Americans shrug off signs of recovery as nagging job worries sap consumer confidence

What recovery? Americans still gloomy on economy

CHICAGO – The housing market and stocks may be looking up, but Americans just can’t shake their job worries.
In a sign that talk of an economic recovery has yet to soothe a recession-battered nation, consumer confidence fell in October and came in well below what analysts were expecting.
For stores, [...]

Uttar Pradesh raises sugarcane price by Rs.25 a quintal

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh government Friday hiked by Rs.25 a quintal the state advised price (SAP) of sugarcane in the state for the forthcoming crushing season, commencing early November.

According to a decision taken by the Mayawati-led state cabinet, the prevailing per quintal SAP of Rs.140 has been raised to Rs.165 for the [...]

Now, a novel filtering system to protect computer networks from zombies

WASHINGTON – Auburn University experts in Alabama say that security on government, commercial, and educational systems can be significantly improved by using a novel system to filter out denial of service attacks on computer networks, including cloud computing systems.

Reporting about such a filter in the Int. J. Information and Computer Security, the researchers have pointed [...]

Hindustan Construction ties up with AMEC for nuclear projects

NEW DELHI – Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) has partnered with Britain-based engineering and project management firm AMEC Plc to offer technical services in the nuclear power sector, a top HCC official said Wednesday.

“This is the next big opportunity as six nuclear power plants will be sanctioned in the next 40 months,” Ajit Gulabchand, chairman [...]

Britain’s elite troops training Libyan special forces

LONDON – Troops from Britain’s elite regiment, Special Air Services (SAS), have been training Libyan special forces for the last six months, despite Libya arming the Irish Republican Army, sources have said.

SAS troops are training soldiers of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, which for years provided IRA terrorists with the Semtex explosive, machine-guns and anti-aircraft missiles [...]

International air travel may not recover until 2011, Boeing and Airbus executives say

Global air travel may not recover until 2011
HONG KONG – International air travel, whacked by the economic downturn, is starting to stabilize but may not recover until 2011 as companies and passengers continue to scale back, executives at aviation giants Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS said Wednesday.

Passenger travel, somewhat better so far in the second [...]

Heartbroken man chatting with ex-girlfriend on computer focuses Web cam on tree, hangs himself

Man hangs self as horrified ex watches on Web cam
SANTIAGO, Chile – Chilean police say a young man distraught over a breakup with his girlfriend hanged himself while she watched over a Web camera.

Deputy inspector Carlos Court says 26-year-old Simon Venegas was chatting with his former girlfriend when he pointed his camera at a tree [...]

Pernod Ricard full-year net profit up 12.5 percent to $1.35 billion Absolut buy

Pernod Ricard net profit up 12.5 percent for year
PARIS – Pernod Ricard SA’s net profit rose 12.5 percent last year after the French wine and spirits group acquired the maker of Swedish vodka Absolut, the company said Thursday.

The Paris-based company, known for its anise-flavored aperitifs as well as Beefeater gin and Chivas Regal cognac, said [...]

Pak announces governing body of Baba Guru Nanak International University

AMRITSAR – In a step to give shape to a proposed Baba Guru Nanak International University (BGNIU) the Government of Pakistan has announced the name of its members of the governing committee for project management unit on Friday.

The first meeting of the governing committee is likely to be held in Islamabad in September this year. [...]

One armed police personnel killed in Jharkhand Maoists attack

RANCHI – A Special Armed Police (SAP) personnel was killed when Maoists ambushed a police jeep in Jharkhand’s Latehar district late on Wednesday.

The incident took place at Latehar’s Chormunda valley when Maoists attacked a police jeep and in an exchange of fire one was injured, police said today.
The exchange of firing went on for more [...]

Americans shrug off signs of recovery as nagging job worries sap consumer confidence

What recovery? Americans still gloomy on economy

CHICAGO – The housing market and stocks may be looking up, but Americans just can’t shake their job worries.
In a sign that talk of an economic recovery has yet to soothe a recession-battered nation, consumer confidence fell in October and came in well below what analysts were expecting.
For stores, [...]

Uttar Pradesh raises sugarcane price by Rs.25 a quintal

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh government Friday hiked by Rs.25 a quintal the state advised price (SAP) of sugarcane in the state for the forthcoming crushing season, commencing early November.

According to a decision taken by the Mayawati-led state cabinet, the prevailing per quintal SAP of Rs.140 has been raised to Rs.165 for the [...]

Now, a novel filtering system to protect computer networks from zombies

WASHINGTON – Auburn University experts in Alabama say that security on government, commercial, and educational systems can be significantly improved by using a novel system to filter out denial of service attacks on computer networks, including cloud computing systems.

Reporting about such a filter in the Int. J. Information and Computer Security, the researchers have pointed [...]

Hindustan Construction ties up with AMEC for nuclear projects

NEW DELHI – Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) has partnered with Britain-based engineering and project management firm AMEC Plc to offer technical services in the nuclear power sector, a top HCC official said Wednesday.

“This is the next big opportunity as six nuclear power plants will be sanctioned in the next 40 months,” Ajit Gulabchand, chairman [...]

Britain’s elite troops training Libyan special forces

LONDON – Troops from Britain’s elite regiment, Special Air Services (SAS), have been training Libyan special forces for the last six months, despite Libya arming the Irish Republican Army, sources have said.

SAS troops are training soldiers of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, which for years provided IRA terrorists with the Semtex explosive, machine-guns and anti-aircraft missiles [...]

International air travel may not recover until 2011, Boeing and Airbus executives say

Global air travel may not recover until 2011
HONG KONG – International air travel, whacked by the economic downturn, is starting to stabilize but may not recover until 2011 as companies and passengers continue to scale back, executives at aviation giants Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS said Wednesday.

Passenger travel, somewhat better so far in the second [...]

Heartbroken man chatting with ex-girlfriend on computer focuses Web cam on tree, hangs himself

Man hangs self as horrified ex watches on Web cam
SANTIAGO, Chile – Chilean police say a young man distraught over a breakup with his girlfriend hanged himself while she watched over a Web camera.

Deputy inspector Carlos Court says 26-year-old Simon Venegas was chatting with his former girlfriend when he pointed his camera at a tree [...]

Pernod Ricard full-year net profit up 12.5 percent to $1.35 billion Absolut buy

Pernod Ricard net profit up 12.5 percent for year
PARIS – Pernod Ricard SA’s net profit rose 12.5 percent last year after the French wine and spirits group acquired the maker of Swedish vodka Absolut, the company said Thursday.

The Paris-based company, known for its anise-flavored aperitifs as well as Beefeater gin and Chivas Regal cognac, said [...]

Pak announces governing body of Baba Guru Nanak International University

AMRITSAR – In a step to give shape to a proposed Baba Guru Nanak International University (BGNIU) the Government of Pakistan has announced the name of its members of the governing committee for project management unit on Friday.

The first meeting of the governing committee is likely to be held in Islamabad in September this year. [...]

One armed police personnel killed in Jharkhand Maoists attack

RANCHI – A Special Armed Police (SAP) personnel was killed when Maoists ambushed a police jeep in Jharkhand’s Latehar district late on Wednesday.

The incident took place at Latehar’s Chormunda valley when Maoists attacked a police jeep and in an exchange of fire one was injured, police said today.
The exchange of firing went on for more [...]

Meghalaya man travels 4,000 kilometres for his pet’s cure

CHENNAI – In an inspirational expression of love for his pet, a pet owner from Meghalaya has travelled to a Tamil Nadu Veterinary hospital, driving all the way in his private car to provide quality treatment to his ailing dog.

He covered about 4,000 kilometres to ensure special care to the ailing dog.
Sanjay Sharma’s 16-month-old American … Read more »»».

Uttarakhand Govt. spreads mass awareness on migratory birds

HARIPURA – The Uttarakhand Government has initiated a mass awareness programme about conservation of migratory birds that flock to Haripura wetland in the State among people, including children.

A large variety of migratory birds, over 149 species, make the Haripura wetland, located near the Haripura dam, as their … Read more : Uttarakhand Govt. spreads mass awareness on migratory birds.

Iran launches mew research rocket into space

WASHINGTON – Iran successfully launched a research rocket into outer space carrying a mouse, two turtles and worms Wednesday, but failed to put anything into orbit, two U.S. officials told Fox News.

One U.S. official said the launch-demonstrated Iran’s rocket or missile capabilities.
It’s unclear whether Iran had intentions of putting either research tools or animals into … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iran launches mew research rocket into space.

Iran says it has successfully launched new research rocket into space

Iran launches new research rocket into space

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s defense minister says his country has successfully launched a new rocket carrying a mouse, turtle and worms into space for research purposes.
State television broadcast images of the launch of the Kavoshgar-3, or Explorer-3, rocket on Wednesday. State TV also showed officials putting a mouse, two …. Original source  : Iran says it has successfully launched new research rocket into space.

Contaminated food threatens Gujarat’s migratory birds

JAMNAGAR – Migratory birds flocking to wetlands in Gujarat are at a serious risk of consuming contaminated food provided by locals.

Since November last year, around 352 species of birds have flown in to the man-made Lakhota Lake in Jamnagar, which has become a death zone for them.
The birds, which include slender-billed gulls, brown-headed gulls and … Read more : Contaminated food threatens Gujarat’s migratory birds.

Meet the man who keeps 24 crocs, alligators in his back garden!

LONDON – Britain’s Shaun Foggett loves reptiles and keeps 24 of them as his pets in his back garden that he shares with his fianc??e and three kids.

The 30-year-old daredevil lives in the semi-detached home in Oxford with partner Lisa Green, 29, and children Billy, six, Louie, four, and eight-month-old Shania
“I have been interested in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Meet the man who keeps 24 crocs, alligators in his back garden!.

Migratory birds nestle in Kodiyakkarai sanctuary in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI – Thousands of exotic migratory have arrived at the Kodiyakkarai Bird Sanctuary, which is located 400 kilometres from Chennai.

These birds arrive in India during the winter season, which is not as harsh as the winters in Europe or in regions in the northern hemisphere like Siberia and China among others.
From early November, these migratory … Read more : Migratory birds nestle in Kodiyakkarai sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

Soon, burial ground in UK that allows pet lovers to be buried with their animals!

LONDON – Britain will soon have a burial ground where humans can be laid to rest right next to their loved pets.

West Lindsey District Council has given permission to the village of Stainton by Langworth, near Lincoln to bury humans near pets.
Councillor Meg Davidson revealed that the plan was approved without opposition from the district … Read more : Soon, burial ground in UK that allows pet lovers to be buried with their animals!.

Police come to the rescue of 150 stolen ferrets in Mexico City

Ferret heist foiled in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY – Police in Mexico City have rescued 150 ferrets from armed robbers after a high speed chase.

Police say they found the furry contraband after the suspects crashed their car into a tree and then fled on foot.
Fourteen boxes of ferrets imported from the U.S. were taken by force …. Source article  : Police come to the rescue of 150 stolen ferrets in Mexico City.

Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn to sell items in auction for Haiti victims

Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys to raise funds for Haiti

LONDON – Coldplay, the Arctic Monkeys and Blur’s Damon Albarn are donating items to be sold at a charity auction beginning Friday to raise funds for Haiti earthquake victims, auction organizers said.
The items on sale will include an offer from Albarn to record a specially written piece of …. Original article  : Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn to sell items in auction for Haiti victims.

Group of wayward dolphins spotted in icy NJ river; rescuers can’t help until in ‘distress’

Group of wayward dolphins spotted in icy NJ river

HACKENSACK, N.J. – A group of wayward dolphins has been spotted in a northern New Jersey river.
About 8 to 15 dolphins were first reported in the chilly Hackensack River on Wednesday. They’ve been swimming near the towns of Hackensack, Teaneck and Bogota (ba-GOH’-tah).
Bill Sheehan of the Hackensack …. Source  : Group of wayward dolphins spotted in icy NJ river; rescuers can’t help until in ‘distress’.

Miracle spaniel survives after falling off southern England’s 300-feet sheer cliffs to sea

Flying spaniel survives 300-foot fall off UK cliff

LONDON – British rescuers say a dog that chased a seagull and fell off a 300-foot (90-meter) cliff into the sea has survived with only minor injuries.
Paul Legendre of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution search and rescue service says the springer spaniel was rescued Feb. 14 after it … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Miracle spaniel survives after falling off southern England’s 300-feet sheer cliffs to sea.

Wildlife officials operate on 11ft King cobra in Bhopal

BHOPAL – In a unique attempt, wildlife officials in Madhya Pradesh operated on a King Cobra, seized from a snake charmer, to resurrect its damaged fangs.

Officials of the Van Vihar national park in Bhopal operated on the 11-feet long cobra after they found that the reptile was … Read : Wildlife officials operate on 11ft King cobra in Bhopal.

Woman pleads guilty to selling 2 children to Louisiana couple for a cockatoo and $175 cash

La. woman pleads to selling 2 kids for bird, cash

VILLE PLATTE, La. – A 52-year-old Louisiana woman has pleaded guilty to two counts of sale of a minor for trading two children to a couple in exchange for an exotic pet bird and $175.
Donna Louise Greenwell received 15 months of hard labor on each count … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman pleads guilty to selling 2 children to Louisiana couple for a cockatoo and $175 cash.

Snake serum, dubbed ‘Botox in a bottle’, a hit in UK

NEW YORK – A snake venom that claims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles has become the latest beauty craze in the UK.

The new Glamoxy Snake Serum from Rodial was said to be working its charm on the ladies with apparent waitlists of more than 10,000 women.
The so-called “Botox in a bottle”, costing 160 dollars … Original article on : Snake serum, dubbed ‘Botox in a bottle’, a hit in UK.

Build special crossing for frogs, toads, French say!

LONDON – An animal protection group has called upon French authorities to have special crossings for frogs so that they are saved from being squashed on the country’s roads.

“For frogs, toads and newts, the most visible cause of death is undoubtedly road traffic: the animals try to reach the damp areas they need to reproduce …. Source  : Build special crossing for frogs, toads, French say!.

Central Garden & Pet says it increased size of 2018 debt offering to $400M from $300M

Central Garden & Pet prices sale of $400M in notes

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – Central Garden & Pet Co. said Friday it priced an offering of $400 million in senior notes due 2018.
The lawn, garden and pet supply company said Monday it planned to sell $300 million in notes.
The proceeds will be used to buy back …. Source article  : Central Garden & Pet says it increased size of 2018 debt offering to $400M from $300M.

50pc Kiwis can risk their life to save pets

Melbourne, Feb 26 (ANI): A new study has found that over 50 per cent of pet owners can risk their life to save their pets.
The New Zealand-based poll, conducted by Steve Glassey, a distance education student at Charles Sturt University in NSW, … Read : 50pc Kiwis can risk their life to save pets.