News – Pointless Boasting

Asia

General Peter Pace, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, says that the US and South Korea can beat North Korea’s army. There is no doubt about that, but the question is, are we willing to pay the potential price for such a victory? Especially if North Korea truly has the bomb and gets backed into a corner.

Hong Kong’s health chief says that H5N1(Bird Flu) is probably endemic to the region around Hong Kong.

Middle East

Hamas’ leader says that they won’t recognize Israel, but are willing to negotiate a temporary truce with them. If a lasting truce can be brokered, that would me the picture of renouncing destruction of Israel. Further reconciliation can come with time. It often does.

Syria plans to restore full diplomatic ties with Iraq, once it forms a government.

Europe

A Danish cartoon, portraying Mohammad in a satirical way, sparks outrage amongst Muslims. Nothing like universal overreaction to blow a situation far out of proportion.

North America

Bush will be looking for $70 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan this year and another $50 billion next year, along with $18 billion for the Gulf Coast and $2.3 billion to prepare against bird flu. That’s a lot of money.

It’s unlikely Congress will get any information on Bush’s secret wiretapping program. Thus goes a step in the Executive under Bush looking to castrate the Legislative of its powers. Oversight being one of the checks that balance the two branches of our government.

Michael Bloomberg donates $100 million to stem cell research, in move against his own party’s policies.

Ohio Republican Rep. John Boehner, something of a mixed bag, is the new #2 in the House of Representatives.

The Chief of the USDA says that US beef is safe, but an independent report challenges this claim. The US Congress is running out of patience with Japan’s ban on US beef. Sadly, they’ll have to wait until US beef is safer.

New Orleans gets hit by some tornados, further complicating matters.

NASA Inspector General Robert Cobb is under investigation, accused of failing to investigate safety violations and retaliating against whistle blowers.

New York subways are still lacking in security. Apparently, they’re not being upgraded by the half billion that’s been allocated for that purpose.

The Department of Homeland security makes a cartoon to lead a public service campaign aimed at getting families to prepare for natural disasters or terror attacks.

Kansas’ wacky attorney general and teen sex.

General

The Blogs look at the outrage over the Mohammad cartoon amongst Muslims and the sad use of puppies by drug runners as mules.

Today’s Papers has note of six of the 74 seats held by Hamas occupied by women, the Energy Department laying of scientists in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory due to budget cuts(you going to fix this, Bush, now that you’re champion of the environment?), more tidbits on Boehner and other such things in the one page news.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Flamey McGassey

The top 10 weirdest USB devices ever

Man sues Apple because it’s obviously their fault that he played his iPod for too long and too loud and is now losing his hearing

Chek fourger mispells “independant.” Jailairity insues

Man who sent death threats to Scottish politicians claims the letters are just a work of art

Truckers upset that Coke’s Super Bowl ad makes them look like, well, truckers

Ashton Kutcher gets all pissy because director won’t let him wear red string symbolism of his fake religion

Burglar gets stuck in convenience store chimney. In other news, some Florida convenience stores have chimneys

Senior accountant burns her feet doing firewalk at corporate retreat. Chairman of the Board finds her lack of faith disturbing

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this customer-service call center in India

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop a farker and his band

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Today’s Iron Photoshop ingredients: A goldfish, a beard and a piece of chalk