News – Pondering the Future

Middle East

Olmert says that failure to negotiate a two state solution with Palestine would result in the ‘end of Israel’. While a bit melodramatic for my tastes, it behooves Israelis to pursue peace since only in peace can either side truly strike forward into a stable, secure future. There’s been enough waffling by officials.

Meanwhile the early echoes of the Annapolis talks linger on. One hopes that some good will come out of the diplomatic aftermath.

Africa

Chadian rebels declare they’re at war with the French-led EU peacekeeping forces that are to be deployed to the country in the coming months.

The deadline on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea ends tonight at midnight and while both sides seem to agree to the official border that will be drawn by default at that time.. neither side has adjusted their forces to sit on their side of the new boundary.

Asia/Pacific

Australia’s new PM states that their combat troops will be leaving Iraq by the middle of 2008. This being about a third of the forces they have there.

Such an age we live in, where an 18 year old can be the ring leader of an international cyber-crime group.

Europe

Putin says Russia’s coming election will be a fair one, but observers and rights groups are already accusing authorities of manipulating the results by intimidating the opposition and pressuring voters.

Next in line for a transport shutdown, Italy.

Americas

Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans protest against the changes Hugo Chaves has proposed for the countries constitution.

Blackwater is expanding at home, perhaps with an eye on getting into the business of patrolling the US/Mexico border.

The GOP YouTube debate.

Just what is behind Trent Lott’s sudden resignation? As always there are some coincidences to consider.

General

The 12 Days of Kitschmas! Get your gag gifts here.

The Blogs look at the GOP YouTube debate, Rudy’s latest scandal and the passing of former Rep. Henry Hyde.

Today’s Papers has note that the FBI’s list of Americans forbidden from buying guns because of mental-health problems has more than doubled since the spring, skepticism as to whether Pakistan’s state of emergency will truly be lifted, U.S. military officials are blaming the Iraqi government for not having adequate plans to reintegrate the Iraqis who are returning and more in the one page news.

Amusements

In an effort to further streamline their already-efficient airport security procedures, the TSA now wants to collect gender and birthdate information from all passengers

Parents sick of kids sitting in front of X-Box after school take them to park to play outside in fresh air. Local council responds by charging parents $250 per kid for “wear and tear” on grass

Two serious dumbasses arrested for not paying $12 bar tab. With dumb & dumber mug shot goodness

Paris Hilton and Britney Spears beat out the Grinch and Darth Vader in online survey of who kids think should top Santa’s naughty list

Obvious actual headline of the day: “300 Pound Hooker Robs Reluctant Customer.” Of course, you know which tag is going to go best with this one

Police videos of Tony LaRussa’s DUI arrest. Complete with all sorts of wobbly drunken goodness

County Nativity scene adds snowman to avoid legislation that it is a religious symbol

Former San Francisco mayoral candidate arrested for playing guitar naked on van. “This is our fist contact with him and what contact it is” Deputy Chief District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said

Lawmaker has her BAC test thrown out because she was not properly warned of the implications of consenting to the test during her DUI bust

Alaska Airlines to make heterosexuals pay 10 percent more for their tickets this holiday season, unless they use a gay website to book their flights

In one of the more unique defenses of police techniques, officer explains that demons in plumbing instructed him to keep flushing toilet in front of restrained DUI suspect until he peed himself

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this silhouetted rope climber

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this welder

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Challenge: create a new poster for the Star Trek XI movie

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