"Jack Kevorkian's decade-long assisted suicide campaign was never about compassion," says bioethicist and assisted suicide expert Wesley J. Smith. "It was about Kevorkian's obsession to engage in human vivisection." Smith, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and attorney for the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, urges the media to report the story of Jack Kevorkian's release from prison accurately and not promote the false myth of "Jack the Martyr." Kevorkian admitted ... [full story]

Ten years ago—I remember clearly—I stood outside the fitting room at Macy’s wearing a new blazer. I turned to get an opinion on the matter and found a witch. I know she was witch because her words haunt me to this day: “Forget the blazer; you should worry about your shoes.”  I didn’t listen to her because, well, I don’t listen to anyone, but her words must have stuck: I have been on a shoe-buying binge ... [full story]

Until this May, the last time I had visited the Los Angeles metropolitan area was about 16 months ago. During that trip, I spent a night in Sherman Oaks and another night in Agoura Hills before heading back home to Chicago.Recently, I arrived for a conference and spent time again wandering around these two communities.The only things that seem to have changed are the home prices (which appear to be dropping slightly) and the amount ... [full story]

You're a wonderful person, kind reader, and I've really enjoyed our relationship, but if you are expecting any further attention from me, you'd better wise up. Starting today, you're off my radar and out of my life. I'd love to spend more time relating with you, but honestly, you're just no longer worthy of a place in my network. If this seems harsh, let me recommend a few minutes of virtual networking with David Nour, ... [full story]

You know the rule: Food dropped on the ground is safe to eat if you pick it up within five seconds. Kids have been citing it for years as justification for eating, well, anything they want to eat.   THE 5-SECOND RULE - New England Researchers found no bacteria present on food samples that remained on the floor for five, 10 or 30 seconds. CNS Photo.    MEDTRONICA - The Family Patient Web site at www.familypatient.com is a ... [full story]

WASHINGTON - Tobacco companies spent a massive $135.9 million on marketing in Oregon in 2005, with most of it spent on marketing in retail stores that is effective at encouraging kids to smoke, according to a report released today by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The vast sums the tobacco companies spend to market their deadly and addictive products show the need for Congress to pass pending legislation granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ... [full story]

Game: "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar" Publisher: Midway System: Windows XP/Vista Cost: $50 plus monthly fee ESRB rating: T Review rating: 3 1/2 stars   'THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE' - In 'The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar' players can play as a no-name human, elf, dwarf or hobbit. CNS Photo courtesy of Midway.    HOBBIT WORLD - Throughout their adventures, players of 'The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows ... [full story]

LOS ANGELES - The Phil Spector trial judge said on Thursday that he would likely allow the acclaimed producer's lawyers to question a coroner about a "diary" kept by Lana Clarkson, in which she wrote about talking to dead people, including an unsuccessful actress who killed herself with a gun. "I'm leaning toward letting it in," Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler told lawyers shortly after Deputy Medical Examiner Louis Pena finished his third day ... [full story]

MACAU - The assignment was to accompany Philip Chiang, owner of the P.F. Chang China Bistro restaurants (155 nationally), and his executive chefs on a culinary journey through Macau in search of new menu items.   FINDING NEW FOOD - Philip Chiang, owner of the P.F. Chang China Bistro restaurants, in search of new menu items, samples the Garlic Prawns at Restaurante Porto in Macau. CNS photo by John Blanchette.    STREET EATS - Restaurants are not the ... [full story]

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland can be a little paradise in the summertime. The city streets are crowded with residents enjoying the neighborhood bistros and coffee shops, and the hopping breweries have helped change deserted warehouse districts into thriving nightspots. By mid-June, the constant gray mists of spring have melted away, revealing deep-blue-sky summer days. Temperatures are perfect for long evening strolls.   MAJESTIC MOUNT HOOD - A view of downtown Portland, dubbed 'The best little European ... [full story]