News – The Bottom Line for Blackwater

Middle East

Blackwater founder Erik Prince goes before a congressional committee to answer for his creation. The committee didn’t talk about the Sept 16 incident, which is still under investigation, but did bring up other incidents that they believe points out a lack of standards for Blackwater in comparison to the US military. And I have to agree with the trailing question in the article. “The question for this hearing is whether outsourcing to Blackwater is a good deal to the American taxpayer.” That is the bottom line.

Abas and Olmert start the latest bout of talking. I’ll sit up and take note when they start doing. It’s long overdue.

Israel admits that they conducted an airstrike on a Syrian military installation last month. What they have yet to say is why. That aspect remaining a mystery as of yet. Assad has vowed retaliation, but not necessarily by guns and bombs. Personally, I wonder what the US line is on this unprovoked assault that has yet to be explained.

An Iranian college asks Bush to come and talk, in response to the hostile reception Ahmadinejad got at a US college.

Asia/Pacific

North Korea agrees to give full details of its nuclear program and disable the main reactor at Yongbyon by Dec 31. Both in return for aid. We’ll see if this one takes. South Korea is pleased with this.

Scores of monks look to leave Rangoon to escape the military government’s brutal crackdown on them.

Europe

Many women’s groups in Turkey protest against a new draft of the country’s constitution. They believe it sets back the clock when it comes to gender equality.

Putin may just shift from Prez of Russia to Prime Minister. Personally, I think we need people who are more moderate in charge of the country and Putin needs to retire and go enjoy life. The roots of Putin’s power in Russia.

Americas

Why isn’t the US as loved as it has been before? Because we’ve lost our aura of competence. Too much screwing up, thanks to several of our recent presidents.

General

The young are painfully ignorant on the subject of HIV.

Microsoft’s Zune player looks to take on the iPod. Some think it looks a little too much like an iPod to challenge Apple’s baby. As usual Microsoft is copycatting whilst Apple innovates with new twists.

Explainer notes the danger of handcuffs for those who struggle in them.

The Blogs look at Putin’s machinations, Rush Limbaugh’s “phony soldiers” comment and Britney Spears’ parenting skills.

Today’s Papers has tidbits on the Blackwater incident on Sept 16, the shape of things between Clinton and Obama and a look at how the explosion of funding for biodefense work after the 9/11 attacks means hundreds of universities and research labs are handling dangerous material, raising concerns about safety.

Amusements

If you’re sitting in the gallery of a courtroom during a trial, please turn off your cellphone’s loud, orgasmic “Oh, yeah … yeah … oh, yeah … do it to me” ringtone beforehand

Whoever said oatmeal is good for you obviously never tried eating it while driving an SUV

“Ass chewing leads to fight.” Editors rejoice, censors cringe

Man returns home from night of heavy drinking, discovers his key no longer works. Doing what any Farker would do, he breaks in and mixes himself another drink. Rightful owner of house returns, jailarity ensues

Fans pissed off at scalpers snagging all the tickets and driving up prices respond by sabotaging their online auctions

Man sets his house on fire trying to kill yellow jackets

Police issue public safety warning about ex-convict, citing “a significant safety risk.” But they can’t say why. Odd, he seems normal in the mugshot

Head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy claims success in war on drugs. No, he was not stoned at the time

When driving a stolen car, you might want to hold off on driving to the county jail to visit your boyfriend (with it’s-a-man-baby pic goodness)

You know it’s a good chili when hazmat teams seal off your street

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this log cabin on the move

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these balls

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Seven deadly sins. Today’s sin: GLUTTONY