Extra, Extra: Brown is the new Green

• So, you know how MTA is considering ridding our freeways of carpool lanes? One outraged blogger blames Bush because, "local officials in the MTA are being forced to take a more free-enterprise approach to freeway management in order to qualify for federal transportation dollars."
  
• In a move designed to empower local Iraqi municipalities,the US Army is planning on concentrating its forces in Baghdad as the army continues to draw down its forces after the so-called surge in June. The consolidation of troops seems to be a total acceptance of the fact that any "hope of meaningful political reconciliation through the Iraqi government" is a pipe dream, something Bush and military leaders already conceded. At least they can admit failure in one arena.
  
• Let's move on from war and bloodshed. Workers and volunteers at a mission in Downtown LA, gave out more than 50,000 toys to needy children and their families this morning. More than 10,000 kids and parents to attend their 64th annual Family Christmas Celebration and toy giveaway.
  
• While toys were being given away in the Los Angeles city center, some are wondering, what happened to Downtown's history?
  
• What was Downtown like in 80's? Freaking awesome, apparently. Ok, sheesh. I just like Downtown is all.
  
• What's that? You want to know what former California Governor and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown is doing? Well, turns out he got all green. Brown is now a "major player in the national debate on global warming," using threats, petitions, negotiated deals and a series of lawsuits to pressure automakers, county governments and the Bush administration to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. Good luck Jerry. If the United Nations can't do it, I sure hope you can!
  
• Because Los Angeles prides itself on healthy eating and what not, it might be a surprise that our airport has the third healthiest menu in the country. But who was first? Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Yup. The 10th fattest state has the healthiest airport menu around.
  
• Wondering what the biggest media gaffes of 2007 were? Here's one: Barack Obama was mistakenly called Osama twice, twice! Once by CNN, once by the New York Post. Oh, it would be hilarious if it wasn't so tragic.
  

Photo by ~db~ via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr