Headlines For 6-23-08

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

When Will It End?

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:

Oscar Time

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

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?