Iran’s Arabic News Network Shows Second Hostage Video

“Obviously under duress,” indeed — the video is very depressing to watch. I’m still baffled that so few have noted that the broadcasts show on Iran’s Arabic-language network (see my prior post on the matter here). Is there something going on that I’m not aware of? Is Arabic the only non-Farsi international news channel they [...]

Iran’s Intentionally Incendiary Actions

The Iranian seizure of 15 British soldiers a few days ago has received tons of press, but I noticed today an interesting tidbit buried way down in an LA Times article:
“Iran’s state-run Arabic language Alalam TV aired images of the detainees…” (emphasis added)
Wait, hold up. Less than one percent of Iranians speak Arabic; more speak [...]

Boxer Bitchslaps Inhofe

During Gore’s testimony yesterday, James Inhofe (R-Republic of Asshattery) was barely letting him get a word in edgewise, then:
“Committee chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) finally intervened. ‘Would you agree to let the Vice President answer your questions?’ Inhofe said Gore could respond when he was done talking, but Boxer wouldn’t have it: ‘No, that isn’t the [...]

Republicans on Science = “LaLaLa I Can’t Hear You”

A couple revelations have come out recently about the disdain for actual, rigorous science amongst Republicans — both in Congress and in the Administration.
First, Monday’s hearing at the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, examining “Political Interference with Climate Science.” According to Chris Mooney, a longtime watcher of the Republican war on science, the [...]

American Idol: Lulu and Some British Guy

My summary, in snap judgments:
Blake: Good, with moves, but not nearly as good as in Paula’s mind.
Phil: Going home; still odd-looking but with a remarkably good upper register.
Jordin: Whoa. Diva. Love her.
Lakisha: Underwhelming tonight. And boy, did she look uncomfortable in those diamonds.
Chris Richardson: Whoa, pretty. And hey, he sang on pitch (mostly).
Chris Sligh: Hate. [...]

Even Culture Warriors Like Fancy Pastries

Bill O’Reilly not only likes them, they absolutely must be baked fresh. Just for him. Such a sweetheart, that Bill.
(From April Winchell, via LA Observed)

Why Do Russian Scientists Suck?

Friday’s International Herald Tribune has a really interesting article: “Russia Unable to Tap Science for Profit.” The Russian edition of Popular Mechanics has chronicled the story of Viktor Gordeyev, the inventor of a gasoline-powered boot that supposedly lets users run (on the stilt-like platforms pictured) about 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour. From IHT:
“Now, they [...]

Selling a Market for Kidneys

Carolyn O’Hara at Foreign Policy’s excellent blog Passport writes, somewhat disapprovingly, about a South Carolina bill that would offer prisoners shortened sentences in exchange for kidney or bone marrow donations. She laments that “since prisons are disproportionately full of low-income people, this is just another way of getting one class of society to provide for [...]

“The Great Louse Detective” President”

As Bush’s top advisors continue to go crazy and jump ship, I’m reminded of a Simpsons episode: “The Great Louse Detective.”
A particularly relevant excerpt:
(Homer George W. Bush, crowned and sceptered as the king of Springfield’s Mardi Gras America, is riding his float in the parade. He is accelerating downhill, towards the Museum of Swordfish, [...]

This Makes Me Happy.

Apparently, “hard news” and “in-depth” journalism “are successfully drawing audiences while cable news audiences shrink.”
AWESOME. I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had that ended in puzzled looks when I told someone I don’t watch TV news because, well, it usually sucks. If this trend continues I might even allow myself to be lured [...]