News – Legends Pass On

I’m not much of a star watcher or fanatic fan, but I do enjoy the work many of them do. It’s sad when they pass on, no longer able to lend their talents to the entertainment of others. Though I don’t really grieve for them, I do miss them.

US

Been a bad day for the old greats. Johnny Cash passed way Friday, due to complications from his diabetes. John Ritter collapsed on the set of his new sitcom and later died of a dissection of the aorta. I didn’t know much about Cash, but I have seen a lot of Ritter’s work. Personally, I enjoyed Three’s Company when it was on TV, ever so long ago and have noted him in his various works since then.

A US appeals court has denied Cheney’s appeal against being forced to open up some documents about the White House’s dealings with the energy industry. Now he has two choices. Either abide by the lower court ruling or take his chances with the Supreme Court. I hope he gives it up and stops wasting our money on trying to hide his dirty dealings.

You can carry a concealed weapon in Missouri in about 30 days. You must be at least 23 years old, undergo training and pass a background check.

The New York flash mob project has ended, leaving participants mystified and delighted. The organizer, Bill, thinks the mob project has reached its natural lifespan and almost overstayed its welcome. Though it is likely this new fad will stick around a while longer.

The guide to the Patriot Act concludes on part four, which reveals details of a few more sections and then concludes. A good read for those who are boggled by all the legal mumbo jumbo. Explainer hits on the Patriot Act a little, explaining Administrative Subpoenas.

Should we get rid of Bush’s tax cuts? This article says yes and tosses you some figures. Personally, I find the ‘wartime sacrifice’ bit to be amusing.

Perhaps to prove a point, ABC news smuggled 15 pounds of depleted uranium into the country. They obviously broke the law, but what do you think should be done about it? Do you think their act is in any way outrageous? Personally, I’m not sure yet.

The Flip-Flops of Howard Dean: Dean’s opinion on the Death Penalty shifts and he flips about on retirement age, explained off with a technicality.

Take your money, Bush, but say you’re sorry first.

Iraq

Apparently US forces killed eight Iraqi security forces and three thieves today, mistaking them for guerrillas. As it seems, the police were chasing a car of armed men through a checkpoint. The soldiers opened fire on both vehicles. As well, a roadside bomb destroyed a military Humvee and wounded its three passengers.

Israel/Palestine

Israel seems determined to oust Arafat in some way, despite the negativity from international sources(including the US and the Arab League), some Israeli voices against and the provoking of thousands of Palestinian protestors at the mere mention. Maybe now Bush can get a feel of what its like when allies go rogue.

Meanwhile tensions in Jerusalem rise and a small spate of generic violence breaks out outside Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque.

Iran

On the vote to set a deadline for Iran to prove it isn’t making nukes, Russia remains a hold out, but has at least agreed to not vote against it and will likely abstain in the vote. China is also likely to abstain.

Powell is laying on the diplomacy in Germany. He’s still pushing the Bush party line, but he at least has style in how he does it.

General

Research into ecstasy which suggested it could cause Parkison’s Disease has been retracted, the researchers having given the wrong drug to the test monkey. This is a boon to a rival researcher who wants to study the drug for its curative properties. Personally, I don’t like hallucinogens. Leave me my own perceptions as given, not made false by compounds.

Today’s Papers has the decision to oust Arafat, the split on Davis, trouble in the Arafat camp, more Iraq wounding and apathy when it comes to getting international backing. Get a part of it all here.

International Papers notes the shift in world opinion from that glowing sympathy two years ago. Most striking is from Le Monde. The day after, they declared “We are all Americans’” A pretty heavy statement, I’d think. Today, we have “Two years later, the standing of the United States is at an all-time low. Compassion has given way to fear that ill-thought actions will only aggravate the problems and that the struggle against terrorism is nothing but a pretext for the extension of American hegemony.“. It’s sad to see how such potential for global unity was frittered away.

Day to Day has a few new topics, yesterday’s covering the 9/11 myths.

Amusements

Jabs for Jesus

Guns n Moses?