Spy vs. Spy
Check out the picture about halfway through the article: Batlink. Is it just me or is there a bat-like logo in the floor next to Comrade President Putin? Huh, all these years I thought FSB was an initialism for Federal'naya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti (Russian rendered in the Latin alphabet), translated into English as the Federal Security Service. Now I guess it stands for... what? Federal Service of Batmen? Fiery Syndicate of Batmaniacs?

Here's a bit of good news: Good riddance. The death of any member of Hamas is a reason to smile.

Pinochle with Pinochet
The fun in funeral. Captain Augusto Pinochet Molina is not a private citizen, he is an officer in the Chilean Army; ergo, he does not have the same freedom to criticize the government, specifically the Chilean justice system, as would a Chilean civilian. If his superiors deem to sanction him, that is right and just. My question is, where was President Bachelet's condemnation when those who opposed Pinochet's dictatorship were rioting in celebration of his death and frustration that he was never tried for what they believe were his crimes? She has harsh words for the intemperate words of the General's grieving grandson, but nothing to say when her own supporters are fighting against the police and setting Santiago ablaze? Not cool, Madame President.

BTW South Song of the Day
MxPx, "The Next Big Thing" from The Ever Passing Moment (T.L.A.M.)