News – The Good in Bad

Middle East

It’s good that the Iraqi government hasn’t passed their oil law. Why? Because it raises the chances that the disgruntled people will become educated about the state of it and normal democracy will take place.

Cheney says the surge in Iraq is working. Perhaps, but then since when have I ever given a care about what comes out of this man’s mouth? I have little doubt that the surge will improve security in those areas swept and held. But the moment the grip is released, as it must eventually be, will that security linger? As well, will the Iraqi government finally make some reasonable progress toward the goals that they need this enhanced state of security for?

More cash for Fatah. Yet another step in their attempts to bolster Fatah, while keeping down Hamas.

The US and UK circulate a draft resolution to give the UN more play in Iraq’s political regeneration. Took em long enough to turn back to the UN. But is this situation any better for a larger UN presence in Iraq, considering the bombing that prompted their withdrawal in the first place? Might be considering part of the resolution looks like it gives UN teams on the ground US military troops as guardians.

Cheney predicts that the next report on Iraq will show significant progress. Mark the calendar. I predict Cheney will have his words thrown back in his face.

The ultra-Orthodox community within Israel battles against secularism. Secularism is the natural state of modern society at the moment as far as I have seen. It can be delayed, but not stopped.

Worst case: That good news from Iraq will be irrelevant.

Africa

Violence continues to flare in Mogadishu. More locals flee and I wonder when all of this mess will end.

The UN is looking for more food aid for Zimbabwe. Drought and their horrid economic issues are making food scarcer.

Asia/Pacific

In China, a video game that lets you kill corrupt politicians has proven to be wildly popular. An obvious turn out when there is so much corruption in China’s government. I think we need something like that.. Congressional House Cleaner could be the next game of the year.

Europe

Does Russia use its gas supplies to bully its neighbors? I’d say they do, judging from past events noted in the article. And I wouldn’t be surprised.

Gay men in Rome hold a ‘kiss in’ in front of the Coliseum after two gay men were briefly arrested for kissing in public. Amusing that such a simple act of affection can be thought so much more ‘lewd’ when done by two people of the same gender. Culture and society are curious things when you step back to view the broad picture.

Americas

Bush pulls executive privilege and tells Rove not to testify before a Senate hearing on the sacking of eight federal prosecutors.

Insurers win and don’t have to pay out for all the flood damage done by Katrina. The government will end up paying it off, which means we do. Gotta read that fine print.

Oil prices continue to linger high and could impact the US economy. Such is the price paid when one stirs up trouble overseas. Gives the looters a chance to do what they do best.

One clear difference amongst the candidates: Obama answers hypothetical questions. That alone scores him a brownie point with me. You have to have balls to field those questions. The majority of political candidates, in that manner, are eunuchs.

General

Another study that says abstinence programs don’t do the job. Lets face it people. We’re hardwired to procreate in general. Some of us more so than others, others less so. Society factors in as well. Abstinence only programs can’t fight centuries of nature and culture. But we can educate people on the facts to help them make more reasonable choices when it comes to ‘doin it’. That is the better choice, even if those of a more religious persuasion rail on against it.

The latest in speculation: Google making their own brand of cell phones.

Is Scientology a cult? I’ve recently seen a lot of things on Scientology. Little snippets and videos of how their members act to detractors and the like. I’ve come to the conclusion that, while scientology may have some positive beneficial effects for some people, the deeper you go into it, the worse it gets. The more money they want and the more they seek to ‘own’ you. I think the leadership of scientology is corrupt and dangerous. Purge them and I could see giving Scientology the benefit of the doubt.

Explainer looks at your chances in space without a spacesuit. Also, the structural integrity of bridges.

An adult tries out those wheeled sneakers.

The Blogs look at the Minnesota bridge collapse.

Today’s Papers has an expansion to the children’s health insurance program that will likely be vetoed, that The Department of Homeland Security will soon outline what businesses must do if they are notified that an employee’s information doesn’t match up with federal records, word that a federal intelligence court declared that one part of the Bush administration’s warrantless eavesdropping program is illegal and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Travels with Smarty

Not news: Woman busted for DUI. News: Second one in three months. Fark: She’s a blackjack dealer who had a revoked license to begin with and was out drinking and driving anyway. Florida: Check out her t-shirt – Classic

Professor whose wife left him for Ted Turner writes in email to colleagues: “It is very common for a woman to be drawn to men who remind them of their childhood abusers”

After printing out the nude photos you took of your hot 20-year-old stepdaughter while she was sleeping, you might want to remember to take them out of you pocket before your wife sees them

Church and state no longer separate, literally, as Texas students will have to add four words to their state pledge this year: “One state, under God”

Problem: Homeless people have set up tents in your city. Solution: Make them wear pretty bracelets

Today’s misuse of 911 is from a Maine woman who lost her house key

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this river scene – The Silliness is strong in this one

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these athletic competitors

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Photoshop something that could be improved with bacon