News – Mel’s Movie

General

Mel Gibson denies his movie, Passion of the Christ is anti-Semitic. I watched a Prime Time special last night where Mel was interviewed. While his movies does seem to be somewhat out of context and perhaps a bit over the top when it comes to violence, I don’t think that it is inherently anti-Semitic or meant to be. However, it does have the potential to be used as a tool for that, especially amongst more zealous believers. It could cause a problem, but if it will is the question time will tell.

Will I see it? Maybe.

Wish Goldfish were more healthy? I know I do. The wish seems about to come true with a pending announcement of Goldfish sans Tranfatty acids, or TFAs. Bonus!

Have scientists found a somewhat reliable mathematical formula that predicts marriage breakdown? Perhaps. An interesting prospect, though I’m hesitant to believe that something like that could actually be quantified by the cold logic of mathematics. However, if it is true, then it could be an invaluable indicator of impending trouble.

The US push for global democracy is a hole riddled fake. Those being my words, not those of the writer of this article, who pulls in quite a bit of doubt about Bush’s intent to be a real straight shooter. It just isn’t real.

Day to Day: Democrats Debate in Wisconsin.

Explainer details Sweeps Week. The origins and use of it and what it means for advertisers.

Today’s Papers has the Iraqi Governing council mostly against a caucus to pick leaders for the country. A responsible group should take charge, they say.. namely themselves. I’m not too pro on that idea either. It covered Bush’s carefully planned ‘non-political’ event, musing how many Arab Americans support Bush financially and more in the one page news.

Iraq

Another US soldier is killed by a roadside bomb. The third death in 24 hours. Additionally, five are being held in connection with the assassination last September of Akila al-Hashemi, a member of the U.S.-backed Iraqi Governing Council.

25 US soldiers were injured in a bus accident in Kuwait.

It could take two years the try Saddam. With the need to set up a good judiciary for Iraq and not wanting to have Saddam go through an obvious show trial it behooves all involved to take the time required to do things right. Regardless of the Iraqis cries for vengeance. They’ll get their day in good time.

Comparing Iraq to Vietnam a mistake? I think so. While there might be some light echoes from one to the other, there are too many fundamental differences for the analogy to fit. Iraq isn’t a modern day Vietnam. But it is still a mess.

Israel/Palestine

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie seems about ready to do as his predecessor did. Resign. I’m not surprised, being a punching bag between Arafat and the US/Israel government is not an enviable place.

Afghanistan

A senior pentagon official says the Taliban have been so badly beaten, they’re reduced to ‘cowardly’ attacks. All considered, I think U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Dov S. Zakheim is missing the point. The means of attack don’t matter as much as the effect. So long as they’re being effective, doesn’t matter the medium through which they strike. Such strikes could be thought resourceful and cunning if the Taliban are running own on resources. Even brave to continue striking at a foe that is easily more powerful than they are. It’s all a matter of how you spin it.

US

Bush works on his upbeat economic message. I caught a little of Bush talking to the people in Florida who have been helped by his tax cuts. It sounds just as phony as Kerry and company talking to those who are being harmed. The economic picture is a mixed bag of the helped and the hurt and I find Bush’s little foray just as political as those of every other candidate who show only one side of the issue.

DARPA scientists are trying to figure out ways to make it so soldiers can miss meal breaks and still battle at top form. Good in a pinch if a conflict lasts through a meal time, but ripe for abuse as well. Any discovered way had better be deeply and thoroughly tested for safety.

150 Lego maniacs converged on Portland over the weekend for Brickfest PDX. Click for the building goodness.

Bush’s Daytona strategy. One thing I have to wonder is, has any candidate for president ever done a hobby type thing during their run that wasn’t motivated in part by a desire to play up to some faction or go for points? Having hobbies associated with a run for prez seems to me to just play off interests as nothing more than political tools.

Amusements

Liquid Generation: Suck My News #88 – 80 year old Lesbos Marry

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Transformers get real jobs

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Milk jugs are not urinals. Photoshop other highway signs about things we’re not supposed to do.

Homestar Runner: Strongbad Email #98 – Stupid Stuff

Irony: The Thief-proof car is stolen.