Iraq’s new government takes office Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari pledged to unite Iraq’s rival ethnic and religious factions and fight ten-orism as the nation’s first democratically elected government was sworn in amid escalating violence. One by one, al-Jaafari and members of his Cabinet walked to a podium and pledged to defend Iraq and its people as Iraqis faced a surge of violence that has killed nearly 170 people in six days. But five ministries - including the key defense and oil portfolios - remained in temporary hands and two deputy prime minister’s slots were unfilled as al-Jaafari struggled to bring the disaffected Sunni minority into key posts while balancing the demands of other groups. He will act as defense minister until consen sus can be reached on a new one. Former Pentagon favorite Ahmad Chalabi the Shiite deputy prime minister, was given temporary responsibility for the key oil ministry. Customer finds finger in fi*ozen custard A man who ordered a pin. of frozen chocolate custard in a dessert shop got a nasty surprise ms.de _ a p.ece of severed finger lost by an employee in an accident. Unlike a recentTnci- SHL YOUB BOOKS FOB CaSH www.webuytextbooks.com Instant Quotes Competitive Prices wmv.webuviextbooks.com a service of www.bunchesofbooks.com !-8«XM)9i428g buvlwk:ffbuothw)!bcK>ks.com m Free shipping Fast Payment As easy as 1 2 3.. 1, Visit our Website and enter tie ISBrte of the books you want to seii. 2, Ship us your books using our prepaid mailing iabels. 3, Sit back and relax. Your check v/ili be mailed within 48 hours of receiving your books. dent at a Wendy’s restaurant in California, no questions of truth have been raised about tW finger served up to go at Kohl’s Frozen Custard and found later at home by Cla^"* rs. Officials from the state departments of agriculture and labor went to the shop. ^ the owner confirmed one of his employees lost part of a finger in an accident with a fo-^' processing machine. aulay Culkin to be one of first defense witnesses for Jackson Actor Macaulay Culkin, longtime friend of Michael Jackson, will be one of the early '»«' nesses to take the stand in the pop star’s defense against child molestation charges. Cu»'» testrmony is expected to follow appearances by two other young men, Brett Barnes a e obson, as the smger’s defense begins this week. The three all spent close time w ackson as boys, all have publicly denied being molested by the singer and no case has been brought against Jackson involving any of them. Culkin, a longtime defend^' Jackson, has repeatedly said their friendship was completely innocent. hr CO^ - Compiled by Sarah Moser from ' This week^s features,.. BOOKS*A*MILLION The Millionaire’s Club Discount Card Sign up Si save! 336^584-9162 GNC Live Well General Nutrition Center What’s your goal? ^n>i^//«oGNC 336-584-5663 The place to rediscover shopping... mall BURLINGTON ears, CPeaney, Coody’s and over 50 shops and restuiiran'^ nd. & S. Church St, Exit 141 offl-40/8S