News – Every Little Bit Helps

Middle East

Israeli sources note that the IDF will avoid Palestinian towns in the West Bank during the Palestinian election. I’m quite glad to see them make another positive decision that lends support to Palestine’s progress. Even if that support is absence. Of course, who is to say what Israel will do if Hamas comes out strong in the elections.

At the last minute, the US spends some cash to support the current Palestinian Authority over Hamas. A bit late to really have an effect, as if they can turn around opinion now. Hamas has been building its credentials among the people for years. PR isn’t what the current authority needs, control of the lawlessness in the streets is what they need.

A US Army officer is found guilty of negligent homicide in the death of an Iraqi general during interrogation.

South America

Bolivia’s first Indian president has some ambitious plans to better the continent’s poorest nation and reverse discrimination of the nation’s Indian majority.

Africa

Five African leaders ask that Sudan stay its bid for leadership of the AU, since that would be an obvious conflict of interest right now.

North America

Congress shows bipartisan agreement on reviewing US surveillance laws to, perhaps, allow the sort of eavesdropping that Bush has secretly authorized. Which is what should have been done in the first place. Even Kerry is positive on this.

With the Bush administration poking Google for web search archives, how can you make sure your searching goes undetected? Wired gives you the information you need.

The environment in orbit is getting cluttered now. Sad that we don’t salvage some of that crap to reuse it.

General

24, one of my favorite shows. Here’s a talk with one of the writers.

The blogs look at the attempt to wrest search records from Google, the governator’s latest problems and Theo Epstein’s return to the Red Sox.

Today’s Papers has a flood of crystal meth that is mostly coming from Mexico, an exodus of educated professionals from Iraq, Bush’s new health care proposal and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Greater Georgelandia

Researchers claim suntan oil sewage is turning male fish into female fish

Five guys converge on Beaver Street hoping to meet “hooker” who advertised on craigslist. Jailarity ensues

Stalker of American Idol finalist repeatedly called her saying he “loved her and was willing to go to jail for her.” Good thing he’s OK with that last part

“Lolita” pulled from school library shelves to keep teachers from molesting their students

Paramedics suspended for not responding to emergency call because “it wasn’t their turn”

Terrible law student matures into terrible lawyer. Here is his story

Plasma TV owners threaten to sue broadcasters after network logos burn screen

Company bets on woman to die quickly. Woman wins, company sues

U.S. escalates ongoing billboard war with Cuba by erecting electronic signs flashing Martin Luther King Jr. quotes in Havana

Website urges New York subway riders to ride pantsless. Hilarity ensues

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Create your own Fark Valentine cards/candy

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop theme: the latest in Nerf technology

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Bahrain company hiring Michael Jackson to help design amusement parks. Photoshop some of the attractions