Quick Hits Saturday

Saturdays at home are usually one of my three days off. Here in Iraq, it's like any other. Though, I really can't complain. On with the news...

The FBI noticed a bunch of Middle Eastern men were enrolled in a truck-driving school in Missouri where the population of Middle Easterners in the regional area was disproportionate to those enrolled at the school. About 60% attending the school had last name of M.E. origin. C.A.I.R.! A.C.L.U! Where are you?! Hurry up and get on this one! Think of all the civil liberties being infringed upon. It's a goldmine of lawsuits. I wonder if Miss Huffington and Mr. Moore will finally give credit to the enforcement officers that are doing their job to stop another attack. I always expect too much, don't I?

While the U.S. is placing new sanctions on the country of Belarus due to last weekend's "flawed elections," France is getting away with what Apple calls "state-sponsored piracy." I say we hand out sanctions like Jack Bauer hands out ass-whoopings.

Speaking of Jack Bauer, I jumped on the bandwagon of '24' fans last night. I watched three addictive episodes and I'm hooked like Charlie Sheen to hookers 'n blow. I may be one of the last on the Earth to catch the show.

In Hollywood news, Actor Randy Quaid is suing the producers of Brokeback Mountain for giving him the *shaft*. He's claiming he was persuaded to take a pay cut because it was a "low-budget film." Seems like a *low blow,* if you ask me. But, in the end, he may end up with more than his foot in his mouth. (Insert more bad puns here.)

Many people have not heard of the British TV series, Coupling. If you can get your hands on the DVD box set, give it a whirl. It's a funnier English version of Friends.

An Easter bunny display has been banned from the St. Paul City Hall lobby. I really wish I was making this crap up. City Council president, Kathy Lantry said, "As government, we have a different responsibility about advancing the cause of religion, which we are not going to do.'' Public funds (with "In God We Trust" printed on them) were not used to pay for the display featuring a cloth bunny, colored eggs, and a sign reading, "Happy Easter." Perhaps she couldn't recall who her city was named after - Saint Paul of Tarsus. He helped pen the Bible, which some would consider a religious book. I expect Miss Lantry's proposal to change the city's name on my desk by close of business.