This is why I loved Norway.

I worked in Oslo for a few months a few years back, and regretted never getting the change to venture way up north.  Someday I will return.

[via MetaFilter]

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"Five years after Mohammad Khatami was propelled to a landslide victory on a platform of liberalizing Iran's Islamic system, the charismatic president is losing his sheen. There is widespread frustration over the pace of his reforms.

Few doubt his decency or sincerity or blame him personally. They know his efforts have been thwarted by an unelected hard-line minority that still controls key institutions such as the courts, the armed forces, and the broadcast media.

But Mr. Khatami's supporters have been urging him to stand up to the old guard. The president has finally thrown down the gauntlet: Last month Khatami presented two bills to the Iranian parliament that would end his opponents' stranglehold on power. Whether the bills are passed or blocked, they are likely to mark a major turning point in Iranian politics."

Signs of life from democratizing forces in Iran. 

"Legendary hip-hop DJ Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC was shot and killed in Queens on Wednesday (October 30), according to group representative Dave Goodsen."

Not sure what to say about this, but I don't think its reaching too far to say that Run DMC pretty much revolutionized rock.  If it weren't for "Walk this Way", Poison would probably still be running the show ;)

8(

"The United States National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS), introduced on September 11, 2002, authorizes the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service to keep track of the arrival and departure of non-immigrants to the United States who were born in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, or Syria or who may be citizens of those countries. NSEERS requires that these individuals be photographed and fingerprinted and have their entry into and exit out of the United States verified. In addition, individuals who were born in or who have the citizenship of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, or Yemen could also attract special attention from American immigration and security authorities.

In these circumstances, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade advises Canadians who were born in the above countries or who may be citizens of these countries to consider carefully whether they should attempt to enter the United States for any reason, including transit to or from third countries. In addition, all Canadians should be aware that NSEERS activity by the Immigration and Naturalization Service may lead to delays at U.S. immigration checkpoints."

Canada is warning its middle-eastern citizens to reconsider travel to the US. 

[via DrudgeReport]

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