Brian Gongol
Venezuelan President Chavez says CNN called for his assassination
It's excruciatingly hard to believe, especially since it was a run-of-the-mill gaffe with someone's computer graphics. In an amusing turn, the Spanish king's demand that Chavez shut up has turned into a hit ringtone in Spain. As noxious as kings may be, communist-leaning dictators like Chavez may be worse. A huge protest was carried out in Caracas against Chavez's plans to overturn the constitution and make himself a permanent dictator. It's good to see that people are still protesting...it's when they become pacific that things really tend to get bad.
Coup attempt from a hotel
Troops stormed the Peninsula Manila hotel when a group of opposition figures gathered to call for the ouster of Philippine president Arroyo. The notion of conducting a coup from a hotel seems a little far-fetched, but the government responded not only with force, but also with arrests of journalists and a curfew order throughout the city. Seems like they either really thought it was a serious coup attempt -- or the government is a little quick on the trigger.
Demography is (sometimes) destiny
Israeli prime minister says that they either have to get a two-state solution in place now, or they can kiss Israel goodbye. The reason: The Palestinian territories are growing (in population) much faster than Israel. If that keeps up, then eventually the situation becomes an internal struggle for voting rights and enfranchisement rather than an international dispute.
Computer security highlights for 2007
Grandstanding politicians and short-tempered tycoons make things entertaining
The head of discount airline Ryanair calls greens "half-witted loons." Grandstanding politicians call him irresponsible and greedy. Their wars of words are pretty funny, and they underline the fact that few people at the extremes understand that efficiency and conservation tend to be good business anyway -- but harsh regulations often deliver benefits that cost far more than the good they create.
Heavy rains help replenish Nebraska groundwater
