News – Strike and Fade

Middle East

US and Iraqi forces hit Tal Afar, going after an insurgent stronghold, but meet little resistance as insurgents melt back and leave our forces grasping at smoke once more.

Reporters opine that the recent deaths and injuries amongst their number by US forces show how out of control they’re getting. I’d say it’s the stress.

Palestinians in the West Bank are glad Israel is out of Gaza, but aren’t happy because Israel has obvious designs on their land now. I suspect that terrorists will head for the West Bank now, to fight against Israelis there. Palestinians in Gaza, however, are ecstatic. Hopefully this will translate into good development of the area.

The Islamic Army in Iraq has offered up $100k for the death of Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari.

Retired Israeli Major General Doron Almog is tipped off that British detectives were waiting at Heathrow airport to pick him up for alleged war crimes in occupied Palestinian lands after a British judge had issued a warrant for his arrest. He evaded arrest.

Asia

Clinton says that, despite US concerns over China’s military build up, it would be ‘idiotic’ for them to seek anything but peace. I’d agree with that in general. Peace is a grand thing compared to the alternative.

Europe

British scientists are given the go ahead to create a human embryo with two mothers.

The EU is going to be putting pressure on the US to use energy more efficiently. Good luck, the energy hogs that run this country won’t stand for that. It would impact the big bucks their friends in the energy game rake in. Efficiency improvements come sluggishly, when at all.

North America

With his approval rating sagging, Bush makes a continued physical presence in the disaster area. Little surprise his approval rating is slipping as companies with administration ties start getting all the work in Katrina’s aftermath, including the much investigated Halliburton. What will they waste tax payer money on this time? Whatever happened to capitalistic competition that is such a republican ideal?

The newest lightning rod of criticism, Michael Brown, is pulled from being part of the disaster relief and sent back to Washington. Not like that will do much, his cat is already out of the bag.

Though the response we had to Katrina is a purely domestic matter, the seeming incompetence involved mars our worldwide image. More so than most as we are often portrayed as ever so skilled and talented.

Fortunately, things are getting better in New Orleans and other spots. I still think we shouldn’t rebuild within that bowl.

Bush often points at the Bureaucracy as they reason for all of our ills, yet he’s had give years to do something about it.

Another 9/11 comes and goes. Unlike most, I don’t do much different on said day The best way to honor those who died is to not let the attack that killed them make a blip on your radar when it comes to how you enjoy life.

A Missouri judge orders several websites down after a St. Louis man alleged to be a racist and anti-Semite is charged with illegally soliciting Katrina relief donations, with the intent that the money go only to white victims.

And over in the Atlantic, Ophelia lingers on, inching closer to the south east.

General

Why not watch a movie to distract you while you get your teeth worked on at the dentist? One of the keys to resisting pain is to get the mind off of it, ignoring the impulses.

Here’s shower that recycles water, which could save us energy and money.

That iPod Nano is a tough cookie.

Today’s Papers has comparison between 9/11 and Katrina, a look at the New Orleans police officers who took flack for abandoning the force, the Roberts hearings starting today and more in the one page news.

Amusements

National Wildlife Federation lobbies to have seismic tests suspended because they make it tougher for hunters to shoot elk and deer

Saudi King slaps ban on hand-kissing. High-fives and low-fives still kosher

College freshmen and mageirocophobes – people who hate to cook – would bow down at the Altar of Ramen Noodles if such a thing existed

Transgendered evacuee arrested for showering in female shower, losing the game of lets hide the Salami (w/pic goodness)

Musical bed linen comes with sounds like wind in the forest, birds singing, and sounds of the sea. Sawing of logs and musical fruit still in development

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has been voted England’s most pointless celebrity. Her husband David came in second

Boys & Girls Club annoyed to find L. Ron Hubbard books distributed with their insignia at fashion show. Scientologists puzzled by outcry, explain they’re just trying to help make the world sane by converting everyone to Scientology

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this kid going to hell in a bucket with the rest of us

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Rescue this dangling child

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Futuristic body modifications