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The White House

22 March 2012 0900 hours

Look Barry, the Republicans have been crawling all over Iowa. They are painting you as the worst underachiever since unsliced bread. You can't just sit there on TV doing NCAA brackets. You better go to Iowa and make some happy talk about an economic comeback pronto if you want to be re-elected.

"I've told you to call me Barack. If people wanted to vote for a Barry, Manilow would be sitting here now."

Okay Barry, whatever you say, but you still have to go to Iowa. We have to find you a county fair and one of those Main Street cafes that are also gas stations and funeral parlors. Some people in coveralls. Voters eat that stuff up.

"Come on guys. Have you been to Iowa in county fair season? Do you know how hard it is to get sweat out of mocha slacks? I'm from Hawaii, Indonesia, L.A., Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., man. I wouldn't know a heifer from a billy goat. Don't they have any Main Street cafes in Martha's Vinyard or Honolulu?"

Not really. Besides, Iowans are too polite to tell you what they really think of the job government is doing. We're counting on that. We also just blew $2.2 million in taxpayers' money for these customized tour buses that we bought off Bon Jovi. If we don't use them, it's going to be tough to convince people they need to pay us more taxes. Of course, we also have to convince them that we're not campaigning on this campaign tour, we're just 'listening.'"

"Fine. But if we're going to do this tour thing, we're going to need a new theme song. How about some Elvis? They love Elvis and Patsy Cline and all that stuff down in Iowa."

"Sorry, Barry, Michele Bachmann already tried The King. You'll have to think of something else."

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And now, a word from the 'Small People'

TOULOUSE, France (CNN) -

The French police siege to capture a suspected al Qaeda-trained militant came to a bloody end Thursday morning when commandos shot Mohammed Merah in the head as he fired wildly back at them, authorities said.

Merah emerged from a bathroom in his apartment and fired more than 30 shots at police as they burst in to end a standoff that had lasted more than 31 hours, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said.

He jumped out a window onto a balcony, still shooting, and was found dead on the ground, officials said.

Two police officers were injured in the raid, Interior Minister Claude Gueant said.

Merah had only two bullets left in his gun when he was killed, Molins said.

Merah, 23, was wanted in the killings of three French paratroopers, a rabbi and three children ages 4, 5, and 7. The shootings began March 11 and ended Monday with the slaying of the rabbi and the children at a Jewish school in Toulouse.

Authorities said the young man cited a variety of reasons for the killings, including France's ban on the wearing of Islamic veils, the missions of its troops abroad and the oppression of Palestinians.

Police found video recordings of the attacks, ammunition and ingredients for explosives after he was killed, Molins said.

In the video of the first shooting of a French soldier in Toulouse, Merah told the soldier, "You kill my brothers, I kill you," Molins told reporters. Another video shows Merah gunning down two more French soldiers in Montauban. He is heard saying "Allahu Akbar," or God is great, Molins said.

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No word from suspect in French killings

Words matter.

Nowhere is this more true than in the newspaper industry, where precise language is our most powerful tool.

Thats why a discussion in our newsroom this past week centered on whether we should change a style rule we follow in writing about immigration to allow use of the term "illegal immigrant" instead of or in addition to the term "undocumented immigrant."

Our rule defining use of the terms merited discussion for two reasons:

First, the Associated Press Stylebook, which The Salt Lake Tribune and most news organizations use, recently updated its rule to advise journalists to use "illegal immigrant" to "describe someone who has entered a country illegally or who resides in a country in violation of civil or criminal law." According to the AP rule, "illegal alien" is not an acceptable term and "illegal" and "undocumented" should not be used as nouns outside direct quotes.

The second reason for our discussion was that the terminology made headlines when the First United Methodist Church earlier this month passed a resolution directing members not to use "illegal" when describing immigrants in sermons, services and church publications. The Methodists are among those who believe describing immigrants as "illegal" is dehumanizing and insensitive.

In the end, we decided both terms are acceptable in The Tribune and at sltrib.com. Heres why: Both are precise language we believe accurately describes individuals immigration status if they are in the United States or any other country illegally. It is incumbent on our reporters and editors to verify immigration status to the extent they are able before using either term, and as always to report on immigration issues accurately and fairly.

This style rule means we choose not to engage in the political debate raging over use of these terms.

We define "illegal" as the AP defines it.

We define "undocumented" as lacking a birth certificate, passport, visa, work permit or other document required to reside in the United States or another country legally.

Read more from the original source:
Carricaburu: Word choice matters in reporting on immigration

LONDON - Craving a sun-and-sea summer holiday destination where you can also party the night away? Travel website TripAdvisor has come up with a list of the top 10 islands in the Mediterranean sea.

"All of these islands offer pristine beaches and their own unique features," said TripAdvisor spokeswoman Michele Perry. "Our travelers have identified the hot islands in the Med this summer, especially if you want sun, sea and dancing all night."

1. Cyprus, Republic of Cyprus

Visit Aphrodite's birthplace in the eastern Mediterranean. Beaches are the draw for many visitors to the island, but so is the nocturnal activity with Ayia Napa being the town to party in. According to one TripAdvisor traveler: "We would have to say the Troodos Mountains were our highlight. You will know what we mean if you take the journey. Breathtaking!"

2. Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece

Corfu features a lush green landscape and serene, white beaches. Visit one of the Venetian fortresses, or relax under an olive tree, before enjoying the vibrant nightlife. According to one TripAdvisor traveler: "Nightlife in Corfu should just be called morning life."

3. Crete, Greece

As the former centre of the Minoan civilization, it's no wonder that Crete features a plethora of historical attractions including Knossos and Phaistos. Those in search of adventure on the largest Greek island can hike down Samaria Gorge for spectacular scenery. As one TripAdvisor traveler said: "Crete is an amazing place to explore ancient culture."

4. Santorini, Cyclades, Greece

In the south of the Aegean Sea, Santorini features dramatic cliffs overlooking a stunning caldera. Watch the breathtaking sunset in Fira, then head to the bars and nightclubs for an all-night extravaganza, emerging in time to view the sunrise.

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Top 10 Mediterranean islands in the sun

Thu, Mar 22 2012 by Bitchie Staff | Filed Under: Celebrities

Beyonce is back on her business grind. She was spotted showing off her tiny post-baby waist as she arrived at her office building earlier today in floral pants that she paired with yellow pumps. And of course shes still repping Blue Ivy with the blue nail lacquer.

When Rihannas not working, shes normally partying however she took a day off from both yesterday to have a quiet dinner with her best friend Melissa. Meanwhile, the paparazzi hounded her as she left Giorgio Baldi Restaurant because they were wondering what she was doing leaving Ashton Kutchers house at 4am earlier that morning. **sips tea**

Ciara hit the streets of Manhattan rocking blond combover bangs earlier this week.

Melanie Fiona was spotted looking casual and cute as she exited Fuse Studios yesterday afternoon. Her new album The MF Life is in stores now and has been getting rave reviews.

More in the Gallery

Here is the original post:
On the Scene: Beyonce, Rihanna, Ciara & Melanie Fiona Hit The Streets