News – But Can He Fix It?

Middle East

Robert Gates recognizes that security contractors are an issue that need be dealt with. It’s pitiful that we’re reliant on those outside of the military in our military endeavors. This Iraq conflict has been the single greatest blow to the image of US power as has been perpetrated in recent memory. And it has done much to degrade our military capabilities from their peak.

Iraq’s government politely requests that Kurdish rebels get the fuck out of Iraq and stop causing problems. As much as I would like the Kurds to be free, I agree. Now is not the time to draw further conflict into a conflict-ridden country. They can do their great fight after things have calmed down. Turkey has approve the action, though not moved yet and the Kurds protest. It rests now on if the US and Iraq can diffuse things and/or if Turkey really has the moxy to invade.

Personally I have little faith in the US on this matter. Iraq might be able to pull off an ace. As to the Turks.. well, we’ll see if they can be placated.

Africa

Ethiopia hosts talks to deal with the growing rift in Somalia’s transitional government. So fragile a thing, this. I hope that they resolve matters and some modicum of peace and stability can be fostered. Too much disorder going on in too many spots around the world.

Chad just can’t shake conflict, a fresh flare up coming just as some 500 rebels who were to integrate into the military leave their posts a week previous.

Asia/Pacific

A New Zealand brewery offers up a lifetime supply of suds for the return of a stolen laptop that contains some very sensitive info. That supply amounting to 12 bottles a month. Well, they didn’t say all you could drink, did they?

Yet another species of marine life that we’re hunting into extinction. People need to wake up and realize that at the rate we’re going, many of these delicacy type animals we eat will be gone due to over consumption. Then.. well, you won’t get to eat it anymore, will you?

Burma’s military government sets up a committee to draft a new constitution in a move toward democracy. Except they forgot to give representation to the opposition. That does not bode well for a real move to democracy. Of course, given the recent troubles I don’t see them making a strong transition.

Americas

The US House of reps apologizes to a Canadian who was snatched up by the government and sent to Syria where he was tortured. Sometimes you have to man up and admit you’ve done wrong. Not that forgiveness should be expected afterward.

Bush vetoes a bill to expand child healthcare despite the resistance of the Democrats. It would have raised tobacco taxes to ensure 10 million more kids. Whether or not this is a good or bad thing remains for the people to decide.

RIAA fights to keep from paying thousands of dollars in legal fees for a woman who they sued for piracy. The case was dropped for lack of evidence. All things considered, RIAA should have to pay every single penny back to her for the trouble they’ve caused. If they’re going to play the legal game, they need to man up and take it when they lose.

Explainer notes why Moonshine is against the law, while making your own wine and beer is not.

General

Elephants do have a good memory for appearance. They learn, by the color the clothing and scent of the body, when the presence of humans is likely to be a danger. Note of warning: Avoid red when going on safari.

Fast food could have many times over the daily limit of salt for a child. It’s all about making informed choices when it comes to your kids and what they take in.

Electronic arts believes that Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo should cease their console warring and make a universal gaming platform. The answer to one question will likely answer that call. Will it raise their profits? If not, then they won’t do it. Worth considering is whether these three collaborating would mean a better system. Would the Wii and it’s innovative new way of playing exist if the big three were united?

After years of happy coexistence, looks like the media giants are restless to start their own online media ventures rather than continue to do so through Apple’s iTunes. Will this signal a decline for iTunes? Perhaps, but I wouldn’t count iTunes out of it yet. I’m kinda amused that the media giants want to rock the boat, as much as they’re raking in.

The Blogs look at the House’s SCHIP vote, what Benazir Bhutto’s return means for Pakistan and Nicolas Sarkozy’s divorce.

Today’s Papers has note of two bombs that exploded in Pakistan near a truck carrying former Primer Minister Benazir Bhutto, the number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans that are seeking help for post-traumatic stress disorder from the Department of Veterans Affairs, senators falling out of love with Michael Mukasey and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Neurotically Yours: Walkie Talkie

Man stages robbery of his own shop, only to get caught by his own CCTV system

A thief caught shoplifting a packet of cheese from a supermarket in Germany tried to make his getaway, like anyone would, in a cement mixer

When the police ask to see your identification, it’s very important to make sure that there isn’t a piece of hashish stuck to it before giving it to them

Feds: “Uh, we don’t know what you’re teaching in that school, but you’re funded by the Saudis and teaching Islam, so we’re just going to close you while we investigate.” School: “You could just ask.”

Firefighters rush to rescue man who got his finger stuck in picnic table. Victim embarrassed by all the attention, including posting on Fark

Dear Boy Scouts Cradle of Liberty Council: As a consequence of your not accepting gays, the annual rent for your headquarters will increase from $1 to $200,000. Signed, The City of Brotherly Love

New York couple head to court after bride refuses to return guy’s $48,800 engagement ring after they split up. In related news, there are idiots who spend $48,800 on engagement rings

Not content with mounting CCTV cameras every three feet, police in London now putting concealed listening devices randomly on the streets just so no one can have a private conversation

Using a military helicopter to spy on a sexy sunbather? Priceless. No. Not really: £250,000

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop “Node 2,” the next addition to the International Space Station, scheduled to launch Oct. 23rd on Shuttle Discovery

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this strange hybrid bicycle wheelbarrow thingie

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this lovely sweatshirt model