PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (AP) - Doctors removed Terri Schiavo's feeding tube Friday despite an extraordinary, last-minute push by Republicans on Capitol Hill to use the subpoena powers of Congress to keep the severely brain-damaged woman alive, a source close to the case told The Associated Press.
It is expected that it will take one to two weeks for Schiavo to die, provided no one intercedes and gets the tube reinserted. The source had been briefed on the situation but spoke on condition of anonymity.
What have we become?
Friday, March 18, 2005
Duh!
LONDON - Scientists have cracked the genetic code of the female X chromosome which is linked to more than 300 human diseases and may help to explain why women are so different from men.
It contains 1,100 genes, or about five percent of the human genome, along with information that may help to improve the diagnosis of illnesses ranging from hemophilia, blindness and autism to obesity and leukemia.
The discovery, by an international consortium of scientists, shows that females are far more variable than previously thought and, when it comes to genes, more complex than men.
Women more complex than men? I don't believe it.
It contains 1,100 genes, or about five percent of the human genome, along with information that may help to improve the diagnosis of illnesses ranging from hemophilia, blindness and autism to obesity and leukemia.
The discovery, by an international consortium of scientists, shows that females are far more variable than previously thought and, when it comes to genes, more complex than men.
Women more complex than men? I don't believe it.
UK/UC
My prediction:
If Patrick Sparks hits his first shot, UK by 12.
If Patrick Sparks misses his first shot, UC by 8.
If Patrick Sparks hits his first shot, UK by 12.
If Patrick Sparks misses his first shot, UC by 8.
This Is Normal
MICHAEL Jackson can't catch a break. "The Simpsons" creator, Sam Simon, went on Howard Stern's radio show yesterday and shared a weird memory of when Jacko was a guest star on the animated series, lending his voice to a mental patient with a shaved head. As recalled by Simon, Jackson demanded the script be changed so his character could spend more time with Bart. So Simon gave Jackson a scene where he spends the night alone with Bart in his room. Simon added that during the voice recording, someone gave Jackson a giant Bart Simpson doll — and that when he thought no one was looking, Jackson started to kiss the doll.
Quote of the Day
"It takes one's breath away to watch feminist women at work. At the same time that they denounce traditional stereotypes they conform to them. If at the back of your sexist mind you think that women are emotional, you listen agape as professor Nancy Hopkins of MIT comes out with the threat that she will be sick if she has to hear too much of what she doesn't agree with. If you think women are suggestible, you hear it said that the mere suggestion of an innate inequality in women will keep them from stirring themselves to excel. While denouncing the feminine mystique, feminists behave as if they were devoted to it. They are women who assert their independence but still depend on men to keep women secure and comfortable while admiring their independence. Even in the gender-neutral society, men are expected by feminists to open doors for women. If men do not, they are intimidating women." - the inimitable Harvey Mansfield, in the Weekly Standard.
No More Shaking Their Behinds
AUSTIN, Texas Mar 18, 2005 — The Friday night lights in Texas could soon be without bumpin' and grindin' cheerleaders. Legislation filed by Rep. Al Edwards would put an end to "sexually suggestive" performances at athletic events and other extracurricular competitions.
"It's just too sexually oriented, you know, the way they're shaking their behinds and going on, breaking it down," said Edwards, a 26-year veteran of the Texas House. "And then we say to them, 'don't get involved in sex unless it's marriage or love, it's dangerous out there' and yet the teachers and directors are helping them go through those kind of gyrations."
Under Edwards' bill, if a school district knowingly permits such a performance, funds from the state would be reduced in an amount to be determined by the education commissioner.
While I agree with Edwards that the youngsters are acting like ho's, I think this is a bit extreme.
"It's just too sexually oriented, you know, the way they're shaking their behinds and going on, breaking it down," said Edwards, a 26-year veteran of the Texas House. "And then we say to them, 'don't get involved in sex unless it's marriage or love, it's dangerous out there' and yet the teachers and directors are helping them go through those kind of gyrations."
Under Edwards' bill, if a school district knowingly permits such a performance, funds from the state would be reduced in an amount to be determined by the education commissioner.
While I agree with Edwards that the youngsters are acting like ho's, I think this is a bit extreme.
The Donald Trump of Havana
I didn't know Fidel had this kind of jack:
Cuban President Fidel Castro has criticized Forbes magazine for the "infamy" of listing him among the world's richest people, with a net worth of $550 million.
"Once again, they have committed the infamy of speaking about Castro's fortune, placing me almost above the queen of England," Castro said in a speech to top officials of Cuba's ruling Communist Party, military and police.
Cuban President Fidel Castro has criticized Forbes magazine for the "infamy" of listing him among the world's richest people, with a net worth of $550 million.
"Once again, they have committed the infamy of speaking about Castro's fortune, placing me almost above the queen of England," Castro said in a speech to top officials of Cuba's ruling Communist Party, military and police.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
This Isn't Surprising Either
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A new study says 42 of the 65 teams playing in the men's NCAA tournament graduated less than 50 percent of their players.
The graduation rate statistics, compiled in a study released Tuesday by the University of Central Florida, also found that women's teams in the NCAA tournament continue to graduate players at a much higher level. The numbers are based on athletes who entered the universities from 1994 to 1997 and were or were not able to graduate in six years.
If the NCAA's new academic reform plan was in place, the teams with less than 50 percent graduation rates would face penalties that include loss of scholarships and a ban on postseason play.
The NCAA has said penalties won't be issued until 2004-05 graduation data is included, which will happen in the 2005-06 academic year.
"Regarding graduation rates for women, we can cut down the nets in celebration. As for men's graduation rates, especially for African-American student-athletes, the dance has barely begun," said Richard Lapchick, director of UCF's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport. The study also found an increasing disparity between the graduation rates of white and black student-athletes on NCAA tournament teams.
Two men's team, LSU and Minnesota, failed to graduate even one basketball player, according to numbers supplied by the 2004 NCAA Graduation Rates Report. Two No. 1 seeds -- Illinois (47 percent) and Washington (45 percent) -- graduated less than half its players.
This is about what I would expect, but what's with the disparity between black and white players? That makes no sense.
The graduation rate statistics, compiled in a study released Tuesday by the University of Central Florida, also found that women's teams in the NCAA tournament continue to graduate players at a much higher level. The numbers are based on athletes who entered the universities from 1994 to 1997 and were or were not able to graduate in six years.
If the NCAA's new academic reform plan was in place, the teams with less than 50 percent graduation rates would face penalties that include loss of scholarships and a ban on postseason play.
The NCAA has said penalties won't be issued until 2004-05 graduation data is included, which will happen in the 2005-06 academic year.
"Regarding graduation rates for women, we can cut down the nets in celebration. As for men's graduation rates, especially for African-American student-athletes, the dance has barely begun," said Richard Lapchick, director of UCF's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport. The study also found an increasing disparity between the graduation rates of white and black student-athletes on NCAA tournament teams.
Two men's team, LSU and Minnesota, failed to graduate even one basketball player, according to numbers supplied by the 2004 NCAA Graduation Rates Report. Two No. 1 seeds -- Illinois (47 percent) and Washington (45 percent) -- graduated less than half its players.
This is about what I would expect, but what's with the disparity between black and white players? That makes no sense.
Not Surprising
I think more of this is on the horizon:
Doctors and health officials will consider whether more guidance on abortions is needed following the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute two doctors who authorised a late abortion on a foetus with a cleft lip and palate.
Jim England, the chief crown prosecutor for West Mercia, said the doctors believed, in good faith, that there was a substantial risk the child would be seriously handicapped. "In these circumstances, I decided that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that there should be no charges against either of the doctors," he said.
The inquiry began after a legal challenge over a previous decision by police not to charge the doctors involved in the abortion carried out, in 2001, on an unnamed woman from Herefordshire who was more than 24 weeks pregnant.
Doctors and health officials will consider whether more guidance on abortions is needed following the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service not to prosecute two doctors who authorised a late abortion on a foetus with a cleft lip and palate.
Jim England, the chief crown prosecutor for West Mercia, said the doctors believed, in good faith, that there was a substantial risk the child would be seriously handicapped. "In these circumstances, I decided that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that there should be no charges against either of the doctors," he said.
The inquiry began after a legal challenge over a previous decision by police not to charge the doctors involved in the abortion carried out, in 2001, on an unnamed woman from Herefordshire who was more than 24 weeks pregnant.
It's In The Genes
The Calvinist in me believes we are all "pre-programmed" to carry out God's divine purpose. The Arminian in me says that's hogwash.
Genes may help determine how religious a person is, suggests a new study of US twins. And the effects of a religious upbringing may fade with time.
Until about 25 years ago, scientists assumed that religious behaviour was simply the product of a person's socialisation - or "nurture". But more recent studies, including those on adult twins who were raised apart, suggest genes contribute about 40% of the variability in a person's religiousness.
Genes may help determine how religious a person is, suggests a new study of US twins. And the effects of a religious upbringing may fade with time.
Until about 25 years ago, scientists assumed that religious behaviour was simply the product of a person's socialisation - or "nurture". But more recent studies, including those on adult twins who were raised apart, suggest genes contribute about 40% of the variability in a person's religiousness.
The Story The Media Missed
Strategypage points out some obvious developments in Iraq:
Iraqi popular opinion has turned against terrorism in a big way. Apparently the key event was the revelation that Osama bin Laden had appointed Abu Musab al Zarqawi as "Emir" (leader) of al Qaeda efforts in Iraq and commanded him to go forth and kill big-time. But as suicide bombing attacks increasingly failed to reach American targets, and killed Iraqis instead, it appeared that a Saudi (bin Laden) was telling a Jordanian (Zarqawi) to kill Iraqis. This attitude never made headlines, but it slowly spread among Sunni Arab Iraqis over the last year. . . .
A big story that the media missed was that American troops operating outside the fortified camps (like the Green Zone) were a lot closer to what was going on than your average reporter (who doesn't get out much because of the danger). The combat troops, and many of the non-combat troops, deal with the danger, and Iraqis, on a daily basis. The troops saw the change in attitude among Iraqis. They also saw, in neighborhood after neighborhood, the sharp decline in attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces.
Iraqi popular opinion has turned against terrorism in a big way. Apparently the key event was the revelation that Osama bin Laden had appointed Abu Musab al Zarqawi as "Emir" (leader) of al Qaeda efforts in Iraq and commanded him to go forth and kill big-time. But as suicide bombing attacks increasingly failed to reach American targets, and killed Iraqis instead, it appeared that a Saudi (bin Laden) was telling a Jordanian (Zarqawi) to kill Iraqis. This attitude never made headlines, but it slowly spread among Sunni Arab Iraqis over the last year. . . .
A big story that the media missed was that American troops operating outside the fortified camps (like the Green Zone) were a lot closer to what was going on than your average reporter (who doesn't get out much because of the danger). The combat troops, and many of the non-combat troops, deal with the danger, and Iraqis, on a daily basis. The troops saw the change in attitude among Iraqis. They also saw, in neighborhood after neighborhood, the sharp decline in attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces.
No Bias Here
Classic exchange from the President's press conference yesterday:
THE PRESIDENT: Elisabeth.
Q. Paul Wolfowitz, who was the -- a chief architect of one of the most unpopular wars in our history...
THE PRESIDENT: (Laughter.) That's an interesting start. (Laughter.)
Q. ...is your choice to be the President of the World Bank. What kind of signal does that send to the rest of the world?
I'm not sure who Elisabeth is, but my guess is that she works for the WaPo or the NY Times.
THE PRESIDENT: Elisabeth.
Q. Paul Wolfowitz, who was the -- a chief architect of one of the most unpopular wars in our history...
THE PRESIDENT: (Laughter.) That's an interesting start. (Laughter.)
Q. ...is your choice to be the President of the World Bank. What kind of signal does that send to the rest of the world?
I'm not sure who Elisabeth is, but my guess is that she works for the WaPo or the NY Times.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
21 in 8
PHILADELPHIA (KYW) Police and prosecutors concerned with a spate of killings in the city begged the public Monday for more help identifying murderers.
District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham vowed that her office will protect witnesses, even if it means sending a moving van to their home to take them to safety the day they come forward.
“We cannot only move you out of the city, we can move you out of the state; we can move you across the country,” Abraham said.
Within the past eight days there have been 21 homicides in Philadelphia, including three in the late-night and early morning hours after the prosecutor made her appeal Monday.
I heard someone on the radio this morning ask: "Do we need an exit strategy?"
District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham vowed that her office will protect witnesses, even if it means sending a moving van to their home to take them to safety the day they come forward.
“We cannot only move you out of the city, we can move you out of the state; we can move you across the country,” Abraham said.
Within the past eight days there have been 21 homicides in Philadelphia, including three in the late-night and early morning hours after the prosecutor made her appeal Monday.
I heard someone on the radio this morning ask: "Do we need an exit strategy?"
Am I Missing Something?
The public overwhelmingly disapproves of 1) the way Bush is handling Social Security (56% - 35%), and 2) "Bush's proposals on Social Security" (55% - 37%).
But the public also overwhelmingly supports — by a margin of 56% - 41% — "a plan in which people who chose to could invest some of their Social Security contributions in the stock market".
Isn't this precisely what Bush is proposing?
But the public also overwhelmingly supports — by a margin of 56% - 41% — "a plan in which people who chose to could invest some of their Social Security contributions in the stock market".
Isn't this precisely what Bush is proposing?
Nice Neighborhood
Now why don't business - or anthing else for that matter - want to locate in Over-the-Rhine.
A Head Start center serving 108 children in Over-the-Rhine might close and move out of the neighborhood after a teacher had a gun pointed at her head in a store robbery across the street Tuesday afternoon, the agency's director said.
"I'm appalled at having to make a decision that forces us to run from a community that needs us," Gwendolyn L. Robinson, president of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, told City Council members Tuesday.
But she said an incident Tuesday afternoon was the last straw in an escalating atmosphere of violence that threatens the safety of the children and teachers at the center.
A Head Start center serving 108 children in Over-the-Rhine might close and move out of the neighborhood after a teacher had a gun pointed at her head in a store robbery across the street Tuesday afternoon, the agency's director said.
"I'm appalled at having to make a decision that forces us to run from a community that needs us," Gwendolyn L. Robinson, president of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, told City Council members Tuesday.
But she said an incident Tuesday afternoon was the last straw in an escalating atmosphere of violence that threatens the safety of the children and teachers at the center.
Poor Larry
Don't you hate it when The Left eat their own:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 15 - The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard approved a resolution on Tuesday expressing a lack of confidence in the leadership of the university's president, Lawrence H. Summers, citing longstanding dissatisfaction with his management style and, to a lesser extent, his remarks in January about women in math and science.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 15 - The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard approved a resolution on Tuesday expressing a lack of confidence in the leadership of the university's president, Lawrence H. Summers, citing longstanding dissatisfaction with his management style and, to a lesser extent, his remarks in January about women in math and science.
This Is What I've Always Wanted
FORT WORTH, Texas - (KRT) - The tag lines on various Web sites make them seem too good to be true.
"CHANGE STOPLIGHTS FROM RED TO GREEN IN SECONDS!"
"NOW YOU CONTROL THE INTERSECTIONS!"
The devices, mobile infrared transmitters, allow a person to change an upcoming traffic light from red to green from as far as 1,500 feet.
They are intended for emergency personnel, but sales of the devices to civilians on the Internet are making authorities nervous.
While the devices can cost more than $1,000 each from official dealers such as 3M, various Web sites sell knockoffs for less than $200.
"CHANGE STOPLIGHTS FROM RED TO GREEN IN SECONDS!"
"NOW YOU CONTROL THE INTERSECTIONS!"
The devices, mobile infrared transmitters, allow a person to change an upcoming traffic light from red to green from as far as 1,500 feet.
They are intended for emergency personnel, but sales of the devices to civilians on the Internet are making authorities nervous.
While the devices can cost more than $1,000 each from official dealers such as 3M, various Web sites sell knockoffs for less than $200.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Great Cameron Mills Story
"If you grow up in Kentucky," Mills says, "Kentucky basketball is it."
It certainly was for Mills, whose father had played for the Wildcats 25 years earlier. Problem: Although he was an all-state guard for Dunbar High in Lexington in 1994, the younger Mills wasn't recruited by then-Kentucky coach Rick Pitino.
On the eve of national signing day, Mills was prepared to sign with Georgia until his father went to the Kentucky basketball offices to explain their situation. Terry Mills eventually found himself in a room with then-UK assistant Billy Donovan, now the coach at Florida.
"Dad said, 'Here's the deal: Georgia's about to sign Cameron, but he really wants to play here. Would you all be interested?'" Cameron Mills says. "Billy just says, 'No, we're set at the two-guard spot.' But somebody, and this is where the story gets fuzzy, but somebody suggested (my) walking on."
"So Dad came right over to the school, to Dunbar. He got there at 11 a.m., got me out of class and brought me to the office. He said, 'OK, they want you to walk on.' All I heard is, 'They want you.' I asked Dad if we could afford it, and he said yes. So I never signed with Georgia."
It certainly was for Mills, whose father had played for the Wildcats 25 years earlier. Problem: Although he was an all-state guard for Dunbar High in Lexington in 1994, the younger Mills wasn't recruited by then-Kentucky coach Rick Pitino.
On the eve of national signing day, Mills was prepared to sign with Georgia until his father went to the Kentucky basketball offices to explain their situation. Terry Mills eventually found himself in a room with then-UK assistant Billy Donovan, now the coach at Florida.
"Dad said, 'Here's the deal: Georgia's about to sign Cameron, but he really wants to play here. Would you all be interested?'" Cameron Mills says. "Billy just says, 'No, we're set at the two-guard spot.' But somebody, and this is where the story gets fuzzy, but somebody suggested (my) walking on."
"So Dad came right over to the school, to Dunbar. He got there at 11 a.m., got me out of class and brought me to the office. He said, 'OK, they want you to walk on.' All I heard is, 'They want you.' I asked Dad if we could afford it, and he said yes. So I never signed with Georgia."
Chicago High School Basketball...It's Fantastic!
A large brawl broke out at a boys high school state tournament basketball game Monday night, and at least three people were sent to Chicago hospitals.
Two people were in critical condition and one was in stable condition, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Will Knight said.
Five ambulances were sent to the scene of the fight, which broke out around 8:30 p.m. at the United Center, which is home of the Chicago Bulls, police Sgt. Robert Cargie said.
Two people were in critical condition and one was in stable condition, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Will Knight said.
Five ambulances were sent to the scene of the fight, which broke out around 8:30 p.m. at the United Center, which is home of the Chicago Bulls, police Sgt. Robert Cargie said.
The Day My Butt Went Psycho
Rich Lowry notes a recent WaPo article on kids and reading:
Fascinating Washington Post article on why boys have so much trouble learning to read compared to girls. Part of it may be that they are being pushed to do it too young, part of of it is that they like topics--eg., potty humor--that may not appeal to their teachers or parents:
"Jerilynn Hoffman couldn't get her young son to read much until she found a book that wasn't her cup of tea but definitely was his: `The Day My Butt Went Psycho.'"
The P-Man would definitely read that book.
Fascinating Washington Post article on why boys have so much trouble learning to read compared to girls. Part of it may be that they are being pushed to do it too young, part of of it is that they like topics--eg., potty humor--that may not appeal to their teachers or parents:
"Jerilynn Hoffman couldn't get her young son to read much until she found a book that wasn't her cup of tea but definitely was his: `The Day My Butt Went Psycho.'"
The P-Man would definitely read that book.
The Chief Dunce Pontificates
The Chief Dunce (i.e. the leader of the Confederacy of Dunces) has written another great essay. Ah, the Christian menace. It must be destroyed.
UK's Next Coach
This is why I want Rick Stansbury to replace Tubby when he leaves. Not only can he coach, he can recruit.
Third time no charm
No SEC school can match Mississippi State's bad recruiting luck. State is the only league school to lose a prized recruit to a jump from high school to the NBA.
It's happened twice to State. Recruits Jonathan Bender and Travis Outlaw bypassed college for the NBA.
Now it appears about to happen a third time. The jewel of State's recruiting class this year, guard Monta Ellis, is widely considered to be NBA-bound. Ellis, who plays for Lanier High in Jackson, is compared favorably to former prep star Chris Jackson. Only Ellis is bigger (6-3 to Jackson's 5-101/2) and supposedly faster.
When Ellis played against another prep standout, Georgia signee Louis Williams, in January, 23 NBA teams sent representatives to the game. Ellis scored 46 points and Williams had 34.
Memphis Grizzlies president Jerry West has been at three of Ellis' games.
And he's also from Kentucky, which doesn't hurt.
Third time no charm
No SEC school can match Mississippi State's bad recruiting luck. State is the only league school to lose a prized recruit to a jump from high school to the NBA.
It's happened twice to State. Recruits Jonathan Bender and Travis Outlaw bypassed college for the NBA.
Now it appears about to happen a third time. The jewel of State's recruiting class this year, guard Monta Ellis, is widely considered to be NBA-bound. Ellis, who plays for Lanier High in Jackson, is compared favorably to former prep star Chris Jackson. Only Ellis is bigger (6-3 to Jackson's 5-101/2) and supposedly faster.
When Ellis played against another prep standout, Georgia signee Louis Williams, in January, 23 NBA teams sent representatives to the game. Ellis scored 46 points and Williams had 34.
Memphis Grizzlies president Jerry West has been at three of Ellis' games.
And he's also from Kentucky, which doesn't hurt.
And I Thought The Bengals Couldn't Draft
First they sent #1 pick Tim Couch packing. Then it was #3 pick Gerard Warren. Now it's their other #1 pick Courtney Brown. Nice drafting, guys.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Defensive end Courtney Brown was released Monday by the Cleveland Browns, although the move may be only temporary.
Brown, the first overall choice in the 2000 draft, played five injury-plagued seasons with the Browns and never lived up to expectations. He was cut a day before he was due a $2.5 million roster bonus.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Defensive end Courtney Brown was released Monday by the Cleveland Browns, although the move may be only temporary.
Brown, the first overall choice in the 2000 draft, played five injury-plagued seasons with the Browns and never lived up to expectations. He was cut a day before he was due a $2.5 million roster bonus.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Buzz Is Out
UT fired Buzz Peterson and will now be paying for 3 head basketball coaches next year.
Peterson had four years remaining on his contract, which ran through 2009. Tennessee owes him a $1.36 million buyout, which must be paid within 30 days.
The Vols will be paying three men's basketball coaches next season. Former coach Jerry Green will collect the final $210,000 payment from his buyout in January.
Peterson had four years remaining on his contract, which ran through 2009. Tennessee owes him a $1.36 million buyout, which must be paid within 30 days.
The Vols will be paying three men's basketball coaches next season. Former coach Jerry Green will collect the final $210,000 payment from his buyout in January.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
The Best of The Simpsons
Bart: "B6."
Homer: "You sank my scrabble ship."
Lisa: "Dad, that game makes no sense."
Homer: "Tell that to the good men who just lost their lives... Semper Fi."
Homer: "You sank my scrabble ship."
Lisa: "Dad, that game makes no sense."
Homer: "Tell that to the good men who just lost their lives... Semper Fi."
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