Wednesday edition - August 27, 2008

"It's fitting that George Bush and John McCain will be appearing together in the Twin Cities because it's awfully hard to tell them apart." - Hillary Clinton

The-World-Is-A-Safer-Place-Without Saddam

• US military deaths in Iraq war at 4147 The Associated Press

• US soldier dies in Baghdad The Associated Press

• Suicide bomber kills 28 near Iraq police station Houston Chronicle

• 30 suspected Taliban killed in Afghanistan AP

• Teen Arrested With Explosive Vest Sky News, UK 

• Iraq seeks loan from Japan for water projects AFP

• Iraq, China agree $3 bln oil service deal guardian.co.uk, UK

• Fewer Marines needed in Iraq's western province San Jose Mercury News

• US ships bring Georgia aid, avoid Russian-held port Reuters

Vacationer-in-chief

In an escalating war of words, President Bush on Tuesday urged Russia to reconsider its "irresponsible decision" to shower independent status on two breakaway Georgian provinces.

Already rebuffed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Bush warned Russia to change course and respect the borders of its Georgian neighbor.

"Russia's action only exacerbates tensions and complicates diplomatic negotiations," the president said in a statement from Texas, where he is otherwise spending a quiet vacation.

"But here's what they got lined up for the Democratic Convention there in Denver. Nancy Pelosi will give a speech tonight, then there's a film about Joe Biden, then there's a introduction to Denver by Mayor Hickenlooper, and I'm telling you break out the dip, c'mon! Speakers include Senator Claire McCaskill, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and former Representative Lee Hamilton, cut me a slice of that!" --David Letterman

Disturbing News

• Gustav kills 8 in Dominican Republic landslide guardian.co.uk

• Gustav Soaks Haiti, Forecast to Be Hurricane in Gulf  Bloomberg

• Cancer cluster confirmed in northeast Pennsylvania AP

Well, how about that one American female competitor who got robbed of her silver medal, huh? What was her name? Oh, Hillary Clinton. - Jay Leno

30% of Military Age Are Capable of Joining Army

The Army formally opens its first prep school Wednesday.

"It's academic immersion," explained Col. Jeffrey Sanderson, chief of staff at Fort Jackson, home of the Army's largest basic training school. "Our studies show that with only three out of every 10 people of military age being capable of joining the Army, we are going to have to do something different."

Republican-Shenanigans News

• Mitt Romney embraces attack-dog role Atlanta Journal Constitution

• Ted Stevens Wins Primary in Alaska New York Times

• Rebel Republican gives Obama backing on Wall St. MarketWatch

• McCain talks up possible VP picks Reuters

• Peter King touts Lieberman as McCain VP pick Newsday

McCain Differs From GOP Platform

The Republican Party released a draft of its 2008 platform that differs from candidate John McCain on issues including immigration, stem-cell research and climate change, while endorsing his ideas for economic growth and free trade.

"Joe Biden is Barack Obama's running mate. Yeah nothing says change like a guy who's been in the Senate for 35 years" --David Letterman

Rock-The-Voter News

• Clinton delivers ringing call for Democratic unity Reuters

• Iraq veterans make some noise at convention The Associated Press

• Pelosi Daughter Making McCain Film FOXNews

"The theme of the Democratic Convention is unity. Unfortunately they can't agree on how that works." --David Letterman

Meanwhile, Back In Massachusetts

Disgruntled Massachusetts Democrats have given John Kerry his first primary challenge in 24 years. That has him acting almost as if he still wants to be our senator. Almost.
 

Another New Orleans Hurricane?

Gov. Bobby Jindal said Tuesday that he will cancel his speaking role next week at the Republican convention if Hurricane Gustav threatens Louisiana.
 

Biz-Tech News

• Silver prices rise as oil prices advance Forbes

• Southwest to cut 200 flights early 2009 Reuters

• Boeing offers union 9 percent pay raise over 3 years Reuters

• Nearly 600 Were Arrested in Factory Raid, Officials Say New York Times

• Dollar Falls Against Euro, Yen Before US Durable Goods Report Bloomberg

• FDIC may borrow money from Treasury: report Reuters

• Internet Explorer 8 To Include 'Stealth' Privacy Mode InformationWeek

"The Democrats chose a place that is literally one mile above the American people.
I guess Mount Olympus was booked."
-- Jon Stewart

Bush-Prison-Torture News

• 2 Guantanamo inmates transferred to Algeria The Associated Press

Well, you know what’s interesting? Although Joe Biden is in great physical condition, the Republicans are raising questions about his health now. I guess he had a brain aneurysm a couple of years ago. Hey, you can’t expect every vice president to be the picture of health like Dick Cheney, O.K.? - Jay Leno

http://www.light-to-dark.com/finger_puppets.html

Go-F**k-Yourself News

• Crows recognize Cheney, says scientist. They aren't scared. Los Angeles Times

Offline Donation: Lisa Casey - PO Box 88 - Ashford. AL 36312

Click here to e-mail a comment

Odd News

• Human exoskeleton suit helps paralyzed people walk Reuters

• Snoop Gets Aussie Visa...With Strings Attached E! Online

• NASA Images Show Gamma Ray Bursts Washington Post

• Cat survives being walled in for 7 weeks Reuters

• Study shows monkeys experience joy of giving Reuters

• Mamba bite exposes illicit Tokyo snake collection Reuters

• Tunnels show Hitler's megalomaniac vision Reuters

• Boy, 12, accused of fleeing Texas police at 60 mph AP

Hydrox cookies, the first creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookie, began returning to grocery stores nationwide in late August for a limited time. This unprecedented reintroduction on the part of Kellogg Company, in response to impassioned consumer demand, comes in honor of the cookie's 100th anniversary.
Photo/Kellogg Company

Peace.