News 2008-08-16 Andanh.com

Labs That Perform Bioterrorism Research Proliferating Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The number of individuals performing bioterrorism research on deadly pathogens across the country has jumped to nearly 15,000, and most of them are authorized to work with anthrax, federal records obtained by The Courant reveal.

California Man Collects Trash To Make A Point Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
— Without ever lifting a shovel, an archaeologist could dig through Dave Chameides' house and get a pretty good picture of how he has lived for the past eight months.

Musharraf Feels The Heat As Impeachment Looms Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
With impeachment proceedings looming, the pressure on President Pervez Musharraf to quit built Friday as both his rivals and allies confirmed back-channel talks were underway that could ease him out.

Tropical Storm Fay Emerges Over Dominican Republic Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Forecasters on Friday evening upgraded the status of a strong tropical weather system currently over the Dominican Republic.

Georgia Leader Signs Truce, But Will Russia Leave? Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Georgia's president grudgingly signed a truce with Russia Friday, even as he denounced the Russians as invading barbarians and accused the West of all but encouraging them to overrun his country. A stone-faced Condoleezza Rice, standing alongside, said Russian troops must withdraw immediately from their smaller neighbor.

FDA Says Chemical Found In Plastic Bottles Is Safe Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Despite ongoing safety concerns from parents, consumer groups and politicians, a chemical used in baby bottles, canned food and other items is not dangerous, federal regulators said Friday.

Bomb Strikes Shiite Pilgrims In Iraq Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A passenger van packed with explosives blew up Friday at a bus station north of Baghdad where Shiite pilgrims had stopped for the night, killing four people and wounding dozens, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.

U.S.: Quds, Hezbollah Training Iraqi Hit Squads In Iran Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Iraqi Shiite assassination teams are being trained in at least four locations in Iran by Tehran's elite Quds force and Lebanese Hezbollah members and are planning to return to Iraq in the next few months to kill specific Iraqi officials and U.S. and Iraqi troops, according to intelligence gleaned from captured militia fighters and other sources in Iraq.

Idaho Killer Tells Mother He Had Evil In His Heart Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The man who admits kidnapping two northern Idaho children and killing one of them wrote a letter to his mother blaming society for feeding the evil in his heart, a prosecution witness testified Friday.

Georgia Men Claim They Have A Bigfoot Corpse Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Bigfoot or big fat lie?

New London Shelter Reluctant To Enforce Breath-Test Rule Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Earlier this month, the New London City Council ordered those who run the Homeless Hospitality Center's shelter at St. James Episcopal Church to measure the blood-alcohol level of men and women who need a bed for the night. Anyone who exceeds 0.08 must be turned away.

Connecticut Firm Has Another Chance At Spacesuit Contract Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Connecticut's long reign as home of the spacesuit might not end after all, as NASA said Friday it plans to cancel its contract with a Texas firm to make the iconic astronauts' outfit.

Hartford Reverses Course On Retiree Health Premiums Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Months after announcing an unpopular plan to save millions of dollars by hiking the cost of health benefits for city and school retirees, the city has reversed its course.

City's Revived Curfew Has Its Doubters, Critics Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Tracey Ward thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown when she and her nine children lived on Park Street in Hartford last year.

Bristol Crash Victims' Survivors Plan Candlelight Gathering Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
After a group of teenagers died in a car wreck last summer, teary-eyed relatives and stunned friends showed up for days to deliver flowers, cards and stuffed animals to the crash scene in front of St. Joseph Cemetery on Route 6.

State's Tax Holiday On Clothes, Shoes Begins Sunday Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Been wavering between that $120 leather jacket at the mall and saving for this winter's heating oil? Consider this: Starting Sunday for a week, you won't have to pay the 6 percent sales tax on the jacket. That means $7.20 off the final price.

Advocates Push For More Nursing Programs In Connecticut Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
— Mary Jane Williams, a member of the Connecticut Nurses Association, hears the same complaint from potential nursing students across the state.

Three From Conn. Killed In Western Mass. Crash Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Authorities say three people killed in a collision in the small western Massachusetts town of Sandisfield were all Connecticut residents.

Ex-Guard At Danbury Prison Admits To Murder Scheme Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A former guard at the federal prison in Danbury admitted in court Friday that he tried to hire an inmate, with whom he was having sex, to kill his wife. The price: $5,000 in payments to the inmate's commissary account.

Hartford Appealing FOI Fine Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Says Attorney Was Protected By Status

A state court judge last month ruled that the FOI commission was right to fine a city attorney $400 for violating the law when he denied access to public documents.

Bring Back The CCC Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Today at noon, some old friends will gather at the Oak Lodge in Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth to share memories about such things as ... building the Oak Lodge.

Bad News For Bears Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Might as well put black bear on the endangered species list in Connecticut. That's where they belong so long as law enforcement officials seem not to want to enforce laws prohibiting bear hunting.

Like My Driving? Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Admit it. You've often wished you had some recourse for reporting drivers who cut you off, weave in and out of traffic, disregard the rules of the road or generally make nuisances of themselves. Most of us are reluctant to bother police for minor irritations, such as oblivious motorists yakking away on cellphones instead of paying attention to the road.

The Art Of Being A Nice Guy Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
When you get to be a certain age, it doesn't pay to postpone gratification. So no more than five minutes after arriving at the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival earlier this month, I bought a limited-edition lithograph of a seascape that was not in my budget. My impulsiveness sometimes astonishes me.

Rifle Range Reopens Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
In giving its stamp of approval to reopening a 100-yard rifle range at the Blue Trail Range & Gun Store in Wallingford, the state Department of Environmental Protection has jumped the gun.

Problems At Riverview Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
An apparent increase in the use of restraints and seclusion on children at the state-run Riverview psychiatric hospital in Middletown, along with the cost of care — $860,000 per year per child — together form a powerful call for accountability on the part of the state Department of Children and Families.

Changes At Lozada Park Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Some five years of dreaming, hard work and planning will soon result in a $450,000 refurbishing of Lozada Park, a square block of spare open space in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Hartford's North End.

Here's To Good Health Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
So far, five hospitals have responded to the University of Connecticut's call for clinical partners who will collaborate to keep the Farmington academic health center, well, healthy.

A Working Partnership Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
In the 1990s, a minister asked Trinity College President Evan Dobelle how his church could get involved in the city.

Dixie's Narcissus Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Former Sen. John Edwards' recent admission that he had an affair with a campaign worker in 2006 makes him only the latest in a long line of faithless politicians who have ignored their marital vows. You know the list: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Eliot Spitzer, David Vitter, Larry Craig, Bob Livingston and on and on.

Gasoline Prices Are Near Peak, But Affordability Is Another Matter Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Gasoline Prices Are Near Peak, But Affordability Is Another Matter

Although it's true that the real (inflation-adjusted) and nominal (posted) prices of gasoline are higher than at any time since World War II, gasoline is still more affordable today than it was during the Kennedy administration.

FDA's Head In The Sand On Sunscreens Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Despite Mounting Evidence On Potentially Dangerous Ingredients, Agency Lets Makers Slide

Everybody knows sunscreens protect against harmful exposure to the sun. But what people don't know about sunscreens could end up harming them as well — and the federal Food and Drug Administration seems in no hurry to inform the public.

Forensics May Be The Best Defense Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Accused Need Right To Assay Evidence

A Mississippi judge has recently taken the unusual step of allocating several thousand dollars in county funds so a defendant, accused of murdering a Jackson State University co-ed last November, can hire a forensic expert to examine the evidence in the case, scheduled for trial in September.

Tighter Belts Squeeze Gourmet Groceries Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Whole Foods Market Inc. — or, as it's become better known recently, No.48 in the bestselling book "Stuff White People Like" — has problems. Chiefly, there are fewer people, white or otherwise, interested in paying a premium for its ethically cultivated, fair-trade, organic gourmet fare. Eating might be a necessity, but the current economic downturn has sent consumers scurrying for cheaper grub, which in turn compelled Whole Foods to announce that its third-quarter financial results were off by more than 30 percent. Its stock price was accordingly hammered last week.

Still Quiet, Still Green Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Can Farms, Tourism Save 'Last Green Valley'?

We were just sitting down in the conference room of the old mill building when several of us spotted what looked like an animal outside. Then one of the women who worked in the building glimpsed it.

A New Arena In Hartford? Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Replacing XL Center Worth A Look, But ...

Mayor Eddie Perez spoke to The Courant's editorial board a week or so ago about his major initiatives and how they were going. Third on his list, after education and health care, was an update on a downtown arena.

Tumbleweeds Down Silver Lane Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
With the relocation of Super Pets to another Silver Lane location, the evacuation of the Silver Lane Plaza is complete. The now-neglected shopping plaza with faded signs and a pothole-riddled parking lot is completely empty. It is an embarrassing eyesore to local residents and others who use this boulevard. Along with the vacant shopping plaza are empty and decaying buildings that once housed a buffet restaurant, a Friendly's Ice Cream Shop, a Showcase Cinemas movie plaza and a Pizza Hut.

Connecticut Online: Excerpts From State Blogs Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED

FBI's Anthrax Investigation Follows Pattern Of Botching The Big Ones Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The FBI's investigation of the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks was the most complex and important in the bureau's history. Immense resources were invested in the search for the perpetrator, whose actions killed five people, sickened 17 others, sowed panic in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and caused taxpayers to spend extraordinary sums on a crash program to protect the nation against the danger of biological terrorism.

Healthy Addition To The Menu Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Fast Food Served With Calorie Info

A new public health measure took effect July 1 in New York City, requiring fast-food and chain restaurants to post calorie information on their menu boards. In California, a similar proposal, SB 1420, is being debated by lawmakers. Although the restaurant industry has lobbied hard for years against menu labeling, it's worth noting that none of the Burger Kings, Wendy's or KFCs in Manhattan have suddenly gone out of business.

Cut Political Crony Jobs To Save Money? Nah Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
In July, Gov. M. Jodi Rell launched the Innovative Idea Initiative, or "I Cubed." It's "an exciting new program" for state employees to "share ideas and strategies to help state government save money and improve services": in simpler words, a suggestion box. For really good ones, there's a cash prize.

Dodd Deal: Extra Perks On Mortgages Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
No wonder Sen. Christopher Dodd won't release documents related to the $800,000 in cut-rate mortgages he got in 2003 from Countrywide Financial, once the nation's largest mortgage lender.

Less Waste Means More Energy Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The following is excerpted from Mr. David's testimony before a congressional committee meeting on energy and global warming in Hartford on July 28.

Festering Violence Plagues Us From Within Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
On July 27 in Knoxville, Tenn., many people gathered at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church to watch a children's performance of the musical "Annie." The joy was shattered by the hatred of one man, who came into the church hiding a rifle inside a guitar case. When the barrage of bullets ended, two adults were killed and seven others were wounded. The assailant was James D. Adkisson, an unemployed driver. A search of his home uncovered a handgun and several books by right-wing radio and TV commentators Hannity, Savage and O'Reilly.

Journey To The Land Of The Blond People Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A small network of blond people in Connecticut insist that I report, each year, on my vacation in South Dakota, via Minnesota.

Edwards' Sincerity Gap Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
It's hard to recall a political burial as fast and cold as that of John Edwards. After all, the former North Carolina senator had been a serious contender for president until a few months ago and possibly for VP until last week. Had his cheesy affair not surfaced, he would have commanded a choice speaking slot at the Democratic convention.

Ice Getting Thinner Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
New England is on thin ice getting thinner. Our lakes and ponds are freezing later, thawing earlier and getting more dangerous. This aspect of climate change hasn't gotten the attention it deserves.

Players Union Pioneer Shut Out Of Cooperstown Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Usually it's the pinstripes that push open the doors of Cooperstown. If the ballplayer comes from Philadelphia or Cleveland, rather than from the Bronx, he has to be better to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A lot better.

Broken Bail System Doesn't Protect Public Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
As has been extensively reported, Ezekiel Roberts was out on $50,000 bail when he was shot and killed in Hartford last weekend. Under state law, he should have paid a 10 percent charge for the first $5,000 of the bond and 7 percent for the rest, for a total of $3,650.

Candidates Muff Russian Challenge Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Asked in 1957 what would determine his government's course, Harold Macmillan, Britain's new prime minister, replied, "Events, dear boy, events." Now, into America's trivializing presidential campaign, a pesky event has intruded — a European war. Russian tanks, heavy artillery, strategic bombers, ballistic missiles and a naval blockade batter a European nation. We are not past such things after all. The end of history will be postponed, again.

Former Husky Ursery Touched Many Lives Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Robert "Spider" Ursery, a senior co-captain when UConn won the 1988 NIT, died last Sunday after a six-year battle with Hodgkin's disease. He was 44.

Blue Team Wins Exciting Calhoun Game Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
— The Jim Calhoun Charity All-Star Basketball Game had everything most exhibitions have — dunks, follies, some goofing around — and something most exhibition games do not: a pretty good ending.

Sellers Brothers: Just The Push UConn Needed Sat, 9 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Most people remember Rod Sellers as the blue-collar center who helped will along the UConn Dream Season of 1989-90, a young man of rebounds and defense, a low-block force of hustle and will. If ever a person epitomized what coach Jim Calhoun looks for in a player, it was Sellers — dedicated, tough, versatile.

Former Husky Ben Gordon Giving Back In His Hometown Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Ben Gordon is a quiet guy, but he's making a lot of noise in his hometown of Mount Vernon, N.Y., these days.

Delle Donne Not Coming To UConn Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:33:00 -0400
Prized Recruit Declines Scholarship To UConn

Elena Delle Donne, the reigning Naismith player of the year and the prized UConn women's basketball recruit this season, has told the university she will not accept her scholarship and will likely seek a future without basketball.

Delle Donne Rumor A Hoax Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
UConn women's basketball fans waiting for prized recruit Elena Delle Donne to announce whether she'll return to campus for the start of her freshman season were likely surprised recently after reading the last line of the player's biography on the search site Wikipedia.

UConn-Bound McCormack Scores 6 Vs. China Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
New Zealand's bid to qualify for the Olympic medal round in women's basketball took a hit Wednesday when host China won 80-63 in a Group B game in Beijing.

UConn Recruit Settles Into Olympic Village Life Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
In a few weeks, center Jess McCormack will officially join the UConn women's basketball program as a transfer from the University of Washington. But for now, she is living out her dream of playing for New Zealand's national team in the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

New Assistant Coach Ralph Hits Ground Running Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Shea Ralph went to dinner at the boss's home recently.

Farmers Markets Coping with Higher Business Costs Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Farmers are finding higher costs in 2008 nearly everywhere. That has led to higher prices at the cash box, but there's a limit to how much more customers will pay.