News – Evacuation Winding Down
North America
The dead are easier to find now in New Orleans than the living. The good of this is that those who still live are finally out of there, the bad is that anyone not yet found is more likely to be among the dead. Though sad, the state is ready with body bags enough for what will be found once clean up begins.
The Democrats want to stay various budget cuts and tax breaks that are still in the congress, Republicans want to continue forward with them. Personally, I think all budget shifts in the government should be put up for reevaluation, considering the great disaster that’s occurred, so a temporary stay isn’t that bad an idea.
Not donated yet? Your moment might be coming as they’re holding a Telethon for Katrina victims this week, boasting stars such as Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, Neil Young and the Dixie Chicks as headliners. Just don’t try to donate through PayPal, they’ve been locking accounts that are shifting aid, thinking they’re committing fraud.
An interesting muse on how race might have effect Bush’s response to Katrina. And another thing to consider, just what at the Department of Homeland Security led to it’s shoddy performance before and after this disaster.
More arguments for not rebuilding New Orleans.
Arnie may well veto the bill passed through California’s legislative bodies, which allows gay marriage, because the issue should be decided in the courts and by the people, he says.
Ford and Toyota are recalling millions of vehicles due to a chance of engine fire. If you have a Toyota power-steering equipped 4Runner sport utility vehicles or compact pickups and T-100 pickups from the 1989-1996 model years or a Ford F-150 pickup as well as the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator or Ford Bronco SUV, you’re in this recall. The article hints these might be only some, so if you have something from either of the manufactures, best to look and see if you need to be worried.
Tropical Storm Ophelia is sitting out there in the Atlantic, making forecasters wonder if it will make a rush at Florida.
Explainer notes the difference between lying in state and lying in repose.
Is Compassionate Conservatism a has been? I’ve always considered it a silly idea. Politics isn’t about compassion, it’s about manipulating the public to strengthen your side and ensure your reelection, then the reelection of your political successor. Compassion in there tends to be a tool for political gain.
Middle East
Iraq’s Constitutional referendum will be October 15th. Now everyone on both sides can gear up for the coming confrontation.
Saddam’s chief attorney says he didn’t confess to any killings. What I suspect is he made some private comments to Talabani, which were either that or construed as that, making it a nonissue as there is no proof on it that is admissible in court.
Asia
Yahoo responds to accusations that they supplied data to Chinese authorities which led to the imprisonment of a journalist, saying they had to follow Chinese law. One of the problems with being a global company.
Europe
Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko fires his government to end a crisis over allegations of mass corruption in his camp.
The US is looking for NATO to help in transporting help from Europe to the US, concerned it won’t get to the people that need it fast enough otherwise.
General
Kofi escapes culpability in a UN report, on the Iraqi oil-for-food program. His son, however, is shown to have brandished his father’s name to avoid paying taxes on a luxury car and lied repeatedly while under investigation. That boy ain’t right. Of course, this is the sort of kick in the pants that will get minds focused on reform.
The iPod goodness continues forward, with a music playing phone with iTunes software that holds 100 songs and a pencil thin iPod mini. I’m just waiting for the color iPods to get cheaper so I can get a good one, with more storage space. Podcasts take up a lot. 😉
Lack of sleep effects doctors like alcohol does. Therefore they shouldn’t be working too hard, otherwise they endanger their patients.
Today’s Papers has Egypt’s less than kosher election, water and power projects in Iraq scaled back, loads of Sunni’s registering to vote in the coming constitutional referendum(which could be good or bad depending on how they vote) and more in the one page news.
Amusements
Neurotically Yours: Unmentionable Actions
Mark Fiore: Whoopsi Gras
NewScientist debunks product claims. Company changes claims to include quotes from NewScientist’s debunking. Einstein spins in grave
Love is the most popular reason to have sex, according to thousands of high school virgins
Today’s “Woman with 40 cats” story comes from — you guessed it, New Orleans — and she’s not leaving without them
Supporters of tax hike raise $202,050. Of course, after the new local tax that’s only $196,998.75. Then with income tax, that’s $139,869.11. Throw in insurance, medicaid, property tax, wheel tax and gas taxes: $117,938.79. We need a new tax
New show “Skating with the ‘Stars'” to feature such luminaries as Todd Bridges and Dave Coulier figure skating. Where is your God now?
Organizers of testicle-cooking championships left hanging by ballsy hoaxer. The eventual winner, Gornji Milanovac, won after “beating off stiff competition from 11 other teams”
Two men charged with hamburglary after breaking into closed McDonald’s through drive-thru window
Intoxicated motorist arrested after throwing drink through nearby motorist’s window, stopping in middle of road, throwing tire jack through said motorist’s window
Step 1: Steal things. Step 2: Auction them online. Step 3: Profit. Man unfortunately forgets Step 2a: Don’t sell the items back to original owner
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop a lunch box for todayÂ’s elementary school kids
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this mama and baby giraffe
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Posters for movie spin-offs of TV shows