National:
A gunman opened fire in a shopping center in Nebraska, killing eight people before fatally shooting himself, police say. Five other people were wounded - two critically - in the shooting at the Westroads Mall in Omaha. Police were called to the incident at lunchtime, when the center would have been packed with Christmas shoppers. Witnesses spoke of shoppers screaming and scrambling to find safe shelter as the gunman struck. In a statement, the White House said President George W Bush - who visited Omaha earlier in the day for a fundraiser - said he was "deeply saddened" by the shootings.
Wow I cant believe this. I am so sad about this. And don't quote me on this but I agree with President Bush's statement. Scary I know. Whats scarier is the fact that even when you think you're safe just christmas shopping some psycho with a gun kills eight people and wounds five thats ridiculous. I think im done talking about this depresingness.
International
Not much can bring the life of the noisy, traffic-clogged heart of Bangkok to a halt. But on Wednesday the streets were hushed, the cars and buses banished. All you could hear were speakers playing the royal anthem, and thousands of flags fluttering in the cool winter breeze, held by people of all ages. Most were dressed in yellow and had waited for hours for a glimpse of a stiff and stern-faced old man passing in a motorcade, on his way to the gilded halls and temples of Bangkok's Grand Palace. And as it passed they shouted "Song Phra Charoen", "Long Live Your Majesty". Some had tears in their eyes. What explains this extraordinary bond between people and monarch? King Bhumibol Adulyadej is accorded an almost divine reverence, with titles like Phra Chao Yu Hua (Lord Upon our Heads) or Chao Chiwit (Lord of Life). People prostrate themselves on the ground in his presence. Yet there is genuine affection too, and it goes both ways. Thais talk of their love for him as though he were a cherished member of the family. In his speeches to the nation he likes to joke and tease them.
Thats pretty dang cool what if we had a lovable leader like that. It's Amazing that the whole capital stopped what it was doing to just see him. On the other hand it reminds me of 1984 which scares me alot i hope that brain washing is not happening that would be bad especially if they had a ministry of love. haha