National Bulletin

Scientists have confirmed that the swine flu is now in Middle Tennessee. The World Health Organisation, which has placed the situation at level 5 out of 6, says the swine flu is spreading rapidly. "Nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases."

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said, "All countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans. It really is all of humanity that is under threat in a pandemic." Health departments, hospitals and clinics are quickly preparing for emergency situations as the swine flu continues to develop throughout the United States.

First it's global cooling, then global warming - what next? Were we entering "another ice age" just over 30 years ago, according to suggestions in a 1974 issue of Time magazine? - or have we all of a sudden entered a raging inferno, according to Al Gore and certain other liberals?

A "growing number of scientists are beginning to suspect that many seemingly contradictory meteorological fluctuations are actually part of a global climatic upheaval. However widely the weather varies from place to place and time to time, when meteorologists take an average of temperatures around the globe they find that the atmosphere has been growing gradually cooler for the past three decades. The trend shows no indication of reversing. Climatological Cassandras are becoming increasingly apprehensive, for the weather aberrations they are studying may be the harbinger of another ice age." (Read More)

In a memo obtained by CBS "the Federal Aviation Administration's James Johnston said the agency was aware of "the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes" in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor's office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out."

Sen. Charles Schumer said. "It's what gives Washington and government a bad name. It's sheer stupidity." Barack Obama ordered a "review" of the publicity stunt with one of the planes that serves as Air Force One costing taxpayers $328,835. In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Senator John McCain of Arizona wrote, "The supposed mission represents a fundamentally unsound exercise in military judgment and may have constituted an inappropriate use of Department of Defense resources". (See Also: "Flight Down Memory Lane")

Relying on reports from online security experts, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent e-mails and Web sites trying to take advantage of the current swine flu outbreak. Scammers read newspapers, watch TV, and surf the Internet and they know that by using a hook from the day's top headlines, they'll be able to scam a lot of people.

According to McAfee, an online security company, spammers began pumping out e-mails as soon as the first accounts of swine flu were being reported in the news, accounting for two percent of all spam messages. The messages include such subject lines as, "Madonna caught swine flu!" and "Swine flu in Hollywood!" The company reports that the e-mails do not contain malware but often link to online pharmacies.

Another online security company says more than 250 Web sites with the term "swine flu" were registered within the first few days following the announcement of the outbreak and predict that the scam artists are preparing to use such Web sites in a variety of different online scams. There is also a "Swine Flu Survival Guide" PDF available now, for $19.95.

BBB offers the following advice to avoid swine flu scams: 1) Avoid opening e-mail from an unknown source and do not click on any links in the body of the e-mail or open any attachments. Instead, delete the e-mail or report it to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding the e-mail to spam@uce.gov. 2) Don't believe online offers for vaccinations against swine flu because a vaccine does not exist. For more information on swine flu and updates on progress in fighting the outbreak, go to www.cdc.gov/swineflu 3)Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up to date and all operating system security patches have been installed. If your computer becomes infected as the result of a spam e-mail about swine flu, you can report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

According to a report in the Guardian, Iranian terrorist president Ahmadinejad has adopted Obama's signature campaign slogan, "Yes We Can."

Apparently, Obama and terrorists have been sharing the campaign slogan for around four or five years now.

The U.S. government is planning to spend $420 million on border crossings, including one crossing that only had two vehicles per day last year. Some of America's busiest crossings will receive no part of the stimulus funds, reports Thomas Frank of USA Today. (Read More)

North Korea threatened to go forward with nuclear missile testing unless the UN Security Council makes an apology for its condemnation of a recent launch. The BBC reports that "Pyongyang said it would be compelled to take self-defence measures 'including nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests' if no apology was made" by the UN. (Read More, See Also: "N. Korea threatens nuclear, missile tests")

With announcements from GM to cut more than 21,000 jobs and drop the Pontiac brand, along with countless home foreclosures across the nation (more than two dozen recently in Benton County), and record low unemployment rates - how did Obama perform during his first 100 days?

Bob Willis of Bloomberg reports that the "US economy plunged again in the first quarter, capping its worst performance in five decades, reflecting a record slump in inventories and further declines in housing."

Joe Scarborough, Glenn Beck and others write on Obama's short, error-prone time in office. See "100 Days, 100 Mistakes".

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a "state of emergency" Tuesday due to the the swine flu that has thus far killed a reported 149 people in Mexico.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Committee met yesterday morning to discuss the worldwide swine flu epidemic. Reports from various countries indicate the flu is much more wide spread than initially thought. The death toll and cases continue to rise globally. In an update yesterday, WHO said, "The current situation regarding the outbreak of swine influenza A(H1N1) is evolving rapidly. As of 27 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1)." Deaths in Mexico have now surpassed 150.

(See Also: "Baxter Sent Bird Flu Virus to European Labs by Error," "Officials investigate how bird flu viruses were sent to unsuspecting labs," "Swine Flu Pandemic," "What it is, symptoms, how to fight it")

Hundreds of New Yorkers were running for their lives and evacuating office buildings in a panic when Obama's plane flew over Lower Manhattan yesterday in an attempt at a "photo opt." The so-called "photo opt" costs tax payers money and now there is talk of class action law suits due to the loss of business and panic that the Obama administration caused.

One person on Youtube referred to the stunt as "stupid" and "terroristic", adding "is this what he meant by change?"

"Of all the gaffes that have summed up the Obama Administration, none more perfectly reflects its out-of-touch cluelessness than having a fighter jet chase Air Force One over the socket where the World Trade Center should be for the sake of some cheesy photo op." (From MoonBattery.com)

With the new White House administration there is no more use of the words "terrorists" or "terrorism" - instead, Obama officials are opting for the phrase "man-made disasters", showing the soft approach Obama and his officials have toward terrorists and any possible attack on the U.S. Obama's recent comments appear that he would rather be playing golf and bragging by telling others how he has a "gift" for speaking.

FOX News reports that "President Obama is losing sight of the threats against the homeland, reviving the mindset of the Clinton era when terrorism was treated more as a criminal offense than an act of war." (Read More)

Camden, TN - In a letter obtained by Kentucky Lake Times National Bulletin, dated September 7, 2007, the past election process was questioned by the state of Tennessee. The letter is from the Department of State - Division of Elections in Nashville, to the previous Administrator of Elections with the Benton County Election Commission in Camden.

The letter indicates that the "the election commission tested the early voting machines, but did not print the results tapes from these machines. Questions about whether the the election commission should have printed the tally tapes of the early voting machine test elections have been raised."

The letter continues: "The fact that the statute prohibits the printing of the early voting results tapes until the absentee counting board convenes on election day, does not interfere with or cancel the requirement that the early voting machines be properly and completely tested before being used in the election...the proper testing of the early voting machines plays an imperative part to assuring a fair and accurate election. To be clear, a complete test of the early voting machines includes the printing of the results tapes from the early voting test election."

"The election commission must assure that after the election, but before the official certification of the election results, that an audit of the early voting machine tapes and the election day precinct voting machine tapes has been accomplished. This audit of each voting machine used in the election must be the basis for the final and official certified election results." (Download the PDF version of the letter - 1.6 megs) {Discuss this topic on BentonCountyIssues.com}

How safe will your Google searches be in the future? Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive, has been appointed as Obama's advisor. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Schmidt will have "a seat of influence, potentially on issues that impact Google like network neutrality, privacy and copyright."

The internet search giant has often come under fire due to alleged privacy issues. One family in Pennsylvania brought a law suit against Google for what was referred to as "invasion of privacy" concerning eye level views of their home, including their backyard and pool, posting the photographs on their map service. Google has since removed the photographs. (See Also: Obama-Google connection scares competitors - Conflict of interest?)

While newspapers continue to take a bad turn for old media, online news readership continue to rise. "The last six months have been nightmarish for the newspaper [print] industry." (Read More)

According to a report by Reuters, the president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, "said on Monday that the whereabouts of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden remained a mystery and there was a suspicion that he could be dead."

Osama bin Laden, a Muslim terrorist, has been on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugutive" lists for some time. He is wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, which killed over 200 people. The FBI says, "In addition bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world."

A public health emergency was declared by the U.S. government on Sunday, April 26, due to the global outbreak of swine flu that has infected countless individuals throughout the world, including more than 20 people in the U.S. in possibly five states. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 8 cases in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio have been confirmed.

Well over 100 people infected by the swine flu have died in Mexico with more than 1,600 now suffering from its affects. Reports indicate the flu has reached several other countries outside of the U.S. and Mexico. Some authorities have said the flu may be out of control. In a statement on Saturday, the WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, said that the "current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern." Meanwhile, mainstream media continues to downplay the flu's global affects or provide late reports to the public at best. Obama said Monday that the flu is not a cause for alarm. (See also: Swine Flu Outbreak Not a Cause for 'Alarm,' Obama Says)

Pete Cashmore at Mashable.com says, "In another targeted shot at Twitter, Facebook is expected to announce on Monday that developers can take the streams of Facebook status updates on user profiles and mix them into new applications. Just like the massive Twitter ecosystem, this could lead to a blossoming of innovation around Facebook streams." (Read More)

General Motors Corp. is expected to announce the details of its major restructuring plan Monday, April 27, including news of its doing away of its Pontiac brand. Also expected are more factory closures and more job cuts as it continues an attempt to survive in the current U.S. economic crisis under the Obama administration.

UPDATE: General Motors announced it will cut 21,000 U.S. jobs by 2010, and do away with its Pontiac brand. GM requested the government to take company stock in exchange for half of GM's government debt.

Douglas Turner, writing in the Buffalo News, said, "Obama and radical allies on his left spent last week tantalizing our terrorist enemies and the public with the release of classified interrogation documents and holding out the possibility of show trials of Bush administration officials. In these clumsy moves, Obama has come close to impaling himself on the strongest suit that President George W. Bush left the Republican Party. And that is that Bush kept the 50 states safe for the seven years and four months after 9/11." (Read More)

Somalia - Why isn't Secretary Clinton connecting the dots?

Senator Gregg statement on his withdrawal for consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary... (Read More)

Police were forced to fire pellets and use pepper spray to break up rioting students at a university block party which became out of control. Students at the liberal university Kent State are also blamed for several street fires.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice because the product has been linked to Salmonella serotype Saintpaul contamination. Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time.

The investigation indicates that the problem may be linked to contamination of seeds for alfalfa sprouts. Because suspect lots of seeds may be sold around the country and may account for a large proportion of the alfalfa seeds currently being used by sprout growers, and cases of illness are spread across multiple states, FDA and CDC are issuing this general advisory. FDA will work with the alfalfa sprout industry to help identify which seeds and alfalfa sprouts are not connected with this contamination, so that this advisory can be changed as quickly as possible.

CDC, FDA and six State and local authorities have associated this outbreak with eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have reported 31 cases of illness with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul to CDC. Most of those who became ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Some reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants; others reported purchasing the raw sprouts at the retail level.

The illnesses began in mid-March. Cases are still being reported, and possible cases are in various stages of laboratory testing, so illnesses may appear in other states. No deaths have been reported. The number of infected people may be higher than currently reported because some illnesses have not yet been confirmed with laboratory testing.

The CDC and FDA recommend at all times that persons at high risk for complications, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems, not eat raw sprouts because of the risk of contamination with Salmonella or other bacteria. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as meningitis and bone infections.

Initial investigation results trace the contaminated raw alfalfa sprouts to multiple sprout growers in multiple states. This suggests a potential problem with the seeds used, as well as the possible failure of the sprout growers involved to appropriately and consistently follow the FDA Sprout Guidance issued in 1999. The guidance recommends an effective seed disinfection treatment immediately before the start of sprouting (such as treating seed in 20,000 parts per million Calcium hypochlorite solution with agitation for 15 minutes) and regularly testing the water used for every batch of sprouts for Salmonella and E coli O157:H7 contamination.

This outbreak appears to be an extension of an earlier outbreak in 2009. In February and March, an outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections occurred in Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota. This outbreak was linked to raw alfalfa sprouts, and the outbreak strain was indistinguishable from that of these recently reported cases. A separate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections was also linked to sprouts in 2009. In the 1990s, a number of outbreaks related to sprouts led FDA to issue its guidance. Experience over the past decade has shown that the likelihood of Salmonella in sprouts can be minimized when recommendations from FDA’s Sprout Guidance are followed.

Preventive controls are very important in the growing of all raw sprouts. FDA reminds sprout growers to be vigilant in their food safety practices and strongly encourages sprout growers to follow the Agency’s Sprout Guidance. Additionally, the United Fresh Produce Association has advised all of its members to follow FDA’s guidance on sprouts. FDA appreciates that the produce industry has reinforced this message and reminds retailers that it is prudent to sell sprouts from growers who follow FDA's recommendations. For persons who continue to eat sprouts, visit (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2002 consumer advisory, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/tpsprout.html).

A 5K walk, 5K run and 5K / 25K biathlon (combination run and bike race) is scheduled for May 9, 2009 at Waverly Junior High School (520 East Main St., Waverly, TN). Race day registration begins at 6:45 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. The actual race begins at 8:00 a.m. There are benefits for participants who register by April 30th as follows: 1) Registration Fee would be $5 less, 2) Free commemorative race T-shirt will be received. Proceeds will be utilized to help those in need to provide free eye exams, eyeglasses and surgeries who qualify; annually test elementary school children's eyes to prevent blindness; and provide hearing aid, diabetes and disabilities assistance.

Sons and daughters, take your parents! Friends, take your wheelchair-bound shut-in out for a spring ride! Grandparents, take the grandchildren! Children, walk the dog, cat or whatever pet you have! For information, call Dan Artis (931-296-1270)

From California to New York, an estimated 700 "golden age" Veterans will travel to Birmingham, Ala., to compete June 1-5 in the world's largest sports and recreational competition for senior Veterans.

The Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, bicycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot put.

The games are designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Through a partnership with the National Senior Games Association, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the games serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games held every other year.

The majority of the competitive events for the Golden Age Games, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1. The competition begins with golf on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a.m., at Highland Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the convention center. For more information on the Golden Age Games, log onto the games Web site or call Jenny Tankersley Ballou, public affairs coordinator for the National Veterans Golden Age Games, at (757) 728-3450 or (757) 660-5239.

FOX News reports: "The head of the World Health Organization says the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the United States could develop into a pandemic." Meanwhile, the border continues to remain open. (See also: FOX News, Reuters)

According to U.S. officials, president Barack Hussein Obama is now bringing Chinese Muslims into the United States. Obama's administration officials said that this move would be a good example to other nations. Fears from Homeland Security and public outcry appear to have been ignored by officials. The Chinese government referred to these Muslims as "domestic terrorists." (See also: UPI, HotAir)

•  Jump the Night Away. Bring your little ones (2-14 years old) for a "hopping" good time during open play at Party Jump, 1874 Bell Avenue Thursday – Saturday. Call for times at 731-642-3005

•  Swim under the Eiffel Tower. The swimming pool at the Paris Memorial Park opens Memorial Day Weekend. Call 731-644-2517 for information.

•  April 26 – Last chance to ride the Tilt-a-Whirl. Fish Fry Carnival opens at the Fairgrounds from 1 – 6 p.m.

•  April 28 – Inman Middle School Strings present their Spring Concert at 6 p.m. at the Krider Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 731-642-8131.

•  April 30 – Inman Middle School Chorus entertain at the school at 7 p.m. For more information, call 731-642-8131.

A recent, anonymous poll taken by the National Bulletin in Benton and Henry County (Tennessee), reveals that 2 out of 10 Democrats believe displaying the American flag is a "racist" statement. The National Bulletin polled a total of 300 Democrats, Republicans and independents throughout the towns of Camden, Eva, Big Sandy and Paris. The poll was conducted from February 10th through April 24th. Participants were asked if they believed it to be a racist act to display the American flag and asked for each participant's race. There were 83 white/Caucasian Democrats and 93 white/Caucasian Republicans. Ages ranged from 18 to 50.

100% of Republican and 98% of independent participants expressed that displaying the American flag in public was not "racist." A total of 13 Democrats said they would prefer to fly a "Che Guevara flag" instead of the American flag. Che Guevara was a South American Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader. National Bulletin's readers will remember that Barack Obama received criticism months ago when some of his campaign headquarters' began using the Che Guevara flag. Conservatives believe that flying the Guevara flag is a sign of socialist sympathies. Che Guevara has become a symbol for many communists and appears that it is becoming more popular since the presidential election.

"The lions and their new cub, the snow leopards, and the penguins are safe – for now." (WCBSTV)

If you receive a text from 866-230-1579 @ccuky.org that states, "call us immediately, verification needed on your debit/ATM card" delete the text. This is a scam. BBB has seen several scams similar to this one in recent months. These are phishing scams, where the scam artists are trying to get your personal information.

Paris, TN - No bones about it – everyone wants to visit the Fish Tent at the 56th Annual World's Biggest Fish Fry where the Henry County Jaycees will serve golden fillets for four days of fantastic, fried catfish.

The fish start frying on Wednesday, April 22 at the Bobby Cox Memorial Fish Tent on the Henry County Fairgrounds. Be there for the opening ceremonies at 5:00 pm when World's Biggest Fish Fry Hostess Princess Amanda Belew tosses out the first hushpuppy and members of local service organizations yell out "hot fish" as they begin serving. The Fish Tent, sponsored by First Bank opens at 5:00 pm, Thursday, April 23; 11:00 am, Friday, April 24; 11:00 am Saturday, April 25. The Enoch Building, at the Henry County Fairgrounds will serve as the Fish Tent this year.

The fresh, fried catfish fillet dinners include golden brown French fries, homemade white beans, delicious coleslaw, hushpuppies made from a secret recipe and a drink. The all-you-can-eat dinners are only $10.

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry is April 20 - April 26, the last full week in April. It is a week of fun with dances and concerts, rodeos and parades. Check out worldsbiggestfishfry.com for more information about the Fish Tent and other exciting events at the 56th Annual World's Biggest Fish Fry or call Fish Fry Headquarters at (731) 644-1143.

"The indictment delivered to state and federal prosecutors yesterday is one of the developments in the dispute over Obama's eligibility to be president under the U.S. Constitution's requirement that presidents be 'natural born' citizens." (Read More)