The Morning Joe

New Blog

2010-03-10T18:00:00.004-05:00

Considering my last post in this space was almost two years ago, it's probably obvious that The Morning Joe has run it's course and I've moved on.

Thanks to everyone who read and commented on the links and commentary here. I hope you found The Morning Joe informative and entertaining.

I haven't stopped writing, though. I'm doing it under my real name, Dean Arrindell, at Jazz Guns Apple Pie. You can find it at http://JazzGunsApplePie.com. I write about race, politics, media, sex and relationships in America. Specifically, I'll look at how race is portrayed in popular culture and the media. I'll also explore how the idea of the American man is changing in the media, while the reality of the American man is changing in relationships, at home and in the workplace.

If you liked The Joe, I'm sure you'll like Jazz Guns Apple Pie.

Thanks again to everyone who read and supported The Morning Joe!

Blendability?

2008-07-15T01:38:00.001-04:00

The iPhone 3G has a lot of new features, but will it blend? (These folks blend anything.)

See more funny videos and funny pictures on CollegeHumor

Headlines For 7-14-08

2008-07-14T03:08:00.003-04:00

The Bush Administration asks Congress to back Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while the Federal Reserve said the two companies can borrow directly from it. What does it mean? “The government [is] effectively the only lender for millions of Americans engaged in the largest transactions of their lives.” New York Times

From Russia (and China) with Love. The two countries veto Zimbabwe sanctions proposed by the U.N. Security Council. The West isn’t happy, especially since Russia agreed to impose sanctions at the G8 Summit. Telegraph Do sanctions actually work? BBC

This could be a bit of scare-mongering, but here’s a worst-case analysis of last week’s Iranian missile test. Economist And a profile of Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: (London) Times.

There were problems during the first weekend of the “Second Coming” of the iPhone. Fortune

This Bud’s for you! Anheuser-Busch, the U.S. beer leader, agrees to be bought by the Belgian-Brazilian company InBev. Wall Street Journal

Headlines For 6-23-08

2008-06-23T02:01:00.002-04:00

Zimbabwe opposition party leader pulled out of runoff election Sunday. Morgan Tsvangirai said, "We will no longer participate in this violent, illegitimate sham of an election process." That means Robert Mugabe’s violence and intimidation have won again and he is still in power. Mail & Guardian The U.S. says it will bring up the issue at the U.N. Security Council this week. AFP/The Australian Here are the allegations of intimidation and violence. BBC

The Saudi King confirmed his country would increase oil output. His announcement comes as the price of gas in the U.S. reaches almost $4.10 per gallon. CNN

Iraq will turn into another Vietnam. It’s a “false comfort of appeasement” if we negotiate with Iran. Neither statement accurately reflects what happened with Germany or Vietnam. Newsweek

Comedian George Carlin dies at 71. Reuters

What’s your life worth? One guy in Australia put his up for auction. Guardian

Food For Thought

2008-06-17T15:31:00.002-04:00

What if the law said you had to go on a diet? You might have to if you live in Japan. The New York Times reports the country has a program where citizens between 40 and 74 years old have their waistlines measured during annual physicals. If they’re too big, they must go on a diet. Japanese health officials hope the program will reduce strokes and diabetes in older citizens. Is this a good idea?

Should someone be forced by law to go on a diet if they don’t meet certain health guidelines? ( polls)

What Happened

2008-06-10T15:54:00.001-04:00

In the week since Barack Obama became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and the three days since Hillary Clinton conceded the nomination, there has been a lot of analysis about how she lost it. The New York Times has assembled these opinions which range from lack of money and her voting for the authorization to go into Iraq, to sexism and “a sense of entitlement and hubris.”

The Economist breaks down how Clinton lost the nomination focusing on the problems inside her campaign saying, “given the scale of her advantages a year ago there is no doubt that the Clinton campaign comprehensively blew it.”

For a look at who won in counties across the country, Time has these great maps.

Realizing this questions implies that the nomination was Clinton’s to lose..

What do you think was the biggest factor contributing to Hillary Clinton not winning the Democratic presidential nomination? ( surveys)

A Shiny New Green Car

2008-06-05T21:19:00.002-04:00

You already have nutritional information on food boxes, and disclaimers on drug advertisements. What about emission information on auto ads? The Guardian reports that a European Union proposal could force car advertisements there to indicate how much pollution a car creates. The committee, “is believed to be considering a ‘traffic lights’ system whereby red dots or stars would mark out high-emission cars, and green ones low-pollution ones. An alternative may be an alphabetical system of A-G grades for pollution levels.”

Newspaper and magazine publishers and television producers aren’t happy with the plan. What about you?

Is it a good idea to have information about a car’s emissions in its ads? ( polls)

Here's Your Quarter Pounder

2008-06-05T21:07:00.001-04:00

The most surprising thing about Time’s “A Brief History of the Fist Bump” article: There’s a National High-Five Day. Seriously.

Headlines For 12-13-07

2007-12-13T01:21:00.000-05:00

Central banks in North America and Europe team up to hold off a recession as a result of the worsening global credit crisis. New York Times

No surprise here: The U.S. rejected guidelines at the Bali Climate Conference intended to cut greenhouse gases. (London) Times

U.S. track star Marion Jones has been stripped of her five Sydney 2000 Olympic Medals. AP/(Melbourne) Age

You'll Flip For This

2007-12-13T01:17:00.000-05:00

Big Anaconda

2007-12-12T23:26:00.000-05:00

Where are J-Lo and Ice Cube when you need them?

No Guns For Iraqi Female Police

2007-12-12T00:29:00.000-05:00

Here's a place where guns are being taken away.. from some.

While the verdict is out on whether The Surge is working in Iraq, here’s a sign that things aren’t going well: The Los Angeles Times reports that female police officers in Iraq are being forced to hand in their handguns. “Critics say the move is the latest sign of the religious and cultural conservatism that has taken hold in Iraq since Saddam Hussein's ouster ushered in a government dominated by Shiite Muslims,” the article says. Critics of the plan also point out that there won’t be female police officers to frisk other women at checkpoints, investigate rape charges or defend themselves from kidnappings or assassinations since police officers are targeted.

In a country where security is important, depleting your police force of capable officers is not a smart move.

How Many Shootings?

2007-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Six students were shot after getting off a school bus today in Las Vegas. This follows the shooting at two religious organizations in Colorado Springs in which a gunman killed four and wounded five before killing himself on Sunday. And that was less than a week after the shooting at an Omaha mall in which nine, including the shooter, were killed. How many more shootings have to occur before the U.S. talks seriously about gun control?

The Number Everybody Wants

2007-12-10T22:58:00.000-05:00

Check out this writer’s ordeal trying to get phone service from Verizon without giving her social security number. Her experience proves that companies really want to get their hands on those nine important digits – even when they don’t need them.

Headlines For 12-6-07

2007-12-06T02:14:00.000-05:00

Interest rates will freeze for some homeowners who took out a sub-prime mortgage and are now near forclosure. Washington Post

The U.S. Supreme Court reviews whether detainees at Guantanamo Bay are being held there lawfully? USA Today

At the Climate Change Conference in Bali, participants are focusing on the nearly half of the 36 signatory nations to the Kyoto agreement who are failing to meet their targets for the treaty. Reuters

Changing Plans?

2007-12-06T02:12:00.000-05:00

In light of the shooting at the mall in Omaha and the report that airplanes face a high risk of runway collisions at U.S. airports, what will that mean for holiday activity this year?

Next Question: 3rd Grade Geography

2007-12-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

Maybe she dropped out in the 2nd grade.

Ready To Moonwalk?

2007-12-05T15:32:00.000-05:00

Strap up your Nike Vandals, and get ready to break! It's Alfonso Ribeiro's breakdancing book. It even comes with it's own cardboard!

"Informationized Armed Forces"

2007-12-04T00:24:00.000-05:00

The next big war could be fought on the Internet.

The Guardian published an article last week which says China has claimed “’informationized armed forces’ are part of its military strategy.” The article also says that “120 countries could be developing the capacity for [cyber-warfare].” It makes sense that they would be arming themselves on the cyber-side considering many countries and institutions were surprised by the cyber-attack on Estonia back in May.

Behold the future of warfare: Before a country takes a hill by pulling triggers and dropping bombs, it’ll crash servers by clicking mice and emailing viruses.

Iran: Now What?

2007-12-04T00:07:00.000-05:00

U.S. intelligence agencies say Iran halted its nuclear weapons program four years ago. Here’s a rundown of the story from the New York Times. A new National Intelligence Estimate – which is a report that has the stamp of approval of all 16 U.S. spy agencies – says in part:

“We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program; we also assess with moderate-to-high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons.”

The NIE says that the earliest they could produce enough highly enriched uranium to produce a nuclear weapon is sometime between 2009 and 2015.

This brings up some questions:

- The report also states, “we do not know whether [Iran] currently intends to develop nuclear weapons.” Since Tehran’s intentions aren’t known and they have left the door open to develop nuclear weapons, will we still hear saber-rattling from some corners in Washington?

- Will the rhetoric from Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad now have a “told you so” attitude? And therefore get more belligerent toward the U.S.?

- Can the report’s conclusions be trusted? There was a National Intelligence Estimate in 2003 that said Iraq did have WMD. And this new report is a 180 from an NIE submitted in 2005.

Stay tuned…

List of Lists

2007-12-03T00:49:00.000-05:00

It’s early in the Christmas shopping season, but if Oprah’s Favorite Things have left you wanting (to buy) more, check out Jesus’ Favorite Things. You didn’t forget it’s His birthday, did you? Guey Watcher got an interview with the King of Kings to find out what's on His list of lists.

Backing Mugabe?

2007-12-03T00:12:00.000-05:00

You haven’t seen much about Zimbabwe in this space for a while, but here’s something crazy. The Times of London reported last week that the 14-nation Southern African Development Community is backing Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe at the EU-Africa summit on December 8-9. If Zimbabwe is criticized at the summit, the group will pull out. Some may have considered Mugabe to be a great leader in the past, but why these countries are supporting a man who put Zimbabwe’s economy in such dire straits that it is now starving itself to death, is a mystery.

Headlines

2007-11-29T01:17:00.000-05:00

Opposition and violence in the Middle East as the Palestinian and Israeli leaders talk peace with Bush in Annapolis. (London) Times

If you like the quality and prices of Verizon Wireless offers, but don’t like their phones, you’re in luck. They’re going to open their network. New York Times

Google will invest millions to develop renewable energy. San Francisco Chronicle

When Will It End?

2007-11-29T01:07:00.000-05:00

New York theater producers and stagehands have reached an agreement ending a 19-day strike. But the television and movie writers (WGA) strike continues. Since there are fewer and fewer new episodes on TV, you have time to answer a question:

See Who Iran Would Turn To

2007-11-29T00:21:00.000-05:00

Time Magazine has an interesting article about Iran and the Vatican. Apparently, the Islamic Republic and the Holy See are friendly: They have had diplomatic relations for 53 years and the article quotes an Iranian diplomat in Rome as saying relations between the two are “very good.”

But here’s the twist:

“According to several well-placed Rome sources, Iranian officials are quietly laying the groundwork necessary to turn to Pope Benedict XVI and top Vatican diplomats for mediation if the showdown with the United States should escalate toward a military intervention.”

For now, the Pope is keeping a “low profile” on the issue, but if the American drumbeat for military action grows louder, Iran may already have a miracle ally ready to slow things down.

"The Business"

2007-11-28T00:35:00.000-05:00

Check out the call made by the ref (about :40 into the video). You'd think they'd lose at least 10 yards for that penalty.

Oscar Time

2007-11-28T00:28:00.002-05:00

Now that we're officially in the holiday season, The Soup reminds us it's time for "The Oscar Movie."

"Worthless" Forensic Technique

2007-11-20T01:52:00.000-05:00

60 Minutes teamed up with the Washington Post to look into a forensic technique called “bullet lead analysis” that had been used by the FBI for over 30 years. The technique was recently found to be flawed. It wasn’t even scientifically proven. A former FBI chief metallurgist performed his own research on the testing and found that the technique isn’t “based on science at all, but rather had been based on subjective belief for over four decades.” He added, “It’s worthless as a forensic tool.” Many cases that used this technique as testimony are now being called in to question. At first, the Justice Department was reluctant to tell those who were convicted on this evidence that bullet lead analysis is flawed. But because of the story, the FBI will now “identify, review and release all of the pertinent cases.”

Here is the 60 Minutes story via the Washington Post:

Not Working At Work

2007-11-15T23:18:00.000-05:00

Lots of people in Britain are getting disciplined by their employers for wasting time online while on the job. Nicole Martin from the Telegraph reports:

“..more than 1,700 people working for 65 public institutions have been dismissed or disciplined for internet or email misuse in the past three years.”

“Of the public employees who were disciplined over three years, 132 were sacked, 41 resigned, 868 got formal warnings and 686 faced other forms of punishment such as a fine or a demotion.”

Which leads us to a question:

It’s The Cover-Up

2007-11-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

Former San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds was indicted today on charges that he lied to a grand jury about using performance enhancing drugs. Lance Williams and Jaxon Van Derbeken from the San Francisco Chronicle report:

“Bonds was indicted for allegedly making false statements to the grand jury that investigated the BALCO steroids distribution ring, the U.S. attorney's office in San Francisco said. Bonds is accused of four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice.”

If found guilty, it’ll be another example of not getting in trouble for an alleged crime, but getting in trouble for the cover-up.

"Saddam's Secrets"

2007-11-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

A new book is out that says Saddam wanted to fool Iran into believing he had WMD. To do that, he wanted to make the U.S. believe he had them, too.

Oops, that appears to have worked for those in the U.S. who wanted to believe it.

But there are other nuggets of info, detailed in the story by NBC News, about Saddam and body doubles, and plots to overthrow him. Saddam told all this to an American interrogator, George Piro, who had access to Saddam for five hours a day for seven months.

Here’s the link:

Saddam’s secrets

Out Of His "Arse"

2007-11-11T19:35:00.000-05:00

You’ve probably heard about Rudy Giuliani misinterpreted and misrepresenting prostate cancer survival rates in England compared to the U.S. Here’s a fact check showing how incompatible the comparisons are. And below is Mark Day saying how Giuliani is talking out of his “arse” when it comes to prostate stats.

Can They Hate?

2007-11-06T00:45:00.000-05:00

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas protest funerals of fallen U.S. soldiers with signs that say, “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and “God hates fags.” They believe God is punishing the U.S. for being tolerant about homosexuality.

Hateful and twisted, huh? Well, the haters from Westboro Baptist Church owe $11 million in damages after losing a lawsuit. From Time magazine: “Albert Snyder sued the Topeka, Kan., church after a protest last year at the funeral of his son, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq. He claimed the protests intruded upon what should have been a private ceremony and sullied his memory of the event.”

No doubt that the “protests” are very disrespectful and un-Christ-like things to do for self-proclaimed Christians, but do they have a right to do it? Or does it go beyond the boundaries of the First Amendment as Albert Snyder claims?

Which leads us to our first poll on The Morning Joe:

Danger Zone

2007-11-02T01:16:00.000-04:00

Stay with it. The guy does a great Tom Cruise impression.

Headlines

2007-10-29T01:08:00.000-04:00

UN nuclear agency chief says Iran should open itself up to inspectors, and criticized the aggressive rhetoric coming from the U.S. MSNBC (video) Iran is adapting to economic sanctions by taking business elsewhere in the world. Washington Post

Crude oil tops $90 a barrel.. up 16% in a month. Here are some reasons why: CBS (video)

Indian children, as young as 10, found to be making clothes for The Gap. Guardian

The Red Sox sweep the World Series. AP/Sports Illustrated

Phony FEMA Presser

2007-10-27T01:23:00.000-04:00

With wildfires raging in California, it was time for the folks at the Federal Emergency Management Agency to face the press in a televised news conference on Tuesday. There was press listening in on the phone, but there was none in the press room. The Washington Post’s Al Kamen reports that FEMA deputy administrator Vice Adm. Harvey Johnson went to the podium and answered questions from.. other FEMA staffers! That’s right, there weren’t any reporters in the room. The questions being lobbed at Johnson were from other FEMA staffers pretending to be reporters. In one instance, a public affairs officer even “interrupted” the press conference to announce there would only be “two more questions.”

How could they try to pull that stunt after their failure with Katrina? FEMA’s deputy director of public affairs Mike Widomski, who played one of the reporters, was quoted as saying, "If the worst thing that happens to me in this disaster is that we had staff in the chairs to ask questions that reporters had been asking all day…trust me, I'll be happy."

Others in the Administration aren’t happy about it. A spokesperson for the Secretary of Homeland Security, who oversees FEMA, called the press conference "inexcusable and offensive." And Vice Adm. Johnson later apologized for the “error of judgment.” It takes a lot of stupidity to not see the error beforehand, and then think no one would notice.

Little Timmy Wants To Drop The C-Bomb

2007-10-26T23:45:00.000-04:00

The “C-word” is probably generally regarded as the nuclear bomb of cussing. So, what happens when your 8-year-old son wants know “the worst swearword in the world?” Jon Ronson tells the funny tale in The Guardian about his son Joel who wants to scale “the Everest peak of swearing."

Pumpkin + Missile = Awesome

2007-10-23T17:44:00.000-04:00

"Large-scale Loo"

2007-10-23T17:28:00.000-04:00

At $50,000 a night, let's hope it doesn't smell like a toilet too.

What Would Clinton Do?

2007-10-23T16:52:00.000-04:00

What is the next president going to do with all of the executive power Bush and Cheney have accumulated? Hillary Clinton spoke about that in her interview with Guardian America. What she would do if elected president, Sen. Clinton said, “I think that I'm gonna have to review everything they've done because I've been on the receiving end of that. There were a lot of actions which they took that were clearly beyond any power the Congress would have granted or that in my view that was inherent in the constitution.”

That sounds great, but let’s see what the next president actually does with all the presidential power accumulated during the Bush presidency.

Presidential Power Grab

2007-10-17T16:33:00.000-04:00

PBS’s Frontline just aired “Cheney’s Law” that examined the VP’s rise to power and his efforts through to enhance the power of the executive branch. Chapter 1 of the program shows the reasons why Cheney became a “fanatic about executive power.” When he became vice president, Cheney's philosophy of the executive branch, as boiled down by former presidential adviser David Gergen, was “the Congress, in effect, works for us, not with us. That we’re the lead branch, not a co-equal branch.” In Chapter 2, Cheney is reported as saying on the morning of 9/11, “We will probably have to be a country ruled by men, rather than laws in this period.” The other chapters show how Cheney and his office acted on their own through the Justice Department to build presidential power without regard for Congress and the American people.

In his Sunday Op-Ed piece, Frank Rich talks about “This perfect storm of democratic failure [which] began at the top,” that led to the Iraq war. But his piece focuses specifically on the public’s apathy regarding to Iraq: “As the war has dragged on, it is hard to give Americans en masse a pass. We are too slow to notice, let alone protest, the calamities that have followed the original sin.” A weak Congress, a media that gave a free pass in the run-up to the war, and a fearful public that isn’t informed or willing to participate: It’s not only a perfect storm that led to the Iraq war, but a perfect storm that led to a presidential power grab.

A 430-Part System For The Internet

2007-10-17T15:57:00.000-04:00

Having trouble understanding the Internet? Don’t understand blogging or electronic mail? Check out this well-produced video for “Gabe and Max’s How To Get The Dreamlife Of Your Dreams Using The Internet.” After using their easy 430-part system, you can use the Internet to get “flashy clothes, dental insurance, and everything.”

By Any Other Name

2007-10-10T00:09:00.000-04:00

Last week, the New York Times reported that despite constant denials from the Bush Administration, torturing of detainees by U.S. interrogators was approved by the Justice Department. The article states the DOJ, “provided explicit authorization to barrage terror suspects with a combination of painful physical and psychological tactics, including head-slapping, simulated drowning and frigid temperatures.”

That’s not “torture”? The Daily Show’s Senior Interrogation Analyst Jon Oliver helps us find lost meaning in “torture” and other words.

An Anniversary And A Party

2007-10-09T22:46:00.000-04:00

It’s been one year since the assassination of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya. There was a ceremony for the slain journalist and critic of Vladimir Putin’s government where she was murdered in Moscow, but there were also celebrations in Russia on Sunday. Why? President Putin celebrating his birthday on Sunday, too.

In addition to reporting on the memorial, Reuters also covered one of the Putin parties thrown by Nashi which is described as “the largest pro-Kremlin youth organization.” Pro-Kremlin youth organization?? Hmm.. is that the equivalent of a young Republicans or young Democrats club?

A 19-year-old kickin’ it Kremlin-style, “who described herself as a commissar with Nashi and wore an orange neck scarf, reminiscent of the Soviet-era Pioneer movement.” Said this: “I don't know anything about Anna Politkovskaya. I'm not interested.”

That's cold.

Open Up And Say "Huh?"

2007-10-09T22:35:00.000-04:00

The Times of London reports some British Muslim medical students “are refusing to attend lectures or answer exam questions on alcohol-related or sexually transmitted diseases because they claim it offends their religious beliefs.”

There are even reports that a small number of Muslim med students won’t examine members of the opposite sex. To be fair, the article doesn’t state how many prospective doctors have raised this issue (it can’t be many), and it doesn’t appear that medical authorities are going to allow them to be doctors. But here’s another little item further down in the article:

“..[UK grocer] Sainsbury’s is permitting Muslim checkout operators to refuse to handle customers’ alcohol purchases on religious grounds.”

Huh? As a society, we’re getting too sensitive about sensibilities. We’re too concerned someone might be offended. What’s next? Will a willing army enlistee refuse to use a gun? Will a stripper demand that she not perform lap dances? If you don’t want to do part of a job, for whatever the reason, don’t take that job.

"Put Some Gel In It"

2007-10-07T02:07:00.000-04:00

This clip could be as fake as his hair, but still funny..

Mr. and Mrs. Pong

2007-10-07T02:03:00.000-04:00

Weren’t these two the 1983 Beer Pong Doubles Champs?

Keeping An Eye On You

2007-10-04T13:09:00.000-04:00

The Economist has a second article in its series on civil liberties. This one looks at how new technology is changing the way western democracies, particularly the U.S. and U.K., collect and use data from citizens. Surveillance may not seem so bad when you think about your safety. You’re not a criminal, right? But when you see every method or proposed idea of data collection and by both governments and corporations, it makes you think about how slippery this Orwellian slope is getting:

“..electronic surveillance has not yet had a big impact on most people's lives, other than (usually) making it easier to deal with officialdom. But with the collection and [centralization] of such vast amounts of data, the potential for abuse is huge and the safeguards paltry.”

The full article is here.

Only Ugly People, Please

2007-10-04T01:20:00.000-04:00

Check out Popeye – or Pop-Eye – and Prince Albert (with his Guinness World Record-holding 475 piercings) as they try out for the Ugly Modeling Agency.

Video of the Violence

2007-10-04T01:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks to video cameras and the Internet, the world is able to see the brutality in Burma/Myanmar. CNN obtained video showing brutality that contradicts the government’s version of “utmost restraint” when confronting protesters.

Violence In Burma

2007-09-28T02:29:00.000-04:00

This week, Burma made headlines around the world. The Guardian fills us in on why the military and monks are at odds, while the Times of London details the history of oppressive rule in the country. And why is it called Myanmar and Burma? The BBC News explains.

Here Come The Judgments

2007-09-27T01:02:00.000-04:00

AP (via MSNBC) reports a federal judge has ruled that two parts of the Patriot Act are unconstitutional. The parts in question are the ones that allow searches without probable cause. You know, Fourth Amendment to U.S. Constitution-foundation of our system of government-type stuff.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed hear arguments on whether lethal injection is constitutional. The Reuters video is below.

Dollar for Dollar

2007-09-24T01:16:00.000-04:00

Remember those days when you could travel north to Canada get a great exchange rate on their dollar? You could spend a lot of time and money on St. Catherine’s Street in Montreal (You know who you are, and you know what you did!). CTV reports those big-dollar days – big U.S. dollar-days – are over.

Long-Winded, But..

2007-09-24T00:59:00.000-04:00

By now, you’ve probably heard about that University of Florida student who was tased (or is it, “tasered”?) at the John Kerry event. This kid was definitely running off at the mouth and over-staying his welcome at the mic. But as you can see from the video below, it didn’t seem to warrant the cops tackling and tasing the guy. The top video below shows his questions (yes, there was more than one). The bottom video is a better view of the cops’ "answer" to his question. In that one, it appears one the cops was quick to pull his gun.

A Quick Flip

2007-09-24T00:50:00.000-04:00

Rally Acident - The most amazing videos are a click away

"240 Me"

2007-09-15T00:37:00.000-04:00

Are you stranded at the airport because your flight was cancelled, delayed or overbooked? This Aviation.com article (via MSNBC.com) explains there’s a now-expired airline regulation – rule 240 – that might help you get to where you need to be.

#2 No More

2007-09-13T02:25:00.000-04:00

Bin Laden wanted to make sure we didn’t forget about him and released two video messages right before the sixth anniversary of 9/11. But this Bruce Hoffman op-ed piece in the Washington Post suggests Osama’s, “time of active involvement in al-Qaeda operations is behind him.” The real threat, says Hoffman, is his #2, Ayman al-Zawahiri: “He may lack bin Laden's charisma, but Zawahiri is the superior strategist.” “He has not only revived the movement's fortunes but has also made it once again the global threat poised to strike the United States that was depicted in the National Intelligence Estimate released in July.” Read the entire piece here.

Astronomy 101: F

2007-09-11T01:48:00.000-04:00

What’s worse? The contestant had to think about it for more than two minutes, or more than half the audience thinks the same thing?

A Little Bit Softer, Now

2007-09-11T01:22:00.000-04:00

Pro football season officially kicked-off on Sunday. If you think the hits are getting harder, they can now be measured. Time magazine reports there is a new helmet that can measure how hard a player is hit in the head. So far, a few colleges are using the $1,000 helmets.

The AG Had Potential

2007-08-29T00:29:00.000-04:00

It’s a shame Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned on Monday. A couple of weeks ago, Stephen Colbert thought he had the potential to be “Robocop. A one-man justice system.”

Back In The Fall

2007-07-30T00:21:00.000-04:00

The Morning Joe will be on hiatus for a couple of months to make some changes. It’ll be back in the fall with a new look and a new focus. Thanks to all the subscribers and readers for their input, advice and for giving The Joe a chance. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Embarrassing

2007-07-26T08:29:00.000-04:00

Alberto Gonzales’ appearance in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday is a great example of how you should not testify in front of a Congressional Committee or anyone else: Time Jon Stewart is our Sherpa as we’re taken up Bullshit Mountain. The Daily Show (video)

The current White House Chief of Staff and the former White House Counsel are issued contempt of Congress citations. Washington Post

What’s up with the weather in Europe? 500 people have died in Hungary over eight days in a heat wave. Reuters (video) Britain gets rain, but jeez!! Flooding there could cause 340,000 people to be without fresh water for two weeks. ITV

Iran says it will never abandon its nuclear program. Reuters

Apple stock is up for the quarter. BBC But i-Phone sales haven’t met everyone’s expectations. Wall Street Journal

How were these two able to get up and walk away?

Elections In Turkey

2007-07-23T07:40:00.000-04:00

“Democracy has passed a very important test.” Secular Turkey votes to have its current governing party - with Islamist roots - remain in power. BBC

Check out these two lead paragraphs about Bush’s Executive Order on how the C.I.A. can handle detainees suspected of terrorism. They sound like they’re about different stories. BBC New York Times The U.S. must reveal information about prisoners at Gitmo. New York Times It’s the foreign policy, stupid. Washington Post

China has its own “war on terror.” It’s brutal. (London) Times Al-Qaeda’s brutality in Iraq has one unintended consequence: It’s own members are becoming informants for U.S. forces. (London) Times

Maybe someone’s devoutly religious. Maybe they picked up some duty-free whiskey at the terminal before your flight. Whatever the case, Homeland Security will know about it - and keep the information for 15 years - when passengers fly to the U.S. Guardian

Identity thieves are looking at your Facebook and MySpace pages. BBC

Background on the NBA referee scandal.. And the referee himself. Sports Illustrated

Do you live in Richistan? Probably not. Guardian If you do, you could probably afford the world’s most expensive prosti- um, escort - pictured here: Esquire

This preacher really knocks ‘em out. Check out the big guy who said, “Hit me two times!!”

All Video

2007-07-16T02:31:00.000-04:00

A brief and completely video edition of The Joe. The Morning Joe will be off on Thursday. See you on Monday the 23rd.

A diplomatic success, or at least a “first step.” North Korea shuts down a nuclear reactor. Reuters

There’s that Cold War chill again. Russia pulls out of a conventional arms treaty. BBC/Yahoo!

Hot tubs are human soup. Add some ramen noodles, and you have this story. Wait for the end and try the broth.

Here’s what the real battle of the sexes would look like.

Report Card

2007-07-12T06:51:00.000-04:00

A progress report on Iraq is expected to be issued today. Some news is expected to be good. Some news, not so good. Washington Post

There’s a meeting this afternoon at the White House to discuss a threat of a terror attack from al-Qaeda this summer. This story was reported on Tuesday night. Why wait at least two days to meet about it? ABC (video) What the Homeland Security chief meant by his “gut feeling.” MSNBC (video) A government report says Al-Qaeda is as strong as it was before 9/11. CNN Is the media making too much of this threat? Was this story of a terror threat placed to divert attention from something else? What are your thoughts?

A former Surgeon General under Bush says politics trumped science when talking to the public about stem cells, sex education, and the health of prisoners. New York Times

After eight days and at least 106 dead, “the operation is over” at the Red Mosque in Islamabad. Guardian What’s next for Musharraf? BBC

Jesus! The Vatican says Protestant and Orthodox faiths are “not proper churches.” In a statement that has the blessing of the Pope, the Vatican says it’s “difficult to see how the title of ‘Church’ could possibly be attributed to them” and Roman Catholicism is “the one true Church of Christ.” (London) Times

Remember UNMOVIC? The U.N. group that correctly asserted Saddam didn’t have WMD? The U.S. and U.K. got it shutdown. Newsweek

“A First Date” has a different feel to it depending on which video-sharing site it comes from.

Violent Weekend

2007-07-09T09:14:00.000-04:00

A weekend of bombings in Iraq, including one truck bomb near Kirkuk that killed at least 150. Reuters (video) The Iraqi parliament can’t get it together - even reach quorum - to get anything done. ABC (video)

A case attempting to challenge the NSA wiretap program was dismissed by an appeals court. The program is so secret, no one could prove it’s damaging. The irony is “the program’s secrecy is proving to be its best legal protection.” New York Times

After the attempted bombings in London and Glasgow, will the British Muslim community step up and communicate with police to expose other terror cells? Telegraph Britain needs more Muslim spies, says the country’s former domestic spy chief. (London) Times Scotland asks, “Why us?” New York Times

Brainwashed, 10-year-old, wannabe martyrs and President Musharraf’s shaky regime clash at the Red Mosque in Pakistan. (London) Times

Unemployment at over 80% and children living on the street. These photos show the “Secret Lives” of Zimbabwe. Guardian

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about private equity lately. What’s the deal? Economist

Cellphones are combining all kinds of functions these days. This one can be used for self-defense.

Scoot Free

2007-07-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

After being convicted of lying to federal prosecutors, former Cheney chief-of-staff Scooter Libby’s 30-month jail sentence is commuted by President Bush. The Prez says Scooter’s prison sentence was “excessive.” Here’s the statement: AP/Washington Post Excessive??? Thirty months is consistent with other “excessive” sentences Bush and the Justice Department have pushed for in similar crimes. New York Times There’s hypocrisy on all sides of this. AP/MSNBC

Pakistani security forces warn of a “last chance” for students at the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad where 24 people have already died in clashes there. CNN What is so controversial about this mosque? BBC

Seven of the eight people arrested in connection with the London and Glasgow bombings are doctors. Newsweek

What’s in it for Hamas to secure the release of the BBC journalist? Time

Here’s an new way to protest land clearing laws: Cut down trees. (London) Times

Book your tickets. The Winter Olympics will be in Russia in 2014. Reuters With murder, carjackings and home robberies on the rise in South Africa, will the country be ready to host the World Cup in 2010? Guardian

Watch the concert. Save the planet. That’s what Al Gore and the organizers of Live Earth are hoping for. USA Today

Were you smart enough not to do any of these things with fireworks at your 4th of July BBQ?

Two More Arrests

2007-07-02T07:53:00.000-04:00

A total of seven have now been arrested in the attempted bombings in London and Glasgow. Telegraph

Ten years after Hong Kong’s handover to China. Economist Last year, the U.S. imported 40% of its consumer goods from China. They’re cheap, but numerous recalls linked to China are questioning the safety of the country’s products. Time

Every day, it seems like someone compares the U.S. to the Roman Empire. It’s been going on since America’s founding. New York Times

These days, you can’t fall asleep at the game without somebody taping you.. And the rest of the stadium knowing about it.

"Confrontation"

2007-06-28T04:11:00.000-04:00

The Senate has subpoenaed documents from the White House over the NSA wiretapping program. The White House has previously turned down requests for these documents. Washington Post Trans-Atlantic passengers flying European airlines to the U.S. will have 34 pieces of information about them given to the U.S. The info will be kept for 15 years. BBC

Gordon Brown takes over as the new British Prime Minster. Who is he? BBC Tony Blair’s new job is a “thankless task with four bosses and no office.” Guardian

World opinion is turning negative about large powerful nations like the U.S., China and Russia. BBC

Why did sci-fi and fantasy become so successful on television? Guardian

New York Times tech writer David Pogue got an iPhone before its launch tomorrow. He shows off all its goodies!

"Jewels" On Display

2007-06-25T03:04:00.000-04:00

The CIA will reveal the “Family Jewels” this week. The “Jewels” are documents containing information about domestic spying, assassination plots and other illegal activity conducted by the agency between the 1950s and the 1970s. BBC

Vice President Cheney refuses to comply with an executive order to disclose how his office has handled classified documents. Washington Post How big of a liability is Cheney for Bush? Time

How the West could make “martyrs” and “traitors” in the Middle East. Economist

The U.S., France, China, Russia and several other nations begin a conference in Paris today to discuss ways to stop the genocide in Darfur. AFP/France 24

A court has ruled that once an email leaves your mailbox, it’s private: the government can’t look at it unless they tell you. Funny thing is, emails weren’t legally recognized as private before this. Time

It’s not a cure for the common cold, but researchers say there is something that can reduce the chances of catching one. BBC

Let boys be boys. Washington Post

You never know when you might need a “do it to it” waistband.

Left The Party

2007-06-21T03:01:00.000-04:00

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is no longer a Republican. New York Times The election is 17 months(!) away and he’s not even running yet, but everyone is asking if Bloomberg could win the White House. Time

Now that Hamas and everyone else living in Gaza is isolated, what is life like for Palestinians there? MSNBC (video)

“Toys made in China make up 70 to 80 percent of the toys sold,” in the United States. This is troubling since Chinese products are “responsible for about 60 percent of all product recalls” in the U.S. New York Times China has become the world’s #1 CO2 emitter. Guardian

Looking for terrorists and protecting oil interests in Africa. Economist

Iwo Jima has a new name -The name it was called before World War II. Guardian

Smoking bans in bars are definitely a good thing, but it caused a problem in Finland. (Melbourne) Age

Alvin and the Chipmunks were never this dramatic.

Two-State Dilemma

2007-06-18T01:37:00.000-04:00

With Hamas in control of Gaza and Fatah in control of the West Bank, are there two Palestinian states for the West to deal with? New York Times The U.S. plans to restore aid to Palestinians once Fatah has a new government without Hamas. BBC Why should we care about what happens in Gaza? Newsweek

Finally, some progress in Darfur. BBC

Go out on that limb. Five issues on which the candidates for president need to be courageous. Time On what issues should the candidates be courageous?

Want to play video games all day and get paid for it? They’re doing it in China. (Yes, it’s too good to be true.) New York Times (video)

Morgan Freeman, who just turned 70, began hitting the links later in life. Here’s what it taught him: Newsweek

Will Kobe stay or will he go? AP/MSNBC Here’s the post from his blog. What do you think?

This fight was on Mother’s Day. Did they even try to take a picture for Father’s Day?

Taking Control

2007-06-14T08:32:00.000-04:00

After five days of fighting, Palestinian group Hamas has taken control of almost all of the Gaza Strip from Fatah. BBC "We are witnessing the first signs of a cruel civil war," in Gaza, said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Australian In a leaked report, the former U.N. Middle East envoy said American support for Israel has hurt the peace process. Guardian

Congressional subpoenas have been issued for two former White House officials over the firings of the nine U.S. attorneys. Reuters

The Justice Department refocuses civil rights cases on religion, not race. New York Times

A few post-its, paper napkins, wrapper for that office product, an empty cup of joe. How much trash do you produce in a day? Guardian But you recycle, right? Economist

No, I didn’t like your presentation. Yes, those pants make you look fat. It’s called Radical Honesty. Esquire Is it too honest for you?

Ever notice those radio stations that play hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s love to advertise that they don’t play rap?

Home Soon?

2007-06-11T02:49:00.000-04:00

The troops will come home from Iraq - most of them anyway. A small force will remain there for a long time say Pentagon planners. Washington Post

G8 recap. Maybe that $60 billion commitment to fight AIDS in Africa and the other agreements made there aren’t as great as they sound. BBC Here are some examples of where they fell short: Telegraph Sure, the world leaders said they agreed on several things, but does there need to be a summit with these leaders? Time

Why is everything - EVERYTHING! - such a big secret? Washington Post

Can the rich get richer without the poor getting poorer? New York Times What do you think?

Tony, Carmela and AJ get their onion rings. That guy at the counter goes to bathroom. Meadow walks in. Tony looks up. And that’s it? The end of The Sopranos? Was it a winner or a loser?

Dropping some money when dropping an f–bomb is fine if the cash goes to the office swear jar.

Cold Climate

2007-06-07T03:56:00.000-04:00

The G8 summit begins and the widening rift between Russia and the West, reminiscent of the Cold War, takes center stage.. Reuters ..Along with climate change. The U.S. has rejected a proposal on targets for cutting greenhouse gases. New York Times On climate change, Blair says it’s the G8.. Plus another 5. Guardian

Scientists say they have grown stem cells from skin cells. It could eliminate the use of embryos. Washington Post

“You can sleep when you’re dead.” Indeed. The zombie nation may already be upon us. Telegraph Already a zombie? How little sleep do you get?

There’s a bonus embedded on those i-Tunes digital downloads that don’t have copy protection: Your info. AP/CNN Now that you know this, will it stop you from buying those DRM-free songs?

Star Wars just celebrated its 30 Anniversary and Emperor Lucas unveiled his plans for the animated Clone Wars series, but what if there were to be an Episode VII? Here’s what it might look like.

Bridging The G8

2007-06-04T04:58:00.000-04:00

Ahead of the G8 summit, Tony Blair tries to close the climate change gap between the U.S. and the other world leaders. Scotsman What Blair has learned in his ten years at Number 10. Economist

What’s that chill in the air? Could it be the return of a cold war as Russia’s Putin says he could point nukes at Europe? (London) Times

The plot to blow up fuel tanks and pipelines at JFK wasn’t close to being executed, and the announcement may have been over-hyped. New York Times How big is the threat of a terrorist attack in the U.S. from the Caribbean and South America? Los Angeles Times

There’s a debate over whether to prosecute a member of “Canada’s first family of terrorism” for war-crimes allegedly committed when he was 15 years-old.. And even younger than 10. New York Times Do you think special consideration should be given to minors who are charged with war-crimes?

Higher fares. Fewer seats. Flying this summer is going to be bad enough. To keep traveling from getting even worse, here are some airports to avoid. U.S. News & World Report

The $1300 this mom spends to give this little girl a fake tan for her school picture - to look like Lindsay Lohan - is a down payment on therapy 20 years from now.

Don't Worry About That Cough

2007-05-31T07:58:00.000-04:00

How that TB guy was able to globe-trot through six countries after being told he was sick. AP/MSNBC What are your thoughts on what this incident says about health and border controls around the world?

Obama’s answer for universal health care isn’t universal, but it would allow everyone who wants insurance to get it. Chicago Tribune

Bush asks Congress to double the money to fight AIDS in Africa. Washington Post

The cyber-attack against Estonia - a coordinated attack during which 1 million computers were reportedly used to shut down Internet Infrastructure in the country - could be the new warfare for which many countries aren’t prepared. Economist

First Kobe said he wanted to leave the Lakers. Now he says he doesn’t. ESPN

Words are exchanged. Tensions are flared. It’s Go Time. Some rules on what to do if you get into a fistfight. First rule: Don’t get into a fistfight. Esquire (But if you do throwdown, here’s how to avoid jail.)

A penny saved is a penny earned, right? No, they're bullshit! Get rid of them!

Taking A Break

2007-05-17T07:54:00.001-04:00

The Morning Joe is going to take a little time off. We’ll be brewing again on Thursday, May 31. Have a great Memorial Day or Bank Holiday and we'll see you in a couple of weeks.

Wolfie Nearly Out

2007-05-17T07:51:00.000-04:00

Paul Wolfowitz, one of the architect’s of the Iraq War, is negotiating how hard he will get kicked out as head of the World Bank. Why? He gave his girlfriend a big raise. Washington Post What does the World Bank do? BBC

The White House tried to get then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to extend the NSA eavesdropping program while he was “extremely ill and disoriented” in the hospital due to gall bladder surgery. New York Times

It pays to be a millionaire when you run for president. Washington Post

Bono says the goals made to raise money for developing countries at the G8 summit two years ago aren’t being met by some countries. The reason they may have been made in the first place was sympathy after the 7/7 bombings. Guardian

The military has banned the use of some sites - MySpace, YouTube for example - on military computers. It’s not censorship, because they can use the sites on other servers, but it’s not going to easy or cheap for troops to get on the web. U.S. News & World Report

For those of you thinning - or have lost it - up top, there may hope: A cure for baldness. Sydney Morning Herald

Even though it’s a comedy, it’s hard to believe somebody would spend money to make this movie. Yes, it’s a real movie!

The Search Continues..

2007-05-14T08:38:00.000-04:00

The search continues for three missing U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Al-Qaeda claims it is holding them. MSNBC

Robert Mugabe can barely sustain his own brutal dictatorship, let alone any type of development. But oddly enough, Zimbabwe elected was chosen to head the U.N. commission of Sustainable Development. Reuters

Careful, there’s another risk in “going down.” Time

Going green is great. But as with anything, there are consequences. ABC

It’s one thing to have your customer service rep live in Bangalore or Mumbai. It’s another to have your news reporter live there when their beat is the Pasadena, CA City Council. Los Angeles Times

Equity group buys Chrysler. Financial Times

The price of stamps went up 16 months ago. The price goes up again today. And now there are “forever stamps.” AP/MSNBC

It’s always better when other people have friends like these, and you’re just a spectator.

Six Men v. The Army?

2007-05-10T09:16:00.000-04:00

The government’s case against the six men arrested in the (very stupid) alleged plot to attack Fort Dix. New York Times

Northern Ireland power sharing: It wasn’t tension-free at the first day. Guardian

Bye Bye Blair: Tony Blair will step down as prime minister on June 27. BBC Timeline of Blair’s 10 years in office. AFP/The Australian The worldwide farewell tour: (London) Times The Blair Doctrine Sky

Why there could be a “Third Force” candidate in ’08. Newsweek

As a kid, were you the playful and rough older brother or the unsuspecting little brother who ended up crying?

Bon Jour

2007-05-07T08:04:00.000-04:00

Who is the guy just elected president of France? France 24 (video)

Mental health and ethical issues plague U.S. Soldiers and Marines serving in Iraq. Example: "Less than half of Soldiers and Marines believed that non-combatants should be treated with dignity and respect." Washington Post

Why has the Bush Administration, and Condoleezza Rice in particular, been seemingly more diplomatic lately? Newsweek

The situation in Zimbabwe seems to be resolved: The oppressive Robert Mugabe will remain in power until 2013! (London) Times

Israelis are saying it’s time for their PM to go. So, why is Olmert sticking around? Time

They may not merge, but Microsoft and Yahoo could hook up in a few different ways. Wall Street Journal

Balls: Astronaut Wally Schirra told his boss “Go to Hell!” and blasted off sitting atop three different spaceships. Have you done either? Time

This clip starts off as yet another Mac/PC parody, but turns into Spider-Man and Batman finding out they have a lot in common.

The Date Is Off

2007-05-03T07:43:00.000-04:00

Dems back off on a date to withdraw from Iraq, but they - and some Republicans - still want some conditions for war funding. Washington Post It’s al-Qaeda again? Washington Post Take a look at another effort by King George to execute warrantless searches. New York Times

7/7 bombing victims call for an inquiry on how MI-5 missed the bombers. After the attack investigators said the suicide bombers were “clean skins” - unknown to MI-5. (London) Times Police were pursuing the 7/7 leader five months before the attacks. Guardian

What’s going on with the secularists in Turkey? BBC

Arrests warrants have been issued by the International Criminal Court for a Sudanese minister and a militia leader for war crimes in Darfur. Let’s see if this warrant has teeth and the men are arrested. AP/The Australian

Do you bank with JP Morgan-Chase? According to this video, they don’t dispose of their customer information properly. CNN Money

That contaminant that got into your pet’s food may have also gotten into YOUR food. Reuters (video)

Why did NASA refuse a partnership with Russia on the second Moon shot? Telegraph Meanwhile, be healthy on your trip to Mars or you might get voted off the spaceship. AP/CNN

How much do countries give in aid. Maybe a little. Maybe a lot. It depends on how you count it. Economist

Enjoy a few pints beer over the course of the week? It could make your brain smaller. (Melbourne) Age But making that pint could be good for the environment. BBC

The big De La Hoya-Mayweather fight is on Saturday night. And it will continue on Sunday, and Monday..

Guilty

2007-04-30T08:43:00.000-04:00

Five men were found guilty of plotting to use fertilizer to cause a series of explosions in Britain. Telegraph One of the men had links to the 7/7 bombers who killed 52 people in 2005. That link was known before those attacks. ITV

Former spy chief George Tenet defends his role in the lead up to 9/11 and the Iraq invasion. He also chats about enhanced interrogation techniques (um.. Torture?) and the “slam dunk” remark. 60 Minutes (video) Six former CIA officials say Tenet was ”the Alberto Gonzales of the intelligence community.” As head of the CIA they say Tenet was “a grotesque mixture of incompetence and sycophancy shielded by a genial personality." Ouch! CNN

Protesters rally for secularism in Turkey as the military hints at a coup if an candidate with an Islamist past is elected president. (London) Times

Iran will attend a regional meeting this week on creating stability in Iraq. It could lead to a high level one-on-one chit-chat between the U.S. and Iran. Reuters

Still doing a heckuva job. $854 million in foreign assistance was offered to the U.S. after Katrina. Twenty months later, only $40 million has been used. MSNBC (video)

Celebrities come out to raise awareness about the genocide Darfur. AFP/France 24

Hate tying that half-Windsor every morning? A frou-frou group in Hong Kong is promoting the Mandarin collar that doesn’t need a tie. Reuters (video)

Here’s what happens when a Gap parody for Mom and Dad goes wrong. What the hell is a “boyfriend trouser” anyway?

It's A Date

2007-04-26T09:04:00.000-04:00

The House of Representatives passes $124 billion spending bill for Iraq. It says U.S. troops must begin to withdraw by October 1. Washington Post

Testify! A House panel votes to subpoena Condoleezza Rice over pre-war intelligence. She and the White House are reluctant to accept the invitation. Reuters

An obit on “Tsar” Boris Yeltsin: Russia’s first democratically elected leader who died on Monday. The Australian He had some memorable moments including dancing and making Bill Clinton howl with laughter. Here’s a list - including video - of his not-so-greatest hits: Guardian

Alberto Gonzales gets the “Brownie, you’re doing a heckuva job,” type of support from Bush. Which means he doesn’t have a lot of job security. Bloomberg

Is the BlackBerry software sweeter than the device? Washington Post

Ever fearful you’re on next Oceanic flight #815? Statistically, air accidents are more or less likely depending on where you go. Economist

He cuts taxes and cuts a rug. Bush boogies at a White House event. Brace yourself. It’s as bad as you think.

After The VA Tech Massacre..

2007-04-23T08:07:00.000-04:00

The issue isn’t better campus security. It’s gun control, and that’s the debate that’s not happening. Economist Americans are divided by race, gender and political party over gun control according to a new poll. AP/MSNBC Vigil bulimics: The Daily Truth/(Melbourne) Age

The Food and Drug Administration knew about problems at the places where the recent peanut butter and spinach contaminations occurred. Critics say those problems show “the agency is incapable of adequately protecting the safety of the food supply.” Washington Post

A major breach in security at the Los Alamos nuclear lab by someone who had a history of drug use and a meth lab in their trailer. Time

Why do straight people “hate gay people so much?” Los Angeles Times

Fruit is good. If you add alcohol, it’s better. Reuters

You ever noticed it’s hard being Harrison Ford’s wife and family in his movies?

There Is Other News

2007-04-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

A series of bombings killed at least 158 people and possibly close to 200 in Baghdad on Wednesday. The largest explosion was in a market, which one witness said turned into “a swimming pool of blood.” BBC

The Supreme Court upholds a ban on partial birth abortions. The ruling doesn’t overturn Roe v. Wade, but it could “encourage antiabortion state legislatures to pass laws not only adding new restrictions but looking to challenge Roe itself.” Washington Post

Even after 32 people murdered at VA Tech, Congress isn’t likely to make any big moves on gun control any time soon. MSNBC

UK pound pounded through the $2 mark on Tuesday for the first time since 1992. It stayed over $2 on Wednesday. BBC

Did you think you were “suffering alone?” Or was it a blessing when CrackBerry service went down on Tuesday night? New York Times

Do-over! Some people want to scrap the Internet and start it up again from scratch. (Melbourne) Age

Timing is everything, and the White Sox’s Mark Buehrle pitched his no-hitter at a lucrative time. Fox Sports

You’re supposed to look both ways before crossing the street AND the train tracks.

Now That It's Finally Over..

2007-04-16T08:29:00.000-04:00

Here’s a look at why Imus’s comments became a big story. New York Times Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are leaders - and even that’s in doubt - “through self-appointment and self-promotion.” Washington Post

Why those missing White House e-mails are important. Time

It took until 1961 for Washington, D.C. residents to get the right to vote in presidential elections. Now, it looks like they may finally get a vote in Congress, too. Reuters

The Fortune 500 is out. Here’s the list: Fortune

$12 flights between the U.K. and the U.S.? Maybe, but it will be a long, uncomfortable 7-hour ride. Baltimore Sun

This sobriety test ends with a painful thud. It’s nice how the police officer rushes over to help.

More Time

2007-04-12T07:37:00.000-04:00

The Pentagon extends tours for active-duty soldiers from 12 to 15 months in Iraq and Afghanistan. New York Times

The attack on the Algerian prime minister’s office by a group recently affiliated with al-Qaeda brings renewed fear in that country. BBC What threat could this group cause to France and the rest of Europe? Time

More Power? The National Intelligence Director - America’s spy chief - wants to give intelligence agencies even more power. AP/MSNBC

Behind Iran’s announcement of an industrial-scale nuclear program. It’s not all it’s hyped up to be. Time Background Q&A on the Iran nuclear standoff and nuclear weapons around the world. BBC

Don’t understand the extent of the genocide in Darfur? See it on Google Earth. Reuters

First, Live Aid. Then, Live 8. This summer: Live Earth which intends to raise awareness about the environment. (London) Times

Writer Kurt Vonnegut has died at the age of 84. New York Times

These action figures are pretty realistic.. And gory: Jets, flamethrowers, and in the accessory kit, ground beef!

The Future Of Mother Nature

2007-04-09T08:26:00.000-04:00

Another Climate Change report is out with a grim picture of the future. BBC Since countries like the U.S. and China refused to allow some portions not to be printed in the final report, here’s what didn’t get in. Washington Post How climate change will affect areas around the world. BBC Is nuclear energy the way to go? 60 Minutes (video)

Speaking of nuclear.. Iran is supposed to have “good nuclear news” today. Good for whom? AFP/France 24

The British sailors and marines who were held in Iran are allowed to sell their stories to the press. And a lot of people are pissed off about it. Telegraph After being held captive for 13 days, what do you get in an Iranian “goody bag?” Sky

What life will be like in 35 years.. And it’s not all the cool stuff you usually hear in stories like this. Guardian

Think there are lower airfares than the ones on Expedia and Orbitz? Or trying to find a flight that isn’t delayed all the time? Check this out: New York Times

What’s more painful? This guy being so broken up about his ex that he breaks glass on his back and chest? Or how supportive his current wife is?

Released, But..

2007-04-05T07:41:00.000-04:00

What happened behind the scenes that led to the release of the 15 British held in Iran? There’s a lot of speculation, but here’s some of what went down. Guardian The “invisible men” who made it happen. Telegraph What the release indicates about the Iranian leadership. New York Times Here’s a timeline of the standoff: Financial Times

Why don’t they say anything? Why aren’t all of Zimbabwe’s neighbors shouting about the oppression happening in that country? Washington Post

It’s Ronald Reagan v. Bobby Kennedy in next year’s election. Time

DaimlerChrysler announces for the first time it is talking to buyers about selling off Chrysler. Reuters

It took Googlers more than a day to find a python at their New York office. It was there because of Google’s bring your pet to work policy. Sydney Morning Herald

Attending that morning meeting in San Antonio with that not-so-fresh-feeling because you don’t have miniature mouthwash, toothpaste or hair gel to bring on the flight? Here are some products that could help you out. New York Times

More than 400 victories, 200 players sent to the NFL.. But more than that, the legacy of Grambling State football coach Eddie Robinson. ESPN

Impressive. He has more balls than most bowlers.

Moving Toward Peace

2007-04-02T07:39:00.000-04:00

Israeli PM calls for a regional summit after Saudi leaders urge Israel to accept a 2002 peace deal. BBC

The latest on the British sailors and marines held in Iran after two more captives are put on Iranian TV. Telegraph

Both sides of the Iraq debate got very heated when talking about the spending bill for the war. Take a look and see how much Pork was attached to it. New York Times Not only that, but the corporate drug lobby had a huge amount of influence on Congress when it crafted the Medicare prescription drug bill. Not only have the drug companies profited, but so have several former Congressmen and staffers. 60 Minutes (video)

Climate Change affects poorer countries hardest. New York Times The night the lights went out in Sydney. Sydney Morning Herald

Who are you betting on? It’s Antigua and Barbuda vs. the U.S. in the legality of online gambling. Washington Post

The U.S. “has proved to be the single greatest collective human achievement of the past four centuries.” But.. Guardian

A genetic link has been found to prostate cancer. Reuters

There is a plan in play to move some events in the 2012 Olympics from London to Paris. Telegraph

This isn’t one of those “aww, that’s so cute” animal stories. Check out these “freakishly large animals” including a pet roach. No kidding. His name is Cocky. Newsweek

If You See Something, Say Something. Thanks to Brendan for pointing out the article on Congressional Pork. If you see an article you think should be posted in The Morning Joe, or you know a publication that has great content, give us a shout and tell us about it.

Oops!

UK Hostages On Video

2007-03-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Iran releases a letter said to be written by the captured female sailor and a video in which she said the sailors were in Iranian waters. There’s no way to know if she was coerced into speaking. The letter’s included here. Guardian Here are video clips of her and the other captives: CNN (video) Britain says it has evidence showing the marines and sailors weren’t in Iranian waters. BBC ..And steps up the pressure on Iran. Telegraph

We’ll know soon if funding for the Iraq war will be cut. If it is, the effects won’t be felt for several months. Los Angeles Times

If you have the name that even resembles a name or alias of a terrorism suspect, you could be on a list available online that private businesses who can decide whether or not they want to deny you business. Washington Post

Ninety years ago on April 6, the U.S. entered World War I. One of the last four surviving U.S. veterans of “the war to end all wars” talks about serving. Many of the issues of in the world today can be traced back to WWI. USA Today

Certain people can carry a gun in the U.S. Capitol, but they can’t carry it to the Capitol. Besides offering insight on why nothing gets done Washington, do congressmen and senators need to be packing heat? Washington Post

What you drink and your health. New York Times

Shed pounds. Watch porn.. Panda porn. Just another day in life of a panda getting ready to mate. AP/The Australian

JibJab’s new video breaks down breaking news, runaway broncos, President Bush and “Brit’s putty-tat.” It’s what they call The News.

Further Isolation

2007-03-26T07:47:00.000-04:00

Iran is in the news on two fronts. Britain is getting less diplomatic about insisting Iran return its 15 marines. Guardian Background on Iran’s seizure of the marines. Time And after U.N. sanctions were imposed this weekend, Iran said it would limit cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency on its nuclear program. Reuters

Here’s how one of those government databases that collects names and information works. The “bar for inclusion is low, and once someone is on the list, it is virtually impossible to get off it.” Washington Post

In other citizen surveillance news, the NYPD kept records on people who intended to protest at the 2004 Republican National Convention in NYC. They included people around U.S. and in other countries “who had no apparent intention of breaking the law.” New York Times

Could this be Zimbabwe’s Mugabe’s last stand? (London) Times Why is South Africa noticeably quiet on this? New York Times

Why political rights (you know the old favorites: free speech, due process, etc.) trump economic and social rights. Economist

This guy is trying to sell Moonshine as a premium spirit. Do you order that neat or on the rocks? Los Angeles Times

When Ctrl + Alt + Del = $38 Billion loss! AP/(Melbourne) Age

What Do You Think? John and Elizabeth Edwards announced her cancer has returned and he’s going to stay in the race for President. They were interviewed on 60 Minutes (video) and he told Katie Couric he’s in the race for the “duration.” Should he stay in it? If he’s elected president, will Elizabeth’s illness be too much of a distraction? Cynically speaking, will this boost his poll numbers? Who’s place is it to judge? Let us know at Joe.

Ever want to watch all six Rocky movies in a row, but didn’t have the time? We’re assuming the answer is no, but here’s the entire series in five seconds.

"Showdown" ..Not Quite Yet

2007-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone’s getting ready for what could happen between the White House and Congress after subpoenas were approved (but not issued) for Karl Rove and four other Administration officials to testify in front of a House committee. New York Times Executive Privilege: What is this privilege and how much of it can the chief executive use? Time

Escalating: An Angolan paramilitary force, feared for their brutality, has been dispatched to back up Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. (London) Times If you don’t know the background on Zimbabwe, here it is: BBC

i-TV: We were told that one day we would easily download movies and shows easily from the Internet and watch them on our TV. Apple wants us to think that day has arrived, as long as you download from the i-Tunes store. New York Times

Letterman regular Larry “Bud” Melman has died. AP/Yahoo

Here’s some advice: Don’t listen to athletes about drugs, cars, coffee makers or anything else outside the realm of their sport. Sports Illustrated

We’re not sure where you would hold a Jujitsu class, but look on the wall in the background and see where this Jujitsu Sensei is kicking the crap out of these people.

Four Years And Counting

2007-03-19T09:01:00.000-04:00

A comprehensive poll about Iraqi opinion four years after the Coalition invasion of the country. ABC Violence by the numbers. BBC Iraqis are turning against al-Qaeda and turning them in. Channel 4/Guardian (video)

Voluntarily or by subpoena, Karl Rove may testify in front of a Senate committee about those U.S. Attorney firings. Reuters

As Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe’s oppressive regime begins to break, here’s a look at how he stayed in power for 27 years by oppressing, starving and kicking Zimbabweans out of their homes. Telegraph

The U.N. is watching, but doing nothing, about the atrocities in Darfur. Economist

She speaks: Valerie Plame, whose outing as a CIA officer lead to former Cheney chief-of- staff Scooter Libby’s conviction of lying to the FBI and a grand jury, told a House committee her side of that long complicated story. Washington Post

Here’s why some conservative Republicans don’t like presidential candidates who are more concerned with the Second Commandment than the Second Amendment. Time

Take a look at what Fido and Whiskers are eating. There is a major pet food recall linked to 10 pet deaths. USA Today Here are the 50 brands of dog food and 40 brands of cat food being recalled.

Evander Holyfield is on the comeback trail and doing well, but maybe “The Real Deal” should throw in the towel while he’s ahead. Sports Illustrated

We wonder what these guns would sound like with silencers.

9/11 Confession

2007-03-15T07:53:00.000-04:00

In a transcript released by the Pentagon, alleged 9/11 plotter Khalid Shaikh Mohammed confessed on Saturday to being the mastermind behind the attacks on NYC, the Bali bombing and attempts at other terrorist attacks. He implied he had been tortured in captivity, but not to make this confession. New York Times

People get fired from their jobs everyday, but here’s why there’s this hub-bub over the Justice Department’s removal of those 8 federal prosecutors. San Francisco Chronicle

Conservative Republicans are looking for another Reagan to win the Oval Office in 2008. They may have found him several times over, but don’t realize it. Time

Dozens of Zimbabwean protesters were arrested horribly beaten by president Robert Mugabe’s unapologetic regime. Guardian Mugabe’s hold on power may be nearing an end. It won’t be soon enough. Telegraph

The charges against former Hewlett-Packard chair Patricia Dunn have been dropped due to her health. CNN Money

How likely is it that Viacom will win its $1 billion lawsuit against YouTube? CNET

We don’t normally like “scare the sh*t out of you” stories, but here’s one way to steal your identity you probably didn’t know about: AP/Wired Meanwhile, cyber-stalking your ex- will be more private as Google says it will add an extra layer of security to search queries. AP/Yahoo

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Chardonnay? Pub life is changing. On Monday we told you darts in England are on the decline, now we hear Guinness sales are sinking in Ireland. Reuters

Will consistency make a difference to get Pete Rose admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame? “Charlie Hustle” said he bet on the Reds to win “every night” when he was their manager. ESPN

Before you head out to get blitzed in honor of St. Patrick, “the patron saint of bar fights,” Mark Day has some ideas on becoming a modern-day saint.

Gone Fishing

2007-03-12T07:41:00.000-04:00

The FBI has been playing fast and loose with it’s Patriot Act Powers by fishing for info on U.S. citizens. Between 2003 and 2005, the Bureau “issued more than 143,000 requests for information on more than 52,000 people” about half of whom were U. S. citizens and asked the phone companies for “more than 3,000 phone numbers -- often without a subpoena, without an emergency or even without an investigative case” by using National Security Letters. Washington Post What is a National Security Letter? AP/Houston Chronicle

“First Step:” The U.S. and Iran met with other countries to figure out what to do about Iraq. New York Times Iran may already be in Iraq (not how you might think). And why would they be so happy to get the U.S. out of Iraq? Independent Iran wants to take its nuclear case to the U.N. Security Council. AP/MSNBC Bush asks for more troops for Afghanistan and even more troops for Iraq. He wants to cut some domestic programs to pay for it. USA Today

Good news from the Bureau, considering the top post today: The FBI has set up a task force to prosecute the “last of the lynchers” thought to be involved in Civil Rights Era crimes. Guardian

There are very few ways to escape that 2-year sentence known as a cell phone contract, but it’s not impossible. New York Times

The game of darts is under fire in - of all places - England, where only 10% of bar-goers surveyed have thrown a dart in the last year. Telegraph

It’s NCAA Tournament Time.. And therefore Tournament Pool Time. Here’s the bracket: Sports Illustrated

The criminally-minded folks that used to produce “The Man Show” put a smart-mouthed boy scout in front of a liquor store to see if people would buy him beer. We wonder if a “contributing to the delinquency of a minor” charge followed this clip.

A Plan Of Their Own?

2007-03-08T08:35:00.000-05:00

House Dems may agree on a plan for Iraq: $100 million in appropriation for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, then out of Iraq by the end of ‘07. AP/Yahoo Problem: A general on the ground says the Bush-proposed troop build-up will need to last to February ‘08. New York Times U.S. Commander in Iraq says there’s no “military solution” to Iraq. You gotta start talking. Reuters

Now that the Libby trial is over, the question is: Will Bush pardon him? Washington Post

Why do people who criticize the Russian government end up shot or dead? Telegraph And why is Russia a deadly place for journalists? Guardian

For all the trouble starting Daylight Saving Time this weekend could cause - hopefully we wont’ be calling it Y2K7 - will we be saving any energy the proponents claim? Time

By 2010, you could be one of 32 million paying more taxes because of the AMT. CNN Money

It’s Go Time! 91-year-old man challenges 92-year-old Jack Lalanne to a boxing match. Don King will be asked if he’s interested in promoting it. Only in America. AP/Yahoo

Did your furry friend suddenly died? Or maybe you’re pooch likes leaving deposits on your rug? Wouldn’t it be great if there were a pet service like NetFlix so you always had a cool pet?

Can We Talk?

2007-03-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

After resistance talking to Syria and Iran - a recommendation of the Iraq Study Group - the U.S. will talk to the two countries about Iraq. Washington Post This change of course, along with the change in policy over North Korea, isn’t a change that happened overnight. New York Times And now there are doubts about North Korea’s uranium enrichment program. Washington Post

Worldwide markets collectively freaked out on Tuesday when China’s stocks took a dip on Tuesday. Did the rest of the world overreact? Time Amidst its financial ascendance, China proclaimed socialism for another 100 years. Telegraph U.S. stocks to open today lower as Asian stocks have another tough day, but reports and deals could help keep U.S. number up. CNNMoney

McCain tells Letterman he’s officially in the race for president. Presumably, McCain didn’t announce on a news show because he’s already been running for months now. Late Show (video)

Do you have to practice what you preach? Especially if you’ve won an Oscar for your preachin’? Al Gore’s Tennessee home bill averages about $1200 a month. AP/Yahoo

One in four U.S. women age 14 - 59 have HPV, an STD that could lead to cervical cancer. Reuters

Japanese cars top the list of reliable rides according to a Consumer Reports survey. MSNBC Here are the picks: Consumer Reports

What Do You Think? Check this out: A man is suing his ex-fiancé because she won’t return the $48,000 engagement ring he bought her two years ago. No word about who broke it off, but does he have a right to ask for it back? Is an engagement ring given on the condition the couple walks down the aisle? Or once the rock is given, it’s hers even if they go splitsville. Let us know at Joe.

Feeling a little dirty? Being a little sinful? Look out for The Bible Thumpers! This God Squad is out to kick ass and save souls.

The Morning Joe will be taking a break on Monday, March 5. We’ll be posting again on Thursday, March 8. Have a good week!