DOD: Engineers to review post-Katrina pumps in New Orleans

A Christian Church that apparently floated out into the road, during Hurricane Katrina, in 2005.

22 August 2008

NEW ORLEANS- The Department of Defense will hire an independent engineering company to review allegations that pumps installed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina weren't adequately tested and might fail during a hurricane.

Acting Inspector General Gordon Heddell says he ordered his staff to begin preparing a contract for the review.

His predecessor found no criminal act or danger in the Army Corps of Engineers' decision to install 34 pumps at canals over objections from one of its engineers, Maria Garzino. She said the pumps were the wrong size and might self-destruct when started.

Hedell wrote the federal office that deals with whistleblower complaints about his decision on Aug. 8. A copy of the letter was sent to The Associated Press on Friday. (Continued)

New Orleans Under Tropical Storm Watch

23 August 2008

by Mark Schleifstein

A tropical storm watch is in effect from the mouth of the Pearl River to Grand Isle, including the New Orleans area and Lake Pontchartrain, as Fay maintains strength as it continues to straddle the Gulf of Mexico coastline on its wobbly path from Florida.

Tropical storm strength winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 55 mph, accompanied by above normal tides, will be moving into the area during the day Sunday and continuing through early Monday morning.

Rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches, with 6 inches falling in some areas, is possible in areas east of Interstate 55.

Tides will be 2 to 3 feet above normal on Sunday. The strongest winds are expected on the North Shore and in coastal areas in eastern New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.

An Army Corps of Engineers spokeswoman this morning said corps officials are monitoring the path of the storm closely. Computer modeling of Fay's forecast path and strength has not yet shown it will create storm surges high enough to require closure of any gates or other structures, said corps spokeswoman Amanda Jones.

In New Orleans, the city's top emergency planning official is encouraging residents to prepare for heavy rain, including avoiding areas prone to flooding.

Residents also are asked to take advantage of Saturday's calm conditions to clear street drains of debris that could impede the Sewerage & Water Board's massive drainage system, which is designed to remove one inch of water from city streets in the first hour and a half-inch of water every subsequent hour, said Col. Jerry Sneed, director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

"We have spoken to SWB and Public Works to make preparations for a heavy rain event," Sneed said in an e-mail Saturday morning. "We are just watching and making normal preparations at this time."

Tropical storm Fay continues an erratic stop-and-start motion as it crawls west along the edge of the Florida panhandle, with half of its circulation remaining over warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

That motion is being driven by a strong ridge of high pressure centered over the northeastern United States, whose clockwise winds are helping push the storm west.

But Fay should reach the western edge of that ridge at about the same time it reaches the Louisiana border early Sunday.

That's when forecasters say the ridge will weaken as a trough of low pressure moves through the northern United States. A second ridge of high pressure will be developing over or near the Florida peninsula at the same time, which should again nudge Fay west and then finally push it northeast.

That complicated scenario means Fay has an uncertain future as it passes through the New Orleans area. Indeed, one computer model forecasts Fay to loop over southeastern Louisiana very slowly.

Because some of Fay's circulation will remain over water throughout most of this motion, forecasters keep its intensity at tropical storm strength and warn it could actually strengthen if pushed too far south into the Gulf.

Further Reading:

National Weather Service for New Orleans Area

Bush Continuous to Batter Congress

Marine One carrying U.S. President George W. Bush departs the South Lawn of the White House, on 15 August 2008 in Washington, DC. Bush was traveling to his Crawford, Texas ranch.

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 23, 2008

Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Before they left Washington for their August recess, Congress failed to take action on an issue that is currently of great concern to Americans: high prices at the gas pump.

The fundamental reason for high gasoline prices is that the supply of oil is not keeping pace with demand. To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil, especially oil produced here at home. So in June, I called on Congress to open up more of America's domestic oil resources for exploration -- including offshore exploration of the Outer Continental Shelf. The American people overwhelmingly support this proposal. But throughout the summer, the leaders of the Democratic Congress have refused to allow it to come to a vote.

Now that the pressure to take action has become overwhelming, Democratic leaders in Congress have changed their strategy. Rather than attempting to block expanded drilling by preventing a vote, they are now attempting to block it by bringing up a bill that is designed to fail.

News reports indicate that Democratic leaders in Congress may plan to hold a vote on a bill that would make us more dependent on foreign oil and would likely make energy costs go up, not down. This bill would raise taxes on energy companies -- which would reduce domestic production. This bill would make the Nation more vulnerable to supply shocks by tapping into our emergency supply of oil -- the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. And it would impose a rigid national mandate that would increase electricity costs in states where there are few renewable resources.

Democratic leaders know that these counterproductive proposals will not become law. Yet they seem ready to push this legislation as a way to block offshore drilling while appearing to be in favor of it. They need to stop standing in the way of expanding domestic production and take meaningful steps now to address the pain caused by high energy prices.

I proposed a comprehensive approach to our energy problems that would permit a range of new drilling options and encourage the development of alternative resources. If Democratic leaders will not approve this comprehensive approach, the very least they should do when they return in September is to take action on three common-sense energy solutions that enjoy bipartisan support.

First, Congress should open the way for environmentally responsible offshore exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf. Experts believe that these areas could eventually produce nearly 10 years' worth of America's current annual oil production. This exploration is now banned by a provision included in the annual interior appropriations bill. When Congress returns they should remove this restriction -- so we can get these vast oil resources from the ocean floor to your gas tank.

Second, Congress should expand access to oil shale -- a resource right here in America that could produce the equivalent of more than a century's worth of imports at current levels. Last year, however, Democratic leaders pushed through legislation blocking oil shale leasing on Federal lands. They should lift that ban as soon as they return.

Third, Congress should extend renewable power tax credits to spur the development of alternative sources of energy like wind and solar. They should make these credits long term and expand them to cover all forms of low-emission power generation -- including nuclear power. Increasing production of low-carbon electricity will help us reduce our addiction to oil by allowing us to power a new generation of plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

There is bipartisan support in Congress for all three of these measures. So instead of spending the next month deadlocked on matters where Republicans and Democrats disagree, members of Congress should come together to pass legislation in these areas, where there is agreement.

This Congress has been one of the most unproductive on record. They've failed to address the challenge of high gas prices. Members still have time to take action on this vital priority for the American people. They need to send me a bill next month that I can sign -- so we can bring relief to drivers, small business owners, farmers and ranchers, and every American affected by high prices at the pump.

Thank you for listening.

END

Endorsing Jewish Candidates

by HRM Deborah

Something the royal family has never done is be involved is endorsing candidates in Jewish elections or many aspects of Jewish government and this strictly has to do with respect towards the Jewish people and it has been asked of me of who I would endorse in the September elections, which I will not do because of respect.

I do have one opinion though, that current Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is not guilty and his legal team will prove this fact it is assured, from my understanding and since Olmert has done so much good for the Jewish people; if I had a wish in this regards, for him to stay in office and not resign, as he has said he planned too.

If someone else does become Jewish Prime Minister after September, it is a hope they are up to the task of the betterment of not just the Jewish people, but respect for all who is in Palestine and for this, I will have gratitude for whoever the person may be and from my understanding, both candidates are good people.

It should always be remembered, Palestine is one country; that it takes strength in any capacity of leadership.

Iran denounces PGCC statement on Iranian islands

23 August 2008

Tehran-Iran on Saturday condemned the latest statement from secretary-general of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council over ownership of the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf.

Parliamentarian Kazem Jalali lambasted the PGCC for its anti-Iran statement.

Jalali, Rapporteur of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, added that making use of rude literature against Iran's sovereignty over its three Persian Gulf islands is taking place under the pressure of big powers.

Talking to IRNA, he added that such mischiefs are at the behest of certain big powers aimed at creating discord in the Muslim World and misleading the public opinion from key international issues.

Although there are international and historic documents proving the ownership of Iran over the three Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa and the Lesser and Greater Tunbs, the bullying powers have been making use of the issue as a pretext to sow discord among regional and the Muslim nations, Jalali said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been ready to remove the probable ambiguities over its ownership over the three Persian Gulf islands, the MP said.

He regretted that certain Arab states have time and again made use of inappropriate and incorrect statement about the three Iranian islands.

He made it clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran powerfully safeguards its national borders and its territorial integrity and does not permit any country to violate its borders.

Tehran considers the United Arab Emirates as its own brotherly and friendly country, he said, adding certain mischiefs are resulted from the influence of big and extraterritorial powers, Jalali said.

He also reiterated that several UAE officials are determined to settle the existing dispute with Iran.

Morocco: Bou Regreg Children's Show

Participants on boats perform during the Bou Regreg Children's Show in Rabat, Morocco, on 21 August 2008. Bou Regreg Children's Show showcases a mix of acrobatics, fireworks, juggling, music and dance acts at the Bou Regreg river.

Whistling in a Graveyard

Propaganda is nothing but whistling in a graveyard, no one wants to hear it.

NO blight easily tops that found in other cities

Three years after Hurricane Katrina, many New Orleans neighborhoods still struggle to recover. New data analysis, announced this week by Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, reveals that 16 of 50 New Orleans neighborhoods that flooded following Katrina have less than half of the households they did in June 2005.

21 August 2008
by Gordon Russell and Bruce Eggler

New Orleans has a far greater proportion of vacant homes than any other city in the country, due in large part to a lagging recovery in about a third of the neighborhoods that were badly damaged by Katrina, new analyses show.

The nonprofit Greater New Orleans Community Data Center released two reports today, the first of which used data from the U.S. Postal Service compiled in March to compare New Orleans to seven other American cities with large inventories of blighted or vacant housing.

When it comes to abandonment, New Orleans is in a class by itself, the report indicated, with more than one in three residential addresses now vacant or unoccupied. No other city surveyed had as many as one in five.

Detroit, which has lost roughly 1 million people in the last half-century and become synonymous with urban decay, was the No. 2 city on the list. The survey found that 18 percent of Detroit's residential addresses were vacant or unoccupied.

For each city, the inventory of unoccupied homes is divided into two categories: vacant and "no stat," a Postal Service term meaning that an address is unlikely to receive mail for a long time.

According to Allison Plyer, deputy director of the nonprofit, the Postal Service considers a property "vacant" if it is habitable but unoccupied. "No stat" properties -- a category that contains more than 90 percent of New Orleans' inventory of unoccupied addresses -- includes properties that have been demolished and those that are heavily blighted or boarded as well as those where new construction is under way.

Plyer said data indicate that from 2,000 to 3,000 new units may be under construction. But even when those are completed, it would have little impact on the overall figure of 71,657 unoccupied units.

The nonprofit's second analysis, also based in part on postal data, offers some clues about where New Orleans' blight explosion has occurred.

That report found that, of 50 neighborhoods that flooded after the levees breached, 16 have less than half as many households as they did two months before the storm.

Thu-Huong Nguyen and Zack Murray walk through the 9th Ward of New Orleans, surveying properties for a report to assist ACORN Housing and city recovery plans.

Some of the biggest losers, household-wise, will surprise no one. Atop the list was the devastated Lower 9th Ward, which has just 11 percent of its pre-Katrina households, according to the survey.

The analysis found a correlation between pre-storm income levels and post-storm recovery. The slowest-recovering areas have tended to be the poorest; along with the Lower 9th, the Florida and Desire sections have been among the most sluggish to regain population.

New Orleans Post-Katrina graffiti, January 2008.

But income is certainly not the only determinant of a neighborhood's future. The survey noted that some middle-income sections -- including Lakeview, the West End and Pontchartrain Park -- have all failed thus far to recover 50 percent of their pre-Katrina households.

More hopefully, the analysis found that a number of neighborhoods that suffered heavy flooding have come back fairly strongly. Broadmoor, Mid-City, Treme and Lakewood all had more than 70 percent as many households as of March 31 as they did in mid-2005.

The survey relies on a database of households receiving mail that is maintained by Valassis, a marketing firm that "owns the most comprehensive mailing list in the country," according to Allison Plyer of the GNOCDC.

Plyer's data closely track a similar set of numbers compiled by demographer Greg Rigamer, who with Plyer helped the city prepare a formal challenge to the U.S. Census's most recent estimate of New Orleans' population.

Rigamer attempted to estimate populations in each area rather than the number of households. But both he and Plyer came up with the same estimate for the Lower 9th Ward: that 11 percent had returned.

Rigamer's data are based a series of factors, including utility bills, postal-service data, census figures, Sewerage & Water Board bills, garbage-cart registration and field observations.

Two Ride at Nationals

Courtney and Hope Whitelock, center, were among the participants in the national championships of the U.S. Pony Club in Lexington, Va.

21 August 2008

From Hersam Acorn

Courtney and Hope Whitelock recently represented the New York and Upper Connecticut Region of the United States Pony Club in the National Championships of the United States Pony Clubs.

Courtney was a member of the region’s Training Level Dressage team that earned second place. Hope participated in the D Level Quiz competition and was the highest placed member of her team. Both girls participated in the opening ceremonies in Lexington, Va.

The United States Pony Clubs Inc. (USPC) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including Olympic team members, have Pony Club roots.

Members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25. Activities are English-riding based, and members ride both horses and ponies, depending upon the size of the rider and the discipline in which the rider is competing.

Pony Club competition is team competition, much like the Olympic games, where members learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

Coming soon: 6km walkway in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park

Metropolitan invests $140,000 in new, improved walking lane, in effort to boost residents' health awareness

21 August 2008
by Navit Zomer

A new six-kilometer walkway will be inaugurated in two weeks in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park. The city's municipality is said to have invested NIS 500,000 (approx. $140,000) in the project.

The walkway will stretch from Hayarkon Bridge to Ramat Gan's Ayalon Mall; and will feature informational signs, detailing the health benefits of walking and stretch exercises, maps to help people get an indication of their location and distance markers.

Benches and drinking fountains will be built along the path as well. The City is also planning various sporting events along the new lane, as well as establishing walking groups trained by certified fitness trainers, free of charge.

Groundwork on the lane began several weeks ago is scheduled to be completed next week. Once the illustrated signs and location maps will be placed, the lanes will be, well, good to go.

The project's inauguration ceremony is said to take place on September 3, and will be attended by Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and Dr. Eitan Chai-Am, director of Clalit Health Services' Tel Aviv region.

"The Hayarkon Park walkway initiative is, for me, another way in the promoting health and its emphasis in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa community," said Dr. Chai-Am.

"The incorporation of physical exercise, especially walking, in a person's daily schedule is a basic element in maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Note:
Let’s not forget to dress modestly, for the respect of others and not forgetting Allah (God) is watching.

US's largest kosher market opens in NYC

Store sprawling over 20,000 sq. ft. in Woody Allen's home neighborhood of Midwood, Brooklyn, will offer upscale kosher products such as sushi, organic juice, even kishke; with rabbinical supervision, valet parking

21 August 2008
by AP

The US's biggest kosher supermarket opened in Brooklyn this week, hoping to bring an upscale grocery shopping experience to the city's tens of thousands of observant Jews.

Pomegranate, which sprawls over 20,000 square feet in Midwood – Woody Allen's childhood neighborhood – is also hoping to lure customers who don't keep kosher with its array of organic meats and chemical-free produce

Menachem Lubinsky, a kosher food industry consultant, said it is the biggest exclusively kosher supermarket in the country. "It's more upscale than previous attempts, with everything under one roof, from frozen to fresh to flowers," he said.

"You don't have to walk from the produce grocer to the meat grocer to the baker." The store offers delicacies like sushi, organic pear juice and fresh kumquats along with such traditional Jewish foods as gefilte fish, matzo meal and kishke, a kind of sausage. There's full-time rabbinical supervision, and even valet parking.

The supermarket will compete with mom-and-pop grocery stores in the neighborhood that have catered to generations of religious Jews who follow the strict dietary laws.

"That a market like that can open in a neighborhood like Midwood, where small independent kosher butchers have been going out of business, illustrates the growing globalization of kosher food production," says author

Sue Fishkoff, who is writing a book about kosher food in America. "Where are the goods coming from? All over the world."

Lubinsky said Pomegranate "may set off a price war" in New York's super-competitive grocery market, competing with kosher grocers as far away as Long Island and trendy chains like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.

Note:

For Muslims that eat Halal, most kosher markets and restaurants; will also fit these needs, I will contest, that the Deli's and restaurants; usually have very delicious food.

My mother introduced me to these types of places, when I was a young girl; I enjoy some of the sandwiches, which I admit, I have not had the opportunity to taste all and cheesecake.

Visiting the U.S. Upon Freedom

by HRM Deborah

When I was growing up like many children, I was taught to respect my elders and this included visiting there yards or homes and I have always felt this is how people should be no matter where they go.

Sometimes, especially if an older person no longer had children in the home, they did not always like children to visit because they considered them disruptive or had a bad past experience and sometimes when they see a child they would tell them to either stay away or not visit in there yard.

Myself, I was always the child, that got to hear these things until after a little time of observation, they wanted me to come and visit very much; for as they would usually say I was a very good child and often times very good relations were created, even I will admit sadness to often times, if I was forced to move once again.

This type of child did carry on into my adulthood, because one thing I have always appreciated is people; no matter where they are in the world.

It has been brought to my attention, if I was freed, would I consider visiting the United States and the answer is yes; for there is many beautiful parts towards the country, as there is it is assured in other parts of the world and I have never been one to turn my back on anyone.

While I realize my current status as I understand is unchanged and in all this, I have to take in consideration for the welfare of my country and myself, I also believe in the welfare of all people and if relations were good again between the U.S. and Palestine; I indeed would not have a problem visiting and be of help to the countries people if I can, as I have tried to do, for I do believe people should be happy with each other.

Furthermore, as to visiting, I have even considered establishing a permanent house in the country.

LL Cool J's message for President Bush

LL Cool J

21 August 2008

President Bush, LL Cool J has a few questions for you.

Joining Nas, Q-Tip and Jay-Z in turning rap away from pimpin' and toward politics, the elder statesman of hip hop subjects Dubya to a blistering interrogation on his new cut, "Mr. President."

"It's all about what I'd like to ask [him]," LL told us the other night at a downtown studio, where he let a few friends listen to his forthcoming album, "Exit 13" - his last for the Def Jam label.

Cranking up the bass till the floorboards throbbed, LL let track 14 rip:

"Mr. President, are you aware/Our flesh and blood is dying over there?/When the coffins come back, do you care?/When only the poor kids die, is it fair?/Don't get me wrong. I respect the flag/But it hurts to see a kid in a body bag/He fought for his country with all he had/Now we have a family without a dad."

The song moves on to other policy issues:

"Mr. President, are you aware unless you're rich, you have poor health care/It makes you scream and want to pull out your hair/Discharged from the hospital soon as you get there."

Would he like to get the disk to the White House?

"Tell me how to set that up, and I would be there in a heartbeat," he said, smirking.

LL fine-tuned the album for the past 2%BD years, during which time he turned down a half-dozen movie roles. Out Sept. 9, it's also filled with less polemic tracks and funny rhymes that had heads in the studio bobbing.

The rapper didn't stop moving once. Despite being 40, Mr. "Ladies Love Cool James" still has the abs and pecs of a 20-year-old.

His secret?

"Start young. Always stay in the gym. It's funny because hip hoppers age in dog-years, but I'm still young for a human,even though I'm a granddad of the rap game."

Freedom Lights Across the World

Palestinian cyclists from the town of Qalqilia pass a checkpoint as they enter Hebron on their bicycles, on 21 August 2008. The team have called themselves, "Sports Without Limit (Freedom Lights). "

These cyclists are riding for freedom towards compassion of oppressed countries, so they can have the taste of freedom; that Palestine now has.

It is greatly hoped after the terrorism problem is stopped, that checkpoints like this one at the town of Qalqilia; will be a thing of the past, so everyone in the country can live happier lives.

As for the cyclist showing the peace sign, he was doing this where ever he went, from my understanding.

Mississippi: Democrats Rally And Respond To President Bush

U.S. President George W. Bush is joined by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, second from left, and Gulfport, Mississippi, Mayor Brent Warr, right, on 20 August 2008 during a dinner with community leaders.

21 August 2008

By Steve Phillips

GULFPORT - Outspoken Democrats have plenty to say about what they call a "lack of leadership" from President Bush.

A group of protestors shared that message at a noon hour rally Wednesday outside the storm-damaged library in downtown Gulfport.

It was a "Democratic response" to the presidential visit.

The demonstrators never got close to the leader of the free world, but they had plenty to say about his job performance. The political rally not only took aim at President Bush, it also promoted Democrats Barack Obama and Ronnie Musgrove.

"We have been delayed in our rebuilding. We have been delayed in moving on with our lives. We need to rebuild for our residents," said Gulfport council member Ella Holmes-Hines, the only elected leader at the rally.

Outspoken voices and signs revealed strong feelings. Demonstrators offered criticism and advice for President Bush's handling of Katrina.

"Go to Bay St. Louis. See how much we need some of the billions that have been allocated for hurricane recovery. We need insurance reform, so the businesses in Bay St. Louis can get back on their feet," said Hancock County resident Louis Fuchs.

Much of the protest message involved housing.

Kay Sims lives in Jackson County.

"Low income housing that survived was torn down to put up nice expensive apartments that the low income won't be able to afford. So they've been mismanaging the money that we've received. And a lot of people have not received grants who really needed them," she said.

"People have been robbed of their dignities by living in FEMA trailers with formaldehyde, our elderly people. They do, some of them do have their rooftops back on their homes, but the majority of their homes still needs to be repaired," said Rose Johnson.

"We are now 'Katrina fatigue' as the nation wants to call it," said Holmes-Hines.

The rally was organized by the Mississippi Democratic Party in response to President Bush's visit.

"It would take us days and months to say what he's done wrong. Just tell me what has he done right? That's all I want to know. I've not seen anything he's done right. He's put our country in a turmoil," said Gloria McCreary.

"We must move into a choice that is extremely clear. And that choice is we care about the needs of Mississippi. That we are going to support all people," said Holmes-Hines, "And that Ronnie Musgrove and Barack Obama can make this happen."

The Democratic protestors also brought up the long running controversy over funding for port improvements. They claim $600,000,000 allocated to the State Port at Gulfport was intended to meet post-Katrina housing needs instead.

Abbas Dialogue a Fool’s Game

Former Arkansas Governor and Christian Zionist Mike Huckabee inspects an example of Canaanite Qassam rockets which was fired at Sderot, on 19 August 2008; as he visits the local police station. This particular rocket was fired a few months ago, by Abbas terrorist’s towards Sderot and everything is being done to stop terrorists from firing said rockets.

By HRM Deborah

As to any kind of dialogue with global terrorist, Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas is a fool’s game from past experience, with two strikes against him to not go for a third on anyone's part; because of the Palestine citizen’s safety and this includes, the Jewish sector.

Nevertheless, the Palestine Legal Government refuses to play another game bent for fools; especially since Abbas’s terrorist organization has no actual say on anything in Palestine and this has been the situation towards the non-citizen Canaanites, since they first came into Palestine nor have they ever been allowed to rob, rape or steal the country throughout history.

The only option Abbas terrorist organization has, is to surrender and this has been said numerous times before; towards the Canaanites benefit.

With the current terrorist acts against the whole of the Palestine populace, just further shows his intentions are not honorable nor with his known associations with a foreign government that has helped to aide his brand of terrorism because of certain interests on there part.

One can walk in numerous parts of Palestine at any given moment and see several cases of Abbas’s brand of terrorism, bent to harm in various ways the true citizens of Palestine.

For Palestine, would be a country without these various problems with growth and thriving instead; if Abbas, did not instigate terrorism.

Terrorist Walles to Leave Palestine

Global terrorist, Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas (C) meets with the U.S. Consul General Jacob Walles (L), on 21 August 2008, in Ramallah.

By HRM Deborah

Sometime back, U.S. Consul General Jacob Walles had been ordered to leave Palestine for aiding and abetting terrorism and it is further initiated that the U.S. Embassies be closed because of this fact.

It is contended that Walles not only leave Palestine and embassies now be closed, but Walles be charged to the full extent of the law for his much association's with known terrorists.

The above picture is proof of criminal acts against International and Palestine Laws for terrorism association.

Terrorism by anyone in Palestine, is never tolerated nor is it appreciated in any manner and the stiff penalties will be uphold to any people on Palestine soil that commits such acts associated with terrorism.

Health and Economic Implications of HPV Vaccination in the United States

Volume 359:821-832 August 21, 2008 Number 8

Jane J. Kim, Ph.D., and Sue J. Goldie, M.D., M.P.H.

ABSTRACT

Background The cost-effectiveness of prophylactic vaccination against human papillomavirus types 16 (HPV-16) and 18 (HPV-18) is an important consideration for guidelines for immunization in the United States.

Methods We synthesized epidemiologic and demographic data using models of HPV-16 and HPV-18 transmission and cervical carcinogenesis to compare the health and economic outcomes of vaccinating preadolescent girls (at 12 years of age) and vaccinating older girls and women in catch-up programs (to 18, 21, or 26 years of age). We examined the health benefits of averting other HPV-16–related and HPV-18–related cancers, the prevention of HPV-6–related and HPV-11–related genital warts and juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis by means of the quadrivalent vaccine, the duration of immunity, and future screening practices.

Results On the assumption that the vaccine provided lifelong immunity, the cost-effectiveness ratio of vaccination of 12-year-old girls was $43,600 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, as compared with the current screening practice. Under baseline assumptions, the cost-effectiveness ratio for extending a temporary catch-up program for girls to 18 years of age was $97,300 per QALY; the cost of extending vaccination of girls and women to the age of 21 years was $120,400 per QALY, and the cost for extension to the age of 26 years was $152,700 per QALY. The results were sensitive to the duration of vaccine-induced immunity; if immunity waned after 10 years, the cost of vaccination of preadolescent girls exceeded $140,000 per QALY, and catch-up strategies were less cost-effective than screening alone. The cost-effectiveness ratios for vaccination strategies were more favorable if the benefits of averting other health conditions were included or if screening was delayed and performed at less frequent intervals and with more sensitive tests; they were less favorable if vaccinated girls were preferentially screened more frequently in adulthood.

Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination will depend on the duration of vaccine immunity and will be optimized by achieving high coverage in preadolescent girls, targeting initial catch-up efforts to women up to 18 or 21 years of age, and revising screening policies.

Source Information

From the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Kim at the Department of Health Policy and Management, Program in Health Decision Science, Harvard School of Public Health, 718 Huntington Ave., 2nd Fl., Boston, MA 02115, or at jkim@hsph.harvard.edu.


Full Text of this Article

Jewish President Shimon Peres Celebrates 85th Birthday

Jewish President Shimon Peres is spending his 85th birthday Thursday in the Negev desert; among other scheduled activities.

Which includes such activities, as hearing a performance from a woodwind orchestra and be greeted by children from local summer camps and by the town of Dimona rabbi.

Peres was born in Poland on Aug. 21, 1923, then immigrated to Palestine in 1934 and apparently, lives towards a good constitution.

Let’s hope Peres has yet, many birthdays to come.

Pieces of coexistence

Multicultural mosaic

Largest mosaic wall to be built at Gilboa Coexistence Festival; head of regional council wants Guinness Company to declare unique feat a world record

21 August 2008
by Yuval Amir

A mixed group of young Jewish and Arab children will try to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, together.

On August 26 the first-ever Gilboa Coexistence Festival will open. As part of the festival, a seven-foot high by 32-feet long, huge mosaic wall will be constructed.

Lines from John Lennon’s song, “Imagine” in Hebrew, Arabic and English will be included in the work of art. The creators, who have been working on the project for the past two months are Jewish children from the Gan-Ner camp and Arab youngsters from the Maayan-Harod camp with the assistance of a professional studio.

The piece will be displayed by the festival’s participants at Maayan Harod, the Gilboa’s Taibe village and at the opening ceremony at Kibbutz Ein Harod Meuhad in northern Jezreel Valley.

A mosaic of these proportions has most likely never been created before, and thus the festival’s organizers and Daniel Atar, head of the Gilboa Regional Council are planning to turn to the Guinness Company with a request that they acknowledge the unique mosaic as a world record.

Jewish, Arab children together in mosaic.

Sara Meltzer, winner of the Knesset’s Prize for Coexistence Education, is conducting the creation of the mosaic and is responsible for planning the artistic instruction for the project.

Meltzer said that inviting the festival’s participants to create the mosaic, “is actually, the revival of an ancient artistic tradition and includes aesthetic and cultural values that reflect the lives of Jews and Arabs in Palestine.

“The mosaic-creating process allows the entire population to actively and democratically cooperate in the creation, without distinction between levels of ability or talent. This mosaic is coexistence art.”

The Gilboa Coexistence Festival will open with a performance by legendary rock star Joe Cocker at the renovated Gilboa amphitheater.

The second night will include performances by Jewish artists, including David Broza, Hadag Nahash and Arab singer Mira Awad.

On the festival’s third night there will be a show honoring famous Arab female singers with performances by Lubna Salameh, Riham Hamdi, Zehava Ben and Sarit Hadad.

The festival will include additional activities, such as a Bible-Koran national contest for Jewish and Arab teens, an art and food fair in cooperation with Jewish best chefs and singers Dana Berger, Yirmi Kaplan, Efrat Gosh and others. There will also be an extreme jeep tour for Jewish and Arab women.

Fake-degree mill in US leads to Saudi inquest

CHEAT SHEET: The US-based Spokesman-Review newspaper posted the list of those who had purchased fake degrees. It includes at least 70 Saudis or persons who list their country of residence as Saudi Arabia.

21 August 2008

by Fatima Sidiya

JEDDAH: A long list of people who had purchased or attempted to purchase fake university diplomas in the United States has spurred the Saudi education authorities to launch an investigation into the issue of Saudis and expatriates who may be working in the Kingdom on counterfeit certificates.

However, Shoura Council member Abdullah Al-Tuwairqi called the reaction to the list “disappointing,” and expressed concern that education officials would have a death-by-committee mentality in addressing the issue.

The Spokesman-Review newspaper in Washington state recently obtained and posted online a list of nearly 10,000 names of people who had spent $7.3 million on purchasing or attempting to purchase fake diplomas from an illegal operation. The US Department of Justice shut down the illegal enterprise and compiled a list of its clients. The list was then leaked to the newspaper, which posted it online at: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/data/diploma-mill/.

The list contains at least 70 Saudis, or persons who listed their country of residence as Saudi Arabia. For example, one of the names on the list is a Saudi woman who bought degrees in obstetrics and gynecology. The newspaper reported that US federal investigators do not know if the woman is currently working as a medical doctor in the Kingdom.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Muhammad Al-Ouhali told Al-Watan newspaper that the ministry would investigate people on the list who may be working in Saudi Arabia on fake documents. He said that if the US Department of Justice’s list were accurate then Saudi education officials would take necessary action.

Al-Tuwairqi lambasted newspapers for publishing advertisements from institutes promising college diplomas without background checks. He blames both the government and the media for promoting these illegitimate operations that churn out unqualified degree holders who then “unfairly” compete with people who worked hard for their academic achievements at real universities.

Abdullah Al-Qahtani, head of the Certificates Accreditation Department at the Ministry of Higher Education, told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that his department had won an approval from higher authorities to form an investigative committee. The committee would include members from the Ministry of Higher Education, the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Labor and would also receive assistance from the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology.

“The Ministry of Higher Education expresses its worries regarding the increasing number of agencies that lure students into nonexisting universities and obtaining unaccredited certificates,” said Al-Qahtani, referring to the issue of local unaccredited institutions and degree mills.

Al-Qahtani also said the Ministry of Higher Education is now consulting the Ministry of Culture and Information to put a stop to the publication of advertisements from unaccredited institutions offering sketchy diplomas. He also called on newspapers and magazines to cooperate with the Ministry of Culture and Information to ensure the accuracy of information provided by universities that want to advertise their services.

According to Al-Watan, there are roughly 18 branches of unauthorized universities, with over 5,000 students in the Kingdom. Last year, 70 staff members at different girls’ colleges around the Kingdom were fired for having fake diplomas.

Iran welcomes African states independence: speaker

21 August 2008

Tehran-Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said here Wednesday that Iran welcomes independence and progress of African countries and calls for expansion of bilateral amicable ties.

In a meeting with Guinean Ambassador to Tehran Olia Kamara, Larijani said that Iran's view regarding Africa widely differs from those of the Western countries and certain big powers who intend to loot interests of the African nations.

The speaker further underscored the need for bolstering economic and parliamentary relations with African countries, Guinea in particular.

Kamara, for his part, said that his country's senior officials are determined to boost all-out ties with Iran.

He called on Iranian companies to make investment in Guinea's mine sector.

The diplomat called for making use of Iran's experience in all fields particularly in parliamentary area.

Ahmadinejad officially welcomes Qatari emir

21 August 2008

Tehran-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday officially welcomed Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

Al-Thani arrived in Tehran this morning on a day-long official visit at the head of a high-ranking delegation for talks with senior Iranian officials.

Ahmadinejad and al-Thani are scheduled to exchange views on the latest regional and international developments immediately after the welcome ceremony.

Iran's First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and senior presidential advisor Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi were also present at the ceremony held at the Presidential Office.

The Qatari Emir was welcomed at Tehran Mehrabad International Airport by Mottaki.

Christian Zionist Huckabee: Proposes Displacement of Arab Palestinians

Huckabee: Let Palestinians create country 'elsewhere'

An activist from the right-wing (Zionist) settlement movement Ateret Cohanim, who are dedicated to expanding Jewish settlement in east Jerusalem, holds up a 'Keep Jerusalem United' bumper sticker behind former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (L) as he visits a settlement community in the heart of the Arab neighborhood of Abu Tor, on 18 August 2008 in Jerusalem.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee suggested creating a Palestinian state elsewhere in the Middle East:

"There is only one place on earth where the Jewish people could have a homeland that is consistent with their roots, whereas the Palestinians can create their homeland in many other places in the Middle East, outside Israel," he said.

Huckabee has proven during his current deceit filled lack of integrity visit to Palestine, that he is indeed a Christian Zionist, while he keeps making derogatory uncultivated statements laced with numerous insults not just towards the Arab Palestinians; but what was further interesting is his numerous insults towards the more religious Jewish populace.

Further Reading:

The People of Palestine are Not Cobblestones

Bush: New Orleans still struggling after Katrina

U.S. President George W. Bush (C) makes remarks on Gulf Coast recovery at the Louisiana National Guard Jackson Barracks, in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 20 August 2008.

Opinion

20 August 2008
By Richard Lardner

President sees signs of progress in a city still struggling to recover

CRAWFORD, Texas-President Bush says he sees "hopeful signs of progress" in New Orleans three years after Hurricane Katrina's devastation, while acknowledging the city is still struggling to recover.

Bush travels to New Orleans and nearby Gulfport, Miss., on Wednesday after appearing at a Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Orlando, Fla. The White House on Tuesday released an advance copy of a speech he plans to deliver in New Orleans.

This latest visit to New Orleans will be Bush's 11th since Katrina's 140 mph winds pummeled coastal areas and caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damage.

The president's Gulf Coast stop comes nine days before the actual third anniversary of Katrina.

The Bush administration's bungled response to Katrina led to a torrent of criticism, especially from the black community, which claimed race was a factor in the slow pace of recovery operations.

The Katrina backlash came as sectarian violence in Iraq was escalating. The result was the lowest approval ratings of Bush's presidency.

In his speech, Bush says $126 billion in disaster recovery aid has poured into the Gulf Coast, allowing schools, businesses and homes to be rebuilt.

"There is still a lot of work to do before this city is fully recovered," Bush says. "And for people who are still hurting and not yet back in their homes, a brighter day might seem impossible. Yet a brighter day is coming and it is heralded by hopeful signs of progress."

Yet, the nearly dozen trips and the money hasn't erased the image of a leader who failed to react at a critical moment.

"It's defined him a great deal in the public's mind," said Thomas Mann, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank.

"That, along with the war in Iraq, are really the pivotal events in his political demise," Mann said. "First impressions have ways of becoming lasting ones and certainly that was the case with Katrina."

Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said in an interview with The Associated Press that the recovery in New Orleans was far from complete and key projects won't be finished without more federal money.

"It's not the quantity of the visits; it's the quality of the visits," Landrieu said of Bush's upcoming stop.

Landrieu accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency of being too tightfisted.

The agency acts "more like a supercharged comptroller's office than a supercharged recovery office," she said.

In New Orleans, Bush will speak at Jackson Barracks, the state headquarters for the Louisiana National Guard. The 100-acre base straddles the city's Orleans and St. Bernard parishes, two of the areas hit hardest by Katrina, and has been undergoing a $210 million reconstruction.

The property contains a large collection of historic buildings, including antebellum homes that overlook the Mississippi River.

Rebuilding the barracks was viewed as strategically important. The facility and the thousands of people who worked there are an economic engine for the city.

"If it's left abandoned, certainly that isn't helpful to the redevelopment of either of those heavily damaged neighborhoods that surround it," said Wade Ragas, a New Orleans real estate consultant.

The White House agreed this month to give Louisiana 30 years to repay $1.8 billion for levee improvements in the New Orleans area. The money initially was to be repaid by 2011. But state officials said they needed 30 to avoid hurting a still-recovering economy.

~~~~~~~~~~~
New Orleans: A City Crippled by Tears

While the picture says two years after Katrina, there are numerous properties; that still looks just like this today.

By HRM Deborah

In New Orleans, Bush did speak at Jackson Barracks and while the above article gave the highlights of his speech and some opinions, Bush’s speech was found to be just another usual Bush Texas version of sweep New Orleans under the carpet speech and tried to make it appear that the city is doing well.

What made it a distraction to listen to Bush’s speech it must be admitted, that his ever increasing signs of alcoholism, mainly what appears to be a form of dermatitis on his face, to other increasing signs of this sever self affliction.

Nevertheless, subtracting Bush’s blind eyes, one will see what appears to be the forever devastation of post Katrina scares where ever one cares to look and the severe hardships on the majority of the cities residents.

What city in America has streets worse then driving down railroad tracks for the crumbling and upheavals due to flooding or people trying to sell a post Katrina house, not repaired; to paying for levee improvements that was found to be inadequate pre-Katrina and by some admittance of the Corp of Engineers, is still not suitable for the care of the city if another hurricane over category three should appear.

It is further being found, while in the news or not towards the manner of minimal housing being put up, for example the reported Brad Pitt donation project, that it is more in contrast to permanent refugee housing; to the further eviction of countless residents that it was found to be living in very unhealthy trailers, with many wondering where they will go.

To a reminder, of some families that got there repairable homes demolished; because someone had a paper glitch.

New Orleans healthcare is people in an assembly line scenario; while standing over crowded in the rain or the few that is lucky to get regular doctor appointments, so many would rather try over the counter medicine or hope it goes away.

While healthcare may have improved, mostly from foreign donations, which has been overwhelmingly appreciated, for many feel their may not have been almost no healthcare at all; if had not been for foreign aide. Healthcare, still has a long ways from not looking like a third world country.

Could anyone pay $900 up, for an apartment that is in more need of a condemned notice, than an occupant, while it is admitted that some minimal newer housing is going up or is available; the majority of Katrina survivors can not afford to live in them, due to the high rent. For the majority of Katrina survivors are shaking hands with the poverty miser on any given day.

As to what Bush considers a business boom, his economic problem is in New Orleans also, with the everyday store sells, to going out of business signs; popping up on any given day or the average city dweller just can not afford to go to many of these businesses.

As for tourism, the many curiosity seekers are still coming, along with the numerous activities with an attempt of different organizations trying to do there part in helping not just the recovery, but letting anyone outside of New Orleans know; that the city is still here.

As to some of the effects of the cities crime problem, can be found to be caused from poverty or desperation from such conditions; for this tends to be one element of what creates crime.

As for New Orleans, looking up in the future, maybe in a hundred years or to other problems still occurring in this historic city; one could write another countless book.

Note:
After U.S. President George W. Bush gave his speech in New Orleans, it is the general consensus he ran with his speech in hand like the Roadrunner being chased by Wiley E. Coyote.

A Country Forever at Foreign War?

U.S. President George W. Bush giving speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Orlando, Florida, on 20 August 2008.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has been criticized for alleged partisanship during election campaigns, arguments that they are a biased Republican organization.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.

The United States Military History Events List

UNRWA Gives Joy to Millions

Palestinian children fly kites during a summer camp activity sponsored by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Khan Yunis town in the southern Gaza Strip, on 20 August 2008.

Many children have found relief at summer camps operated by the UNRWA, which provides essential humanitarian aid to Gaza's one million registered refugees.

Rafah Food Aid to Refugee's

Palestinian refugee citizens transport sacs of food they received from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), on 20 August 2008, in Rafah.

While everything is being done to improve the refugee population’s conditions, with the hope in the future, that the refugee situation will strictly be more remembered as something in history; then current supportive reintegrating to self efficacy.

The care of Palestinian citizens is important and always has been a priority and the appreciation towards UNRWA during this time of trying to diligently work to nullify this situation.
As for those outside of Palestine that has tried to claim Palestinian refugee status illegally, they will not be allowed to come to Palestine for they are not actually Palestinian citizens or refugee‘s.

The one group that comes to mind at this time is the non-Palestinian activist organization calling themselves, Al Awda California, in the U.S. For while this organization may make this claim, they actually are not Palestinian citizens or Palestinian in any form; but rather have ties with known terrorist organizations, it has been reported.

Pat Paulsen for President?

Opinion

By HRM Deborah

Back in the 1960’s, if the American people were not happy with those running for President, it was far to often that the ballots on election day would see such names written in, as comedian Pat Paulson, who died at 70, in 1997 or other such notables as Mickey Mouse and sometimes Goofy.

With the increasing pitfalls of Barack Obama and John McCain, it seems we are at the crossroads again if either one would be acceptable in office or it more appears that it is getting to be another U.S. election year for ballot write in’s and it is a wonder in the 21 century; of who it would be.

While most of Pat Paulson’s humor I must admit was not my particular cup of tea and Mickey Mouse or Goofy does fit the age law, we really need to take into consideration; do we wish another four or eight years of nothing but sorrow and major woes especially economically upon the American citizens or as the saying goes, 'haven’t they suffered enough', at the hands of the current administration failings thrust upon them; an those running may be a rerun?

As to who I would pick if I could, I am partial to Mickey Mouse for his unique sense, especially humor, family and moral values.

Queen of Palestine Accepts US Airways Philadelphia-Tel Aviv Route

US Airways seeks Philadelphia-Tel Aviv route?

20 August 2008

US Airways announced Tuesday plans to operate nonstop service between its Philadelphia hub and Tel Aviv, as the carrier moves to expand its international service.

The service, which is set to begin in July 2009 with the first tickets sold early next month, is in response to strong demand, said Michelle Mohr, a spokeswoman for US Airways.

"What's being cut is unprofitable flying in light of ultra high fuel costs," she said. "With Philadelphia-to-Tel Aviv we've known the demand is there. We've talked about adding this for quite some time."

The service is subject to approval by the US Department of Transportation and HRM Deborah of Palestine, which she did accept; with the upmost courtesy towards the Jewish sector ministry and US Airways.

The airline will offer one daily nonstop flight.

The Tel Aviv route would be the longest nonstop segment in the US Airways network. Longer-range Airbus A330-200 aircraft set for delivery in spring 2009 will operate on the route.

US Airways began service from Philadelphia to London's Heathrow airport in March 2008.

Congratulations for Olympic Good Sailing

Jewish Palestinian Shahar Zubari wins the Bronze medal, gold medalist Tom Ashley of New Zealand and silver medalist Julien Bontemps of France, celebrate with their medals following the Men's RS:X class event held at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center; during day 12 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, on 20 August 2008, in Qingdao, China.

ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate Iranian islands ownership

19 August 2008

Tehran-Judiciary spokesman said on Tuesday that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction to investigate ownership of the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf.

Talking to reporters, Alireza Jamshidi said that the islands of Abu Moussa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs are inseparable parts of the Iranian territory.

He regretted that investigating ownership of the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf by the ICC is a political issue brought by certain states.

Jamshidi reiterated that according to international documents and historical background, there is no doubt over Iranian ownership of the three Persian Gulf islands.

Salehi: Those attempting to attack Iran will not survive

19 August 2008

Tehran-Army Commander Ataollah Salehi said on Tuesday that those who attempt to attack the Islamic Republic of Iran will not survive.

Addressing Iranian military attaches in foreign countries, he added the military attaches are the ambassadors of Iran's dignity.

"Military attaches are considered as perfect models of the Iranian military forces abroad," Salehi concluded.

The People of Palestine are Not Cobblestones

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (L) prays at the Western Wall, as Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall (Judaism's holiest site), frowns during Huckabee's visit, on 18 August 2008 in Jerusalem. The Rabi looked at Huckabee as he disgraced the Western Wall; with his visit.

According to the Jewish religious beliefs, such visit’s to the wall by non-Jews is blasphemy.

Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister who was a Republican candidate in the 2008 United States presidential primaries, visited with right-wing (Zionist) in east Jerusalem to underscore what he says are the rights of the Jewish people, under the same U.S. prejudicial foreign policy towards the Jewish people; with further unprecedented Islamophobic intentions towards the Arab Palestinian populace.

Furthermore, it should be known, that the right-wing (Zionist), are on the outs as far as the forgoing political system in Palestine today and towards her future; also, as the Zionist are now becoming the minority, with little voice.

As a strong request to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, that after his short visit to Palestine; that he is not to ever return, for he is not welcome in the country.

Nevertheless, Huckabee hid the fact that he came by right-wing (Zionist) invitation, so he would be able to come into Palestine; otherwise, in some people’s logic, he lied.

Cave Dwellers to Receive New Homes

Abed Raba, a Palestinian farmer who lives in a cave on the outskirts of Jerusalem lights a cigarette, on 18 August 2008.

Raba has lived in this cave since 1985 after his father, who lived there before the establishment of the alleged state of Israel in 1948, died.

Today, the Jewish authorities are set to move Raba from the cave, to put him in a nice home; as new equality homes are being built in the area.

Stocks Open Lower on Inflation Report

Customers make purchases at a Home Depot story in Chicago, Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. The Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest home improvement retailer, reported a 24 percent drop in second-quarter profit, 8 August 2008, but beat Wall Street expectations. The company reiterated its downbeat outlook for the year amid a weak housing and home improvement market that shows no signs of recovery.

18 August 2008

By Madlen Read

Stocks fell sharply in early trading Tuesday, with a hefty jump in wholesale inflation raising fresh concerns about the drag of rising prices on the economy.

The Labor Department said its Producer Price Index rose by 1.2 percent in July, more than double the expected rate. The increase means prices have risen in the past 12 months at the fastest pace in 27 years. The figure follows a similar reading last week that showed consumers are also facing rising inflation.

A weak report on new home construction also worried investors. The Commerce Department said July housing starts fell to an annual rate of 965,000 units, the lowest level in more than 17 years. The number was higher than the rate of 950,000 units analysts had predicted, but did little to quell investors' worries about the sector.

The weakness in housing has not only imperiled home builders and suppliers, but has left financial companies reeling over how to cope with soured mortgage debt.

Tuesday's pair of reports indicated to investors not only that the financial sector is struggling to right itself after billions of dollars in credit losses, but also that the rest of the economy is still showing significant signs of stress.

One of the few bright spots, however, is the price of oil. Crude has fallen substantially from its July record above $147 a barrel, and traded slightly lower at around $112 a barrel in early trading Tuesday.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 82.89, or 0.72 percent, to 11,396 in early trading.

Broader stock indicators also dropped. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 7.72, or 0.60 percent, to 1,270.88, and the Nasdaq composite index fell 14.16, or 0.59 percent, to 2,402.82.