News – What’s Up with #3?

Middle East

Here’s a brain bender. We’ve caught or killed alQueda’s #3 guy no less than four times. Do you think that the job might officially be to get caught, to give the Americans a sense of accomplishment? Seems odd we’d catch that #3 guy so often, while not really doing much in capturing #2 or #4. Or maybe the administration is just calling any high ranking guy they catch the #3. Do we really have solid intelligence on the layout of alQueda’s hierarchy? Many questions, few answers.

I suppose the only think you can be certain of is that the worst job in the world has to be being alQueda’s #3. So if you get the offer for it, turn it down. 😉

Saddam’s trial continues with the first hidden witness. That the witnesses must remain hidden is a clear indicator of the dangerousness in being associated with this trial. Even more case for making sure representation from both sides are well guarded.

Keep an eye on the full coverage of Saddam’s trial.

Asia

Tamiflu is completely worthless in treating avian flu, according to doctors treating patients in Vietnam. Our government should confirm these results. If true, we need to start finding out what will help.

North Korea says that returning to multilateral talks would be impossible while the US is cracking down on their financial assets.

The nonprofit Fritz Institute notes that most of the tsunami victims are still homeless, with very few having found permanent shelter.

Singapore’s health ministry has started telling the spouses of HIV positive people about their condition. Something like that likely wouldn’t fly over here, with privacy concerns. But consider the logic in it, when people just don’t tell those they diddle with about the dangers.

North America

DeLay has one of the charges against him dropped, but the higher charges linger. Is this a victory or defeat for him? That being a common question. I’d consider it a little of both. Though DeLay better get serious on this, rather than holding to the sunny view that he’ll slide away from the charges quickly and slip right back into is leadership position.

Human rights lawyers say that US renditions of terrorist suspects are open to legal challenge based on many statutes of international law. If so, then hit it.

Another rindicator of economic strength, the Global Failures Index. The numbers in this one aren’t positive. Whether or not it will translate into real world hardships is the question.

General

PetCell, the cell phone for dogs. Is your pup lost? No need to paper the neighborhood, just pick up the phone and give the wayward pooch a call. It even has GPS. Now that’s useful. But it isn’t just for dogs, they have a version for kids, elders and daredevil sports freaks, all the sorts that might get lost. It isn’t yet small enough for your average cat, but they’re working on shrinking down the three-inch device, mostly centered around the battery.

Wikipedia tightens up the reins, requiring registration before you can start editing.

More Cyber Chatter, centered on a case of mistaken identity with the CIA, a pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong and a new book that questions the so called ‘experts’ that are always saying crap.

Today’s Papers has the 9-11 commission giving their final report, Condi running interference in defense of the US’ treatment of detainees, evidence that the CIA misled Italy about the alQueda suspect they snatched from the country and more in the one page news.

Amusements

The Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, “Come and see. Come and see Al Sharpton in his new sitcom”

American Idol contestant caught driving drunk, with pot and coke on her. Clearly, she has a great career in music ahead of her

Binyamin Netanyahu: If elected, I will not hesitate to order a pre-emptive strike on Iran. Nobody puts Bibi in a corner

If you’re a nationally known speaker, delete the child porn from your laptop before sending it in for repairs

Man breaks out jail, returns with McDonald’s hamburgers

Australian bank apologizes for suggesting that its staff should wear flesh-colored underwear and leave most of their bling at home

“A Nigerian dwarf goat, a Polish chicken and a Labrador retriever walk into an aquarium….” It’s not a joke, it’s Florida

Victoria’s Secret covers its “Give Me Sexy” window display to shield it from kids visiting mall Santas outside store, causing them to ask for something that Santa just can’t provide

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Fark.com holiday train set

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these rugby players doing battle

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: A very white trash Christmas