News – Gay Marriage Closer to Confrontation

US

Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court has laid down a ruling that homosexuals should be allowed to marry, not just have civil unions as anything less than marriage would make them second class citizens. Bush calls the ruling deeply troubling and thinks a constitutional amendment may be needed. Hopefully the US people will kick his ass for enforcing his will over the whole of the country rather than letting the people complain if they don’t like the ruling. If there is a majority that doesn’t want gay marriage, its time they exert themselves.

Tenet is going to correct some ‘misperceptions’ on pre-war intelligence with regard to Iraq. This should be good, I’ll have to see what he will have to say.

Despite prior objections to an extension, he’s given the 9/11 commission the extra time they wanted. One could guess two reasons for this. Either he knows what is in the report and doesn’t fear it coming out amid the election furor or doesn’t fear what they might bring to light in the middle of the game, good or bad. Or perhaps he thinks congress won’t approve it?

First the kickbacks in Kuwait, now Halliburton is under investigation for possible kickbacks in Nigeria. Why does our government trust this company again? Note, this was in the lage 90s when Cheney was in charge.

Iraq

The Kurds want autonomy. And they want Kirkuk. Personally, I don’t think it will happen and though I sympathize with their plight, I don’t think it’s in the best interests of stability to give them their state. Of course, it could be a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation depending on Kurdish reaction to not being granted autonomy.

Israel/Palestine

Israeli police question Sharon about the bribery scandal. They say he cooperated fully.

UK MPs have criticized Israel for the damage it’s incursion into Palestinian territory has done to their economy. They believe it unfair that Israel benefits from an EU trade agreement while Palestine(under the same agreement) is prevented from doing so. Thus they recommend putting forward to the EU a suspension of the agreement until such time as things right themselves. However it remains unlikely the suggestion will become anything more than that.

Various quotes from various papers on Sharon’s settlement plans. ranging from ‘what took you so long’ to bordering on labeling it anti-Semitic.

An Israeli woman has been successfully fertilized with embryos that have ben in cold storage for twelve years. That’s a record. I’d take care, though. Make sure the kid isn’t messed up any. Never know.

General

Beware of spyware killers, some might just install their won adware. Check the link in the article, noting a site that posts reports of duplicitous spyware killers.

The top ten technologies that just won’t die. Among them analog watches, typewriters and Fortran.

Day to Day: Don’t obsess about the south and Kerry still on top.

Today’s Papers has Rummy in a little slapfest with Ted Kennedy, Cheney’s duck hunting with Scalia and more.

Amusements

Searches for Janet Jackson’s right boob have made internet history. The flesh flash has spurred on the most internet searches ever, topping searches for September 11 and the Madonna/Britney kiss. If anything, looks like the ‘good’ publicity has outweighed the bad.

The only thing I find more amusing in a sad and ironic way is that there seems no coverage at all of Kid Rock using an American Flag as a poncho, which is a disgrace to it by general flag care regs. Since when has a single exposed breast become more scandalous than the defacing of an American flag? I’m surprised the patriots aren’t up in arms and throwing away all their Kid Rock CDs.

German game makers to produce SINGLES: FLIRT UP YOUR LIFE Cross the SIMS with sex and nudity.

Mark Fiore Digital Democracy

Newgrounds: Xombie Part 3

Fark Photoshop Challenge: NASA to retire shuttle program in 2010. Photoshop what they may do with them. Link goes to GIS for Space Shuttle.

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this unique view of table tennis