Headlines For 7-14-08

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 12-13-07

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

Embarrassing

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?

Violent Weekend

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.

The Search Continues..

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.

Bon Jour

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.

Now That It's Finally Over..

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.

Released, But..

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.

9/11 Confession

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.

Can We Talk?

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!

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.