Friday, March 24, 2006

Cruising the Caribbean

RELEASE THE TENSION

Tropical Beach
The Blog will not be updated between 25 March and 5 April.

We will be out of the blogosphere.

SM

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Images: Combat Camera, Fri. 24 Mar.

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Coalition Forces Free Activists, Activists Deny Rescuers

IRAQ/MIDDLE EAST

One of four kidnapped Christian peace activist American, Tom Fox of Clear Brook, Virginia, is seen in this image aired by Al Jazeera TV in a Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006 photo. The kidnappers of the four Christian peace activists threatened to kill them unless all Iraqi prisoners were released from Iraqi and U.S. prisons. An American who was among four Christian activists kidnapped last year in Iraq has been killed, a State Department spokesman said Friday. The FBI verified that a body found in Iraq Friday morning was that of Tom Fox, 54, of Clear Brook, Va., (Al Jazeera, file)
COMMENTLINE
No good deed goes unpunished, so goes the aphorism.

As evidenced by the stories linked below, so many so-called activists fail the true test of their humble piety when, in their effort to do what they believe to be most important, they lose sight of the most important thing.

In any case, a simple thanks would have sufficed.

NEWSLINE
"We believe that the illegal occupation of Iraq by Multinational Forces is the root cause of the insecurity which led to this kidnapping and so much pain and suffering in Iraq. The occupation must end."

NEWSBYTES
The Rescue
Three Christian Activists Rescued in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- U.S. and British troops Thursday freed three Christian peace activists in rural Iraq without firing a shot, ending a four-month hostage drama in which an American among the group was shot to death and dumped on a Baghdad street.

Canadian, British Peace Activists Freed in Iraq
BAGHDAD, March 23 (washingtonpost.com) -- Three Christian peace activists kidnapped last year in Iraq were freed Thursday in an early morning military operation, the British Embassy in Iraq announced.

The Snub
Relief & Regret
(pulse24.com)

Video

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How to Spot a Liberal Baby

POLITICS

Kerry and Kennedy
Howard Dean
COMMENTLINE
A recent study says it is possible to spot a baby conservative by its behavior.

Er, I know how to spot a liberal baby by its behavior ... no study needed.

And the point is?

NEWSLINE
It could be that whom we vote for has less to do with our judgments about tax policy or free trade or health care, and more with the personalities we've been stuck with since we were kids.

NEWSBYTE
How to spot a baby conservative
(thestar.com) -- KID POLITICS Whiny children, claims a new study, tend to grow up rigid and traditional. Future liberals, on the other hand ... Read more.

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Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Images: Combat Camera, Wed. 22 Mar.

Three EA-6B Prowler aircraft assigned to the Vikings of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Two Nine sit chained to the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) March 16, 2006. Stennis is currently conducting carrier qualifications in the Pacific Ocean. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Mark J. Rebilas, U.S. Navy. (Released)
Sailors aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) watch as a refueling probe crosses over from the USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) during a replenishment at sea in the South China Sea on March 19, 2006. The Blue Ridge is taking on fuel and stores from the underway replenishment oiler Diehl as the two ships steam in formation. DoD photo by Seaman Marc Rockwell-Pate, U.S. Navy. (Released)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian McDermott, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, coordinates security during a patrol in Mosul, Iraq, March 18, 2006. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. John M. Foster, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
A U.S. Army Soldier from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division provides security while fellow Soldiers search a hotel for insurgents and explosive devices in Bayji, Iraq, March 20, 2006. DoD photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill, U.S. Army. (Released)
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French Students Hold New Protests: Wed. 22 Mar.

INTERNATIONAL

A fireman confronts burning cars during rioting in the Reynerie neighbourhood in the southwestern French city of Toulouse November 9, 2005. One third of French people say they are racist, a French human rights watchdog said on Tuesday, after a survey that showed an increase from last year in the number of people who acknowledged being racist. The report, presented to Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, was conducted from November 17-22, 2005, immediately after several weeks of rioting in poor suburbs around the country. REUTERS/Jean-Philippe Arles
COMMENTLINE
Tension rises as new student protests prompt concerns that violence could reignite in city suburbs marred by last November's riots.

In related news, a new survey finds that 30 percent of French people consider themselves racist, prompting concerns that racism is becoming socially acceptable in France.

NEWSLINE
"There is a danger that the turmoil in the lycees and universities could reawaken the agitation in the suburbs where things are still extremely tense," France's interior minister and ruling party chief Nicolas Sarkozy said.

NEWSBYTES
French tensions at fever-pitch ahead of new day of youth jobs protests
PARIS (AFP) -- Tensions were at fever-pitch in France ahead of a new day of protests against Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin's contested youth labour law, amid growing fears that violence could reignite in the city suburbs hit by last November's riots.

French Student Groups Hold New Protests
PARIS (AP) -- French student groups, bolstered by a firm show of support from trade unions, led a new protest march Tuesday to ratchet up pressure on the premier to scrap a contested labor law.

French PM May Consider Jobs Law Changes
PARIS (AP) -- France's prime minister, his popularity plummeting amid weeks of protest over a contentious labor law, indicated Tuesday he could consider some changes to what he called a "well-crafted" measure. The country's largest student union scorned his effort as "ridiculous." Prime Minister...

French right looks to PM for way out of crisis
PARIS (Reuters) -- Protesters took to France's streets again on Tuesday and threatened a national strike as the government sought a way out of the crisis over a new law giving employers more leeway to dismiss young workers.

Student Discontent Runs Deep in France
PARIS (AP) -- When student demonstrators in France wear trash bags to protests, their message is: "We're not disposable." They're angry about a new government job plan that will allow employers to fire them more easily. But that's just the tipping point. The unemployment rate for France's young...

RELATED
Poll: French Self-Proclaimed Racism Rising
PARIS (AP) -- Some 30 percent of French people consider themselves at least somewhat racist, according to a report submitted to the government Tuesday, prompting concerns that racism is becoming socially acceptable.

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Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Images: Eyewitness Iraq, Tue. 21 Mar.

SHIITES OBSERVE ASHOURA

The Imam Hussein shrine in an early-morning photo. A mortar shell exploded in the centre of the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq as hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims gathered for a religious commemoration.(AFP/Ahmand Al-Rubaye) The sun sets over the Iman Hussein shrine in the holy Iraqi city of Kerbala, 110 km (68 miles) south of Baghdad March 19, 2006. Hundreds of thousands of Shi'ite pilgrims flocked to Kerbala on Sunday amid tight security to foil any sectarian attack, and an ex-prime minister said Iraq was already embroiled in civil war. A sea of people filled roads to Kerbala ahead of Arbain, mourning the dead in a 7th century battle that confirmed a schism in Islam that has left Iraq dangerously divided between Sunnis and Shi'ites today. REUTERS/Ceerwan Aziz
Shi'ite pilgrims gather near the Imam al-Abbas shrine during a religious ceremony in the holy Iraqi city of Kerbala, 110 km (70 miles) south of Baghdad, March 19, 2006. Hundreds of thousands of Shi'ite pilgrims flocked to Kerbala on Sunday amid tight security to foil any sectarian attack, and an ex-prime minister said Iraq was already embroiled in civil war. A sea of people filled roads to Kerbala ahead of Arbain, mourning the dead in a 7th century battle that confirmed a schism in Islam that has left Iraq dangerously divided between Sunnis and Shi'ites today. REUTERS/Ceerwan Aziz Shrine of al-Abbas, brother of Imam Hussein is seen illuminated, in Karbala, 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, March 19, 2006. Shiite Muslim pilgrims descended on the holy city of Karbala to mark the 40th and final day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson on March 20, 2006, who was killed in Karbala in 680 A.D., and thousands of Iraqi security forces braced for possible sectarian attacks. (AP Photo/ Hadi Mizban) Iraqi Shiite Muslims offer evening prayers at the Shrine of Imam Hussein, in Karbala, 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, March 20, 2006. A million Shiite Muslim pilgrims descended on the holy city of Karbala to mark the 40th and final day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson on Monday, who killed in Karbala in 680 A.D., as thousands of Iraqi security forces braced for possible sectarian attacks. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Iraqi Shiite Muslims throng to worship near the tomb of al-Abbas, brother of Imam Hussein, in Karbala, 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, March 20, 2006. A million Shiite Muslim pilgrims descended on the holy city of Karbala to mark the 40th and final day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, who was killed in Karbala in 680 A.D., as thousands of Iraqi security forces braced for possible sectarian attacks. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) Shi'ite pilgrims gather to pray outside the Imam Hussein shrine during a religious ceremony in the holy Iraqi city of Kerbala March 20, 2006. (Ceerwan Aziz/Reuters)

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Monday, March 20, 2006

Images: Tropical Cyclone Larry, Mon. 20 Mar.

A house lies completely destroyed in the northern Queensland town of Innisfail, 84 kilometers (52 miles) from Cairns, Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Cyclone Larry ripped roofs off buildings across Australia's northeastern coast packing winds up to 290 kph (180 mph), leaving an unknown number of people homeless but causing only a handful of minor injuries. Innisfail was hardest hit by the cyclone disrupting power, water and sewage in the region. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) Debris lies scattered around a home in the northern Queensland town of Innisfail, 84 kilometers (52 miles) from Cairns, Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Cyclone Larry ripped roofs off buildings across Australia's northeastern coast packing winds up to 290 kph (180 mph), leaving an unknown number of people homeless but causing only a handful of minor injuries. Innisfail was hardest hit by the cyclone disrupting power, water and sewage in the region. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
A semi-trailer lies on its side outside the northern Queensland town of Innisfail, 84 kilometers (52 miles) from Cairns, Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Cyclone Larry ripped roofs off buildings across Australia's northeastern coast packing winds up to 290 kph (180 mph), leaving an unknown number of people homeless but causing only a handful of minor injuries. Innisfail was hardest hit by the cyclone disrupting power, water and sewage in the region. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) A colorful scene on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, seen in 2003. Parts of the Great Barrier Reef, treasured as the world's largest living organism, were probably killed by Cyclone Larry on, an expert said(AFP/File) Power repair crews work to restore electricity to the northern Queensland town of Innisfail, 84 kilometers (52 miles) from Cairns, Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Cyclone Larry ripped roofs off buildings across Australia's northeastern coast packing winds up to 290 kph (180 mph), leaving an unknown number of people homeless but causing only a handful of minor injuries. Innisfail was hardest hit by the cyclone disrupting power, water and sewage in the region.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
A resident cleans up in side thier apratment in Innisfail in northern Queensland, 84 kilometers (52 miles) from Cairns, Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Cyclone Larry ripped roofs off buildings across Australia's northeastern coast packing winds up to 290 kph (180 mph), leaving an unknown number of people homeless but causing only a handful of minor injuries. Innisfail was hardest hit by the cyclone disrupting power, water and sewage in the region. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) A man looks into destroyed shops on the main street of Innisfail in northern Queensland, 84 kilometers (52 miles) from Cairns Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Cyclone Larry ripped roofs off buildings across Australia's northeastern coast packing winds up to 290 kph (180 mph), leaving an unknown number of people homeless but causing only a handful of minor injuries. Innisfail was hardest hit by the cyclone disrupting power, water and sewage in the region.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

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Images: Combat Camera, Mon. 20 Mar.

EYEWITNESS IRAQ

U.S. Marines from Combat Logistics Company 117, Combat Logistics Battalion 7, attempt to rig a rope from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to a CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter in Al Asad, Iraq, March 18, 2006. DoD photo by Lance Cpl. William Dubose, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)
U.S. Army Spc. Jason Raymond stands guard in a tower draped with camouflage netting at Forward Operations Base Taji in Iraq March 19, 2006. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael Larson, U.S. Navy. (Released)
U.S. Navy Sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two, Detachment Four, prepare to detonate a mortar found in a bunker outside of Ammunition Supply Point Wolf in Iraq March 17, 2006. DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Ben J. Flores, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)
Two female U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment search women before allowing them to enter the Kardum Shihan School in Bassam, Iraq, during a medical civic action program March 17, 2006. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Moses Sr., U.S. Army. (Released)
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Mainstream News Mulls Three Years in Iraq, Mon. 20 Mar. Afternoon

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Chris Robinette visits with some neighborhood children in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 3, 2006. Robinette is assigned to the 1480th Psychological Operations Detachment. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy L. Wood
.S. Army 1st Lt. Chris Robinette, assigned to the 1480th Psychological Operations Detachment, visits with some neighborhood children in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 3, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy L. Wood
COMMENTLINE
Today, the first day of spring, marks the third anniversary since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003.

In this edition of THE TENSION, the focus is on the human aspects of the war as reported in the U.S. this afternoon.

Highlights include the president's speech, discussions about sectarian violence and the insurgency, and the danger Iraq will descend into all-out civil war.

Please check out the Washington Post's timeline graphic, a story about the war's toll on battlefield journalists, and a special report from the Boston Globe on battlefield medicine.

For blog entries on protests making the aniversary, please see Mainstream News Mulls Three Years in Iraq, Mon. 20 Mar. and Images: Eyewitness Iraq, Sat. 18 Mar.

NEWSLINE
"The decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the right decision."

"America has never retreated in the face of thugs and assassins, and we will not begin now." President George W. Bush

NEWSBYTES
Military Investigating Deadly Raid in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- After a roadside bomb killed a U.S. Marine in western Iraq, American troops went into nearby houses and shot dead 15 members of two families, including a 3-year-old-girl, residents told The Associated Press on Monday.

U.S., Iraqi Troops Detain 66 Suspects, Seize Weapons
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2006 (American Forces Press Service) -- In the past week, U.S. and Iraqi forces detained more than five dozen suspected insurgents in Iraq, U.S. military officials reported.

More Deaths As Iraq War Enters Fourth Year
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Roadside bombings killed at least seven Iraqi policemen on Monday's third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion, and authorities said they found 14 bullet-riddled bodies dumped in the capital. South of Baghdad, millions of Shiite pilgrims poured into Karbala to complete 40 days...

Civil war fears grip Iraq on 3rd anniversary
BAGHDAD (Reuters) -- A major Shi'ite religious ritual unfolded amid heavy security in the sacred city of Kerbala on Monday as the specter of a sectarian civil war stalked Iraq on the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion.

Violence marks Iraq anniversary
(BBC) -- Iraq on Monday marked the third anniversary of the US-led invasion with new bombings, more sectarian tension and continued indecision on government.

FOX NEWS VIDEO
Military Perspective
Strategy for Victory

Bush Explains Confidence in Iraq Progress
(washingtonpost,com) -- President Bush said Monday that even though he understands how American confidence has been shaken by "horrific images" from Iraq and expects more tough fighting ahead, he remains confident that the U.S. strategy is working there.

Bush Still Upbeat on Outcome In Iraq
On Third Anniversary Of Invasion, President Foresees 'Victory'
(washingtonpost,com) -- President Bush and Vice President Cheney hailed the progress being made by Iraqi leaders to form a unity government yesterday, as the administration tried to dispel a growing perception that a continuing wave of sectarian violence has pushed Iraq into a full-fledged civil war.

Bush urges patience on Iraq
(Aljazeera.Net) -- The Bush administration is conveying a stay-the-course message on the third anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq, although a top military commander has acknowledged that the armed anti-US campaign is fiercer than expected.

Bush Shares His Optimism on Iraq
CLEVELAND (AP) -- President Bush sought Monday to emphasize progress over disillusionment after three years in Iraq, urging Americans to see a developing democracy beyond the frequent images of violence.

Bush: Iraq center of war on terror
CLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) -- In the face of flagging support for the Iraq war, President Bush said Monday that the country is the central front in the war on terror.

Bush defends Iraq war strategy
CLEVELAND, United States (AFP) -- US President George W. Bush defended his Iraq war strategy, as the conflict entered its fourth year amid mounting sectarian strife and lower-than-ever support in the United States.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Three Years of War
Washington Post Graphic

Journalist Death Toll High in Iraq War
PARIS (AP) -- More journalists and media staffers have been killed during the Iraq war than during any conflict since World War II, Reporters Without Borders said Monday, the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Frontline medicine
In combat hospitals in Iraq, despite 'incredible chaos,' all patients are equal; speed and innovative care save 96% of the wounded
MOSUL, Iraq (Boston Globe) -- The explosion sprayed white-hot shrapnel across the road, ripping the two Iraqi police officers' thighs open like meat on a butcher's block.

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Mainstream News Mulls Three Years in Iraq, Mon. 20 Mar.

GLOBAL ANTI-WAR PROTESTS MARK
THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ INVASION


Anti-war protesters march towards the U.S. Embassy in Manila Monday, March 20, 2006 to coincide with worldwide protests dubbed 'Global Day of Action' on the third anniversary of the war in Iraq. In a statement, the protesters 'grieve for the growing list of dead soldiers and civilians, as the war against the so-called terrorism rages.' (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Anti-war protesters display banners during a protest near the U.S. Embassy in Manila Monday, March 20, 2006 to coincide with the worldwide condemnation of the third anniversary of the war in Iraq. In a statement, the protesters 'grieve for the growing list of dead soldiers and civilians, as the war against the so-called terrorism rages.' (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
An anti-war protester raises a placard outside the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Monday, March 20, 2006 to mark the third anniversary of the U.S.-led war in Iraq and calls for the withdrawal of troop. (AP Photo/Lo Sai Hung) Anti-war protesters demonstrate Sunday, March 19, 2006, in Portland, Ore. The third anniversary of the U.S.-led war in Iraq drew tens of thousands of protesters around the globe, from hurricane-ravaged Louisiana to Australia, with chants of 'Stop the War' and calls for the withdrawal of troops. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)Anti-war protesters chant slogans outside the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Monday, March 20, 2006 to mark the third anniversary of the U.S.-led war in Iraq and calls for the withdrawal of troop. (AP Photo/Lo Sai Hung)
Maria Carrillo, a resident of Miami, prays over a mock coffin in front of makeshift tombs representing fallen US soldiers in Iraq as she participates in an anti-war rally in downtown Miami 19 March. More than two thirds of US citizens think US President George W. Bush is mishandling events in Iraq and almost a third believe civil war there is imminent, according to a Harris Poll published 17 March(AFP/Roberto Schmidt) Pakistani Islamists burn a U.S. flag during a rally in Multan, Pakistan, March 18, 2006. The rally was held to mark the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. REUTERS/Asim Tanveer

COMMENTLINE
Today, the first day of spring, marks the third anniversary since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003.

In this edition of THE TENSION, the focus is on local and global protests against the war as reported in the U.S. this morning. (CORRECTED)

NEWSLINE
The protests drew crowds far short of the millions who protested the Iraq invasion in March 2003 and the anniversary in 2004.

NEWSBYTES
Thousands Around Globe Call for End of War
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Protesters marking the third anniversary of the Iraq war made their voices heard across the world over the weekend, with the largest marches in Seoul, London and Portland, though in numbers that were often lower than in previous years.

Fewer Protest Iraq War's 3rd Anniversary
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Protesters marking the third anniversary of the Iraq war made their voices heard around the world, with the largest marches in London, Portland and Chicago, though in numbers that were often lower than in previous years.

DC METRO AREA
Peace protesters to stage `die-in' at Pentagon today
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WTOL) -- Protests against the Iraq war will continue today with a planned demonstration outside the Pentagon.

War Protesters March From VP's Home To Dupont Circle
Crowd Swelled To About 500 People
(nbc4.com) -- WASHINGTON -- Hundreds of protesters marched from Vice President Dick Cheney's home at the Naval Observatory to Dupont Circle Saturday afternoon to demonstrate against the war in Iraq.

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Images: Eyewitness Iraq, Mon 20 Mar.

(CORRECTED) Please visit THE TENSION.

I know better than to post anything before I fully wake up.

My apologies.

SM
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Sunday, March 19, 2006

Tropical Cyclone Larry Pounds Northeast Australia

This satellite image released by the Bureau of Meteorology shows cyclone Larry over northeastern Australia Sunday, March 19, 2006. Powerful tropical cyclone Larry packing winds of up to 290 kph (180 mph) ripped the roofs off buildings and destroyed houses as he smashed into the coastal community of Innisfail, about 100 kilometers (60 kilometers) south of Cairns, a popular jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef, sending hundreds of residents fleeing for higher ground Monday.(AP Photo/Bureau of Meteorology, HO) This satellite image released by the Bureau of Meteorology shows cyclone Larry Sunday, March 19, 2006. Powerful tropical cyclone Larry packing winds of up to 290 kph (180 mph) ripped the roofs off buildings and destroyed houses as he smashed into the coastal community of Innisfail, about 100 kilometers (60 kilometers) south of Cairns, a popular jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef, sending hundreds of residents fleeing for higher ground Monday. (AP Photo/Bureau of Meteorology, HO)
A vehicle drives on a street in rainstorm in Cairns, northeastern Australia, in this image taken from television Monday, March 20, 2006. Powerful Tropical Cyclone Larry, with winds of up to 290 kph (180 mph), ripped roofs off buildings and uprooted trees across Australia's northeastern coast Monday, packing winds so powerful that emergency workers were forced to stay inside despite pleas from terrified residents. (AP Photo/APTN) Trees fall down on the ground in front of a house in Cairns, northeastern Australia, in this image taken from television Monday, March 20, 2006. Powerful Tropical Cyclone Larry, with winds of up to 290 kph (180 mph), ripped roofs off buildings and uprooted trees across Australia's northeastern coast Monday, packing winds so powerful that emergency workers were forced to stay inside despite pleas from terrified residents. (AP Photo/APTN)

COMMENTLINE
There's some heavy weather downunder.

NEWSLINE
With winds up to 180 mph, Tropical Cyclone Larry smashed into the coastal community of Innisfail, about 60 miles south of Cairns, a popular jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef, sending hundreds of tourists and residents fleeing for higher ground.

NEWSBYTES
Tropical Cyclone Rips Northeast Australia
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- A powerful tropical cyclone ripped the roofs off buildings and uprooted trees in northeastern Australia, tearing across the region on Monday with devastating winds that kept emergency workers inside despite pleas from terrified residents.

'One in three' roofs gone
(Sydney Morning Herald) -- One in three houses have lost their roofs and several people have been hurt in the coastal town where Tropical Cyclone Larry made landfall.

Second cyclone following path of Larry
(Sydney Morning Herald) -- A second cyclone has formed behind Tropical Cyclone Larry but is not yet posing a threat to the far north Queensland coast.

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Images: Eyewitness Iraq, Sun. 19 Mar.

03/16/06 - A U.S. Army Soldier of 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division scans the area with binoculars while fellow Soldiers move a jersey barrier at a traffic control point on route Tampa in Bayji, Iraq, March 16, 2006. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill) (Released)
A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter transports U.S. Army Soldiers with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and Iraqi army soldiers during Operation Swarmer in Brassfield-Mora, Iraq, March 16, 2006. Operation Swarmer is a combined air assault operation to clear the area northeast of Samarra of suspected insurgents. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shawn Hussong) (Released)
02/21/06 - An F/A-18C Super Hornet aircraft launches from the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while under way in the Persian Gulf Feb. 21, 2006. Reagan is currently deployed on its maiden deployment conducting maritime security operations and participating in the war on terror. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kathleen Gorby)...
03/10/06 - Iraqi soldiers maintain perimeter security after an improvised explosive device attack on a convoy of U.S. Army and Iraqi forces on their way to deliver medical supplies to the community of Halasba, Iraq, March 10, 2006. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael Larson) (Released)
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NOTE: Images by U.S. Military; used with permission.

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