In other news

CNN was shocked enough by the events in Madrid to start using the word "terrorist" again, which is news in itself.

Two suicide bombings in Israel killed 10 people and wounded 20.

A bomb in front of US Consulate in Karachi and another one in front of a US bank in Athens; both defused.

A man in California is charged with killing 9 of his children, 2 of whom were also his grandchildren. His son (one of the remaining ones, obviously) commented that "He's the best dad anybody could ever have". Urgh, thanks, I think I like mine better.

China thinks Taiwan threatens stability in the region. Let's see: Taiwan is trying to have a referendum on independence, China is threatening to attack Taiwan if they declare independence, and China says Taiwan is threatening stability in the region? Why does China even bother, considering that Taiwan has in fact, if not officially, been independent for the last 55 years?

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is warning Taiwan. "The straits that separate us can never cut off such bonds of flesh and blood," he says. "Only when the blood of the native son flows back to its native place will it stop boiling." I think there is too much blood in his metaphors.

Putin got elected again.