Appeals court hands loss to those who oppose religious aspects of presidential inaugurations

Opponents of religion in inaugurations lose fight
WASHINGTON – Atheists who oppose prayer and other religious elements in presidential inaugurations have lost a case in a federal appeals court.
A three-judge panel on Friday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit that sought to stop Barack Obama from using the words “so help me God” when … Read more »».

‘Birdemic’ and other really bad movies become overnight cult classics via social networking

Schlockey films gain instant cult status via Net

SAN FRANCISCO – It’s late Friday night outside the arthouse Roxie Theater, and a line is forming down the block. Twentysomethings – mostly men – stand around joking and waiting to file in. The smell of pot permeates the cold, damp air.
Underneath the theater’s marquee, a fast-talking Vietnamese …. Read the original article  : here.

Turkish lawmakers OK constitutional amendments; opposition says secularism at risk

Turkish lawmakers OK constitutional amendments

ANKARA, Turkey – The Turkish parliament narrowly approved Friday a series of constitutional amendments that opposition parties say are designed to give the Islamic-rooted government leverage over the largely secular judiciary.
Opposition parties accuse the government of pushing the amendments to dilute the independence of the judiciary, including the Constitutional Court, by …. Read the original article  : here.

Iraq’s top vote-getter returns to country, asserts his right to form the next government

Iraq vote winner asserts right to form government

BAGHDAD – The leader of the top vote-getting coalition in Iraq’s inconclusive March 7 elections insisted his bloc still has the right to form the next government despite an alliance forged this week between two rival Shiite groups.
The alliance makes the Shiites the largest political bloc in parliament, … Read : Iraq’s top vote-getter returns to country, asserts his right to form the next government.