Leaders wish Stalin on his birthday

CHENNAI – Union and state ministers, MPs, legislators and government officials wished Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on his birthday Monday as he turned 57.

Stalin visited his father, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s residence here in the morning to seek his blessings.
Returning home, Stalin was wished by his elder brother and [..] Read the original article: here.

Gilani says Islam has no room for terrorism

OKARA – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has attacked terrorists for portraying a distorted picture of Islam, which had no room for terrorism.

However, he pledged to fight the nefarious design of terrorists that was aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
“No which sector of the society you belong to, whether you … Original article on : Gilani says Islam has no room for terrorism.

Italy’s ‘Purple People’ mount opposition against PM Berlusconi

ROME – Tens of thousands of protesters calling themselves the ‘Il Popolo Viola,’ or the ‘Purple People’ took to the streets of Rome at the weekend in opposition to Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi.

According to The Times, the group wore …. Original source  : Italy’s ‘Purple People’ mount opposition against PM Berlusconi.

Uruguay, Argentina on Secretary of State Clinton’s agenda Monday

Clinton to meet with Uruguay’s incoming president

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Troops from Uruguay are regularly among U.N. peacekeeping forces deployed around the world, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is hoping to persuade that country’s new president to continue the support.
Jose Mujica, a former guerrilla leader, is the latest leftist president to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama to shell out $45.40 for booze after losing bet to Stephen Harper

TORONTO – US President Barack Obama will have to shell out 45.40 dollars for a case of 24 Molson Canadian, after he lost a bet to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Obama, 48, lost the bet after Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime to win the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama to shell out $45.40 for booze after losing bet to Stephen Harper.

Pakistan Should act decisively against terrorism: PM

RIYADH – Addressing members of the Majlis-Al-Shura, a powerful council of intellectuals of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said: “India wishes to live in peace and friendship with its neighbours.
He also emphasised that India wanted good … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan Should act decisively against terrorism: PM.

Sonia celebrates Holi with schoolchildren

NEW DELHI – Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, at her residence with a group of schoolchildren.
Wearing a black salwar kameez and a red dupatta, Gandhi applied colour on the faces of the children and also gifted them bouquets and packets of sweets when they visited her 10 … Read more »»».

No Holi celebrations for Nitish, Lalu

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad did not celebrate Holi Monday to express solidarity with the family of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) legislator Abhay Singh who shot dead his wife and daughter before killing himself.

“Nitish Kumar did not play Holi to mourn Abhay’s death,” an official at … Read more >>>.

Silvio Berlusconi’s sexy election candidates line-up

LONDON – In spite of being criticized for undermining democratic process, Italy’s controversial prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has again put up sexy starlets as election candidates for his centre-Right party.

Among the candidates who will contest crucial elections …. Source  : Silvio Berlusconi’s sexy election candidates line-up.

Indian PM, Saudi monarch seal ties with Riyadh Declaration (Second Lead)

RIYADH – India and Saudi Arabia signed the Riyadh Declaration late Sunday night to put their seal of approval on rapidly growing ties that are moving towards a strategic partnership covering security, economic, defence, technology and political areas and including joint combat of terrorism.
The ‘Riyadh Declaration – A New Era of Strategic Partnership’ … Read more : Indian PM, Saudi monarch seal ties with Riyadh Declaration (Second Lead).

SKorea’s Lee calls for talks with NKorea, renews offer of incentives for disarmament

SKorea renews offer of incentives for disarmament
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president said Monday that he wants to achieve “genuine” reconciliation with North Korea through dialogue and renewed his offer of a package of incentives for the North’s nuclear disarmament.
The North has recently reached out to Seoul and Washington following … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SKorea’s Lee calls for talks with NKorea, renews offer of incentives for disarmament.

AP Top News at 8:54 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 8:54 p.m. EST
Chile quake death toll hits 708 as rescue ramps up
CONCEPCION, Chile – Heroism and banditry mingled on Chile’s shattered streets Sunday as rescuers braved aftershocks digging for survivors and the government sent soldiers and ordered a nighttime curfew to quell looting. The death toll climbed to 708 in one …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 8:50 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 8:50 p.m. EST
Chile quake death toll hits 708 as rescue ramps up
CONCEPCION, Chile – Heroism and banditry mingled on Chile’s shattered streets Sunday as rescuers braved aftershocks digging for survivors and the government sent soldiers and ordered a nighttime curfew to quell looting. The death toll climbed to 708 in one …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 8:50 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 7:59 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 7:59 p.m. EST
Chile quake death toll hits 708 as rescue ramps up
CONCEPCION, Chile – Heroism and banditry mingled on Chile’s shattered streets Sunday as rescuers braved aftershocks digging for survivors and the government sent soldiers and ordered a nighttime curfew to quell looting. The death toll climbed to 708 in one …. Read the original article  : here.

AP Top News at 7:50 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 7:50 p.m. EST
Chile quake death toll hits 708 as rescue ramps up
CONCEPCION, Chile – Heroism and banditry mingled on Chile’s shattered streets Sunday as rescuers braved aftershocks digging for survivors and the government sent soldiers and ordered a nighttime curfew to quell looting. The death toll climbed to 708 in one …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

India, Saudi Arabia sign Riyadh Declaration

RIYADH – India and Saudi Arabia late Sunday signed Riyadh Declaration to cement ties and to raise bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership covering security, economic, defence and political areas.
The ‘Riyadh Declaration – A New Era of Strategic Partnership’ was signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdul …. Read the original article  : India, Saudi Arabia sign Riyadh Declaration.

India, Saudi Arabia sign new Riyadh Declaration

RIYADH – India and Saudi Arabia signed a new Riyadh Declaration here Sunday, the second day of the three-day visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to this Islamic Kingdom.
The ‘Riyadh Declaration – A New Era of Strategic Partnership’ was signed by the prime minister and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz at …. Source  : India, Saudi Arabia sign new Riyadh Declaration.

APNewsBreak: RFK’s grandson decides against possible campaign for US House seat from Mass.

APNewsBreak: Kennedy III decides against House run

BOSTON – The grandson of Robert F. Kennedy has decided against running for the U.S. House from Massachusetts this year.
Joseph P. Kennedy III told The Associated Press on Sunday that “I’ve got a job I love being an assistant district attorney on the Cape, and I want to get … Read this article on Gaea Times at : APNewsBreak: RFK’s grandson decides against possible campaign for US House seat from Mass..

Gun-rights advocates across the country take their coffee with heat _ and Starbucks abides

Buzz and bullets: Gun fans cheer Starbucks’ policy
Dale Welch recently walked into a Starbucks in Virginia, handgun strapped to his waist, and ordered a banana Frappuccino with a cinnamon bun. He says the firearm drew a double-take from at least one customer, but not a peep from the baristas.
Welch’s … Read more : Gun-rights advocates across the country take their coffee with heat _ and Starbucks abides.

Following 10-day hospital stay, NJ Sen. Lautenberg plans to return to work Tuesday

NJ Sen. Frank Lautenberg going back to work

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg says he will return to work in Washington this week after being hospitalized with curable lymphoma of the stomach.
The 86-year-old Democrat was discharged from the hospital Thursday. He has been receiving chemotherapy since being diagnosed with the condition.
Lautenberg will attend … Original article on : Following 10-day hospital stay, NJ Sen. Lautenberg plans to return to work Tuesday.

India, Australia to discuss racist attacks, Games security

NEW DELHI – Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith arrived here Tuesday on a three-day trip that aims at assuring India about steps taken by Canberra to ensure the security of Indians in his country. Security for the Commonwealth Games, trade and hockey diplomacy are also on the agenda.

The visit starts amid a fresh assault … Read more : India, Australia to discuss racist attacks, Games security.

Jerry Brown expected to enter Calif. governor’s race, 27 years after he last had the job

Democrat Brown expected to enter Calif. gov’s race

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After months of waiting for a candidate of their own, California Democrats were anticipating an announcement Tuesday from state Attorney General Jerry Brown, who is expected to enter the race for governor.
Brown’s campaign issued a news release saying he planned to make a “major campaign … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jerry Brown expected to enter Calif. governor’s race, 27 years after he last had the job.

‘Cooperate more, contain less, in Sino-US ties’

BEIJING – There should be more cooperation and less “containment” in Sino-US relations, an official said here Tuesday.

“The Americans need to understand that the China-US relation is like a car that has two drivers instead of one. The Chinese and Americans both have wheels and brakes, so they have to discuss with each other to … Read more : ‘Cooperate more, contain less, in Sino-US ties’.

Manmohan Singh touched by Saudi gestures

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is deeply “touched and humbled” by the gestures extended to him during his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, which concluded with the signing of more than 10 agreements and the inking of the historic Riyadh Declaration.
The Saudi kingdom made a point … Original article on : Manmohan Singh touched by Saudi gestures.

Taslima Nasreen: Can She Return To Bangladesh Again

KARNATAKA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems that in the case of firebrand and radical writer Taslima Nasreen, there is no country for women. The writer who is known for her brave and straight forward mindset on religion and life has earned the wrath of extremist Muslim leaders who want to ensure that she does … Read : Taslima Nasreen: Can She Return To Bangladesh Again.

Gubernatorial hopefuls sweep through Texas, voters finally get a say in long, rough primary

Voters finally get a say in rough Texas primary

AUSTIN, Texas – Voters are finally getting their chance to weigh in on Texas’ long, rough gubernatorial primary.
Republican Gov. Rick Perry and rival Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison plan to make a last round of public appearances in Dallas on Tuesday morning. Hutchison will stop at a polling … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gubernatorial hopefuls sweep through Texas, voters finally get a say in long, rough primary.

India, Australia to discuss student attacks, trade, terror

NEW DELHI – Against the backdrop of continuing concerns in India over targeting of Indians in his country, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith arrives here later Tuesday on a three-day trip that will also have counter-terrorism and friendly hockey diplomacy on the agenda.

Smith’s visit to India starts with a meeting with Commerce Minister Anand …. Source  : India, Australia to discuss student attacks, trade, terror.

‘Edgy’ Pak concerned over Dr. Singh’s ’successful’ Saudi trip

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia is being seen by the Pakistani media as a deliberate attempt by New Delhi to elbow Islamabad’s relationship with its long time ally Riyadh.
An editorial in one of Pakistan’s leading English dailies said that Singh’s visit has brought to light the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Edgy’ Pak concerned over Dr. Singh’s ’successful’ Saudi trip.

Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in indoor public places ahead of World Expo

Shanghai declares indoor smoking ban ahead of Expo

SHANGHAI – Restaurants and office buildings in China’s commercial capital Shanghai are scrambling to set up nonsmoking areas as the city bans lighting up in indoor public spaces ahead of the World Expo.
There is rising awareness of the health risks of smoking in China, by far the world’s …. Source  : Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in indoor public places ahead of World Expo.

Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in public places ahead of World Expo

Shanghai declares smoking ban ahead of World Expo

SHANGHAI – Restaurants and office buildings in China’s commercial capital Shanghai are scrambling to set up nonsmoking areas as it bans lighting up in indoor public spaces ahead of the World Expo.
There is rising awareness of the health risks of smoking in China, by far the world’s biggest …. Original source  : Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in public places ahead of World Expo.

Russia close to arms reductions deal with US: Medvedev

Paris, March 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said that his country and the US are close to completing negotiations on a new treaty on strategic arms cuts, and expressed the hope that the document could be signed soon.
“In my opinion, the situation is not bad. We are close to reaching … Read : Russia close to arms reductions deal with US: Medvedev.

Out of White House, Obama aide denies role in gatecrash

WASHINGTON – Days after quitting, White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers has claimed her office followed protocol the night an uninvited couple gatecrashed President Barack Obama’s state dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Rogers also denied reports that her staff wasn’t present at the main gate when the wannabe reality TV stars Tareq and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Out of White House, Obama aide denies role in gatecrash.

Swraj Paul dragged into British party funding row

LONDON – Indian-born steel magnate and Labour Party supporter Lord Swraj Paul has found himself dragged into a controversy on who is allowed to fund political parties in Britain after a leading opposition contributor and strategist admitted his tax status is that of a non-domicile.

Lord Michael Ashcroft, who is estimated to be worth some one … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Swraj Paul dragged into British party funding row.

2 killed as Muslims clash with police in India during protest over criticism of face veils

Protests by Muslims leave 2 dead in southern India

NEW DELHI – Thousands of Muslims protesting a newspaper article they say was critical of Islam clashed with police in southern India, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured, police said Tuesday.
One person was killed by police gunfire and another succumbed to injuries caused by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 killed as Muslims clash with police in India during protest over criticism of face veils.

United Kashmir can link India and Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

BHANDERWAH – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has said that India and Pakistan can use the state of Jammu and Kashmir as a bridge to promote friendship.

Addressing media on the sidelines of a workers rally at Bhaderwah in Doda district, Mehbooba said: “We are not asking to change the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fuel, food price hikes likely to ignite parliament

NEW DELHI – Opposition MPs are planning to raise a storm over petrol and diesel price hikes when parliament reconvenes Wednesday after a four-day break.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist parties have convened separate meetings Wednesday morning to decide their strategy in the two houses of parliament. Their leaders said they …. Read the original article  : Fuel, food price hikes likely to ignite parliament.

US envoys’ Beijing visit aims to heal ties rocked by disputes over trade, Taiwan, Tibet

US envoys’ Beijing visit aims to heal ties
BEIJING – Top U.S. envoys were due in Beijing on Tuesday on a mission to patch up ties rocked by a flurry of disputes over trade, Taiwan and other sensitive issues.
Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and Senior White House Asia adviser Jeffrey …. Read the original article  : here.

North Korea vows to bolster nuclear deterrent and its means of delivery

NKorea vows to bolster nuclear deterrent
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea vowed Tuesday to strengthen its nuclear deterrent and its means of delivery – an apparent reference to missiles – days after threatening rival South Korea and U.S. forces with attack if they conduct military exercises as planned next week.

The threat comes as the U.S. … Read more >>.

Former guerrilla takes oath as Uruguay’s new president

Montevideo, March 2 (IANS/EFE) The new president of Uruguay, one-time guerrilla fighter Jose Mujica, said upon assuming office that his aim at the country’s helm will be to seek consensus with the opposition, businessmen, unions and other social sectors.
In an address lasting more than an hour and which he ended with the words …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Former guerrilla takes oath as Uruguay’s new president.

Border troubles remain as India, Bangladesh reach out

SHILLONG/AGARTALA – All is not quiet on the India-Bangladesh border even as the two countries strive to improve relations. While border guards from the neighbouring country have reportedly been resorting to unprovoked firing in Meghalaya, there is tension in Tripura following ethnic violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
India’s Border Security Force (BSF) …. Read the original article  : Border troubles remain as India, Bangladesh reach out.

Obama to detail revised health care legislation

Obama to offer amended health care plan
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is unveiling his revised version of a health care bill at the White House. It’s expected to include several Republican proposals.
The White House says the president will repeat why reform is so crucial and what it would mean for American families and …. Read the original article  : Obama to detail revised health care legislation.

14 killed as mortars, gunbattle rages in Somali capital; gov’t troops attack insurgent area

14 die in mortar, gun battle in Somali capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali government forces attacked insurgent-controlled areas in the capital, setting off a gunbattle and mortar fire that killed at least 10 civilians and four militants, witnesses said Wednesday. Almost 40 people were wounded.
The fighting started late Tuesday when government forces moved into an insurgent-held …. Original article  : 14 killed as mortars, gunbattle rages in Somali capital; gov’t troops attack insurgent area.

Gov. Perry rides wave of anti-Washington ire to win over Sen. Hutchison in Texas GOP primary

Gov. Perry defeats Hutchison in Texas GOP primary

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Rick Perry tapped into a rising wave of anti-Washington ire and rode it to an easy Republican primary win over Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, once seen as the candidate who could block his march toward four more years in the state’s highest office.
Perry … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gov. Perry rides wave of anti-Washington ire to win over Sen. Hutchison in Texas GOP primary.

Clinton hopes to win Brazilian support on new Iran sanctions

Clinton seeks to press Brazil on Iran
BRASILIA, Brazil – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton faces an uphill battle as she tries to win support from a skeptical Brazil for new United Nations sanctions against Iran.

Clinton was in Brasilia on Wednesday for talks aimed at convincing senior Brazilian officials to back fresh penalties on …. Read the original article  : Clinton hopes to win Brazilian support on new Iran sanctions.

Rangel denies he plans to step down, but his Ways and Means chairmanship is in jeopardy

Rangel tries to hang on to Ways and Means post

WASHINGTON – Rep. Charles Rangel is struggling to hold on to his powerful tax-writing committee chairmanship, with the House speaker declining to endorse him and other Democrats clearly nervous about retaining a leader who has been accused of ethical misconduct.
“You bet your life,” Rangel told reporters …. Source article  : Rangel denies he plans to step down, but his Ways and Means chairmanship is in jeopardy.

Obama chief of staff at center of behind-the-scenes drama over disagreements and dirty laundry

Unwelcome spotlight falls on Obama chief of staff
WASHINGTON – No-drama Obama was bound to get fireworks when he chose the expletive-spewing, hotheaded, never-at-rest Rahm Emanuel to be his White House chief of staff. The only questions were when – and how big.
The answers are now – and pretty large, by inside-the-Beltway standards, anyway.
And … Read more >>.

Texas Election Results 2010: Rick Perry Shocks

AUSTIN, TEXAS (GaeaTimes.com)- The Texas election results 2010 came as a shocker, particularly as the incumbent Governor Rick Perry managed to fend off the strong opposition in Democrat Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and went on to win the race for the Governor of Texas. Governor Rick Perry shocked in his re-election to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Texas Election Results 2010: Rick Perry Shocks.

Dutch begin voting in local elections, anti-immigration parties set to gain ground

Dutch begin voting in local elections
AMSTERDAM – Dutch have begun voting in local elections, with political parties opposing immigration expected to book gains before national elections in June.

The elections Wednesday in theory cover matters such as parking fees and dog leash laws, but national politicians have put their stances on the NATO mission in Afghanistan … Original article on : Dutch begin voting in local elections, anti-immigration parties set to gain ground.

A look at women lawmakers in Iraq, rest of world

A look at women lawmakers in Iraq, rest of world

Women make up a quarter of Iraq’s lawmakers and will have at least 25 percent of the next parliament as well. A look at how the number of female Iraqi lawmakers compares to other countries with a single house or the lower legislative house:
- Rwanda: 56.3 [..] Read the original article: here.

Canadian G-20 Sherpa to visit India ahead of summit

NEW DELHI – Canadian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leonard J. Edwards, who is also the Canadian Sherpa (personal representative of the Prime Minister) for the G-8 and G-20 summits in Canada in June, is visiting India on March 2-3 to meet with his Indian G-20 … Read more : Canadian G-20 Sherpa to visit India ahead of summit.

Oz deputy PM acknowledges legitimacy of Indian students’ concerns

CANBERRA – Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has admitted that Indian students’ concerns about the quality of education and safety measures in Australia are “legitimate.”

“We have all watched with concern at the controversy that has developed in relation to Indian students and the issues that …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Oz deputy PM acknowledges legitimacy of Indian students’ concerns.

US veterans return to Iwo Jima for 65th anniversary of World War II battle

US vets return to Iwo Jima for 65th anniversary

IWO JIMA, Japan – Dozens of U.S. veterans, now in their 80s and 90s, returned to the remote volcanic island of Iwo Jima on Wednesday to mark the 65th anniversary of one of World War II’s fiercest battles.
The veterans, some in wheelchairs, flew to the island on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US veterans return to Iwo Jima for 65th anniversary of World War II battle.

Riding on wave of anti-Washington anger, Gov. Perry wins Texas GOP primary without a runoff

Gov. Perry beats Hutchison in Texas GOP primary
AUSTIN, Texas – Riding a wave of growing anti-Washington anger, Texas Gov. Rick Perry easily dispatched Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and a challenger backed by some in the tea party movement Tuesday to once again become the Republican nominee for the state’s top office.
Speaking …. Original source  : Riding on wave of anti-Washington anger, Gov. Perry wins Texas GOP primary without a runoff.

Gov. Rick Perry defeats Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in Republican Texas gubernatorial primary

Perry defeats Hutchison in Texas GOP gov. primary
AUSTIN, Texas – Gov. Rick Perry easily dispatched Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison to win the Republican nomination for Texas governor on Tuesday in a heated primary that highlighted the growing anti-Washington mood among voters in this year’s midterm elections.
Hutchison was once seen as the candidate who [..] Read the original article: here.

Gov. Rick Perry defeats Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison to win GOP nomination for Texas governor

Perry wins GOP nomination for Texas governor
AUSTIN, Texas – Gov. Rick Perry has defeated Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in their tough primary fight to become the Republican Party’s nominee for Texas governor.
Texas’ longest-serving governor had 51 percent of the vote with about three-quarters of precincts reporting Tuesday. Hutchison had about 31 percent, while … Original article on : Gov. Rick Perry defeats Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison to win GOP nomination for Texas governor.

Gilani likely to attend nuclear summit in Washington

WASHINGTON – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is likely to attend an international nuclear summit which is scheduled to be held here from April 12 to 13.
The focus of the conference hosted by President Barack Obama is on securing vulnerable nuclear materials and preventing acts … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gilani likely to attend nuclear summit in Washington.

Security stepped up in Beijing for opening of legislative advisory body’s annual session

Beijing on alert as annual political session opens

BEIJING – Black-clad SWAT teams patrolled downtown Beijing on Wednesday and an AIDS group was ordered to cancel a seminar as part of China’s security clampdown ahead of this week’s opening of the national legislature’s annual session.
Officers on motorcycles and in armored vans circled Tiananmen Square in the …. Original source  : Security stepped up in Beijing for opening of legislative advisory body’s annual session.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison concedes GOP Texas gubernatorial primary to Gov. Rick Perry

Hutchison concedes Texas GOP gov. primary to Perry
AUSTIN, Texas – Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison conceded the Republican nomination for Texas governor to Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday following a heated primary battle that highlighted the growing anti-Washington mood among voters in midterm elections.
Hutchison was once seen as the candidate …. Read the original article  : Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison concedes GOP Texas gubernatorial primary to Gov. Rick Perry.

US encourages India-Pakistan dialogue, rules out mediation

WASHINGTON – Stressing that both India and Pakistan have legitimate security interests in Afghanistan, the United States says it encouraged a dialogue between the two neighbours but has ruled out any mediation between them.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India “are vastly different in culture, socio-economic standing, and political development, but they share a common strategic …. Original source  : US encourages India-Pakistan dialogue, rules out mediation.

Gov. Perry takes early lead in Texas GOP governor race; ex-Houston mayor gets Democratic nod

Perry takes early lead in GOP gubernatorial race
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Rick Perry took an early lead over Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and a third candidate drawing support from the state’s tea party movement in Tuesday’s primary.
Perry, Hutchison and GOP activist Debra Medina were vying for the Republican nomination in a hard-hitting … Read more : Gov. Perry takes early lead in Texas GOP governor race; ex-Houston mayor gets Democratic nod.

Mehbooba Mufti hails PM’s plan for viable India-Pakistan parleys

JAMMU – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti hailed Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s statement favouring an effective dialogue process with Pakistan.

Mehbooba Mufti said, “The statement made by the Prime Minister that peace process [..] Read the original article: here.

BJP slams Centre on price rise issue

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Centre for its stand on inflationary food trends.
Senior BJP leader S S Ahluwalia said the steps taken by the Congress Government have not eased spiralling food prices, which have further pushed the inflation … Read : BJP slams Centre on price rise issue.

Vladislav Ardzinba, 1st leader of breakaway Abkhazia, dies aged 64

Vladislav Ardzinba, 1st leader of Abkhazia, dies

SUKHUMI, Georgia – Vladislav Ardzinba, who led the breakaway Georgian province of Abkhazia to de facto independence through a bloody war and ethnic cleansing, died on Thursday, his doctor said. He was 64.
Ardzinba died in a Moscow clinic, Anzor Gooz told The Associated Press without specifying the cause of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vladislav Ardzinba, 1st leader of breakaway Abkhazia, dies aged 64.

Pravin Mahajan Passes Away

THANE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pramod Mahajan’s brother Pravin Mahajan breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon in Jupiter Hospital of Thane. Pravin Mahajan had been accused of killing his brother Pramod Mahajan. The attending doctors reported the case to be a death out of sepsis and multi organ failure. Pravin Mahajan witnessed a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pravin Mahajan Passes Away.

Singapore Navy warns of terror threat against oil tankers in Malacca Strait, document shows

Singapore warns of terror threat in Malacca Strait

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s Navy is warning that a terrorist group is planning attacks on oil tankers in the Malacca Straits.
According to an advisory issued Wednesday by the Navy’s Information Fusion Centre seen by The Associated Press, terrorists may also be targeting other vessels in the shipping lane off …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Singapore Navy warns of terror threat against oil tankers in Malacca Strait, document shows.

Political novices, Republicans among post-scandal Ill. Democratic lieutenant governor hopefuls

Ill. Dems seek post-scandal lt. gov. applications
CHICAGO – Illinois’ Democratic voters picked a pawnbroker as their candidate for lieutenant governor, and that didn’t exactly end well. So perhaps they won’t mind if the next candidate doesn’t have a job. Or is still in school. Or isn’t actually a Democrat.
At least that’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Political novices, Republicans among post-scandal Ill. Democratic lieutenant governor hopefuls.

Benazir assassination case takes new turn as officials hunt for four ex-army men

ISLAMABAD – Investigations into the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto have taken a new turn as Interior Ministry officials have revealed that they are looking for four retired military personnel who had eloped just before the December 2007 killing.

According to The Dawn, the officials are searching four out of the eight ex-army … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Benazir assassination case takes new turn as officials hunt for four ex-army men.

China says still pushing for diplomatic resolution on Iran nuclear dispute

China says pushing for diplomatic solution on Iran

BEIJING – China said Thursday it will continue to push for a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear standoff, rebuffing efforts by Western powers to introduce a new set of sanctions against Iran.
“We’ve been making diplomatic efforts and we believe they have not been exhausted, and we will …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

House committee to vote on Armenian genocide resolution opposed by NATO ally Turkey

House panel to vote on Armenian genocide measure

WASHINGTON – A resolution declaring the Ottoman-era killing of Armenians genocide appears likely to be approved by a congressional committee, a move that could alienate Turkey, a NATO ally with a pivotal role for U.S. interests in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee was expected … Read more >>.

Rank-and-file Capitol Hill Democrats are wary of Obama’s final push on health overhaul

Some Dems are wary of Obama’s final health push
WASHINGTON – Rank-and-file Democrats in Congress remain wary of health care legislation in spite of President Barack Obama’s closing argument for overhauling the system, well aware that success is far from assured and political perils abound.
“I think he has succeeded in prying open …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rank-and-file Capitol Hill Democrats are wary of Obama’s final push on health overhaul.

Polls open in Togo presidential vote

Polls open in Togo presidential vote
TOGO, Lome – Polls have opened in the African nation of Togo, as the son of a long-ruling dictator seeks re-election to the presidency, facing six opposition candidates.

Faure Gnassingbe is hoping to win a second term. The son of dictator Eyadema Gnassingbe assumed power in a military-backed coup hours after …. Source  : Polls open in Togo presidential vote.

Congress party’s top priority is food prices: Sonia Gandhi

NEW DELHI – Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday told party Members of Parliament that bringing down food prices would be its top priority.
Gandhi supported Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the budget proposals for 2010-11, suggesting that there will be no fuel price … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Congress party’s top priority is food prices: Sonia Gandhi.

Officials say 30 militants, 1 soldier killed during fierce gunbattle in northwest Pakistan

30 militants, 1 soldier killed in Pakistan battle

KHAR, Pakistan – Dozens of militants armed with assault rifles attacked a security checkpoint in Pakistan’s volatile northwest, sparking a gunbattle that left 30 insurgents and one soldier dead, officials said Thursday.
The battle occurred overnight in the Chamarkand area of the Mohmand tribal region near the Afghan border, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Officials say 30 militants, 1 soldier killed during fierce gunbattle in northwest Pakistan.

No change in U.S. policy over Kashmir issue, says Prime Minister

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday clarified that there is no change in the U.S. policy towards India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.
Dr. Singh’s reply came in response to senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani’s …. Original article  : No change in U.S. policy over Kashmir issue, says Prime Minister.

Thailand offers free insurance, lifts visa fees to entice tourists wary of political turmoil

Thailand offers tourists free insurance
BANGKOK – Thailand is continuing to offer insurance coverage worth $10,000 to anyone harmed in riots and demonstrations as it seeks to attract tourists scared off by political turmoil, officials say.

Other carrots range from a waiver on all visa fees to discounts on airline landing fees.
“The measures are to support the … Read : Thailand offers free insurance, lifts visa fees to entice tourists wary of political turmoil.

Detainees, hospital patients, military and police vote in Iraq’s early voting period

Early voting begins ahead of March 7 Iraq election

BAGHDAD – Early voting began Thursday morning in Iraq’s parliamentary election, which will decide on a government to guide the country as U.S. forces go home and help determine whether Iraq can overcome the deep sectarian problems that have divided it.
Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis are expected … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Detainees, hospital patients, military and police vote in Iraq’s early voting period.

Retiring House Democrat faces allegation of misconduct, House majority leader confirms

Hoyer: Retiring Dem faces misconduct allegation
WASHINGTON – A freshman congressman from New York who cited health reasons in announcing his retirement Wednesday is facing allegations of misconduct, a top House Democrat confirmed.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer did not elaborate on the allegation against Democratic Rep. Eric Massa, who said … Read more »»».

Joint Chiefs chair Mullen says US victory will come with time and ‘near-constant readjustment’

Joint Chiefs chair: ‘Readjustment’ brings victory

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesday that victory in Iraq and Afghanistan won’t come in one glorious battle.
Instead, Adm. Mike Mullen told a Kansas State University audience, success in the long wars will be determined by use of military and diplomatic powers, along … Read more >>.

House majority leader Hoyer knew of allegation of misconduct against retiring Democrat Messa

Hoyer knew of allegation against Rep. Massa
WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he received a report last month of allegations of misconduct against a New York congressman who has announced he will not seek a second term.
A statement from Hoyer’s office late Wednesday says he was told the week of Feb. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : House majority leader Hoyer knew of allegation of misconduct against retiring Democrat Messa.

House majority leader says he knew of allegation of misconduct against retiring Democrat

Hoyer says he knew of allegation against Dem
WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he received a report last month of allegations of misconduct against a New York congressman who has announced he will not seek a second term.
A statement from Hoyer’s office late Wednesday says he was told the week of … Read more : House majority leader says he knew of allegation of misconduct against retiring Democrat.

Vote counting underway in Togo’s 2nd presidential election held since death of dictator

Vote counting begins in Togo presidential election

LOME, Togo – Vote counting has begun in Togo’s second presidential election held since the death of the country’s military dictator.
Journalists saw electoral workers begin counting votes early Friday. The electoral commission began receiving vote tallies late Thursday after polls closed. Votes will be counted in each precinct before … Read more : Vote counting underway in Togo’s 2nd presidential election held since death of dictator.

In UK’s Iraq inquiry, Gordon Brown faces questions on spending cuts and missing equipment

UK’s Brown to face questions over Iraq war

LONDON – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was scheduled to testify Friday to the country’s inquiry on mistakes made over the Iraq war, a potentially embarrassing session before a looming national election.
Brown, who served as Treasury chief from 1997 to 2007 and approved military spending, will give around … Read this article on Gaea Times at : In UK’s Iraq inquiry, Gordon Brown faces questions on spending cuts and missing equipment.

Sailors complain of abuse from their commander, captain relieved of her command

Navy vessels stage drag-race, probe shows
WASHINGTON – A Navy captain was demoted because she berated and assaulted her crew, not because she led her guided missile cruiser on a drag-race with another U.S. warship in the Pacific, an investigation shows.

Capt. Holly Graf was relieved of her command of the cruiser USS Cowpens after an investigation … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sailors complain of abuse from their commander, captain relieved of her command.

Latest upheavals in New York politics shake a state that’s used to seeing rough play

New York politics rocked by upheavals
NEW YORK – The Empire State has a lot to recommend it – Broadway shows, Niagara Falls, and baseball’s World Series champions, the New York Yankees. But politics? As the locals would say, Fuhgeddaboudit.
Colorful, ethnic, tribal, the New York political scene is much like the Big Apple itself, …. Read the original article  : Latest upheavals in New York politics shake a state that’s used to seeing rough play.

Sailors tell of race between 2 warships on the Pacific, Navy strips captain of her command

US ships race each other on open sea, probe shows

WASHINGTON – The Navy says two warships raced each other for fun out on the Pacific Ocean, but it could not prove that the activity endangered the vessels.
A Navy inspector general report says four witnesses described the race off of Okinawa between the guided missile cruiser …. Source  : Sailors tell of race between 2 warships on the Pacific, Navy strips captain of her command.

House panel resolution brands WWI-era killing of Armenians a genocide; Turkey pulls ambassador

Armenian genocide resolution wins House panel OK
WASHINGTON – Turkey was warning of a breakdown in cooperation with the United States after a congressional committee approved a resolution branding the World War I-era killing of Armenians a genocide.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee endorsed the resolution, which Turkey sees as a historical affront, …. Source article  : House panel resolution brands WWI-era killing of Armenians a genocide; Turkey pulls ambassador.

Iraqis living abroad begin three-day voting to elect new parliament

Iraqis begin to vote in Syria and other countries

DAMASCUS, Syria – Iraqis living abroad began casting ballots in their homeland’s crucial parliamentary elections Friday, the second for a full parliamentary term since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion ousted Saddam Hussein.
Hundreds stood in lines at stations in Syria, home to the largest Iraqi expatriate community, and voting … Original article on : Iraqis living abroad begin three-day voting to elect new parliament.

PM condoles loss of life in Chilean earthquake, pledges five million dollars towards relief

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the loss of life in the earth quake that hit Chile on the 27th Feb 2010.
In a letter to President Dr. Michelle Bachelet of Chile, the Prime Minister conveyed his sympathy over the loss of life and damage to property … Original article on : PM condoles loss of life in Chilean earthquake, pledges five million dollars towards relief.

Manmohan Singh not in tune with Sonia Gandhi over RTI

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has reportedly disagreed with Congress President Sonia Gandhi over the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
As per news channels, Dr Singh is in favour of excluding the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from falling under the ambit of the RTI Act, whereas Sonia … Original source on Gaea Times at : Manmohan Singh not in tune with Sonia Gandhi over RTI.

Manmohan Singh to reply to debate on ‘Motion of Thanks’

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will reply to the debate on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ to President Pratibha Patil for her address in both houses of Parliament today.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal on Thursday said, “Dr Singh will reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Manmohan Singh to reply to debate on ‘Motion of Thanks’.

Don’t jump to conclusions about Indian boy’s death: Rudd, Brumby

MELBOURNE – Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby have urged people not to jump to conclusions over the death of three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh Kaurchanna in Melbourne.

Gurshan’s body was found dumped by the side of a road in Melbourne’s suburbs six hours after he disappeared from a relative’s home in …. Read the original article  : Don’t jump to conclusions about Indian boy’s death: Rudd, Brumby.

Influential NYC black leaders say Gov. Paterson should stay in office amid scandals

NYC black leaders: Paterson should stay in office
NEW YORK – Influential black leaders in New York City said Thursday night that they believe Gov. David Paterson should stay in office amid allegations he and his staff interfered in a domestic violence case involving a top governor’s aide.
Meeting in a Harlem soul food restaurant … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Influential NYC black leaders say Gov. Paterson should stay in office amid scandals.

No scheduled meeting between Gilani, Dr. Singh in Washington : Pak FO

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is unlikely to meet his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh in Washington, where they are scheduled to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on April 12 and 13.
Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Abdul Basit said he is unaware of any such meeting between the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : No scheduled meeting between Gilani, Dr. Singh in Washington : Pak FO.

Influential NYC black leaders believe Gov. Paterson should stay in office amid scandals

Black leaders believe NY gov should stay in office
NEW YORK – Influential black leaders in New York City said Thursday night that they believe Gov. David Paterson should stay in office amid allegations he and his staff interfered in a domestic violence case involving a top governor’s aide.
Meeting in a Harlem soul food … Read more »»».

UN envoy says Haiti should hold presidential elections despite earthquake’s ravages

UN envoy: Haiti should hold presidential election

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitians must proceed with their presidential election this year despite the burden of earthquake damage, the top United Nations official in the country said Thursday.
Acting U.N. mission chief Edmond Mulet told The Associated Press that Haiti cannot afford constitutional “slippage” as it rebuilds from the Jan. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UN envoy says Haiti should hold presidential elections despite earthquake’s ravages.

Venezuelan high court reinstates opposition mayor _ after panel annulled his election

Venezuelan court reinstates anti-Chavez mayor

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s highest court has reinstated an opposition mayor, just one week after it annulled his election and replaced him with a supporter of President Hugo Chavez.
The decision came from justices on the Supreme Court’s constitutional council – the tribunal’s highest authority.
They overturned a ruling handed down by the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Venezuelan high court reinstates opposition mayor _ after panel annulled his election.

Mexican gov’t official fired for painting teen’s buttocks as punishment for graffiti tagging

Mexican official fired for painting teen’s bottom

MEXICO CITY – A mayor in central Mexico says he has fired one of his town officials for spray-painting the buttocks of a teenage boy as punishment for graffiti tagging.
The mayor of San Juan del Rio in Queretaro state says police caught the 13-year-old tagging a wall last week …. Source article  : Mexican gov’t official fired for painting teen’s buttocks as punishment for graffiti tagging.

The short life and quick death of Radar Online’s rumor that Chief Justice Roberts is quitting

A Roberts rumor’s blip on Washington’s radar

WASHINGTON – For a short time, Washington buzzed over a rumor reported exclusively by an online gossip Web site with no particular Supreme Court expertise that Chief Justice John Roberts was considering stepping down.
He is not resigning, as even the Radar Online site quickly concluded Thursday in backing away … Read more : The short life and quick death of Radar Online’s rumor that Chief Justice Roberts is quitting.

Army chief of staff sees ‘anxiety’ on how ban on openly gay personnel would be lifted

Army chief sees ‘anxiety’ on lifting ban on gays
FORT CARSON, Colo. – Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey said Thursday he sees anxiety in the armed services over how possible changes in the law that bans openly gay servicemen and women would be implemented.
The military must look hard at … Original article on : Army chief of staff sees ‘anxiety’ on how ban on openly gay personnel would be lifted.

House Roll Call: How the House voted on jobs bill

House Roll Call: How the House voted on jobs bill

The 217-201 roll call Thursday by which the House passed legislation giving companies that hire the unemployed a temporary payroll tax break.
A “yes” vote is a vote to pass the bill.
Voting yes were 211 Democrats and 6 Republicans.
Voting no were 35 Democrats and 166 Republicans.
X denotes …. Read the original article  : House Roll Call: How the House voted on jobs bill.

Sharad Yadav challenges BJP, Congress on Women Reservation Bill

NEW DELHI – The Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav on Saturday challenged both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress Party and dared them to issue a whip to their respective party MPs to support Women’s Reservation Bill.

The UPA Government is introducing the Women’s Reservation … Read : Sharad Yadav challenges BJP, Congress on Women Reservation Bill.

Arundhati Roy Speaks On Tribals

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Firebrand writer and activist Arundhati Roy has again locked horns with the government of India, this time for the government strategy to cope with the Maoists. She said recently that the attempt of the central and state governments to wipe out the Maoists will amount to genocide and it …. Source  : Arundhati Roy Speaks On Tribals.

Former British commanders accuse Brown of misleading Iraq war inquiry

LONDON – Former British commanders have accused Prime Minister Gordon Brown of misleading the Iraq war inquiry by saying that his government had provided sufficient equipment to the Armed Forces for the invasion, and it was the military that failed to equip troops properly.

Admiral Lord Boyce, the Chief of the Defence Staff up to the …. Original source  : Former British commanders accuse Brown of misleading Iraq war inquiry.

PM reiterates commitment to socio, eco and political development of women

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has reaffirmed his commitment to the socio economic and political development of the women.
In his inaugural address in the Women’s Leadership Summit 2010 on Inclusive Growth and Empowering Women of Rural India, here today, Dr. Singh said economic growth should benefit all sections of the … Original article on : PM reiterates commitment to socio, eco and political development of women.

Oz Indian community urged to remain calm after death of Gurshan Singh

MELBOURNE – Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby have urged the Indian community to remain calm and not link three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh’s death to attacks on Indian students and taxi drivers in Melbourne.

Gurshan’s body was …. Source article  : Oz Indian community urged to remain calm after death of Gurshan Singh.

Air Force base near Las Vegas closes main entrance after verbal threat; 1 man arrested

Air Force base in Nev. shuts entrance after threat

NELLIS AIR BASE, Nev. – Military officials say the main entrance of an Air Force base outside Las Vegas was shut down after a man made a verbal threat to a guard at the gate.
Nellis Air Force Base spokesman Chuck Ramey said the entrance was closed more … Read more »»».

Chicago judge won’t dismiss lawsuit blaming Rumsfeld for alleged torture of Iraq contractors

Ill. judge won’t toss torture suit naming Rumsfeld

CHICAGO – A federal judge refused Friday to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld of responsibility for the alleged torture by U.S. forces of two Americans who worked for an Iraqi contracting firm.
U.S. District Judge Wayne R. Andersen’s ruling did not say the two … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chicago judge won’t dismiss lawsuit blaming Rumsfeld for alleged torture of Iraq contractors.

Brady emerges as Republican nominee for Ill. governor, offering stark contrast with Quinn

Brady wins official GOP nomination for Ill. gov

CHICAGO – State Sen. Bill Brady has officially captured the Republican nomination for Illinois governor after a month of uncertainty.
His victory by just 193 votes out of more than 767,000 cast persuaded the second-place finisher to concede and sets up a stark contrast for voters between Brady and … Read more >>>.

NY Rep. Eric Massa resigns amid ethics probe over harassment complaint by male staffer

New York Rep. Massa resigns under ethics cloud

WASHINGTON – New York Democratic Rep. Eric Massa, facing a harassment complaint by a male staffer, said Friday that he is stepping down from his seat with “a profound sense of failure.”
“I am guilty,” Massa said in an interview with a Corning, N.Y., newspaper columnist.
Later in the day, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Massa, facing harassment complaint from male staffer, resigns

Massa, facing harassment complaint, resigns

WASHINGTON – New York Democratic Rep. Eric Massa, facing a harassment complaint by a male staffer, said Friday that he is stepping down from his seat with “a profound sense of failure.”
“I am guilty,” Massa said in an interview with a Corning, N.Y., newspaper columnist.
Later in the day, Massa released a … Read more >>.

Report: VIP visitors in Afghan war zone are just one challenge to struggling ‘civilian surge’

Report: Afghan ‘civilian surge’ is struggling

WASHINGTON – The so-called “civilian surge” in Afghanistan is mired in bureaucracy and may not succeed in time to help the war effort, a State Department report found.
The report released Friday said U.S. diplomats spend too much time giving war zone tours to visiting officials . They have struggled to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Report: VIP visitors in Afghan war zone are just one challenge to struggling ‘civilian surge’.

Statement by President Obama on the 40th Anniversary of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty

Forty years ago today, in the midst of a Cold War, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force, becoming the cornerstone of the world’s efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.  Today, the threat of global nuclear war has passed, but the danger of nuclear proliferation endures, making the … Read more »».

Cuomo in a delicate spot as he investigates Paterson while considered favorite to replace him

Paterson probe puts Cuomo in a delicate position

ALBANY, N.Y. – The investigation that could bring down New York Gov. David Paterson is being led by the man widely considered the favorite to replace him.
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is in a delicate position: He must run a vigorous investigation without appearing to be picking … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cuomo in a delicate spot as he investigates Paterson while considered favorite to replace him.

Massa resigns amid ethics investigation

Massa resigns under ethics cloud
WASHINGTON – New York Democratic Rep. Eric Massa, facing a harassment complaint by a male staffer, said Friday that he is stepping down from his seat with “a profound sense of failure.”

“I am guilty,” Massa said in an interview with a Corning, N.Y., newspaper columnist.
Later in the day, Massa released a …. Original article  : Massa resigns amid ethics investigation.

Togo election commission admits faulty machinery, calls for physical proof

Togo election commission calls for physical proof

LOME, Togo – The head of Togo’s election commission is acknowledging the machinery used to tabulate votes in the country’s presidential election has failed and is calling on the directors of the country’s 35 voting districts to travel to the capital with the physical proof of the votes cast …. Original article  : Togo election commission admits faulty machinery, calls for physical proof.

New York Rep. Massa, under investigation in ethics probe, is resigning Monday

Rep. Massa will resign from Congress
WASHINGTON – New York Rep. Eric Massa, facing an ethics panel probe, is apologizing to his constituents as he resigns his seat.

Massa said in a statement Friday that he will resign Monday at 5 p.m.
He says that he is resigning with a “profound sense of failure and a deep apology” … Original article on : New York Rep. Massa, under investigation in ethics probe, is resigning Monday.

Court ruling cutting off Atlanta from federal reservoir could have national implications

Atlanta case raises questions about water supply

WASHINGTON – Sixty years ago, the late Atlanta Mayor William Hartsfield resisted helping to pay for Lake Lanier, a new federal reservoir being built north of town. Atlanta had plenty of water, he wrote Congress. Thanks, but no thanks.
Those words came back to haunt Atlanta last year. A federal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court ruling cutting off Atlanta from federal reservoir could have national implications.

Campbell uses Calif. Senate debate to refute rivals’ claims that he doesn’t support Israel

Calif. Senate debate focuses on support for Israel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Former congressman Tom Campbell on Friday used the first debate in the California Senate race to demand that his challengers not engage in a “whispering campaign” claiming he is against Israel or is an anti-Semite.
Campbell and his two opponents in the Republican primary, former Hewlett …. Original article  : Campbell uses Calif. Senate debate to refute rivals’ claims that he doesn’t support Israel.

Ex-Detroit mayor loses appeal over restitution, clearing way for probation violation hearing

Ex-Detroit mayor loses appeal over restitution

DETROIT – Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has failed to persuade a Michigan appeals court to overturn a decision requiring special restitution payments to the city.
The decision Friday likely clears the way for a Wayne County judge to hold a probation violation hearing. Kilpatrick failed to fully make a $79,011 …. Source article  : Ex-Detroit mayor loses appeal over restitution, clearing way for probation violation hearing.

Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States

Awards Mean FTA Has Met Aggressive Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Dollars to Work

WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced funding for 191 new Recovery Act transit projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico that will help transform the nation’s infrastructure and support thousands …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States.

Officials: Fighting erupts between Taliban, other militants in Afghanistan; at least 50 dead

Taliban, other militants battle in Afghan province

KABUL – Gunbattles between the Taliban and another Islamist faction have left at least 50 fighters dead in northeastern Afghanistan, as militants apparently fought over control of several villages where the government has almost no presence, officials said Sunday.
Fierce clashes were continuing Sunday, with militants using heavy machine guns … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Officials: Fighting erupts between Taliban, other militants in Afghanistan; at least 50 dead.

China issues another warning against Hong Kong democracy campaign

China warns again against Hong Kong democracy push

HONG KONG – China has warned that a plan by pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong to use a special election as a de facto referendum on democratic reform is a threat to stability in the former British colony.
While Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, it maintains [..] Read the original article: here.

Officials: Fighting erupts between Taliban, rival militants in Afghanistan; at least 50 dead

Taliban, rival militants battle in Afghan province

KABUL – Gunbattles between the Taliban and another Islamist faction have killed at least 50 people in northeastern Afghanistan, officials said Sunday. The militants are apparently fighting for control of several villages where the central government has almost no presence.
The fighting was continuing Sunday, with militants using heavy machine … Read more >>>.

Congress accuses Uttarakhand Govt of corruption in power project

DEHEADUN – Members of the Congress party staged a sit-in demonstration on Saturday against the Bharatiya Jananta Party-ruled Uttarakhand Government, accusing it of corruption in the sanction of hydel projects.

Hundreds of activists, including party workers and legislators, assembled at a park to stage the demonstration, demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) …. Source  : Congress accuses Uttarakhand Govt of corruption in power project.

Philippine marines kill 7 suspected al-Qaida-linked militants in coastal attack

Philippine marines kill 7 suspected militants

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine marines have killed at least seven al-Qaida-linked militants in an attack on a coastal hide-out, but they failed to capture a Malaysian terror suspect long wanted by Washington.
Regional military commander Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerrerro says Malaysian militant Zulkifli bin Hir may have escaped with other Abu …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iraqi police: Mortar fire kills 3 as Iraqis vote in key national elections

Iraqi police: Mortars kill 3 as nation votes

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police say mortar fire has killed three people in northeastern Baghdad.
A police official says two mortar shells fell in the Ur neighborhood, also wounding five people.
The death toll was confirmed by hospital officials. All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not …. Read the original article  : Iraqi police: Mortar fire kills 3 as Iraqis vote in key national elections.

RNC Chairman Steele says GOP should focus on jobs, education instead of scare tactics

RNC Chairman Steele: GOP should focus on issues
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele says the GOP should focus on issues like jobs and education and not on scare tactics.
Steele made the remarks to reporters before he gave a speech Saturday at a Shelby County, Tenn., Republican Party fundraiser. Steele says …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : RNC Chairman Steele says GOP should focus on jobs, education instead of scare tactics.

Iraqis head to polls for historic ballot determining who will lead country as US goes home

Iraqi voters head to polls for historic ballot

BAGHDAD – Under a blanket of tight security designed to thwart insurgent attacks, Iraqis went to the polls Sunday in an election testing the ability of the country’s still-fragile democracy to move forward amid uncertainty over a looming U.S. troop drawdown and still jagged sectarian divisions.
Almost 20 million …. Source  : Iraqis head to polls for historic ballot determining who will lead country as US goes home.

Polls open in Iraq’s parliamentary election, winner will oversee US drawdown

Polls open in Iraq’s parliamentary election

BAGHDAD – Polls are open across Iraq in a historic election that will help determine whether the country can move beyond sectarian strife and who will oversee the country as U.S. troops go home.
About 6,200 candidates are competing for 325 seats in the new parliament.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is fighting … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Polls open in Iraq’s parliamentary election, winner will oversee US drawdown.

China says US has to improve ties in wake of Taiwan arms sales, Obama meeting with Dalai Lama

China says it’s up to the US to improve relations
BEIJING – China said Sunday that it is up to the United States to improve relations that soured over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and a meeting between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama.
Despite the tough line, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China says US has to improve ties in wake of Taiwan arms sales, Obama meeting with Dalai Lama.

Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown headlines campaign rally in Tucson for John McCain

McCain brings Scott Brown to Tucson for rally
TUCSON, Ariz. – Amid criticism that he’s too moderate, Sen. John McCain on Saturday said the Arizona GOP Senate primary should be about fixing the economy, not political ideology.
“My focus is on jobs and the economy, and jobs and jobs and jobs,” McCain said.
He spoke at …. Read the original article  : Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown headlines campaign rally in Tucson for John McCain.

Dictator’s son wins Togo vote, extending family’s rule into 44th year

Dictator’s son winner of Togo election
LOME, Togo – Togo’s election commission on Saturday declared the son of the country’s late dictator winner of the presidential race, extending the family’s rule into a fifth decade in a deep blow to Togo’s opposition, which vowed to take to the streets in protest.

Provisional results indicate President Faure Gnassingbe … Original article on : Dictator’s son wins Togo vote, extending family’s rule into 44th year.

UNAMID says 2 peacekeepers missing in South Darfur after gunmen ambush patrol

2 Darfur peacekeepers missing after ambush

CAIRO – Two international peacekeepers have gone missing in south Darfur along with half a dozen vehicles and equipment after an ambush on their patrol, the U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission in the region said Saturday.
UNAMID said in a statement that a large group of gunmen attacked the peacekeepers’ convoy Friday …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UNAMID says 2 peacekeepers missing in South Darfur after gunmen ambush patrol.

Federal appeals court ruling in case of gay Air Force major creates dilemma for Pentagon

Ruling on gay Air Force major creates dilemma

SEATTLE – A pressing legal reality for the “don’t ask, don’t tell” standard for gays serving in the military is that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has already struck down the way it’s practiced in much of the Western United States.
The 2008 ruling, while largely overlooked, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Federal appeals court ruling in case of gay Air Force major creates dilemma for Pentagon.

Election commission president says Gnassingbe Togo election winner, family has ruled 43 years

Gnassingbe declared presidential winner in Togo

LOME, Togo – The president of Togo’s election commission has declared the son of the late dictator winner of the presidential race with 60.9 percent of the vote.
Issifou Tabio says provisional results show that Faure Gnassingbe won 1.2 million votes of the 2 million votes cast. Opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre … Original source on Gaea Times at : Election commission president says Gnassingbe Togo election winner, family has ruled 43 years.

Provisional results say Gnassinge wins in Togo, would extend family rule nearly 50 years

Provisional results: Gnassingbe wins in Togo

LOME, Togo – Provisional results turned in to Togo’s election commission indicate that the son of the country’s late dictator has won the presidential election by a large margin.
The results presented orally district by district show that President Faure Gnassingbe received over 1.2 million votes. Opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre received …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

A look at this Sunday’s parliamentary election in Iraq

A look at this Sunday’s election in Iraq
Some basic information about Iraq’s parliamentary elections on Sunday:

- Registered voters: About 19 million.
- Polling places: About 10,000 centers containing 52,000 actual voting booths.
- Candidates: More than 6,200.
- Voting Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Size of new parliament: 325 seats
- Size of previous parliament: 275 seats
- Mandatory … Read more : A look at this Sunday’s parliamentary election in Iraq.

Togolese police fire tear gas on opposition protesters upset over election polls

Togolese police fire tear gas on election protests

LOME, Togo – A Togolese police spokesman says officers have fired tear gas on some 200 protesters angry that the opposition party is trailing in the hotly contested presidential election.
Abalo Assih says the protesters led by opposition candidate Jean-Pierre Fabre marched on the main square of the capital … Read more >>>.

Rick Perry in 2012? No so fast, the Texas governor first has to win a tough race in November

Texas Gov. Perry must win in Nov. before 2012 talk
AUSTIN, Texas – Before Rick Perry can parlay his tea party-powered victory in the Texas governor’s primary into something bigger – a 2012 Republican presidential ticket, perhaps – he’ll have to actually win a record-setting, third four-year term.
Doing that will require …. Source article  : Rick Perry in 2012? No so fast, the Texas governor first has to win a tough race in November.

Israeli defense minister meets with US Middle East envoy to discuss new peace talks

Israeli officials meet with US Mideast envoy

JERUSALEM – Israel says its defense minister is to meet with the U.S. Middle East envoy to discuss indirect Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations that are expected to start soon.
The Defense Ministry said in a statement that Ehud Barak was meeting with U.S. envoy George Mitchell on Saturday evening.
Mitchell also is …. Original source  : Israeli defense minister meets with US Middle East envoy to discuss new peace talks.

President Obama speaks Monday on health care reform and women’s achievements

Obama to push health care reform, honor women
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama wades back into the health care debate as he travels to Philadelphia to discuss his overhaul plans.
When he returns later Monday to Washington, Obama will take time out to congratulate Alabama’s Bowl Championship Series national champion football team, which went undefeated …. Original article  : President Obama speaks Monday on health care reform and women’s achievements.

More than 200 killed after religious violence flares again in central Nigeria; Hundreds flee

Nigeria: More than 200 dead in religious violence

JOS, Nigeria – Rioters armed with machetes slaughtered more than 200 people including a 4-day-old infant, residents said, less than two months after sectarian violence in the volatile region left more than 300 dead.
The violence in three mostly Christian villages Sunday appeared to be reprisal attacks following the …. Read the original article  : More than 200 killed after religious violence flares again in central Nigeria; Hundreds flee.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Afghanistan as NATO carries out counterinsurgency plan

Gates in Afghanistan; meets with military leaders
KABUL – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Afghanistan early Monday as coalition forces continue to restore order in the town of Marjah, the first major test of the U.S. and NATO counterinsurgency strategy since President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 new American troops to blunt the … Read more : Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Afghanistan as NATO carries out counterinsurgency plan.

Head of Iraq election commission says results to historic vote expected in days

Iraq election commision head says results in days
BAGHDAD – The results of Iraq’s pivotal parliamentary elections will be released within days, the head of the country’s election commission said Monday.
The announcement came a day after Iraqis defied a wave of insurgent attacks and voted in key balloting that will determine whether they can … Original source on Gaea Times at : Head of Iraq election commission says results to historic vote expected in days.

PM meets Congress leaders, discusses floor strategy for Women’s Bill passage

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is attending a Congress party meeting to formulate the floor strategy for ensuring the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, which has been held up for more than a decade.
The meeting is taking …. Original article  : PM meets Congress leaders, discusses floor strategy for Women’s Bill passage.

Women’s Reservation Bill: SP, RJD withdraw support to UPA Govt

NEW DELHI – The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday decided to withdraw support to the UPA Government over the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Strongly opposing the Bill, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav announced their decision … Original article on : Women’s Reservation Bill: SP, RJD withdraw support to UPA Govt.

Racy paintings of Sarah Brown, Samantha Cameron to go on public display

LONDON – Controversial paintings depicting the wives of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Leader of the Opposition David Cameron in a raunchy pose are set to go on public display in Glasgow.

Artist Laetitia Guilbaud is said to have courted trouble after drawing … Read more : Racy paintings of Sarah Brown, Samantha Cameron to go on public display.

China to equalize city-rural representation in legislature as urbanization gathers pace

China looks to narrow city-rural development gap
BEIJING – China is boosting representation for its dwindling rural population in the national legislature as part of a new push to narrow the development gap between city and countryside.
Once an overwhelmingly rural society, China is urbanizing at an accelerating rate, with 43 percent, or 560 million …. Original article  : China to equalize city-rural representation in legislature as urbanization gathers pace.

Scouting for Hitler: Secret papers show Britain feared teenage Nazi ’spyclists’ before WWII

MI5 papers show Britain feared Nazi ’spyclists’

LONDON – Clouds of war were gathering over Europe, and the English police officer was concerned. A group of black-clad Germans had been spotted heading for London – by bicycle.
Newly declassified British intelligence files reveal the ripples of alarm that spread through the country as Hitler Youth cyclists toured … Original article on : Scouting for Hitler: Secret papers show Britain feared teenage Nazi ’spyclists’ before WWII.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates lands in Afghanistan as NATO carries out counterinsurgency plan

US defense chief lands in Afghanistan for meetings
KABUL – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Afghanistan early Monday as coalition forces continue to restore order in the town of Marjah, the first major test of the U.S. and NATO counterinsurgency strategy since President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 new … Read more : Defense Secretary Robert Gates lands in Afghanistan as NATO carries out counterinsurgency plan.

Oregon state treasurer, former lawmaker Ben Westlund dies at 60 after battle with lung cancer

Oregon state treasurer Westlund dies at 60

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon state treasurer Ben Westlund, who helped stabilize the Oregon college savings plan after one of its managers posted big losses, has died after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 60.
Westlund served 12 years in the Oregon Legislature, first as a Republican and then … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oregon state treasurer, former lawmaker Ben Westlund dies at 60 after battle with lung cancer.

‘Precious’ co-star Mo’Nique, ‘Basterds’ co-star Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars

Mo’Nique, Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars

LOS ANGELES – Villainous roles have snatched the supporting-acting prizes at the Academy Awards: “Precious” co-star Mo’Nique as a loathsome mother and “Inglourious Basterds” co-star Christoph Waltz as a sociable Nazi fiend.
With the industry’s top trophy in hand, both performers capped remarkable years, Mo’Nique startling fans with dramatic depths previously unsuspected …. Original article  : ‘Precious’ co-star Mo’Nique, ‘Basterds’ co-star Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars.

Waltz’s gleefully evil Nazi in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ wins supporting actor Oscar

Waltz goes from Hollywood unknown to Oscar winner

LOS ANGELES – Christoph Waltz was a veteran TV and stage actor in Europe who was virtually unknown in Hollywood. Then he met Quentin Tarantino.
Waltz, 53, was honored as best supporting actor at Sunday’s Academy Awards for his portrayal of a World War II Nazi with a gleeful … Original article on : Waltz’s gleefully evil Nazi in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ wins supporting actor Oscar.

‘Inglourious Basterds’ co-star Waltz wins supporting-actor Oscar

‘Basterds’ star Waltz wins supporting-actor Oscar

LOS ANGELES – Christoph Waltz won the supporting-actor Academy Award on Sunday for his role as a sociable fiend of a Nazi in “Inglourious Basterds,” while the blockbuster “Up” was named best animated feature.
The first award of Oscar night went to Austrian-born Waltz, a veteran stage and television actor in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Inglourious Basterds’ co-star Waltz wins supporting-actor Oscar.

Graham says he’ll press his GOP colleagues to back Guantanamo closing if Obama backs tribunals

GOP senator urges Obama to shift on terror trials
WASHINGTON – A Republican senator is offering the White House a deal on terror trials.
Sen. Lindsey Graham says that if the president agrees to try alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed (HAH’-leed shayk moh-HAH’-med) and four accused henchmen in military tribunals, he will press … Original source on Gaea Times at : Graham says he’ll press his GOP colleagues to back Guantanamo closing if Obama backs tribunals.

Elders of town just seized from Taliban give Afghan president an earful on corruption, NATO

Karzai gets an earful in town seized from Taliban
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Elders in a former Taliban stronghold berated and challenged Afghanistan’s president Sunday, delivering a litany of complaints about government corruption and NATO’s military operations on the Afghan leader’s first visit to Marjah.
President Hamid Karzai said that’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dozens killed in clashes between Taliban, another Islamist militia; fighters defect to gov’t

Afghan militants battle Taliban, defect to gov’t

KABUL – Dozens of fighters died in armed clashes between the Taliban and another Islamist group in northeastern Afghanistan, and some militants defected to Afghan government forces Sunday as battles raged, officials said.
Fighters for the Hezb-e-Islami militia, loyal to regional warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, battled the Taliban with rocket-propelled grenades … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dozens killed in clashes between Taliban, another Islamist militia; fighters defect to gov’t.

Deve Gowda heads farmers to Delhi rally

BANGALORE – Hundreds of farmers from Karnataka under the leadership of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda boarded the train to New Delhi from Bangalore city railway station on Sunday evening.
Deve Gowda has organised a two-day protest rally in the national capital starting from Wednesday against the land acquisition for the Bangalore-Mysore …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Deve Gowda heads farmers to Delhi rally.

BSP opposes Women Reservation Bill seeking quota within quota for SC/ST

LUCKNOW – Bahujan Samaj Party on Sunday evening opposed the Women Reservation Bill in its present form by seeking inclusion of quota for Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe women in it.
“Bill must be amended to include SC/ST women’s quota in itf the Bill is amended to include our demands, we will vote for it. …. Source article  : BSP opposes Women Reservation Bill seeking quota within quota for SC/ST.

Top Senate Republican says GOP’s fundraising appeal based on fear of Obama is not helpful

McConnell doesn’t like GOP pitch based on fear
WASHINGTON – The Senate’s top Republican says he didn’t like a recent GOP appeal to party donors that was based on stoking fear and negative feelings toward President Barack Obama and other Democrats.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says he doesn’t understand why anyone thought …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Top Senate Republican says GOP’s fundraising appeal based on fear of Obama is not helpful.

Togo opposition followers march in 4th day of rising tensions since disputed presidential vote

Togo protesters march over disputed election

LOME, Togo – Riot police fired tear gas at more than 1,000 opposition protesters who gathered in the capital Tuesday, the fourth day of rising tensions since the son of the former dictator was announced victorious in a disputed presidential election.
Tuesday’s march was banned by the government but top opposition …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Togo opposition followers march in 4th day of rising tensions since disputed presidential vote.

Iran says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Afghanistan on Wednesday

Iranian president to visit Afghanistan
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s announcement coincided with a visit to Kandahar by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Gates has accused Tehran of “playing a double game” in Afghanistan by trying to woo the Afghan government and undermining U.S. and NATO efforts by …. Source  : Iran says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Gates praises troops in hard-hit battle unit in southern Afghanistan

Gates praises troops in southern Afghanistan

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FRONTENAC, Afghanistan – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a hard-hit battle unit Tuesday that its heavy losses have helped the U.S. begin to push back against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
Gates visited a small, remote outpost 30 miles north of Kandahar, where the Fort Lewis, Washington-based … Read more »»».

Gates meets with troops fighting Taliban in southern Afghanistan

Gates meets with troops in southern Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates got a closer view of the Afghanistan war Tuesday, with a visit to troops fighting the Taliban in the country’s rugged south.
Gates flew to Kandahar early Tuesday for meetings with U.S. and British generals overseeing the current military campaign in Marjah.
Gates … Read : Gates meets with troops fighting Taliban in southern Afghanistan.

Mass. human rights doctors group faults Bangladesh on treatment of Burmese refugees

Mass. rights group faults Bangladesh on refugees

BOSTON – Tens of thousands of Burmese refugees are being forced into makeshift camps in Bangladesh and face widespread starvation unless they receive more humanitarian aid, according to an international human rights organization’s report released Tuesday.
The Physicians for Human Rights, based in Massachusetts, faulted Bangladesh authorities for “arbitrary arrests, …. Read the original article  : Mass. human rights doctors group faults Bangladesh on treatment of Burmese refugees.

CAPITAL CULTURE: Palin straddles increasingly blurred worlds of politics, media, celebrity

CAPITAL CULTURE: Palin candidate, pundit, celeb?
NEW YORK – For more than a year, Sarah Palin has been one of the most famous political and cultural figures in the country. Even by that standard, though, last week was an extraordinary one.
On Thursday came word that the former Alaska governor was working on a TV …. Source  : CAPITAL CULTURE: Palin straddles increasingly blurred worlds of politics, media, celebrity.

PM to meet Lalu, Mulayam, Sharad over Women Reservation Bill

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will meet Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav today over the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Meanwhile, the reported all-party meet is unlikely to be held today.
The decision …. Source article  : PM to meet Lalu, Mulayam, Sharad over Women Reservation Bill.

Stupak, D-Mich., voices new optimism about resolving abortion dispute in health bill debate

Stupak: Health bill abortion fight can be resolved
TAWAS CITY, Mich. – Prospects are good for resolving a dispute over abortion that has led some House Democrats to threaten to withhold support of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, a key Michigan Democrat said Monday.
Rep. Bart Stupak said he expects to resume talks with … Read more >>.

Pennsylvania Democrats pick ex-Murtha aide Mark Critz as nominee for special election

Pa. Dems pick Critz as nominee to fill Murtha seat

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania Democrats have chosen former congressional aide Mark Critz as the nominee for a special election to fill the U.S. House seat once held by late Rep. John Murtha.
Party officials cite Critz’s weekend victory in a nonbinding straw poll by local party members. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pennsylvania Democrats pick ex-Murtha aide Mark Critz as nominee for special election.

Suburban NY mayor says ‘SNL’ got her city wrong _ it’s not a hellhole, and it’s not upstate

Suburban NY mayor says ‘SNL’ got her city wrong

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. – A suburban New York mayor wants to correct the record after “Saturday Night Live” made fun of her city.
First, Peekskill isn’t upstate. Second, it’s not a hellhole.
The city of 24,000 residents was mentioned on the NBC comedy show Feb. 27. An actor playing Gov. … Read more >>>.

Tenn. federal judge refuses to throw out lawsuits by patients claiming jaw damage

Tenn. federal judge won’t dismiss jaw injury cases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A federal judge in Nashville has refused to dismiss 40 lawsuits against a Swedish-based pharmaceutical company accused of failing to warn patients that two of its drugs can cause severe deterioration of the jaw.
U.S. District Judge Todd Campbell’s ruling last week is the latest blow … Read more »».

How did the little movie best the huge one? Theories on how ‘Hurt Locker’ beat ‘Avatar’

Oscar’s big question: How did David slay Goliath?

NEW YORK – For Hollywood pundits, industry folk and Oscar fans still paying attention on Monday, a major question remained: How did David slay Goliath?
For as much as “The Hurt Locker” was the critics’ darling, it had three major strikes against it in its battle against the mighty …. Source  : How did the little movie best the huge one? Theories on how ‘Hurt Locker’ beat ‘Avatar’.

Remarks by the President and the First Lady at International Women’s Day Reception

4:52 P.M. EST
MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  So I get to speak first while he stands and watches.  I love this.  (Laughter.)  Look at me adoringly.  (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT:  I can do that.
MRS. OBAMA:  With sincerity.  (Laughter.)  Anyway.
I’m thrilled to see everybody here.  Welcome, welcome.  This is a wonderful event as we celebrate … Read more : Remarks by the President and the First Lady at International Women’s Day Reception.

Massa says health care conspiracy by House Democrats is the reason behind his resignation

Massa blames his resignation on health care debate

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – New York Rep. Eric Massa is blaming his resignation on a conspiracy by House Democratic leaders to force him out before a crucial vote on health care.
Massa was one of 39 Democrats who voted against an earlier House version of the health care bill in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Massa says health care conspiracy by House Democrats is the reason behind his resignation.

Group Friends of Animals calls for tourism boycott of Alaska over wolf decision

Animal rights’ group urges Alaska tourism boycott

JUNEAU, Alaska – An animal rights’ group is calling for a tourism boycott of Alaska over a recent decision to remove buffer zones for wolf trapping near Denali National Park.
Friends of Animals’ President Priscilla Feral says last week’s decision by a divided Alaska Board of Game lacked any sense …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Group Friends of Animals calls for tourism boycott of Alaska over wolf decision.

President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post, 3/8/10

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:
Philip D. Moeller, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:
Philip D. Moeller, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Commissioner Philip D. Moeller was …. Original article  : President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post, 3/8/10.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/8/10

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Major General Robert A. Harding, United States Army (Retired), of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Edmund S. Hawley, resigned.

David K. Mineta, of California, to be Deputy Director for Demand Reduction, Office of National Drug Control Policy, vice Bertha K. Madras.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/8/10.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/8/10

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:
Cheryl A. LaFleur, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., Member, National Museum and Library Sciences Board
President Obama said, “I am grateful that these distinguished individuals have chosen to join my administration as we work … Read more »».

Remarks by President Obama and President Funes of El Salvador after Meeting

Oval Office
3:56 P.M. EST
PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Hello, everybody.  I want to welcome President Funes and the First Lady of El Salvador to the United States.  Bienvenido.  We are very grateful and honored by his visit.  I’ve been following the President since his election nine months ago and have been very favorably impressed by the steps that … Read : Remarks by President Obama and President Funes of El Salvador after Meeting.

AP Source: Health care legislation to include new provision affecting part-time workers

AP Source: Health bill to affect part-time workers
WASHINGTON – A Democratic aide says a new provision in the health care bill will require businesses to count part-time workers when calculating penalties for failing to provide coverage.
The bill originally passed by the Senate only penalized businesses for full-time workers who weren’t covered. The Senate … Read more >>>.

Women Reservation Bill Passed

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The turmoil among the Indian political parties about the much disputed women reservation bill seems to have calmed down after the UPA government braved to get it passed in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. It was a historic moment as the bill had created a rift among the partners in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Women Reservation Bill Passed.

President Barack Obama Fishing Ban: True Or Fake?

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- The news that President Barack Obama has decided to ban fishing in the country has shocked many people who are fond of fishing. Some of the news sources reported that the administration of the United States is considering about a law that would prohibit people from fishing in the water bodies … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : President Barack Obama Fishing Ban: True Or Fake?.

Mamata Banerjee takes a dig at Left parties on Women Reservation Bill

NEW DELHI – Union Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday charged the Left parties of taking undue credit for the successful passage of the Women Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
“Why is the Left parties taking undue credit for the bill,” said Banerjee.
“We boycotted the Bill because …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Texas ed board set for 1st vote since primary made lame ducks of some social conservatives

Texas ed board set to take 1st vote since primary

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas’ state education board is set to take a vote on a new social studies curriculum that could reverberate in classrooms nationwide.
A three-day meeting beginning Wednesday is the first since primary elections that could push the panel’s far-right leanings toward the center. Terms …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Texas ed board set for 1st vote since primary made lame ducks of some social conservatives.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 p.m.

NEW DELHI – The Lok Sabha was on Wednesday adjourned till 12 p.m. due to the chaos created inside the House by members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party and the Samajwadi Party over the successful passage of Women Reservation [..] Read the original article: here.

AP Interview: Brazil’s leader pledges active role in Mideast diplomacy, pushes talks with Iran

AP Interview: Brazil leader seeks peace in Mideast
BRASILIA, Brazil – Brazil’s president plans an active role in world diplomacy during his final months in power, saying he will visit the Middle East to seek peace and prevent a possible conflict over Iran’s nuclear program.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose second four-year term … Read more >>>.

Lalu Yadav to withdraw support to UPA

NEW DELHI – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is expected to hand over a letter to President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday withdrawing his party’s support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government on the issue of the Women Reservation Bill.
Addressing the media, Lalu Yadav said that despite making … Original article on : Lalu Yadav to withdraw support to UPA.

Gates says some US surge troops could leave Afghanistan before July 2011

Gates: Some troops could leave Afghanistan early
PUL-E-CHARKHI, Afghanistan – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates raised the possibility Wednesday that some of the U.S. forces involved in the Afghanistan surge could leave the country before President Barack Obama’s announced July 2011 date to begin withdrawal.
Without giving …. Source  : Gates says some US surge troops could leave Afghanistan before July 2011.

Gates visits training site where Afghan army recruits go through exercises

Gates checks out Afghan army training exercises

POLE CHAKI TRAINING BASE, Afghanistan – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was watching Afghan army recruits go through training Wednesday.
Gates visited a dust-blown training ground in Kabul province where Afghan soldiers come for weeks of training under U.S. and British instruction. British Brigadier Simon Levy told Gates that if …. Read the original article  : here.

Police say gunmen attack aid group’s office in northwest Pakistan; 5 people killed

Aid group attacked in northwest Pakistan; 5 dead

ISLAMABAD – Suspected militants armed with grenades attacked the offices of an international aid group in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, killing five people working for the organization, police said.
The attack targeted World Vision, a large Christian humanitarian group helping survivors of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Mansehra district.
The …. Original article  : Police say gunmen attack aid group’s office in northwest Pakistan; 5 people killed.

Census figures show nearly half of babies in US are born to minorities each year

Minority births on track to outnumber white births

WASHINGTON – Minorities make up nearly half the children born in the U.S., part of a historic trend in which minorities are expected to become the U.S. majority over the next 40 years.
In fact, demographers say this year could be the “tipping point” when the number of babies … Read more »».

Granny D, who traversed US a decade ago to promote campaign finance reform, dies at 100 in NH

NH campaign finance activist Granny D dies at 100

CONCORD, N.H. – Doris “Granny D” Haddock, a New Hampshire woman who walked across the country at age 89 to promote campaign finance reform and later waged a quixotic campaign for U.S. Senate, has died. She was 100.
Haddock died Tuesday night of chronic respiratory illness at her … Read : Granny D, who traversed US a decade ago to promote campaign finance reform, dies at 100 in NH.

Pope scores 27, Seton Hall holds off frantic Providence rally for 109-106 Big East victory

Pope, Seton Hall hold off frantic Providence rally

NEW YORK – Herb Pope had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and Seton Hall built a huge second-half lead before barely holding off a furious Providence rally for a 109-106 victory in the first round of the Big East tournament Tuesday night.
In a breakneck game between the league’s … Read more >>>.

Israel says ‘bad options’ for Iran getting closer _ developing nukes or military action

Israel says ‘bad options’ for Iran getting closer

UNITED NATIONS – The two “bad options” for Iran – letting the country develop nuclear weapons or using force to destroy its nuclear capabilities – are closer than they were a year ago, Israel’s U.N. ambassador warned Tuesday.
Gabriela Shalev told journalists at the U.N. Israel still hopes diplomatic … Read more >>>.

New election law bars Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from election

Law bars Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi from election

YANGON, Myanmar – A new election law issued by Myanmar’s ruling military has barred pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from joining a political party and thus running in upcoming elections, state-run newspapers said Wednesday.
The Political Parties Registration Law, published in official newspapers, excludes anyone convicted by …. Original article  : New election law bars Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from election.

Court allows Pratt & Whitney to speed up appeal in case to move 1,000 jobs out of Conn.

Pratt & Whitney to move quickly on court appeal

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Pratt & Whitney said Tuesday a federal appeals court granted the jet engine maker’s request for an expedited appeal of a lawsuit it lost as it tries to move 1,000 jobs out of Connecticut.
The subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. filed five proposed issues …. Source article  : Court allows Pratt & Whitney to speed up appeal in case to move 1,000 jobs out of Conn..

Neb. lawmakers want to give voters chance to ax treasurer’s office, say it could save money

Neb. voters may get chance to cut treasurer’s job

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska lawmakers want to put the state treasurer’s office on the chopping block.
On Tuesday, they easily gave first-round approval to a measure that would go before voters in the November general election. If approved then, the office now held by Shane Osborn and that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Neb. lawmakers want to give voters chance to ax treasurer’s office, say it could save money.

Sen. Vitter’s fundraising letter target of ethics complaint; opponent says eagle-image illegal

Opponent files ethics complaint on La. Sen. Vitter
BATON ROUGE, La. – A challenger to Louisiana Sen. David Vitter filed an ethics complaint Tuesday, claiming a fundraising letter for the Republican incumbent’s campaign makes illegal use of a government emblem.
The complaint with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics alleges Vitter’s fundraising plea violated federal …. Original source  : Sen. Vitter’s fundraising letter target of ethics complaint; opponent says eagle-image illegal.

Former NY Rep. Massa acknowledges groping male staffer but denies it was sexual

Massa denies he sexually groped male staffer

WASHINGTON – Former New York Congressman Eric Massa, who resigned from Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, acknowledged Tuesday groping a staffer but denied it was sexual.
“It doesn’t make any difference what my intentions were, it’s how it’s perceived by the individual who receives that action,” Massa said on conservative …. Source  : Former NY Rep. Massa acknowledges groping male staffer but denies it was sexual.

Remarks by Vice President Biden at Yad Vashem Memorial

Jerusalem
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
 VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I want to thank our hosts for showing us through Yad Vashem.  As a young father, when I introduced each of our sons — who are grown men now — to Europe at age 15, I took them first to Dachau for them to understand as young men the … Read more >>>.

Yadav trio to meet Sonia Gandhi over Women’s Reservation Bill

NEW DELHI – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Sharad Yadav are expected to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Amidst protests by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Yadav trio to meet Sonia Gandhi over Women’s Reservation Bill.

Afghan president says Pakistan has ‘important’ role to play in peace talks with Taliban

Afghanistan welcomes Pakistani role in peace talks
ISLAMABAD – Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday that Pakistan has an “important” role to play in peace talks with the Taliban, a possible attempt to squash speculation that his government was trying to sideline its neighbor.
Pakistan has offered to help negotiate with the Afghan Taliban, a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Afghan president says Pakistan has ‘important’ role to play in peace talks with Taliban.

Mich. lawmaker unofficial leader of Democrats threatening to derail health care overhaul

Mich. lawmaker threatening to derail health care
WEST BRANCH, Mich. – Rep. Bart Stupak has become the unofficial leader of a small but powerful bloc threatening to derail President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.
A dozen socially conservative Democrats say they won’t support the legislation without a prohibition on paying for abortions with federal money. … Read more : Mich. lawmaker unofficial leader of Democrats threatening to derail health care overhaul.

Gowda leads Karnataka farmers protests in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda led hundreds of farmers from Karnataka in a protest here on Wednesday against land acquisition for the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project.
Supported by Left leaders and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh, Gowda called the protest an extension of his fight against land …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Putin to arrive in India on two-day visit today

NEW DELHI – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will arrive here today on a two-day visit during which both sides are likely to conclude the long- delayed agreement on the sole of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.
During his visit, Putin will also hold talks with the …. Source  : Putin to arrive in India on two-day visit today.

Report: New e-mail evidence Sen. John Ensign sought work for ex-lover’s husband

Report: Senator sought work for ex-lover’s husband

WASHINGTON – E-mails turned over to the FBI and Senate ethics investigators provide new evidence about Sen. John Ensign’s efforts to find lobbying work for the husband of his former mistress and could add to his legal problems, The New York Times reported.
Ensign, R-Nev., suggested that a Las Vegas …. Original source  : Report: New e-mail evidence Sen. John Ensign sought work for ex-lover’s husband.

Brazil’s president blasted for comments on Cuba’s dissidents and their hunger strikes

Brazil leader rapped for stance on Cuba dissidents

BRASILIA, Brazil – Brazil’s president came under withering criticism Wednesday at home and in Cuba for his deference to the island’s communist government over political prisoners and hunger strikes for human rights.
A Cuban dissident on hunger strike to demand the release of ailing political prisoners accused President Luiz … Read : Brazil’s president blasted for comments on Cuba’s dissidents and their hunger strikes.

NYC judge who found cutoff of ACORN funding unconstitutional orders govt to stop blocking it

NYC judge: Govt must stop blocking money to ACORN

NEW YORK – A federal judge who found it unconstitutional that Congress tried to cut funding to the activist group ACORN has rejected a government request to change her mind and has ordered government agencies to make it clear the funding isn’t blocked.
In a written ruling Wednesday, … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYC judge who found cutoff of ACORN funding unconstitutional orders govt to stop blocking it.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy calls news media ‘despicable’ for ignoring war in Afghanistan

Rep. Patrick Kennedy rips media in Afghan speech

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy is blasting the news media as “despicable,” accusing it of ignoring the war in Afghanistan even as troops continue to die there.
The Rhode Island Democrat shouted, pointed and waved his arms excitedly during a speech on the House floor Wednesday on U.S. … Read more >>.

House Roll Call: US forces in Afghanistan

House Roll Call: US forces in Afghanistan
The 356-65 roll call Wednesday by which the House rejected a resolution directing the president to remove U.S. military forces from Afghanistan by the end of the year.

A “yes” vote is a vote to pass the measure.
Voting yes were 60 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
Voting no were 189 Democrats and … Read more >>.

House rejects quick troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, but anti-war lawmakers get to vent

House rejects call for withdrawal from Afghanistan
WASHINGTON – The House on Wednesday soundly rejected an effort by anti-war lawmakers to force a withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year.
The outcome of the vote, 356-65 against the resolution, was never in doubt. But the 3 1/2 hours of …. Source  : House rejects quick troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, but anti-war lawmakers get to vent.

Hitting the road, Obama touts fraud measures as he makes closing argument for health overhaul

Obama takes health care overhaul push to Missouri
ST. CHARLES, Mo. – President Barack Obama denounced waste, inefficiency and downright fraud in the government’s health care system Wednesday as he sought to rally public support for his revamped overhaul plan.
“Improper payments cost taxpayers almost $100 billion last year alone,” Obama said at a rally … Read more »»».

President Obama Nominates Raymond Lohier, Jr. for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Judge Kate O’Malley for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Raymond Lohier, Jr. to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Kate O’Malley to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  Lohier currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; O’Malley currently serves …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : President Obama Nominates Raymond Lohier, Jr. for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Judge Kate O’Malley for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Remarks by the First Lady at the International Women of Courage Awards

3:35 P.M. EST
MRS. OBAMA:  Well, thank you.  This is indeed a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you today.  You all look fabulous.  (Laughter.)  This is a wonderful occasion.

Let me thank my dear friend, Senator — Secretary Clinton.  (Laughter.)  I almost said, “President Clinton.”  (Laughter and applause.)  But let me thank …. Source  : Remarks by the First Lady at the International Women of Courage Awards.

Census promoters seek to reach Hispanic families through tech-savvy youngsters

Census campaign targets tech-savvy Hispanic youth

LOS ANGELES – Groups pushing for robust Hispanic participation in the 2010 census announced a new campaign Thursday that aims to reach the hard-to-count demographic through its smart-phone-toting youngsters.
The “Be Counted, Represent” campaign offers music downloads and a chance at concert tickets to cell phone users who share their e-mail … Read more »».

Once-revered South Carolina lawmaker freezes to death alone in rented home at 75

Once-revered SC lawmaker freezes to death alone

COLUMBIA, S.C. – When Juanita Goggins became the first black woman elected to the South Carolina Legislature in 1974, she was hailed as a trailblazer and twice visited the president at the White House.
Three decades later, she froze to death at age 75, a solitary figure living in a … Read : Once-revered South Carolina lawmaker freezes to death alone in rented home at 75.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Passing of Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi

“We express our deepest condolences on the passing of Egyptian cleric Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi.  As the grand sheikh of Al-Azhar University, he was a voice for faith and tolerance who was widely respected in Muslim communities in Egypt and around the globe, and by many who seek to build a world grounded in mutual …. Source article  : Statement by the Press Secretary on the Passing of Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi.

Remarks by The First Lady at the National PTA Conference

Doubletree Hotel Crystal City
Arlington, Virginia
12:20 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you all so much.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Please, please, be seated.
Thanks so much.  It is a pleasure to be here with all of you today.  And thank you for the wonderful work that you do every day in schools and communities all … Read : Remarks by The First Lady at the National PTA Conference.

President Obama Signs South Dakota Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of South Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm during the period of January 20-26, 2010.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Presidential Memorandum Regarding Finding and Recapturing Improper Payments

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Finding and Recapturing Improper Payments

My Administration is committed to reducing payment errors and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal programs — a commitment reflected in Executive Order 13520 of November 20, 2009, Reducing Improper Payments. Executive departments and agencies should use every tool available to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Presidential Memorandum Regarding Finding and Recapturing Improper Payments.

Ailing ex-Nepal PM Koirala shifted to daughter’s house

KATHMANDU – Former Nepal Prime Minister and Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala has been moved to his daughter Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala’s residence in Mandhikhatar.

Koirala left his Maharajgunj residence for Sujata’s house, as it has better facilities, including a cabin that …. Read the original article  : Ailing ex-Nepal PM Koirala shifted to daughter’s house.

Thai anti-government protesters begin to mass around the country ahead of march on Bangkok

Thai anti-govt protesters begin to mass for rally

BANGKOK – Anti-government protesters massed around Thailand on Friday ahead of a march they hope will paralyze the capital and force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to call new elections. Authorities mobilized 50,000 security officers and set up checkpoints around Bangkok.
Several schools closed in Bangkok and foreigners were advised …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Thai anti-government protesters begin to mass around the country ahead of march on Bangkok.

Lok Sabha mourns RSS leader’s death

NEW DELHI – The Lok Sabha Friday mourned the death of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue and former MP Nanaji Deshmukh who died Feb 27.
Speaker Meira Kumar described him as an activist and agriculturist who worked for realisation of the dream of total transformation in villages.
“He founded the Saraswati Shishu Mandir, a … Read : Lok Sabha mourns RSS leader’s death.

Women’s bill in Lok Sabha after consultation: Congress

NEW DELHI – The Congress said Friday it was keen to get the womens reservation bill passed in the Lok Sabha but said it will be brought to the lower house only after consultation with political parties.
Paban Singh Ghatowar, the Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, refused to specify a time-frame for …. Source  : Women’s bill in Lok Sabha after consultation: Congress.

DMK, AIADMK to groom women of substance for elections

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and main opposition AIADMK have sprung into action, now that the women’s reservation bill is just a step away from being passed. Both parties have decided to groom their women cadres to fight elections.

The ruling DMK is planning to hold camps across the state to empower its women cadres. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : DMK, AIADMK to groom women of substance for elections.

Utah state House GOP leader Garn says he paid woman to keep silent about hot tub incident

Utah House GOP leader says he paid off woman

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s House majority leader said late Thursday he paid a woman $150,000 to keep silent about going nude “hot-tubbing” with her when she was minor a quarter century ago.
In a shocking statement on the House floor, Kevin Garn, 55, of Layton said he …. Source article  : Utah state House GOP leader Garn says he paid woman to keep silent about hot tub incident.

Putin meets President Patil

NEW DELHI – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Friday met President Pratibha Patil as he began his New Delhi visit eyeing upon boosting strategic and defence ties with India.
Putin, who is on a 22-hour visit to India, is expected to sign over a dozen agreements with India, including an umbrella civil nuclear … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Putin meets President Patil.

Pakistani navy tests missiles in Arabian Sea, calling it a message to ‘nefarious’ forces

Pakistan navy tests missiles in Arabian Sea

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s navy successfully test-fired a series of missiles and torpedoes Friday in what it called a message to “nefarious” forces – an apparent reference to longtime rival India.
While the two nuclear-armed neighbors have taken slow steps toward restarting peace talks, they also have a history of using …. Source  : Pakistani navy tests missiles in Arabian Sea, calling it a message to ‘nefarious’ forces.

Berlusconi to duck corruption trial by claiming he is too busy to attend hearing

LONDON – Italian parliament has provided a new escape route to corruption-accused Silvio Berlusconi by passing a new law that allows the Prime Minister to claim he is too busy to attend a court trial.

The law will allow Berlusconi to avoid court hearings by arguing that he has a “legitimate impediment” – for instance a …. Read the original article  : Berlusconi to duck corruption trial by claiming he is too busy to attend hearing.

Utah state GOP leader says he paid woman to keep silent about hot tub incident

Utah state GOP leader says he paid off woman

SALT LAKE CITY – The majority leader of Utah’s House of Representatives says he paid a woman $150,000 to keep silent about going “hot-tubbing” with her when she was minor a quarter century ago.
Republican Kevin Garn told his colleagues Thursday night that while he did not have … Original article on : Utah state GOP leader says he paid woman to keep silent about hot tub incident.

Pakistani navy tests missiles, calling it a message to ‘nefarious’ forces

Pakistan tests missiles in Arabian Sea
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s navy successfully test-fired a series of missiles and torpedoes Friday in what it called a message to “nefarious” forces – an apparent reference to longtime rival India.

While the two nuclear-armed neighbors have taken slow steps toward restarting peace talks, they also have a history of using weapons … Read more >>.

Australian officials investigate allegations of sex competition on board navy ship

Australian navy faces inquiry in alleged sex ring

SYDNEY – Australian officials have launched an investigation into allegations that sailors on board a navy ship were running a sex competition during an overseas deployment last year.
The Defense Department says the inquiry that began Friday comes after an initial investigation was found to be biased.
Three sailors from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Australian officials investigate allegations of sex competition on board navy ship.

Aid groups in China say they feel threatened by new rules on overseas donations

NGOs in China say threatened by new donor rules

BEIJING – Aid groups in China said Friday they feel threatened by new rules that make it harder to take overseas donations, warning that losing the money could put many out of business as the government steps into the issue for the first time.
China is behind most … Read more : Aid groups in China say they feel threatened by new rules on overseas donations.

Gordon Brown voted worst male travel companion

MELBOURNE – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is the last man Brits want to travel with, a new survey has found.

The leader has been voted the worst male travel companion in the annual TNT travel survey that quizzed 500 British men and women aged 18 to 45.
“Given his sinking popularity, it comes as no surprise … Read : Gordon Brown voted worst male travel companion.

Taiwan’s justice minister resigns over objection to death penalty

Taiwan minister resigns over death penalty row

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan’s justice minister has resigned after her public stance against the death penalty failed to win popular backing.
The decision by Wang Ching-feng – announced by the Cabinet late Thursday – highlights the continued support for capital punishment in Taiwan, despite the island’s four-year de facto moratorium …. Source  : Taiwan’s justice minister resigns over objection to death penalty.

India, Russia to sign deals worth 10 billion dollars

NEW DELHI – India and Russia are expected to sign deals worth over ten billion dollars, including in defence and civilian nuclear sectors during the ongoing visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Several supplementary agreements relating to the Aircraft Carrier Gorshkov deal will also be signed as the two countries have resolved the … Read more >>>.

I’m ready to mediate with Maoists: Trinamool MP Kabir Suman

KOLKATA – Kabir Suman, the Trinamool Congress MP who is not always known to toe the party line and a hugely popular poet-singer in West Bengal, says he is willing to mediate between the central government and Maoists.
Elected from the Jadavpur constituency last year, Suman believes tribals have “a very strong reason” to …. Original source  : I’m ready to mediate with Maoists: Trinamool MP Kabir Suman.

Pa. GOP picks Burns as nominee to fill Murtha’s seat; he’ll face Critz in May special election

Pa. GOP picks Burns as nominee for Murtha’s seat

PITTSBURGH – Republicans in Pennsylvania have nominated a political newcomer to fill the congressional seat of the late Rep. John Murtha.
Tim Burns is a 41-year-old millionaire businessman and a native of Murtha’s hometown of Johnstown. Burns now lives in the town of Eighty Four, about 30 miles … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pa. GOP picks Burns as nominee to fill Murtha’s seat; he’ll face Critz in May special election.

Report blasts firm overseeing Katrina infrastructure rebuilding for questionable spending

Report blasts firm overseeing Katrina recovery

NEW ORLEANS – An engineering firm hired to oversee the reconstruction of city buildings and infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Katrina has been overcharging the city, including billing for theater tickets and a flight to Las Vegas, an internal investigation found.
The report by New Orleans Inspector General E.R. Quatrevaux said the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report blasts firm overseeing Katrina infrastructure rebuilding for questionable spending.

Ginsburg supports ending judicial elections at state, local level and the money they attract

Ginsburg endorses end to local judicial elections

WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is endorsing an end to the election of judges at the state and local levels.
Ginsburg was speaking Thursday at a conference of female judges, many who are elected. She approves of the campaign by her former colleague, retired Justice Sandra Day … Original article on : Ginsburg supports ending judicial elections at state, local level and the money they attract.

CPI-M fields young faces for Rajya Sabha polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala’s ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Saturday named Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan’s political secretary K.N. Balagopal and professor T.N. Seema, both in their 40s, as its nominees for elections to two Rajya Sabha seats.
While the CPI-M hopes to win both seats, the third Rajya Sabha seat to which elections will … Original source on Gaea Times at : CPI-M fields young faces for Rajya Sabha polls.

New Secretariat Building Chennai: Inaugration Today

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- On Saturday the Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh along with Congress President Sonia Gandhi will fly to Chennai to inaugurate the new Tamil Nadu Assembly and Secretariat building complex. According to the reports the new complex has cost the state Rs 450 crores. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi who inspected the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Secretariat Building Chennai: Inaugration Today.

US avoids anti-abortion schism at meeting on women’s equality _ unlike 2005

US avoids anti-abortion debate at UN meeting
UNITED NATIONS – A U.N. meeting to assess progress in advancing the fight for women’s equality that ended Friday had a dramatically different slant than a similar session held five years ago: This time, the United States was not trying to make an anti-abortion declaration … Original article on : US avoids anti-abortion schism at meeting on women’s equality _ unlike 2005.

Anti-government protesters ready to descend on Bangkok

BANGKOK – Tens of thousands of protesters arrived at the outskirts of Bangkok Saturday to participate in demonstrations aimed at forcing the Thai government to resign and call for new elections.

In Wang Noi in Ayutthaya province, an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 demonstrators had gathered Saturday morning, witnesses said, as they prepared to descend on Bangkok, … Read more : Anti-government protesters ready to descend on Bangkok.

Another group calls for shutdown in Nepal’s Terai

KATHMANDU – With less than 80 days left for the promulgation of a new constitution in Nepal, the nascent republic went on the boil once again Saturday with its Tharu community, believed to be the descendants of the Buddha, going on the warpath.

Eight Tharu organisations have called a shutdown of nearly one-third of Nepals 75 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BJD MP wants to cycle to parliament

BHUBANESWAR – Eager to do his bit to save the environment, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP has asked Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar for permission to come to parliament on a bicycle.
“As there is no provision for the entry of bicycles into parliament, I have sought permission from the speaker through which …. Read the original article  : BJD MP wants to cycle to parliament.

Manmohan Singh to inaugurate new TN Assembly complex today

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the Rs.425 crore new Tamil Nadu Assembly complex in Chennai this evening.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala and several central and state ministers will attend the function.
It is the first Assembly building in … Read : Manmohan Singh to inaugurate new TN Assembly complex today.

Obama to visit India later this year

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will visit India later this year though he and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would have a chance to discuss some bilateral issues at next month’s Global Nuclear Security Summit here.
“No, mostly Prime Minister Singh’s visit in April will really be for the Global Nuclear Security Summit. That will …. Read the original article  : Obama to visit India later this year.

Former BJP minister summoned by riot probe panel

AHMEDABAD – Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Nalin Bhatt has been summoned by the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning in connection with the 2002 communal riots in Gulberg society.

Bhatt is to appear before the panel Saturday in connection with the Gulberg society massacre in which former Congress MP Ehsan Jaffri … Read : Former BJP minister summoned by riot probe panel.

India ties among most consequential in 21st century: US

WASHINGTON – Looking at relations with India “as one of the most consequential of US foreign policy in the 21st century”, the US wishes to capitalise on their converging values and interests to confront global challenges, said a senior US official.
“India is going to be an increasingly important factor in the 21st century, … Original article on : India ties among most consequential in 21st century: US.

Reprocessing accord with India soon: US

WASHINGTON – Reiterating that Washington remains “very much committed” to the nuclear deal with India, a US official sees “good progress” on crucial talks on reprocessing and hopes an accord would emerge well before the August deadline.
“So, we’re now in the process of implementing that agreement,” Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Reprocessing accord with India soon: US.

Thousands of anti-government protesters converge on Thai capital

Anti-government protesters head for Bangkok

BANGKOK – Thousands of red-shirted anti-government demonstrators converged on the Thai capital from the north and northeast Saturday, vowing to oust the government in a mass do-or-die display of muscle.
Although protest leaders stressed they would not resort to violence, many businesses closed down, social events were canceled and Bangkok’s normally chaotic …. Source  : Thousands of anti-government protesters converge on Thai capital.

Telangana joint committee expel TDP

HYDERABAD – Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC), which is spearheading the movement for separate Telangana state, has expelled main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The decision was taken late Friday at a JAC meeting attended by its convenor M. Kodandaram, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhara Rao, party ideologue Jayashankar and representatives of Telangana employees’ …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US was insulted by Israel’s housing plans: Clinton

WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Israel’s behaviour during the visit of Vice President Joe Biden to the couintry was “insulting”, raising the level of tension in an open diplomatic rift with Israel.
“The announcement of the settlement the very same day the vice president was there was insulting … … Read more »».

NYC officials: Taxi drivers scammed riders by $8.3M-plus by setting meters to suburban rate

NYC: Taxi drivers overcharged riders by $8.3M-plus

NEW YORK – New York City officials have discovered a widespread scam in which thousands of taxi drivers overcharged passengers by more than $8.3 million.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission said Friday that it had found at least 1.8 million trips over the past two years where passengers were ripped …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NYC officials: Taxi drivers scammed riders by $8.3M-plus by setting meters to suburban rate.

Clinton rebukes Netanyahu over housing unit plans

WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday to express “strong objections” to plans to build housing units in occupied East Jerusalem.
The dispute opened up a rare diplomatic rift between the US and Israel, as the announcement for the new construction came while Vice …. Original source  : Clinton rebukes Netanyahu over housing unit plans.

Paul, once the grassroots outsider, builds momentum as mainstream GOP Senate candidate in Ky.

Paul, once the outsider, gains GOP support in Ky.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Now that Rand Paul’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate has gained momentum, he’s beginning to pick up support from the Republican establishment.
He had run his campaign in Kentucky as the consummate outsider: a grassroots candidate drawing support from regular Joes and Janes. Now, Paul … Read more »»».

Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/12/10

2:10 P.M. EST
PRESS CORPS:  Yay!
PRESS CORPS:  Ohhhh!
MR. GIBBS:  Nice to see you.  Let me get a few pictures over here.  What was that groan for?  Come on.

Q    Show us again, come one.
Q    You can’t go yet, I’m not ready.
MR. GIBBS:  Don’t worry, we’ll do a couple of non-serious announcements in my –
Q    What position did … Read : Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/12/10.

Summary Box: Yellen at Fed would likely favor low-rate policy

Summary Box: Obama mulls choices for Fed vacancies
RESHAPING THE FED: President Barack Obama needs to fill three vacancies at the Federal Reserve. Janet Yellen, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, is his top pick to be vice chairman.
MAIN STREET’S PAIN: Yellen is considered a “dove,” meaning she favors a policy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Summary Box: Yellen at Fed would likely favor low-rate policy.

Former GOP congressman DioGuardi, father of ‘American Idol’ judge, to announce Senate run

DioGuardi, dad of ‘Idol’ judge, to run for Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. – The father of “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi (KEHR’-uh dee-oh-GWAHR’-dee), former Republican congressman Joe DioGuardi, is set to announce he is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Kirsten Gillibrand.
DioGuardi represented the suburbs north of New York City for two terms before he … Read : Former GOP congressman DioGuardi, father of ‘American Idol’ judge, to announce Senate run.

Cyclist on runway as Mulayam’s plane lands

LUCKNOW – Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had a narrow escape Sunday morning when a cyclist suddenly appeared on the runway just as his plane was landing at the Saifai aerodrome in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district.

Mulayam Singh, who was on his way from Delhi to Lucknow, had made a brief stopover at Saefai, about … Read more »».

Minister’s son gets contract from father’s department

RANCHI – A Jharkhand minister is facing allegations of favouring his son in awarding a contract worth Rs.1.41 crore from his department.

Tanvir Ansari, son of Rural Works Minister Haji Hussain Ansari, was given the contract for road construction in Deoghar district March 5. It was awarded by the tender committee of the rural works department …. Read the original article  : Minister’s son gets contract from father’s department.

Won’t allow passage of Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha: Lalu Yadav

PATNA – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav deciding to stall the Women’s Reservation Bill in its present form has said that he will not allow it to pass in the Lok Sabha.
Addressing a gathering of Muslim Community in Patna, Yadav said, “The government will have to throw me out of …. Source  : Won’t allow passage of Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha: Lalu Yadav.

Maneka Gandhi stopped from entering riot-hit Bareilly

BAREILLY – Noted animal-rights activist and Aonla MP Maneka Gandhi, who is heading the three member panel appointed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to monitor the situation in riot-hit Bareilly was on Sunday not allowed to enter the city.

Sources said police personnel stopped Gandhi near Ghaziabad, while enroute to Bareilly.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maneka Gandhi stopped from entering riot-hit Bareilly.

Big BJP boss steps in to save protgs (Capital Buzz)

NEW DELHI – The shock outburst by a clutch of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs over the women’s reservation bill left some party satraps red-faced after they put up a spirited defence in the Rajya Sabha. But when there’s a crisis, there’s big boss L.K. Advani.
Opposition to the bill by controversial Yogi Adityanath …. Read the original article  : Big BJP boss steps in to save protgs (Capital Buzz).

Russia, US close to signing arms reduction pact: Kremlin

Moscow, March 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Russian and US presidents have discussed the negotiations on a new strategic arms reductions treaty and said it was possible to talk about a date for the deal to be signed, the Kremlin said.
\”The heads of state have, by an already established tradition, held a regular exchange … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Russia, US close to signing arms reduction pact: Kremlin.

Despite brashness that made him a pariah in the GOP, Bunning still a hero in Ky. home base

Despite brashness, Bunning still a hero in Ky.

HEBRON, Ky. – Irascible Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning has been a pariah among his congressional colleagues. Back in the conservative swath of northern Kentucky he calls home, though, he’s being heralded as a hero.
Democrats bemoaned Bunning as unsympathetic to down-on-their-luck Americans when he single-handedly held up a …. Original article  : Despite brashness that made him a pariah in the GOP, Bunning still a hero in Ky. home base.

Obama, Medvedev discuss final issues on nuclear arms reduction treaty

Obama, Medvedev encouraged on arms talks accord
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Saturday had what the White House described as an “encouraging” phone conversation with Russian President Dmitrty Medvedev as the two countries sought to work out the remaining issues on a treaty to significantly reduce nuclear arsenals.
National Security Council spokesman …. Original article  : Obama, Medvedev discuss final issues on nuclear arms reduction treaty.

Fiorina introduces herself to GOP faithful with heavy criticism of Boxer, gov’t spending

Fiorina assails Washington, Boxer as out of touch

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Senate candidate Carly Fiorina is attempting to win over California Republicans by attacking two of their strongest dislikes – incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer and a federal government she says is broken.
Fiorina is the former Hewlett-Packard CEO making her first run at public office. She …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fiorina introduces herself to GOP faithful with heavy criticism of Boxer, gov’t spending.

Sen. Reid’s wife taken out of intensive care unit after surgery on broken neck following crash

Sen. Reid’s wife leaves hospital’s intensive care

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s wife has been transferred out of a Virginia hospital’s intensive care unit and is improving after she was seriously injured in an accident on an interstate highway near Washington.
Jon Summers, a spokesman for the senator, says Landra Reid’s condition was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sen. Reid’s wife taken out of intensive care unit after surgery on broken neck following crash.

Opponents would fight any ACORN attempt to return to Ohio for voter registration purposes

Ohio opponents would fight ACORN attempt to return

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The community organizing group ACORN is not expressly prohibited from returning to Ohio under a settlement reached in a lawsuit that claimed it used fraudulent voter registration practices.
But a lawyer for a group that filed the lawsuit says it would fight in court any attempt … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Opponents would fight any ACORN attempt to return to Ohio for voter registration purposes.

Lesbian Air Force sergeant discharged after SD police see marriage license and tell military

Lesbian sgt. discharged after police tell military

Former Air Force sergeant Jene (jeh-NAY’) Newsome says she played by the rules. She never told anyone in the military that she was a lesbian.
But Newsome was discharged earlier this year under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” law after Rapid City, S.D., police officers saw an Iowa marriage …. Original article  : Lesbian Air Force sergeant discharged after SD police see marriage license and tell military.

Utah House GOP leader resigns after confession about nude hot-tubbing with teenage girl

Utah GOP leader resigns after hot tub confession

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s House majority leader resigned from the Legislature Saturday, two days after acknowledging he paid a woman $150,000 to keep quiet about a nude hot-tubbing incident that took place a quarter century ago when she was a teenager.
Republican Rep. Kevin Garn’s Thursday night confession …. Original article  : Utah House GOP leader resigns after confession about nude hot-tubbing with teenage girl.

Despite brashness that made him a pariah in the GOP, Bunning known as a hero in Ky. home base

Despite brashness, Bunning a hero back home in Ky.

HEBRON, Ky. – Irascible Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning has been a pariah among his congressional colleagues. Back in the conservative swath of northern Kentucky he calls home, though, he’s being heralded as a hero.
Democrats bemoaned Bunning as unsympathetic to down-on-their-luck Americans when he single-handedly held up … Read more »».

Appeals court to rehear case of California man removed from council meeting after Nazi salute

Court in SF to rehear Nazi salute case
SAN FRANCISCO – A California man who was ordered removed from a Santa Cruz City Council meeting after making a one-armed Nazi salute has won another day in court.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Friday a majority of its justices have agreed to …. Original source  : Appeals court to rehear case of California man removed from council meeting after Nazi salute.

Push for Native Hawaiian government could address problems faced by islanders since overthrow

Native Hawaiian government may become reality
HONOLULU – Their kingdom long ago overthrown, Native Hawaiians seeking redress are closer than they’ve ever been to reclaiming a piece of Hawaii.
Native Hawaiians are the last remaining indigenous group in the United States that hasn’t been allowed to establish their own government, a right already … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Push for Native Hawaiian government could address problems faced by islanders since overthrow.

Congress opposes Kashmir bill curtailing women’s rights

JAMMU – The Congress has decided to oppose a bill moved earlier this week in the upper house of the state legislature depriving women of their citizenship rights if they marry non-permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This piece of legislation will never be supported by the party within or outside of the legislature,” …. Read the original article  : Congress opposes Kashmir bill curtailing women’s rights.

Thousands of government supporters and opposition march over disputed Togo presidential vote

Thousands march over Togo presidential vote

LOME, Togo – Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Togo’s capital in two organized, opposing marches more than a week after a disputed presidential election won by the son of the former dictator.
Opposition candidate Jean-Pierre Fabre on Saturday led his opposition party on its march, which was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thousands of government supporters and opposition march over disputed Togo presidential vote.

Afghan police report 4 explosions in city in southern Afghanistan; causes not yet known

Afghan police: 4 explosions occur in Kandahar

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Afghan police say four explosions have occurred in the city of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan. What caused the explosions wasn’t yet known.
Deputy provincial police chief Mohammad Shad Farooqi says the explosions were reported Saturday evening across the city – near a hotel, a prison, a mosque … Read more »»».

New clashes in Jerusalem, West Bank

JERUSALEM – Groups of young Palestinians rioted Saturday in the old city of Jerusalem and the West bank after Israeli police closed both areas to devout Muslims seeking to go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Temple Mount.

Five of the rioters were arrested.
Arab youths tried to break through Israeli police controls at the Nablus … Read more »».

Lok Sabha adjourned over Bareilly violence

NEW DELHI – Parties across the political spectrum, including the Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Monday joined hands against the communal violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, leading to the Lok Sabha being adjourned.
Speaker Meira Kumar initially allowed SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav to raise the …. Source  : Lok Sabha adjourned over Bareilly violence.

Inspectors can’t repeat runaway Prius’ stuck accelerator but opinions split on driver’s story

Views split on Calif runaway Prius driver’s story

SAN DIEGO – This much is not in dispute: Inspectors could not duplicate the sudden, unintended acceleration that a motorist reported last week when his Toyota Prius reached 94 mph on a California freeway. They tried during a two-hour test drive.
Disagreements begin over what that means.
John Gomez, an …. Read the original article  : Inspectors can’t repeat runaway Prius’ stuck accelerator but opinions split on driver’s story.

Rajya Sabha revokes suspension of four SP MPs

NEW DELHI – The Rajya Sabha Monday revoked the suspension of four Samajwadi Party (SP) members, amongst the seven MPs against whom action was taken for their unruly behaviour before the debate on the women’s reservation bill last week.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal moved a motion recommending termination of action taken against Veerpal Singh …. Source  : Rajya Sabha revokes suspension of four SP MPs.

Obama travels to Ohio, rallying support for health care overhaul that Dems admit lacks votes

Obama heads to Ohio looking for health care votes
WASHINGTON – Increasingly eager to finish work on his top domestic priority, President Barack Obama heads to northeast Ohio on Monday with a final sales pitch for health care legislation.
The top Democratic vote-counter in the House says that right now, the bill lacks support to …. Original article  : Obama travels to Ohio, rallying support for health care overhaul that Dems admit lacks votes.

Some common problems when filling out US census forms: Household, residence and race

Common problems when filling out US census forms

Some common problems when filling out U.S. census forms, which arrive by mail beginning Monday:
-HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENCE: These are determined by where people live or sleep most of the time as of April 1. Household members should include babies born on or before April 1, 2010, as well … Original article on : Some common problems when filling out US census forms: Household, residence and race.

With money and politics at stake, US census forms arrive in the mail; next few weeks critical

US census forms arrive in the mail: What to expect

WASHINGTON – More than 120 million U.S. census forms begin arriving Monday in mailboxes around the country.
The government’s once-a-decade population count will be used to divvy up congressional seats and more than $400 billion in federal aid. Fast-growing states in the South and the West could …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : With money and politics at stake, US census forms arrive in the mail; next few weeks critical.

Nuclear liability bill not tabled in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI – Given the fierce opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left parties, the government Monday decided against moving the contentious Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill in the Lok Sabha.
The BJP, opposing the bill “tooth and nail”, had moved a notice against it at the introduction stage …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Odisha’ bill in Lok Sabha Monday

NEW DELHI – The government will Monday move in the Lok Sabha a constitutional amendment bill that proposes to rename Orissa as Odisha.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram will table the Orissa (alteration of name) Bill 2010 in the lower house in the afternoon.
The move to introduce the bill comes months after a resolution … Original article on : ‘Odisha’ bill in Lok Sabha Monday.

Government to table nuclear bill amid fierce opposition

NEW DELHI – The government was Monday set to move the contentious Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill in the Lok Sabha amid fierce opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left parties.
The nuclear liability bill seeks to cap and limit the liability for the operator of a nuclear …. Source article  : Government to table nuclear bill amid fierce opposition.

Experts to Hasina: balance ties with Delhi, Beijing

DHAKA – Experts from various fields have advised Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who embarks on her Beijing visit Wednesday, to “balance” ties with larger neighbours India and China.
One regional power should be a “counterweight”, even a “deterrent” to the other, she was told amid a flurry of discussions on the eve of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Experts to Hasina: balance ties with Delhi, Beijing.

Thai government rejects protesters’ ultimatum

BANGKOK – The Thai government has rejected an ultimatum by tens of thousands of provincial protesters to dissolve parliament and call for new elections by mid-Monday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva publicly rejected the call to resign as thousands of protesters began gathering outside the government’s peacekeeping command headquarters at the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thai government rejects protesters’ ultimatum.

Pro-Uribe parties dominate elections for Colombia’s Senate; no early trend for lower house

Pro-Uribe parties dominate Colombia’s Senate vote

BOGOTA – Candidates from parties allied with outgoing President Alvaro Uribe dominated Sunday’s elections in Colombia to replace a Congress tarnished by lawmakers’ links to far-right criminal bands.
One of those parties, largely made up of relatives and friends of lawmakers jailed or under investigation for allegedly aiding and benefiting from … Read more >>.

Terror groups, state infringing media freedom in northeast

GUWAHATI – The media in India’s restive northeast is caught in a Catch-22 situation with journalists becoming targets of separatist groups, the state government, and the mafia, leading to an infringement of press freedom in at least two states, Manipur and Assam.

The figures are shocking – at least 25 journalists killed in the past two …. Source  : Terror groups, state infringing media freedom in northeast.

Paper: Defense official masterminded private spy operation in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Paper: Defense official ran private spy operation

WASHINGTON – A Defense Department official is under investigation for hiring private contractors to gather intelligence on suspected insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan, The New York Times reported Sunday.
That information was then supplied to military units and intelligence officials, the Times said, citing anonymous military and business sources in … Original article on : Paper: Defense official masterminded private spy operation in Afghanistan, Pakistan.

Pink Everest: Nepal, in late-blooming sexual revolution, beckons the gay tourism market

Pink Everest: Nepal appeals for gay tourists

KATMANDU, Nepal – Nepal wants to paint Mount Everest pink.
It wants gay honeymooners trekking through the Himalayas.
It wants to host the world’s highest same-sex wedding at Everest base camp.
But mainly, the conservative Hindu nation wants a chunk of the multibillion dollar gay tourist market to help pull it out …. Source  : Pink Everest: Nepal, in late-blooming sexual revolution, beckons the gay tourism market.

Sen. Harry Reid’s wife released from hospital after undergoing surgery following crash

Sen. Harry Reid’s wife released from hospital

RENO, Nev. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s wife has been released from a Virginia hospital, where she was taken after being seriously injured in a traffic accident.
Reid spokesman Jon Summers confirmed the news about Landra Reid on Sunday in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
The 69-year-old Landra Reid …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sen. Harry Reid’s wife released from hospital after undergoing surgery following crash.

Thailand protesters move on Army base to topple government

BANGKOK – Tens of thousands of protesters launched a car convoy on the Thai government’s peace-keeping command headquarters in Bangkok in an effort to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and call for new elections.

Over the weekend the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), also called the red shirts for their colour … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thailand protesters move on Army base to topple government.

94 found to have lead poisoning in SW China; authorities order lead ingot factory to close

94 people in SW China found to have lead poisoning

BEIJING – Chinese authorities have ordered the closure of a lead ingot factory in the country’s southwest after 94 people, including 88 children, in nearby villages were found to have lead poisoning.
Reports of lead poisoning have emerged around the country since last year, highlighting the heavy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 94 found to have lead poisoning in SW China; authorities order lead ingot factory to close.

Publicist: ‘Mission: Impossible,”Airplane’ star Peter Graves dies in Los Angeles at age 83

‘Mission: Impossible’ star Peter Graves dies in LA

LOS ANGELES – Peter Graves, the tall, stalwart actor likely best known for his portrayal of Jim Phelps, leader of a gang of special agents who battled evil conspirators in the long-running television series “Mission: Impossible,” died Sunday.
Graves died of an apparent heart attack outside his Los Angeles … Read more »».

Russia’s ruling party heads for victory in regional balloting, amid signs of voter discontent

Russia’s ruling party heads for victory
MOSCOW – The ruling United Russia party appeared headed for an expected victory in regional elections Sunday, according to partial results, although many disgruntled voters threw their support behind opposition candidates.
With about 25 percent of votes counted, United Russia looked set to lose one high-profile contest – the [..] Read the original article: here.

Lok Sabha adjourned over Mayawati’s lavish rally

NEW DELHI – Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were adjourned till 1 p.m. on Tuesday after the Congress and the Samajwadi Party called for an inquiry over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s lavish celebrations on Monday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Bahujan Samaj Party.

The giant garland, used to honour Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lok Sabha adjourned over Mayawati’s lavish rally.

Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court-martial after losing presidential election

Sri Lanka’s hero general faces court-martial

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The general who led the army to victory in Sri Lanka’s civil war and then was roundly defeated in his bid for the presidency faced a court-martial Tuesday on allegations of sedition.
The military proceeding against former army chief Sarath Fonseka has been condemned by the opposition … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court-martial after losing presidential election.

When the going gets tough, Obama focuses on the long view, not the daily ups and downs

Obama takes the long view in times of crisis
WASHINGTON – Just back from a recent day trip to Georgia, President Barack Obama walked into the Oval Office and told his senior staff to get a grip.
“We all rise and fall together,” he declared that afternoon, as Washington neared fever pitch over tensions on … Read more : When the going gets tough, Obama focuses on the long view, not the daily ups and downs.

Gadkari to announce new BJP team of office-bearers

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari is expected to announce the party’s new team of office bearers on Tuesday, thereby ending a three-month long suspense.

Gadkari soon after being elevated to the post of BJP President had said … Read more : Gadkari to announce new BJP team of office-bearers.

Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court martial after losing presidential election

Sri Lanka’s hero general faces court martial

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lankan general who led the army to victory in the civil war and then was roundly defeated in his bid to win the presidency faced a court martial Tuesday on allegations of sedition.
The military proceeding against former army chief Sarath Fonseka has been …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court martial after losing presidential election.

Thai protesters give own blood to pour in Bangkok to pressure government to hold elections

Thai protesters give blood to pour on streets

BANGKOK – Anti-government protesters started donating their own blood Tuesday as part of a plan to splatter the Thai government headquarters in a symbolic sacrifice to press their demands for new elections.
Hundreds of red-shirted demonstrators formed long lines to have their blood drawn by nurses, a day after … Read more >>>.

McCain to campaign with ex-running mate Sarah Palin for 1st time since presidential election

McCain, Palin to campaign together in Arizona
PHOENIX – John McCain and Sarah Palin are scheduled to campaign together in Arizona next week for the first time since they conceded the presidential election in Phoenix in 2008.
Palin and McCain will be at a rally and picnic in Tucson on March 26, followed the next … Read : McCain to campaign with ex-running mate Sarah Palin for 1st time since presidential election.

Justice John Paul Stevens says he will decide soon whether to retire now or later from Court

Stevens considers retiring from Supreme Court
WASHINGTON – Justice John Paul Stevens, at 89 the Supreme Court’s oldest member, says he will decide in the next month or so whether this term will be his last.
Stevens tells The New Yorker magazine that he definitely will retire in the next three years. His comments suggest … Read more : Justice John Paul Stevens says he will decide soon whether to retire now or later from Court.

Obama administration riles Congress, pro-Israel lobby by attacking Israeli housing plan

US Israel criticism ignites firestorm in Congress

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism of America’s top Mideast ally was misplaced.
Since the controversy erupted, a bipartisan parade of influential lawmakers and interest groups has taken aim … Read more >>.

Press Briefing on the President’s Upcoming Trip to Guam, Indonesia and Australia by Denis Mcdonough, NSC Chief of Staff, Jeff Bader, NSC Senior Director for Asian Affairs, and Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications

Via Conference Call
2:20 P.M. EDT
MR. RHODES:  Thanks, everybody, for joining today.  With me is Jeff Bader, Senior Director for Asia here at the NSC, who you know well; and Denis McDonough, Chief of Staff for the NSC, as well.

I’ll just give a kind of brief outline of the trip and walk you through the schedule … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Press Briefing on the President’s Upcoming Trip to Guam, Indonesia and Australia by Denis Mcdonough, NSC Chief of Staff, Jeff Bader, NSC Senior Director for Asian Affairs, and Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Presidential Proclamation – National Poison Prevention Week

A PROCLAMATION
Since 1962, during National Poison Prevention Week we alert American families about the dangers of accidental poisonings and provide information on safety measures that can prevent senseless injuries and deaths. With nearly two million poison exposures reported each year, we must take every precaution to guard against these preventable tragedies.

Sadly, more than half of …. Source article  : Presidential Proclamation — National Poison Prevention Week.

Parents take Mexico off options for spring break spots in wake of border violence, warnings

Mexico violence factors in spring break plans

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Marquette University senior Kelly Magennis wasn’t even up prepping for the start of the biggest spring break week on Texas’ South Padre Island when the first text message arrived from her mom forbidding her from crossing into Mexico.
“I said, ‘don’t worry, I didn’t even … Read more »»».

Details on FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, a key player in the national broadband plan

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at a glance

NAME: Julius Genachowski
BORN: Aug. 19, 1962
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, 1985. Graduated from Harvard Law School in 1991; served on Harvard Law Review with Barack Obama.
EXPERIENCE: Between 1985 and 1988, served as a staff member to then-Rep. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and as a staffer for the joint select … Read more : Details on FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, a key player in the national broadband plan.

Bipartisan jobs bill clears GOP filibuster; final congressional approval perhaps Tuesday

Bipartisan jobs bill advances past GOP filibuster
WASHINGTON – A bill that would provide tax credits to companies that hire unemployed workers has cleared a Republican filibuster in the Senate, opening the way for final congressional approval.
The Senate voted 61 to 30 on Monday to end debate on the bill. The Senate is expected … Read : Bipartisan jobs bill clears GOP filibuster; final congressional approval perhaps Tuesday.

Obama on health care: ‘We’re going to make this happen’

Obama expects passage of health care bill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says he expects to get the votes for his health care overhaul, telling ABC News “we’re going to make this happen.”
In an interview Monday, the president said Democrats are working to get a bill ready for a vote later this week.
He said: …. Read the original article  : Obama on health care: ‘We’re going to make this happen’.

Witness to history: Noted photographer of civil rights movement, Charles Moore dies at 79

Civil rights era photographer Charles Moore dies

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The world saw glimpses of the civil rights movement through Charles Moore’s eyes: In black-and-white photographs, he captured arresting images of the integration riots at Ole Miss in 1962, the fire hoses in Birmingham in ‘63, a Ku Klux Klan rally in North Carolina in ‘65.
The … Read more >>.

Obama administration riles Congress, pro-Israel lobby with by attacking Israeli housing plan

US criticism of Israel ignites firestorm
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism of America’s top Mideast ally was misplaced.

Since the controversy erupted, a bipartisan parade of influential lawmakers and interest groups has taken aim at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama administration riles Congress, pro-Israel lobby with by attacking Israeli housing plan.

Restoring US influence in Asia is a goal for Obama’s visit to Indonesia and Australia

Obama’s Asia trip more about influence than policy
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s second trip to Asia since taking office is unlikely to result in tangible accomplishments, but the two-country sojourn could be an important step in restoring U.S. influence in the region.
The economy, terrorism and climate change all figure to play prominently in …. Source article  : Restoring US influence in Asia is a goal for Obama’s visit to Indonesia and Australia.

Netanyahu defends Jerusalem building despite controversy

TEL AVIV – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Monday plans for further housing construction in Jerusalem despite sharp international criticism and what was called the worst crisis in Israel’s ties with the US in 35 years.

Amid further repercussions from last week’s announcement by Israel of new construction in East Jerusalem, US diplomats said that …. Original source  : Netanyahu defends Jerusalem building despite controversy.

More than a dozen House members to be targeted in ads supporting health care overhaul

Lawmakers targeted in pro-health care overhaul ads
WASHINGTON – A new $1.3 million ad campaign will target 17 House Democrats this week urging them to support President Barack Obama’s health care plan.
The ads are funded by labor unions and other groups backing health care reform.
At least seven of the lawmakers – including Rep. Brad …. Read the original article  : More than a dozen House members to be targeted in ads supporting health care overhaul.

Mayawati challenges Income Tax probe with another currency garland

LUCKNOW – Despite being criticised over the currency garland controversy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Wednesday defied the authorities by appearing again with a second currency garland.

Sources said the garland was presented to Mayawati by her supporters and is worth Rs 18 lakhs.
A BSP legislator said, “The money … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mayawati challenges Income Tax probe with another currency garland.

Baba Ramdev To Join Politics

NEW DELHI, India (GaeaTimes.com)- On Tuesday, the yoga Guru Baba Ramdev has declared in front of the media that he is planning to come forward with his own political party. Baba Ramdev claimed that there are many loop holes in the political system that needs to be filled in and corrected. The suggested new party … Read more : Baba Ramdev To Join Politics.

Attorney says judges postpone court-martial against Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief

Sri Lanka postpones court-martial against Fonseka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Judges presiding over the court-martial of Sri Lanka’s former army chief indefinitely postponed a hearing into one of two allegations against him Wednesday, a defense attorney said.
Sarath Fonseka, who led Sri Lanka to victory in its decades-long civil war but then fell out of favor after … Read more : Attorney says judges postpone court-martial against Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief.

Obama celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Irish, Northern Irish leaders

Obama, Irish leaders celebrate St. Patrick’s

WASHINGTON – Ireland’s Prime Minister Brian Cowen is looking to boost his flagging political fortunes in a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with President Barack Obama.
The annual White House event is a mix of lighthearted cheer and serious politics. Cowen comes to the party weighed down by the massive budget cuts …. Read the original article  : Obama celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Irish, Northern Irish leaders.

Senate parliamentarian is rock star during Senate fight over Obama’s health care overhaul

Parliamentarian is rock star in health care debate
WASHINGTON – When Congress battles over thorny bills, parliamentarian Alan Frumin has been known to sleep in his office – on call 24/7 as the Senate’s Solomon, divining the answers.
Frumin’s ability to review long-standing rules and centuries of precedent to resolve Senate questions makes … Read more >>.

Afghan official: Would-be suicide attackers killed in southern town close to NATO offensive

1 wounded as attackers hit southern Afghan town

KABUL – Would-be suicide attackers targeted the offices of a charity in a southern Afghanistan city Wednesday morning but were killed by security guards before they could detonate their explosives-laden vests, an official said.
One foreign employee was wounded in the attack on the office of International Relief and …. Read the original article  : Afghan official: Would-be suicide attackers killed in southern town close to NATO offensive.

Chaturvedi axed as Congress spokesperson over comments on Pawar

NEW DELHI – Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi has been removed as party spokesperson over his alleged comments on Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (NCP) chief and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

Chaturvedi reportedly used ‘uncivilised language’ during an interview to a news channel two days back while criticising Pawar on the issue of price rise.
All India Congress …. Read the original article  : here.

Mayawati calls emergency party meeting over currency garland controversy

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati will preside over an emergency meeting of her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Wednesday to discuss the currency garland controversy involving her.

All BSP lawmakers have been informed about the meeting and have been asked to attend.
Mayawati was severely criticized both inside and outside Parliament as the currency garland …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mayawati calls emergency party meeting over currency garland controversy.

Dalai Lama to address ‘curtains down’ of ‘Thank India’ programme

KANGRA – The Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, has said that the Dalai Lama will address the ‘curtains down’ of ‘Thank India’ programme to express gratitude to India that will be preceded by a congregation of inter-faith prayers named ‘Sarva Dharma Sammelan’ for three days.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Rinpoche said: … Read more : Dalai Lama to address ‘curtains down’ of ‘Thank India’ programme.

Koirala to be discharged from hospital today

KATHMANDU – Doctors looking after former Nepal Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala today said his condition is improving and he will be discharged from hospital this evening.

According to them, the oxygen level in his blood has increased.
Koirala was rushed to the Sahid Gangalal Heart Centre in Bansbari on Sunday evening after …. Original article  : Koirala to be discharged from hospital today.

Attorney says judges postpone court martial against Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief

Sri Lanka postpones court martial against Fonseka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – An attorney says judges in a court martial against Sri Lanka’s defeated presidential candidate have indefinitely postponed hearing a second charge against the ex-army chief.
Nuwan Bopage says that the three army officers on the bench postponed the hearing Wednesday and will ask President Mahinda Rajapaksa … Read more : Attorney says judges postpone court martial against Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief.

Hawaii measure would allow state to ignore repeated requests for Obama’s birth certificate

Hawaii considering law to ignore Obama ‘birthers’
HONOLULU – Birthers beware: Hawaii may start ignoring your repeated requests for proof that President Barack Obama was born here.
As the state continues to receive e-mails seeking Obama’s birth certificate, the state House Judiciary Committee heard a bill Tuesday permitting government officials to ignore people who … Read more >>.

Thai protesters hurl own blood at PM’s house after targeting government headquarters

Thai protesters hurl own blood at PM’s house

BANGKOK – Red-shirted protesters hurled plastic bags filled with their own blood into the residential compound of Thailand’s prime minister Wednesday, hoping their shock tactics will bring down his government.
Several thousand later gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy, saying they wanted to tell the international community that …. Original article  : Thai protesters hurl own blood at PM’s house after targeting government headquarters.

Colorado’s political parties see caucus rebellion as process for choosing candidates begins

Colo.’s political parties see caucus rebellion
DENVER – Disgruntled Colorado voters in both major parties rejected political insiders in straw poll results at caucuses around the state that exposed deep unease with candidates seen as favored by Washington party bigwigs.
Tuesday’s Republican and Democratic informal precinct meetings caucuses were just the first step for party … Original source on Gaea Times at : Colorado’s political parties see caucus rebellion as process for choosing candidates begins.

EBay spends $415,000 in 4th quarter, lobbying on anti-counterfeiting

EBay spent $415,000 on lobbying in 4Q
WASHINGTON – Online auction site operator eBay Inc. spent $415,000 during the fourth quarter to lobby the federal government on anti-counterfeiting measures and other issues, according to a disclosure report.

That was an increase of nearly 9 percent from the $382,500 eBay spent in the same quarter a year earlier, … Read more »»».

Thai protesters to pour own blood at PM’s house after targeting government headquarters

Thai protesters to pour own blood at PM’s house

BANGKOK – Thai protesters seeking a change of government planned more shock tactics Wednesday, saying they would pour containers of their own blood at the prime minister’s house in the capital.
Police in riot gear, however, blocked all approaches to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s residence in the Sukhumvit …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Thai protesters to pour own blood at PM’s house after targeting government headquarters.

Hospital: Ohioan who championed by Obama doesn’t have to choose between her home, her health

Clinic: Woman championed by Obama eligible for aid

CLEVELAND – A woman championed as the Obama administration’s emblem for health care reform does not have to choose between her home and her health, according to officials at the Ohio hospital where she is being treated.
With a self-reported annual income of about $6,000, Natoma Canfield is a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hospital: Ohioan who championed by Obama doesn’t have to choose between her home, her health.

Calif. judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest; amounts to half nation’s sugar supply

Judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge says farmers can harvest and sell their genetically engineered sugar beets this year.
Nearly all sugar beets planted are genetically engineered and the crop accounts for half the nation’s sugar supply.
U.S. District Court Jeffrey White last year ruled federal regulators improperly granted approval of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Calif. judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest; amounts to half nation’s sugar supply.

US gov’t finds medical equipment not properly cleaned at some Puerto Rico veterans clinics

Report: Equipment at PR veterans clinics not clean

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Federal inspectors found medical equipment not properly cleaned or inspected at some of the clinics for veterans in Puerto Rico, a U.S. government report said Tuesday.
Senior staff knew about the problem but did nothing to assess the risk to patients, added the report … Read more »»».

Health Secretary Sebelius says she’s confident health care bill will get enough votes to pass

Sebelius confident health care bill will pass
CHICAGO – U.S. Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (seh-BEEL’-yuhs) says she’s confident the House will have the votes to pass President Barack Obama’s health care legislation – possibly by Friday.
Sebelius spoke Tuesday in Chicago at a conference on aging.
Her remarks come as the White House makes a final … Read more »»».

Calif worker safety board to consider mandating condoms for porn actors to curb spread of STDs

Safety board to weigh requiring condoms in porn

LOS ANGELES – Condoms might be the only thing porn actors are required to wear if the state’s workplace safety board approves a petition mandating their use.
In a hearing Thursday, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board will hear testimony from the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation. …. Original article  : Calif worker safety board to consider mandating condoms for porn actors to curb spread of STDs.

Calif. state parks would be smoke-free (mostly) if Legislature passes landmark bill

Calif. considers smoking ban at all state parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California lawmakers are considering what is believed to be the nation’s most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks.
Under a bill being considered Thursday, smoking would be prohibited at state beaches and all other state parks.
Maine banned smoking at its state beaches last year. But groups …. Original article  : Calif. state parks would be smoke-free (mostly) if Legislature passes landmark bill.

South China drought worsens, threatening crops and livestock

South China drought worsens, threatening crops

BEIJING – Parts of southern China are suffering from the worst drought in decades, leaving millions of people with inadequate water and huge areas of farmland too dry to plant, state media reported Thursday.
The drought in the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, as well as the Guangxi Autonomous Region …. Read the original article  : here.

President Obama, Bret Baier face-off on Fox News

On Wednesday night, Fox news aired an exclusive interview of president Obama. The interview was hosted by Bret Baier. Since he became president, Obama has given many interviews to several media channels, but yesterday’s interview would be considered as an exceptional one. The host Bret Baier made a distinguishable approach towards Obama. Bret was aggressive, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : President Obama, Bret Baier face-off on Fox News.

Health care politics served up Southern-style, causing heartburn for moderate Democrats

A Southern-style taste of health care politics
COLUMBUS, Miss. – It may not bode well for Rep. Travis Childers that many voters in his rural Mississippi district have stronger opinions about President Barack Obama’s health care plan than they do about the Democratic congressman.
Regardless of how Childers votes, the legislation is threatening to swamp … Original source on Gaea Times at : Health care politics served up Southern-style, causing heartburn for moderate Democrats.

Clinton joins top diplomats for talks on Mideast peace, separate arms talks with Russia

Clinton in Moscow for Mideast, nuclear arms talks

MOSCOW – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday opened two days of talks with Russian leaders on nuclear arms control and other security issues, and separately with top international diplomats on the outlook for bringing Israel and the Palestinians back to peace talks.
Clinton arrived in …. Source  : Clinton joins top diplomats for talks on Mideast peace, separate arms talks with Russia.

Obama returns to campaign-style politics as he visits some Dems and stays away from others

Obama back to campaign-style politics, a strength
WASHINGTON – After a rousing campaign rally for New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine last summer, President Barack Obama flashed a broad smile to an aide as he boarded his helicopter back to the White House.
“That was the most fun I’ve had in a while,” he …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama returns to campaign-style politics as he visits some Dems and stays away from others.

President Barack Obama On Fox

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Yesterday, president Barack Obama appeared on Fox Network for an interview and it was watched by the viewers with attention. The event was important as the president was supposed to cover certain important political topics and also owing to the fact that he is not with very friendly terms with the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : President Barack Obama On Fox.

Ambanis’ money manager set to become Pak Finance Minister

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani may soon appoint former PML-Q leader, and one-time Musharraf loyalist Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat as the country’s finance minister.

According to talks doing the rounds in Pakistan, Hayat is expected to take oath within the next 48 hours, as he has already had separate talks both Gilani …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Clinton in Moscow for talks on new nuclear arms treaty, restarting Mideast peace process

Clinton in Moscow for talks on arms pact, Mideast

MOSCOW – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is in Moscow to meet with senior Russian officials and to join top international diplomats in assessing the stalled Mideast peace process.
Clinton arrived in the Russian capital Thursday morning after an overnight flight from Washington. She is to …. Read the original article  : Clinton in Moscow for talks on new nuclear arms treaty, restarting Mideast peace process.

Goodnight, John-Boy: Hit by downturn, more multigenerational families living under same roof

More multigenerational families living together

WASHINGTON – Goodnight, John-Boy: Driven partly by job losses, more multigenerational families are choosing to live together as “boomerang kids” flock home and people help care for grandchildren or aging parents.
About 6.6 million U.S. households in 2009 had at least three generations of family members, an increase of 30 percent since … Read more : Goodnight, John-Boy: Hit by downturn, more multigenerational families living under same roof.

Thai anti-government protesters to wage “class war” after 4 days of demonstrations

Thailand: Red Shirt protesters vow “class war”

BANGKOK – Thousands of demonstrators remained encamped in the historic heart of the Thai capital Thursday, vowing to stir up a “class war” until the government is ousted.
A 2,000-vehicle protest rally through the streets of Bangkok was planned for Saturday, but Thursday appeared to be a rest day after …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NY senator sworn in to replace predecessor expelled over conviction for roughing up girlfriend

NY senator sworn in, replaces expelled predecessor

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York state Senate’s newest member has taken office, ending a lengthy saga in the chamber after his expelled predecessor was convicted of assault.
Democratic Sen. Jose Peralta replaces Hiram Monserrate (HY’-ruhm mahn-suh-RAHT’).
Senators expelled Monserrate in February after he received a misdemeanor conviction for dragging his … Read more »».

US appoints Spanish actor Antonio Banderas as Goodwill Ambassador for anti-poverty fight

Antonio Banderas appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador

UNITED NATIONS – Spanish actor Antonio Banderas has been named a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against poverty, the United Nations Development Program announced Wednesday.
In his new role as an advocate for the poor, Antonio Banderas will set his sights on the Millennium Development Goals, a set of eight …. Read the original article  : US appoints Spanish actor Antonio Banderas as Goodwill Ambassador for anti-poverty fight.

Obama spars with Fox News anchor, talks benefits of health care overhaul

Obama appears on Fox News, long White House target
WASHINGTON – After weeks of the White House belittling Fox News, President Barack Obama has appeared on the cable network to sell his embattled health care overhaul.
During an interview Wednesday punctuated with interruptions and chiding, Obama defended his health care plan and the process by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama spars with Fox News anchor, talks benefits of health care overhaul.

Idaho Supreme Court says no new trials needed for 6 death row inmates sentenced by judge

Idaho high court: No new trials for 6 on death row

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Supreme Court has denied requests from six death row inmates who said they were entitled to new trials because a U.S. Supreme Court ruling after their convictions called on juries, not judges, to impose the death penalty.
All the inmates argued … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Idaho Supreme Court says no new trials needed for 6 death row inmates sentenced by judge.

State Department denies deal to block Armenian genocide resolution opposed by Turkey

State Dept.: No deal to stop genocide resolution

WASHINGTON – A congressional resolution that would recognize World War I-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide could go forward despite opposition from the Obama administration.
Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon told reporters there is no deal with Democratic congressional leaders to block the resolution. That …. Read the original article  : State Department denies deal to block Armenian genocide resolution opposed by Turkey.

Granholm’s ‘Meatout Day’ angers Michigan farm groups; governor seeks to soothe tensions

Granholm’s ‘Meatout Day’ angers Michigan farmers

LANSING, Mich. – Some Michigan agriculture organizations have a beef with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm over her proclamation encouraging residents to not eat meat for a day.
Granholm declared this coming Saturday “Meatout Day” in Michigan earlier this month. Her proclamation encourages residents to choose not to eat meat in observance … Read : Granholm’s ‘Meatout Day’ angers Michigan farm groups; governor seeks to soothe tensions.

Group: Idaho first to sign law that would sue federal government over health care reform

Idaho first to sign law against health care reform
BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter on Wednesday became the first state chief executive to sign a measure requiring his attorney general to sue Congress if it passes health reforms that force residents to buy insurance. Similar …. Read the original article  : Group: Idaho first to sign law that would sue federal government over health care reform.

VA’s IG: Medical centers taking too long to provide disability exams for veterans

IG: Vets waiting too long to give disability exams

WASHINGTON – The internal watchdog for the Veterans Affairs Department says VA medical centers need to give compensation and pension medical exams to veterans sooner in order to expedite disability claims.
It says some veterans wait months longer than necessary for disability claims because getting the exams takes …. Source  : VA’s IG: Medical centers taking too long to provide disability exams for veterans.

Thai anti-government protesters plan massive Saturday rally followed by ‘blood-painting’

Thai protesters plan weekend ‘blood-painting’

BANGKOK – Protesters in Thailand announced a full weekend of anti-government activities starting with a massive procession through Bangkok followed by “blood painting,” their latest shock tactic aimed at forcing new elections.
Thousands of Red Shirt protesters remained camped Friday in the historic heart of the capital, which will be the starting … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thai anti-government protesters plan massive Saturday rally followed by ‘blood-painting’.

Marjah wrested from the Taliban, but residents say militants remain potent force

Taliban lose control of Marjah but remain strong

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan – In the capital of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Taliban roam the streets freely. Barely a mile (a kilometer) outside Lashkar Gah, they wield more control than the government, according to residents.
Last month 10,000 U.S., NATO and Afghan forces wrested control of Marjah, a Helmand farming … Original source on Gaea Times at : Marjah wrested from the Taliban, but residents say militants remain potent force.

Obama tell House Democrats their political fates depend on health care bill’s passage

Obama to Dems: Our fates are tied to health bill
WASHINGTON – In seeking enough votes to overhaul the nation’s health care system, President Barack Obama is telling nervous Democratic lawmakers that their political fates are linked to the bill’s passage, discouraging the notion that they can save themselves by opposing it, House members … Read more »»».

Health Care Bill Text Provides Detailed Information

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- The health care reform bill, which has earned several criticisms from the opposition is ready to be voted on this week. According to the reports of the sources, the final health care bill text has been made public to help people receive a better understanding of the bill. As per the reports, …. Source article  : Health Care Bill Text Provides Detailed Information.

Obama, House leaders push for weekend vote on health care overhaul

Health care vote likely this weekend
WASHINGTON – Support is building behind President Barack Obama’s health care legislation in the House. That’s the result of intense lobbying and politically targeted changes aimed at reassuring wavering lawmakers and winning over critics.
The White House and Democratic leaders are trumpeting two new converts to their cause, as …. Source  : Obama, House leaders push for weekend vote on health care overhaul.

Chaos in Rajasthan Assembly over Rathore’s expulsion

JAIPUR – Chaos took place inside the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs got into a brawl with marshals inside the House over the expulsion of BJP leader Rajendra Rathore.

At least three BJP leaders were injured in the incident, when they clashed with the marshals attempting to control the situation.
They were …. Original source  : Chaos in Rajasthan Assembly over Rathore’s expulsion.

Md. has long straddled the line between North and South, but these days North is winning

Md. lawmakers not feeling so Southern anymore

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland’s official song may include a line about “Northern scum” left over from the Civil War era, but the state isn’t feeling so Southern anymore.
Though Marylanders live just south of the Mason-Dixon Line, their attitudes and even their accents straddle that border. These days, leaders feel … Original source on Gaea Times at : Md. has long straddled the line between North and South, but these days North is winning.

Strategic dialogue between US-Pak should be all encompassing: Gilani

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the forthcoming strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States should cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking during a meeting, which was called to chart out a …. Source  : Strategic dialogue between US-Pak should be all encompassing: Gilani.

Togadia to visit Kandhamal despite ban

BHUBANESWAR – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international general secretary Praveen Togadia is continuing with his tour to Orissa’s volatile Kandhamal district despite the administration banning his entry, a VHP leader said Friday.

“There is no change in our plan,” VHP state unit secretary Gouri Prasad Rath told IANS.
“Togodia and several others will not only …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Togadia to visit Kandhamal despite ban.

His trip put off by health care debate, Obama assures Indonesians he will visit them this year

Obama assures Indonesians he will visit this year
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has assured the people of Indonesia that he is looking forward to visiting his former home once the health care debate is resolved.
Obama put off a trip to Indonesia until this summer as the health … Read more >>.

Communism digs in, with much memorabilia, in Punjab town

ZIRAKPUR – Marx, Lenin and Che are certainly alive and kicking if one is to go by the accessories, posters, books and magazines on Communist ideology that have suddenly flooded this town, 10 km from Chandigarh..

The red flag is flying high, thanks to vendors who have filled up even the roadside in Jyoti Basu …. Original article  : Communism digs in, with much memorabilia, in Punjab town.

In Arizona, Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio begins crime and immigration sweep, 14th since 2008

Arizona sheriff launches immigration sweep

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona has launched a two-day, countywide crime and immigration sweep that authorities say will focus on drop houses, drug violators and human smuggling vehicles.
Four hundred deputies and volunteer posse members are taking part in the patrols. The sweep, which began Thursday, is Sheriff … Read this article on Gaea Times at : In Arizona, Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio begins crime and immigration sweep, 14th since 2008.

Retired general says gays made Dutch army weak, partly to blame for 1995 genocide in Bosnia

Retired general: Gays made Dutch weak in Bosnia

WASHINGTON – A retired U.S. general says Dutch troops failed to defend against the 1995 genocide in the Bosnian war because the army was weakened, partly because it included openly gay soldiers.
The comment by John Sheehan, a former NATO commander who retired from the military in 1997, shocked … Read more : Retired general says gays made Dutch army weak, partly to blame for 1995 genocide in Bosnia.

Abortion opponents in Colorado say they have gathered enough signatures to make ballot

Colo. abortion foes say they cleared petition bar

DENVER – Colorado abortion opponents say they have enough signatures to put an abortion-ending proposal on the ballot this fall – potentially the first state this election year to see the question.
Abortion opponents turned in more than 46,000 signatures on Thursday, the second deadline for the ballot initiative.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Abortion opponents in Colorado say they have gathered enough signatures to make ballot.

Music producer files $30M lawsuit against Grammy Award-winning singer Lady Gaga in NYC court

Producer files $30M suit against Lady Gaga in NYC

NEW YORK – A songwriter and music producer says in a New York City lawsuit pop star Lady Gaga squeezed him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.
Rob Fusari filed … Read : Music producer files $30M lawsuit against Grammy Award-winning singer Lady Gaga in NYC court.

Caribbean nations seek close ties in agriculture sector

PARAMARIBO – Agriculture ministers of the Caribbean nations are meeting here Thursday to strengthen ties in the farming sector, Prensa Latina reported.

Strategies to develop cooperation in the agriculture sector among the Caribbean countries will be discussed at the meeting of the regional Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
The COTED, a forum of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Caribbean nations seek close ties in agriculture sector.

Vice President Biden Announces 10,000 Recovery Act Transportation Projects Now Under Way

As Spring Construction Season Begins, Active Transportation Projects Totaling $29.8 Billion are Creating Jobs Across the Country

DURHAM, NC – Vice President Joe Biden today announced that 10,000 transportation projects are now under way in all 50 states and the District of Columbia thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Projects are considered under …. Original article  : Vice President Biden Announces 10,000 Recovery Act Transportation Projects Now Under Way.

UN peacekeeping chief: International community should allow Afghans to take charge of future

UN calls for Afghans to take charge of future

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. peacekeeping chief said Thursday it’s time for the international community to take “concrete steps” to allow Afghans to take charge of their future – and to ensure that “Afghanization” becomes more than a slogan.
Alain Le Roy told the Security Council that the … Read more »»».

Declaraciones del secretario de prensa sobre la visita del Presidente Calder??n de M??xico a la Casa Blanca

A Estados Unidos y México los unen vínculos geográficos, históricos, familiares, culturales, económicos y de seguridad. En reconocimiento a estos profundos vínculos y la sólida relación que el Presidente Obama ha forjado con el Presidente de México, Felipe Calderón, el Presidente Obama y la Primera Dama recibirán al Presidente Calderón y la Sra. Margarita Zavala …. Original article  : Declaraciones del secretario de prensa sobre la visita del Presidente Calder??n de M??xico a la Casa Blanca.

President Obama Signs Arizona Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Arizona and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms and flooding during the period of January 18-22, 2010.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations …. Original article  : President Obama Signs Arizona Disaster Declaration.

Cambodia to build memorial for journalists killed during Cambodian war

Cambodia to build memorial for slain journalists

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia will erect a memorial to nearly 40 foreign and Cambodian journalists who died covering a savage five-year war that ended with the triumph of the Khmer Rouge 35 years ago, a government official said Saturday.
The groundbreaking for the monument will take place at the …. Original article  : Cambodia to build memorial for journalists killed during Cambodian war.

Thai anti-government protesters turn out in droves for caravan through capital

Thai protesters stage weekend march around capital

BANGKOK – Tens of thousands of protesters riding motorcycles and crammed into trucks and cars rolled through the streets of the Thai capital Saturday in a giant caravan to rally residents to their “class war” against the government.
The “Red Shirt” protesters plan to follow up the march with a …. Original source  : Thai anti-government protesters turn out in droves for caravan through capital.

Manmohan Singh greets nation on ‘Navroz’

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Navroz, the Parsi New Year.
Dr Singh said the festival brings values of peace and religious harmony in India, adding that the festival is also a living symbol of the rich diversity and the …. Original source  : Manmohan Singh greets nation on ‘Navroz’.

Alarm in Nepal as peace architect Koirala slips into coma

KATHMANDU – Alarm and concern began to spread like wildfire in Nepal after former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the architect of the peace negotiations that ended a decade of Maoist insurgency, slipped into a coma Saturday after suffering from respiratory problems for nearly a fortnight.

Armed police forces were put on alert after the 85-year-old, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Alarm in Nepal as peace architect Koirala slips into coma.

Ex-Nepal PM lapses into coma, condition critical

KATHMANDU – Formal Nepal Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala’s health condition worsened on Saturday morning, and he was in coma.

According to Kantipur, doctors have put him on artificial respiration.
According to Dr. Arjun Karki, who is involved in Koirala’s treament, the leader is in critical condition after he fell unconscious this morning.
” …. Source article  : Ex-Nepal PM lapses into coma, condition critical.

India to pressurise developed nations on carbon emission cuts: Shyam Saran

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, Shyam Saran, has said India would pressurise developed nations to commit on carbon emission cuts.

“We bring about as much pressure as we can so that the developed countries deliver on the commitment that they have already made, which is what they are trying to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India to pressurise developed nations on carbon emission cuts: Shyam Saran.

Bangladesh Water Resource Minister meets Dr Singh

NEW DELHI – Bangladesh Water Resource Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen called on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and discussed issues of mutual concern, including the sharing of water of Teesta river.
The Teesta River is among several rivers flowing from the Himalayas into Bangladesh, providing a lifeline to both farming and ecology in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bangladesh Water Resource Minister meets Dr Singh.

Remarks of President Obama Marking Nowruz

Today, I want to extend my best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz in the United States and around the world. On this New Year’s celebration,
friends and family have a unique opportunity to reflect on the year gone by; to celebrate their time together; and to share in their hopes for the
future.
One year ago, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Remarks of President Obama Marking Nowruz.

2 standard-bearer politicos lead crowded field in Colombian presidential race

2 familiar faces face off for Colombian pres

BOGOTA – Former Foreign Minister Noemi Sanin has defeated Colombian President Alvaro Uribe’s hand-picked successor for the Conservative Party’s presidential nomination in a close primary.
Results after five days of counting show Sanin beat former Agriculture Minister Andres Felipe Arias by 1.11 million to 1.08 million votes in Sunday’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2 standard-bearer politicos lead crowded field in Colombian presidential race.

Thai anti-government protesters begin march across capital to be followed by ‘blood-painting’

Thai protesters begin weekend march around capital

BANGKOK – Protesters riding thousands of motorcycles and crammed into trucks and cars set off Saturday for a daylong caravan through the streets of the Thai capital, hoping to enlist residents in their “class war” against the government.
They plan to follow up the march with a “blood painting” on …. Source  : Thai anti-government protesters begin march across capital to be followed by ‘blood-painting’.

US-Pakistan strategic dialogue not at India’s expense: Holbrooke

WASHINGTON – The first strategic dialogue between the United States and Pakistan here next week would not be at the expense of India or any other country in the region, according to a top US diplomat.
“We have an important strategic dialogue with India and with other countries, including China. It makes it all … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US-Pakistan strategic dialogue not at India’s expense: Holbrooke.

Mayawati: Will her garland turn into noose? (Comment)

The apparently bizarre nature of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s politics can be understood by remembering that she is driven by an intense desire to make a mark in politics and, moreover, to do so in a manner which she believes will impress the core group of her supporters, the Dalits.

As a newcomer in politics …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chief: SD Police followed policy in outing of lesbian Air Force sgt. who was later discharged

Chief: SD Police followed rules in AF sgt’s outing

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City’s police chief said in a report released Friday that he regrets his department’s outing of a lesbian Air Force sergeant led to her military discharge, but that his officers followed department protocol.
Chief Steve Allender said the Rapid City Police Department will … Read more >>.

Wife of 87-year-old Venezuelan ex-president calls attempt to extradite him ridiculous

Ex-leader won’t return to Venezuela, wife says

CARACAS, Venezuela – The wife of former Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez ridiculed an attempt to extradite her husband from the United States, suggesting that President Hugo Chavez is attempting to create a spectacle to distract from domestic problems.
Cecilia Matos said in a telephone interview from Miami on Friday … Read more »».

After elderly NYC couple gets 50 door-pounding visits, top cop apologizes, brings cheesecake

NYC cops sorry for pounding couple’s door 50 times

NEW YORK – Cheesecake in hand, the police commissioner personally apologized Friday for the 50 or so mistaken, door-pounding visits that police have made to the home of a bewildered elderly Brooklyn couple in the past eight years.
It seems a glitch in computer records had led them … Read : After elderly NYC couple gets 50 door-pounding visits, top cop apologizes, brings cheesecake.

With domestic woes, hot war in Afghanistan, many allow date of Iraqi invasion to go unnoticed

7th anniversary of Iraq War passes, little noticed

RALEIGH, N.C. – It was a day like any other day – except that it was the seventh anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. And, for the most part, that was forgotten.
“Honestly, with everything that’s going on in my personal life, it slipped my mind,” said Chris …. Source article  : With domestic woes, hot war in Afghanistan, many allow date of Iraqi invasion to go unnoticed.

NYC police commissioner apologizes to elderly Brookyn couple for dozens of mistaken visits

NYC top cop apologizes to couple in 80s for visits

NEW YORK – Cheesecake in hand, the police commissioner personally apologized Friday for the 50 or so mistaken, door-pounding visits that police have made to the home of a bewildered elderly Brooklyn couple in the past eight years.
It seems a glitch in computer records had led …. Read the original article  : NYC police commissioner apologizes to elderly Brookyn couple for dozens of mistaken visits.

Unilever spent $40,000 lobbying government in 4Q on sugar policy, foreign trade

Unilever spent $40,000 lobbying government in 4Q

WASHINGTON – The U.S. unit of Unilever, maker of Dove soap, Skippy peanut butter and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, spent $40,000 in the fourth quarter to lobby the government on sugar policy, and safe baby products, according to a recent disclosure report.
That’s less than the $60,000 it spent …. Read the original article  : here.

Procter & Gamble spent $842,000 lobbying in 4Q on taxes, foreign trade

Procter & Gamble spent $842K lobbying in 4Q

WASHINGTON – The Procter & Gamble Co., maker of Old Spice, Tampax and Iams, spent $824,821 in the fourth quarter to lobby the government on taxes and foreign trade, according to a recent disclosure report.
That’s less than the $995,422 it spent in the same period last year and …. Original article  : Procter & Gamble spent $842,000 lobbying in 4Q on taxes, foreign trade.

Judge orders renegotiation of settlement for ground zero workers suing over WTC illnesses

Judge orders renegotiation of 9/11 settlement

NEW YORK – A federal judge has rejected a multimillion-dollar legal settlement for people sickened by dust from the World Trade Center.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein said in court Friday that the deal to compensate 10,000 police officers, firefighters and other laborers didn’t include enough money for the workers.
He also …. Original source  : Judge orders renegotiation of settlement for ground zero workers suing over WTC illnesses.

Navin Chawla headed for London? (Capital Buzz)

NEW DELHI – Guess who figures high on the list of names for the coveted post of Indian high commissioner to London? None other than 10 Janpath favourite and Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla.
His wife Rupika Chawla is a close friend of Sonia Gandhi. The two did their art restoration courses together. Chawla, …. Original article  : Navin Chawla headed for London? (Capital Buzz).

Iraqi premier urges electoral commission to respond to recount demands to preserve legitimacy

Iraqi PM calls for response to recount demands

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister is pressing the electoral commission to respond to calls from several political blocs for a recount in the March 7 parliamentary elections.
A statement on Nouri al-Maliki’s official Web site late Saturday said he was asking the commission to respond to the recount demands …. Original article  : Iraqi premier urges electoral commission to respond to recount demands to preserve legitimacy.

Thai prime minister offers government talks with protesters after massive demonstration

Thai PM offers talks with protesters after rally

BANGKOK – Thailand’s prime minister offered Sunday to have his government hold talks with protesters trying to force him from power with massive demonstrations in the capital, but refused their demand that he immediately call new elections.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would send two Cabinet-level officials to … Read more >>.

UN chief visits Gaza, seeks end to bruising Israeli and Egyptian blockade

UN chief visits Gaza, seeks end to blockade

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has entered the blockaded Gaza Strip, where 1.5 million people have been under lockdown by Israel and Egypt for nearly three years.
Ban has repeatedly called for an end to the blockade, imposed after the Islamic militant Hamas movement seized … Read : UN chief visits Gaza, seeks end to bruising Israeli and Egyptian blockade.

Israel promises US it will delay new east Jerusalem construction plans, free Palestinians

Israel to delay new east Jerusalem construction

JERUSALEM – Cabinet ministers say Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised the U.S. his government will delay new building plans in east Jerusalem and free Palestinian prisoners in an effort to defuse Israel’s worst feud with Washington in decades.
Four Cabinet ministers spoke about the steps on condition of …. Original article  : Israel promises US it will delay new east Jerusalem construction plans, free Palestinians.

Thousands pay last respects to former Nepal PM Koirala, who led fight for democracy

Thousands bid farewell to former Nepal PM Koirala

KATMANDU, Nepal – Politicians, diplomats and thousands of supporters lined up for hours at a public stadium Sunday in Nepal’s capital to pay respect to Girija Prasad Koirala, the former prime minister remembered for leading efforts to bring democracy to the Himalayan nation.
Koirala died Saturday at age 86. …. Read the original article  : here.

Former Nepal PM Koirala’s last rites to be performed today

KATHMANDU – The last rites of former Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who breathed his last on Saturday, will be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat in Kathmandu on Sunday afternoon with full state honours.
Koirala’s body has been taken to the Nepali Congress office at Sanepa to enable the party workers to pay … Read more >>.

I arranged five meetings between Nawaz Sharif and Osama : Ex-ISI official

LAHORE – In a stunning disclosure that once again confirmed the nexus between Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and banned militant outfits, a former ISI official, Khalid Khwaja, has claimed to have arranged at least five meetings between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
In an interview with … Original article on : I arranged five meetings between Nawaz Sharif and Osama : Ex-ISI official.

At dinner for Washington reporters, Clinton pokes fun at Democrats, Cheney and himself

Clinton pokes fun at Dems, GOP and himself
WASHINGTON – Former President Bill Clinton poked fun at Republicans, Democrats, his own health and his audience of reporters Saturday night, telling the Gridiron Club’s annual dinner he was there because “I really didn’t have anything much better to do tonight.”
Clinton, who stood in …. Original article  : At dinner for Washington reporters, Clinton pokes fun at Democrats, Cheney and himself.

Senate Leader Reid joins President Obama in appeal for Democratic unity ahead of pivotal vote

Obama urges Dems to come together for health care
WASHINGTON – Victory within reach, President Barack Obama exhorted House Democrats on Saturday to stay true to their party’s legacy and make history by bringing health insurance to millions of struggling families now left out. Leaders exuded confidence as they defused thorny problems in the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Senate Leader Reid joins President Obama in appeal for Democratic unity ahead of pivotal vote.

Health Care Vote Details

New York (GaeaTimes.com) The House will finally decide on the health care overhaul by voting this Sunday, March 21, 2010. There will be two separate bills on the Senate health care bill and the reconciliation ‘fix it’ bill. If both bills are passed by the House, the Senate Bill will be signed into …. Original source  : Health Care Vote Details.

Koirala’s last journey begins

KATHMANDU – Mourned by thousands, including world leaders, Nepal’s peace architect and former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s last journey started Sunday, marking the end of an era and raising questions about the fate of the republic’s fragile peace process.
The funeral cortege of the 85-year-old, who died of multiple organ failures Saturday after … Read more : Koirala’s last journey begins.

SAfrica marks 50th anniversary of massacre, but residents say change not coming fast enough

South Africa marks 50th anniversary of massacre

JOHANNESBURG – South Africans gathered in Sharpeville Sunday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the massacre that brought the country’s black rights movement to the world’s attention.
Survivors and families of victims met early Sunday morning at the Roman Catholic Church, a building with a strong history of struggle against the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : SAfrica marks 50th anniversary of massacre, but residents say change not coming fast enough.

Statement by President Obama on the Passing of Stewart Udall

WASHINGTON – Below please find a statement by President Obama on the passing of former Congressman and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall:

“For the better part of three decades, Stewart Udall served this nation honorably.  Whether in the skies above Italy in World War II, in Congress or as Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall …. Original article  : Statement by President Obama on the Passing of Stewart Udall.

Remarks by the President to the House Democratic Congress

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Everybody, please have a set.

To Leader Reid, to Steny Hoyer, John Larson, Xavier Becerra, Jim Clyburn, Chris Van Hollen, to an extraordinary leader and extraordinary Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and …. Source  : Remarks by the President to the House Democratic Congress.

NY Conservative Party leaders give critical backing to former Rep. Rick Lazio for governor

Conservative Party backs ex-Rep. Lazio for NY gov

ALBANY, N.Y. – Leaders of the state Conservative Party are giving their critical backing for governor to former Rep. Rick Lazio (LA’-zee-oh).
The endorsement came Saturday at a meeting of the Conservative Party in Brooklyn. State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long says the Republican Lazio won the vote by … Original source on Gaea Times at : NY Conservative Party leaders give critical backing to former Rep. Rick Lazio for governor.

Pep rally and protesters make for raucous and at times ugly build-up to House health care vote

Raucous, ugly build-up to House health care vote
WASHINGTON – House Democrats heard it all Saturday – words of inspiration from President Barack Obama and raucous chants of protests from demonstrators. And at times it was flat-out ugly, including some racial epithets aimed at black members of Congress.
Most of the … Original article on : Pep rally and protesters make for raucous and at times ugly build-up to House health care vote.

Obama tells House Democrats to vote for health care for American people

Obama to Democrats: Back health bill for Americans
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says House Democrats should vote Sunday for a massive health care bill to help Americans. But he says it will also end up being good politics.
Obama acknowledged to a meeting of House Democrats that backing the bill is a tough vote. … Read : Obama tells House Democrats to vote for health care for American people.

Obama tells House Democrats GOP fears popularity of health care bill’s provisions

Obama: Republicans fear health bill popularity
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is trying to rally support for his health care overhaul bill by telling Democrats that Republicans fear that the legislation will end up being popular.
In a televised meeting with House Democrats on Capitol Hill, Obama told the lawmakers that Republicans realize that once …. Source article  : Obama tells House Democrats GOP fears popularity of health care bill’s provisions.

Obama tells cheering House Democrats about health bill: ‘We’re going to get this done’

Obama encourages House Dems on health care bill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is encouraging House Democrats to finish work on his health care overhaul bill and has told them, “We’re going to get this done.”
Obama went to Capitol Hill on Saturday as Democrats made final preparations for what they hope will be final … Read more »»».

Pandemonium in Kerala assembly, opposition walks out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala assembly Monday witnessed uproarious scenes when a war of words broke out between Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy and Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan following which members of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) walked out of the House.

It all started when Congress legislator T.N. Prathapan sought leave for an adjournment … Read : Pandemonium in Kerala assembly, opposition walks out.

Terri Schiavo Kill Bill Signed by Gov. Paterson

New York (GaeaTimes.com) Gov. David Paterson does talk about domestic violence prevention but in action he actually takes the opposite route. What am I talking about? Let me tell you a real story first of all.

Terry Schindler Schiavo. This is the story of the Florida woman who decided to divorce her husband. One day, …. Source article  : Terri Schiavo Kill Bill Signed by Gov. Paterson.

Chhattisgarh minister faces flak for slapping official

RAIPUR – A senior minister in Chhattisgarh’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has got embroiled in a controversy after he reportedly slapped a government official.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ramvichar Netam had allegedly slapped protocol officer Santosh Devangan in Bilaspur town Saturday after the official failed to arrange a room for him at the state …. Read the original article  : Chhattisgarh minister faces flak for slapping official.

Myanmar proposes re-drawing sea border with Bangladesh

DHAKA – Myanmar has proposed drawing up of a new line to demarcate the maritime boundary with Bangladesh which is currently in talks with its western neighbour India on the sea border issue.

Bangladesh insists on the principle of “equity and equidistance” with its neighbours and has lodged complaints at the UN against both the countries. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Myanmar proposes re-drawing sea border with Bangladesh.

Last defendant in Iraq killings seeks to dismiss charges

Last Haditha defendant seeks to dismiss charges

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A four-star general is scheduled to make a rare courtroom appearance at Camp Pendleton over his role overseeing the biggest criminal case against U.S. troops to arise from the Iraq war.
Gen. James Mattis is scheduled to address a military judge Monday on a defense motion …. Original article  : Last defendant in Iraq killings seeks to dismiss charges.

Malaysian Indians returning to ruling alliance: Samy Vellu

KUALA LUMPUR – Two years after they moved away during the March 2008 election, Malaysia’s nearly two million ethnic Indians are returning to the ruling alliance Barisan Nasional (BN), according to Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) president S. Samy Vellu.

That the Indians were returning to the BN was evident with many bringing their problems to the [..] Read the original article: here.

Wolfgang Wagner, longtime patriarch of Bayreuth festival and composer’s grandson, dies at 90

Wolfgang Wagner, longtime Bayreuth director, dies

BERLIN – Wolfgang Wagner, the grandson of composer Richard Wagner and the leader of the Bayreuth opera festival for more than half a century, has died, the festival said. He was 90.
Wagner died on Sunday, the festival said in a brief statement on its Web site. It did not give … Read more : Wolfgang Wagner, longtime patriarch of Bayreuth festival and composer’s grandson, dies at 90.

House Democrats send historic health bill to President Obama; action shifts to Senate

House sends health care overhaul bill to Obama
WASHINGTON – A transformative health care bill is headed to President Barack Obama for his signature.
On the cusp of succeeding where numerous past congresses and administrations have failed, jubilant House Democrats voted 219-212 late Sunday to send legislation to Obama that will extend coverage to 32 …. Original source  : House Democrats send historic health bill to President Obama; action shifts to Senate.

US happy with progress on n-deal with India: Roemer

NEW DELHI – Declining to comment on reports of a possible US-Pakistan nuclear deal, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer Monday said his country was happy with the progress on the civil nuclear deal with India.

We are happy over the progress on the civil nuclear deal with India in the last few weeks, Roemer … Original source on Gaea Times at : US happy with progress on n-deal with India: Roemer.

Upset Shatrughan Sinha not to attend Bihar Day celebrations

PATNA – Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha Monday claimed he had not been invited by the Bihar government for the state’s first-ever Bihar Day celebrations and would not be attending the official event.

Sinha, a Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Patna Sahib, voicing his hurt at not being invited, said: “I will not attend Bihar Divas (Day) …. Read the original article  : Upset Shatrughan Sinha not to attend Bihar Day celebrations.

Message from President Barack Obama on Comprehensive Health Care Reform Bill

Angsuman –
For the first time in our nation’s history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:
Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high …. Source article  : Message from President Barack Obama on Comprehensive Health Care Reform Bill.

Rajnath Singh meets Nepalese PM

KATHMANDU – Former Bharatiya Janata Party chief Rajnath Singh, who had come to Nepal to attend the funeral of ex- Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, met Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal here this morning.
According to Nepalnews, Singh said after Koirala’s death not only had Nepal lost a …. Original source  : Rajnath Singh meets Nepalese PM.

Health Care Vote Results Update

New York (GaeaTimes.com) The vote on the health care legislation was scheduled for this Sunday and after a prolonged debate of over a year, the Democratic Congress handed President Obama a huge victory on Sunday Night. The passing of the bill could mean a slew of changes taking effect within months. But the impact …. Source article  : Health Care Vote Results Update.

Bill on district jobs after Congress-NC agreement

JAMMU – Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling National Conference (NC) was planning to introduce the bill banning inter-district recruitment Monday but will now do so only after differences are resolved with alliance partner Congress that is unhappy at not being consulted.

The bill bars applicants from seeking jobs in districts other than their native ones.
“Congress has … Original article on : Bill on district jobs after Congress-NC agreement.

Goa NCP-Congress bury differences after midnight meeting

PANAJI – After holding the Congress-led Goa government to ransom for several weeks, alliance partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided to bury the hatchet and said it would support the finance bill in the budget session beginning Monday.

The decision to support the Digambar Kamat-led government was taken around midnight at a coordination meeting held … Original article on : Goa NCP-Congress bury differences after midnight meeting.

House Roll Call: Changes to Senate health bill

House Roll Call: Changes to Senate health bill

The 220-211 roll call Sunday by which the House passed the Reconciliation Act of 2010, including key changes to the Senate health care bill.
A “yes” vote is a vote to pass the bill.
Voting yes were 220 Democrats and 0 Republicans.
Voting no were 33 Democrats and 178 Republicans.
There are … Read : House Roll Call: Changes to Senate health bill.

CAPITAL CULTURE: White House social job shifts to fundraiser who’s girl-next-door nice, driven

CAPITAL CULTURE: Smoot’s girl-next-door nice, fun

WASHINGTON – It’s the grind that every politician dreads: working the phones, hour after hour, asking people for campaign money.
Of all the gushy things that fans of Julianna Smoot have to say about the Obamas’ new social secretary, the most telling may be that she could make even “the ask” …. Read the original article  : CAPITAL CULTURE: White House social job shifts to fundraiser who’s girl-next-door nice, driven.

India’s women’s bill inspiring for Africa: Ghana minister

NEW DELHI – India’s experiment with gender equality in parliament through the women’s reservation bill has struck a chord in Africa, says Ghana’s Trade and Industry Minister Hannah Tetteh.

“I hope this legislation goes through. It’s inspiring for women everywhere, including in Africa,” Tetteh, one of the seven women ministers in the West African country and … Read more >>>.

Democrats reject Republican attempt to undo just-passed health care bill

Democrats reject GOP effort to undo health bill
WASHINGTON – Democrats turned back a Republican attempt to undo House passage of historic legislation Sunday night that extends health care to millions of Americans.
The vote was 232-199 against the GOP effort.
Republicans tried a procedural move to redo the bill moments after the House had passed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Democrats reject Republican attempt to undo just-passed health care bill.

House Roll Call: Health care overhaul

House Roll Call: Health care overhaul
The 219-212 roll call Sunday by which the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

A “yes” vote is a vote to pass the bill.
Voting yes were 219 Democrats and 0 Republicans.
Voting no were 34 Democrats and 178 Republicans.
There are 4 vacancies in the 435-member House.

ALABAMA

Democrats – Bright, N; … Original source on Gaea Times at : House Roll Call: Health care overhaul.

Hekmatyar gives Karzai 15 demands for possible peace pact with Govt.

KABUL – The Al-Qaeda-linked militant organization Hezb-e-Islami has handed over a list of 15 demands to the Afghan Government, as Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s moves towards a political dialogue with insurgent groups gathered pace.ezb-e-Islami spokesman, Harun Zarghun, said that a five-man delegation representing its leader and former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, arrived in Kabul ten … Read : Hekmatyar gives Karzai 15 demands for possible peace pact with Govt..

Indian economy to grow 8.5 per cent next fiscal: Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that the Indian economy would grow at 8.5 percent during the next fiscal.
Inaugurating a conference on building infrastructure hosted by the Planning Commission here, Dr Singh said: “Despite adverse global situation, the Indian economy grew by 6.7 percent during fiscal 2008-09, and it … Read more : Indian economy to grow 8.5 per cent next fiscal: Manmohan Singh.

‘Porky’ and ‘Bubba’ OK for candidates to use as nicknames on Ark. ballot, but ‘Colonel’ isn’t

‘Colonel’ not OK for Ark. ballot, but ‘Porky’ is

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A retired Army colonel running for a U.S. Senate seat from Arkansas is criticizing a state law that prevents him from using his military title as a nickname on the ballot this spring. In Arkansas, that’s a privilege reserved for monikers such as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Porky’ and ‘Bubba’ OK for candidates to use as nicknames on Ark. ballot, but ‘Colonel’ isn’t.

Qatar’s Deputy Premier meets Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI – Qatar’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Monday.
The two reportedly discussed issues ranging from mutual cooperation to economic, commercial and energy ties between India and Qatar.
Earlier, Abdullah al-Attiyah, had said that Qatar is negotiating to supply India …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Qatar’s Deputy Premier meets Manmohan Singh.

Tea partiers vow revenge over health care overhaul, hope to kick out those who voted yes

Tea partiers vow revenge over health overhaul
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tea party activists aren’t just angry that Democrats passed a major health care overhaul, they are out for revenge.
They do not see passage of the landmark reforms that usher in near-universal medical coverage as the end of the debate. Tea partiers instead … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tea partiers vow revenge over health care overhaul, hope to kick out those who voted yes.

Terrorists have no religion: Nitin Gadkari

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari has said that a terrorist has no religion and can’t be classified as a Hindu or a Muslim.

“It is unfortunate that we identify people involved with certain terrorist activities according to their religious affiliations,” said Gadkari, adding that a terrorist has no caste, creed or … Original article on : Terrorists have no religion: Nitin Gadkari.

Romney: Health care bill unconstitutional, should be repealed and will cost Obama re-election

Romney: Health care bill will cost Obama 2nd term
SAN DIEGO – Former Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney says President Barack Obama’s new health care bill is unconstitutional, deserves to be repealed and will help cost the Democrat a second term.
The former Massachusetts governor made the remarks Monday after signing nearly 1,000 copies of … Read more »»».

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine: Victory on health care good for Democrats in the November election

DNC Chair Kaine: Health care win good for campaign
ATLANTA – Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine says the congressional victory on health care will be good for the country and for Democrats in the November elections.
Rallying the party faithful in Atlanta on Monday, less than 24 hours after the historic vote for near-universal …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : DNC Chairman Tim Kaine: Victory on health care good for Democrats in the November election.

In Washington, Clinton and Netanyahu present clashing positions on Jerusalem

Clinton, Netanyahu show clashing Jerusalem views
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented dueling positions on Jerusalem construction Monday, underlining a recent spat between the allies while simultaneously suggesting the incident is behind them.
Israel recently announced new housing plans for east Jerusalem, the part of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : In Washington, Clinton and Netanyahu present clashing positions on Jerusalem.

Sudan President threatens to expel foreign observers who called for delaying April’s elections

Sudan prez threatens to expel election observers

CAIRO – Sudan’s president threatened Monday to expel foreign observers over their recommendations to delay the country’s first multiparty elections in decades due in April.
The April vote – Sudan’s first multiparty elections in decades – will see voters cast ballots for a national president, a southern president, local and …. Original article  : Sudan President threatens to expel foreign observers who called for delaying April’s elections.

Striking a defiant note in US, Netanyahu tells Jewish activists Jerusalem ‘not a settlement’

Netanyahu says Jerusalem ‘not a settlement’
WASHINGTON – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has the right to build in Jerusalem, saying the city is “not a settlement.”
Speaking to pro-Israel activists, Netanyahu said Monday night that Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem will remain part of Israel in any peace deal, so building there does … Original source on Gaea Times at : Striking a defiant note in US, Netanyahu tells Jewish activists Jerusalem ‘not a settlement’.

Hawaii representatives asking Obama to pick his birth state for presidential library

Hawaii asks Obama for presidential library
HONOLULU – Hawaii lawmakers are asking President Barack Obama to put his future presidential library in the state where he was born and raised.
The state House Tourism, Culture and International Affairs Committee unanimously passed a resolution Monday urging Obama to choose Hawaii as the location for the library, …. Source  : Hawaii representatives asking Obama to pick his birth state for presidential library.

California lawmakers take step to ban smoking at state parks, beaches under landmark bill

Calif. moves to ban smoking at all state parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California lawmakers on Monday moved a step closer to banning smoking at state beaches and parks, following the lead of hundreds of communities nationwide.
The state Assembly voted 42-27 in favor of the ban. Anti-smoking groups say the bill would make California the first state … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : California lawmakers take step to ban smoking at state parks, beaches under landmark bill.

Detective’s union says NYPD towing unmarked cars; department says illegal parking not allowed

Police union: NYPD towing its own unmarked cars

NEW YORK – The head of the New York Police Department’s detectives’ union says the NYPD has been towing its own unmarked cars and then paying detectives overtime to retrieve them from the pound.
Michael Palladino, president of the Detective’s Endowment Association, says that, over an 18 month span, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Detective’s union says NYPD towing unmarked cars; department says illegal parking not allowed.

Judge: Opponents of gay marriage ban must surrender campaign documents to Prop 8 backers

Opponents of gay marriage ban must release memos

SAN FRANCISCO – Civil rights groups that campaigned against California’s same-sex marriage ban must surrender some of their internal campaign memos and e-mails to lawyers for the other side, a federal judge ruled Monday.
U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker said sponsors of Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative …. Original source  : Judge: Opponents of gay marriage ban must surrender campaign documents to Prop 8 backers.

From racist and anti-gay slurs to “baby killer!”: Health care debate marred by ugly discourse

Before health vote, a weekend of ugly discourse
NEW YORK – Remember how shocking it was six months ago when Rep. Joe Wilson shouted “You lie!” to the president?
Suddenly, that outburst seems positively genteel.
From the “N-word” and anti-gay slurs being leveled at congressmen by protesters right outside the Capitol, to a shout of “baby … Read more >>.

Obama thanks banking committee for sending Wall Street regulation bill to full Senate

Obama praises committee vote on Wall St. rules
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is praising the Democrats’ massive Wall Street regulation bill as it heads to the full Senate.
The Senate Banking Committee approved the measure along party lines Monday.
The legislation would give the government unprecedented powers to split up firms considered a threat to … Original article on : Obama thanks banking committee for sending Wall Street regulation bill to full Senate.

Health care success could mark the hard-driving Pelosi as one of the most powerful speakers

On health care, Pelosi kept Democrats thinking big
WASHINGTON – The landmark health care bill about to be signed into law is as large as it is due in no small part to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s stewardship. When Democrats in Congress and the White House were despondent and inclined to retreat … Original source on Gaea Times at : Health care success could mark the hard-driving Pelosi as one of the most powerful speakers.

Afghan president studying 15-point peace offer from militant group run by warlord

Karzai studying peace offer from militant group
KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karzai held an unprecedented meeting Monday with representatives of a major Taliban-linked militant group, boosting his outreach to insurgency leaders to end the eight-year war.
Less certain is whether the talks with the weakened Hizb-i-Islami faction represent a game-changer in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Afghan president studying 15-point peace offer from militant group run by warlord.

Puerto Rico’s Calle 13 to perform in Cuba despite protests by anti-Castro exiles in Miami

PR group to perform in Cuba despite Miami protests

HAVANA – Members of the Puerto Rican music group Calle 13 say they don’t care if their upcoming concert in Cuba is criticized by exiles in Miami who oppose the communist regime.
The award-winning group is set to perform Tuesday at the open-air Anti-imperialist Plaza, which sits in … Read more : Puerto Rico’s Calle 13 to perform in Cuba despite protests by anti-Castro exiles in Miami.

SUPREME COURT NOTEBOOK: Breyer, Scalia explain why they often disagree

Breyer, Scalia explain why they often disagree

WASHINGTON – Justice Antonin Scalia tends to see things as black or white. Justice Stephen Breyer sees a lot more gray.
When contentious decisions come down at the Supreme Court, Breyer and Scalia are almost always on opposite sides. On Tuesday, they tried to explain why their differing views of … Read more »».

Gordon Brown asked to pick gay partner from Young, Pitt, Mandelson!

LONDON – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been quizzed by a magazine for homosexuals if he would like a relationship with Lord Peter Mandelson.

The prime minister was asked by GT magazine if given a choice, who would he romance from the list of Will Young, Brad Pitt and Lord Mandelson.
“Oh, come on,” Brown told …. Source  : Gordon Brown asked to pick gay partner from Young, Pitt, Mandelson!.

Congress moves to feed more school children, takes aim at unhealthy school lunches

Congress takes aim at unhealthy school lunches

WASHINGTON – Greasy pizzas and high-calorie desserts may be less frequent lunchtime treats for schoolchildren under a popular bill that the Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to approve Wednesday.
The wide-ranging nutrition legislation has support from health advocates and many food companies.
It would allow the Agriculture Department to create uniform …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Congress moves to feed more school children, takes aim at unhealthy school lunches.

BJP slams Delhi government for imposing fresh taxes

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a demonstration outside the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to protest against increase in prices of essential items and imposition of Value Added Tax on items of daily use.

Carrying placards and an eight-foot-high cut-out of a milk bottle, a large number of activists gathered …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CPI-M demands explanation from PM on increasing Maoist violence

NEW DELHI – CPI (M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury has said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh owes an explanation on increasing Maoists violence, despite repeated announcements by him that the dangers posed by the ultras happen to be the gravest threat to the country’s internal security.
Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Yechury said: … Read more »».

Joe Biden F-Bomb

New York (GaeaTimes.com) Breaking News. The Vice President of the United States of America, Joe Bidden used the forbidden f-word on Live TV.
Gasp.
Can you imagine that?
President Obama entered the East Room after he was introduced by Bidden. The vice president stepped away from the podium and gave him a hug. Turning to Obama …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

N-deal, India talks on Pakistan wish list, US non-committal

WASHINGTON – Pakistan is going into a strategic dialogue with the US with a long wish list, including an India-type civil nuclear deal and a direct Washington role in reviving the peace process with New Delhi. But the US is non-committal.
Though the State Department declined to acknowledge that Pakistan had made the demands …. Read the original article  : here.

Women’s reservation will provoke young men to whistle in parliament : Mulayam

LUCKNOW – Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav has said the women’s reservation bill, if passed, would “provoke young men to whistle” in parliament.

Asked to comment on the women’s reservation bill, he told a TV channel here Tuesday, “If the women’s reservation bill were to be passed in its existing form, it would result in …. Read the original article  : Women’s reservation will provoke young men to whistle in parliament : Mulayam.

Cubans flock to Havana waterfront for Calle 13 show; band braces for Miami political backlash

Calle 13 rocks Cuba, braces for Miami backlash
HAVANA – Puerto Rico’s Calle 13 brought its edgy mix of reggaeton and hip-hop to Cuba’s capital on Tuesday, rocking thousands of screaming fans from an outdoor stage while serving up a heaping dose of bitterness toward U.S. policy.
The Grammy-winning group played in front of towering … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cubans flock to Havana waterfront for Calle 13 show; band braces for Miami political backlash.

Watchdog report says Treasury creates ‘meaningless’ goal for $75B mortgage assistance plan

Watchdog report criticizes Obama mortgage plan

WASHINGTON – A government watchdog is criticizing the Obama administration for establishing a “meaningless” goal for its flagship mortgage assistance program.
The report issued late Tuesday by Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, says the Obama administration is measuring the performance of the program by … Read more >>>.

Rewind! SC filmmaker claims channels promoted his film, then aired soft-core porn of same name

SC filmmaker: Channels showed porn, not his comedy

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A former South Carolina lawmaker is suing cable TV channels HBO and Showtime, claiming they promoted his low-budget comedy about Appalachia called “The Hills Have Thighs” only to instead show a soft-core pornographic movie with the same title.
James “Bubba” Cromer said the mix-up defamed him … Original article on : Rewind! SC filmmaker claims channels promoted his film, then aired soft-core porn of same name.

Judge: Wife, father of ex-Detroit mayor must answer questions in suit tied to stripper’s death

Ex-mayor’s family to be deposed in stripper case

DETROIT – A judge has ordered the wife and father of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to answer questions in a civil lawsuit tied to the fatal shooting of a stripper.
The family of Tamara Greene claims Kilpatrick and others stifled a probe of her 2003 death. Greene, who …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

White House to 13 state attorneys general suing over health care overhaul: Bring it on

White House, experts: Health care suit will fail
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The White House says it isn’t worried that 13 state attorneys general are suing to overturn the massive health care overhaul, and many legal experts agree the effort is futile.
But the lawsuit, filed in federal court seven minutes after President Barack … Read more »»».

Ex-NJ Gov. Corzine lands 1-year job at Princeton, full-time post with Wall Street firm

Ex-NJ Gov. Corzine lands at Princeton, Wall Street

PRINCETON, N.J. – Two months after leaving office, former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (KOHR’-zyn) has two new jobs.
Wall Street options and futures firm MF Global Holdings Ltd. announced Tuesday that Corzine is its new CEO and chairman, effective immediately.
And Princeton University announced Corzine would be a visiting … Read more >>>.

A look at some of the numbers defining Obama’s health care overhaul

A by-the-numbers look at health care overhaul

Highlights of health care overhaul, by the numbers:
-32 million: Non-elderly, uninsured Americans who will be covered by the health care bill, signed into law Tuesday by President Barack Obama.
-23 million: People who will remain uninsured, including illegal immigrants.
-$938 billion: Cost of the measure over 10 years.
-2,409: Pages in the … Read more »».

Elderly Conn. woman says sister refuses to split $500K lottery prize despite sharing contract

Elderly Conn. sisters battle in court over jackpot

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Among the nine siblings in their family, Rose Bakaysa and her younger sister Theresa Sokaitis always shared a special bond.
As they hit their 70s and 80s, their dream of jackpot riches became a centerpiece of that connection, fueling regular road trips to Foxwoods Resort …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Elderly Conn. woman says sister refuses to split $500K lottery prize despite sharing contract.

California groups plan to appeal judge’s order on gay marriage campaign documents

Groups to appeal ruling on gay marriage documents

SAN FRANCISCO – Two civil rights groups have notified a federal judge that they intend to appeal his decision requiring them to surrender internal documents from their campaign against California’s same-sex marriage ban.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Equality California notified U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker on Tuesday … Read more >>.

Judge won’t force Miss. district to hold prom canceled after lesbian asked to bring girlfriend

Judge won’t force Miss. district to hold prom

JACKSON, Miss. – A Mississippi school district violated a lesbian student’s rights by banning her from bringing her girlfriend to the prom, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, but he stopped short of forcing the district to hold the event.
U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson denied an American Civil …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Judge won’t force Miss. district to hold prom canceled after lesbian asked to bring girlfriend.

Broadcasters interrupt programming for Obama’s signing of health care legislation

Health care overhaul is boon to TV networks
NEW YORK – Television networks recognized a historical event Tuesday by breaking into programming as President Barack Obama signed legislation changing the nation’s health care system.
ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox all cut into regular daytime programs, and the event earned wall-to-wall coverage on MSNBC – including … Original article on : Broadcasters interrupt programming for Obama’s signing of health care legislation.

Live from Minneapolis! Franken enlists ‘Saturday Night Live’ star to help raise cash for Dems

Franken enlists ‘SNL’ star to raise campaign funds

MINNEAPOLIS – Live from Minneapolis, it’s Al Franken and “Saturday Night Live” star Seth Meyers!
Minnesota’s junior Democratic senator spent much of the 2008 campaign downplaying his years on NBC’s sketch comedy show. But he’s embracing those roots this weekend with a fundraiser for his political action committee featuring …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Live from Minneapolis! Franken enlists ‘Saturday Night Live’ star to help raise cash for Dems.

Official: Leading blocs in Iraqi parliamentary elections will have margin of only 1 or 2 seats

Iraq: top electoral blocs separated by slim margin

BAGHDAD – The head of Iraq’s election commission says the leading blocs in the country’s parliamentary race are separated by a slim one or two seat margin.
Independent High Electoral Commission chief Faraj al-Haidari also told The Associated Press on Thursday that vote tallying is complete and the commission …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Government yet to move on women’s bill talks

NEW DELHI – The government is yet to initiate discussions with “all concerned” on the women’s reservation bill, cleared by the Rajya Sabha and slated to be presented in the Lok Sabha when parliament resumes April 15 after a three-week break.
“I have no idea,” a minister told IANS Thursday when asked about the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rahul to visit Amethi Friday

LUCKNOW – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi will Friday embark on a two-day visit of his parliamentary constituency Amethi, a party spokesperson said Thursday.

“Rahulji will review the progress of developmental projects funded by the central government in Amethi,” Akhilesh Pratap Singh told reporters here.
“He will participate in the district vigilance committee meeting with the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rahul to visit Amethi Friday.

Assam opposition divided before Rajya Sabha polls

GUWAHATI – The ruling Congress in Assam has kept the opposition on tenterhooks over Friday’s Rajya Sabha polls, with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) suspending a legislator who has vowed to vote against the party-backed candidate.

The AGP late Wednesday suspended Abdul Aziz on charges of anti-party activities after he made a public statement that he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Assam opposition divided before Rajya Sabha polls.

Babri mosque demolition: IPS officer Gupta to appear in Rae Bareilly court

RAE BAREILLY – Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Anju Gupta, who is on deputation with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Delhi might record her testimony as a witness for the prosecution against senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani and other Sangh Parivar leaders in a Rae Bareilly court on … Original article on : Babri mosque demolition: IPS officer Gupta to appear in Rae Bareilly court.

Democrats deal with broken windows, obscene threats over support for health care overhaul

Dems deal with threats over health care support
Democratic Congress members are getting lessons from the FBI on how to handle threats such as several directed at their colleagues, including bricks hurled through windows and menacing obscenity-laced phone messages left for those who supported sweeping federal health care legislation.
Windows were shattered at four Democratic … Read more »».

Looking to end claims backlog, VA considers replacing mountains of files with paperless system

VA tests system for electronic disability claims

BALTIMORE – If the backlog of veterans’ disability claims ever has a chance of being eliminated, there’s one key step: going paperless.
But how to get rid of the volumes of paperwork in exchange for a fully electronic system is the quandary, and one Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki wants …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Looking to end claims backlog, VA considers replacing mountains of files with paperless system.

Pak took up issue of India’s ‘intrusion’ in Afghanistan with US : Gilani

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Islamabad has taken up the issue of India’s ‘intrusion’ in Afghanistan with both New Delhi and the United States.

Addressing the Senate, Gilani said he had a detailed meeting with US National Security Adviser General. James Jones over India’s expanding presence in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has been …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pak took up issue of India’s ‘intrusion’ in Afghanistan with US : Gilani.

US encourages India-Pakistan talks, rules out mediation

WASHINGTON – Ruling out a mediatory role between India and Pakistan, the US has said that while it welcomed a dialogue between the two South Asian nations, including on the issue of Kashmir, the modalities were for them to decide.
“Well, we’ve always welcomed dialogue and better relations between India and Pakistan, including on … Read : US encourages India-Pakistan talks, rules out mediation.

Closure appears near for unusual collision of abortion, immigration politics in Nebraska

Immigration concerns trump abortion worry in Neb.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Opposition to taxpayer benefits for illegal immigrants appears to have trumped anti-abortion sentiments in Nebraska, likely ending an unusual collision of the two explosive political issues.
After meeting with Gov. Dave Heineman on Wednesday night, a lawmaker said the governor opposed a compromise that would continue providing …. Source article  : Closure appears near for unusual collision of abortion, immigration politics in Nebraska.

Pakistan makes no headway with US on n-deal, Kashmir

WASHINGTON – Pakistan appeared to have found little encouragement from the US as it raised two of its pet peeves – an India-type civil nuclear deal and mediation on Kashmir – at their first strategic dialogue here.
The very first question that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fielded at the end of the …. Read the original article  : Pakistan makes no headway with US on n-deal, Kashmir.

Gates to order top-level review for gays discharged from military over ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’

Discharging gays to draw more scrutiny in military
WASHINGTON – Discharging a gay person for violating the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy will draw unprecedented scrutiny under new orders from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is already pushing to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.
Guidelines to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Black Ohio woman who saw Barack Obama’s inauguration from her wheelchair dies at 106

Ohio woman who saw Obama inauguration dies at 106
CLEVELAND – A black woman who attended Barack Obama’s inauguration in her wheelchair shortly after her 105th birthday has died.
Former social worker Ella Mae Johnson made the journey to Washington, D.C., with her nurse in January 2009 and watched as the nation’s first black president …. Source article  : Black Ohio woman who saw Barack Obama’s inauguration from her wheelchair dies at 106.

Gen. Petraeus in New Hampshire: ‘I will not ever run for political office’

Petraeus denies political side to NH trip
MANCHESTER, N.H. – Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq and Afghanistan, took the stage Wednesday where presidential candidates have debated but said his visit had nothing to do with politics or New Hampshire, home to the first presidential primaries.

Petraeus has been talked about as a potential … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gen. Petraeus in New Hampshire: ‘I will not ever run for political office’.

Miami federal judge lifts stay blocking former Panama dictator Noriega’s extradition to France

Judge lifts stay blocking Noriega’s extradition

MIAMI – A Miami federal judge has lifted a stay blocking former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega from being extradited to France.
U.S. District Judge Paul Huck issued the order Wednesday, two days after the U.S. Supreme Court said it would not reconsider Noriega’s request to stop his extradition to France on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Miami federal judge lifts stay blocking former Panama dictator Noriega’s extradition to France.

Democrats who voted for the health care overhaul targeted with threats, bricks through windows

Hurled bricks, threats surround health overhaul
Unrest over sweeping federal health care legislation has turned to vandalism and threats, with bricks hurled through Democrats’ windows, a propane line cut at the home of a congressman’s brother and menacing phone messages left for lawmakers who supported the bill.
The FBI is investigating the instances, which include …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

French sex workers protest proposal to legalize brothels, say they want independence

French sex workers protest legal brothels
PARIS – Dozens of French sex workers proclaiming themselves proud to be prostitutes marched Wednesday to protest a lawmaker’s proposal to legalize brothels in France, arguing that such a law would deny them the freedom to work on their own.

A lawmaker in France’s governing party has proposed reopening brothels just …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : French sex workers protest proposal to legalize brothels, say they want independence.

Bigger hospitals do better job at treating heart problems, pneumonia, study suggests

Bigger hospitals may treat some conditions better

LOS ANGELES – People hospitalized with a heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia fare better if they are admitted someplace that treats a lot of those problems, a large study of Medicare patients finds.
Busier hospitals on average tended to have lower rates of death from these three common conditions … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bigger hospitals do better job at treating heart problems, pneumonia, study suggests.

Judge’s bold intervention in 9/11 health case raises eyebrows, draws praise and criticism

Judge’s action in 9/11 health case raises eyebrows

NEW YORK – Experts say a federal judge pushed the limits of his legal authority when he rejected a settlement that would have paid at least $575 million to thousands of people who fell ill after working in the toxic ash of the World Trade Center.
Legal scholars are … Read more : Judge’s bold intervention in 9/11 health case raises eyebrows, draws praise and criticism.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/24/10

Mark A. Griffon, of New Hampshire, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five years, vice Carolyn W. Merritt, term expired.

Rafael Moure-Eraso, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five years, vice Gary Lee Visscher, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/24/10.

2 Israeli soldiers, 1 Palestinian killed in worst clashes in Gaza Strip since last year’s war

Fierce fighting in Gaza Strip kills 3
JERUSALEM – Two Israeli soldiers and a Palestinian civilian were killed Friday as a gunbattle between troops and Palestinian militants widened into some of the fiercest fighting in the Gaza Strip since Israel’s military offensive there last year.

Gaza’s Islamic Hamas rulers confirmed their gunmen were involved in Friday’s violence … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 Israeli soldiers, 1 Palestinian killed in worst clashes in Gaza Strip since last year’s war.

President Obama Nominates Two as Associate Judges for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Todd E. Edelman and Judge Judith Anne Smith as Associate Judges for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.   Judge Smith currently serves as a magistrate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  Edelman is a Visiting Associate Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law … Read this article on Gaea Times at : President Obama Nominates Two as Associate Judges for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/25/10

Robert R. Almonte, of Texas, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas for the term of four years, vice LaFayette Collins.

Todd E. Edelman, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Cheryl M. … Read more : Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/25/10.

Presidential Proclamation – Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.

A PROCLAMATION
To secure a bright future for America, we must instill in our children a love of learning as well as a spirit of compassion. These are two of our Nation’s most cherished and enduring values. Today, let us rededicate ourselves to preparing our next generation of leaders for the world they will inherit.

For America … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Presidential Proclamation — Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A..

Allawi vows to work with all parties in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said Friday he will work with all parties to form a new government, after his Iraqiya list won the most seats in the parliamentary election.

Allawi won 91 seats in the 325-seat parliament, only two seats ahead of prime minister Nuri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition, the Independent High …. Original source  : Allawi vows to work with all parties in Iraq.

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 3433

On Thursday, March 25, 2010 the President signed into law:
H.R. 3433, which amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to allow up to 50 percent of the required non-federal match for wetlands conservation projects in Canada to be comprised of funds from Canadian sources.
… Original article on : Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 3433.

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Marshals

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Robert R. Almonte, Dallas S. Neville and Frank Leon-Guerrero to serve as U.S. Marshals. 

“These dedicated law enforcement professionals have spent their careers protecting their fellow Americans,” said President Obama. “Their selfless dedication to public service is unmatched, and I am honored to nominate them to serve the American people … Read more : President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Marshals.

President Obama Nominates Judge Mary H. Murguia for United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Judge Mary H. Murguia for a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  Judge Murguia currently serves as a United States District Judge for the District of Arizona.

“Judge Murguia has displayed an outstanding commitment to public service throughout her career and as a District …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : President Obama Nominates Judge Mary H. Murguia for United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Attorneys

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Melinda L. Haag, Jerry E. Martin and James A. Lewis to serve as U.S. Attorneys. 

“Today, I am honored to nominate these highly respected legal professionals as United States Attorneys,” President Obama said. “They will be unwavering in their commitment to justice and I am confident they will serve the [..] Read the original article: here.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/26/10

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

Steve A. Linick, Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency
Thomas Hicks, Commissioner, Election Assistance Commission
President Obama said, “The expertise and commitment to public service these individuals bring to their roles will make them tremendous assets to my administration. I …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/26/10.

Southern Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled immigrants held years in detention

Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled

LOS ANGELES – Civil rights groups on Friday asked the federal courts to free two mentally disabled men who have been held in immigration detention for up to five years after they were ruled incompetent to face deportation proceedings.
Petitions filed in Los Angeles and San Diego contend the men … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Southern Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled immigrants held years in detention.

A look at seat distribution in Iraq’s parliament according to complete vote returns

Iraq’s new parliament seat distribution
A look at the distribution of seats in Iraq’s parliament from each province, after full vote returns from the March 7 parliamentary elections. In the 325-seat parliament, there are 310 general seats, 8 seats for Christians and other minorities and 7 compensatory seats.

-Anbar province (14 seats):
Ayad Allawi’s Iraqiya ………………..11 seats
Iraqi (Sunni) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : A look at seat distribution in Iraq’s parliament according to complete vote returns.

Court OK’s Seattle police use of stun gun on pregnant woman stopped for school zone speeding

Court: Seattle police OK to stun pregnant woman

SEATTLE – Three Seattle police officers were justified when they used a stun gun on a pregnant mother who refused to sign a traffic ticket, a federal appeals court ruled Friday in a case that prompted an incredulous dissent.
Malaika Brooks was driving her son to Seattle’s African American …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court OK’s Seattle police use of stun gun on pregnant woman stopped for school zone speeding.

Lawyer: No wrongdoing by Paterson despite report of disputed statement in aide’s domestic case

Lawyer: No wrongdoing by Paterson over statement

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. David Paterson’s attorney said the governor has done nothing wrong amid a media report that he helped draft what would have been a misleading public statement about a top aide’s domestic violence case.
The New York Times reported Friday that Paterson told his press secretary on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lawyer: No wrongdoing by Paterson despite report of disputed statement in aide’s domestic case.

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 4938 and S. 3186

On Friday, March 26, 2010, the President signed into law:
H.R. 4938, which extends temporary authority under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to guarantee up to 90 percent of loans in the Small Business Administration’s section 7(a) Loan Program through April 30, 2010; and permits the use of previously appropriated funds to cover the … Original article on : Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 4938 and S. 3186.

Tea Party of Nevada candidate hit with felony bad check charges, faces home foreclosure

Nevada candidate facing felony bad check charges

LAS VEGAS – A Nevada asphalt contractor who is running under the Tea Party of Nevada banner to unseat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has been hit with felony theft and bad check charges in Las Vegas.
Court documents filed Friday show Scott Ashjian is accused of bouncing a $5,000 … Original article on : Tea Party of Nevada candidate hit with felony bad check charges, faces home foreclosure.

Attorney general apologizes for failing to give Senate friend-of-the-court briefs on Padilla

Holder apologizes to Kyl, Sessions on disclosure

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder is apologizing for failing to send the Senate Judiciary Committee Supreme Court briefs he signed regarding the case of convicted terrorism plotter Jose Padilla.
In a letter to Republican Sens. Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Jon Kyl of Arizona, the attorney general said Friday …. Original source  : Attorney general apologizes for failing to give Senate friend-of-the-court briefs on Padilla.

Nebraska voters will have chance to ax 155-year-old state treasurer’s office in November

Neb. voters have chance to ax treasurer’s office

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska lawmakers put the state treasurer’s office on the chopping block Friday, giving voters the chance to eliminate the 155-year-old office in November.
Current State Treasurer Shane Osborn, who is not running for re-election, has called it a bad idea that could cost the state more … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nebraska voters will have chance to ax 155-year-old state treasurer’s office in November.

2 Israeli soldiers, 1 Palestinian killed in clashes with militants in Gaza Strip

2 Israeli soldiers, 1 Palestinian killed in Gaza

JERUSALEM – Two Israeli soldiers and a Palestinian civilian were killed Friday as a gunbattle between troops and Palestinian militants widened into in some of the fiercest fighting in the Gaza Strip since Israel’s military offensive there last year.
Gaza’s Islamic Hamas rulers confirmed their gunmen were involved in … Read more >>.

White House says Obama will sign final piece of health care overhaul on Tuesday in Virginia

Obama to sign last bit of health overhaul Tuesday
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to sign the final piece of his health care overhaul on Tuesday.
The White House said Obama would sign Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 at Northern Virginia Community College, just outside Washington.
Congress delivered Obama a key victory …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iraq vote winner and ex-premier says he wants to negotiate with all parties to form government

Iraqi vote winner hopes to form government soon

BAGHDAD – The top vote-getter in Iraq’s parliamentary elections says he wants to negotiate with all parties to form a government that can restore Iraq’s place in the Arab and Muslim world.
Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says his Iraqiya alliance is “open to talks with all” and says …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysian Indian Congress bids for by-election

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a member of the ruling alliance, hopes to field its deputy president to re-claim a parliament seat which Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has said it is capable of winning.

The MIC has indicated its choice of G. Palanivel, a journalist-turned-politician, to contest from Hulu in Selangor state …. Source  : Malaysian Indian Congress bids for by-election.

Thailand protesters demonstrate in bid to force military out of the capital’s streets

Thailand protesters try to oust army from streets

BANGKOK – Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters threatened to force soldiers from the historic heart of Thailand’s capital, raising tensions in what so far has been a nonviolent bid to bring down the government.
Riding on motorcycles and in pickup trucks, the protesters traveled in a noisy parade … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thailand protesters demonstrate in bid to force military out of the capital’s streets.

Bangalore votes Sunday to elect civic body

BANGALORE – More than 6.6 million Bangaloreans are eligible to vote Sunday to elect a 198-member civic body from some 1,300 candidates who include doctors, a transgender and people with criminal cases.

There is a Queen Elizabeth fighting on Congress ticket. Another woman contestant, Marimuthu, dubbed ‘Hooch Queen’ for alleged involvement in illicit liquor trade, has … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bangalore votes Sunday to elect civic body.

Slow justice contradicts India’s democratic strengths: PM

NEW DELHI – India’s legal and judicial system reflects “great contradiction”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Saturday urging that the justice delivery mechanism needed to be expedited to strengthen the country’s democratic roots.
“The Indian legal and judicial system is one of the solid pillars of our democracy… Our government attaches great importance to … Original article on : Slow justice contradicts India’s democratic strengths: PM.

Myanmar’s junta chief sets ground rules for historic polls, warns army can step in if needed

Myanmar junta chief sets ground rules for polls

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar – Myanmar’s junta chief warned political parties to behave while campaigning for historic elections later this year, noting Saturday that the armed forces can take part in politics “whenever the need arises.”
In his annual national address, Senior Gen. Than Shwe maintained his silence on when Myanmar’s …. Source article  : Myanmar’s junta chief sets ground rules for historic polls, warns army can step in if needed.

Congress will profit from DMK’s sibling rivalry (Comment)

Just as sibling rivalry can cause fissures in a corporate empire, political parties too can break up for similar reasons.

One recent example was the disintegration of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra because the two cousins, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, could not get along with each other. Now, another state-based organisation, the DMK of Tamil Nadu, …. Read the original article  : Congress will profit from DMK’s sibling rivalry (Comment).

Abortion ban proposal to be on Colorado ballot

Abortion ban proposal to be on Colo. ballot

DENVER – A proposal to ban abortion in Colorado will be on state ballots this fall.
The Secretary of State’s Office said Friday that Colorado-based Personhood USA submitted enough valid signatures to put an abortion-ending proposal to a statewide vote this fall. The proposal would give unborn fetuses human …. Original source  : Abortion ban proposal to be on Colorado ballot.

UN chief hails new US-Russia pact on arms cut

UNITED NATIONS – The new agreement between Russia and the US to reduce their arsenals is an “important milestone” in global efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.
Negotiations between the two nuclear powers on a successor agreement to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), wrapped up … Read : UN chief hails new US-Russia pact on arms cut.

Sarah Palin lends star power to ex-running mate John McCain in his Senate re-election campaign

Palin lends her star power to McCain in Senate bid

TUCSON, Ariz. – Sarah Palin lent her star power among fellow conservatives to former running mate John McCain in his tough Senate re-election campaign, telling a rally Friday that McCain pegged President Barack Obama right when he said the Democrat would swell the size of government.
McCain …. Source  : Sarah Palin lends star power to ex-running mate John McCain in his Senate re-election campaign.

2 Israeli soldiers, 1 Palestinian killed in worst clashes in Gaza Strip since last year’s war

Fierce fighting in Gaza Strip kills 3
JERUSALEM – Two Israeli soldiers and a Palestinian civilian were killed Friday as a gunbattle between troops and Palestinian militants widened into some of the fiercest fighting in the Gaza Strip since Israel’s military offensive there last year.

Gaza’s Islamic Hamas rulers confirmed their gunmen were involved in Friday’s violence …. Original article  : 2 Israeli soldiers, 1 Palestinian killed in worst clashes in Gaza Strip since last year’s war.

President Obama Nominates Two as Associate Judges for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Todd E. Edelman and Judge Judith Anne Smith as Associate Judges for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.   Judge Smith currently serves as a magistrate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  Edelman is a Visiting Associate Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law … Read more »».

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/25/10

Robert R. Almonte, of Texas, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas for the term of four years, vice LaFayette Collins.

Todd E. Edelman, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Cheryl M. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Presidential Proclamation – Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.

A PROCLAMATION
To secure a bright future for America, we must instill in our children a love of learning as well as a spirit of compassion. These are two of our Nation’s most cherished and enduring values. Today, let us rededicate ourselves to preparing our next generation of leaders for the world they will inherit.

For America …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Presidential Proclamation — Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A..

Allawi vows to work with all parties in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said Friday he will work with all parties to form a new government, after his Iraqiya list won the most seats in the parliamentary election.

Allawi won 91 seats in the 325-seat parliament, only two seats ahead of prime minister Nuri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition, the Independent High …. Original source  : Allawi vows to work with all parties in Iraq.

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 3433

On Thursday, March 25, 2010 the President signed into law:
H.R. 3433, which amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to allow up to 50 percent of the required non-federal match for wetlands conservation projects in Canada to be comprised of funds from Canadian sources.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 3433.

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Marshals

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Robert R. Almonte, Dallas S. Neville and Frank Leon-Guerrero to serve as U.S. Marshals. 

“These dedicated law enforcement professionals have spent their careers protecting their fellow Americans,” said President Obama. “Their selfless dedication to public service is unmatched, and I am honored to nominate them to serve the American people … Read more : President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Marshals.

President Obama Nominates Judge Mary H. Murguia for United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Judge Mary H. Murguia for a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  Judge Murguia currently serves as a United States District Judge for the District of Arizona.

“Judge Murguia has displayed an outstanding commitment to public service throughout her career and as a District …. Original source  : President Obama Nominates Judge Mary H. Murguia for United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Attorneys

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, President Obama nominated Melinda L. Haag, Jerry E. Martin and James A. Lewis to serve as U.S. Attorneys. 

“Today, I am honored to nominate these highly respected legal professionals as United States Attorneys,” President Obama said. “They will be unwavering in their commitment to justice and I am confident they will serve the … Read : President Obama Nominates Three to Serve as U.S. Attorneys.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/26/10

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

Steve A. Linick, Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency
Thomas Hicks, Commissioner, Election Assistance Commission
President Obama said, “The expertise and commitment to public service these individuals bring to their roles will make them tremendous assets to my administration. I …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/26/10.

Modi questioning a big step forward: SIT chief

NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD – R.K. Raghavan, chief of the Supreme Court-appointed probe panel that quizzed Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi over the 2002 riots, said the questioning of Modi was a very big step forward in completing investigation into the communal carnage that claimed over 1,000 lives.

Modi was questioned for nearly 10 hours Saturday in Gandhinagar …. Original source  : Modi questioning a big step forward: SIT chief.

Maoists must disband its armed wing: Nepali leader

KATHMANDU – Ram Chandra Poudel, leader of the parliamentary party of the Nepali Congress (NC), Sunday said that his party would support the Maoist bid to return to power “if they gave up violence and disbanded the Maoist army”.

Poudel told the visiting Indian media: “If the Maoists try to move a no-confidence motion against the …. Original article  : Maoists must disband its armed wing: Nepali leader.

CJI, Modi share dais at law college convocation

GANDHINAGAR – A day after he was questioned by a Supreme Court-appointed panel over his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, Chief Minister Narendra Modi shared the dais with Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan here Sunday at the first annual convocation of the Gujarat National Law University.

Modi was reportedly keen that his questioning [..] Read the original article: here.

Vajpayee undergoes routine check-up at AIIMS

NEW DELHI – Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sunday underwent “routine check-up” at the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, doctors said.

“He came to the hospital at 10.30 a.m. and left at around 1 p.m. after various routine tests were conducted on him. He had come for routine check-up,” AIIMS … Read more >>.

Thai premier agrees to meet protestors as tensions rise

BANGKOK – Thailand’s prime minister and anti-government protest leaders agreed to talk Sunday in an effort to defuse political tensions that turned violent on the weekend.

Officials said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), were set to meet at 4 p.m.
Demonstrators who had gathered outside the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Thai premier agrees to meet protestors as tensions rise.

10 percent voting in first 4 hours of Bangalore civic poll

BANGALORE – Around 10 percent of more than 6.6 million Bangaloreans eligible to vote to elect the city’s civic body cast their ballots in the first four hours of polling Sunday.

IT major Infosys founder and chief mentor N. Narayana Murthy, low-cost aviation pioneer Capt. R. Gopinath, and Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) N. Santosh Hegde, a retired …. Original source  : 10 percent voting in first 4 hours of Bangalore civic poll.

Barbara Bush Hospitalized

HOUSTON, TEXAS (GaeaTimes.com)- A family spokesperson has revealed that former first lady Barbara Bush has been admitted to a hospital for undergoing certain routine tests on the advise of the family doctor. It has come to light that the 84 year old ex-first lady was hospitalized after she had been unwell for a period … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Barbara Bush Hospitalized.

Tibetan exiles’ meet to discuss candidate for PM-in-exile

DHARAMSALA – Members of the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT), the only political party of Tibetan exiles, gathered here to discuss a candidate for the post of Tibetan prime minister-in-exile.

The elections of the Kalon Tripa (Tibetan PM) will … Original article on : Tibetan exiles’ meet to discuss candidate for PM-in-exile.

Italians vote in local elections seen as test of Premier Berlusconi’s popularity

Italians hold local elections, test for Berlusconi

ROME – Voters began casting ballots Sunday in Italy’s regional elections, which are being seen as an important test of popularity for Premier Silvio Berlusconi.
The conservative leader campaigned relentlessly for the Sunday-Monday ballot, urging his supporters to vote and avert the risk of low turnout. He has seen his … Read more >>>.

Barbara Bush hospitalised

WASHINGTON – Barbara Bush, wife of former US president George H.W. Bush, has been hospitalised, a media report said Sunday.

Barbara was taken to hospital Saturday morning after “not feeling well”, Los Angeles Times quoted a family spokeswoman as saying.
Eightyfour-year-old Barbara was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Houston at 10 a.m. to undergo routine … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Barbara Bush hospitalised.

In reversal, Thai PM agrees to talk face-to-face with protesters to reduce risk of violence

In quick reversal, Thai PM to talk with protesters

BANGKOK – Thailand’s prime minister agreed Sunday to hold direct talks with leaders of anti-government protests to defuse growing tensions, making an abrupt reversal that played out on national television.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has repeatedly rejected demands from the “Red Shirt” protesters that he dissolve Parliament and …. Source  : In reversal, Thai PM agrees to talk face-to-face with protesters to reduce risk of violence.

Thai PM’s office says he agrees to hold negotiation with protesters to reduce risk of violence

Thai PM agrees to talks with protesters
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has agreed to hold face-to-face talks with protesters demanding new elections to “restore peace and minimize the chance of violence.”

Abhisit’s office made a special televised announcement Sunday morning to announce that “the prime minister has accepted the condition to negotiate with protesters.”
It …. Source article  : Thai PM’s office says he agrees to hold negotiation with protesters to reduce risk of violence.

Obama names Indian American to key agricultural post

WASHINGTON – After waiting for months for the Senate to act, President Barack Obama has announced he would bypass a vacationing senate to make recess appointments of 15 nominees, including an Indian American agricultural scientist as chief agricultural negotiator in trade talks.
Announcing his decision to nominate Indian American Islam A. Siddiqui, a B.S. … Read more : Obama names Indian American to key agricultural post.

Iran suspected of planning new nuclear sites: Report

WASHINGTON – International agencies, inspectors and western intelligence officials believe Tehran is planning to build more nuclear enrichment sites in defiance of international demands, The New York Times reported late Saturday.
Quoting anonymous sources from several governments and international agencies, the Times reported that United Nations inspectors were looking for evidence of two such …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Iran suspected of planning new nuclear sites: Report.

Obama’s challenge after week of big successes: Seizing momentum, tackling new issues

Obama must seize momentum after big week
WASHINGTON – Doubted and deeply in need of a comeback, President Barack Obama had a political dream week: a historic remaking of America’s health care system, an overhaul of how students pay for college and a groundbreaking deal with Russia to shrink nuclear arsenals.
The biggest foreign … Read more >>.

British lawmaker holds Parliament’s first same-sex marriage, now public can follow suit

UK Parliament hosts first same-sex marriage

LONDON – Britain’s Europe Minister Chris Bryant has taken part in Parliament’s first gay marriage, celebrating a civil partnership ceremony at the historic venue.
Bryant, a member of the governing Labour Party, won permission to hold his civil partnership ceremony with partner Jared Cranney at the Palace of Westminster – home [..] Read the original article: here.

Modi grilled for nine hours by SIT (Second Intro Roundup)

GANDHINAGAR – Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was Saturday grilled by a Supreme Court-appointed panel for over nine hours in two separate sessions that ended past midnight over his alleged complicity in not doing enough to stop the 2002 riots in the state.

The chief minister came out of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headquarters at …. Original source  : Modi grilled for nine hours by SIT (Second Intro Roundup).

Obama announces 15 recess appointments in agencies, citing GOP stalling tactics in Senate

Obama announces 15 recess appointments, scolds GOP
WASHINGTON – Fed up with waiting, President Barack Obama announced Saturday he would bypass a vacationing Senate and name 15 people to key administration jobs, wielding for the first time the blunt political …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obama announces 15 recess appointments in agencies, citing GOP stalling tactics in Senate.

Palin tells tea party activists in Nevada Reid will have to explain votes when he returns home

Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut up
SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his …. Original source  : Palin tells tea party activists in Nevada Reid will have to explain votes when he returns home.

Obama names 15 recess appointments in federal agencies, citing GOP stalling tactics in Senate

Obama makes 15 recess appointments, scolds GOP
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is making 15 recess appointments and blaming Senate Republicans for forcing his hand.
In a written statement, Obama says the positions include key members of his economic team, as well as members of the National Labor Relations Board and the head of Customs … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama names 15 recess appointments in federal agencies, citing GOP stalling tactics in Senate.

Iraqi prime minister al-Maliki rebukes UN for not backing his vote recount demand

Iraq PM slams UN for not backing his recount quest

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister has rebuked the United Nations for not backing his demand that the ballots in the March 7 parliamentary elections be recounted.
Nouri al-Maliki insisted on the recount in comments to the private Al-Sumariya TV and indicated his side still may form the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BSP appoints a new, younger chief for Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which has been trying to increase its base in Chhattisgarh, has appointed a 35-year-old as its new president in a bid to project a “younger face”.

Sadanand Markande replaces Dauram Ratnakar, 52, who has been inducted into the national executive of the party and will also be coordinator for …. Original article  : BSP appoints a new, younger chief for Chhattisgarh.

US troops train for both combat and conversation in bid to win over Afghan population

US troops train for both combat and conversation

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Two young American soldiers in combat gear sit at a small table in a concrete block building, politely but insistently questioning a 66-year-old Afghan actor playing the role of a village elder.
Outside, in the thick red mud of a remote Fort Carson valley, other … Read more »».

Freedom fighter Biswanath Patnaik dead

BHUBANESWAR – Freedom fighter and Gandhian Biswanath Patnaik, who was known for his work among the poor in Orissa, died early Monday at his ashram at Baliguda town, an official said. He was 94.

Patnaik, a bachelor, died of old age complications. Patnaik participated in the Quit India movement and the Bhoodan or land gift movement … Read : Freedom fighter Biswanath Patnaik dead.

Rajya Sabha panel to examine rules to protect women

NEW DELHI – In view of rising cases of domestic violence against women, a parliamentary committee is examining the rules framed to implement a law to protect women from such violence and has invited suggestions from experts.

The Committee on Subordinate Legislation of the Rajya Sabha, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Najma A. Heptulla, …. Original article  : Rajya Sabha panel to examine rules to protect women.

Following a week of wins, Obama starts the next in Afghanistan, meeting with troops, Karzai

After week of wins, Obama turns to Afghanistan
KABUL – After weeks dominated by health care, President Barack Obama’s secret trip to Afghanistan turned attention back to another issue whose progress this year could help define the success of his presidency.
By deciding in December to order a massive buildup to the war he inherited, … Read more >>.

Pakistan raises concern over Indian power projects on Indus

LAHORE – Pakistan has raised objections to the construction of two new power projects by India on the river Indus during the annual Indus Water Treaty talks here, a media report said Monday.

The Pakistani team expressed reservations over the Nimoo Bazgo and Chutak power plants saying it feared the projects might obstruct supply of water [..] Read the original article: here.

Congress, Trinamool discuss seat-sharing for West Bengal civic polls

KOLKATA – The Congress Party and the Trinamool Congress have started a seat-sharing exercise for the upcoming civic elections in which they will be pitted against the Left Front.
State Congress chief Pranab Mukherjee hoped that differences, if any, would be sorted out …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Congress, Trinamool discuss seat-sharing for West Bengal civic polls.

Tamil Nadu Government to pronounce judgement on Nalini’s release

CHENNAI – The Tamil Nadu Government will in all probability deliver a verdict on the premature release of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassin Nalini Sriharan on Monday.
However, it has been reported that the Karunanidhi- led Dravida Munettra Kazhagam (DMK) Government might take some more time …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tamil Nadu Government to pronounce judgement on Nalini’s release.

Yoga comes to Maoist firebrand Prachanda’s aid

KATHMANDU – Like thousands of others in Nepal, the country’s Maoist chief Prachanda has also got hooked on to yoga.

Over the past couple of months, the chairman of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has been seeking spiritual and physical shelter in traditional Indian ‘pranayama’ (breathing exercises), light yoga and alternative healing to … Read more »».

Searchers believe they found remains of actor Errol Flynn’s son in Cambodia

Searchers: remains of Errol Flynn’s son found

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Forensic tests will be conducted on what two searchers believe are the remains of photographer Sean Flynn, son of Hollywood star Errol Flynn, who disappeared during the Cambodian War 40 years ago, the U.S. Embassy said Monday.
At least 37 journalists were killed or are listed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Venezuela Supreme Court bars Chavez foe from discussing criminal case with news media

Chavez foe barred from talking to media about case

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s highest court is barring an outspoken opponent of President Hugo Chavez from talking to news media about prosecutors charging him with striking a police official.
The order handed down Sunday by the Supreme Court prohibits opposition lawmaker Wilmer Azuaje from presenting his views on …. Original article  : Venezuela Supreme Court bars Chavez foe from discussing criminal case with news media.

Obama slips into Afghanistan under shroud of secrecy to voice US resolve in an expanding war

Obama slips into Afghanistan to voice US resolve
KABUL – Under elaborate secrecy, President Barack Obama slipped into Afghanistan on Sunday near the front lines of the increasingly bloody 8-year-old war he is expanding and affirmed America’s commitment to destroying al-Qaida and its extremist allies in the land where the 9-11 plot …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Colombian guerrillas free captive soldier, first release in 13 months

Colombia’s FARC rebels release captive soldier

VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia – Colombian rebels handed over a 23-year-old soldier to the International Red Cross on Sunday in their first release of a captive in more than a year.
Pvt. Josue Calvo had been held since last April. He walked out of a loaned Brazilian helicopter emblazoned with the Red Cross … Original source on Gaea Times at : Colombian guerrillas free captive soldier, first release in 13 months.

Remarks by the President to the Troops

11:13 P.M. (Local)
     THE PRESIDENT:  How’s it going, Bagram?  (Applause.)  Well, you know, it turns out that the American people, they let me use this plane called Air Force One.  And so I thought I’d come over and say hello.  (Applause.)  

     Couple of people I want to thank, in addition to Sergeant Major Eric … Read more »»».

Arab leaders renew support for peace efforts, rejecting calls from Syria, Libya to quit talks

Arab leaders renew support for peace efforts

SIRTE, Libya – Arab leaders on Sunday renewed their support for Mideast peace efforts, rejecting pressure from Syria and Libya on the Palestinians to abandon talks with Israel and resume armed resistance.
The Arab League’s backing for the land for peace initiative with Israel comes despite its firm opposition to … Read more »».

Utah governor, aiming for court battle, approves use of eminent domain to take federal land

Utah gov. OKs eminent domain use on federal land
SALT LAKE CITY – Fed up with federal ownership of more than half the land in Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert on Saturday authorized the use of eminent domain to take some of the U.S. government’s most valuable parcels.
Herbert signed a pair of bills into …. Source  : Utah governor, aiming for court battle, approves use of eminent domain to take federal land.

NYS Unemployment: New York State Unemployment Insurance Rate Up

New York (GaeaTimes.com) The New York State unemployment is rising day by day. Millions of labors and workers were literally given a kick off from their job after the recession giant hit numerous companies. Several giant organizations filed for bankruptcy which in turn led to discontinuation of the task of their employees.

In the period …. Original source  : NYS Unemployment: New York State Unemployment Insurance Rate Up.

On surprise quick trip to Afghanistan, Obama demands corruption crackdown, good governance

In surprise visit to war zone, Obama prods Afghans
KABUL – On an Afghanistan trip shrouded in secrecy, President Barack Obama demanded accountability from the country’s leaders, greater vigilance against corruption and better governing as he widens America’s commitment to the 8-year-old war he inherited and then dramatically escalated.
Obama said the …. Source article  : On surprise quick trip to Afghanistan, Obama demands corruption crackdown, good governance.

Obama dicusses corruption in talks with Karzai

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama put the fight against corruption at the top of his agenda in talks with his Afghan counterpart during a surprise visit to the country on Sunday, US officials said.
The visit is Obama’s first since he took office in January last year.
Obama arrived on Sunday evening from …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brits neither want Brown nor Tories

LONDON – Almost one in four Labour supporters believe electing Gordon Brown as Prime Minister for another term would be “unthinkable”.

However, 51 per cent say they personally feel no enthusiasm for the Conservative Party, according to an opinion poll for The Independent.
Forty-four … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Brits neither want Brown nor Tories.

Gurkha row: Brown, UK Defence Minister apologise to Lumley

LONDON – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has apologised “unreservedly” to actress Joanna Lumley after the country’s Veterans Minister claimed she had spearheaded a campaign for Gurkhas’ rights, but had stayed silent as veterans suffered.

Brown moved to …. Source  : Gurkha row: Brown, UK Defence Minister apologise to Lumley.

Nepal PM intensifies consultation with parties on politics

KATHMANDU – Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will continue discussions on the contemporary political situation with leaders of different political parties on Tuesday as well.

In this connection, a delegation of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is holding a meeting with Prime Minister Nepal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal PM intensifies consultation with parties on politics.

SAARC nations can learn governance from one another: India

NEW DELHI – Countries in South Asia should adopt ideas from one another on best practices for improving and monitoring government performance, Indian cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrashekhar said Tuesday.

So many innovative things are being done by SAARC countries from which we can adopt ideas. We can learn from the best practices of each other, Chandrashekar …. Source article  : SAARC nations can learn governance from one another: India.

Shibu Soren looking for safer options to become legislator

RANCHI – Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who has three months left to get himself elected to the state assembly, is trying to explore a safer seat this time around as he failed to retain the post in his last term when he lost the Tamar assembly bypoll.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief, who … Read more >>>.

Final returns show Berlusconi wins 2 close races in regional vote, emerges as overall winner

Berlusconi scores political victory in local vote

ROME – Final returns show that Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s coalition made a strong showing in regional elections across Italy, winning crucial races and snatching four regions from the opposition.
The returns Tuesday show that Berlusconi’s conservatives won in Lazio, which includes the capital, and Piedmont, a region in the country’s …. Original article  : Final returns show Berlusconi wins 2 close races in regional vote, emerges as overall winner.

BJP says people will make Sonia Gandhi resign as NAC chief

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cried foul over Congress President Sonia Gandhi again taking charge as the head of the National Advisory Council (NAC).
BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay said this time the people of the country would make …. Read the original article  : BJP says people will make Sonia Gandhi resign as NAC chief.

Be alert, says Hasina after tip-off on threat to her life

DHAKA – Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered security agencies to be on high alert after a tip-off by Indian and other foreign intelligence agencies on a possible threat to her life and to sensitive installations in the country.
She told her colleagues at the cabinet meeting Monday evening that besides a possible … Original source on Gaea Times at : Be alert, says Hasina after tip-off on threat to her life.

Hawaii lawmakers consider resolution recognizing cultural value of cockfighting

HI resolution would recognize cockfighting’s value

HONOLULU – Illegal cockfighting would be recognized for its cultural merits under a resolution advancing in the Hawaii Legislature.
The House Tourism, Culture and International Affairs Committee passed the resolution Monday on a 4-2 vote, sending it to the House Judiciary Committee. The resolution doesn’t have the force of law and …. Original source  : Hawaii lawmakers consider resolution recognizing cultural value of cockfighting.

Many support Myanmar opposition boycott of elections

Mixed reaction to Myanmar opposition party boycott

YANGON, Myanmar – Many Myanmar residents Tuesday greeted a decision by the party of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi to boycott elections with rousing approval while others called it a blunder leaving voters with little option in the military-organized balloting.
In a bold gamble, the National League for Democracy … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Many support Myanmar opposition boycott of elections.

Hillary slams Canada, leaves Arctic summit

OTTAWA – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton slammed Canada Monday for not inviting Sweden, Finland, and Iceland for the Arctic summit held near Ottawa and made an early exit from the gathering.
Attended by foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Russia, the US and Norway, the summit was organized to discuss the future of …. Source article  : Hillary slams Canada, leaves Arctic summit.

Reprocessing deal with India reflects deep ties: US

WASHINGTON – Applauding the successful conclusion of a nuclear fuel reprocessing agreement with India, the US has said this reflects a much broader, deeper and expanded relationship between the two countries.

“I think it’s a reflection of the deepening of our relationship,” State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley told reporters Monday commenting on the completion of … Read more : Reprocessing deal with India reflects deep ties: US.

Hewlett-Packard spent $710k on lobbying in last quarter of 2009; nearly half last year’s total

Hewlett-Packard spent $710,000 on 4Q lobbying

WASHINGTON – Hewlett-Packard Co. spent $710,000 on lobbying in the last three months of 2009, nearly half the amount the world’s No. 1 personal computer and printer maker spent in the same stretch the year before.
HP’s latest lobbying-disclosure form, filed with the House clerk’s office, shows that the company focused …. Read the original article  : Hewlett-Packard spent $710k on lobbying in last quarter of 2009; nearly half last year’s total.

Clinton says China will be involved in Iran sanctions push at UN

Clinton: China to play role in Iran sanctions push

OTTAWA – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says China has agreed that Iran cannot become a nuclear weapons power. Clinton says China will play a role in forging new international sanctions against the Islamic republic at the United Nations.
In Canada’s capital for a meeting of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Clinton says China will be involved in Iran sanctions push at UN.

Indiana joins 13 other states in legal challenge to federal health care overhaul

Ind. joins legal challenge to health care overhaul

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana is joining 13 other states in challenging the nearly $1 trillion health care overhaul signed into law last week by President Barack Obama.
State Attorney General Greg Zoeller (ZEL’-ur) said Monday that Indiana will be added to an amended version of the lawsuit targeting the law … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indiana joins 13 other states in legal challenge to federal health care overhaul.

GOP spent $1,946 at topless Hollywood club, now seeks to recoup money from donor

Republicans spent $1,946 at topless club
WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee spent $1,946 last month at a sex-themed Hollywood club that features topless dancers and bondage outfits. Now the GOP wants its money back.

Listed in a monthly financial report, the amount is itemized as expenses for meals at Voyeur West Hollywood.
RNC spokesman Doug Heye said … Read more »».

Vice President Biden Hosts Conference Call with Elected Officials to Discuss Recovery Act Implementation

Earlier today, the Vice President hosted a conference call with Governors and a Mayor from across the country to discuss implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The following officials participated:
Governor Mitch Daniels (R-IN)
Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD)
Governor Bev Perdue (D-NC)
Mayor Adrian Fenty (D-DC)
… Original article on : Vice President Biden Hosts Conference Call with Elected Officials to Discuss Recovery Act Implementation.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/29/10

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:
Teresa Takai, Assistant Secretary (Networks and Information Integration), Department of Defense
S. Leslie Ireland, Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of the Treasury
President Obama also announced his intent to appoint Felicity Hannay to serve as U.S. … Read more : President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/29/10.

Calif. lawmaker seeks payment details for upcoming Sarah Palin speech for nonprofit foundation

Calif. lawmaker seeks amount paid for Palin speech
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A state lawmaker is asking a California State University foundation how much it will pay Sarah Palin to appear at a black-tie event in June.
Sen. Leland Yee requested details of the contract Monday between the nonprofit California State University Stanislaus Foundation and the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Courteous but businesslike, Obama seeks delicate new balance in dealing with Afghan leader

Obama seeks delicate balance with Karzai
KABUL – President Barack Obama’s tone in Kabul was all business as he hammered home his theme that the Afghans need to do more to fight corruption and reform government to defeat the Taliban.
The arm’s-length approach was the administration’s latest attempt to strike the right balance in dealing …. Original article  : Courteous but businesslike, Obama seeks delicate new balance in dealing with Afghan leader.

Nepal PM consulting leaders of Madhes-based parties

KATHMANDU – Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has been in consultation with leaders of the Madhes based parties to defend the efforts of the Unified CPN (Maoist) to topple his government.

According to the PM’s press advisor Bishnu Rijal, Nepal will hold separate meetings with Madheshi Janadhikar …. Read the original article  : here.

Even in states where it’s legal, Veterans Affairs doctors can’t prescribe medical marijuana

VA doctors prohibited from prescribing medical pot

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – When Paul Culkin came home to New Mexico after serving with an Army bomb squad in Iraq, he tried counseling and medications offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to cope with his post traumatic stress disorder.
Nothing worked very well. Then he found a new alternative: … Read more >>.

Sonia Gandhi meets officials in Rae Bareli

RAE BARELI – Congress president Sonia Gandhi Wednesday met officials in her Lok Sabha constituency Rae Bareli and discussed development issues, a party spokesman said.
Gandhi met the Rae Bareli district vigilance and monitoring committee to review the implementation of the central government-sponsored projects, Congress spokesman Akhilesh Pratap Singh said.
The meeting took place …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sonia Gandhi arrives in Rae Bareli

LUCKNOW – Congress president Sonia Gandhi Wednesday arrived in her parliamentary constituency Rae Bareli and met senior officials to review the developmental projects in the Uttar Pradesh district, a party official said.
“Soniaji is presiding over the Rae Bareli district vigilance and monitoring committee to review the central government-sponsored development projects,” Congress spokesperson Akhilesh … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sonia Gandhi arrives in Rae Bareli.

Save paper, optimise printing, ‘babus’ told

NEW DELHI – Indian bureaucracy, slow to change, finally seems to be waking up to the concerns of the environment and the costs of unthinking wastage of paper and other precious office resources.

A circular issued by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), an important wing of the agriculture ministry, speaks about the spiralling environmental … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Save paper, optimise printing, ‘babus’ told.

Only four Kerala ministers use Ambassador cars

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Ambassador car, India’s traditional official vehicle, remains favoured by only four Kerala ministers, including Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan — though less than four years ago, the full 19-member cabinet publicy flaunted their red-beaconed white Ambassadors.

In May 2006 when the cabinet took office, TV channels showed 19 gleaming … Read : Only four Kerala ministers use Ambassador cars.

San Jose City Council members vote to draft ordinance regulating medical marijuana collectives

San Jose votes to pursue medical pot regulations

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose City Council on Tuesday approved drawing up guidelines for the operation of medical marijuana collectives as a way to regulate the businesses and possibly bring in much-needed revenue to the nation’s 10th largest city.
After more than two hours of debate, city … Read more : San Jose City Council members vote to draft ordinance regulating medical marijuana collectives.

Obama backs closer India-US ties

WASHINGTON – Expressing satisfaction at the conclusion of an India-US agreement on reprocessing spent fuel, the White House has said President Barack Obama is glad that US is strengthening a very close bilateral relationship in an important region.
“Well, obviously the President is a proponent of the agreement between the two countries,” White House …. Original source  : Obama backs closer India-US ties.

Serbia lawmakers pass declaration condemning 1995 Srebrenica massacre

Serbia offers apology for Srebrenica massacre

BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbia’s parliament approved a declaration Tuesday condemning the 1995 Serb massacre of 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica, in a bid to distance the country from past warmongering under the late strongman Slobodan Milosevic.
The declaration passed with a slim majority of 127 votes in the 250-seat parliament, after a …. Read the original article  : Serbia lawmakers pass declaration condemning 1995 Srebrenica massacre.

India, US ties proposed against cyber terrorism

WASHINGTON – India has suggested close partnership with the US in cyber security, particularly against cyber terrorism, as the two countries take their economic and technological collaboration to the next level.

Indian Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot made the suggestion in talks with senior officials at the White House and in …. Read the original article  : here.

Lead plaintiff in Indian suit says tribal members must urge Congress to sign off on settlement

Indian suit plaintiff: Settlement a stepping stone

TOPPENISH, Wash. – American Indians must urge Congress to quickly sign off on a $3.4 billion settlement of a lawsuit against the federal government for swindling them out of royalties for oil, gas, grazing and other leases, the lead plaintiff said Tuesday.
“We’ve won some really huge victory. Will it … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lead plaintiff in Indian suit says tribal members must urge Congress to sign off on settlement.

Obama wants Iran sanctions within ‘weeks’

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama declared that he wants to see the UN Security Council adopt sanctions against Iran within “weeks” over the Islamic republic’s refusal to resolve the dispute over its nuclear activities.
“I’m not interested in waiting months for a sanctions regime to be in place. I’m interested in seeing that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obama wants Iran sanctions within ‘weeks’.

Tennessee businessman sues Tea Party Nation leader, claims he was shut out of Palin event

Tenn. businessman sues Tea Party Nation leader
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Tennessee businessman who helped finance Sarah Palin’s appearance at the National Tea Party Convention last month has sued one of the event’s organizers, claiming he was libeled in an e-mail and shut out of the speech.
Bill Hemrick, who helped found the baseball trading …. Original article  : Tennessee businessman sues Tea Party Nation leader, claims he was shut out of Palin event.

Preservationists ask judge to stop 2 hospital projects in historic New Orleans neighborhood

Judge asked to stop New Orleans hospital projects

NEW ORLEANS – Preservationists say the construction of two hospitals to replace ones damaged by Hurricane Katrina would wipe out a historic New Orleans neighborhood, and they want a federal judge to block the projects.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Tuesday asked U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon …. Read the original article  : here.

GOP lawmaker in Georgia wants to impeach Democratic AG for refusing to sue on health care

Ga. lawmaker wants to impeach AG over health care

ATLANTA – A Georgia lawmaker on Tuesday filed a resolution to impeach Democratic Attorney General Thurbert Baker for refusing to join 14 other states in suing the federal government over health care reform.
The resolution from Republican state Rep. Mark Hatfield claims Thurbert Baker has “abdicated his authority … Original source on Gaea Times at : GOP lawmaker in Georgia wants to impeach Democratic AG for refusing to sue on health care.

Honeywell raises 1st-qtr profit view, expects $13M charge related to health care bill

Honeywell raises 1Q forecast, but sees $13M charge
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Honeywell International Inc. increased its first-quarter earnings outlook Tuesday and said it will log a $13 million non-cash charge in relation to the recent health care overhaul legislation.
The manufacturing conglomerate now expects a profit of 45 cents to 49 cents per share … Read more >>>.

Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/30/2010

2:18 P.M. EDT
Q    Sarkozy get here early?
MR. GIBBS:  Oooh, all right.  Bonjour, Chuck.  I was going to say, I don’t know –

Q    I was going to ask a question in French.
MR. GIBBS:  Well, he probably won’t give you an answer.
I have no announcements, so we can fire away.
Q    That’s a segue to my question.
MR. GIBBS:  … Read more »».

Obama calls for sanctions on Iran over nuclear program in weeks, and French president agrees

Obama, Sarkozy push for UN sanctions on Iran
WASHINGTON – With the president of France at his side, President Barack Obama declared Tuesday he hopes to have international sanctions against Iran in place “within weeks,” not months, because of its continuing nuclear program. But he acknowledged he still lacks full support.
“Do we …. Original source  : Obama calls for sanctions on Iran over nuclear program in weeks, and French president agrees.

Iraqi PM uses legal maneuvers to hold on to power despite risks of sectarian warfare

Iraqi PM fights to hold power, risks sectarian war

BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s postelection strategy suggests he is prepared for a long and bitter fight to hold on to power, even if it alienates the country’s Sunni community and risks new sectarian warfare.
The Iraqi leader is trying all sorts of legal maneuvers to deny … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iraqi PM uses legal maneuvers to hold on to power despite risks of sectarian warfare.

Postal Service asks regulators for opinion on dropping Saturday delivery

Post office seeks opinion on Saturday delivery

WASHINGTON – The Postal Service may have provided a clue why it is losing money when it asked regulators – by e-mail – for an opinion on dropping Saturday delivery service.
Plagued by loss of mail business to the Internet, the post office was required to send its request to … Original article on : Postal Service asks regulators for opinion on dropping Saturday delivery.