good stuff at 6:00 AM MT, 12/2

Professor at UC Berkeley studied the novel genre

By Mary Rourke

Ralph W. Rader, whose theories on the development of the novel as a genre came at a time when the novel was still considered what one colleague at UC Berkeley called "bathroom reading," died Nov. 23. He was 77.

 

 

Facing the transition to college
Iowa City Press Citizen - Iowa City,IA,USA
In what appears to be the most recent data from 2003, the US Department of Education estimates there are 1.1 million homeschool students in the US, ..

 

 

Security crews ponder future in Iraq

By Christian Berthelsen

Several private contractors say that losing legal immunity wouldn't drive them from their high-paying jobs.

 

 

Prices on TVs, disc players fall like snow

By David Colker

At a time of year when traditions are important, there are two in the consumer electronics world that are back this holiday season like a regifted fruitcake, only tastier:

 

 

He doesn't need a script; it's about hitting a nerve

By Martin Miller

WESTERN civilization is apparently on the brink of collapse, and once again we can blame Fox television's Mike Darnell.

 

 

Saddled up on a motorcycle tour of China's Silk Road

By Susan Carpenter

Marco Polo never had it like this. A motorcycle tour across his ancient route offers luxury hotels and stunning scenery. And there is plenty of adventure to go around.

 

 

Religious furor over 'The Golden Compass'

By Laura Miller

British author Philip Pullman's classic book is about to be released on film.

 

 

Pakistan's Dr. Doom

By Douglas Frantz and Catherine Collins

Thanks to the rogue scientist A.Q. Khan, Iran's nuclear program threatens to ignite another Middle East war.

 

 

The gentry liberals

By Joel Kotkin and Fred Siegel

They're more concerned with global warming and gay rights than with lunch-pail joes.

 

 

The KGB's mole master

By David Wise

Vladimir Kryuchkov's death invokes the darkest chapter in the history of U.S. espionage.

 

 

Expert: Israelis hit Syrian 'nuclear bomb plant'
'It was a plant for processing plutonium, namely, a factory for assembling' weapon
--London Sunday Times

 

China's long march to Africa
Migrants following in footsteps of European settlers with Beijing's blessing
--BBC News

 

 

Spray-on solar-power cells called true breakthrough
Scientists invent 1st aerosol plastic that can turn sun's infrared rays into electricity
--National Geographic

 

 

Boeing sees no need to counter threat of Airbus A350 – yet
'It is too early for us to rush off and start to get in a panic'
--Seattle Post-Intelligencer

 

 

$100 laptop project hit by 'shift key' lawsuit
Group accused of stealing design for 'multilingual keyboard'
--London Times

 

 

How super-rich just get richer
Global mass media lets mega-successful take advantage of 'Superstar Premium'
--BBC News

 

 

Al-Qaida manual teaches inmates to take over prison
1/3 of state's most dangerous criminals are Muslim fundamentalists or converts
--Sydney Morning Herald

 

 

France stunned by rioters' savagery
Violent attack against police chief signals worrying new level of barbarity
--London Sunday Times

 

 

Turkish army fires on Kurdish rebels in Iraq
Armed forces authorized to launch major cross-border operations without need for approval
--BBC News

 

 

Love of broccoli begins in womb
What mom eats while pregnant or nursing, baby will like, say researchers
--London Sunday Times

 

 

Sick rams used as ancient bioweapons 3,300 years ago
'Hittite plague' lasted 35-40 years, causing fever, disabilities, death in Near East
--Discovery News

 

 

Victoria Beckham: My true fans burst into tears, pass out
'When the paramedics are called I think that is a good sign, it shows real determination'
--London Daily Mail