The Morning Blog

I've certainly heard of worse squats. Foreign Policy provides a profile of the squatters occupying Saif al-Islam al-Qaddafi's mansion. Clearly, their takeover of his London mansion has gone much smoother than the insurrection being waged by their countrymen back home. Astonishingly though, they mysteriously mention nothing of the royal wedding.

Other Libyans are squatting here. It's a touching story of hospitality. Unfortunately, due to their displaced circumstances, invitations to the nuptials were unable to arrive on time.

More on the reconciliation of Hamas and Fatah here. I honestly do sympathize with the Israeli position. However, I think that it has to be recognized that the Palestinians are interested in forming a state that is recognizable as such and I don't think that's an illegitimate cause. There's no way that they can do that if half of their territories are under the authority of a separate entity. As such, it makes perfect sense for Fatah to try to form a unity government with Hamas. That said, Hamas is of course not a friendly group. At all. But it might be better to force them to behave as governors and as diplomats rather then letting them take the far easier route of being isolated insurrectionists. Fighting is easy, ruling is hard. And I would suspect that the simple realities of ruling will compel Hamas to modify their positions. The royal newlyweds were unavailable for comment on this developing story at this time.

Considering how bad the civil rights situation is getting in Russia, I find it promising that two people were convicted for the murder of a civil rights activist and a journalist. Does it strike anyone else as interesting that a country steeped in internationalist communism would move towards neo-fascist, ultra-nationalism? Does anyone else find it inevitable that indoctrinated subservience to the state would yield to rabid chauvinism? Kate Middleton looked lovely in her dress by the way.

I usually avoid talking about natural disasters in this place but the tornadoes in the South... wow. I'm very fortunate to live in a country that has the wealth and infrastructure to handle these sorts of disasters. Fortunately, the inclement weather did not affect the royal wedding.

It looks as though Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam will soon be on the endangered species list. Because we MUST, MUST, MUST protect the children, regulators are proposing banning characters like these when they are used to sell sugary cereals. Sure, I can see how they appeal to kids. And sure, I accept that sugary cereals contribute to obesity. But when was the last time you saw an 8 year old grocery shopping? The ban has to assume that PARENTS, NOT CHILDREN are simply so weak-willed that they lose all control in the face of an advertisement featuring a brightly colored jungle cat. Personally, I think our self-will is a bit stronger. Perhaps not as strong as the fairy-tale love of the royal couple but still pretty strong.

As an aside, I'd like to note that minorities are perfectly capable of making their own decisions as well.

Theresa Bait: Auburn's Cam Newton goes to Carolina. I wonder if there are any industries other than pro-football that hire employees who will immediately be obliged to go on strike? More on the draft, here. More importantly, what does Prince William think of the Steelers picking up a corner back?

Interesting poll concerning a bill in Pennsylvania to expand the so-called "Castle Doctrine". The "Castle Doctrine" basically holds that someone is able to use a gun to defend themselves from danger within their home or place of business without first attempting to flee. The proposed expansion would provide the same legal protections to gun users even if they had the temerity to step outside every now and again. I don't understand why some people have a problem with this. Does safety end at one's front door? Kate Middleton by the way, owns a large stash of high powered assault weapons and shoots bunnies for relaxation.



I should note that the British are not the only ones with leaders known for their dignity, pomp and decorum. I don't mean to scare my British readers but you do realize that there is (an albeit small), possibility that this man might someday be inflicted upon your Queen during a meeting?

Kacee Bait: Well, I guess in that event, the British could let this queen pinch hit for Her Majesty.

Don't worry about it though, British. We're on it!

Prince Harry (who looked wonderful in whatever the hell he wore), has been notable for his work on behalf of disabled veterans. Taking a cue from the British, the United States has taken new steps to protect our privates.

Besides the wedding, some other stuff happened.

In case you're still looking for a wedding gift (for shame!), here are some suggestions.

Seeing as how it was a pretty big day for the Church of England, the Vatican went ahead and did it's best to upstage them. Granted, I never really grasped Christian magic but still...This really seems a bit morbid to me.

I sincerely hope that no armadillo chili was served at the wedding. The last thing England needs is a future liege with leprosy.

Not to ruin the special day, but England has a murder to solve!

Finally in keeping with the British theme...

Here's an English Bulldog playing tetherball.