News – Telling Statistics
Middle East
2007 was a jump year for Iraqi’s seeking asylum in foreign countries. Leads one to wonder just how it might be in 2008. If things are getting better, it stands to reason that the rate should reduce considerably.
Israel gets closer ties to Germany. A good thing to see as old wounds heal. In time, one can hope that the past will be forgotten entirely, save for the part it had in ultimately dissuading the sort of villainy shown by previous German leaders. Repentance is nice, but the time for shame has passed in my opinion.
The young in Iraq who must grow up far too quickly. Without a strong governmental education system, the militias step in and with the struggle that many Iraqi families go through, the young must be the breadwinners in some families.
Asking writers who previously supported the Iraq war how they got it wrong. Quite a few of them to read there. And a musing on just what has been accomplished in five years.
Africa
The UN is considering peacekeepers for Somali, if certain conditions are met. Considering the situation, I don’t think that would be a very good idea.
Egypt is another spot on the African continent that is having food shortage issues.
Asia/Pacific
Remember Burma? No improvement there according to Ibrahim Gambari, the special envoy to that country.
Europe
Greece braces for a general strike over pension issues. Tens of thousands participating in a single day strike. It will be a rough day, no doubt. Especially in the wake of three other strikes, one of which seems to be ongoing.
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary issue a joint statement to recognize Kosovo’s unilateral independence. Though most of the EU has done the same, there are still holdouts in the region. But if they were to all agree.. would Serbia be forced to accept this?
Americas
After the blow up over his pastor, Jeremiah Wright, Obama has pretty much tackled the issue head on. Which is a refreshing response in my opinion. Most don’t even try, doing all they can to shunt the issue to the side and ignore it. I find Obama’s method refreshing and think it will help him as he turns it from a knock to a new reason to give more pretty speeches to move people.
Cuba lifts a ban on farmers buying their own supplies in a bid to improve agricultural production. Previously supplies were assigned by the government.
The US Supreme Court is hearing a landmark case on guns, prompted by a challenge to the handgun ban in DC.
General
Research suggests that a belief in God makes for a more contented life. Which makes sense considering how such beliefs can calm the mind. Having something to believe in allows one to focus and reduce stress by surrendering worries to the strictures of a faith.
The Blogs look at Obama’s speech in the wake of the row over his aggressively opinionated pastor.
Today’s Papers has investors out to raise the prices of financial stocks yesterday after two investment firms reported earnings that were better than expected, two members of the Fed’s main policy-setting committee voted against the interest-rate cuts, more on Obama and other tidbits in the one page news.
Amusements
Stripping off for a television show can be a great way to boost your career, but not when you’re presenting a children’s show
Metal detectors sell out near Florida beaches this spring break as gold prices hit record highs (with video)
Stars of YouTube video “How to Scam Del Taco” have been arrested. “We never intended it to be anything criminal. It was ridiculously blown out of proportion”
“Would you like pot with that?” McDonald’s employees in West Virginia charged with selling more than Big Macs and fries
Japanese governor wants to improve morale by banning smoking during office hours. And by abolishing breaks, because workers could smoke during their breaks
Depressed and ready for a new set of failures in life, a divorced Australian man puts his entire life up for auction
Nothing says class like a forehead tattoo that says Psycho. Well, maybe if it said Git-R-Dun
President Bush to declare “Mission Accomplished” again in Iraq, only not in tight-fitting flight suit complete with codpiece this time
Bad: 250,000 drivers in Miami do not have valid licenses. Worse: Florida Highway Patrol has no plans to do anything about it. Fark: Miami PD will only arrest you if you’ve been stopped multiple times without a license
Apparently, smacking another female councillor’s bottom and calling her a naughty girl is okay in Scotland
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Obama before he was drawing the big crowds
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this disco baby
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these men locating a transmitter
Food shortages? And yet we are paying farmers to not use their land…. seriously what the hell is that? Couldnt some company in a bid for public oppinion buy the crops of that area and bring it to where it’s needed? I would think everyone wins in such a scinario.
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