A heartwarming holiday reminder from the AP:  Things in Iraq suck, freedom isn’t really free, a vote isn’t really a vote, Christmas mass is a terror event, and in the old days—before they were torn asunder out of fear and the mass exodus caused by post-invasion security concerns—happy families ran barefoot through Baghdad laughing and flying kites… **** update:  Unfortunately, for all the good possible now that Hussein has been

From the LA Times: Under intense pressure from the United States, U.N. members agreed Friday that the world body would receive half of its budget for 2006 until it could show that its management had become more accountable and streamlined. If U.N. members show progress on key reforms by June, the $950-million cap will be removed, and the U.N. will receive the rest of its nearly $2 billion in dues

—You may as well stop right there, guys, because it ain’t gonna happen.  Though for you trivia buffs, here’s something you might find interesting:  it takes a 6 kg adult Dasypus novemcinctus sick on spiced rum and half a pack of clove cigarettes a little under 11 minutes to sink completely to the bottom of a 2-gallon punch bowl filled with 4 bottles of Mr Boston’s Creamy Eggnog. Logistical note: 

Merrick: “I AM NOT AN ANIMAL!” me: “Perhaps.  But if you were an animal, would you stipulate that any executive authorizition for warrantless electronic surveillance on you would meet the requirements for one of the 1978 FISA exemptions?  After all, the statute only proffers protections to US persons.  Animals, per the statute, need to apply.” Merrick: “I AM A HUMAN BEING!” me: “Feh.  That’s the same defense terrorists embedded in

From the American Libary Association: A senior at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth says he was visited at his parents’ home by two agents of the Department of Homeland Security who were investigating why he had requested a book by former Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong through interlibrary loan. The student, who has asked university officials to shield his identity, told two UMD history professors that the incident took

From YNet News: U.S. News and World Report reveals American government launched a top secret search for terrorists believed to be in possession of ‘dirty bomb’; authorities conducting tests in hundreds of Muslim sites to detect radioactive activity. The U.S. government has launched a top secret search for terrorists believed to be in possession of a ‘dirty bomb’ (radiological weapon which combines radioactive material with conventional explosives), the U.S. News

     “What do you mean, you ‘forgot the ham’?  How can anybody forget a goddamned Christmas ham — ?”      “– Lower your voice. Please,” she dug a thumbnail into his palm.  “I’ll figure something out.  Meantime, you go tell your Aunt Rose to keep her twisted old fingers out of the freakin’ onion dip.” Then—“And for Chrissakes, be discreet.”