CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) - The United States is pledging $350 million to help tsunami victims, a tenfold increase over its first wave of aid, President Bush announced Friday.
"Initial findings of American assessment teams on the ground indicate that the need for financial and other assistance will steadily increase in the days and weeks ahead," Bush said Friday in a statement released in Crawford, Texas, where he is staying at his ranch.
"Our contributions will continue to be revised as the full effects of this terrible tragedy become clearer," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this epic disaster."
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Friday, December 31, 2004
Stat of the Day
Here are the average strength of schedules for SOME of the top programs in the country over the past 10 seasons, not including this season.
1. Kentucky 7.9 out of 330 D1-A schools
2. Duke 11.4
3. Maryland 14.6
4. Kansas 15.3
5. Indiana 17.0
6. Wake Forest 17.1
7. Arizona 26.3
8. Louisville 26.6
9. Michigan St 28.1
10. Ga Tech 29.6
11. UC 31.0
12. Illinois 33.4
13. UCONN 36.4
14. Florida 38.5
15. Oklahoma 40.9
1. Kentucky 7.9 out of 330 D1-A schools
2. Duke 11.4
3. Maryland 14.6
4. Kansas 15.3
5. Indiana 17.0
6. Wake Forest 17.1
7. Arizona 26.3
8. Louisville 26.6
9. Michigan St 28.1
10. Ga Tech 29.6
11. UC 31.0
12. Illinois 33.4
13. UCONN 36.4
14. Florida 38.5
15. Oklahoma 40.9
Hee Hee
This is wonderful. The U.S. has gone from not doing enough (too stingy) to doing too much.
United States President George Bush was tonight accused of trying to undermine the United Nations by setting up a rival coalition to coordinate relief following the Asian tsunami disaster.
The president has announced that the US, Japan, India and Australia would coordinate the world’s response. But former International Development Secretary Clare Short said that role should be left to the UN.
“I think this initiative from America to set up four countries claiming to coordinate sounds like yet another attempt to undermine the UN when it is the best system we have got and the one that needs building up,” she said.
“Only really the UN can do that job,” she told BBC Radio Four’s PM programme. “It is the only body that has the moral authority. But it can only do it well if it is backed up by the authority of the great powers.”
Ms Short said the coalition countries did not have good records on responding to international disasters.
She said the US was “very bad at coordinating with anyone” and India had its own problems to deal with.
“I don’t know what that is about but it sounds very much, I am afraid, like the US trying to have a separate operation and not work with the rest of the world through the UN system,” she added.
United States President George Bush was tonight accused of trying to undermine the United Nations by setting up a rival coalition to coordinate relief following the Asian tsunami disaster.
The president has announced that the US, Japan, India and Australia would coordinate the world’s response. But former International Development Secretary Clare Short said that role should be left to the UN.
“I think this initiative from America to set up four countries claiming to coordinate sounds like yet another attempt to undermine the UN when it is the best system we have got and the one that needs building up,” she said.
“Only really the UN can do that job,” she told BBC Radio Four’s PM programme. “It is the only body that has the moral authority. But it can only do it well if it is backed up by the authority of the great powers.”
Ms Short said the coalition countries did not have good records on responding to international disasters.
She said the US was “very bad at coordinating with anyone” and India had its own problems to deal with.
“I don’t know what that is about but it sounds very much, I am afraid, like the US trying to have a separate operation and not work with the rest of the world through the UN system,” she added.
The BCS Screwed Cal?
Uh, I don't think so.
Instead, they walked off the field embarrassed. A double-digit favorite, 10-1 Cal, ranked fourth in the nation in scoring defense, gave up 597 yards in a 45-31 loss to a Texas Tech team that earlier this season lost to New Mexcio.
Instead, they walked off the field embarrassed. A double-digit favorite, 10-1 Cal, ranked fourth in the nation in scoring defense, gave up 597 yards in a 45-31 loss to a Texas Tech team that earlier this season lost to New Mexcio.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Is This What Happened to the WMDs?
Interesting story from Bill Gertz in the Washington Times today.
A Pentagon official who publicly disclosed information showing Russian involvement in moving Iraqi weapons out of that country has been dismissed.
John A. Shaw, the deputy undersecretary of defense for international technology security and formerly an aide to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, was forced to leave his position Dec. 10 as the result of a "reorganization" that eliminated his job, defense officials said.
...In October, Mr. Shaw told The Washington Times that he had received foreign intelligence data showing that Russian special forces units were involved in an effort to remove Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction in the weeks before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began in March 2003.
In a letter to Mr. Rumsfeld, Mr. Shaw said that information about the covert Russian role in moving Iraqi arms to Syria, Lebanon and possibly Iran was discussed during a meeting that included retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper, head of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency; the head of Britain's MI6 intelligence service; and the head of a foreign intelligence service that he did not name.
...After Mr. Shaw's disclosures, the Pentagon released spy satellite photographs of Iraqi weapons facilities that showed truck convoys at the plants, apparently in preparation to move materials. Further corroborating Mr. Shaw's account, a Russian newspaper reported that two retired Russian generals had received awards from Saddam's government 10 days before the coalition assault on Iraq began.
I don't know if Shaw is on the up-and-up or not, but this story from The Moscow News corroborates his generals story:
Reports in the Russian media about two retired Russian generals receiving awards from Saddam's government 10 days before the coalition assault on Iraq began corroborated Shaw's report.
A Pentagon official who publicly disclosed information showing Russian involvement in moving Iraqi weapons out of that country has been dismissed.
John A. Shaw, the deputy undersecretary of defense for international technology security and formerly an aide to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, was forced to leave his position Dec. 10 as the result of a "reorganization" that eliminated his job, defense officials said.
...In October, Mr. Shaw told The Washington Times that he had received foreign intelligence data showing that Russian special forces units were involved in an effort to remove Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction in the weeks before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began in March 2003.
In a letter to Mr. Rumsfeld, Mr. Shaw said that information about the covert Russian role in moving Iraqi arms to Syria, Lebanon and possibly Iran was discussed during a meeting that included retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper, head of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency; the head of Britain's MI6 intelligence service; and the head of a foreign intelligence service that he did not name.
...After Mr. Shaw's disclosures, the Pentagon released spy satellite photographs of Iraqi weapons facilities that showed truck convoys at the plants, apparently in preparation to move materials. Further corroborating Mr. Shaw's account, a Russian newspaper reported that two retired Russian generals had received awards from Saddam's government 10 days before the coalition assault on Iraq began.
I don't know if Shaw is on the up-and-up or not, but this story from The Moscow News corroborates his generals story:
Reports in the Russian media about two retired Russian generals receiving awards from Saddam's government 10 days before the coalition assault on Iraq began corroborated Shaw's report.
This is Encouraging
WASHINGTON Dec 30, 2004 — Sen. Joe Lieberman, traveling in the Middle East Wednesday, said there is strong support in Iraq for the Jan. 30 election, and postponing it would only be a victory for the insurgents.
In a telephone call from Tel Aviv, Israel, the Connecticut Democrat said conditions in Iraq, including an increase in trained Iraqi security forces, have improved since his last visit in July. And he said the escalating violence aimed at intimidating Iraqis to postpone the election or not vote is not working in most of the country.
In a telephone call from Tel Aviv, Israel, the Connecticut Democrat said conditions in Iraq, including an increase in trained Iraqi security forces, have improved since his last visit in July. And he said the escalating violence aimed at intimidating Iraqis to postpone the election or not vote is not working in most of the country.
The Biggest Story of 2004
I agree with Peggy Noonan's biggest story of 2004:
The biggest story of the year happened just as big-thinking journalists went on vacation after filing their "Ten Biggest Stories of 2004" pieces. Life has a way of surprising us.... The biggest story of 2004 has come, has not yet gone, and will be with us for some time. Two thousand five begins on Saturday. For the new year, two thoughts. Remember it can all be swept away in a moment, so hold it close and love it while you've got it. And may we begin 2005 pondering how much we have in common, how down-to-the-bone the same we are, and how the enemy is not the guy across the fence but the tragedy of life. We should try to make it better. We should cut to the chase.
The biggest story of the year happened just as big-thinking journalists went on vacation after filing their "Ten Biggest Stories of 2004" pieces. Life has a way of surprising us.... The biggest story of 2004 has come, has not yet gone, and will be with us for some time. Two thousand five begins on Saturday. For the new year, two thoughts. Remember it can all be swept away in a moment, so hold it close and love it while you've got it. And may we begin 2005 pondering how much we have in common, how down-to-the-bone the same we are, and how the enemy is not the guy across the fence but the tragedy of life. We should try to make it better. We should cut to the chase.
Taking Jesusland Seriously
Maybe the Washington Post is beginning to take Jesusland more seriously. Check out this tidbit from today's front page story:
Not only was water cascading over the lagoon side of the peninsula but it was pouring in directly from the mouth of the estuary about two miles away. Sanders feared the converging currents would swamp the small craft. At that point, Sanders said, he recalled a line from the Book of Isaiah: "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against it."
He raised his hand in the direction of the flood and shouted, "I command you in the name of Jesus -- stop!" The water then seemed to "stall, momentarily," he said. "I thought at the time I was imagining things."
No snarky comments, no references to the man's hatred of homosexuals, nothing. This is a promising development.
Not only was water cascading over the lagoon side of the peninsula but it was pouring in directly from the mouth of the estuary about two miles away. Sanders feared the converging currents would swamp the small craft. At that point, Sanders said, he recalled a line from the Book of Isaiah: "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against it."
He raised his hand in the direction of the flood and shouted, "I command you in the name of Jesus -- stop!" The water then seemed to "stall, momentarily," he said. "I thought at the time I was imagining things."
No snarky comments, no references to the man's hatred of homosexuals, nothing. This is a promising development.
Urge to Kill Rising
While most people react to massive tragedies with a renewed focus on the things that truly matter, many continue on with their shallow, vulgar lives.
IT seems almost impossible.
Just days after the tidal wave disaster, one of the devastated beaches was returning to normal yesterday. On Sunday, Patong Beach was hit by a wall of water that swept into Phuket, claiming at least 120 lives.
Parasols, chairs, and other beach paraphernalia were swept to the top of the tree-lined beach, dragging helpless holidaymakers with them. It was at this beach that six-month-old Melina Heppell, of Perth, disappeared from her father's arms when the huge wave struck.
For some tourists yesterday, however, the tragedy was becoming a memory, albeit a vivid one, as they made the most of the weather and topped up their tans.
Many in bathers and bikinis, some lounged on sunbeds and others took a dip in the water that had claimed so many lives a few days earlier.
Their fun in the sun came despite warnings that aftershocks could follow the disaster that is likely to have killed as many as 100,000.
As many Westerners waited for news of missing loved ones others arrived to take holidays as usual.
Engineer Paul Cunliffe, from Manchester, arrived on an almost empty flight from Malaysia. Gin and tonic in hand, Mr Cunliffe said he and two friends were booked into a beach-front hotel that had escaped serious damage, and had been assured of a "wonderful holiday".
"Our friends think we're mad. The only risk we face I think is if there's another quake. We love the place that much and we thought we would take the risk," he said.
Further south at Surin Beach, where 10 died, tourists also were out in force.
IT seems almost impossible.
Just days after the tidal wave disaster, one of the devastated beaches was returning to normal yesterday. On Sunday, Patong Beach was hit by a wall of water that swept into Phuket, claiming at least 120 lives.
Parasols, chairs, and other beach paraphernalia were swept to the top of the tree-lined beach, dragging helpless holidaymakers with them. It was at this beach that six-month-old Melina Heppell, of Perth, disappeared from her father's arms when the huge wave struck.
For some tourists yesterday, however, the tragedy was becoming a memory, albeit a vivid one, as they made the most of the weather and topped up their tans.
Many in bathers and bikinis, some lounged on sunbeds and others took a dip in the water that had claimed so many lives a few days earlier.
Their fun in the sun came despite warnings that aftershocks could follow the disaster that is likely to have killed as many as 100,000.
As many Westerners waited for news of missing loved ones others arrived to take holidays as usual.
Engineer Paul Cunliffe, from Manchester, arrived on an almost empty flight from Malaysia. Gin and tonic in hand, Mr Cunliffe said he and two friends were booked into a beach-front hotel that had escaped serious damage, and had been assured of a "wonderful holiday".
"Our friends think we're mad. The only risk we face I think is if there's another quake. We love the place that much and we thought we would take the risk," he said.
Further south at Surin Beach, where 10 died, tourists also were out in force.
It Keeps Getting Worse
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The death toll in Acheh, the region worst hit by last Sunday's tsunami, may exceed 400,000 as many affected areas could still not be reached for search and rescue operations, Indonesia's Ambassador to Malaysia Drs H. Rusdihardjo said Thursday.
He said the estimate was based on air surveillance by Indonesian authorities who found no signs of life in places like Meulaboh, Pulau Simeulue and Tapak Tuan while several islands off the west coast of Sumatera had "disappeared".
He said the latest death toll of more than 40,000 in Acheh and northern Sumatera did not take into account the figures from the other areas, especially in the west of the region.
"Aerial surveillance found the town of Meulaboh completely destroyed with only one buiding standing. The building, which belonged to the military, happens to be on a hill," he told reporters after receiving RM1 million in aid for Indonesia's Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund here Thursday.
Rusdihardjo said there were about 150,000 residents in Meulaboh, which was located 150km from the epicentre of the earthquake while Pulau Simeuleu had a population of 76,000.
He said the estimate was based on air surveillance by Indonesian authorities who found no signs of life in places like Meulaboh, Pulau Simeulue and Tapak Tuan while several islands off the west coast of Sumatera had "disappeared".
He said the latest death toll of more than 40,000 in Acheh and northern Sumatera did not take into account the figures from the other areas, especially in the west of the region.
"Aerial surveillance found the town of Meulaboh completely destroyed with only one buiding standing. The building, which belonged to the military, happens to be on a hill," he told reporters after receiving RM1 million in aid for Indonesia's Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund here Thursday.
Rusdihardjo said there were about 150,000 residents in Meulaboh, which was located 150km from the epicentre of the earthquake while Pulau Simeuleu had a population of 76,000.
Merry Christmas
This is unbelievable:
Snow-emergency pay decision today
Hamilton County commissioners will decide today whether to pay employees who were not required to report for work during the Dec. 23 snow emergency. The snow emergency prohibited all non-emergency vehicles from being on the road. Some think employees shouldn't have their pay reduced or lose vacation because it would have been unlawful to drive to work, said David Krings, county administrator.
So the county thinks it might be a good idea not to pay workers because they were prohibited - by law - from going to work. Man, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Snow-emergency pay decision today
Hamilton County commissioners will decide today whether to pay employees who were not required to report for work during the Dec. 23 snow emergency. The snow emergency prohibited all non-emergency vehicles from being on the road. Some think employees shouldn't have their pay reduced or lose vacation because it would have been unlawful to drive to work, said David Krings, county administrator.
So the county thinks it might be a good idea not to pay workers because they were prohibited - by law - from going to work. Man, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
More Stingy Americans
Another $35 million from Pfizer.
The colleagues of Pfizer express their deepest sympathy and condolences to all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Asia and the east coast of Africa.
Pfizer today announced plans to commit medicines, funds, and logistical support to the relief effort following this catastrophic disaster. Pfizer will donate $10 million to local and international relief organizations operating in the region. These will include the American Red Cross/International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Rescue Committee, Catholic Relief Services, CARE, UNICEF, and Save the Children as well as local relief organizations.
Within hours of the disaster Pfizer colleagues began working with local governments and relief organizations to assess which of the company's medicines are needed. As a result of these assessments, Pfizer will contribute approximately $25 million worth of the company's healthcare products which includes the anti-infective products Zithromax, Zyvox and Diflucan. Pfizer organizations in Asia have already begun donating Pfizer medicines and discussing logistical support issues with local health and relief officials.
The colleagues of Pfizer express their deepest sympathy and condolences to all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Asia and the east coast of Africa.
Pfizer today announced plans to commit medicines, funds, and logistical support to the relief effort following this catastrophic disaster. Pfizer will donate $10 million to local and international relief organizations operating in the region. These will include the American Red Cross/International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Rescue Committee, Catholic Relief Services, CARE, UNICEF, and Save the Children as well as local relief organizations.
Within hours of the disaster Pfizer colleagues began working with local governments and relief organizations to assess which of the company's medicines are needed. As a result of these assessments, Pfizer will contribute approximately $25 million worth of the company's healthcare products which includes the anti-infective products Zithromax, Zyvox and Diflucan. Pfizer organizations in Asia have already begun donating Pfizer medicines and discussing logistical support issues with local health and relief officials.
UK Update II
Sheray Thomas disclosed his previously undisclosed illness last night:
Speaking for the first time about major surgery he underwent in October, Sheray Thomas said doctors discovered a tumor, a frightful prognosis and difficult recovery that has the Kentucky sophomore cherishing each new day.
I thought maybe it was mono or something similar (he lost 30 pounds). It turns out it was much more serious.
Speaking for the first time about major surgery he underwent in October, Sheray Thomas said doctors discovered a tumor, a frightful prognosis and difficult recovery that has the Kentucky sophomore cherishing each new day.
I thought maybe it was mono or something similar (he lost 30 pounds). It turns out it was much more serious.
UK Update
Yep, they had a 6:00 a.m. practice this morning.
"Practice probably won't be much fun," junior guard Ravi Moss said.
"Practice probably won't be much fun," junior guard Ravi Moss said.
You Go Tubby
UK killed Campbell last night, but had a very lackluster second half performance.
"We've got to be able to concentrate all the time," junior Kelenna Azubuike said. "We've got to play like grown men. There is a time for joking and stuff and a time to be serious. We need to learn that a little better."
Asked what it might take to learn that lesson, Azubuike didn't flinch.
"We are going to learn the hard way in the morning," Azubuike said.
"We've got to be able to concentrate all the time," junior Kelenna Azubuike said. "We've got to play like grown men. There is a time for joking and stuff and a time to be serious. We need to learn that a little better."
Asked what it might take to learn that lesson, Azubuike didn't flinch.
"We are going to learn the hard way in the morning," Azubuike said.
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