Saturday A.M. grazing

Vessel Measures Record Ocean Swells - Der Spiegel
1 April 06

A British research team has observed some of the biggest sea swells ever measured. A whole series of giant waves hammered into their ship that were so big, according to computer models used to set safety standards for ships and oil rigs, they shouldn't even exist. [more]

Officials 'determined' to change textbooks - The Asahi Shimbun
31 March 06

Textbook editors said they were surprised by the determination of screening officials this year to ensure text references to Yasukuni Shrine, Iraq and territorial disputes followed the government line. [more]

Navy team to US to seal deal on large amphibious warship - The Indian Express
1 April 06

The purchase, agreed in principle, will make India the first country apart from the US to own and operate an Austin-class landing vessel. The 35-year-old warship is currently undergoing a refit and upgrade in Norfolk, Virginia. While the Navy’s pair of Magar-class landing ship tanks (LSTs) can transport and land 500 troops or 15 armoured vehicles onto a beach, the much larger Trenton can land 1,500 troops. It can also be used to land large amounts of relief in the event of a tsunami-like disaster. [more]

Strong protest lodged with Kabul over killing of 16 innocent Pakistanis - Pakistan Times
1 April 06

ISLAMABAD: As the nation of Pakistan was preparing to celebrate its Republic Day Thursday, Government of Afghanistan returned dead bodies of 14 Pakistanis who were gunned down by Afghanistan by the men of Afghan Commander Abdul Raziq who belongs to Achakzai tribe.

All those Pakistanis had gone to Kabul to attend Jashan-e-Norooz. They were picked up from Kabul, their hands were tied when they were killed in Spin Boldek.

They belong to Noorzai ribe. Pakistan Foreign Ministry summoned Afghan Ambassador to lodge strong protest with Afghan government over the brutal killings of Pakistani nationals and demanded prudent action against those who committed the crime.
[more]