News – Iraqis Stand?
Middle East
Insurgents continue their brazen attacks in Baghdad and Ramadi. The battle lasted seven hours and the approximately 50 attackers prompted the US military to toss in support for Iraqi units. If nothing else, this sort of attack just goes to point out the general weakness of Iraqi forces. If they can’t handle 50 guys without US support, what about 100? 200?
A suicide bomber strikes in Tel Aviv. Deplorable and annoying as Israel moves to turtle and overreact once more. Hamas doesn’t help matters by calling the bombing legitimate, drawing attention onto itself when it is Islamic Jihad that perpetrated the attack. Likely they’ll continue to hold that line so long as other powers inflict hurt on them by this isolation that steadily guides Gaza down the path of implosion. Thus all sides continue to perpetrate and allow the decades long conflict to continue, to the detriment of the common people who just want to live.
The case for talking with Iran.
Pakistan moves to block parts of its border to keep insurgents in Afghanistan from fleeing a US-led offensive into Pakistan.
For reference, 2,378 US soldiers have been killed in Iraq and 17,549 have been wounded. One wonders how many of those wounded are the maimed and disabled for life who would have died, were it not for advances in medicine and the like.
Asia
China lays down a load of bull about it’s latest clampdown on media freedom. Using such lame excuses as protecting intellectual property rights.
North America
The Times-Picayune of New Orleans received the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting and shared the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service with The Sun Herald of Biloxi, Mississippi, for their handling of the Katrina storm and aftermath. Quite an achievement considering their offices were flooded and many of their staffers were left homeless by the storm. If that sort of dedication were common amongst all of our peoples, well, there’s no telling what we could all do.
Former Illinois governor George Ryan is found guilty of fraud, racketeering, tax evasion and other charges.
Rummy is confident this latest revolt against him will pass. True, but then it will rise again and again, until he’s out. It already has several times.
General
Explainer details why Iran is looking to put together 54k centrifuges. This puts a whole new spin for me on the nuclear issue. Sounds like you need some serious facilities to make weapons grade material for nukes.
The Blogs look at the suicide bombing in Israel, why the Pentagon has war plans for everything and if the White House tried to play down the presence of homosexuals at the annual Easter Egg roll.
Today’s Papers has Trent Lott and Thad Cochran of Mississippi stuffing $700 million into a war spending bill to relocate a rail line destroyed by Katrina that was already rebuilt for $250 million, the White House playing up new Chief of Staff Josh Bolten’s very public staff meeting yesterday where he announced it’s time to (nudge nudge) “refresh and re-energize” things, oil prices rising and more in the one page news.
Amusements
PGA golfer wins tourney, throws some love to Jesus: “I said, ‘this is for you Jesus,’ and knocked it in”
West Virginia governor turns governor’s mansion into sports bar with leftover campaign money
Sign of the impending Apocalypse: “Scary Movie 4” sets Easter weekend box office record
Easter Bunny arrested after brawl in the mall
Man ticketed for using device to change red lights to green; says “I enjoyed using it, it really cut my commute time”
Reporter takes swing at piñata on live TV. Blooper-iffic moment is born. (With video)
UW-Green Bay okays hunting on campus. What could possibly go wrong?
New Hampshire DOT says roadside memorial must go after drivers complain. Probably had something to do with the creepy solar-powered, glow-in-the-dark angel heart
Tallahassee restaurant sales plummet due to Florida legislators having to pay for own meals
Mother discovers female McDonald’s manager is lovin’ it with teenage daughter. No more Happy Meals for her
Man’s plan to steal ATM and soda with backhoe goes well until backhoe’s shortcomings as a getaway vehicle make themselves known
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this ’70s Swedish dance band
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Chick magnet
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Motivational posters for Fark tags