Father and Son Held in California Are Tied to Al Qaeda Camp - New York Times

Thankfully the authorities are finding some of these terrorists and arresting them. We must never forget 9/11.

Uncover Your Eyes - New York Times

Please, Nicholas, tell us why the United Nations can't or hasn't or won't solve this? Why is it that you believe the Americans must be the saviors? Where is the rest of the world? China? India? Russia? Egypt France?

PCWorld.com - Net Phone Zone: The 411 on 911

A decent summary of the state of affairs for E911 infrastructure access by VoIP providers. The FCC was right to put this burden on the providers of VoIP services. The author shows a bit of bias toward the small VoIP players:

The FCC requires the Baby Bells to grant 911 system access to direct landline competitors--companies such as Global Crossing or Level 3, for example--but does not require the Baby Bells to offer similar access to VoIP providers; nor does it put any limits on what they can charge for such access. So essentially, the FCC is making demands on the VoIP companies to get their E911 act together, but isn't giving them any assistance. Consequently, complying with the FCC's ruling is likely to be a huge financial undertaking for any VoIP company, and it's possible that some of the smaller providers will disappear--or services that are in development now may not see the light of day.

In the end this problem will be fixed as well it should. The next tough issue will be loss of phone service and E911 access when the power goes out. Consumers beware.

Conservatives see liberal bias in class - and mobilize | csmonitor.com

School should be an environment where true learning is offered. Both sides of an issue should be presented and discussed without bias by impartial, mature teachers. Political indoctrination should not be a part of the curriculum. Nevertheless, our kids should learn about democracy and freedom and basic economics, in addition to the traditional subjects and languages while young. Schools should not be battlegrounds for bias, alternative lifestyles, liberalism or conservatism.

Cirque du Soleil

On Friday, I took the family to this superb performance in Montreal. Cirque du Soleil is circus at its best, the grandkids and adults enjoyed it immensely and we highly recommend the show to anyone . Well worth the cost! Parking was easy on the pier adjacent to that with the show tent opposite Place Jacques Cartier. Traffic was light.

Try it you'll like it!

"Corteo, which means "cortege" in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music, by turns lyrical and playful, carries Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality."

Researchers Say Intelligence and Diseases May Be Linked in Ashkenazic Genes - New York Times

A fascinating finding that, if true, stirs all kinds of pots, the first being Political Correctness. The researchers are courageous to publish such a paper. The sparks will fly over this one.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Haiti police in deadly gang raids

How is a failed nation fixed? Is it possible to fix Haiti whose economy and social structure continues to disintegrate from an already terrible state? For a change, there are no colonial whites to blame for the failure, although it appears in years passed, the French may have had a role. The Haitians are doing it to themselves.

Concerns at A.C.L.U. Over Document Shredding - New York Times

A fine kettle of fish. The ACLU appears to be an organization of hypocrites at the highest levels. If this story is correct, the ACLU is unworthy of respect for its positions if it cannot follow their own principles.

'No' Votes in Europe Reflect Anger at National Leaders - New York Times

While the people may not believe it, the reality is that cradle to grave socialism's heyday has passed. Free market reforms are needed. The extent of these reforms is uncertain.

"The governing parties of the left and the right are saying the same things to their people: that painful, free-market economic reforms are the only path toward rejuvenation, more jobs, better futures. And the people, who have come to equate the idea of an expanded Europe with a challenge to cradle-to-grave social protections, are giving the same answer: We don't believe you."

Unions Struggle as Communications Industry Shifts - New York Times

An inevitable result of the tremendous upheaval in telecom and technology in the last two decades.