Conservatives: Blame Immigrants for Swine Flu

The Huffington Post | Rachel Weiner | 04/28/09 10:23 a.m

Michelle Malkin/Mexico City/Glenn Beck

 Conservative media hosts, including Michelle Malkin and Glenn Beck, have placed the blame for the spread of swine flu to the United States squarely on the shoulders of undocumented Mexican immigrants. Some even suggested yesterday that Mexicans were purposefully carrying the virus across the border to sabotage the United States.

Religion in America, ‘a la carte’

A new survey finds that as many as 59 percent of U.S. adults have changed religious affiliation at least once.

 

David Duprey / AP file

Survey: Americans switch faiths often

‘Religion a la carte’ is pervasive, sociology professor says

           

April 27, 2009

DENVER – The United States is a nation of religious drifters, with about half of adults switching faith affiliation at least once during their lives, according to a new survey.

The reasons behind the swap depend greatly on whether one grows up kneeling at Roman Catholic Mass, praying in a Protestant pew or occupied with nonreligious pursuits, according to a report issued Monday by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.

Pirate Attack Repelled by Italian Cruise Ship Guards

From The Times April 27, 2009

Italian cruise ship guards fire shots to repel pirates near Seychelles 

Richard Owen in Rome

The captain of an Italian cruise ship with 1,527 people on board described yesterday how his ship fought a running battle with pirates. Commander Ciro Pinto of the MSC Melody, carrying 991 passengers and 536 crew, said the ship was left with smashed windows and bullet holes on its port side after six pirates trying to board the vessel fired at least 200 rounds with assault rifles from their dinghy.