“The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) recently revealed plans to build a directory of mobile phone numbers, accessible via 411 services. The opt-in list is targeted at professionals who use their mobile phone for business. Although privacy advocates are protesting, a CTIA spokesperson said the list will not be published or sold to third parties. Customers will not be listed without express consent, and there will be no charge to be unlisted. The service is expected to launch in early 2005. Of the major national carriers, only Verizon Wireless is not participating, instead suggesting that customers who want their wireless number to be listed should pay to be listed in Verizon’s phone books.” (phonescoop.com)

The first signs of uranium sickness surface in troops returning from Iraq. “American soldiers also are beginning to suffer injuries from a silent and pernicious weapon material of U.S. origin—depleted uranium (DU).

DU weaponry is fired by U.S. troops from the Abrams battle tank, A-10 Warthog and other systems. It is pyrophoric, burning spontaneously on impact, and extremely dense, making DU munitions ideal for penetrating an enemy’s tank armor or reinforced bunker. It also is the toxic and radioactive byproduct of enriched uranium, the fissile material in nuclear weapons.” (In These Times [via wood s lot] )

“The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) recently revealed plans to build a directory of mobile phone numbers, accessible via 411 services. The opt-in list is targeted at professionals who use their mobile phone for business. Although privacy advocates are protesting, a CTIA spokesperson said the list will not be published or sold to third parties. Customers will not be listed without express consent, and there will be no charge to be unlisted. The service is expected to launch in early 2005. Of the major national carriers, only Verizon Wireless is not participating, instead suggesting that customers who want their wireless number to be listed should pay to be listed in Verizon’s phone books.” (phonescoop.com)