News – Imperfect Security

North America

Despite widespread criticism by security experts, the information on E-passports won’t be encrypted.

The military is aiming for better tech in limb replacement, likely because of the high number of crippled soldiers that are coming back from Iraq. To keep from too many of ours being made reliant upon the state.

A member of Bush’s family reaps big bucks from Iraq investments. Let the speculation begin.

After early positives, Arnie’s approval rating is starting to slip.

Half of the dead from 9/11 can’t be identified. Their remains are being stored in case future technology will be able to do what we can’t yet do today.

The Pentagon sets a clear line on the interrogation methods that can be used on prisoners.

Cuba may stop buying US food after a change in the involved rules that demands payment before delivery.

Middle East

Working with what seems incredible speed, we have a new set of faces in Palestine’s Parliament, not associated with Arafat’s former regime.

A person dressed in a police uniform drives a carbomb into a Tikrit police station, killing 15 and wounding 22.

Syria is expressing interest in implementing the UN resolution to pull its forces out of Lebanon and working with the UN to achieve that. Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karami, however, warns that a quick pullout could unsettle the region.

A controversial film about Palestinian Suicide bombers gets unexpected support from the Israeli Film Fund.

Military investigators have decided there isn’t enough evidence to bring charges against the soldier who killed an unarmed Iraqi man as his unit searched a Falluja mosque.

Europe

The Pope goes back to the hospital due to flu relapse. Time for him to retire.

Bush keeps pushing Putin on democracy. One wonders how long Putin will put up with it and if Bush will ever progress pass insistent nagging.

General

Explainer goes over cell phones and viri.

Today’s Papers has the Pentagon pushing for leeway to put US troops on the ground without alerting US ambassadors, the suggestion that “European leaders are increasingly united against U.S. positions and feel emboldened to go their own way.”, the Supreme Court saying that prisons can’t separate inmates by race as a matter of policy and more in the one page news.

Amsements

Neurotically Yours: Foamy’s Rant V

Mark Fiore: Nuclear Fashions

Hillary Swank photoshoot for Interview magazine includes separate limo for her dog; this headline refreshingly brought to you free of dog cliche

Cheap bastard’s engagement ring heist turns to crap when unassuming bride-to-be visits same store to have ring personally fitted

Man successfully pulls off bank robbery, calls in to radio show to brag. Jailarity ensues

Man banned from soccer matches for three years as punishment for naked breakdancing

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this drug warning

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this island bungalow

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this 20-man testudo</A