"Confrontation"

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

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.

Two-State Dilemma

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

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?

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.

Moving Toward Peace

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.

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