GOOD MORNING, BLOGTOWN! It's like every time I get up on the dude, paparazzi put my business in the news. LET'S GO TO PRESS.

Political violence raises to an alarming degree in Ukraine, turning Kiev's Independence Square into a war zone and the authorities implementing an "anti-terrorist operation"—and by "terrorists" they mean "protesters."

Meanwhile the White House has called the violence "completely outrageous," and is strongly encouraging the government to de-escalate the explosive situation.

Violence also erupts in Venezuela where a crowd of thousands marched in solidarity as the leader of the opposition, Leopoldo Lopez, turns himself over to the government on charges of "terrorism and murder." Things are not looking so good for him, either.

And in Thailand, too.

Jesus Christ... political activists/punk band Pussy Riot attempted to stage a protest at Sochi, but were beaten by whip-bearing Cossack militiamen. And yes, there's video.

And things get worse: Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh compares homosexuals to "vermin" and vows to deal with them just like the country did with malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Let's take a moment to remember the 134 journalists and support staff that died while on assignment last year... most of them were targeted deliberately.

A crew member of a cruise ship is accused of attacking a female passenger and trying to throw her overboard.

Michael Dunn, the Florida man convicted in the "Loud Music" murder trial, is caught on audiotape claiming he was the "fucking victim." The person he killed could not be reached for comment.

PANIC! There's been a Hot Pockets recall due to "unsanitary beef" inside these... these... absolutely delicious lunch snacks! NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM.

In case you missed it, the Portland Teacher's Strike has been averted as teachers and PPS have signed a tentative agreement. So put down the pot pipe, 'cuz you're going back to school, kids!

In "celebrity love" news, not only did Seth from The O.C. and Blair from Gossip Girl get secretly married, it's rumored that Hannah Montana and Jordan Catalano are secretly hooking up! SQUEEEEEE!!

Now here's what's going on in your neck of the woods: More rain today and tomorrow, but dryness and sunshine returns starting Friday.

And finally, since the strike has been called off, now is a good time to issue the following reminder to all you POPULAR kids in high school. It does NOT get better.
It Doesn't Get Better from Jason Headley on Vimeo.