Associated Press - April 18, 2009 12:25 PM ET

ABILENE, Texas (AP) - On one thing prosecutors and Romeo Pinkerton agree: The case of the murders of 5 people abducted from a Kilgore Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant is far from closed.

Pinkerton's serving a life sentence for 1 of the most notorious mass murders in Texas, which Pinkerton insists he had no part in.

That didn't stop him from taking a plea deal a year and a half ago that sent him to prison for five life terms for the Sept. 23, 1983, murders. He tells The Associated Press in a prison interview that "the real killer is out there still walking around."

A spokesman for Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says the case "is open and ongoing" as authorities hunt for at least one other man to join Pinkerton and a cousin, Darnell Hartsfield, in prison for the slayings.

Pinkerton said he took the plea deal midway through his 2007 trial because he felt his life was in jeopardy while he was locked up in the Bowie County Jail. That's where his trial was moved because of publicity closer to Kilgore.

Pinkerton had faced a possible death sentence if convicted of 5 capital murder charges.

DNA evidence shows a third person was involved in the fatal attacks and raped 1 of the slain women. But that person's identity remains unknown.

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By Shirl McArthur

WHILE THERE may be a new Congress and a new administration promising “change,” the 111th Congress wasted no time, even while faced with pressing domestic economic issues, in showing that congressional blind support for Israeli actions, regardless of how egregious, has not wavered. Within a week of convening, and in the middle of Israel’s onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza, both the Senate and the House managed to find time to pass similar resolutions expressing their “vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders and recognizes its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens…” The Senate version, S.Res. 10, passed Jan. 8 with 34 co-sponsors, concludes that sentence with “…against acts of terrorism.” But the harsher House version, H.Res. 34, passed Jan. 9 with 117 co-sponsors, concludes the sentence with “…against Hamas’s unceasing aggression.”

Both resolutions place exclusive blame for the crisis on Hamas, faithfully following the “talking points” distributed by the legions of Israeli propagandists who fanned out across the U.S. and Europe. Several “whereas” clauses describe Hamas’s transgressions, but make no mention of such Israeli actions as its blockade of Gaza, depriving 1.5 million people of food, fuel, and medicines.

Some U.S. pro-peace groups have cited some positive, constructive elements in the resolutions that may not have been in previous such resolutions. Americans for Peace Now’s Legislative Roundup for Jan. 9, citing Hill sources, points out that, while previous such resolutions likely would have been drafted by “an outside group” (AIPAC, per chance?), these resolutions were drafted by congressional staff. One positive example cited by the groups is the “whereas” clause stating that the humanitarian situation in Gaza “is becoming more acute.” However, that clause is immediately followed by one claiming that “Israel has facilitated humanitarian aid to Gaza with hundreds of trucks and numerous ambulances entering the Gaza Strip” since the fighting began.

There is also the “resolved” clause (in the Senate version) that “the lives of innocent civilians must be protected and all appropriate measures should be taken to diminish civilian casualties and that all involved should continue to work to address humanitarian needs in Gaza.” But the House version says that “the lives of innocent civilians must be protected to the maximum extent possible, expresses condolences to innocent Palestinian and Israeli victims and their families, and reiterates that humanitarian needs in Gaza should be addressed promptly and responsibly.”

Previous such resolutions likely would have been drafted by “an outside group.”

Another positive feature cited is the support for the “peace process,” beginning with the resolutions’ title, “Recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the U.S.’s strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.” However, while that title was in H.Res. 34 as introduced, the version that passed the House omitted the title. The Senate’s final “resolved” clause succinctly “reiterates its strong support for U.S. government efforts to promote a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a serious and sustained peace process that leads to the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure State of Israel.” But the House version of that clause pointedly avoids referring to the peace process, saying instead it “reiterates its strong support for a just and sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in order to ensure the welfare, security, and survival of the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and a viable, independent, and democratic Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with the state of Israel.”

S.Res. 10 passed unanimously by voice vote. H.Res. 34 passed on a roll call vote of 390-5 with 22 voting “present” (abstaining) and 16 not voting. For the complete list of those voting “no” or “present,” see the March 2009 Washington Report, p. 5.

Meanwhile, for good measure, on Jan. 6 Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), with no co-sponsors, introduced S.Res. 6 “expressing solidarity with Israel in Israel’s defense against terrorism in the Gaza strip.” And for sheer gall, on Jan. 9 Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), with two co-sponsors, introduced H.Res. 37 “condemning Hamas for the recent attacks against Israel.”

LOS ANGELES — For as many times as he's made it clear his Jazz never have had one — the count is so high, most calculators couldn't keep track — the concession that now they very nearly do speaks volumes as to just how Jerry Sloan feels about his present point guard.

Not along ago, after all, Deron Williams was a rookie who couldn't consistently crack Sloan's lineup.

But these days — with his club ready for this afternoon's Game 1 of a first-round playoff series against a Los Angeles Lakers franchise seeking its 15th NBA title — the tough-to-please Jazz coach toes the line of ultimate compliment.

"Every team that plays in the championship usually has a guy that can beat you 1-on-1," he said.

"We've got a guy," added Sloan, whose Jazz are still looking for their first title in franchise history, "that's pretty close to being that way most of the time, and I think he'll get better and better as time goes on."

The Lakers already have their own in reigning NBA MVP Kobe Bryant.

Now Williams, on the downside looking up at a 1-8 seed best-of-seven series, looks to take the next step toward elevating his game to that level.

An interview from Lao National Television about Miss SEA Games 2009 Beauty Pageant. The 25th Southeast Asian Games is scheduled to be held in Vientiane, Laos in December 2009.

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and the country’s largest city.

A fairly old city, Vientiane was established as the capital in 1560 AD.

When compared to the hectic capitals in other Southeast Asian countries, Vientiane offers something unusual for an Asian city, the possibility of some peace and quiet.. French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples, and the countless temples and pagodas reflect the city’s past. The two most important temples, Wat That Luang and Wat Phra Kaeo date back to the time the city was made capital. This friendly city is filled with crumbling French mansions, bougainvillea blooming streets and steaming noodle shops.

An interesting shopping venue is the Morning Market, a large collection of indoor stalls selling most anything. There are two floors. The first floor sells mostly textiles, electronics, and watches. The second floor has clothing, gold, and jewelery. Haggle and expect to pay about one third or one quarter of the first price you are offered. There are also department stores craft outlets around the city. There are many restaurants in Vientiane offering foods ranging from Chinese specialities to Tex-Mex and most are fairly good. Don’t drink the tap water. Stick to bottled water. There is not much in the way of night life.

Vientiane is a safe city in terms of crime. A bigger hazard than crime is the missing sewer covers on sidewalks. So, walk carefully and exercise caution at night.

Vientiane is served by Wattay International Airport. Public transportation is by bus, minibus, taxi and tuk-tuk.

Vientiane population is 200,000 (2005).

+856 is the international calling doce fot Laos
21 is the area code for Vientiane

For more information about Vientiane

Hi, I am a female from Singapore and I am intending to travel up ALONE to Vientiane and Luang Prabang soon for a backpacking trip. This is my first time travelling on my own and I would like to know-

1) if the 10-hr bus ride from vientiane to Luang Prabang is safe and how often do they stop for a break?

2) Is it generally safe in Laos?

3) What are the things I should be wary of over there?

Thank you!

Yes, I did this trip recently. It's safe but the roads are windy and the trip is long. If you want to break it up you can stop at Vang Viang (spelling?) which is about halfway and quite pretty. There are so many guesthouses there as well as internet cafes etc. There are many tourists traveling this particular route so you won't be alone.

The bus might stop every few hours for a toilet break but this involves running behind some trees or for guys just peeing on the side of the road…it's quite an adventure.

Khon Lao in New Iberia, Louisiana know how to party for Boun Pee Mai Lao.