http://www.newsgab.com/forum/ Links to the Breaking News Stories direct from the BBC are automatically posted in here. This forum is tidied up periodically. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:59:21 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.newsgab.com/forum/curves/misc/rss.jpg http://www.newsgab.com/forum/ http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80718-re-start-big-bang-machine.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:40:03 GMT The Large Hadron Collider experiment, designed to shed light on the cosmos, re-starts after 14 months of repairs. To read the rest of the story;... The Large Hadron Collider experiment, designed to shed light on the cosmos, re-starts after 14 months of repairs.

To read the rest of the story; Re-start for 'Big Bang' machine, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80718-re-start-big-bang-machine.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80678-senate-ethics-panel-admonishes-roland-burris.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:32:02 GMT Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) was rebuked today by the Senate Ethics Committee, which issued him a "public letter of qualified admonition" for his actions in connection with his appointment by disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich.Roland Burris

The letter informed Burris that the Senate committee had concluded that "your actions reflected unfavorably on the Senate."

"The committee found that you should have known that you were providing incorrect, inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information to the public, the Senate and those conducting legitimate inquiries into your appointment to the Senate," the letter said.

Burris, who was appointed to the seat vacated by President Obama, sought to cast the committee’s action as a vindication, noting that panel had cited a state’s attorney’s conclusion that there were no "actionable violations of the law."

Burris issued a statement saying: "I am pleased that after numerous investigations, this matter has finally come to a close. I thank the members of the Senate Ethics Committee for their fair and thorough review of this matter, and now look forward to continuing the important work ahead on behalf of the people of Illinois."

The Ethics Committee opened an investigation after questions arose whether Burris had been truthful about his contacts with Blagojevich associates in the months before his appointment.

In an affidavit in January, Burris said he had "not any contact" with Blagojevich representatives before a Dec. 26 telephone call in which an attorney for the governor approached him about accepting the Senate appointment.

Later in January, in testimony to the state House committee that was considering Blagojevich's impeachment, Burris acknowledged only a conversation with Blagojevich associate Lon Monk. In February, he said he had conversations with Blagojevich’s brother, Robert, and several other associates of the governor.

A recording released in May showed Burris spoke last November with Robert Blagojevich of his interest in the Senate seat and ways he might join in Blagojevich fundraising events hosted by others or contribute money through Burris associates. Blagojevich was impeached and is awaiting trial in federal court for alleged misconduct, accused of trying to trade the appointment to the Senate for campaign contributions and other favors.

-- Katherine Skiba

I guess their pussies got in the way of really punishing him. ]]> Breaking News ken http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80678-senate-ethics-panel-admonishes-roland-burris.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80667-obama-approval-rating-drops-below-50-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:30 GMT Breaking News: Obama approval rating dips below 50 percent in Gallup Some bad polling news for President Obama, his first full day back from Asia... Breaking News: Obama approval rating dips below 50 percent in Gallup

Some bad polling news for President Obama, his first full day back from Asia -- his daily approval rating has dipped below 50% for the first time, according to Gallup.

USA TODAY's Susan Page reports:

This is not the sort of coming-home present that President Obama was hoping to get.

When Gallup posts its daily approval rating for the president about 1 PM -- on Gallup.Com - Daily News, Polls, Public Opinion on Government, Politics, Economics, Management -- it will show Obama slipping below 50% for the first time in his presidency. His approval rating will be 49%, from 50% yesterday. The change isn't statistically important but it is a symbolic milestone when presidents fall below the 50% mark.

Reference link: h***://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/11/obama-approval-rating-dips-below-50-percent-in-gallup/1 ]]> Breaking News petruccio http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80667-obama-approval-rating-drops-below-50-a.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80649-match-fix-probe-targets-200-games.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:50:12 GMT About 200 football ties are under investigation in what one Uefa official calls Europe's biggest match-fixing scandal.

To read the rest of the story; Match-fix probe targets 200 games, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80649-match-fix-probe-targets-200-games.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80641-oprah-talk-show-end-2011-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:06 GMT The influential Oprah Winfrey talk show is to end in 2011 after more than two decades on air, her production company says. Click Here... The influential Oprah Winfrey talk show is to end in 2011 after more than two decades on air, her production company says.

Click Here to read the full BBC News Story ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80641-oprah-talk-show-end-2011-a.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80640-us-welcomes-van-rompuys-eu-role.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:50:06 GMT The US says the appointment of Herman van Rompuy as President of the European Council will strengthen EU-US relations. To read the rest of the... The US says the appointment of Herman van Rompuy as President of the European Council will strengthen EU-US relations.

To read the rest of the story; US welcomes Van Rompuy's EU role, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80640-us-welcomes-van-rompuys-eu-role.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80638-oprah-talk-show-end-2011-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:10:10 GMT The influential Oprah Winfrey talk show is to end in 2011 after more than two decades on air, her production company says. Click Here... The influential Oprah Winfrey talk show is to end in 2011 after more than two decades on air, her production company says.

Click Here to read the full BBC News Story ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80638-oprah-talk-show-end-2011-a.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80609-blair-out-eu-presidency-race.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:10:13 GMT Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is out of the race to be the first EU president, as leaders try to decide who to appoint. To read the rest of... Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is out of the race to be the first EU president, as leaders try to decide who to appoint.

To read the rest of the story; Blair out of EU presidency race, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80609-blair-out-eu-presidency-race.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80602-liam-gallagher-record-solo-lp.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:10:14 GMT Singer Liam Gallagher says he will begin recording a solo album with the remaining members of Oasis early next year. Click Here... Singer Liam Gallagher says he will begin recording a solo album with the remaining members of Oasis early next year.

Click Here to read the full BBC News Story ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80602-liam-gallagher-record-solo-lp.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80594-church-scientology-accused-torture-forced-abortions.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:54:16 GMT Kevin Rudd, the Australian Prime Minister, has voiced “concerns” over the Church of Scientology after a senator detailed explosive allegations about... Kevin Rudd, the Australian Prime Minister, has voiced “concerns” over the Church of Scientology after a senator detailed explosive allegations about the organisation, accusing it of torture, embezzlement and coerced abortions.

Nick Xenophon tabled letters to the Australian parliament from several former Scientologists, and alleged that the secretive church was an “abusive ? violent and criminal organisation” which is hiding behind religion.

Mr Xenophon was questioning the church's tax-free status as a religion when he made the claims, which have been denied by the organisation.

The letters, which the senator has passed onto police, contained allegations of a range of crimes, including forced imprisonment, coerced abortions, embezzlement of church funds, physical violence, intimidation and blackmail.

“Scientology is not a religious organisation, it is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs,” Mr Xenophon told the Australian Senate in Canberra on Tuesday evening.

“... The letters received by me which were written by former followers in Australia contains extensive allegations of crimes and abuses that are truly shocking - crimes against them and crimes they say they were coerced into committing.

“These victims of Scientology claim it is an abusive, manipulative, violent and criminal organisation, and that criminality is condoned at the highest levels.”

Among the letters he tabled was one from a former follower from Western Australia, who was born into Scientology. The man wrote in a letter that as a member of the organisation in both Australia and the US he had participated in the “forced confinement and torture” of others. His letter also states: “Several abortions were ordered as well”.

Asked about Senator Xenophon’s claims, Mr Rudd described them as “grave allegations”, but admitted he too had concerns about the organisation.

“Many people in Australia have real concerns about Scientology,” the Prime Minister said earlier today.

“I share some of those concerns. Let us proceed carefully and look carefully at the material he has provided before we make a decision on further parliamentary action.”

The Australian Federal Police met with Mr Xenophon on Monday and said that the allegations are a matter for NSW police, which refused to comment on the case.

A spokesperson for the Church of Scientology said he did not believe the allegations were true, but the organisation would be willing to co-operate with police over the accusations of criminal activity.

In a statement the church said Mr Xenophon's claims were an "outrageous abuse of parliamentary privilege", referring to his protection from libel laws.

"Senator Xenophon is obviously being pressured by disgruntled former members who use hate speech and distorted accounts of their experiences in the Church," the statement said.

"They are about as reliable as former spouses are when talking about their ex-partner."

The church's Australian vice-president, Cyrus Brooks, said that Mr Xenophon had refused to respond to repeated requests for a meeting.

"He didn't answer a single letter, he didn't talk to us, he didn't meet with us, so he's suddenly brought up these things,'' Mr Brooks said.

"It's a bit disingenuous of him to do so without even meeting us.''

But a spokesman from the senator's office said only one letter had been sent, in July, which a staff member had unfortunately not relayed.

Mr Xenophon is a maverick, independent politician from South Australia. A former compensation lawyer, he won a seat in the federal parliament in the 2007 federal election on an anti-gambling, pro-consumer protection platform under his ‘No Pokies’ party.

Founded in the United States in 1954 by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology is officially recognised as a religion in Australia for tax purposes.

The Church of Scientology claims it has 12 million members which include Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

In October the Church of Scientology in France was fined €600,000 (£545,000) after being found guilty of cheating vulnerable members out of their life savings.

The allegations

Former followers, who are willing to be questioned by police over the allegations, reported crimes ranging from forced imprisonment, coerced abortions, embezzlement of church funds, physical violence, intimidation and blackmail.

- Paul Schofield admitted to being part of a campaign to cover up the facts surrounding the death of his two daughters, including two and a half-year-old Kirsty, who died during a purification programme.

- Aaron Saxton confined and tortured a follower and coerced females to have abortions, one who used a coat hanger for fear of punishment. He also has details of murder confessions from members in the US, information that was never passed on to police.

- Carmel Underwood was put under "extreme pressure" to have an abortion, and witnessed a young sexually abused girl being coached on how to keep it secret.

- Anna and Dean Detheridge, who were forced to reject a gay relative, provided evidence that personal information was used to blackmail and control them.

- Kevin Mackey revealed how he handed over nearly a million dollars in exchange for services and products after he was conditioned by the sect.

- Peta O'Brien was discouraged from seeking treatment for cancer, was cut off from her son and provided evidence of being assaulted. ]]> Breaking News ken http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80594-church-scientology-accused-torture-forced-abortions.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80591-critical-moment-afghanistan.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:01 GMT Afghanistan is at a "critical moment", Hillary Clinton says - the day before Hamid Karzai is sworn in for a second term.

To read the rest of the story; 'Critical moment' for Afghanistan, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80591-critical-moment-afghanistan.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80576-obama-admits-delay-guantanamo.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:04 GMT President Obama admits the US will miss the January 2010 deadline he set for closing the Guantanamo Bay prison. To read the rest of the story;... President Obama admits the US will miss the January 2010 deadline he set for closing the Guantanamo Bay prison.

To read the rest of the story; Obama admits delay on Guantanamo, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80576-obama-admits-delay-guantanamo.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80573-doctor-responsible-says-jackson.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:02 GMT In her first TV interview, singer Janet Jackson reveals that she blames her late brother Michael's doctor for his death in June.

Click Here to read the full BBC News Story ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80573-doctor-responsible-says-jackson.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80569-iraq-vp-vetoes-new-election-law.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:50:02 GMT One of Iraq's vice-presidents vetoes part of the new election law, putting the parliamentary polls due in January in doubt.

To read the rest of the story; Iraq VP vetoes new election law, Please Click Here to read the full story at The BBC Website (Link opens in a new window) ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80569-iraq-vp-vetoes-new-election-law.html http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80568-sir-elton-back-his-feet.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:02 GMT Sir Elton John says he is back on his feet and "bouncing around" after being treated in hospital for flu and E.coli earlier this month.

Click Here to read the full BBC News Story ]]> Breaking News News Bot http://www.newsgab.com/forum/breaking-news/80568-sir-elton-back-his-feet.html