News – Bush Denies Torture Blame

Iraq

Bush asserts that he ordered questioning of detainees to remain within the bounds of US law. Lets see the memo that says that. We’re finding all sorts of memos that counter that assertion, but no memos that corroborate his words. It’s hard to dismiss the guide on how to get conduct illegal torture and get away with it.

Ala Bashir, Saddam’s personal doctor, recounts his experiences over twenty years of being always on call.

South Korea’s defense minister is pushing for a big deployment of troops that would put it third in terms of manpower in Iraq.

Pakistan

Fighting continues in the tribal region with artillery being brought into play against militants. Pakistani authorities believe up to 600 militants are in the region, including Arabs, Chechens and Uzbeks linked to alQuda.

China

Jiang Yanyong, who blew the lid off of China’s cover-up on SARS, has disappeared along with his wife. His daughter fears he’s been detained by the Chinese government and will be charged eventually with subversion.

US

Putin says that democrats have “no moral right” to criticize Bush for Iraq. The reason being Clinton’s authorizing of the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia by U.S. and NATO forces. Considering I didn’t authorize that attack in any way, I feel reasonably secure in continuing to criticize Bush all I want. To be vulgar, screw Putin.

An now, Regan’s part in prompting the rise of Osama, to contrast with the article yesterday on how he and Gorby played their parts in the resolution of the Cold War. It’s an interesting take on things that has plausibility.

The State Department will be correcting it’s report on the number of terror attacks last year. They’ve not fallen in number, they’ve sharply risen. We’re winning, are we?

A Federal Judge sends US Marshals to make sure Union picketers don’t delay construction at Boston’s FleetCenter, preparing it for the Democratic National Convention.

Ray Charles died yesterday in his home after a long struggle with liver disease.

A New York court rules that denying gay marriage violates the state’s equal protection measures, throwing out charges that the town’s mayor, Jason West, violated the law by marrying dozens of gay couples in February without licenses.

A US investigation floats the possibility that all 50k troops involved in the first Gulf War were exposed to low levels of chemical warfare agents.

General

Virus-proof your PC in 20 mins. Well, as much so as you can do for free anyway.

Can dogs truly understand human language? If so, I should watch what I say around mine. 😉

A review that says Chronicles of Riddick is wide, but not deep. Considering I expect as much I doubt I’ll be disappointed. The Stepford Wives looks interesting as well, with it’s campy delight.

Several suspects have been nabbed in regard to the theft of Half Life 2 code. It was indicated the game’s fans are the ones responsible for the arrests. Good stuff.

Explainer details how long the body can generally last on a hunger strike. Of course, details vary depending on the body and the faster’s strategy.

Today’s Papers has dog handlers at Abu Ghraib testifying that intelligence personnel authorized them to intimidate prisoners with unmuzzled dogs, a Najaf police station seized and looted yesterday by members of Sadr’s militia, Ollie North won’t be at Reagan’s funeral due to potential media attention and more in the one page news.

Amusements

New graduation tradition: Peeing all over the school

Man tired of waiting for his wife, drives car through front of store

Seventh grade food fight begins with fruit cup, ends with jail time

Newgrounds: Pencilmation

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop young Anakin Skywalker all grown up and posing with a fan

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Richard Simmons and two of NYC’s finest “getting down”

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: If Walt Disney was still alive, what kind of movies would he be making?