Full Steam Ahead

Iran’s president says, its nuclear program is moving forward like a train with “no brake and no reverse gear.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. Rice offers to talk directly with Iran if they halt the program. BBC Here’s the article about the alleged U.S. plan to attack Iran. It also discusses the complex relationship between Sunni and Shia in the region. And how the U.S. has maneuvered through it. New Yorker The U.S. denies planning to go to war with Iran Reuters Is the U.S. backing insurgent groups in Iran to overthrow the country’s regime? Telegraph

You must’ve heard about the dust-up between Sens. Clinton and Obama. So, why do politicians care so much about Hollywood donors and approval? New York Times

Starbucks chief Howard Schultz says the company may have cheapened its own brand. Maybe it’ll cheapen its coffee, too. Reuters

Show ‘em what you got: A new x-ray scanner that debuted in a Phoenix airport is straight out of “Total Recall.” Not only do privacy advocates fear it’s too invasive, but pics of your backside could end up on YouTube. MSNBC (video)

If you couldn’t stay up past Midnight (on the East Coast), here’s the list of those who took home an Oscar: Los Angeles Times

Not sure if this is real, but do you work with this guy who thinks he’s too important for everyone else’s comedic enjoyment?

Movin' Out

The UK will withdraw about 1600 of its 7100 troops out of Iraq. Blair’s statement in the House of Commons: Guardian The Bush Administration said it’s a good thing. AP/USA Today The pullout means more politically than it does on the ground. Economist

Beyond the revelation that the U.S. and Iran are “natural allies,” here’s a very interesting and hopeful interview with a senior Iranian official: CNN Meanwhile, an International Atomic Energy Agency report to be released today is expected to say Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment program. Reuters

That baby born at only 22 weeks went home on Wednesday. Not to be cold-hearted, but this writer asks if the baby should have been kept alive: Guardian

Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe tNurned 83 on Wednesday and will celebrate with a lavish party on Saturday. Why is that significant? With inflation at 1600%, impoverished Zimbabweans literally can’t find a loaf of bread on store shelves. New York Times

The E.U. wants to say, “We know who you are and we know what you did,” on your mobile and on the Internet. New York Times

Sirriusly, what does the satellite radio XMerger XMean for listeners? AP/Yahoo

Is it looking like you’ll be spending every weekend at a wedding this spring? Here’s one couple’s solution: Reuters


In the latest parody of the PC vs. Mac ads, it’s Gates vs. Jobs, in which we learn Macs get you laid and the Commodore 64 is a dirty old computer.

Do We Believe Them? (Part 2)

Do We Believe Them? (Part 2) Bush says it’s “preposterous” that the Administration would make up the story that Iran is giving weapons to Iraqi insurgents. He added he’s not looking for a pretext for war. Then why does it feel like it’s 2003 and we’re talking about Saddam? Washington Post

A “first step” was reached to dismantle the North Korean nuclear program. BBC Why a deal now with a member of the Axis of Evil? Newsweek What does this mean for the nuke standoff with Iran? Los Angeles Times

Russia, China, Indian chat about making a more “democratic ‘multipolar world.’” (London) Times

New Yorkers and Californians are most likely to be the victims of identity theft. Reuters

DaimlerChrysler cuts 13,000 Chrysler jobs, and could be cutting the entire Chrysler unit. CNBC

Iverson joins Kidd, Nash and others who are out injured for this weekend’s All-Star game because of an injury. Here’s the line-up.. As long as no one else has an injury. ESPN

Beyonce in swimsuits.

Models in Swimsuits.

It’s all in the

2007 Sports Illustrated

Swimsuit Issue.

Do We Believe Them?

U.S. Intelligence says Iran is behind bombings that have killed U.S. troops in Iraq. Washington Post The hottest ticket in Damascus, Syria: Dinner at the Iranian Embassy. Time

It’s official: The BaRock Star threw his hat in. And he had an eventful first weekend. CNN It’s ridiculous that some actually question this, but yes, he is black. New York Times Stephen Colbert breaks it down. The Colbert Report (video)

Since the build-up to the invasion of Iraq, there’s been back and forth about supporting the troops or undermining the troops. What does that mean? Time

He pushed through campaign finance reform legislation. Now McCain is tapping that big cash for his own campaign. Washington Post

Everyone knows an 8-megapixel camera is better than a 4-megapixel camera, right? Blowing up the Megapixel Myth: New York Times

Are the Blue Devils done? Fox Sports

You go to Vegas for gambling, food, shows, and what ever else happens you think should stay there. But would you want to see a pro sports team there? New York Times

There was some sarcasm in the Cafferty file on Anna Nicole Smith when CNN’s Jack Cafferty talked to Wolf Blitzer.

180

After Senate Republicans stopped a floor debate on Iraq, a group of them turned around and support the debate. Washington Post Why are so many helicopters going down in Iraq? Time

Rudy is the GOP favorite. Time ..but does he need an attitude adjustment? Newsweek

One of the world’s top four greenhouse gas emitters, China says wealthier nations need to step up and do something about global warming before it does. New York Times Talk is cheap, and this writer says talking is all that will be done about the environment. Newsweek

In another 180, Apple’s Steve Jobs said he wants to remove copy protection from music sold on i-Tunes. Remember, it was Apple who made a ton of money because the i-Pod only plays music downloaded from i-Tunes. CNET Will the major labels risk removing copy-protection from their music? Guardian

Renters will end up paying more this year, even though paychecks won’t increase by the same amount. USA Today

Tour de France champion Floyd Landis will not defend his title. BBC

A-Rod can opt-out of his contract at the end of the 2007 season. He hasn’t said if he’ll do it, but let’s take a look at a few scenarios. ESPN

Think you might have beer-goggles? Researchers have looked into it and come up with a formula you can use to figure it out.. if you’re still sober enough. BBC

Being tied up with a sexy stranger might seem like a good idea, but you could lose an arm or two.

It's Gettin' Hot In Here

World’s top scientists say it’s 90% certain that humans are the cause for climate change. BBC Here’s what could happen. New York Times Big four carbon emitters aren’t stepping up. Reuters What’s up with ethanol? U.S. News

George the Decider says he will determine troop levels in Iraq. Congressional Democrats says it can cut funding for troops. Which is it? New York Times Magazine The Dems can’t even agree on how they would end the war. Washington Post Bush’s budget asks more money for wars, less for domestic programs. Reuters

Massive culling of birds in Britain due to a bird flu outbreak. The disease is there to stay. Telegraph

Flooding in Indonesia has left 25 dead, forced an estimated third of a million to flee their homes and at least 40% of the capitol Jakarta underwater. BBC

Ten reasons why Indianapolis won the Super Bowl. Sports Illustrated


What Do You Think? The Colts won the Big Game, but who won the other competition last night:best commercial. The contest-winning Doritos ad. Oprah-Dave promo. Coke-meets-Grand Theft Auto. K-Fed’s attempt to hold on to his last seconds of fame. Any of the numerous Bud ads. Which ones are you still talking about today? Talk about them with us at Joe.

Chief Brody and Matt Hooper didn't fit in the beach town of Amity Island, but it took a shark- a BIG shark - to bring them together.

Information Sharing

Sorry for the delay posting today's Joe.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said the Justice department will cooperate with Congress and turn over documents on the domestic spying program. Los Angeles Times Members of the European Parliament are concerned about financial info on European air-travelers being given to the U.S. BBC

Bush signed an executive order giving the White House more power to make rules regulating industries. New York Times Scientists testified they were pressured by the White House to change what they say about global warming to fit Administration skepticism on the issue. Reuters

Losing control of Congress to Democrats. Dwindling support for Iraq. There is finally some good news for Bush: “The economy’s in good shape.” Washington Post

An alleged plot in the U.K. to kidnap, torture and behead on film - called “Iraqi-style” - a British Muslim soldier was foiled. Telegraph

Longing for an afternoon siesta at the office? It could soon be mandatory in France. (London) Times

In Sunday’s Super Bowl, one injured star people are worried about is the artist formerly and currently known as Prince. His royal badness has a bad hip, and there’s concern about how funky he’ll be during the halftime show. ESPN

Sen. Joe Biden didn’t have a good first official day of his presidential campaign. Last night, he talked to Jon Stewart about it.