News – Peace? Progress? Where?

Middle East

About 20 vehicles pull up to the higher education building in central Baghdad. The men inside get out and go in, unhindered by the guards as they’re wearing uniforms of the interior ministry. The ones that the US made so it would be hard for militants to get them. They go in and separate the men from the women, confiscate cell phones and proceed to abduct 100 men. I mean.. what the hell? The only good thing is that those men have, by the looks, been found and freed. Yet the fact that so many people were taken remains an issue, as are the uniforms the insurgents wore.

Meanwhile tens of thousands of Iraqis are displaced because of the violence and disorder that lingers in the country. With the number still growing. This shouldn’t be if we’re really making progress. With bodies steadily dumped in the streets, silent note of the constant violence, it’s amusing when people try to paint a rosy picture. I acknowledge good has happened in Iraq. But it’s like whitewash over the truth. Unless the government can get some control over the country, all of those good things can easily crumble away to dust.

Saudi Arabia is building a fence now, along the Iraqi border to help prevent the mess there from spilling over into their country. It seems to be the century of fences.

Blair wants Bush to focus on the Israeli/Palestinian situation, believing that solving that one will help in Iraq.

More rocket attacks from militants in Palestine. Israel’s measures to stop said attacks are a failure. They need a new strategy, as this current one nets them nothing. Something, hopefully, that will slow the build of hate that makes sure there are new militants for every one Israel kills.

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud opposes his government’s approval of UN plans to try suspects in the killing of former PM Rafik Hariri. Hezbollah also denounced it, since the vote came after siz ministers had resigned and the cabinet didn’t represent all religious groups as required by the country’s constitution.

Al-Jazeera sets up an English language station. It’s starting at 12 hours a day, then going to 24 on January.

Asia/Pacific

Japan and Russia are bracing for a potential tsunami after nearby quake activity. Nothing too huge, thankfully.

Europe

A senior cardinal at the Vatican comments on the European debate on Muslims and wearing veils. Cardinal Renato Martino says that immigrants must respect the traditions, culture and religion of the nations they go to.

Two Renaissance masterpieces are found in a pensioner’s spare room hundreds of years after they were lost. Just.. you know, sitting there.

Americas

DaimlerChrysler Ford and GM petition the government for aid in getting competitive again.. while insisting they’re not looking for a bailout. By the very nature of petitioning the government for help, you’re asking for a bailout.

The Wiccans are still fighting for the right of Wiccan soldiers to have their symbol on their graves. To me the case is open and shut because the Military recognizes the religion. Therefore, there is no reason outside of flat discrimination to deny fallen soldiers their symbol on their graves. As it stands, they currently have some pretty obscure symbols allowable on gravestones as well.

Africa

A UN report says that ten countries, including Iran and Syria, are violating the arms embargo on Somalia, helping fuel the conflict there.

Gay marriage is approved in South Africa, in a 230 to 41 vote. Question is, do the people approve of the legislation or not.

General

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has put forth a recommendation that babies born at or before 22 weeks should not be resuscitated or given intensive care. Why? Because of the low survival rate of said babies and the increased chance of severe disability. Personally, I think it is up to the parents and what they wish to expend for a premature child.

Research suggests that eating a little dark chocolate each day can help thin the blood and reduce the chance of clots.

The blogs look at Nancy Pelosi’s endorsement of John Murtha for House majority leader, the Baker commission and a new T-shirt that has a built in air guitar.

Today’s Papers has note of OJ Simpson writing a book and soon to appear on a TV show describing “how he would have committed the murders if he were the one responsible”(… IF eh?), Lieberman’s new power, the changing lay of the land now the that Democrats have some power and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Ten-year-old boy calls teacher sexy, asks her for a hug; gets slapped with a suspension instead. “I just wanted to wish her a good weekend,” the future molestor said

Today’s “man offers to sell soul online” story comes to us from Tampa, FL

Hallucinogenic corn used to keep pigeon population down at courthouse. What could possibly go wrong?

Absolut Vodka forced to withdraw ad campaign that promotes paying Germans for sex

Ever wondered what your favorite superheroes are thankful for come Thanksgiving? Wonder no more

The four branches of stupid things Homestar’s done

Hundreds of students march on school president’s house, demand day off because football team won big game against perennial powerhouse Albright College

Gunman takes hostages, demands prescription drugs, becomes drowsy

Talking Jebus doll maker shocked, SHOCKED that Toys for Tots won’t accept their Talking Jebus dolls. “We can’t take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family”

Arkansas law prohibits gifts to the governor and his wife unless it’s wedding gifts. So the governor sets up a wedding registry. Despite the fact that he’s been married since 1974

Woman kicked off airplane for breast feeding her baby. Hilarity ensues

Planning on robbing the pizza dude? Don’t give your actual phone number

15 pound succulent lobster raffled off at New Hampshire restaurant. The winner released it back into the ocean

Airport confiscates three live crocodiles from passenger’s carry-on luggage

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya, NBA Commisioner David Stern and American Ambassador John Bolton at a Knicks game

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this odd doorway

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this cop and his giant bird