The Jerusalem municipality has approved 20 new apartments for Jews in an Arab neighborhood of east Jerusalem, the city said Wednesday, in a move that could stir a new diplomatic crisis with the United States just as Israel’s leader is in Washington on a fence-mending visit. (Read more from news.yahoo.com)

Remember, the Muslim world hates us because they are crazy, evil radicals.

EDIT: This law was repealed.

Repealed by Acts 2008, cc. 656 and 657, cl. 1, effective March 27, 2008. (source)

Thanks, Elizabeth.

Virginia motorists convicted of minor traffic violations will face a new, multi-year tax beginning July 1. Led by state Delegate David B. Albo (R-Springfield), lawmakers slipped a driver responsibility tax into a larger transportation funding bill signed by Governor Tim Kaine (D) in April. Albo, a senior partner in the Albo & Oblon, LLP traffic law firm, can expect to see a significant increase in business as motorists seek to protect their wallet from traffic tickets that come with assessments of up to $3000 in addition to an annual point tax that tops out at $700 a year for as long as the points remain.

“The purpose of the civil remedial fees imposed in this section is to generate revenue,” the new law states. (Virginia Code 46.2-206.1)

Driving as little as 15 MPH over the limit on an interstate highway now brings six license demerit points, a fine of up to $2500, up to one year in jail, and a new mandatory $1050 tax. (Read more from thenewspaper.com)

The crooks are in charge.

The U.S. economic recovery is on track and labor data should look better in March and beyond, but more bank failures will occur this year than in 2009, said James Bullard, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

“The situation is improving,” Mr. Bullard said in an interview Monday, adding that “the recovery is on track.” Household spending is looking better, and business investment is picking up, he added.

Arriving at Harv’s Metro Car Wash in midtown Wednesday afternoon were two dark-suited IRS agents demanding payment of delinquent taxes. “They were deadly serious, very aggressive, very condescending,” says Harv’s owner, Aaron Zeff.

The really odd part of this: The letter that was hand-delivered to Zeff’s on-site manager showed the amount of money owed to the feds was … 4 cents.

Inexplicably, penalties and taxes accruing on the debt – stemming from the 2006 tax year – were listed as $202.31, leaving Harv’s with an obligation of $202.35. (Read more from sacbee.com)

The S&P Health Care Sector index .GSPA opened about 0.8 percent higher, outpacing the broader market, after the House of Representatives gave final approval to a sweeping overhaul late on Sunday night. (Read more from Reuters.com)

Many of my so called Liberal friends adopted the narrative that this legislation was a courageous stand by brave Democrats against the evil, greedy insurance companies. In fact, this legislation further entrenches the established insurance companies.

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Abdulrahman Zeitoun is the real-life hero of Dave Eggers’s new book. In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina he paddled from house to house in a canoe, offering help to his neighbours. For his trouble, he was arrested as a suspected terrorist (Read more from guardian.co.uk)

Dear Homeland Security, Please read my mind now right now to discover what I think of you.

BILL NUMBER:A10129

TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the general business law, in relation to
prohibiting the use of salt in the preparation of food by restaurants

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To prohibit restaurants from using
salt when preparing customers’ meals. Customers will have the discretion
to add salt to their own meal after it has been prepared.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The general business law is amended by
adding a new section 399-bbb, which would prohibit the use of salt by
owner or operators of a restaurant when preparing food for consumption
by customers.

JUSTIFICATION: This legislation will give customers the option to add
salt after the meal has been prepared for them. In this way, consumers
have more control over the amount of sodium they intake, and are given
the option to exercise healthier diets and healthier lifestyles. (Read more from assembly.state.ny.us)