News – Trials and Delays

Middle East

Fifty transportation workers were kidnapped in Baghdad by gunmen in police uniforms. As well, 21 Shia and Kurds were taken from a convoy of minibuses at a bogus checkpoint in the Diyala province and shot by gunmen. This was obviously sectarian in aim, as the Sunni were separated from the non-Sunni and the latter were killed. And further down are more episodes of violence in the article. More and more and more, with seemingly no end in sight. This must be ended.

Condi is sure that the new Iraq government will pick people for key posts soon. I’m sure they will, eventually, but every day that they don’t is another small defeat, a show of weakness by this new government.

Hamas rejects as illegal Abbas’ plans to hold a referendum unless Hamas recognizes Israel and gets down to negotiating a two state solution. The first real test of them will come when this situation comes to a head. Hopefully they will prevail on the side of the people, rather than their own ideals. The people want peace. If Hamas is to remain for the people, they will have to do the bidding of the people, even if they don’t like it.

A Hamas militant is killed by an explosion in Gaza. Israel says they had nothing to do with it.

Should those accused of complicity in the Haditha killings be tried in an Iraqi court? I don’t think that would be wise, considering the face that is the Saddam trial.

The farce of Saddam’s trial goes on. Have there been enough incidents to justify a declaration of mistrial yet? I’d think so.

North America

Tired of waiting for inspections of their shattered homes, New Orleanians are starting to head back and take a look for themselves.

Exxon tries to push a nice, consumer friendly image for itself. Hopefully the image will translate into reality.

General

The popularity of break up books.

The Blogs peer at Time’s article on the Congo, a new justice department quest for our Internet records, and whether the world really needs a list of the best literary theorists.

Explainer explores the benefits of light-water reactors.

Amusements

“Matrix”‘s Wachowski Brothers rumored to be writing and directing new “Speed Racer” movie. Hugo Weaving pegged as Racer X; Joe Pantoliano as Chim-Chim

Search for modern descendants of Genghis Khan uncovers mild-mannered Miami accounting professor. “‘I think I do have a certain number of administrative skills. I haven’t done any conquering, per se”

Firefighters rescue cat, owner from tree

Hamster survives industrial shredder for four minutes. Coming soon to a pet store near you: the ultimate hamster exercise habitat

Former bank executive who got naked and accosted an off-duty officer will be going to prison, where his bottom line will be watched with great interest

Student grows giant cabbage. Seals fate of sexless life (W/Pic)

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this duck

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this ugly-ass hermit crab

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this castle