VBVW for July 11, 2008: Downward, Ho

• The Very Best

In trying to prove to the world that it is a serious military threat, Iran published photos of recent missile tests. Turns out the photos were doctored to show more missiles than actually exist. Thankfully, Iran’s politicians are better at using Photoshop than at building weapons.

Utah and other states are proposing a 4-day government work week to save money. That means one less day every week that you have to put up with surly government employees.

Verizon Wireless was forced into settling a class-action lawsuit over early termination fees — you know, those $250 charges for changing cell-phone providers. The $21 million settlement is a warning shot for other carriers, who may have to abandon the manipulative practice. We would call them to laugh in their face but we can’t get a signal.

• The Very Worst

The latest salmonella outbreak has severely sickened over 1,000 people, and now the CDC and FDA are looking at everything from jalapenos to salsa. Both agencies admit they have no idea where the salmonella came from. Is there anything a U.S. government oversight agency can do thoroughly, other than screw up?

A worldwide study of coral reefs shows that one-third of coral-producing species are in danger of extinction. If the reefs disappear, so do the fish.

Fed chairman Ben Bernanke is being blamed by some economists for ruts in the stock market and in the banking industry. As the economy continues to tumble like an old lady on a staircase, we have to wonder: Would they ever have pointed the finger at Alan Greenspan?