News – Castro Out
Americas
Castro announces his retirement from leadership of Cuba. Long time coming, but while many might celebrate this, one can hardly assume that real change is on the horizon for Cuba. Castro is only one part of the current power structure and I doubt he filled that structure with people who don’t think similar to how he does. Here are some reactions amongst the people of power.
Another fat recall on beef. You know, I don’t see a lot of recalls on chicken, which is what I tend to eat in the meat realm. Makes me think I picked the ‘better’ option amongst the low cost meats for my staple.
Russia is accusing the US of using the plan to shoot down a broken spy satellite to cover up testing an anti-satellite weapon. I’ve heard of no such thing, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
Anyone who things the timing of the Gtimo trials is anything but intentional doesn’t know the current US government very well.
The latest US military enticement to gain recruits isn’t all that smart. After all, a bonus given that only becomes available after you get out of the military invites people to enlist, then slip right on out once their enlistment is up. Not only that, but the all volunteer force is becoming less and less real volunteer. They’re more lured and bribed now than ever before with the mass of incentives being meted out.
Middle East
Peace talks continue between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, but one of the real core issues doesn’t seem on the table, according to Olmert. Which is bad. The issue of Jerusalem is a core sticking point that could ravage the talks if left until later, undoing what work has been done. That Abbas agreed to it is saddening.
The UN believes Iraq’s security may be strong enough to support a return of the millions of refugees who fled previously. Of course, the next serious problems is the impact of their return and what they will find when they return. Some have been gone for quite a while. Will their property still be there? Will there be jobs to support them?
Gaza’s factions are taking it to the younger generation, in a move that has always sickened me. It seems a cowardly thing to try and convert the young before they have the worldliness to truly examine a choice like that.
Africa
Bush outlines his malaria campaign for sub-Saharan Africa.
Talks resume in Kenya to solve the current political issues in the country. They can take it slower now that the violence caused by the deadlock has quieted down.
Asia/Pacific
China’s rate of inflation hits an eleven year high. And it could get worse, with the recent freak snowfall and cold weather in the country only one source of economic turbulence.
Showing panda’s video of other pandas mating doesn’t seem to have the same effect on them as it has on humans. Obviously as animals tend to be more than visual when it comes to interactions. Smell is as much a factor often.
Europe
Kosovo has finally taken the plunge into unilateral independence. And Russia is there, prodding at the US with warnings that the move could endanger international stability. Regional stability is in danger for sure, some Serbs have already reacted violently to the move. And the Serbs in Kosovo are concerned.
Pasquale Condello, leader of one of Italy’s post powerful Mafia families, has been arrested. He’s been on the run since a murder conviction in 1987. Took a while to snag him, it seems.
General
Need a reason for the preservation of nature? We learn quite a few scientific achievements from nature. Who knows what we could have learned from those species that we never got to see a great deal, much less study?
What we do for climate change must take into account biodiversity and the effect it might have on the world’s poor. An elementary rule in this world is that every action has a reaction. It might not be equal and opposite outside of the realm of pure science, but rare it is for a change to leave related issues untouched.
Toshiba tosses in the towel on HD DvD standards, leaving Blu-ray to secure dominance. At this point, it seemed a forgone conclusion that this would be how it ended. Blu-Ray has the most movie backing and that’s going to get you the big bucks.
Things that suck.
An interesting Slate blog that selects some interesting videos from the web.
Beware the handsome guy. Always look behind the couch.
The Blogs look at the temporary expiration of the ‘Protect America Act’, superdelegate John Lewis’ Hillary Clinton betrayal and Jane Fonda’s use of the C-word on NBC’s Today.
Today’s Papers has Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama pumping up their populist rhetoric to appeal to voters who are anxious about the economy, a story that details how the CIA went about killing Abu Laith al-Libi on Jan. 29, the preliminary results from Pakistan’s parliamentary elections and more in the one page news.
Amusements
Jim Bakker is back, and some of his biggest supporters are the people he swindled money out of before
“Hes dark, hes moody and he deals in miracles. He is Christ.” The Bible, Manga style
Mike Huckabee takes a little time out of his busy campaign schedule to bowl 10 frames in Milwaukee. The Dude abides
Man robs store, steals all of their cash and a single condom. Hey, be mad at him about the robbery if you want, but at least he’s practicing safe sex
<A HREF="http://www.newschannel9.com/news/kidnapped_966523___article.html/teen_charged.html”>Problem: Girl gets busted sneaking out with her boyfriend. Solution: She tells the police he kidnapped her
Man’s body rejects his tattoo implants. “I guess my girl wasn’t meant to have 3D breasts”
Church forced to sell private jet when they fall $70,000 short of weekly donations. Yes, *weekly*
Apparently, it needs to be said again: Do not drive your snowmobile into open water
Man calls wrong number to brag about his video game kills, opens with “I’ve killed them all.” Wrong number panics, calls cops. Fark triple word score: Man is a wanted criminal, video game now on indefinite pause
Actual headline: Sarasota mayor rescues baby squirrels
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this fashionable goth chick
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this fine painter
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this forlorn rubber ducky