Sunday, October 08, 2006

Sunday Article Round-Up - SuperSized Edition

This week's Sunday Article Round-Up is supersized for two reasons. The first is that I didn't do one last week, so we have lots to catch up on. The second is that Sunday Article Round-Up is back thanks to the generosity of EWB in SD who responded to my request last week. So this and all future Sunday Article Round-Ups are sponsored by EWB in SD. Thanks again man.

Let's get started...

Politics
There was only one discussion in town this week and here is How the Foley scandal unfolded. In what is arguably the most horribly worded editorial ever, the The Hill editorial says, "Hastert and Boehner need to get on the same page or Republican troubles will continue to mount." (emphasis mine)

The DLC offers A Progressive Agenda for Opportunity, Responsibility, and Security for a Congress run by Democrats. DLC's chairman, Bruce Reed, has a spot on read on Tony Blair's final speech at a Labour Party conference.

White House aide with ties to Abramoff resigns at 5 o'clock on a Friday afternoon. How guilty were they? So guilty that they had to resign after all the reporters had gone home for the 3-day weekend. More info here.

Even when the do-nothing Congress does something, they screw that up. No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised.

Of course, you need to check out Governor Richardson's first blog post at MyDD.

The BBC hosts a discussion asking, "Can aid bring an end to poverty?" I think yes, but the arguments against long-term development aid are strong.

Really a political freak? Join the Washington Stock Exchange where you trade in ideas and politicians rather than stocks and bonds. Costs nothing and is lots of fun!


International
A letter from Al Qaeda leaders found in Iraq shows that the group sees the war as a boon for its cause.

Bush brings faith to foreign aid through the faith-based program. Honestly, I'm torn on this issue. Anyone got any good insight (beyond the usual talking points?)

In global trade, wheels greased by greasing palms - A bribery index ranks India as the worst offender among leading exporters.

UK House of Commons leader, Jack Straw, urged Islamic women to drop the full veils, while his loyal friend, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, has backed women wearing the veil. For fun, watch the Labour Party implode when Tony Blair resigns.

In case you are wondering, here is a look at The Islamic veil across Europe and in an ironic look, Morocco moves to drop headscarf from official publications.

N. Korea urged to abandon atomic weapons after threatening to do an atomic test. In related business, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in China for the first visit there by a Japanese leader in five years to discuss what to do with North Korea. (A little gratuitous name dropping, I taught his niece and nephew. Wonderful family!)

On another front on the war against proliferation, Nations to pursue sanctions against Iran

And finally, proof that economic growth is vital to saving the Earth, Indonesia smoke blankets region due to illegal forest clearing by those trying to make a living farming.


Christianity
slacktivist has a post about The Language of Religion in response to influential blogger Atrios' comment "The language of religion is something I don't understand. It's gibberish to me. When people start invoking religion in discussing issues they may as well be talking Martian. I'm not being insulting here, I'm just saying it's utterly meaningless to me personally."

JollyBlogger has a post blasting Anti-Intellectualism in Christianity.

Christian church leaders are claiming a religious reawakening in India because of some miracles. Praise the Lord!

Vatican to review state of limbo. So can we say they are in limbo about limbo? (groan!)

Beliefnet has a story about the incredible new show, Studio 60 and Christianity.

My pastor, Mark Batterson, blogs about the need for Less legalism and More discernment. To open pandora's box, he takes on Aquariums, Creation, and Darwin and argues for a divine control of evolution.

In the realm where Christianity and politics mix, the Christian Coalition names moderate Joel Hunter to president's position and John Danforth argues that Republicans have transformed their party into a political arm of conservative Christians. Polls show that GOP's Hold on Evangelicals Weakening during this election cycle. Finally, Nevada religious leaders make case to legalize pot, but the article is short on names and denominations. And tons of other great stuff at Jesus Politics.

Science
Some exciting news out the scientific world this week. Opportunity's Panoramas of Martian Crater Thrill Scientists. The pictures are incredible. Go see.

Some bummer news from the scientific world this week. String theory: Is it science's ultimate dead end? and We aren't as rational as we think we are.

Finally, the 2006 Ig Nobel Prize Winners were announced. Go learn why woodpeckers don't get headaches, how to repel teenagers, and "Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly."

Education
Only one newsworthy thing here: After 28 years of successful teaching service, this award-winning educator is losing her job because one parent (who had signed a "parental permission slip") is unhappy with the fact that his or her child saw nude art on a field trip to an ART museum. Someone should be fired for this and it shouldn't be the teacher!

Sports
For Mariner fans, go see Dave’s 2006 Offseason Plan for the Mariners that includes getting Manny Ramirez and Jim Edmonds.

SI's cover story is the All-Time All-Star team. They are wrong on A-Rod, but not that far from the greatest team every assembled.

In MLB playoff news, the Feisty Tigers send Yankees packing. The Mets finish off Dodger. The Padres win to avoid the sweep and the A's finish sweep of Twins with 8-3 win.

Potpourri
Gallaudet students allege campus police brutality as their sit-in is broken up. The all-deaf student body is still protesting over the appointment of the hearing university president. That had to be the quietest sit-in in history. ;-)

In light of the Foley scandal, let's look at E-mails that embarrass and Dirty Dozen IT embarrassments.

Deliberate masturbation during the month of Ramadan renders a fast invalid, Iranian Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khameini has ruled. Remember if it isn't deliberate...

Signs of the Impending Apocalypse

Britain is outsourcing its headstones to China.

Scotland defeats France 1-0 in Euro 2008 soccer qualifications.

A Woman dedicates her virginity to Jesus and in Mississippi, a boy is named ESPN - ESPN Montana Real.

Last Year on Page 132 we talked about Senator Obama's smackdown of the netroots, when President Bush's supporters realized he wasn't as advertised, the wealth of Major League baseball, morons hurting the Christians brand, more on Miers, Karen Hughes' listening tour in the Middle East and possibly the funniest unintentional joke ever by MoLak-Jedi.

So that's it. Now, time for your reaction. What's the biggest story of the week? What have I missed? What strikes you as funny, interesting or sad? Let me know in the comments. or maybe show some appreciation for EWB in SD, if you are glad the Sunday Article Review is back.


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