The Morning News ...

--HEADS UP if you're flying JAL (Japan Air Lines) this week: Strikes may disrupt operations, though the airline insists that international flights will operate as usual. From JAL this morning:

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Possible Strike on June 17, 18, 19, 2009

Four unions representing cockpit crew, cabin crew and ground staff working for JAL International (JALI) may hold a strike on Wednesday June 17, 2009. The unions involved and their respective strike actions are:

---Pilots Union (660 members) Has indicated plans for a 72-hour strike from June 17.

---JAL Labour Union (90 members) and JAL Japan Labour Union (660 members) Mostly representing ground crew. Has indicated plans for a 6-hour strike from 6 am to 12 pm on June 17.

---JAL Flight Crew Union (1,150 members). Expected to stage a 24-hour strike on June 17.

While all domestic and international, passenger and cargo flights are expected to operate as normal on June 17 and 18, 2009, strikes by JAL Pilots Union into the third day on Friday June 19, 2009, may affect some JAL domestic services in the form of flight delays or cancellations. The unions are still in negotiations.

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IDIOT OF THE WEEK -- I know it's only Monday morning, but I can't imagine anyone topping this clown for sheer stupidity and bigotry.) South Carolina Republican activist Rusty DePass (which sounds like a character name Mel Brooks might have come up with for "Blazing Saddles") apologizes if "I offended anyone" with this vile comment about Michelle Obama.

--ARIZONA SHERIFF'S DEPT. BRAINSTORM -- Highly doubtful that this tactic (putting "undercover deputies" inside fast-food joints at night to spot drunks with the munchies) will have any impact on drunk driving. But it sure will increase the number of fat cops.

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