Q158: How to "Read" the News

Here is an interesting editorial on how to "read" the Osama news.

The writer researched various angles and reports, noting discrepancies, etc.  This could probably be done pretty effectively for any news story since journalists rarely double check facts before reporting anymore (thank you, CNN and the other immediate news channels).  It's always good to weigh out both sides before committing to an opinion.

Read and respond.
http://www.slate.com/id/2292717?wpisrc=sl_ipad

Q157: Bin Laden Doubles

Here is an article about the bin Laden doubles.  "Facial recognition" would have missed the physical difference this author claims exists between them.  ...

Read and respond.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,185240,00.html

Q156: Bin Laden Dead

According to recent reports, Osama bin Laden has been killed in an elaborate shoot-out reminiscent of classic western films.  His body has been buried at sea after officials declared it to be his based on facial recognition.

Bin Laden had several doubles, which contributed to the difficulty of our tracking him down.  How "facial recognition" is suddenly an acceptable means of announcing his death to the world is bizarre.  Burial at sea seems convenient also and prevents something more substantial or scientific - like DNA analysis - from occurring.

What are your thoughts and opinions?

Read and respond.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_bin_laden

Q155: Aflac Duck

Thanks to whomever let me know the Aflac people found their new duck.

My bets were totally wrong, but I wonder if they are re-recording all the previous commercials.  (If Gottfried's contract stated that his voice would be used as the duck, etc, he makes money on the old commercials when they are aired.  If the new actor replaces the old voice overs, Aflac will not have to pay Gottfried if they choose to re-run the more successful older commercials.)

I also wonder how long this will hold - has the duck lost popularity?

There is a video link at the bottom of the article.  Click to hear the new duck.

Read/watch and respond.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/04/26/2011-04-26_aflac_ducks_new_voice_radio_exec_dan_mckeague_replaces_gilbert_gotfried_fired_fo.html?r=news/national

Q154: William and Kate

This Friday, Prince William marries Kate Middleton.  There has been an enormous media frenzy over this, with many historians arguing that the couple has the burden of restoring the monarchy. People have been wondering if Kate will replace Diana as the "people's princess," accentuated by the fact that he gave her Diana's engagement ring.  It's an interesting argument.  Unlike Diana, Kate seems to have been more exposed to some of the machinations of the media and of the monarchy prior to the marriage.  Regardless, this marriage is one of those major events that people will be speaking about for years.

Another factor no one is yet discussing includes whether they will receive new titles and what they will be. Also, when Elizabeth dies, more history will be made.  Technically, Charles is next in line but he is divorced and remarried, which makes him ineligible by old standards.  It is assumed that he will pass the honor to William, which is also groundbreaking.

In the meantime, my money is on Harry.  He seems the most "real," flawed and all.  He also invited all the members of his military unit to the wedding, which makes me like him even more.  :)

What are your thoughts?

Read and respond.
http://royalwedding.yahoo.com/blogs/prince-william-and-kate-middleton-are-last-chance-for-royals-to-keep-britains-affection-6396

Q153: Hidden Treasure

Did you do this when you were younger?  I tried it a few times.  No luck.  (We found a button once.  It was not old or worth anything.  We thought we might be able to find more, though, and envisioned finding an entire buried person.  It didn't happen.)

This person apparently hit the historic jackpot.


Read and respond.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_austria_buried_treasure

Q152: Feel-Good Video of the Year

This is adorable!!!!  I get it from the cat's point of view - the dolphin smells like fish.  I wonder what the dolphin sees - it's probably never felt fur before.  ??

Sharing this video will probably win you points with your lady friends.  :)
http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/?vid=24907381