Can’t give them everything—Homeless hurricane refugees are not swarming up the gangplanks of three big Carnival cruise ships. Meanwhile, members of Congress are mumbling about a probe of the FEMA contract of $236 million. More than a thousand shoreside workers will be berthed on the ship. Only a few evacuees are looking for berths there. Apparently they’re focused on the need for homes, jobs, and schools for their offspring.

Don’t be silly—The UK is slated to reject passports in cases where the bearer’s photo shows them smiling. British holders must be shown looking straight ahead, mouth closed, and with a neutral expression. This is said to make the scanning of snapshots greater security-wise.

Imperialism, not very tidy—Months back, a Los Angeles Times headline declared: “U.S.-Trained [Colombian] Fighters Seek Jobs in Iraq.” These days it seems indecent to call them mercenaries. The article cites a member of Congress who worries that “U.S. government contractors are hiring thousands of impoverished former military personnel, with no public scrutiny, little accountability, and large hidden costs.”

P.S.—“Suspected rebels ambushed and killed 10 police officers on a remote highway…. Lt. Gov. Fabio Trujillo said either the National Liberation Army or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia was likely to blame.”—News item.  
 
 
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