From AP via CTV.ca:

The trial of an Iraqi journalist who gained cult status for throwing his shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush was adjourned Thursday until next month as supporters said he should be praised for standing up to the U.S. "occupier," not punished.

Muntadhar al-Zeidi walked into the courtroom in western Baghdad and was handed a scarf printed with a red, black and green Iraqi flag, which he kissed. Relatives and supporters applauded and chanted "Imam Ali is with you hero," in reference to a revered Shiite Muslim saint. ...

Judge Abdul-Amir al-Rubaie then held a closed session before announcing the trial was postponed until March 12 because the court needs time to ask the Iraqi Cabinet whether Bush's visit was "formal or informal."

Legendary writer Gay Talese, writing on nytimes.com's City Room blog (posted Feb. 17), on how he helped some homeless panhandlers update their sales pitches: (thanks, GuyNick!)

Brennan Cavanaugh Jimmy Roberts, who collects money for the homeless, and the writer Gay Talese, whose idea for a new sign — including the words “Obama’s Stimulus Plan” — encourages passers-by to give.

From the Toronto Star:

"Toronto Wins" trumpets the front cover of the March issue of The Atlantic, the victorious headline set against a panoramic, lakefront shot of the Rogers Centre, the CN Tower and the skyscrapers of the King-Bay financial nexus.

But before we descend into an orgy of self-congratulation, consider that Toronto is one of four cities touted as a potentially strengthened survivor of the current financial crisis – along with New York, Chicago and San Francisco. And each has its own cover.

Al-Jazeera English hopes to do what its big brother was essentially denied in 2004 -- appear on Canadians' television sets via cable and satellite.