News – More Massive Iraq Attacks

Iraq

The account of Reuters photographer Peter Andrews, on scene where four blasts killed scores. This attack was noted to be at the holiest Shi’ite mosque in Baghdad. The count of the dead is at 54, but scattering of body parts makes it hard to be sure. There was another attack where five blasts hit Kerbala, believed by some to have been mortars) killed at least 70 people. More are suggesting these attacks are meant to sew the seeds of civil war. I have no idea if they are, but its obvious they’re aiming for the big body counts now. That’s not good for anyone. Guardian coverage of both.

There is a little bit of evidence on Saddam’s alleged people shredder that was left out of the last article I linked on it. It wasn’t included in the article and I’m sure you can see why when you read this little snippet. I don’t think said ‘evidence’ would have had the impact that was hoped.

Israel/Palestine

Veteran Palestinian journalist and prominent adviser to President Yasser Arafat Khalil al-Zebin was shot in Gaza Tuesday. No identity given to the gunman yet. Considering how crippled Palestinian security is, I doubt they’ll find out who did it unless that person wants to be known.

A source asserts that Sharon backs a full pullout of settlers and solders from Gaza. The US and Europe maintain they aren’t paying for it, even though Israeli government is seeking that. Personally, I don’t want any more of my money to go to Israel. They have enough aid to shuffle what they need into this little project. I’m sure ending their military operations in Palestine will help save cash in the long run.

Iran

UN IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei praises Iran for the steps it has taken thus far, considering it progress in the right direction to clearing up the whole nuclear thing. And it is. So long as Iran doesn’t queer the deal by pulling stunts. And so long as the US doesn’t queer the deal by pulling any stunts.

Pakistan

Eight to ten Shi’ite Muslims were killed in a gun and bomb attack on mourners in Quetta. Shi’ites went on a bit of a spree themselves after the incident.

Haiti

The Haitian rebels received a warm welcome in Port-Au-Prince, with people appearing pretty darn happy that Aristide is out of the picture. Aristide, now in the Central African Republic, makes an interesting accusation that he was kidnapped in an American coup d’etat. US officials flatly deny this, of course. It is a pretty bold assertion, however. Not sure if he can prove it, but what would he get out of making up such a bold lie, if it is a lie? France is now protecting him in his new roosting spot, denying that they control his movements.

US

The Sierra Club has requested that Justice Antonin Scalia be removed from a case it has against Dick Cheney after Scalia and his daughter flew with Cheney on Air Force 2 for a duck hunting trip. They question is impartiality after that. Personally, I want to know why Dicky boy can use government property for a personal trip. Does he have to pay for the plane’s fuel or do we? Why am I paying my cash money for his duck hunting trip?

18,000 National Guard troops are alerted that they could face Iraq duty near the end of this year or the start of next year. The big wonder now is how the guard and reserves will look in the next few years. Will the part time soldiers decide to bow out now that the likelihood of being sent out for real conflict has raised significantly? Some are dead set against staying in; others are dead set against leaving. But which trend is greater remains the question.

Arnie, at the very least, agrees that there need not be a constitutional amendment with regard to gay marriage. One wonders just how many republicans will want to be a part of one of the scant few amendments that are made to lock away rights and encourage discrimination.

Bush’s shuffle of two members of the bioethics panel with three who match his beliefs more has garnered an outcry. Two folk for embryonic stem-cell research traded for three who are against it. Looks like stacking the deck to me.

Campaign 2004 links. Running out of reading material? Might find something new in this pile.

General

Ever wonder how the Mars rovers get their data back to Earth? Wonder no longer.

There’s something that gives me warm fuzzies when I hear of 1,200 lined up around the block to get into the grand opening of the San Francisco Apple Store. People coming 36 hours early and camping out two nights? Crazy folks they are. I’ve been to the one at Tyson’s Corner. It’s a grand place and if it was closer I’d go a lot more.

The world has yet another new virus. Netsky-D, not as dangerous as the recent batch, but still a pain.

Today’s Papers has Putin’s non-campaign for Russia’s upcoming elections, The US giving the interim Iraq constitution the nod, despite leaving many issues waiting in the wings to bite asses later.Some GOP folk, freaking about deficits, are giving the prospect of rolling back tax cuts a closer eyes and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Accidental inhalation of the condom during fellatio – Nuff said

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop the Secret Service kicking the ass and taking the name of the White House fencejumper

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop theme: Combine a popular console or video game with your favorite rock/pop song or artist