Open Thread–2/21/2011

Yesterday I actually returned about three days of visits, but I’m still up against the wall with unabated craving.  I’m up to date with comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:56 (average 4:45).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From The Australian: Iran’s first attempt in decades to send warships through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean on NATO’s southern flank could further destabilise the Middle East as it reels from a wave of anti-government rebellions.

The passage of two Iranian navy ships, the frigate Alvand and support ship Kharg, through the Suez Canal has been delayed until tomorrow, a canal official said.

Iran’s lone destroyer would certainly present no threat to the US 6th Fleet, but it’s presence in the Med could well put Israel’s panties in a bunch.

From Think Progress: Now, as tens of thousands of union members and other Wisconsin residents are taking to the streets to protest against Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) attempt to abolish collective bargaining rights for most public workers, a leader of Egypt’s largest umbrella group of independent labor unions is praising the Wisconsin movement. In a videotaped statement, Kamal Abbas, the General Coordinator of the Centre for Trade Unions and Workers Services, tells the Wisconsin protesters, “We stand with you as you stood with us.” He says “no one believed” that the revolution against the Mubarak regime would succeed, yet they were able to bring the dictator down within 18 days. He encourages demonstrators to stay strong, saying, “Don’t give up on your rights. Victory always belongs to the people who stand firm and demand their just rights”.

Thank you so much, Mr. Abbas!  Workers of the world need to stand together against autocrats like Scott Mubarak and Hosni Walker.

From News Hounds:

This is music to my ears!

Cartoon:

Let’s remember what Washington and Lincoln stood for.