| David Nitkin on the O'Malley rumors
Bob Price, Lutherville: In his Feb. 10 column, [The Sun's] Dan Rodricks wrote that Joe Steffen is the "source of ... rumors" about Martin O'Malley. Has it been established or is there any evidence that Steffen is the "source" of the rumors rather than merely one of perhaps thousands of people who have been repeating a rumor that has been circulating for years?
Nitkin: Bob, no. There is no solid evidence that Steffen is the source of the rumors. In fact, posters on the FreeRepublic Web site, which Steffen was using, note that it would be a strange tactic to use a site devoted national politics to spread what is really a local or regional rumor.
Sean, Owings Mills: How do you know this Steffen fellow posted the info on the Web site? In other words, how do you know Steffen [posted under the handle] "ncpac"?
Nitkin: Sean, Steffen has personally confirmed in an interview with The Sun that he is "ncpac." He used to work for NCPAC, or the National Conservative Political Action Committee.
County zoning up for revisiting, tweaking
There's been some question that it should be revisited, and so we decided to open it back up," said Chairman Gene Bittel. "Obviously, the comment was made that this is a living document, and that it's best that we revisit it." In a unanimous decision, zoning commissioners agreed they would review the document and discuss possible changes at the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 6. The vote was 8-0, because commissioner Dick Klaus was absent. This process could take longer than one meeting, and even could become a series of meetings before a public hearing. The general public also will have the opportunity to participate. Written recommendations of corrections or additions for possible adoption can be submitted to the Ellis County Environmentalist's office before the next meeting.
Janice Peterson - DAILY HERALD
Utah residents may be exposed daily to a colorless, odorless gas without their knowledge, and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality would like to increase awareness throughout the state. January is National Radon Action Month, and the DEQ is encouraging Utahns to test their homes for the gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. According to the DEQ Web site, all 50 states have excessive radon levels, and one in four homes in Utah may have radon levels exceeding EPA standards. "It certainly should send the message that you could be living in a home that has radon," said Donna Kemp Spangler, spokeswoman for the DEQ. Spangler said numerous public information sessions are being held throughout the month to educate residents about the danger that may be in their homes.
Wetting Her Appetite
New year-end columns on the top Human Nature stories and privacy threats of 2007. (For discussions of the latest topics, check out the Human Nature Fray.) Nearly half the doctors in a survey admitted to using placebos. These are pills that have no proven benefit relevant to your problem, but they might make you feel better just because you think they'll help. Sample: 231 Chicago internists. Results: 1) 45 percent said they've used placebos. 2) 96 percent said "placebos can have therapeutic effects." 3) "Most believe in the mind–body connection." Ancient doctor's attitude: I can't explain why this drug would help you, but it will. Modern doctor's attitude: I can't explain why this drug would help you, so it won't. New doctor's attitude: I can't explain why this drug would help you, but it will.
Stealing tyres for kidney treatment
A transporter, who urgently needed money for the kidney treatment, allegedly took the drastic step of stealing a consignment of tyres worth Rs 8.50 lakh. As the fate would have it, the accused may till he get the treatment, albeit on government expenses will have to remain in a civil hospital. But, he would have to spend months or even years in incarceration for taking illegal course for arranging the money for his treatment. The accused, Mohd Kamil, was caught by an alert team of Janakpuri police led by SHO Mandeep Singh and ASI Harbans Singh yesterday night. He had stolen tyres from Delhi in connivance with his driver, Tulsi Ram. The police team used decoy customers to arrest both of them. Their third accomplice, Anil, who allegedly planned the conspiracy, is absconding. The accused lives with his mother in Sherpur Kalan.
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