Iraq’s Olympic Hopes: When Sports Mean More

The Olympic Games are just that, games–they can’t stop world hunger, find a cure for AIDS or put an end to war. But for a couple weeks they can make things seem a little brighter. This isn’t a new idea, it’s been reported on in the past and I’m sure it’ll be reported on in the future, but that doesn’t make it a tired topic.

Iraq has seen war, and little else, for the past six years. But come August 8, two Iraqi athletes may be just what the country needs to find a release from the hardships it faces.

Iraq is lucky to have any athletes competing in these summer games at all; in June the country’s national Olympic committee was suspended by the International Olympic Committee for what it called “political interference” by the Iraqi government. And with deadlines for the submission of athlete names for competition looming it seemed likely that no Iraqi athletes would be able to beat it. Read More »

Rockies Edge Out Padres for the NL Wild Card

Baseball Colorado Rockies

After 13 innings, the Colorado Rockies take the NL Wild Card from the San Diego Padres. (Yahoo)

Schools the world over ban hugs between students. See? I was right in 7th grade - hugs do get you pregnant! (My Way)

Britney Spears, fresh off losing custody of her kids, shows up at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, spending her cash and flashing her ass. I can’t believe I’m starting to like - nay, love - K-Fed. (TMZ)

I can’t possibly expand on this: “Sex in Car: Hooker Mom Snorts Cocaine Off Baby’s Stomach While Breastfeeding.” (Breitbart)

Hillary Clinton’s laugh (dubbed the “Clinton Cackle”) is no laughing matter. (Wonkette)

Garry Kasparov: world chess champion, Russian and…presidential candidate in Russia? (CBS)

The Daily Shocker: Cupcakes, Larry Craig and a Children’s Army

The Daily Shocker

Schools ban cupcakes in fear of promoting obesity. Next up: schools ban talking in fear of students having fun. (NY Times)

Sen. Larry Craig plans on resigning after recently issuing a statement on not resigning. He sounds confused…or REALLY, REALLY GAY! (Guardian)

“Kid Nation” to be one-upped by Fox’s “Kid Army,” a show that places chidren from ages 7 -15 in troops to complete missions using weapons. In related news: Dakota Fanning burns training bra in anti-war revolt. (BBspot)

The (internet) world is governed by “The Vetted,” a 13-strong group of cyber-commanders with the power to wipe out an IP address permanently. THE VETTED ARE GAY! (If CO-ED ceases to exist after that statement, you’ll know why.) (Foreign Policy)

Councilwoman in Florida will not face charges after her daughter was found covered in oil, clothes ripped. Some say exorcism, I say “sexorcism.” (WFTV)