NY Comptroller Hevesi to resign over criminal charges that he used state workers as personal aides, chauffeurs. Politicians enjoy waxing the pastoral image of family farms, but the reality of modern farming is far more corporate--and well-financed. The smew, a diving duck, flies west to the U.K.
U.S., Britain move warships into Persian Gulf to rattle a few sabers in Iran's direction. U.S. troops hand over local control of Najaf to Iraqi troops, who celebrate by biting into live frogs. Iranian students protest speeches by Ahmadinejad, and are suddenly valuing their civil liberties
The Wednesday Digest authors--Huey, A-Dub, and Rosiepants--share their favorite mp3s of 2006. Muslims accuse Baltimore schools of teaching Islam wrong. Minnesota representative uses the Koran for his swearing-in ceremony; Virginia rep. opens big mouth, inserts Islamophobic foot. Islamophobe writes guide in case you find yourself both
Heavy fighting erupts on at least two fronts in Somalia (see recent timeline). Long-gone Columbian drug lord's foraging hippos multiply, roam for miles, "are too big and wild" to manage. Want to understand contemporary Russia? Begin with its hellish airports. Italian poet crusades against the
Bush says the United States isn't winning in Iraq, so it's time to send more troops. Also, Bush would like to work with Dems on Social Security and immigration, please. Former Iraqi minister jailed for corruption saunters out of prison, again. Close reading of Iran'
Take that, U.S.: Iran will begin calculating oil revenues in Euros instead of dollars. Italy's awkward first steps into the world of online lotteries. British Medical Journal recommends printing an "obesity helpline number" on the tags of plus-sized clothing. Dutch women grow larger breasts,
Pentagon opposes increasing forces in Iraq--says more troops mean more targets, and probably the arrival of more foreign jihadis. The rate of violent crimes surged in the U.S. this year. Spin: New York is "the safest big city in America"--except for a rise in murders
Ipswich police release profiles of five murdered women. Joan of Arc: Definitely burned three times and most certainly not a man. First generation of "Ritalin kids," or "the ADD generation," comes of age, says no to meds. More U.S. citizens living abroad are renouncing their
Navy veteran, whistle-blower relates details of 97 days in accidental U.S. detention. German opera boldly decapitates Muhammad. German portraits of despair at the Met; Top 10 worst-selling books in Germany this year. Judith Regan fired following O.J. Simpson book scandal. Reader extraordinaire Robert Birnbaum on the
Two days later, Malmoud Abbas sticks to his call for early elections. Cease-fire breach between Hamas and Fatah continues with gunfire exchanged in Gaza. Policy won't be affected, but Ahmadinejad is sad to find out he didn't dominate Iran's elections. Powell doesn'
