News – Dirty Deeds with Halliburton

North America

Bunny Greenhouse, the Army Corps of Engineers’ top contracting official said in testimony at a hearing by Democrats on Capitol Hill that “every aspect” of Halliburton’s oil contract in Iraq had been under the control of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. She went on to say, “I can unequivocally state that the abuse related to contracts awarded to KBR (Kellogg Brown and Root) represents the most blatant and improper contract abuse I have witnessed during the course of my professional career.” This as democrats release a report including Pentagon audits that identified more than $1.03 billion in “questioned” costs and $422 million in “unsupported” costs for Halliburton’s work in Iraq. That’s pretty heavy. Personally, if it’s eventually nailed down that Halliburton has been wasting our money, they get the thrashing they deserve.

A survey shows that most Americans are poorly informed about cancer truths and myths.

Europe

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, which is backed by China, the EU, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the US will have its first nuclear fusion reactor hosted in France.

Australia

For the second time in a week Australian authorities are conducting anti-terror raids, though they’ve declined to comment on reports that the raids involve Islamic extremists and plots to attack landmarks.

General

The Times violates it’s own rules to give an unnamed source a cheap shot at Peter Jackson.

Explainer notes how sharks find their prey and lets you know what to do as a last resort if you’re up against one and can’t get away.

Bloggers write about Supreme Court decisions on the Ten Commandments and file sharing as well as other topics.

Today’s Papers has the confession of Dennis Rader(The BTK killer), Chief Justice Rehnquist doesn’t resign, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani offering a big peace branch to Sunnis and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Parole violator arrested after police officer spots his ‘WASSUP’ vanity plate. 2001 considers lawsuit to recover badly outdated catchphrase

In Cottage Grove, don’t bother calling the cops if you find a flipped SUV with the motor running in your field, with beer bottles and a loaded gun inside. You’ve just found the police chief

Pakistani police officers accused of sewing prisoner’s lips shut to stop him from screaming insults, spitting chewed up moon pies at them

Hardline Islamic group barges into Indonesian transvestite contest, give interview with infidel AP reporter already at the scene

First sign of winter: Morning frost. First sign of spring: Birds gathering twigs. First sign of summer: Dumbass dumping gasoline on lit grill

Tattoo artist claims he owns the rights to David Beckham’s body art. Beckham intends to use the designs in an ad campaign, so artist intends to sue

Major League Baseball player uses public bathroom in uniform during game

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: What if it gets loose?

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: A bean, a scene and the color green

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: If wild animals become domesticated