RTFA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFX-dKpcDz8

U.S. President George W Bush is attacked by an Iraqi reporter with a shoe.

Here’s the obligatory “Bush attacked by man with shoe” post. Reviewing the comments, I can sum up three key perspectives that were expressed by different viewers:

1) Bush is a ninja, and matrixed out of the way
2) Arabs are animals, disrespectful of US troops, and deserve to be nuked once they’ve been liberated
3) If only the shoe hit him, but it was epic lulz nevertheless

And now for my perspective: the reporter who threw the shoe displayed a remarkable amount of respect by using a deeply personal, culturally significant expression of profound disgust. Bush has made a major impact on the region, and people seem to care about expressing their opinions to him. In short, mission accomplished; the Iraqi people have officially been liberated!

RTFA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq8Uc5BFogE

Its been eight long years since the boys said wassup to each other. Even with the effects of a down economy and imminent change in the White House, the boys are still able to come together and stay true to what really matters.

I had a feeling the “Wassup” meme was bound to make a comeback, and let me tell you folks, it’s good to be right. Man, is it good!

…although this one is kindof tricky – watch it and see what I mean. The Germans have a word for it: “schadenfreude,” although that’s not the precise sense of the term, which typically involves laughing at the tragedy of others. This video demonstrates a sort of self-deprecating, uniquely American experience, made by Americans. Maybe a more appropriate term is simply bittersweet, with a strong emphasis on the “bitter.”

Props, once again, to John Taplin for the pointer.

RTFA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU7hlLQoayc

McCain declares that a strong Iraq is good for a strong Saudi America.

During the 2007 Iowa Debates, McCain “slips up” while answering a question about occupying Iraq. He actually says we’re in Iraq for the Saudis. From his own mouth. …then he corrects himself, and says it’s for Iraq and the US.

RTFA: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080214/wl_mideast_af…

BAGHDAD (AFP) –
Iraq’s government said on Thursday that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is due in Baghdad on March 2 for the first visit ever by an Iranian president to the neighbouring country.

The announcement came shortly after Iraqi and US officials said that Tehran had asked for a delay in talks expected this week in Baghdad between the United States and Iran on the future of Iraq.

It’s called “Operation Chameleon.” Take an Islamic nation (Iraq), install a puppet ruler, alter the local religion to be more similar to neighbors (Iran), and bingo: your puppet looks just like your “enemies”. Next thing you know, your puppet is being wined and dined on Kish Island, and “this might be the start of something grand.”

RTFA: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=41594&section…

The Iranian Company of Commodities Bourse has been tasked by the government to establish the long-awaited Oil Bourse on Kish Island.The Cabinet of Ministers on Sunday issued an order to the Oil Ministry, Finance Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Central Bank to implement a plan to set up the Oil Bourse. The Oil Bourse will serve as a place to trade oil products and crude oil.The Ministry of Economy will be setting up the petrochemicals section by February 19. The Oil Bourse is supposed to trade oil products in non-dollar currencies and many analysts hold the opinion that it could deal a blow to the already declining greenback.