News – A Test for Hamas and the World
Middle East
Hamas wins fair and square, but the Fatah faction decides to resort to violence rather than dealing with it. Of course, this could be considered a lot of illegal things. You know, rising up against the duly elected government and all. I wonder if the US will take a backseat to this and just spout off demands, rather than owning up to giving Hamas a shot. Actually trying to help them change from what they were to something more legitimate. Without a guide, the likelihood that Hamas will go wrong is greater, thus it is in the best interests of all that a guiding force attempt to usher them in the right way. Most of the turmoil when it comes to peace efforts seems to be people freaking the hell out, rather than approaching this situation rationally to feel it out. Pressuring Hamas rather than approaching them in a more diplomatic fashion. Antagonism that is sure to breed return antagonism. Where have all the diplomats gone? Utterly disgraceful.
Personally, I hope that Hamas is ready for this and puts every doubter to shame. It’s about time these people have another political gut punch to knock them off their high horse.
The US releases five female detainees, but denies it has anything to do with the demands of those who hold American journalist Jill Carroll, who have demanded the release of all female prisoners in Iraq.
Europe
NATO is ready to help in Afghanistan, but they don’t want to get roped into US counterterrorism activities.
North America
The Pentagon draws up plans for a WMD task force focused on preventing states such as North Korea and Iran from handing over da bomb to terrorist groups.
Bush doesn’t want anyone to change his ‘personally’ crafted spying law. Of course not. But since he went about it the wrong way, he’ll have to face up to what comes.
Bush and his dodges. A pity most of this good wit goes into worthless joking, rather than giving real, thoughtful answers free of obfuscation or spin.
General
Some advice on the new Intel based Macintosh computers. With the step from one processor to another, it’s a time of transition. Personally, I’m going to wait a year or two before I buy into a new computer, letting the transition period pass while I watch carefully those who do adopt early.
The Blogs look at Hamas’ big win and the release of female prisoners in Iraq.
Today’s Papers has us agreeing with Iran on one thing.. no gay rights groups to be given consultative status at the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council(We agree with Cuba, Sudan, and Zimbabwe on that too), a declassified document that says it likely the US military program that pays Iraqi newspapers to publish favorable stories goes against Pentagon policy, the Congressional Budget Office saying that the only way there will be a budget surplus by 2012 is if Bush’s tax cuts are not extended and more in the one page news.
Amusements
What will Stephen Harper’s first act be as Prime Minister of Canada? Perhaps an act of war aganist the United States
Spider-Man joins Buzz Bunny and New Coke in corporate redesigns from hell
Contractor attempts to remove oil tank from house by cutting it in half. Hilarity ensues
Couple convicted of fraud for promising strippers rides to work, then not taking them
Welcome to the registrar’s office at Seton Hall University. For applications, press one. For hot steamy phone sex, press two
Woman sets up video camera to catch burglar stealing her perscription pain killers, catches the sportcaster on the 11 o’clock news in the act
Beer store wraps new beer cases in plain brown paper to protect customers from seeing naked cartoon people and phrases like “Hedonism Ale — an orgy of ingredients”
Reaching all-time career low, Dennis Rodman voted off UK Big Brother
McDonald’s unveils plan under which any member of your family can work your mindnumbing, poorly-paid shift and endure the wrath of customers who would have asked for fries if they wanted them
Idiot attacks relative’s car with a sword. There can be only one asshat son-in-law
Stupid: Escaping jail. Stupider: You have less than 10 days left on the sentence. Stupiderer: Falling down the hill behind jail and having to call for help
Store owner fined $5,000 after painting his shop yellow
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Unlikely alarm clocks
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this wooden thing
Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop these dudes having their well-balanced meal