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01 Mar 2009 22:50

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Culture, World: Iran: Mickey Rourke offends us. Apologize. Now.

  • The country wants an apology from Hollywood. The movies “300” and “The Wrestler,” specifically, greatly ticked off the country – “300” for its depiction of Persians and “The Wrestler” for a scene where Rourke rips up an Iranian flag while fighting a Arab stereotype. Personally, we want an apology from the makers of “300” for inflicting the “We Are Sparta” internet meme onto the world. It’s annoying. Apologize. Now. source

01 Mar 2009 22:42

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U.S., World: Defense Secretary Gates: Pakistan’s harboring the Taliban

  • I think as long as they have a safe haven to operate there, it’s going to be a problem for us in Afghanistan.
  • Robert Gates • Defense secretary, on the hiding spots being offered to Taliban members in Pakistan, which is complicating the war in Afghanistan and stretching it across country lines. The war is picking up, with 17,000 additional troops recently ordered by President Obama. • source

01 Mar 2009 22:22

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Biz, U.S.: The U.S. props up AIG with even more money

  • $60 billion the projected quarterly loss the insurer plans to announce tomorrow – the largest ever. That sounds incredibly sucky, guys. :/ source

01 Mar 2009 22:16

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U.S.: So, do you whiny people in the South like this snowstorm?

We know it’s weird and unfamiliar, but really, it won’t hurt you. It’ll just make your roads slick. source

01 Mar 2009 11:49

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Tech: That iPhone-not-popular-in-Japan article? Not so true.

  • I have never said ‘And carrying around an iPhone in Japan could make you look pretty lame.’ I think most Japanese think iPhone is the coolest item. At least I have and love iPhone.
  • Daiji Hirata • Who was quoted in a recent Wired article claiming that the Japanese don’t like the iPhone. We posted it, too. Apparently, his quote was taken out of context. And his wasn’t the only one, either. Oof. • source

01 Mar 2009 11:34

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U.S.: States need income, so they might tax pot. Isn’t that illegal?

Hey, people smoke it anyway. Might as well tax it, right California? source

01 Mar 2009 11:28

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Culture: So, “Watchmen” comes out this week. It could be hawt.

  • We’re killing the comic-book movie, we’re ending it. This movie is the last comic-book movie, for good or bad.
  • Zack Snyder • Director of the “Watchmen” film adaptation, which is hotly anticipated but rife with controversy. It took years for the film to actually make it to the big screen. Will it be a hit? We’ll find out Friday, when it hits theaters. • source
 

01 Mar 2009 11:18

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U.S.: COBRA insurance got more affordable, thanks to the stimulus

  • 65% of the cost will be covered by the government. If you get laid off between September 1, 2008 and December of this year, you’re eligible for a new program designed to make COBRA health insurance payments actually affordable. The program, designed to let people continue to have health insurance even while unemployed, has famously cost way too much. But for many with pre-existing conditions, it’s the only option. Big ups for the Obama administration. source

01 Mar 2009 11:09

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Offbeat: Remember the topless coffee shop? It’s a hit!

  • 150 applications were received for work at the controversial Grand View Topless Coffee Shop (lol, nice punny name) in Vassalboro, Maine, which opened Monday. 15 were selected (10 female, 5 male). source

01 Mar 2009 10:20

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Offbeat: He’s a minister – when he’s not in middle school, that is

  • They say, ‘How can you be a preacher when you’re so young?’ But when they listen to me, they’re shocked.
  • Terry Durham • An 11-year-old ordained minister at True Gospel Deliverance Ministry in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The “Little Man of God” preaches at the storefront church every Sunday. He doesn’t write his sermons down – he reads the Bible the day before and waits for the spirit to move him. • source