News – Belated PR

Americas

The US Army turns to Youtube to add to their positive PR campaign. Took them long enough to realize the usefulness of said site. They’re doing this well so far, by not just showing all peace, puppies and little kids, but including combative footage into the mix.

Bush and congress continue to struggle over Iraq funding. They did have one agreement, though. That benchmarks are a good thing. I would agree. Except when said benchmarks carry no bite should one not meet them. Which is what most benchmarks are like when it comes to Iraq. We want you to do this by this date.. but we won’t do anything if you don’t meet said goal.

Wouldn’t it be a trip of Bush and congress were actually playing good cop./bad cop with Iraq? A pity neither side is savvy enough to do so intentionally.

Rush Limbaugh spits in the face of tact by airing a song on the radio called Obama the Magic Negro, put to the tune of Puff the Magic Dragon. On an entirely tactless note for myself, I do believe all those drugs he abused must have played havoc with his reasoning centers.

A vegan couple have been sentenced to life in prison after the death of their baby, malnourished after six weeks from a diet of soy milk and organic apple juice.

Middle East

The Palestinian government asks a Hamas linked TV station to can a children’s show accused of spreading their political propaganda. Whether or not they’ll comply is another matter.

Looks like Israel plans to build more Jewish settlements on contested 1967 land. One could argue this or that legal issue about it til the cows come home, but the most important aspect of it is the perception others draw from it.

According to testimony released today, Olmert passes blame for the Lebanon conflit’s lackluster end to the military. “Something in the command and control concept did not meet expectations and undoubtedly led to a disparity between what we were capable of achieving and what we actually achieved,” Mr Olmert told the inquiry.

Africa

China is sending a special envoy to Sudan after being criticized for it’s role there. Seems this is another action prompted by the future Olympic games to he held in China. If nothing else, it seems the presence of the games are prompting them to act positively in places they likely wouldn’t otherwise.

In Somalia government soldiers are confiscating and burning face veils worn by women, sparking anger in the community. It seems this wasn’t an officially sanctioned action and was later halted by their superiors.

Asia/Pacific

After four days of high level talks, North and South Korea agree on tests of running the cross border train again. A positive step in a region where we need more of the same.

Vietnam has stepped up seeking out and silencing dissidents, with three activists and two human rights lawyers jailed.

General

Research suggests that teens that drink with their parents are less likely to binge drink. Of course, since parents are less likely than rowdy friends to encourage such behavior.

The Blogs look at Tony Blair’s departure from office and if the effect of screening for Down syndrome amounts to eugenics.

Today’s Papers has the Motion Picture Association of America’s announcement that images of adults smoking will now be considered a factor when deciding what rating a movie should receive, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ appearance before the House judiciary committee, a look at how the senators who were responsible for making “industry-friendly changes” to the drug-safety bill that passed yesterday had received millions of dollars in campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical industry and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Pentagon Film Fest

Not news: Emergency team rescues man dangling from power line. News: It’s a dummy. Fark: A dummy left from one of their training exercises

Man leads cops on car chase, finishes his beer and cocaine during standoff before he surrenders

College girls steal 1,000 copies of their school’s newspaper because they felt they looked “too fat” in the front page photo (with pics that now the whole world will see)

Prime minister of Australia quizzed by teenager about how he grooms two caterpillars that live above his eyes

Man tries to bribe his way out of being arrested, calls buddies to bring money. Mass arrest-ularity ensues (with pissed off pic)

Cop eats ‘special’ brownies calls 911 and says “I think we’re dying. We made brownies and I think we’re dead, I really do.”

Obviously never having so much as glanced at Fark, Georgia company markets dog food made from broccoli

Wisconsin woman calls 911 to ask for them to send a babysitter, refers to her call as a “nanny 911”

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Sugar, spice, everything nice; snips, snails, puppy-dog tails: Create a Nutrition Facts label for yourself or someone famous

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these I.T. guys cooling their server room with dry ice

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop a Mother’s Day card for someone who doesn’t like their mother

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Flintstone appliances not shown on the TV show