News – Digital Narcissism?
General
Is what we do here digital narcissism?(Audio) First guy sounds like a self righteous luddite to me. The web has its stupidity and uselessness, but to pass it all off as useless and dangerous is just plain stupid. The decline of other avenues of media release are inevitable as all can be represented on the net. Quality depending on the presenter.
Research suggests that building the levels of SUMO protein in the brain could help treat diseases such as epilepsy and schizophrenia.
AS Second Life grows in popularity, it becomes another venue for the various vices of humankind.
A hat that allows disabled children to pilot remote controlled cars.
The Blogs look at the plot against Fort Dix, revelations that Rudy Giuliani donated money to Planned Parenthood and the reported discovery of King Herod’s tomb.
Today’s Papers has note of the ongoing issues for Wolfowitz at the World Bank, note that the man President Bush has chosen to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission used to work as a lobbyist that tried to block state “fire safe” cigarette laws, word that two drug companies pay “hundreds of millions of dollars” every year to doctors who prescribe their anemia medicines and more in the one page news.
Middle East
Al Jazeera shows what is purported to be a tape from the kidnappers(a group calling itself Jaish al-Islam) of BBC reporter Alan Johnston. The only noted demand therein is the release of Abu Qatada. This at least gives some hope that he’s still alive and can be recovered safely.
Cheney goes to Iraq to urge Iraqi politicians to fix things faster. Because all that urging has worked so well in the past. Comes a time when you have to start laying down things stronger than urging. Like ultimatums. Otherwise people will think they can rely on undying support indefinitely.
The World Bank says that Palestinian economic growth is stifled by the restraints put on the country. The rub comes in allowing Palestine the freedom to actually grow economically while assuaging Israeli security issues. I would agree with the World Bank that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s just a bit harder to address both concerns.
Olmert makes it through three no confidence votes. Guess he’s still got some grip left.
Africa
The Red Cross launches an aid campaign for Somalia. They’re hoping to raise $15 million.
Lawyers marching to protest police harassment in Zimbabwe are assaulted by local law enforcement.
Asia/Pacific
After several food poisoning scares related to it’s products, China pledges to clean up its act.
Clinton busts out once more with positive works. Good works, regardless of what you think of his past actions.
Europe
Putin continues to feed the discord with Estonia rather than looking to diminish it. I expect no less from the likes of him.
China and Russia deny claims by Amnesty International that they’re selling weapons to Sudan for use in Darfur. That would be a breach of a UN arms embargo.
Americas
Six men, described as Islamic militants, have been arrested for a plot to storm Fort Dix in New Jersey. Considering how they were caught, it’s pretty obvious they weren’t very skilled or canny.
Does Guliani’s personal life factor into his viability as a presidential candidate?
Rating Oliver Stone’s anti-war ad.
Amusements
Last year: New York Times won a Pulitzer for exposing the government’s data mining for national security. This year: NYT announces it’s data mining its own customers to increase profits
Paris Hilton has created a petition directed to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to ask that she be pardoned from any jail time
Female Colorado teacher forgets to have sex with her students when boozing them up at parties. Mugshot apparently taken immediately after party
Guy builds $90 million media empire copying other artists’ work. He would have gotten away with it too, if not for those meddling internet kids
Gas station owner in trouble for selling discounted gas to senior citizens
Guy with no arms and one leg eludes police on high-speed car chase. Again
Burger King overcharges $8,000+ on woman’s Visa card. That’s a Whopper of a mistake
America blames Canada again. This time for half of all movie piracy
You know you probably won’t pass your driving test when you realize you’ve been directed to the nearest police station
Teen grows pot on police chief’s land. Florida tag strikes again
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Jazz up this little girl and her creepy clown
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these young pyromaniacs
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Unlikely baby products