News – Russia’s Retreat

Europe

Many NGOs face suspension of their work in Russia after a deadline for registering with the state has passed. The red tape is part of a new law that allows monitoring of all NGOs, to stop foreign governments from using them for political purposes. Human Rights Watch, one of the orgs that didn’t register in time, says they’ve made repeated efforts, but that officials constantly change the list of required documents. That smells a bit funny..

The more time goes by, the more Russia seems to be backsliding.

The IAEA warns that we’ll have a lot more states with nukes soon if proliferation isn’t stopped.

Holes found in British air cargo security.

Tony Blair steps into the debate in Britain over Muslim face veils, saying it’s a “mark of separation” and made some “outside the community feel uncomfortable”. Well, sorry for that but it’s an important thing to many Muslims. People who are uncomfortable should deal with that, since it’s a personal problem. The way lots of people dress makes me uncomfortable at times, but I don’t try and get it banned because how people dress is on them.

Middle East

Iraqi president Jalal Talabani thinks that if the US opened talks with Syria and Iran on working together to stabilize Iraq, terrorism could end within months. Perhaps, but getting such an agreement made would be the prime hurdle. Of course, there’s a first time for everything. A real shift in policy would be nice.

There is suspicion that Israel is using some new weapon in Gaza, with doctors reporting severe burning and deep internal wounds in wounded people brought in. This, of course, is denied by Israel. One wonders what the truth is. The weapon in question is Dense Inert Metal Explosive(Dime).

A Jordan court convicts eight militants with plotting to kill US troops in Iraq and Americans and Jews in Jordan.

Muslim women from all over talk about wearing the veil. Some interesting stuff indeed.

Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad runs off at the mouth again.

Africa

A former member of the Janjaweed militants in Sudan says that the government gives direct support and orders to the militant group.

Asia/Pacific

Condi goes on a Korea ‘crisis’ tour. She’ll be hitting Japan, South Korea, China and Russia, no doubt looking to make sure everyone is on the same page with sanctioning North Korea. Not that I see the sanctions doing much of anything.

Thailand’s new government is taking a more diplomatic approach to the Islamic Insurgency in their country. Personally, I hope they can do it. It would go to show that there are some you can make peace with if you try real diplomacy.

Americas

The US population hits 300m. Third largest behind India and China.

Damn, Wesley Snipes has a warrant out on him for dodging millions in taxes. The charges allege Mr Snipes failed to file tax returns between 1999 and 2004, and conspired with two men to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which collects taxes in the US. I liked him. Oh well.

General

Research has shown some correlation between television viewing by young children(Under 3) and autism rates. While not a silver bullet, it’s an important discovery if it pans out. It’s suggested to allow no TV viewing for kids under three.

Research suggests that breast cancer screening might lead many women to have unnecessary treatments, while saving comparatively few lives. False positives need to be addressed in breast cancer screening tests, then.

Research finds that the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks from pollutants. So have some more fish.

Even more research shows that facial expressions might well be hereditary. And before you suggest monkey see, monkey do, the research was on 21 volunteers who had been blind from birth along their relatives.

Apple slips up and warns that a small number of iPods sold after September 12th of this year have are carrying the RavMonE virus. This is only a problem for Windows PC users, so anyone having repeated virus problems in relation to their iPod on Windows should check in with Apple.

Explainer considers finding the 300 millionth American. He also looks at the protests at Gallaudet.

The blogs look at corruption investigations into Pennsylvania Rep. Curt Weldon, Wal-Mart’s expansion in China and Fabolous’ shooting.

Today’s Papers has the school-lunch wars in Britain, an analysis looking at how a Democratic victory in the midterm congressional elections would affect Bush’s governance, an investigation into the training of the U.S. troops who advise the Iraqi forces and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Asked to read a poem at your city’s town square grand reopening, do you: A) Read it with dignity? B) Decline? C) Use the opportunity to call a local politician an “S.O.B.” and a “whore”? Hint: This is Fark

Economically challenged city of Flint, Michigan, spends $12 million for high tech machine that simulates driving a bus. Looks like somebody forgot to press the easy button

“Testicle Festival” descends on Ft. Myers

Hummer H2 not conspicuous enough for you? How about one on 30-inch wheels with butterfly doors and a Gulf racing paint scheme? Steve McQueen surrenders

List of 10 manliest Halloween costumes include not so manly pictures

<A HREF="http://www.wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=946111″>Having solved all of the region’s other problems, Fairfax County police conduct a sting against stores selling… cold medicine… in fall, when it’s cold and raining

Old and busted: Road rage. New hotness: “Web rage.” Grrrr

Toronto-area doctor wants all Canadians to forfeit a day’s wage to fight AIDS. Apparently, Toronto-area doctors don’t realize that not everyone makes $300k/year

The coolest VW beetle collection you’ll ever see

If you stole a life size fiberglass dinosaur the NYPD would like a word with you

After his cell phone is stolen, man sends text message to burglar offering to meet and give him $300 in exchange for the return of his phone. Hilarity ensues

Hotel employees discover lawyer in bathing suit stuck in air conditioning vent, where he claims he spent past three days

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this future scholar

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this ’65 VW Beetle

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this tinsey winsey horsey