Blendability?

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

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

"Informationized Armed Forces"

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.

Headlines

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

Keeping An Eye On You

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.

A Little Bit Softer, Now

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.

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?

"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!

Cold Climate

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.

Don't Worry About That Cough

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!

Wolfie Nearly Out

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!

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.

It's A Date

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.

There Is Other News

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.

"Showdown" ..Not Quite Yet

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.

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.

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.