newsbriefs

For the first time in its history, the umbrella organization Greenpeace has been indicted for civil disobedience undertaken by its supporters. The federal indictment of two activists who boarded a cargo boat off the coast of Florida in April 2002 represents a turning point in American dissent, says Greenpeace. "Never before has our government criminally prosecuted an entire organization for the free speech activities of its supporters," said John Passacantando, the executive director of Greenpeace USA.

At least Gov. Schwarzenneger won't be able to run for president, right? We'll see. Orrin Hatch has proposed what some are calling the"Arnold Amendment," a constitutional amendment that would change the rule that only "natural born citizens" can hold the top executive office.

Save endangered species by allowing them to be killed, that's essentially the Bush administration's new plan. As the Washington Post reports, Bush is: "proposing far-reaching changes to conservation policies that would allow hunters, circuses and the pet industry to kill, capture and import animals on the brink of extinction in other countries. Giving Americans access to endangered animals, officials said, would feed the gigantic U.S. demand for live animals, skins, parts and trophies, and generate profits that would allow poor nations to pay for conservation of the remaining animals and their habitat."

How to turn your hard-drive into a Buddhist prayer (mani) wheel.