Bunches O' Stuff: 8.21.2008

Most U.S. Measles Cases Reported Since 1996 - Most of the reported cases of measles are due to people not being vaccinated, or more accurately, their parents decided not to have them vaccinated. I say this with all sincerity: Thanks a lot, idiots. U.S., Iraq reach deal to pull U.S. Troops Out by June - Apparently, the Bush administration has decided that time tables are no longer for pussies. As an aside, I think it's fun that the administration's Iraq policy is turning into Barack Obama's policy. China Orders Punishment for Protest Bid - China has sentenced two 70+ year old women to one year of "re-education through labor" (which does sound terrifyingly cool) for APPLYING for the right to protest in one of the protest zones set up during the Olympics to pretend that the Chinese government doesn't crush dissent. (So much for that idea.) What were they going to protest? The fact that they (two septuagenarians, mind you) had been forced from their homes to make room for...the Olympics. Kudos again, IOC!!! Ethnic Unity in China, with Han on Top - This article is about racial divisions in China and how the majority Han dominate the other races culturally. But the reason I am highlighting it is that Beijing has a park highlighting the cultures of the 56 ethnic groups in China. The former name of the park: "Racist Park". God, I love translations. Third Ship Hijacked in a Day off Somalia - Enough with the freakin' pirates already! Now on the Hallmark Aisle: Gay Marriage Cards - I guess the market has spoken: Gay marriage is A OK! McCain Unsure How Many Houses He Owns - (I know I'm gonna regret saying this but it's just too easy.) Can he not remember because he's super rich or super old? Ahh, that felt good.