Serving You the News in Brief

Published February 27, 2007

By Max Bookman

“The reality is that this process has become… about money, a lot of money.”

– Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack on his retracted bid for the Democratic nomination for the 2008 Presidential election. Vilsack is a strong critic of America’s presence in Iraq and has suggested reallocating war funds to alternative fuel research. The campaign suffered from a lack of funding, and the fact that you’ve probably never heard of him may just prove his point.

“It’s hard for me living in this beautiful White House to give you a first-hand assessment.”

– President George W. Bush in response to a reporter when asked if Iraq is in a civil war. Comments like this speak volumes about a president who many criticize as out of touch with the reality of the ground situation in Iraq. My thoughts: Let them eat cake.

“It has nothing to do with the real Kazakhstan.”

– Kanat B. Saudabayev, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the U.S. and Canada during a speech to Yale undergrads Tuesday night. Mr. Saudabayev spoke to dispel the backward image of Kazakhstan portrayed in the recent popular film “Borat.” In his speech, the ambassador explained that Kazakhstan is a modern and forward-looking state.

“Increasingly our role will be support and training, and our numbers will be able to reduce accordingly.”

– Prime Minister Tony Blair announcing the pullout of 1,600 British troops from Iraq as a part of a plan to minimize the UK’s presence there. Britain also announced Friday that it would send 1,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, where al-Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for 9/11, is growing new strength. While America is not committing new troops to Afghanistan, at least 20,000 more troops are being sent to Iraq.

“Whales have like 10-foot-long whatevers.”

– A spectator commenting on the Tampa Lowry Zoo’s new adult-only animal sex exhibit. At the exhibit, visitors sip champagne and watch a variety of animals get it on — from porcupines to monkeys to manatees. The exhibit was planned for a month-long celebration of Valentine’s Day. Sadly, spectators were disappointed by some animals that just couldn’t get in the mood. Probably stage fright.

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