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Latest In Sports
Pressel shoots course-record 65 at Royal Birkdale
(AP)
Rays acquire reliever Chad Qualls from Dbacks (AP) AP - The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired reliever Chad Qualls from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a player to be named. Langer shoots 68, takes second-round lead (AP)
Pete Carroll all smiles to begin new Seahawks era (AP)
Lesnar rallies to beat Carwin in 2nd round (AP)
Rams, top pick Bradford agree to $78 million deal (AP)
New products proving Ali is still the greatest (AP) AP - It's been nearly three decades since Muhammad Ali stepped into the ring, and the public still can't get enough of the self-described greatest. Red Bull's Vettel clinches pole at Hungarian GP (AP)
Aide: Pitino never mentioned seeking abortion (AP)
McCoy, Penn agree to contracts with Buccaneers (AP) AP - The Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a five-year contract with first-round draft pick Gerald McCoy and also reached a six-year deal with restricted free agent left tackle Donald Penn. Indians activate Kerry Wood from disabled list (AP) AP - The Cleveland Indians have activated Kerry Wood from the disabled list. Hardesty out 'a couple weeks' after twisting knee (AP) AP - Cleveland Browns second-round draft pick Montario Hardesty will miss "a couple weeks" after twisting a knee during a pre-camp drill. Cyclist Rebellin loses Olympic doping appeal (AP) AP - Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin lost an appeal Friday of a decision stripping him of his 2008 Olympic silver medal for doping. He could now be suspended by cycling's governing body and stripped of other race results. Azarenka ends Bartoli's tennis winning streak (AFP)
Sanchez wins San Sebastian Classic (AFP)
Bruins' Wheeler signs 1-year, $2.2 million deal (AP) AP - The Boston Bruins signed forward Blake Wheeler to a one-year contract on Friday. Celtic show fighting spirit to earn draw with Lyon (AFP)
Swollen knee keeps Haynesworth from taking test (AP)
Wizards re-sign free agent swingman Howard (Reuters) Reuters - The Washington Wizards have re-signed free agent Josh Howard, a former All-Star swingman who joined the team late last season.
Other News
Cleanup of Michigan River Oil Spill Will Take Months BATTLE CREEK, Mich. ? Officials investigating the cause of a huge oil spill along a major river in southern Michigan say it will take months to clean up the mess, and damage to wetlands and wildlife may last considerably longer. Enbridge Inc., the Canadian owner of the ruptured pipeline that released the crude into the Kalamazoo River, says the...
Bethesda Not Planning Wii or Motion Control Games Bethesda is waiting on adding Kinect or Move support to games, and isn't working on a Wii title, nor are they rushing to add 3D. Bethseda is also not making a Facebook game. He didn't mention it, but I assume Howard is not working on a browser-based, casual MMO either. Instead they'll be creating the epic games gamers actually want.
360 Panorama does instant, awesome panoramas Want to grab a quick panoramic picture with your iPhone? The makers of the popular RedLaser app have released a new app today that can create one in real-time using your iPhone's video camera. Read this blog post by Josh Lowensohn on Web Crawler.
Five Interesting Playable YouTube Games Did you know that there are interactive games on YouTube? Here are five of the best.
Our 10 Favorite (Alleged) Steroid Using Celebrities Steroids are bad for you. Everyone knows that. That doesn't change the fact that there were many lovable celebs who were accused of using steroids. Here are our favorite performance-enhanced celebs.
Fire Marshal Tries to Keep Pot Heads from Coming Down When Oregon NORML's Cannabis Cafe opens at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, only 49 people at a time will be allowed in the paneled basement, the Portland Fire marshal has decreed.
Can Surfing the Internet Help You Lose Weight? A new study by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research finds that the more people log on to certain websites, the less weight they gain.
Drew Carey Slowly Morphs Into Bob Barker's Body Long time fat ass, Drew Carey is finally gaining control of his eating habits. Perhaps it was because the shows producers took Bob Barker's advice and had him spayed or neutered.
iPad makes powerful impact amongst businesses Apple, known for courting consumers with sleek designs and easy-to-use software, is making inroads with corporations that say the iPad can make workers more productive without putting sensitive customer information at risk.
The Web's New Gold Mine: Your Secrets One of the fastest-growing businesses on the Internet,is the business of spying on Internet users. Tracking of consumers has grown both far more pervasive and far more intrusive than is realized by all but a handful of people in the vanguard of the industry. Profiles of individuals, constantly refreshed, are bought and sold.
Will Facebook Ever Be Replaced? Much to its credit, Facebook (which may not even qualify as a start-up any longer) has stood firm in the rapid river that is the modern social web and has grown into one of the most powerful web properties online. Could it be that Facebook has found a unique formula that protects them from obsolescence and makes it irreplaceable?
5 Trades MLB Teams Should Make Before The Deadline There are still plenty of deals to be made as contenders solidify their rosters and their counterparts try and get some value for veterans. Even after a flurry of moves Thursday, a bevy of talent remains available. Let's play matchmaker!
Motorola defends Droid X antenna design Yeah, Motorola is on the war path against Apple and it continues today.
5 iPad Apps for Travelers Travelers have a variety of apps to choose from that will help them out during their travels. Here are 5 great iPad Apps that are great for travelers.
Maryland Declares September 21 'Civilization V Day' Maryland Governor proclaims, September 21 as Sid Meier's Civilization V Day.
Man Teams Up with Mother Bear to Rescue Cub from Net (Video) Amateur video by an Alaskan fisherman shows the dramatic rescue.
Top 5 Culinary Absurditites at Comic-Con Zombie blood, anyone?
Obama: Time for Rangel to end career "with dignity" Barack Obama has kept mum on the fate of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) for days -- but he tells CBS News that it's time for the embattled 80-year-old former Ways and Means Chairman to end his career "with dignity.""I think Charlie Rangel served a very long time and served-- his constituents very well. But these-- allegations are very troubling,"
My favorite parasitic flatworm - The Oatmeal Dicrocoelium dendriticum, I salute you.
Inside The Datacenters Powering Six Top Social Sites With the news that Twitter will be building its own managed data center, this article looks a bit more at the data center technology behind some of the top social sites and how they are applying innovative techniques, energy efficiency, and managing information.
Cheeseburger in Gas Tank Causes $1,000 in Damages A South Carolina woman who thought her car was running "rugged" late last week took the vehicle to a local mechanic -- and what he found did not ease her anxiety pangs.
15 Pro Athletes Whose Names Wreak Havoc on Beat Writers These are the athletes that may be fan-favorites, but journalists across the globe loathe typing their names.
Decision near on Maxine Waters ethics case - Jonathan Allen The committee investigating her ties to a local bank could announce its next steps before recess.
A Concise Guide to the 8 Best States for Corporations Entrepreneurs often struggle to determine the best state to incorporate their business in. Each state differs in their incentives and penalties for doing business, which makes the decision of where to set up home base an especially weighty one with consequences that apply over the lifetime of the business.
Court: Marijuana Use NOT a Reason To Take Mother's Kids The state cannot take children away from a mother simply because she tests positive for marijuana use, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled on Wednesday. According to the decision, reversing a Marion County juvenile court ruling, the children can't be taken away without evidence showing the mother's cannabis use endangers the kids.
Afghan leak: Wikileaks' Assange denies 'blood on The founder of Wikileaks rejects US claims he has blood on his hands after releasing leaked documents on the Afghan war.
Leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Drug Cartel Killed One of the top three leaders of Mexico's most powerful drug cartel, Ignacio "Nacho Coronel" has been killed in a gunbattle with soldiers.
9 Greatest Stick Foods of All Time Seriously - why bother with modern conveniences like plates and silverware and dishwashers? Everyone knows everything tastes better served on a stick (or in stick-form) anyway.
Ariz. Governor Willing to "Tweak" Immigration Law Since U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton put on hold the most controversial parts of the law, hundreds of e-mails and phone calls -- including some threats -- have poured into the courthouse. Gov. Jan Brewer has vowed not to back down, but she said Friday she'd consider changes to "tweak" the law to respond to the parts Bolton faulted.
Is White Privilege a Myth? Virginia Senator Jim Webb urges an end to government diversity programs, saying that they hurt deserving whites and benefit people not entitled to them. This is a debate we should have, but can we?
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Silver Surfer leaked? Silver Surfer might be be a new playable character in the upcoming game Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Which will possibly have Galactus as the main boss!
360 Panorama: Panoramic iPhone Photography Made easy Today, 360 Panorama was released for the iPhone, and it brings auto real time stitching into the practical realm of panoramic photography.
U.S. suffers worst month in Afghanistan Six U.S. service members were killed in southern Afghanistan in the past two days, the NATO-led command said, making the death toll in July the deadliest month for American forces since the war in Afghanistan started nine years ago.
Bullock Wants to Be Removed From Oil Spill Campaign Sandra Bullock wants to withdraw from her involvement in a celebrity-filled campaign seeking to draw attention to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico amid questions about the corporate sponsorship of the group organizing the campaign.
GM Boosts Production Target of Chevy Volt By 50% There's no better time to make a public announcement than when you have the President of the United States with you. Today,President Barack Obama visited the Detroit-Hamtramck plant where GM is building its Volt. They announced they would increase 2012 production of the Volt by a remarkable 50 percent due to strong and increasing public demand.
Tech News
The Week of Leaks
Wikileaks this week let fly with a gusher of data, and at 90,000 documents strong, it's being called the biggest informational leak in the history of the U.S. military. The site has published tens of thousands of sensitive reports, memos and files regarding the war in Afghanistan, and analysts are just beginning to pick through them, digest them, and assess their full scope. Facebook Gets Into the Q&A Game Facebook has jumped into the online Q&A space with Facebook Questions, a beta feature that can be viewed by all Facebook users. This is how it works: Click on the "Ask Question" feature, which can be found in the status bar. Type in a query -- say, "What is the best pizza restaurant in Adams Morgan?" The question becomes visible to all Facebook users. Are Amazon's New Kindles Tablets-in-Training? Amazon's new, slimmed-down Kindle devices are notable for several things, not the least of which are the upgrades to their experimental WebKit browser. It's faster and easier to navigate, says Amazon, and its new "article mode" feature extracts the main text-based content from Web pages for easier reading. Free Web browsing with Kindle over 3G or WiFi is also part of the package, thanks to a new beta program. Microsoft's Mobile Morass, Part 1 Microsoft recently announced record revenues of $16.04 billion for its fourth fiscal quarter of the year, which ended June 30. This was 22 percent up year over year. Operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share for the quarter were up 49 percent, 48 percent and 50 percent, respectively, year over year. iOS 4 Murders iPhone 3G ... but Nobody's Perfect Apple is looking into reports that its iOS 4 does not run well on older devices such as the iPhone 3G and 3GS. To be sure, Apple has warned from the beginning that not all of the features -- in particular, the multitasking in iOS 4 -- could be supported on older devices. However, owners of those phones have found that upgrading resulted in problems more extreme than the lack of new features. Hacker Makes ATMs Cough Up Cash Willy-Nilly Security researcher Barnaby Jack demonstrated remote hacks against two automated teller machines that made them spew out money at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday. A large number of ATMs are vulnerable to remote and physical attacks, said Jack, who works for IOActive. The manufacturers of the ATMs, Triton Systems and Tranax, have patched the vulnerabilities, Jack found. Amazon Kindles Lose Weight, Pack On Features Amazon has announced two new Kindle models, one with 3G and WiFi connectivity, the other offering WiFi access only. The two six-inch-screen devices are smaller and lighter than Amazon's previous six-inch-screen Kindle, and they have more features. The Kindle WiFi is priced at $139, and the Kindle 3G + WiFi goes for $189. Both can be pre-ordered now and will ship Aug. 27, Amazon said. Camera Makers Take 3D to the Living Room With 3D movies now mainstream fare in theaters and 3D TVs adorning retail shelves, it was only a matter of time before 3D consumer camcorders would begin to hit the market. That time was this week as two camcorder makers, Panasonic and DXG USA announced 3D camcorder products. Panasonic's 3D offering, the HDC-SDT750, is a camcorder-lens combo expected to sell in the United states for around $1,400. Intel Demos Light Over Silicon Microprocessor maker Intel has announced that it has developed a research prototype that it says is the world's first silicon-based optical data connection with integrated lasers. The link can move up to 50 gigabits of data per second -- about as much data as that contained in an entire HD movie. Acrossair: Getting There Is Half the Fun When I first heard the term "augmented reality," I expected nothing short of corneal implants and tiny, cloud-connected computer systems that run on body heat and live just under your skin. I imagined something that would add layers upon layers of information to the visual world we see every day. Adobe Gets Its Say on Microsoft's MAPP Security Channel Adobe has joined Microsoft's MAPP program, which provides members with information about security vulnerabilities before Microsoft releases its monthly patches. This will let Adobe, which has been plagued by security flaws, notify MAPP members about vulnerabilities in its apps so they can fix those problems more quickly. Extensions Ride Shotgun in New Safari Apple on Wednesday released Safari 5.0.1, the latest version of its Web browser. It has extensions enabled by default, as well as security patches. The extensions include tools for Twitter and other social networks, news and shopping. They are organized into categories and are available at the Safari Extensions Gallery.
Animals & Pets
Judge: FWS plan excluded possible lynx habitat
(AP)
AP - A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service arbitrarily excluded "critical habitat" that could be occupied by the elusive Canada lynx. NYC looks to stop spreading bedbug infestations (AP)
WWF apologizes for incident against Saudi Arabia (AP) AP - The environmental group WWF has apologized for an incident at a recent climate conference involving an employee who vandalized Saudi Arabia's nameplate. A farewell to bullfights in northeastern Spain (AP)
Prehistoric Toothless Fish May Get Protection (LiveScience.com) LiveScience.com - Shovelnose sturgeon are not endangered in their native Mississippi and Missouri rivers, but catching them in many of these waters may become illegal under a proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that aims to protect their relatives, the endangered pallid sturgeon. China to send 2 pandas to Japan in diplomatic move (AP) AP - China has announced plans to send two of its prized giant pandas to Japan, the latest installment of panda diplomacy aimed at warming the two countries' often-strained relations. Man detained in China over zoo panda death (AFP)
Battle to save Gulf sea turtles from oily death (AFP)
Tiger escapes from trip to the vet (Reuters) Reuters - A 17-month-old tiger escaped from the back of a pick-up truck while it was being driven to a veterinary clinic in South Africa, triggering a helicopter search by police and wildlife experts. Heat brings out the cool in zoos across the nation (AP)
Strange News
Police nab bandit who used underwear as mask
(Reuters)
Fur farm foxes trained to combat rat plague (Reuters)
Hot weather shrinks size of German fries (Reuters) Reuters - French fries in Germany could be significantly shorter this year due to the heatwave that has baked Germany and much of Europe this month, the German Farmers' Association (DBV) said on Friday. Teenager survives fall from 16th story balcony (Reuters) Reuters - A 15-year-old New Zealand boy has survived with minor injuries after falling 16-storeys from the balcony of his family's apartment onto a concrete floor, New Zealand media reported Monday. Brewer claims world's strongest beer (Reuters)
Priest who blessed Morales found with cocaine (Reuters) Reuters - The Aymara priest who blessed Bolivian President Evo Morales at an inauguration ceremony four years ago has been arrested in possession of 530 pounds (240 kg) of cocaine, police said Thursday. Colorado man delivers pizza and saves heart attack victim (Reuters)
Hamas targets women's underwear in modesty drive (Reuters)
Vicar conducted 360 sham marriages (Reuters)
Pub lets clients drink between the lines (Reuters) Reuters - On the way home from a hard day's work, Ferenc Nagy often gets the urge to pop into his favorite boozer for another round of binge reading. Churchill's dentures fetch nearly $24,000 (Reuters)
Bear crashes in runaway car (Reuters)
NY "bouquet bandit" arrested for two bank robberies (Reuters) Reuters - New York police arrested a man on Wednesday accused of robbing two banks -- with a bunch of flowers and a potted plant. "Darth Vader" strikes NY bank (Reuters)
Caves offer new tour -- in Klingon (Reuters)
Chinese police beat official's wife by mistake (Reuters) Reuters - Plainclothes police severely beat the wife of a provincial official, mistaking her for one of many Chinese who petition government offices in the hope of redressing wrongs, the China Daily reported on Wednesday. Escaped tiger found after massive South Africa search (Reuters)
PM Cameron calls time on jailhouse rock revival (Reuters) Reuters - British Prime Minister David Cameron has said prisoners will not be allowed to hold parties behind bars after a minister proposed lifting a ban on arts events for inmates introduced by the previous administration. Former top diplomat Rice opts for Mozart concerto (Reuters) Reuters - Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice abandoned international affairs for a Mozart piano concerto on Tuesday, teaming up with Soul legend Aretha Franklin to perform at a charity concert.
Opinions
Scientists Find Evidence That Oil And Dispersant Mix Is Making Its Way Into The Foodchain
(Huffington Post)
Huffington Post - Scientists have found signs of an oil-and-dispersant mix under the shells of tiny blue crab larvae in the Gulf of Mexico, the first clear indication that the unprecedented use of dispersants in the BP oil spill has broken up the oil into toxic droplets so tiny that they can easily enter the foodchain. The World's Largest Tent, Khan Shatyr, Debuts In Astana, Kazakhstan (Huffington Post) Huffington Post - The world's largest tent Khan Shatyr has debuted in Kazakhstan's capital city, Astana. Free Tibet from China ā and the West, too (The Christian Science Monitor) The Christian Science Monitor - Here in the West, we often hear the rallying cry āFree Tibet!,ā especially from students and latte-sipping liberals, for whom Tibet has become a personality-defining issue. Obama Mocks Polls But Spends More On Them ($4.4M) Than Bush Did (Huffington Post) Huffington Post - With Reporting By Julian Hattem For biased critics of Israel, even its defensive actions violate human rights (The Christian Science Monitor) The Christian Science Monitor - In 1947, when excusing Soviet totalitarianism had become quite the rage in fashionable progressive circles, George Orwell eviscerated a British politician who consistently defended totalitarians but nevertheless denied that he was a defender of totalitarianism. Ć¢ĀĀBut of course he does,Ć¢ĀĀ Orwell wrote. Ć¢ĀĀWhat else could he say? Journalism's Age of Shame (The Nation) The Nation - The Nation -- The black political art of "working the refs" with constant and vociferous complaints of "liberal bias" in the media has a long and distinguished history. THE IDIOCRACY FACTOR (Ted Rall) Ted Rall - How U.S. Ignorance Helped Doom the Afghan War WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS KEITH OLBERMANN? (Ann Coulter) Ann Coulter - While engaging in astonishing viciousness, vulgarity and violence toward Republicans, liberals accuse cheerful, law-abiding Tea Party activists of being violent racists. The 'Tipping Point' of American Debt (RealClearPolitics.com) RealClearPolitics.com - Question: You meet with your accountant. She tells you, "A panel of financial planners went over your books. You're living way beyond your means. At this rate, you will reach a tipping point. It's unclear exactly when. But if you keep it up, you will lose everything and saddle your children with historic debt." What would you do? The Farmer in the Dell (The Nation) The Nation - The Nation -- Good morning, dear pupils! Please settle down, take your seats. Today's class will be another exciting lesson in our infinite series of teachable moments. Hush now, stop the giggling. This is important, and we're never going to graduate until we master the basics of how to read and write. We will begin with a nice little fairy tale that I'd like you to read aloud: AND YET ANOTHER IMPOSSIBLE WAR TO WIN ... (Georgie Anne Geyer) Georgie Anne Geyer - WASHINGTON -- In the wake of last weekend's release of no fewer than 91,000 documents on the Afghan war -- is that really ALL they could find? -- the natural response was to compare it to the release of the Pentagon Papers. GOP Filibusters Small Business Bill After Criticizing Dems For Delay (Huffington Post) Huffington Post - For several days now, Senate Republicans have ridiculed their Democratic counterparts for prioritizing campaign finance legislation over a bill that would benefit small businesses, arguing that Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was putting electoral advantages over jobs for everyday people. Is the Intelligence Community Unmanageable? (RealClearPolitics.com) RealClearPolitics.com - Beginning with the Washington Post's "Top Secret America" series last week, the media are creating a narrative aimed at cutting down to size what the Post called the American intelligence community: a system so big and unwieldy that its effectiveness is impossible to determine. Our intelligence community, according to the Post series, has become ungovernable in the way the media used to characterize New York City. War on terror's other cost: undeserved anger at all Muslims (The Christian Science Monitor) The Christian Science Monitor - This September and October, Americans mark the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the ninth year of war in Afghanistan, respectively. This war has become arguably the longest in our history. Given the jihad-until-doomsday rhetoric of the Islamists, the war on terror will probably stay with us in one form or another for the foreseeable future. The US economy slows -- and so does worker mobility (The Christian Science Monitor) The Christian Science Monitor - After a short revival from the 2007-09 recession, the US economy has dipped again. Gross domestic product growth fell from April to June compared with previous months. One reason may well be that more people are unwilling to move to jobs in other states. Divorce is costly. The settlement need not be. (The Christian Science Monitor) The Christian Science Monitor - A new wave of legislation aimed at rectifying perceived injustices in divorce cases is rolling into state legislatures. For example, in Massachusetts, a controversial āfatherās rightsā bill would create a presumption of joint child custody, and proposed changes to alimony statutes would limit the duration of spousal support. All of these proposals will probably face stiff opposition. Anthony Weiner Goes Ballistic At GOP For Killing 9/11 Responders Health Care Bill (VIDEO) (Huffington Post) Huffington Post - House Republicans late Thursday were able to corral enough votes to defeat a bill that would have provided up to $7.4 billion in aid to those sickened by toxins resulting from the 9/11 attacks.
Science
For ducks, penis length depends on the other guys
Genitals grow longer with more male competition Dark matter eldorado Nearby galaxy holds record for densest concentration of mysterious mass Behold, the antilaser Physicists conceive a ?perfect absorber? Noisy bacteria Cell-by-cell analysis finds big differences among genetically identical cells Sadness response strengthens with age In study, older people reacted more strongly to sad scenes than twentysomethings did Lemurs on contraceptives don?t smell right Birth control disrupts female odors that are important social cues Trailing dust devils Whirlwinds create dark paths by sucking sand grains clean Genetics redraws marsupial family tree New analysis traces group?s origins to South America Erasing wrinkles, the physicists? way Researchers study how folds and other creases disappear Two is the magic number Pillar of quantum mechanics stands up to new experiment Researchers create global map of tree height Mapping changes over time could help track forest carbon content New data suggest a lighter Higgs Fermilab results heat up race for an elusive particle ?Housekeeping? proteins may set aging limit Aging cells may seal their fate by keeping worn-out proteins when they sprout offspring Swarming locusts impossible to predict Mathematical analysis shows that insects travel to the beat of their own drum Frogs leapt before they landed Amphibians learned to jump first, then mastered the touchdown
Space & Astronomy
Whole New Mercury Promised by NASA Spacecraft
(SPACE.com)
SPACE.com - NEW YORK A NASA spacecraft aimed at Mercury has already returned valuable observations from the planet closest to our sun, despite still being months away from entering orbit around the small, rocky world, the mission's lead scientist said. New Space Telescope Mirrors Get Frosty Treatment (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - NASA is putting the mirrors for its ambitious new James Webb Space Telescope through the ultimate cold test — one that exposes them to temperatures hundreds of degrees below freezing to make sure they will work in space. Mars Rover Spirit May Not Survive Martian Winter (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - NASA's beleaguered Mars rover Spirit, which has been hibernating on the surface of Mars since March, is facing its toughest challenge yet the harsh conditions of the Martian winter. And the rover may lose. Hunt for Life's Building Blocks in Space Gets NASA Boost (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - NASA has issued a new grant that bolsters research into the cosmic building blocks of life by funding observations of young solar systems throughout the universe, including our own. Commercial Spaceflight Supporters Rally to Stall Vote on NASA Bill (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - WASHINGTON — A flurry of behind-the-scenes maneuvering took place late Wednesday as opponents of a NASA authorization bill fought back efforts by leaders of the U.S. House Science and Technology Committee to bring the measure to a floor vote before lawmakers break for the summer district work period that begins Aug. 2. Mars Rover Opportunity Finally Sees Martian Dust Devil (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - After more than six years roaming the surface of Mars, NASA's Mars rover Opportunity has spotted its first dust devil on the red planet. Chinese Space Junk Won't Endanger Space Station Crew (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - A piece of Chinese space junk expected to zoom by the International Space Station Thursday will pass harmlessly by, NASA officials said after scrambling to determine whether the six people aboard the outpost would have to take shelter in their Russian lifeboats as a precaution. Chinese Space Junk May Threaten Space Station Crew (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - NASA is tracking a piece of Chinese space junk that is headed uncomfortably close to the International Space Station and may force the outpost's crew to take shelter in their Russian lifeboats as a precaution. Debate Heats Up Over Meteor's Role in Ice Age (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - Some scientists have thought that the Earth's Ice Age conditions 12,900 years ago were triggered by a meteor or comet. But a recent study suggests that the evidence pointing to the ancient impact is nothing more than fungus and other matter. Shuttle contractor laying off 1,400 workers (AP) AP - The private contractor that handles the bulk of the work servicing NASA's space shuttle fleet is notifying 1,400 employees in Florida, Texas and Alabama that they will be laid off in the fall. How Astronomy Lit Up the Solar System (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - Astronomy has come a long way in the 401 years since Galileo turned his first primitive telescope to the sky, so it may be no surprise we see a very different solar system than the field's earliest pioneers did. More Than 1,300 Space Shuttle Workers Get Layoff Notices (SPACE.com)
Massive Black Hole Bends Light to Magnify Distant Galaxy (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - A giant black hole spouting energy from inside a galaxy is acting like a cosmic magnifying glass, giving astronomers a clear view of an even more distant galaxy behind it. Some space shuttle workers get layoff notice (Reuters)
Asteroid Could Threaten the Earth in 2182 (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - A large asteroid in space that has a remote chance of slamming into the Earth would be most likely hit in 2182, if it crashed into our planet at all, a new study suggests. Huge Satellite Poses 150-Year Threat of Space Debris (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - BREMEN, Germany - In three years, the European Space Agency will become the owner of what is possibly the most dangerous piece of space debris circling the Earth for the next 150 years: the 17,636-pound Envisat Earth observation satellite. Despite Losing Tools, Cosmonauts Complete Spacewalk (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - A lost tool and washer marred an otherwise routine spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts outside the International Space Station Tuesday. 2 Russian cosmonauts complete spacewalk (AP)
Russian Cosmonauts Lose Tool During Spacewalk (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - Two Russian cosmonauts have accidentally a tool and a small item in space while spacewalking outside the International Space Station early Tuesday. Russian Cosmonauts Begin Spacewalk at Space Station (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - Two Russian cosmonauts have floated outside the International Space Station to begin a spacewalk aimed at changing out a broken camera and wiring up a new room so spaceships can park there on autopilot.
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Today's Top Stories
WikiLeaks suspect held in solitary confinement
The Army private charged with leaking an airstrike video and suspected of leaking documents to WikiLeaks is in solitary confinement, officials tell CNN. No 'obituary' yet for Gulf oil disaster Federal officials are far from ready to "write the obituary" on the Gulf oil spill, even as crews work toward two efforts to seal the crippled BP well once and for all. 800 die in Pakistan flooding Hundreds of people died when floodwaters swept away their mud homes in Pakistan's Swat Valley. The death toll from flood is now at least 800. Data recorders found in Pakistan crash The data recorders for the plane that crashed and killed 152 people in Pakistan has been found, a government official said Saturday. Wildfire rages in Los Angeles County Firefighters continued to battle a wildfire Saturday as flames encroached on power lines that provide electricity throughout the region. No quick hearing on AZ immigration law A federal appeals court has denied Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's request for an expedited hearing on the state's controversial immigration law. Instead, the case has been scheduled for a hearing during the first week in November. Obama wants dignity for Rangel President Barack Obama hopes embattled New York congressman Charlie Rangel can end his career with dignity. Iran hit by second quake in 2 days A 5.3-magnitude earthquake hit southern Iran on Saturday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said, a day after another moderate quake in the country's northeast left 170 people injured. Russia wildfires kill 25 At least 25 people have been killed and thousands left homeless by wildfires sweeping through western Russia, authorities said Saturday.
U.S Economy
When Double Dippers become economic party poopers
(AP)
US growth slows fueling fears over recovery (AFP)
Regulators close banks in Fla., Ga., Ore., Wash. (AP) AP - Regulators on Friday shut banks in Florida, Georgia, Oregon and Washington, lifting to 108 the number of U.S. banks to fail this year as the industry has struggled to cope with mounting loan defaults and recession. House approves bill on drilling, oil spills (AP) AP - The House approved a bill Friday to boost safety standards for offshore drilling, remove a federal cap on economic liability for oil spills and impose new fees on oil and gas production. Bernanke financial disclosure shows no-frills plan (AP) AP - Bernanke's 2009 financial disclosure shows that he mostly left his money where it has been: in no-frills annuities, U.S. Treasury securities and mutual funds. Bernanke recouped personal losses in 2009 (Reuters) Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's personal finances recovered in 2009, disclosure forms released by the central bank on Friday showed. Chicago exploring lease options for Midway Airport (Reuters) Reuters - Fifteen months after a deal to lease Midway Airport to private operators fizzled out in a poor economy, the city of Chicago continues to keep its options for a future lease deal open. Imports slow Q2 growth as business spending surges (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. economic growth slowed in the second quarter as companies invested heavily in equipment from abroad and the pace of consumer spending eased, raising concerns about the recovery in the rest of 2010. Obama hails auto bailout as good news in Michigan (AP)
FAA downgrades Mexico's air safety rating (AP) AP - Mexico's aviation safety rating was downgraded Friday due to concerns about the country's safety oversight, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Bleak outlook for economy as growth slows (AP)
Obama hails news economy growing, wants more (Reuters)
Dollar sinks to 8-month low vs yen as growth slows (AP) AP - Weakening U.S. economic growth and worried comments from Federal Reserve officials drove the dollar to an 8-month low Friday against the Japanese yen. Oil prices settle near $79 (AP) AP - Energy prices settled higher on a day of uneven trading after the government said the economic recovery slowed during the second quarter as consumers conserved their money. Summary Box: Recovery loses traction in the spring (AP) AP - RECOVERY LOSES SPEED: The economy grew at a 2.4 percent pace this spring, its most sluggish showing in nearly a year. Growth is probably even slower now, economists said. The government's revisions to GDP, at a glance (AP) AP - A look at the government's revisions to gross domestic product on a quarterly basis. GDP measures the value of all goods and services made in the United States. It is the best gauge of the nation's economic health. The first number is the new estimate of GDP growth, the second number the old estimate. Obama defends economy, takes wheel of electric car (AFP)
ALL BUSINESS: A bright spot in a tough economy (AP) AP - FedEx Corp. is reversing one of the uglier corporate trends of the recession: Starting in January, it will restore matching contributions to its employees' 401(k) plans. For some workers, that means retiring with tens of thousands more dollars socked away. On the Call: AEP Chairman-CEO Michael Morris (AP) AP - Power companies have struggled since the recession with soft demand, particularly from the industrial sector, where they have some of their biggest customers. American Electric Power Inc.'s chairman and CEO, Michael Morris, said demand from those clients was up during the second quarter. Credit Suisse analyst Daniel Eggers wanted to know if it's a trend that has legs. Oil prices slip on US growth slowdown (AFP)
World News & Iraq
Youngest solo round-the-world sailing set to begin
(AP)
Death toll in Pakistani floods surges past 800 (AP)
Russia sends army to battle deadly wildfires (AP)
Israeli airstrike kills senior Hamas rocket maker (AP)
3 dead as building collapses in Italy (AP)
Saudi Arabia and Syria Try to Douse Lebanon's Next Fire (Time.com) Time.com - A U.N. report into the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri could finger Hizballah, and reignite the civil war. The join visit by rival regional power players is designed to prevent that Pakistan spy scraps UK talks after PM's comments (AP)
Roadside bomb kills 3 Iraqi soldiers, bystander (AP)
Chile formally recognizes Honduran government (AP) AP - Chile is formally recognizing the government of Honduran President Porfirio Lobo a year after a coup ousted his predecessor. England advance despite Gul heroics (AFP)
China setting milestone as economy passes Japan's (AP) AP - China is set to overtake Japan as the world's second-largest economy in a resurgence that is changing everything from the global balance of military and financial power to how cars are designed. Economic growth ticks higher in May (Reuters) Reuters - Growth in Canada's economy edged up in May after stalling unexpectedly in April, helped by strength in the goods-producing sectors led by oil and gas extraction, while the service sector faltered for a second straight month. India to back New Zealander for top ICC post (AFP)
U.S.-led coalition finds 'success' elusive in Kandahar (McClatchy Newspapers) McClatchy Newspapers - ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan — As the U.S.-led coalition launches its most critical military operation of the nine-year war in Afghanistan, doubts are growing about whether the United States and its allies can contain the surging Taliban-led insurgency and prevent the country from reverting to an al Qaida sanctuary or erupting in civil war. Wyclef Jean mulling Haiti presidential run against politician uncle (The Christian Science Monitor) The Christian Science Monitor - Wyclef Jean is considering running for president against his politician uncle, although some observers are skeptical if the earthquake-ravaged country is even capable of holding elections this year. Mexico's Drug Wars: Finally Going After Number One (Time.com) Time.com - Felipe CalderÓn has been criticized for not going hard enough after the Sinaloa cartel. Now he's started but there's more bloodshed to come Kenya Divided by the Colours of a New Constitution (OneWorld.net) OneWorld.net - NAIROBI, Jul 30 (IRIN) - Less than three years after a closely fought presidential election plunged Kenya into widespread violence and displaced thousands, the country is bracing itself for another crucial and equally divisive ballot, this time on a new constitution.
Iraq News
Al Qaeda in Iraq claims TV office bombing
(Reuters)
Lack of Iraq government 'embarrassing': FM (AFP)
Spain court seeks U.S. troops arrest for Iraq killing (Reuters)
Gunmen and bombs kill at least 12 in Iraq (Reuters)
Retrial of Hassan killer adjourned over missing defendant (AFP)
Troubled Iraq league gets August 3 restart (AFP)
Iraqi minister hurt, two Britons killed in Jordan accident (AFP)
Nepal lifts ban on travel to Iraq to save jobs (AFP)
Roadside bomb kills 3 Iraqi soldiers, bystander (AP)
Kuwait gets $650 mln in Iraqi reparation: UN (AFP)
(AP) AP - Iraqi officials say 7 members of the security forces were killed in Baghdad attacks. Spain reissues US troop warrants over Iraq death (AP) AP - A Madrid judge reissued arrest warrants Thursday for three U.S. servicemen over the death of a Spanish journalist killed by American tank fire in Iraq in 2003. Iraq arrests two over deadly Baghdad attacks (AFP)
UK's Iraq inquiry may recall witnesses (AP)
US court allows suit against contractor in Abu Ghraib (AFP)
Al-Qaeda group claim Al-Arabiya TV bombing in Iraq (AFP)
With US drawdown in Iraq, shift from joint ops to training (AFP)
Biden bets on no explosion of violence in Iraq (AFP)
Spanish Court Seeks Arrest of U.S. Soldiers in Hotel Attack (Time.com) Time.com - Spain's National Court has re-opened its case against three U.S. troops implicated in a 2003 attack on Baghdad's Hotel Palestine that killed two journalists UK former deputy PM doubted Iraq WMD intelligence (Reuters) Reuters - Britain's deputy prime minister at the time of the 2003 invasion of Iraq said on Friday he had doubts about intelligence that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction, describing some of it as "tittle tattle."
Health News
Chicken producers debate 'natural' label
(AP)
Health Tip: Is Your Blood Sugar High? (HealthDay) HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Hyperglycemia, the medical term for high blood sugar, is a prime cause of complications among people with diabetes. Calcium supplements linked to heart attacks: study (AFP)
New program rebuilding faces of soldiers, veterans (AP)
NYC looks to stop spreading bedbug infestations (AP)
DC pushes female condoms to fight HIV epidemic (AP) AP - Charlene Cotton will talk to anyone about sex. Several days a week she stands behind a table decorated with a bowl of flavored condoms and safer sex pamphlets, calling to women passing on the street, "Come check out my table. Don't be scared." Knee, Hip Replacements May Aid Weight Loss: Study (HealthDay) HealthDay - THURSDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- Weight loss has been noted among patients who've had a knee or hip replacement, a new study says. New Study Finds HPV Vaccine Protects Against Genital Warts (HealthDay) HealthDay - TUESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- A new study finds that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects not only against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, but also helps prevent genital warts and low-grade cervical growths. New fronts in AIDS war, but funding foe is back (AFP)
Clinical Trials Update: July 29, 2010 (HealthDay) HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com: Breast Cancer's DNA Yields More Secrets (HealthDay) HealthDay - THURSDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- The genetic makeup of breast cancer tumors may be a better predictor of how well a woman will fare than a tumor's size and appearance, which has been the traditional way of looking at cancers, new research suggests. Health Tip: Dealing With Separation Anxiety (HealthDay) HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- It's common for young children to have a tough time when mom or dad leaves them with someone else. Experts identify three culprits for gluten allergy (Reuters) Reuters - Researchers have identified three fragments in gluten that appear to trigger a disorder in people who are allergic to the wheat protein. Tests aim to settle if fresher blood works better (AP)
Kids Adopted By Same-Sex Couples 'Thriving': Researcher (HealthDay) HealthDay - THURSDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- Children adopted by gay or lesbian parents develop as well as those adopted by heterosexual couples, a new study has found. Prostate Cancer 'Cell of Origin' Identified (LiveScience.com) LiveScience.com - For researchers, a key to studying any cancer is finding its "cell of origin." Now scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles say they've found just that -- a specific type of cell that gives rise to prostate cancer. Hands-only CPR, pushy dispatchers are lifesavers (AP)
The pill equally effective in obese, thin women (Reuters) Reuters - Despite studies suggesting that birth control pills might not work as well in obese women, a new study suggests that they prevent pregnancy the same no matter what a woman weighs.
Financial News
SEC vs. the media, round two The Securities and Exchange Commission was not seeking a blanket exemption from public information laws, when it asked Congress to include a little known provision in the Wall Street reform law, the agency said in a letter to lawmakers Friday. Treasurys rise on weaker GDP A weaker-than-expected government report on the economy sent investors flocking back into Treasurys Friday, pushing the prices up on U.S. debt and driving yields down. Northwest to pay $38 million cargo price-fixing fine Northwest Airlines will plead guilty and pay a $38 million fine for conspiring to fix cargo rates, the Justice Department announced Friday. Face Off: Test-driving Gillette's new razor General Motors' legendary CEO Alfred P. Sloan invented the annual styling change when he ordered a new body for the 1923 Chevrolet to cover up the car's nine-year-old technology. The new design made the old model feel out-of-date and was the first step in GM's drive to pass Ford Motor and its unchanging Model T to become the largest automobile company in the world. China says it tops Japan as No. 2 economy China has surpassed Japan to become the world's second largest economy, lagging only behind the United States, a Chinese government official said in remarks published on Friday. GM to boost Chevy Volt production General Motors announced Friday that the automaker has raised its planned production of the Chevrolet Volt electric car to 45,000 in 2012. Bulls tiptoe into homebuilder stocks It takes a lot of courage to be a bull on homebuilder stocks these days. They exist, for sure. And they aren't on mind-bending drugs. In fact, they see the world much as the housing stock bears do. You won't find any uplifting messages in their reports on the economy and housing. Worst job on Earth: BP calling all applicants It could quite possibly be called the worst job on Earth -- and the position is open. Consumers not spending like drunken sailors The economy is heading nowhere fast. That's the bad news. But the good news is that it still seems like consumers may have actually learned a lesson or two about reckless fiscal behavior. Recovery spin wars: White House vs. business The Obama administration gave a positive spin to second-quarter economic numbers released Friday, with the administration's chief economist saying they show a "steady recovery from the recession continues." Let's fund every entrepreneur There was a great conversation Thursday at Y Combinator's AngelConf in Silicon Valley. Anthony Ha of Venturebeat had a couple posts on it that I just read, one on Paul Graham's comments, and another on Ron Conway and Mike Arrington's comments. I would have enjoyed being part of that discussion, so I'll join in now. Why a flounder gigger's suit against BP is one to watch Although it's probably not BP's top priority at the moment, an ominous lawsuit was filed against it last month in state court in Mobile, Alabama, by a man named Obie F. Carlisle. Pay gap persists for African-Americans African-American workers continue to earn far less than whites, according to statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Stocks: Best monthly gain in a year Despite a mixed performance on Friday, stocks booked the best monthly gain in a year, with the Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 both rising nearly 7% in July. How Amway weathered the storm, one sale at a time Don't be fooled into thinking that direct sales are a thing of the past just because you haven't seen a pink Mary Kay Cadillac in a while. Amway is not only still alive and well, it's actually growing, even as many retailers continue to struggle. U.S. recovery sputters The U.S. economy continued to grow during the second quarter, the government reported Friday. But the pace slowed more than economists were expecting, raising concern about growth - or even another recession - in the months ahead. BP's Hayward: 'I became a villain for doing the right thing' Outgoing BP chief executive Tony Hayward is defending his leadership of the company in the aftermath of the oil rig explosion that killed 11 workers and led to the worst offshore spill in U.S. history. SEC charges billionaire brothers with fraud Two billionaire brothers face federal fraud charges for selling stock in companies which they helped oversee and then trying to conceal some $550 million in gains. Stocks headed for early selloff U.S. stocks were headed toward an early selloff Friday, following a weaker-than-expected reading on second-quarter economic growth. Why spend $300 a night for a hotel? Book a hotel in a popular destination and you know what to expect: a bed, a mini-fridge, and a big bill at checkout. In Europe's big cities, for example, you can easily spend anywhere from $150 to $300 a night (hotels in Florence average $205).
Stock Markets
Soros to buy 4 pct stake in Bombay bourse: report
(AFP)
A look at global economic developments (AP) AP - A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Thursday: How the major stock indexes fared on Friday (AP) AP - Stocks had a fitting end to a choppy July as prices seesawed their way to a narrowly mixed finish. Stocks end July with big gain; Dow gains 7.1 pct (AP)
SEC accuses Dallas investors of insider trading (AP) AP - Sam and Charles Wyly, Dallas billionaire investors known for their support of conservative candidates and causes, made $550 million in undisclosed profits through 13 years of insider trading, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit filed Thursday. European stocks falter before US output data (AFP)
CA-CANADA Summary (Reuters) Reuters - Proposed Canadian regulations to cut emissions from cars and trucks may have little to no effect as early "action credits" banked by automakers may be able to carry them through the compliance period, an environmental think tank said on Thursday. Mutual Fund Buzz for July 30: Investors Still Favor Bond Funds (U.S. News & World Report) U.S. News & World Report - Investors still trust the safety of bond funds. June was another good month for fixed income. The Investment Company Institute reported that overall, mutual funds saw net inflows, mostly into bond funds. Bond funds experienced inflows of more than $20 billion--up about $6 billion from May. Meanwhile, stock funds saw more outflows. The WSJ reports that investors haven't consistently put money into stock funds since the market hit its low in March 2009. Low-yielding money market funds also continued to see outflows, which brings their total outflows for the year to more than $500 billion. Stocks are mixed but had best month since July '09 (AP) AP - WHAT A MONTH: The Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's had their best month since July 2009 and their first winning month since this past April. Strong earnings were behind the big gains. Wall Street marks best month in a year in July (Reuters)
FTSE 100 edges up in early deals (AFP)
Wealthy Dallas brothers become SEC fraud target (AP)
Cisco briefly halted after circuit breaker (Reuters) Reuters - Trading in Cisco Systems Inc shares was briefly halted on Thursday after triggering a circuit breaker. Jobs data, earnings latest test for stocks (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. stocks are unlikely to break above a key technical level next week unless monthly jobs data and consumer company results paint a more promising picture of the recovery. Subdued US growth weighs on world markets (AP)
FTSE ends lower on US growth data (AFP)
Citigroup paying $75M to settle civil charges (AP)
Citigroup to pay $75 million to settle SEC charges (Reuters)
RIM shares up on reports of new BlackBerry (AFP)
SEC charges Wyly brothers with $550 million fraud (Reuters) Reuters - The Securities and Exchange Commission charged billionaire Samuel Wyly and his brother Charles with fraud for reaping more than $550 million of illicit gains by trading stock in four companies while they were serving as directors.
Legal Affairs
In Mass., A Debate Over 'Right To Repair' Law Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would give independent auto mechanics access to the same repair data as dealerships. This has been a recurring point of tension between the auto companies and companies that make parts and small repair shops. 7 Jackson Doctors Won't Face Charges The doctors were being investigated by the California state Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Michael Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, has pleaded not guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death. Authorities say Murray gave him a powerful anesthetic that killed him. SEC Cites Brothers In $550 Million Insider Scheme Sam and Charles Wyly, Dallas billionaire investors known for their support of conservative candidates and causes, made $550 million in undisclosed profits through 13 years of insider trading, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit. The SEC said the Wylys traded shares in companies on whose boards they served and "defrauded the investing public." Arizona Girds For Long Legal Fight Over Immigration Gov. Jan Brewer says her state will ask the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday to let all of its controversial immigration law take effect, a day after a federal judge in Phoenix blocked key parts of the measure. Gulf Residents Face Quandary: Sue Or Settle? The administrator of BP's compensation fund is trying to persuade Gulf Coast residents not to sue the company, but to take a settlement instead. But many in the region affected by the oil spill say it's too early to pinpoint their damages. Obama Expected To Ease Crack-Cocaine Sentencing Disparities Thursday, the U.S House of Representatives passed legislation to reduce the sentencing disparity between federal crack and powder cocaine sentences. President Obama is expected to sign this into law. To get a sense of the impact of this legislation, and in particular what it means for those in communities of color, guest host Rebecca Roberts speaks with Michael Nachmanoff, Federal Public Defender for Eastern Virginia and Co-Chair of the Federal Public Defender Legislative Committee. New York Launches Probe Of Life Insurance Industry The attorney general's office is investigating whether insurers are profiting off of grieving families by placing funds from life insurance policies into potentially risky accounts that they control. Andrew Cuomo said his office had served subpoenas on Prudential Financial Inc. and MetLife Inc. as part of the probe. Protests Of Arizona Immigration Law Lead To Arrests Opponents took to the streets of Phoenix as parts of the immigration-enforcement law that were not blocked by a federal judge went into effect Thursday. At least 50 people were arrested throughout the day in acts of civil disobedience. November Hearing For Arizona Immigration Law A federal appeals court says it will hold a hearing in November on Arizona's challenge to a ruling that put the most controversial parts of the state's immigration law on hold. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco issued a two-page order Friday denying Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's request for an earlier hearing date. What's Different Today For Ariz. Illegal Immigrants? Robert Siegel talks to Cristina Rodriguez, a law professor at NYU, about what's different for an illegal immigrant living in Arizona one day after a federal judge blocked key provisions of the state's controversial immigration law. Arizona Immigration Law Prompts Protests Michele Norris talks to NPR's Ted Robbins about protests in Phoenix and other parts of Arizona on Thursday. Thousands turned out to demonstrate, as parts of the state's tough new immigration law took effect. The key parts, however, were temporarily blocked by a federal judge on Wednesday. What's Next In The Arizona Immigration Fight Arizona's controversial new immigration law takes effect Thursday, without many of the toughest requirements. A federal judge blocked portions of SB 1070 that require police officers to verify a person's status when there is reasonable suspicion that he or she may be an undocumented immigrant. ACLU: Bush Anti-Terrorism Practices Persist An American Civil Liberties Union study says President Obama has "enshrined" many of the anti-terrorism practices of the Bush administration -- from surveillance to Guantanamo to targeted killings. Feds Peel Back Chrome On Motorcycle Gangs Federal investigators are working to infiltrate the closed societies of biker gangs and bring criminal cases against their leaders. Last month, agents arrested more than two dozen members of the Outlaws motorcycle club, charging them with weapons and racketeering offenses. Should Parents Have To Testify Against Kids In Court? Husbands and wives don't have to testify against each other in court, but for the most part, there is no such protection between parents and children. Some are trying to change that in Massachusetts. Opponents say the parent-child privilege can't come at the expense of justice for victims.
Arts & Stage
An Ill-Fated Masterpiece Brings Together China and Taiwan
(ARTINFO)
ARTINFO - After several months of diplomatic talks, the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou announced its decision yesterday to loan the painting Broken Mountains, one of two remaining fragments of Yuan Dynasty painter Huang Gongwang's "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," to Taiwan?s National Palace Museum, which holds the other section of the painting. A joint exhibition to mark the historic reunion of the two pieces, which have been separated for 350 years, is now scheduled to run from June through September of 2011 as an unusually warm cultural exchange between China and Taiwan. Franz Kline's Rather Large Liquor Bill (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - The Abstract Expressionists liked to drink. For Pollock, that passion abetted his demise; for Rothko, it provided fuel for his creative process. When Franz Kline ordered alcohol from John Heller?s Liquor Store in Greenwich Village on December 31, 1960 ? presumably for a New Year?s Eve Party ? he seemed to have been expecting some big drinkers: his total bill was more than $274. Schiele's "Wally" Shown in New York, with a Clear Conscience (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Egon SchieleĀs notorious Nazi-looted "Portrait of Wally" has had a dramatic run in New York, having been seized by federal authorities after being loaned to MoMA for a show in 1997. Now that the decade-long restitution case between the Austrian Leopold Foundation and the heirs of the work's original owner, Jewish collector Lea Bondi Jaray, has been settled, the work has gone on view at another New York institution, the Museum of Jewish Heritage ? only this time, with a clear conscience. Sotheby's Sales Figures Suggest Big Rebound for Asian Art Market (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Is the Asian art market experiencing a stronger rebound from the recession than any other art-market sector? There seems to be a very strong indication that the answer is yes, or at least that is what the sales figures at Sotheby?s, the world's leading publicly-traded auction house, suggest. Leaning Tower of Pisa No Longer at Risk of Collapse (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - The Leaning Tower of Pisa is no longer leaning quite so perilously, according to Italian engineers and scientists who say the medieval landmark's ever-increasing tilt has been stabilized. Although the tower will never be brought fully upright ? which would diminish its appeal, anyway ? two decades of work by the Committee for the Safeguard of the Leaning Tower has finally solved the 800-year riddle of what was causing the World Heritage Site's mysteriously incline to the north. New "Fair Use" Rules Promise Open Season in Academia (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - It may be the dead of summer, the doldrums of the academic calendar, but multimedia professors ? and potentially artists ? have plenty of reason to party thanks to new "fair use" rules issued by the U.S. Copyright Office that allow the legal decryption and projection of excerpts of copyrighted material for educational purposes. In addition to meaning that college students will be treated to a great deal more feature-film content in the future, the changes also serve to clear consciences ? or, more to the point, any hints of liability ? for art students looking to creatively play with copyright-protected multimedia. Architect Rafael VińƬ¹ Chosen for New Edward Kennedy Institute (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Uruguayan architect Rafael Vińoly has been selected to build the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, a planned educational facility that will abut the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The $60 million project, scheduled to break ground this fall, will include a 44,000-square-foot building with two stories of space for an exhibit hall detailing the politician's storied life and 46-year senate career, a re-creation of his senate office, an oral history archive, and educational facilities. Are Purported Ansel Adams Negatives Worth $200 Million? (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Rick Norsigian, the school maintenance worker who claims to have purchased 65 glass negatives created by photographer Ansel Adams at a garage sale 10 years ago, has returned to the spotlight, after a team of photography experts that he hired authenticated the works and pricing them at a hefty $200 million. Descendants of Adams, however, are not as confident about the find, telling press that the images of Yosemite and other national parks don?t look like the master?s work. The Art and Design of "Mad Men": An Appraisal (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - The fourth season of AMCĀs drama "Mad Men" premiered on Sunday, and watching it ? as more people did than ever before in the show?s history ? was a highly pleasurable aesthetic experience, one that bathed viewers in a kind of hazy comfort. Because despite little clear advancement to the plot, the new episode brought an amplification of that thing at which "Mad Men" already excelled ? that same thing that Tom Ford brought to "A Single Man," and which Luca Guadagnino offers in "I Am Love": the imbuing of everything from the fashion, to the architecture, to all aspects of the art and design with an undeniable, inescapable, meticulous aesthetic seductiveness. Dom P鲩gnon Drinks to Warhol in New Campaign (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - It's a mark of how much Andy Warhol's reputation has matured ? indeed fermented ? since his amphetamine-fueled days as the art world's cipher and high society's indulgence that Dom Pérignon has hitched its latest promotional campaign to the artist. The venerable champagne company has introduced a new limited-edition collection of three bottles created by Central Saint Martin's Design Laboratory that pay tribute to Warhol through labels that evoke the sometimes garish colors of the artist's Pop masterpieces, from his famed "Death and Disaster" (look at that red) to his more venal commissioned portraits. Hungary Hit with Enormous Nazi Loot Claim (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - In what could be the single largest Nazi restitution claim in history, descendants of Hungarian banker Baron Mor Lipot Herzog have filed suit against Hungary in U.S. court, alleging that the nation is holding more than 40 works of art that were stolen from Herzog during World War II. The new lawsuit comes a week after another notorious restitution case involving Egon Schiele's "Portrait of Wally" was settled in a U.S. court, allowing the Nazi-looted work to remain in the hands of Austria's Leopold Foundation upon the payment of $19 million to the heirs of the work's original owner. Those Ardent School Days: Steven Meisel for Balenciaga (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Steven Meisel, one of the premier fashion photographers working today, has teamed up with fashion house Balenciaga (the founder of which, Cristóbal Balenciaga, was once dubbed "the master of us all" by Christian Dior, no sartorial slouch himself) to present the label?s Fall/Winter 2010/11 campaign. Featuring some of the top models of the moment (such as Stella Tennant), Meisel?s series of images is composed of close-up portraits of the models alongside wider shots of the women standing in small groups. All are photographed against a lurid, fiery backdrop that looks one-part Southwestern sunset, one-part blazing wildfire. LACMA Heads to the Hamptons (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - LACMA director Michael Govan and his curatorial team have opened their new Resnick Pavilion to the public only on select days this summer, showing off the expanse of its 45,000 square feet with a display of Walter De MariaĀs sprawling "2000 Sculpture" arrayed across its floor. When LACMA held a party to celebrate the pavilion on Sunday, guests hoping to see the fine new exhibition space, built with money donated by philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick, were out of luck: the fete was in the Hamptons. Vatican Issues Mea Culpa on Hasty Caravaggio Claim (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Just a week after the Vatican proudly proclaimed the discovery of a new work by Caravaggio, just in time for the 400th anniversary of the Renaissance master?s death, the head of the Vatican Museums has taken to the pages of the city-state?s official newspaper to suggest that the Holy See may have spoken too soon. Ohio museum to show art by Stones' Ronnie Wood (AP) AP - Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood is coming to Ohio with a different kind of solo show, spotlighting his paintings and other art. Francophrenia: A Digest of New York's Epic James Franco Profile (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Although these days quizzical mentions of actor-turned-student-turned-writer-turned-artist James FrancoĀs name are frequently heard in art-world precincts, ARTINFO just recently discovered that the artist's multifarious productivity is an even more significant topic than previously thought. The epiphany came from Sam Anderson, book critic for New York magazine, whose cover story in the latest issue explores the nuances of Franco?s frenetic career. At great length. No: At extraordinary length. King Tut's Death Chariot Wings to New York (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - A humble chariot that may have played a role in King Tut's death is currently traveling to the highly-publicized exhibition displaying the boy pharaoh's finery at the Discovery Times Square Exposition ? the first time that the mysterious 3,300-year-old artifact has left Egypt. Lady Gaga's Bathroom Tryst with Duchamp (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Perhaps the 20th century?s most notorious artist, Marcel Duchamp is often grouped with the Dada movement, though the artist was never a card-carrying member of any circle other than his own. Now, however, he's finally been swept up by an irresistible force: the Gaga movement. For a show at London's SHOWstudio.com gallery, Lady Gaga ? already more famous than the readymade creator will ever be ? has signed the side of a urinal with the inscription, "I?m not fucking Duchamp but I love pissing with you." The work, entitled "Armitage Shanks," is on view as part of a show called "Inside/Out" ? and the price is available only on request. Elvis Autopsy Tools Pulled from Ghastly Sale (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - Ghoulish Elvis Presley fans hoping to snap up autopsy equipment used to prepare the singer?s corpse for burial are out of luck: a planned auction featuring the tools has now withdrawn them from the sale. Were the rubber gloves, forceps, lip brushes, needle injectors, and other items too gruesome? Was the August 12 auction date, four days before the anniversary of Presley?s 1977 death, deemed a bit déclassé? Nope. Rather, its seems that the equipment may not be authentic. Dean & Britta's Warhol Soundtrack Set for Release (ARTINFO) ARTINFO - "Stillies" is what Andy Warhol first dubbed the 500-some filmic portraits that came to be known as his "screen tests" ? lingering looks at those who frequented the Factory from from 1964 to 1966. But with a 2008 commission by the Andy Warhol Museum and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust of Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips (former members of the pop outfit Luna), the films might be taking on a new moniker: "soundies."
Entertainment Industry
As Emmys host, Jimmy Fallon aims not to offend
(Reuters)
Reuters - Conan O'Brien and David Letterman have provided a valuable lesson for Jimmy Fallon, the comedian told journalists Friday. "The one thing I've learned from (O'Brien and Letterman) is (that) hosting 'Late Night' is a one-way ticket to not hosting 'The Tonight Show," the comedian quipped. Rob Lowe an investor in Miramax deal (Reuters) Reuters - Actor Rob Lowe has confirmed that he is involved with the acquisition of Miramax Films from Walt Disney Co. by construction magnate Ronald Tutor, investment firm Colony Capital LLC and others. "Law & Order" TV show fails to find a new network (Reuters) Reuters - "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf said on Friday that his TV crime drama had "moved into the history books" after failing to find a new network following its cancellation by NBC after 20 years on the air. ABC names Paul Lee president of entertainment (Reuters) Reuters - The ABC television network on Friday named company veteran Paul Lee as president of its entertainment group to oversee prime-time programing following the abrupt resignation of Steve McPherson earlier this week. Disney to sell Miramax for more than $660 million (Reuters)
NBC expects quick payback from costly new shows (Reuters) Reuters - NBC executives said on Friday the network had learned from its past mistakes, spent big to fund 12 new scripted prime-time TV shows, and hoped to see a fast payback in a "robust" economy for broadcasting. Ellen exit heralds major "American Idol" makeover (Reuters)
Miramax sale could still leave Disney on board (Reuters) Reuters - The group led by construction executive Ronald Tutor and investment group Colony Capital is closing in on the acquisition of Miramax Films for more than $650 million, but final deal points and financing specifics were still being worked out Thursday. Reliance, Universal eye theme park in India (Reuters) Reuters - India's Reliance ADA Group is in talks with Universal Studios to build a $1.5 billion, 400 acre theme park and resort in India, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing a person familiar with the matter. Imax posts 5-fold rise in Q2 profit (Reuters) Reuters - Big-screen movie company Imax Corp posted a five-fold increase in quarterly profit and raised its theater system installation outlook by about 25 percent for the year. Bright quarter seen for big media, but investors wary (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. media companies are set to report revenue increases of 5 to 15 percent as they issue earnings reports over the next two weeks -- the best the industry has looked in at least two years. Eminem leads album chart for fifth week (Reuters)
DreamWorks profit better than expected despite "Shrek" (Reuters) Reuters - DreamWorks Animation studio posted a lower profit on Tuesday, but still beat analysts' estimates, for a quarter that lacked major new DVD releases and was marked by domestic box office results for "Shrek Forever After" that were below the franchise's earlier films. Disney buying Playdom for at least $563.2 mln (Reuters) Reuters - Walt Disney said on Tuesday it has agreed to acquire Playdom Inc for $563.2 million, as the media giant aims to take a leading role in the fast-growing market for social games. Redford and Estevez films to make debut at Toronto (Reuters)
James Bond producers worried by indefinite delay (Reuters)
Television
As Emmys host, Jimmy Fallon aims not to offend
(Reuters)
NBC hopes outsourcing is "in" with TV audiences (Reuters)
Snooki of 'Jersey Shore' arrested in NJ beach town (AP)
"Law & Order" TV show fails to find a new network (Reuters) Reuters - "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf said on Friday that his TV crime drama had "moved into the history books" after failing to find a new network following its cancellation by NBC after 20 years on the air. Heidi Montag files for divorce from Spencer Pratt (AP)
Terrence Howard to join `Law & Order: Los Angeles' (AP)
Marion Ross Is Joe DiPietro's Leading Lady in West Coast Premiere of 'The Last Romance' (Playbill) Playbill - Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro's The Last Romance, a romantic comedy written for Marion Ross and her longtime partner Paul Michael, gets its West Coast premiere starting July 30 at The Old Globe's Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in San Diego. NBC to air live episode of Tina Fey's `30 Rock' (AP)
Guests for the Sunday TV news shows (AP) AP - Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows: ABC Family's Paul Lee named boss of ABC network (AP)
NBC expects quick payback from costly new shows (Reuters) Reuters - NBC executives said on Friday the network had learned from its past mistakes, spent big to fund 12 new scripted prime-time TV shows, and hoped to see a fast payback in a "robust" economy for broadcasting. "The Office" to continue without Steve Carell (Reuters)
Women rise to the top in "Mad Men" (Reuters)
ABC names Paul Lee president of entertainment (Reuters) Reuters - The ABC television network on Friday named company veteran Paul Lee as president of its entertainment group to oversee prime-time programing following the abrupt resignation of Steve McPherson earlier this week. Ellen exit heralds major "American Idol" makeover (Reuters)
Who will be judged fit to be the 'Idol' judges? (AP)
Andy Griffith's new role: pitching health care law (AP)
Jared Harris brings English civility to "Mad Men" (Reuters)
Source: J-Lo close to deal for `American Idol' (AP)
"Rubicon" a stylish conspiracy thriller (Reuters) Reuters - Having set the bar high with "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad," AMC introduces its third original series on Sunday.
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Car Crashes Into Santa Rosa Restaurant
Officers responded to Ohana Hawaiian Barbecue in Santa Rosa on reports of multiple injuries after a man crashed a 2001 Toyota Camry through the front doors of the crowded restaurant at around 8:10 p.m., according to police. SF Woman Accused In Apartment Rental Scam San Francisco police have arrested a woman for allegedly scamming several apartment seekers out of thousands of dollars after accepting their rental deposits and then, claiming her mother had cancer, absconding with the cash. SF Bids Farewell To Transbay Terminal Hundreds got a last chance to say goodbye to a piece of San Francisco history on Friday. The Transbay Terminal, which opened in 1939 , had its heyday near the end of World War II , serving 26 million bus and train passengers a year at its peak. Judge To Rule Monday On AC Transit Pay Dispute A judge said Friday that she won't rule until Monday at the earliest on a bid by AC Transit employees to overturn a new contract that the bus agency imposed earlier this month after contract negotiations collapsed. SoCal Wildfire Now 62% Contained Fire crews working through the night beat back flames and built containment lines around a two-day old wildfire that has charred nearly 22 square miles of brush in the high desert north of Los Angeles. Calif. Congresswoman May Face Fall Ethics Trial A second House Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters of California, could face an ethics trial this fall, further complicating the election outlook for the party as it battles to retain its majority. Raging SoCal Fire Approaches Homes A huge wildfire in the high desert wilderness north of Los Angeles jumped an aqueduct on Friday, rushing toward hundreds of houses as firefighters also tried to keep flames from damaging power lines that bring electricity to Southern California. Some 2,000 structures were threatened and 300 homes were evacuated, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said. Activists Protest BP, Gulf Oil Spill In Berkeley A small band of protesters have gathered in downtown Berkeley to protest the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and BP's research partnership with the University of California. Organizers say Friday's demonstration is one of 100 protests nationwide to mark the 100th day since the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig exploded, killing 11 workers and setting off the massive spill. Debate Grows Over Car Sleeping In Palo Alto A debate is developing in one of the Bay Area's most affluent communities, whether people should be allowed to live in their cars. Steve lives in Palo Alto, even though he made $11,000 last year. He lives in a collection of six vans, and it's completely legal. Unlike most cities, Palo Alto does not have a law against so-called "vehicle dwelling" or sleeping in a car. As long as Steve moves the vehicles every 72 hours, there's nothing police can do. Giants Hold Off Late Rally In Victory Over Dodgers Aubrey Huff hit a go-ahead two-run double in the third inning and added a solo homer and the San Francisco Giants held off a late rally to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 on Friday night. Tim Lincecum (11-4) scattered seven hits and two runs over seven innings to win for the first time since July 15 and pull the Giants within 2 ½ games of first-place San Diego in the NL West.
Authors
Across Montana On Horseback, Poet Hands Out Poetry
Instead of talking to schoolchildren or promoting poetry through local libraries, Montana's poet laureate Henry Real Bird decided to carry out his duty the true Montana way. The cowboy and member of the Crow nation is on a 500-mile horseback trip, halfway across the state, handing out books to get people to "move along in thought." What's The Story? Writers Reveal Why They Write Whether they craft fiction or nonfiction, poetry or plays, writers use words to transport readers, and from the simplest blog post to the great American novel, it's a process -- and it's hard work. If you're a writer, tell us: What motivates you to put pen to paper, fingers to keys? 'Advise And Consent': Scandal In The U.S. Senate Thriller writer Richard North Patterson knows about engrossing political dramas -- he served as the SEC liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor. As his favorite thriller, he recommends Allen Drury's Pulitzer Prize-winning Advise and Consent, a political novel that still rings true after 50 years. Paparazzi Take Center Stage In Hiaasen's 'Star Island' Vacuous pop stars, a hygiene-challenged photographer and corrupt politicians all play a part in Carl Hiaasen's new satire of the industry that both makes and breaks celebrities. Futurist 40 Years Later: Possibilities, Not Predictions Alvin Toffler's Future Shock was first published in July 1970. The book includes insights into the effects of rapidly changing technology and "information overload." People may not be as shocked by change as 81-year-old Toffler had imagined, but he says there's still value in envisioning possibilities. War Stories: A Reporter's Education In The Mideast Megan Stack hadn't planned on becoming a war correspondent. But then Sept. 11 happened, and she found herself in the Middle East -- the beginning of a seven-year stint of wartime reporting. In Every Man in This Village Is a Liar, Stack reflects on the experience of reporting from war-torn countries. Jennifer Egan Does Avant-Garde Fiction -- Old School Influenced by both The Sopranos and Marcel Proust, Jennifer Egan takes her readers on a swirling, playful ride through time in A Visit from the Goon Squad, a novel of linked short stories -- including one told as a PowerPoint presentation -- that defies categorization. 'Kook': Life's Lessons Learned On A Surfboard After sailing the Antarctic Sea and traversing the deepest Tibetan gorge, Peter Heller became a "kook," or beginner surfer. It was while surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif. that he caught a glimpse of his next great adventure: a trip down the West Coast, in search of the perfect wave. In Kook he tells the story of that journey, and what he learned along the way. Teen Chef Is On The Case In New Mystery Series In a new book, someone is killing the great chefs of Vancouver and Neil Flambe wants to know who. Flambe is a 14-year-old chef who runs his own restaurant and sleuths on the side. Host Liane Hansen speaks with author Kevin Sylvester about his new novel for young adults, Neil Flambe and the Marco Polo Murders. Scotch For Dessert: An Ad Man's Spirited Memoir Before there was Mad Men, there was From Those Wonderful Folks Who Gave You Pearl Harbor, the cultish and colorful advertising memoir by 1960s ad man Jerry Della Femina that also served as inspiration for AMC's hit series.
Religion
Key Jewish Group Rejects Ground Zero Mosque
The Anti-Defamation League has come out against the planned mosque and Islamic community center near ground zero, saying more information is needed about funding for the project and the location is "counterproductive to the healing process." Jewish Women Fight For Equality At Jerusalem Western Wall Israeli law prohibits women from reading the Torah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, one of Judaism's most sacred spots. Anat Hoffman wants to change that. She's the chairwoman of Women of the Wall and a leading figure in the Reform movement in Israel. Earlier this month she was arrested for carrying the Torah at the wall. Hoffman tells guest host Rebecca Roberts about the incident and why she is so steadfastly working to upend the gender-based restrictions. Ousted Evangelical Reflects On Faith, Future In December 2008, the Rev. Richard Cizik was forced to resign from his position in response to comments he made on Fresh Air in support of same-sex civil unions. He returns to the show to discuss how his life has changed -- and why he believes evangelicals need to change, too. India Struggles To Stem Rise In 'Honor Killings' Traditional Indian values are clashing with modern mores in northern India, which is experiencing a reported upsurge in murders of young couples who elope in defiance of caste boundaries and their families' wishes. Now, the government is struggling to balance tradition and law. Which Converted Jews Deserve Israeli Citizenship? A delegation of American Jewish leaders is back from Israel, where they went to oppose a bill in parliament. The group is worried the bill would give Orthodox religious authorities in Israel the power to judge which conversions to Judaism are legitimate -- and therefore which converted Jews are eligible for Israeli citizenship. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. Robert Duvall's Cinematic Take On Faith Robert Duvall has often made faith a character in his films -- whether as the driving force in The Apostle or more subtly in Tender Mercies. His new film, Get Low, is not religious per se, but many see it as highly spiritual. China's Leaders Harness Folk Religion For Their Aims In China, the vast following of a folk goddess of the sea illustrates the remarkable rebirth of local popular religion since the Cultural Revolution. Now, China's communist leaders are supporting worship of Mazu as "cultural heritage" and using it to advance their own political and economic goals. Spirited Debate Ensues Over Mosque Near Ground Zero A proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero in Manhattan is stirring up anger and cries of bias in and around New York City. But this debate is not limited to New York; there's growing opposition to mosques in communities across the country. Host Michel Martin talks to Rich Harwood about how to engage a community in meaningful conversations about these sorts of hot button issues. Harwood is the founder of the Harwood Institute, a non-profit group that encourages people to improve their communities by breaking down barriers. Holocaust Survivors Blast French Rail's U.S. Pursuits A subsidiary of the French national railway, SNCF, took over operation of a commuter train in Virginia this month and has its sights on a contract in California. The railway transported some 75,000 Jews to death camps during World War II, and survivors say the company has not made amends. Israel Shelves Controversial Conversion Bill In a statement, government spokesman Nir Hefetz says the government has reached an agreement with liberal Jewish denominations opposed to the bill. The bill will be withdrawn for six months as the sides try to hammer out an alternative. Beijing Finds Common Cause With Chinese Buddhists In recent years, China's communist government has taken a new, proactive approach to religion. In particular, it has bolstered support for Buddhism, which provides needed charity work and financial aid -- and also serves as a counterweight to the explosion of Christianity in China. Malaysian Reality Show Seeks Young Imam The new Malaysian reality TV show Imam Muda will select a young leader in its season finale July 30. Throughout the season, contestants performed tasks like preparing bodies for burial and counseling unwed mothers. The prize is a job as an imam at one of the main mosques in the capital city. The show has become extremely popular among youth, and its Facebook page has nearly 45,000 fans. Robert Siegel talks to BBC reporter Jennifer Pak. Female Imams Blaze Trail Amid China's Muslims Muslims in China have developed their own set of practices with Chinese characteristics. The biggest difference is the development of independent women's mosques with female imams leading the prayers. But now, economics -- not the state or resistance inside Islam -- threaten their survival. China?s Divided Catholics Seek Reconciliation China's 12 million Catholics have been bitterly divided for decades. Some belong to Beijing-sanctioned churches, while others worship in "underground" churches loyal to the Vatican. Even though Pope Benedict XVI has urged reconciliation, China's Catholics have struggled to follow his instructions. American Jews Battle Israeli Conversion Bill A delegation of Jewish leaders from the U.S. is in Israel lobbying against the proposed legislation, and they are calling the situation one of the most serious internal crises to hit the Jewish world in recent years.
Education
Looping Parents In On Armed Services Test
Maryland is now the first state to require parents' approval before a student can take the widely used test -- which the U.S. military developed to identify potential recruits. The state also bars high schools from automatically releasing students' test scores to recruiters. 'Race To The Top' Successfully Incentivizes Reform, Secretary Of Education Claims The program awards the equivalent of one percent of what the U.S. government spends on public education every year. Even states that aren't finalists have implemented reforms, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told NPR. College Students Hide Hunger, Homelessness A growing population of college students is facing hunger and homelessness as tuitions rise and the economy is slow to recover. UCLA has created an Economic Crisis Response Team to identify financially strapped students and help keep them in school. A $35 Tablet? India Is On The Case The Indian government unveiled a $35 prototype of a touch-screen tablet for students. If it's produced, it would be the world's cheapest. Inexpensive touch-screen tablets have global appeal because there's no need for language-specific keyboards. U.S. Losing Ground In College Graduation Race A new report warns that the U.S. is falling farther behind other developed nations in the proportion of adults with a college education. The U.S. now ranks 12th in college completion among 36 such nations. Report: Feds Downplaying Student Loan Defaults One in every five government loans that entered repayment in 1995 has gone into default, according to a recent report released by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The Department of Education is undercounting student loan defaults, Chronicle reporter Kelly Field tells NPR. Proposed Federal Rules Target For-Profit Colleges The Education Department will propose much-anticipated regulations Friday that would cut off federal aid to for-profit college programs if too many of their students default on loans or don't earn enough after graduation to repay them. Cab-Schooled Student Earned Ticket To Harvard Imagine the back seat of a big rig as your high school classroom. For Kerry Anderson, who was home-schooled as her truck-driver mom made deliveries across the country, that was reality. Anderson eventually got through community college and received a full scholarship to Harvard University. Michele Norris talks to Anderson, now 26, about her unconventional education. Western Swing Gets Texas Town Scootin' Again Fiddlers, guitar players and singers gathered in tiny Goree, Texas, for a music camp. The camp is about equally divided between children and adults, even though the style of music was popular more than half a century ago. District To Pay Lesbian Teen $35K Over Prom Dispute Constance McMillen challenged the Itawamba County School District's rules banning prom dates of the same gender and allowing only male students to wear tuxedos. The rural Mississippi school district responded by canceling its prom, prompting the ACLU to sue claiming the teen's rights had been violated. Cheating In College Is Widespread -- But Why? The Internet is providing college students with inventive new ways of maintaining their GPAs without required reading, tedious essays or hours of studying. It has led to a new kind of cheating that educators are trying to combat with technology and a look at what counts as plagiarism. Founders, Students Defend Islamic College The first Islamic college in the U.S. opened this summer in Berkeley, Calif. Conservative critics have already lambasted Zaytuna College as a center for "indoctrination," but its founders say it's about time the millions of Muslims in the United States have a center for religious studies. Lonny Shavelson reports. Disaster 101: Preparing Students For A Scary Future In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, emergency management became a critical priority. As a result, more American colleges began offering classes on how to deal with an increasingly dangerous world. Students are now seeking job security in our national insecurity. New Evaluation Laws Split Teachers Even More Teachers across the country are confronting new state laws that evaluate and reward teachers based on student achievement. Education organizations have stood up not only to legislators, but also to each other. Exploring The American Dream In The South Bronx Arthur Levine has spent much of his career writing about how tough it is for poor minority kids to get into college. Rarely has this widely respected educator written more urgently than in his latest book, Unequal Fortunes. It was a journey that took him back to his childhood in the South Bronx.
Top 10 Box Office Movies
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4. The Sorcerer's Apprentice $9.6M
5. Toy Story 3 $8.9M
6. Ramona and Beezus $7.8M
7. Grown Ups $7.4M
8. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse $7.1M
9. The Last Airbender $4.2M
10. Predators $3.1M
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Environment
Debris Sets Back Work On Stopping The Gusher
Tropical Storm Bonnie left crews working to plug the Gulf oil gusher a little memento that is expected to push their work back about a day. By Hiring Gulf Scientists, BP May Be Buying Silence For months now, local scientists have been out on Gulf waters, advising the cleanup and measuring the damage. But there is growing concern that some of the best minds are being sidelined, since they've signed on as paid consultants to BP. Saving Wildlife From The Midwestern Oil Spill A response effort is under way on the Kalamazoo River in western Michigan, where the EPA reports that a pipe belonging to Enbridge Inc. has spilled more than 1 million gallons of oil. Guest host Jacki Lyden speaks with Michigan Radio's Rebecca Williams about efforts to save river animals. Alternative Energy And Ideas For The Auto Industry The long-term recovery of the U.S. auto industry will depend largely on American automotive creativity and innovation. Many industry watchers expect a new fleet of electric and hybrid cars to help buoy the U.S. car industry's comeback. Guest host Jacki Lyden talks with Ray Wert, editor-in-chief of Jalopnik.com, about the restructured U.S. auto industry and the importance of design innovation and creativity. This IS His Grandfather's Bug, But Now It's Electric If the Chevy Volt's $40,000 price tag sounds a bit too steep, you could always go the do-it-yourself route of Oregon teenager Ashton Stark. He just finished a year-long conversion of his grandfather's 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle into an electric car. Mich. Oil Leak Halted; Cleanup To Take Months The Canadian company in charge of a ruptured oil pipeline in southern Michigan says a spill into the Kalamazoo River has been contained -- and the Environmental Protection Agency agrees the spill presents no real threat to Lake Michigan. But cleaning up the site may take many more months. New BP CEO: Some Efforts To Be Scaled Back The changes do not signify a lessening of the oil giant's commitment to clean up the oil spill, but do signify that some areas don't need a continuing effort, incoming executive Bob Dudley said Friday. Chevy Volt May Not Cut Efficiency Mustard Robert Siegel speaks with John Voelcker, editor of GreenCarReports.com, and senior editor of High Gear Media Inc., about why the Chevy Volt may not qualify for a California Tax Rebate of $5,000, and why single drivers of Volts may not be able to use the HOV lanes in California, as the Nissan Leaf drivers will. Incoming BP Chief: Time To Scale Back Cleanup BP's incoming CEO, Bob Dudley, says it's time to scale back the oil spill cleanup in the Gulf. At a news conference today, he also announced that former Federal Emergency Management Agency chief James Lee Witt will help BP's work to restore Gulf communities in the wake of the spill. With Well Capped, How Long Will The Oil Linger? The Gulf of Mexico has a few ways of cleansing oil from its waters: it hosts legions of microbes adapted to dine on natural oil seepages, and its warm water temperatures favor the evaporation of oil. But scientists say it's still too early to know how long it will take the Gulf to recover. Crews Race To Clean Up Oil Spill In Michigan Up to 1 million gallons of crude oil has spilled from a broken pipeline into the Kalamazoo River. There are concerns that the oil could reach Lake Michigan if it isn't stopped soon. Pricing The Non-Human Cost Of BP Spill BP has spent more than $4 billion cleaning up the oil spill. But what about the non-human cost. How much should BP pay for dead and injured animals? Broken Michigan Oil Pipeline To Stay Shut For Now Federal officials say a pipeline that spewed up to 1 million gallons of crude oil into a river in southern Michigan earlier this week must remain closed for the time being. Enbridge Energy Partners had hoped to fix the leak and restart the pipeline in a few days. But Transportation Department officials say that can't happen until it is thoroughly inspected and tested. Gulf Residents Face Quandary: Sue Or Settle? The administrator of BP's compensation fund is trying to persuade Gulf Coast residents not to sue the company, but to take a settlement instead. But many in the region affected by the oil spill say it's too early to pinpoint their damages. Outlook Dims For Popular Energy-Efficiency Loans A White House-backed program to allow property owners to pay for energy-efficiency improvements through property tax assessments may be shut down. The federal agency that oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac says the program poses a risk to mortgage lenders.
Food
U.S. Is A Spicier Nation (Literally) Since 1970s
Americans' spice consumption has grown almost three times as fast as the population in recent decades. Much of that growth is due to the country's changing demographics. Now, flavors that were once exotic and rare are found on the shelves in many groceries. Senators Call On FDA To Rule On Alcoholic Energy Drinks Eight months ago, the Food and Drug Administration asked makers of beverages containing alcohol and caffeine to prove the drinks are safe. So far, nothing's been made public. Eating More Meat, White Or Red, Is Bad For The Waistline People who ate the equivalent of one big steak a day gained four more pounds over five years than those who ate less meat. That's according to a new analysis of a major European diet study. The Mustard Museum: Passion For A Condiment Summer is full of distinctive flavors, but one condiment stands above them all: mustard. Hot dogs just aren't the same without it. And in Wisconsin, there's a museum devoted to the simple spread. It all started with one man collecting unique mustards. Report Asks: What's Lurking In Your Stadium Food? Michele Norris talks to Paula Lavigne about her recent report for ESPN's Outside the Lines. In that story, "What's Lurking In Your Stadium Food," Lavigne examined the health inspection reports for all the stadiums used by the NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball. Coffee Aliases Give Cup of 'Joe' New Meaning When Shefali Kulkarni, a reporting fellow at the Village Voice in New York City, is asked for her name while ordering coffee at Starbucks, she tells the barista a little fib. She uses "Sheila," her "coffee name." Michele Norris asks her why. Have Your Limoncello And Eat It, Too Although traditionally served as an after-dinner sipper, this Italian liqueur is perfectly suited for any time of day -- particularly in a cocktail. But don't just drink it. Make your own, then use it for cooking and baking to impart creamy, lemony flavor without a lot of acidity. Would You Like A Little Bacon In That Martini? At restaurants across the country, the dinner menu has been bleeding not so subtly onto the cocktail list. Here's a quick lesson in making meat-flavored liquors -- and what to do with them after that. Gulf Fisheries' Future In Doubt Many fishermen and their boats are now working with BP in the oil spill cleanup effort, and the coastal waters which provide some of the most productive fishing are still closed. Even after all the oil is gone, it will likely be years before the Gulf fishing industry is as productive as it once was. Your Olive Oil May Not Be The Virgin It Claims The next time you reach for a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil, beware. A new study from the University of California-Davis found that more than two-thirds of random samples of extra-virgin olive oil didn't make the grade. Wavering Euro Makes Store Owners Do The Math Prices of specialty food like European cheeses, olive oils and pastas are extremely dependent on the strength of the euro compared to the dollar. One small businessman says he never imagined that running a neighborhood food store would require him to become an expert on global currency rates. Baskin-Robbins Gives French Vanilla The Deep Freeze Ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins has decided to retire five flavors, including French Vanilla. Michele Norris talks to Bruce Tharp, a consultant to the ice cream industry and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Ice Cream Manufacturers, about the difference between regular and French vanilla, and what the public reaction has been so far. Shredded Salads: Meals For The Lazy Cook Summertime inspires dizzying feats of laziness in the kitchen. Liquid lunches, random fruit meet-ups, meals consisting of things you can throw in a blender -- anything to avoid summer's Public Enemy No. 1: the stove. These easy-to-make, easy-to-eat salads won't impose on your downtime. Shop That Inspired 'Soup Nazi' Reopens In N.Y. Immortalized by a Seinfeld character, the Original SoupMan returned to Midtown Manhattan Tuesday, drawing a long line. But the soup man himself -- Al Yeganeh -- did not make an appearance. Oldest Champagne Found In Baltic Sea Swedish divers have discovered what may be the world's oldest drinkable champagne. They were exploring a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea when they came across a stash of bottles 200 feet underwater. The divers believe the ship sank sometime in the 1780s, making the bubbly about 220 years old.
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