News – Power By the Pen?

North America

China’s bid to purchase U.S. oil producer Unocal is presented by some as a security threat to the US.

Republicans agree to some limits on the Patriot Act, others push for the whole law to be made permanent. For the law to remains, it requires the divergent views to be brought together.

Yesterday was a low day for NASA as a fuel tank sensor glitch led to a scrubbing on that day’s launch. The earliest date at which they’ll launch now is Saturday.

Ali al-Timimi, a US Islamic scholar, has been sentenced to life in prison for urging Muslims to join the Taleban in Afghanistan and fight US troops after the 9/11 attacks.

Rehnquist is in a hospital bed due to fever. I think he needs to just pack it in and retire. He needs some down time.

Furthering the ‘Rove death watch’, wherein the press’ relative silence and timidity is mused.

Middle East

Clashes as Israel seals off Gaza, but not with Palestinians. This was with Israeli protestors. Likely the protestors, who converged on the Kissufim crossing, the main entrance for the Gush Katif settlement block, wanted to enter the settlement, but they weren’t allowed.

Sharon’s ordering a relentless attack on Islamic Jihad as reprisal for the recent bombing in Israel. And thus playing right into their hands by abandoning peace moves.

Asia

Looking at how we finally got North Korea back to the negotiation table.

Europe

Two minutes of silence are observed in the UK for the victims of the recent bombings. Many are looking at the state of British multiculturalism closely in the wake of the attacks with Prince Charles urging “every true Muslim” to root out extremist preachers.

General

Explainer details what a cycling team does.

Today’s Papers has the Senate shifting homeland defense money from high risk to low risk areas, more Guantanimo mess, the government about to start testing an anti-missile defense for civilian airliners and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Neurotically Yours: Handmade Clothes

Mark Fiore: Busho Live

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Gaussian Blur vs. Lens Flare — The Final Showdown

Fark Photoshop Challenge: It’s hot outside, so photoshop this snowy street scene

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Animals doing day jobs