Tuesday, March 6

Happy Birthday/Anniversary Ghana—A shout out to former British Colony Ghana . The African nation celebrates 50 years of Independence today. Large celebrations are planned throughout the country. Ghana is often held up as one of Africa ’s success stories. Like all nations, it’s got some room for improvement.

Would he guest edit news you can use?—Humanitarian, AIDS activist, and U2 front man Bono will serve as guest editor of Vanity Fair for the magazine’s Africa issue. I didn’t know Vanity Fair had an Africa issue, but it will in July. As the magazine’s target audience is usually upper class wealthy people, Bono hopes his issue will make Africa attractive for charitable contributions from the lazy and wealthy—a noble and very daunting task. I wish him luck. I wonder if sister magazine Vogue will run something too. With all their models their topic could be world hunger.

If you are a politician, binoculars are a no no—President Bush was a victim. Israeli PM Aerial Sharon was a victim. And now, Israeli defense minister Amir Peretz is a victim. What are these three men victims of? Not some deadly disease (I won’t comment), but of looking through binoculars with the lens cap on. Ah yes, one of the ultimate political faux pas, and there is always a photographer, conveniently with his lens cap off, waiting to snap a picture at the politicians expense. Mr. Peretz is currently in trouble for his failed Lebanon war, he probably meant to bomb Syria but his compass wouldn’t stop spinning. (story idea courtesy of Emily.)

Don’t give the media a reason--Louis “Scooter” Libby has been found guilty of obstruction of justice, perjury before a grand jury, and lying to the FBI for his role in the release of a CIA operatives name to the media. Libby is Vice President Dick Cheney’s former Chief of Staff. He resigned during the scandal. Libby now faces possible jail time for these offenses.

Iraq refugee update—As you all know, I have been keeping you informed on the appalling plight of Iraqi refugees. Here is an update. The UK has so far taken in 7 Iraqi refugees while the US has taken in 466. Jordan has 7000. Syria has 850,000. Iraq itself has 750,000 displaced people within its borders. The US , to make matters just a bit more difficult, has decided that earlier passports given after the Saddam regime fell are no longer valid. People stuck in Syria , Jordan , Iran etc... with these passports must now travel an almost impossible road back to Baghdad , which has bombings daily, to get the appropriate passports. The current Iraqi refugee crisis is the largest in the region since 1948 Palestinian and Israeli mass movement. As one humanitarian pointed out, the more desperate the person, the more likely they will be shooting at you for food and security instead of farming and working (Worldview, www.wbez.com, 3/6/07, this is tonight’s homework assignment kiddies)

This is your news you can use. Enjoy...