in January to five felonies, including kidnapping and sodomy by force in concert. He was sentenced to 17 years and four months in state prison.
http://(Yahoo.News)
Magnitude-6.4 quake strikes off of Vancouver
A magnitude-6.4 earthquake struck British Columbia,last friday the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The quake struck 12:41 p.m. PDT (1941 GMT) at a depth of 14.3 miles (23 kilometers) about 173 miles (279 kilometers) west of Vancouver, the USGS said. The quake was initially reported to have a magnitude of 6.7 but was later downgraded by the USGS.
The quake's epicenter just off the west coast of Vancouver Island, south of Port Hardy.
According to Stephen Halchuck, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said that the quake lasted for 20-30 seconds and rattled buildings across Vancouver Island and the southwest portion of British Columbia. He said there has been no immediate reports of damage in the region.
According to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center no tsunami was expected.
"This event was not the type to generate a tsunami. It's size was not large enough and the mechanism of the earthquake would not have generated a significant tsunami," said Halchuck.
However, the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center advised that underwater landslides may cause "local tsunamis" at some coastal locations that experienced strong tremors.
Many in the small coastal community of Zeballos, is at sea level, felt the earth move under them.
As a precaution, the Washington state Transportation Department sent inspectors to check for damage at the Alaskan Way Viaduct, an aging elevated highway on the Seattle waterfront, as well as two other bridges.
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(Associated Press)
The quake struck 12:41 p.m. PDT (1941 GMT) at a depth of 14.3 miles (23 kilometers) about 173 miles (279 kilometers) west of Vancouver, the USGS said. The quake was initially reported to have a magnitude of 6.7 but was later downgraded by the USGS.
The quake's epicenter just off the west coast of Vancouver Island, south of Port Hardy.
According to Stephen Halchuck, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said that the quake lasted for 20-30 seconds and rattled buildings across Vancouver Island and the southwest portion of British Columbia. He said there has been no immediate reports of damage in the region.
According to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center no tsunami was expected.
"This event was not the type to generate a tsunami. It's size was not large enough and the mechanism of the earthquake would not have generated a significant tsunami," said Halchuck.
However, the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center advised that underwater landslides may cause "local tsunamis" at some coastal locations that experienced strong tremors.
Many in the small coastal community of Zeballos, is at sea level, felt the earth move under them.
As a precaution, the Washington state Transportation Department sent inspectors to check for damage at the Alaskan Way Viaduct, an aging elevated highway on the Seattle waterfront, as well as two other bridges.
http:// Yahoo.News
(Associated Press)
Obama declares state of emergency in wildfire-ravaged Texas
President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Texas, making federal funding available to those affected by wildfires in Bastrop County.
The declaration Friday night comes after Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst expressed frustration with the lack of response from the federal government.
Nearly 1,400 homes have been destroyed in Bastrop County since wildfires started there about a week ago, Dewhurst said.
"Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," the White House said in a statement.
Texas officials were working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get disaster declarations for specific counties, including Bastrop.
"Utility poles are still burning, stumps are still burning, wire is hanging through the air with only half a pole, swinging. Lines are on the ground," said Mark Rose, general manager of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
But the main priority is making sure no one else dies from the fire,Mark rose added.
http:// (CNN News)
The declaration Friday night comes after Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst expressed frustration with the lack of response from the federal government.
Nearly 1,400 homes have been destroyed in Bastrop County since wildfires started there about a week ago, Dewhurst said.
"Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," the White House said in a statement.
Texas officials were working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get disaster declarations for specific counties, including Bastrop.
"Utility poles are still burning, stumps are still burning, wire is hanging through the air with only half a pole, swinging. Lines are on the ground," said Mark Rose, general manager of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
But the main priority is making sure no one else dies from the fire,Mark rose added.
http:// (CNN News)
Six "Vegetables" That Shouldn't Be in Your Diet
If something has the word “vegetable” in its name, it’s a healthy option, right? Wrong! A lot of seemingly harmless vegetable-labeled dishes are packed with sugar and calories. Next time you’re reaching for a healthy snack, be sure to check the label and avoid these six secret saboteurs.
1. Ketchup:
Even though ketchup is seemingly harmless, it’s packed with high fructose corn syrup and sugar. Next time you’re looking for something to dip into, opt for salsa, spices, or nothing.
2. Corn:
Corn actually isn’t a vegetable. It’s a grain. While corn does have its fair share of B and C vitamins, it’s also loaded with sugar. An average-sized ear can have up to 15 grams of sugar. As with most grains, corn is best enjoyed in moderation.
3. Vegetable Juice:
When trying to reach the five-a-day fruit and veggie requirements, it’s easy to reach for a can of veggie juice. When fruits and veggies are juiced, the majority of their nutrients and fiber are compromised. Veggie juice boasts a whopping two servings of veggies per serving, however, those veggies are smothered with sugar-enhanced fruit juices. As delicious and tempting as store-bought juice might be, check the label before ingesting.
4. Veggie Chips:
If you’re addicted to the crunch of potato chips but avoid ’em because of the grease and carbs, veggie chips would seem like a logical options. Unsurprisingly, most veggie chips are deep-fried and primarily made with corn and potatoes. Those rich red and green hues come from food coloring, not bell peppers and zucchini.
5. Canned Vegetable Soup:
Canned veggie soup seems like a healthy, low-cal meal option, right? Not always. They’re often laden with excessive amounts of sugar and sodium. While soup is a great option, stick to the homemade variety.
6. Vegetable Tempura:
While it seems like common sense that any veggie that’s thrown in the deep fryer should not be included in any diet regimen, many people think tempura is ok because tempura is touted as a light batter. Wrong. Tempura is loaded with sugar, oil, and cornstarch, a sure-fire way to sabotage your diet.
Biyernes, Setyembre 9, 2011
Sex education causes stir in Chinese elementary schools
China has long been considered a conservative country where talking about sex is taboo, especially to children.But things have started to change slowly.
A report in a local Beijing newspaper about a new sex education textbook for elementary school students some as young as six-years old -- has triggered a heated debate in cyberspace and beyond.
The Beijing Times, a popular local tabloid, reported that the textbook, "The Steps of Growth", explains the concept of sexual intercourse with images and illustrations that some people consider too explicit and graphic.
Some experts in the field even weighed in on the debate. "The content of this text book is not consistent with the children's cognitive capability of this age," said Hu Ping, a sex education expert who owns a studio in Shenzhen, southern China, where she gives classes to young students about sex and health.
In contrast, some parents are comfortable with the textbook. "It's better to teach it to the children earlier than later. The kids nowadays know everything anyway," said Li Yan, a father with a seven-year-old son.
Beijing is not the only Chinese city experimenting with the sex education in elementary schools. In Shanghai, similar experiments are being carried out. According to the state-run China Daily, the first sex education textbook for primary school students will be used in 18 schools in the coming semester.
"Children still need sex education when they're little,"Li Yinhe stated a sociologist who specializes in sexology studies in China.
"An open and appropriate sex education is the best way to help and protect children." Li added.
http:// (CNN News)
A report in a local Beijing newspaper about a new sex education textbook for elementary school students some as young as six-years old -- has triggered a heated debate in cyberspace and beyond.
The Beijing Times, a popular local tabloid, reported that the textbook, "The Steps of Growth", explains the concept of sexual intercourse with images and illustrations that some people consider too explicit and graphic.
Some experts in the field even weighed in on the debate. "The content of this text book is not consistent with the children's cognitive capability of this age," said Hu Ping, a sex education expert who owns a studio in Shenzhen, southern China, where she gives classes to young students about sex and health.
In contrast, some parents are comfortable with the textbook. "It's better to teach it to the children earlier than later. The kids nowadays know everything anyway," said Li Yan, a father with a seven-year-old son.
Beijing is not the only Chinese city experimenting with the sex education in elementary schools. In Shanghai, similar experiments are being carried out. According to the state-run China Daily, the first sex education textbook for primary school students will be used in 18 schools in the coming semester.
"Children still need sex education when they're little,"Li Yinhe stated a sociologist who specializes in sexology studies in China.
"An open and appropriate sex education is the best way to help and protect children." Li added.
http:// (CNN News)
Authorities detain 3 in investigation of bombing outside Delhi court
Three men were detained in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Thursday following a deadly blast outside the Delhi High Court a day earlier, police said.
Islamic extremist group Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami claimed responsibility for the attack in an email to several TV news channels.
"We are questioning the owner of a cyber cafe and some other people to establish the identity of the email sender police director K. Rajendra stated.
Eleven people were killed Wednesday when a bomb inside a briefcase went off outside the court, the Home Ministry said. An additional 74 people were injured.It was the second explosion outside the court complex in four months.
The blast took place mid-morning, after the court opened and shortly before cases usually begin.
It was a particularly busy day at the court.
http:// (CNN News)
Islamic extremist group Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami claimed responsibility for the attack in an email to several TV news channels.
"We are questioning the owner of a cyber cafe and some other people to establish the identity of the email sender police director K. Rajendra stated.
Eleven people were killed Wednesday when a bomb inside a briefcase went off outside the court, the Home Ministry said. An additional 74 people were injured.It was the second explosion outside the court complex in four months.
The blast took place mid-morning, after the court opened and shortly before cases usually begin.
It was a particularly busy day at the court.
http:// (CNN News)
One dead, 9 sick from fumes at McDonald's in Georgia
One woman died and nine others were sickened after breathing toxic fumes in the bathroom of a McDonald's restaurant in south Georgia, authorities said last Thursday.
City Police Chief Mark Revenew said an 80-year-old woman from Florida died early on Thursday, hours after being overcome by fumes in the bathroom at a McDonald's restaurant in Pooler, Georgia.
She was one of two women emergency workers found unconscious in the bathroom of the restaurant on Wednesday afternoon, Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons said.
A total of 10 people, including three firefighters, went to the hospital after being sickened by the fumes in the bathroom, Simmons added.
Firefighters noticed a smell in the bathroom but were not able to identify the source, Simmons stated.
"We continue to work with the local authorities to collect more information about what may have happened," John and Monique Palamccio, the McDonald's franchisees who own the restaurant, said in a statement.
"The safety of our customers and employees has and will continue to be our number one concern. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who have been impacted," they said.
The city of Pooler is near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
http:// (CNN News)
City Police Chief Mark Revenew said an 80-year-old woman from Florida died early on Thursday, hours after being overcome by fumes in the bathroom at a McDonald's restaurant in Pooler, Georgia.
She was one of two women emergency workers found unconscious in the bathroom of the restaurant on Wednesday afternoon, Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons said.
A total of 10 people, including three firefighters, went to the hospital after being sickened by the fumes in the bathroom, Simmons added.
Firefighters noticed a smell in the bathroom but were not able to identify the source, Simmons stated.
"We continue to work with the local authorities to collect more information about what may have happened," John and Monique Palamccio, the McDonald's franchisees who own the restaurant, said in a statement.
"The safety of our customers and employees has and will continue to be our number one concern. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who have been impacted," they said.
The city of Pooler is near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
http:// (CNN News)
North Korea celebrates their 63rd anniversary
North Korea's soldiers parade in the celebration marking the 63rd anniversary of the country's founding in Kim Il Sung Square, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Friday, Sept. 9, 2011. The portrait of North Korea's revered founder Kim Il Sung is seen in center, behind the soldiers.
North Korea's female soldiers also participated in massive military parade.North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and his son and heir stood together on a podium as goose-stepping troops carried rifles, rocket launchers and a large portrait of late President Kim Il Sung.
(Yahoo.News)
Photos of victims inspire "Texas Killing Fields"
American Ami Canaan Mann says she was inspired to direct her second film after seeing photos of nearly 60 female murder victims pinned to a map indicating where they had died just outside the Houston area.
"Texas Killing Fields" was screened Friday at the Venice Film Festival.
Canaan Mann delivers an elegant crime thriller drawing on actual crimes haunting the fields near a small Texas town where the bodies of the victims — of all ages and from all social classes — were found over several decades.
Her father, director Michael Mann whose works include the 1992 film "The Last of the Mohicans," produced "Texas Killing Fields."
(Yahoo.News)
"Texas Killing Fields" was screened Friday at the Venice Film Festival.
Canaan Mann delivers an elegant crime thriller drawing on actual crimes haunting the fields near a small Texas town where the bodies of the victims — of all ages and from all social classes — were found over several decades.
Her father, director Michael Mann whose works include the 1992 film "The Last of the Mohicans," produced "Texas Killing Fields."
(Yahoo.News)
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