News – What to Do about Mass Transit?
North America
Peter S. Kalikow, chairman of New York’s mass transit agency admits to spending only 5% of the $600 million given to him three years ago, but he has good reason, lacking a clear vision of how to spend it and various other hurdles make proper spending of the money difficult.
Democrats say the reorganization of the Homeland Security Department won’t stop an attack like the one that recently struck London. Surprisingly, the Senate couldn’t scare up enough support to pack extra money into securing the mass transit system.
libel and defamation lawsuit filed against filmmaker Michael Moore by the brother of Oklahoma bombing conspirator Terry Nichols.
Middle East
Israeli helicopters pound targets in Gaza after a rocket attack that’s sparked violence between militants and Palestinian police who are trying to stop further attacks. Things are slipping back to what they once were and it seems no one is inclined to stop it.
Ostracizing Hamas won’t help when it comes to shaping up Palestine. Motivating them to change will have a better chance of succeeding in my view.
General
The UN tries again to break the impasse on their global treaty against terrorism.
The dead sea birds washing up on the shores of the west coast have scientists worried about rising water temperatures, which could disrupt the sea’s natural food chain.
Explainer notes how psychologists determine the likelihood of a pedophile offending again.
A review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Wedding Crashers.
Today’s Papers has a partially released military report on abusive and degrading but not inhumane treatment at Guantanimo, support for Osama down here while on the rise there, elementary-school students are making big strides in both math and reading while older kids are stagnating and more in the one page news.
Amusements
Two teenagers drive their truck into beehive colonies “to see what would happen.” Hospitalization ensues
“Bananas Gone Wild”: Disturbing illustrations from a 1940s banana cookbook
Aside from many dogs missing, orange fur stuck in fences and a guy asking if anyone has seen his lost tiger, sheriff determines that “there’s no facts or evidence to support that there is a loose tiger”
People still welcome to walk, jog and swim in Allegheny County park, but authorities remind them its not okay to bump uglies there
Pope Benedict XVI criticizes the Harry Potter books for being “subtle seductions” for young Christians who may be unwittingly swayed to buff their broomstick, beat their bludger or diddle with their Dumbledore
Airliners may get missile defenses. Your future travel: $59 one way plus $350 security surcharge. Thank you for fly Air Paranoia
Alleged rapist dismayed to discover that “cockbite” is not just a gaming insult
Our research dollars hard at work: Study shows teenagers who give up sport and slump in front of TV or computer screen are at greatest risk of obesity
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: If Chris Farley, John Candy, John Belushi, etc. were alive today
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this drummer boy
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this block head