CultureshockTV News

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 20, 2003 at 16:55:11

Florida cell exposed

Former USF professors arrested, linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad

By Diana Lynne

'A university professor previously under investigation for suspected ties to terrorists was arrested by federal agents in Tampa early this morning and charged, along with seven others, with operating a racketeering enterprise and providing material support to terrorists.
In addition to being a tenured computer engineering professor at the University of South Florida, Sami al-Arian founded a religious charity, the Islamic Concern Project Inc., that federal authorities now say has been funneling money and providing organizational support to the international terrorist organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad since 1984.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 20, 2003 at 16:51:17

Jesse Jackson, a Club Owner and Lasting Ties

By JODI WILGOREN
NEW YORK TIMES

'CHICAGO, Feb. 19 — There was the Rev. Jesse Jackson in the early-morning chaos, consoling relatives of the 21 people killed in a nightclub stampede and vowing to help them seek justice in court.
A few hours later, at a West Side police station, there was Mr. Jackson again, praying with the club's owner, Dwain J. Kyles, a man he has known practically since the day Mr. Kyles was born.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 20, 2003 at 16:47:15

Bill would legalize same-sex marriages in state
By COURTNEY LOWERY

Gazette State Bureau

'HELENA -- A hearing on a proposal to legalize same-sex marriages attracted a crowd Wednesday, with one lawmaker saying the measure would solidify Montana's historic "live and let live" philosophy.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 20, 2003 at 00:18:34

White House rips Estrada holdup

By Bill Sammon

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'The White House yesterday blamed "the re-emergence of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party" for the fight over Miguel Estrada, President Bush's federal appeals court nominee.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 14:46:40

Bush Increasing Religious Allusions

By JENNIFER LOVEN
Associated Press Writer

'WASHINGTON - President Bush often portrayed as using a strict good-and-evil compass to navigate national issues, has always peppered his speeches with exhortations to moral and civic duty. With war, tragedy and terrorism confronting him now, his allusions to spirituality and morality seem to be increasing.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 14:41:15

Brazile fears loss of blacks to GOP

By Donald Lambro

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'Al Gore's presidential campaign manager yesterday said Democrats cannot take black voters for granted in 2004 and must stop attacking civil rights activist Al Sharpton because Republicans are making "inroads" into one of the party's most loyal voting blocs.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 14:34:31

Methylphenidate
US DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Methylphenidate, a Schedule II substance, has a high potential for abuse and produces many of the same effects as cocaine or the amphetamines.

... However; the primary legitimate medical use of methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Methylin®, Concerta®) is to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

DEA REPORT
ADD/ADHD Statement of Drug Enforcement Administration
DEA REPORT

'The DEA has become alarmed by the tremendous increase in the prescribing of these drugs in recent years. Since 1990, prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased by 500 percent, while prescriptions for amphetamine for the same purpose have increased 400 percent. Now we see a situation in which from seven to ten percent of the nation's boys are on these drugs at some point as well as a rising percentage of girls. When so many children are involved in the daily use of such a powerful psychoactive drugs, it is important for all of us to understand what is going on and why. The DEA has a responsibility to the nation to control such abusable legal drugs and to insure that their use is confined to legitimate medical need. Certain things have become clear from our deliberations of the last several days, and the public, parents and decision-makers need to hear them.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 17, 2003 at 15:52:02

Tot's dead body abused

Man and woman who work for transport company used by SB County arrested

By VINCE LOVATO and C.J. SCHEXNAYDER

Staff Writers
San Bernardino County Sun

'February 14, 2003 - ADELANTO - Two employees of a company that transports bodies for the county Coroner's Office were arrested Friday afternoon after a 4-year-old Adelanto girl's body was used for sex, authorities said.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 17, 2003 at 12:53:46

Former lesbian discusses life-changing experience
Woman says God delivered her from homosexuality after 4-year relationship

By Eileen E. Flynn

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

'February 16, 2003
Teresa Britton didn't seek God. He came to her, she said.

The 40-year-old Leander resident said the Lord delivered her from homosexuality 2 1/2 years ago.

Raised Baptist in San Antonio, Britton attended Sunday school but "never got plugged into church." Faith became less relevant to her as she grew older. By her senior year in high school, Britton was frequenting gay bars in search of a relationship.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 17, 2003 at 12:42:41

US says protesters strengthen Saddam
FINANCIAL TIMES

'The US on Sunday dismissed millions of anti-war protesters around the world and European-led efforts to delay a conflict with Iraq, saying they strengthened Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader, and made war more rather than less likely.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 17, 2003 at 12:27:20

Sharpton bid a nightmare for Democrats

By Donald Lambro

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'The Rev. Al Sharpton's presidential bid is sending shudders through the Democrats' rank and file, who fear that his fiery, racial rhetoric could divide their party and lead to defeat in 2004.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 17, 2003 at 11:41:59

Liberal Radio Is Planned by Rich Group of Democrats
NEW YORK TIMES

'A group of wealthy Democratic donors is planning to start a liberal radio network to counterbalance the conservative tenor of radio programs like "The Rush Limbaugh Show."'

- cultureshock Sun, Feb 16, 2003 at 19:38:21

FBI alert triggered
by 'Mideast' truckers

Pair reportedly tried to put unleaded fuel into 18-wheeler at Colorado gas station
WORLDNETDAILY
/b>

'Two men described as 'Middle Eastern' seen driving a semi-truck that made a stop at a Colorado gas station are the focus of a nationwide alert issued by the FBI, according to a report by KUSA-TV in Denver.'

CULTURE SHOCK FLASHBACK ... CURRICULUM OF DEATH - cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 12:35:58

Columbine caused by curriculum., board member charges

By BILL SCANLON

Scripps Howard News Service

April 06, 2000

'DENVER - The Columbine High tragedy was caused in part by a curriculum that overemphasizes death and doesn't teach right from wrong, a Colorado state school board member said in a recent speech.

"When all the kids' videos are about violence or sex, when kids are allowed and even encouraged to make such videos, what do you think is going to happen with some of these kids?" board member Patti Johnson said Wednesday, amplifying remarks she made in Cincinnati last week.

Her speech in Ohio was titled "The Real Killers at Columbine: A Curricula Gone Bad."'

CULTURE SHOCK FLASHBACK ALERT - cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 11:46:15

Children's drug is more potent than cocaine

Jean West

Observer

'The children's drug Ritalin has a more potent effect on the brain than cocaine, a study has found.

Using brain imaging, scientists have found that, in pill form, Ritalin - taken by thousands of British children and four million in the United States - occupies more of the neural transporters responsible for the 'high' experienced by addicts than smoked or injected cocaine. The research may alarm parents whose children have been prescribed Ritalin as a solution to Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 11:32:44

Abstinence message favored, poll finds

By Cheryl Wetzstein

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'When Americans hear the "exact wording" of sex-education messages, they reject ones that teach safe-sex techniques and support those that promote abstinence and marriage, says a new Zogby International poll released by a coalition of traditional-values groups.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 11:30:20

Republicans plan partial-birth ban, creation of jobs
By Amy Fagan

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'Banning partial-birth abortions, a prescription-drug benefit and job creation are among the legislative priorities for Senate Republicans, who yesterday laid out their "Top Ten" goals for this congressional session.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 11:27:28

Christian Coalition to scrutinize Islam
By Larry Witham

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'The Christian Coalition today will hold a forum here on Christianity's clash with Islam, and already has drawn criticism from the American Muslim Council and Interfaith Alliance for failing to include "even one Muslim."'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 11:14:21

MOM DESERTS KIDS FOR ITALY JAUNT
NEW YORK POST

'GREELEY, Colo. - A mother left her six children, ages 6 to 14, home alone with food, a credit card and $7 in cash while she took a vacation to Italy with her boyfriend, police said.

The 14-year-old girl was put in charge of the children and was left a list of people to contact in case of an emergency. '

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 11:00:47

Two Detained at Border; Authorities Test
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario -- Two men with Pakistani passports were detained at the Canadian border Friday after leaving the United States with what authorities said might be bomb-making materials.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 10:56:57

'Mideast' men who sought plane in custody

Anti-terror unit probed alleged inquiry about 'crop-duster' near Boston
WORLDNETDAILY

'Amid the nation's heightened terror-alert status, an alleged attempt by two "Middle Eastern-looking" men to purchase a crop-duster has resulted in the detention of two Brazilians by Immigration and Naturalization Service agents.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 15, 2003 at 10:49:40

Son of Saddam
Odai Hussein Brutal to Iraqis, Behind Torture of U.S. Prisoners
ABC NEWS

'It was a father's dilemma: What to do with a wayward son? In Saddam Hussein's case, the problem was his son Odai, who has been accused of murders and rapes too numerous to count.

For Saddam, the answer was to put Odai in charge of Iraq's Olympic committee. In the 16 years since, Odai Hussein has more than lived up to his reputation for capricious cruelty.'

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 14, 2003 at 18:01:09

GOP Begins Push to Pass Abortion Bill
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'WASHINGTON (AP) - Making good on a November election promise, House Republicans began pushing a bill Thursday that would ban a controversial late-term abortion procedure.

It is the latest effort to ban the so-called partial birth abortion procedure, in which the fetus is partly delivered before its skull is punctured.'

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 14, 2003 at 17:55:08

'Prison Fellowship' Program Violates Constitution, Group Charges

By Lawrence Morahan

CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer

February 14, 2003

'The use of government funds for a program that seeks to rehabilitate Iowa prison inmates is unconstitutional because it promotes fundamentalist Christianity, a national advocacy group said in two federal lawsuits filed this week.'

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 14, 2003 at 17:44:07

Kunkle is relieved as commander of USS Kitty Hawk Battle Group
STARS AND STRIPES

'The USS Kitty Hawk Battle Group commander, Rear Adm. Steven Kunkle, was relieved of command Thursday, accused of an “inappropriate relationship” with a female officer.'

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 14, 2003 at 14:22:14

Some resorts throwing cold water on spring break
USA TODAY

'For more than a decade, Cancun, Mexico, has been party central for the boozed, be-thonged and besotted boys and girls of spring break. But this year, the drink-till-you-drop college crowd will find less-indulgent hosts.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 13, 2003 at 21:18:52

Pat Robertson has cancer

Religious broadcaster to undergo prostate surgery
WORLDNETDAILY

'Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson announced today that he is suffering from prostate cancer.

The one-time presidential candidate made his announcement to a television audience on his Christian Broadcasting Network.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 13, 2003 at 21:11:24

Arabic diary found near border

Couple discovers book in backpack dropped on their property
WORLDNETDAILY

'An Arizona couple has discovered a diary written in Arabic in a backpack apparently dropped on their property by an illegal alien entering the U.S., reports the Sierra Vista Herald Review.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 13, 2003 at 12:52:52

Hysteria runs riot; networks fuel the fear
WASHINGTON TIMES

'Where is our citizen war footing?

Sixty years ago, enterprising and patriotic Americans saved tinfoil and bacon grease to help defeat Hitler during World War II, heeding the old Office of War Information motto, "Use it up. Wear it out. Make it last."

Some pockets of panic in California did develop immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack of December 7, 1941. However, when Japanese balloon bombs drifted near the West Coast or Nazi U-boats were spotted off New Jersey, Americans learned how to extinguish an incendiary bomb or spot the silhouettes of enemy submarines.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 11:52:04

Lawsuit challenges D.C. gun ban

Action taken on behalf of residents who want firearm in homeWORLDNETDAILY

'A civil lawsuit has been filed in federal court on behalf of six residents of Washington, D.C., who want their rights to have firearms in their homes restored, announced the Cato Institute. '

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 11:38:19

Sixth-grader charged in grade switch caper
PALM BEACH POST

'PORT ST. LUCIE -- While other students ate turkey tetrazzini in the cafeteria, a St. Lucie West Middle sixth-grader used the excuse of forgetting his lunch to return to his reading classroom and sat down at his teacher's computer to change five reading assignment grades, St. Lucie County sheriff's deputies said Tuesday.

The 11-year-old student, who faces a 10-day suspension and a principal's recommendation that he be expelled, was arrested Monday on a felony charge of offense against intellectual property.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 00:34:32

Bush pushes faith-based initiative

Speech to religious broadcasters emphasizes 'armies of compassion'
WORLDNETDAILY

'NASHVILLE, Tenn. – President George W. Bush gave the keynote speech yesterday at the annual convention of the National Religious Broadcasters, pushing his faith-based initiative and urging more churches and Christian organizations to join the "armies of compassion." '

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 00:27:16

U.S. Had Data Hinting of Okla. Bombing
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'WASHINGTON (AP)--Two federal law enforcement agencies had information before the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing suggesting that white supremacists living nearby were considering an attack on government buildings, but the intelligence was never passed on to federal officials in the state, documents and interviews show. '

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 00:22:36

Al-Jazeera TV plays
new 'bin Laden' tape

A-Qaida leader urges Muslims unite behind 'our brothers in Iraq
WORLDNETDAILY

'The Arab satellite television station Al-Jazeera today aired a new audiotape purportedly of Osama bin Laden urging all Muslims to unite and support "our brothers in Iraq." '

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 00:15:31

Grading report cards
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

'NEW YORK – In New York City elementary schools, report cards are shrinking from 12 pages to four. In some Fairfax County, Va., schools, they've expanded to 11 pages. In Chicago, they now include 51 subcategories and a section on character development.

The style, shape, content, and purpose of report cards are all up for grabs as public school districts debate how best to measure student progress.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 12, 2003 at 00:08:11

Hillary Claims Republicans Want 'Secret Judiciary'
CNSNEWS.COM

'WASHINGTON – Sen. Hillary Clinton is accusing Republicans of withholding information about one of President Bush's judicial nominees in an attempt to create a "secret judiciary."'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 8, 2003 at 10:50:34

America: Founding fathers, make room for the new guys
SCRIPPS HOWARD

'Modern-era presidents like John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton have eclipsed most of the denizens of Mount Rushmore in the hearts and minds of the American people.

The traditional founding fathers like George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are rarely cited as favorite chief executives, according to a survey of 1,039 adult residents of the United States conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 8, 2003 at 10:43:36

Textbooks said to 'hide' problems with Islam
WASHINGTON TIMES

'World history textbooks in U.S. classrooms sanitize the problems of Islam when compared to how they often treat Western civilization, a review of seven widely used texts reported yesterday. '

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 8, 2003 at 10:32:47

Boy's bombshell: Michael Jackson had sex with me

13-year-old's court declaration describes romps with pop star
WORLDNETDAILY

'The bombshell court declaration of a 13-year-old whose family was paid multi-millions by pop star Michael Jackson over allegations of child sexual abuse has finally seen the light of day, revealing in graphic detail the sexual relationship the two shared, reports The Smoking Gun. '

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 7, 2003 at 21:45:33

Box office tells Hollywood
to 'come clean'

Study: Most popular movies in '02 left out sex, profanity, gore
WORLDNETDAILY

'Is Hollywood cleaning up its act?
It better, if it wants to please moviegoers. That's the message coming out of an analysis of the Top 10 grossing movies at the box office last year. '

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 7, 2003 at 20:26:11

Legislators endorse posting of 'In God We Trust'

Civil libertarians oppose legislation
DENVER POST

'After three hours of sometimes tearful debate between fiery atheists and passionate preachers, lawmakers approved a bill that requires "In God We Trust" to be posted in every public building and classroom in the state. '

- cultureshock Fri, Feb 7, 2003 at 20:18:27

Unemployment Rate Declines in January

ASSOCIATED PRESS

'A seasonal hiring spree at stores, restaurants and bars in January fueled the first recorded U.S. job growth in four months, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 5.7 percent. But economists cautioned the gains appeared to be on paper only.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:56:00

24-Hour State News

x - close Recent Stories By ROBERT JABLON Associated Press Writer
Study: Hispanic babies majority of newborns in California
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'Esmeralda Ruby Castellanos is 2 days old and already she's making history.

The black-haired newborn slumbering peacefully in a hospital bassinet on Wednesday is part of the new majority in California. As of July 4, 2001, a majority of the babies being born in the state are Hispanic, according to a new study.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:41:36

JEWS ARE ‘WICKED' IN SAUDI TEXTBOOKS
NEW YORK POST

'Saudi schoolchildren are fed a steady diet of hatred toward Jews and Westerners in government-sponsored textbooks, raising new questions about the desert kingdom's public commitment to moderation, a new report yesterday showed.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:37:53

EU Divided Over Invoking Name of God
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'The debate over a constitution for the European Union has hit a tough hurdle: Should the charter invoke the name of God?

Some conservative EU officials want the EU's first constitution to mention God by name and define European values as including "those who believe in God as the source of truth, justice, good and beauty."'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:32:26

Student's aid pulled due to theology major

College junior sues to challenge law against 'religious education'
WORLDNETDAILY

'A junior at Ave Maria College has filed a federal lawsuit against government officials after they yanked her from a state scholarship program because she declared theology as her major.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:28:10

Arab media rejoice over Israeli astronaut

Ramon's death 'enough to arouse joy in every heart that beats' Islam
WORLDNETDAILY

'While some Arab media expressed sorrow over loss of the seven-member space shuttle Columbia crew, many publications viewed the death of Israeli astronaut Col. Ilan Ramon as cause for celebration.'

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:22:01

Astronaut 'e-mailed
brother about wing'

Senator says crewmembers 'concerned'
as NASA backs away from foam theory
WORLDNETDAILY

'Astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia were apparently so concerned about possible damage to the orbiter during launch, that they photographed the left wing and even sent e-mails about it. '

- cultureshock Thu, Feb 6, 2003 at 13:15:16

Michael Jackson "devastated" by UK documentary
REUTERS

'Pop star Michael Jackson (news) said on Thursday he was "devastated" by a documentary on British TV about his personal life and angered that it may lead viewers to conclude that he abuses children.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 5, 2003 at 18:05:50

Jackson prepares for US onslaught
TIMES

'MICHAEL JACKSON was readying himself for an onslaught from the American media yesterday after the ABC television network paid nearly £4 million for the ITV documentary in which the singer claimed that he regularly shares his bed with children.'

- cultureshock Wed, Feb 5, 2003 at 17:58:02

Colin Powell's U.N. speech
WORLDNETDAILY

'Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, distinguished colleagues, I would like to begin by expressing my thanks for the special effort that each of you made to be here today.

This is important day for us all as we review the situation with respect to Iraq and its disarmament obligations under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441.'

- cultureshock Tue, Feb 4, 2003 at 17:31:34

Shuttle destroyed by God, says Abu Hamza
TIMES

'THERE were renewed calls for the deportation of Abu Hamza al-Masri yesterday after he said that Allah had destroyed the shuttle because it was a “trinity of evil” against Islam.'

- cultureshock Tue, Feb 4, 2003 at 17:28:18

Arrests of al Qaeda terrorists disrupt plans for attack

Bill Gertz

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

'Al Qaeda is planning a mass-casualty attack to rival September 11, but preparations have been disrupted by arrests of terrorists during the past several months, according to U.S. intelligence officials.'

- cultureshock Tue, Feb 4, 2003 at 12:03:33

Vatican weighs in on Age of Aquarius:
some elements of New Age positive, but they're not true religion
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'The Vatican weighed in Monday on the New Age movement, saying some aspects of the search for inner peace were positive but warning that they can't replace true Christian religion.

In a 90-page booklet dotted with references to the "Magical Mystery Tour," "Feng Shui" and the dawning of the "Age of Aquarius," the Vatican addressed a topic usually reserved for the self-help sections of bookstores. '

- cultureshock Tue, Feb 4, 2003 at 11:57:57

New Age Seen as Symptom of a Culture in Crisis

Vatican Document Critiques the Spiritual Movement
ZENIT

'The Vatican published a provisional report on New Age, offering a Christian reflection on a spiritual movement that even seduces Catholics.'

- cultureshock Tue, Feb 4, 2003 at 11:26:34

Lead Anchor Was Caught in a Golf Tournament
NEW YORK TIMES

'Aaron Brown, who has anchored much of the CNN coverage of major breaking news events for 18 months, did not appear until 10 p.m. on Sunday, more than 36 hours after the news of the shuttle catastrophe broke.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 3, 2003 at 19:20:48

Teacher apologizes for abortion discussion
NEWS TRIBUNE

'A Wilson High School teacher said he apologized to his students Friday if he had offended anyone when he discussed abortion during his math classes last week.

But Gregg Leach said he doesn't regret making the presentation.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 3, 2003 at 19:09:22

Music Legend Arrested In Connection With Fatal Shooting
Spector To Be Represented By Robert ShapiroNBC4.TV

'Phil Spector, the legendary record producer whose "Wall of Sound" helped change the sound of pop music in the 1960s, was booked for investigation of murder Monday in connection with the shooting death of a woman at his hilltop mansion, deputies said.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 3, 2003 at 14:03:19

Poll: Bush Rallying Support on Iraq WarMore Americans Support Bush on Iraq War, Poll Says; 66 Percent Would Back Military Action

Associated Press

'President Bush has reversed the slide in public support for a possible war with Iraq, with two-thirds, 66 percent, in an ABC-Washington Post poll released Saturday saying they support military action against Iraq.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 3, 2003 at 14:00:15

Gay Baptist church, possibly the first, finds a home in Phila.
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

'A gay Baptist church may seem a contradiction in terms, but a new congregation in Center City aims to challenge that notion.

Fusion Baptist Church, which will hold its inaugural worship service tonight, says it was created specifically "for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community and the people who love them." According to observers, that makes it is the first gay Baptist congregation in the state, and perhaps in the United States.'

- cultureshock Mon, Feb 3, 2003 at 13:55:13

Remains of Shuttle Astronauts Found in Texas
Reuters

'Searchers scouring the vast debris field scattered across Texas by the Columbia shuttle disaster have found remains of the astronauts who perished and pieces from the cockpit, officials said on Sunday.

"We are treating those remains with the ultimate respect and care that they deserve," Bob Cabana, director of flight crew operations, told a news conference at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. "We're honoring our fellow crew mates, and we're taking care of them."'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 1, 2003 at 14:26:18

While the terrible news of the shuttle catastrophe is unfolding ... our prayers for those lost in the sky and to their families at this time.

Ronald Reagan said this of the Challenger crew, and it speaks of those lost today as well, "They ... waved good-bye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God.'"

Reagan said this on our endeavor to search the sky:
"We've grown used to wonders in this century. It's hard to dazzle us. But for twenty-five years the United States space
program has been doing just that. We've grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we've only just begun. We're still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers."

We at Culture Shock add those on the shuttle Columbia this day ... Pioneers indeed.

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 1, 2003 at 14:08:02

Petition posted to defend
'God Bless America!'

Effort to aid honor guardsman fired for blessings at flag ceremony
WORLDNETDAILY

'He says he followed orders, but he still got fired – in the name of God. But a civil-liberties organization vows to change that and to protect the right of all Americans to proclaim "God bless America!"'

ALERT*CULTURE SHOCK*ALERT - cultureshock Sat, Feb 1, 2003 at 13:55:28

Anti-war campaign continues for Ritter

Former weapons inspector, mired in scandal, crusades against attacking Iraq
TIMES UNION

'SAUGERTIES -- Despite the widespread publicity of his sex-charge arrest, former U.N. arms inspector Scott Ritter drew a standing-room-only crowd eager to hear his views of the impending war with Iraq on Friday night.'

At the time, he was arrested in Colonie and charged with trying to rendezvous with a teenage girl he met on an Internet chat line who was actually an undercover detective. Police charged Ritter with attempted endangerment of a child, but the case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal and later sealed.

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 1, 2003 at 13:40:36

Public pool in hot water for nudist parties

City's rentals to 'naturists' anger council members, family group
WORLDNETDAILY

'A city manager is in hot water with children's advocates for allowing a local nudist group to rent the town's taxpayer-funded swimming pool for parties that are visible to the public through windows.

... the town cannot discriminate against any particular group based on its philosophy.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 1, 2003 at 13:36:01

28 Pakistani Al Qaeda Suspects Arrested in Italy
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'Police arrested 28 Pakistanis -- termed them an "Al Qaeda terrorist cell" -- and found explosives, forged documents and maps of the Naples area with "sensitive targets" circled, authorities said Friday.'

- cultureshock Sat, Feb 1, 2003 at 13:31:11

Space Shuttle Disintegrates Over Texas
FOX NEWS

'Space Shuttle Columbia blew up and disintegrated in flames over Texas Saturday morning, killing all seven astronauts aboard and scattering debris over four states and the Gulf of Mexico.'

- cultureshock Fri, Jan 31, 2003 at 23:11:35

Former priest sentenced to 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'A former Roman Catholic priest who admitted in court to molesting more boys than he could remember was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography.

Vincent McCaffrey had pleaded guilty to possessing hundreds of images of boys, some under 12, engaging in sexual acts, being beaten and confined in cages.'

- cultureshock Fri, Jan 31, 2003 at 23:05:23

PATRIOT JUDGE STANDS TALL VS. 'ARCH' ENEMY
NEW YORK POST

'A FURIOUS federal judge hit shoe bomber Richard Reid with a life sentence yesterday - and spoke for the entire country when he proudly warned the terrorist wannabe, "We are not afraid . . . We are Americans."'

- cultureshock Fri, Jan 31, 2003 at 23:00:47

Caught on Tape
NEWSWEEK

'The Bush administration is preparing to release supersensitive electronic intercepts obtained by the National Security Agency that officials say prove that Iraq has repeatedly lied to United Nations inspectors, plotted among themselves about how to conceal weapons material and even appeared to boast afterward at their success in doing so, NEWSWEEK has learned.'

ALERT*CULTURE SHOCK*ALERT ... - cultureshock Fri, Jan 31, 2003 at 15:51:03

Don't divorce, be happyPSYCHOLOGY TODAY

'Miserable Unions that morph into wedded bliss. Two-thirds of unhappy marriages right themselves within five years, and depression and low self-esteem are rarely remedied by divorce.

Is leaving a bad marriage a bad decision? Perhaps, according to the controversial finding that two-thirds of unhappy marriages right themselves within five years ...'

- cultureshock Fri, Jan 31, 2003 at 13:58:36

Film finds audience in the pews
CSMONITOR.COM

'This year, one of the most talked-about documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival wasn't shown here - or at any of the five fringe venues that have sprung up around it.

Instead, sellout crowds traded theater seats for church pews to see the uplifting story of how faith led one man to oppose Adolf Hitler in the movie "Bonhoeffer."'

- cultureshock Fri, Jan 31, 2003 at 13:48:05

GOP Pushes Estrada Past Democrats, 10-9

After nearly two years, panel OKs appellate court nominee
NEWSDAY

'Over Democrats' objections, Republicans on the Judiciary Committee yesterday quickly sent to the full Senate the long-delayed judicial nomination of Miguel Estrada, a conservative Hispanic attorney considered a potential Supreme Court pick.'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 17:39:09

Ex-priest sentenced to 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'A former Roman Catholic priest who admitted in court to molesting more boys than he could remember was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography.'

_________________________________________

ON THE PSYCHOLOGISTS WILLIAM R. COULSON AND CARL ROGERS:

'Coulson and Rogers found their legacy as humanistic psychologists to be the dismantling of many convents and seminaries throughout California and elsewhere. By the mid-70s, both Rogers and Coulson had retracted their beliefs. But Coulson still believes that their ideas, and the ideas of Abraham Maslow, in particular, sowed the seeds for the moral crisis in religious life that is clearly evident today.'

tdigirolamo@cultureshocktv.com

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 15:53:42

Biology Professor Refuses to Recommend Students Who Don't Believe in Evolution
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'A biology professor who refuses to write letters of recommendation for his students if they don't believe in evolution is being accused of religious discrimination, and federal officials are investigating, the school said.'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 15:48:24

Eight European nations align with U.S. on Iraq
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'Eight European leaders voiced deep gratitude to the United States Thursday and wrote that U.S.-European ties "must not become a casualty" of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's attempts to "threaten world security."'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 15:33:29

Bush's speech resonates with public, polls show
WASHINGTON TIMES

'The State of the Union speech Tuesday night proved to be must-see TV: 62 million watched, according to preliminary numbers from Nielsen.
     President Bush's speech last year attracted 52 million viewers.
     Called sweeping, grave, ambitious, compassionate and powerful by pundits, Mr. Bush's 59-minute message resonated with viewers. Post-speech polls reveal that Americans are rallying behind their president.
      An ABC News survey found that 64 percent of the respondents said they watched the speech and 75 percent said they '

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 15:26:34

College cancels Ritter's speech

Controversy overshadowed planned lecture
MSNBC

'Schenectady County Community College has cancelled Scott Ritter's scheduled Feb. 12 speaking appearance. College officials say the controversy over Ritter has disrupted normal college operations.'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 12:27:52

City council bars
prayers to Jesus
Suit threatened over ACLU's 'extortion' of town leaders
WORLDNETDAILY

'Several Southern California cities are in a quandary over the invocation of God's name at city council meetings, setting up a battle over First Amendment rights.

The city of Lake Elsinore, in Riverside County, faces the threat of a lawsuit over its decision to eliminate mention of "religious figures" such as Jesus Christ from the traditional opening prayer at its council meetings.'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 12:14:49

Chinese-American Political Figure and Husband Killed in New York Apartment
ASSOCIATED PRESS

'A Chinese-American activist who tapped new sources of money and votes for New York Republicans was found bound with duct tape and suffocated along with her husband in their apartment, officials said.'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 11:59:10

ACLU sues Boy Scouts over funding
Complaint alleges federal grant was accepted fraudulently
dailybulletin.com

'A recently unsealed federal complaint filed by the American Civil Liberties Union accuses a local Boy Scout Council of fraudulently accepting federal funds because it signed an agreement stating it would comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws in order to get a grant.'

- cultureshock Thu, Jan 30, 2003 at 11:28:53

Europe and America must stand united
TIMESONLINE.COM

'THE real bond between the United States and Europe is the values we share: democracy, individual freedom, human rights and the Rule of Law. These values crossed the Atlantic with those who sailed from Europe to help create the USA. Today they are under greater threat than ever.'

- cultureshock Wed, Jan 29, 2003 at 13:37:08

STATE LEGISLATOR VOWS TO FIGHT PROPOSED 'ENGLISH ONLY' LAW
OKLAHOMAN

'A state lawmaker Monday told members of the Governor's Advisory Council on Latin American and Hispanic Affairs he will make every effort to thwart "English-only" legislation.'