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Two killed in bank robbery Two men were shot and killed after a bank robbery in a UK branch of HSBC YouTube user gets internet fame after defending Britney Spears YouTube user Chris Crocker is having his week of fame right now, after his video on YouTube, LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!, became an instant hit. The video is a top-down view of his face, as he defends Britney Spears, about how everyone is using her to make money. The video has only been on the Internet for 48 hours and has received more than 4.2 million views.

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20-year-old captures abusive police officer on tape A 20-year old male turned the tables on an abusive police officer in St. George, Missouri after he was pulled over inside a commuter parking lot by officer Sgt. James Kuehnlein of the St. George police department.

Wikipedia Current Events
At least fifteen Pakistani Army soldiers die in a bombing at their mess at the Terbella Ghazi base north of Islamabad. Pakistan Cabinet unanimously decides to re-elect President Pervez Musharraf in uniform from the present assemblies. 2007 Formula One Season: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) fines the McLaren Formula One team $US100 million and removes all its points in the Constructors' Championship. Alexis Debat, a consultant for ABC News and writer at The National Interest, alleged expert on terrorism, is forced to resign after that Rue 89 revealed that he made two bogus interviews, one with Barack Obama and another with Alan Greenspan. Rita Verdonk, a controversial and popular Dutch politician, is expelled from the VVD. Iraq War: a key US ally, Sheikh Sittar, is killed by a bomb. Hurricane Humberto makes landfall on the southeast Texas coast near the Louisiana border. The Governor of Louisiana Kathleen Blanco declares a state of emergency. At least one person is killed in Texas before Humberto weakens into a tropical storm. Shinzo Abe is hospitalised the day after his resignation. A second major earthquake off the coast of Sumatra prompts tsunami warnings for Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands. Rescue teams head for the Sumatra coast to look for survivors. An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude hits the northern tip of Sulawesi some 2,700 kilometres east of Sumatra.

YouTube user gets internet fame after defending Britney Spears
YouTube user Chris Crocker is having his week of fame right now, after his video on YouTube, LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!, became an instant hit. The video is a two minute top-down view of his face, as he defends Britney Spears, about how everyone is using her to make money.

It has attracted large amounts of media attention, with over 30 stories found on Google News. There have been mixed opinions about his video, with many people symphasing with him, as well as large amounts of insults. Some of the typical comments on his YouTube video are "aww cheer up, gay transfestite he/she", "It's obvious you did this video for the sole purpose of getting lots of views.", "you are messed up on so many levels", "you people are fucking hating on chris AND britney now, double shame on all of yo ass", and "Omg, you made me cry. :( *points at comments* Those people need to shut up! *hugs you* I feel for you.".

He posted the video on both YouTube and MySpace, and it has been mirrored by many news sites. The YouTube video has over 4.2 million views, compared to 2.3 at the same time one day before. The video has been online for approximately two days. It has received 23 honours, including:

#1 - Most Viewed (This Week)

#1 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Entertainment

#3 - Most Viewed (This Month)

#2 - Most Viewed (This Month) - Entertainment

#89 - Most Viewed (All Time) - Entertainment

#1 - Most Discussed (This Week)

#1 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Entertainment

#1 - Most Discussed (This Month)

#1 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Entertainment

#17 - Most Discussed (All Time)

#2 - Most Discussed (All Time) - Entertainment

#1 - Top Favorites (This Week)

#1 - Top Favorites (This Week) - Entertainment

#7 - Top Favorites (This Month)

#3 - Top Favorites (This Month) - Entertainment

#5 - Most Linked (This Week)

#2 - Most Linked (This Week) - Entertainment

#32 - Most Linked (This Month)

#12 - Most Linked (This Month) - Entertainment

#1 - Most Responded (Today)

#2 - Most Responded (This Week)

#2 - Most Responded (This Month)

#12 - Most Responded (All Time)

It also has received hundreds of thousands of clicks from various other websites, mostly news sources. It has received over 60 thousand comments, and been added to the favourites of almost 10000 users. There are about 750 video responses. A large number of the comments and video responses; however, are spam, unrelated comments/advertising.

There have been many people claiming he did not actually cry, and was acting. He has since added the text Yes, I was "REALLY" crying, you fucking morons. The one time I'm NOT acting- everyone says I am.. to the video summary. He also stated, as a form of proof, I filmed this window lighting which washes out my face- if the video is watched in full screen I am clearly crying, assholes.

The video has caused major promotion of his channel as well as his other videos - his older Britney Spears videos have started receiving huge numbers of views.

Since the release of this video, he has released one more video, regarding FOX News. He talks about how he has been treated by the media, especially regarding FOX News, who he believes is one of the worst media organisations. There have been similair complaints regarding FOX News from other people who have achieved Internet fame in the past.

Note: All stats are from 22:15, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

European Commission might impose an embargo on Chinese products
The European Commission (EU) is considering the imposition of an embargo on Chinese toys and consumer products. The EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Meglena Kuneva, said the aim is to increase pressure on the Chinese government to intensify its quality control in the manufacture of toys, toothpaste and certain food items.

Meglena Kuneva, European Union Commissioner for Consumer Protection. Mattel, the world's largest toy producer, recently launched a massive product recall of Chinese-made products because their paint may contain excessive amounts of lead.

China has until October to respond with a detailed plan on how it will increase its monitoring of product safety; if it fails to respond, Kuneva announced, some products will be banned.

In testimony before the European Parliament on the twelfth of September, Kuneva underlined the necessity to protect children from possible harm: "My main message to our Chinese counterparts was that Europe does not and would not accept compromises when the safety of consumers, and in particular of children, is at stake."

Two shot and killed in UK bank robbery
Two people have been shot and killed after an attempted robbery in Chandler's Ford, near Southampton, UK. A third person is thought to have escaped in a blue coloured Volvo but this has still not been confirmed. No local people or employees have been hurt.

The robbers were thought to have been followed to the site as part of a Metropolitan Police operation and were shot by members of the Flying Squad after they attempted to rob an armoured van. They were shot after Police ran out of nearby toilets and confronted the assailants. The IPCC are already investigating the incident.

The incident occurred at the HSBC bank in the Central Precinct, Chandler's Ford at around 10.10 am BST. Local schools in the area have been locked down although the threat to the local area is now very low, with police on scene in large numbers.

Suspect wanted for the shootings. One officer killed, three wounded in Miami-Dade County shooting
A manhunt in southeastern Florida has begun after four Miami-Dade Police Department officers were shot with a high-powered rifle. One of those officers has died. Two others are in serious condition. One has been released from Homestead Hospital.

"Shortly after 11:21 a.m. Thursday, Miami-Dade police officers from the Cutler Ridge district were in a development conducting a burglary surveillance detail. They saw a vehicle driving erratically. They stopped the vehicle and attempted to question the driver. The subject got out of the vehicle and started to shoot at officers," said Linda O'Brien, the media relations bureau commander. "This man is armed and dangerous."

The suspect in the shooting is 25-year-old Shawn Sherwin Labeet, of Margate. Labeet has a warrant for his arrest with the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police had blocked off I-95 ramps to Southwest 10th Street in Deerfield Beach to search a Publix distribution center.

Police began a search for a black 2007 four-door Pontiac Vibe with Florida license tag number W59 EBT. They believed that Labeet was traveling with a woman and two children. The police detained the car in question in a parking lot at an Oakland Park Target. The driver of the vehicle was not the suspect.

Serveral hundred police officers between Florida Highway Patrol, the Broward County Police Department, and the Miami Dade Police Department are focusing their attention on finding Labeet.

Canadian province receives warning from Exxon
ExxonMobil Corp. chairman and chief executive Rex Tillerson has warned residents of Alberta, Canada that they risk endangering investment and growth of the province if they change the royalty scheme to increase revenue returned to the province from its oil sands.

Currently, oil companies pay a one per cent royalty on their revenues until their initial investment is paid off, when the royalty is then increased to 25 percent of revenues. Alberta received CA$14 billion in oil sands revenue the last fiscal year.

Described as one of the most powerful oilmen in the world, Tillerson made it clear that should the province of Alberta seek a larger portion of the profits, Alberta could suffer a decrease in economic growth. Tillerson suggests that royalties represent interventionist policies similar to those associated with the (much maligned in Alberta) National Energy Program. In contrast to the warning from Tillerson, CIBC World Markets recently released a report stating that the oil sands are one of the few petroleum resources that can be "expanded significantly" and will be an increasingly important source for future demand.

The statement comes at a time where a large and growing number of Albertans associate the province's economic growth with high inflation, housing shortages and a strain on schools and infrastructure. A report on recommendations to the scheme was scheduled to be released September 12, but was delayed until September 16 to verify data.

2007 Twenty20 World Championship: India vs Scotland
The match between India and Scotland in Group D of the 2007 Twenty20 World Championship at Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa has been abandoned due to rain.

Due to start at 18:00 (UTC+2), persistent rain at Kingsmead led to the start of the match being delayed.

At times the rain eased off, allowing the toss to be taken, which resulted in Scotland choosing to field first and the possibility of starting the match.

However the rain continued to fall and the prospects of play starting became more remote. As the latest point a match could have started was 21:00, including a reduction of overs, the match was abandoned at 20:35 (UTC+2) as there would not have been enough time for the groundsmen to prepare the pitch and outfield for a 21:00 start.

India and Scotland share one point each from the no result. India are ahead of Scotland in Group D on net run rate, meaning that India must avoid a heavy defeat by Pakistan tomorrow in order to progress to the Super 8 stage. Pakistan are now guaranteed a place in the next round.

Toss: Scotland won, and chose to field first.

Result: Match abandoned

Hurricane Humberto messes with forecasters and Texas
Tropical storm Humberto suddenly gained strength last night and became a hurricane just off the Texas coast.

At 12:15 AM CDT a hurricane warning was issued for the Gulf coast from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana. The center of the hurricane was at 29.4N 94.4W, moving toward the north-northeast at seven knots. The diameter of the eye was ten nautical miles, with maximum sustained winds predicted to be 70 knots with gusts to 85 knots. Twelve foot seas were expected.

By 10:00 AM CDT it had weakened back to a tropical storm.

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with NDP candidate Sheila White, Scarborough-Rouge River
Having worked as an aide, advisor, and Executive Assistant to municipal and provincial politicians, Sheila White is running for the Ontario New Democratic Party in the Ontario provincial election, in the Scarborough-Rouge River riding. Wikinews' Nick Moreau interviewed her regarding her values, her experience, and her campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process? Why did you choose to run in this constituency?

I've worked in politics for 22 years, first as the senior aide to former mayor Mel Lastman for 13 years and at Queen's Park for the past nine as a special adviser to NDP Leader Howard Hampton, including three years recently as Executive Assistant to MPP Andrea Horwath. My father William Andrew (Bill) White was the first person of colour to run for federal office in 1949 in the riding of Spadina. The party to advance him as a candidate was the CCF, forerunner to Ontario's NDP of today. The great Tommy Douglas was guest speaker at Dad's nomination meeting and history was made. I'm certain this part of my family's legacy has some bearing on my own interest in, passion and facility for politics. I genuinely care about service to people, so I have been deeply concerned about the impact on working families of Dalton McGuinty's many broken promises. I chose Scarborough-Rouge River because it is where I was born, lived, attended school, purchased a home and have lived for 40 years. I ran in Scarborough-Rouge River once before in the November 2005 byelection.

What prior political experience do you have? What skills and insight can you bring to office, from other non-political positions you may have held?

Aside from doing the work of a politician for 22 years, I have been elected to various boards. I was President of my community association for years and continue to serve on its executive. I was credited with rejuvenating the organization. I am President of Community Unity Alliance. I have helped a long list of stakeholders develop programs that bring about positive solutions. For example, I brought to Toronto the first medication safety inspection program for seniors and the first employment program geared specifically to non-white university students. I am highly capable. That's why so many have encouraged me to pursue a political path.

Which of your competitors do you expect to pose the biggest challenge to your candidacy? Why? What makes you the most desirable of all candidates running in the riding?

This has generally been a Liberal-held riding, but this time people are taking a real look. They don't feel good about supporting Dalton McGuinty because they don't want to condone someone who makes promises and doesn't keep them.

They know he'll say anything to get elected, then let them down after the election like he did last time. The Liberal incumbent has not made the transition well to provincial parliament. No one hears from him. He doesn't fight on our behalf. He voted himself a 30 per cent pay increase but delivered nothing to the constituents who sent him to Queen's Park. They haven't seen any action on the issues that matter to them and their families nor have they seen any difference over the last four years under Dalton McGuinty. I represent the one party, the NDP, and the one leader, Howard Hampton, who can be counted on to fight for a fair deal for working families. Besides my overall merit, that's my biggest strength in the 2007 election.

What do you feel are the three most important issues to voters in your riding? Are these the same top three issues that are most important to you? What would you do to address these issues?

Health care (The Scarborough Hospital) (restore democracy and community respect to our local hospital) ; environment and energy (bold, affordable energy efficiency and conservation strategy, action on greenhouse gases) ; education (freeze tuition fees, fix education funding formula.) Transit, housing, property taxes, provincial downloading, child care, pension reform, there too many important issues to narrow them down to three. Overall, making life easier and more affordable for the hardworking families of Scarborough-Rouge River.

What should be the first order of business in the 39th Legislative Assembly?

First item of business: Swearing in Howard Hampton as Premier of Ontario.

Are the property taxes in your riding at a fair level for the amount of services received in the municipality?

Property taxpayers are under siege, subjected to volatile upward swings as a result of market value assessment and a host of new fees being contemplated to cover McGuinty's downloading provincial services onto municipalities and not paying his bills. Some areas of Scarborough-Rouge River are particularly hard hit, which is unfair because the level of service hasn't risen proportionately and property tax is a regressive tax that has nothing to do with a person's ability to pay. Ontario's NDP has a plan to address this.

How can the province lead the way in stimulating job creation?

We can stimulate job creation by doing what worked well in British Columbia and have a Jobs Protection Act and Jobs Protection Commissioner. We can create many jobs with our aggressive energy efficiency and conservation program that enables people to retrofit their homes and businesses with low-interest government loans that can be paid off slowly over time with the savings from their energy bill. Similarly, the green economy: building retrofits, housing, infrastructure and green power projects.

What are your views on the mixed member proportional representation (MMP) referendum?

I am in favour of MMP.

What role, if any, does "new media" play in your campaign, and the campaign of your party? (websites, blogs, Facebook, YouTube videos, etc) Do you view it as beneficial, or a challenge?

Nothing beats meeting voters face to face or speaking to them directly. I am on Facebook and Wikipedia. New media are important, but I still like the phone or personal contact. I don't think websites win elections, candidates do. And this election boils down to who you can trust to fight for a fair deal for working families.

Of the decisions made by Ontario's 38th Legislative Assembly, which was the most beneficial to your this electoral district? To the province as a whole? Which was least beneficial, or even harmful, to your this riding? To the province as a whole?

Compensating fire fighters when they contract illnesses as a result of exposure to toxins and chemicals, an NDP-inspired initiative at Queen's Park, will benefit fire fighters today and hopefully other workers in the future. Beyond the 2-year delay in opening the Malvern Community Health Centre that Dalton McGuinty promised would be open in 2006, the community's Scarborough Hospital fight and the silence and lack of help from our Scarborough Liberal MPPs was the most hurtful. Hospital democracy and unwanted changes are issues of concern in communities across the province.

2007 Twenty20 World Championship: England vs Zimbabwe
England have beaten Zimbabwe by 50 runs in Group B of the 2007 Twenty20 World Championship at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa.

After losing two batsmen in two balls followed by the dismissal of Matt Prior for 20 runs, England were left on 51-3. Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood shared a partnership of 100 runs. Pietersen hit 79 runs off 37 balls, while Paul Collingwood was run out for 37. Elton Chigumbura took four wickets for Zimbabwe as England reached 188-9 after 20 overs.

Vusi Sibanda and Brendan Taylor got Zimbabwe off to a good reply, adding 74 runs. Brendan Taylor scored 47 runs before he was bowled by Dimitri Mascarenhas, while Tatenda Taibu was also bowled after scoring just two runs. Dimitri Mascarenhas took 3-18 and Chris Schofield took 2-15 to reduce Zimbabwe to 89-5. Zimbabwe did not recover and finished the twenty overs on 138-7, 50 runs short of England's total.

Group A depends on England's match against Australia tomorrow. England are top of the group with one victory, while Zimbabwe are second with one win and one loss. Australia need to beat England to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

Jon Stewart to host 2008 Oscar telecast
Jon Stewart is to return as host of the Academy Awards. It will be the second time he has hosted the awards, having first done it in 2006. The 80th Academy Awards ceremony will be presented at the Kodak Theatre on February 24, 2008.

When Stewart last presented the Oscars, he received mixed reviews. Tom Shales called him, "a sad and pale shadow of great hosts gone by." However, Roger Ebert called his performance a "home run". The 2006 awards performed poorly in terms of ratings. It attracted 38.9 million viewers, compared to 39.9 million last year when it was hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and 42.1 million when hosted by Chris Rock in 2005.

However, the producer for the Oscars, Gil Cates, said that, "He is smart, quick, funny, and loves movies. What else could one ask for?" Stewart is said to be thrilled to be asked to host the awards again, "Because third time's the charm."

Stewart is most famous as host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with NDP candidate Paul Johnstone, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
A resident of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound his whole life, Correctional Services officer Paul Johnstone is running for the Ontario New Democratic Party in the Ontario provincial election. Wikinews' Nick Moreau interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process? Why did you choose to run in this constituency?

I am a provincial civil servant and have seen the cuts to public services under Harris/Eves and the failure of McGuinty to rebuild the public service. I've chosen to run so that working families have a strong voice in Queen’s Park.

What prior political experience do you have? What skills and insight can you bring to office, from other non-political positions you may have held?

I am currently a member of the Ministry of Corrections Ministry employee relations committee (Merc) team an elected position that deals with workplace issues at a ministerial level, and as an Ontario public service union president I have had dealings with all Provincial ministries.

Which of your competitors do you expect to pose the biggest challenge to your candidacy? Why? What makes you the most desirable of all candidates running in the riding?

As this riding has an incumbent MPP this poses a challenge however given the riding's issues and the NDP platform I feel the riding will elect me.

What do you feel are the three most important issues to voters in your riding? Are these the same top three issues that are most important to you? What would you do to address these issues?

When I have been talking to people of the riding three important issues have come up time and again.

Health Care: People are concerned about the erosion of the health care system in Ontario and the development of a two-tiered health care system something the NDP has promised to keep public and improve!

Education: People are concerned that their children have to sell chocolate door-to-door for school essentials. The NDP has promised to rework the Public School funding formula so that we give our children the best education possible as they are our future.

$10 an hour minimum wage: McGuinty gave himself a $40,000 wage increase and yet told the people who need it most to wait 3 years for a much needed wage increase. People tell me this isn’t fair and the NDP will enact the $10 an hour minimum wage as soon as we are elected

What should be the first order of business in the 39th Legislative Assembly?

The NDP's first order of business will be the $10 an hour minimum wage increase

Are the property taxes in your riding at a fair level for the amount of services received in the municipality?

People have been telling me when we talk that they are tired of annual municipal tax increases and the NDP has pledged to freeze their home assessments and at the same time re-examine the services that were downloaded to municipalities by the Harris/Eves governments to be fair to municipalities.

How can the province lead the way in stimulating job creation?

During the McGuinty governments leadership Ontario has lost 140,000 high paying manufacturing jobs. The NDP has announced that they will freeze hydro rates for industry and create a Jobs Commissionaire to secure our manufacturing jobs and create new employment.

What are your views on the mixed member proportional representation (MMP) referendum?

Personally I have always been an advocate of the MMP system. Working families need to be heard at Queen’s Park.

What role, if any, does "new media" play in your campaign, and the campaign of your party? (websites, blogs, Facebook, YouTube videos, etc) Do you view it as beneficial, or a challenge?

Anyway I can get to meet the people of the riding is beneficial to me. I have a Facebook page as well we should soon have the web-site up and running.

Of the decisions made by Ontario's 38th Legislative Assembly, which was the most beneficial to your this electoral district? To the province as a whole? Which was least beneficial, or even harmful, to your this riding? To the province as a whole?

McGuinty leaves us with a legacy of broken promises; the 140,000 lost high paying manufacturing jobs in Ontario are shameful and were extremely harmful to this riding. Ontario can do better and on October 10th elect Paul Johnstone so working families have not only a voice but hope as well.

2007 Twenty20 World Championship: West Indies vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh have beaten West Indies by six wickets in Group A of the 2007 Twenty20 World Championship at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The defeat eliminates West Indies from the tournament after their defeat to South Africa earlier in the week, while Bangladesh and South Africa will progress to the Super 8 stage.

The Bangladeshi bowlers stopped West Indies from making a big score and restricted them to only 164 runs from their 20 overs. Chris Gayle, who made a century in the match against South Africa, fell for a duck in the first over. Shakib Al Hasan took 4-34, while Syed Rasel took one wicket for just ten runs, including the valuable wicket of Chris Gayle, to restrict the West Indies. Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Devon Smith steadied the ship with a 95 run partnership. Devon Smith scored 51, while Dwayne Smith hit 29 runs off 7 balls as West Indies recovered to 164-8.

Bangladesh lost opening batsman Nazimuddin in the second over for just one run, followed by Tamim Iqbal for 10 soon afterwards. However Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed shared a 109 run partnership as Ashraful scored the fastest half century in international Twenty20, smashing 61 runs off 27 balls. Aftab Ahmed finished on 62 not out and Bangladesh won the match with twelve balls remaining.

Microsoft launches BizTalk Server 2006 R2 with RFID integration in Taiwan
On Tuesday, Microsoft launched BizTalk Server 2006 R2 with Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) technology in Taiwan. Microsoft Taiwan held a launch seminar with "Pulse the Operations with the Communication of Enterprises" topic and invited hardware and software companies to highlight the integration of RFID, SOA, and EDI with BizTalk Server 2006 R2.

At the press conference, Steven Martin (Director of Product Management for BizTalk® Server Product Group at Microsoft Corp.) mentioned the improvements to BizTalk Server 2006 R2 and the lower costs, which could increase the opportunities for enterprises. Martin also praised Taiwan for having an environment conducive to the development of RFID technology, and suggested that was the reason Microsoft Global Headquarters chose Taiwan as the first location for the product launch.

Aside from seminars and exhibitions, Microsoft Taiwan also welcomed Chang Jung Christian University, Telecommunication Laboratories of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., Tekho Inc., Formosa Petrochemical Co., Ltd., and Quanta Computer lnc. to introduce their solutions from their earlier integration and show the strength of RFID technologies in Taiwan.

After the launch series in Taiwan, Microsoft Global Headquarters announced that the next launch for BizTalk Server 2006 R2 would be Sydney, Australia on September 13, followed by Chicago, United States on October 2.

Massive earthquakes strike Indonesia
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) a second massive earthquake, magnitude 7.8 struck Indonesia at 6:49 a.m. (local time) [23:49 (UTC)]. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 185 kilometers (115 miles) south, southeast of Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia with a depth of 10 k.m. (6.2 miles). Just hours ago on September 12, a massive 8.4 quake struck in the same region killing 6 people and injuring hundreds.

Several aftershocks have rocked the same area, the latest measuring 7.1, had a depth of 10 k.m. It was first reported to be a 7.3 aftershock.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had issued a tsunami warning saying that the quake had the potential to "generate a destructive local tsunami and sometimes regional destructive tsunamis along coasts located usually no more than a thousand kilometers from the earthquake epicenter," but it was later lifted because no tsunamis were generated. Australia was also included in the warning. An advisory was sent out for the 6.5 aftershock stating that there was "no widespread tsunami threat based on earthquake historical data."

There is no word on injuries, deaths, or damage, but the USGS states that damage could be "moderate to heavy." The quake was felt in Singapore where buildings are reported to have shook.

American-born terrorist gets 24 years
Hamid Hayat, an American citizen who recently turned 25, was sentenced Monday to 24 years in a federal prison. Hayat was convicted in April, 2006 of providing material support to terrorists and lying to FBI agents about it.

The California man was intending to attack hospitals, banks, grocery stores and government buildings in California according to prosecutors.

Hayat attended an al-Qaeda training camp in Pakistan and later returned to the United States. Federal Judge Garland Burrell Jr was quoted saying "[Hayat was] willing to wage violent jihad when directed to do so". He was first arrested in June 2005 after an investigation into the Pakistani community in Lodi.

Australian PM will not serve full term if re-elected
Speaking on the ABC's 7.30 report on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, admitted that if he is re-elected at the forthcoming election he will not serve a full three-year term as Prime Minister.

The announcement follows a Liberal party meeting early on Wednesday where Mr Howard told his party that they needed to unite behind him before the election amid intense leadership speculation. Mr Howard told his party that he would step aside in favour for treasurer Peter Costello late into his next term if re-elected.

If Howard is re-elected he will enter his fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister. Mr Howard is now aged 68.

Mr Howard told ABC that he needed to be honest with the electorate about his intentions. “I won’t find it easy, if I am reelected, to retire. I won’t find it the least bit easy because I am very committed to this job and I will not like leaving it. But everything comes to an end . . . and we must be honest and candid and adult about it,"

"I'm asking people to vote for somebody who levels with them," he said.

The Prime Minister said he still had vision and would step aside only after he achieved what he intended to achieve. "If the Australian people are good enough and kind enough to re-elect me again, there are a lot of things I want to do and I would want to approach those things with enormous energy,"

"But I would expect, well into my term, that after those things have been implemented and bedded down I would probably or certainly form the view well into my term that it will make sense for me to retire,"

"I would expect, although it would be a matter for the party to determine, that Peter would take over. That's the honest position."

Julia Gillard, deputy leader of the Labor Party, which is in opposition to Howard's coalition said that Mr Howard has no plans for the country's future.

"I saw a man who didn't have plans for this nation's future, other than asking to be re-elected so that he can retire."

"The Prime Minister's revealed his plans for retirement but he hasn't revealed his long-term agenda for this country's future, and how can you have a long-term agenda when you're not staying for the long term?" said Ms Gillard.

Judge rules against student blogger's First Amendment claim
On August 31, United States district court judge Mark Kravitz ruled against Burlington, Connecticut high school student Avery Doninger's request for a preliminary injunction to let her function as class secretary at Lewis S. Mills High School. Doninger had won the Class Secretary position at the high school. Earlier Doninger had posted derogatory comments on her blog about school officials and the school administration did not allow her to take the position as Class Secretary. Doninger alledges that the school's actions violated her First Amendment right to free speech.

Also at issue is whether Doninger's use of the school's email system for an earlier mass email played a part in the school's decision. The school claims that the email led to serious disruption while Doninger claims that the email was only cited retroactively.

Kravitz ruled that there was not a substantial likelihood that Doninger would win her case against the school and thus declined to grant the injunction. Kravitz stated that although Doninger did not write the blog entry while on-campus, "Avery's blog entry may be considered on-campus speech for the purposes of the First Amendment." Kravits reasoned that the blogs' arguable on-campus nature together with Supreme Courts precedents that students have more limited free speech rights while on campus combined to give Doninger a weak case.

The ruling has been criticized, with some observers arguing that by Kravitz's logic, almost any online speech by students can be severely restricted by school administrators. This ruling is a setback to Doninger, although she and her family stated that they intend to appeal the injunction and also continue with their lawsuit.

Doninger's case gained national attention earlier after Doninger set up a website to appeal for donations to help with legal fees associated with the cause. The exact limits of students free speech rights in public schools has been a matter of controversy since 1969 when in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District the United States Supreme Court ruled that students have some free speech rights in schools. In later cases, such as Bethel School District v. Fraser, and Morse v. Frederick, colloquially known as the "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" case, the Supreme Court ruled that students in public schools while engaging in actions on campus or otherwise affiliated with the school do not enjoy the complete First Amendment protections that would normally apply to citizens in other circumstances.

Major League Baseball roundup: September 12, 2007
Cubs win, Brewers lose: Tied again in the NL Central

Cubs 3, Astros 2: Cliff Floyd hit a solo homer (6), and Ryan Theriot hit a sacrifice fly in the 2nd for the Cubs; the Astros threatened to tie the game, with the tying run at third base with nobody out, but failed to bring the runner home. Rich Hill (9-8) pitched seven innings, giving up just three hits and one run for the win. Matt Albers (4-8) gave up seven hits and three runs in six innings for the loss. Ryan Dempster gave a shaky performance, but earned his 26th save, giving up two hits and one run in the 9th.

Pirates 7, Brewers 4: After losing a 4-0 lead, the Pirates scored three in the 8th inning to win, 7-4. John Grabow (3-1) got the win, while Derrick Turnbow (4-5) gave up three runs in 2/3 inning for the loss. Matt Capps pitched a perfect 9th for the save. The Cubs and Brewers both sport records of 74-71, tied at the top of the NL Central standings.

Completed games

Reds 5, Cardinals 1: The Cardinals (69-74) lost their sixth straight game, dropping from the midst of the NL Central race to a distant 4 games behind the Brewers and Cubs. Brandon Phillips hit a solo homer (29), and Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run homer (13) in the 4th. Bronson Arroyo (9-14) pitched six innings, giving up six hits and one run for the win. Anthony Reyes (2-14) pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up four hits and three runs for the loss.

Angels 18, Orioles 6: Garret Anderson went 3-6 with 5 RBI, including a two-run homer (16), a bases-loaded double, and an RBI single. Kelvim Escobar pitched 5 1/3 innings, and gave up six runs, but got the win. Daniel Cabrera (9-16) pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up ten runs (eight earned) for the loss. The Angels (86-59) now lead the AL West by a commanding 10 games.

Mets 4, Braves 3: The Braves, down 3-1 tied up the game in the top of the 8th, with a Jeff Francoeur two-run single, but the Mets responded in the bottom of the 8th with a game-winning Shawn Green RBI single. Guillermo Mota (2-1) pitched 1/3 inning to pick up the win, while Manny Acosta (0-1) got the loss. Billy Wagner pitched a perfect 9th for his 34th save. The Mets (83-62) lead the NL East by 7 games, while the Braves (74-72) trail the Padres by 5 games in the NL Wild Card race.

Rockies 12, Phillies 0: Matt Holliday hit a three-run homer (30) for the Rockies in the 3rd, and Todd Helton hit a bases-loaded, three-run double in the 4th. Holliday also grounded into a triple play in the 1st inning, the second triple play turned by the Phillies this year. Mark Redman (1-4) came in in long-relief, pitching five innings of two-hit ball for the win. Kyle Kendrick (8-4), who was struck by a batted ball in the 4th, left due to a "right knee contusion", giving up seven hits and four runs in 3+ innings for the loss. The Rockies (76-69) trail the Diamondbacks in the NL West by 6 games, and trail the Padres in the NL Wild Card by 2,5 games, while the Phillies (76-69) trail the Mets in the NL East by 7 games, and trail the Padres in the Wild Card by 2.5 games.

Diamondbacks 9, Giants 4: Justin Upton hit a two-run single in the 6th for the Diamondbacks, who widened their lead in the NL West. Brandon Webb (16-10) pitched seven innings, giving up seven hits and four runs for the win. Jonathan Sanchez (1-4) pitched three innings, giving up five hits and three runs for the loss. The Diamondbacks (83-64) lead the Padres by 3.5 games in the NL West race.

Dodgers 6, Padres 1: James Loney went 3-4, with a two-run homer (11) and a double as the Dodgers won easily. Chad Billingsley (11-4) pitched six innings, giving up five hits and one run for the win. w:Justin Germano (7-10) gave up eight hits and six runs (five earned) for the loss. The Padres (78-66) trail the Diamondbacks by 3.5 games in the NL West, but currently lead the NL Wild Card race by 2.5 games over the Dodgers, Phillies and Rockies.

Red Sox 5, Devil Rays 4: B.J. Upton hit a two-run homer (24) in a four-run 1st inning for the Devil Rays, but David Ortiz hit two homers (30, 31), the first a three-run homer in the 3rd, and the second a two-run, walkoff homer in the 9th. Jonathan Papelbon (1-2) pitched the 9th inning for the win, while Al Reyes (2-3) picked up his third blown save of the year. The Red Sox (89-58) lead the AL East by 5 games over the Yankees.

Yankees 4, Blue Jays 1: The Yankees' Hideki Matsui hit an RBI double in the 1st, and Robinson Cano hit a two-run single in the 4th. Mike Mussina (9-10) picked up the win, pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and giving up five hits. Dustin McGowan (10-9) pitched five innings, giving up three hits and four runs for the loss. Mariano Rivera picked up his 26th save, pitching 1 1/3 innings. The Yankees (83-62) trail the Red Sox by 5 games in the AL East, but lead the AL Wild Card by 4 games.

White Sox 7, Indians 4: Jim Thome hit his 499th career home run (27) in the 4th inning, and hit a two-run single in the 5th. Paul Konerko also had 3 RBI off a homer (29) and a single. Javier Vazquez (12-8) gave up six hits and two runs (one earned) for the win. Jake Westbrook (5-9) gave up seven hits and five runs (four earned), and received the loss. The Indians (85-61) lead the Tigers in the AL Central by 5.5 games.

Tigers 5, Rangers 1: Gary Sheffield hit a two-run homer (25), and Magglio Ordonez hit a three-run homer (27) for the Tigers. Justin Verlander (17-5) pitched seven innings, giving up seven hits and one run for the win. Edinson Volquez (2-1) gave up seven hits and five runs for the loss. The Tigers (80-67) trail the Indians in the AL Central by 5.5 games, and trail the Yankees in the AL Wild Card by 4 games.

Mariners 6, Athletics 5: The Mariners' Yuniesky Betancourt hit a walkoff RBI single in the 9th for the win. J.J. Putz (3-1) pitched a perfect 9th inning for the win, while Andrew Brown (2-2) gave up two hits and one run for the loss. The Mariners (76-68) trail the Yankees in the AL Wild Card race by 6.5 games.

Royals 6, Twins 3: David DeJesus had a two-run homer (7) and an RBI triple (7), as the Royals snapped a seven-game losing streak. Gil Meche (8-12) pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and two runs, and striking out seven for the win. Carlos Silva (11-14) pitched just two innings, giving up three runs for the loss.

Nationals 5, Marlins 4, 12 inn: In a game that saw both teams use a combined 16 pitchers, Todd Linden hit a walkoff RBI single for the Nationals in the bottom of the 12th. Daniel Barone (1-2) pitched a perfect 12th for the win, while Saul Rivera (4-6) pitched 2/3 inning, giving up two hits and one run for the loss.

Russian prime minister resigns at President Vladimir Putin's request
Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Fradkov has resigned, citing his reason as being "the approaching major political events in the country and a desire to give the president full freedom in making decisions, including personnel." Russian President Vladimir Putin has nominated Victor Zubkov to replace him, and a new cabinet is expected to follow as well.

Parliamentary elections are to still expected to take place in three months as the parliament has not been dissolved, and presidential elections will take place in six months.

US President George Bush may reduce amount of troops in Iraq
According to United States officials at the White House, President George W. Bush will be cutting the amount of U.S. troops in Iraq by as much of 30,000, to "pre-surge" force levels, and the withdraw could take place as early as next Summer, but with certain "conditions" applying.

The plans are expected to be formally announced in a speech Bush is expected to make on Thursday at 9:00 p.m. (eastern time).

Officials say that the President will endorse the reduction of troops recommended by General David Petraeus.

"I believe that we will be able to reduce our forces to the pre-surge level ... by next summer without jeopardizing the security gains we have fought so hard to achieve. The level of security incidents has declined in eight of the past 12 weeks, with the level of incidents in the past two weeks the lowest since June of 2006," said Petraeus while testifying in front of the U.S. Congress on Monday.

According to officials, the conditions on the reduction of troops depends on whether or not violence in Iraq continues to decline, and how much political stability and security progresses.

Currently, there are 168,000 U.S. troops serving in Iraq, the most that have ever been in the country.

Today in History
1752 – In adopting the Gregorian calendar under the terms of the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750, the British Empire skipped eleven days (September 2 was followed directly by September 14).

1812 – The French invasion of Russia: Following the Battle of Borodino seven days earlier, Napoleon and his Grande Armée captured Moscow, only to find the city deserted and burning.

1901 – Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States eight days after William McKinley was fatally wounded by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

1959 – The Soviet spacecraft Luna 2 crashed onto and became the first man-made object to reach the Moon.

1960 – Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela founded the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to help unify and coordinate their petroleum policies.

Quote of the Day

The vast majority of the peoples of the world are against war and against aggression. If they make their wishes known and effective, war can be stopped. It all depends on whether they are willing to make the effort necessary for the purpose. For, that it will require an effort, no one who considers the history of the world on these subjects can doubt.

~ Robert Cecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of Chelwood

Word of the Day

clandestine; adj

Done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.

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