"Isreali Defence Minister forgets to uncap binoculars as he inspects troops" Courtsey BBC News


Israeli newspapers have printed photos of Defence Minister Amir Peretz trying to watch military manoeuvres through binoculars with the lens caps still on.
Mr Peretz was inspecting troops in the Golan Heights with the Israeli army's new chief of staff, Gen Gabi Ashkenazi.
According to the photographer, "Mr Peretz looked through the capped binoculars three times, nodding as Gen Ashkenazi explained what was in view."
Analysts say it is a new blow for the embattled defence minister.
Mr Peretz's popularity has fallen in the wake of last year's war against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
But one Israeli paper pointed out that he is not the first prominent official to make this mistake.
According to daily Yediot Ahronot, US President George W Bush and former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon have both done the same thing.

Viagra used to save baby's life

"Viagra has been used by doctors on Tyneside as a last resort to save the life of a premature baby." BBC News

Lewis Goodfellow was born at 24 weeks weighing just 1lb 8oz. One of his lungs had failed and not enough oxygen was able to get into his bloodstream.
Doctors at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary then tried Sildenafil, also known under the trade name of Viagra, and Lewis is now home with his parents.
The drug opened up tiny blood vessels in the baby's lungs.
Parents Jade Goodfellow and John Barclay, from Walker, Newcastle believe the drug - more usually associated with anti-impotence - saved his life.
At one point they were so concerned he would not survive that they began planning a funeral.

Ms Goodfellow said: "Doctors said he couldn't be given any more oxygen. They were just clutching at straws basically. They explained it was experimental and may not have any effect at all."

Lewis was born in August 2006 and was finally allowed home in January, to the delight of his parents.
His mother said: "I don't think you could put into words how we feel."

To read the complete story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/6366693.stm

Cheers :)

World's Worst Dictator??

Came across this interesting survey; this US based magazine comes out with such a list every year...some well known dictators/presidents and some surprises such as Russian president "Vladimir Putin"...I always thought they had elections in Russia, but I guess I was wrong.

Check this out:
http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2007/edition_02-11-2007/Dictators

Cheers :)