Compiled by MARK MAATHUIS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Europe hit by 498 terrorist attacks last year

The first EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report TE-SAT 2007 was presented today at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium by Director Max-Peter Ratzel. The report shows that in 2006, 498 attacks were carried out by Islamist, separatist, left-wing and anarchist terrorist groups in 11 Member States, and 706 individuals suspected of terrorism offenses were arrested. According to the report, France is one of the countries that suffers the most from terrorism. With presidential elections in that country scheduled for April 22, this report may lead to more heated discussions about terrorism and immigration among the four main candidates.

Made in China: DVDs for $0.75

The United States complained to the World Trade Organization about Chinese violations of intellectual property rights. China’s illegal copying of movies, music and software cost companies $2.2 billion in 2006 sales, say lobby groups representing Microsoft, Walt Disney and Vivendi SA. According to the video
, you will understand why some companies worry.

NATIONAL NEWS

Move over, Fox News

Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) joined former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, a Democrat, in deciding to skip a debate that Fox News is co-sponsoring with the Congressional Black Caucus. Liberal activists, particularly Moveon.org, have urged Democratic presidential candidates not to participate in Fox debates because they “are biased against Democrats.” Therefore, Moveon.org has organized their own online debates. Yesterday, the first of three “virtual town hall meetings” was organized. The topic was Iraq. To see the results click here.

Radio silence

Radio talk show host Don Imus has been suspended for two weeks by CBS and MSNBC after calling the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos.” He made his comments during last Wednesday’s episode of his morning show, which airs on WFAN 660-AM and is simulcast on MSNBC. He offered an apology, but CBS punished him nonetheless. Imus called the suspension “appropriate,” but stressed he “is not a racist.” Rutgers University reacted Monday, and they are not amused. Do not touch that dial, folks, there is more to come.

USELESS NEWS

Posting a letter? May the force be with you

If you have seen robots on the street recently, do not worry about your mental health. They are not actually robots, but part of a U.S.Poster Service program to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars movies. Apart from the R2D2 mailboxes, special stamps with your intergalactic heroes will be unveiled on April 25. If you have a special preference, click here and cast your vote. Now we just have to wait for a mailman dressed as Darth Vader.