TresSugar

What Should Happen to the Iraqi Shoe Thrower?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:30:06 -0800

Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the man who threw his shoe at President Bush, has a creative defense strategy - appeal to the pride of his country, and don't say sorry.

In court today, the journalist, who hasn't been seen in public since Dec. 14, said:

I am charged now with attacking the prime minister's guest. We Arabs are famous for being generous with guests. But Bush and his soldiers have been here for six years. Guests should knock on the door. Those who come sneaking in are not guests.

Before the three-judge panel, al-Zeidi alleged that he was tortured while in prison, but the government denies the claim. He also explained his motivation:

I was seeing a whole country in calamity while Bush was giving a cold and spiritless smile. He was saying goodbye after causing the death of many Iraqis and economic destruction.

It's uncertain whether al-Zeidi's defiant testimony will sway the court, but he did receive a round of applause from witnesses in the courtroom when he entered. Al-Zeidi's been charged with assaulting a foreign leader, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. Should he get it?

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Art Imitates (Surreal) Life - Shoe Attack Sculpture Unveiled

LibertySugar — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:00:20 -0800

While it's probably not the tribute liberator George W. Bush expected, a sculpture inspired by the journalist who threw his shoes at the ex-President has been unveiled in Iraq. Hundreds of people gathered this past Thursday to see the giant shoe, which appropriately enough has a bush growing out of it.

The piece of art, which also includes a poem praising the journalist, is located in the gardens of a foundation for children whose parents have died as a result of the US invasion. Meanwhile, the journalist, Muntadar al-Zaidi, still sits in jail, awaiting trial and a potential 15-year sentence.

View 2 Photos ›

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Code Pink Socks It To Bush With Shoe Protest

LibertySugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:30:41 -0800

It was only a matter of time before Bush's opponents at home took advantage of last weekend's shoe attack to highlight their frustration with the President. Code Pink, the infamous group of women for peace, gathered outside the White House and in Berkeley, CA yesterday to hold a "Farewell Kiss Shoe-In" for President Bush.

Just like the Iraqis, who gathered in the streets carrying shoes to show their solidarity with the jailed journalists, the women of Code Pink picked up, or untied, the latest symbol of dissent. One member explained the group's motivation:

"It's outrageous that al-Zaidi could get two years in prison for insulting George Bush, when Bush is directly responsible for the deaths of 1.5 million Iraqis and 4,200 U.S. troops, and 5 million displaced Iraqis. The one who should be in jail is George Bush, and he should be charged with war crimes."

While the shoe demonstration could be seen as a little predictable, perhaps Bush only invited it when he said about his attacker, "I don't know what the guy's cause is." With banners dedicating shoes to the "widows, orphans and those killed in Iraq," Code Pink offered Bush an explanation. Check out the pics from the White House protest.

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Final Shoe-Down: Bush Spins Hurled Shoe Into Act of Freedom

CitizenSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:30:15 -0800

George Bush redeemed himself in my low-bar-set eyes when he ducked from those shoes like it was a dodgeball game that Greek Week depended on. Then he laughed it off like a man hardwired for PR, or an overconfident jock (not sure which!). But let's roll with the PR-savvy narrative because it's an essential ingredient to my point: I was impressed by George Bush.

While Press Secretary Dana Perino was, according to an Iraqi reporter for the New York Times, off in a corner crying (we now know she was hit with a microphone in the kerfuffle and returned to the White House with a black eye), Bush was spinning the hurled shoes into an act of democracy. One that he made possible. To see how, read more.

"That's what happens," Bush said, "in free societies where people try to draw attention to themselves." Free societies? Work it, Dubya. Of course, freedom is not just another word for nothing but a shoe to lose. And the journalist was silenced (probably by something stuffed in his mouth), pulled into a neighboring room, and beaten while he "cried like a woman" as the press conference continued.

As far as Iraqi law goes, he's facing a maximum of eight years in jail; but because he's become a national hero - though adoration is far from universal - many expect him to get off with a light sentence. Which is a far cry from what would have happened under Saddam's rule - and let's face it, the shoe toss never would have happened under Saddam. Maybe a size-10 piece of democracy has arrived in Iraq?

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Front Page: Iraqis Demand Release of Bush Shoe Attacker

CitizenSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:14 -0800

Growing calls to release the journalist who threw his shoes at George W. Bush confront the Iraqi government, as the Arab world has hailed the action of dissent as the perfect parting gift for the American President. Iraqis took to the streets today to rally support for the TV journalist. - AFP
Illinois lawmakers are meeting today to discuss impeaching Gov. Blagojevich, after he returned to work today. - AP

Anxiety caused by the revelation that investor Bernard Madoff pulled off a $50 billion fraud hit European and US markets today. Huge banking institutions and hedge funds reported major potential loses related to the scheme. - AP
Thanks to a recent legal settlement, tens of thousands of immigrants who entered the US on a valid visa, but fell out of legal status between 1982 and 1988, will be able to apply for amnesty. - LA Times

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Bush Ducks as Journalist Throws Shoes at His Head in Iraq

LibertySugar — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:14:40 -0800

While President Bush held a press conference in Iraq, where he is on an unannounced farewell visit today, a journalist threw an unannounced pair of shoes at him. Bush, who has quick reflexes, responded to the incident saying:

"It's a way for people to draw attention. I don't know what the guy's cause is. But one thing is for certain. He caused you to ask me a question about it. I didn't feel the least bit threatened by it. These journalists here were very apologetic. They . . . said this doesn't represent the Iraqi people, but that's what happens in free societies where people try to draw attention to themselves."

In Muslim culture (and probably most others) throwing shoes at someone is considered an insult.

Say What? Why He Threw the Shoe

TresSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0700

I am not a hero. But I have a point of view. I have a stance. It humiliated me to see my country humiliated; and to see my Baghdad burned, my people killed. Thousands of tragic pictures remained in my head, pushing me towards the path of confrontation.

- Iraqi Muntadhar al-Zaidi reminded the world that he's a journalist yesterday by using powerful words to explain why he decided to throw his shoes at George W. Bush. The emotional statement he released is filled with sad images of war, but it gives some insight into his actions. Zaidi received a hero's welcome when he was released from prison this week.

Douchebag of the Day: Billy Bob Thornton

GiggleSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Waitresses who want to model. Models who want to act. Actors who want to sing. Is anyone happy doing the jobs they're in? Whatever the case, the actor-turned-wannabe-singer seems to be one of the douchiest strains of these hybrids. Take Billy Bob Thornton. I had no idea that this guy was a singer, musician, and according to him in this cringe-inducing interview he did with his band the Boxmasters - a "music historian."

Whatever Billy Bob might be, he's officially Douchebag Supremo in my book. Why? He gets furious with the affable and patient interviewer Jian Ghomeshi because Jian introduced him as an actor. His reaction? He stonewalls all Jian's questions with, "I don't know what you're talking about." His band looks embarrassed and miserable, he looks crazy, the interviewer looks baffled, and if you could see me - I look like I want to throw my shoe at the computer. Ugh! Quit taking yourself so seriously, Billy Bob. (Click here if you're a masochist and want to see BBT in all his DB glory for like 10 minutes.)

5 Wacky and Weird Stories From This Week

CitizenSugar — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:56 -0800

Statues Could Get You Pregnant - More than 2,000 women have reported becoming pregnant after touching fertility statues at Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Woman Fails Driving Test 771 Times - A South Korean woman has spent $3,000 on fees for the test.
Man Goes to Jail For Taking 50 cents - India sentenced a 75-year-old Indian man to jail for accepting a $0.50 bribe 24 years ago.
Israeli Ambassador Latest Target of Shoe Throwing - A Swedish protester threw a shoe at Israel's ambassador this week at Stockholm University. Earlier this week a protester in England aimed a shoe at Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
Man Gets 50 Traffic Citations in One Day - After police tried to stop Elvis Alonzo Barret for a traffic violation, he fled from police, running through red lights and crashing into another car and a fence. Police also found crack cocaine and a crack pipe in the car.

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Fun Ways to Get Together With the Girls

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes it seems like we spend so much time focusing on new ways to go on a date or enjoy time with our guy that we forget there's an entire world of ideas for spending time with just our girlfriends. So in support of hanging with your ladies, I've come up with some ideas to make for a memorable time. But feel free to weigh in with other ideas of your own!

Host a good old-fashioned cocktail party with a signature drink and appetizers. Spice it up by asking your friends to each bring their favorite dessert. When you're not munching on finger foods, you can indulge your sweet tooth.
Get active. Slip on your tennis shoes and hit the courts, or pick a safe trail in your town and go for a hike. If guys can have pick-up football games, why can't girls have impromptu sunset strolls?
Take turns giving dinner parties and trading recipes. It's a fun way to bond and learn something new!

To see my other ideas, just read more.

Since most of us are trying to save money or can't take a few days off work for a vacation whenever we feel like it, try saving up to splurge on a cabin or house by the beach for a weekend together. It's a great way to actually relax for a while.
Try something completely out of your element! You can take a group self-defense class or sailing lessons. Exploring something new together is a great way to bond with your girls!
Throw an in-home dance party. You don't need a DJ or a full bar, just an iPod and your favorite bottle of wine. There's nothing like getting completely silly with your friends when there's no one around to watch!

And don't forget the Sex and the City night fall-back plan when all else fails. All it takes is a couple hours of good girl talk and a few hearty laughs to create the perfect get-together with your friends!

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