NEWSGRIDS JUNE 2005

June 30, 2005

WAR IRAQ On the ground:
U.S.-Led Forces Detain Suspected Militants in Anbar province + Gunmen Rampage Through Samarra (LAT Reg) + Continued attacks in Iraq + AP ENTERPRISE: Foreigners Responsible for Most Suicide Attacks in Iraq + A Daily Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq + U.S. toll - 1,743 + Orders of battle + Juan Cole reports

Iraq government: (NYT) New separatist push in south. Shiites seeking autonomous region around Basra + Air Quality an Overlooked Casualty of War (LAT Reg) + Iraqi Forms Group for Insurgents (LAT Reg)

War prisons: Detainee's testimony supports Guantanamo, prison commander tells House (LAT Reg) + Children, too, are abused in U.S. prisons + Army advances officers linked to Abu Ghraib

AFGHANISTAN: 16 bodies from U.S. copter crash found in Afghanistan, 7 unaccounted for, may be captured + Nightmare rescue mission + Fact file: Chinook + What now for the Taleban? "Lucky shot" by RPG brought down chopper: General + (NYT) Afghans fear Taliban is regaining strength. Sharp increase in attacks, abductions, violent protests against government + Canadian troops head to Afghanistan + What now for the Taleban?

MIDDLE EAST: Saudi Arabia protests a bridge linking between UAE, Qatar

Israel, Palestine: Israel: Gaza Is a 'Closed Military Zone' + PM: Radical gangs trying to terrorize Israeli society + PM: We must stop rampage using all means

Egypt-Israel sign $2.5 billion gas deal

RUSSIA: Russia jails liberal MP's killers + Russia is inundated with oil + Chinese and Russian Leaders Seek to Strengthen Ties, Trade Relations

BRITAIN: Eight Years in Power, Blair Looks Weary but Insists He Still Has Energy and Vigor + Blair opposes EU's directive to outlaw up to 5,000 vitamins

CENTRAL ASIA: Russia plays Uzbekistan blame game

AFRICA: Sudan frees Islamist leader

DR Congo violence at poll delays

ASIA PACIFIC: Defense the best attack for India

AMERICAS: (WaPo) Canada plans tough rules on drug sales to U.S.

Mexican Postage Stamp Pushes Racial Envelope (LAT Reg) + Mexico cracks down on organized crime + Mexican Authorities Hold 39 Kidnapping Victims for Alleged Gang Ties + Mexico Says Cultural Misunderstanding Behind Conflict Over Stamp of Black Comics Character

Central American Leaders Discuss Special Forces to Deal With Drugs, Gangs, Terrorism

UN troops kill six in Haiti raid

Mexico's Zapatista Rebels Say They'll Enter Peaceful Leftist Alliance

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Bush Endorses the Creation of a New National Security Service + Q&A: How May Overhaul Affect Spy Agencies? + (WaPo) Spy chief gets big say over FBI budget, hiring

Wednesday: Bush rushed to safety after airspace alert + Another Private Plane Scare Sends Washington Into a Panic

Italy summons U.S. ambassador over CIA-led kidnapping of terrorist in Milan + CIA veterans say Italian official knew of covert plan + Italy denies prior knowledge of imam's kidnapping + Berlusconi calls in US envoy over 'CIA kidnap' of imam

LA 8, Charged With Aiding Terrorists. Lives of Worry, Sadness, 'Why?'

Lawrence Livermore Lab names head of nonproliferation, arms control, international security

Two Iraqi brothers arrested as they try to illegally walk over Mexican border at Tijuana

Lodi terror cases: Relatives of Lodi men summoned in terror probe

Take a peek at what Scotland's spies did in war>

Click. Note on History of TEMPEST

Click. Garrett Jones: It's a cultural thing: Thoughts on a troubled CIA, part one

Danilov Loses Last Appeal in Spy Case + Russian Court Reduces Prison Term for Scientist Jailed on Spy Charges

Armenian Citizen Convicted Of Spying For Azerbaijan

Downer plays down absence from secret forum

Chinese defector details country's espionage agenda

Cold War Soviet spy granny dies in Great Britain + KGB spy dies

Crisis led RCMP to share its secrets

Defector warns Canada about spies

U.S. Won't Cede Control of Internet's Key Computers + US will not release ultimate control over the "root" -- the file that contains the master list of authorized registries

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Willie Brown to help settle Castro St. club dispute + Spain OKs Gay Marriage, Defying Opponents + A gay Bolivian activist leads the march to demand legal rights + Jerusalem gay pride parade halted after three participants stabbed + Ripples of Change in Indian Film

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

America's New Laws: Health Care, Drug Abuse and Sex Offenders

Activist Tries a Grab for Justice Souter's Property (LAT Reg)

Michael Jackson Vacations in Bahrain

Pennsylvania: Mother Pleads Guilty in Son's Fatal Infection (LAT Reg)

EEOC Sues Ex-Boeing Unit (LAT Reg)

Feds target Internet pirates, seize $50 million in stolen movies, games

Spanish law to rule out sexism

Attorney General Says No Physical Evidence That U.S. Teen Murdered in Aruba

Cellphone gifts lure children for sex

DuPont to Pay $10 Million in Settlement With Rhode Island Over Lead Paint

The Anti-Spam Litigation Shop

Trial Rescheduled in Wrongful-Death Lawsuit Against Robert Blake

California's Troubled Prison Health System Getting Federal Oversight

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

THE GOVERNOR and LOCAL and SCHOOL NEWS Click

Space shuttle 'go for launch' on July 13

Discovery Shuttle to nose forward and fly bottom up to dock the International Space Station

NASA set for a crash with comet

Life Detection Instrument Passes Key Test On Road To Mars

NASA's Cassini Reveals Lake-Like Feature On Titan

Size Matters: Friction, Adhesion Change On Atomic Level

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Chris Caen: Hanging out on conspiracy corner in San Francisco

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Fed Bumps Interest Rates Higher, Signals More Increases in Borrowing Costs to Come

Bank of America to Buy MBNA for $35 Billion, Reshape Credit Card Industry

Buy a share of a farmer's crop

Mortgage lending face-off re: inquiries on racial bias

SEC Reaffirms Independent Fund Oversight (LAT Reg) + In Rule Reversal, SEC to Let Firms Promote Stocks, Bonds Before IPOs (LAT Reg)

Dot-com survivor booming after bust (CCT Reg)

Boeing Names 3M Chief McNerney as New CEO

Disney Incoming CEO, CFO Get Stock Option Grants

Daily Forex Commentary

Should China buy WalMart?

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Mad Cow Case Is 1st Born in U.S. to Have Disease (LAT Reg) + U.S. mad cow was found at Champion Pet Foods plant + Beef safety at stake at UC Davis (SJM Reg)

Bird flu: An ill wind from the East

New Chem-bio Sensors Offer Simultaneous Monitoring

Blood for pork....

The 100 Billion Dollar Deal

MILITARY 

For First Time in Months, Army Meets Its Recruiting Goal + Army Chief of Staff Says Service May Have Trouble Getting Enough Recruits Next Year

Camp Pendleton: Recruits Get a Sense of 'Semper Fi' (MB Reg)

New command eases U.S. fears

Divorce rate rising faster than Iraq deployments

LEAKGATES 

Blair 'Astonished' by Coverage of Memos

New York Times: Blair admits authenticity of the Downing Street Memo


Patriot Act Used To Clear Homeless From Train Station In New Jersey?

Why your personal information is worth so much to marketers

US tries to stamp 'secure' on passports

The Pen Is Mightier....

Time Inc says will hand over papers in Plame case + (WaPo) Judge set to send reporters to jail + Pearlstine Defends Decision on Cooper: Journos Are Not "Above the Law"

Years After Giant Flop, Online Media Take Hold

Three suspects held in 2004 killing of Baja newspaper editor, panel says

'USA Today' Has The Scoop on Woodward's 'Deep Throat' Book

Should journalists be worried by a police raid at Indymedia?

Western publishers in China

Today's papers


Cows Milk Benefits of Stem Cells

Panel: Radiation harmful at any level

(SFC) Ambitious AIDS treatment goal won't be met. But U.N. program's director 'thrilled' with results so far

The Hope of a Vaccine for Malaria (LAT Reg)

Panel backs tougher hepatitis B guidelines for newborns

Breast cancer surgery side effects cut

Safety of egg donation 'unclear'

Potato health benefits discovered

Britain: Abortion time limit cut rejected

'I am a nurse, but still missed my eight heart attacks'

Dolly Cloner Tackles Disease

Researchers Pioneer New Gene Therapy Technique Using Natural Repair Process

Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe For Women With Menopause and Cancer Survivors

Three Reasons Not To Believe In An Autism Epidemic

Low Birth Weight Of A Baby Entails Risks For The Baby's Father

'Vicious Cycle' Of Protein Formation Involved In Parkinson's Disease

UT Southwestern Lead Site For Study Of A New Multiple Sclerosis Drug

Oregon Study Confirms Health Benefits Of Cobblestone Walking For Older Adults

Brain Scan Study Of Smokers Reveals Signature Of Craving

Genetic On-off Switches Pinpointed In Human Genome

Fox Chase Study Shows That Weakened T-cell Receptor Signals Change T-cell Lineage

Costly Breeding Programs For Endangered Species Pay Off

Warmer Air May Cause Increased Antarctic Sea Ice Cover

Researchers study tallest man-made tsunami

Repackaging time

Salmon Survival, Cleaner Hydropower Focus Of ORNL Research

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush's Iraq Speech Fails to Bolster U.S. Approval Rating, Zogby Poll Says

Bush lays out his Africa agenda + Bush proposes anti-malaria campaign in Africa

U.S. freezes assets of two Syrian officials + (AJ) Two Syrian officials face US sanctions

Anti-Europeanism flourishes on U.S. right

Bush: Kyoto Climate Treaty Would Have 'wrecked' U.S. Economy

Clear signs of movement from Washington towards London

U.S. Won't Cede Control of Internet's Key Computers + US will not release ultimate control over the "root" -- the file that contains the master list of authorized registries

POLL: 42% SAY BUSH SHOULD BE IMPEACHED IF HE LIED ABOUT IRAQ WAR

New U.S. ambassador to Canada presents credentials

Administration: Terrorism Insurance Program Should Not Be Extended

Iran: Ex-Hostages Say Iran Leader-Elect a Captor + Hostage Roeder: "Ahmadinejad Threatened to Kidnap My Son"

Syria, Lebanon: UN Security Council condemns guerrillas' 'attack on Israel' + US officials: Syrian agents in Lebanon + UN inspectors set to return to Lebanon + Lebanese bank chief sues Syria official + Damascus calls al-Atasi Forum to stop activities

Social Security: House Republicans Considering Reducing Social Security Benefits Promised to Well-off Retirees of Future

Congress: House Committee Backs Cafta; Senate Prepares to Vote + (SFC) House rejects cuts in Amtrak funding. Some warned trims might lead to shutdown + House Moves Quickly to Fill Deficit in Veterans Health Care + (SFC) Second steroid testing bill OKd. House committees now expected to forge joint measure to regulate pro athletes + Prisoner Details Bogus Tax-Return Scheme + Friendly Pa. senators at odds in stem cell debate + House Votes Against Relaxing Cuban Travel Restrictions, Trade Embargo + Senate adds $1.5B for medical care at VA + The lobbyists' scandal: The secret world of Washington

GOP: Rep. Howard Berman attacking term limits for Presidency + Conservative Groups Seek Confirmation of Two Bush Judicial Nominees

OPINIONS:

(SFC) Is Bush consistent or doing an about-face? Some see his evolving reasons for war in stark contrast, others in shades of gray

Molly Ivins: U.S. has 'killed more Iraqis than Saddam Hussein ever did'

We denigrate Canada's health care system, but can't improve upon it

Greg Mitchell: President Urges Patience on War -- but it's LBJ, in 1965

World Socialist: The New York Times closes ranks with Bush on Iraq war

Pravda: Africa needs DDT, not "blah, blah, blah"

Helen Thomas: Rove crosses line with attack on liberals

Bob Herbert: Dangerous incompetence

Xymphora: Larry Franklin, lone nut

Distractions of the age of Bush

Larry Chin: T

Turd Blossom's 9/11 stink bomb takes out dazed neoliberals, misses everything and everyone else

Symbols, slogans and spin

The Bush Carnicería (meat market)

Rove's 9/11 political game: Strategy or insanity?

Iran steps back to the future

Meria Heller: Trashing the Constitution in the name of 'terrorism'

Main Street to Democrats: No compromise with GOP plans for Social Security

Stephen Pizzo: Bush's Big Gambit

Cannonfire: Echoes of the Plame case

Stay the Crooked Course: Ray McGovern

Gonzocons Erase History: Martin Kelly

 



Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge
 

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

40 surf one wave to break surfing record

'He's God's angel', the unofficial saint to some in Mexico

Bay Area native crafting space vehicle

RIP: Edna Kimbro, expert on adobes (SJM Reg)

Taking on the Ironman: Ten Santa Cruz women cast aside doubts, prepare for Ironman Austria

New Pajaro Valley exhibit celebrates the human form

Counting humpbacks

Shakespeare in the Park

Tarantino: King of Thieves

When Jesus came to Surrey

Village of the damned

The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth

Unknown Impressionist Masterpieces

Rush & Molloy

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown

Out of the 'Groove'

Martha the dumpling diva

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

The Governor:   Gov.'s bid brings budget impasse + Gov.'s workforce is growing again. Despite his talk of curbing spending, state set to add 11,000 jobs over 2 years + Spending Limit Flaw: Gov. Would Get Upper Hand (LAT Reg) + Gov. backs 405 freeway project car pool lane + Gov. Calls Nov. 8 Election to Fill Assembly Seat (El Segundo) (LAT Reg) + Fil-Am's donation puts Gov. under fire

(SFC) Feinstein popular with state voters. Poll finds 56% back senator for re-election

State Lottery Sales Reach Record High (LAT Reg)

Energy generators sue to stop vote on re-regulation

Assessors: New State Board of Equalization rule won't halt tax 'sham' of for-profit operators of low income housing unfairly winning property tax exemptions by teaming up with "shell" nonprofit groups (SJM Reg)

Caltrans again has designs on Bay Bridge tower + Panel approves bridge safety audit + Security a top concern for tower design

Alameda County judge won't fine Assemblyman Guy Houston for failure to answer questions re: business dealings, but threatens future penalties

Legislature: Assembly panel OKs new oversight law on dog ownership -- breed specific regulations + Assembly committee rejects rate-regulation bill, sides with insurers + Democrats floating a new budget (CCT Reg) + Senate committee OKs redistricting plan (CCT Reg) + Workers comp. Wait and see (SB Reg) + Senate Committee okays redistricting plan. GOP wants changes + Bill asks insurance companies to guide consumers (RP Reg)

State budget: Budget deadline going, going...(SJM Reg) + Some Republicans needed to give final OK to state budget + State budgeteers to miss deadline again + Standoff on State Budget Continues (LAT Reg) ++ Democrats floating a new budget (CCT Reg) + Demos to try again on budget (SJM Reg) + Democrats take second stab at state budget

Stem cell panel: Oversight is critical for confidence in stem cell research

Indian tribes: Senate Panel votes against casino in San Pablo, supports Sen. Feinstein's view. Senators want tribe to undergo rigorous state, U.S. approval + San Pablo gaming dealt blow in D.C. (CCT Reg) + Measure to restrict casinos to Indian land moves along + Revenue sharing pact for LaPosta tribe set + (Oak Trib) Casino foes get boost in Senate + Anti-casino bill moves forward + Senator seeking change to Indian gaming act. McCain, head of Indian Affairs Committee, wants more federal regulation + Martin Schram: Pork, perks and boondoggles + Caltrans to collect road data near state Indian rancherias + Pechanga reaches out with PowWow + Senator seeking change to Indian gaming act. McCain, head of Indian Affairs Committee, wants more federal regulation + Some tribes would back halt to off-reservation gambling

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS...

In salmon case, court upholds pesticide ban. EPA loses appeal, is ordered to consult fisheries experts

Timber, cattle interests sue state over salmon aid (CCT Reg)

Prison Smoking Ban Likely to Bring a Pack of Changes

Free man (conviction overturned after serving 20 year for child molest) fights to prove innocence

Union accuses almond plant, Blue Diamond Almond Growers (SJM Reg)

Plaintiff's argued Wednesday that state's new contract to buy hepatitis C medication from major drug company should be disclosed as a public government record

Inmates inspire family, friends at Vacaville prison graduation

Sacramento & north: Diocese to pay $35 million to 33 claiming sex abuse. Settlement reached just minutes before the start of first trial + Diocese settles sex-abuse claims for $35 million (SJM Reg) + For victims, accord to help with healing (SJM Reg) + Hamlin trial: Wife Says Death plot was fiction (SJM Reg) + School district in door-to-door fraud damage control (SJM Reg) + Yuba: Victims of '86 Flood Finally Get Payday (LAT Reg) + Law enforcement on NAACP agenda (SJM Reg) + Man sought in downtown robberies (SJM Reg) + Davis: Police to host Internet safety workshop (SJM Reg) + Tree planting planned for Tahoe forest (SJM Reg) + El Dorado: Sister pickets to protest delay in '71 Betty Marie Cloer slaying case (Philip Arthur Thompson is accused) (SB Reg)

San Francisco, San Mateo: SF: Report of trouble in elder care system. Probe of how gang overran apartment of woman, 84 + RIP: Robbie Ingle -- civil servant devoted to S.F., Chief Clerk of Workers Comp Board + SoMa residents ‘smoke' pot club in legal battle + Two charged in connection with Daly City pot bust + So. S.F.: Boys & Girls Club trial postponed + Defendant in San Bruno stabbing goes to state hospital + Belmont police lose suspect who caused school lockdown

Alameda: 9 arrested in Lake Merritt thefts (CCT Reg) + intends to get tough on fireworks + S.F. man convicted for threats via e-mail + W. Oakland activist's suit tossed + Fremont man arrested in Internet piracy crackdown + Cherryland: Pot club worker dodges bullets + Fremont man charged in home-loan case + 9 charged in hazard waste sting

Santa Clara: San Jose: No plea bargains in finger-in-chili case + No deals in chili-finger trial, prosecutor says (SJM Reg) + Man faces charges in Menlo Park shooting (SJM Reg) + Police Blotter (SJM Reg) + Judge refuses to dismiss suit filed by family of woman killed by cop (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: San Ramon: Woman's manslaughter conviction for shooting abusive husband upheld + Conviction is upheld in man's killing (CCT Reg) + County rejects Hells Angels' claim (CCT Reg) + Testimony begins in new Kish trial (CCT Reg)

Marin: Novato man gets prison, must pay $1.3 million for scam + San Rafael firm files suit over breach of data security + Dog, cops not this man's best friends

Sonoma: Diocese settles suits for $7.3 million + Local Catholics express relief over abuse settlements + Around the Empire + Mendocino man jailed in shooting of rival

Napa: St. Helena neighbors take aim at proposed Boys & Girls Club

Solano: Fairfield: Teenager shot during late-night drive-by attack outside party + Jury selection in murder retrial under way

Monterey: Man suspected of stalking teen + Barbershop owner suspect in molestation + Court translators poised to go on strike, Court reporters negotiate

Central Valley: Law & Order (MB Reg)

Central Coast: Inmates walk early at County Jail + Cops and Courts + Police nab man sought in killing + Santa Cruz police give motorists a ‘brake’: Crosswalk sting nets 12 citations

Southern California: Marina Del Ray: Separate Police Shootings Kill 1 Man, Wound 2 (LAT Reg) + Actor's Daughter Is Dead, Cause Unknown (LAT Reg) + LA: Illicit Fake Guns Barred From Ice Cream Trucks (LAT Reg) + Motion Picture Bootlegger Convicted (LAT Reg) + Willis film may jeopardize trial?

MORE ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

LOCAL NEWS:    73-year-old woman fights off would-be dognapper

Hope Flying High Again: Mutilated Pelican Freed (LAT Reg)

Sacramento & north: Maps can't keep pace with Elk Grove's growth (SJM Reg) + Family's 'pioneer' dies in Florida crash (SJM Reg) + Fisherman's Lake buffer still has snag: Paying for it (SJM Reg) + Rancho Cordova: Fireworks in park - not in parkway (SJM Reg) + Marysville: Developers are told not to fell large trees (SJM Reg) + Hwy. 50 crash leaves Oregon girl dead (SJM Reg) + Stockton, AMR sue each other

San Francisco, San Mateo: BART'S Peninsula line falls short of hopes. Competition from cheaper Baby Bullet trains could be hurting ridership on extension + Bay Area: Union reacts negatively to BART's new offer. Health benefits cut, up to 4% raise spread over the next 4 years + BART offers modest raises + BART talks are way off track + SF: Political fight looms over pot clubs. Discord among supes over how far city should go in limiting dispensaries + SF: Mayor's budget plan roils in committee + SAN MATEO. Hit-run crash sends big rig into bedroom + Dr. Barry S. Levin - organ transplant specialist + Mayor unveils plan for 24-hour shelters + SF: Police officers' overtime pay hits ‘unbelievable' $15 million + Willie Brown to help settle Castro St. club dispute + Chronicle, unions in talks -- no strike vote scheduled + S.F. considers cable TV deal + Powerboat slams into Hunter's Point pier + Supervisors approve San Mateo county budget + Grand jury: San Mateo County adult services need improvement + SF: Sweatshop crackdown

Alameda: Medical center adopts a balanced budget + Supervisors approve fines for false alarms + Grand jury gives Santa Rita jail OK Oakland: (SFC) Oakland: Council panel cuts 'sideshow' penalties + (Oak Trib) Anti-sideshow law advances + Who will run show at the Fox Theater? + Norine Smith, activist, dies at 67 Berkeley: Berkeley: Samaritan has his leg broken. Cal athlete run over by men annoying a female friend + Berkeley: Fire destroys warehouse used by Berkeley Rep + Berkeley: Council approves $128 million budget + Berkeley approves big budget cuts + South County: Dublin holds forum on Heritage Center (CCT Reg) + Fremont acts on bicycle lane job + New twist in saga of Route 84 + New lab boss to head security + Dublin residents sound off on park

Santa Clara: Wildfire destroys S.J. home and shed (SJM Reg) + San Jose now 10th largest city in US (SJM Reg) + Herhold: Numbers aren't the only thing we can be proud of (SJM Reg) + Top 10 San Jose attractions (SJM Reg) + Health plan for children expands (SJM Reg) + Bioterrorism drill tests Santa Clara County (SJM Reg) + Symphony ends year on rosy note (SJM Reg) + Roadshow: How to avoid Hwy. 152 horror on Friday drive to L.A. (SJM Reg) + Forum looks at impact of real ID law (SJM Reg) + M.H., Gilroy face budget deficits + Valley group urges Japanese redress

Contra Costa: Concord: Family shelters need to raise $700,000. 2 facilities provide emergency aid for parents, children + Board saves services for developmentally disabled (CCT Reg) + Walnut Creek: Plans for land sours promise (CCT Reg) + 'Richmond: `Gospel caravan' to share message of nonviolence (CCT Reg) + Alamo YMCA design, landscape plans OK'd (CCT Reg) + Homeland Security allows Richmond's 4th fireworks (CCT Reg) + Firefighter trainees get shot at the real thing on Vasco Road in Byron + San Ramon Council takes aim at city center + Contra Costa County targets structural woes in budget

Marin: Corte Madera: Town saluted for housing plan. U.S. recognizes program to build affordable homes + Rough road to glory for Corte Madera + Tentative COM budget has little 'wiggle room' + Agency extends warning period against COM + Sausalito bans pot clubs for another 10 months + Small signs can't form one big one, San Anselmo says + The birth of a fair

Sonoma: Ft. Bragg barbecue to import salmon + Don Head gave bureaucrats a good name + Express delivery + United Way shifts focus to prevention + Man drowns after car plunges into Noyo River + Fire damages house near Two Rock

Napa: Work begins on Bay Ridge path in south Napa hills + Dey lays off 107 workers + Quirky teacher has lasting impact on students

Solano: Fairfield: Council OKs putting half-cent tax on ballot + Making Highway 113 a toll road? + Third time a charm for county tax for roads? + Church hosts youth summit + Damelio won't lay off school district nurses, counselors after all + Girl hospitalized after going on ride at Marine World + Grand jury strongly recommends oversight of child welfare agency + Late into the night, Benicia officials come up with two-year spending plan + Benicia schools to consider thin budget for next year + Public gives input on proposed Benicia business development

Monterey: Court translators poised to go on strike, Court reporters negotiate + Forest plan hit by appeals + Monterey County Plans Hefty Fines for Littering (LAT Reg) + City of Monterey documents go digital + Carmel Valley B&B approved over protests + P.G. heads into 'e-government' + Counting humpbacks + Panel OKs housing tract + Your Town + Preparing for wave of future

Central Valley: Camp Pendleton: Recruits Get a Sense of 'Semper Fi' (MB Reg) + Assistant sheriff is only candidate so far + Hot holiday weekend ahead (MB Reg) + Physics teachers back in lab class (MB Reg) + Habitat expense far from shrimpy (MB Reg) + A Lighter Shade of Pale (MB Reg) + Ceres schools OK risky $75M budget (MB Reg) + B-52 fails to reach Atwater (MB Reg) + Air district to hold workshop on new project pollution rule (MB Reg) + Arts Center Grows (MB Reg) + Herbicide donation just ducky (MB Reg) + Screams of children mix with smoke (MB Reg) + News & Notes (MB Reg) + Around the Region (MB Reg) + Community Briefing (MB Reg) + Tulare County: State reports first case of West Nile this year (MB Reg)

Central Coast: NPR without the attitude — or radio + Boxer Carina Moreno to lead Watsonville’s Independence Day Parade + P.V. students will have easier time protecting personal info from military recruiters + Metro workers extend contract + Santa Cruz’s proposed utility tax draws opposition + Filmmaker showcases roots in comedy filmed in Watsonville + ‘Healthy future’ for siblings involved in kidney transplant + Cal-Am acknowledges water monitoring error + Coast Lines

Southern California: Gov. backs 405 freeway project car pool lane + LAUSD parcel tax raising support, opposition already + Chick: Airports lag on changes + Her City Hall fans bid goodbye to Miscikowski + LA: World Press Fits Villaraigosa Into the Big Picture (LAT Reg) + LA: Ethics Reform Elusive + LA: Audit Chides Airports (LAT Reg) + LA: U.S. Agency Hands Head Start Provider a Victory (LAT Reg) + LA: DWP Purchases Natural Gas Reserves (LAT Reg) + LA: Mayor-Elect Greets New Job With Gift for School Program (LAT Reg) + LA: Hahn Supports Port Task Force's Plan (LAT Reg) + LA: City Has Until July 22 to Sign Dump Extension + LA: Mayor says anti-terror funding a priority + Nurses at UCI Protest Suspensions (LAT Reg) + Riverside: Meth Measure Wouldn't Burden Shoppers With Providing Data (LAT Reg) + Groups rally for mosque restoration in Mojave desert (CCT Reg) + Court Blocks Rural O.C. Development (LAT Reg) + Anaheim: Water Service to 100 Is Cut After Main Breaks (LAT Reg) + San Diego economic indicators down + San Diego: Bay cleanup plan stalls; report to be released + San Diego: Aguirre reassures mobile-home residents

School days: San Francisco: Schools' budget crafters must sharpen pencils. New 1% cut in funds sent to campuses must be figured in + Oakland: UC's top moneyman goes to Dartmouth + San Mateo High school district's budget picture clear + Livermore schools budget to rebound (CCT Reg) + Manteca: District approves diversity panel + Manteca: Board members may face recall + Livermore schools approve positive budget proposal + Ex-SJS president Clark dies at 95 + Ceres schools OK risky $75M budget


40 surf one wave to break surfing record

'He's God's angel', the unofficial saint to some in Mexico

Bay Area native crafting space vehicle

RIP: Edna Kimbro, expert on adobes (SJM Reg)

Taking on the Ironman: Ten Santa Cruz women cast aside doubts, prepare for Ironman Austria

New Pajaro Valley exhibit celebrates the human form

Counting humpbacks

June 29, 2005

WAR IRAQ On the ground:
Iraq Attacks Kill 4 Civilians, Wound 23 People + Two pilots killed in US copter crash in Iraq + U.S. hurls Operation Sword at foe + Sunnis will nab Zarqawi when 'ready' + Push for autonomy develops in Iraqi south + Two US female soldiers found killed + Orders of battle + Juan Cole reports

Iraqi government: In an effort to stanch violence, Iraqi Shiite hints at a broader role for Sunnis + New Iraqi party to give political face to 'resistance' + Iraq demands reduction of oil payments to UN + Israeli vs. Israeli in Gaza + Political Gains for Hamas in West Bank + Al-Thawra: Syria pumps Euphrates waters to Iraq

AFGHANISTAN: All 17 US troops in Afghan crash believed dead + Afghanistan Violence Rising, More Troops to Be Sent Before September Polls + Afghan Copter Recovery Delayed

MIDDLE EAST: Abul-Gheit to Le Figaro: Egypt rejects imposition of foreign ideas

Sharon to visit France in July and meet President Chirac

Israel, Palestine: Police move in on settler protest + Jewish settlers spark Gaza violence + Soldier dies in Hezbollah attack on Har Dov posts + Sharon: Gov't must take 'every measure' to end extremists' acts + (AJ) Hizb Allah, Israeli army exchange fire + (AJ) Hizb Allah chief: We will keep our arms

RUSSIA: Russia pulls out from border agreement with Estonia over post-WWII 'occupation claims' + Russia comes into serious crisis with its WTO membership talks+ The threat of orange revolutions is irrelevant to Russia

EUROPE: Blair Versus Chirac (LAT Reg)

Key Quotes From AP Interview With British Prime Minister Tony Blair + Idealistic Brown lays into European farm subsidies

For farmers in France, no unity on subsidies + Once again, a French finance aide is under fire

EU unveils draft rules for talks on Turkey

Gerhard Schroeder, the Great Manipulator

Hundreds of Would-Be Immigrants Arrive on Tiny Island South of Sicily

CENTRAL ASIA: Azerbaijan Opposition Leader Seeks Voting Overhaul Before November Polls

AFRICA: Belgium finds two guilty in Rwanda genocide case

Ivory Coast foes rework disarmament timetable

ASIA PACIFIC: China's two-pronged offensive

Arroyo's Spouse Leaves The Philippines

AMERICAS: Cuba and Venezuela to build oil alliance

Mexican Voting May Extend Into U.S. + Zapatista rebels seek political solution to resistance

A Dozen Members of Colombia's Navy Accused of Drug Trafficking

Canada to ban bulk export of Rx drugs

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Do DNA tests to prove ancestry work?

Cruise's war of the words

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

FBI Sees No Terror Threat for July 4

Bush Tells FBI to Form National Security Division in Intelligence Overhaul

New Office to Oversee Intelligence Abroad + White House to Endorse WMD Panel's Changes + New National Spy Office Created; CIA Analysis Demoted

Italy asks Interpol to help find CIA suspects Milan Mystery: Did Italy Have Role in Kidnapping Case?

CIA Opposes 9-11 Panel's Recommendation to transfer CIA's control of covert military operations to the Pentagon

Immigration charges against the Los Angeles 8 (Palestinians) where terror charges failed

U.S. passport system stumbles in major test + Report Says Information Gaps Helped Criminals Obtain Passports

Thefts Of Small Planes Spark Security Concerns At Airports

Possible cuts to Lab's Laser could cut confidence in nuclear stockpile (LAT Reg)

Lodi terror case: Lodi Islamic leader fired for U.S. criticism + Relatives of Lodi men accused of terror ties must go before grand jury

Insults fly on newly released Nixon tapes

'I lived with a suicide bomber'

Saudi Kingdom Issues New List of Terrorists Ex-German spy chief admits taking bribes + Saudi arms-deal trial opens in Germany

Armenian Citizen Convicted Of Spying For Azerbaijan + Yerevan Court Sentenced Azeri Spy to 12 Years of Imprisonment

N. Korea Reportedly Cuts Int'l Phone Lines

Hearing on Security Clearance Backlog Sparks Promises of Action

(WaPo) Why The FBI Can't Be Reformed

Two thefts of small planes renew security concerns

Is black-market baby formula financing terror?

Two Arraigned on Terrorism Charges

Russian military, politicians handled Beslan siege poorly

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: UFW, farmworkers clash over gay marriage + Badlands Confidential + California's High Court Lets Domestic Partner Law Stand + Lesbian supermodel dead in bath

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

US fines loom for offshore account holders

Princess Diana's stories: Can you legally say anything you want about the dead?

AMD vs. Intel suit could air dirty laundry (SJM Reg)

Roadshow reaches Russia: Envoy explains diplomatic immunity (SJM Reg)

Slavery and the Courts 1740-1860

Prisoner Details Tax Fraud Scheme Worth Millions

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

THE GOVERNOR and LOCAL and SCHOOL NEWS Click

Net Pioneer Wants New Internet

Norwegian Puts Wood to Google

Make Way for Cheap Windows for Latin America

The Zen of Technology Design

Possible Lake Found on Titan

Making RFID Devices More Mindful

Dan Farber: The root of Sun's strategy

Indian craft to deploy moon experiments

India's renaissance relies on $100 PC

NASA's Deep Impact Craft Observes Major Comet 'Outburst'

University Of Pittsburgh Gets Wired For Speed With Apple Xserve G5 Cluster

Research: Florida Getting Better At Protecting Homes From Hurricanes

UF, Nine Other Universities Complete Ultrahigh-speed Data Network

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

SEC, in Parting Act by Donaldson, Adopts Fund Board Rule Rejected by Court

Oracle Profit Rises as Ellison Takeovers Spur Software Sales; Shares Gain

How small is small? SBA holds hearings to decide (SB Reg)

Radiology work shifts to overnight, overseas

Chicago's sales tax to hit 9 percent Friday

Daily Forex Commentary

MILITARY Army expects rosy recruiting numbers for June

Army Hands Out New Award for Any Soldier Who Performs Satisfactorily in Combat

General Says Parents Should Let Their Sons and Daughters Join the Military

Marine Corp's Troubled Osprey Aircraft Passes Another Round of Testing, Military Says

Pilot who saved Buckingham Palace dies

New Russian Night Hunter chopper flies at 5-meter altitudes

EU's quest: A leaner and meaner military

Final Draft? High Comedy on the Army-Recruitment Front

Situation at VA even worse than normal

Reforms Needed to Protect Military Against Insurance Fraud, Auditors Say


UK: New measures to protect antisocial behavior witnesses

Credit Chief Slams Free Reports

Election law crackdown on bloggers should wait, feds told

ChoicePoint overhaul completed

As Live8 pushes G-8, who benefits? + Moscow to join Live 8 line-up for Saturday

It's no secret: Antiwar lobby has been ineffective

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Judge Reluctantly Delays Ordering Reporters to Jail + (NYT) The Jailing of Judith Miller + 'Curiouser and Curiouser': Federal Judge Grants Delay to Miller, Cooper

The Price of an Interview (LAT Reg)

Daystar Television Network Has God on Its Side (LAT Reg)

Deep Throat attorney spent three years working on story + Deep Throat attorney becomes part of story

Turmoil Again at KPFA After Six Years of Peace

10 overseas writers we should be reading

No stopping the press in India

Nancy Franklin on imperial TV

Reporter shot to death in Iraq

Today's papers

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

WHO says fear of global bird flu pandemic easing

U.S. officials confirm second mad cow case originated in Texas


The Promise Of A Tetracycline Antibiotic For Treating Osteoarthritis

Mental Processing Is Continuous, Not Like A Computer

Autism in women largely undiagnosed

German identifies cerebral penis control center

The pleasure lab

Protein Synthesis Can Be Controlled By Light, Opening Way For New Scientific, Medical Applications

A Vaccine Approach To Treating Parkinson's Disease

DNA Constraints Control Structure Of Attached Macromolecules

WHO Launches Project To Minimize Risks Of Radon

Relatively Few US Adults Report Having A Healthy Lifestyle

Implanted stem cells survive 16 months

Researchers Confirm Increasing Risk For Heart Failure In Aging U.S. Population

Mayo Clinic Finds Kidney Disease Associated With 'Benign' Prostate Obstruction

Groundbreaking Study Helps Explain Why Preemie Brains Improve Over Time

Study Shows How Sleep Improves Memory

Special Scalpel Reduces Blood Loss, Facial Nerve Trauma In Salivary Surgery

Saturated Fats Combined With Genetic Trait Implicated In Development Of Type 2 Diabetes

Study Ties Risk Of Problem Gambling With Proximity To Casinos And Other Gambling Opportunities

Aging Eye More Susceptible To Serious Damage, Scientists Report

Functional MRI Enables Noninvasive Evaluation Of Epilepsy Patients

$5.1 Billion Would Save 6 Million Children, Study Says

Female butterflies go for sparkle -- not size -- when choosing to mate

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush OKs Shake-Up of Spy Agencies + Bush Tells FBI to Form National Security Division in Intelligence Overhaul + Bush endorses most intelligence panel changes

Bush pledges Africa aid

US threatens fines over doing business with Iran nuclear agency

In Gift To Industry, Gonzales Requests One-Tenth Of Tobacco Penalty

U.S. Capitol, White House Evacuated - Briefly

Bush TV speech: (LAT) As War Shifts, So Does the Message + LA Times Editorial: Presidential Disconnect (LAT Reg) + Conflict recast as line in sand to terrorists + Pravda: George Bush at Fort Bragg: nothing new + Capitol Hill Blue: The Big Lie + Debka: What makes Bush upbeat about Iraq? + Ian Williams: Bush's mission implausible + Michael Goodwin: W's war pleas in last throes? + Osama Made Me Do It + (Australian) Twisted pitch buys breathing space + Career-low TV audience for Bush

Iran: Iran's Ahmadinejad looks to export 'new Islamic revolution' + High revenues give Ahmadinejad a chance to fulfill pledge to poor + Is God really on Hizbullah's side? + Ahmadinejad may end up being the clerics' bane + Haaretz Editorial: Facing the reality in Tehran + Why the US and Iran love to hate each other

Syria, Lebanon: Syrian opposition forum rejects order to disband + Syria sets sights on tourism to revitalize moribund economy + Reforming the judiciary will protect Lebanese citizens from predators + Nabih Berri reelected speaker of Lebanese parliament + Berri's aims for measured results in an effective parliament + Lebanon permits Palestinians to work; Abbas thanks Lahoud, Miqati

N. Korea: China 'fails' test over North Korea + U.S. military says can defeat nuclear-armed N. Korea

Other foreign: US and India conclude 10-year defense plan + Sugar lobby seeking to bar Bush trade deal + U.S. struggles on China-war planning + Military strategy 'defensive,' Chinese envoy insists

Domestic: Review Board: EPA Downplayed Potential Risks of Chemical Used for Teflon + Government Scientist Denies Falsifying Yucca Mountain Data

Social Security: House Republicans Pledge Vote by Fall on Social Security Personal Accounts

Congress: Senate moves toward final vote on CAFTA + House Committee Seeks to Limit Fundraising, Spending Activities of Outside Political Groups+ House Rejects Large Cut in Amtrak Subsidies + Senate Votes to Block Pesticide Tests on Humans + (LAT) Energy Bill Passes Senate With Bipartisan Support + Bill would block immigration of foreigners who are in gangs (though not convicted of crime) + House Votes to Let Elderly Woman Stay in Her National Park Home in Colorado

Democrats: Hillary Clinton's Odds For Winning White House Set At 5-1 Young Democrats to converge on S.F. + Bill's big help-Hil E-mail bid

GOP: GOP Looking for a Way to Fund Human Stem Cell Research Without Destroying Embryos + Coins of the Realm

Obituary: 'Win' Adams had long military career, worked with Reagan (SB Reg)

OPINIONS:

Jack Miles: Only Death Will Win (LAT Reg)

Wm Kowinski: The Great Malls of China (LAT Reg)

Robert Parry: War or impeachment

The long and the short: What's going on in Iraq is obscure to outsiders and Iraqis alike

Revolutions, geopolitics and oil pipelines

Why withdrawal is possible

Immoral Relativism: Tom Engelhardt

A Defeat Bred in Deceit: Paul Craig Roberts

US Terror Policies Backfire: Haider Rizvi

Bush's Iranian Twin: Jim Lobe



Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge
 

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Life's ups and downs lead back to Loggins & Messina

Adopted fat cat lucky to have diabetes-conscious home

A History of the Streets of San Francisco

Journals of the Continental Congress

The Quixote in the Web

Medieval Spanish Poetry

The New Deal Stage: Selections from the Federal Theatre Project 1935-39

Shells from the deep bring delight to a village

New Roman find in Britain could turn history on its head

Are some diamonds long-dead sea creatures?

Simon Callow on the thrill of kabuki

Confessions of a cut and paste writer

Homage to Orwell: India's opium state plans park at author's 'home'

Sarcophagus dating back to Ramses reign discovered in Saqqara

The real Billy the Kid

Model, bounty hunter, addict - the story of Domino Harvey

William goes wireless: Shakespeare's hi-tech home town

Serving up some bling

Rush & Molloy: 'Video Vixen' memoir star-studded

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Widow warns Dash to skip the Dirty work

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

The Governor:  Gov. falling from favor with many voters + Only 39% in poll would vote for governor again + Poll: Gov. would lose in '06 (SB Reg) + Dems offer redistricting plan to counter Gov.'s plan. GOP says it leaves Legislature with too much power + Democrats offer redistricting plan (SB Reg) + Dan Walters: Senate's redistricting scheme is even worse than status quo (SB Reg) + GOP leaders pan Democratic redistricting plan + Democrats say redistricting plan could lead compromise + Industry lobbyist to run clean-air board. Gov.: She'll balance economy, environment + Industry Lobbyist Named to Air Board (LAT Reg) + Battle looms over choice of lobbyist as state air regulator + Air board appointee facing criticism (SB Reg) + Gov. Announces Appointments + Stanislaus County Sheriff to retire and become state's public safety liaison + Sidelined superhero Gov. can still save the day on the 405 freeway fix to ease traffic between San Fernando Valley and Westside

Senate committee to consider Sen. Feinstein's anti-meth proposal

Tsunami warnings to get big shake - up + Tsunami alert errors reviewed (SB Reg)

California family giving long-term test drive to hydrogen car (CTT Reg)

Calpine selling oil and gas assets for $1.05 billion

CalPERS weight real estate investments in China

Bay Bridge: As meter runs, state ready to solicit Bay Bridge bids -- again Bay Bridge deal builds hope of repairing political divisions (MB Reg)

Legislature: Migden's cosmetics bill OKd by health committee. Chemicals would be cataloged online + Yee's Jet fuel tax bill delayed two years + Stores behind new cold medicine bill + Bill to monitor body toxins advances in the Assembly + Assembly panel kills bill to inform public on data breaches (SB Reg) + San Jose backs state dog bill (SJM Reg) + (PDF) Read the Senate Bill text (SJM Reg) + Panel to weigh pesticide bill (SJM Reg) + Gay marriage bill backers seeking revival in Senate + Legislature mulls sex offender bills (OC Reg)

Indian tribes: Tribes grilled on casino income. Senator asks about lack of disclosure + McCain takes aim at off-reservation gambling + Some tribes would back halt to off-reservation gambling + The Gimme-Five Game + Feds buying Trinity water for Klamath again + Lytton Casino Bill Advances in D.C.

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS...

Judge refuses to toss California's suit vs. Bush administration over federal abortion law that threatens the state with huge financial penalties if it discriminates against health providers who do not perform abortions or make abortion referrals

Daystar Television Network Has God on Its Side (LAT Reg)

CardSystems Solutions to receive subpoenas from California Atty General for violating data security

Lodi terror case: Lodi Islamic leader fired for U.S. criticism + Relatives of Lodi men accused of terror ties must go before grand jury

Rep. Cunningham: San Diego: Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham Receives Subpoena (LAT Reg) + Pentagon ends contract with MZM tied to Cunningham + Bitterness expressed at owner at center of Cunningham controversy + Subpoena served on Cunningham + Cunningham's silence erodes benefit of doubt

Sacramento & north: Catholic Diocese of Sacramento to pay $35 million to 33 alleged victims (SB Reg) + Jury in child-abuse case (Weili Kao) hears woman's story on tape (SB Reg) Sacramento: Man shot to death is identified + Sacramento: `Idol' star Corey Clark calls citation for domestic violence 'huge misunderstanding' (SB Reg) + Body found in Lake Natoma an apparent suicide (SB Reg) + Children find skeletal remains along Sacramento river (SB Reg) + Violence outside Lodi club raises concerns for soon-to-be owners

San Francisco, San Mateo: SF: Twice-stolen SUV is returned to owner + Redwood City: Couple held to answer for alleged child endangerment for leaving child on sidewalk +Peninsula Police Blotter (SJM Reg)

Alameda: Oakland: Fireworks violations to spark large fines + Oakland: Jury convicts man in jealous assault + Oakland: Man, 22, charged in April shooting death + Pleasanton police to send decoys to liquor stores + Fireworks sales blast off in Dublin + False alarm no longer fine in Alameda County + Fremont man charged in home-loan case

Santa Clara: Couple in chili finger case to enter plea + San Jose: Child sexual predator Dean Arthur Swartzmiller used many aliases + Judge rejects motion to dismiss Tran civil lawsuit (SJM Reg) + Palo Alto Police Blotter (SJM Reg) + DA probes overbooking allegations re: U.S. Grand Prix (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Testimony begins in new Kish murder trial (CTT Reg) + Richmond calls in reinforcements (CTT Reg)

Sonoma: No clues from crash victims' autopsies

Napa: Napa man arrested for cybersex crimes, molestation

Solano: Sentencing delayed in kidnapping case + Trial date pending for woman charged in police chase

Monterey: Arrests made in robberies

Central Valley: Man who caused crash had suspended license (MB Reg) + Truck driver to plead guilty in Highway 99 deaths (MB Reg) + Fresno: Ex-former CPS County Employee Gets 1 Year in Sex Case (LAT Reg) + Jury recommends death for Marcus Wesson in killings of nine children

Central Coast: S.C. gets tougher on rowdy parties + Watsonville police train for emergency response + District conducts ‘mass casualty’ drills + Cops and Courts

Southern California: Judge Blasts Pace of Body Donor to UCLA Case (LAT Reg) + 24 Freeway Shootings Share Similar Traits but Seem to Be Unrelated (LAT Reg) + >+ San Diego: Las Vegas prosecutor challenged by defense in San Diego corruption case


School days: San Francisco Board of Education approves budget with major cuts. $22.5 million deficit eliminated -- busing, special education, nutrition take hits + LAUSD proposes 'parcel tax' + UC officials oppose CSU doctorate plans + San Fernando Valley students take Senate floor in Sacramento + Glendale school board taps reserve for budget gap + LA Board of Education OKs $6.6 Billion Provisional Budget (LAT Reg) + National Accrediting agency extends warning period against College of Marin + West Contra Costa schools save band, athletics in budget (CTT Reg) + Grand jury again takes Alameda county schools chief to task + Pleasanton parents speak out on late start of school + Study disputes grad rates + Peter Schrag: Education: It's not the answer to everything (SJM Reg) + USCS ends four year employee hiring freeze + UCSC professor awarded energy grants + San Francisco's Superintendent Ackerman. Against all enemies + Ackerman's $400,000 spin machine + New panel to study LA schools (LAT Reg)



Kramskoy, The Bee Keeper

Life's ups and downs lead back to Loggins & Messina

Adopted fat cat lucky to have diabetes-conscious home

A History of the Streets of San Francisco

MORE ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

LOCAL NEWS: 

14 from Bay Area up for peace prize. They're selected to be among the '1,000 Women for Nobel'

The grunion, a fish known for leaving water to spawn is back in San Francisco Bay. Missing since 1850s (CTT Reg)

BART unions choose July 6 for strike

Sacramento & north: Many favor a new dam near Auburn (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Disabled win break on RT fees (SB Reg) + Sacramento Council approves compromise on Fisherman's Lake buffer (SB Reg) + Council approves 24 changes to Sacramento's zoning codes + Nuns to do Mother Teresa's work in Sacramento (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Bob Shallit: Safeway developer, contractor go to court (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Victim in head-on collision dies + Interim county officer named in Yolo (SB Reg) + Nevada City: Hunt continues for boat-accident victim (SB Reg) + Long-term prosperity seen for Sacramento area (SB Reg) + New bus washing system in Lodi cleans more than just buses + Utility report gives insight into Lodi's power buying strategy

San Francisco, San Mateo: Bay Area: More pit bull attacks in S.F. and Oakland + 5 hurt in SF house fire + SF: Supes reject 'deal' on office space. $4.4 million expense seen as too lofty amid budget cuts + San Mateo: No one hurt after 18-wheeler crashes into apartment building + Bay Area. BART strike deadline set for next week. 2 unions say they'll walk Wednesday if deal not reached + SF: Board of Education approves budget with major cuts. $22.5 million deficit eliminated -- busing, special education, nutrition take hits SF: Supervisor, his allies go on attack over campaign ad lawsuit. Sandoval sued over mailers, may have to pay legal fees + Commuters gird for possible BART strike + SF: Supervisor, his allies go on attack over campaign ad lawsuit. Sandoval sued over mailers, may have to pay legal fees + SF: Mission florist to close doors after 101 years + SF: Another pit bull attack sign of ‘a numbers game' + SF: Supervisors draft pot club legislation + SF: Marina berthing fees go up + Supes balk at mayor's leasing plan re: 8 story building on So. Van Ness + P.J. Corkery: Lucas, St. Anthony feed multitudes + Young Democrats to converge on S.F. + City punts on cable contract

Alameda: Supervisors vote 3 to 1 to remain with Diebold (CTT Reg) + Grand jury again takes Alameda county schools chief to task + 366 homeless shelter zoning sites incite debate + Operators vie for medical marijuana + House OKs Lee's Haiti measure + Firefighters preparing for summer fire season Oakland: Oakland: Couple die in fire in motor home, trailer + Oakland: City jail reprieve rejected + Union bid to block jail closure fails (CTT Reg) + Judge denies plea to keep jail open + Closure of Oakland Independent Support Center leaves homeless helpless + Oakland: Costco store proposal gets an OK. New store would be built on 15 acres of former Army base + Oakland: Leo Edgerly Sr., deacon, dies at 81 + Dad, son hospitalized after E. Oakland house fire + Oakland holds car repair class Berkeley: Berkeley: Memorial slated for local musician + Alta Bates finding delayed + Berkeley: Iranian Americans Target Elections in Downtown Protest South County: Hayward: Tate found guilty in severe beating + Livermore residents save fountain (CTT Reg) + Hikers find Livermore pilot's plane (CTT Reg) + Livermore: New study proposed on Pardee project + Lizzie Fountain saved: Petitions keep park alive + Pleasanton: Veteran producer named to run CTV (Tri-Valley Community TV) + Pleasanton parents speak out on late start of school + Fremont: Electronic signs advise drivers to slow down + Newark Pararansit service raises fares + Summer school in full swing + Coffee shop stays afloat with crepes

Santa Clara: San Jose: City Council agrees to probe of mayor + San Jose backs state dog bill (SJM Reg) + (PDF) Read the Senate Bill text (SJM Reg) + Firefighter suffers heat exhaustion during house fire (SJM Reg) + Dilapidated P.A. hotel torn down (SJM Reg) + Living wage laws given mixed review (SJM Reg) + Lax management found in P.A. utility worker scandal (SJM Reg) + Fitness workouts for Fido (SJM Reg) + Council votes to give group new chance to run Northside Community Center (SJM Reg) + City to closely monitor audited Northside Community group (SJM Reg) + Fisher: Los Altos' secret of success with leaf-blower ban (SJM Reg) + El Camino hospital workers rally for pay (SJM Reg) + Weimers: Photo faux pas with Mineta article (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: $11 million cut from budget. Supervisors trim much less than had been proposed Concord: San Jose manager takes post in parks + East Bay predicted to lead region in economic gains + Senior finds fault with county housing (CTT Reg) + City of San Pablo set for fiscal surplus (CTT Reg) + West Contra Costa schools save band, athletics in budget (CTT Reg) + Pleasant Hill: Police find drug lab after pursuit (CTT Reg) + Walnut Creek: I-680 grass fire slows commute (CTT Reg)

Marin: Planning Commission shake-up + $6.5 million buys water Marin might never use + Supervisors back tentative budget + Novato approves $30 million budget plan + Some Bolinas residents scoff at plans for new cell phone tower + Veteran of Pearl Harbor dies at 82 + National Accrediting agency extends warning period against College of Marin + Nation bill to move death row fails in committee + San Rafael Corporate Center sold + San Rafael sales tax gets closer to ballot

Sonoma: Pit bulls flood shelters after series of attacks + New fire station for southwest SR + Windsor winery plan picks up support + Abalone diver dies off Sonoma coast + SR approves $600,000 in pay, benefit hikes for managers + Fireworks sales spark concern + SR nears passenger-rail housing goal, vies for grant + Petaluma commissioner who resigned in protest reconsiders decision

Napa: Napa Valley College cracking down on cheaters + Solano-Napa bus service starts slow + 21 lucky locals get to help plan county's future

Solano: Vallejo: Park, state examine numbness on ride + Benicia: Sailors feeling lucky to be alive in strait mishap. They capsized right in path of oil tanker + Region sets torrid pace for growth + Gravestone's here - where's the plot? + In Benicia, budget isn't a done deal + Vigil for crash victim promotes peace + Mall neighbors happy with noise accord + Woman, 99, makes dream come true by singing at Rivercats baseball game + County supervisors approve $769 million spending plan + Development of business park is subject of Benicia meeting + County passes budget, cuts welfare funding + Jury: Pollution risk persists for Suisun marsh + Sharon Tucker's legacy + County names new agricultural commissioner from Calaveras

Monterey: Monterey Council hires controversial city manager + Historian Edna Kimbro dies + Patrons read sadness in new Salinas library hours + Full-grown man still enjoys his toys + Staff reorganization approved + Your Town + Girl seriously injured in fall from balcony

Central Valley: Camp Pendleton: Young Men to Marines (MB Reg) + Farm income nears $2 billion for Stanislaus + Weidman leaving for state job (MB Reg) + Teacher pay lags, unions say (MB Reg) + Garbage fee hike gets OK (MB Reg) + Manteca gives OK for fireworks (MB Reg) + Arts Center Grows (MB Reg) + 'Healthy' try for bigger air board (MB Reg)+ Emanuel Expansion (MB Reg) + 2 schools get technology grants (MB Reg) + Merced County medians to close (MB Reg) + County commits $1.4M to programs for elderly (MB Reg) + Flyover to commemorate Castle's first B-52 landing (MB Reg) + Edna Stewart, longtime Patterson educator (MB Reg) + News & Notes (MB Reg) + Around the Region (MB Reg) + Community Briefing (MB Reg) + Tracy eatery to open doors Thursday + Stanislaus should rethink excessive health benefits (MB Reg)

Central Coast: Metro tires going bust Unkempt nail salons spark state legislation + Community shattered by loss of area historian + UFW, farmworkers clash over gay marriage + USCS ends four year employee hiring freeze + Aviation Way will relocate to make way for new commercial building + Seminar helps with mud, manure madness + Scotts Valley high school lands new principal + Coastlines + Computer glitch disrupts DMV + UCSC professor awarded energy grants

Southern California: LA: Antonio, MTA push for relief on 405 gridlock + LAUSD proposes 'parcel tax' + LA: Who's who list set for inauguration + LA: Deadline on BFI contract drawn out three weeks + Mexicans laud Mexican law that allows Mexicans in America to vote + LA: Battles raging on county pensions + Sidelined superhero Gov. can still save the day on the 405 freeway fix to ease traffic between San Fernando Valley and Westside + LA: Inauguration Is the Place for Politicians to Be Seen (LAT Reg) + Gold Medalist 's $100,000 Donation puts Westside Jewish Community Center Pool Back in the Swim (LAT Reg) + LA: Landfill Contract OK Delayed (LAT Reg) + LA: Anticipating red ink, supervisors protect public health funding by separating it from hospital system finances (LAT Reg) + LA: Gas Leak Scare Causes Delays for Red Line Subway Riders (LAT Reg) + Law Firms' LAX Pacts Extended (LAT Reg) + LA Board of Education OKs $6.6 Billion Provisional Budget (LAT Reg) + New panel to study LA schools (LAT Reg) + LA: Hahn Looks Forward, and Back + LA: Hahn gets City Hall send-off + LA: One more yawn, and Hahn is gone + Hahn Looks Forward, and Back (LAT Reg) + Patt Morrison: We've Already Got the Oddities; Now All We Need Is a Place to Put Them (LAT Reg) + Glendale school board taps reserve for budget gap + Finally, the San Fernando Valley Receives Some Attention From Hollywood (LAT Reg)+ Disneyland Closes Ride After Guest Gets Sick (LAT Reg) + Ventura County Pension Case Draws Scrutiny (LAT Reg) + Riverside County: Buying Cold Pills? Fill Out This Form (LAT Reg) + Riverside: New Funds for Assessor, Public Defender's Office (LAT Reg) + Pomona lawmakers are the latest to increase their pay by creating development boards (LAT Reg) + Palm Springs Area: Brush Fire Contained After Burning 200 Acres (LAT Reg) + Newport Beach: The Case of the Disappearing Dune (LAT Reg) + Costa Mesa: Triangle Square Is on a Losing Streak (LAT Reg) + OC: Search Continues for Missing Woman + OC: County warns of another crisis (OT Reg) + San Diego: Mayor Murphy's quiet goodbye

Rep. Cunningham: Look in Left column under Law.

School days: Look in left column near bottom.

June 28, 2005

WAR IRAQ On the ground:
Iraq Car Bombs Kill Lawmaker, U.S. Soldier

Iraqi journalist shot, US forces accused

Progress in Iraq comes amid struggle to survive

Triangle of Death Clan Chief Caught Between U.S. Military and Insurgents

U.S. death toll + Orders of battle + Juan Cole reports

Iraq government: A Tenuous Grip on Sovereignty (LAT Reg) + Iraqi PM plans for security in two years + Iraq needs $15bn to fix water supply + Syrian delegation is in Baghdad today + Mubarak, Allawi discuss regional developments

War prisons: East Bay Rep. Tauscher satisfied with conditions at Guantanamo. But she fears U.S. is sending suspects to other countries + Russian ex-Guantanamo inmate tells of Koran abuse + Russian Guantanamo prisoner sues USA + U.S. suspected of keeping secret prisoners on warships

AFGHANISTAN: Chinook Helicopter Crashes in Afghanistan + (AP) U.S. Military Helicopter Crashes During Afghan Counterterror Operations; Fate of Those Aboard Unknown

MIDDLE EAST: Nour looks to indict Mubarak's regime at trial

Israel, Palestine: The Fresh New Face of Israeli Settlers' Defiance of Pullout from Gaza -- young detainees + Sharon vows to stop 'wild behavior' of pullout foes + PA urges Islamic Jihad to commit to truce + Halutz: Hesder yeshivas that encourage refusal risk closure + Psychologists to help soldiers cope with pullout + Sharon vows to stamp out 'wild' settlers

RUSSIA: Russia To Submit Tax Amnesty Bill + USA to import 50 million tons of crude from Russia a year

EUROPE:  Schröder plans punitive tax on Germany's wealthy

Taittinger heirs to sell champagne company

AFRICA: Moroccan woman on trial for 'personal views'

UN envoy wants 'comprehensive' picture of Zimbabwe

Libyan opposition rejects foreign military support to topple Qathafi

ASIA PACIFIC: Re-Arrests Ordered in Pakistan Rape Case

India's Labor Problems + To sell or not to sell in India

'Cheater' Arroyo faces people's wrath

AMERICAS: Mexico: Raids Free 44 Abductees Said to Have Crime Links

Andes Drug War Fails to Dent U.S. Supply (LAT Reg)

Mexican Lawmakers Debate Absentee Voting Proposal for Millions of Migrants in U.S.

South America's Mining Wars Heat Up

Colombian troops hit back at rebels

Mexico's Fox 'enthusiastically Welcomes' Zapatista Rebels' Shift Toward Politics

Blood for pork....

U.S. official says U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was irresponsible for giving out contracts acted irresponsibly in giving contract to Halliburton subsidiary + Audit questions $1.4b in Halliburton bills

LEAKGATES  (WaPo) Iraq memos stress British war doubts. Despite Blair's public support for U.S. push to eliminate Hussein's supposed weapons of mass destruction, others saw disaster afoot

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Mad cow finding divides investors (SB Reg) + Australia beef backs U.S. in new mad cow case + New Case of Mad Cow Brings Talk of National ID System

UN experts call for urgent flu testing of migratory birds in China

FDA/CHIRON Flu Fiasco: Flu vaccine uncertainty has doctors placing many orders

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Experts Say National Security Threats Are Not Clear in Cnooc Bid for Unocal

White House to Ask C.I.A., not the Pentagon, to Manage All Human Spying

US Grapples with Intense Chinese 'Spying'

Bioterror report on milk concerns feds

Lodi terror case: Lodi men's lawyers say evidence being withheld. But U.S. judge says prosecutors are providing data + Judge Limits Disclosure of Evidence in Lodi Case (LAT Reg) + Lodi mosque leaders fire imam

Kenya: 2 Suspects Acquitted in 2002 Al Qaeda Attacks (LAT Reg)

Ex-Russian nuclear minister held in Switzerland on U.S. indictment

Saudi Issues New List of 36 Most-Wanted Terror Suspects

Britain’s KGB Granny Dies

Yerevan Court Sentenced Azeri Spy to 12 Years of Imprisonment

Taiwan to fingerprint visitors from mainland China

Surviving a Nuclear Attack on Washington, D.C.

U.S. Plans to Defend Against Engineered Bioattack

Bogus Analysis Led to Terror Alert in Dec. 2003

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

Jury Acquits Scrushy On All Counts+ Timeline of case against former HealthSouth CEO Scrushy + Verdict won't hinder Sarbanes-Oxley + After Acquittal, Scrushy Faces SEC Civil Charges

A Supreme Court conversation

Broadband Fight Heads to Congress

Supreme Court decision won't stop downloads, fans say + Grokster decision has industry listening + A bleak future for digital entertainment? + Grokster Loss Sucks for Tech + Hollywood wins big on file sharing

Supreme Court refuses to revive lawsuit that accused Dynegy, Duke Energy and other power companies of fixing electricity prices in California in 2000-01

Supreme Court to decide anti-abortion group racketeering lawsuit re: shut down of clinics

Daniel Weintraub: Court: OK to take from the poor, give to the rich (SB Reg)

Langberg: Court shows wisdom in guarding intellectual property (SJM Reg)

AMD Files Antitrust Suit Against Intel

U.S. seeks $14 bln in tobacco case

Drug firm, Massachusetts General Hospital fight over royalties

Status of High-Profile Corporate Scandals

Major Church-State Issues Pending in Courts

Prosecutor: Man Convicted in Vermont's First Capital Trial in Decades Should Be Executed

Prosecutors Want Ebbers Life Sentence

Canada: Engineering officer guilty in massive child porn bust

Curator charged as 30,000 books are 'lost' by French national library

Woman Sues Applebee's Over Claim of Fingertip in Salad

Former Newsday Publisher Who Served on Education Board Charged in Child Pornography Case

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

THE GOVERNOR and LOCAL and SCHOOL NEWS Click

NASA Chief Says He's Confident of July Shuttle Launch Despite Safety Questions + (LAT) Shuttle deemed 'safe to fly'. 3 debris issues still unsolved, but major improvements made

France edges out Japan to win futuristic nuclear project designed to emulate power of the sun

Disney Digital 3D to debut this year

Conference for time travelers at MIT

Honda to Supply Crash Test Data on Window Stickers

Super calculators make maths super-easy

Fall Mobile Phone Preview

Will Jetmakers Always Have Paris?

Hubble Captures Outburst From Comet Targeted By Deep Impact

1001 Hawaiian Nights Dedicated To The Cool And The Far Away

Adsorbent Materials For The Storage Of Hydrogen

CONNECT THE DOTS....

P. J. Corkery in San Francisco: Family pride and the family dog

As Stakes Rise, More Parents Are Directing Rage at Coaches

Two big zoos battle bad publicity after animal deaths

STARDOM: RECYCLING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

USDA fails to find cause of tiger attack on Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

U.S. Stocks Have Biggest Rally in Five Weeks as Oil Falls; Wal-Mart Gains

Microsoft chief warns about US deficit

Snow says oil prices hurting economy-CNBC

GM hits target with car bargain

Disney Is Expected to Appoint Miramax Chief (LAT Reg)

Consumer Data Firm ChoicePoint Wins IRS Contract to process its files (5 year, $20 million deal) (LAT Reg)

Toyota to Raise Global Output 40% Next Year (LAT Reg)

Morgan Alum's Return Possible (LAT Reg)

Royal Dutch/Shell investors agree landmark unification

Citigroup fined almost 14 mln pounds by British watchdog over bond trades

Candy industry's new target is fitness market (MB Reg)

Advanced Life Sciences Sets Terms for $58.5 Million IPO

At $US 300, Google puts market logic to the test

Daily Forex Commentary

MILITARY  NATO deactivates Striking Fleet Atlantic command

After combat, sailor redraws battle lines

VA patient's death triggers policy review

Japanese emperor pays unscheduled visit in Saipan to mourn Koreans

British Royal Navy chooses not to take sides in Battle of Trafalger + Trafalgar: Two centuries on + Adam Nicolson: Celebrating Trafalgar is obscene + Briefing: the battle of Trafalgar + Pictures from the fleet review at Spithead + Trafalgar remembered

Marines Instructor Could Face Court-Martial in Young Recruit's Death

Jack Turner collection - WWI

Air Force Taps Religious Tolerance Adviser

Save Walter Reed Medical Center from the Scrapheap


McCartney to top Live8 bill after demand + Rockers deaf to realities

Bloggers Fighting Government Regulations at hearing. FEC wants to extend some campaign finance rules to Internet fund raising

Hard-to-Get Policy Briefings For Congress Are Now Online Click

New Zealand government takes over Islamic school

Clarke defends ID cards as rebellion looms + Surveillance creep + Blair defends ID cards after plan is dismissed as 'dog's dinner'

Minorities Empathize After Paris Boutique Clashes With Oprah, Say Retail Profiling Still Common


Stanford uses non-FDA approved ~Berlin Heart' to save baby

Viagra to Warn on Vision Loss (LAT Reg) + Pfizer: Viagra Doesn't Cause Blindness + Glaxo Resumes Paxil CR Sales 4 Months After FDA Seizure (LAT Reg)

Experts Disagree Over Annual Physicals

Israeli woman gives birth after ovary transplant

Bugs thrive amid arsenic, clue to life on other planets? (SJM Reg)

The birth of posh maternity wards (CCT Reg)

Social Network's Healing Power Is Borne Out in Poorer Nations

Optomap scanner give doctors a bird's eye view of retina + Retina can reveal early stages of disorders and diseases

Early experience, not genes, shapes child abusers

Tai Chi Can Reduce Falls In Older People, Says New Research

fMRI found helpful with brain surgery

New Virtual Reality Surgery Simulator Hones Surgeons' Skills, Improves Patient Safety

Diabetics With High Blood Pressure Benefit From 'Water Pills'

Cancer Drug Slows Poxvirus In Mice

Vascular Disease Most Common Cause Of Male Erectile Dysfunction

Experimental Vaccine Protects Nonhuman Primates From Lassa Fever

Cancer Related Gene P53 Not Regulated As Indicated By Previous Tissue Culture Research

Jefferson Neurosurgeons, Radiation Oncologists Wrap Radiation Around Spine For Cancer Pain Relief

Study Shows Increased Risk Of Common Infections In Diabetic Patients

Guidelines Help Parents Decide What's Best To Feed Baby

Textbook Explanation Of mRNA Translation May Need Rethinking

Study Finds Possible Mechanism For Link Between Sleep Disturbances And Metabolic Syndrome

Doctors back ban on white coats to fight superbugs

New, Winter-Hardy Pea Variety Now Available

New Catfish Species Discovered

Genome Study Of Beneficial Microbe May Help Boost Plant Health

Clammers, an Independent Lot, Are at Red Tide's Mercy

Scientist excited about new ‘easy-care’ sheep

Secrets of the Dinosaurs

Growth Secrets Of Alaska's Mysterious Field Of Lakes

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush, in Speech, Will Say U.S. Sacrifices in Iraq Ensure `Future Security' + Bush takes up war on the home front + Bush Seeks Support For Iraq War On TV Tonight + Bush pressing his case on Iraq as doubts rise + Broadcasters Will Provide Mixed Billing for Bush Speech (LAT Reg) + Poll points to increasing doubts on war's progress, Bush's reasons

Attacks Needn't End Before Pullout, Rumsfeld Says (LAT Reg) + Pentagon stresses political action in Iraq

Iraq President Talabani denies Iraq role in US talks with rebels

Bush boosts German hopes for UN seat

Saudi-US Relations Fruitful: Abdullah

White House to Ask C.I.A., not the Pentagon, to Manage All Human Spying

North American security plan unveiled

US to produce deadly isotope

AP Interview: Defector Who Counseled Bush Calls for Pressing North Korea on Human Rights

Churches Join to Urge Bush to Provide Aid to Africa

Gallup: Majority of Public Wants Bush to be Flexible on Supreme Court Nominee

Iran: Tehran's 'Populist' Leader Clashes With the People (LAT Reg) + Russia wants to build more nuke reactors for Iran +Israel Ambassador Ayalon: Iran's nuclear plan under new leader must be stopped + Revisiting the Iranian revolution + Exiled Iranian dissident group that courted neocons is on verge of disintegration + Iranian court orders man to be blinded

Syria, Lebanon: Lebanon's first post-Syrian parliament re-elects pro-Damascus speaker + Lahoud: Enemies of Lebanon behind acts of assassination

Other foreign: China blames U.S. for scuttled arms deal

Rice: Condoleezza Rice Joins Pep Rally for Olympic Bid + Condi Wimps Out

Congress: Frist, Reid Talk Potential Court Nominees + House Funding for Millennium Challenge Is Less Than Bush Wants + Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Energy Bill + Exponential Enrons Ahead + Congress modifies FCC ruling on faxes + Senators weigh Gulf of Mexico oil inventory + Senate Republicans Say They Will Boost Spending on Veterans Programs + Nunn: Terrorists winning nuclear race

Democrats: Hillary’s Enemies

GOP: Ex-presidents Bush, Clinton play golf

Voting: Latino growth not reflected at polls. Study finds community cast 6% of ballots in 2004 vote -- GOP made big inroads + Investigation Feature: Ohio Funds Scandal Probes Are Leading to Bush/Cheney Election Theft

OPINIONS:

Robert Scheer: Iranian Revolution Is Thriving in Iraq (LAT Reg)

Dialogue will go further than brute strength in tackling Iraq's insurgency

Patrick Seale: Washington now faces a no-win situation in Iraq

Molly Ivins: Batten down the hatches

Helen Thomas: Congress wastes time on flag burning

Robert Parry: Baiting, not debating

Xymphora: New and improved Unocal

Michael T. Klare: Saudi oil bombshell

Bush mired in quagmire with no escape route

(Wash Times) Iran, September 11 and the CIA

John F. Kerry: The Speech the President Should Give

Patrick Cockburn: Iraq, a bloody mess

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Gay marriage may get OK in Canada + A Loss, in New Jersey, for Proponents of Same-Sex Marriage + Gay baiting Hillary

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Court Upholds Contempt Charges Against Journos in Wen Ho Lee Case

Time Inc. considers revealing source in Plame probe to keep Cooper out of jail

(SFC) Protecting sources: Reporters face jail after court declines to step in. 1st Amendment issue remains unsettled in case where CIA agent's ID was divulged+ And a get out of jail key (LAT Reg) + As Jail Looms, Judy Miller Launches Web Site

'Bee' Worried: Can't Verify 43 Sources in Erwin's Columns

Spanish-Language Publisher to Launch New Free Papers in October

How to Change Newspaper 'Culture'

AARP's Jabs at Actor Sly Stallone's New Magazine Are Not Exactly Sly

Giving Up the 'Glorious Ego Trip' -- A Novelist Turns to Biography (LAT Reg)

The loser in Iran was the Western media

Kermit Roosevelt Jr.'s. law novel

Berkeley: Unlicensed radio station holds open house + Liberation Radio ordered off the air

Today's papers



Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge
 

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Hollywood welcomes 'Worlds' invasion + Spielberg's Best—and Darkest—in Years + Where Scientology and 'War of the Worlds' Meet

San Jose: Both indie and high art benefit as they intersect (SJM Reg)

Alameda County Fair schedule

Movies. Original concept? Sorry we'll pass (LAT Reg)

Process to Beatify John Paul II Opens, Clerics Take Oath of Secrecy

Exhibit Shows Influence of Hiroshige on French, American Artists

Historian, Novelist Shelby Foote Dies at 88; Became Known to Millions Through 'The Civil War'

Revival of prehistoric field research in Lebanon

The Poet Weldon Kees Vanishes

Freelance Intellectual Takes a Walkabout

Umberto Eco on Memory and Comic Books

Picasso sketch draws big bucks + My tender Pablo, by Picasso's secret lover

The Joseph Heller Archive

Suit vs. Crowe to fly

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: Cheney EKG? Media pulse quickening

Rush & Molloy: Eve after snake who posted sex tape

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

The Governor:   Gov. blocks extra car lane fix for 405, San Diego Freeway into San Fernando Valley + Dan Walters: With state gridlocked, ad hoc regionalism may be only escape (SB Reg) + Gov. calls special election to replace deceased Assemblyman Mike Gordon (coastal LA district) + Parties prepare strategies for race to replace Gordon + Results can pale next to Gov.'s splashy pledges regarding Indian tribes + Deal? Or stand and fight

Poll: 59% say state's lost its way (SB Reg) + Californians: State on wrong path (SJM Reg)

State senator Joe Dunn (D. Garden Grove) seeks probe of Guard surveillance unit. Gov. has no comment (SJM Reg)

Angelides brings campaign to Santa Cruz

Protecting rare species will have $1 billion impact across California

Should Californians be concerned about parched San Joaquin River (LAT Reg)

Bay Bridge: An overdue deal to bridge the bay + Editorial: Bay Bridge compromise (SB Reg)

Legislature: Speier may scale back pit bull legislation + Singer Abdul testifies she backs bill for cleaner nail salons + Dems' redistricting plan based on political panel + Assembly panel OK's license bill for illegal immigrants to get California driver's license State panel to vote on biomonitor legislation re: chemicals in volunteer subjects' bodies + Immigrant license bill under Republican fire

Indian tribes: Hayworth still pushes to extend Indian exception for labor law + Results can pale next to splashy pledges

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS...

California Supreme: Credit Card Agreements Can't Block Class Action Suits

Gary L. Taylor Resigns as U.S. District Judge, located in District covering Orange County (LAT Reg)

Experts unsure on lawyer's suit re: seal at 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, San Francisco

Abuses alleged at Atascadero state hospital

Beginning Friday, drivers must turn on headlights when continuously using windshield wipers in rain, fog or show - $96 fine

Sacramento & north: Sacramento clergy abuse trial set to start (SB Reg) + Clues sought in fatal '04 shooting of Marissa Krog (SB Reg) + Sacramento: Man shot dead after melee (SB Reg) + Shasta Laker Man Who Fell Asleep While Babysitting Held on Suspicion of Child Endangerment (LAT Reg)

San Francisco, San Mateo: San Francisco: Gang case findings withheld. City cautious on takeover of elderly woman's apartment + Ex-U.S. Wireless Corp. (San Ramon) exec and counsel Dave Klarman to pay $3.9 million for swindling corporation into bankruptcy + Daly City neighborhood shocked by drug bust for mass-producing marijuana + Redwood City: Cisneros family mourns loss of teen daughter + Cisnero victim's family frustrated with law enforcement+ Daly City: Police searching for suspects in home invasion + Death of pregnant Evelyn Hernandez absent from the media (SB Reg)

Alameda: Oakland: Lafayette mayor's son pleads not guilty to dousing ballplayer Giambi with beer + Oakland: Shooting victim Leadrew Smith dies after several days in hospital + Tri-Cities remain vigilant against illegal fireworks + Oldest juvenile in CYA, convicted of murder, denied parole at age 33 via loophole + Police unions take Oakland's side in lawsuit re: keeping police pay records secret

Santa Clara: Sunnyvale couple found guilty of identity theft connected to $1 million real estate scam (SJM Reg) + Fatal U.S. dog attacks by breed in U.S. + San Jose Police Blotter (SJM Reg) + Peninsula Police Blotter (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Concord: License suspension for pilot, mechanic who crashed in Concord, hurting Danville girl + Richmond: Police use new fund to protect witnesses. Police hope new funding will help close homicide cases + Pittsburg: Police probe killing of homeless man + Latest shootings add to rising homicide count in Richmond + San Ramon avoids library suit + Pinole: Rail victim wins punitive damages (CCT Reg) + Newly licensed driver suspected of DUI in Orinda crash; 3 hurt (CCT Reg) + Witnesses keep silent in Richmond killings

Marin: Details released in Canal motel slaying

Sonoma: Petaluma: 'Date rape' drug seized, man arrested + Santa Rosa: Criminal charges unlikely in pit bull attack on girl, 8 + RP man injured in pit bull attack + Humane Society swamped by pit bull sterilizations + Lake County grand jury slams public defender + Sonoma substitute teacher pleads not guilty re: sending naked pictures over Internet to girl to seduce her + Gang member violated probation, faces prison +SR man held after picking up gallons of date-rape drug

Napa: Elder abuse case against Napa home moving slowly + Simpson: Sheriff's office did sloppy job on murder case + Safeguarding against elder abuse+ Dentist charged with murder taps new lawyer Colin Cooper + Wal-Mart trial hinges on AmCan approval + Report eyes overcrowding, deaths at county jail

Solano: Drug user wastes last opportunity at rehabilitation + Wal-Mart, opposition clash in courtroom + Family vigilant in pursuit of Vallejo teacher's killers + Teen shot in Fairfield in stable condition + Cause of double fatality still unknown

Monterey: Reward offered on otter killers. $2,500 for tips that help catch shooters of protected species + Driver in fatal crash gets misdemeanor + Complaints about hotels prompt DA investigation + Badger habits, habitat + Fumigator protests fine for dead cat + Three men rob Community Bank in Seaside

Central Valley: Lots of legal snaps, cracklee (MB Reg) + 2 arrests made in Sunday shooting (MB Reg) + San Joaquin County Fair ends with triple shooting + Law & Order + Lawyer urges jury to spare murderer Wesson

Central Coast: Police: Slaying was over gang turf + Cops And Courts

Southern California: LA Sheriff Baca blasts parents in wake of slaying of anti-gang deputy + Gangs, Crime and Dreams Live in Hawaiian Gardens Where Deputy Died (LAT Reg) + Supreme Cout opinion split over ruling's weight on LA seal + B.I.G. case: Informant links Perez, night of rapper's death + Former LA police officer linked to B.I.G. murder + Unfit O.C. Sheriff's Reservist Was Reinstated, faults Corona (LAT Reg) + Bakersfield: Convicted Killer Jimmy Lee Smith Is Sent Back to Prison (LAT Reg) + OC's Nick Jensen, Local Foe of Taxes Is Guilty (LAT Reg) + Gary L. Taylor Resigns as U.S. District Judge, located in Orange County (LAT Reg) + B.I.G. case: Rogue Officer Named in Trial (LAT Reg) + LA Valley College Guard Shoots Man on Campus (LAT Reg) + Azuza: Two Men Found Shot to Death at Residence (LAT Reg) + Disney to Pay Author $400,00 Proceeds From "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" Sales (LAT Reg) + Further claims filed in deadly Glendale commuter train crash (CCT Reg) + Vista: Girl's soccer coach to face trial for molest + Man found guilty of Oceanside murder + San Diego: Prosecutors preview closing arguments against councilmen

Hollywood welcomes 'Worlds' invasion

San Jose: Both indie and high art benefit as they intersect (SJM Reg)

Alameda County Fair schedule

Movies. Original concept? Sorry we'll pass (LAT Reg)

MORE ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

LOCAL NEWS:   Experts: Steer clear of beached sea lions

Grand Canyon Home to Endangered California Condor

Sacramento & north: UC Davis study cites asbestos impact (SB Reg) + Asbestos raises red flags in places in state other than El Dorado County (SB Reg) + Folsom dam road reopener looks iffy (SB Reg) + Rancho Cordova: Fireworks dispute defused - parkway plan dropped (SB Reg) + Big change for little Herald district (SB Reg) + Lincoln passed over on All-America list (SB Reg) + Auburn: Pre-Fourth intentional burns set (SB Reg) + El Dorado: trash trouble blamed on labor (SB Reg) + Obituary: Yolo prosecutor was expert on child abduction (SB Reg) + Lodi chamber warns members of swindle

San Francisco, San Mateo: SF: Mayor gives up on voluntary salary donations + San Francisco: Urban design that's smart, practical. Visitacion complex shows how to add new homes to old cities + SFUSD board to vote tonight on budget proposal + San Francisco: School Board voting tonight on final budget. 'Surprise' cuts may include athletics and funds sent to schools on per-student basis + San Francisco: Infrastructure funding debated. Mayor's plan to pump money into parks, roads isn't a done deal + San Francisco: Newsom backs sweatshop labor ban. Ordinance is part of plan to stop abuse of workers + SF: Supervisor Sandoval claims financial attack + San Francisco: Foes of wharf project ask state for review + Giants fans talking ‘crazy' + Imagine the wharf without fishing boats. Outcry over proposed increase in berth fees + San Mateo County budget news is actually good + Rising health care costs crimp San Mateo County's budget + State pulls plug to build San Mateo parole site near 2 schools + San Bruno Casino Artichoke Joe's seeks extension of city tax break + Belmont: Councilmember proposes hillside plan in wake of Supreme Court decision + Weimers: Sky-high drinks at sky-high prices $80 to $650 at SF's Sir Francis Drake Hotel (SJM Reg)

Alameda: No major developments in BART contract talks + Oakland: 3 new FasTrak lanes seem to improve flow. Bay Bridge toll plaza experiences few delays on first day + Bay Bridge gets on a faster track + Berkeley: Unlicensed radio station holds open house + Rumors of Dellums run for Oakland Mayor create a stir + Alameda beachgoers warned about rash of redness + County weighs voting options + Advocate records medical marijuana radio ads + Liberation Radio ordered off the air + Port is poised to award deal for airport roads + Costco has eyes for West Oakland site + BART strike still possible + Budget could shelve some Berkeley fire engines each day + Volleyball players come home winners + Berkeleyan dies in single-vehicle crash + Library promoting new Spanish materials + Audit: EBMUD has been shorted + Budget rises for Fox revival + 'Baldy' 6-foot cypress returns to Berkeley roots + Theater group holds Dublin youth camp + Dublin's mayor nominated to serve on county fair board + Fremont parade returns to old grounds + County considers new e-voting + Fremont library hours trimmed further + Holy Redeemer welcomes mom as pastor + Landmark bowling alley faces uncertain fate + Livermore raising garbage fees + Alameda County fair extends support to military + Voting system needs $6 million upgrade

Santa Clara: San Jose: Security scare holds up flights + Valley hosts meeting with Vietnam officials (SJM Reg) + State senator seeks probe of Guard surveillance unit (SJM Reg) + Mountain View Councilman Perry takes on political elite in campaign to bring BART to San Jose (SJM Reg) + About Greg Perry (SJM Reg) + Strain of aging in a strange land (SJM Reg) + Langberg: Court shows wisdom in guarding intellectual property (SJM Reg) + Latino voting power trails population rise (SJM Reg) + Roadshow: Bridge tolls could be worse (SJM Reg) + Both indie and high art benefit as they intersect (SJM Reg) + Mountain View Whisman district taps team-builder for chief (SJM Reg) + Cassidy: With child in school, time too fast (SJM Reg) + Menlo Park: Council reviews building rules (SJM Reg) + Action Line: Pursue tax collector for property tax refund (SJM Reg) + Common-sense behavior when around dogs (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Forum for San Ramon city center plan (CCT Reg) + Pinole approves a budget billed as road to recovery (CCT Reg)+ Concord boy tastes sweet success

Marin: San Rafael Corporate Center sold + San Rafael sales tax gets closer to ballot + State panel to vote on biomonitor legislation + Worker's comp patients in limbo + Public is invited to comment on county transit + Small Mill Valley teen heads to world games in France + Valuables, database stolen from theater company

Sonoma: Neighbors divided over creek side trail between Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa + RP set to OK new city manager

Napa: Schools top grand jury concerns + Supervisors scrutinize county budget, set priorities + Grand jury: Circle Oaks development ban should stay + New performing arts venues in Napa County are getting top dollar for renting out their spaces + A very exclusive performing arts venue + Vintage pool plans on hold; area residents seek expansion + How successful is redevelopment?

Solano: Fairfield supervisors continue budget talks today + Fairfield council to vote on sales tax measure + A tale of two cities: Dixon and Davis + City to consider measure to quiet business's parties + Bethel graduate dies in SoCal crash

Monterey: Reward offered in otter killings + Seaside council expected to hire city manager today + County eyes roadside cleanup + Tenants forced out by blaze + Two men die in Big Sur crash + Your Town + Budget issue in Marina

Central Valley: Modesto girl doing well after heart transplant (MB Reg) + Split call on religious displays (MB Reg) + If wipers on, shed light on road, too (MB Reg)+ Aphids' goop a dirty drizzle from ash trees (MB Reg) + Ceres Council: Manager terminated (MB Reg) + Beat of a Different Drum (MB Reg) + Tin Cup changes face opposition (MB Reg) + Tardy approvals delay Prescott expansion (MB Reg) + Raffle winner claims his house (MB Reg) + Modesto public access makes plea (MB Reg) + Turlock swears in four new officers (MB Reg) + Report addresses Merced harassment issue (MB Reg) + News & Notes (MB Reg) + Around the Region (MB Reg) + Community Briefing (MB Reg) + Tracy Unified budget looks rosy + News from the San Joaquin Valley + Dairy cows branded top smog hogs + Stockton: Proposed San Joaquin air rules target development

Central Coast: Build in the city, pay a new fee + Watsonville ‘gakko’ links young Japanese to their culture + Watsonville annexation bid screeches to a halt + Angelides brings campaign to Santa Cruz + New Elder day health facility opens in Watsonville + Technology grant less than P. V. schools expected + Coastlines + Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to Send Seeds to Iraq (LAT Reg) + As We See It: Santa Cruz is moving forward with talks, plans for dealing with issue of water scarcity + News briefs from California's Central Coast

Southern California: LA County Might Outsource King/Drew Hospital + LA: Ahmanson debate isn't over + LA and Glendale school districts get $7 million in tech grants from feds + Van Nuys food pantry avoids closing + City coughs up cash to defend LAX plan + NTSB probing crash of Cessna on Sunday + LA Councilman Zine advocates fixing LAPD station at 77th St + Lancaster: Wildfire burns near reserve of poppies + Villaraigosa Sets a Style: 'Hands-On' (LAT Reg) + LAPD 77th Division Jail's Weak Points (LAT Reg) + Long Beach Aquarium Shouldn't Serve Fish, PETA Says (LAT Reg) + Laguna Weighs Slide Recovery Funding Options (LAT Reg) + Last Call for Downtown L.A. Watering Hole (LAT Reg) + Aftershock of June 16 Quake Shakes Yucaipa (LAT Reg) + Anaheim Strikes Out Again in the Name Game (LAT Reg) + Woodland Council Hopes Street's Name "Dog Gone Alley" Draws Visitors (LAT Reg) + Red Cross Seeks Blood Donors to Restore LA supply (LAT Reg) + Johnny Carson estate giving $5 million to Norfolk hospital + Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham has options to cover legal costs + Ceradyne (Irvine) Gets $75.5 Million Army Order + + S.D. council disregards Aguirre on labor pacts + SD: Pension and police plans get council OK + SD: Rider, the contrarian candidate

School days: San Francisco USD board to vote tonight on budget proposal + San Francisco School Board voting tonight on final budget. 'Surprise' cuts may include athletics and funds sent to schools on per-student basis + LA: Ahmanson debate isn't over + LA and Glendale school districts get $7 million in tech grants from feds + Sun Valley's Poly High. 9th-Grade Class Gets 'A' for Effort + Pay-Raise Showdown in Victorville (LAT Reg) + Big change for little Herald district (SB Reg) + Tracy Unified budget looks rosy + Mountain View Whisman district taps team-builder for chief (SJM Reg) + Cassidy: With child in school, time too fast (SJM Reg)

June 27, 2004

WAR IRAQ On the ground:
U.S. Helicopter Crashes North of Baghdad, Killing Two + (UK Guardian) Insurgents kill 33 in Mosul bomb blitz + (NYT) 38 killed in wave of suicide blasts, Scores injured by 4 explosions in northern Iraq city + Mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles counter IEDs, ambushes + US General: We Know Zarqawi's Whereabouts + From Insurgent Attacks to Internet Connections, a Look at Iraq by the Numbers + U.S. and Iraqi teachers shaping recruits into commando forces + Along the Syria-Iraq Border, Victory is Fleeting + Safer Vehicles for Soldiers: A Tale of Delays and Glitches + General's 'Common Sense' Rules on Wallet-Size Cards + (Beirut Daily Star) Rumsfeld admits U.S. officials met insurgents + (Aljazeera) Rumsfeld says US, Iraq fighters talked + (ABC) Iraq Insurgents Deny Contact With US + Mapping Casualties in Iraq + Orders of battle + Juan Cole reports

Iraq government: Baghdad airport reopens + Iraq VP says other nations pressing for delay of Saddam trial

War prisons: Abu Ghraib expanded as violence sweeps Iraq + 17 Former Guantanamo Inmates Freed in Pakistan, Six Claim Quran Was Desecrated + Jails expanded across Iraq as insurgency grows + No hearings at Guantanamo despite Supreme Court order to do so a year ago + U.S. Military to Expand Lockups in Iraq to Hold 16,000 Detainees

Doug Wood hostage fallout: How Doug Wood felt like a traitor + Wood 'may lose eyesight' + Wood offends usual suspects + Wood interview just didn't rate

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban melt away as U.S. troops push into a stronghold in Afghanistan + Hi-tech SAS troops take on Taliban + Afghan election on track despite security worries

MIDDLE EAST: Jordan to tackle corruption amid Cabinet reshuffle

Russia and Poland seek restored relevance in the new Middle East

Israel, Palestine: Settlers declare protest outpost on Katif ruins + The dawn of refusal + In Latest Salvo of Color War, Tens of Thousands Protest Israel's Gaza Withdrawal + Condemning Israel's wartime economy

Libyan exiles call for united front

Protesters clash with police in Cairo

Syrian human rights activist acquitted

Jordan river may dry up

RUSSIA: Stalin's Resort Home in Georgian Black Sea Region Sold for $10 Million + Putin to abolish inheritance tax

EUROPE: French Interior Minister Says EU Enlargement Should Be Suspended + Turkey stands firm on EU conditions

'Bavarian pit bull' aims to be German foreign minister + Schroeder Asks Germany's Parliament for Vote of Confidence in Step Toward Early Elections

Zapatero's Spain + Spanish prosecutor argues for legal rather than military means to fight terror

Socialists win Bulgaria election

US congressman Dreier, with anti-gay voting record to be Euan Blair's mentor

Eradicating Hunger In Scotland

CENTRAL ASIA: Powers swirl around Uzbekistan

AFRICA: Zimbabwe's secret famine + UN to probe Mugabe demolition drive

Sudan: al-Bashir received the draft of the interim constitution

Libyan opposition conference wants Qathafi out

ASIA PACIFIC: The full scale of tsunami's devastation revealed

Appetite for energy fuels China's fears + Burger wars in China + Tibetan nun's tale of torture reveals Chinese brutality

Funding Agreement Signed for New Airport in Bangalore, India's IT Hub

Arroyo apologizes for 'lapse' in election call

AMERICAS: USAID unfolds "Plan Jamaica"

Brazil Urges Countries to Use WTO Rules to Battle Drug Giants Over Anti-AIDS Medications

Venezuela Hopes US $300 Million in Trade Deals With U.S. Firms Emerge From Meeting

Colombia: FARC Retreats to Foreign Bases

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

USDA's message on mad cow raises critical questions

Mad Cow Case Prompts Limited Reaction in Markets

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Justice abused terror-fighting tools, report says

(UK Independent) Politicians demand inquiry into CIA operations in Italy + (NYT) Trial not likely for alleged CIA agents (CCT Reg) + (Boston Globe) Alleged CIA target tied to Iraq group + (World Socialist) Italy seeks arrest of 13 CIA agents for abduction of Egyptian cleric + Body & Soul Blog: Kidnapping in Italy

Possible N Korea-Iran cruise missile link

Debka: Indictments sought against two sacked AIPAC officers

Spielberg project leaves Mossad cold

Shock over Deep Throat. Acting FBI director under Nixon says revenge drove Felt

Lodi terror cases: Some see Adil Khan as a peacemaker, others describe him as clever politician

Military Eyes XM Satellite Radio for Homeland Security

Did AIPAC lobbyists and Pentagon analyst pass secrets

Terror-Proof the Nation's Skyscrapers

Kennedy assassination revisited. A key revealed

China's Latest 'Threat' + Beijing devoted to weakening 'enemy' U.S., defector says + Australia recognizes China's progress + Chinese dragon awakens + Thefts of U.S. technology boost China's weaponry

New Zealand: 2 Israelis Were Secret Agents + Israel apologizes over NZ spy case, relations resume + New Zealand and Israel End Passport Battle

Relatives fear for woman 'seized by Mugabe's agents'

US couple accused in classified documents case acquitted of espionage counts

pies implicated in Munir death

NYC: Commish urges more intelligence training for police

Saudi Says Its U.S. Ambassador Remains in Post

Secret agents of change

Book Review. The Saudi royals and Al Qaeda

Counter terrorism: Making “Come As You Are” Work

Daily Kos threat: Exploring the Plame investigation

The UK as a world power

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Review of San Francisco Gay Pride parade+ Gay rights focus of San Francisco Pride parade. + Gay-friendly church (Metropolitan Community Church) opens in San Mateo + Epilogue for 'Stella' author: a messy divorce

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

(NYT) Supreme Court: 10 Commandments Barred at Courts but Not on Government Land + Details, opinion

(NYT) Supreme Court Declines to Hear Reporters' Appeal in Leak Case

(NYT) Supreme Court rules File-Sharing Networks Can Be Held Liable + (Forbes) The Post-Grokster Era Begins + LimeWire, BitTorrent and BearShare...Oh My! + Commentary: Don't Scapegoat Grokster

(AP) Supreme Court: Cops can't be sued for restraining orders + Details, opinion

(Wired) Supreme Court: Cable Firms Can Block ISPs + Details, opinion

High court agrees to review gas-fixing case

High court rules against death row inmate

Rehnquist Throws Down The Gavel, But Not The Towel

Slate's Supreme Court nominee shortlist

Suspect Admits B.T.K. Killings and Recounts Grisly Details

Former Manson follower `Squeaky' Fromme up for parole

DOJ proposes forcing anyone even remotely connected with publishing erotic images online to keep elaborate files on true identities in images for 7 years

AP Centerpiece: Opponents Ready Their Arguments in First Vioxx Trial

Daily News Exclusive: Her mob dream sours

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

THE GOVERNOR and LOCAL and SCHOOL NEWS Click

Panel Concludes NASA Fails to Meet Toughest Safety Recommendations for Return to Space

Software knight Kapor takes up new quest

MIT Physicists Create New Form Of Matter

Betting on firing a bullet into a comet. What will happen next?

Google Unveils Video Viewing Software

Machines mimic life at Chicago’s NextFest

Smart home dream could be for all

Microsoft makes web feeds easier

AMD chip faster, costlier

Not quite nanotech, but still really small

Sun Micro takes risk in freely sharing Java source code

Software firewall all you really need

Lawrence Livermore Lab awaits supercomputer + Livermore ranks tops in teraflops

A peek inside Volkswagen's R&D lab (SJM Reg)

Plug-in hybrid car would run on venture capital

Cosmic neutrino background

Teacher's Little Helpers: Robots Attend UCSD Nursery School In Research Study

New Magnetic Techniques For Microstructural Characterization Of Steels

'Apollo Program' For Hydrogen Energy Needed, Stanford Researcher Says

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Why Scientologists Hate Psychiatrists

Mark Morford: Porn Stars In My Underwear

In world of drug ads, there's a pill for every ill (SB Reg)

Boomers make 50 nifty

The Next Billy Graham? Religion Experts Say There Won't Be One

Taking the ridicule out of schools

Cannonfire: Why you aren't going to the movies tonight

An encounter with Italian police on the way to Bilderberg 2004

Gates to Fund Millions in Global Health Research, From Better Bananas to Less Perishable Vaccines

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

OPEC production increases are a drop in the bucket of global demand

Google Shares Jump Above $300 After More Than Tripling Since August IPO

China refuses to bow to EU and US pressure over currency reform

Malaysia's new Islamic financial index to tap Gulf wealth

Parmalat chief faces trial Higher airline fares seen as inevitable

Profile: Travelcity CEO Michelle Peluso

As EBay Marks 10 Years Online, It Tries to Pacify Unhappy Users (LAT Reg)

Israeli High-Tech Outsourcer Taps Into Ultra-Orthodox Talent Pool (LAT Reg)

Sugar Exporters Stung by 39% curb in Guaranteed EU prices (LAT Reg)

Facing Young Workers' High Job Expectations (LAT Reg)

Adelphia Offers Creditors $9.7 Billion

Marriage costs, the second time around (CCT Reg)

WTO Rules in Favor of U.S. in Chip Dispute With South Korea

China COSCO IPO to Raise Nearly $1.22 Billion Thursday


UK: Fears that ethnic minorities 'targeted by ID cards'

Posting prostitution offenders' pictures on the Internet. A tangled web of sex, technology, and civil liberties

Pakistan hears gang rape case appeal

LA: Muslim women breaching the Wall at Prayer

Library study tracks how often Patriot Act is used (CCT Reg)

Israeli Military Court Convicts Soldier in Fatal Shooting of British Activist

Anti-terror tactics chill US campuses

Feds team up with cities to expand spy cameras

Britain plans to sell personal information to raise money

MILITARY U.S. sailors and Marines join seven-nation exercises

Special unit of Russian aviation uses cement particles and acids to change weather

Military kids share special bond at summer camp

Japan emperor visits WWII island Saipan

Company deals with shock after fragging allegations

The New York City Draft Riots of 1863

New Carrier Will be Full of Robots

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Miller/Cooper Case Returns To Federal Judge + Supreme Court Will Not Hear Miller/Cooper Case + Sulzberger, Miller, and Time Inc. Respond to Supreme Court Setback + Joseph Wilson Responds to Decision in Plame Case + (SFC) The Press Battles to Protect Its Sources

French answer to Google library

Seniors pen ultimate reality series

Web site makes government reports available

The Novel. Online history

Newspaper Executive Ordered to Pay $5.1 Million to Former Employer

Today's papers


Frozen eggs allow women to put motherhood on ice

Womb's messages to baby signal a win

Protection from injury re: ear pain during plane take off and landing

Insurers Weigh Surgery Risks re: Obesity (LAT Reg)

Amish gene pool. Cutting edge of gene research

Pushing Breast-Feeding for Even the Tiniest Preemies

Bristol-Myers, Baylor College Launching $40 Million Pediatric AIDS Initiative

FAQ: What's Up With Stem Cells?

Fading smile temperature monitor could save babies

The world's healthiest foods

New Virtual Reality Surgery Simulator Hones Surgeons' Skills, Improves Patient Safety

The Age of Autism: HHS eyes Amish study

Gene Changes Linked To Deficient Immune Suppression In Multiple Sclerosis

Study Links Race To Risk Of Advanced Colorectal Cancer, Death

'Laser Tweezers' Reveal Microscopic Mechanical Properties Of Blood Clots

Depression Common In People With Chronic Cough

A Step Forward In Stem Cell Research + Breakthrough Study Finds Adult Stem Cells

Bad Outcomes Related To, But Not Caused By, Misdosing Of Clotbusters In Heart Attack Patients

Antibiotics Help Combat Dangerous Tropical Disease

Polls Finds Many Americans Believe Cancer Myths

Arsenic - Not The Same For Everyone

Children With Maple Syrup Urine Disease Celebrate One-Year Post-Transplant -- Kids No Longer Have Life-Threatening Disease

Early Stage Breast-cancer Rates Are Rising As Incidence Of Invasive Cases Are Leveling

Online Analytical Toolbox For Cancer And Other Biomedical Research

Gene Testing Doesn't Increase Anxiety, Depression In Children Of People With Alzheimer's

From A Few Wild Ancestors, A Citrus Cornucopia

Deep Sea Algae Connect Ancient Climate, Carbon Dioxide And Vegetation

A Sugar That's Not So Sweet For Insect Pests

Acidifying Soil Helps Plant Remove Cadmium, Zinc Metals

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush Says Iran's Nuclear Arms Goal Is `Unacceptable,' Questions Election + US and Europe stand firm on Iran nuclear program after elections

China: Bush expects review of China oil bid + CNOOC Invites a U.S. Security Review of Unocal Bid, Chairman's Letter Says  + CNOOC Wages Public Relations, Lobbying Battle for Unocal + Chinese Oil Giant Ready for Scrutiny in Washington

U.S. Has Plans to Again Make Own Plutonium

(WaPo) White House preps for high court showdown, Jurists, activists believe Rehnquist is ready to leave

Schroeder asks Bush to back Germany for UN seat + Bush Urges Schroeder on Iran Nuke Program + (Spiegel) Germany's 'Lame Duck' Goes to Washington

Bush calls freedom from torture 'inalienable human right'

Groups: W abusing detain law

U.S. Canada, Mexico Pledge to Tighten Security, Expand Trading Partnership

(WaPo) Rumsfeld confirms talks with insurgent leaders. Defense secretary suggests violence may last for years + (Guardian) Iraq insurgency could last a decade, admits Rumsfeld+ Iraqi Prime Minister Says Two Years 'more Than Enough' to Secure His Country

(Aljizeera) US targets suspected WMD firms doing business with N. Korea, Syria, Iran + (Pravda) Russian economy to suffer because of Bush's targeting 'rogue states'

(Haaretz) Israel, U.S. draft agreement for openness, equality in arms deals, end crisis over Israeli sales to China, open up U.S. market to Israeli defense industries + (Al Jazeera) Israel said to scrap China arms deal

Bush says it's the "contract of the century". Caspian Sea Pipeline Has Its Origins in Turbulent Waters

Personal stories add fuel to stem cell debate

Georgia hunts men linked to Bush grenade incident + Person who threw grenade at Bush not Bulgarian

Bush Aide Named Top Transportation Official

Iran: (UK Independent) No need for ties with Washington, says Iran's hardline new President + (UK Times) Europe loses bargaining chip in negotiations as new leader plays down trade links + (UK Times: Miners prepare to hunt for Iranian riches + (UK Times) Contradictory signals from Iran, few of them hopeful + (UK Independent) US says elections were 'flawed from the start' + (Beirut Daily Star) Iran slams door on U.S. dialogue + (Asia Times) Iran: The living fossils' vengeance+ (Asia Times) The ayatollah's new reign + (Al Jazeera) US urged to develop new Iran strategy + (NYT) Iran's new leader backs atomic path. But conservative president-elect says he'll continue nuclear talks with Europeans + Israeli Ambassador: Iran Must Be Stopped in Pursuing Nuclear Program + Iran's wealthy get the jitters + Debka: Tehran's riposte to Washington on their nuclear disputes, Lebanon, Syria, Khuzestan + Wing and a prayer + Ali Shah's last stand

Syria, Lebanon: Sanyoura is Lebanon's new prime minister + Al-Assad, Mubarak discuss conditions in the region, Lebanon + CNN: Lahoud: Syrian troops completely back home

Other foreign: US asks Japan to extend Iraq deployment + India calls for big increase in US IT visas + OPIC: Offers it should’ve refused? (U.S. agency dealing with Mafia)

Rice: Rice warns against settlement expansion in Israel

Domestic: New Wild West: The price of Bush's drive for energy + UC scientist says ethanol uses more energy than it makes. A lot of fossil fuels go into producing the gas substitute + Medicare won't cover some anxiety drugs + Official: U.S. Virgin Islands Fails to Meet Standards for Receiving U.S. Government School Funds + Federal Grant to Fund Census of Michigan Farm Workers

Social Security: Medicare prescription drug law—countdown to 2006 + Another nightmarish GOP plan for Social Security privatization

Congress:  Roseville Congressman Doolittle wants to run House Republican Conference (SB Reg) + Republicans back Randy Duke Cunningham + IL Sen. Barack Obama: 'Cannot Swallow Whole The View Of Lincoln As The Great Emancipator + House Votes for Coin Commemorating Little Rock School Desegregation

GOP: Chuck Hagel has a shot at the Presidency

OPINIONS:

Gary Younge: The tipping point

Linda Minor: Part one - is Condoleezza Rice a patsy? + Linda Minor: Who "created" Condi Rice?

The Vanishing Mirage of Saudi Oil (LAT Reg)

Bush's Bad Idea for Los Alamos (LAT Reg)

The illogical behind "intelligent design" (LAT Reg)

The GOP's a Toyota, Dems Are All GM (LAT Reg)

Chinese bid for Unocal exposes U.S. policy

Biden's BS on Iraq: Justin Raimondo

A Scolding From Miss Rice: Pat Buchanan

Condi's Empty Ultimatum: Eric Margolis

Ambassador Bolton's Agenda: Gordon Prather

Dick Cheney, Meet Reality

Is Dick Cheney the New 'Baghdad Bob'?

Ackerman: Yellow Peril Seeks Black Gold

Donald Fell case: Bush administration attempts to impose death penalty on Vermont

Xymphora: The Buhriz massacre

Want To Become Bush's Next Ambassador?

LEAKGATES

General admits to secret air war

Sibel Edmonds–an appeal to the Internet community



Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge
 

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

San Francisco: Presidio's walls speak of past. From officer's quarters to Officers Club, building dates over 200 years

Monterey Jazz Festival: Neville Brothers fire up festival's finale +Blues Festival packed

River Enthusiasts Eager to Go With the Fast Flow (LAT Reg)

When humans are away, the cat and pals will play (CCT Reg)

Niles' (Fremont, CA) film festival pays tribute to lost art form

SF Symphony launching education program in Fresno

Paramount bedazzles Oakland theatergoers

Marin County Fair: 60 years and growing + Loads of fun, fireworks and music

AP Interview: 'Devil's Advocate' in John Paul II Beatification Pledges Objectivity

RIP Paul Winchell: Longtime voice of Tigger also was ventriloquist, inventor

Surprises and Big Sales at London Art Auctions

Wimbledon. Serve, volley, disillusion in SW19

Chet Helms, Summer of Love's father and Janis Joplin's promoter dies at 62 + Obituary: Chet Helms

Hollywood crisis as summer hits dry up

Goths, chavs and Hell's Kitchen for Shakespeare

Europe on 600ccs a Day

Is Umberto Eco's new novel about memory really postmodern?

Bad News, Christopher Columbus

Tough life of Titicaca islanders

Written language of the Maya shocks scientists with its brutality

A new Sappho poem

The World of Jack London

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Mutiny over Brando auction bounty

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

The Governor:   Gov. Meets Netanyahu in Los Angeles + Gov. and Netanyahu meet for breakfast + Hasta la vista, Bibi + Gov. announces new plan to fix valley woes + Gov. 's Solar Plan Is Generating Opposition + Unions have blunted bids to curb political spending (SB Reg) + Gov., Democrats Exploring Truce + Second state of Gov.'s political reforms + Results can pale next to splashy pledges + A proposed initiative ending Prop 13 protection for COMMERCIAL property would cost LA $26 million annually to implement + Drug measure attracts big bucks (SB Reg) + 2 drug giants donate $12 million re: ballot initiative campaign (FB Reg) + Let’s “Put the Kids First” + Public education: Lofty goals or just disappointment? + Credit, not blame due to Gov. + Gov. mortgaging future + Lost Bay Bridge time taking toll (CCT Reg) + (Oak Trib) Gov. looking lot like Gray + Passion fuels 'anti-Arnold' consultant Gale Kaufman (SB Reg) + As champion of opportunity, expect Gov. to win (SJM Reg) + Elite and Hip Hop make up new GOP set (OC Reg)

Atty General Lockyer leads hike into Verdugo mountains

California teacher credential panel backlogged

Go Easy on the Liquefied Natural Gas

Unclaimed assets worth $800 million annually to state coffers

Minimum wage proposal hits snag

Profile: Joseph Turner of Save Our State.  Street-Fighter Mentality on Illegal Immigration (LAT Reg)

The buzz: Westly's blog called 'the real thing' by staff (SB Reg)

Legislature: It's back: effort to license illegal-immigrant drivers + Lawmaker seeks end to juvenile translators (CCT Reg) + Dan Walters: An example of why state Legislature is a dysfunctional mess (SB Reg) + Best foot forward: Bill would hike health standards for pedicures, manicures (SB Reg) + Heavy resistance to bill to prohibit child translators

Indian tribes: Indian casinos seeing slower revenue rise (SB Reg) + Humboldt's Yurok Tribe Agrees To Casino Pact + Indian gaming alliance pushing its issues + Casino waste worries workers, neighbors + Lobbyists, Clients Undeterred by Scandal + Senate committee tackles suicide among American Indians

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS...

Allstate to pay premium credits to 250,000 California customers re: wildfire losses

A court win for the coastline

Officials: Parole sweeps continuing (CCT Reg)

Editorial: Report on Wasco prison death answers little (SB Reg)

Priest warns California scandal hardly over

Sacramento & north: Elk Grove man slain after leaving Lodi club (SB Reg) + Medical fraud case vs. two Redding physicians in limbo (SB Reg) + Ex-aide to U.S. judge admits stealing (SB Reg) + Sacramento Sheriff officer awarded $95,000 for wrongful transfer (SB Reg) + Elk Grove resident killed outside Lodi club + Lodi women learn their legal rights

San Francisco, San Mateo: SF: Supervisors to review police audit + Daly  City: 2 busted outside elaborate home pot farm + Redwood City: Teen driver arrested after fatal accident + SF: Police identify victim of fatal shooting of teenager in Ingleside

Alameda: Oakland: Teen father of 2 killed on busy street + Nuestra Famlia gang continues to thrive as its leaders remain in Dublin jail (CCT Reg) + UC, lab pay in full award to fired tech (CCT Reg) + Oakland jail staff sues over closure (CCT Reg) Parolee (convicted sex offender) drops litigation against neighbors (CCT Reg) + Oakland: Cops suspect drugs in slaying + San Leandro: Shooting victim hated trouble + Gunman robs Shell station in Pleasanton

Santa Clara:  Santa Clara: Jail teacher hopes past won't hinder future (CCT Reg) + Lead surfaces in 17-year-old case of attorney Gretchen Burford''s homicide (CCT Reg)

Contra Costa: No leads in slayings of 2 Richmond men + North Richmond: Puzzling death of Novato woman Mouk Tso + Richmond seeks federal help tracking sex offenders (CCT Reg) + Diamond Bar: Man accused in ex-girlfriend's stabbing death + Pleasant Hill hacker gets four months (CCT Reg) + Concord man sentenced to life for killing his drug dealer (CCT Reg) + Woman's body found near Goodrick, Parr intersection (CCT Reg)

Marin: San Rafael woman found dead in motel in Canal area

Sonoma: 1996 murderer may get new trial + Geyserville: Police searching for robbery suspects + Familiarity breeds success, Steve Freitas, Windsor's new police chief

Solano: Vallejo: 9-1-1: This better be an emergency + Benicia: Man knocks at door, then assaults girl + Boy hurt in brawl at Vacaville dance + Two teens shot; Hispanic man sought + Vallejo Police Calls + Benicia Police Calls + Vacaville: Chief Word says he has few regrets of leaving Oakland

Monterey: Federal efforts fail to contain Nuestra Familia prison gang + Man shot twice in East Salinas apartment lot

Central Valley: Wesson fails to fire attorneys; his sentencing hearing begins (CCT Reg) + New Stanislaus DA must display versatility (MB Reg) + Modesto: Shots lead to chase (MB Reg)

Central Coast: Police urge ‘safe and sane’ Fourth + Cops and Courts

Southern California: LAPD SWAT finds suspect in mulch + Man Arrested in Protest Against Priest Sex Offenders During Mass at Cathedral (LAT Reg) + Stanton: Man Shot Dead After Fight Outside Bar (LAT Reg) + L.A. County deputy fatally shot on duty (CCT Reg) + Grand jury indicts Palm Springs lawyer re: kickbacks from plaintiffs' law firms (CCT Reg) + Alleged confession hits B.I.G. wrongful death trial (CCT Reg) + Red Cross says Southern California blood supply critically short (SJM Reg)


San Francisco: Presidio's walls speak of past. From officer's quarters to Officers Club, building dates over 200 years + River Enthusiasts Eager to Go With the Fast Flow (LAT Reg) + Niles' (Fremont, CA) film festival pays tribute to lost art form + SF Symphony launching education program in Fresno + Paramount bedazzles Oakland theatergoers  + Marin County Fair: 60 years + Loads of fun

MORE ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

LOCAL NEWS:   Bay Area. Planning urged for BART strike set for Friday, July 1 + BART managers riding on worker pay increases

Sacramento & north: Trukee: No injuries in 4.8 earthquake + Roseville Congressman Doolittle wants to run House Republican Conference (SB Reg) + Bob Shallit: Roseville project aims to blend retail, homes (SB Reg) + Schoolyard fights have moved off campus and into cyberspace at Loretto H.S. (SB Reg) + Fire burns 10 acres near river parkway (SB Reg) + Fisherman's Lake battle ties up city (SB Reg) + Placer: Court says no to projects in Martis Valley (SB Reg)

San Francisco, San Mateo: Bay Area legislators disclose finances + SF working to improve academic achievement + SF: New luxury hotel, St. Regis, at 3rd & Mission to open in November + Investors like hotels' outlook + Bay Bridge: Minimal delays on first day of FasTrak change + How to order FasTrak + Burlingame: Poll results encouraging to San Mateo Community College bond supporters + Proposed housing law  re: renovation draws fire in Menlo Park again + Burlingame: Case of disappearing sprinkler law? + San Bruno: Senior housing with the works + Devastating crashes in San Mateo County + Gay-friendly church (Metropolitan Community Church) opens in San Mateo + Chip Johnson: Pit bull threat, time to get clear + San Francisco: Presidio's walls speak of past. From officer's quarters to Officers Club, building dates over 200 years + Youth's mission (Milpitas Youth Form) becomes political + Hetch Hetchy Reclaimed: Water questions are always flowing (SB Reg)

Alameda: City of Alameda: Warning issued for Crown Beach Oakland: Budget rises for Fox revival + Oakland City Council: Videos heat up sideshow debate Montclair returns Percy the Pug as doggie mayor + Livermore Lab ranks tops in teraflops + Oakland: City Hall plaza will get improvements + County voting system needs $6 million upgrade + Dublin trustees OK bonus for school chief (CCT Reg) + Irvington complex awaits homeless families + Rep. Stark's meeting on Web + Two votes needed for Pardee plan? + Fire chars grass near 580 off-ramp + County preps for mosquito swarms + Fireworks laws can be tricky

Santa Clara:  San Jose: Woman recovering from pit bull attack + What if a tsunami hit our coast? (SJM Reg) + S.J. council carefully plans probe into Norcal deal (SJM Reg) + Police cite fireworks dangers (SJM Reg) + Stagnant swimming pools targeted in mosquito abatement (SJM Reg) + Annual statement of rights draws thousands of marchers (SJM Reg) + Amateur radio fans test waves (SJM Reg) + Christian church for Iranians opens new home (SJM Reg)+ An anything-but-average film (SJM Reg) + Business owners bemoan anarchist demonstration (SJM Reg) + New bridge FasTrak lanes may have slow start (SJM Reg) + Traffic's grim side: at the scene of a fatality (SJM Reg) + It's time for state to study possible carpool lane dangers (SJM Reg) + Weimers: Hong Kong TV to film its view of S.J. culture (SJM Reg) + Government Watch, times, dates, meetings (SJM Reg) + West Nile Facts (SJM Reg)

Contra Costa: Kensington's paths lead to bureaucratic thicket (CCT Reg) + County to adopt no acronym policy at board meetings + Tauscher's job is to tell us the truth on war (CCT Reg) + Bridge compromise (CCT Reg) + Antioch eyes downtown for boost (CCT Reg)

Marin: Marin County Fair: 60 years and growing + Loads of fun, fireworks and music at county fair + San Rafael: Honoring those homeless persons who died on the streets + Catholic Charities moving to St. Vincent's property + Marin's online poker billionaire + Lucas unveils Presidio center + Quentin challenge could get support + Novato cancer benefit raises optimism + County advised to outsource mental health services + Dr. Tom Gross: Seeing advantages of coordinated EMS program + San Anselmo looks at new tax  

Sonoma: 1996 murderer may get new trial + Geyserville: Police searching for robbery suspects + Familiarity breeds success, Steve Freitas, Windsor's new police chief

Napa: Small performing arts groups in the Napa Valley are finding themselves priced out of local venues + Hard lessons for Napa Valley Repertory Theater + Wherefore art thou, Shakespeare? Festival cost too much to continue + Dreamweavers, Napa Valley Rep find strength in collaboration + Struggle for control at Napa Community Bank + NVUSD may limit student vacation days + A slow course toward end of building ban at Circle Oaks

Solano: Here's to a busy year for Solano grand jury + Area offers myriad choices for July 4 festivities + Come for the cat, stay for the books + 'Hams' will be ready + Blood donor's gift is life - 12 gallons of it

Monterey: Blues Festival packed + Neville Brothers fire up festival's finale + Dia de la Familia wildly popular + Laguna Seca Race finds hotels poised for profits + The dark side of art in Carmel

Central Valley: An Approaching Political Storm in Stanislaus County (MB Reg) + Relay for cancer nets $500,000 + Stanislaus County explores options to add to Fink Road landfill's life (MB Reg) + Stanislaus St. president embracing campus (MB Reg) + Growth in Oakdale:  Homes, homes on the range (MB Reg) + Patient encourages living donors (MB Reg) + Miss Stanislaus is happy with state pageant result (MB Reg) + Manteca: Diversity to be focus of new council + Top enforcer quits water board post (SB Reg) + Little bird signifies huge step in reviving valley wildlife (MB Reg)

Central Coast: Desal plant on tap + Inn at Rispin is around the corner + Getting what they deserve: Pajaro migrant families relocate to better housing thanks to county, nonprofit + Group readies for life-changing aid trip + Genevieve Bookwalter: Street Smarts + Capitola mayor’s son defends beach stand against merchants + Local Digest +  Coast Lines

Southern California: Latinos, Flexing Political Muscle, Come of Age in L.A. + LA: Villaraigosa Faces a Triple Challenge + LA: MTA's Snoble gets graded + Wilshire citizen's panel: Little Chance Here of a Voting Bloc Party (LAT Reg) + LA: A New Power Couple (LAT Reg) + A proposed initiative ending Prop 13 protection for COMMERCIAL property would cost LA $26 million annually to implement + Millions could go toward new LAUSD garage + LA: Trash plan skepticism + Going the Distance for School Choice (LAT Reg) + LA County Increases Aid to the Homeless (LAT Reg) + Legal Costs Mounting for LAX Proposal (LAT Reg) + Westwood VA Reviews Death of Mental Patient (LAT Reg) + Fullerton: Minor league baseball (LAT Reg) + San Diego: 2 Lead in San Diego Mayoral Contest -- Frye, Sanders (LAT Reg) + News briefs from San Diego County + Milder Winds Help Slow Spread of Mojave Desert Fires (LAT Reg)

School days: UK Chancellor backs camp for would-be teenage entrepreneurs + Report: States nationwide inflate graduation rates + San Francisco working to improve academic achievement + Millions could go toward new LAUSD garage + Going the Distance for School Choice (LAT Reg) + Dublin trustees OK bonus for school chief (CCT Reg) + Gates helps 6 graduates fund college Schoolyard fights have moved off campus and into cyberspace at Loretto H.S. (SB Reg) + Stanislaus St. president embracing campus (MB Reg) + At Caltech, brilliance knows no gender limits + Schools fight for diplomas vs. dropouts

June 23, 2005

WAR IRAQ On the ground:
Iraq Blasts Kill at Least 20 People in Baghdad; 50 Wounded in Explosions + 4 car bombs within minutes kill 15 in central Baghdad + Baghdad bombings kill 38 + Baghdad reels from bombings + Fresh Attacks Add to Misery in Baghdad (LAT Reg) + Deadly Bomb Spree Rocks Baghdad. 38 dead in 12 hours + Leading fugitive Saudi militant killed in Iraq + A US patrol gains trust in a Baghdad district + 'New militant threat' from Iraq + Monthly Tally of Car Bombings in Iraq + Looted Art Said Used to Fund Terrorists + Iraq violence shifting Arab media + U.S. toll - 1,728 + Orders of battle + Juan Cole reports

Iraq government: Iraq rebuilding fails to deliver + Four Arab states appoint ambassadors to Baghdad + Saddam's palaces to be converted into cultural centers+ Iraqi Labor Leader Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of U.S. Troops

War prisons: UN investigators say U.S. stalling on prison visits + Schiff bill would tighten Guantanamo detainee rules + The New York Times' Joseph Lelyveld: another "liberal" defense of torture + Rewarding the commander, despite Abu Ghraib

AFGHANISTAN: Toll Rises in South Afghan Fighting (LAT Reg)

MIDDLE EAST: Qatar national bank opens branch for Islamic banking

Israel, Palestine: World powers urge Israel to ease checkpoints + Security forces preparing to raid Gush Katif hotel + Mofaz: PA may get security control of Bethlehem next week + Steinitz wants Knesset okay for Egyptian troops on Gaza border + Anglicans May Target Firms Seen as Anti-Palestinian (LAT Reg)

EUROPE: Can Europe be a superpower?

Blair calls for 'urgent' EU reform + Schröder's challenger backs Blair + 'EU must modernize or fail' + On the spot: a cool but polite rejection + Brown call for realism

G8 foreign ministers converge in London + Amnesty: G8 'Still Selling Weapons to Worst Regimes' + EU Governments Agree on Overhaul of Tariff Breaks for Poor Countries

Prince William Graduates From University

AFRICA: U.N. Seeks Food Aid for Africa's Sahel Area, Senegal (LAT Reg)

ASIA PACIFIC: Whaling Panel Rejects Japan's Hunt Plan (LAT Reg)

AMERICAS: Health Ministry: Canada to Announce Soon a Proposal That Will Restrict Internet Pharmacy Prescription Drug Trade

Many in Brazil See Their Amazon as a Jungle of Foreign Intrigue (LAT Reg) + Bitter divide over plan to wall in Rio's slums

Colombia: Bill Aims to Lure Warlords to Disarm (LAT Reg)

Security Council OKs More Troops for Haiti (LAT Reg)

U.S. Baseball Game in Cuba Halted by Authorities (LAT Reg)

Venezuelan Lawmakers Propose Allowing Abortion in Cases of Rape

Mexican Environment Secretary Resigns to Seek Presidency + Despite Alert, Mexico Rebels Rule Out Plans to Attack, Hint at Big Changes + Mexican Steel Maker: Government to Drop Tax Charges Against Officials

Without greater UN help, Haiti will soon collapse

Cuba to Spend Less Than Two-Thirds of What It Planned to This Year on American Farm Goods, Official Says

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Report criticizing CIA may stay sealed

Iraq creating jihadists, says CIA

UCSC to oversee NASA Airborne Sensor Facility

Monterey Institute of International Studies, elite college near agreement

Robot guards to patrol shops and offices

Confidential Data From Japanese Nuclear Plants Ends Up on Internet

More charges filed against Minn. terror suspect

Disease Vector Risk Assessment Profiles From the Navy

AAAS Expert Proposes 'Layered Defense' To Protect Against Smuggled Nuclear Materials

Ruthless 'MI5' conman faces life + How they fell for his stories

FBI: Risk of economic espionage directed at Permian Basin increasing

Official with Chinese embassy in France on "Li Li case" + Chinese girl student freed in France

Arab intelligence services under scrutiny

Chinese relations not damaged over Chen row, Vaile says

U.S.: Syrian Operatives Still in Lebanon

World Events Keep Cuba off U.S. Radar Screen

Senator Renews Inquiry Into Feith Intel Shop

HOW LOW
THE
LAW GOES....

Trial Testimony About Klan Leaves Town Divided (LAT Reg)

Power of "Meth Caucus" Grows (LAT Reg)

Tate's Lawyer Says Witness Has Recanted (LAT Reg)

Pit bulls at top of fatal attacks. 20-year study finds kids under 14 suffer 42% of bite injuries -- 3 of 4 involve family pet

Plodding Scrushy jury hits snag, starts over

'Last Don' from NYC mafia gets life

Lawsuit Challenges Dell's $280 Million Incentives Package in N.C.

Ex-Klansman Gets 60 Years for 1964 Murders

Former Guard Pleads Guilty in Arson at Md. Housing Development

Behind the prison looking glass

The Terri Schiavo Case: The Autopsy Report Vindicates Michael Schiavo, But Governor Jeb Bush Re-Investigates Him Anyway

Judge Refuses to Release Lionel Tate on Bond in Pizza Robbery Case

Washington officials looking for local molestation victims of California suspect

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Click to view, state and local

 

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

THE GOVERNOR and LOCAL and SCHOOL NEWS Click

Software piracy 'seen as normal'

Report gloomy on U.S. space program

The Making And Breaking Of Microtubules

NASA's Hubble Chases Unruly Planet

NASA Announces Spectacular Day Of The Comet

Research Offers Clues About Buckyball Behavior In Natural Environments

Beaten by Google. 'Being early is being wrong,' says the man who founded Excite

CONNECT THE DOTS....

24/7, Teens Get the Message on Cell Phones

Rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan

China has better image than U.S.

AP Interview: Shanghai Bishop Seeking to Heal Division Between Rome, Beijing

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Oil Touches Record $60 a Barrel as Fuel Demand Seen Straining Refineries

Chevron May Raise Unocal Bid After $18 Billion CNOOC Offer, Investors Say + Chinese Oil Firm Bids for Unocal Causing Intense Political Debate + Chinese oil firm trumps Chevron bid for Unocal + Energy-Security Fears Unwarranted in CNOOC's Bid for Unocal

`Dual-use' exports highlight tension within U.S.-China trade policy

Greenspan Says Tariffs on Chinese Products Would Harm Consumers and Not Protect U.S. Jobs + Greenspan: China currency revamp wouldn't help U.S. manufacturers

Lure of Products Leads Drug Firms to Biotechs (LAT Reg)

EBay bids for harmony + eBay still scrappy (SJM Reg) + Plenty of bids for eBay's turf (SJM Reg) + Text: Meg Whitman on eBay growth (SJM Reg)

SEC's fund rule, revisited

Silicon Insider: Social Entrepreneurs

GE to Reorganize Into Six Units

'Majority Rules' in Board Elections Seems Simple but Is Not

WTO Dispute Panel Finds Japan's Import Barriers to U.S. Apples Illegal

A new bottom line? Latest fight over accounting rules

Dollar hegemony against sovereign credit

MILITARY VA Tells Lawmakers It Needs $1 Billion More for Health Care

Air Force clears academy of overt religious bias. Report recommends further scrutiny of several incidents + Obfuscating Intolerance

Royal Navy and French warships foil Caribbean drug runners

Ecuador Refuses to Sign Immunity Pact for U.S. Forces

LEAKGATES 

Michael Smith: The Real News in the Downing Street Memos (LAT Reg)

Couple's website kept Downing Street issue percolating

How some of 9/11's 2,749 lost lives might have been saved

The Real News In The Memos


Pentagon to gather data on students. Opponents contend move may illegally bypass privacy laws

S.F. professor fears Hindu retaliation. Militants threaten rape over investigations of caste tension, she says

Yahoo Closes Chat Rooms Over Sex Content

Naked Censorship? + The No Sex Porn Queen + The Porn King

Beware the Google Threat

The Great Live 8 Debate

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Public Broadcasting names Republican as President + Public Broadcasters Face 'the Fight of Our Lives' + Public TV and radio fear cuts in funding

Internet Access at Libraries Better Than Ever - but Often Rationed

How the Web changes your reading habits | csmonitor.com

Film Critics Shut Out of 'War of Worlds"'-- a 'N.Y. Times' Poem in Response

E&P on First Reports from Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Besieged Mexican Press Demand: 'Not One More'

History of the Novel.

Today's papers

Blood for pork....

Favors And Payouts

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Gay Pride Month culminates with annual S.F. parade + San Mateo County supervisors back bill opposing gay discrimination + Jerusalem municipality bars annual gay pride parade

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Kansas: 51-Year-Old May Be First West Nile Victim of Year


World's First Bionic Man Moves Artificial Arm With Mind

Study: Genetic profile helps pregnancy (SJM Reg)

Young stroke victim miraculously survives (SJM Reg)

FDA advisers debating artificial heart

More sue for access to Amgen drug, an experimental Parkinson's medicine (LAT Reg)

Sperm Injection on Rise in Europe Clinics

New Drug Shows Promise in Type 1 Diabetes

Cells used on disease that destroys brain

Human skin stem cells grown into tissue

WHO seeks to raise radon awareness

New Report Suggests Infertility Could Be Affecting More Men Than Women

Young Athletes' Post-concussion Migraine May Signal Greater Neurocognitive Impairment

Oral Rinse Predictor Of Marrow Transplant Effectiveness, Indicates Whether Infection Will Develop

Arthritis: What Wnt Wrong?

Study Finds Parking Lot Sealcoat May Be Major Source Of PAHs

Stem Cells Grown In Lab Mirror Normal Developmental Steps

Jack Kilby — US physicist who invented the microchip

A Rare-Earth Approach To Tracking Erosion

Great Plains Farmers Are Diversifying

THE BUSHWORLD...

Iraq prime minister meets with White House + Abizaid disputes Cheney's insurgency claim

Top commander says insurgency still strong

British Troops Out of Iraq as 'Quickly as Possible'

Rumsfeld Won't Set Iraq Pullout Timeline + Rumsfeld: US not losing Iraq war

W's energetic speech

Africa's Neocon Ally, Paul Wolfowitz (LAT Reg)

Bush loses support among women, poll says (SB Reg)

Push is on for a woman in White House

Al Hayat: US engages dialogue solely with legal Islamist movements, US official

Bolton: Republicans press Bush to turn over Bolton documents

Iran: Divisive last day for Iran's presidential runoff campaign + Rare Look Inside Iran's Nuclear Power Plant + Blix: Iran years away from nuclear weapons + Reformists look to Rafsanjani to block 'Iranian Taliban' + In Iran election, a Robin Hood

Iranian Blogger Returns From Exile for Vote (LAT Reg)

Syria, Lebanon: Foreign press, ambassadors visit Syrian-Iraqi borders to inspect claims + Syrian foreign minister speech at Brussels conference on Iraq + Lebanon enemies seek to destabilize situation, Lahoud

N. Korea: U.S. wants China to pressure N. Korea

Rice: Rice Plays Dual Role in Middle East

Domestic: U.S. may develop tsunami warning system

Social Security: Tapping Surplus in Social Security Draws Skepticism (LAT Reg) + GOP wants Social Security surplus in private accounts. Conservatives see it as only way to save the centerpiece of Bush's domestic policy + Republicans Hope to Outflank Democrats on Social Security Before Elections

Congress: VA Tells Lawmakers It Needs $1 Billion More for Health Care + Senate Dems want consult on court pick + Stark: GOP draping flag over real issues + Prognosis uncertain on federal deal for hospitals + Required pollution limits derailed in Senate. Bush's plan for voluntary efforts survives challenge + Senate refuses to block offshore oil inventory + Bob Byrd & The Klan: There's More to the Story + California Congressman Acknowledges 'poor Judgment' in Relationship With Contractor + House Rescinds Proposed Cut in Federal Support of Public Broadcasting

Abramoff: Lobbyist Abramoff Accused of Swindling Tribal Clients + Lobbyist Abramoff, rabbit talk of tricking the Cosmos + How a Lobbyist and a Former Tom DeLay Aide Ripped Off Clients and Padded Their Pockets

Democrats: Dems say Rove should apologize or resign + Pelosi Declares Afghanistan War 'Over' + Mother Jones: Why the Democrats will keep losing + The Truth About Hillary? A reader's guide to the salacious new book

GOP:   GOP using flag-burning issue + AP Interview: Mass. Governor Says Wife's Health Is Key Factor as He Weighs Possible Presidential Bid

Voting: Ohio Voting Problems Confirmed, But Bush Still Would Have Won

OPINIONS:

Max Boot: Why the Rebels Will Lose (LAT Reg)

Unite or disrupt, it's up to Bush

Margaret Carlson: Quiet, Please -- Ethics Skirters at Work: Margaret Carlson

Brian Cloughley: Destroy the unbelievers. Bush resorts to the Nixon playbook

Novak: Biden's power play going bust

David Corn: Rove-ing from the truth

Robert Herbert: Cruel and Unusual (re: Jeb Bush)

Molly Ivins: Super Senate Sweep?

Xymphora: The Cheney doctrine and Iraq

Why the Middle East is turning to Asia

Revolution without bullets or ballots

Pepe Escobar: Iraq, the new Afghanistan

Life Begins at 'Want a Cigarette?'

Karl Rove, Traitor

Bush a Casualty of His Own War: Leon Hadar

IDF 'Getting Away With Murder': K. Stapp

The Rights of the Accused: Jacob Hornberger

The War Before the War: Kevin Zeese

Plan Colombia up for a vote



Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on his Way to Work Enlarge
 

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

California: Downtown Mill Valley transforms into gourmet feast this weekend + Mattel plans open auditions to find star of Barbie musical + Cue the overture -- it's opening night at the Hollywood Bowl + Alameda County Fair tries to keep up with the times, starts Friday + It takes a lot of heart to help steer this fair competition + With skill and style beyond her years, Pleasanton teen on course for golf glory + One of a Kind: For Santa Cruz clown/juggler/artist Iman Lizarazu, there are no limits to the creative spirit

Exercising Dogs' Herd Mentality (LAT Reg)

Los Altos: History buffs trying to save street stories (SJM Reg)

Is Tom Cruising Into Hollywood's Age Gap?

Capture the Medieval Castle in Carcassonne

Ooparts

Images of the American Civil War

The Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci

The American Colony in Jerusalem

The sculptures which Lord Elgin left behind are cleaned

Woody Allen: 'Nothing Pleases Me More than Being Thought of as a European Filmmaker'

'War' is hell for Cruise press pack

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA....

The Governor:   Gov. seeks parties' compromise on new budget + Gov.'s cooperation call faces big test over budget + Protest greets Arnold + 500-plus protesters shout at Arnold, friends + Protestors picket Arnold in Menlo Park + Schwarzenegger out to protect image + It's Time to Drop the Curtain on Sacramento's Bad Theater of Budgeting (LAT Reg) + Schwarzenegger feels effect of plunge in popularity (CCT Reg) +