WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Rush Limbaugh was detained for more than three hours Monday at Palm Beach International Airport after authorities said they found a bottle of Viagra in his possession without a prescription.
Customs officials found a prescription bottle labeled as Viagra in his luggage that didn't have Limbaugh's name on it, but that of two doctors, said
Paul Miller, spokesman for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
A doctor had prescribed the drug, but it was "labeled as being issued to the physician rather than Mr. Limbaugh for privacy purposes," Roy Black, Limbaugh's attorney, said in a statement.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection examined the 55-year-old radio commentator's luggage after his private plane landed at the airport from the Dominican Republic, said Miller.
The matter was referred to the sheriff's office, whose investigators interviewed Limbaugh. According to Miller, Limbaugh said that the Viagra was for his use, and that he obtained it from his doctors.
Investigators confiscated the drugs, which treats erectile dysfunction, and Limbaugh was released without being charged.
Who would screw this fat bastard???
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
The rich, the poor and the growing gap between them
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7055911
Trickle Down Economics.... not trickling down
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Warnings on WMD 'Fabricator' Were Ignored, Ex-CIA Aide Says
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/24/AR2006062401081.html
In late January 2003, as Secretary of State Colin Powell prepared to argue the Bush administration's case against Iraq at the United Nations, veteran CIA officer Tyler Drumheller sat down with a classified draft of Powell's speech to look for errors. He found a whopper: a claim about mobile biological labs built by Iraq for germ warfare.
Drumheller instantly recognized the source, an Iraqi defector suspected of being mentally unstable and a liar. The CIA officer took his pen, he recounted in an interview, and crossed out the whole paragraph.
A few days later, the lines were back in the speech. Powell stood before the U.N. Security Council on Feb. 5 and said: "We have first-hand descriptions of biological weapons factories on wheels and on rails."
WTF????
In late January 2003, as Secretary of State Colin Powell prepared to argue the Bush administration's case against Iraq at the United Nations, veteran CIA officer Tyler Drumheller sat down with a classified draft of Powell's speech to look for errors. He found a whopper: a claim about mobile biological labs built by Iraq for germ warfare.
Drumheller instantly recognized the source, an Iraqi defector suspected of being mentally unstable and a liar. The CIA officer took his pen, he recounted in an interview, and crossed out the whole paragraph.
A few days later, the lines were back in the speech. Powell stood before the U.N. Security Council on Feb. 5 and said: "We have first-hand descriptions of biological weapons factories on wheels and on rails."
WTF????
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
2 killed in second botched Israeli strike
By SARAH EL DEEB, Associated Press Writer Wed Jun 21, 4:06 PM ET
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip - In the second botched Israeli airstrike in Gaza in two days, two people were killed and 13 were wounded when a missile hit a house Wednesday, just hours after grieving and angry Palestinians buried three children killed in a previous attack.
Militants vowed revenge, and Israelis debated the effectiveness of airstrikes that target militants but are taking a mounting toll on innocent Palestinians.
In Wednesday's attack, Israeli aircraft targeted militants in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis but hit a house instead, killing a man and a woman and wounding at least 13 people, including five children, according to hospital officials.
The missile blew a hole in a wall of the one-story concrete block shack. A pool of blood covered part of the kitchen floor of the stricken house.
A witness said a car carrying Palestinian militants passed the house as the missile struck. They jumped from the car and ran into a nearby field.
A senior air force officer, speaking on condition of anonymity under military regulations, said the missile missed its target by several dozen yards.
How many is several dozen? 5 dozen is over half a football field.. that's a big miss. Dont' we supply the Isreali military with artilery?
If Isreal can't hit their target with US made weapons, how are we to believe Sadam could bomb US soil using his catapult?
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
If you are Muslim, dont' walk outside in Gaza....
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip - In the second botched Israeli airstrike in Gaza in two days, two people were killed and 13 were wounded when a missile hit a house Wednesday, just hours after grieving and angry Palestinians buried three children killed in a previous attack.
Militants vowed revenge, and Israelis debated the effectiveness of airstrikes that target militants but are taking a mounting toll on innocent Palestinians.
In Wednesday's attack, Israeli aircraft targeted militants in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis but hit a house instead, killing a man and a woman and wounding at least 13 people, including five children, according to hospital officials.
The missile blew a hole in a wall of the one-story concrete block shack. A pool of blood covered part of the kitchen floor of the stricken house.
A witness said a car carrying Palestinian militants passed the house as the missile struck. They jumped from the car and ran into a nearby field.
A senior air force officer, speaking on condition of anonymity under military regulations, said the missile missed its target by several dozen yards.
How many is several dozen? 5 dozen is over half a football field.. that's a big miss. Dont' we supply the Isreali military with artilery?
If Isreal can't hit their target with US made weapons, how are we to believe Sadam could bomb US soil using his catapult?
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
If you are Muslim, dont' walk outside in Gaza....
Saddam's main lawyer killed... Again
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq - One of Saddam Hussein's main lawyers was shot to death Wednesday after he was abducted from his Baghdad home by men wearing police uniforms, the third killing of a member of the former leader's defense team since the trial started some eight months ago.
Khamis al-Obeidi, an Iraqi who represented Saddam and his half brother Barzan Ibrahim in their trial, was abducted from his house Wednesday morning, said Saddam's top lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaimi. His body was found on a street near the Shiite slum of Sadr City, police Lt. Thaer Mahmoud said.
Chief prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi confirmed that al-Obeidi had been killed, although he did not provide any details. A photo of al-Obeidi provided by police showed his face, head and shoulders drenched in his own blood.
A parked car bomb also exploded near an ice cream shop in the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City on Wednesday, killing at least three people and wounding eight, police Capt. Sattar Jabar said. It was the second attack in as many days in the sprawling Shiite district in eastern Baghdad.
The violence came a day after the U.S. military recovered the bodies of two missing soldiers from an area south of Baghdad that it said was rigged with explosives. A senior Iraqi defense official, Maj. Gen. Abdul-Aziz Mohammed, said the bodies showed signs of having been tortured.
The Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella organization of five insurgent groups, claimed the new leader of al-Qaida in
Iraq executed the men personally, but it offered no evidence. The U.S. military did not confirm whether the soldiers died from wounds suffered in an attack Friday or were kidnapped and later killed.
Al-Obeidi, who was in his 50s and had six children, was the third member of Saddam's defense team to be killed since the former leader's trial began on Oct. 19.
A dozen masked gunmen abducted defense lawyer Saadoun al-Janabi from his Baghdad office the day after the trial's opening session. His body was found the next day with two bullets in his skull. Nearly three weeks later, defense lawyer Adel al-Zubeidi was assassinated in a brazen daylight ambush in Baghdad. A colleague who was wounded fled the country.
"The aim of this act is to terrify the lawyers and hinder the work of the defense team," al-Dulaimi said.
i can see the job posting now...
wanted Baghdad law school graduate: summer internship for aspiring lawyers looking for experience in war crimes and genocide. assist the coalition of the willing and President Bush bring justice to Iraq. must provide own flak jacket and bodyguard. salary negotiable up to $5/day....
no thanks..
what a clusterfuck...
BAGHDAD, Iraq - One of Saddam Hussein's main lawyers was shot to death Wednesday after he was abducted from his Baghdad home by men wearing police uniforms, the third killing of a member of the former leader's defense team since the trial started some eight months ago.
Khamis al-Obeidi, an Iraqi who represented Saddam and his half brother Barzan Ibrahim in their trial, was abducted from his house Wednesday morning, said Saddam's top lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaimi. His body was found on a street near the Shiite slum of Sadr City, police Lt. Thaer Mahmoud said.
Chief prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi confirmed that al-Obeidi had been killed, although he did not provide any details. A photo of al-Obeidi provided by police showed his face, head and shoulders drenched in his own blood.
A parked car bomb also exploded near an ice cream shop in the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City on Wednesday, killing at least three people and wounding eight, police Capt. Sattar Jabar said. It was the second attack in as many days in the sprawling Shiite district in eastern Baghdad.
The violence came a day after the U.S. military recovered the bodies of two missing soldiers from an area south of Baghdad that it said was rigged with explosives. A senior Iraqi defense official, Maj. Gen. Abdul-Aziz Mohammed, said the bodies showed signs of having been tortured.
The Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella organization of five insurgent groups, claimed the new leader of al-Qaida in
Iraq executed the men personally, but it offered no evidence. The U.S. military did not confirm whether the soldiers died from wounds suffered in an attack Friday or were kidnapped and later killed.
Al-Obeidi, who was in his 50s and had six children, was the third member of Saddam's defense team to be killed since the former leader's trial began on Oct. 19.
A dozen masked gunmen abducted defense lawyer Saadoun al-Janabi from his Baghdad office the day after the trial's opening session. His body was found the next day with two bullets in his skull. Nearly three weeks later, defense lawyer Adel al-Zubeidi was assassinated in a brazen daylight ambush in Baghdad. A colleague who was wounded fled the country.
"The aim of this act is to terrify the lawyers and hinder the work of the defense team," al-Dulaimi said.
i can see the job posting now...
wanted Baghdad law school graduate: summer internship for aspiring lawyers looking for experience in war crimes and genocide. assist the coalition of the willing and President Bush bring justice to Iraq. must provide own flak jacket and bodyguard. salary negotiable up to $5/day....
no thanks..
what a clusterfuck...
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Japan pulling its 600 troops from Iraq
By JOSEPH COLEMAN, Associated Press Writer
TOKYO - Japan ordered the withdrawal of its ground troops from Iraq on Tuesday, declaring the humanitarian mission a success and ending a groundbreaking dispatch that tested the limits of its pacifist postwar constitution.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said the 600 non-combat troops — deployed in early 2004 — had helped rebuild infrastructure in the area where they were based, and he pledged further aid to Iraqi reconstruction.
"Today we have decided to withdraw Ground Self-Defense Forces from the Samawah region in Iraq," Koizumi said in a nationally televised news conference. "The humanitarian dispatch ... has achieved its mission."
Think North Korea nuke test has anything to do with this?
TOKYO - Japan ordered the withdrawal of its ground troops from Iraq on Tuesday, declaring the humanitarian mission a success and ending a groundbreaking dispatch that tested the limits of its pacifist postwar constitution.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said the 600 non-combat troops — deployed in early 2004 — had helped rebuild infrastructure in the area where they were based, and he pledged further aid to Iraqi reconstruction.
"Today we have decided to withdraw Ground Self-Defense Forces from the Samawah region in Iraq," Koizumi said in a nationally televised news conference. "The humanitarian dispatch ... has achieved its mission."
Think North Korea nuke test has anything to do with this?
Inflation Ravages U.S. Wages, Fueling Angst at Bush's Economy
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_us&refer=politics&sid=an9UsfFBthUk
Adjusted for inflation, the median income for the top 10 percent of U.S. households rose 2.3 percent between 2001 and 2004, covering much of Bush's first term in office, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, issued in February. For the other 90 percent of households -- which earned less than $184,800 in 2004 -- the median fell 0.5 percent over the same period.
Well there you have it.... supply-side economic policy working its magic.
Adjusted for inflation, the median income for the top 10 percent of U.S. households rose 2.3 percent between 2001 and 2004, covering much of Bush's first term in office, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, issued in February. For the other 90 percent of households -- which earned less than $184,800 in 2004 -- the median fell 0.5 percent over the same period.
Well there you have it.... supply-side economic policy working its magic.
Friday, June 16, 2006
What would war with Iraq cost?
02/02/03
Bush: Attack by Iraq 'would cripple' economy
http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/01/01/sproject.irq.war.cost/
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The White House is downplaying published reports of an estimated $50 billion to $60 billion price tag for a war with Iraq, saying it is "impossible" to estimate the cost at this time.
White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels told The New York Times in an interview published Tuesday that such a conflict could cost $50 billion to $60 billion -- the price tag of the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
In September, Daniels disputed an estimate by Bush economic adviser Larry Lindsey -- who has since left the White House -- that war with Iraq could cost $200 billion.
Daniels said he believes Lindsey's estimate was "the upper end of a hypothetical," Duffy said
Larry Lindsey was later fired for that estimate...
05/16/06
Senate sends Bush $94.5B for Iraq, Katrina
The 98-1 vote on the compromise House-Senate legislation gave much-needed funds to support U.S. troops overseas. Most of the money — $66 billion — goes to the Pentagon for military operations overseas.
The bill would bring to almost $320 billion the tally for the campaign in Iraq and $89 billion for the one in Afghanistan.
Only Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., voted against the bill. He is opposed to a provision endorsing Bush's $873 billion "cap" on the annual appropriations bills that Congress passes each year. Specter is pushing for $7 billion in additional money for education and health programs.
Still, there is increasing concern in Congress about the cost of the war in Iraq and the fact that the spending is kept on a set of loosely policed books that are kept separate from the rest of government operations.
"This bill continues the charade that this war should be funded off budget instead on including the money our troops need in the regular budget that's requested by the president and sent to us," said Patty Murray, D-Wash., as debate closed Thursday.
$320 billion? and still counting.... Looks like Larry was a little low, not high...
by the way that money is borrowed and not even reported in our budget deficit...
Bush: Attack by Iraq 'would cripple' economy
http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/01/01/sproject.irq.war.cost/
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The White House is downplaying published reports of an estimated $50 billion to $60 billion price tag for a war with Iraq, saying it is "impossible" to estimate the cost at this time.
White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels told The New York Times in an interview published Tuesday that such a conflict could cost $50 billion to $60 billion -- the price tag of the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
In September, Daniels disputed an estimate by Bush economic adviser Larry Lindsey -- who has since left the White House -- that war with Iraq could cost $200 billion.
Daniels said he believes Lindsey's estimate was "the upper end of a hypothetical," Duffy said
Larry Lindsey was later fired for that estimate...
05/16/06
Senate sends Bush $94.5B for Iraq, Katrina
The 98-1 vote on the compromise House-Senate legislation gave much-needed funds to support U.S. troops overseas. Most of the money — $66 billion — goes to the Pentagon for military operations overseas.
The bill would bring to almost $320 billion the tally for the campaign in Iraq and $89 billion for the one in Afghanistan.
Only Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., voted against the bill. He is opposed to a provision endorsing Bush's $873 billion "cap" on the annual appropriations bills that Congress passes each year. Specter is pushing for $7 billion in additional money for education and health programs.
Still, there is increasing concern in Congress about the cost of the war in Iraq and the fact that the spending is kept on a set of loosely policed books that are kept separate from the rest of government operations.
"This bill continues the charade that this war should be funded off budget instead on including the money our troops need in the regular budget that's requested by the president and sent to us," said Patty Murray, D-Wash., as debate closed Thursday.
$320 billion? and still counting.... Looks like Larry was a little low, not high...
by the way that money is borrowed and not even reported in our budget deficit...
House members argue over Iraq policy
WASHINGTON - "Stay the course, I don't think so Mr. President. It's time to face the facts," said Pelosi, D-Calif., adding that she will vote against a Republican-engineered resolution that she called "an affirmation of the president's failed policy in Iraq."
"Achieving victory is our only option, for the sake of the American people and for our children and grandchildren," answered Boehner, R-Ohio.
Meanwhile.......
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed at least 10 people inside a Shi'ite mosque in Baghdad on Friday, a day after the national security adviser said al Qaeda's days in Iraq are numbered.
The bomber blew himself up as worshippers gathered for prayers at the Buratha mosque, an old site which is revered by Shi'ites. Twenty-five people were wounded.
Mosque guard Abdullah Hussein said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who had hidden explosives in his sandals to avoid security checks. Police have not confirmed this.
"A guard tried to stop him but he blew himself up and nothing was left of him except his head. You can see it if you want, it's over there," he said, pointing toward a tray in the mosque where a severed human head lay.
It is not the first time a suicide bomber has killed at the Buratha mosque. On April 7, three suicide bombers dressed as women attacked it, killing at least 71 people.
Friday's blast was the type of violence the new leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, who succeeded Arab Abu Musab al-Zarqawi last week, had vowed to maintain as part of a war against Shi'ites and the U.S.-backed government.
Abu Ayyub al-Masri vowed three days ago to avenge the death of Zarqawi, who was killed by a U.S. air strike last week.
Shortly after the mosque blast, mortar bombs hit houses and shops on the edge of Baghdad, killing at least three people.
The violence came just two days after the government launched a security crackdown with 50,000 Iraqi forces backed by 7,000 U.S. troops.
It also came after Iraq's national security adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said security forces had seized documents detailing al Qaeda's network in Iraq and the whereabouts of its leaders.
"We believe this is the beginning of the end of al Qaeda in Iraq," he said on Thursday.
Really? That's great news. All is well. There is nothing to see here. Move along.....
Not to worry guys.. House members are debating the issue. I'm sure we will get some clarity in a couple of months... right...
"Achieving victory is our only option, for the sake of the American people and for our children and grandchildren," answered Boehner, R-Ohio.
Meanwhile.......
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed at least 10 people inside a Shi'ite mosque in Baghdad on Friday, a day after the national security adviser said al Qaeda's days in Iraq are numbered.
The bomber blew himself up as worshippers gathered for prayers at the Buratha mosque, an old site which is revered by Shi'ites. Twenty-five people were wounded.
Mosque guard Abdullah Hussein said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who had hidden explosives in his sandals to avoid security checks. Police have not confirmed this.
"A guard tried to stop him but he blew himself up and nothing was left of him except his head. You can see it if you want, it's over there," he said, pointing toward a tray in the mosque where a severed human head lay.
It is not the first time a suicide bomber has killed at the Buratha mosque. On April 7, three suicide bombers dressed as women attacked it, killing at least 71 people.
Friday's blast was the type of violence the new leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, who succeeded Arab Abu Musab al-Zarqawi last week, had vowed to maintain as part of a war against Shi'ites and the U.S.-backed government.
Abu Ayyub al-Masri vowed three days ago to avenge the death of Zarqawi, who was killed by a U.S. air strike last week.
Shortly after the mosque blast, mortar bombs hit houses and shops on the edge of Baghdad, killing at least three people.
The violence came just two days after the government launched a security crackdown with 50,000 Iraqi forces backed by 7,000 U.S. troops.
It also came after Iraq's national security adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said security forces had seized documents detailing al Qaeda's network in Iraq and the whereabouts of its leaders.
"We believe this is the beginning of the end of al Qaeda in Iraq," he said on Thursday.
Really? That's great news. All is well. There is nothing to see here. Move along.....
Not to worry guys.. House members are debating the issue. I'm sure we will get some clarity in a couple of months... right...
Monday, June 12, 2006
Beer ingredient may fight prostate cancer
CORVALLIS, Ore. - A main ingredient in beer may help prevent prostate cancer and enlargement, according to a new study. But researchers say don't rush out to stock the refrigerator because the ingredient is present in such small amounts that a person would have to drink more than 17 beers to benefit.
Oregon State University researchers say the compound xanthohumol, found in hops, inhibits a specific protein in the cells along the surface of the prostate gland.
The protein acts like a signal switch that turns on a variety of animal and human cancers, including prostate cancer.
Cancer typically results from uncontrolled cell reproduction and growth. Xanthohumol belongs to a group of plant compounds called flavonoids, which can trigger the programmed cell death that controls growth, researchers say.
That's what i'm talking about!!!!
"Drink 17 beers and call me in the morning."
Oregon State University researchers say the compound xanthohumol, found in hops, inhibits a specific protein in the cells along the surface of the prostate gland.
The protein acts like a signal switch that turns on a variety of animal and human cancers, including prostate cancer.
Cancer typically results from uncontrolled cell reproduction and growth. Xanthohumol belongs to a group of plant compounds called flavonoids, which can trigger the programmed cell death that controls growth, researchers say.
That's what i'm talking about!!!!
"Drink 17 beers and call me in the morning."
Murder in Iraq - Murder in USA... President Bush presiding over Global Murder Spree
WASHINGTON - Murders, robberies and aggravated assaults in the United States increased last year, spurring an overall rise in violent crime for the first time since 2001, according to FBI data.
Murders rose 4.8 percent, meaning there were more than 16,900 victims in 2005. That would be the most since 1998 and the largest percentage increase in 15 years.
Murders jumped from 272 to 334 in Houston, a 23 percent spike; from 330 to 377 in Philadelphia, a 14 percent rise; and from 131 to 144 in Las Vegas, a 10 percent increase.
Despite the national numbers, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York were among several large cities that saw the number of murders drop.
The overall increase in violent crime was modest, 2.5 percent, which equates to more than 1.4 million crimes. Nevertheless, that was the largest percentage increase since 1991.
The FBI data, compiled from reports by more than 12,000 law enforcement agencies, does not contain overall crime numbers in any category nor does it offer any explanation for the changes. The FBI's final annual crime report comes out in the fall.
Criminal justice experts said the statistics reflect the nation's complacency in fighting crime, a product of dramatic declines in the 1990s and the abandonment of effective programs that emphasized prevention, putting more police officers on the street and controlling the spread of guns.
"We see that budgets for policing are being slashed and the federal government has gotten out of that business," said James Alan Fox, a criminal justice professor at Northeastern University in Boston. "Funding for prevention at the federal level and many localities are down and the (National Rifle Association) has renewed strength."
Still, Fox said, "We're still far better off than we were during the double-digit crime inflation we saw in the 1970s."
Robberies were up 4.5 percent and aggravated assaults 1.9 percent, according to preliminary data. Alone among violent crime categories, the number of rapes fell 1.9 percent.
Violent crimes peaked at 1.9 million in 1992 and fell steadily through the end of that decade. The number has been relatively stable for the past six years.
Crime last year increased in all regions, although the 5.7 percent rise in the Midwest was at least three times any other region's. These states make up the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Fox cautioned against reading too much into year-to-year changes in individual cities, saying some differences result from random variation and marked swings the previous year. Also, some large statistical increases result from some small numerical changes.
In Hartford, Conn. for example, murders jumped more than 50 percent, from 16 to 25.
Little Rock has recorded 33 homicides this year, on pace to eclipse the city's record 76 homicides in 1993. Authorities suspect many of the killings were gang-related.
HMMMM....... think economic policy has anything to do with this? tax cuts and inflation fueling class warfare. this is no surprise. why can't Dems make this case?
Murders rose 4.8 percent, meaning there were more than 16,900 victims in 2005. That would be the most since 1998 and the largest percentage increase in 15 years.
Murders jumped from 272 to 334 in Houston, a 23 percent spike; from 330 to 377 in Philadelphia, a 14 percent rise; and from 131 to 144 in Las Vegas, a 10 percent increase.
Despite the national numbers, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York were among several large cities that saw the number of murders drop.
The overall increase in violent crime was modest, 2.5 percent, which equates to more than 1.4 million crimes. Nevertheless, that was the largest percentage increase since 1991.
The FBI data, compiled from reports by more than 12,000 law enforcement agencies, does not contain overall crime numbers in any category nor does it offer any explanation for the changes. The FBI's final annual crime report comes out in the fall.
Criminal justice experts said the statistics reflect the nation's complacency in fighting crime, a product of dramatic declines in the 1990s and the abandonment of effective programs that emphasized prevention, putting more police officers on the street and controlling the spread of guns.
"We see that budgets for policing are being slashed and the federal government has gotten out of that business," said James Alan Fox, a criminal justice professor at Northeastern University in Boston. "Funding for prevention at the federal level and many localities are down and the (National Rifle Association) has renewed strength."
Still, Fox said, "We're still far better off than we were during the double-digit crime inflation we saw in the 1970s."
Robberies were up 4.5 percent and aggravated assaults 1.9 percent, according to preliminary data. Alone among violent crime categories, the number of rapes fell 1.9 percent.
Violent crimes peaked at 1.9 million in 1992 and fell steadily through the end of that decade. The number has been relatively stable for the past six years.
Crime last year increased in all regions, although the 5.7 percent rise in the Midwest was at least three times any other region's. These states make up the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Fox cautioned against reading too much into year-to-year changes in individual cities, saying some differences result from random variation and marked swings the previous year. Also, some large statistical increases result from some small numerical changes.
In Hartford, Conn. for example, murders jumped more than 50 percent, from 16 to 25.
Little Rock has recorded 33 homicides this year, on pace to eclipse the city's record 76 homicides in 1993. Authorities suspect many of the killings were gang-related.
HMMMM....... think economic policy has anything to do with this? tax cuts and inflation fueling class warfare. this is no surprise. why can't Dems make this case?
Poop or Puke?
Interesting reading...pick your poison. Do you want to read about Iraq and crap in your shorts? Or do you want to read about the environment and throw up on yourself?
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/printer_060906A.shtml
or
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/060906G.shtml
"In this house we obey the laws of thermodynamics!" Homer Simpson
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/printer_060906A.shtml
or
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/060906G.shtml
"In this house we obey the laws of thermodynamics!" Homer Simpson
Friday, June 09, 2006
Brewer Projected 11th Pick to Magic in Mock Draft
9. Golden State Warriors: Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley: O'BryantRationale: After getting Andris Biedrins, Ike Diogu, and Chris Taft in the last two drafts, do the Warriors still need bigs? Sadly, yes.Also Considered: Rodney Carney, Ronnie Brewer
10. Seattle Sonics: Shelden Williams, PF, Duke Rationale: Other than Tyrus Thomas, Williams is considered the best shot-blocker in the draft and is viewed just as pro-ready after spending four years being groomed by Coach K. With Chris Wilcox hitting the free agent market and a pair of unproven players at center, the Sonics can't avoid addressing their frontcourt. Also Considered: Ronnie Brewer
11. Orlando Magic: Ronnie Brewer, SG, Arkansas: J.J. Redick might be the pick here, but can the Magic really afford to use this pick on a sixth-man chucker? Orlando needs more than just a shooter, and Brewer can defend, handle the rock, and get to the rack—all of which makes him a good fit with Jameer Nelson in the backcourt.
Bad Gas?
Dozens Fall Ill at IHOP in Arkansas
Jun 08 3:01 PM US/Eastern
JONESBORO, Ark.
More than two dozen people became ill after inhaling a substance believed to have been sprayed inside an IHOP restaurant, police said.
Authorities were trying to determine the source of the substance that forced the restaurant's evacuation Tuesday evening.
Some customers were gasping for air, and one complained of shortness of breath and a burning sensation in his nose and throat. Four were taken to hospitals, police said.
"Due to the symptoms of the victims, it is believed that some substance, such as tear gas or some similar substance, may have been sprayed in the seating area of the restaurant," Patrolman Jonathan Landrum said.
The manager for the Jonesboro restaurant did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Patrick Lenow, a spokesman for Glendale, Calif.-based IHOP, said he was not aware of the incident and had no immediate comment.
My bet is Mrs. Huckabee ordered the 21 piece shrimp dinner....
Jun 08 3:01 PM US/Eastern
JONESBORO, Ark.
More than two dozen people became ill after inhaling a substance believed to have been sprayed inside an IHOP restaurant, police said.
Authorities were trying to determine the source of the substance that forced the restaurant's evacuation Tuesday evening.
Some customers were gasping for air, and one complained of shortness of breath and a burning sensation in his nose and throat. Four were taken to hospitals, police said.
"Due to the symptoms of the victims, it is believed that some substance, such as tear gas or some similar substance, may have been sprayed in the seating area of the restaurant," Patrolman Jonathan Landrum said.
The manager for the Jonesboro restaurant did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Patrick Lenow, a spokesman for Glendale, Calif.-based IHOP, said he was not aware of the incident and had no immediate comment.
My bet is Mrs. Huckabee ordered the 21 piece shrimp dinner....
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Homophobe Amendment Fails... 49-48
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00163
These assholes think we should AMEND THE CONSTITUTION
YEAs ---49
Alexander (R-TN)Allard (R-CO)Allen (R-VA)Bennett (R-UT)Bond (R-MO)Brownback (R-KS)Bunning (R-KY)Burns (R-MT)Burr (R-NC)Byrd (D-WV)Chambliss (R-GA)Coburn (R-OK)Cochran (R-MS)Coleman (R-MN)Cornyn (R-TX)Craig (R-ID)Crapo (R-ID)DeMint (R-SC)DeWine (R-OH)Dole (R-NC)Domenici (R-NM)Ensign (R-NV)Enzi (R-WY)Frist (R-TN)Graham (R-SC)Grassley (R-IA)Hatch (R-UT)Hutchison (R-TX)Inhofe (R-OK)Isakson (R-GA)Kyl (R-AZ)Lott (R-MS)Lugar (R-IN)Martinez (R-FL)McConnell (R-KY)Murkowski (R-AK)Nelson (D-NE)Roberts (R-KS)Santorum (R-PA)Sessions (R-AL)Shelby (R-AL)Smith (R-OR)Stevens (R-AK)Talent (R-MO)Thomas (R-WY)Thune (R-SD)Vitter (R-LA)Voinovich (R-OH)Warner (R-VA)
Byrd? that's fucked up
These assholes think we should AMEND THE CONSTITUTION
YEAs ---49
Alexander (R-TN)Allard (R-CO)Allen (R-VA)Bennett (R-UT)Bond (R-MO)Brownback (R-KS)Bunning (R-KY)Burns (R-MT)Burr (R-NC)Byrd (D-WV)Chambliss (R-GA)Coburn (R-OK)Cochran (R-MS)Coleman (R-MN)Cornyn (R-TX)Craig (R-ID)Crapo (R-ID)DeMint (R-SC)DeWine (R-OH)Dole (R-NC)Domenici (R-NM)Ensign (R-NV)Enzi (R-WY)Frist (R-TN)Graham (R-SC)Grassley (R-IA)Hatch (R-UT)Hutchison (R-TX)Inhofe (R-OK)Isakson (R-GA)Kyl (R-AZ)Lott (R-MS)Lugar (R-IN)Martinez (R-FL)McConnell (R-KY)Murkowski (R-AK)Nelson (D-NE)Roberts (R-KS)Santorum (R-PA)Sessions (R-AL)Shelby (R-AL)Smith (R-OR)Stevens (R-AK)Talent (R-MO)Thomas (R-WY)Thune (R-SD)Vitter (R-LA)Voinovich (R-OH)Warner (R-VA)
Byrd? that's fucked up
DAMIEN.......
7 June 2006
BORN AT 6AM ON 06/06/06, HIS MUM WAS INDUCED FOR 6 DAYS, HE WEIGHS 6LBS 6OZ AND HE'S CALLED.. DAMIEN
By Richard Smith
HORROR film fan Suzanne Cooper yesterday named her baby Damien after the devil child in the The Omen, who was also born on June 6.
Suzanne went one better than the movie by hitting the full Number of the Beast with the date - 6/6/06.
Special needs teacher Suzanne, 36, was also induced for six days before Damien arrived at 6.59am, tipping the scales at a spine-chilling 6lb 6oz.
She said: "We are overjoyed about the baby. The Omen is one of our favourite films and that's why I was keeping my legs crossed for a birth on the 6th.
"It does seem a bit weird I suppose, but he's a perfect baby - nothing at all like Damien in The Omen."
Cool......
BORN AT 6AM ON 06/06/06, HIS MUM WAS INDUCED FOR 6 DAYS, HE WEIGHS 6LBS 6OZ AND HE'S CALLED.. DAMIEN
By Richard Smith
HORROR film fan Suzanne Cooper yesterday named her baby Damien after the devil child in the The Omen, who was also born on June 6.
Suzanne went one better than the movie by hitting the full Number of the Beast with the date - 6/6/06.
Special needs teacher Suzanne, 36, was also induced for six days before Damien arrived at 6.59am, tipping the scales at a spine-chilling 6lb 6oz.
She said: "We are overjoyed about the baby. The Omen is one of our favourite films and that's why I was keeping my legs crossed for a birth on the 6th.
"It does seem a bit weird I suppose, but he's a perfect baby - nothing at all like Damien in The Omen."
Cool......
Monday, June 05, 2006
Some Recent Headlines from Reuters.....
Gunmen kidnap 50 workers in Iraq
Gunmen kill 21 commuters near Baghdad
Suicide blast kills 15, injures 30 in Iraq
Bush makes new push for gay-marriage ban
Gunmen kill 21 commuters near Baghdad
Suicide blast kills 15, injures 30 in Iraq
Bush makes new push for gay-marriage ban
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