UPDATES ARCHIVE FOR DECEMBER 2004
HOME PAGE	Kleiner's Korner For Week of December 27, 2004 HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE MAY 2005 BE SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THIS SITE EXPRESSES THIS WRITER’S VIEWS FOR EVERYONE TO CONSIDER: link here 1. 'ALL THE PLANET IS VIBRATING' FROM WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN 40 YEARS "The world’s most powerful earthquake in 40 years struck deep under the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Sumatra on Sunday, triggering tidal waves up to 20 feet high that obliterated villages and seaside resorts in six countries across southern Asia. Nearly 10,000 people were killed in the devastation, and the death toll was expected to rise. Tourists, fishermen, homes and cars were swept away by walls of water that rolled across the Bay of Bengal, unleashed by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake. The tsunami waves barreled nearly 3,000 miles across the ocean to Africa, where at least nine people were killed in Somalia, witnesses said...“All the planet is vibrating” from the quake, said Enzo Boschi, the head of Italy’s National Geophysics Institute. Speaking on SKY TG24 TV, Boschi said the quake even disturbed the Earth’s rotation. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at a magnitude of 8.9. Geophysicist Julie Martinez said it was the world’s fifth-largest since 1900 and the largest since a 9.2 temblor hit Prince William Sound Alaska in 1964. The epicenter was located 155 miles south-southeast of Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province on Sumatra, and six miles under the seabed of the Indian Ocean. There were at least a half-dozen powerful aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from almost 6 and 7.3," quoting MSNBC. link here The U. S. Geological Survey site on this quake: link here And, information on the 8.1 Tasmania earthquake that occurred on December 23rd preceding today's: link here . 2. STUDY: CELL PHONES MAY DAMAGE DNA A constant Kleiner's Korner storyline for these last 3+ years has been the danger of cell phones to the human brain and tissues. Now comes word that frequencies put off by cell phones damage human DNA in lab conditions in this story reported on CNN: "Radio waves from mobile phones harm body cells and damage DNA in laboratory conditions, according to a new study majority-funded by the European Union, researchers said on Monday [Dec. 21]. The so-called Reflex study, conducted by 12 research groups in seven European countries, did not prove that mobile phones are a risk to health but concluded that more research is needed to see if effects can also be found outside a lab." [Ed. Note: Still want to smoke cigarettes after all of the research has now come forward after decades of stonewalling by the tobacco industry about those dangers? Still want to damage your brain and DNA when so much evidence has been coming forth about cell phone dangers amidst an industry that touts their safety, just like cigarettes? Go ahead and use 'em. Gotta have the addiction! Society certainly got along and thrived before cellphones. And you lived a grand life before cellphones, too!]. link here And this report from Nature: link here . 3. FIRST ALL-IN-ONE, ONE-A-DAY PILL TO TREAT HIV INFECTION Listening to the radio on Tuesday, December 21st, this writer heard the familiar voice of someone he grew up with in Louisville, KY as being one of the USA's leading expert on HIV treatment. "Two drug companies announced Monday [Dec. 20] they will collaborate on developing the first all-in-one, one-a-day pill to treat HIV infection – a long-sought goal that would make it much easier for patients to stick with their medication. 'It's the first time ever that two companies with competing products have worked together,' said Dr. Michael Saag, director of the AIDS Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 'This is something patient advocates and a lot of physicians have been pushing for over a decade,'" quoting the AP. link here . 4. STEM CELLS FROM FAT USED TO REPAIR DAMAGE/ NANOSURGERY ADVANCES LEAD TO EFFECTIVE CELL SURGERY Surgeons have used stem cells from fat to help repair skull damage in a 7-year-old girl in Germany, in what is apparently the first time such fat-derived cells have been exploited to grow bone in a human," quoting the AP. link here “MacroPore Biosurgery is focused on research, development and commercialization of regenerative medicine technologies. Our bioresorbable and regenerative cell technologies enable us to target two of the largest markets in medicine: spine and orthopedic bone repair and cardiovascular disease,” quoting the MacroPore Biosurgery site: link here then click under “12.16.2004” “A tiny needle that can perform keyhole surgery on a single living cell could aid biologists researching gene therapy and developing new drugs. Using microscopic lances to remove material from fertilized eggs is now a routine technique…Now, Japanese researchers have turned an atomic force microscope (AFM) into a surgical tool for cells that could add or remove molecules from precise locations inside a cell without harming it,” quoting Nature. link here . 5. MOST IMPORTANT SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT OF 2004 - MARS DISCOVERIES “The conclusive discovery by a pair of wheeled robots that Mars once had vast pools of water and possibly could have harbored life was chosen by the editors of the journal Science as the most important scientific achievement of 2004,” quoting MSNBC. link here Speaking of Mars; "Images from a European space probe reveal recent glacial deposits and lava flows on Mars that suggest the Red Planet is more active than many scientists had thought. The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter photographed lava flows that must have occurred within the past 2 million years and imply, scientists say, that volcanoes on Mars might still pump molten rock to the surface now and then.," quoting Space.com. link here . 6. CASSINI FLY-BY REVEALS SATURN’S MOON WEATHER PATTERNS “The Cassini spacecraft has photographed the first direct evidence of changing weather patterns on Saturn's giant moon Titan. Cassini flew past Titan, roughly 1,200 kilometres from its surface, on Monday 13 December, about the same distance as its first close encounter back on 26 October. By comparing images from the two fly-bys, scientists have revealed how Titan's atmosphere changes over time,” quoting Nature. link here "The Cassini spacecraft yesterday [Christmas Eve] launched a probe on a three-week free-fall toward Saturn's mysterious moon Titan, where it will plunge into the hazy atmosphere and descend by parachute while its instruments and cameras make observations," quoting the Seattle Times. link here . 7. BRAIN-WAVE READING DEVICES GUIDE CURSOR “Mind Over Matter: Brain Waves Guide a Cursor's Path - Biomedical Engineers Create Devices That Turn Thoughts Into Action and Could Help the Paralyzed Move Their Limbs,” is the title of this Washington Post story. link here . 8. CHINA’S GROWTH PRODUCES WORLDWIDE MERCURY POLLUTION/ USA SITS OUT SOME SESSIONS OF CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE Quoting this thorough report in the Wall Street Journal, “The airborne output of Chinese power plants like Wuhu Shaoda was once considered the price of China's economic growth, and a mostly local problem. But just as China's industrial might is integrating the country into the global economy, its pollution is also becoming a global concern. Among the biggest worries: the impact of China's vast and growing power industry, mostly fueled by coal, on the buildup of mercury in the world's water and food supply." link here then scroll to “December 17th” Note: “The United States could be left out of some sessions on global warming at a major climate conference in Buenos Aires this week. US delegates have chosen to stay clear of some discussions, even while most countries continue to court US support in controlling emissions. And officials have said they reserve the right to close the door on the United States for some sessions on specific matters of the Kyoto Protocol,” quoting Nature. link here This is one of the best articles this writer has seen about the world demand for oil and how newly emerging industrial nations like China are competing for this world’s resources, from the San Francisco Chronicle: “Scientists meeting at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco debated Tuesday [Dec. 14] whether the world has plenty of oil for centuries to come – or if it faces impending shortages that might trigger economic chaos, even war, in coming decades.” link here “RealClimate is a commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists for the interested public and journalists. We aim to provide a quick response to developing stories and provide the context sometimes missing in mainstream commentary. The discussion here is restricted to scientific topics and will not get involved in any political or economic implications of the science,” quoting their unique site. link here . 9. USA HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES AMONG RACES ANNOUNCED More than 886,000 deaths could have been prevented from 1991 to 2000 if African Americans had received the same care as whites, according to an analysis in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The study estimates that technological improvements in medicine – including better drugs, devices, and procedures – averted only 176,633 deaths during the same period. That means "five times as many lives can be saved by correcting the disparities [in care between whites and blacks] than in developing new treatments," Steven H. Woolf, lead author and director of research at Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Family Medicine, said in a telephone interview," quoting the Washington Post. [Ed. Note: This is pathetic in a supposedly modern society.] link here . 10. WHO OFFICIALS: WORLD CLOSE TO NEXT FLU PANDEMIC "Health officials warned Monday [Dec. 20] that the world was close to its next pandemic — a powerful and highly contagious mix of avian influenza and flu virus that would likely be centered in Asia....'We are getting closer, but when it’s going to happen, I don’t know,' said Francois Xavier-Meslin, the World Health Organization’s coordinator for disease control, prevention and eradication," quoting the AP. link here And the WHO site: link here . 11. SOME HERBAL REMEDIES MORE HARMFUL THAN HEALING "Some herbal remedies may do more harm than good. Researchers writing today in the Journal of the American Medical Association report that 20 percent of herbal medicine products sampled contained dangerous levels of heavy metals." link here And this from The Natural Foods Merchandiser: “At the annual American Society of Cell Biology meeting held Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C., Elias Aizenman, professor of neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, presented a paper on a preservative found in conventional cosmetics and body care products. The preservative, methylisothiazolinone, is a biocide used to prevent bacteria from developing. According to Aizenman, lead researcher on the study, the chemical caused neurons to die in experiments with rats' brain cells. The study found that not only did direct exposure to the chemical cause neuronal death, but, researchers wrote, "In addition, our results suggest that prolonged exposure to low levels of MIT and related compounds may have potentially damaging consequences to the developing nervous system." link here With the news that some widely used drugs may be causing heart attacks and other problems, the following brings this whole issue to light: Brief History of Medicine 2000 BC: Here, eat this root 1000 AD: That root is heathen. Say this prayer. 1850 AD: That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion. 1940 AD: That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill. 1985 AD: That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic. 2000 AD: That antibiotic doesn't work anymore. Here, eat this root. --Ecologist Magazine December, 2004/January 2005 pg 7.. 12. POSSIBLE LOCATION OF ATLANTIS REVEALED “The fabled lost city of Atlantis might lie in a salt marsh region off Spain's southern coast, according to research reported online by the archaeology journal Antiquity. The study, not yet peer-reviewed by archaeologists, is based on satellite images showing ancient ruins that appear to match descriptions made by the Greek scholar Plato,” quoting Discovery Channel’s website. link here . WHAT THE BLEEP - THE MOVIE NEWS "To try to figure out what the bleep is going on with this strange head trip of a movie, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution invited five people from different backgrounds who were interested in the issues. We watched the movie, then went to Starbucks for a lively discussion," quoting Phil Kloer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. link here Purchased your book of Bleepisms yet? "The Little Book of Bleeps - Quotations from the Movie" link here Pre-order your own DVD now: link here . FOOTNOTES: Many of you have written requesting a follow-up on the condition of Sam George. This man was injured in a jetski incident on September 22nd and KK readers were asked for assistance in sending prayers and healing focus to Sam, who at the time, was in critical condition. I am pleased to report that Sam is now home and recovering nicely. Thanks to those of you that sent Sam & Courtney healing thoughts. You can read Sam’s healing progress in his own words: link here . OF LOCAL NOTE: The Washington State Department of Transportation has created a project Web site for the SR 510 Yelm Loop. In December 2004 consultant Parametrix was selected to begin design work. Since then, aerial photograph flights took place, survey work began, and traffic counts were taken at 14 intersections. To find out the latest on this important transportation project. link here Segment 1 is in the design phase with $1.2 million in funding: link here With Christine Gregoire named the Governor-elect of Washington State and upon her inauguration January 12th, Washington State will be the very first state in the union to ever have a sitting governor and both U. S. Senators all women. YEAH! . QUOTE OF THE WEEK "If congress has the right under the Constitution to issue paper money, it was given them to use themselves, not to be delegated to individuals or corporations." --Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) 7th President of the United States . Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004. For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner, click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at www.kleinerskorner.com Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com . Kleiner's Korner For Week of December 20, 2004 Ah! The kick-off of the holidays always begins with the Winter Solstice, which is Tuesday, December 21st at 12:41UT, which makes that at 4:41a.m. (0441hrs.) PST in Yelm. For those of you south of the Equator, happy Summer! link here MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. MAY ALL OF YOUR DAYS BE MERRY & BRIGHT, WITH EVERY DREAM YOU WISH UPON A STAR, FULFILLED. -Steve Klein 1. 35,000 YEAR OLD FLUTE UNEARTHED CNN listed this Reuters report: "A 35,000-year-old flute made from a woolly mammoth's ivory tusk has been unearthed in a German cave by archaeologists, the University of Tuebingen said on Friday [Dec 10]. The flute, one of the oldest musical instruments discovered, was pieced together from 31 fragments found in a cave in the Swabian mountains in southwestern Germany, the university said." [Ed. Note: I know someone who was around 35,000 years ago! link here ] link here And the original Reuters article link here . 2. SIMPLE TEST MAY DETECT ALZHEIMER'S “A simple scratch and sniff test may help doctors identify patients with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers said Monday [Dec. 13]. They found that patients with early Alzheimer’s disease may be unable to smell certain odors, including strawberry, smoke, soap, and cloves," quoting Reuters. link here . 3. 10% OF ALL BIRD SPECIES FACE EXTINCTION BY 2100 “About 10 percent of all bird species face extinction by the end of the century and another 15 percent are on the brink, according to researchers who say such extinctions would have a widespread impact on the environment, agriculture and human society,” quoting this AP report. link here . 4. CHLOROPHYLL BASED DRUG SHOWS PROMISE FOR PROSTATE CANCER "A revolutionary type of photodynamic therapy, developed in Israel, has shown great promise in treating men with prostate cancer – and could eventually be used to treat a myriad of other cancers as well. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer... The new therapy is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials in Canada, France, and Israel – with trials in the UK to start shortly. At three centers in Canada the therapy – which employs a light-sensitive drug based on the plant pigment chlorophyll – is being used to treat patients who underwent unsuccessful radiation treatment for prostate cancer," quoting Israel 21 Century. link here . 5. FOLLOW-UP ON THE STORY OF ADAM, THE DREAMHEALER FROM CANADA Follow-up & update: "At 19 he is said to have cured a rock star and an astronaut, and everyone wants a piece of this private young healer. But as Alexandra Gill reports, nobody really understands what he does... 'As Adam will later explain, he is visualizing a hologram of my immune system. He describes these visions as layers of 3-D images in which he sees organs moving, hearts pumping – and sometimes, bright green masses that can indicate tumours. You may have heard about this boy with the so-called magic touch. I first met and wrote about him 18 months ago. Since then he has been profiled in numerous television documentaries and magazine articles, including a splashy feature in Rolling Stone magazine,'" quoting the UK's Globe & Mail story about Canadian healer named Adam. link here Adam's own site: link here . 6. NASA STUDY SHOWS WHY WORKOUTS WORK This from the NASA site "Why do Workouts Work?" By exploring how and why exercise causes muscles to grow, scientists hope to help astronauts avoid muscle atrophy. link here . 7. CELL PHONE USE BEING CONSIDERED INFLIGHT This writer thought air travel lost its luster in the mid-1970s when the security screening systems were introduced at US airports to combat rampant hijackings of aircraft to Cuba. Now air travel is potentially about to get as nasty as can be, as "Federal regulators are set to begin discussions later this month on allowing the use of cell phones on commercial airline flights. The Federal Communications Commission said that at its Dec. 15 meeting it will discuss possible revisions to rules prohibiting cell phone use on commercial flights. That's the first step of the process needed to lift the ban," quoting CNN. [Ed. Note: that is the WORST possible news for this frequent flier to hear. Upon landing, having multiple cell phones ringing as phones are turned on and multi-conversations is disturbing enough. Now air travelers may be subjected to this cacophony on a 6 hour flight from Seattle to Miami, etc. Yikes!] link here "The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday [Dec. 15] approved technology giving airlines what could be a cheaper option to provide Internet connections. The commissioners also voted to solicit public comment about ending the ban on in-flight use of cell phones," quoting the AP. link here See the FCC news release on this subject at link here then scroll to "FCC to Examine Ban on Using Cellular Telephones on Airborne Aircraft" . 8. AFTER FOUR DECADES SERVING U. S. SENATE, REP. SPEAKS OUT TRUTH “South Carolina Sen. Fritz Hollings has long been known as the tartest tongue in the Senate. But now this feisty Senator is giving up his seat. He didn't lose it, and a younger Republican didn't defeat him. But after 38 years he just decided enough's enough. He says the Senate has changed – and not for the better. ‘I'm sick of raising money to get re-elected, so I'm going home to Charleston’" says Hollings. And that's where correspondent Mike Wallace sat down with Hollings to let him fire a few final barbs about what's wrong with Congress. These are insights from an insider who knows better than anyone the unhappy differences between then and now – especially when it comes to money. ‘When I got up there, it was hardly a breakfast or an evening reception. Now there are three breakfasts, three receptions,’ says Hollings. ‘Now we don’t work here on Fridays. We're back home doing fundraisers. You gotta collect money.’ He says it's all about money. ‘There ain't no question. At my last campaign six years ago, it was $8.5 million. That factors out to about $30,000 a week, each week, every week for six years,’ says Hollings. ‘So if I miss a week this time, Christmas week or New Year's week, I’m $60,000 in the hole. I gotta hurry up and start playing catch-up ball.’" quoting CBS News Magazine “60 Minutes”. link here . 9. STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION REPLACES CELLS RAVAGED BY CANCER "Paul Staudenmeier took a very important step this week on what may be his road to recovery. That road will be a very bumpy one with a pothole or two for the next year, but if successful he will have won his fight against leukemia... Stem cell transplantation is a method of replacing blood-forming cells destroyed by the cancer treatment. Stem cells are removed from the blood or bone marrow of a donor and are either frozen for storage or transplanted within 24 hours of the donation. After the chemotherapy is completed, the stored stem cells are given to the patient through an infusion. These reinfused stem cells will hopefully grow into and restore the body’s blood cells." link here . 10. RESEARCHERS STUMPED WHY ROCKET FUEL COMPONENT IN WATER, MILK, FOOD "It might not be rocket science but researchers are stumped as to why perchlorate—a component of rocket fuel—is showing up in municipal and bottled water, lettuce, and milk. The Food and Drug Administration commissioned a study that analyzed perchlorate levels in 150 samples of lettuce and 120 samples of milk from 15 states between Dec. 23, 2003, and Aug. 19, 2004. The chemical, which has been shown to cause thyroid damage in humans, was detected in nearly every sample, whether the product was organically or conventionally grown. ‘This is rocket fuel that has somehow spread throughout our land,’ said George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley Family of Farms. ‘That's far out....’" link here . 11. TECHNOLOGY NOW PERMITS BABYS' SEX SELECTION VIA EMBRYO SCREENING "Technology allows sex selection. Embryo screening stirs ethics debate" is the title to this Washington Post story: "The Magills are part of a small but growing number of Americans who are selecting the sex of their children, using techniques developed to help couples who are infertile or at risk for having babies with genetic diseases. In addition to the standard in vitro fertilization procedure that Kristen underwent, a Fairfax clinic is testing another approach that can sort sperm by sex – an easier and far less expensive method, albeit not quite as reliable." link here . 12. CHRISTMAS NEWS OF THE WEEK "Religion: The Birth of Jesus - From Mary to the Manger, How the Gospels Mix Faith and History To Tell the Christmas Story and Make the Case for Christ," is the title to this Newsweek story, and tells how versions of events have changed through the centuries. [Ed. Note: And Christianity believes this as the truth today. "Yikes" this reader say to the faithful!] link here "Christmas is the deadliest day of the year for Americans with 12.4 percent more deaths than normal, researchers said on Monday [Dec 13]. More Americans die from heart attacks and other natural causes on Christmas, the day after, and on New Year’s Day than on any other day of the year, the researchers reported," quoting Reuters. HMMM! The best antidote to stress is laughter, a good glass of red wine and joy! link here “It was once a pretty picture of environmental decadence: a towering Norwegian spruce ripped up from the forest and festooned with fossil fuel-guzzling festive lights. But this year the 29-metre (95ft) high illuminated Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square in the capital is powered by hydrogen and a fuel cell in the first project of its kind in Europe,” quoting UK’s Guardian. link here . WHAT THE BLEEP – THE MOVIE NEWS "At the February 4-6, 2005 WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW PROPHETS CONFERENCE in Santa Monica, [CA.] Dr. Masaru Emoto, whose groundbreaking work was featured in the extraordinary film “What The Bleep Do We Know!?”, will be taking us deeper into his new research into the nature of water. Dr. Emoto will be joining the other “What the Bleep Do We Know!?” scientists, visionaries, filmmakers, and film stars as we come together to explore and expand our understanding of consciousness and how we actually create our reality," quoting the great Mystery website. This writer and his wife will be reporting to you from the Conference. link here "Oscar winning actress Marlee Matlin shares with BBC America why she chose her role in What the Bleep Do We Know!?, and what she thinks people are looking for in the film. Matlin is ‘pleased that the film has caused such a fuss in both the film and the metaphysical world.’ Look for What the Bleep in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand starting early 2005!" from the What The Bleep website. link here then scroll to "Marlee Matlin Loves the Bleep Fuss" Even with the big box-office hit Ocean's 12 opening last week, Bleep is still in the top 25 of grossing films. link here Not a glowing review in Scientific American last week, however, look at the source and author of said review- none other than the publisher of SKEPTIC.com (read this latest title on their homepage--"Roswell Explained - How a Modest Military Adventure Was Turned Into a Great Whopper of a UFO Tale in 1978) and author of "The Science of Good & Evil." Truly not the best person Scientific American could have chosen to write a story, unless SCIAM obviously wanted to debunk the film. What is significant IMHO, is that SCIAM felt compelled to write about BLEEP at all. That is worth listing said review for you to discern for yourself, since the film is waking people up to science and how their thoughts affect their reality, a truly Scientific American story, if they had the guts to tackle that. link here . FOOTNOTES: "President Bush has ordered plans for temporarily disabling the U.S. network of global positioning satellites during a national crisis to prevent terrorists from using the navigational technology, the White House said Wednesday [Dec. 15]. Any shutdown of the network inside the United States would come under only the most remarkable circumstances, said a Bush administration official who spoke to a small group of reporters at the White House on condition of anonymity. The GPS system is vital to commercial aviation and marine shipping," quoting MSNBC. [Ed. Note: Let's cut through the Doublespeak. This would be to stop U. S. citizens from using the system based on government decisions. HUMMM! Everything in the name of security and keeping things out of terrorists hands, all the while restricting access for U. S. citizens. This is now the new American Way!] link here . OF LOCAL NOTE: "Wal-Mart is looking at new store sites in two Thurston County cities and an expansion of its existing store in the county, despite the objections of some residents and merchants who fear the retailer will undercut local business and congest traffic. Company officials say they’re eyeing Tumwater and Yelm because Wal-Mart shoppers in both cities have asked for a store closer to home," quoting the (Tacoma, WA) News Tribune. link here The Children's Christmas Party in Yelm was a huge success, as evidenced by all of the smiles in this fabulous Comrades' Children's Christmas Album put together by Marcus Dylan Cramer. [Ed. Note: The horn of plenty was handcrafted and filled by my wife Yael Klein and is the homepage picture on the following site. Linda Evans and Linda McCallum decorated the stage, tables decorations were donated by Roberta Brittingham, Ed Wiltsie on balloons, Anne Marie Bennstrom was general manager, and Laura Craig organized the children's gifts. I humbly ask you to please accept my apology if I left someone out.]: link here This is the perfect opportunity to share Marcus Dylan Cramer's website with all of you: link here . QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Our duty as men and women is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) Visionary French Jesuit, paleontologist, biologist, and philosopher who spent the bulk of his life attempting to integrate religious experience with natural science, most specifically Christian theology with theories of evolution. . Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004. For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner, click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at www.kleinerskorner.com Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com . Kleiner's Korner For Week of December 13, 2004 "Gov. Gary Locke and legislative Democrats yesterday [Dec. 8] proposed that Washington adopt California's vehicle-emission standards, the toughest in the world. Locke, a two-term Democrat who will leave office next month, also announced a freeze on state-government purchase of four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles. The state motor pool will begin shifting to hybrid vehicles, which run on electricity and gasoline. The proposal to adopt California's auto standards, effective with the 2009 model year, is the centerpiece of Locke's package of bills to combat global warming," quoting the Seattle Times. [Ed. Note: I applaud and support Gov. Locke's initiatives and efforts in this endeavor!] link here Further, the alternative view: [Ed. Note: Now this following story just has this writer shaking his head.] "An MIT meteorologist Wednesday [Dec. 1] dismissed alarmist fears about human-induced global warming as nothing more than 'religious beliefs.' 'Do you believe in global warming? That is a religious question. So is the second part: Are you a skeptic or a believer?' said Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Richard Lindzen in a speech to about 100 people at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. 'Essentially if whatever you are told is alleged to be supported by 'all scientists,' you don't have to understand [the issue] anymore. You simply go back to treating it as a matter of religious belief," Lindzen said. His speech was titled, "Climate Alarmism: The Misuse of 'Science'" and was sponsored by the free market George C. Marshall Institute. Lindzen is a professor at MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. Once a person becomes a believer of global warming, "you never have to defend this belief except to claim that you are supported by all scientists -- except for a handful of corrupted heretics,' Lindzen added. According to Lindzen, climate 'alarmists' have been trying to push the idea that there is scientific consensus on dire climate change," quoting Cybercast News Service (CNS). link here 1. UNICEF REPORT SHOWS ½ OF WORLD’S CHILDREN IN DEPRIVATION "More than a billion children - over half the children in the world - suffer extreme deprivation because of war, H.I.V./AIDS, or poverty, according to a report released yesterday by the United Nations Children's Fund. While there have been gains in reducing the death rates of young children and in increasing the number of children in school, the report said that some of the progress made over the past decade and a half had been offset by the toll taken by AIDS and H.I.V., the virus that causes it, and wars, particularly the 55 civil wars since 1990. The report said that nearly half the estimated 3.6 million people killed in wars since 1990 were children, reflecting the fact that civilians increasingly have become the victims in contemporary conflicts," quoting the New York Times. [Ed. Note: This is pathetic in a supposedly modern age. Just shows us how barbarian humans really are to allow the world’s children to such a plight. And these beings are this planet’s future!.] link here And, the UNICEF report: link here . 2. STAND-ALONE, ALL-GREEN POWER SYSTEMS INTRODUCED "Florida-based GMC Holding Corporation announced today [Nov. 17] that after 12 years of R&D it has achieved a major revolutionary breakthrough in solving the world's energy needs. The technology provides substantial mechanical power and/or electricity without the use of fossil fuels, hydrogen or hydrogen fuel cells, substantial batteries, or any other outside recharging source (independent of the grid system). These stand-alone, all-green (100% pollution free) power systems will establish a new standard in energy efficiency and bring economical energy- producing alternatives to the world market. The systems can be adapted for powering all types of motorized products, even including the auto, trucking, RV, boating, and golf cart industry in addition to delivering electrical energy for residential, commercial, and agricultural markets. For example, electric motors currently consume over 50% of the energy produced daily by the utility companies within the United States. This technology can eliminate most, if not all, of that consumption. This in itself will reduce fossil fuel use significantly, thereby greatly helping to alleviate the world's dependence on oil. The systems are safe, clean, reliable, quiet, cool, easy-to-operate, long- lasting, and emission-free. They can be manufactured in various sizes and power -- from a fraction of a horsepower rating to several thousand horsepower. Depending on use, it is estimated that the systems will last for 20-50 years," quoting PRNewswire-FirstCall. link here And, quoting the GMC Holdings website, "GMC Holding Corp. is a public entity that currently serves as a vehicle to effect an asset acquisition, merger, exchange of capital stock, or other business combination with a domestic or foreign business. GMC Holding Corp. is in negotiations with several key companies as possible acquisition candidates. We are a company trading under the symbol GMCC." link here . 3. BIODEGRADABLE CELL PHONE COVER INTRODUCED Heard on the news last week: "British scientists seeking to protect the environment have designed a biodegradable cellular phone cover that breaks down in soil when discarded and sprouts a flower from a seed embedded inside the case. Researchers at the University of Warwick in central England said the novel device, made from a specially designed polymer, is a boon for the environmentally sensitive. Millions of cell phones are thrown away every year as the industry churns out new models. ‘It's a real novelty in the phone industry and consumers are happy because they feel they are doing something for the local environment,’ said Kerry Kirwan from the University of Warwick," quoting the Seattle PI. link here . 4. DETROIT ZOO’S ELEPHANTS RETIRING TO SUNNY CALIFORNIA "Wanda and Winky, the Detroit Zoo's aged and arthritic pachyderms, will likely have to tough it through one last northern winter before getting a long-awaited reprieve and heading to a sanctuary in a warmer climate. Detroit reached an agreement on Friday [Dec. 3] with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, as well as two other zoos, that a California sanctuary is the best place for Wanda and Winky. The AZA, which accredits zoos and has to approve transfers, had balked at Detroit Zoo Director Ron Kagan's proposal to move the animals to a sanctuary in either Tennessee or California. Wanda and Winky have more space in Detroit than the AZA calls for, but Kagan made a convincing case that it's still too small, that elephants are social creatures who thrive around more of their kind and that the cold Detroit weather aggravated the pair's arthritis... Still, the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary, about two hours east of San Francisco, sounds like the perfect spot for Wanda and Winky. There they can stay together and interact with six other elephants. Their new home will be warmer and bigger and offers potential for new friends. It's where they belong," quoting the Detroit Free Press. link here This story is an excellent reminder of the brilliant book "Modoc-The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived" about which this writer loved reading. Quoting the Ramtha.com website "Spanning seven decades, Modoc is an amazing true-life adventure story. Born on the same day and raised together in a small German circus town in the late 1800s, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, from Europe to India to stardom in the US. A great story of the love and intelligence that animals can demonstrate, it will touch the heart of anyone who has ever had an intimate relationship with a member of another species." Order your copy here: link here Then type in "MODOC" . 5. HHS SECRETARY EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT USA’S FOOD SUPPLY AT RESIGNATION "Tommy G. Thompson, the secretary of health and human services, announced Friday [Dec 3] that he was resigning, and he expressed grave concern about the threat of a global flu epidemic and the possibility of a terrorist attack on the nation's food supply. ‘For the life of me,’ he said, ‘I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do’" quoting the New York Times. link here KK readers have heard this many times. Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has been saying this for years. Here is their response: "Secretary Tommy Thompson is right to think that the food supply isn't as safe as it could be from a terrorist attack. It hasn't helped that most of the anti-bioterrorism regulations that the Administration has issued have been significantly watered down under pressure from the food industry. The FDA's new record-keeping requirement is a modest improvement, but nothing to breath a sigh of relief over. What is needed is brand new legislation that would give FDA authority to visit foreign factories and farms that want to ship food to the U.S., and authority to mandate recall and traceability all along the food supply. Ultimately, the food laws should be comprehensively modernized and food-safety functions combined into a unified food-safety agency rather than the hodgepodge we have today." [Ed. Note: Grow your own food and know where it comes from.] link here . 6. LAPTOPS COULD DAMAGE MALE FERTILITY IN YOUNG MEN Reported here previously was today’s lower overall male sperm/fertility counts in modern society. Now comes this: "Teenagers and young men should keep their laptops off their laps because they could damage fertility, an expert said on Thursday [Dec. 9]. Laptops, which reach high internal operating temperatures, can heat up the scrotum which could affect the quality and quantity of men’s sperm. 'The increase in scrotal temperature is significant enough to cause changes in sperm parameters,' said Dr Yefim Sheynkin, an associate professor of urology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook," quoting Reuters on MSNBC.com. link here . 7. DELVING INTO MIND OVER MATTER "Delving into mind over matter" is the title of this article: "It was during a weekend of fire-walking in the Welsh hills that scientist David Hamilton decided to change his life. As an organic chemist with a major pharmaceutical company, he was on a good salary, developing a new generation of drugs by synthesising molecules found in nature. But Hamilton was never convinced that man could improve on nature, and instead was becoming more and more fascinated by the potential healing power of the mind. So, inspired by his body’s ability to withstand heat during fire-walking, he began a quest to investigate the mysteries of the mind-body connection. It was the beginning of a journey which brought him into contact with alternative therapists, spiritual teachers, and faith healers, and was to inspire him to try and fill Hampden stadium with thousands of people all thinking positive thoughts," quoting Scotsman.com. link here . 8. STUDY SHOWS EXPOSURE TO BENZENE DESTROYS BLOOD CELLS "A study of Chinese factory workers has shown that exposure to the chemical benzene destroys several types of blood cell. The effects are seen even at levels below the current US legal exposure limit of 1 part per million. Benzene, which is used as an industrial solvent but also found in cigarette smoke and vehicle exhausts, has long been linked to the blood disease leukaemia. This study shows that even low levels of the chemical can damage the blood system. The study was carried out by Martin Smith of the University of California, Berkeley, along with colleagues based in the United States and at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing. They spent 16 months tracking 250 workers in a shoe factory near Tianjin who had varying exposures to benzene. They compared their blood-cell counts with those of workers from a nearby clothes factory, where no benzene was used," quoting Nature.com. link here Additionally, the previous article was sent by a doctor that is a KK reader, who added this: "The study findings imply a direct toxicity to stem cell populations. Because blood cell life cycles normally exhibit high rates of turnover, evidence of toxicity can be readily assessed in a short-term study as the one above. In order to detect damage to other, less prolific stem cell populations (for example, those of the brain/central nervous system, pancreas, etc.) a much longer-term study (including exposed children as well) would be necessary. In such a study, one could reasonably expect that stem cell damage would not be limited to white blood cells, since benzene is a nonspecific toxin and mutagen/carcinogen. One—and surely anyone endeavoring mastery—cannot rely upon government safety guidelines to protect or promote health. The linked article(s) above simply underscore the admonition of conscious eating—indeed, conscious living—in order that we create our own daily life experience, and so render such issues of ‘risk’ personally irrelevant." . 9. INFO. ON STATUS OF WOMEN BY STATE – WA. WOMEN FARE BEST From the Institute for Women's Policy Research site: Over the past ten years, The Status of Women in the State has become a leading source of analysis of women’s status across the country. Between 1996 and 2004, IWPR has produced individual reports on women’s status in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as biennially updated reports on national trends across the states. The Status of Women in the State project is designed to inform citizens about the progress of women in their state relative to women in other states, to men, and to the nation as a whole. The reports have three main goals: 1) to analyze and disseminate information about women’s progress in achieving rights and opportunities; 2) to identify and measure the remaining barriers to equality; and 3) to provide baseline measures and a continuing monitor of women’s progress throughout the country. "Best and Worst States for Women, 2004" link here . 10. SHAMPOO INGREDIENT CAUSES NEURON DEATH IN RATS "Experiments with the brain cells of rats show that contact with an ingredient found in shampoos, hand lotions, and paint causes neurons to die. The chemical, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), belongs to a class of compounds called biocides. These are used in the manufacture of many common household products and industrial water-cooling systems to prevent bacteria from developing. According to the National Institutes of Health, brands containing MIT include the shampoos Head and Shoulders, Suave, and Clairol, as well as Pantene hair conditioner and Revlon hair color. ‘As far as I can tell, no neurodevelopmental testing has been done on MIT,’ said lead researcher Elias Aizenman, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine," quoting Forbes. link here "The National Institutes of Health has a list of household products containing MIT," says Forbes. link here Further, this report in Nature: link here . 11. "BLUE LIGHT" DESERVES SERIOUS RESEARCH IN DNA REPAIR "The "blue light" phenomenon, which probably plays a role in the applications mentioned, deserves serious research attention. Its significance lies in the fact that blue light range, 400nm to 500nm, corresponds to the absorption and action spectra of many extremely vital biomolecules. The spectra for these biomolecules are as distinctive and characteristic as are the spectra for the elements of which they are composed, such as carbon hydrogen and nitrogen. Of special interest in this range is the photoreactivation phenomena. Essentially, photoreactivation is a fundamental DNA repair process common to all phyla, from the lowest to the highest life forms. It is a special case in which, after DNA has sustained pyrimidine dimer damage due to ultraviolet light exposure, subsequent exposure to blue light not only results in repair of the DNA dimer damage but also, as if by magic, causes other seemingly unrelated cellular repair to take place. Curiously, although this rather dramatic healing mechanism is well recognized and has been looked at academically, little serious work has been done with regard to evaluating the immense clinical significance of such a fundamental healing process," quoting Raum & Zeit, "The Effect of Light and Color on Human Physiology," Prof. Dr. hc Orm Bergold M.D. found here: link here . 12. CONSIDER THESE CHRISTMAS GOODIES Treat yourself to a good family movie, Finding Neverland. No sex, violence, or human degradation. This highlights the story of the mind of imagination that wrote Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie in 1904 London: link here The fabulous new book titled “Science You-nified! Physics and Physiology for Masters in the Making” by Suzanne Nichols. "A science curriculum inspired by the teachings of Ramtha. This volume is designed to support the middle-school-level student and parents and teachers who wish to supplement their own and/or their children’s or student’s traditional education with the teachings of Ramtha as presented in an educational format and context," says the book cover. link here Type in "you-nified" [Ed. Note: Suzanne has written a beautiful book for young and seasoned folks interested in science and how our thoughts create reality.] . FOOTNOTE: Michael Moore's has announced the following: "Fahrenheit 9/11" has been nominated by the People's Choice Awards as the American public's 'Favorite Film of the Year.' The five nominees were chosen from a poll of thousands of Americans in mid-to-late November. The other nominees for best film are 'Spiderman 2," 'The Incredibles,' 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' (with Jim Carrey), and 'Shrek 2.' It is the first time ever a documentary has been nominated for best film by the People's Choice Awards. The People's Choice Awards are considered, among all the awards shows, to be the one which most accurately reflects the 'mainstream' public opinion in the United States. OK, now, here's the best part: YOU get to vote! Online. link here Voting ends Monday, Dec 13 at 3p.m. EST. “It's an offense punishable by death during wartime. It's been committed by 5500 soldiers since the war with Iraq began. The men, who have violated military orders and oaths, tell 60 Minutes Wednesday [Dec 8] that it isn't cowardice, but rather the nature of the war in Iraq, that turned them into American deserters. [Ed. Note: This is extremely telling about the Iraq War from people on the front lines.] link here . WHAT THE BLEEP – THE MOVIE NEWS The Prophets Conference is hosting a conference Feb. 4-6, 2005 in Santa Monica CA based on subjects introduced in the film. Most of the people interviewed in the film will be there, along with the filmmakers and some of the actors and actresses (check back for who will be there as schedules are just now filling in.). There will be talks, panels, and discussion groups. [Ed. Note: This writer and his wife are attending and will be reporting to you from the Conference.] For more information: link here . QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "The Church says that the earth is flat, but I know that it is round, for I have seen the shadow on the moon, and I have more faith in a shadow than in the Church." Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521) Portuguese explorer who first circumnavigated the real world . Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004. For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner, click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at www.kleinerskorner.com Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com . Kleiner's Korner For Week of December 6, 2004 In one of the most overlooked yet greatest science story of the past week in this writer’s opinion: “Scientists have identified the first direct link between stress and aging, a finding that could explain why intense, long-term emotional strain can make people get sick and grow old before their time. Chronic stress appears to hasten the shriveling of the tips of the bundles of genes inside cells, which shortens their life span and speeds the body's deterioration, according to a small, first-of-its-kind study involving mothers caring for chronically ill children. If the findings are confirmed, they could provide the first explanation on a cellular level for the well-documented association between psychological stress and increased risk of physical disease, as well as the common perception that unrelenting emotional pressure accelerates the aging process,” quoting the Washington Post. [Ed. Note: Those readers having seen the movie “What the Bleep Do We Know” already know this!] link here 1. STEM CELL NEWS OF THE WEEK "A South Korean woman paralyzed for 20 years is walking again after scientists say they repaired her damaged spine using stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood. Hwang Mi-Soon, 37, had been bedridden since damaging her back in an accident two decades ago. Last week her eyes glistened with tears as she walked again with the help of a walking frame at a press conference where South Korea researchers went public for the first time with the results of their stem cell therapy. They said it was the world’s first published case in which a patient with spinal cord injuries had been successfully treated with stem cells from umbilical cord blood," quoting the Manila (Philippines) Times. link here "A Brazilian woman who suffered a brain hemorrhage that left her paralyzed on one side and unable to speak has regained her ability to walk and talk after undergoing a stem cell transplant, hospital officials said Friday [Nov. 19]," quoting Health News. link here Douglas Melton has been named one of Scientific American's 50 national leaders in science and technology for 2004. The Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of Natural Sciences was recognized for his work over the past year in developing 17 new lines of human embryonic stem cells, part of a long career researching the pancreas and its role in diabetes. Melton, 51, is co-director of Harvard's Stem Cell Institute and its Center for Genomic Research, as well as an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He and 49 other leaders in research, business, and politics were selected by the science magazine's board of editors working in concert with outside advisers, " quoting Harvard Gazette. link here “A Whiteford Township [Monroe County, Michigan] teenager who is paralyzed from the chest down plans to travel to Portugal in January to undergo an experimental surgical procedure that she hopes will help her walk again one day. Cortney Hoffman, 18, has been using a wheelchair since a 2002 car accident broke her neck and severed her spinal cord, leaving her a quadriplegic… Corney's mother, Tammi Roe, said although the procedure is experimental, it has shown success in other patients. Doctors will use cells from Cortney's nasal cavity, which will be harvested and injected into her spinal cord. Called Olfactory Tissue Transplant, the procedure is different than stem-cell transplant because it uses the patient's own cells to help repair the damage. Ms. Roe said the surgery is expected to take five to eight hours,” quoting the Monroe [MI.] News. link here "'The PBS Innovation' series screened in early 2004 included an episode on stem cell research - saying of the 400,000 frozen embryos in the United States, 11,000 are destined for use by science. Since then, Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has switched from Terminator to Originator. He has passed laws which will see his state become a leader in stem cell research, despite the fact that President George W Bush did his best to put the lid on this promising branch of science when he first came to office. The United States, regardless of California's latest innovative move, is lagging behind other countries in this area, quoting a very observant KK reader who submitted this story. The PBS series “provides a timely insight into these 'miracle cells' and their potential for use as a human 'repair kit'," quoting this PBS link. link here . 2. BRAIN SCANS SHOW PEOPLE WHO LIE HAVE DIFFERENT BRAIN NETS “Brain scans show that the brains of people who are lying look very different from those of people who are telling the truth, U.S. researchers said on Monday [Nov. 29]. The study, using functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI, not only sheds light on what goes on when people lie but may also provide new technology for lie-detecting, the researchers said. ‘There may be unique areas in the brain involved in deception that can be measured with fMRI,’ said Dr. Scott Faro, director of the Functional Brain Imaging Center at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia," quoting this Reuters story. link here . 3. GENETIC CODE REVEALED TO MAMMAL LIVING 75 MILLION YEARS AGO "Researchers have reconstructed a long string of genetic code for what they believe is the common ancestor of placental mammals — a shrewlike creature that lived in Asia more than 75 million years ago. The leader of the research team, David Haussler of the University of California at Santa Cruz, admits that the concept may sound like the plot line for a 'Jurassic Park' sequel. But he says the real point of the research is to learn how the evolutionary paths of different species diverged over time — and make it easier to decipher present-day genetic code," quoting MSNBC. link here . 4. 12 YEAR-OLD SAVANT COMPOSER RIVALS MOZART "There is a composer studying at New York’s renowned Juilliard School who some say is the greatest talent to come along in 200 years. He’s written five full-length symphonies, and he’s only 12 years old. His name is Jay Greenberg, although he likes the nickname ‘Bluejay’ because, he says, blue jays are small and make a lot of noise. Greenberg says music just fills his head and he has to write it down to get it out. What’s going on in Bluejay’s head? Correspondent Scott Pelley spoke with him," on CBS News' 60 Minutes November 28th broadcast. Here is the complete, fascinating story: link here . 5. HOW CIVILIANS RECOGNIZE STROKE VICTIMS’ SYMPTOMS “Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. A stroke victim may suffer permanent brain damage when people fail to recognize what's happening. Now doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke simply by asking three questions: • Ask the individual to smile. • Ask him or her to raise both arms. • Ask the person to speak a simple sentence. If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Researchers are urging the general public to learn to ask these three questions quickly to someone they suspect of having a stroke. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of a stroke, and prevent permanent brain damage. You may want to pass this along,” quoting Urban Legends. link here . 6. STUDY SHOWS FOSSIL FUELS’ AIR PARTICLES REDUCING LIFE SPANS “Tiny airborne particles released by burning fossil fuels are reducing the average human life span across Europe and North America by eight months, a leading research body said on Monday [Nov. 29]. Studies showed that the particles are a major cause of heart attacks, one of the world's biggest killers, a scientist from an Austrian-based research body told a U.N. news conference. ‘We always knew that they had an effect on the respiratory system, but now we know that they spark cardiovascular disease by inflaming the heart membranes,’ said Markus Amann of IAASA, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis,” quoting Reuters. link here . 7. NEXT GENERATION RUSSIAN SPACESHIP SHOWN TO PUBLIC "Russian space officials on Tuesday [Nov. 30] unveiled a full-scale high-fidelity mockup of the spacecraft they hope will replace the veteran Soyuz space capsule. Descriptions of the Kliper (for "clipper ship") vehicle have been widely circulated in the space community but today’s presentation in Moscow was the most detailed yet," quoting MSNBC. [Ed. Note: Looks awfully like the US Space Shuttle to me! HMMM! Nothing will ever replace the mystique of flying Pan Am’s Clipper. Pan American World Airways made world travel affordable to the masses and did everything with class. That was true flying!] link here . 8. DNA MAY EXPLAIN ANIMAL EXTINCTION 10,000 YEARS AGO “Ancient bison DNA may help explain a longstanding mystery of North American wildlife: Why mammoths, North American lions, short-faced bears, and many other large mammals disappeared about 10,000 years ago. The authors of a new study show that bison populations in present-day Siberia, Alaska, and the Yukon transitioned from boom to bust about 37,000 years ago. The bison population drop began well before large numbers of humans lived in the New World, and this timing suggests that climate and environmental change — not human hunting pressure — drove bison to near-extinction on the landmass known as Beringia. link here . 9. POPE DECLARES “SIGN OF DIALOGUE” BETWEEN SCIENCE & FAITH “Pope John Paul II received an honorary degree Tuesday [Nov. 23] from Nicholas Copernicus University in his native Poland, calling it a 'sign of dialogue' between science and faith. The pope received the rector and faculty members from the university in Torun, Poland, the astronomer's birthplace, which John Paul visited in 1999. That visit came nearly four centuries after the Vatican condemned Copernicus' discovery that the Earth revolved around the sun,” quoting The New York Times. [Ed. Note: This is the very same Pope that finally exonerated Galileo! The Church knows it has to keep up with science or its days are numbered.] link here . 10. U.N. WARNS AIDS TOLL AT HIGHEST LEVELS IN HISTORY "The UN warned that the world is facing a "unique development challenge," as new data showed nearly 40 million people now have HIV and over 3 million will die of AIDS this year, the highest tolls in the 23-year history of the killer disease," quoting this AFP story. [Ed. Note: This writer has been mentioning this little known fact for 3 years. Additionally, I heard Ramtha speak of this very thing in a TV interview with Merv Griffin in 1985.]. link here . 11. INTERNET CHAT ROOM VISITORS – BEWARE! "The CIA is quietly funding federal research into surveillance of Internet chat rooms as part of an effort to identify possible terrorists, newly released documents reveal," quoting CNET.news. link here Have you heard about the latest Congressional bill being considered? "Both the House and Senate bills coerce state governments into creating what critics are calling a national ID card... One section anticipates storing the ‘lifetime travel history of each foreign national or United States citizen’ into a database for the convenience of government officials. It mentions passports, but there's nothing that would preclude recording the details of trips that Americans take inside the United States. President Bush would be required to create a ‘secure information sharing’ network to exchange data among law enforcement, military, and spy agencies. Aside from a bland assurance that ‘civil liberties’ will be protected, there are zero details on what databases will be vacuumed in or what oversight will take place... A few other courageous Washingtonians have raised similar concerns. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, warned last week that the House bill 'will not make America safer (but will definitely) make us less free'” quoting CNET.com. link here . 12. THIS IS VERY REVEALING IN TODAY’S TIMES “The government and corporations are aggressively collecting information about your personal life and your habits. They want to track your purchases, your medical records, and even your relationships. The Bush Administration's policies, coupled with invasive new technologies, could eliminate your right to privacy completely. Please help us protect our privacy rights and prevent the Total Surveillance Society,” quoting the ACLU site. [Ed. Note: Many shun the ACLU, however, they bring valuable information into the public mainstream. Turn up your volume to listen. Think this is absurd? Anyone of us could access this same information on anyone via the internet.] link here . WHAT THE BLEEP – THE MOVIE NEWS Get this! In a Thanksgiving weekend with powerhouse films such as National Treasure, The Incredibles, Christmas With the Kranks, Polar Express, and Alexander, What The Bleep inched back up to number 22 of all movies shown that weekend. At 25 weeks in release, it is the only film in the top 25 to be playing that long. Bleep moved forward to number 21 for the Dec. 3-5 weekend totals and tied the movie Napoleon Dynomite for length in release in the top 25 at 26 weeks. These are incredible statistics and show how this film is touching Americans, as this movie's appeal has been shared through moviegoers' word of mouth: link here . FOOTNOTE: With due consideration of the President’s “born again” status, this writer believes these are serious questions for President Bush to address quickly after his January, 2005 Inaugural: link here . OF LOCAL NOTE: An important reminder during the holidays: The Olympia/Thurston County Freecycle Network is open to all who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door, feel free to post it. Or maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself! Our most important rule? Everything posted here must be free! link here . QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let me label you as they may.” Mark Twain (1835-1910) Samuel Longhorne Clemens American Writer [Ed. Note: Each human, inclusive of women!]. Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004. For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner, click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at www.kleinerskorner.com Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com .