News – Pointless Pardon

Middle East

Saudi King Abdullah pardons the female victim of a rape who was sentenced to jail and 200 lashes for being alone with a man who wasn’t of her family. With the caveat that he isn’t saying her sentence was wrong.. Seems this was more a case of serving the public interest. By quelling the international outcry, likely. This does nothing to help the other women who have, are and will be in the same situation without it being reported. And still the US government refuses to condemn Saudi Arabia’s justice system.

Years later the output of Iraqi oil finally crests that of pre-war levels. In part because of some improved security, though there is no reason to slack off yet, attacks can still come.

Basra’s police chief says that the British are leaving the city in chaos. By the sound of the video linked into the article, it sounds pretty bad, especially for women. At the very least, it sounds like Major General Jalil Khalaf knows what he’s doing and I like him. I hope he manages to wrangle things back into control.

Turkey sends airpower into Northern Iraq. Turkey says the US approved of this attack, but a US spokesperson says that they haven’t because it isn’t their decision to make, but does say the US was informed of the attack beforehand.

The EU pledges cash to bolster Palestine’s economy. All well and good, but it’ll take more than cash. The Palestinian territories need freedom from Israel’s chokehold to properly grow their respective economies. Until that grip is relaxed some, any money thrown at the issue will evaporate with minimal effect.

Africa

Zimbabwe’s government say that it will be easing tough security and media laws in response to opposition demands. They’d been used previously to quell opposition rallies and to shut down the private press. Good to see them changing for the better.

Asia/Pacific

North Korea will host a leg of the Olympic torch relay.

Speaking of which, things continue to look positive for the disarmament of North Korea. You never can be too sure until its done(and sometimes even further after that), but I will be hopefully optimistic for now.

Europe

Putin’s bid to remain deep in the power structure of Russia is going well. Can’t get rid of him, like a bad itch.

Russia delivers a shipment of nuclear fuel to Iran for use in the Bushehr reactor they’re helping the Iranians build.

Ukrainian Hryhoriy Nestor, the oldest human in the world at 116, dies in his sleep. Gently, one would hope. In the picture, assuming that’s current, he looks pretty good for over 100.

Americas

Canada and the North Eastern US get hit with a nasty snowstorm. We got none around here, fortunately. Snow is nice, but I’d skip it while I’m flying, just for safety’s sake.

Congress remains hot on those two destroyed CIA tapes, despite Bush saying that there will be stonewalling on the issue. No less than one could expect.

A new searchable database that will let you track down where your tax dollars are headed. Looks pretty good, though not exactly transparent to the average layman. But it is a good start to the sort of knowledge the people should have.

General

The founder of Second Life talks about his creation. I’ve toyed with it a few times, but haven’t really found it all that interesting. In part because I just don’t have the time for it since other activities take up more of my time. It seems like something you really have to focus on to get much out of in the end. Though if I ever get bored, I might try making some things in it to learn how their programming works for object creation.

The Blogs look at Bill Shaheen’s resignation from the Clinton camp and a bill passed through the House that would outlaw water-boarding.

Today’s Papers has how academic researchers are using Facebook to study “fundamental social science questions,” the second of a two-part series about Mitt Romney’s business dealings and reveals the Republican presidential candidate used offshore tax shelters in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands to help investors avoid paying taxes, a report that the Bush administration and NATO are carrying out three full-scale reviews of the Afghanistan efforts to try to figure out how the rising insurgency can be stopped and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Neurotically Yours: Three Past XMas Episodes

Yahoo’s five sure-fire ways to pick up women. Complete with text message pointers

If you’re going to deny biting your buddy, wipe the blood off your mouth before talking to police

Excuse me, miss. Get off your cell phone. Your car is on fire

NBA player carjacked out of his 2008 Chrysler before game. Though the car was recovered two hours later, the player is despondent that the world now knows he drives a Chrysler

Maxim’s best and worst things to happen to men in 2007

Power company breaks into woman’s house to secretly change her meter because she was behind in her bills. Even though she wasn’t one of their customers. And it’s legal

Drugs, firearms, and passports stolen from customs depot in Coventry. In other news, huge party, fireworks tonight in Coventry

Forbes magazine releases list of world’s most influential toddlers and captains of nap industry

Old and busted : Chewbacca defense. New and shiny : LochNess Monster defense What’s the Chewbacca Defense? View here.

Fark’s second-favorite anchorwoman busted in NYC for punching a female police officer in the face

You know it’s Christmas party season when you come into work to an email which starts “This morning the Office Manager informed me that last night two people were caught enjoying ‘relations’ on one of their desks.”

When the cops show up at your door, how do you avoid the taser? A) Greet them warmly and welcome them inside B) Ask them what’s going on C) Pepper spray and charge them with a machete

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this poser

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this pondering police woman

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this thieving squirrel</A