Writer describes talking his mother out of her plan for them to commit suicide together.
In June 2005 Britain's public-health minister described talk of such a ban as "false speculation".
Supporters of the petition have reacted angrily to the criticism, describing talk of sexism as a "diversion" from the main issue at hand.
On Thursday, Rilwanu Lukman, the president of OPEC and Nigeria's top oil official, described talk of oil shortages as "scare mongering".
He described talk proposals as a "trick", adding: "American policy in the Middle East has been destroyed and Americans now need to play a new card.
But in a report obtained by the Associated Press (AP) on Thursday, the UN's assessment is less bleak, describing talk of ethnic cleansing and genocide as premature.
Alonso described talk about Ferrari's next driver as "rumours".
Meanwhile, one of the men tipped to succeed McLeish, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, described talk of his leaving the DW Stadium as "speculation".
The Internet is no replacement for real reporters who actually see events they describe, talk to people involved, and explain background essential to understanding.
Weeks later, he described talks with Mr. Blagojevich's allies, including his brother.
