A self-important bully in Venezuela threatens to cut off oil shipments to our country at a time of sky-rocketing gas prices. Each event poses a challenge and an opportunity. Will the next President have the experience, the judgment experience informs, and the strength of purpose to respond to each of these developments in ways that strengthen our security and advance the global progress of our ideals? Or will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested invading our ally, Pakistan, and sitting down without pre-conditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons? The most important obligation of the next President is to protect Americans from the threat posed by violent extremists who despise us, our values and modernity itself.

January 2006

It'll make his posts here more enjoyable in the future because I do. So, I'm going to lay down this challenge to the rest of you totally anonymous blurkers. I'd like to know who you are (via private e-mail, of course). It increases your standing on the blog in my eyes. And makes my blogging experience richer.

Prepare to say goodnight to some shows

The Writers Guild of America strike is officially over, but its effects will linger for a while on Fridays. According to various trade-magazine reports, the futures of Women's Murder Club and Friday Night Lights are in doubt, and I get the sense that folks shouldn't get too close to Las Vegas, either. CBS, meanwhile, has announced anticipated April returns for first-run episodes of Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight and Numbers.

Friday Night Smackdown!: And you thought Valentine's Day was over -- in this episode of the wrestling series, World Heavyweight Champ Edge gives Smackdown general manager Vickie Guerrero a valentine.

Non-ferrous Metallurgy

The nonferrous metallurgy industry is strongly export-oriented: up to 70% of the country's nonferrous metal production is exported. Aluminum makes up 48% of export volumes; nickel, 20%; and copper, 12% in terms of value. Most of the rest consists of precious metals produced by Norilsk Nickel (Nornikel).

The industry employs about 20% of the country's employable population and is growing dynamically: output volumes in nonferrous metallurgy increased by 7.1% in 2001. However, at present the industry's effectiveness is a result of low resource costs, including energy costs, and Russia's enormous mineral reserves rather than high technology. Therefore, nonferrous metallurgy is one of the most successful and at the same time one of the most problematic sectors of the economy, since it is the first to react to any changes in the country's macroeconomic situation.

NYSE takes stake in India’s MCX

NYSE Euronext has bought a 5 per cent stake in India's largest commodities exchange, expanding its presence in the fast-growing economy.

General launches Green march

This process of fast growth and socio-economic development demanded people's active participation. He said the administration and the public must work together to achieve the goals.

General Rodrigues said a world-class aquarium was being set up near the Sukhna lake as part of the strategy to add eco-friendly features in the Sukhna catchment area.

He asked the teachers and students to build a mass movement and to take a leadership role in planning, implementation and monitoring of these programmes on their own initiative for which the administration would provide help and support to facilitate the process.

General Rodrigues said Chandigarh had a green cover in 35.6 per cent of its total area and there was need for further expanding our endeavour and scope for making the city more green.