News – Rummy Losing the PR War
North America(And surrounding islands)
As if he didn’t have enough problems from a PR prospective, we find out that he’s been signing condolence letters to the families of slain US solders with a signing machine. I could understand if there were hundreds a day, but considering the relatively low casualty figures, it isn’t that much of an imposition, is it? On a side note, Bush did personally sign all of those letters. Now that this has been brought to light, Rummy will be signing them from now on. Bush still backs Rummy.
Pfizer has stopped ads for Celebrex at the request of the FDA as they study new data that links it to an increased risk of heart attacks.
Bush is open to ideas from the senate on dealing with Social Security. Though he’s made it pretty clear he has little interest in raising taxes to pay the transition costs. Except raising the cap on income considered for payroll taxes, which hasn’t been flatly ruled out yet.
Cuban students are planning to protest a Christmas display at the US mission in Cuba, which supports imprisoned dissidents.
With the new supplies and lower demand for vaccines, the government is expanding the ream of ‘must have’ people to include anyone over age 50, or people in close contact with those at high risk of flu complications, starting January 3rd.
NASSA will be firing an 800-pound projectile into a passing comet, dubbed Temple 1 on July 4th of next year. Why? To see just what comets are made of.
Time has decided Bush is man of the year.
Another story of the video game playing surgeons doing better than those who refrain. So keep that in mind, parents. Video games aren’t bad for your child, if not taken in extremes. They teach good hand-eye coordination and some games can aid problem solving.
Middle East
After a bomb goes off in Najaf, leaving scores killed and wounded, Iraqi forces round up fifty suspected militants. Shiite leaders call for calm, suspecting the bombing is aimed at starting up sectarian violence. Another bomb struck in Kerbala.
Israel has agreed to release 170 Palestinian prisoners as a show of goodwill before the Palestinian elections and as a gesture to Egypt after their release of a convicted Israeli spy. If only we could keep the good will steady. Some, however, want the full measure of 7,000 being held to be released, dismissing the Israeli gesture.
From his cell, through his lawyer, Saddam calls for Iraqis to unite despite what he calls US efforts to sow sectarian division. Quoted: “President Saddam Hussein urged the unity of his Iraqi people, regardless of their religious and ethnic creed, to confront U.S. plans to divide their country on sectarian grounds.” Alright.
Asia
Japan has decided to issue a passport to former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui to sightsee in Japan, despite China’s protests to the contrary. No idea why, but I’m sure whatever the reason is, it’s stupid.
Africa
Sudan’s government has said it will cease all hostilities in Darfur immediately and unconditionally. Since similar pledges have been made in the past, the rebels don’t yet take it seriously. They missed a prior deadline for Sunday in ceasing the violence, that attributed to the rebels by some. There is a note of the rebels attacking an oil pumping station in southern Darfur.
South Africa’s ruling party accuses the US of treating Africans like “guinea pigs” by promoting the use of the anti-Aids drug nevirapine. The US denies hiding any information about nevirapine and maintains that the single-dose treatment is a safe way to reduce the chances of mother-to-child transmission. There have been complications in testing it and earlier this year an Italian non-government organisation recommended a costlier but less risky alternative, though many health experts in Africa say that nevirapine is safe.
Europe
Ukrainian presidential candidates Viktor Yanukovich and Viktor Yushchenko will be facing off in a TV debate today, ahead of a new vote that’s coming on Sunday.
General
Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the IAEA calls an tapping of his phone violation of his privacy, but follows that up with saying he has nothing to hide.
Explainer notes the difficulty of seeking sharks for revenge after attacks on humans.
Today’s Papers has musings of conservatives standing up to Bush, the GAO measuring out $27 trillion for the prescription drug benefit over the next 75 years, the DIA telling Bush we’re not winning against the insurgency and more in the one page news. I’d say we’re not really winning, we’re still locked in a war of attrition without knowing the true strength or methods of the enemy we face. Not how to deal with a conflict.
Amusements
Mechanics share their most memorable stupid acts. Share yours
New Nativity scene has baby Jesus in jeans, a wise man wondering were he left his WWJD bracelet
Presenting the absolute worst Christmas album in the history of mankind. “Christmas in the Stars” – the Star Wars Christmas album
Cleveland woman’s false Mega Millions lottery claim from last year has led to a professional boxing career
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these creepy Christmas dummies
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Unlikely scenes from the extended DVD version of “The Return of the King”
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox reacting to the officials’ call
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop some “Hillbilly Armor” on this kikazz humvee