News – The Typical and The Strange

As I was coming downstairs this morning I passed the family dog. On a whim, I said ‘tax cuts’ to her. She looked decidedly nervous. She must know something.

For a second time, US troops opened fire on Iraqi protesters today. Two reported dead, at least 8 wounded. Again, they cite being shot at. Again, while I don’t doubt that, I question if it will go without sparking resentment(The link has more details on the first incident). We have Rumsfeld on record for another statement that the US will only be in Iraq until the government is in place. We’ll see how things fall into place.

A scientist forced to work on illegal programs by Saddam has asserted that, to his knowledge, Iraqi WMDs have been destroyed.

Images of Iraq. Nuff said.

Two terrorist organizations claimed responsibility or the most recent bombing in Tel Aviv, saying they have worked together on it. That’s a bad sign, when such organizations start pooling resources and talent. Three dead(Including the bomber), fifty five wounded at a crowded nightclub. Today the mysterious plan for peace between Palestine and Israel is being handed out to the head men on both sides. Hopefully we’ll soon hear just what they plan for the path. The newly sworn in PM, Mahmoud Abbas, will be the one getting it in Palestine. Hopefully he’s more sane than Arafat.

Bush is pushing for his AIDS package, which contains distribution of condoms. Surprise, surprise. But there is still some to be annoyed about for liberals, conservatives, the pious, atheists and everyone else, I’m sure.

Today’s Papers covers Abbas’ induction, the bombing and the pul out of US troops. As well, the shooting of protesters in Iraq, showing some of the conflicting details. It’ll be hard to decide what is truth and not.

You want to get road pollution from cars lowered? Tell men their swim team is in danger from it. 😉

The SARS scare shifts still. Toronto is now absolved of its danger status, but China remains embattled. The above article has a great pic link that will show you what places have how many possible cases and how many deaths. Slate has another diary, written from within Beijing. I love looks from inside the events.

Getting personal, the record industry sends IMs to about 200k users of various file swapping services. Of course, some are reacting to such tactics with anger.

Washington state is passing a law that makes it illegal to sell violent games(rated as mature, I assume), to minors. This applies to stores only, I’d assume. Personally, I’m not that opposed to it. Parents can buy the gam and give it to their youngsters if they want still, so its not really a block of freedom of speech. Or so I think.

Six Technologies that will change the world. Some, like printing organs and supersonic business jets are great ideas that would likely change the world for the better. Others, like the minor sensors and sociable robots is less certain and potentially more harmful than helpful. What do you think?

A site that was made to help child soldiers from Sierra Leone recover from the trauma of their experiences has received the Cable and Wireless Childnet Award. Good work, folks.

Slate’s FrayWatch has some widely dispersed feedback on Apple’s new music service. Positive, negative and speculative, all interesting. Personally, I haven’t looked into it yet. So if I think it’s good or not won’t be stated.

The kids sports arena has become a strange thing. ONe one side there are the cutthroat, win at any cost, if you lose you’re disowned variety of parent involvement. On the other is a much softer, character improvement style that seems a little fruity, even to me. I mean, these are competitive sports. That’s why we keep score. There has to be an equilibrium between stress and too much leeway. Just let the kids play the damn game.

Bush Bash Image flood. clinton tomorrow (Equal opportunity humor)

What is your final answer?

How phallic

Unfortunately Effective

The new dinar

Whoever compiled these images has too much time on his hands. 😉

Frightening. Just frightening