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Zimbabwean opposition leader in intensive care after arrest Morgan Tsvangirai, the main opposition leader in Zimbabwe, is in intensive care after being arrested at a protest rally. Mr Tsvangirai told the BBC that police beat him repeatedly. Russia: Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant to be delayed Russia's atomic energy agency said work on building the plant was delayed as Iran had fallen behind in payments.

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Saturn's moon Enceladus may host "internal life" Scientists at NASA say that new satellite images of Saturn's moon Enceladus taken in 2005, has shown that the moon has begun to spew geysers which contain "liquid water", and that the internal heat produced by the moon's core may be able to host life below the icy surface.

Wikipedia Current Events
Four people die in a shootout in Greenwich Village in New York City. Twelve people die in Nandigram near Kolkata in India, as police shoot at farmers protesting the establishment of a special economic zone. Nancy Worley, former Secretary of State of the U.S. state of Alabama, is indicted for violations related to solicitation of campaign contributions from Secretary of State employees. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, long suspected as the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks, confesses to that and a string of others in a military tribunal held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Dutch Police seal off the streets of Utrecht on the second day of the Utrecht Race Riots. The United States military states in a report that some aspects of the situation in Iraq could be described as a "civil war". The United Kingdom Government wins the support of the House of Commons to update the Trident nuclear missile system. There was a significant revolt within the Labour Party, with two PPSs, Stephen Pound and Chris Ruane, resigning. NASA announces that the Cassini spacecraft captured images of several sea-sized bodies of liquid, likely hydrocarbons, on Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. Police in India arrest two people in relation to the Samjhauta Express bombing. Eight people in southern Thailand are shot dead after their vehicle is bombed by suspected Islamic insurgents. Law enforcement warns of more violence by separatists, citing the anniversary of the founding of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional. An explosion at a gun shop in Kabul kills at least six people. Tonga is considering options for the redevelopment of its capital city, Nuku’Alofa, after 2006 riots destroyed the CBD. The U.S. state of Colorado adopts "Rocky Mountain High", written by John Denver, as its second official state song. The trial against former media baron Conrad Black begins in Chicago. He is accused of defrauding Hollinger's shareholders of millions of dollars.

Iraqi authorities say Baghdad violence has dropped sharply
Iraqi Brigadier General Qassim Atta al-Mussawi reported that Operation Law and Order (Arabic: Fardh Al-Qanoon) has been successful in curbing violence in the capital. Coalition forces have swept through various Baghdad neighborhoods in the past few months. Atta, a spokesperson for the operation cited comparative statistics for the four-week periods of mid-January to mid-February versus mid-February to mid-March:

Civilian killing: 1440 to 265

Roadside bombings: 163 to 102

Carbombs: 56 to 36

Mortar attacks: 204 to 109

Assassination incidents: 519 to 22

Kidnappings: 98 to 10

It is not clear what these numbers are based on, and independent estimates of the death toll are much higher. According to data compiled by Iraq Body Count (IBC), a volunteer project that maintains a database of civilian deaths in Iraq from media reports, at least 393 people died in and around Baghdad between February 15 and March 11.

The New York Times estimates 450 Iraqi civilian deaths in and around the capital in the period, using initial reports provided by hospitals and the Iraqi Interior ministry.

The Associated Press reports that deaths from bombings have dropped by a third (528 to 370) after the start of the operations. It also reports that the number of bodies found in Baghdad, believed to be victims of sectarian death squads, has dropped from more than 200 a week to about 80 a week.

At a separate news-conference, US military spokesperson Major General William Caldwell said the security plan is showing signs of progress. "The murders and executions have come down by over 50 percent," Caldwell said. He did acknowledge that reduced violence in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood may be linked to the absence of anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who he said was still in neighboring Iran as of 24 hours ago.

All this comes as the United States Congress is debating resolutions on re-deploying troops from Iraq. The troop surge has also been in recent debate on whether or not it is the right move as of now. Meanwhile the United Kingdom announced that it would start withdrawing soon.

Baseball's Pete Rose: "I bet on my team every night"
March 14, 2007

In an interview on ESPN Radio, Pete Rose admitted to hosts Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann that he "bet on [his] team every night" and admitted that the Dowd Report was correct in its assessment.

Pete Rose was given a lifetime ban from any involvement in Major League Baseball in 1989. Rose accepted the lifetime ban in exchange for not returning a finding of fact that Rose did indeed bet on baseball. He initially indicated to MLB commissioner Bud Selig and in his book My Prison Without Bars that he did bet on Major League Baseball games, but that he never bet against his team or used his betting to influence the outcome of any game. The Dowd report concurs with this statement from Rose.

Rose acknowledged his betting in the hopes that Selig would reinstate Rose and thus make him eligible for a number of accolades of which, to this point, he had been deprived. However, Selig refused to reinstate him despite his confession. Among those accolades include a formal retirement of his uniform number 14 and induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. While his number cannot formally be retired, no player since Rose's retirement has worn the number, and it is unlikely that it will be worn again by any player on the Cincinnati Reds.

Rose appeared on the Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio as part of promotion for an exhibit at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati detailing the baseball career of Rose. He said that "I bet on my team to win every night because I love my team, I believe in my team. I did everything in my power every night to win that game."

Zimbabwean opposition leader in intensive care after arrest
Morgan Tsvangirai, the main opposition leader in Zimbabwe, is in intensive care after being arrested at a protest rally. Mr Tsvangirai told the BBC that police beat him repeatedly in the head, back, knees and arm and that he lost two pints (one litre) of blood in an attack that seemed intended "to inflict as much harm as they could." William Bango, Mr Tsvangirai's spokesman, said: "He has just had a brain scan because his skull is cracked. He will be here for some time. He is in the intensive care unit." A doctor treating Mr Tsvangirai said his condition was stable and he could be released from hospital at the weekend, as a brain scan revealed that his skull is not cracked. But he added that he had also suffered a broken hand and was "terribly badly bruised".

Mr Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was arrested at a prayer rally protesting against the policies of Robert Mugabe's government, which has been blamed for the country's severe unemployment and inflation of more than 1700%. Correspondents reported an astonishing number of broken arms among the injuries of the protesters, indicating a very high level of physical violence when the rally was broken up. Zimbabwean police said that the rally violated a government ban on political protests.

Those arrested, many of them bandaged and bruised, appeared in the Harare Magistrates Court on Tuesday but were released when the prosecution apparently failed to appear. Mr Tsvangirai and more than 30 activists were then taken to hospital in a convoy of ambulances, watched by about 300 onlookers outside the courtroom.

Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said that the injuries had been inflicted when Mr Tsvangirai and others attacked police, and that "killer" weapons had been confiscated from protesters. A witness told the BBC the activists turned on police after one of their number, Gift Tandare, was shot dead at close range in the chest. But Mr Tsvangirai denied attacking the police, saying "if there were any skirmishes, it was nothing to do with me.".

The violent arrests were condemned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the European Union, South Africa and the United States. Mr Ban condemned the "reported beating of those leaders in police custody" and said: "Such actions violate the basic democratic right of citizens to engage in peaceful assembly." Mr Blair said: "People should be able to live under the rule of law and they should be able to express their political views without harassment or intimidation or violence." South Africa urged Mr Mugabe's government to "ensure respect for human rights and leaders of various parties".

The US State Department is considering stronger sanctions against Zimbabwe, and the British government is urging European countries to bring in similar measures. United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a statement calling for the "immediate and unconditional release of the opposition activists". She said: "The world community again has been shown that the regime of Robert Mugabe is ruthless and repressive and creates only suffering for the people of Zimbabwe."

Mr Tsvangirai said in an interview from his hospital bed that "there are lots of people who've been subjected to this kind of torture, this kind of brutality by this regime." He continued, "It just shows the extent to which this desperate regime is trying to protect its power." "For the struggle, I think it's an inspiration to everyone. There is no freedom without struggle, and there is no freedom without sacrifice."

Study finds children from single-parent homes more likely to be sexually abused
Children from single-parent homes are much more likely to be sexually abused - a study carried out at University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine suggests.

Previous studies have found that children being raised in single-parent homes are at greater health and other kinds of risks. The new study shows that these risks include higher risk of childhood sexual abuse. This especially concerns low-income one-parent households.

Dr. William C. Holmes, MD, MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania says that the problem involves psychological and emotional aspects.

Сhildren from one-parent homes do need more communication with their moms or dads. However, the parents are often absent from the home, being busy working to provide their children with basic necessities. The children have to find someone who would be a parent-substitute with whom to communicate and to share experiences. Molesters take advantage of this situation and become friends to these emotionally-needy children.

Holmes says that low-income single-parent households are at greater risk due to the type of childcare facilities available to children from such families. Unfortunately, these are not facilities with thorough oversight of who is a caregiver of a child.

According to Holmes, studies like this one suggest that there should be some interventions to help single parents and their children, for instance through funding of better childcare facilities.

Eastern stock markets fall sharply

Asian and Oceanic stock markets fall after U.S. sell-off. Global markets have grown concerned after sub-prime mortgage lenders in the U.S. have started to go out of business and fear that the defaults may spread. The Nikkei 225 fell 2.9%. Hong Kong shares dropped 2.6%. Austrialian stocks gave back 2%.

Released British hostages have left Eritrea

Five British embassy workers who were kidnapped in Ethiopia and brought to Eritrea have left Eritrea today, according to the Foreign Office. They are quoted to have said that they were treated well, but are happy to be going home.

2007 Cricket World Cup: Kenya vs Canada
Kenya have won their first Group-C match in the World Cup by 7 wickets against Canada in Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

Kenya won the toss and elected to field first.

Canada made 199 runs all out in 50 overs. Dhaniram made 34 runs not out in 35 balls. Kamande took two wickets for 25 runs in 10 overs.

Kenya easily made 200-run target in 43.2 overs by losing three wickets. Player of the match, Tikolo made 72 runs not out in 76 balls and took two wickets for 34 runs in 9 overs.

2007 Cricket World Cup: Australia vs Scotland
Australia have won the first Group A match in the World Cup against Scotland by a huge-margin of 203 runs in Warner Park Stadium, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Scotland won the toss and elected to field first.

Australia made 334 runs in the first innings of the match after losing six wickets. Captain Ponting played an impressive game and made 113 runs in just 93 balls. The man of the match, Ponting completed his 23rd century in ODI career. In addition, Brad Hogg made a fast 40 runs off just 15 balls to set a high target for the Scottish players.

In reply, Scotland could only manage 131 runs in 40.1 overs before ending all out.

Scotland are playing in only their second Cricket World Cup, after their debut in the 1999, hosted by England. They are still looking for their first win in the World Cup.

Chief Justice of Pakistan manhandled, gag order issued by government
Pakistan's Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was manhandled by capital police and the Federal Investigation Agency's personnel yesterday at his official residence in Islamabad, when he refused to ride in the police personnel vehicle and insisted on a civilian automobile.

The acting Chief Justice of Pakistan in an early morning statement confirming the incident said, "Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry is our responsibility and the persons will be taken to task who have misbehaved with him."

The Chief Justice of Pakistan was removed from his office last Friday in an extra-judicial move by Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf for charges of alleged misconduct and corruption which have yet to be disclosed to the public and to the defendant.

The Chief Justice has taken a strict stand against the government's human rights abuses and abductions.

The Supreme Court has issued a gag order and has asked all Pakistani electronic media to show restraint and caution in airing programs. The acting Chief Justice of Pakistan Javaid Iqbal said, "the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council will be strictly enforced from today and no government official or media will be allowed to comment on it [the case]."

Duke of York arrives in New Zealand
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has arrived in New Zealand today (UTC+13) to a flurry of fans who gathered in the bad weather at Wellington's international airport. His royal highness was met by a Honorary Aide-de-camp to the Governor-General, Wing-Commander John Cummings, RNZAF

The Duke has no plans for today but has a busy schedule the next few days while in New Zealand. His royal highness has plans to dine at Government house.

On the following day he will receive a briefing on trade links between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the United Kingdom Trade and Investment. HRH, Colonel-in-Chief, will then visit the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment at Trentham Military Camp , and attend the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, at Lake Pounui, Wairarapa.

On Saturday he will represent Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony at the Te Papiouru Marae in Rotorua to commemorate the bravery of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, where he will present Lance Sergeant Manahi's grand niece Donna Maria Grant and his iwi, Te Arawa; a sword from the collection of George VI, a letter from the Queen, New Zealand's Head of State, and an alter cloth. On Sunday he will visit Mokoia Island, then later rededicate the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph.

On Monday, HRH will be briefed by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, visit the visit the Devonport Naval Base, receiving a Royal Guard of Honour and HRH will visit the Navy’s Bridge Simulator before having lunch with Rear Admiral David Ledson, the chief of the navy. Later that day HRH will attend the official opening of new Digital Operating Theatres at Mercy Ascot Hospital, and attend a reception at the Northern Club hosted by the British New Zealand Trade Council.

On HRH will speak at the Opportunity UK: Trade and Investment Summit, He will then join the Governor-General for a function at Government House to celebrate International Down’s Syndrome Day. Later he will visit McDell Marine boatbuilders at Glendene, and in the evening attend the Opportunity UK: Trade and Investment Summit gala charity dinner at Sky City.

The Duke of York will leave New Zealand on Thursday 22nd March.

NCAA Basketball: Niagara defeats Florida A&M, advances to first round of NCAA tournament
Clif Brown led the charge for Niagara, scoring 32 points and shooting 6-11 from behind the arc in helping the Purple Eagles defeat the Florida A&M Rattlers 77-69 on Tuesday night.

Brown, despite playing the last four minutes in danger of fouling out, shot 10-18 from the field and picked up six rebounds to lead Niagara. Charron Fisher, leading scorer for the Eagles, contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds despite being in foul trouble for much of the second half.

The Rattlers, despite outshooting the Eagles percentage-wise 46 to 40, could not catch up to the Eagles, thanks in part to a team that went 7-18 from the free throw line. Niagara, by contrast, went 21-28 from the free throw line, and also hit four more 3-pointers than the Rattlers.

It was the first opening-round experience for Niagara, who advance to play the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday in Chicago. Florida A&M had been to Dayton for the "play-in" game once before, when they defeated Lehigh in 2004.

The first round of the NCAA tournament begins on Thursday at eight regional sites, and continues on Friday at eight different sites. The second round of the tournament will be played out over the weekend, with the regional semifinals and finals next Thursday through Sunday.

Today in History
44 BC - Julius Caesar of the Roman Republic was stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus and several other Roman senators on the Ides of March.

1311 - The Catalan Company defeated Walter V of Brienne in the Battle of Halmyros and took control of the Duchy of Athens, a Crusader state in Greece.

1877 - History of cricket: Cricketers representing England and Australia began the first match in Test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

1917 - Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was forced to abdicate in the February Revolution, ending three centuries of Romanov rule.

1939 - German troops began the occupation of Czechoslovakia; the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia was proclaimed the following day.

March 15 is National Day in Hungary, Hōnen Matsuri in Japan.

Quote of the Day

There are no necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only in its abuses. If it would confine itself to equal protection, and, as Heaven does its rains, shower its favors alike on the high and the low, the rich and the poor, it would be an unqualified blessing. ~ Andrew Jackson

Word of the Day

eldritch; adj

Unnatural, ghastly, disturbingly eerie.

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