| Meat-Axe Justice
So many black males are going to prison now that it is a black rite of passage; their forced surrender to reality of justice in America. In nine states, up to 40% of black males are not permitted to vote because their citizenship has been taken away. Of course, now there are over a million black males in prison, but is anyone troubled by this? Not really, and besides, the good people of Tehachapi are begging bread from a flush-with-money prison system to build their hospital. Doesn't this strike anyone as even a tiny bit odd? Since many claim scripture for guidance, don't you think there is some counsel therein for conscientious citizens? What about a cruel David and the little ewe lamb? Do we have the wit to discern and repent when timely truths visit? David did, to his credit.
'Blade runner' loses Beijing hopes
The runner finished second in an able-bodied race in Rome in 2007, then came last and was subsequently disqualified for stepping out of his lane in a race in Sheffield, England later the same year. The IAAF said that after the Italian race, evidence suggested an athlete with prosthetic limbs performed differently than an able-bodied athlete, and it agreed with Pistorius that more tests were needed. The IAAF does not prohibit prosthetic limbs in able-bodied sports, but it does ban technical aids. Pistorius is reported to be considering an appeal against the verdict. Athletics South Africa said it would immediately apply the decision which does does not affect Pistorius' eligibility for Paralympic events. "It's unfortunate because he could have boosted team athletics at the Olympics at Beijing because he had the potential to qualify," said Leonard Chuene, president of Athletics South Africa.
Rogers shares hurt by talk of Telus technology shift
The main selling point of GSM (global system for mobile communication) is that it's the most popular cellphone technology around the world. That means GSM carriers such as Rogers tend to get devices at cheaper prices and sooner than their rivals, including Telus, which use CDMA (code division multiple access) technology. Making such a jump, however, would be a tricky endeavour for Telus. It could cost anywhere from several hundred million up to a billion dollars, analysts reckon. Moreover, the time required for such a change is uncertain, with some suggesting it could be done within a year and others estimating it could take twice as long. "I don't envy the decision because I don't think it's an easy one," said National Bank Financial Inc. analyst Greg MacDonald.
Shooting the Rapids
There are two groups of chimps, one a young group in a large paddock, the other a mature group that lives in an area of fenced off native forest. Truly wild chimpanzees can be seen in western Uganda (I have seen them just across the border in the Congo —the Democratic Republic of the two), but for a more easily accessible primate experience this comes pretty close. Access to Ngamba is by a large wooden canoe, and the morning of my visit Lake Victoria was deciding to do a passable impression of the Roaring Forties. The boat tossed up and down, launching itself over crests and plunging into troughs. Those of a more sensitive disposition, and more recent breakfasts, slunk, a delicate shade of green, to the marginally more stable rear where a bucket was thoughtfully provided. The chimp experience was slightly underwhelming, but the work being done is admirable.
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