News – The Typical Response

Middle East

John Murtha of Pennsylvania has come out with an alternate plan for immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. I haven’t heard the whole thing, so couldn’t comment fully on it, but the reaction is predictable, with pro-war folks doing their best to tar and feather him. You know, calling it pacifistic, calling it a ‘cut and run’ plan and other such BS. For once I’d like to see a leader take a plan that he doesn’t like and respond to it with constructive criticism rather than the same old bullshit. And just so you know, it’s unlikely I’d support a plan like this, but aspects of it might be useful to modify the current situation.

I’d like a clearer policy. As it stands, there seems no clear policy, no coherent plan that guides all things involving this war. So much waste, both of money and talent, so much confusion and vague notes of the goal of this conflict, allowing plenty of wiggle room for politicians. For once I’d like to feel that my leaders knew what the hell they were doing.

Political sources indicate Sharon’s advisors are suggesting he break from the Lukid party and form a more centrist party. A dangerous idea.

United Nations human rights chief Louise Arbour wants an international probe into conditions in Iraqi jails.

North America

Emergency Bird Flu funds wanted by Bush are rejected, as republicans note that the administration will have to pay for it by cutting other government programs.

US regulators are probing the deaths of 12 children in Japan who took Roche AG’s flu-fighting drug Tamiflu. The last thing we need to find out right now is that this drug is risky for kids.

The Attorneys General of 36 states are requesting that Hollywood’s major movie studios put anti-smoking PSAs on DVDs, videos and such home entertainment products that feature tobacco use.

Heidi Fleiss, former Hollywood Madam, is opening up a Nevada brothel catering to women. I say yeah, about time the ladies had a place like that. Men are overrepresented.

Explainer details how to start your own town.

General

New tech could have US soldiers speaking Arabic through a laptop voice translator program. Of course, computer translators are notoriously bad with proper syntax. Better to have real translators.

Scientists find a gene in mice that, when turned off, turns them into little daredevils. Something that could eventually help treat those who suffer from fears and phobias.

Another Harry Potter review. After having read ahead through the books, I can honestly say the next few movies will be what I have been waiting for. The story gets darker than the first few. It’s been a slow progression in the second and third, but in the fourth the pace picks up. Things start happening. If you thought Harry Potter was too ‘cutesy’ for you, I’d advise that this movie is the one to see, for it gets a little thick.

Today’s Papers has the arrest of two US men for allegedly rigging rebuilding contracts in Iraq(one having served time for felony fraud, was a U.S. government comptroller and financial officer in Iraq), the Iraqi interior minister’s tepid response to the discovery of the torture center, the House defeating a Republican-sponsored $142 billion bill on health and education programs and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Companies force employees that screw up services to don Mickey Mouse costume for five days. This practice has been stopped. Not by Amnesty International, but by Disney

School children in Cyprus take field trip to the movies to see “Love Actually.” A few nude scenes later, school administrators are red-faced

Man discovered hiding in woman’s loft attempts to convince her that he doesn’t exist by saying “I’m not here” before running down her stairs shouting and howling

Months after publicly parading around a third grader as a “liar, liar, pants on fire,” this elementary school principal has become a “fired, fired, tramp-ass ho”

Boss shocked that the female co-worker he took to a strip club didn’t enjoy it, nor the application he handed her suggesting she become a stripper

NCAA worries alcohol commercials aired during sporting events might encourage America’s currently wholesome and sober students to drink

Coach at Texas parochial high school fraudulently fields team of six college age players and still brings in a loss. Duke sucks

18 stolen garden gnomes discovered lined up at pedestrian crossing, as if waiting to cross street. Travelocity involuntarily drools on itself

Drivers torching their own SUVs to escape high gas prices

Can you tell which is a superhero and which is a household cleaner? It’s harder than you think

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: If Canada took over the U.S….

Fark Photoshop Challenge: <A HREF="http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments.pl?IDLink=1759675″>Photoshop this cool scene for a hot car

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: When the safety nazis take over sports