News – More to Blame

General

A study shows that exposure to ‘sexy imagery’ makes the young more likely to get it on. I wonder, though, if the study takes into account the parents and living environment of the child. Imagery has an effect, I’m sure, but so would parenting. Of course, I would state that there is an overabundance of general innuendo when it comes to advertising. One of the ones that resonates most are the scantily clad women used in web banner ads for various dating services, an obvious ploy.

A study finds that nicotine interference with chemotherapy. Even items such as nicotine patches and gum can interfere with the therapy.

Some of Apple’s more fervent fans. Personally, you’ll not see me getting a tattoo or haircut like that. Nor do I have the time to worship the sign at the Apple campus. 😉

The ten best internet spoofs.

The blogs look at the newly released 911 calls from the World Trade Center on 9/11 and Borders and Waldenbooks’ refusal to stock a magazine that reprints the Dane cartoons that satirized Mohammed.

Explainer talks about tape worms.

Today’s Papers has Brokeback Mountain downloadable off the Internet with many massive limits, the Iranian government successfully test-firing a high-speed underwater missile, homeowners who bought during the housing boom now struggling to make their payments and more in the one page news.

Middle East

Hamas says that they have met with French and Indian officials, despite US/Israeli attempts to isolate them. France denies this.

The US and UK continue to get edgy as Iraq’s elected leaders fail to solidify their government. I agree that this is undermining the whole project, but this is something they should have been prepared for, given the nature of the people.

Rockets continue to fly between Israel and Palestine, while Israel drop leaflets, more or less promising more violence. The US continues misguided attempts to force Hamas to do what Hamas simply won’t do, especially under duress, while allowing Israel the continued free reign to do whatever it wants, no matter how ill conceived in the grand scope of making peace. In other words, the status quo reigns.

Europe

A secret assessment by UK intelligence chiefs suggests that the London bombers were influenced by the Iraq war. It’s an obvious conclusion, really. I highly doubt most of the people who join terrorists organizations do so out of the blue, without provocation.

North America

Jill Carroll, recently freed from captivity in Iraq, now faces accusations from Conservative bloggers that she betrayed sympathies for her captors. These accusations stem from a video of her, taken during her capture, where she is critical of the US military presence in Iraq. She’s already denounced the video, saying she made the statements under duress. That’s easily believed. I say just leave her alone and let her get back to a normal life.

Is emergency conroception or, the morning after pill, birth control or abortion? That’s the latest quandary to wrap your mind around in this virulent little debate.

After years of cloistering Bush, it seems decided now to ‘Let Bush be Bush’, in a transparent attempt to shore up his often sagging approval rating. I’m sure once some serious questioners start to really give it to him(assuming they don’t censor out those sort of people), they’ll cloister him again.

Aethlon Medical in San Diego claims that their blood cleaning technology can cure infections like bird flu and antrhax poisoning.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Preemptive Apology

Woman attending anger management class threatens to kill a classmate, destroys property. Naomi Campbell unavailable for comment

If the “Diversity” Club can fly a gay pride flag, then why can’t the “Traditional Values” Club fly a Christian flag? Besides, that’s a “T” not a cross

Tenneessee emergency management agency hires incarcerated felon to run purchasing. What could possibly go wrong?

Small churches across the US are buying Terrorism Insurance because “the religious xenophobia of Islamic terrorists is reason to worry”

Industrious teenager offering to change every digital clock in customer’s home or car for $10

Florida high school marching band forbidden from taking part in English festival because school officials say London is too dangerous

Students at an all-girls Catholic high school furious when student from all-boys Catholic high school airs video of them signing petition to end womens’ suffrage

Spring breakers disappointed as Daytona Beach rolls up welcome mat. “Like wet T-shirt contests. We wanted to enter one but couldn’t find any”

Jesus loves you, but not if you’re a porn star

Fight breaks out in mall theater showing “ATL”; reports indicate the fight was over a spot in the refund line

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Sport stars make a living in the real world

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this “tank crossing” sign

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop theme: If there were a separate heaven for women, what would it be like?