News Nuggets 281

Boobies on the Caribbean Island of Hispaniola - from the National Geographic

Opposition Hardens Line on Iran's Leaders from the New York Times

"The Iranian opposition leader, made some of his harshest remarks to date against Iran's rulers on Tuesday in an interview on his Web site, calling their behavior dictatorial and terrifying. The remarks by Mr. Moussavi, whom supporters regard as the real winner of Iran’s contested presidential election last June, appeared to be part of a broader opposition effort to counter an intensified crackdown by the government ahead of the Feb. 11 anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when many expect new street protests to erupt."

They're Wearing Green in Dubai from Foreign Policy Magazine

"How the Iranian diaspora is gearing up for Feb. 11. ... Here in Dubai, there's no sign that the green movement is fading. "

Revenge on the Taliban, from 10,000 Feet (David Ignatius) from the Washington Post

"In their joint operations against Taliban militants hiding in the tribal areas, the United States and Pakistan seem to have embraced a classic bit of battlefield advice: Don't get mad, get even."

White House Prepares for Possibility of 2 Supreme Court Vacancies from ABC News

"Court watchers believe two of the more liberal members of the court, justices John Paul Stevens and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, could decide to step aside for reasons of age and health. That would give the president his second and third chance to shape his legacy on the Supreme Court."

Arguing About Gays in the Military: It's So Over (David Wood) from Politics Daily

""We never ask anybody to join. You wanna be part of this outfit, you gotta meet the standards,'' one Marine said. "If you're a woman or a gay or a Martian, you gotta meet the standards. Otherwise go do something else.''"

Obama's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Triumph (Michael Tomasky) of the Guardian [of the UK]

"The move towards repealing the US military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy has been a triumph of political choreography"

Obama Proposals Seek Broad Change to 'No Child Left Behind' from the New York Times

"Educators who have been briefed by administration officials said the proposals for changes in the main law governing the federal role in public schools would eliminate or rework many of the provisions that teachers’ unions, associations of principals, school boards and other groups have found most objectionable."

Obama's Spirituality is Largely Private, But it's Influential, Advisers Say from the Washington Post

"Close advisers to the president said the role of faith, while subtle, has been noticeable in and around the Obama White House. One senior official described the president as "a prayerful guy." Another said that Obama has consulted religious leaders less often for his own personal guidance than for help walking through major public decisions -- such as during the Afghanistan review process, when he sought advice on the ethical implications of war."

Poll: Most States Remain Blue from Politico

"Despite strong Republican performances in recent off-year elections, most states still favor Democratic candidates, according to a new survey by Gallup."

Grifter's Tale (Timothy Egan) from the New York Times

"Palin and Edwards are two of an American archetype, opportunists playing to outrage while taking care of themselves."

MOVIE NUGGET!!

Oscar Nominations 2010: Complete List for 82nd Academy Awards from the Associated Press via Huffington Post

"Complete list of 82nd Annual Academy Award nominations announced Tuesday: Best Picture: "Avatar," "The Blind Side," "District 9," "An Education," "The Hurt Locker," "Inglourious Basterds," "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," "A Serious Man," "Up," "Up in the Air. ..."

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE NUGGET!

From 'Oprah' to Building a Sisterhood in Congo (Nichaolas Kristof) of the New York Times

"Five years ago, Lisa Shannon watched “Oprah” and learned about the savage, forgotten war here in eastern Congo, played out in massacres and mass rape. That show transformed Lisa’s life, costing her a good business, a beloved fiancé, and a comfortable home in Portland, Ore. — but giving her a chance to save lives in Congo."

AMAZING MEDICAL NUGGET!!

"Think Tennis for Yes, Home for No: How Doctors Helped Man in Vegetative State from the Guardian [of the UK]

"For seven years the man lay in a hospital bed, showing no signs of consciousness since sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. His doctors were ­convinced he was in a vegetative state. Until now."