The Delta Institute Newsblog

Feds: We thwarted potential JFK Airport attack

2007-06-02T23:55:00.000-04:00

Government authorities in New York today announced three arrests in connection to a ongoing investigation of a plot to blow up a 5-mile-long jet fuel pipeline that runs through numerous neighborhoods, all leading to JFK International Airport. The plot wasn't at an operational stage and the planners didn't have any means to execute it at the time they were arrested. ABCNews.com is reporting that the three men arrested may be linked to Adnan Shukrijumah, one of the most-wanted al-Qaeda leaders who has been known to operate out of Guyana and Trinidad, where the suspects have ties. Authorities have confirmed that there are links to a "overseas" terrorist group in this case.

(Click here to read more on this story from the AP)

Claim: "Deal or No Deal" game is illegal gambling

2007-06-02T23:49:00.001-04:00

Four Georgia women have filed a class-action lawsuit against NBC Universal and Endemol USA, accusing them of running an illegal lottery over the airwaves. During the popular game show Deal or No Deal, viewers can "play along" at home, either by cell phone or by the Internet. The Internet site is free; texters have to pay a 99 cent "premium" fee to play. Prizes can be anything between $10,000 to $100,000. The complaint alleges that because of the "premium fee" for a slim chance at winning big money, it constitutes illegal gambling and is "actually a lottery" under at least three different state laws. (Report: TMZ.com)

The Missing Month

2007-03-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, we've been gone for a long time. Yes, this may continue. No, we didn't give up this site for lent. It's just that I've been actually updating my personal blog once again and, well, I'm a full-time college student and I work part-time. Sometimes, you don't have time or willpower to spread yourself SOOO thin on the internet. Not when there's homework to avoid! So I hope you'll forgive our continued absence. I wish there was a way to make it up to you. (Besides back-logging a bunch of post.) In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the day and I hope you enjoy the lastest news, via the links section on the right-hand side of this page. (Those sites are where I find my stories anyways.)

Squirrel attacks 4-year-old over potato chips

2007-02-25T00:11:00.000-05:00

If you had any doubts that squirrels were potentially nasty creatures, perhaps this story will sway your mind one way or another a little bit... In Mountain View, CA's Cuesta Park, a squirrel stole a bad of snack chips from a woman's purse while on a family picnic. The 4-year-old spotted the squirrel eating the family's chips, then did what probably any 4-year-old would do: she went to get back 'her' chips. Unfortunately, the squirrel was not so friendly and started attacking the girl, scratching her face up. Cuesta Park has been the site of multiple squirrel attacks in the past year. Park officials have increased patrols, posting warning signs all over, and euthanizing some of the more "aggressive" squirrels, to the irk and dismay of squirrel lovers everywhere.
(Click here to read the full article from MediaNews)

Genetically-modified embryos could be a reality

2007-02-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

Under new plans laid out by the British government, UK scientist will soon be able to carry out genetic experiments on human embryos for the first time. Under proposed legislation, researchers would be allowed to alter the genetic blueprint of an embryo up to two weeks old. The government says that this isn't about tailoring perfect babies, but about learning about gene manipulation and inherited disorders. And after 14 days the embryo would be destroyed - never having been implanted in the womb - to ensure it can never grow into a genetically-modified baby. So basically, this testing would be "test tube" children, and if an embryo is made the natural way, there is a ban that prohibits experimentation on it.
(To read more on this controversial subject, read the full article by the Daily Mail's Julie Wheldon.)

It's Chicago vs. LA in Olympic Bid Fight

2007-02-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

Chicago and Los Angeles arre taking potshots at each other. More specifically, the Olympic Chiefs of each city are, engaged in a bit of a fued over Chicago's weather. It would seem that Los Angeles has been mocking Chicago for it's 4-seasons weather system, while they live in a perpetual land of summer. Chicago is hitting back, saying that while the weather may not be as ideal, their plan isn't spread out as far as LA's is, and they can provide better security. Meanwhile, LA recently made a comment saying that it seems like the cities are competing for winter games, rather than the summer ones. HA! Of course, the Olympic committee could give the games to some other city like Cape Town or Monterry. The IOC will make a final decision on a host city for the 2016 Summer Games in the fall of 2009.
(Click here to read the full article compiled by Jay Levine of CBS2Chicago.)

Man sets new record - on an elephant's back

2007-02-22T23:48:00.000-05:00

An American man set out to break another world record by doing the most Squat Thrusts recorded in history. And he did it while on the back of an elephant in Thailand. Ashrita Furman is actually no stranger to world records. By his own count, he currently holds 54 records and has held 144 in total, records like the fastest mile balancing a cue pool on his finger. "To me the real beauty of this record is that I did it on the back of a live elephant," he told the Associated Press. "I've had this dream of doing a record on the back of an elephant for many, many years but I've had no way of really accomplishing it until I came to Thailand."
(Click here to read the full article written by the AP's Jerry Harmer and to see photos of this stunt.)

Minors exempt from new U.S. passport rules

2007-02-22T16:39:00.000-05:00

The Bush administration announced on Thursday that children under 18 will not have to have a passport when entering the U.S. at land or sea borders. For kids 15 or younger, they will be able to cross with parental consent, as well as certified copies of their birth certificates. Young adults aged 16-18 traveling with school, religious, cultural or athletic groups and under adult supervision will also be allowed to travel with only their birth certificates. This relaxation in rules comes as a result of Canada and U.S. border states expressing concerns that the stricter passport requirements could hurt legitimate travel and commerce.
(Click here to read the full article written up by Beverley Lumpkin.)

Engineers Warn: 122 levees at risk of failing

2007-02-01T23:14:00.000-05:00

The Army Corps of Engineers issued a warning recently stating that 122 levees from Maryland to California are at risk of failing. Communities near those levees have been notified that the structures have received an "unacceptable maintenance inspection rating," and as such, homeowners could perhaps be required to purchase flood insurance in the future. Leading the list is the State of California, with 37 suspect levees. Washington state came in second with 19 levees. The Army Corps construct levees, but turned most of them over to local communities for upkeep. A reason many of the levees are flagged as "suspect" may just because the local towns lack proper documentation for upkeep, and may not necessarily be neglecting their maintenance duties.
(Click here to read the full article by the AP's Beverley Lumpkin.)

Study: Diet, exercise take off equal pounds

2007-02-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

It's not as simple as you think. We all know that reduced portions and increased exercise is the best way to help keep your body in shape, no matter what those informercials tell you. (Although, they are certianly more attractive to listen to!) Well, the Pennington Biomedical Center, which is part of Louisiana State University, wondered if people could lose more or less calories by dieting or exercise. According to their findings, a calorie is just a calorie and can be lost either way. Also, they concluded that adding muscle mass does not boost metabolism. All it does is increase muscle mass.
(Click here to read the full artilce, written by Reuter's Maggie Fox.)

Memorial Fund for "Earl" Character Helps Make-a-Wish Foundation

2007-01-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, a television character posted on a real-life Internet forum. Then that fictional character died. Now there is a real-life memorial fund set up in his name. On the hit NBC television series My Name is Earl, a character named Josh appeared on the Television Without Pity show forums in 2005, posting somewhat infrequently under the handle "whojackie". On January 18, 2007, an episode of the TV program airs and the Josh character dies in a murhpy bed accident. (Whoops. Uh, spoiler!) The next day, a post from the character Joy, using the "whojackie" account, announces to the "Wide Wide World of Web" that Josh has passed away. That's when someone from Glarkware contacted the Earl series creator, where he pitched treating Whojackie as a 'real' person and creating a WhoJackie Memorial Charity Drive in his honor. The creator said yes, and he chose the charity (Make a Wish) that people could donate to.

So now, you can go and donate money to a fund created for a fictional character, who posted on a website, and whose website now host the fund drive, only the money isn't going to anybody related to the show, but to Make a Wish. It's complicated, contrived, but very clever and a great way to get people involved with a charity.

To read all about this saga, click here for a in-depth explanation from the man who runs Glark Industries.

U.S. warns of Canadian spy coins (Yes, seriously)

2007-01-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Defense Department has cautioned its American contractors about seemingly normal Canadian coins that may have a tiny radio frequency transmitter hidden inside. So far, the high-tech coins have been found planted on U.S. contractors with classified security clearances on at least three separate occasions between October 2005 and January 2006, the government is claiming. The U.S. isn't suggesting who might be behind this latest act of espionage, or even which Canadian coins carried the transmitters. No word yet on if Sydney Bristow or Jack Bauer will be involved in the investigation.
(Click here to read the full article by Associated Press writer Ted Bridis.)

In case you missed it...

2007-01-09T17:24:00.000-05:00

The Delta Institute Newsblog's coverage of the passing away of Gerald R. Ford is now archived, labeled under the category "Gerald Ford". You can access the coverage by clicking on this link.

Ford's Burial: Photo Spread

2007-01-08T23:46:00.000-05:00

He helped heal a nation decades ago, and on January 3rd, Gerald R. Ford brought the nation together once again as he was laid to rest in Grand Rapids, MI. In this final installment in our Gerald Ford series, we're bringing you a series of photographs taken in the city on that day, a eyewitness account of history. With this post, we're not only saying goodbye to this particular series of post, but we're saying goodbye to President Ford as well, by showcasing some of the ceremonies that helped commemorate his life and service.

A view of the motorcade after it had passed by,
en route to Grace Episcopal Church for the final funeral.

Servicemen and women march up alongside the museum grounds,
ready to take their place in advance of the arrival ceremony.

The military stands as attention as the hearse arrives.

Dignitaries and friends of Ford walk around the back of the museum to the tomb site.
(If you click on the image to view it full-size, you can make out the face of current
Vice-President Dick Cheney, and the backside of Donald Rumsfeld's head.)

The Ford family waits for the flag-draped coffin to be taken out of the hearse.

Hidden in the shadows, the Ford family waits as the American flag,
raised to half-mast, towers above them.

The casket is carried down to Ford's final resting place.

Officers representing each branch of the Armed Services
carry the casket along the museum grounds.

A wider view of the ceremony.

Betty Ford is escorted along to the tomb site.

Spectators look off into the distance, hoping to see some
of the proceedings a few yards away.

Smoke rises as the cannons are fired.

The F15 airplanes come flying across the Grand River.

They're closer, now...

Jets go flying by overhead.

And again!

A shot of the one plane that broke away, flying straight up into the sky,
symbolizing a comrade dying and being sent up into the heavens.

The planes continue to fly down the Grand River, past the museum.

A view of the museum from across the river. This is taken at about
the time that they were folding the flag.

And... that's it. Thanks for your patience as I made this site a bit of a "shrine" to coverage of Gerald R. Ford, the only President that America has never elected, a man who never wanted to be President in the first place but who helped move the nation past Watergate, helped America celebrate it's bicentennial birthday, and lived the rest of his years in quiet dignity and peace.

Goodbye, Mr. President.

Ford's Funeral in GR: On-the-scene, Day 2

2007-01-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

I'm going to forgo write-ups for the D.C. and Michigan funeral services... Those happened, you can look through news archives easily enough if you're really interested in what happened there. Since I was able to actually be in downtown Grand Rapids and experience some of the events first-hand, I'd rather talk about that instead of re-wording a wire article, as interesting as that may be. So that's the game plan with this post here.

Since there was a lot happening related to Ford's burial in Grand Rapids, lots of parking lots were free, especially one's near the Presidential Museum. With thousands and thousands of people expected in town, I decided to park away from all those ramps, and instead, parked my car a few blocks away at a church. It was a little bit of a walk, but, not really. Maybe like 5, 6 city blocks away? Nothing bad at all. But keep that in mind for the end of this story, 'kay? 5-6 blocks...

I arrived downtown around 11:30, 12 o'clock, anticipating the motorcade procession. The final funeral was that afternoon and the motorcade would be driving across town to Grace Episcopal Church. Walking up to Fulton Ave., I noticed groups of boy scouts gathering in groups, preparing to salute the motorcade as it drove by. There were hundreds upon hundreds of scouts, most waving American flags. It was an impressive sight, to be sure. But after having the Eagle scouts block my view the day before, I still wasn't exactly in a nice mood towards the scouts. So I made sure I wasn't near any. ^_^

For the "locals", I stood outside the Cottage Bar and Grill for the procession. While I was waiting, I had a group of ladies come and set up some chairs, then asked if I would save their spot while they got some food. Since I was going to be standing there anyways, I was more than happy to oblige. To pass the time, people gathered around that corner started to talk about the ceremonies, and how we wished all schools had off that day so the kids could be allowed to go downtown without getting a tardy.

The thing about a funeral procession for a former President is, it doesn't actually move very slow at all. Seriously, I think I've seen civilian processions move slower. It's boom-bang, the car's gone. You see the hearse? Now you don't! You see Jimmy Carter's vehicle? Now you don't! All in all, it was a pretty quick affair, but still, knowing the history surrounding the motorcade, it was a pretty neat sight to witness. One thing about the motorcade that amuses me is that it has a back-up coffin-car at the end of the procession. I understand that they should "be prepared" and all, but, it seems kind of... weird to have an extra hearse. Are they preparing, in case someone else's number is called? I... don't quite get it.

After the procession was over, I went into the Grand Rapids Public Library to warm up a bit. There's really nothing else to this side-story. Once I was good-to-go I left the premises and walked down to the Ford Museum.

Now, to get to the Ford Museum, you have to walk through the main hallway in the DeVos Convention Center. While it looks really cool through the street, with it's glass windows and unique design inside, it's actually very large and kind of intimidating when you're inside it, especially when there's only a handful of other people in there at the same time. Although, looking at that picture just now, you can kind of imagine that hallway being part of a fancy airport. So now, the Convention Center will now look like a bit of an airport in my mind and I have no one to blame but me. Great.

Having spent a few seconds to walk across the hallway, I walked over to the Gillette pedestrian bridge. (Which, if you stop to read the historical marker, used to be a trolley bridge.) I saw a few media types and took their pictures without permission, which makes me an awful photographer and pretty much goes against at least a dozen ethical standards. I didn't care, which is bad, but I think also means I have the potential to be like the photographer's equivalent of Jack Bauer on 24, breaking all kinds of rules for the greater good. Although, it's kind of hard to compare a government anti-terrorism agent to a photographer. That would be a blog post best suited for Epsilon, I think.

At the end of the bridge, I saw there was a small group of people gathered on the grass, right up against a fence. Intrigued, I decided to do what any sensible person would do in such a situation: stand there. I was only interested in finding out where pedestrians could be, close to the museum grounds, for the proceedings. A few minutes into standing there, I got confirmation that pedestrians could stand right on that little bit of museum ground. So basically, I had a great, almost un-interrupted view of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, on the biggest day in Grand Rapid's history. How cool!

Except, even the best things on earth have a drawback: I had to stand on an incline for a few hours. Standing on hilly ground, that was bound to happen. And unfortunately, the spot I got had maybe a 35, 40 degree incline, which wasn't bad for the first hour, but after a while it became really uncomfortable for my feet. And yes, I had a great view to history and I'm complaining. Shut up. As always, people passed the time by talking to each other and making new friends. This one lady I was standing next to had witnessed a plane crash in Peru in the 90's, had been in a same event as Hugo Chavez and other important Latino leaders, and is a principle at a GR school. I was also next to this family, and I spent some time talking to this younger kid who knew everything there was to know about remote-controlled airplanes, and we discussed how cool it would be to fly some of those around the museum grounds, and then talked about all the possible ways the Secret Service might deal with the planes. (Snipers, guns, bombs, you name it, we covered it.) That was pretty fun, I enjoyed it.

There was this Secret Service agent who was standing right near us, whose name I don't know, and should probably never know, for security reasons, but for this blog, I'll call him Steve. He would come up to us every know and then and chat for a little bit, talking about his job a bit and talking about the weather. He mentioned that when he saw that the weather was 40 degrees, he thought that "oh, I can handle that!", but he didn't see the part about 20-mph winds. Ha! When a family had left for a little bit to get some hot chocolate, he asked them where his hot chocolate was. He even came up to us at one point and told this one lady next to me that he got some new information, and that he was very sorry, but that they decided to move the ceremonies to the back of the museum, so the casket wouldn't be carried by the front. Just as shock started to settle in, the agent smiled and told us that he was joking and wanted us all to make sure that we knew that the Secret Service had a sense of humor. Heh.

We saw the jets in the early afternoon, the one's that would be flying over for the 21-plane salute, but they were just flying by as they were killing time in the air. The funeral started late and went late, so the ceremonies on the museum grounds were pushed back a fair chunk of time.

Basically, we all just stood there for a couple of hours. We saw some military officers practicing walking lock-step, and then later on we got to see the armed forces taking their spots in front of the museum. Which, instantly makes you think that "Oh, somethings going to happen now!" Except, it didn't, not for at least another half-hour. But we had new people to stare at now, which was nice. And since they had to look straight ahead and not flinch a muscle, they couldn't glare back, which was cool. (I felt bad for one officer, who had a coughing fit for about a minute straight. That was uncomfortable to even listen to. But, the officer soldiered through it. Ha!)

(BTW - When I saw "we", I mean myself and the other people in the crowd.)

I'll just flash-forward a bunch of time to when the motorcade arrived, because up until then, it was just standing around as everybody else called people on cell phones to find out where the funeral service was at. So, the motorcade arrived and the hearse went into park, and it was dead silent on the museum grounds. Silence. More silence. And.... more silence. Eventually, I could see some of the dignitaries sneaking around the back of the museum to the grave site. I got a little bit better picture of Carter, but, it was from far away. And if you look closely, you can make out Cheney and Rumsfeld's faces. No important dignitary can hide from my lens! (Should I be speaking like that when writing up my experiences at a burial? Probably not.)

Then, the Ford family came into view over by the hearse. The military band started to play, and let me tell you what: There are some things that can translate to television very well. The military band is not one of them. It is sooo much more powerful hearing them in person, it's crazy. After their two numbers were done, the casket was carried by us, and everybody leaned into take pictures. This is pretty much my view for the whole thing. Of course, I was pretty much taking pictures the entire time, but still, I was *that* close to the casket. And I'll bet you thought that the picture I posted earlier was a wire image...

I was still focused on the casket when I saw that Mrs. Ford was moving on by as well. Not thinking to have my camera on "sport" mode or something fast-acting, my shots of her didn't turn out that great. It was still something to see her and the Ford family, here on the last day of a whirlwind, multi-state funeral tour. I watched them walk down, until they were both too far away for my camera lens, and when they walked past my line of vision. (I had a tree obscuring my view of the tombstone.)

With nobody else walking my way, I walked a few yards back to the Gillette pedestrian bridge, in anticipation of the 21-plane flyover. While on the bridge, I could hear the cannon's firing off and could see the smoke that rose as a result of that salute. Very shortly thereafter, everyone spotted the planes flying in. And... there's no real words to describe that flyby other than awesome. After witnessing part of a State burial, seeing the coffin again, hearing the cannons and seeing and hearing the fly-by, I felt very..... humbled. It was an incredible experience, one that I was very glad to be a part of. It's hard to describe the emotions I was feeling then, and why I was feeling those emotions, but all these elements that you wouldn't think would make you emotional, did. I know I wouldn't have gotten goosebumps by watching it on TV, but in person, I did get goosebumps. It was amazing, simply amazing.

Now, with thousands and thousands of people who are ready to go home, foot traffic was very, very heavy. The parking lots closest to the museum were already backed up with cars wanting to get out, but couldn't because of foot traffic. As I walked back towards the church I was parked at, foot traffic got less and less, until I was the only person on the sidewalk. I decided to take the side streets home, choosing not to join thousands of people staring at each other's bumpers on the highway. I had to wait probably 10 minutes tops because of additional traffic on two streets, but after that, it was pretty much smooth sailing all the way back home. So not only did I witness something historic, but I avoided the heaviest traffic, too. And I got some great pictures out of the whole deal. So, as a photographer and a lover of public events, I was very, very happy. (Yeah, the humility had passed by then.)

And... that's it! I'll post a photo essay later, but then, it'll be updates as normal on this site. Until then, thanks for clicking on and enjoy the day.

Goodbye, Mr. President

2007-01-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

TDIN's coverage may not yet be done, but the ceremonies are. And today, Gerald R. Ford was welcomed back home for one last time. We wish you a fond farewell, Mr. President. Thanks for your years of service to your fellow Americans.

Ford's Funeral in GR: On the scene, Day 1

2007-01-03T01:31:00.000-05:00

Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2007.
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Time spent on location: Approximately ten hours (combined)

I'm going to forgo formality with this report. I could smash it all into an AP-style report, or even make it a nice 5-6 paragraph essay, but instead of using a format that's so... standard, I'll go with the incoherent "stream of consciousness"-style of reporting. It's more interesting that way, I feel. For me, at any rate.

I arrived in downtown Grand Rapids a little bit before noon and was surprised to find that it really wasn't all that busy downtown yet. I walked about to and fro, snapping pictures of the general scenery, plus pictures of all the satellite trucks in town for this event. There were a couple recognizable faces, but for the most part, they were all reporters from out of this television market. And I'll tell you what... For the entire day, the out-of-town guys were WAAAY more into on-the-street interviews than the local guys were. At least, at the certain times I was there, in the certain places I was at.

Around 12:30ish or so, I was walking alongside the Amway Grand Plaza, gawking at a news reporter who was coaxing a couple into being interviewed on-camera. They eventually agreed, and started the interview, when suddenly... There was this loud rumbling. And after a second or two, it became apparent that it wasn't a really loud truck. *SWOOOSH!* Suddenly, two fighter jets could be seen flying across the Grand River. The loud rumble continued. *SWOOOSH!* Another pair flew by. And another. Then another. And for the last set, one plane broke off from formation, put on it's burners and sped away. Goodness, what a noise that was! It was all practice for the 21-plane-salute for Wednesday's ceremonies. But, oh, how fun that was! Without warning, suddenly getting a military fly-over? Totally sweet.

After the noise had faded away, the couple and the reporter continued the interview. (Because I know you were dying to hear the rest of that story.)

A short while after, the Gillette pedestrian bridge (formally a trolley bride, FYI) was closed off and police started emptying out people from the museum grounds. I went up to a officer and asked him where the motorcade would be coming, and he more than helpfully pointed me in a direction where I could stand and get a great view.

I have to stop the story a second and say that the police, secret service and military prescience in Grand Rapids for these ceremonies are the nicest, most-approachable people EVER. It's not sucking up, it's the truth. They are so kind and courteous, it's awesome.

Back to the story, I took my place behind a metal gate right across the street from the Ford Museum and waited for the motorcade. For the sake of pitying the author, I took my spot at 1:00 pm ET, and the motorcade didn't arrive until slightly after 4:00 pm ET. Waiting wasn't too bad, though, as there were some fun people around me who kept a lively conversation. Now, with a gathering of a few hundred people, there's bound to be someone that you *think* you recognize, but you really don't think you know them, but that person looks SO familiar, you just aren't certain. Yeah, I had that during the wait, and, it was kind of driving me crazy. But I never did find that person and ask her, so, who knows?

And those of us who were there early and waited for hours to stake out a spot had a GREAT view of the proceedings. That is, until about 3 pm ET, when the Eagle Scouts took their spot in front of everyone. Everyone (sans me, because, I'm shy) complained bitterly and openly, grumbling that they lost their view. (Those under 5'5 were especially upset) The Eagle Scouts, to their credit, thought that it was stupid as well. They could have been on the museum grounds, or, in a different spot, or, some place other than IN FRONT OF US. But, the Secret Service ordered it, so, they couldn't really go against them.

So when the procession DID arrive (preceded by a MI state police chopper, 'cause.), the cars moved fast. This wasn't a parade, folks. They had a memorial service to attend, for pete's sake! Why go under 15 mph? I did manage to catch a glimpse at the hearse (and the casket inside), and I saw Jimmy Carter. Apart from that, they were all black cars. And after a minute or two, it was done, and that was that.

I didn't stick around for when the processional left, mainly because I was fearing that my legs would literally freeze together. So I waddled back home for a couple hours to warm up, eat dinner and relax for a little bit.

After I accomplished all three of those things, I went back downtown to view the casket lying in repose at the Ford Museum. I got in line at around 7:45, and waited in line for just over four hours. Which, mind you, was actually excellent, because police were warning people that it would be a six hour wait. They must have found a way to speed up the lines, because, four hours is DEFINITELY not six hours. And I heard some people were in line for as long as eight hours. And I also heard a rumour in the crowd that Terry Lynn Land, Michigan's Secretary of State, stood in line with the 'common folk', which I can so totally see her doing, and that makes her even more awesome. If true. Thankfully, I was surrounded by really cool, fun people, none of whom I ever learned their names, but we had a nice time chatting in line. Which was nice, especially when the line was outside, because it was COLD. Not only was it cold, but it was windy, AND the wind is amplified by the Grand River, so... Everyone was complaining. (Like complaining will change anything, but.... It helps relieve short-term stress, so it's worth it.)

For a while, the line to get inside the Ford Museum snakes through the new Convention Center. I made a very crude drawing of how the lines were set up. This stage probably took 1 1/2, maybe 2 hours to get through.

Around midnight, I finally got inside the Ford Museum and viewed the casket laying in repose. The most incredible part of this sight are the guards who are standing at attention. I saw one soldier blink, and that was the only indication I had that they were real, live human beings and not wax statues, because they did not move ONE. MUSCLE. It was really a incredible sight to behold. Even though I probably only saw the casket for about thirty seconds, it was definitely worth the wait. It was pretty awe-inspiring.

I wasn't interviewed by any news media during the entire day, but I saw dozens being interviewed all over the museum grounds and the surrounding area. Maybe on Day 2.

... I *think* that's pretty much all the relevant details from that day. Okay, well, time for some sleep, then I'm back in Grand Rapids on Wednesday to see the motorcade again, and, more importantly, to see the 21-plane fly-over. Enjoy the day!

Exclusive: Photos from the Ford Museum Grounds

2006-12-31T11:31:00.000-05:00

Saturday, December 30th, 2006, I had the opportunity to go to downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan to visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum grounds. The museum will become the epicenter of attention for manypoliticians , dignitaries, media and spectators on Tuesday and Wednesday when the former President will be honored and laid to rest in Grand Rapids. Already the media has begun staking out space, wanting the best backdrop for their live shots on Wednesday. The impromptu memorial has grown in size, now with an abundance of flags, candles, hats, notes, cards and mementos, all commemorating the life of a man who represented the area for over two decades. Even though only a few photos show my name, I did take all of these photos. (I didn't steal them off a wire service, fret not!) I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Grand Rapids.

Gerald Ford's multi-state funeral begins in California

2006-12-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

Gerald R. Ford's flag-draped casket was set insides St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California today. "Hail to the Chief" played as the coffin was removed from a hearse, then "O God Our Help in Ages Past" sounded as military pallbearers carried the coffin inside the church. A private family service was held, followed by a visitation for invited friends. Former Secretary of State George Shultz, former Rep. Jack Kemp and former California Gov. Pete Wilson were in attendance. After the service, Betty Ford left in a motorcade to return to her home in Rancho Mirage, while the closed casket was left on display, expected to draw thousands throughout the day.

On Tuesday, the major stock markets will be closed as part of a national day of mourning. Wall Street has done this since the 1885 burial of President Grant. In Grand Rapids, fighter jets will do a flyover with a "missing man" formation. The family had asked that the flyover be done in Grand Rapids, rather than the nation's capitol, because Ford had spent most of his childhood there, practiced law there and represented the area in Congress for 25 years. The U.S. Postal Service announced that there will be no regular mail deliveries or retail services at offices that day, out of respect for the former President. All other federal agencies will be closed that day as well.

In Grand Rapids, where funeral services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, dignitaries are starting to RSVP for the funeral. One of the military pallbearers will be Donald Rumsfeld, who was Ford's Chief of Staff. Vice-President Dick Cheney will also be attending the service. Former President Jimmy Carter is said to "likely" be attending. British Ambassador Sir David Manning is expected to represent Great Britain at the funeral. Hungary, Thailand, Austria and Finland are also expected to send ambassadors as well. Germany, Portugal, Spain and Sweden will send embassy diplomats or staff. Max van der Stoel, who was the Dutch foreign minister during Ford's administration, will represent the Netherlands under the honorary title of minister of state. (source)

More funeral coverage throughout the coming days. Stay tuned for next week when your editor is hoping to spend time downtown on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing back first-hand accounts and photographs of the ceremonies.

Itenerary for Ford's State Funeral Announced

2006-12-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

Former President of the United States, Gerald Ford, will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, then be entombed in Grand Rapids, MI. For a short period of time as well, the casket will lie in repose outside the doors of both the House and the Senate for a short while, to commemorate his service in the Congress. Ford will become only the 11th President to have lied in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

Similar to plans for Ronald Reagan's farewell ceremonies, the funeral for Ford will take place in three stages. Stage One will occur in Palm Desert, California. Stage Two will occur in Washington, D.C., and the third stage will be in Grand Rapids, MI. The official schedule of events is as follows:

Stage One: California
Friday, December 29, 2006:
12:20 pm PST: Ford's remains will be received with a military ceremony at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, where there will be an arrival ceremony, a private family prayer service and visitation.

Saturday, December 30, 2006:
9 - 9:45 am PST - Ford's remains will lie in repose at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. A Guard of Honor will attend the remains. The public is invited to attend this repose.
9:45 am PST - The casket will depart the church with a ceremony and will be transported to Palm Springs Regional Airport. The public is invited to pay their respects along the motorcade route.
10:15 am PST - Plan departs airport with remains and will be flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

Stage Two: Washington, D.C.
Saturday, December 30, 2006:
5:20 pm EST: President Ford's remains will arrive with a ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base. Casket will then be part of a motorcade en route to the U.S. Capitol. The motorcade will travel through Alexandria, Virginia, in remembrance to Ford's long residence in that city as both a Congressman and as Vice President of the United States. 5:35 pm EST: Motorcade will pause at the World War II Memorial. Veterans of any war, as well as the public, are invited to attend this tribute.
6:30 pm EST: Motorcade will proceed to the U.S. Capitol and be received with a ceremony at the East Steps to the U.S. House of Representatives. The casket will proceed up to the East House Steps in honor of his 24 years as a U.S. Congressman. Former House colleagues will be in attendance.

The casket will then be carried through Statuary Hall, then moved to the Rotunda to lay in State. President Ford's remains will lie in state with a Guard of Honor until Tuesday, January 2 at 9:15 am EST. Public viewing will be allowed during this time.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007:
9:30 am EST: The remains will depart the Rotunda and rest at the closed Senate doors in honor of his service as both Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. The motorcade will then proceed to the Washington National Cathedral, passing the White House en route.
10 am EST: The remains will be received with a ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral. At 10:30 am, a national funeral service will be held.
11:30 am EST: Following the service, the remains will depart with another ceremony. A motorcade will transport the casket from the cathedral to Andrews Air Force Base, with a departure ceremony scheduled for 12:15 pm EST.

Stage Three: Michigan.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007:
2:15 pm EST: President Ford's remains will arrive and be received with a ceremony at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. A motorcade will then move the casket to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for a brief private service. During the service, wreaths will be placed at the casket by the presidents of Yale University and the University of Michigan in honor of Ford's college careers at both institutions.
3:30 pm EST: Service will conclude and President Ford's remains will lie in repose. The public is invited to pay their respects at the museum during repose.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007:
1 pm EST - President Ford's remains will depart the museum with a ceremony and then proceed to Grace Episcopal Church for a private funeral service for invited guests only. The casket will be received with a ceremony at 1:30.
3 pm EST - The remains will depart the church with another ceremony and then proceed back to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for a private interment service, which will last a half-hour.

(Click here to view the official press release page)

Gerald Ford passes away at 93

2006-12-27T00:19:00.000-05:00

Former President of the United States, Gerald Ford, has died at the age of 93. "Our believed husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather has passed away," Betty Ford said in a brief statement issued. "His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country." He was the 38th American President, taking office after Richard Nixon resigned in the midst of the infamous Watergate scandal. Ford has been battling pneumonia since the beginning of the year and has undergone two heart treatments at the Mayo Clinic. He was the longest living president, followed by Ronald Reagan, who also died at 93.

"Our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of lows and not of men. Here the people rule." Known as the "accidental" President, Ford was the only unelected President to serve in office and had the daunting task of unifying the country in the wake of the polarizing Watergate scandal. While in office, Ford pardoned his former boss, Nixon, in a controversial move that he said would help the nation move forward. He was only in the Oval Office for 895 days.

(Click here to visit the Gerald Ford Memorial website for the latest information)

(For a full biography/news article on Gerald Ford, click here)
(Click here for full coverage from Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8)

Services will be held in California, then in Washington, D.C., then Ford will be laid to rest at his museum in Grand Rapids, MI.

President George W. Bush released this statement:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford.
President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On Aug. 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as vice president, he assumed the presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, commonsense and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency.

The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th president will always have a special place in our nation's memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

Nancy Reagan has released this statement:

"Ronnie and I always considered him a dear friend and close political ally."
"His accomplishments and devotion to our country are vast, and even long after he left the presidency he made it a point to speak out on issues important to us all. I know that his early support of stem cell research has been important in getting the U.S. Congress to debate the potential lifesaving cures and treatments that may result."

More updates to come sporadically throughout the coming days...

"Zuzu" celebrates a "wonderful" life at 66

2006-12-23T23:26:00.000-05:00

We're going to borrow a cue from Daryn Kagen and highlight a story that's a little bit inspirational, and something that should hopefully brighten your day a little. Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" so many years ago, is still getting noticed for her role in the story, signing autographs and posing for pictures at the Zuzu Cafe. She is smiling and outgoing, but she would have reason if she were ever to frown.

At age 14, Grimes lost her mother. A year later, her father died in a car accident. In 1989, her 18-year-old son killed himself. Her first husband had died in a hunting accident and her second died of cancer. In 2001, she lost her nest egg in the economic downturn and now relies on these appearances to make ends meet. "You have a choice," she says. "You can drown in your sorrows, be the grumpy old Mr. Potter and be hurt and be in pain ... but I think you need to put that behind you because, my gosh, life is a wonderful gift."
(Click here to read the full profile of Karolyn Grimes, expertly written by the AP's Michael Hill.)

Piergiogio Welby: Died peacefully, or murdered?

2006-12-22T23:39:00.000-05:00

Enter the death of Piergiogio Welby, the most controversial end-of-life ethics case since Terri Schaivo. Welby was a paralyzed Italian author who fought muscular dystrophy. Hooked up to a respirator, Welby, 60, fought with doctors and politicians to be allowed to end his life, even writing a book detailing his thoughts on the subject. Piergiogio Welby's widow is defending the doctor who disconnected his respirator, saying: "For me it was not murder, absolutely. Piero died naturally, falling asleep and giving back his soul to the creator."

The Roman Catholic Church has denied a religious funeral for him, saying that it would treat his public wish to end his life as a willful suicide. Anti-euthanasia campaigners are calling Welby's death a murder. The Vatican, which still has a strong influence in Italian politics, vehemently opposes euthanasia, saying that life must be protected from the beginning to it's "natural" end. The Vicar of Rome said that a religious funeral was denied for Welby because of his "repeated and publicly affirmed" desire to "end his life."

Not too long before Welby's life was ended, a judge in Rome recognized Welby's right to refuse treatment. However, the judge also ruled that there is no law that could "force a doctor to take measures" that would lead to a patent's death, even at the patent's request. Because of this contradiction, basically, the judge said, the doctor can do whatever on earth he feels like.

Piergiogio Welby's life may have been very complicated and complex, but the issues that he raised leading to his death, and the questions asked in his wake, could help to shape the discussion of the right-to-die debates for years to come, for better or for worse.

(Click here to read a article on the subject by the AP's Ariel David.)

U.N. extends mision in Sierra Leone

2006-12-22T23:27:00.000-05:00

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously recently to extend the mandate of their peace building mission in Sierra Leone. Outgoing Secretary General Kofi Annan calls this mission a true success story, as the team helped put the country back on the path to peace after a bloody 11-year civil war which ended in 2002. Britain's U.N. Ambassador Emry Jones Parry said that the council "rightly recognizes the huge steps that Sierra Leone has taken over the past two years," and compared to two years ago, the country has made progress. The mission has 10 military observers, 18 international police officers, and about 130 civilian staff members. The extension keeps the team on through the democratic elections in July, 2007.
(Click here to read more from the article written by the AP's Tracee Herbaugh.)

Al-Qaeda to U.S. Politicians: We Won

2006-12-22T22:48:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that al-Qaeda loves to meddle with American politics. In fact, the appearance of a bin Laden videotape helped ensure a re-election for George W. Bush in the 2004 elections against anti-war advocate John Kerry. And now, al-Qaeda is taking credit for the USA's midterm election results as well. "You aren't the ones who won the midterm elections," said Ayman al Zawahiri in a recent tape released. "Nor are the Republicans the ones who lost. Rather, the Mujahideen - the Muslim Ummah's vanguard in Afghanistan and Iraq - are the ones who won, and the American forces and their Crusader allies are the ones who lost."

*TDIN neither agrees nor disagrees, for the sake of ambiguity. (This isn't a site we're much political commentary is published, so, you'll have to be content to form your opinion without my input this time.)
(Click here to read the rest of the article from ABC News' The Blotter.)

Unemployed German gets haircut, fame

2006-12-16T22:20:00.000-05:00

Henrico Frank has become something of a media celebrity in Germany, all because of a haircut and a shave. Six years ago, Frank lost his job as a construction worker and has been unemployed ever since. Wearing grubby clothes, a pair of nose rings and "a thatch of partially bleached, punk-inspired hair," Frank met up with Kurt Beck, chairman of the Social Democrats. Frank argued about economic reforms and how they haven't actually improved Frank's life. Beck retorted: "If you would just wash and shave, you'd fine a job, too."

So two days later, Frank shaved his hair and beard, removed his nose rings, and organized a news conference. (Because, why not?) "I am ready to change," Frank told reporters. "I'll take any job." And as you'd expect, Beck is planning on presenting Frank with several job offers from various companies. This has worked great for Frank, but not for the other four million people who are left unemployed in Germany. This news conference was supposed to help draw more attention to that problem, but instead, would up proving Beck's point. He did get a haircut and a shave, and it looks like he's getting a job. Problem solved!
(Click here to read the full article written by the AP's Vanessa Gera)

TIME Magazine's 2006 Person of the Year is... You!

2006-12-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

TIME Magazine has unveiled their person of the year for 2006. And who gets this well-known culture award? Everyone. According to the magazine, everyone is coming together as a community and collaborating "on a scale never seen before," in between social sites like Wikipedia, YouTube and MySpace. The current use for the Internet is a tool to bring millions of people together to make small contributions back to everyone else. It's not just "Web 2.0," they say. "It's really a revolution." A mini-revolution that could perhaps include the Twin Institutes, Delta and Epsilon? (Editor: Only if you updated more than once a week!)

Because we're all spending this time networking with the rest of the world on the Internet, TIME magazine has named "You" as the Person of the Year for 2006.
(Click here to read TIME.com's profile of the 2006 Person of the Year.)

Report: AP fabricated source, Mosque masacre made-up

2006-12-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

Did they, or didn't they? That's the question surrounding the Iraqi offices of the Associated Press, where it sounds like they might have made up at least one police officer's name and perhaps fabricated accounts of a horrible scene of death and carnage. The AP has put out a article detailing witness accounts. (Warning: Story contains graphic descriptions)

But this story hasn't become a firestorm among certian bloggers because of what the AP is saying about themselves, it's about what others are saying about the AP. The AP's main source for this particular news story was a "Capt. Jamil Hussein," a man that the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior says is not a Baghdad police officer nor a MOI employee. In other words, the man quoted in the story does not exist, as far as the Iraqi government is concerned. In addition, the American government is denying that it had any operations in the area at the time the article stated, and as such, what the article said happened simply did not.

Who's right? Who's wrong? Is America's main source of news lying about events in the war, or is the government trying to cover-up a terrible violenent event? That's not for TDIN to say. But we can help you to make up your mind on this issue. Below are some suggested sites for continued reading on this complex, troubling scandal.
- AP: Witnesses detail Iraqi burning deaths
- Flopping Aces (Main site that helped break the story)
- Opinion Column: Pro-AP
- Opinion Column: Anti-AP
- Article talking about the whole complicated mess

NYC bans artery-clogging oils from restaurants

2006-12-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

New York City has banned most artificial trans fats oils from restaurants. Restaurants will be required to eliminate these oils by July 2007, with a three-month grace period for those who haven't yet switched. Bakeries will have until July 2008 to find a suitable alternative. Artificial trans fats are created when food processors harden fat to make it more like butter in a process called hydrogenation. This is used to help extend product shelf life and enhance the texture of some foods. Trans fats increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by increasing levels of the "bad" cholesterol, while simultaneously reducing levels of the "good" cholesterol.

Many in the restaurant industry oppose the measure as costly, saying that it should be allowed to voluntarily eliminate trans fats. Lawsuits have been threatened already. Wendy's restaurants have already switched to a different cooking oil, with McDonalds and Dunkin' Donuts already trying out different ways to make their cooking oils healthier for the public.
(Click here to read the rest of the story written by Daneil Trotta for Reuters.)

Church targeted by PETA never used any animals

2006-11-26T23:25:00.000-05:00

Members at Anchorage First Free Methodist Church in Alaska were a little confused earlier this week when they received a e-mail from PETA, chastising them for subjecting animals to "cruel treatment and danger" by using them in their nativity scenes. Except, they don't. In fact, no animals are used at all in their nativity scenes. The people dress up, but the animals are usually done with puppets, or with people in costumes. PETA said that this mistake, this confusion was more or less their fault, citing that the church uses the words "living nativity" on their website, which to them, means animals. That church doesn't even use a real baby to play Jesus - they use a plastic doll. PETA, for their part, says that many animals have died in cruel and unusual ways as a direct result of having to be in a nativity scene.
(For more details on PETA's opinion, and to read the original article, click here.)

Tearoom Tyranny: Protected speech or anarchy?

2006-11-24T23:23:00.000-05:00

Three members of the small Piecemakers religious sect were convicted this weeks of multiple misdemeanor counts for refusing to let health inspectors into their tearooom/craft shop. The leader of the group - a feisty 85-year-old camouflage-clad grandmother - says that the law of God is greater than any law of man. She says that the laws of man have "sucked the substance right out of our country." One Deputy D.A. who knows the case says that he thinks that this isn't necessarily a case of religious persecution, but of a group refusing health inspectors because they know they'd have to pay huge fines. While the Piecemakers group is hardly mainstream, it helps further the debate over what privileges religious groups should or should not have in contemporary society.

U.S. Will Start Passport Requirment for Cross-Contential Travel

2006-11-22T23:59:00.000-05:00

On January 23, 2007, Americans, Mexicans and Canadians will all have to present a passport or other approved documents to enter the United States when arriving by air from North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean and Bermuda. Previously, U.S. and Canadian citizens could enter each other's countries by presenting a birth certificate or driver's license, while some Mexicans could enter with a special border crossing card.

This first phase only affects air travel; by January 1, 2008, similar documents for U.S. citizens will be required when traveling by land or sea. (Click here to read more on this story.)

Coming Back Soon

2006-11-17T23:44:00.001-05:00

We'll be back do at least a story at day soon, hopefully... Fingers crossed!

Are forest fire-fighting strategies changing?

2006-11-08T01:16:00.000-05:00

There's a new strategy when it comes to fighting forest fighters: don't fight it at all. In Idaho, the Payette National Forest is just letting it's forest fire burn, instead of using labor and resources to put out the blaze. The idea is that fire is a "natural part of the landscape" that clears out underbrush and small trees and helps create forest openings in a "mosaic pattern." The Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management now routinely detail management plans that show when and where fires do not have to be fought. The U.S. Forest Service is hoping to increase their "use of wildland fire" over the next few years.
(Click here to read the rest of the article at USAToday.com)

LAPD's new hiring guidelines raise eyebrows

2006-11-05T22:03:00.000-05:00

The LAPD has recently changed their hiring guidelines, which in the past were criticized for being too laz when it came to recruits who had experimented with hard drugs in the past. Under today's roles, if a recruit had a little bit of cocaine in the past, that's fine. Heroin, meth and other "harder" drugs are not, even if it was in the distant past. Critics say that it sends the wrong message to have police officers who have done drugs, while arrested people for doing drugs. LAPD officials say that it's wrong to penalize someone for a mistake they did in the past. KTLA's Eric Spillman has more in the link below.
(Click here to read more on the story.)

Unemployment rate at 5-1/2 year low

2006-11-04T21:55:00.000-05:00

The U.S. unemployment rate fell to a 51/2 year low in October with an additional 92,000 jobs added to the workforce. These numbers coming straight from the U.S. Labor Department which also said that job creation in August and September was far more vigorous than first thought. The national unemployment level is at its lowest rate since it was at 4.3% in May 2001.
(Click here to read more about the jobs report and the economy.)

Russian wants War on (fake) Alcohol

2006-11-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

More than 40,000 Russians die each year from poisonous alcohol substitutes. And one lawmaker has had enough, and he's asking his colleagues to take action. First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who's in charge of improving quality of life and social conditions, said that widespread alcohol abuse is threatening the nation. So to begin, he's asking for help to stop the selling of fake alcohol and fake vodka, which is sold for cheap but often times turns out to be exceedingly dangerous and in many cases, poisonous.
(Click here to read more about Russia's War on Alcohol...)

Woman dies next to her own grave

2006-11-01T15:26:00.000-05:00

Truth can sometimes really be stranger than fiction... A woman in Amsterdam was visiting her husband's grave recently when she suffered a heart attack and died - right next to her own grave. Following the death of her husband, she had meticulously planned her own funeral and even carried a copy of her will around in her purse.
(Click here to read the full story)

Contractor scams plague Katrina victims

2006-10-24T14:22:00.000-04:00

After the wreckage that Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent failure of the levees left behind, there is a lot of opportunity for rebirth in the city. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of opportunity for scammers as well. Unlicensed contractors are going around, pretending to be skilled laborers. They collect down payments on their "services," pretending that they'll rebuild a home, only to never be heard from again. While there are about 20,000 licensed contractors in New Orleans alone, the FBI estimates that there are about that many unlicensed repairmen in the area as well, many of them crooked.
(Click here to read more about the story, and learn why the FBI is involved in the case.)

(Click here for the FBI's page on Katrina investigations.)

Zoo to educate people on poop

2006-10-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

The Miami Metrozoo has opened a new exhibit called "The Scoop on Poop," based on author/photographer Wayne Lynch's book about the way animals and humans use their waste. The exhibit includes information on tribes that use poop to cover their houses, people using it as fuel or fertilizer, and how long it would take an African elephant to excrete the equivalent of your body weight. The zoo spokesman thinks that this exhibit is a "cool message" and that everyone should be more educated on this subject.
(Click here to get the straight poop in the rest of the article.)

Today's "Average American" better now than in "Good Old Days"

2006-10-22T20:40:00.000-04:00

Financial titan Forbes put out a piece over the weekend looking at the "average" American family throughout the century versus 2005. Their conclusion? The "typical family is doing a whole lot better" than in years past, financially speaking. And yet, "Mr. & Mrs. Median" are a lot grumpier than their contemporaries. One reason for that is because people compare their individual fortunes against one another. Even if you make 1% less than the other guy, you feel less important. Or so survey says. It's a very interesting read, and most importantly, it's an easy read too.
(Click here to read the full story)

(Data taken from the Forbes article.)

Standing room only: Fan uses stilts to watch game

2006-10-22T17:34:00.000-04:00

American baseball's most prestigious championship series, the World Series, began this weekend. For one fan who wanted to see the action, he decided that paying the high ticket prices just wasn't for him. Instead, he donned 4-foot stilts and watched the game through the steel gates from the parking lot. 29-year-old Brian Harpster said that he could see the pitching, the outfield and any balls hit in play, though he could not see the batters. In case you were wondering, Harpster stuck with nonalcoholic beer to keep his balance. Which, considering the 7-2 score, we kind of hope we was a Cardinal's fan. If not, I'll bet he was ruing the decision to wear stilts.
(Click here to read the full story)

Brian Harpster on stilts. (Photo taken by AP photographer Jerry S. Mendoza)

Principle resigns after shooting kittens

2006-10-16T23:46:00.000-04:00

Wade Pilloud has resigned as principle of a school in Indus, Minnesota after shooting and killing two orphaned kittens on school property last month. Mr. Pilloud says that he shot the kittens to spare them from starving to death after their mother was killed in an animal trap. "I currently own two [cats] myself," he told a local newspaper. "I am not a cat hater. I did not want the animals to suffer." The former principle could face felony charges of possession of a firearm on school property and reckless discharge of a firearm. The case is currently under review by a court.
(Click here for more details, info and insight on this story.)

When it comes to flu shots, the earlier, the better

2006-10-14T22:09:00.000-04:00

It's that time of the year as we anticipate kids sledding and building snowmen. But with the winter wonderlands come the winter flu's, causing us to feel ill, miss work and wait in the doctor's office for medication. One way many people avoid that hassle is to get a flu shot. If you are one of those people, experts advise that you don't wait until the season is in full swing to get immunized. Instead, get a shot in October or November, when flu shots are readily available.
(Click here to read the full story.)
(Click here for info on influenza from WebMD.)

Same-Sex Schools on the Incline

2006-10-13T23:21:00.000-04:00

Today, same-sex public schools are becoming popular again. And the debate is starting up, again, on whether or not it's good to separate the sexes when it comes to educating America's youth. FOXNews.com has a interesting look at a popular all-girls inner-city school that is praising the benefits of such a system, but you also get the other side that says that neither gender learns from one another. Are the studies really true, that students who attend same-sex schools do better? Or do they hurt their chances for becoming well-meaning, productive members of society?
(Click here to read the article for yourself. Then, if you're really worked up, we'll take your comments here. We'd love to hear your opinion.)

Air Force memorial dedicated this weekend

2006-10-13T16:24:00.000-04:00

At long last, there is now an official memorial for the men and women of the Air Force. Located in Arlington, Va., the memorial features three stainless steel spires that soar skyward, the tallest of which reaches 270 feet. The memorial was designed by James Ingo Freed and is meant to be representative of "flight and the flying spirit of the Air Force." A picture of the new memorial is attached below.
(Click here for more information on the Air Force Memorial, including trivia, pictures, information
about Air Force heroes, how to donate to the Air Force Memorial Foundation, and more.)

(Photo taken by Reuters photographer Larry Downing)

Indicted American traitor added to FBI's most-wanted list

2006-10-11T23:35:00.000-04:00

Back in July we told you about a missing American who resurfaced as a top propagandist for al-Qaeda. Just recently, the FBI added this man, Adam Gadahn, to its list of most wanted terrorist. In addition, the State Department is offering a $1 million reward for his capture. Gadahn was also indicted for treason by a federal grand jury in California. Gadahn is believed to report directly to Usama bin Laden's right hand man, Ayman al Zawahiri.
(Click here to read the full story)

Pink prison makes inmates blush

2006-10-11T22:48:00.000-04:00

The Mason County, Texas jail is old of the oldest working jails in the state. It has a capacity of five inmates, but is currently exceeding that limit with eight total staying at the prison. And that jail gets a lot of repeat offenders and people looking for a free meal ticket. So what did the officers decide to do to help deter inmates? They made everything pink. The jumpsuits are pink. The slippers, sheets, bars, walls, everything is pink. The sheriff says that even if it helps deter one or two people from coming back, that this experiment has been a success.
(For inmate reaction to the pink jail, click here to read the full story)

Study: African dust may impact hurricane activity

2006-10-11T01:04:00.000-04:00

Dust storms that swirl out of Africa's Sahara Desert may help reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, a new, non-conclusive study reports. A team of researchers who are over in Africa have been studying the weather for months, seeing how it impacts the Atlantic hurricane season. They say that when Africa has had more African dust kicked around that there have been fewer tropical storms. Years with less dust had more storms. The team is now studying that correlation in more detail, to see if there is in fact a strong link between the Sahara dust and hurricane activity.
(Click here to read the full report)

B-52's, Jimmy Buffet sell ringtones

2006-10-11T00:37:00.000-04:00

When it comes to music sales, there is no greater market around than that of ringtones. And so it's be natural to assume that hip-hop and R&B songs would be the most popular ringtones around. Well, not exactly. Acts like Devo, the B-52's, the Ramones and Jimmy Buffett are selling quite well in the ringtone marketplace. And as such, music companies are now digging into their vaults to add older artists to the mobile catalogs. What's old is new again as we see a little bit of history repeating, right here on our cell phones.
(Click here to read more details in the full article)

Should cancer-striken cult leader be released from parole?

2006-10-07T07:20:00.000-04:00

Throughout the week we bring you stories of interest to your life, your money, your well-being. Now, we want to hear your thoughts. Every now and then we're going to bring you a very interesting, perhaps polarizing news story. Sometimes, the answers will be easy. Sometimes, they won't be. However, once you read both sides of the story, you'll understand and sympathize with the moral dilemmas found by the two parties, as we find in this week's case.

Yahweh Ben Yahweh is a former cult leader linked to nearly two dozen gruesome killings in the 1980's. He was the leader of the "Nation of Yahweh," where he emphasized racial supremacy and violent separatism. He preached that God was black and blacks would become powerful through him. Whites, in his eyes, were infidels and oppressors. He had a cult following so loyal that they pledged to kill his enemies for him. He became the living messianic ruler of his culture and those who dissented could face beatings or, allegedly, death. Yahweh Ben Yahweh served 11 of an 18-year federal prison sentence for a racketeering conviction stemming from his role in up to 23 murders.

Currently, Yahweh Ben Yahweh is out on parole, with his activities heavily restricted. He is prohibited from reconnecting with his old congregation. He is restricted from using the telephone, computer, radio or television, anything that could place him in contact with a member of his cult.

70-years-old, he has advanced cancer which is attacking nerves. According to his doctor, Wynne A. Steinsnyder, he is "now unable to walk due to bone and nerve involvement by the danger. His prognosis is extremely poor and death appears imminent." Attorney Jayne Weintraub says that her client is "not a risk of flight. He is not a danger to the community. He is frail and he is dying." The Parole Commission, which has discretion on whether or not to end parole after five years, will discuss this case on October 19. But that process could take weeks, if not months. So Weintraub wants a judge to speed up the process because she says that being on parole is causing stress that his hampering his cancer treatment.

The lawyers say that Yahweh Ben Yahweh is "entitled to, and greatly desirous of, the simple dignity of being permitted to die a free man, not a parolee." In closing, his lawyers point out that Yahweh has complied to all degrees of the parole and hasn't had one violation.

He is dying, and by all accounts, will die of cancer. But has he served his debt to society already? He did spend time in prison and has been on parole for five years. Is he a threat to society?

What say you? Obviously, we're all on the outside looking in on this case, but what do you think should happen here?

Prosecutors: 18-year-old conned elderly man of thousands

2006-10-06T22:12:00.000-04:00

Confidence men can be any race, height, gender or weight. Or of any age, as prosecutors in Queens are claiming. Natasha Marks is accused of conning a man - 83 at the time - when she was only 18. The two met outside a supermarket and bonded. During their relationship, Marks is accused of talking the elderly man out of "hundreds of thousands of dollars," claiming she needed to pay medical bills.
(Click to read the full story)

4 dollar prescription plan to roll out across Florida, nation

2006-10-05T23:21:00.000-04:00

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will soon offer $4 prescriptions for some generic drugs in most states within a few months. This after a test run in Tampa, Florida was so successful that Wal-Mart executives moved up the low-cost program ahead of schedule, to catch up with demand. The test will expand all across Florida by January and nationally next year. Target Corp., the country's number two discounter - behind Wal-Mart - said that it would match its rival's low prices for the statewide program.
(Click here to read more from this story)

Property taxes highest in New York-New Jersey area

2006-10-05T00:15:00.000-04:00

A study by the U.S. Census Bureau came out recently, revealing which of the 775 most populated counties in the nation pay the highest property taxes. More than half of the top 35 counties on the list are in New York. New Jersey has the second highest rate. Westchester county, the most expensive, has homeowners paying an average of nearly $7,400 a year in property taxes. Niagara, Monroe, Onondaga, Wayne and Chautauqa counties round out the top five.
(Click to read the full story)

Building changes address from '666' to '600'

2006-10-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

Chicago is now a little less scary for many folks... For the folks who worked for Wheaton Park District, everyone always had an easy time remembering the address to their administration building: 666 S. Main Street. But several months ago, the building's address was quietly changed from 666 to 600. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that many vendors, suppliers and people were uncomfortable mailing to the address, because of the number 666. (Click to read the full story)

Michigan wine sales continue to increase

2006-10-04T12:49:00.000-04:00

Michigan wine sales are increasing by 9% on average every year. In the past year, two new wineries have opened in Berrien County, with owners saying that the areas are great fruit growing regions. Overall, there were 670 acres of wine grapes in southwest Michigan's region in 2003, a 7% increase from 2000. The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry will take another count this January, so expect some new acreage numbers will be out in 2007. (Read the full story)

Woman charged in connection with failed London bombings

2006-10-04T00:33:00.000-04:00

An 18-year-old woman was charged recently in connection with a failed attempt to bomb London in 2005, two weeks after the deadly 7/7 attacks. The teenager has not bee named yet. As of the date of publication for this blog, the woman is due to appear in front of a court to hear her charges. The charges include "knowing or believing" one of the men behind the July 21 plot and is accused of having information that was helpful to that man's arrested, but failed to tell authorities "as soon as reasonably practicable." The two men who were arrested alongside the woman last week were released without charges. (Read the full story)

Gitmo inmates are gaining weight

2006-10-03T23:42:00.000-04:00

At Camp X-Ray in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, inmates meals total 4,200 calories per day, well above the 2,000-3,000 calories recommended by U.S. government guidelines. Inmates can eat whatever they want to. And one has. In fact, he's almost doubled in weight since he's arrived, now weighing in at 410 pounds.

Some human rights groups attribute the weight gain to a lack of exercise. The U.S. military insists that it tells the detainees that they are offered more food than is necessary, and that if they eat it all that they will gain weight. Most detainees were slightly underweight when they were captured. Since then, prisoners have gained an average of 20 pounds.
(For more details, read the full story)

Group: Housing prices expected to fall

2006-10-03T23:17:00.000-04:00

Moody's Economy.com, a private research firm, is projecting that housing prices will decline in more than 100 metropolitan areas, with the Northeast, Florida and California being hit the hardests. Median sales prices will decline, they project, by 3.6 percent in the next year. If this prediction becomes true, which we must stress that it's only an well-educated guess, it would be the first decline for an entire year in home prices since the Great Depression in the 1930's. (Read the full story)

Where's the Weekend Recap?

2006-10-01T14:21:00.000-04:00

After a couple weeks of negotiations, long hours and too many Dominos pizzas, the Weekend Staff has decided that simpler is better when it comes to our recaplets. So instead of clogging up the main page with flashy graphics and mindless filler, we're just going to give you the bare bone facts. And you no longer have to go searching for the information you want. Over the weekend and the first part of the week, the box office and stock information will be located at the top of the sidebar. It's cleaner, simpler and requires about an hour less amount of work for me to do. And that, my friends, it news worth noting. (Hey, I had to work that graphic into here somehow.)

Government report: Food ilnesses decline

2006-09-30T20:59:00.000-04:00

Forget the recent E. coli outbreak in certain kinds of spinach - food is safer now than at any other time in the last decade. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food-related illnesses are occurring at record-low rates. The reasons for the downfall in illnesses seem to be common sense. Not only are consumers handling food better at home, industry controls and inspections have become tighter and safer. The meat and poultry industry, according to the CDC, has made tremendous strides over the past couple of years. (Read more of this story)

Window's on the World vet's keep moving forward

2006-09-29T01:46:00.000-04:00

USA Today's Jerry Shriver recently caught up with a few of the cooks who lost their jobs at the iconic Windows on the World dining complex of the former Twin Towers in New York City. The iconic restaurant - known for it's views and cuisine - employed 450 people. 72 people died in the attack. The attacks changed us all, and these people are no exception to the rule.

One person went into a deep depression and now after seeking therapy has published a book and oversees a wine group. Another is opening a high-profile steakhouse in downtown NYC. The other person profiled not only opened a restaurant with former Windows employees, but has made it into a huge co-op. These three people who are profiled in the web piece are only a few of the tens of thousands who have stories to tell from that day onward. But we bring this to your attention not only because it's an inspiring read, but because it's helpful to see healing. As New Yorkers, there is healing starting to take place. And as a nation, we are moving onwards. We may have our pauses and our setbacks, but there is no doubt that as a nation we are moving forward.

Famed "Tokyo Rose" dies at age 90

2006-09-27T15:46:00.000-04:00

Iva Toguri D'Aquino died yesterday afternoon in Chicago at the ripe old age of 90. D'Aquino, a Japanese-American, was convicted and later pardoned of being the well-known WWII propagandist "Tokyo Rose." During the war, Japan's propaganda campaign included a character known as Tokyo Rose whose purpose was to demoralize U.S. troops by emphasizing the hardships that they faced in the Pacific. (There's no evidence that it worked.) While more than one person is thought to be responsible for the broadcasts, D'Aquino became the best known thanks to her signing contacts with two reporters under the name "Tokyo Rose".

D'Aquino was convicted of treason in 1949 for her role in the Japanese war effort. President Ford pardoned her in 1977 after an investigation revealed that witnesses in her case had been pressured to lie. For her part, D'Aquino later acknowledged working on the radio broadcasts but denied being the voice of Tokyo Rose. (Read more)

Taliban to ABC News: Bin Laden is Alive

2006-09-27T15:33:00.000-04:00

ABC News was recently contacted by the Taliban's top military commander, Mulla Dadullah Akhund. In this surprising phone call, the American news agency's reporter Rahimullah Yusufzai, Dadullah reportedly told them that Osama bin Laden is "all right" and in good health. "He is safe." Dadullah would not disclose where he was calling from.

When asked for evidence that UBL is alive, Dadullah said that there is a possibility of a new tape being sent out. While UBL has released sporadic audiotapes throughout the summer, his last videotape was in October 2004, days before the U.S. presidential elections. Dadullahs statements, if true, refute a widely criticized - and unbelieved - report that the terrorist mastermind died from a serious bout of typhoid.

Homeless World Cup begins in Cape Town

2006-09-24T21:56:00.000-04:00

Nearly 500 alcoholics, drug addicts, orphans and vagrants get to show off a side of them that most people wouldn't necessarily expect from them this week in South Africa. And that's all thanks to the Homeless World Cup which is kicking off it's week long festivities this week in Cape Town. Thousands are expected to gather to salute a flag parade with teams from 48 nations. The United States, Liberia, Australia, Britain, and Afghanistan are among the participants.

The event was started when someone had the idea to start soccer teams among the social outcasts to help instill a sense of pride and discipline, which in turn helps them overcome problems in their regular lives. According to surveys, 94% of the athletes in last year's tournament reported a new motivation in life. 62% were coping better with alcohol and drug dependency, 40% had better housing, 38% held regular jobs and 28% resumed their education.

Read the story - HomlessWorldCup.org - News Wire

Anybody home here?

2006-09-24T21:50:00.000-04:00

Oh. It's been a while since I've updated. Whoops! Looks like I owe you some box office graphics... I'll get going on that soon. I may have to cancel the weekend features, due to time restraints. I'll see how it goes over the next couple of weeks, but those "signatures" may just be the latest victim of the dastardly villain known as homework. In the meantime, I'll try to update at least once a week with a story from below the fold. I promise.

Short Ends: No more Hitler's Cross in India

2006-09-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Short Ends, TDIN's periodical glimpse at the wide web world around us. From the serious to the absurd, this is a headline update like you've never had before. If it's above the fold, chances are it won't be in here. We strictly want to bring stories to your attention that you probably have not heard of, but are gripping tales nonetheless.

A one-time Florida chemistry student who defected to al-Qaeda is still eluding U.S. authorities. Adnan El' Shukrijumah has learned to use explosives and firearms in terrorist training camps and is considered to be a very dangerous person by the FBI. El' Shukrijumah was hand picked by al-Qaeda leaders to team up with Jose Padilla to blow up large apartment buildings using natural gas lines. El' Shukrijumah currently has a five million dollar bounty on his head. (Read)

Ethiopia has granted amnesty for the first time never to 263 prisoners in Addis Ababa, commuting the death penalty for 11 of them, state media reported recently. The rest of the inmates received reduced prison terms to mark the Ethiopian New Year, which fell on Monday. Convicted rapists and those convicted of corruption did not receive amnesty. (Read)

The owner of the restaurant called Hitler's Cross Cafe in India has agreed to change the name. Swastikas used on the menus and ads will also be removed. The owner agreed to change the name after meeting with Jewish leaders in Mumbai. "They told me how the name hurt them so I'm changing it," owner Puneet Sablok said. "I never wanted to hurt anyone." (Read)

Heat and drought are threatening the prestigious lawns of Britons all across the United Kingdom. To help, the Guardian Unlimited recommends not cutting the grass too short and to avoid walking on it too much during drought to reduce the damage done during the summer months. And then when it rains again, it will be back to it's perky self (Read)

Finally, Japan's Prince Akishino has named his new son Prince Hisahito. The name was given during a traditional royal ceremony, held on the seventh day after his birth. It is the first heir born to the throne in nearly 41 years. And Prince Hisahito already stands third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Both mother and child are in good health.

A September 11, 2001 Timeline

2006-09-11T07:32:00.000-04:00

On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever. Hijackers took control of four airliners and changed course to hit the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon and White House in Washington, DC. Three of the four planes hit their targets, while the last was stopped before it could hit it's intended target. Thousands died that day. Hundreds were wounded while millions were impacted by the horror and terror of that morning but moved and inspired by the heroism and patriotism that came out of that awful morning. Below is a timeline of the events that look place that morning. As a nation we made a vow that very day to never forget. Well, five years later, we still haven't forgotten.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

The day was like any other. No national holiday, nothing. Just another day of school, another day to go to work. Many people walked into World Trade Center 1 & 2, the New York landmark "Twin Towers". 9/11 was declared an International Day of Peace by the United Nations. It was a very peaceful day in lower Manhattan, with "severe" blue skies, when the United States was ultimately plunged into a war like no others. The following is a time-line of the events that have happened. Most events are right on time, though some you might find a one or two minute difference, due to different clocks.(All times: EDT)

5:45 AM - Mohamed Atta and Abdulaziz Alomari pass through a security check in Portland, Me., preparing to board a flight that will take them to Boston.

6:00 AM - President George W. Bush awakes at the Colony, a tennis resort in Longboat Key, Florida.

6:00 AM - Primary Day election polls for mayor and other positions open in New York. Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani cannot run again, owing to term limits.

6:32 AM - The sun rises over New York City, with blue skies, and slight wind. The temperature was about 66 degrees, and would stay there from pretty much the rest of the day.

8:14 AM - United Airlines Flight 175, a Boeing 767 departs from Boston to Los Angeles, with 56 passengers, 2 pilots, and 7 flight attendants. It will fly west-south-west into Connecticut then south towards Washington, D.C.

8:00 AM - American Airlines Flight 11 departs from Boston to Los Angeles with 81 passengers aboard, with 2 pilots, and 9 flight attendants aboard. It will fly west out of Massachusetts and north-west into New York, in the direction of Albany.

8:13 AM - Boston Control Center makes radio contact with American Flight 11: BCC: “AAL11 turn 20 degrees right.” AAL11: “20 right AAL11.”font> BCC: “AAL11 now climb, maintain FL350[35,000 feet].” BCC: “AAL11 climb, maintain FL350.” BCC: “AAL11 Boston.”’ont>

8:14 AM - Boston Control Center: Controller A: “AAL11, ah, the American on the frequency, how do you hear me?” Controller B: “This is, uh, Athens.”
A: “This is Boston. I turned American 20 left and I was going to climb him. He will not respond to me now at all.”
B: “Looks like he’s turning right.”
face="arial">A: “Yea, I turned him right.” B: “Oh, O.K.” A: “And he’s only going to, um, I think 29.” face="arial">
B: “Sure, that’s fine.”
A: “Eh, but I’m not talking to him.”
B: “He won’t answer you. He’s nordo[no radio] roger. Thanks.”

>nt face="arial">8:20 AM - American Airlines Flight 77 departs Washington's Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles, with 58 passengers, 2 pilots, with 4 flight attendants aboard.font>
>
8:24 AM - Boston Control Center is contacted by the hijackers who took over American Flight 11: “We have some planes. Just stay quiet and you will be O.K. We are returning to the airport. Nobody move, everything will be O.K. If you try to make any moves, you’ll endanger yourself and the airplane. Just stay quiet.”

8:25 AM - The control tower notifies several air traffic control centers that a hijacking is in progress. 8:25 AM - American Flight 77 is instructed to climb to 27,000 feet.

8:28 AM - American Airlines flight 11 takes a sudden turn south of Albany. This is probably the point were the hijackers took over control of the plane.

8:31 AM - United Flight 175 makes contact with Boston control center.

8:33 AM - Hijackers voices on Flight 11: “Nobody move please, we are going back to the airport. Don’t try to make any stupid moves.”

8:35 AM - The Federal Aviation Administration alerts NORAD that American Flight 11 has been hijacked after taking off from Boston.

8:37 AM - A flight controller ask pilots to look for a lost American Airlines plane: “Do you have traffic? Look at, uh, your 12 to 1 o’clock at about, uh, 10 miles southbound to see if you can see an American seventy sixty seven out there please.”
United Airlines 175: “Affirmative. We have him, uh, he looks, uh, about 20, yeah, about 29, 28,000.”
Controller: “United 175, turn 5 turn 30 degrees to the right. I [want to] keep you away from this traffic.”

8:37 AM - American Flight 77 is instructed to climb to 39,000 feet, but the pilot request and is granted a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

8:39 AM - Two F-16fighter jets are scrambled from Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Though they are airborne by 8.39 they had only six minutes before impact - not enough to intercept the kamikaze aircraft piloted by John Ogonowski, 50, a Vietnam veteran, and Captain of Airlines Flight 11. They scramble because Captain Ogonowski had the ability to activate a "push-to-talk" button intermittently so that the authorities on the ground can listen to the horrific events unfolding on board.

8:41 AM - UA175: “We figured we’d wait to go to your center. We heard a suspicious transmission on our departure out of Boston. Someone keyed the mike and said, ‘Everyone stay in your seats.’ Did you copy that?” The airplane turns toward the southwest, with clearance from air traffic control.

8:42 AM - 41 minutes late, United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, with 38 passengers, 2 pilots, and 5 flight attendants aboard leave Newark, New Jersey, for San Frisico, and is hijacked right after takeoff. It will reach Cleveland, Ohio, before turning around and heading toward Washington D.C.

8:43 AM - The FAA notifies NORAD that United Flight 175 from Boston to L.A. has also been hijacked.

8:46:26 AM - American Airlines Flight 11, with 92 people aboard, heading from Boston to L.A. plummeted into the North World Trade Center tower, one of the famous Twin Towers which loomed over New York City. A loud explosion was heard, but not seen by too many. Smoke poured out in an instant, and speculation was just a distracted pilot, who might of been busy looking at the sights around, rather than looking ahead of him.

8:50 AM - President George W. Bush arrives at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida. 8:50 AM - Last contact with American Flight 77.

8:53 AM - Controller, referring to UA175: “We may have a hijack. We have some problems over here right now.” 15 planes, including Flight 93 are informed that there has been a cockpit intrusion on another United flight.

9:00 AM - White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card whispers word to the President of the First Plane Crash

9:00 AM - Last radar reading for United Airlines Flight 175 observed an altitude of 18,000 feet as the flight is descending at a ground speed of 550 miles per hour.

9:02 AM - On a second call to American Airlines, concerning Flight 77, the controller says, “We, uh, we lost track of the guy. He’s in coast track but we haven’t - we don’t know really where his target[radar location] is, and we can’t get a hold of him. Um, you guys tried him and no response ... Yeah, we have no radar contact and, uh, no communications with him, so if you guys can try again.”
Dispatcher: “We’re doing it.”
Controller: “All right. Thanks a lot.”

9:02:54 AM - United Airlines Flight 175, with 65 people aboard flew right through the South Twin Tower, World Trade Center 2, right on live television. Yes, right through. The nose was clearly visible right before flames engulfed it, in a horrific explosion. This explosion was caught by essentially every camera in New York City, trained on Tower 1. -

9:06 AM - Controllers talks about AAF77: “You guys never been able to raise him at all.” Another controller: “No, we called company. They can’t even get a hold of him. So there’s no, no radar, uh, no radio communications and no radar.”

9:05 AM - The President is sitting in with a second-grade class when Andrew Card whispers to him that yet another airplane has struck the Twin Towers.

9:08-9:11 AM - Departures for planes heading toward New York City are stopped.

9:09 AM - Mayor Giuliani is racing downtown in his limousine, having received words moments after the first attack. He checks in at a fire command post in the World Trade Center. Giuliani and aides then make their perilous way a block north to set up a communications center at 75 Barclay Street, but debris cascading from the ceiling forces them to seek another location.

9:12 AM - Bush leaves the school and is in touch with New York officials as well as Vice President Dick Cheney.

9:17 AM - FAA shuts down all New York City airports, in fear of other plane crashes.

9:20 AM - The FBI announces that reports of planes being hijacked are under investigation, including one that American Airlines Flight 767 has been hijacked.

9:21 AM - All bridges and tunnels leading in and out of New York City are closed by Port Authority officials.

9:21 AM - The FAA stops takeoffs nationwide, an historic move that has never before been done.

9:24 AM - The FAA notifies NORAD that a third jet, American Airlines Flight 77, has been hijacked.

9:22 AM - American Airlines acknowledges one of its flights, Flight 11, crashed into the World Trade Center.

9:25 AM - The New York Stock Exchange delays all trading.

9:25 AM - An controller observes American Flight 77 moving towards Washington.

9:27 AM - New York City airports are shut down.

9:28 AM - First audible sign of problems are heard in background cockpit noise of Flight 93.

9:29 AM - First reports of casualties indicate that at least six people are dead and 1,000 injured.

9:30 AM - President Bush is briefed by National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice.

9:31 AM - President Bush, in Sarasota, Fl, says this: Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult moment for America. I, unfortunately, will be going back to Washington after my remarks. Secretary Rod Paige and the Lt. Governor will take the podium and discuss education. I do want to thank the folks here at Booker Elementary School for their hospitality. Today we've had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country. I have spoken to the Vice President, to the Governor of New York, to the Director of the FBI, and have ordered that the full resources of the federal government go to help the victims and their families, and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks who committed this act. Terrorism against our nation will not stand. And now if you would join me in a moment of silence. May God bless the victims, their families, and America. Thank you very much.

9:30 AM and following - Several phone calls are made on Flight 93, informing loved ones of what is going on.

9:32 AM - The New York Stock Exchange is closed, along with all financial markets in the U.S.

9:33 AM - A flight controller informs Operational Supervisor, who in turn informs the Secret Service about Flight 77. The aircraft is observed completing a right 360-degree turn, just south of the Pentagon.

9:35 AM - Manhattan is sealed off, as a total evacuation of the World Trade Center area is underway.

9:35 AM - NORAD launches two F-16 fighters from Langley Air Force Base to intercept Flight 77.

9:35 AM - Flight 93 begins an unauthorized climbs, raising concerns that it may have been hijacked.

9:36 AM - National Airport instructs a military C-130 that had just departed Andrews Air Force Base to intercept and identify Flight 77. The C-130 reports that it is a Boeing 767, moving low and very fast.

9:38 AM - American Airlines Flight 77, with 64 people aboard, en route Washington DC to L.A. was headed toward 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, when it suddenly changed course, and circled D.C, before slamming into the newly renovated West Side of the Pentagon.

9:40 AM - FAA grounds all US Air Traffic. All planes were ordered to land at the nearest airport. This is the first time in FAA history in which they have grounded all planes in the United States of America.

9:43 AM - Abu Dhabi TV reports a call from the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine claiming responsibility for directing two planes into the WTC. However, officials of that group later deny making that claim.

9:45 AM - The White House is evacuated.

9:45 AM - The FAA orders all aircraft to land as soon as possible.

9:48 AM - The U.S. Capitol is evacuated after bomb threats. Other federal building in D.C. close.

9:55 AM - Scrambled fighter jets reach D.C. area.

9:57 AM - President Bush departs from Florida. He calls Vice-president Dick Cheney and puts America’s military on high alert.

9:58 AM - An emergency dispatcher in Pennsylvania receives a call from a passenger on United Flight 93 out of Newark who says, “We are being hijacked, we are being hijacked!”

10:00 AM - A controller observes Flight 93 is at or around 7,500 feet. 10:00 AM - Aboard Air Force One en route to Louisiana, Bush calls Vice President Cheney and puts America’s military on high-alert status. The President sifts through updates from his staff, including an erroneous report that a car bomb has been detonated at the State Department.

9:59:04 AM - In the midst of confusion, something awful occurred. One of the World Trade Center Towers, one of the Twin Towers, a landmark in New York City, crumbled to the ground in an impressive display of smoke and soot.

10:03 AM - Unconfirmed rumor of State Department fire in Washington, which is later proved false.

10:08 AM - Secret Service agents armed with automatic rifles are deployed to Lafayette Park located across from the White House.

10:05 - Witnesses see United Airlines Flight 93 coming in low.

10:06 AM - United Airlines Flight 93, with 95 people aboard went down in Pennsylvania. All that remained was a crater, and small pieces of debris.

10:10 AM - A portion of the Pentagon caves in.

10:10 AM - FBI headquarters evacuated.

10:10 AM - FAA orders all planes to land at nearest airports.

10:12 AM - UK Prime Minister Tony Blair describes the attacks in the United States as "the most terrible shocking event".

10:13 AM - United Nations evacuated.

10:17 AM - Reports of explosion at Capitol Hill denied.

10:20 AM - Financial Markets shut down, including the Stock Market.

10:20 AM - All Subway systems shut down.

10:22 AM - State & Justice departments evacuated, along with the World Bank.

10:24 AM - FAA diverts transatlantic flights to Canada.

10:25 AM - A car bomb is said to have gone off outside the State Department. Also false.

10:28:31 AM - Caught up in the smoke of the fallen WTC. tower, people screamed and ran for cover as the remaining tower, which carried the main television antennae for New York City, imploded, falling to the ground, resulting in impressive video camera footage of people running, and the very high clouds of smoke, dust, and soot rounded corners, and seemingly chased people through the streets. With both towers collapse, women ditched their high heels in the streets, in order to run faster.

10:30 AM - New York Governor George E. Pataki declares a state of emergency.

10:30 AM - The United States Capitol evacuated.

10:41 AM - The President, aboard Air Force One, which is headed toward Jacksonville, with join up with jets to provide air cover. On the phone from a protected area of the White House, President Cheney presses Bush not to return quickly to Washington.

10:45 AM - All federal buildings in DC evacuated.

10:46 AM - U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell cuts short his trip to Latin America to return to the United States of America.

10:47 AM - Trading in Toronto and London halted.

10:48 AM - Police confirm a plane crash in Pennsylvania.

10:50 AM - Reports come in of a second Pentagon attack.

10:53 AM - Fighter jets scramble to intercept the so-called “second attack”, which is later proved false.

10:50 AM - All DC Museums and monuments shut down.

10:53 AM - NYC’s primary elections, scheduled for today, are postponed.

10:54 AM - Israel evacuates all diplomatic missions.

10:55 AM - More reports come in of plane crash in Pennsylvania.

10:57 AM - NY Governor George Pataki says all state government offices are closed.

11:00 AM - New York Hospitals receiving hundreds of patients.

11:00 AM - United Airlines confirms loss of second 767.

11:00 AM - Yasser Arafat condems attacks.

11:00 AM - New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani calls for evacuation of lower Manhattan, talks of "horrendous" loss of life.

11:02 AM - New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani urges New Yorkers to stay at home and orders an evacuation of the area south of Canal Street.

11:08 AM - Canada shuts down all airports.

11:16 AM - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing emergency-response teams in a precautionary move.

11:18 AM - American Airlines reports it has lost two aircraft. American Flight 11, a Boeing 767 flying from Boston to Los Angeles, had 81 passengers and 11 crew aboard. Flight 77, a Boeing 757 en route from Washington's Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles, had 58 passengers and six crew members aboard. Flight 11 slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.

11:27 AM - American Airlines confirms loss of 2 airplanes.

11:29 AM - United Airlines confirms 2nd plane crashed at unknown location.

11:45 AM - With the U.S. Military on nuclear alert, the President arrives at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Reporters are asked to keep their cell phones off, to conceal. his location. From a conference room, Bush calls, among others, Cheney, Rumsfeld and New York Senator Charles Schumer.

11:59 AM - United Airlines confirms that Flight 175, from Boston to Los Angeles, has crashed with 56 passengers and nine crew members aboard. It hit the World Trade Center's south tower.

12:04 PM - Los Angeles International Airport, the destination of three of the crashed airplanes, is evacuated.

12:15 PM - San Francisco International Airport is evacuated and shut down. The airport was the destination of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

12:15 PM - The Immigration and Naturalization Service says U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are on the highest state of alert, but no decision has been made about closing borders.

12:30 PM - The FAA says 50 flights are in U.S. airspace, but none are reporting any problems.

12:55 PM - Taliban officials, speaking from Afghanistan, deny any responsibility for the attacks. “What happened in
the United States was not a job of ordinary people. It could have been the work of governments,” says Taliban spokesperson Abdul Hai Mutmaen.

1:00 PM - Rescue workers are finally able to enter the impact area of the Pentagon.

1:04 PM - President George W. Bush speaks to the nation: I want to reassure the American people that the full resources of the federal government are working to assist local authorities to save lives and to help the victims of these attacks. Make no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts. I've been in regular contact with the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the national security team and my Cabinet. We have taken all appropriate security precautions to protect the American people. Our military at home and around the world is on high alert status, and we have taken the necessary security precautions to continue the functions of your government. We have been in touch with the leaders of Congress and with world leaders to assure them that we will do whatever is necessary to protect America and Americans. I ask the American people to join me in saying a thanks for all the folks who have been fighting hard to rescue our fellow citizens and to join me in saying a prayer for the victims and their families. The resolve of our great nation is being tested. But make no mistake: We will show the world that we will pass this test. God bless.

1:15 PM - Bush departs for Air Force One in a camouflaged Humvee. While en route to Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, he talks to Cheney again and schedules a four p.m. meeting of his national security staff. He also talks to Giuliani and Pataki. “I know your heart is broken and your city is strained, and anything we can do, let me know,” Bush says.

1:27 PM - A state of emergency is declared in Washington, D.C.

1:44 PM - The Pentagon says five warships and two aircraft carriers will leave the U.S. Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia, to protect the East Coast from further attack and to reduce the number of ships in port. The two carriers, the USS George Washington and the USS John F. Kennedy, are headed for the New York coast. The other ships headed to sea are frigates and guided missile destroyers capable of shooting down aircraft.

1:48 PM - Bush leaves Barksdale Air Force Base aboard Air Force One and flies to an Air Force base in Nebraska.

2:30 PM - The FAA announces there will be no U.S. commercial air traffic until noon EDT Wednesday at the earliest.
2:49 PM - At a news conference, Giuliani says that subway and bus service are partially restored in New York City. Asked about the number of people killed, Giuliani says, "I don't think we want to speculate about that -- more than any of us can bear."

3:07 PM - President Bush arrives at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where he descends into a cinder-block bunker. There, he teleconferences with the eight-member National Security Council. Vice President Cheney - who had suggested Bush go to Offutt - and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice are connected from a secure facility at the White House. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has remained at the Pentagon.

2:51 PM - The navy dispatches missile destroyers to New York City.

3:55 PM - Giuliani now says the number of critically injured in New York City is up to 200 with 2,100 total injuries reported.

4:00 PM - U.S. officials say there are “good indications” based on “new and specific” information that Saudi militant Osama bin Laden, suspected of coordinating the U.S. embassy bombings in 1998 and the USS Cole bombing in
2000, is involved in the latest attacks.

4:06 PM - California Gov. Gray Davis dispatches urban search-and-rescue teams to New York.

4:10 PM - Building 7 of the World Trade Center complex is reported on fire.

4:20 PM - U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Florida, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says he was "not surprised there was an attack (but) was surprised at the specificity." He says he was "shocked at what actually happened -- the extent of it."

4:25 PM - The American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange say they will remain closed Wednesday.

4:36 PM - The president leaves Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska aboard Air Force One to return to Washington.

5:25 PM - World Trade Center Building #7 collapses. This building caught on fire, and was burning all day long. Nobody was inside.

6:00 PM - Explosions are heard in Kabul, Afghanistan, hours after terrorist attacks targeted financial and military centers in the United States. The attacks occurred at 2:30 a.m. local time. Afghanistan is believed to be where bin Laden, who U.S. officials say is possibly behind Tuesday's deadly attacks, is located. U.S. officials say later that the United States had no involvement in the incident whatsoever. The attack is credited to the Northern Alliance, a group fighting the Taliban in the country's ongoing civil war.

6:10 PM - Giuliani urges New Yorkers to stay home Wednesday if they can.

6:40 PM - Rumsfeld, the U.S. defense secretary, holds a news conference in the Pentagon, noting the building is operational. "It will be in business tomorrow," he says.

6:54 PM - Bush arrives back at the White House aboard Marine One and is scheduled to address the nation at 8:30 p.m. The president earlier landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland with a three-fighter jet escort. Laura Bush arrived earlier by motorcade from a "secure location."

7:00 PM - A cool breeze floated into Manhattan from the Atlantic ocean. It is the first breath of fresh air all day.

7:02 PM - The Marriott Hotel near the World Trade Center is on the verge of collapse, and some New York bridges are now open to outbound traffic.

7:09 PM - The sun sets on New York City, signaling the near-end of a most horrible day.

7:17 PM - U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft says the FBI is setting up a Web site for tips on the attacks: www.ifccfbi.gov. He also says family and friends of possible victims can leave contact information at 800-331-0075.

7:23 PM - NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin ordered all centers of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to close in the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in the United States.

7:45 PM - The New York Police Department says that at least 78 officers are missing. The city also says that as many as half of the first 400 firefighters on the scene were killed.

8:30 PM - President Bush addresses the nation, saying:

Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts.

The victims were in airplanes or in their offices -- secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads. Friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could. Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C., to help with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow.

Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well. The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks.

And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened.

And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me." This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace.

America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you. Good night and God bless America.

8:35 PM - Bush attends a security meeting.

9:22 PM - The Pentagon is still on fire. It is considered contained but not controlled.

9:57 PM - Giuliani says New York City schools will be closed Wednesday and no more volunteers are needed for Tuesday evening's rescue efforts. He says there is hope that there are still people alive in rubble. He also says that power is out on the Westside of Manhattan and that health department tests show there are no airborne chemical agents about which to worry.

10:21 PM - Bush calls and end to the security meeting. Secret Service radios carry the news that the President has gone home to bed: “Trailblazer. Second floor of the residence.”

10:30 PM - NYC Mayor Giuliani says people may still be trapped alive inside the rubble of the Twin Towers.

On September 11, 2001, the Pentagon was on Threat Condition: Delta, their highest level of alert. On that day, we knew that a war was coming of epic proportions, though against whom we still did notk now. Major landmarks and tourist attractions closed down that day, including the Sears Tower and Disney's theme parks. The Emmy's were postponed. Sporting events were cancelled and major theme parks across the nation shut their doors for the day. By the end of the day we learned that the planes had been hijacked by people with knives, or, knife-like objects.

That day, as many as 30,000 were feared dead in New York City. Many of the subway tunnels had yet to be accessed and many were feared dead from smoke inhillation. As of 2006, we know that 2,602 people died and another 24 people are still listed as missing. 59 people died in the Pentagon attack and another 40 died on United Flight 93. 2,973 people died total that day, 24 still listed as missing, in the worst terrorist attack in American history. Since that day, the Pentagon wall has been rebuilt and construction has begun on rebuilding the World Trade Center complex. From those ashes America emerged a nation with a newfound resolve, determined to make the terrorist pay for what happened in the multi-city attack.

Since then, America has seen a terrible Anthrax scare, a would-be shoe bomber, a well-known traitor known as "Taliban Johnny," major military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to smaller-scale operations connected to the war on terror in other nations. In addition, there have been major terrorist attacks in London, Bali, Riyadh and Casablanca, to name a few. Meanwhile, as a nation, America has managed to move foward. Dispite an economy that is suffering from the stress of an ongoing war, Americans are required to make virtually no sacrifices during this war, unlike the heroics asked for of all civilians during WWII. While we still keep tabs on the war abroad, we still find familiar refuge in entertainment and socialising. And we are moving forward.

America made a vow that day, and it's a vow that we will keep for the rest of our lives. I think I speak with the rest of the nation when I say: We remember.

The Covenant wins the box office race

2006-09-10T14:30:00.000-04:00

A few young men with mythological powers interested enough people this weekend to beat out the competition at the box office. Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Weekend Recap, your source for the latest box office numbers. After all, the movies are one of the top ways people use for escapism over the weekend. So this is as much a lifestyle magazine as it is a entertainment sheet. At least, we feel less guilty when we think of it that way.

The supernatural thriller The Covenant managed to land at the top of the box office this weekend, despite some bad reviews for the flick. Though it landed at the top of the pack, it only pulled in $9 million, hardly anything to celebrate over. The George Reeves murder biopic Hollywoodland pulled in $6 million, proving that people would prefer to see unknown actors with magical powers rather than Ben Affleck in a Superman suit. The martial arts film The Protector, who is protecting ELEPHANTS, with ELEPHANTS serving as the plot of a MARTIAL ARTS FILM, pulled in only $5 million, showing that Americans have at least some sensibilities left in them. For the rest of the numbers, here's your weekly scoreboard:

(Source: BoxOfficeMojo)

Every Wednesday we bring you the Weekend Preview, your first look at the movies opening up at the box office that upcoming weekend. We give you a short summary of that film's plot, then later on we give our own predictions as to how well we think that film will do at the box office. Then here, during the Recap, we take those predictions and compare them with reality. Were the predictions that were made earlier Fact or Fiction? Let's find out right now.

We Said: 1. Hollywoodland, $10-$15 million.
The Truth: The Covenant, $9 million.

2. Invincible, $8-10 million.
The Truth: Hollywoodland, $6 million.

3. The Covenant, $8-$10 million.
The Truth: Invincible, $5.8 million.

4. Little Miss Sunshine, $7-8 million.
The Truth: The Protector, $5 million.

5. The Protector, $6-8 million.
The Truth: Crank, $4.8 million.

Conclusion: If it wasn't so fun to make the predictions in the first place I'd cancel this section of the Recap, because sometimes it's just too embarrassing to face the music. Sometimes.

And that's it! It's slightly different without the stock market feature, isn't it? We wish the Market Recap well on it's new endeavour. And we hope you have a great week as well. Come in a few days for the Preview, when we tell you what films are opening up at the box office this weekend. Until then, stay safe and remember: friends don't let friends sleep through second service. Whoops!

New Weekend Feature: The Market Recap

2006-09-08T23:53:00.000-04:00

Welcome everyone to the Market Recap, your weekly magazine dedicated to keeping you informed on the financial world going on around you. Our goal isn't to force you to buy stocks or support a mortgage firm or anything. The mission of this weekly is to give a brief synopsis on what happened in the financial world over the past week.

Long-time readers of TDIN might recognize that we used to do this type of feature at the beginning of our signature Weekend Recap piece. So why did we break up that happy union? To give that piece it's own energy, it's own funk, without being bogged down with information of a completely different genre. So from now on, the Weekend Preview and Weekend Recap will focus solely on entertainment, while this feature will focus solely on the markets. This isn't a demotion for our stock features. Rather, it's a step up. By giving the Recap a offshoot to deal entirely with this genre, we have the option to go more in-depth into financial stories without having to worry about making sure that we leave enough room for the movies to get their limelight as well.

So without further ado, let's get on to the news from this past week.

The week started off with trades taking in some profits, with all the major markets losing a few points across the board. But all in all, losses and gains were kept to a minimum this week as traders layed low. Bad news from the housing sector came out this week as existing home sales for July were reported to be down 4.1%. New home sales had fallen a near-identical 4.3%.

The Justice Department ended their investigation of Fannie Mae this week. Pharmacy giant Rite Aid bought Eckerd and Brooks. This upcoming Friday, the new unemployment numbers for August will be out. Apart from that, it sounds like September will continue it's historic trend of being a relatively sluggish month for the economy. Sounds like the perfect month to launch a market magazine!

If all these words just don't do too much for you, don't worry. As part of the deal brokered when setting up this separate branch of the Weekend brand, we were able to get the Weekly Stock Report scoreboard to use for weekly publication. After spending a lot of time to figure out how to get the new colors to work for the Market Recap, we applied a fresh coat of polish and put it out here for all to see. Making it's grand and glorious first appearance in this magazine, ladies and gentlemen, here is your Weekly Stock Report.

(Source: Yahoo! Finance)

And that's going to do it for the Market Recap for this weekend. Thanks for clicking by. Stay tuned for later on when the Weekend Recap goes online with the latest numbers from the box office. Until then, thanks for reading and have a smart weekend.

The Covenant scares up the box office this weekend

2006-09-06T20:51:00.000-04:00

Supernatural powers, a murderous cover-up, a powerful protector and a fresh batch of predictions. That's what you can expect in this weeks' edition of the Weekend Preview. Hi there, I'm Charles Jurries, the man responsible for the mess you are about to see. In the next few paragraphs we're going to take a look at the films opening up at the box office this weekend, with some snark thrown in to keep things interesting. Then I'm going to give you my predictions for how well the films will do this weekend. Then, as always, we leave the door open to you to make some predictions of your own. If we ever get some additional predictions, we'll include those in our signature Weekend Recap and together we'll find out who of us is better at guessing these kinds of things. Now, let's take a look at the films opening up at the box office this weekend.

The Covenant - A long time ago, five families with "untold power" formed a covenant of silence. One family, "lusting for more," was banished; their "bloodline disappearing without a trace - until now." (Scary) The Sons of Ipswich, four young students at the elite Spencer Academy who are bound by their ancient ancestry, use their powers for... studying? Whatever. When the body of a dead student is discovered after a party, somehow the covenant of silence is threatened to break that has protected these magical/demonic families for years. Probably because one of the Sons of Ipswich kills that student. It's kind of like a grown-up version of The Craft, only with guys! Starring Steven Strait, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsch, Toby Hemingway and Laura Ramsey.

Hollywoodland - In 1959, Tinseltown was stunned by the dead by actor George Reeves, the man who played Superman on television. He was killed by a single gunshot wound, an apparent suicide. But his grieving mother will not let the questionable circumstances around his death go unaddressed. After the LAPD closed the case, mom hired a private detective to discover more about Reeves' death. It's a twisted investigation that includes a powerful studio executive, a torrid affair and cover-ups. The detective also discovers unexpected connections to his own life as the case becomes more personal. Starring Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, Bob Hoskins and Ben Affleck.

The Protector - Meet Kham. (Hi, Kham.) Kham's life is all screwed up when an international mafia syndicate captures his two beloved elephants and smuggles them thousands of miles away to Sydney, Australia. (Yes, that's the plot of the movie. No joke.) But these aren't any ordinary elephants. No, they were to be presented as a token of devotion to his Majesty the King of Thailand. And so, to save the elephants, Khan must travel around and save his family's honor by using martial arts to defeat hundreds of bad guys. (How plausible!) Somehow, a Sergeant and a sex slave get involved to help defeat the evil Madame Rose gang. So they're using two animals as the basis of a martial arts film? I want to cry. This action film stars Tony Jaa, Petchthai Wongkamlao, Bongkot Kongmalia, Jing Xing and Johnny Nguyen.

Time now for our weekly predictions. Each week we place our bets on what films will land in what spot in the top five for the overall weekend. Then we estimate how much money that particular film will bring in over those three days. What films will do good? Who will lose? Let's find out right now in our Predictions:

1. Hollywoodland, $10-$15 million. I'm going out on a limb by predicting this film will take the stop spot. After all, it's a gritty noir film that's clearly formulated for an Oscar nod. Nevertheless, I think it has enough intrigue and appeal to take the top spot at the box office.

2. Invincible, $8-10 million. This film has been getting pretty good word-of-mouth, which always helps to keep a movie around the cinemas for a long time. Plus, it's more attractive looking than the newcomers we previewed today.

3. The Covenant, $8-$10 million. We compared this film (unfairly) to The Craft. That doesn't really matter much, except we spent about 15 minutes on the web trying to recall the name of the film. Hopefully, the covenant sons aren't as bratty as the Craft sisters.

4. Little Miss Sunshine, $7-8 million. Really, where else can this film go? It's not like Little Miss Sunshine faces stiff competition this weekend.

5. The Protector, $6-8 million. Martial arts are usually a big draw at the box office. Usually. And usually the "plot" of such films doesn't matter. But ELEPHANTS?!?! What is this, a Rush Hour film? Is Chris Tucker making a cameo? Elephants as a main plot point... please!

Do you think you have what it takes to make these kinds of predictions? Can you call the shots better than TDIN? If so, leave us your predictions in the comments (please leave a name) and we'll compare predictions over the weekend. And that's going to do it for the Preview this week. Thanks for stopping by and we hope you'll drop by this site regularly throughout the week for news stories that you may have missed below-the-fold. Until then, stay safe and remember: nobody likes their picture taken early in the morning.

Report: Man removed from airplane because of prayer

2006-09-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

On September 1st, an Orthodox Jew started to pray on board a Air Canada Jazz flight that was taxing down the runway, en route from Montreal to New York City. He was described by one passenger as "clearly a Hasidic Jew," with a head covering on and reading from a book. The passenger, Yves Faguy, said that the man "wasn't exactly praying out loud but he was lurching back and forth." Reportedly, the action didn't really seem to bother anyone. Anyone, that is, except the flight crew. A flight attendant approached the man and told him that his praying was making other passengers nervous. The woman apologized for the situation and then escorted the man off the plane.

According to a spokeswoman for Jazz airlines, the crew had acted "in the interest of the majority of passengers" when it removed the man from the flight. The airline isn't saying if the man was told that he was not allowed to pray, but they confirmed that the man as back on board the next flight to New York.

Does baby fat contribute to obesity?

2006-09-06T13:32:00.000-04:00

When a baby grows up pudgy, most of the time parents don't even pay close attention, simply saying that the kid will outgrow it. But is that actually the case? A new study from the University of California, San Diego says that preschool-age children who are overweight before age five are five times more likely to be overweight at age 12 than those who were not overweight before age five. For the study, researchers collected data on over 1,000 children born in 1991. Overall, the study concludes that 60% of children who were overweight at any time during the preschool years, and 80% of children who were overweight during elementary school, were still overweight at age 12.

Japan's Princess gives birth to baby boy

2006-09-05T22:26:00.000-04:00

Five pounds and six ounces. That's how much Japan's Princess Kiko's third child weighed when she gave birth by Caesarean section on Wednesday morning. The healthy baby boy is now the third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after Crown Prince Naruhito, the Emperor's oldest son, and the baby's father, Prince Akishino. This was the first boy born into the Imperial Family in nearly 41 years, ending years of public debate on whether or not there would be another heir to the throne. According to current Imperial laws, only males who have emperors on their father's side can ascend to the throne.

If royal succession laws remain unchanged, this as-of-yet unnamed baby boy will one day grow up to be the Emperor of Japan.

The newborn baby will soon undergo a series of imperial rituals. A messenger of the emperor will deliver a protective sword to the baby and place it by its pillow. The baby will be named directly by the father during a naming ceremony, usually held on the seventh day following his birth. His mother will decide on a symbol to be used to mark all his belongings.

Movie season ends on an 'Invincible' note

2006-09-04T20:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to a special Labor Day edition of the Recap. Does the fact that it's being released on a Monday mean that there will be more treats? More Easter eggs? More features? Nope! In fact, you get even less than usual in this edition! After all, why bog down memories of Labor Day with financial statistics? It is towards that end that we give you the box office scoreboard and the Fact or Fiction? column, right. now.

Proving that sport films can be Invincible even in their second weekend at the box office, the Mark Wahlberg movie took top honors this weekend, pulling in a measly $12.1 million. In total, the box office grossed under $71 million for the top ten films, helping to close out this year's summer cinema with a whimper, not a bang. With X-Men: United and Pirates 2 being the only real clear box office hits of the summer, studios were mostly disappointed with their returns this summer. Was it the lack of originality? Was it the lack of big marquee names? Was it the lack of good scriptwriters? We can only guess. We now enter the fall period, where movie studios quietly release some not-too-great films under the radar while college students - the main movie demographic - hit the books once again.

(Source: BoxOfficeMojo)

Every mid-week, we bring you the Preview, your first look at the movies opening up at the cineplex that upcoming weekend. We also make our own predictions on how well the films will do (financially, that is) that weekend. Will our predictions have a ring of truth to it, or it be poor man's fiction? Let's find out right now.

We Said: 1. The Wicker Man, $15-$20 million. It's smart, it's scary looking, and it's got a built-in fanbase from the original film. It'll get the top honors easily.
The Truth: Invincible, $12.1 million.

We Said: 2. Crank, $10-$15 million. Personally, I think this movie looks stupid. But I thought that about Beefest and that film still pulled in a lot of money.
The Truth: Crank, $10.3 million.

We Said: 3. Invincible, $10-15 million. It's a feel-good movie. Those stick around for a while on the top charts.
The Truth: The Wicker Man, $9.6 million.

We Said: 4. Talladega Nights, $8-$13 million. This is the film that just. won't. go. away. Ever.
The Truth: Little Miss Sunshine, $7.6 million.

We Said: 5. Little Miss Sunshine, $8-$13 million. It's the little-independent--film-that-could. Kind of. It'll still be popular enough to get on the top five. Probably.
The Truth: The Illusionist, $6.4 million.

Conclusion: We were right on the money about Crank. And that makes us want to cry. Seriously, does nobody else get headaches watching the commercials for that film? Even people with ADD must get dizzy watching advertisements for this thriller.

And that's it for this abridged version of the Recap. Stay tuned to TDIN for more news, information and special features. Until then, stay safe and remember: friends don't let friends punish hedgehogs for their own afflictions.

Where's the Recap?

2006-09-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

It's late Sunday night and you're checking up on this site quickly to find out who won at the box office this weekend. Only? There's nothing! It surprised me, too. Tonya swears up and down that she sent me memos that there would only be a partial recap this holiday weekend, and even at that it would come a day later. Tonya lies.

Tonya did send this graphic over, though, and wants me to tell you all to stay tuned to this blog within the next couple weeks for some changes to our weekend coverage...

M&M's lead to retrieval of Munch masterpiece?

2006-09-01T13:17:00.000-04:00

Police in Norway announced today that they have recovered two masterpieces by the artist Edvard Munch that were stolen two years ago from a museum in Oslo. The pieces recovered were Munch's Madonna and the iconic The Scream. Police have remain tight-lipped on how the art was recovered or who stole them.

One prevailing theory is that a convicted bank robber tipped the police off, saying that he pulled off a big heist to distract the police away from the art museum.

There was a reward of $2 million for information leading to the retrieval of the masterpieces. In addition, the company that produces the candy M&M's recently added an additional bonus of 2 million dark chocolate M&M's to the pot.

Happy 7515th Birthday, Earth!

2006-09-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

I found this out at On Deadline: According to the Byzantine Empire, the world was created on September 1st, 5509 BC. Making today the birthday of our planet! How they came to this conclusion I don't think I'll ever understand, but it's an incredible holiday to think about. Just when was the planet created? Historians, genealogist and theologians have been scouring science and religion for centuries, trying to narrow the age down to the exact date and year. And yet, most societies cannot bring themselves to agree with each other on just how old earth is.

According to Wikipedia, various dates of creation include:

August 11, or, August 13, 3114 BC, according to the Mayans.
September 25, or, March 29, 3760 BC, according to Judaism.
October 23, 4004 BC, according to many Young Earth Creationists.
September 1, 5509, BC, according to the Byzantine Empire.
September 1, 5509, BC, according to the Eastern Orthodox Church calender.

Of course, if you subscribe to the Big Bang theory, then the earth is approximately 13.7 ± 0.2 billion years old.

Coast Guard wants live fire excercises on Great Lakes

2006-08-31T15:38:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to establish 34 "safety zones" on the five Great Lakes so their crews can practice firing "machine guns, rifles and small 9mm guns." The Coast Guard says that the training is necessary for combating terrorist and intercepting smugglers. Understandably, the proposed zones have upset ferry boat owners, fishing enthusiasts and environmentalist. (USA Today points out that most of those groups missed the Aug. 1 call for public comment published in the Federal Register.) The Coast Guard promises that boaters and shipping companies will be warned away from the zones when live-fire exercises are being conducted. The proposed plan calls for fourteen zones on Lake Michigan, seven on Superior, six on Huron, four on Erie and three on Lake Ontario.

Philips introduces PC-free phone for Skype

2006-08-31T15:18:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Skype? It's that free international online phone communications system that lets you have all the benefits of having a phone, without having to use a phone. Unless, of course, you want to use a phone using Skype, but that would just kind of defeat half the purpose of Skype. (If I understand the concept correctly, that is.) Well, Philips Electronics announced that it would introduce the "world's first cordless DECT phone that can make Skype Internet calls" without being connected to a computer. The phone will be avaliable by the end of the year.

Tokyo beats out Fukuoka in Japanese Olympic bid

2006-08-31T13:14:00.000-04:00

The Japanese Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday that it has named Tokyo as its candidate for the 2016 Summer Games. The committee made the decision based on Tokyo's financial aptitude and international profile, beating out Fokuoka's zeal and entrepreneurial spirit. Tokyo got 33 votes from the JOC, while Fukuoka got 22.

From there the JOC must now spend years launching a international campaign. The International Olympic Committee will meet next July, after which point they will pore over various international applications for host cities for almost a year. The final candidates for the 2016 Olympic games will be announced in June, 2008.

The winning city will be revealed in October 2009 at an IOC meeting in Copenhagen.

Other cities considered to be in the running include:

Montreal, Canada
Toronto, Canada
New Delhi, India
Monterry, Mexico
Lisbon, Portugal
Cape Town, South America
Busam, South Korea
Madrid, Spain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chicago, USA
Los Angeles, USA
San Francisco, USA

Thailand, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Germany are all considering bids for the 2016 summer games.

Is the Ice Maiden in danger of melting?

2006-08-30T22:31:00.000-04:00

Peru's famous "Ice Maiden," the frozen mummy of an Inca girl who was sacrificed to the gods 500 years ago may be at right for melting due to the country's humidity. Dampness was detected inside the mummy's glass-enclosed refrigeration compartment by an expert from the Smithsonian Institute. (Interestingly enough, the expert noticed the condensation while on vacation in the country.)

According to the expert - who was not named - the mummy could deteriorate beyond repair within five years if the problem is not corrected. A group of specialists will be inspecting the mummy next week to see if there was already any damage.

The "Ice Maiden," or, Momia Juanita, is a 15th century Inca mummy of a 12-to-14-year-old girl who experts believe died between 1440 and 1450. She was discovered in southern Peru in 1995 and has toured the United States and Japan, in addition to being displayed in Peru. Momia Juanita is one of the most well-preserved mummies found to-date. (Wikipedia this!)

It's Crank vs. The Wicker Man

2006-08-30T20:06:00.000-04:00

It's a new week with new releases at the box office. Hi there, I'm Charles Jurries with this week's weekend preview. And we start off with a shocker: we've eliminated the financial recap from the Preview. It will still be found in the recap. We as a staff felt that it just did not feel right at home in the Preview, but we are looking at other ways to give you a recap on the stock markets. With that shocking revelation behind us, let's get to the upcoming releases.

Crank - The hero's name is Chev. (Strike 1) Chev, a hit man who freelances for a major syndicate, wakes up groggy, unable to move and with a slow heart. He hears the voice of thug Ricky Verona who tells Chev has been poisoned and only has an hour to live. The night before, Chev let his target slip away in an effort to quit his job and start a new life with his girlfriend, Eve. Now, Chev must keep adrenaline pumping through his body to stay alive, to prolong the poison from stopping his heart. This means that the movie is non-stop action! Wreaking havoc on Los Angeles! With Eve playing the role of damsel in distress! While searching for a antidote to the poison! Starring Jason "The Transporter" Statham, Amy Smart, Efren Ramirez and a guy called "Kay Xcala".

Crossover - (Have you heard of this movie? Because I haven't. And I thought I was cultured. Harumph!) Noah Cruise is a naturally talented basketball player who is determined to forsake his natural skills and become a doctor, but pay for it by getting a basketball scholarship at UCLA pre-med. But someone wants Noah to go to the NBA! Noah has a close friend who did time for an assault charge, but he wants to get his GED and win an underground street ball game against an arrogant rival, "Jewelz". But then the two get girlfriends! And their lives change forever! And everyone probably ends up well for everyone. Starring Tamer Werfali, Anthony Mackie, Wayne Brady and Little JJ.

The Wicker Man - If the two previous original films don't interest you, then maybe this remake will! Police officer Edward Malus receives a letter from his former fiancee, asking for his help: her daughter went missing. She asks him to come to her home on a private island - Summersisle - a place with it's own traditions where people "observe a forgotten way of life." It's a Amish paradise? The island is dominated by its matriarch Sister Summersisle. Bonded together by arcane pagan traditions, the people of Summersisle only ridicule the investigation, insisting that the child never existed. Edward Malus must now uncover a web of ancient traditions and murderous deciet. Sounds like fun! Starring Nicholas Cage, Ellen Burstyn and the lovely Leelee Sobieski.

It's that time of the week where we pool our office predictions and tell you what films we think will sink - or swim - this upcoming weekend at the box office. Will the action thriller Crank take top honors, or will the Wicker Man scare up some good bucks? Our predictions begin right now.

1. The Wicker Man, $15-$20 million. It's smart, it's scary looking, and it's got a built-in fanbase from the original film. It'll get the top honors easily.

2. Crank, $10-$15 million. Personally, I think this movie looks stupid. But I thought that about Beefest and that film still pulled in a lot of money.

3. Invincible, $10-15 million. It's a feel-good movie. Those stick around for a while on the top charts.

4. Talladega Nights, $8-$13 million. This is the film that just. won't. go. away. Ever.

5. Little Miss Sunshine, $8-$13 million. It's the little-independent-film-that-could. Kind of. It'll still be popular enough to get on the top five. Probably.

And that's all for the Weekend Preview. Pretty short, isn't it? And stupid? Yeah, I'll agree with you on both counts. But now you've read it and now you know what films are opening this weekend. Come back this weekend for the Recap, when we tell you how well the top ten films did at the box office. Plus, we compare our predictions with reality to find out if I write Fact or Fiction. Until then, stay safe and remember: friends don't let friends wear plaid polo shirts.

US Census: Daily commute is somewhat shorter

2006-08-30T19:03:00.000-04:00

According to the Census Bureau, the average daily commute to work has shrunk from 25.5 minutes in 2000 to 25.1 minutes last year. All in all, that's about 48 seconds a day that have been shaved off your travel time. Americans are also carpooling less: the number of people driving alone to work increased from 75.7% in 2000 to 77% last year, while the number of people carppoling to work dropped from 12.2% to 10.7%. Mass transit users stayed the same at 4.7%.

Pardon the Dust

2006-08-30T00:46:00.000-04:00

We're in the middle of remodeling the site, again. However, we can't seem to get our spiffy new header to show up, nay, be acknowledged by the template. In the meantime, please feel free to check out our weekly coupons in this week's ad for additional savings on your next purchase.

UPDATE: Our sleep-deprived tech support crew (thanks George and Jim! I owe you some donuts.) were able to figure out a solution which allowed us to get our new header on the site. Now to tweak everything else...

UPDATE 2: The tech crew is taking a nap, and Tonya's filing her fingernails - again. In other words, there's no one to do anything to the website right now. Once the crew is recharged, we should have the site done late tonight. Fingers crossed!

UPDATE 3: The site is now fully operational. Looks good, doesn't it? Well, it looks slightly better at any rate. I love the black bars on the sidebar! Nice touch, Jim. One new thing that you might notice is that some news stories now have links in the title. That link will be the source wire story. So instead of me writing in something like "(source)" or "(read the full article here)", you can just click on the headline. Nifty, eh? All in all, I think I'm going to like this new re-design.

National SAT Scores Drop 7 points

2006-08-29T19:48:00.000-04:00

The national average scores for the SAT college entrance exam dropped 7 points for the school class of 2006. The test scores, administered under a brand new version of the test, saw the biggest drop in test scores in 31 years. Not only that, but the number of test-takers was also down by about 9,600 students to 1.47 million.

The fair majority of those who dropped out of the tests were students who identified themselves as belonging to low-income families. 41,000 fewer students retook the test than last year.

This year, girls narrowed the gap in math and reading scores from 42 to 26 points, mainly because they outperformed boys on the new writing sections multiple choice questions and essay. (USAToday.com)