This Week's Top Stories: August 4, 2006

This is the first in a new feature I hope takes off over the next couple of weeks. It occurred to me earlier today that while a lot of our readers might want to stay informed, their jobs, young families, avid social life (now who am I kidding?) might keep them occupied. So here in one post weekly, they can read about the latest world events, and comment on said events in a public forum. Nifty,huh?

Without further ado.

There's a New Castro in Cuba
As mentioned in an earlier post this week, Fidel Castro, underwent a fairly serious intestinal surgery, and had ceded power to his younger brother, Raul. Communists worldwide need not fear however, as the revolution (you know the one that is still underway after 47 years on the 40,543 square miles island) is still underway while Fidel recuperates. Seriously, at some point don't you have to stop calling it a revolution?

Republicans Running from Delay, but Can't Get Away
Claiming that Democrats are trying to shortchange Texas voters, Texas Republican Party chairwoman Tina Benkiser is planning on appealing to the highest court in the land. Delay's Democratic challenger had sued to keep Delay's name on the ballot (because let's face it, it's pretty easy to run against a schmuck), even though Delay has publicly stated his intentions to leave the race, and the GOP is desperate to find a new candidate, all because it's "against the rules." Those Democrats, such sticklers.

Sen. Clinton Has a Flashback, Forgets She is No Longer President
After enjoying eight years in the White House as Commander in Shadow, and eyeing another stint after 2008, it's easy to see how Hillary Clinton gets confused sometimes. Thursday she called for the resignation of Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, before being reminded that she (and her husband) are currently out of office. "I just don't understand why we can't get new leadership that would give us a fighting chance to turn the situation around before it's too late," it is unclear whether Clinton is speaking here of Rumsfeld or President Bush. Either way, it's pretty clear she wants another go at the Big Desk (I hear the pastry chef is divine).

Congress Gets Totally Wasted, Blows College Fund on a Shiny New Toy
In what is surely pre-election pandering, Congress may move forward with a raise to the minimum wage this fall. This comes despite the fact that unemployment continues to climb. Because as we all know, the best way to get companies to hire new employees is to raise the wage of all their employees. In other news, the dollar menu at McDonald's is about to become the Five Dollar Menu.

I hope you've enjoyed this inaugural edition of "This Week's Top Stories. We'll be here every Friday, so join us again.