- Grass fire near Clarkston WA burns outbuildings (Seattle Times)
- Coast Guard sends escort for sailboat (Seattle Times)
- Snohomish 'Sovereign Citizen' sentenced on guns, pot charges (seattlepi.com)
- Charge: Child porn defendant caught with children's swimming equipment (seattlepi.com)
- Redmond teacher recognized as video game record holder (KING5 Seattle)
- Casino neighbors complaining about noise (KING5 Seattle)
Jul 13, 2010
YAHOO, Local
YAHOO, Top Stories
- BP prepares to test new cap installed on oil leak (AP) AP - After securing a new, tight-fitting cap on top of the leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico, BP prepared Tuesday to begin tests to see if it will hold and stop fresh oil from polluting the waters for the first time in nearly three months.
- Iran: Missing scientist surfaces in Washington (AP)
- 17 dead, 44 missing as landslides hit China towns (AP)
- French parliament set to approve ban on face veils (AP)
- Fidel Castro suddenly back in view on Cuban TV (AP)
- Barefoot Bandit's hometown welcomes his capture (AP)
Jimmie Johnson, company man: his daughter's initials are 'GM'
But Jimmie Johnson, as he so often does, has gone and trumped us all. As reported first on Johnson's Twitter feed @DoubleJ48, the family has named his brand-new daughter Genevieve Marie.
Lady Gaga Photo Irks Beatles Fans
Lady Gaga's stirring up controversy yet again -- but this time all she did was play a little piano. A photo of the "Bad Romance" crooner seated at John Lennon's famous white Steinway recently hit the Web, and Beatles fans are up in arms.
John's son Sean Lennon posted the photo on Twitter with the caption: "With gaga at mom's house, she's belting on the white piano..." The instrument was a gift from The Beatles' frontman to Sean's mother, Yoko Ono, and it sits out in the open at Yoko's home.
In the pic, the singer wears typically skimpy Gaga-gear (a skintight body suit and thigh-high fishnets) while singing and tickling away at the keys. The image drew an outcry from some Beatles fans who considered Gaga unworthy of the iconic instrument.
Australia shrugs off Timor refugee snub
AFP/File – Activists from a refugee solidarity campaign group are seen during a rally in Sydney. Australia Tuesday
Wise Women Village Project,, Marianas, Jul 13, 2010
SUMMER READERS. Desirae Herrera, left, of the Wise Women Village Project, helps distribute books to children who enrolled for the summer reading program at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe.
RCS holds musical recital dedicated to Father's Day , Saipan
The students of RCS School of Music pose for a souvenir picture after a job well done. (Contributed Photo)
The RCS School of Music held its 4th Musical Recital at the Agape Auditorium on June 19, 2010. Presented by 44 young students who displayed their talents in singing and playing the piano and guitar, the event was dedicated to Father’s Day and was intended to showcase their achievements as they step to another level of music.
The RCS School of Music acknowledged the assistance of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Eucon International School, Pastor Eric Abragan, Pastor Roger Abe, and Nat Angeles who made this event successful.
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas holds up the World Cup trophy
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas holds up the World Cup trophy following the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, July 11, 2010. Spain won 1-0. (AP)
VILLAGOMEZ CLAN REUNION, Saipan
VILLAGOMEZ CLAN REUNION: Members of the Villagomez clan pose for a group photo after their Joeten-Kiyu Public Library beautification project last July 7. (Contributed Photo)
Sarkozy protests his innocence in TV interview - Life & Style - NZ Herald News
Soccer: Herbert to stay in NZ - Sport - NZ Herald News
Gillard looks on course for election in late August - World - NZ Herald News
Oh Lord's, the stats don't lie - Cricket - Fox Sports
On your bike ... Aussies have the wood on Pakistan. Colleen Petch
Fox Sports Stats suggests Australia have edge over Pakistan in Test series
Dogs learn new tricks, AU
All weekend, dogs and their owners learned new moves, weaving through legs, trotting back and forth and even tottering on hind paws, with the guidance of a Victorian instructor.
Many of the dogs had not taken part in the freestyle before, although they were au fait with the finer points of obedience.
Dog dancing takes obedience and bonding to a new and musical level.
Organisers hope it's the start of a regular program.
Pictures: Dancing with Dogs
Many of the dogs had not taken part in the freestyle before, although they were au fait with the finer points of obedience.
Dog dancing takes obedience and bonding to a new and musical level.
Organisers hope it's the start of a regular program.
Pictures: Dancing with Dogs
Brookie the Shetland sheep dog jumps through the arms of owner Cathy Nunn, of West Moonah. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE
Cancer service upgrade doubt, Tasmania, AU,
THE Opposition has accused the Government of breaking an election promise on cancer services in the North-West.
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said new figures showed that more than 300 patients from the North-West travelled to Launceston and Hobart for radiation therapy in 2009-10.
"It is estimated that each cancer patient from the North-West will travel an average of 9000km in the course of their treatment, with each course of radiation requiring an average of 21 visits," Mr Hodgman said.
"These patients will be forced to continue to travel, putting additional pressure on their health and family relationships at a time it can be least afforded."
Mr Hodgman said that many cancer patients from the North-West chose not to undergo treatment because of the difficulties of travelling.
"In the election campaign, the Premier, David Bartlett, said he would fast-track the North-West cancer clinic to enable full services to be available before 2016. Now, after the election, he's broken that promise and the timeline has blown out another two years," he said.
But Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the State Government would abide by a commitment to deliver world-class cancer services to Tasmanians living in the North-West.
"Currently, northern Tasmania has a demonstrated need for three linear accelerators," she said.
"The centre at the LGH will have three linear accelerators in October 2010."
Ms O'Byrne said a fourth linear accelerator would be provided in the North-West when there was sufficient demand for a viable service.
In February the Australian Medical Association spoke out against plans for a linear accelerator at the North-West Regional Hospital, saying the population of 100,000 was too small to support such a machine in Burnie.
Ms O'Byrne said the State Government would apply for a linear accelerator licence for the North-West before 2018.
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said new figures showed that more than 300 patients from the North-West travelled to Launceston and Hobart for radiation therapy in 2009-10.
"It is estimated that each cancer patient from the North-West will travel an average of 9000km in the course of their treatment, with each course of radiation requiring an average of 21 visits," Mr Hodgman said.
"These patients will be forced to continue to travel, putting additional pressure on their health and family relationships at a time it can be least afforded."
Mr Hodgman said that many cancer patients from the North-West chose not to undergo treatment because of the difficulties of travelling.
"In the election campaign, the Premier, David Bartlett, said he would fast-track the North-West cancer clinic to enable full services to be available before 2016. Now, after the election, he's broken that promise and the timeline has blown out another two years," he said.
But Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the State Government would abide by a commitment to deliver world-class cancer services to Tasmanians living in the North-West.
"Currently, northern Tasmania has a demonstrated need for three linear accelerators," she said.
"The centre at the LGH will have three linear accelerators in October 2010."
Ms O'Byrne said a fourth linear accelerator would be provided in the North-West when there was sufficient demand for a viable service.
In February the Australian Medical Association spoke out against plans for a linear accelerator at the North-West Regional Hospital, saying the population of 100,000 was too small to support such a machine in Burnie.
Ms O'Byrne said the State Government would apply for a linear accelerator licence for the North-West before 2018.
Jul 12, 2010
Israel foils Libya's aid ship plans
July 11, 2010 3:36am
INTENSE diplomatic efforts by Israel, Greece, Egypt and Moldova prevent Libyan aid ship from breaching Gaza blockade.
The agent of the Amalthea cargo ship told AFP in Athens that the Moldova-flagged boat set sail from Greece, where it was anchored, and was heading for the Egyptian port of El-Arish.
Israel, which came under fire from the international community after its forces killed nine pro-Palestinian Turkish activists in a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on May 31, said it was sure the ship would not reach Gaza.
"Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman spoke several times in recent days with the foreign ministers of Greece and Moldova and reached understandings with them about dealing with the Libyan ship," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The Foreign Ministry believes that due to these talks, the ship will not reach Gaza.".
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak spoke with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman and asked "if Egypt would agree to accept the boat at the port of El-Arish".
The Greek foreign ministry confirmed it was in contact with Israel over the boat but would not elaborate. It was not immediately clear if Egypt had acceded to Barak's request.
But Israeli officials said Moldovan authorities had made contact with the captain of the ship who agreed to divert the cargo to El-Arish.
Later on Saturday, the ship's agent said the vessel had set sail from Lavrio, 37 miles (60 kilometers) southeast of Athens.
"All the ship's documents are in order, they indicate as its destination the Egyptian port of El-Arish," Petros Arvanitis told AFP.
He also confirmed talks were held between the various parties on the boat's final destination.
A charity headed by Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi, had announced plans on Friday to send a boat load of humanitarian aid from Greece to Gaza.
INTENSE diplomatic efforts by Israel, Greece, Egypt and Moldova prevent Libyan aid ship from breaching Gaza blockade.
The agent of the Amalthea cargo ship told AFP in Athens that the Moldova-flagged boat set sail from Greece, where it was anchored, and was heading for the Egyptian port of El-Arish.
Israel, which came under fire from the international community after its forces killed nine pro-Palestinian Turkish activists in a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on May 31, said it was sure the ship would not reach Gaza.
"Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman spoke several times in recent days with the foreign ministers of Greece and Moldova and reached understandings with them about dealing with the Libyan ship," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The Foreign Ministry believes that due to these talks, the ship will not reach Gaza.".
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak spoke with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman and asked "if Egypt would agree to accept the boat at the port of El-Arish".
The Greek foreign ministry confirmed it was in contact with Israel over the boat but would not elaborate. It was not immediately clear if Egypt had acceded to Barak's request.
But Israeli officials said Moldovan authorities had made contact with the captain of the ship who agreed to divert the cargo to El-Arish.
Later on Saturday, the ship's agent said the vessel had set sail from Lavrio, 37 miles (60 kilometers) southeast of Athens.
"All the ship's documents are in order, they indicate as its destination the Egyptian port of El-Arish," Petros Arvanitis told AFP.
He also confirmed talks were held between the various parties on the boat's final destination.
A charity headed by Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi, had announced plans on Friday to send a boat load of humanitarian aid from Greece to Gaza.
Spacecraft captures rare asteroid photos
July 11, 2010 11:49am
THE European spacecraft Rosetta performed a fly-by of a massive asteroid, taking images that could one day help Earth defend itself from destruction.
Racing through the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter at 47,800k/ph, the one billion euro ($1.45 billion) probe flew within 3200km of the huge potato-shaped rock, Lutetia.
"The fly-by has been a spectacular success with Rosetta performing faultlessly,'' ESA said in a statement.
"Just 24 hours ago, Lutetia was a distant stranger. Now, thanks to Rosetta, it has become a close friend,'' the agency added.
Holger Sierks of Germany's Max Planck Institute, who is in charge of the spacecraft's Osiris (Optical, Spectroscopic and Infrared Remote Imaging System) camera said the more than 400 "phantastic images'' showed many craters and details.
"Rosetta opened up a new world which will keep scientists busy for years,'' he added.
"We have completed the fly-by phase,'' Rosetta's director of operations Andrea Accomazzo said earlier on the ESA's website from the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.
The aim of the fly-by of the asteroid, measuring 134km in diameter, is to measure Lutetia's mass and then calculate its density, knowledge which could one day be a lifesaver, according to ESA scientists.
If a rogue asteroid enters on a collision course with Earth, knowing its density will help the planet's defenders to determine whether they should try to deflect the rock or, instead, blow it up.
As Rosetta is around half a million kilometres from Earth, the probe's signal and images took 25 minutes to be received.
Most measurements suggest Lutetia is a "C'' type of asteroid, meaning that it contains primitive compounds of carbon. But others indicate it could be an "M'' type, meaning that it holds metals.
New data proving this could rewrite the theory about asteroid classification.
Metallic asteroids are far smaller than Lutetia: they are deemed to be fragments of far larger rocks that, in the bump and grind of the asteroid belt, were smashed apart.
The fly-by comes halfway through the extraordinary voyage of Rosetta, launched in 2004 on a 12-year, 7.1 billion kilometre mission.
One of the biggest gambles in the history of space exploration, the unmanned explorer is designed to meet up in 2014 with Comet 67/P Churyumov-Gerasimenko 675 million kilometres from home.
The goal is to unlock the secrets of these lonely wanderers of the cosmos, whose origins date back to the dawn of the Solar System, some 4.5 billion years ago, before planets existed.
To get to its distant meeting point, Rosetta has had to play planetary billiards for five years, using four "gravitational assists'' from Earth and Mars as slingshots to build up speed.
New plant named after vuvuzela
NewsCore
July 11, 2010 8:53pm
A NEWLY-discovered iris plant has been named after South Africa
The distinctive horn polarised soccer fans and TV viewers with some claiming it captures the unique spirit of the event, while others complained it ruined their enjoyment of the tournament.
The plant, "Moraea vuvuzela" is described on the website of the South African National Biodiversity Institute as having colourful, flared yellow flowers whose "massed, synchronous appearance" had appropriate associations with the horn's name.
Dr Tanya Abrahamse said the suggestion came from a retired staff member.
"And the rest, as they say, is history."
The iris grows naturally only in South Africa 's Western Cape
Spacecraft captures rare asteroid photos
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)