Breaking News
Follow Breaking News updates on RSS and Twitter
This page features brief excerpts of news stories published by the mainstream media and, less frequently, blogs, alternative media, and even obviously biased sources. The excerpts are taken directly from the websites cited in each source note. Quotation marks are not used.
Highlights
Breaking News
This page features brief excerpts of news stories published by the mainstream media and, less frequently, blogs, alternative media, and even obviously biased sources. The excerpts are taken directly from the websites cited in each source note. Quotation marks are not used. Because most of our readers read the NYT we usually do not include the paper's stories in HIGHLIGHTS.
Name of source: NYT
SOURCE: NYT (2-16-09)
Great museums engender great debate, and there is no exception for Iraq. Officials here
are at odds over the reopening of Iraq’s National Museum, the renowned institution that was pillaged
after the American invasion in 2003 and has been closed to the public ever since.
Last week, Iraq’s state minister for tourism and antiquities announced that next Monday the museum
would reopen, an eagerly anticipated event seen as a milestone in the country’s recovery. In a
statement on Sunday, though, the Culture Ministry overruled the decision and put off indefinitely
the chance for Iraqis to return to a museum that holds a rich collection of archaeological relics
and art.
Jabir al-Jabiri, the senior deputy at the Culture Ministry, said in a telephone interview that the
reopening announcement had been premature and surprised the ministry officials who have the final say....
are at odds over the reopening of Iraq’s National Museum, the renowned institution that was pillaged
after the American invasion in 2003 and has been closed to the public ever since.
Last week, Iraq’s state minister for tourism and antiquities announced that next Monday the museum
would reopen, an eagerly anticipated event seen as a milestone in the country’s recovery. In a
statement on Sunday, though, the Culture Ministry overruled the decision and put off indefinitely
the chance for Iraqis to return to a museum that holds a rich collection of archaeological relics
and art.
Jabir al-Jabiri, the senior deputy at the Culture Ministry, said in a telephone interview that the
reopening announcement had been premature and surprised the ministry officials who have the final say....
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 17:42
Comments
SOURCE: NYT (2-18-09)
Shea Stadium, the site of the Mets’ two World Series victories, their many seasons of futility and a few historic concerts, met the fate of Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds on Wednesday morning. At 11:21 a.m., a demolition crew pulled down the final section, and what remained of old blue stadium was gone in a cloud of dust: the final collapse at Shea. It was 45.
Besides several months of work by a wrecking crew, what killed the stadium was the need for a sprawling parking lot for the Mets’ gleaming new home, Citi Field. Shea is survived by a team that would prefer to forget its most recent memories of the place, two seasons that ended in mind-boggling failure.
From about 9 a.m. on, about three dozen fans gathered around the fences of the demolition site to pay their respects despite a bitter February chill and funereal gray skies over Queens. All they had to look at was the column of ramps that used to lead to the press gate towering over the piles of rubble.
Besides several months of work by a wrecking crew, what killed the stadium was the need for a sprawling parking lot for the Mets’ gleaming new home, Citi Field. Shea is survived by a team that would prefer to forget its most recent memories of the place, two seasons that ended in mind-boggling failure.
From about 9 a.m. on, about three dozen fans gathered around the fences of the demolition site to pay their respects despite a bitter February chill and funereal gray skies over Queens. All they had to look at was the column of ramps that used to lead to the press gate towering over the piles of rubble.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 16:10
SOURCE: NYT (2-16-09)
For the first time in its history, every member of the United States Supreme Court is a former federal appeals court judge. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., in a lively and surprising talk a couple of weeks ago, said that development might be a good thing.
Over the life of the Supreme Court, its members were quite likely to be former governors, legislators, cabinet members, law professors and practicing lawyers. That mix of backgrounds and expertise might strike some as valuable, but the chief justice suggested that it tended to inject policy and politics into an area properly reserved for the law.
As late as 1972, when Chief Justice Roberts’s predecessor, William H. Rehnquist, joined the court as an associate justice, former federal judges were in the minority.
As a consequence, Chief Justice Roberts said, “the practice of constitutional law — how constitutional law was made — was more fluid and wide ranging than it is today, more in the realm of political science.”
Over the life of the Supreme Court, its members were quite likely to be former governors, legislators, cabinet members, law professors and practicing lawyers. That mix of backgrounds and expertise might strike some as valuable, but the chief justice suggested that it tended to inject policy and politics into an area properly reserved for the law.
As late as 1972, when Chief Justice Roberts’s predecessor, William H. Rehnquist, joined the court as an associate justice, former federal judges were in the minority.
As a consequence, Chief Justice Roberts said, “the practice of constitutional law — how constitutional law was made — was more fluid and wide ranging than it is today, more in the realm of political science.”
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 23:05
SOURCE: NYT (2-15-09)
NIKOLAI KONDRATIEFF was not exactly a faceless bureaucrat in post-revolutionary Russia. He had held an important economic post in the last, short-lived government of Alexander Kerensky before the Bolsheviks took charge; then he founded an influential research organization, the Institute of Conjecture, and became an important theorist of the New Economic Policy under Lenin.
But he would long ago have been consigned to the dustbin of history had it not been for his quirky academic passion, which he pursued in a series of books and papers through the 1920s. Reviewing economic history since the late 18th century, Kondratieff came to a startling, doomsday conclusion: that capitalist economies were fated to go through regular and predictable cycles of around 50 years, inevitably culminating in a depression....
Kondratieff and his disciples — among whom was Joseph Schumpeter, who wrote about capitalism’s “creative destruction” — identified four stages in each cycle, corresponding to the seasons. After spurting ahead in the spring phase, they said, the economy cruises through the summer, experiences a scary drop as autumn sets in, and then — despite the TARPs, TALFs and whatever else governments do — descends into a winter phase that can last up to 20 years.
In case you hadn’t noticed, it has been getting quite chilly lately.
Over the years, Kondratieff’s appeal has waxed and waned in counterpoint to the economy, falling out of favor in good times but charging back when things look bleak. But his theory has never been accepted by mainstream economists, who consider it an occult hall of mirrors in which any sort of pattern can be discerned by shifting starting dates and definitions.
But he would long ago have been consigned to the dustbin of history had it not been for his quirky academic passion, which he pursued in a series of books and papers through the 1920s. Reviewing economic history since the late 18th century, Kondratieff came to a startling, doomsday conclusion: that capitalist economies were fated to go through regular and predictable cycles of around 50 years, inevitably culminating in a depression....
Kondratieff and his disciples — among whom was Joseph Schumpeter, who wrote about capitalism’s “creative destruction” — identified four stages in each cycle, corresponding to the seasons. After spurting ahead in the spring phase, they said, the economy cruises through the summer, experiences a scary drop as autumn sets in, and then — despite the TARPs, TALFs and whatever else governments do — descends into a winter phase that can last up to 20 years.
In case you hadn’t noticed, it has been getting quite chilly lately.
Over the years, Kondratieff’s appeal has waxed and waned in counterpoint to the economy, falling out of favor in good times but charging back when things look bleak. But his theory has never been accepted by mainstream economists, who consider it an occult hall of mirrors in which any sort of pattern can be discerned by shifting starting dates and definitions.
Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 19:29
Name of source: Inside Higher Ed
SOURCE: Inside Higher Ed (2-18-09)
It’s not exactly news that the Internet is a perfect tool for violating copyright. In book publishing, the big concern has been best sellers that can be scanned and uploaded, with the idea that there is a worldwide audience for the latest Harry Potter installment or Oprah recommendation. While most university press books don’t have quite that commercial appeal, they are finding that they can still be the targets of pirates.
Press officials don’t want to provide too many details about what they’ve found as they don’t want to encourage people to download free copies of monographs, as they can do now in some cases. But those involved with anti-piracy efforts say that university presses are now targets of a number of sites. In a particularly disturbing trend, some presses are reporting that pre-publication digital editions are ending up on these piracy Web sites, raising concerns about the need to better track who has access to such versions.
Press officials don’t want to provide too many details about what they’ve found as they don’t want to encourage people to download free copies of monographs, as they can do now in some cases. But those involved with anti-piracy efforts say that university presses are now targets of a number of sites. In a particularly disturbing trend, some presses are reporting that pre-publication digital editions are ending up on these piracy Web sites, raising concerns about the need to better track who has access to such versions.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 17:31
Name of source: Politico.com
SOURCE: Politico.com (2-17-09)
In his first weeks in office, President Barack Obama shut down his predecessor’s system for reviewing regulations, realigned and expanded two key White House policymaking bodies and extended economic sanctions against parties to the conflict in the African nation of Cote D’Ivoire.
Despite the intense scrutiny a president gets just after the inauguration, Obama managed to take all these actions with nary a mention from the White House press corps.
The moves escaped notice because they were never announced by the White House Press Office and were never placed on the White House web site.
They came to light only because the official paperwork was transmitted to the Federal Register, a dense daily compendium of regulatory actions and other formal notices prepared by the National Archives. They were published there several days after the fact.
A Politico review of Federal Register issuances since Obama took office found three executive orders, one presidential memorandum, one presidential notice, and one proclamation that went unannounced by the White House.
Despite the intense scrutiny a president gets just after the inauguration, Obama managed to take all these actions with nary a mention from the White House press corps.
The moves escaped notice because they were never announced by the White House Press Office and were never placed on the White House web site.
They came to light only because the official paperwork was transmitted to the Federal Register, a dense daily compendium of regulatory actions and other formal notices prepared by the National Archives. They were published there several days after the fact.
A Politico review of Federal Register issuances since Obama took office found three executive orders, one presidential memorandum, one presidential notice, and one proclamation that went unannounced by the White House.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 16:42
Name of source: Indystar
SOURCE: Indystar (2-18-09)
Tom Mattice said he was trying to promote a "healing environment" when he removed the old, yellowing wall decoration from a hallway at the VA hospital.
But in doing so, the hospital director has opened an old wound -- and spurred debate about political correctness, free speech and how to be true to history without being offensive.
At issue is a framed newspaper front page from an August 1945 Indianapolis Times. The headline: "Japs Surrender."
Mattice, director of the Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, said there'd been a complaint: A new employee was offended by the term "Japs," a commonly used slur during World War II.
So, Mattice took down the framed front page, which is now tucked away in the center's executive offices.
That decision, however, has riled a group of retired Marines who call it whitewashing history and akin to offering an apology that isn't due. They are campaigning to have the artifact put back on the wall, where it had hung alongside other World War II memorabilia for more than a decade.
But in doing so, the hospital director has opened an old wound -- and spurred debate about political correctness, free speech and how to be true to history without being offensive.
At issue is a framed newspaper front page from an August 1945 Indianapolis Times. The headline: "Japs Surrender."
Mattice, director of the Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, said there'd been a complaint: A new employee was offended by the term "Japs," a commonly used slur during World War II.
So, Mattice took down the framed front page, which is now tucked away in the center's executive offices.
That decision, however, has riled a group of retired Marines who call it whitewashing history and akin to offering an apology that isn't due. They are campaigning to have the artifact put back on the wall, where it had hung alongside other World War II memorabilia for more than a decade.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 15:56
Name of source: http://minnesota.publicradio.org
SOURCE: http://minnesota.publicradio.org (2-17-09)
A new survey of more than 700 principals in Minnesota finds nearly all of them are doubtful about meeting federal No Child Left Behind standards by 2014.
The group Minnesota 2020 asked the state's 1,600 school principals to fill out an online survey. More than 700 did and the results of one question particularly stand out.
When asked whether they think all schools will meet the federal standards by 2014, 97 percent said no. Another large majority also said they have already diverted core classroom spending on test preparation costs
The group Minnesota 2020 asked the state's 1,600 school principals to fill out an online survey. More than 700 did and the results of one question particularly stand out.
When asked whether they think all schools will meet the federal standards by 2014, 97 percent said no. Another large majority also said they have already diverted core classroom spending on test preparation costs
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 15:54
Name of source: Lee White at the website of the National Coalition for History (NCH)
SOURCE: Lee White at the website of the National Coalition for History (NCH) (2-1-09)
On the day the presidential records bill passed (January 7, 2009), the House of Representatives approved H.R. 36, the “Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2009,” by a vote of 388-31. H.R. 36 requires organizations fundraising for presidential libraries to disclose their donations while the president is in office and during the period before the federal government has taken possession of the library.
Since it is unlikely the bill will be passed by January 20, 2009, the disclosure requirements would not be applied retroactively to any funds President George W. Bush raised while in office. However, it would apply to donations made to the George W. Bush Presidential Library after enactment, and to libraries for President-elect Obama and his successors. Former-president Bill Clinton recently voluntarily released the names of past donors to his presidential library to help facilitate the confirmation of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to be Secretary of State in the Obama administration.
The bill is identical to one passed by the House in 2007. A presidential libraries donations bill passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in 2007, but it differed with regard to the disclosure of donations while a president is in office and, after a president leaves office, when the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has assumed responsibility for the facility.
Presidential libraries are built using private funds raised by an organization or foundation working on behalf of the president. Under current law, donations for the presidential library can be unlimited in size and need not be disclosed. In addition, foreign nationals can make contributions to a sitting, or former, president’s library foundation. This is in contrast to federal election laws that prohibit contributions by foreign nationals.
The bill would require that all organizations established for the purpose of raising funds for presidential libraries or their related facilities report on a quarterly basis all contributions of $200 or more. The bill also sets a minimum reporting period of four years after the end of a president’s term.
Organizations that raise funds for presidential libraries typically begin fundraising while the president remains in office. Before the library is turned over to the National Archives, these organizations must raise enough money to build the library and to provide the Archivist with an endowment for the maintenance of the facility. A law passed by Congress last year raised the threshold for the amount of money that must be raised before NARA can take possession of a presidential archive depository. The new bill will make presidential library funding even more challenging.
Under H.R. 36, presidential library fund-raising organizations would be required to disclose to Congress and the Archivist the amount and date of each contribution, the name of the contributor, and if the contributor is an individual, the occupation of the contributor. The National Archives would be required to make the information available to the public through a free, searchable, and downloadable database on the Internet.
Since it is unlikely the bill will be passed by January 20, 2009, the disclosure requirements would not be applied retroactively to any funds President George W. Bush raised while in office. However, it would apply to donations made to the George W. Bush Presidential Library after enactment, and to libraries for President-elect Obama and his successors. Former-president Bill Clinton recently voluntarily released the names of past donors to his presidential library to help facilitate the confirmation of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to be Secretary of State in the Obama administration.
The bill is identical to one passed by the House in 2007. A presidential libraries donations bill passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in 2007, but it differed with regard to the disclosure of donations while a president is in office and, after a president leaves office, when the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has assumed responsibility for the facility.
Presidential libraries are built using private funds raised by an organization or foundation working on behalf of the president. Under current law, donations for the presidential library can be unlimited in size and need not be disclosed. In addition, foreign nationals can make contributions to a sitting, or former, president’s library foundation. This is in contrast to federal election laws that prohibit contributions by foreign nationals.
The bill would require that all organizations established for the purpose of raising funds for presidential libraries or their related facilities report on a quarterly basis all contributions of $200 or more. The bill also sets a minimum reporting period of four years after the end of a president’s term.
Organizations that raise funds for presidential libraries typically begin fundraising while the president remains in office. Before the library is turned over to the National Archives, these organizations must raise enough money to build the library and to provide the Archivist with an endowment for the maintenance of the facility. A law passed by Congress last year raised the threshold for the amount of money that must be raised before NARA can take possession of a presidential archive depository. The new bill will make presidential library funding even more challenging.
Under H.R. 36, presidential library fund-raising organizations would be required to disclose to Congress and the Archivist the amount and date of each contribution, the name of the contributor, and if the contributor is an individual, the occupation of the contributor. The National Archives would be required to make the information available to the public through a free, searchable, and downloadable database on the Internet.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 15:05
Name of source: Times (UK)
SOURCE: Times (UK) (2-18-09)
There is one card that John Baxter will particularly treasure when he celebrates his 90th birthday tomorrow. It is from the Japanese guard who befriended him as a prisoner of war in Java during the Second World War.
On his release in 1945 Mr Baxter was little more than a living skeleton, his body ravaged by tropical diseases including malaria and dysentery. That he did survive was in part thanks to Hyato Hirano, one of the few guards who showed compassion to the prisoners.
In 1995 Mr Baxter, a former corporal in the Royal Engineers, had an emotional reunion with Mr Hirano after tracking him down during a visit to Japan on the 50th anniversary of VJ-Day.
On his release in 1945 Mr Baxter was little more than a living skeleton, his body ravaged by tropical diseases including malaria and dysentery. That he did survive was in part thanks to Hyato Hirano, one of the few guards who showed compassion to the prisoners.
In 1995 Mr Baxter, a former corporal in the Royal Engineers, had an emotional reunion with Mr Hirano after tracking him down during a visit to Japan on the 50th anniversary of VJ-Day.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 10:58
SOURCE: Times (UK) (2-15-09)
Charles Darwin’s moral philosophy may have been inspired by the writings of Buddhist monks, according to one of the world’s leading experts on the evolution of emotions.
Research by Paul Ekman, a psychologist whose work has shown how the facial expressions that signal emotion are universal across all cultures, has identified striking similarities between Darwin’s attitude to compassion and morality and that of Tibetan Buddhism.
Darwin, who was born 200 years ago last week, believed that compassion for other sentient beings was the highest moral virtue. This informed other aspects of his world view, such as his passionate opposition to slavery.
Dr Ekman, who recently edited a new version of Darwin’s The Expression of the Emotion in Man and Animals, said that these views were in accord with those of Tibetan Buddhists. He had also found evidence that Darwin was aware of their philosophy.
Research by Paul Ekman, a psychologist whose work has shown how the facial expressions that signal emotion are universal across all cultures, has identified striking similarities between Darwin’s attitude to compassion and morality and that of Tibetan Buddhism.
Darwin, who was born 200 years ago last week, believed that compassion for other sentient beings was the highest moral virtue. This informed other aspects of his world view, such as his passionate opposition to slavery.
Dr Ekman, who recently edited a new version of Darwin’s The Expression of the Emotion in Man and Animals, said that these views were in accord with those of Tibetan Buddhists. He had also found evidence that Darwin was aware of their philosophy.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 08:53
Name of source: Deutsche Welle
SOURCE: Deutsche Welle (2-18-09)
Konrad Dannenberg's wife Jackie said he died Monday of natural causes, the Birmingham News reported on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Dannenberg played a role in the Redstone, Jupiter and Saturn rockets. It was the Saturn V that put the first American astronaut on the moon.
In 1950, 118 German scientists came to Hunstville as part of Wernher von Braun's team. With Dannenberg's death, only six survive.
Born in 1912 in Weissenfels, Germany, Dannenberg earned his master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Hannover Technical University.
Dannenberg played a role in the Redstone, Jupiter and Saturn rockets. It was the Saturn V that put the first American astronaut on the moon.
In 1950, 118 German scientists came to Hunstville as part of Wernher von Braun's team. With Dannenberg's death, only six survive.
Born in 1912 in Weissenfels, Germany, Dannenberg earned his master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Hannover Technical University.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 09:52
SOURCE: Deutsche Welle (2-16-09)
Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, Poland's special representative for relations with Germany, met in Berlin with Merkel on Monday, Feb. 16. There was no news conference, but he told Polish reporters later he was "fully calmed and satisfied."
Tension had earlier flared after Polish diplomats reportedly heard that Association of Expellees President Erika Steinbach, 65, would be appointed to the board of the planned Berlin center, which is to depict how ethnic Germans had to flee many nations after World War II.
Many Poles perceive the center as having an anti-Polish agenda. Steinbach herself is viewed with revulsion by many Poles because of her advocacy for ethnic Germans expelled from Polish soil between 1945 and 1947. Steinbach is also a member of the German parliament for Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Tension had earlier flared after Polish diplomats reportedly heard that Association of Expellees President Erika Steinbach, 65, would be appointed to the board of the planned Berlin center, which is to depict how ethnic Germans had to flee many nations after World War II.
Many Poles perceive the center as having an anti-Polish agenda. Steinbach herself is viewed with revulsion by many Poles because of her advocacy for ethnic Germans expelled from Polish soil between 1945 and 1947. Steinbach is also a member of the German parliament for Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 08:05
Name of source: USA Today
SOURCE: USA Today (2-16-09)
The nation's new president has been compared to FDR. His economic views go by the catchy code word Obamanomics. The transition of power at the White House is always a big deal on Wall Street — but never more so than this year with the stock market, banking system and economy in the throes of the worst crisis since the 1930s.
Enter President Obama, a politician with JFK-like charisma and high approval ratings. Wall Street and Main Street are counting on him to be Mr. Fix-it.
Not only has Obama inherited a financial mess of historic proportions, he is also facing what market historians at the Stock Trader's Almanac refer to as the "post-election-year syndrome": The first year of a presidential term has historically been the worst for stocks.
"In the four-year presidential cycle, the first year is usually the toughest," says Jeffrey Kleintop, strategist at LPL Financial.
In post-election years since 1871, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index finished higher only 56% of the time, says Ned Davis Research. That's well below the 74% of gains in pre-election years, 69% in election years and 59% in midterm election years.
Enter President Obama, a politician with JFK-like charisma and high approval ratings. Wall Street and Main Street are counting on him to be Mr. Fix-it.
Not only has Obama inherited a financial mess of historic proportions, he is also facing what market historians at the Stock Trader's Almanac refer to as the "post-election-year syndrome": The first year of a presidential term has historically been the worst for stocks.
"In the four-year presidential cycle, the first year is usually the toughest," says Jeffrey Kleintop, strategist at LPL Financial.
In post-election years since 1871, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index finished higher only 56% of the time, says Ned Davis Research. That's well below the 74% of gains in pre-election years, 69% in election years and 59% in midterm election years.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 23:16
Name of source: Telegraph (UK)
SOURCE: Telegraph (UK) (2-17-09)
Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom apologised to Cuba on Tuesday for his country's having allowed the CIA to train exiles in the Central American country for the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion.
"Today I want to ask Cuba's forgiveness for having offered our country, our territory, to prepare an invasion of Cuba. It wasn't us, but it was our territory," Mr Colom said during a speech at the University of Havana.
He added that he wished to apologise "as president and head of state, and as commander in chief of the Guatemalan army".
About 1,500 Cuban exiles trained under CIA guidance in Guatemala before invading the island in April 1961 in an unsuccessful bid to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist government. The Bay of Pigs invasion ended after three days with about 100 invaders killed and another 1,000 captured by Cuban forces. John F Kennedy was president of the United States at the
"Today I want to ask Cuba's forgiveness for having offered our country, our territory, to prepare an invasion of Cuba. It wasn't us, but it was our territory," Mr Colom said during a speech at the University of Havana.
He added that he wished to apologise "as president and head of state, and as commander in chief of the Guatemalan army".
About 1,500 Cuban exiles trained under CIA guidance in Guatemala before invading the island in April 1961 in an unsuccessful bid to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist government. The Bay of Pigs invasion ended after three days with about 100 invaders killed and another 1,000 captured by Cuban forces. John F Kennedy was president of the United States at the
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 23:11
SOURCE: Telegraph (UK) (2-17-09)
Stuart Manley, who owns Barter Books in Alnwick, Northumberland, liked the red and white Second World War propaganda poster much that he framed it and hung it up in his shop. It is one of only two original prints known to have survived after the Government reconsidered releasing the poster and pulped the original print run.
To his astonishment, Mr Manley was inundated with customers desperate to have a copy or buy the original.
He decided to make and sell a facsimile version and, since then, has sold over 40,000 copies alongside hundreds of mugs, T-shirts, mouse mats, tea towels and postcards.
The original poster was commissioned by the British Government's Ministry of Information in spring 1939, and was intended to offer the public reassurance as war approached.
As well as the now-famous Keep Calm and Carry On design, a further two were printed, reading: "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory", and the more simple "Freedom is in Peril".
A total of 2.5 million red and white posters were printed, but never officially issued.
To his astonishment, Mr Manley was inundated with customers desperate to have a copy or buy the original.
He decided to make and sell a facsimile version and, since then, has sold over 40,000 copies alongside hundreds of mugs, T-shirts, mouse mats, tea towels and postcards.
The original poster was commissioned by the British Government's Ministry of Information in spring 1939, and was intended to offer the public reassurance as war approached.
As well as the now-famous Keep Calm and Carry On design, a further two were printed, reading: "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory", and the more simple "Freedom is in Peril".
A total of 2.5 million red and white posters were printed, but never officially issued.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 14:00
SOURCE: Telegraph (UK) (2-17-09)
Wilm Hosenfeld, the German officer made famous by the film 'The Pianist', has been recognised by Israel for his role in helping Jews.
Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial and museum, recognised Hosenfeld posthumously as "Righteous Among the Nations", an acknowledgement for those who aided Jews during the Holocaust.
Hosenfeld was made famous by Roman Polanski's celebrated 2002 film The Pianist, which was based on the true story of the Polish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman, played by Adrien Brody.
Szpilman had written to Yad Vashem, as well as in his diaries that became the basis for the film, that "in November 1944 Hosenfeld helped him find a hiding place and that he provided blankets, food and moral support" while the Jewish musician hid in Warsaw.
The award, announced in a a statement issued by Yad Vashem, came after new material emerged, including Hosenfeld's personal diaries and letters to his wife "which clarify his consistent stance against the Nazi policy toward the Jews".
Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial and museum, recognised Hosenfeld posthumously as "Righteous Among the Nations", an acknowledgement for those who aided Jews during the Holocaust.
Hosenfeld was made famous by Roman Polanski's celebrated 2002 film The Pianist, which was based on the true story of the Polish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman, played by Adrien Brody.
Szpilman had written to Yad Vashem, as well as in his diaries that became the basis for the film, that "in November 1944 Hosenfeld helped him find a hiding place and that he provided blankets, food and moral support" while the Jewish musician hid in Warsaw.
The award, announced in a a statement issued by Yad Vashem, came after new material emerged, including Hosenfeld's personal diaries and letters to his wife "which clarify his consistent stance against the Nazi policy toward the Jews".
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 13:28
SOURCE: Telegraph (UK) (2-16-09)
Pope John Paul II was the subject of two assassination plots in his native Poland a senior member of the Polish Catholic Church has claimed.
Zdzislaw Krol, chancellor of Warsaw Metropolitan Curia, said the late pontiff faced plots against his life during his 1983 and 1987 pilgrimages to Poland.
Before the start of the 1987 pilgrimage the Church received information from a woman of a plan to kill the pope while his was in the town of Czestochowa, a focal point of Polish catholism, Father Krol explained.
Taking the information seriously the Church passed the information on to the communist authorities and a man was arrested.
Zdzislaw Krol, chancellor of Warsaw Metropolitan Curia, said the late pontiff faced plots against his life during his 1983 and 1987 pilgrimages to Poland.
Before the start of the 1987 pilgrimage the Church received information from a woman of a plan to kill the pope while his was in the town of Czestochowa, a focal point of Polish catholism, Father Krol explained.
Taking the information seriously the Church passed the information on to the communist authorities and a man was arrested.
The suspect, it turned out, was Bulgarian. Many believe that the man who made an assassination attempt on John Paul II in 1981, Turk Mehmet Ali Agca, was working on the orders of Bulgarian secret service.
Information on the other plot, Father Krol said, came from a source in the Austrian embassy, who alleged that three Germans linked to the left-wing terrorist group, the Red Brigade, had managed to get into Poland, and intended to murder the pope at an open-air mass in Warsaw.
The revelations come just days after a historian claimed that Poland's communist authorities may have foiled a plot to kill John Paul on his 1987 pilgrimage after they had received a letter in which the author said he would "shoot the pope in the head".
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 18:59
SOURCE: Telegraph (UK) (2-15-09)
Highly decorated by both the British and French governments for his work during World War II, Brocard was one of some 100 agents in the Agir (Action) network set up in 1941 by French Colonel Michel Hollard.
Hollard became known as "the man who saved London" for detecting and identifying some 100 launching ramps for V1's in northern France, enabling them to be destroyed by allied bombers.
Hollard became known as "the man who saved London" for detecting and identifying some 100 launching ramps for V1's in northern France, enabling them to be destroyed by allied bombers.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 08:14
Name of source: Foxnews
SOURCE: Foxnews (2-17-09)
It's the stuff of legends: an elite secret society that includes what would become some of the most powerful men of the 20th century allegedly invading the grave of an Apache chief to steal his skull for fraternal rituals. It's also the stuff of a new lawsuit filed Tuesday by descendents of that Apache chief.
On the 100th anniversary of the death of Geronimo, 20 of his blood relatives have asked the courts to force Yale University and the school's secret organization, Skull and Bones, to release his remains for return to his native land and a proper burial.
The lawsuit also names President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Army Secretary Pete Geren as defendants because they are responsible for maintaining Geronimo's remains on a U.S. Army base in Oklahoma, the group said.
On the 100th anniversary of the death of Geronimo, 20 of his blood relatives have asked the courts to force Yale University and the school's secret organization, Skull and Bones, to release his remains for return to his native land and a proper burial.
The lawsuit also names President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Army Secretary Pete Geren as defendants because they are responsible for maintaining Geronimo's remains on a U.S. Army base in Oklahoma, the group said.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 23:10
Name of source: BBC
SOURCE: BBC (2-17-09)
Kaing Guek Eav - better known as Duch - was head of a notorious prison camp and is accused of presiding over the murder and torture of at least 15,000 inmates.
The trial is the result of a decade of painstaking and often ill-tempered negotiations, a BBC correspondent says.
People queued for hours to attend the hearing and see the ex-prison chief.
For the survivors, the opening day of the hearing offered the first opportunity to see a leading figure in the Khmer Rouge face justice.
The trial is the result of a decade of painstaking and often ill-tempered negotiations, a BBC correspondent says.
People queued for hours to attend the hearing and see the ex-prison chief.
For the survivors, the opening day of the hearing offered the first opportunity to see a leading figure in the Khmer Rouge face justice.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 23:03
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
China is to lend 29 treasures to Taiwan for an exhibition - the first such cultural exchange in 60 years.
The artefacts from Beijing's Palace Museum date from the Qing Dynasty, and will be shown for three months at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
Between them, the two museums are believed to have the world's most precious collection of Chinese relics.
A huge collection has been kept in Taiwan since nationalists headed there when China's civil war ended in 1949.
When the nationalist party retreated to Taiwan in 1949, they took more than half a million of China's most precious artefacts with them.
It will be the first time treasures have been lent to Taiwan since the end of that conflict, when the Chinese Communist Party took power on the mainland.
The artefacts from Beijing's Palace Museum date from the Qing Dynasty, and will be shown for three months at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
Between them, the two museums are believed to have the world's most precious collection of Chinese relics.
A huge collection has been kept in Taiwan since nationalists headed there when China's civil war ended in 1949.
When the nationalist party retreated to Taiwan in 1949, they took more than half a million of China's most precious artefacts with them.
It will be the first time treasures have been lent to Taiwan since the end of that conflict, when the Chinese Communist Party took power on the mainland.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 13:33
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
But simmering nationalistic emotions are being brought to the surface by painful memories.
Hoang Thi Lich, 72, remembers vividly the morning of 17 February 1979, when she and her family woke to a suffocating sense of panic in the mountains of Cao Bang.
As dawn broke, China launched attacks on a number of positions in Vietnam's northernmost provinces with a staggering display of so-called "human waves" and artillery power.
Mrs Lich's family was quickly evacuated from her small hamlet in Hoa An district, along with a dozen other ethnic Tay families.
She recalls: "We were told to run southwards... I could hear loud gunfire. I was so frightened I froze for a long while, I did not know what to do."
Mrs Lich's family escaped to safety.
Just 18 days later, in the same Hoa An district, retreating Chinese soldiers reportedly hacked to death 43 people - mostly women and children.
Hoang Thi Lich, 72, remembers vividly the morning of 17 February 1979, when she and her family woke to a suffocating sense of panic in the mountains of Cao Bang.
As dawn broke, China launched attacks on a number of positions in Vietnam's northernmost provinces with a staggering display of so-called "human waves" and artillery power.
Mrs Lich's family was quickly evacuated from her small hamlet in Hoa An district, along with a dozen other ethnic Tay families.
She recalls: "We were told to run southwards... I could hear loud gunfire. I was so frightened I froze for a long while, I did not know what to do."
Mrs Lich's family escaped to safety.
Just 18 days later, in the same Hoa An district, retreating Chinese soldiers reportedly hacked to death 43 people - mostly women and children.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 07:52
SOURCE: BBC (2-17-09)
Kosovo has been striving to secure its borders and develop its economy in the face of opposition from Serbia, which refuses to recognise its independence.
Prime Minister Hashim Thaci says it is building a homeland for all its people.
But correspondents say parts of northern Kosovo remain tensely divided between ethnic Albanians and Serbs.
MPs from the Serbian parliament in Belgrade are due to hold a committee meeting in Kosovo in protest against the anniversary.
Ethnic Albanians constitute 90% of Kosovo's two million people.
Prime Minister Hashim Thaci says it is building a homeland for all its people.
But correspondents say parts of northern Kosovo remain tensely divided between ethnic Albanians and Serbs.
MPs from the Serbian parliament in Belgrade are due to hold a committee meeting in Kosovo in protest against the anniversary.
Ethnic Albanians constitute 90% of Kosovo's two million people.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 07:50
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
The Council of State said the state had permitted or facilitated deportations that led to anti-Semitic persecution without being coerced by the occupiers.
But the council also found reparations had since been made "as much as was possible, for all the losses suffered".
Correspondents say the ruling is the clearest such recognition of the French state's role in the Holocaust.
Between 1942 and 1944 some 76,000 Jews were deported from France by the Vichy government in collaboration with the German occupying army.
But the council also found reparations had since been made "as much as was possible, for all the losses suffered".
Correspondents say the ruling is the clearest such recognition of the French state's role in the Holocaust.
Between 1942 and 1944 some 76,000 Jews were deported from France by the Vichy government in collaboration with the German occupying army.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 07:48
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
The Royal Navy has unveiled its plans for celebrations to mark the centenary of British naval air power.
The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with a series of flypasts, concerts and other events.
On 7 May, 1909 the Admiralty put aside funds for its first airship, changing the face of warfare to come.
One hundred years later, the navy's Fleet Air Arm can boast more than 250 aircraft and helicopters - a third of the UK forces' air strength.
The news conference to unveil the anniversary was attended by past luminaries of the Fleet Air Arm including veteran 'Jock' Moffat, the pilot whose torpedo crippled the mighty Bismarck during World War II.
But the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, also looked to the future, as he discussed the two new aircraft carriers ordered by the Royal Navy in 2008.
The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with a series of flypasts, concerts and other events.
On 7 May, 1909 the Admiralty put aside funds for its first airship, changing the face of warfare to come.
One hundred years later, the navy's Fleet Air Arm can boast more than 250 aircraft and helicopters - a third of the UK forces' air strength.
The news conference to unveil the anniversary was attended by past luminaries of the Fleet Air Arm including veteran 'Jock' Moffat, the pilot whose torpedo crippled the mighty Bismarck during World War II.
But the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, also looked to the future, as he discussed the two new aircraft carriers ordered by the Royal Navy in 2008.
Centenary events will culminate on 7 May with a fly-past of ancient and modern Fleet Air Arm aircraft over the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.
There will also be a service to formally recognize the sacrifices made over the 100 years of naval aviation at St. Paul's Cathedral on 8 May
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:17
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
A study has concluded that many of the UK's historic sites are under threat from illegal metal detector users. History enthusiasts are frustrated that little is being done to prevent the damage.
One landowner tells of discovering a gang armed with bicycle chains and other weapons, as well as dozens of maps, highlighted with sites of historical interest.
Responsible metal detectorists, as they are called, are just as angry about what the criminal minority do in their names, saying that it makes it very difficult to establish relationships with landowners.
One landowner tells of discovering a gang armed with bicycle chains and other weapons, as well as dozens of maps, highlighted with sites of historical interest.
Responsible metal detectorists, as they are called, are just as angry about what the criminal minority do in their names, saying that it makes it very difficult to establish relationships with landowners.
Bob, and his friend Cliff Smith, are members of a recognised national body with insurance and a strict code of conduct.
When they found a very significant Saxon site in the area recently, they got in touch with the authorities, helped with the dig and even camped out overnight to make sure that the nighthawkers did not loot the site.
But Cliff points out a flaw in the current system of cataloguing recent finds.
"Once a site is scheduled, it goes on the internet", he says.
"You might as well put the GPS co-ordinates on with a sign saying 'dig here'. The archaeologists rarely have the resources to properly dig a recently discovered site. When they run out of money the rest is effectively left to the looters."
But Bob says that despite these frustrations, going out detecting is one of the best things in the world.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:15
SOURCE: BBC (2-14-09)
It is 20 years since Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against the author Salman Rushdie after the publication of The Satanic Verses.
The novel's release led to widespread protest by Muslims who regarded it as blasphemous, including public burning of the book.
Rushdie had to live in hiding and under special protection for several years.
And while he is now able to live a more public life, he says the affair remains "an albatross around his neck".
The novel's release led to widespread protest by Muslims who regarded it as blasphemous, including public burning of the book.
Rushdie had to live in hiding and under special protection for several years.
And while he is now able to live a more public life, he says the affair remains "an albatross around his neck".
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:11
SOURCE: BBC (2-14-09)
Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese have taken to the streets in Beirut for the fourth anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
People waved red and white Lebanese flags and listened to speeches from political leaders amid tight security.
They are also showing support for a UN tribunal into the killing which starts in early March, correspondents say.
Syria has long been suspected of involvement in the massive truck bomb that killed Mr Hariri and 22 others.
Damascus has always denied it had anything to do with the attack.
People waved red and white Lebanese flags and listened to speeches from political leaders amid tight security.
They are also showing support for a UN tribunal into the killing which starts in early March, correspondents say.
Syria has long been suspected of involvement in the massive truck bomb that killed Mr Hariri and 22 others.
Damascus has always denied it had anything to do with the attack.
Pictures of the former prime minister were flashed on giant screens, while a choir sang national songs.
The crowd fell silent at 1300 to mark the exact time Mr Hariri was killed.
Saad Hariri, son of Rafik and leader of Lebanon's pro-Western Sunni parliamentary majority, told our correspondent he was proud that his father's legacy was still able to unite the country.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:08
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
Twenty years on from the Soviet Union's pull-out from Afghanistan, the BBC's Rayhan Demytrie looks at the role soldiers from the Central Asian nations played in the conflict.
In the almost 10 years that Soviet forces battled Afghanistan's Mujahideen, hundreds of thousands of soldiers from across the USSR took part in the conflict.
The troops included soldiers recruited from Afghanistan's mainly Muslim northern neighbours, who shared culture with their Afghan cousins.
Soviet authorities believed that these troops, coming from traditionally Islamic backgrounds with similar customs and, most importantly, similar dialects to those spoken in Afghanistan, could be used for covert operations.
In the almost 10 years that Soviet forces battled Afghanistan's Mujahideen, hundreds of thousands of soldiers from across the USSR took part in the conflict.
The troops included soldiers recruited from Afghanistan's mainly Muslim northern neighbours, who shared culture with their Afghan cousins.
Soviet authorities believed that these troops, coming from traditionally Islamic backgrounds with similar customs and, most importantly, similar dialects to those spoken in Afghanistan, could be used for covert operations.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:06
SOURCE: BBC (2-16-09)
One of pop superstar Michael Jackson's brothers, Marlon, is involved in a controversial plan to develop a $3.4bn (£2.4bn) slavery memorial and luxury resort in Badagry, Nigeria.
The historic slave port is to be transformed through the bizarre combination of a slave history theme park and a museum dedicated to double Grammy-winning pop-soul group the Jackson Five.
The idea is that the band will help attract African-American tourists keen to trace their roots back to Nigeria.
The men behind the plan say it will honour the history of the transatlantic slave trade and provide employment opportunities for Nigerians.
But the plan has been condemned by Nigerian commentators.
The historic slave port is to be transformed through the bizarre combination of a slave history theme park and a museum dedicated to double Grammy-winning pop-soul group the Jackson Five.
The idea is that the band will help attract African-American tourists keen to trace their roots back to Nigeria.
The men behind the plan say it will honour the history of the transatlantic slave trade and provide employment opportunities for Nigerians.
But the plan has been condemned by Nigerian commentators.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:02
Name of source: Daily Mail (UK)
SOURCE: Daily Mail (UK) (2-17-09)
Hitler had 'shocking' table manners, gorged on cake in his bunker and suffered from a digestive disorder that might have resulted in flatulence, it has been revealed.
The dictator also bit his fingernails at meal times and nervously rubbed his index finger back and forth across his moustache, according to newly-discovered documents.
The top secret papers also state Hitler believed Joseph Goebbels' own propaganda about himself, genuinely believing he was the 'greatest military genius of all time'.
The revelations also show Hitler had a 'streak of passive masochism' in his relationships with women.
The Fuhrer's daily routine and 'uncouth' behaviour were recorded in notes taken from a high-ranking Nazi who spilled the beans to a British agent.
The document, resembling a psychological profile of Hitler, is dated May 3 1945 - three days after his death - and states on the front: 'This summary must be destroyed within 48 hours.'
The dictator also bit his fingernails at meal times and nervously rubbed his index finger back and forth across his moustache, according to newly-discovered documents.
The top secret papers also state Hitler believed Joseph Goebbels' own propaganda about himself, genuinely believing he was the 'greatest military genius of all time'.
The revelations also show Hitler had a 'streak of passive masochism' in his relationships with women.
The Fuhrer's daily routine and 'uncouth' behaviour were recorded in notes taken from a high-ranking Nazi who spilled the beans to a British agent.
The document, resembling a psychological profile of Hitler, is dated May 3 1945 - three days after his death - and states on the front: 'This summary must be destroyed within 48 hours.'
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 22:51
SOURCE: Daily Mail (UK) (2-16-09)
It may look like just another hole in the ground, but this is no ordinary hole in the ground - it contains the remnants of one of the earliest watermills ever found.
The mill, which dates back to the 12th century, was discovered at Greenwich Wharf as developers prepared the way for a new building.
It has been preserved against centuries of damage by riverside peat deposits. Carpenters' or millwrights' assembly marks are clearly visible on the timbers.
This mill was likely to have been used for grinding corn and probably belonged to a nearby monastery that was part of an order from Ghent in Belgium.
Researchers will investigate whether monastery records can shed light on the workings of the mill.
The mill, which dates back to the 12th century, was discovered at Greenwich Wharf as developers prepared the way for a new building.
It has been preserved against centuries of damage by riverside peat deposits. Carpenters' or millwrights' assembly marks are clearly visible on the timbers.
This mill was likely to have been used for grinding corn and probably belonged to a nearby monastery that was part of an order from Ghent in Belgium.
Researchers will investigate whether monastery records can shed light on the workings of the mill.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 13:49
Name of source: UPI
SOURCE: UPI (2-17-09)
Political sources say former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is bitter that President George Bush wouldn't pardon Cheney aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
Cheney pushed Bush so hard to pardon Lewis that Bush refused to discuss the matter any further before he left office Jan. 20, The New York Daily News said in an exclusive published Tuesday. "He's furious with Bush," said a Cheney aide.
In an interview with The Weekly Standard last month, Cheney denounced Libby's conviction for perjury and obstruction of justice in the investigation of who leaked CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity to the press.
"He was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice, and I strongly believe that he deserved a presidential pardon," Cheney said.
Cheney pushed Bush so hard to pardon Lewis that Bush refused to discuss the matter any further before he left office Jan. 20, The New York Daily News said in an exclusive published Tuesday. "He's furious with Bush," said a Cheney aide.
In an interview with The Weekly Standard last month, Cheney denounced Libby's conviction for perjury and obstruction of justice in the investigation of who leaked CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity to the press.
"He was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice, and I strongly believe that he deserved a presidential pardon," Cheney said.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 22:51
Name of source: Civil War Interactive
SOURCE: Civil War Interactive (2-13-09)
A student at Miami University has discovered what experts say is a fingerprint belonging to Abraham Lincoln from nearly 150 years ago.
Lydia Smith, a first-year psychology major from Granville, Ohio, was transcribing a letter written by Lincoln on Oct. 5, 1863, for a class project when she noticed a smudge that she suspected could be Lincoln’s thumbprint.
The Papers of Abraham Lincoln, a project of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, reviewed and confirmed the print, making it the second rare fingerprint of the 16th president housed at Miami’s libraries.
The collection at Miami includes the first authenticated fingerprint of Lincoln with a signature known to historians since it was first verified in 1957. Lydia Smith’s discovery of the second fingerprint has historians taking notice.
Lydia Smith, a first-year psychology major from Granville, Ohio, was transcribing a letter written by Lincoln on Oct. 5, 1863, for a class project when she noticed a smudge that she suspected could be Lincoln’s thumbprint.
The Papers of Abraham Lincoln, a project of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, reviewed and confirmed the print, making it the second rare fingerprint of the 16th president housed at Miami’s libraries.
The collection at Miami includes the first authenticated fingerprint of Lincoln with a signature known to historians since it was first verified in 1957. Lydia Smith’s discovery of the second fingerprint has historians taking notice.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 14:15
Name of source: The State ( South Carolina)
SOURCE: The State ( South Carolina) (2-13-09)
A 6-pound cannonball found in the Broad River this week likely was fired by Confederate troops in the effort to slow Gen. William T. Sherman’s march on the city 144 years ago this week.
Wednesday’s discovery of the cannonball was announced Friday by the S.C. Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
The museum plans to conserve the cannonball — which contained no explosives — to stabilize it from corrison, Roberson said.
The discovery adds to the evidence that the Civil War-era River Road bridge was just north of the current bridge.
Historians have debated the exact location of that wooden bridge, which was burned in advance of Sherman’s troops.
The museum didn’t reveal who found the cannonball or the circumstances around its discovery. But it noted that artifacts in state waterways are covered under the S.C. Underwater Antiquities Act, which means they are the property of the state.
Wednesday’s discovery of the cannonball was announced Friday by the S.C. Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
The museum plans to conserve the cannonball — which contained no explosives — to stabilize it from corrison, Roberson said.
The discovery adds to the evidence that the Civil War-era River Road bridge was just north of the current bridge.
Historians have debated the exact location of that wooden bridge, which was burned in advance of Sherman’s troops.
The museum didn’t reveal who found the cannonball or the circumstances around its discovery. But it noted that artifacts in state waterways are covered under the S.C. Underwater Antiquities Act, which means they are the property of the state.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 14:12
Name of source: Rocku Mount Telegram
SOURCE: Rocku Mount Telegram (2-16-09)
It could be one of the nation’s oldest cold case files: What happened to eight Confederate sailors aboard the CSS H.L. Hunley after it became the first submarine in history to sink an enemy warship?
Their hand-cranked sub rammed a spar with black powder into the blockade ship USS Housatonic off Charleston on a chilly winter night in 1864 then disappeared.
The Hunley’s fate has been the subject of almost 150 years of conjecture and almost a decade of scientific research since it was raised in 2000. But the submarine has been agonizingly slow surrendering her secrets.
Scientists hope the next phase of the conservation, removing the hardened sediment coating the outside of the hull, will provide clues to the mystery.
McConnell, who watched the sub being raised more than eight years ago, thought at the time the mystery would easily be solved.
But what seemed so clear then seems as murky now as the sandy bottom where the Hunley rested for 136 years. When the Hunley was raised, the design was different from what scientists expected and there were only eight, not nine, crewmen, as originally thought.
Their hand-cranked sub rammed a spar with black powder into the blockade ship USS Housatonic off Charleston on a chilly winter night in 1864 then disappeared.
The Hunley’s fate has been the subject of almost 150 years of conjecture and almost a decade of scientific research since it was raised in 2000. But the submarine has been agonizingly slow surrendering her secrets.
Scientists hope the next phase of the conservation, removing the hardened sediment coating the outside of the hull, will provide clues to the mystery.
McConnell, who watched the sub being raised more than eight years ago, thought at the time the mystery would easily be solved.
But what seemed so clear then seems as murky now as the sandy bottom where the Hunley rested for 136 years. When the Hunley was raised, the design was different from what scientists expected and there were only eight, not nine, crewmen, as originally thought.
The first phase of work on the Hunley consisted of photographing and studying the outside of the hull. Then several iron hull plates were removed allowing scientists to enter the crew compartment to remove sediment, human remains and a cache of artifacts.
Archaeologist Maria Jacobsen said the Hunley is like a crime scene except that, unlike on television shows, there is no smoking gun.
In the case of the Hunley, some of those fingerprints may be covered with the encrusted sediment on the hull that scientists refer to as concretion.
When the sub was found, there was no window in the front conning tower, suggesting it had been shot out, perhaps by Union sharpshooters.
But no glass was found inside the sub and the remains of the captain, Lt. George Dixon, showed no injuries to his skull or body consistent with being shot while looking through the window, McConnell said.
The crewmen’s bodies were found at their duty stations, suggesting there was no emergency resulting in a scramble to get out of the sub. The controls on the bilge pump also were not set to pump water from the crew compartment, suggesting there was no water flooding in.
After the attack, Confederates on shore and Union ships reported seeing a blue light, believed to be the Hunley signaling it had completed its mission.
But after the attack, the USS Canandaigua rushed to the aide of the Housatonic and there is speculation that the light could have come from that ship instead.
Then there is the mystery of Dixon’s watch, which stopped at 8:23 p.m. Although times were far from uniform in the Civil War era, the Housatonic was attacked about 20 minutes later, according to federal time, McConnell said.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 14:07
Name of source: Discovery Channel News
SOURCE: Discovery Channel News (2-12-09)
The world's largest online collection of Civil War materials, including photographs, slave manifests and rare letters, has just been launched by Ancestry.com to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday.
The collection helps to document the lives of more than 12 million individuals affected by the Civil War. It reveals some harsh realities of the time, such as chronicling the movement of thousands of slaves to New Orleans to work in the booming cotton industry. It also sheds light on some of the women who, disgusted by slavery and desiring national unity, disguised themselves as men in order to fight in the war.
Five new databases have been added to the company's already large Civil War collection. They include the Abraham Lincoln Papers from the Library of Congress, New Orleans slave manifests dating from 1807 to 1860, confederate pension applications from Georgia, confederate applications for presidential pardons, and U.S. Civil War soldier records, which contain more than 4.2 million materials that profile nearly every officer and soldier who fought in the Civil War.
The collection of more than 20,000 letters written to and from President Lincoln is especially revealing. Lincoln used to receive notes urging him to support white supremacy. The president's private secretary, John Nicolay, would fire back polite, yet cutting, replies.
At least two other institutions are marking the anniversary of Lincoln's birthday with special exhibits and online offerings.
"With Malice to None," a new exhibit at the Library of Congress, allows visitors to view everything from the first draft of the emancipation proclamation, which freed the slaves, to the personal effects Lincoln was carrying with him on the night of April 14, 1865, when he was assassinated at Ford's Theater in Washington.
The collection helps to document the lives of more than 12 million individuals affected by the Civil War. It reveals some harsh realities of the time, such as chronicling the movement of thousands of slaves to New Orleans to work in the booming cotton industry. It also sheds light on some of the women who, disgusted by slavery and desiring national unity, disguised themselves as men in order to fight in the war.
Five new databases have been added to the company's already large Civil War collection. They include the Abraham Lincoln Papers from the Library of Congress, New Orleans slave manifests dating from 1807 to 1860, confederate pension applications from Georgia, confederate applications for presidential pardons, and U.S. Civil War soldier records, which contain more than 4.2 million materials that profile nearly every officer and soldier who fought in the Civil War.
The collection of more than 20,000 letters written to and from President Lincoln is especially revealing. Lincoln used to receive notes urging him to support white supremacy. The president's private secretary, John Nicolay, would fire back polite, yet cutting, replies.
At least two other institutions are marking the anniversary of Lincoln's birthday with special exhibits and online offerings.
"With Malice to None," a new exhibit at the Library of Congress, allows visitors to view everything from the first draft of the emancipation proclamation, which freed the slaves, to the personal effects Lincoln was carrying with him on the night of April 14, 1865, when he was assassinated at Ford's Theater in Washington.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 13:56
Name of source: Guardian (UK)
SOURCE: Guardian (UK) (2-16-09)
Not all treasure thieves tiptoe through the shells of Iraqi museums or churn up the deserts of Peru in their hunt for valuable antiquities. Nearer to home "nighthawkers" are using metal detectors and online auctions to strip rural Britain of its archaeological riches, and their illegal activities are proving every bit as destructive.
English Heritage has been so concerned about the extent of the depredation that it commissioned a study, which revealed that what was once an illicit hobby has mushroomed into a semi-professional criminal industry.
According to police, thieves have formed loosely connected networks to trade information, often in online forums, about new and vulnerable sites.
Some farmers have been threatened after confronting groups trespassing on their land at night.
English Heritage has been so concerned about the extent of the depredation that it commissioned a study, which revealed that what was once an illicit hobby has mushroomed into a semi-professional criminal industry.
According to police, thieves have formed loosely connected networks to trade information, often in online forums, about new and vulnerable sites.
Some farmers have been threatened after confronting groups trespassing on their land at night.
The survey, published today, found that while bronze axes, Roman coins, Saxon jewels and other precious scraps of British history are being looted from officially protected sites and open farmland, few nighthawkers are being prosecuted. Many landowners do not report the thefts as they believe police will find them difficult to prove, or they think that even if a case reaches court the penalties will be paltry.
The study found the practice to be most prevalent in eastern and central regions, such as Norfolk, Essex and Oxfordshire, which are rich in sites ranging from the prehistoric to medieval eras.
More than 200 raids were reported between 1995 and 2008, more than a third of them affecting scheduled ancient monuments. Archaeologists believe this figure represents the tip of the iceberg. To their despair, in the handful of cases that have gone to court the thieves usually received just a caution, or a fine as low as £38. Not surprisingly, only 14% of landowners bother to report this type of crime, knowing that unless the nighthawkers are caught red-handed the most the criminals are likely to be accused of is trespass, according to the survey.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 13:45
SOURCE: Guardian (UK) (2-16-09)
Not all treasure thieves tiptoe through the shells of Iraqi museums or churn up the deserts of Peru in their hunt for valuable antiquities. Nearer to home "nighthawkers" are using metal detectors and online auctions to strip rural Britain of its archaeological riches, and their illegal activities are proving every bit as destructive.
English Heritage has been so concerned about the extent of the depredation that it commissioned a study, which revealed that what was once an illicit hobby has mushroomed into a semi-professional criminal industry.
According to police, thieves have formed loosely connected networks to trade information, often in online forums, about new and vulnerable sites.
English Heritage has been so concerned about the extent of the depredation that it commissioned a study, which revealed that what was once an illicit hobby has mushroomed into a semi-professional criminal industry.
According to police, thieves have formed loosely connected networks to trade information, often in online forums, about new and vulnerable sites.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 08:42
Name of source: Rasmussen Reports
SOURCE: Rasmussen Reports (2-16-09)
It’s a good thing today’s holiday isn’t Father’s Day because the Father of our Country sure isn’t getting much respect.
George Washington is a distant second to Abraham Lincoln in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey asking Americans which of the men whose birthdays we honor on Presidents’ Day has had the more lasting impact on U.S. history.
Sixty-nine percent (69%) say Lincoln, the 16th president who served from 1861 to 1865, while 23% say Washington, our first president from 1789 to 1797. Eight percent (8%) are undecided.
When Americans are asked to choose who among five presidents was the nation’s most influential chief executive, Washington comes in next to last with 12%. He is followed only by Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the man who made the Louisiana Purchase, with 10% support.
Thirty-nine percent (39%) say Lincoln, who led the country during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, was the country’s most influential president. Ronald Reagan is next at 16%, with Franklin D. Roosevelt close behind (15%). Eleven percent (11%) aren’t sure.
George Washington is a distant second to Abraham Lincoln in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey asking Americans which of the men whose birthdays we honor on Presidents’ Day has had the more lasting impact on U.S. history.
Sixty-nine percent (69%) say Lincoln, the 16th president who served from 1861 to 1865, while 23% say Washington, our first president from 1789 to 1797. Eight percent (8%) are undecided.
When Americans are asked to choose who among five presidents was the nation’s most influential chief executive, Washington comes in next to last with 12%. He is followed only by Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the man who made the Louisiana Purchase, with 10% support.
Thirty-nine percent (39%) say Lincoln, who led the country during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, was the country’s most influential president. Ronald Reagan is next at 16%, with Franklin D. Roosevelt close behind (15%). Eleven percent (11%) aren’t sure.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:37
Name of source: The Local (Sweden)
SOURCE: The Local (Sweden) (2-15-09)
New documents have emerged that Swedish finance minister, Ernst Wigforss, approved secret Swedish bank credits to Nazi Germany in 1941. The documents were recently uncovered in a filing cabinet at the finance ministry.
Historian and ambassador Krister Wahlbäck and cabinet office archivist Bo Hammarlund reveal the existence of the documents, which indicate Wigforss' approval of loans to Hitler's Germany, in a full page debate article in Dagens Nyheter on Sunday.
The loans served to increase Swedish exports to Nazi Germany, of far greater importance, the pair argue, than opening the country's borders and train lines for the use of German troop movements - against which Wigforss was a renowned opponent.
Wahlbäck and Hammarlund conclude from the document find that there is more to be learned from Sweden's actions during the war and the involvement of certain individuals in regard to dealings with Nazi Germany, the source of much irritation among the allied powers.
Historian and ambassador Krister Wahlbäck and cabinet office archivist Bo Hammarlund reveal the existence of the documents, which indicate Wigforss' approval of loans to Hitler's Germany, in a full page debate article in Dagens Nyheter on Sunday.
The loans served to increase Swedish exports to Nazi Germany, of far greater importance, the pair argue, than opening the country's borders and train lines for the use of German troop movements - against which Wigforss was a renowned opponent.
Wahlbäck and Hammarlund conclude from the document find that there is more to be learned from Sweden's actions during the war and the involvement of certain individuals in regard to dealings with Nazi Germany, the source of much irritation among the allied powers.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 19:20
Name of source: CNN
SOURCE: CNN (2-16-09)
France bears responsibility for deporting Jews to their deaths in concentration camps during World War II, the country's highest court ruled Monday.
But, the Council of State said, "measures taken since the end of the Second World War have compensated for the damage."
The trial of Maurice Papon, a civil servant in the collaborationist Vichy government, for deporting Jews, forced the country to confront its role in the Holocaust.
Papon was convicted in 1998 by a French court for complicity in crimes against humanity for his role in the deportation of 1,590 Jews from the city of Bordeaux.
Most of the deportees later perished at the concentration camp at Auschwitz in modern day Poland. Papon died in February 2007, aged 96, after serving part of his term and then being freed on health grounds.
But, the Council of State said, "measures taken since the end of the Second World War have compensated for the damage."
The trial of Maurice Papon, a civil servant in the collaborationist Vichy government, for deporting Jews, forced the country to confront its role in the Holocaust.
Papon was convicted in 1998 by a French court for complicity in crimes against humanity for his role in the deportation of 1,590 Jews from the city of Bordeaux.
Most of the deportees later perished at the concentration camp at Auschwitz in modern day Poland. Papon died in February 2007, aged 96, after serving part of his term and then being freed on health grounds.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 18:52
Name of source: The Times of India
SOURCE: The Times of India (2-16-09)
Just days after Americans honoured the 200th anniversary of his birth, 65 historians ranked Abraham Lincoln as the best US president.
Former President George Bush, who left office last month, was ranked 36th out of the 42 men who had been chief executive by the end of 2008, according to a survey conducted by the cable channel C-SPAN.
Bush scored lowest in international relations, where he was ranked 41st, and in economic management, where he was ranked 40th. His highest ranking, 24th, was in the category of pursuing equal justice for all. He was ranked 25th in crisis leadership and vision and agenda setting.
Compared to C-SPAN's only other ranking of presidents, in 2000, former President Bill Clinton jumped six spots from No 21 to 15.
Other recent presidents moved positions as well: Ronald Reagan advanced from No 11 to 10, George HW Bush rose from No 20 to 18 and Jimmy Carter fell from No 22 to 25.
This movement illustrates that presidential reputations are influenced by present-day concerns, said survey adviser and participant Edna Medford.
Former President George Bush, who left office last month, was ranked 36th out of the 42 men who had been chief executive by the end of 2008, according to a survey conducted by the cable channel C-SPAN.
Bush scored lowest in international relations, where he was ranked 41st, and in economic management, where he was ranked 40th. His highest ranking, 24th, was in the category of pursuing equal justice for all. He was ranked 25th in crisis leadership and vision and agenda setting.
Compared to C-SPAN's only other ranking of presidents, in 2000, former President Bill Clinton jumped six spots from No 21 to 15.
Other recent presidents moved positions as well: Ronald Reagan advanced from No 11 to 10, George HW Bush rose from No 20 to 18 and Jimmy Carter fell from No 22 to 25.
This movement illustrates that presidential reputations are influenced by present-day concerns, said survey adviser and participant Edna Medford.
Related Links
KC Johnson: Rating the C-SPAN Survey HNN Poll: 61% of Historians Rate the Bush Presidency Worst Larry DeWitt: The Follies of Instant History: Another Meaningless Poll of Historians
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 17:57
Name of source: AP
SOURCE: AP (2-12-09)
Anne Frank called them the Helpers. They provided food, books and good cheer while she and her family hid for two years from the Nazis in a tiny attic apartment.
On Sunday, the last surviving helper, Miep Gies, celebrates her 100th birthday, saying she has won more accolades for helping the Frank family than she deserved — as if, she says, she tried to save all the Jews of occupied Holland.
"This is very unfair. So many others have done the same or even far more dangerous work," she wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press this week.
It was Gies who gathered up Anne's scattered papers and notebooks after the hiding place was raided in 1944. She locked them — unread — in a desk drawer to await the teenager's return.
On Sunday, the last surviving helper, Miep Gies, celebrates her 100th birthday, saying she has won more accolades for helping the Frank family than she deserved — as if, she says, she tried to save all the Jews of occupied Holland.
"This is very unfair. So many others have done the same or even far more dangerous work," she wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press this week.
It was Gies who gathered up Anne's scattered papers and notebooks after the hiding place was raided in 1944. She locked them — unread — in a desk drawer to await the teenager's return.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 17:32
Name of source: Sky News
SOURCE: Sky News (2-16-09)
A child survivor of the Khmer Rouge's largest torture centre has emerged from obscurity to tell his story on the eve of a crimes against humanity trial in Cambodia.
Norng Chan Phal, now a 39-year-old father of two, said he was eight when the Vietnamese stormed into Phnom Penh to end the Khmer Rouge reign of terror.
He was held at the notorious S-21 prison where some 16,000 men, women and children were brutally tortured and executed.
Phal came forward last week after a film from Vietnam was screened showing Vietnamese troops entering the prison, also known as Tuol Sleng.
The man who ran the prison, Kaing Guek Eav, is due to go before a UN-backed tribunal on Tuesday.
Better known as Duch, he will be the first of five former Khmer Rouge leaders to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Norng Chan Phal, now a 39-year-old father of two, said he was eight when the Vietnamese stormed into Phnom Penh to end the Khmer Rouge reign of terror.
He was held at the notorious S-21 prison where some 16,000 men, women and children were brutally tortured and executed.
Phal came forward last week after a film from Vietnam was screened showing Vietnamese troops entering the prison, also known as Tuol Sleng.
The man who ran the prison, Kaing Guek Eav, is due to go before a UN-backed tribunal on Tuesday.
Better known as Duch, he will be the first of five former Khmer Rouge leaders to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 06:54
Name of source: C-SPAN
SOURCE: C-SPAN (2-14-09)
Timed for Presidents Day 2009, C-SPAN today releases the results of its second Historians Survey of Presidential Leadership, in which a cross-section of 65 presidential historians ranked the 42 former occupants of the White House on ten attributes of leadership.
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 02:52
Name of source: Leicster Mercury
SOURCE: Leicster Mercury (2-13-09)
For years it gathered dust – maybe in an attic or a shed somewhere, possibly in a box on top of somebody's wardrobe.
Somehow, a First World War pistol was scooped up in a pile of clothes and handed into a charity shop.
Now, the gun – a prized possession of Captain Hugh Winfield Sayres, who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme – is finding a new home in a museum.
The discovery of the pistol – a Wilkinson Webley revolver – was made when staff at the Earl Shilton shop rummaged through a bag of old clothes.
Normally, the working gun would have been deactivated and dismantled, but after hearing of the discovery, amateur history enthusiast Sergeant Rich Matlock, of Loughborough police station, stepped in to save it.
His investigation unearthed the story of a dedicated officer, with a distinguished military career, who fought and fell alongside the men he led.
Somehow, a First World War pistol was scooped up in a pile of clothes and handed into a charity shop.
Now, the gun – a prized possession of Captain Hugh Winfield Sayres, who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme – is finding a new home in a museum.
The discovery of the pistol – a Wilkinson Webley revolver – was made when staff at the Earl Shilton shop rummaged through a bag of old clothes.
Normally, the working gun would have been deactivated and dismantled, but after hearing of the discovery, amateur history enthusiast Sergeant Rich Matlock, of Loughborough police station, stepped in to save it.
His investigation unearthed the story of a dedicated officer, with a distinguished military career, who fought and fell alongside the men he led.
Sgt Matlock discovered that Captain Sayres was born in 1888 and came from London. He joined the Army as a "gentleman cadet" in 1909. After passing out at Sandhurst, Sayres joined the Lancashire Fusiliers.
The gun was bought privately in 1912 at Wilkinson Firearms, in London's Pall Mall, and inscribed with his name.
Capt Sayres was posted to India in 1912 and in 1915 was shot in the right shoulder while landing in Gallipoli.
After recovering, he was posted to France and promoted to acting major, but asked to return to his battalion as a captain so he could fight with his soldiers.
Aged 27, he was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme – July 1, 1916 – with his dog, Nailer.
Later this month it will be presented – along with all Sgt Matlock's research and photographs – to the Lancashire Fusilier Museum, in Bury.
Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 18:49
Name of source: Huddersfield Daily Examiner
SOURCE: Huddersfield Daily Examiner (2-14-09)
HISTORIAN John Reid is asking Examiner readers to help him track down RAF prisoners of war who produced a secret newspaper.
The archivist is looking for details of 10 Huddersfield men who were in the German prisoner camp Stalag Luft VI during the Second World War.
Along with 290 other Yorkshire POWs, they produced a newspaper in 1944 – a year before their prison was liberated.
After the war, 300 copies of the paper were made for the Yorkshire prisoners.
Mr Reid would like to speak to any of the 10 Huddersfield men who helped compile the secret document. He said: “Fortunately their names and last known addresses were included at the back of the newspaper and I would like to trace the individual RAF men or any relatives or friends.
The prison newspaper was the brainchild of Sgt Richard Pape, who was shot down over Holland in September 1941. Before the war he had worked as a journalist for the Yorkshire Post.
Anyone with information on the men can call Mr Reid on 01706 874 797 or email john.reid27@ntlworld.com.
The archivist is looking for details of 10 Huddersfield men who were in the German prisoner camp Stalag Luft VI during the Second World War.
Along with 290 other Yorkshire POWs, they produced a newspaper in 1944 – a year before their prison was liberated.
After the war, 300 copies of the paper were made for the Yorkshire prisoners.
Mr Reid would like to speak to any of the 10 Huddersfield men who helped compile the secret document. He said: “Fortunately their names and last known addresses were included at the back of the newspaper and I would like to trace the individual RAF men or any relatives or friends.
The prison newspaper was the brainchild of Sgt Richard Pape, who was shot down over Holland in September 1941. Before the war he had worked as a journalist for the Yorkshire Post.
Anyone with information on the men can call Mr Reid on 01706 874 797 or email john.reid27@ntlworld.com.
Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 18:44
Name of source: IHT
SOURCE: IHT (2-15-09)
The police clashed with stone-throwing demonstrators across the predominantly Kurdish southeast of Turkey on Sunday during protests marking the 10th anniversary of a separatist leader's capture.
At least eight protesters and 17 police officers were hurt in the protests, which the authorities had prohibited.
Fighting also broke out in Istanbul, where young boys, some wearing face masks, threw rocks at heavily armed officers during another protest against the continued imprisonment of the separatist leader, Abdullah Ocalan, of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.
The PKK has fought for autonomy in the region since 1984, and thousands of people have been killed. The United States and the European Union consider the PKK a terrorist group.
Ocalan was captured in Kenya in 1999 and returned to Turkey, where he was sentenced to death for treason. The sentence was later commuted to life in prison. He is the sole inmate of an island prison off Istanbul. His supporters have expressed concern about his health and want an end to his solitary confinement.
At least eight protesters and 17 police officers were hurt in the protests, which the authorities had prohibited.
Fighting also broke out in Istanbul, where young boys, some wearing face masks, threw rocks at heavily armed officers during another protest against the continued imprisonment of the separatist leader, Abdullah Ocalan, of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.
The PKK has fought for autonomy in the region since 1984, and thousands of people have been killed. The United States and the European Union consider the PKK a terrorist group.
Ocalan was captured in Kenya in 1999 and returned to Turkey, where he was sentenced to death for treason. The sentence was later commuted to life in prison. He is the sole inmate of an island prison off Istanbul. His supporters have expressed concern about his health and want an end to his solitary confinement.
Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 18:39
