Todays Daily News

Mosque In New York – President Obama Settles The Score

Larry Welch — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:00:12 +0000

The long debate may now be over. For months, a battle had been fought over whether or not a mosque in New York should be built, just two blocks away from the site of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The mosque would be for those of Islamic faith, and for that reason, many felt it would be disrespectful to those who had fallen in the attacks, their families, and even the entire country. Others disagreed, saying it was part of a citizen’s right to practice their religion freely.

After protests, picketing, and several verbal slams, President Obama has finally spoken up. “As a citizen, and as President,” he said on Friday during an annual White House dinner, “I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country.” This was the first time he had spoken on the matter. Politicians and strategists believe that Republicans will now use the criticism Obama has drawn from his defense of the mosque in New York to bolster the idea that the Democratic party is not as tough on terrorism as they should be. But, said White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton, “It is not his role as president to pass judgment on every local project. But it is his responsibility to stand up for the constitutional principle of religious freedom and equal treatment for all Americans.”

Here is what other people are saying about the mosque in New York:

Pajamas Media » A Mosque in New York for a Christian Church in Mecca

Well, where in New York City were there any protests from Muslims AGAINST the mosque? Where in New York City is there a big outcry from Muslims to show “tolerance” to their fellow New Yorkers and respect their sensibilities and feelings …

Publish Date: 08/15/2010 3:00

http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/a-mosque-in-new-york-for-a-christian-church-in-mecca/

The “mosque” in New York « Why Evolution Is True

It looks like the fight over having a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City is pretty much over and that it’ll be built. I don’t really have a dog in this fight and it’s really up to New Yorkers, however, I do object to some of the …

Publish Date: 08/15/2010 8:00

http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpres.com/2010/08/15/the-mosque-in-new-york/

How New York's 'Ground Zero Mosque' Fell Into Florida's Political …

According to Google, the proposed Islamic community center in lower Manhattan is 1275 miles away from downtown Miami, Florida. But that doesn’t mean the proposed Cordoba House that’s likely to be constructed blocks away from the former …

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 16:29

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/08/how-new-yorks-ground-zero-mosque-fell-into-floridas-political-spotlight.php

Katie Holmes – Talks About Tom Cruise And Daughter Suri

Leota Bibbs — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:40:59 +0000

It’s been four years since actress Katie Holmes tied the knot with mega-star Tom Cruise. In a recent interview with New York Magazine, Holmes admitted that she still sometimes is a little taken aback by her husband’s work. When asked if she would ever consider working alongside Cruise in a project, she answered, “Well, we do collaborate on everything at home. But I mean, he’s Tom Cruise! His body of work is incredible.”

Katie Holmes is perfectly capable of standing on her own as an actress (her most recent project includes a role as former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, in a soon-to-be-released series on the History Channel), but admits that she takes advantage of being married to one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. “I definitely come home and say to him, ‘So, imagine a scene … how would you play it’? And he’s helpful and sweet and gracious,” she gushes. The couple has decided that their daughter, Suri, who is now four, will be home-schooled. “We like the one-on-one education,” Holmes explains. “I’m happy that my daughter is strong-willed and determined. You really have to go with what the child is wanting.”

See other stories about Katie Holmes:

Katie Holmes on Relationship Speculation: It's One of Those Things …

Katie Holmes on Relationship Speculation: It’s One of Those Things.

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 10:04

http://www.theinsider.com/news/3355771_Katie_Holmes_on_Relationship_Speculation_It_s_One_of_Those_Things

News – Katie Holmes Admits Marriage Can Feel "Weird" – Celebrity …

She says it’s tough “having so many people watching”

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 9:01

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/katie-holmes-admits-marriage-can-feel-weird-2010168

Suri Cruise Is Katie Holmes' De Facto Stylist [Children Of …

In a new interview with New York magazine, little ol’ Katie Holmes admits her precocious paparazzi-b…

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 9:19

http://blodic.us/technology/suri-cruise-is-katie-holmes-de-facto-stylist-children-of-97-0.htm

New York City – Safety Tips For Pedestrians

Edna Baez — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:20:34 +0000

It’s been widely known that New York City is not a very safe place for walkers. However, a recent report from the city’s transportation planners have revealed that certain previously-held beliefs aren’t as true as we’d thought. For instance, privately owned cars are actually responsible for more pedestrian accidents than taxis. Jaywalkers, once assumed the most likely to be involved in an accident, have actually been safer than pedestrians who are actively abiding the laws.

Most surprisingly, the stereotype of women being less capable drivers is about to go out the window. In the recent study, 80 percent of fatal or serious pedestrian accidents involved a male driver, not a female one. More specifically, accidents typically occurred when the driver was making a turn to the left. New York City’s Transportation Department examined over 7,000 crashed that occurred in the city between the years of 2002 and 2006 that were fatal or extremely serious for the pedestrian. With these findings, Mayor Bloomberg’s administration of New York could make changes to the city’s street grid, lowering the danger levels, and potentially saving lives.

Here’s what else is happening in New York City:

Ramadan in New York City – Photo Journal – WSJ

During Ramadan in New York City, Muslims gather at mosques and make time for payers and other rituals throughout the day. Some without access to mosques make do with sidewalk observances.

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 11:45

http://blogs.wsj.com/photojournal/2010/08/16/ramadan-in-new-york-city/

Streetsblog New York City » Today's Headlines

Access-A-Ride’s all over the country have extremely high cost-per-ride, not just New York. Most people I’ve talked to in transit management have come to the conclusion that home pick-up and drop-off is a requirement under the ADA. …

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 9:19

http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/08/16/todays-headlines-958/

New York City to have its very own wind turbines for a load of …

The Big Apple will have a lot more in its skyline than just towering stacks of concrete and bricks. The New York City will now play host to green energy, in the form of wind turbines, if all goes as planned. The Port Authority of New …

Publish Date: 08/16/2010 9:04

http://www.greenlaunches.com/alternative-energy/new-york-city-to-have-its-very-own-wind-turbines-for-a-load-of-green-energy.php

Jihan El Midany – Set To Make History At Youth Olympics

Robert Hammer — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:40:46 +0000

August 14th marks the start of the Youth Olympics. In Egypt, it also will be the beginning of something else: this will be the first time that a woman from Egypt serves as flag bearer in an Olypic event. Jihan El Midany, 18-year-old Egypt native, will be a part of a competition amongst 3,600 other adolescents from 204 countries. These youngsters, between the ages of 14 and 18, compete in the same 26 sports that are featured in the Summer Olympics.

If Jihan El Midany succeeds in winning a medal in swimming, shooting, fencing or swimming, she will be the first woman in her country ever to do so. El Midany has said that she just hopes she can “be a good role model. I want to prove that the veil does not have to prevent girls from doing anything.” In today’s Muslim society, many families frown upon sports and would rather their girls indoors. However, Muslim girls all over the world are getting more active, starting leagues for sports and participating in competitions that would have been unfathomable just years ago. The Vice President of the Egyptian Federation of Modern Pentathlon, Sharif A. El-Erain, hopes that Midany’s success will spur on other girls.

Here is what other people are saying about Jihan El Midany:

Egyptian woman will make history at Youth Olympics « Artesia News

SINGAPORE (AP) — When Jihan El Midany leads the Egyptian delegation into Saturday’s opening ceremony of the inaugural Youth Olympics, it will be a historic moment for her country. The 18-year-old pentathlete will become the first woman …

Publish Date: 08/13/2010 9:05

http://www.artesianews.com/2010/08/13/egyptian-woman-will-make-history-at-youth-olympics/

10-13-08 | Egyptian Woman Will Make History at Youth Olympics | 41 NBC

Jihan El Midany will lead the Egyptian delegation into the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics on Saturday. If she wins a medal as expected in the pentathlon event that includes swimming, shooting, fencing and running, …

Publish Date: 08/13/2010 9:10

http://www.41nbc.com/news/10081340168420/egyptian-woman-will-make-history-youth-olympics

World Cup #2 – Cairo, Egypt – Womens Semifinals

Jihan El Midany (EGY) 3432 13. Laura Salminen (FIN) 3428 14. Tabea Budde (GER) 3420 15. Mhairi Spence (GBR) 3404 16. Lada Jienbalanova (KAZ) 3400 17. Svetlana Lebedeva (RUS) 3392 18. Claudia Cesarini (ITA) 3340 …

Publish Date: 03/24/2010 9:06

http://pentathloncircuit.blogspot.com/2010/03/world-cup-2-cairo-egypt-womens.html

Iran – First Atomic Power Plant

Larry Welch — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:20:01 +0000

Russia has made an official announcement that atomic fuel will be loaded into the Bushehr, a civilian nuclear power plant facility in Iran on August 21. The loading of fuel is a necessary step for getting the reactor started, a process that will take between two and three weeks. Sergei Novikov, a spokesman of Rosatom, the Russian atomic energy corporation, said that this will be an “irreversible step”.

After the fuel has all been loaded, the Bushehr will be certified as no longer in its testing phase and physical start-up has begun. This phase lasts at least two months. October is supposed to be the month the first reactions are started. Ali Akbar Salehi, head agency head of Iran’s atomic energy company, said that in the fall, a formal inauguration for the facility will be held. This will most likely be at the end of September or beginning of October, as this is when the fuel is received at the “heart of the reactor”.

Here is what other people are saying about Iran:

Stephen Zunes: Hikers in Iran

It has now been more than a year since Iranian authorities seized three Americans — Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd, and Josh Fattal — in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan and falsely accused them of espionage on behalf of the US government.

Publish Date: 08/13/2010 12:12

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-zunes/hikers-in-iran_b_680816.html

- BASIL & SPICE OPINION – IRAN 2010: Face To Face With Ahmadinejad

President Obama’s national security advisor, retired Marine Corps General Jim Jones, recently presented his views of the situation with Iran. I am sure the general was a fine Marine who has served his country long and well. …

Publish Date: 08/13/2010 7:50

http://www.basilandspice.com/journal/iran-2010-face-to-face-with-ahmadinejad.html

Iran's Nuclear Plant To Start Next Week, Russia Says

MOSCOW — Russia will load fuel into Iran’s first nuclear power plant next week despite US demands to prevent Iran obtaining nuclear energy until the country proves that it’s not pursuing a weapons capacity, officials said Friday.

Publish Date: 08/13/2010 9:27

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/13/irans-nuclear-plant-to-st_n_681090.html

Lindsay Lohan – Possible Early Rehab Release

Leota Bibbs — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:50:42 +0000

We all watched as Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to a three-month stay in jail, only to be released and moved to a rehabilitation facility less than two weeks into her stay. While it was clearly stated that she would definitely remain in rehab for at least three months, now it appears that she could be released early from that as well. It has been reported that Lohan’s program could be “modified” from an in-patient one to an out-patient one. In other words, her sentence could be carried out without her being inside the facility’s walls.

Danette Meyers, prosecutor in Lohan’s case, said that her “understanding from conversations with [Lohan's attorney] Shawn Chapman Holley is that Miss Lohan could be released early. It is looking as if that is what the health-case professionals are going to recommend. … How much earlier she could be released, I’m unsure of at this point.” Meyers also said that in spite of the 90-day sentence order, the will of the UCLA staff, where Lohan is currently located, will be the direction the District Attorney decides to move in. As of this week, Judge Marsha Revel, the woman who gave Lohan her sentencing, has removed herself from the case.

Here is what other people are saying about Lindsay Lohan:

Lindsay Lohan to Leave Rehab Early Too? – The Hollywood Gossip

Lindsay Lohan is supposed to spend 90 days in rehab. Will that be cut down to 45? Should it? Read on for more details.

Publish Date: 08/13/2010 7:02

http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2010/08/lindsay-lohan-to-leave-rehab-early-too/

Lindsay Lohan — UCLA in 45 Days? | TMZ.com

Lindsay Lohan could have an early graduation from UCLA … TMZ has learned … but don’t count on it. Although the judge ordered Lindsay to spend 90 days…

Publish Date: 08/12/2010 18:45

http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/12/lindasy-lohan-ucla-rehab-inpatient-judge-45-days-90-days/

Lindsay Lohan To Be Released From Rehab Early | Celebrity Gossip

Lindsay Lohan could very well be released early from rehab. Lindsay Lohan was court-ordered to attend 90 days of rehab after her time in the slammer this.

Publish Date: 08/12/2010 18:31

http://anythinghollywood.com/2010/08/lindsay-lohan-released-rehab-early/

John McCluskey, Casslyn Welch – Modern-Day Bonnie And Clyde Still Loose

Leota Bibbs — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:00:45 +0000

Last month, John McCluskey and two other prison mates escaped from an Arizona state prison. Reportedly, Casslyn Welch, McCluskey’s fiance and cousin, aided the men by throwing wire cutters over the fence to them. The other two escapees were caught by the police, leaving only McCluskey and his accomplice. Now a couple vacationing in New Mexico has been killed, and it is believed that John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch are the murderers.

Police have received numerous tips about the whereabouts of the two fugitives, but there have been no firm leads since Sunday, when the pair were seen possibly headed for the Canadian border in Montana. Rod Osternmiller, acting marshall of the state of Montana, said that the reports are “continuing to come in. It’s a matter of prioritizing them. The problem with the sheer number is it may take a little while to get a certain lead.”

Here is what other people are saying about John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch:

John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch, extremely dangerous, incestous …

On July 30 Casslyn Welch threw wire cutters over the fence of Arizona State Prison to help successfully break out her fiance and cousin John McCluskey as well as his two buddies Daniel Renwick and Stacey Province. …

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 14:35

http://starcasm.net/archives/60237

Police hunt killers John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch on the run …

Police hunt killers John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch on the run John McCluskey, 45, and 44-year-old Casslyn Welch – described as McCluskey’s cousin and fiancee – have been linked to the murder of a couple in New Mexico.

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 8:50

http://thedailyhotnews.com/police-hunt-killers-john-mccluskey-and-casslyn-welch-on-the-run.html

Tracy Province Second Escaped Arizona Convict Arrested:Casslyn …

Tracy Province and John McCluskey originally escaped on July 30th from Arizona State Prison, aided by McCluskey’s fiance and cousin, Casslyn Welch. Welch allegedly passed wire cutters over the medium-security fence, and the three …

Publish Date: 08/09/2010 19:55

http://www.newsopi.com/us/tracy-province-second-escaped-arizona-convict-arrestedcasslyn-welch-wanted/3509/

Proposition 8 – Will Vaughn Walker Stay, Or Won’t He?

Larry Welch — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:40:26 +0000

Today marks the day that United States District Judge Vaughn Walker, who made the ruling that overturned Proposition 8, leaving gay marriage no longer illegal in California, will announce if he lifts his stay or keeps it on the ruling. All over the country people are voicing their opinion on same-sex marriage. Typically, those who are religious are speaking out against gay marriage, while those who see the government apart from religion don’t agree.

After Walker’s discussion of religious views on same-sex relationships, sister Mary Ann Walsh took offense. On her blog, she stated that the freedom of religion “precludes government from wieghing in on the ‘acce-tability’ of religious beliefs. Mark Silk, however, said that Vaughn realized that “the supporters of Proposition 8 could not demonstate any secular purpose sufficient to establish a ‘rational basis’ for for denying same-sex couples the fundamental right to get married.

Here is what other people are saying about Proposition 8:

Judge to rule on stay of Proposition 8 ruling | 89.3 KPCC

The federal judge who struck down Proposition 8 — California’s voter approved ban on same-sex marriage – will rule by noon today on whether gays in California will be able to marry right away.

Publish Date: 08/12/2010 8:56

http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/08/12/judge-rule-stay-prop-8-ruling/

Mark Morford: Proposition 8 Makes the World Shrug

Prop 8 has finally been overturned by a fine federal judge, deemed unconstitutional by a mile, not to mention unconscionable, unrealistic, not a little bit hateful and just plain dumb.

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 13:04

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-morford/proposition-8-makes-the-w_b_674408.html

Conservatives speak out on Proposition 8 – Simmi Aujla – POLITICO.com

A band of House members says the ruling goes against the will of California’s voters.

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 13:25

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/40889.html

Air Travel – Steven Slater Not The Only One Frustrated

Patricia Ward — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:20:26 +0000

By now, most people have heard of the story of Steven Slater, the JetBlue flight attendant who quit his job right in the middle of the plane. He has been regarded as a folk hero; a Facebook page of over 143,000 fans has even been dedicated to him. But Slater isn’t the only on frustrated with America’s current situation with air travel. Frank Granati has mentioned that he too finds it hard to deal with the security, lack of food, and rude passengers.

In a comment about Slater’s sudden exit, Granati described the man as “pushed over the edge. There are a lot of obnoxious people, people who don’t follow instructions, don’t turn off their phones.” Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, security measure at air ports have gotten tighter, to the point of being overly intrusive and possibly even humiliating. Airlines have made prices more expensive, added fees, and taken away amenities previously given. Needless to say, it isn’t making passengers very happy.

Here is what other people are saying about air travel:

Small Confined Spaces: Air Travel and Stress | BlogHer

Because we’ve all experienced that out-of-our-control sensation that accompanies air travel, where your possessions as well as your safety is completely out of your hands. It explains why Kevin Smith snapped over Twitter when Southwest …

Publish Date: 08/11/2010 8:00

http://www.blogher.com/small-confined-spaces-air-travel-and-stress

Is air travel getting split between the haves and have-nots? | The …

Delta Air Lines is going after passengers who can afford traveling by private jet, AJC writer Christine Negroni reports. Over the past decade, the number of.

Publish Date: 08/12/2010 8:39

http://blogs.ajc.com/business-beat/2010/08/12/is-air-travel-getting-split-between-the-haves-and-have-nots/?cxntfid=blogs_business_beat

JetBlue Incident Shows That in Air Travel, 'Things Won't Go As …

What can passengers to do reduce their contribution to air travel conflicts?

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 15:33

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2010/08/10/jetblue-incident-shows-that-in-air-travel-things-wont-go-as-planned/

Usain Bolt – Set To Miss Rest Of The Track Season

Robert Hammer — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:30:05 +0000

Usain Bolt, champion sprinter worldwide, will officially miss tthe final meets of the track season — includiing Zurich and Brussels. His manager, Ricky Simms, has said that a doctor examined Usain, who explained that Bolt is suffering from a soreness in his lower back that is hampering his running speed, and, if not allowed to heal, could also cause an injury to his legs. Bolt underweent a recent MRI scan that proved his Achielles tendon to now be healed.

While Usain Bolt is disappointed to have to miss the Zurich and Brussels meets, he is certain that “it is better for me not to take any risks this year. 2011 and 2012 are very important championship years, and I hope to be back fully fit and healthy.” It was a reasonable enough explanation. Bolt is the current world record of the 100 metres at 9.58 seconds. However, just last week, Bolt ran a 9.97, and was passed by American Tyson Gay. This was Bolt’s first loss in the 100 metres in over two years.

Here is what other people are saying about Usain Bolt:

Usain Bolt Back Injury: Sprinter Is Finished For 2010

Usain Bolt is calling it quits for 2010, cutting his season short because of tightness in his lower back less than a week after losing in the 100 meters to American rival Tyson Gay. Bolt’s manager, Ricky Simms, wrote in an e-mail …

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 9:46

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/10/usain-bolt-back-injury-sp_n_676707.html

Usain Bolt To Miss Rest Of Year With Back Injury – SBNation.com

SB Nation is a collection of over 250 individual communities, each offering high quality year-round coverage and conversation led by fans who are passionate about their favorite teams, leagues or sports. By empowering fans, SB Nation …

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 9:45

http://www.sbnation.com/2010/8/10/1615147/usain-bolt-back-injury-year-time-off

World-Track and Field » Usain Bolt Ends Season Early

After an assessment from his medical team we can confirm that Usain Bolt will close his 2010 track season and cancel his participation in the IAAF Diamond League meetings – Weltklasse Zurich and Memorial van Damme, Brussels. …

Publish Date: 08/10/2010 9:07

http://www.world-track.org/2010/08/usain-bolt-ends-season-early/