Iran apologizes for citing Onion story as fact

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a firm deadline for Iran to halt its nuclear program, using a simple drawing to warn the UN that Iran will soon reach the point of no return in its development of nuclear weapons. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

By Alastair Jamieson, NBC News

An Iranian news agency issued a bizarre apology on Monday for citing a spoof story about President Barack Obama from satirical newspaper, The Onion, as fact.

Fars, the state-backed news source linked to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), admitted mistakenly republishing an article that claimed rural Americans preferred Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Obama.

The spoof article mentioned a supposed opinion poll finding that 77 percent of rural Caucasian voters "would rather go to a baseball game or have a beer with Ahmadinejad, a man who has repeatedly denied the Holocaust and has had numerous political prisoners executed, than spend time with Obama."

Fars reproduced the article on its website on Friday alongside its usual stories about advances in Iranian military technology and condemnation of Israel.?The Iranian version omitted The Onion's description of Ahmadinejad as "a man who has repeatedly denied the Holocaust and has had numerous political prisoners executed."?Fars appeared to have taken the story?down by about 1 p.m. ET?on Friday.

In a statement on its website on Monday, Fars acknowledged the error ? but also listed a string of blunders by Western media outlets including the New York Times and the BBC.

"All media, at least those you know like the BBC, CNN, etc., have had many goofs," the statement said.

It also said that it still believed the Onion story was true.

"Although it does not justify our mistake, we do believe that if a free opinion poll is conducted in the US, a majority of Americans would prefer anyone outside the US political system to President Barack Obama and American statesmen," it quoted its own un-named editor-in-chief as saying.

Iran news agency cites Onion story as fact

The statement added: "[Fars] makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of its reports, however very occasionally mistakes do happen."

The statement cited an April 2011 error by the New York Times in which it accidentally republished a spoof image from The Onion in an article about teen magazine, Tiger Beat.

It also cited other "embarrassing blunders over the years" by the BBC, reproducing a list -- originally published by the Daily Telegraph ? including an incident in which a weather forecaster was caught on-air flipping the bird to a producer.

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Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/01/14168994-iran-apologizes-for-citing-onion-spoof-obama-poll-as-fact?lite

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Great Barrier Reef has lost half of its coral in the last 27 years

ScienceDaily (Oct. 2, 2012) ? The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its coral cover in the last 27 years. The loss was due to storm damage (48%), crown of thorns starfish (42%), and bleaching (10%), according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Townsville and the University of Wollongong.

"We can't stop the storms but, perhaps we can stop the starfish. If we can, then the Reef will have more opportunity to adapt to the challenges of rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification," says John Gunn, CEO of AIMS.

"This finding is based on the most comprehensive reef monitoring program in the world. The program started broadscale surveillance of more than 100 reefs in 1985 and from 1993 it has incorporated more detailed annual surveys of 47 reefs," says one of the program's original creators, Dr Peter Doherty, Research Fellow at AIMS.

"Our researchers have spent more than 2,700 days at sea and we've invested in the order of $50 million in this monitoring program," he says.

"The study shows the Reef has lost more than half its coral cover in 27 years. If the trend continued coral cover could halve again by 2022. Interestingly, the pattern of decline varies among regions. In the northern Great Barrier Reef coral cover has remained relatively stable, whereas in the southern regions we see the most dramatic loss of coral, particularly over the last decade when storms have devastated many reefs. " says Peter Doherty.

The study clearly shows that three factors are overwhelmingly responsible for this loss of coral cover. Intense tropical cyclones have caused massive damage, primarily to reefs in the central and southern parts of the Reef, while population explosions of the coral-consuming Crown-of-thorns starfish have affected coral populations along the length of the Reef. Two severe coral bleaching events have also had major detrimental impacts in northern and central parts of the GBR.

"Our data show that the reefs can regain their coral cover after such disturbances, but recovery takes 10-20 years. At present, the intervals between the disturbances are generally too short for full recovery and that's causing the long-term losses," says Dr Hugh Sweatman, one of the study's authors.

"We can't stop the storms, and ocean warming (the primary cause of coral bleaching) is one of the critical impacts of the global climate change," says AIMS CEO, John Gunn. "However, we can act to reduce the impact of crown of thorns," he says. "The study shows that in the absence of crown of thorns, coral cover would increase at 0.89% per year, so even with losses due to cyclones and bleaching there should be slow recovery.

"We at AIMS will be redoubling our efforts to understand the life cycle of crown of thorns so we can better predict and reduce the periodic population explosions of crown of thorns. It's already clear that one important factor is water quality, and we plan to explore options for more direct intervention on this native pest."

The analysis presented in the paper was conducted with partial support from the Australian Government's National Environmental Research Program.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. G. De'ath, K. E. Fabricius, H. Sweatman, M. Puotinen. The 27-year decline of coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef and its causes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1208909109

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/6t7jl-U754Q/121002094147.htm

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Wall Street up on factory data, but off highs on Bernanke

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street rose on Monday, lifted by stronger-than-expected expansion in U.S. manufacturing last month, although the major U.S. stock indexes slipped off session highs after the Federal Reserve chairman's remarks.

The indexes trimmed earlier gains and the Nasdaq briefly turned negative as Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke defended the U.S. central bank and its ultra-loose monetary policy as it aims to reduce unemployment.

But the market's gain on the first day of the final quarter of 2012 comes after stocks closed a strong third quarter, helped by stimulative measures from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. The S&P 500 finished the quarter up 5.8 percent, its best third quarter since 2010.

"The fact that the market is not as strong as before in terms of holding up gains, especially on a day like today when the ISM was a pretty good beat, shows that the market is tired and that the positive tone has changed," said James Dailey, portfolio manager at TEAM Asset Strategy Fund in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

"I see this as suggesting that we are likely in for a deep correction. We are at a point where even the good news is not good enough."

The Dow Jones industrial average <.dji> gained 123.71 points, or 0.92 percent, to 13,560.84. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.spx> climbed 8.46 points, or 0.59 percent, to 1,449.13. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.ixic> added 4.56 points, or 0.15 percent, to 3,120.79.

U.S. manufacturing expanded in September for the first time since May as new orders and employment picked up, an Institute for Supply Management report showed. The ISM data eased concerns about the economy and offset a gloomier outlook in Asia and Europe.

A number of blue-chip stocks hit 52-week highs, helping the Dow outperform the broader market. Shares of General Electric rose 0.8 percent to $22.90, after rising as high as $22.99 earlier. IBM also hit a new 52-week high at $211.75 and The Travelers Co rose as high as $69.48 earlier in the session. By mid-afternoon, IBM's stock was up 2 percent at $211.69 and Travelers' stock was up 1.4 percent at $69.24.

Financial stocks led the market's advance with Goldman Sachs Group up 3.4 percent at $117.59 after the weekly Barron's said Goldman shares could rise at least 25 percent in the next year as capital markets improve.

In a speech delivered to the Economic Club of Indiana, Bernanke said the Fed's third round of bond purchases is unlikely to stoke inflation. He added it will not "prematurely" raise policy rates, which have been near zero since December 2008.

The energy sector also gained, with an S&P index of energy stocks up 1 percent. U.S. crude oil futures for November delivery added 29 cents to $92.48 a barrel.

The ISM's index rose to 51.5 in September from 49.6 in August, topping expectations for a reading of 49.7, according to a Reuters poll. The September reading rose above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction. The ISM figure came after a survey from Markit showed U.S. manufacturing ended its worst quarter in three years in September as foreign demand for U.S. goods fell sharply.

The U.S. data followed surveys in the euro zone that showed manufacturing slackened in the three months to September while Asia's factories are continuing to struggle in the face of tepid demand from the United States and Europe. The data suggested the euro zone may be moving toward recession and showed a seventh straight quarter of slowing growth in China.

"The U.S. economy is growing at a slow pace, but it is still growing. The ISM number suggests that things are not that bad," said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of Sarhan Capital in New York.

The national ISM survey is especially heartening after some weak regional surveys last month. The Chicago PMI, a survey that measures business activity in the Midwest, showed its first contraction since 2009 in September.

Among stocks weighing on the Nasdaq, discount retailer Gordmans Stores Inc said it could miss analysts' profit estimates for the first time since it went public in 2010 as slowing sales forced the company to cut its current-quarter outlook. The stock slumped 22 percent to $14.39.

Baidu Inc shares fell 3.5 percent to $112.74 after Jefferies cut the stock to "hold" from "buy" and lowered the price target to $125 from $135.

Ceradyne Inc shares gained 42.9 percent to $34.92 on news the company will be acquired by 3M Co for $860 million.

(Editing by Jan Paschal)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/stock-index-futures-signal-early-gains-092051064--finance.html

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GOP sends mixed messages on Romney's debate expectations

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, never one to be shy when it comes to speaking his mind, today predicted that Mitt Romney would turn the presidential race around in the upcoming debate with President Obama.

Romney, who is down in new polls both nationwide and in the battleground states of Iowa and Ohio, needs to do well in the debate Wednesday in order to gain momentum as the campaign heads into its final stretch.

Christie said that was exactly what Romney would get in his head-to-head matchup with the president.

"I have absolute confidence that when we get to Thursday morning, George, all you're going to be shaking your head, saying it's a brand-new race," Christie told George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week."

The problem is, Christie is off script. The Romney campaign is trying to lower expectations, and vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan led the charge.

"President Obama is a very gifted speaker. The man's been on the national stage for many years," Ryan said on "Fox News Sunday," repeating a line he's been using on the campaign trail. "This is Mitt's first time on this kind of a stage."

Of course, Ryan was not saying that Romney won't give voters a clear reason to support him over Obama: He said Romney will offer a "choice" during the debate.

"I know what President Obama's done, I know all of these empty promises and broken promises, I know about the ugly stagnant economy," he said. "What is Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan offering to get us back on track? And I think that's what we'll get out of Wednesday. And if we get that out of Wednesday, then the country understands the choice they have to make."

Romney went to church Sunday morning and then spent several hours in debate preparation.

There are reports that the Romney team believes the most important part of debates is not policy, but memorable moments, and a key member of Obama's team said today he believes Romney will be prepared to attack with a series of one-liners and zingers.

"The American people are going to be listening for not a clever line, but a good idea to help move this country forward and help them and their family. And that's what our focus is going to be," Senior White House Adviser David Plouffe said on ABC's "This Week."

The president is in Henderson, Nev., taking part in what insiders call a "Debate Camp." The president will practice for three days. Aides say they want the president's answers to be crisper and shorter.

The debate will focus on domestic issues. It will run 90 minutes, and it expected that more than 60 million Americans may watch.

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/gop-sends-mixed-messages-romney-debate-expectations-004950516.html

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Effective Low-Cost Health Care

?? Doctors of chiropractic provide effective, low-cost health care for a wide range of conditions.?? Studies conducted according to the highest scientific standards and published by organizations not affiliated in any way with chiropractic institutions or associations continue to show the clinical appropriateness and effectiveness of chiropractic care. One of the most recent, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, stated emphatically that:

?On the evidence, particularly the most scientifically valid clinical studies, spinal manipulation applied by chiropractors is shown to be more effective than alternative treatments for low back pain?There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transferred from physician to chiropractors.?

The doctor of chiropractic is an effective source of preventative and wellness care.?? The anatomical focus of the DC on the human spine has created the perception of the DC as just a ?back doctor.? Although this perception is not entirely incorrect, it is very much incomplete. Doctors of chiropractic are a highly appropriate resource in matters of work-place safety, stress management, injury prevention, postural correction and nutritional counseling.?

The process of chiropractic adjustment is a safe, efficient procedure which is performed nearly one million times every working day in the United States.?? There is a singular lack of actuarial data that would justify concluding that chiropractic care is in any way harmful or dangerous. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, therefore, the body?s response to chiropractic care is far more predictable than its reactions to drug treatments or surgical procedures. Of the nearly one million adjustments given every day in this country, complications are exceedingly rare. Perhaps the best summary statement on the subject of safety was published in 1979 by the Government of New Zealand which established a special commission to study chiropractic. They found:

?The conspicuous lack of evidence that chiropractors cause harm or allow harm to occur through neglect of medical referral can be taken to mean only one thing: that chiropractors have on the whole an impressive safety record.?

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Source: http://www.knupnet.com/latest-health-news/effective-low-cost-health-care/

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Sony Dwi Kuncoro topples Huan Go in Men&#39;s Singles semi-final at ...

Sony Dwi Kuncoro topples Huan Go in Men?s Singles semi-final at Indonesia Open GP Gold

Sony Dwi Kuncoro, the most passionate shuttler from Indonesia, put up spectacular show of top class badminton and thrashed China?s Huan Gao in Men?s Singles semi-final battle at the Indonesia Open GP Gold Badminton 2012 on Saturday, September 29, in Indonesia.

The in-form Kuncoro, who has been putting up spectacular show of top quality badminton in the whole tournament, continued his power play in the semi-final battle as well and toppled his un-seeded Chinese rival in a lopsided fashion.

The World Number 32 Kuncoro played with impressive precision on court and he did not face any trouble in beating Huan in straight sets with a superb margin in 41 minutes on court.

In the meanwhile, the lower ranked Huan could not continue his impressive run in the championship as he could not cope up with the positive and planned play of Kuncoro and went down without snatching any set.

In the first game, both shuttlers played with their maximum speed remained neck-to-neck at the opening stage.

The Chinese shuttler played with passion and he did not let Kuncoro to take lead until the end of opening half when both shuttlers remained close on score board.

After the break, Kuncoro started to create the difference by playing attacking badminton. He did not let Huan to play dominating game and stretched the lead.

The fifth seeded Kuncoro was in complete control of rallies at the ending points of opening set and he managed to win the first game with a tight 21-19 score on the board.

In the second game of this battle, Huan could not match the speed of Kuncoro who was everywhere in the court.

Indonesian shuttler was at his best when he executed powerful smashes in right areas and he managed to set up a superb lead until the break.

Kuncoro remained on driving seat in the concluding half of second set and he did not face any problem in winning it with a huge difference of 21-8.

The incredible Kuncoro easily wrapped up victory in semi-final contest against Huan with a striking 21-19 and 21-8 score on the board.

Source: http://blogs.bettor.com/Sony-Dwi-Kuncoro-topples-Huan-Go-in-Mens-Singles-semi-final-at-Indonesia-Open-GP-Gold-a191209

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Jay-Z christens Barclays Center with Brooklyn love

NEW YORK (AP) ? The newly built Barclays Center is the home of the Brooklyn Nets, and Jay-Z, an investor in the team, christened the venue Friday night in uniform, sporting a Nets hat and jersey as he rapped two dozen jams onstage in front of thousands.

Jay-Z performed for an excited and rowdy crowd of 18,000, wearing a jersey that featured his last name, Carter, and the number four. It was his first of eight shows at the venue.

As he emerged onstage, a video highlighting some of Brooklyn's historical moments ? like when it was named an official borough of New York City ? played in the background. There were also pictures of famous faces who were born in Brooklyn, from Michael Jordan to Al Capone to Aaliyah to Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys.

Jay-Z opened the show with the hometown anthems "Where I'm From," a song about his upbringing in Brooklyn's Marcy projects complex, and "Brooklyn Go Hard." He followed that with a tribute to one of Brooklyn's icons: the late Notorious B.I.G. He performed some of the rap vet's hit "Juicy" as the crowd joined in.

"Sing loud so he can hear you in heaven," said Jay-Z, who also held a moment of silence for the rapper, who was shot to death in 1997.

Another Brooklynite ? Big Daddy Kane ? made an appearance, performing songs like "Ain't No Half Steppin'" and "Warm It Up, Kane." He received a roaring cheer from the crowd when performing old-school dance moves with two dancers in all white.

Jay-Z said Friday's concert was incomparable to most of his other top-level performances, including the Grammys, Glastonbury or Coachella.

"Nothing feels like tonight," he told the crowd multiple times.

The audience was excited and wild, cheering on Jay-Z as blue laser lights beamed across the venue. A seven-piece band was placed a level above Jay-Z, who paced from left to right while performing jams like "Empire State of Mind," ''I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)," ''Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," ''99 Problems" and many others. Videos played on screens behind and above Jay-Z, while screens for fans in the higher sections ? though not large enough ? showed the rapper's performance on the left and right sides of the stage.

"I want to thank you, Brooklyn, New York City, for making me the man I am today," he said. "Like I said, everybody's from Brooklyn tonight."

A fan in the front section held up Jackie Robinson's Brooklyn Dodgers jersey, immediately grabbing Jay-Z's attention. He asked the fan for it and said: "I promise I'll give it back."

"Brooklyn had their heart broken," he said as he held up the jersey and referred to the Dodgers leaving for Los Angeles after the 1957 baseball season. "We cried for so many years. ...Look how far we've come."

Jay-Z will perform at Barclays through Oct. 6 with the exception of Oct. 2.

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Online:

http://www.barclayscenter.com/

___

Follow Mesfin Fekadu on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/musicmesfin.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/jay-z-christens-barclays-center-brooklyn-love-063248975.html

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