News – Is that so Silvio?

Europe

Silvio Berlusconi says he repeatedly tried to talk Bush out of invading Iraq. Sorry Bush, but supporting you is a handicap for other leaders when election time comes around. He should understand the necessity of doing whatever it takes to get reelected.

Residents in the French suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois riot for the fourth night(With a largely immigrant population), over the deaths of two teenagers believed to be of African origin who were electrocuted while fleeing police.

Middle East

Sharon continues to face potential trouble within his own party over the Gaza pullout. Personally, I would do so as well. Since attacks haven’t gone down after the pullout, in part due to continued Israeli counterstrikes, which only prompt further immediate strikes in retaliation and so on.

Palestinian officials say that, however, an agreement has been reached with Israel to cease operations in Gaza. Dare I hope? Let’s see if Israel confirms this.

A Pentagon report numbers the total Iraqi casualties at 26k since the start of 2004. And the average toll has been rising as of late.

Iran’s government scrambles to deal with the fallout of poorly chosen comments by their president. All considered, looks like they made a bad choice for prez.

North America

Bush decides on conservative U.S. appeals court judge Samuel Alito as his post-Mires choice, compared to Antonin Scalia in his conservativeness. For those hoping for some high drama over this seat, looks like you got your wish. Enjoy.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers think Bush needs to do some cleaning in his house. I’d agree, considering how much has been going on as of late. It’s amusing to hear all of this, then see news stations replaying his promises to bring honor and dignity back to the White House. Mission not quite accomplished, eh? Now he’s seeking to slip past the current results of the CIA leak investigation, though I doubt the pundits will let him.

Thousands come to pay respects to Rosa Parks, who lies in state in the Capital Rotunda.

House Republicans pass more subsidies for the oil industry. I mean, sure, why not give the rich ass oil industry more cash, rather than investing in forwarding alternatives and efficient fuels that could lower the prices for consumers? After all, since people still don’t mind paying a premium for their driving habits(like leaving their minivans running while sitting in a long inspection line – which I personally witnessed).

Senate Democrats say that poor oversight by the US Treasury Department was a contributing factor to abuses in the oil-for-food program. Obviously. We were watching things there too and we missed abuses to bring to light, so we can stand there with everyone else when blame starts being slung around.

Retailers are turning attention toward fashion-conscious Muslim women.

Explainer notes how Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has two jobs, but doesn’t get two paychecks.

General

Australia says that negotiating new greenhouse gas emission levels for the Kyoto Protocol is a waste of time. So looks like no planned major environmental meeting in 2012.

Infrared tech that can pinpoint the location of a sniper, but is it worth it?

The guy who stone sex.com is arrested.

Today’s Papers has a Huston Lawyer paying $690,000 for a 1975 Ford Escort that was once owned by Pope John Paul II, a report by the special inspector general for Iraqi reconstruction that says money is running out from the $30 billion reconstruction budget and several projects are still far from completed, a story on how thousands of Katrina victims could become homeless because they are not receiving the necessary aid from FEMA and more in the one page news.

Amusements

This just in: Celebrities discover that “accidentally” leaking their sex tapes to the public is good for their career. Film at 11:00

Pet cemetery uprooted to make way for a motel. What could possibly go wrong?

In the interests of maintaining peace between England and Northern Ireland, strippers will be switching the uniforms they erotically wriggle out of

The new trick-or-treat hotness for Halloween this year: tiny cans of Play-Doh. Well, technically, you can eat it

Monster truck involved in high speed pursuit drives over police car

Four-year-old girl not allowed to take her extracted teeth home for tooth fairy as doctors now consider them biohazardous “body parts”

7 firefighters dismissed from duty for greasing their poles on city property

Saudi fatwa on football: “Do not play in two halves. Rather, play in one half or three halves in order to completely differentiate yourselves from the heretics”

California town passes out pamphlets warning residents to never surf a tsunami

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this Jedi youngling in time for Halloween

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Today’s Iron Photoshop ingredient: Sushi

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: Cyborg animals