Daily Dish

Bloggers are in the news today. Captain Ed reports that CBS is attempting to smear pro-Republican blogs while at the same time, Rather Biased notes that this very same news organization is recruiting anti-war bloggers. Deacon, in the meantime, attended a reception sponsored by Jim Hake of Spirit of America in honor of Iraqi bloggers Omar and Mohammed Ali of the Iraq the Model blog.

South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun made a surprise visit to Iraq to meet his country's troops. Japan extended the deployment of their troops for a year, saying things like "It is Japan's responsibility to help Iraqis rebuild their nation" and "The U.S. should not be left by itself in Iraq". Huh. Meanwhile, Iran denies interfering in Iraqi elections and the idea of a "staggered" vote is floated by Iraq's Interior Minister.

Following Russia's Putin last week, Donald Rumsfeld goes to India to strengthen US ties to the country. Coincidence?

A gas pipeline explosion in Dagestan is suspected of being sabotage; or terrorism....

South America launches it's own trading block while Canada finds it's biggest import is nudists.

Speaking of Canada, a Canadian Senate committee has concluded that Canadians depend on blind luck for National Security, while in America, the deconstruction of  Bernard Kerik begins.

Here's an interesting piece on the Supreme Court and Federalism. Meanwhile SCOTUS takes up a case that will examine the extent to which police can detain and question individuals while serving search warrants. More on the God and History suit with a piece that is less sympathetic to the teacher, Stephen Williams. And a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. circuit heard arguments on behalf of two reporters facing jail for refusing to reveal sources in the Valerie Plame investigation.

Michael Crichton takes on the Global Warming eco-alarmists in his new book, State of Fear. By reading the reviews, I see not everyone is happy....

Boston allowing parking tickets to be paid in Toys for Tots.

In Britain, scores of Santas are involved in a street brawl while in Rio de Janeiro, Santa leaves kids bags of pot.

There's a tiger missing in Singapore and if you find it, you get a years supply of beer.

In Kuala Lumpur, suspicious housewives complain that their husbands were visiting an abandoned pig barn a little too often.

Researchers find baby songbirds can sing a complete melody after hearing only snippets of the tune.

Florida police launch "Operation Grinch Who Stole Christmas."

The Fighting Fusileers are very close to the $5000 mark and gaining on the Northern Alliance in the Spirit of America blogger challenge. Visit Patriette, read her appeal and view her amazing video. Then donate. Or, if you prefer, help support Sissy's Sewing Circle.