News – Iran to Kick it up a Notch?

Middle East

Looks like Iran might finally have enriched uranium with which to fuel its nuclear reactors. This is, overall, not a good thing as it will likely only ramps up the fear. So what are our options?

Now banks, in fear of Us sanctions, are shunning the Hamas left Palestinian government. Sure to follow are unrest, resentment and further devolution of the Palestinian territories. Great job, Bush. I’m sure the terrorists will thank you for the new recruits that come of this.

Ibrahim Jaafari remains under fire as Kurdish and Sunni leaders maintain that they won’t work with him. Wow, they agree on something.

What’s the best way to teach a soldier how to act in a non-insulting way toward Iraqis? Through a computer simulation game that teaches proper etiquette. I know some civilians who could use some time on that simulator.

Ariel Sharon has been noted as permanently incapacitated by the Israeli Cabinet, effectively ending his term in office. A pity it happened this way.

Hamas calls an end to the use of suicide bombers, but doesn’t rule out other forms of violent resistance. A step in the right direction, but more is needed.

Europe

Italy’s vote comes and goes, leaving the center-left party of Romano Prodi with a narrow victory and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s allies looking for a recount.

North America

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants and supporters marched in cities across the country yesterday. One such rally was on Cspan and featured Edward Kennedy doing some adroit rabble rousing, even making references to MLK.

Louisiana officials describe waste and bloat in the effort to rebuild the Gulf Coast. We can’t even run an efficient reconstruction program on our own soil.

Bush admits he ordered the declassification of parts of a prewar intelligence report on Iraq to respond to critics who alleged he manipulated intelligence to justify the war. Only, how are we to trust that he’s revealed everything, warts and all? We can’t, thus this move does little to assuage my concerns.

Army recruiting is still down. Not surprising, considering the state of eternal war that we’re in.

General

The Blogs look at the French Government caving on jobs, Seymour Hersh reporting on a direct attack plan on Iran and the page six scandal.

Today’s Papers has notes on Bush polls, Iraq’s ailing stock exchange, the beginnings of troop withdrawal and more in the one page news.

Amusements

“Book ’em Lou. One count of being a bear. And one count of being an accessory to being a bear.”

Billboards featuring bare ass to be placed among posters advertising candidates for parliamentary elections. Expected to win landslide due to honesty

Florida surgeon will serve a one-month suspension and pay a fine for operating on the wrong body part — for the third time in five years

Crazy Florida senator tries to escape TV cameras by jumping fence behind office (with videos, photos)

Burglar — who attacked a 75-year-old grandmother while she slept — learns valuable lessons about both senior citizens and karate

Tom Cruise forces “South Park” creators to reveal that they are servants of the Dark Lord Xenu (sponsored link)

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and two small kids are holing up in an African camp where wild lions will keep the media away while Angelina has her baby. What could possibly go wrong?

For some reason, Foung Vang’s neighbors are opposed to his operating a chicken slaughterhouse in the back yard

Pilot loses his active cellphone in the cockpit of a commercial jet and the flight is cancelled when they could not find it. Apparently, no one thought of calling it

Colorado House crafts bill to prevent them from taking bribes, but adds provision barring governor from accepting speaking fees to ensure he vetoes it

Bald eagle in duel with another over female eagle gets stuck in crotch of Wisconsin maple tree, has to be rescued by game warden. Guess someone is gonna spend another mating season playing video games in the basement

Two co-workers file false obituary in attempt to get the day off work. Local sheriff’s office comes by for a visit, brings a heapin’ helpin’ of hilarity with them

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Just when you thought it couldn’t get scarier, it’s submitted for photoshoppery (O.. M.. G..)

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this bell-boy dressed for the occasion

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Anyone seen Elvis lately?