Mr. Buffett used his letter to crack jokes and issue more of his trademark aphorisms. The so-called Sage of Omaha, he is America’s most listened-to investor, and his annual letter is watched closely by investors for his assessment of his businesses and of the economy.

It has, however, taken on somewhat less importance in recent years as Mr. Buffett, 79, has raised his profile with more public speaking and interviews.

In characteristically blunt terms, he had harsh words for unnamed chief executives and directors who oversaw disasters at their companies during the crisis but “still live in a grand style.”

It won't be long before the show trial of the century will be staged in New York.

Yes folks, the creature from the dark side; the most evil man on the planet; America's nemesis .... no, not Usama ..... but the one & only Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Hollywood can't wait.  

from Crikey .....

A lingering technical question about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks still haunts some, and it has political implications: How did 200,000 tons of steel disintegrate and drop in 11 seconds? A thousand architects and engineers want to know, and are calling on Congress to order a new investigation into the destruction of the Twin Towers and Building 7 at the World Trade Center.

On January 5, 2010 the U.S. Department of Defense announced the appointment of 39 new members, and 12 senior fellows, to the Defense Science Board (DSB) - a federal panel that provides "independent, informed advice and opinion on scientific, technical, manufacturing, acquisition process, and other matters of special interest to the Department of Defense."

In a handout accompanying the Pentagon's press release, new members - who serve one- to four-year terms - were identified mostly by their former government jobs and past employers, with only a few current affiliations given.

The Federal Government is hoping the change of minister from Peter Garrett to Greg Combet will get its home insulation scheme back on track.

The industry is in free fall and Mr Combet's first task is to complete the package of assistance the Government hopes to offer soon to insulation businesses.

He is also now running all the Government's energy efficiency schemes including solar, green loans and insulation.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Mr Combet is highly competent.

From the BBC

The police say they have identified 15 more suspects - using British, French, Irish and Australian documents - over the killing, taking the total to 26.

Mr Rudd said Canberra would retaliate against any country found to be involved in forging its passports.

He said that Australia would first try to establish the facts, but that this was not "a minor matter."

read more at the BBC

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from the BBC

A day-long televised healthcare summit in Washington hosted by President Barack Obama has ended without a deal to break the deadlock between parties.

Mr Obama outlined his reform plan but Republicans said it was not acceptable and called for a fresh start.

The president and his allies want to expand health coverage to include millions of uninsured Americans.

Republican Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he was "discouraged by the outcome" of the summit.

Here's a story of two countries from the Middle East. One is an ancient civilization with a rich history that goes back five thousand years.

It's a functioning democracy with free elections held at regular intervals. It's a huge country of 70 million people. It has remained within its borders & hasn't attacked any country in the last 100 years. It is pursuing a nuclear power programme, which it insists is for peaceful purposes.

from Crikey .....

Joyce reveals Coalition debt debacle -- will heads roll?

Glenn Dyer writes:

from Crikey .....

Whatever the question, Labor's answer is ASIO

Canberra correspondent Bernard Keane writes:

From the BBC

Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni has applauded the controversial killing of a Hamas commander in a Dubai hotel by suspected Israeli agents.

"The fact that a terrorist was killed, and it doesn't matter if it was in Dubai or Gaza, is good news to those fighting terrorism," she said.

It is thought to be the first time a top Israeli has made such a comment.

Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was found dead in his room on 20 January, having been electrocuted and suffocated.

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By BRIAN KNOWLTON

from the ABC

The Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the recent attacks on Indian students in Melbourne show the city's streets are not safe and need better policing.

The Federal Government is reportedly paying for 25 Indian journalists to visit Australia.

But Mr Abbott says that money would be better spent on law enforcement.

There was something suspicious about the official triumphalism behind the announcement of the capture of the "Taliban's No 2", Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Karachi earlier this week in a "joint CIA and Pakistan intelligence operation". Now suspicions are growing across the region that this may have been one of the biggest double-crosses at a high level in the long and tangled wars afflicting Afghanistan and Pakistan.