Today's Headlines

[Big Blue Owl]

from the Telegraph in the UK...

Global warming rage lets global hunger grow
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, International Business Editor
Last Updated: 1:08pm BST 15/04/2008

We drive, they starve. The mass diversion of the North American grain harvest into ethanol plants for fuel is reaching its political and moral limits.

"The reality is that people are dying already," said Jacques Diouf, of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "Naturally people won't be sitting dying of starvation, they will react," he said.

The UN says it takes 232kg of corn to fill a 50-litre car tank with ethanol. That is enough to feed a child for a year. Last week, the UN predicted "massacres" unless...

Yeah, what a great idea. Let's BURN our food supplies because we're being told the planet is warming.

X

Use the force...

BTW, it's Homer holding a box of Soylent Green cereal. (Now with more girls.)

[CygnusX1]

from the Telegraph in the UK...

Global warming rage lets global hunger grow
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, International Business Editor
Last Updated: 1:08pm BST 15/04/2008

We drive, they starve. The mass diversion of the North American grain harvest into ethanol plants for fuel is reaching its political and moral limits.

"The reality is that people are dying already," said Jacques Diouf, of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "Naturally people won't be sitting dying of starvation, they will react," he said.

The UN says it takes 232kg of corn to fill a 50-litre car tank with ethanol. That is enough to feed a child for a year. Last week, the UN predicted "massacres" unless...

Yeah, what a great idea. Let's BURN our food supplies because we're being told the planet is warming.

X

Use the force...

BTW, it's Homer holding a box of Soylent Green cereal. (Now with more girls.)

ohhhhhhohhhhhoh green cereal.....more girls....aggghhh ***drools***

[ElfDude]

from the Telegraph in the UK...

Global warming rage lets global hunger grow
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, International Business Editor
Last Updated: 1:08pm BST 15/04/2008

We drive, they starve. The mass diversion of the North American grain harvest into ethanol plants for fuel is reaching its political and moral limits.

"The reality is that people are dying already," said Jacques Diouf, of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "Naturally people won't be sitting dying of starvation, they will react," he said.

The UN says it takes 232kg of corn to fill a 50-litre car tank with ethanol. That is enough to feed a child for a year. Last week, the UN predicted "massacres" unless...

Yeah, what a great idea. Let's BURN our food supplies because we're being told the planet is warming.

X

Use the force...

BTW, it's Homer holding a box of Soylent Green cereal. (Now with more girls.)

But isn't that made of people?

[Sir Myghin]

Soylent green is people!?

[Big Blue Owl]

But isn't that made of people?

Spot on!

[Soup4Rush]

I remember watching that in english class..

[Big Blue Owl]

Perfect solution. I say start with their government first. Turn them all into jerky and PROBLEM SOLVED!

Jus' kiddin', my friends ("My friends" seems to work for John McCain.) I think I'm just tired of hearing about the rest of the planets woes. Perhaps we should try to solve our own poverty, homeless and starvation issues.

[CygnusX1]

Pope Benedict soon to arrive here at Andrews AFB


http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/Home ... geId=1.1.1

[Sir Myghin]

[Big Blue Owl]

^^^
Heheh, cool, Mygh.

I saw the Pope on the news expressing his sadness and sorrow about the young-boys-having-sex-with issue and was glad to hear him speak in English. The former pope never did and it seemed difficult to relate to him or get a grasp on his humanity. I know that sounds languagist, but it's the truth.

Apparently drawing a distinction between priests with homosexual tendencies and those inclined to molest children, the pontiff said: ?I would not speak at this moment about homosexuality, but pedophilia, which is another thing. And we would absolutely exclude pedophiles from the sacred ministry.?

Good on ya, man. Who'd have thunk you'd have such a progressive outlook. I mean, you're the pope, for Ged's sake

[Walkinghairball]

I realize this is a lot late, but..........................

One year after Virginia Tech shooting, much still to be done
www.chinaview.cn 2008-04-17 12:37:36
Special report: Deadliest U.S. college massacre

WASHINGTON, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of candles were lit and speeches heard again at the Virginia Tech campus as the university commemorated the 32 victims of the shooting incident on April 16, 2007.

On a semicircular stage decorated by numerous flowers, balloons and other gifts, the hosts spoke out one by one the names of the 32 who were killed by a 23-year-old mentally-ill student, Seung-Hui Cho, as 32 candles were lit to symbolize their lives.

Thousands of others before the stage were immersed in sorrow with candles in hand. After a 30-minute complete silence, some people were heard weeping while others sounded more upbeat by shouting "Hokies," a traditional name referring to Virginia Tech students.

"One year ago ... we remember our 32 hokie fellows with a candlelit vigil and we cried, prayed and held each other up like a family," a host said in an opening speech. "One year later, we light candles again to remember lives, legacies and dreams that our communities have lost."

The one-year anniversary was embraced by memory, pain and inspiration and kicked off with an official commemoration in the morning.

"It is our hope that the remembrances of each victim will provide families, and a community that still grieves with them, a cherished glimpse of the loved ones who will remain forever in our hearts..." Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger told the rally of thousands of people.

Although the memory of what happened still hurts, he encouraged all to continue their "personal journey to live meaningful lives, to embrace the future with hope and a sense of purpose."

However, the passage of time could hardly fade the horrible memory even for Nicole Benincasa, a student who was not there in the campus when the massacre happened.

She said during an interview with the university's media posted on the Internet that she needed to prepare for the anniversary day to come although "this year has been good as it possibly could have been."

While reviewing the blackest day in the country's higher education's history through other activities in the university including meditation, music, a memorial slide show and art exhibit, people's nerves have been through a severe test again.

During the year, the building, where Cho fired on his classmates, professors and other staff in a rampage before turning the gun on himself, has been renovated into a research center against violence.

During the year, the physical wounds of some two dozen injured have healed and they have returned to school, with some of them graduating as scheduled.

Also during the year, most victims' families have agreed to an 11-million-dollar state settlement that would compensate families who lost loved ones, pay survivors' medical costs and avoid a court battle over whether anyone beside the gunman was to blame.

However, the U.S. higher education community, including Virginia Tech, is still struggling to find ways to improve students' mental health and safety, as an emergency notification system and disaster response protocol are not enough.

Another antisocial young man launched an attack at the Northern Illinois University on Valentine's Day, shooting dead five persons and injuring 15 others in a classroom, alerting the nation that Virginia Tech-style tragedies are far from being terminated.

Before the educational officials, experts and authorities find ways to prevent students from resorting to fatal attacks by healing their mental problems, parents are calling for more effective control on guns, a major factor for the countries' rising violent crime rate.

A group of Virginia Tech families whose children were victims of the April 16 massacre has written to Congress to tighten gun control by checking gun owners' backgrounds, among other measures, but have only found their disappointment deepened by the extended wait.

On the other hand, young students who are less patient launched another campaign for more rights to defend themselves.

"Would you rather just sit there and cower underneath a desk when someone executes you or would you rather have a chance to defend your life?" Michael Flitcraft, a 23-year-old student from the University of Cincinnati, who is a leading advocate for college students to carry weapons on campus, said in a CNN interview.

How to make campus a safe place for young people? This is still an unanswered question one year after the Virginia Tech killings.

[CygnusX1]

I realize this is a lot late, but.........

I was gonna post it yesterday, but thanks for getting it up.

The Blacksburg campus held no classes yesterday and the Engineering School was closed.
Governor Kaine spoke eloquently. Well done gov'nah.

We will never forget.

WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH.

[ElfDude]

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/ ... 768307.ece

J. K. Rowling heard her work described as ?gibberish? by a US judge yesterday at the end of a three-day trial into an unauthorised encyclopaedia of her Harry Potter novels.

Rowling has asked the federal court in New York to block publication of The Harry Potter Lexicon, a guide to the characters, places and spells in her novels, written by Steven Vander Ark, 50, a former school librarian.

District Judge Robert Patterson Jr said that he had read the first half of the first Harry Potter novel to his grandchildren, but found the ?magical world hard to follow, filled with strange names and words that would be gibberish in any other context.

?I found it extremely complex,? he said, suggesting that a reference guide might be useful.

If Judge Patterson found a book written for kids to be "extremely complex", I might suggest that all those legal briefs he has to read would be so far over his head that he is not fit for the bench.

[Me]

You guys are always so informed and up to date

Here is some infomation on traveling to Mexico

This information is current as of today, Tue Apr 15 11:14:05 2008.

Mexico

April 14, 2008


This Travel Alert updates information for U.S. citizens on security
situations in Mexico that may affect their activities while in that country.
This supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 24, 2007, and
expires on October 15, 2008.

Violence Along The U.S.-Mexico Border
-------------------------------------

Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations
struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the
U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug
trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice
officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents,
including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and
kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the
government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the
country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints
when traveling on Mexican highways.

Recent Mexican army and police force conflicts with heavily-armed narcotics
cartels have escalated to levels equivalent to military small-unit combat
and have included use of machine guns and fragmentation grenades.
Confrontations have taken place in numerous towns and cities in northern
Mexico, including Tijuana in the Mexican state of Baja California, and
Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez in the state of Chihuahua. The situation
in northern Mexico remains very fluid; the location and timing of future
armed engagements there cannot be predicted.

Armed robberies and carjackings, apparently unconnected to the
narcotics-related violence, have increased in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.
Dozens of U.S. citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered in Tijuana in 2007.
Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas.

Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some
cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and
have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.

U.S. citizens are urged to be especially alert to safety and security
concerns when visiting the border region. While Mexican citizens
overwhelmingly are the victims of these crimes, this uncertain security
situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well. Thousands of U.S. citizens
cross the border safely each day, exercising common-sense precautions such
as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas of border towns
during daylight hours. It is strongly recommended that travelers avoid
areas where prostitution and drug dealing occur.
Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their
vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros,
and Tijuana. There is no evidence, however, that U.S. citizens are targeted
because of their nationality.

U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular
section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.

Crime and Violence in Mexico
----------------------------

U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when
in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and
rural, including border areas. Though there is no evidence that U.S.
citizens are specifically targeted, Mexican and foreign bystanders have been
injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk
in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been
kidnapped in Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. Moreover, new cases
of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported. No one can
be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation,
nationality, or other factors. U.S. citizens who believe they are being
followed should notify Mexican officials as soon as possible. U.S. citizens
should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours,
particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which are generally more secure. It
is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known tourist destinations
and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an
itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S.
citizens should avoid traveling alone as a means to better ensure their
safety. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of
money, or other valuable items.

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful.
However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. Some deaths
occurred during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who
died in the 2006 violence in Oaxaca. During demonstrations or law
enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes
or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.
Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are
always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources
for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity
of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by
foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.
Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in
demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican
authorities.

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the
Mexico Country Specific Information at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t ... s_970.html. For the latest
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly
monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where
the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be
found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico,
a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S.
federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are
encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the
State Department's travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the
closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico
City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the
United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000;
telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact
the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet
address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

Consular Agencies:

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14,
telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro,
telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.
Canc?n: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan,
km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.
Ciudad Acu?a: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661
Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Ju?rez
between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone
(52)(987) 872-4574.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755)
553-2100.
Mazatl?n: Hotel Playa Mazatl?n, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone
(52)(669) 916-5889.
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcal? no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054
(52)(951) 516-2853.
Piedras Negras: Prol. General Cepeda no. 1900, Fraccionamiento Privada
Blanca, telephone (52) (878) 785-1986.
Playa del Carmen: "The Palapa," Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and
Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.
Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4,
Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.
Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodr?guez, telephone:
(52)(899) 923 - 9331
San Luis Potos?: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza
2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.
San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415)
152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.

[CygnusX1]

I saw the incursions on FOX NEWS (that's right - that biased tissue
of lies) of cartel lawlessness into Texas from Nuevo Laredo...

And it's coming to a border town near YOU.

I'm ready to head south and bag my limit of bastardos idiotos,
but I'll save it for the hunting thread.