Monday, April 30, 2007
Somalia
We all remember the Clinton Administration's abortive humanitarian mission in Somalia, which led to the infamous "Blackhawk Down" episode. Well, the situation there has once again deteriorated to the point of anarchy: http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_JDJDNQS. It hasn't received much attention here in the U.S., with all that has been happening in Iraq and the ongoing, low-level conflict in Afghanistan, but this is a situation that bears watching. Somalia is the prototypical failed state, and it has the very real potential of destabilizing the entire region, which would include Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania. If you think that this won't matter, picture Darfur on a scale ten times worse. This could get very, very bad..........
Global Warming; Another Voice
William Gray, the well-respected hurricane prognosticator, has just added his name to the list of scientists who disagree with the connection between human-caused CO2 and global warming: http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2007/04/29/news/nation/nation4.txt. It's an interesting article........
More on Israel
Uber-elitist Susan Estrich from Fox News comments about Barack Obama's comments during the recent Democratic Presidential Candidate's debate, and takes him to task about his perceived weak-kneed support of Israel: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,269112,00.html. Frankly, she ought to check out moveon.org, the Huffington Post, are any other number of sites on the political left side of the blogosphere, and she will find out that Obama's tepid support of Israel is far more than the Angry Left in this country feels the Jewish state deserves............
Israel-Hezbollah War Recap
An Israeli inquiry into the leadup and and handling of the war by a panel of Israeli officials has issued what can only be described as a damning indictment of the handling of the war by the Olmert government. I still haven't seen the actual report, but an article commentinng on it can be found here: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/04/30/olmert-failure.html. Another story on it can be found at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/israel_lebanon_report_dc;_ylt=Al10rinRg2uaNEMxSZ7yFH4UvioA.
Given the lack of effectivenes, or the PERCEIVED lack of effectiveness of the Israeli troops against Hezbollah, this finding is not exactly a surprise. The question now becomes, "Where do we go from here?", and I don't know what the answer to that question might be. The report did not call for Olmert to resign, and he has already said that he will not do so.
UPDATE (8:21 a.m., May 1): Here is an English language summary of the report: http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2007/Winograd+Inquiry+Commission+submits+Interim+Report+30-Apr-2007.htm.
Given the lack of effectivenes, or the PERCEIVED lack of effectiveness of the Israeli troops against Hezbollah, this finding is not exactly a surprise. The question now becomes, "Where do we go from here?", and I don't know what the answer to that question might be. The report did not call for Olmert to resign, and he has already said that he will not do so.
UPDATE (8:21 a.m., May 1): Here is an English language summary of the report: http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2007/Winograd+Inquiry+Commission+submits+Interim+Report+30-Apr-2007.htm.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Five Questions
Thanks to Oceanguy (on my blogroll), for asking me five questions. If you have a blog and want me to pose five questions to you, just ask and I will do so. Now, without further ado, here are Oceanguy's five questions, and my answers:
1. What are 5 books that have the most meaning to your growth as a man?
In particular order, they are the Bible, 102 Minutes, A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Travels with Charley, Inside/Outside. It's cliched, I know, but the fact of the matter is that the Bible has life lessons to teach all of us, whether or not we choose to accept its religious significance. 102 Minutes is the story of the Twin Towers, from the minute the first plane hit until both had collapsed. It contains mind-blowing stories of heroism, friendship and yes, redemption. It will put anybody's life in perspective. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich may be Solzhenitsyn's best book. You want to know what it was like inside the Soviet Gulag, and about what Hannah Arendt once referred to as "the banality os evil" (though in a different context), read this. Travels with Charlie is story of John Steinbeck's traveling around the United States during the 1960s. It too can teach all lessons about this country, both good and bad. Inside/Outside is not Herman Wouk's best-known book, but it is a fabulous insight into a the maturation of a man from a rebellious, secular Jew into one who keeps the Sabbath.
2. For a week you are made "Commissioner of All Sports in America." What are the first five things you would change?
So many things, so little time! 1) I would tighten the penalties against ALL forms of performance-enhancers. You're caught once, you lose a whole calendar year (note that I did NOT say a whole season. This is tougher, I think). Period. You're caught twice, you're banned for life. PERIOD. 2) Mandatory meet-and-greets for all athletes with fans. Remember, athletes, we're the reason why you're making such a cushy living. 3) Mandatory, free, lifetime healthcare for all professional athletes. If we're going to ask them to sacrifice themselves physically for our entertainment, we need to say to them that we will look after them once they retire. 4) No more showing of high school sports on networks such as ESPN, or features on high school athletes in magazines such as Sports Illustrated. Kids are getting exposed earlier aned earlier, and while it works out for some, it costs others their childhood. 5) End pay-per-view. It killed boxing as a mainstream sport in North America (no loss there, imho), but we're likely heading there in other sports as well.
3. Thinking of literature, TV & film... who is/are your favorite villian(s).
A very tough question. It would be easy to choose someone like Darth Vader. So, I'm going to go with Alex Forrest, the evil, psycho woman played so well by Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. She initially comes across somewhat sympathetically, but later boils a kid's rabbit. Terribly effective.................
4. You are given the power of time travel only to take the job of biographer for one man or woman from any time and place. Whose life would you choose to observe and record?
This will sound strange, but I'm going to say Otto von Bismarck. The man engineered the creation of a country out of what had been severel disparate countries, and he invented what is now more commonly known as Realpolitik. He is one of the great historical figures of our (or any other) time. His impact is felt even today.
5. Ice Hockey or Soccer?
I'm Canadian, Oceanguy! You need to ask? Of COURSE I'm going to say Hockey. I know that many could not care less about the sport, but I really think that they need to see a hockey game live with someone whol already loves the sport. Then, and only then, will they understand the obsession that I and so many others have with it. Some people like certain sports. Others may even love sports. However, Hockey fans are different, because for those who are passionate about Hockey, it is a part of their soul.............
1. What are 5 books that have the most meaning to your growth as a man?
In particular order, they are the Bible, 102 Minutes, A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Travels with Charley, Inside/Outside. It's cliched, I know, but the fact of the matter is that the Bible has life lessons to teach all of us, whether or not we choose to accept its religious significance. 102 Minutes is the story of the Twin Towers, from the minute the first plane hit until both had collapsed. It contains mind-blowing stories of heroism, friendship and yes, redemption. It will put anybody's life in perspective. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich may be Solzhenitsyn's best book. You want to know what it was like inside the Soviet Gulag, and about what Hannah Arendt once referred to as "the banality os evil" (though in a different context), read this. Travels with Charlie is story of John Steinbeck's traveling around the United States during the 1960s. It too can teach all lessons about this country, both good and bad. Inside/Outside is not Herman Wouk's best-known book, but it is a fabulous insight into a the maturation of a man from a rebellious, secular Jew into one who keeps the Sabbath.
2. For a week you are made "Commissioner of All Sports in America." What are the first five things you would change?
So many things, so little time! 1) I would tighten the penalties against ALL forms of performance-enhancers. You're caught once, you lose a whole calendar year (note that I did NOT say a whole season. This is tougher, I think). Period. You're caught twice, you're banned for life. PERIOD. 2) Mandatory meet-and-greets for all athletes with fans. Remember, athletes, we're the reason why you're making such a cushy living. 3) Mandatory, free, lifetime healthcare for all professional athletes. If we're going to ask them to sacrifice themselves physically for our entertainment, we need to say to them that we will look after them once they retire. 4) No more showing of high school sports on networks such as ESPN, or features on high school athletes in magazines such as Sports Illustrated. Kids are getting exposed earlier aned earlier, and while it works out for some, it costs others their childhood. 5) End pay-per-view. It killed boxing as a mainstream sport in North America (no loss there, imho), but we're likely heading there in other sports as well.
3. Thinking of literature, TV & film... who is/are your favorite villian(s).
A very tough question. It would be easy to choose someone like Darth Vader. So, I'm going to go with Alex Forrest, the evil, psycho woman played so well by Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. She initially comes across somewhat sympathetically, but later boils a kid's rabbit. Terribly effective.................
4. You are given the power of time travel only to take the job of biographer for one man or woman from any time and place. Whose life would you choose to observe and record?
This will sound strange, but I'm going to say Otto von Bismarck. The man engineered the creation of a country out of what had been severel disparate countries, and he invented what is now more commonly known as Realpolitik. He is one of the great historical figures of our (or any other) time. His impact is felt even today.
5. Ice Hockey or Soccer?
I'm Canadian, Oceanguy! You need to ask? Of COURSE I'm going to say Hockey. I know that many could not care less about the sport, but I really think that they need to see a hockey game live with someone whol already loves the sport. Then, and only then, will they understand the obsession that I and so many others have with it. Some people like certain sports. Others may even love sports. However, Hockey fans are different, because for those who are passionate about Hockey, it is a part of their soul.............
NFL Draft
I am no fan of Notre Dame, and didn't hold much interest in where Fighting Irish QB Brady Quinn ended up, until yesterday's draft. Sports fans everywhere had heard that he was going to end up anywhere from Cleveland (Quinn grew up near Cleveland and was a lifelong Browns fan), which held the #3 pick, or Miami, which held the #9 selection. Well, those selections came and went, and Quinn remained undrafted. Eventually, Cleveland made a trade to pick up a second first round pick, and took Quinn with the 22nd overall pick. So, all's well that ends well, I guess.
However, as I watched I kept in mind that these are kids, anywhere from 20 years old (in the case of Amobi Okoye) to 22 or so, and that they are having their lives' destiny played out on national tv. In the case of Quinn, here he was, a (prior to the draft) consensus Top Ten draft pick, having his rejection played out in front of the whole country. Honestly, I felt quite sorry for him. It says something to me that when he finally was drafted, there was a borderline standing ovation for him, as if the entire audience at the draft was just happy that he had finally had his misery ended.............
On a plus note, my Miami Hurricanes landed three more players in the first round, with safety Brandon Meriweather going 24th overall to New England, linebacker Jon Beason going 25th to Carolina, and tight end Greg Olsen going 31st to Chicago (GO BEARS!).
However, as I watched I kept in mind that these are kids, anywhere from 20 years old (in the case of Amobi Okoye) to 22 or so, and that they are having their lives' destiny played out on national tv. In the case of Quinn, here he was, a (prior to the draft) consensus Top Ten draft pick, having his rejection played out in front of the whole country. Honestly, I felt quite sorry for him. It says something to me that when he finally was drafted, there was a borderline standing ovation for him, as if the entire audience at the draft was just happy that he had finally had his misery ended.............
On a plus note, my Miami Hurricanes landed three more players in the first round, with safety Brandon Meriweather going 24th overall to New England, linebacker Jon Beason going 25th to Carolina, and tight end Greg Olsen going 31st to Chicago (GO BEARS!).
Russia
Very interesting Op-Ed in today's Philadelphia Inquirer from columnist Mark Bowden, who writes that we should be very leery of supporting Lukoil, the Russian oil and gas giant which has recently bought its way into the American market: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/mark_bowden/20070429_The_Point___Darth_Vader_at_the_gas_pump.html. Bowden's point is a good one; it wasn't that long ago that the old Soviet Union was our enemy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has seemingly taken Russia several--if not many--steps back to those authoritarian days. His second point is equally good; do we really want to support a country which is increasingly acting in ways that are directly contrary to our national interests? Then again, we DO continue to buy oil at alarming rates from our GOOD FRIENDS, the Saudis.......................
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Human Rights Activist
How about THIS story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070428/wl_canada_nm/canada_canada_col. I'm not a huge fan of Yahoo's news coverage, which tends to sway way to the left and is generally very anti-Israel, but I'll give it credit for putting out this story. And I'll give this woman even more credit for her bravery, because the Iranian government isn't shy about killing those who disagree with it, or issuing death threats against them, no matter where those people live.
France
Things just keep getting worse for Jews in France (like that's a shock to ANYONE). Yid with Lid (now linked on my blogroll) has a great summary of anti-Semitic attacks in France, and it can be found here: http://yidwithlid.blogspot.com/2007/04/french-jews-should-get-out-of-france.html. Personally, I think that any Jew who stays in France does so at his or her own risk......................
Friday, April 27, 2007
Economic Models Explained with Cows
Someone e-mailed this to me and I thought that it was worth posting.
Subject: Fw: Economic Models explained with Cows
SOCIALISM: You have 2 cows.You give one to your neighbour.
COMMUNISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both and gives you some milk.
FASCISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both and sells you some milk.
NAZISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both and shoots you.
BUREAUCRATISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws themilk away...
TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM: You have two cows.You sell one and buy a bull.Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.You sell them and retire on the income.
SURREALISM: You have two giraffes.The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.
AN AMERICAN CORPORATION: You have two cows.You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead.
ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM: You have two cows.You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.
THE ANDERSEN MODEL: You have two cows.You shred them.
A FRENCH CORPORATION: You have two cows.You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.
A JAPANESE CORPORATION: You have two cows.You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoonimage called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.
A GERMAN CORPORATION: You have two cows.You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.
AN ITALIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You decide to have lunch.
A RUSSIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows.You count them and learn you have five cows.You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.You count them again and learn you have 2 cows.You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
A SWISS CORPORATION: You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you.You charge the owners for storing them.
A CHINESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them.You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.
AN INDIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You worship them.
A BRITISH CORPORATION: You have two cows. Both are mad.
AN IRAQI CORPORATION: Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.You tell them that you have none.No-one believes you, so they bomb the **** out of you and invade your country. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of aDemocracy....
A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION: You have two cows. The one on the left looks very attractive.
AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. Business seems pretty good. You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.
Subject: Fw: Economic Models explained with Cows
SOCIALISM: You have 2 cows.You give one to your neighbour.
COMMUNISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both and gives you some milk.
FASCISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both and sells you some milk.
NAZISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both and shoots you.
BUREAUCRATISM: You have 2 cows.The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws themilk away...
TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM: You have two cows.You sell one and buy a bull.Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.You sell them and retire on the income.
SURREALISM: You have two giraffes.The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.
AN AMERICAN CORPORATION: You have two cows.You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead.
ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM: You have two cows.You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.
THE ANDERSEN MODEL: You have two cows.You shred them.
A FRENCH CORPORATION: You have two cows.You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.
A JAPANESE CORPORATION: You have two cows.You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoonimage called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.
A GERMAN CORPORATION: You have two cows.You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.
AN ITALIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You decide to have lunch.
A RUSSIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows.You count them and learn you have five cows.You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.You count them again and learn you have 2 cows.You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
A SWISS CORPORATION: You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you.You charge the owners for storing them.
A CHINESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them.You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.
AN INDIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You worship them.
A BRITISH CORPORATION: You have two cows. Both are mad.
AN IRAQI CORPORATION: Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.You tell them that you have none.No-one believes you, so they bomb the **** out of you and invade your country. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of aDemocracy....
A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION: You have two cows. The one on the left looks very attractive.
AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. Business seems pretty good. You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.
Is it okay to still hate France?
Let me put my cards on the table: I absolutely detest France, or at least the French government. Here is a link to a debate between The New Republic's Peter Beinart and National Review's Jonah Goldberg on this issue: http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=w070423&s=whatsyourproblem042707.
Are you ready for some Football?
Well, I guess the better question should be, are people outside North America ready for some football? The NFL is seriously considering adding a 17th game to the regular season and subtracting one of its (meaningless) pre-season games so that it could hold a weekend's worth of games overseas: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18345026/
Sandy Koufax was GOOD.............
..................but I doubt that even he could still pitch effectively at the age of 71: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18350152/
British National Union of Journalists' Boycott of Israel, Part Four
The guy who wrote this is hardly a friend of Israel, as you can tell from his column, but even he is offended by what the NUJ has done: http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article2472433.ece
Citizenship Test
This was e-mailed to me, so I took it and scored a 29. Frankly, I'm ashamed that I missed one.
Subject: Citizenship test
Okay you red-blooded Americans... let's see how you do on this test:
Very interesting questions. How well would you do if you took the citizenship test. Try this out - educational and fun. 24 out of 30 is considered a passing grade.
Supposedly 96% of all High School seniors FAILED this test...AND if that's not bad enough, 50+% of all individuals over 50 did too!!
Go to the link below. Take the test and be surprised at what we don't know!
http://games.toast.net/independence/
Subject: Citizenship test
Okay you red-blooded Americans... let's see how you do on this test:
Very interesting questions. How well would you do if you took the citizenship test. Try this out - educational and fun. 24 out of 30 is considered a passing grade.
Supposedly 96% of all High School seniors FAILED this test...AND if that's not bad enough, 50+% of all individuals over 50 did too!!
Go to the link below. Take the test and be surprised at what we don't know!
http://games.toast.net/independence/
Here's an Israeli who "gets it"
Hat tip to Tundra Tabloid for linking to this on his blog. This is Benjamin Netanyahu on Bill Maher's show last year after the Second Lebanon War: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN3K1Wsd-I0. It's almost 16 minutes long, but well worth it.
First Democratic Presidential Debate
I watched a good chunk of the first Democratic Presidential Candidate's Debate last night, featuring the eight declared candidates, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Senator
Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut,
Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (does anyone know who he is? I didn't!), and Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. Former Vice-President Al Gore remains on the sidelines..........for now.
Much of the discussion at the debate, as expected, involved the hammering by all of the candidates of President Bush and the Iraq War, with (again, as expected) Dennis Kucinich being the most strident. Still, there was one memorable line from the debate, and it came from Joe Biden, a man who I normally dislike because he is SUCH a political opportunist. Biden was faulted gently (by the debate moderator, Brian Williams of NBC News) for his propsensity for talking too much, and then asked if he could "hold his tongue" and show discipline on the world stage if necessary. With a slight smile on his face, Biden responded "Yes". And that was it. It was delivered perfectly, and even his opposing candidates had to give him a hand for it, as did the audience at the debate. I'll give him credit too; it was a a GREAT line..............
Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut,
Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (does anyone know who he is? I didn't!), and Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. Former Vice-President Al Gore remains on the sidelines..........for now.
Much of the discussion at the debate, as expected, involved the hammering by all of the candidates of President Bush and the Iraq War, with (again, as expected) Dennis Kucinich being the most strident. Still, there was one memorable line from the debate, and it came from Joe Biden, a man who I normally dislike because he is SUCH a political opportunist. Biden was faulted gently (by the debate moderator, Brian Williams of NBC News) for his propsensity for talking too much, and then asked if he could "hold his tongue" and show discipline on the world stage if necessary. With a slight smile on his face, Biden responded "Yes". And that was it. It was delivered perfectly, and even his opposing candidates had to give him a hand for it, as did the audience at the debate. I'll give him credit too; it was a a GREAT line..............
Are we scaring our children?
Wall Street Journal Op-Ed columnist Peggy Noonan certainly thinks so: http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110009992. I have to say, I can't necessarily disagree. Mrs. BHG and I are constantly checking what the kids are watching because, frankly, we don't want them be traumatized by what they see. Maybe it's just the curmudgeon in me, but I can't help but think that there is far more violence on tv than should be acceptable, and it is on at hours when kids can and will see it. Actually, it's usually included within many of the cartoons which kids normally watch. Yes, I know that when we grew up (I'm in my early forties), there was plenty of violence in those cartoons as well (anyone esle remember the Bugs Bunny/Road Runner show?), but that was truly cartoon violence. The stuff we say today is, as some say, more "sophisticated". I prefer the term "graphic".
I wonder, are we trying to turn our kids into adults before they are ready? The consequences of that just can't be good. The companion question is, are we desensitizing our kids to just about everything (violence, sex, you name it)? And what are the consequences of that??? Mrs. BHG and I have three kids eight and younger. These are the types of things that keep us up at night............
I wonder, are we trying to turn our kids into adults before they are ready? The consequences of that just can't be good. The companion question is, are we desensitizing our kids to just about everything (violence, sex, you name it)? And what are the consequences of that??? Mrs. BHG and I have three kids eight and younger. These are the types of things that keep us up at night............
Thursday, April 26, 2007
And he's teaching OUR children.......
...........well, not mine, but he is teaching college students in California. Thanks to Solomonia for alerting me to this frightening story about a certifiable whack job named Kevin MacDonald, a tenured psychology professor at Cal State Long Beach. Turns out that he doesn't like Jews too much: http://www.splcenter.org/intel/news/item.jsp?aid=252&site_area=1. Kudos to the Southern Poverty Law Center, with whose activities I don't always agree, for exposing this creep.
Hockey Talk
As I write this, the Ottawa Senators are in the process of blowing a 4-0, first-period lead against the New Jersey Devils (it's now 4-3 Sens after two periods). To me, that isn't even the real story of this game, though. What IS the story as far as I am concerned is that New Jersey couldn't even sell the game out. Let's call it like it is; for the most part, there is no such thing as a New Jersey Devils fan. There are disaffected New York Rangers, Islanders or Philadelphia Flyers fans who don't feel like driving into Manhattan, out to Long Island or into Philadelphia to see the teams they truly like play. Does that mean that there are no Devils fans? Of course not, but there aren't that many. If the team picked up and relocated tomorrow, it would be greeted with a collective yawn by New York City-area sports fans, assuming that anyone even noticed. And next season, the team will play in a brand new arena in Newark. I give them ONE season before the attendance problems return. Here's a suggestion: Move the Devils to Winnipeg, Quebec City or even Hartford, all locations which lost teams but did not deserve to do so.
Bees
This is a story that has caught my attention. Honey bees are vanishing. I don't mean being killed by pesticides. They are simply vanishing: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/04/22/vanishing.bees.reut/index.html. This is a serious problem, as many of our crops (almonds, apples, blueberries, peaches and cherries, for example) are pollinated by honey bees. The problem isn't resticted to the United States either; similar "vanishings" are being reported in Brazil and Europe, and now Taiwan: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/TP162481.htm. What is happening to them? Here is one theory: Radio waves from cell phones are interfering with their ability to find their way back to their hives: http://www.kcwebguides.com/kcwebguides/living/food/honey-bees-vanishing-by-t.shtml.
For more on this alarming story, go to http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/index.html.
For more on this alarming story, go to http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/index.html.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
10 Songs I love
Some obscure, some not so obscure, some very lame (mea culpa maxima), some hopefully not so lame. Editor's disclaimer: These are in no particular order, and the list does not include all of my favourite songs!
1) Calling all Angels -Train
2) Bad (live) - U2
3) Forever Young - Alphaville
4) Layla (original, full length version) - Derek and the Dominoes
5) Fly at Night - Chilliwack
6) Closer to Home/I'm Your Captain - Grank Funk Railroad
7) Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
8) Action - Streetheart
9) Behind Blue Eyes - The Who
10) Breathe - Anna Nalick
1) Calling all Angels -Train
2) Bad (live) - U2
3) Forever Young - Alphaville
4) Layla (original, full length version) - Derek and the Dominoes
5) Fly at Night - Chilliwack
6) Closer to Home/I'm Your Captain - Grank Funk Railroad
7) Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
8) Action - Streetheart
9) Behind Blue Eyes - The Who
10) Breathe - Anna Nalick
YouTube
YouTube can be an extremely fun tool for finding obscure videos or footage of things that we want to see. However, it can also be a powerful tool for disseminating hatred. Don't believe me? Check THIS out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPd3TxCNjPQ
Let's Impeach Vice-President Cheyney
...............so says Dennis Kucinich: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/24/AR2007042402341.html. Given the consistently boneheaded moves of the Democratic far left, I sometimes wonder if they are on Karl Rove's payroll. I say, more power to 'em! Let them try to impeach the Vice-President. If they do, it will guarantee that the Republicans will reclaim control of both houses. Bring it on.........
Islam
Fascinating article on how a British radical Islamist "changed his ways" (sort of): http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/book_extracts/article1685726.ece
"Moderate" Iranians
Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami is a moderate, right? He's the one was supposed to be open to "dialogue" with the West and Israel, right? Ummmmm, maybe not: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1177251161352&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Ray Nagin
Some people are, as they say, "special". And, by special, I mean "idiotic". Such is the case with Ray Nagin. Now, as someone who lives in the general area of Philadelphia, I will be the first to concede that the city has more than its share of problems. However, the LAST person who should ever criticize Philadelphia is New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin: http://www.nbc10.com/news/12818850/detail.html?dl=mainclick. In comparison to him, John Street looks positively competent...............
Michael Moore
It is a rhetorical question to ask how low this loathesome man can go. His latest thing is to promote Cuba's health care system at the expense of the American one by taking ill 9/11 First Responders to the Communist dictatorship for medical care: http://www.nypost.com/seven/04152007/news/worldnews/moores_sicko_stunt_worldnews_janon_fisher.htm. Never mind that by doing so you are providing free positive publicity to a totalitarian despot. And, I'd like to see a comparison of contributions made by the Cuban health care system to advances in medicine as opposed to those of American medical doctors and researchers. I don't have the information at hand, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's a pretty one-sided comparison.
San Francisco
Stories like this are examples of why San Francisco is regarded with disdain by the rest of the country: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/22/BAGADPDGNF18.DTL. I mean, it's nice that San Francisco already governs itself like it is not part of the rest of the country, but maybe the time has come for the rest of California (and the country, for that matter) to call the city on it bluff. Let 'em have a vote and once they decide to secede, we can all collectively say "see ya".............
Afghanistan
Disappointingly, there is a movement afoot in my homeland of Canada to set a "deadline" for the withdrawal of all Canadian troops from Afghanistan: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/04/24/liberal-motion.html. The problem, the way I see it, is that many Canadians simply don't see terrorism as being a problem for them. Some of this belief can be ascribed to nothing more than simple naivete. However, there is also an element of anti-Americanism at work here, too. Some Canadians--and I am NOT saying that this is a majority or even a large minority of people--view terrorism as being an American problem, and since it is the actions of the U.S. which have caused terrorism, why should Canadian blood be spilled in Afghanistan? Of course, this is foolish, but that persistent streak of anti-Americanism must not be discounted in analyzing situations like this.
UPDATE (April 25, 11:11 a.m.): The resolution has been defeated, thankfully: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070425/D8ONBCB80.html. Are we in the West really that lacking in resolve????
UPDATE (April 25, 11:11 a.m.): The resolution has been defeated, thankfully: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070425/D8ONBCB80.html. Are we in the West really that lacking in resolve????
I'm going to be rich (again)!!!!
Amazingly, the BHG has won yet ANOTHER lottery which he did not enter! So, blogging will be light while I go collect my winnings................
LAKEFIELD LOTTO SUMMER AWARD.
Attn:-Winner,
We are pleased to inform you of the release of the long awaited results of the Lakefield Lotto International Promotions Lottery programmes draws held on the 14th April, 2007.You were entered unaware as an independent participants with: Super Winning Number:-851-607 and Serial Number:-305-6306.Your email address attached to Lucky Draw Number: -
13,14,23,38,41,-43. With Bonus Number: ZZ (19)-SZ (8) which consequently won the Lakefield Lotto International Promotions Lottery programmes draws in the 3rd category.
You have been approved for a payment of the sum US$850,000.00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars.) in cash credited to file Reference Number: DEU/LC 993-5705. This is from a total cash prize of US$8,500,000.00{Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars}
shared among the Ten International winners in the 3rd categories. All participants were randomly selected through a computer ballot system drawn from 35,000 names of email users around the world, as part of their yearly international promotion program ,this programme is sponsored by the conglomeration of multi national Companies in Europe.
Due to mix up of some names and addresses, we urge you to keep this winning personal and discreet until your claims have been processed and your funds remitted to you, this is part of our security measures to avoid double claiming or unwarranted abuse of the system by other participants or impersonators. Your winning prize sum is now deposited in a special account with the OFFICIAL approved European Bank based in Holland-Netherlands-Bank-POST BANK NL. To begin your claim, DO NOT contact us; instead contact the approved paying bank as they will guide you step by step until your winning prize is paid to you.
Contact Person:
Mr. Robinson Smith.
(Processing Department Post Bank NL)
Centurion Bouwmeestraat 123, 1065 BB Amsterdam - Netherlands.
Email address: - lakefdpostbanknl@aim.com
Fax:-0031-847373357.
{For Inquire, Contact the Above Processing Officer}.
Also give him the following information:-
(1) YOUR FULL NAMES:-
(2) CONTACT STREET ADDRESS:-
(3) TELEPHONE NUMBERS-OFFICE/MOBILE:-
(4) FAX NUMBER:-
(5) OCCUPATION:-
(6) YOUR AGE:-
REF Number: DEU/LC- 993-5705.
BATCH No: - EWD/LT- 0238060
Your security file number is 2007/WIN/21767(keep personal).Remember, your winning must be claimed not later than 15th May, 2007.Failure to claim your winning prize will obviously mean that your winning prize will be re-staked in our next lottery draws, so ensure that the needful is done now and quickly too. Once again, accept our profound and sincere
congratulations on your winning.
Yours Sincerely,
Ms.Gertraud Alexis
{Online Co-Ordinator}.
LAKEFIELD LOTTO SUMMER AWARD.
Attn:-Winner,
We are pleased to inform you of the release of the long awaited results of the Lakefield Lotto International Promotions Lottery programmes draws held on the 14th April, 2007.You were entered unaware as an independent participants with: Super Winning Number:-851-607 and Serial Number:-305-6306.Your email address attached to Lucky Draw Number: -
13,14,23,38,41,-43. With Bonus Number: ZZ (19)-SZ (8) which consequently won the Lakefield Lotto International Promotions Lottery programmes draws in the 3rd category.
You have been approved for a payment of the sum US$850,000.00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars.) in cash credited to file Reference Number: DEU/LC 993-5705. This is from a total cash prize of US$8,500,000.00{Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars}
shared among the Ten International winners in the 3rd categories. All participants were randomly selected through a computer ballot system drawn from 35,000 names of email users around the world, as part of their yearly international promotion program ,this programme is sponsored by the conglomeration of multi national Companies in Europe.
Due to mix up of some names and addresses, we urge you to keep this winning personal and discreet until your claims have been processed and your funds remitted to you, this is part of our security measures to avoid double claiming or unwarranted abuse of the system by other participants or impersonators. Your winning prize sum is now deposited in a special account with the OFFICIAL approved European Bank based in Holland-Netherlands-Bank-POST BANK NL. To begin your claim, DO NOT contact us; instead contact the approved paying bank as they will guide you step by step until your winning prize is paid to you.
Contact Person:
Mr. Robinson Smith.
(Processing Department Post Bank NL)
Centurion Bouwmeestraat 123, 1065 BB Amsterdam - Netherlands.
Email address: - lakefdpostbanknl@aim.com
Fax:-0031-847373357.
{For Inquire, Contact the Above Processing Officer}.
Also give him the following information:-
(1) YOUR FULL NAMES:-
(2) CONTACT STREET ADDRESS:-
(3) TELEPHONE NUMBERS-OFFICE/MOBILE:-
(4) FAX NUMBER:-
(5) OCCUPATION:-
(6) YOUR AGE:-
REF Number: DEU/LC- 993-5705.
BATCH No: - EWD/LT- 0238060
Your security file number is 2007/WIN/21767(keep personal).Remember, your winning must be claimed not later than 15th May, 2007.Failure to claim your winning prize will obviously mean that your winning prize will be re-staked in our next lottery draws, so ensure that the needful is done now and quickly too. Once again, accept our profound and sincere
congratulations on your winning.
Yours Sincerely,
Ms.Gertraud Alexis
{Online Co-Ordinator}.
Neat Wildlife Video Footage
A link to footage of the extremely rare Sumatran Rhino: www.panda.org/borneorhino.
Jihadists
You want to know how sick these "people" are? They now have 12 year olds committing beheadings. No joke. I've also provided a link to the video. You are forewarned. My thanks to Pamela at Atlas Shrugs for this one..................
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070420/ap_on_re_as/pakistan_child_executioner_1
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=46e_1177179030
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070420/ap_on_re_as/pakistan_child_executioner_1
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=46e_1177179030
Monday, April 23, 2007
NBA Playoffs
Some early surprises in the first round of games, particularly in San Antonio where the Denver Nuggets stole Game 1 against the Spurs. I am not as surprised by the Golden State victory in Dallas in Game 1 of their series, because the Warriors did not lose a game to the Mavericks this season. I still expect Dallas to come back and win the series, but expect that it will go the limit to do so. In the East, well, who cares? The best team in the East is Detroit, and I wouldn't pick the Pistons to beat any of the top five or six teams out west...........
Boris Yeltsin Dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76: http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/04/23/644437.html. Leaving aside the fact that I'm surprised that he made that long, Yeltsin was a seminal figure in the history of the late 20th century. Arguably, he finished off the old Soviet Communism. Did he really, though? The rampant corruption which permeated virtually every level of the Russian government he led resulted to a large degree in the rise to power of current Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former KGB chief who harbors the ill-concealed goal of reviving, at least in part, the old Soviet Empire.
Update: More on the same issue from David Satter of the Wall Street Journal: http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110009983
Update: More on the same issue from David Satter of the Wall Street Journal: http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110009983
British National Union of Journalists' Boycott of Israel, Part Three
Thanks to Solomonia (www.solomonia.com) for this one. Not all British journalists share their colleagues' rabid anti-Israel bias: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3389697,00.html. It's well worth the read.
Iraq's WMD's
They didn't exist, right? They were invented by the Nazi/Neocon/Jewish/Imperialist/Fascist/Colonialist/Haliburton cabal of President Bush, Vice-President Dick Cheyney, Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Feith, et al., to justify toppling Saddam Hussein's regime, which really wasn't so bad anyway, right?
Not so fast...........................
http://www.spectator.co.uk/the-magazine/features/29092/i-found-saddams-wmd-bunkers.thtml
Not so fast...........................
http://www.spectator.co.uk/the-magazine/features/29092/i-found-saddams-wmd-bunkers.thtml
Sunday, April 22, 2007
France
It will be Nicholas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal in the contest for the French Presidency: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/04/22/france.election/index.html. Americans and Israelis would be well advised to watch this election very, very carefully. If Sarkozy wins, they will almost certainly see an improvement in American-French relations, and Israel will also likely see a change for the better in the way it is treated by France. On the other hand, if Royal is elected, you can expect to see, at best, a continuation of the Chirac policies...........
Hurricane Names
Some ethnic groups are unhappy over the names given to hurricanes. To me, this smacks of just so much silliness...............
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=33896
This has been verified by Snopes.com:
http://www.snopes.com/racial/language/hurricane.asp
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=33896
This has been verified by Snopes.com:
http://www.snopes.com/racial/language/hurricane.asp
Why I hate the New York Times
We have all come to expect anti-Israel, anti-American propaganda out of what is still considered the leading newspaper in the United States. This is why I very rarely read it. However, my business meetings this weekend had me staying at a hotel which provided me with a free copy each day. This morning's paper showed again why I hate the paper. The Sunday New York Times is still, I believe, the most widely read newspaper in the entire country, and the "Week in Review" section is the most widely read section. As I was flipping through it, on page 10, was a full page ad/solicitation for the Council on National Interest, the rabidly anti-Israel, anti-Semitic "think tank". The ad/solicitation further encouraged Nancy Pelosi to follow up on her visit to Damascus with one to Tehran, though FIRST it advocated an end to "Israeli Apartheid in Palestine". Unbelievable. Apparently, the powers-that-be at the New York Times must have felt as though running this ad met the definition of free speech. That was not the end of it. On page 13, everyone's favourite America-hater, Tony Judt, has an Op-Ed singing the praises of Jacques Chirac.
And then the Times wonders why it is hemorrhaging readers................
And then the Times wonders why it is hemorrhaging readers................
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Hockey Talk
So, the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders have followed the Altanta Thrashers into playoff oblivion, and are now making tee time reservations. I am not surprised by Nashville's quick playoff exit; the Predators' record is largely inflated by getting to play 24 games a season against Chicago, Columbus and St. Louis, who collectively are invariably among the worst teams in the NHL (and that trade for Peter Forsberg did wonders for the team, didn't it?). Though I expect the Detroit Red Wings to eliminate the Calgary Flames, don't be shocked if the Red Wings go down in the next round, because their win total, like the Predators', is artificially high because of the division in which they play. Right now, no team is playing better out west than the San Jose Sharks, and that is a team which has all the tools to bring the State of California its first Stanley Cup title.
In the East, the Ottawa Senators dispatched the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Pens fans should by no means despair. The future of that team is so bright that, barring injuries and unexpected free agent departures, it could win several Stanley Cup titles. Maybe this is finally the year that the Ottawa Senators break through and get the Stanley Cup finals, but a second round series against (probably) the New Jersey Devils will pose quite a challenge. As well, the likely matchup of the red hot New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres is no slam dunk. No team is playing better than New York right now, and painful as it may be for Hockey fans in my area to accept, an Eastern Conference Final featuring the Devils and the Rangers is a very real possibility.
All in all, it should be fun to watch..............
In the East, the Ottawa Senators dispatched the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Pens fans should by no means despair. The future of that team is so bright that, barring injuries and unexpected free agent departures, it could win several Stanley Cup titles. Maybe this is finally the year that the Ottawa Senators break through and get the Stanley Cup finals, but a second round series against (probably) the New Jersey Devils will pose quite a challenge. As well, the likely matchup of the red hot New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres is no slam dunk. No team is playing better than New York right now, and painful as it may be for Hockey fans in my area to accept, an Eastern Conference Final featuring the Devils and the Rangers is a very real possibility.
All in all, it should be fun to watch..............
Business Related Website
The joy that is my weekend-long business meeting continues, but at least I found a great website: www.despair.com.
Friday, April 20, 2007
British National Union of Journalists' Boycott of Israel, Part Two
How absurd is this boycott? Even the MANCHESTER GUARDIAN is criticizing it, for crying out loud!!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,2061809,00.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,2061809,00.html
Our good friends, the Saudis
Great Op-Ed on the power that our "stong ally", Saudi Arabia, exerts over U.S. foreign policy: http://harpers.org/archive/2007/04/jrm-pubnote-20070417
President Jimmy Carter
President Peanut Farmer is advising voters to stay away from politicians who he sees as "Pro-Israel": http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IA_CARTER_BOOK_IOWA_IAOL-?SITE=IAIOP&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT.
Are there no depths to which this man will not sink?
Are there no depths to which this man will not sink?
April 20: An Inauspicious Day In History
April 20 is Hitler's birthday. It is also eight years to day after Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris engaged in their murderous spree at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. And it is just four days after Seung Hui Cho massacred 32 innocents at Virginia Tech. All in all, a somber date........
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Iraq
What the hell, why wait for the Surge to even be completed? Let's surrender NOW and get it over with. Geez........................
http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/04/19/641527.html&cvqh=itn_reid
http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/04/19/641527.html&cvqh=itn_reid
British National Union of Journalists' Boycott of Israel
Two different takes on this decision, both of which I support:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04182007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/brits_new_snit_opedcolumnists_zev_chafets.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/michael_gove/article1666526.ece
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04182007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/brits_new_snit_opedcolumnists_zev_chafets.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/michael_gove/article1666526.ece
Blogging.........
...........will be light over the next four days as I attend to work-related matters. I'll try to update the blog as often as I can!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The JJJJJJJEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Did IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, they did! They kidnapped and killed BBC journalist Alan Johnston because THAT suits their nefarious Jewish goals! If you don't believe me, just check out the blog entry from this British "journalist": http://alanhartdiary.blogspot.com/2007/04/if-alan-johnston-is-dead-who-really-was.html. For more information on this creep, read the bio which is on the right side of his webpage.
The Planet of Quebec
American and international readers (I KNOW that you're out there!!) of this Blog may not be familiar with the linguistic morass that is Quebec. Quebec is a majority French-speaking province in a majority English-speaking country (Canada). Since the 1970s, Quebec voters have periodically alternated between electing separatist and "federalist" (translation: closet separatist) governments, with the "federalists" currently in power right now. However, regardless of who is in power, both of the previously dominant major provincial parties (the Liberals and the Parti Quebecois, whose role may have been usurped by a third party, the Action Democratique Quebecois) have enacted legislation which has promoted the "rights" of the French majority and which have eroded those of the English-speaking minority. By way of example, try finding the English language on a major business sign--you won't be able to do so.
In any event, a form of institutionalized discrimination has set in. The most recent and sad example of this can be found in this article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=joyce/070418&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos1. Read the article and ask yourself whether there is any doubt in your mind that the ONLY reason that this poor young boy was banned was because he was English. If his name were Marcel Tremblay, or some other typically French name, he would have been allowed to play, plain and simple.
In any event, a form of institutionalized discrimination has set in. The most recent and sad example of this can be found in this article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=joyce/070418&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos1. Read the article and ask yourself whether there is any doubt in your mind that the ONLY reason that this poor young boy was banned was because he was English. If his name were Marcel Tremblay, or some other typically French name, he would have been allowed to play, plain and simple.
Global Warming
I equivocate on this issue, though I tend to fall onto the treehugger side of the debate. With that in mind, there has been a lot of talk about how hurricanes may become more frequent and intense because of global warming. However, there is a (growing) school of thought which is now suggesting that the converse may be true: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/research/2007-04-17-globalwarming-hurricanes_N.htm?csp=34. Check it out..............
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Wonderfu article on Frontage Magazine's website on the insidious force that is CAIR. It can be found at http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=27802. If you want a great insight into what this organization has done in terms of defending truly bad people, read it all.
Israel
This was truly inevitable. Lebanon is preparing a case that would seek war reparations from Israel for last summer's Second Lebanon War: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N16335479.htm. I have little doubt that the demand will be well received in Europe, because we already know how the Europeans feel about Israel's "disproportionate" use of force against Hezbollah.
The demonization of the Jewish State continues.............
The demonization of the Jewish State continues.............
Iran
My thanks to the fabulous Pam at Atlas Shrugs (on my blogroll) for this story on Iran: http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=261702585281471. How in the world can Tom Lantos, Nancy Pelosi, and the so-called "Realists" say that we should be talking to these people? I'm not saying that we should be getting an invasion fleet together, but for crying out loud, how in the world can anyone say that this most odious of regimes should be rewarded with any form of legitimacy? It's absolutely amazing. They threaten, provoke, and engage in outright acts of war, and we in the West do (at best) nothing..................
You wanted hatred of President Bush?
I'll give you hatred of President Bush: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-417characteroped,0,5710002.story?coll=sfla-news-opinion. It never fails to amaze me how so many people loathe him, loathe his policies, etc., despite being completely unaffected by them. He arouses the same mindless antipathy from the Angry Left that President Clinton aroused from the equally mindless far right. I have no patience for either, frankly...................
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
From the "We never seem to learn our lessons" Department
This story needs to play out a little bit more, but MSNBC is reporting on an informal meeting between the U.S. and a representative of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18109236/site/newsweek/.
Looks like the so-called "Realists" at the State Department are carrying the day..............
Looks like the so-called "Realists" at the State Department are carrying the day..............
Hockey
I know that I am biased, but to me, there is little in professional sports that I find more enjoyable than the Stanley Cup playoffs. Other than the Anaheim-Minnesota matchup, which the Ducks lead 3-0, and Detroit-Calgary, in which the Red Wings have rolled to a 2-0 lead, the series' have been been extremely competitive. San Jose-Nashville, which the Sharks lead 2-1, has become downright nasty, setting the stage for a rivalry that will almost certainly go well beyond this season. The New York Islanders have not rolled over and played dead for the Buffalo Sabres, and Buffalo has been hard-pressed to forge a 2-1 lead. Ottawa leads Pittsburgh by that same margin, though the Senators have to be kicking themselves for being one bad period (the third period of Game Two) away from 3-0 series lead.
If you're a Hockey fan, it doesn't get much better than this (unless, of course, you're a Montreal and Philadelphia fan like me and your teams did not even make the playoffs this season).
If you're a Hockey fan, it doesn't get much better than this (unless, of course, you're a Montreal and Philadelphia fan like me and your teams did not even make the playoffs this season).
MLB Top Five and Bottom Five This Week
TOP FIVE
1) Los Angeles Dodgers (9-4): The Dodgers have feasted on their division rivals so far this season, going 8-2 against the rest of the National League West.
2) New York Mets (7-4): The Mets will be a playoff team come the end of the season.
3) Detroit Tigers (8-5): The Tigers have to prove that last season was not a fluke.
4) Boston Red Sox (7-4): I still question the Red Sox' pitching, particularly their bullpen.
5) Atlanta Braves (8-4): The question for the Braves is whether last season was just one bad season or a harbinger of bad seasons to come.
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Washington Nationals (4-9): This franchise can't lose enough games as far as I am concerned.
2) Kansas City Royals (3-10): Phenom third baseman Alex Gordon has looked woefully overmatched in the early going this season.
3) San Francisco Giants (4-7): The Giants are still smarting from their sweep the other week at the hands of archrival Los Angeles.
4) Philadelphia Phillies (3-8): Everyone agreed that the one thing the Phillies could NOT afford to do was to get off to a bad start yet again. Well, their record speaks for itself.
5) Colorado Rockies (5-8): New season, same old Rockies.
1) Los Angeles Dodgers (9-4): The Dodgers have feasted on their division rivals so far this season, going 8-2 against the rest of the National League West.
2) New York Mets (7-4): The Mets will be a playoff team come the end of the season.
3) Detroit Tigers (8-5): The Tigers have to prove that last season was not a fluke.
4) Boston Red Sox (7-4): I still question the Red Sox' pitching, particularly their bullpen.
5) Atlanta Braves (8-4): The question for the Braves is whether last season was just one bad season or a harbinger of bad seasons to come.
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Washington Nationals (4-9): This franchise can't lose enough games as far as I am concerned.
2) Kansas City Royals (3-10): Phenom third baseman Alex Gordon has looked woefully overmatched in the early going this season.
3) San Francisco Giants (4-7): The Giants are still smarting from their sweep the other week at the hands of archrival Los Angeles.
4) Philadelphia Phillies (3-8): Everyone agreed that the one thing the Phillies could NOT afford to do was to get off to a bad start yet again. Well, their record speaks for itself.
5) Colorado Rockies (5-8): New season, same old Rockies.
NBA Top Five and Bottom Five this week
TOP FIVE
1) Dallas Mavericks (#1, 66-14): It's just a matter of tinkering for the Mavs to find just the right chemistry as the playoffs loom.
2) Phoenix Suns (#3, 61-20): The Suns have secured the very important home court advantage in their anticipated second round matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
3) San Antonio Spurs (#2, 58-23): Two late losses have left San Antonio looking at home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs only.
4) Houston Rockets (#4, 52-29): Houston will play Utah in the first round of the playoffs, and the way the two teams are going (the Rockets are red hot, the Jazz, with losses in seven of their last ten games, are most definitely not), Houston could very swell sweep the series.
5) Toronto Raptors (no ranking, 47-33): The Craptors no more. Toronto will be dangerous come playoff time in the weak Eastern Conference.
Dropped out: Utah Jazz (#5)
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Boston Celtics (#1, 24-57): Red Auerbach must be rolling over in his grave at the way this team is playing.
2) Memphis Grizzlies (#2, 21-60): I can't help but think that the University of Memphis basketball team could give the Grizzlies a good game.
3) New York Knicks (no ranking, 32-49): So many bad teams, so little time. I can't stand Isiah Thomas or Steve Francis, so it it pains me not at all to see the Knicks struggling like this.
4) Minnesota Timberwolves (no ranking, 32-49): Was it really just a few seasons ago that the T-Wolves won 60 games and almost made it to the NBA championship series?
5) Seattle Supersonics (no ranking, 31-50): The only thing "super" about this team is its ever-growing loss total.
Dropped out: Milwaukee Bucks (#3), Sacramento Kings (#4), Atlanta Hawks (#5).
1) Dallas Mavericks (#1, 66-14): It's just a matter of tinkering for the Mavs to find just the right chemistry as the playoffs loom.
2) Phoenix Suns (#3, 61-20): The Suns have secured the very important home court advantage in their anticipated second round matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
3) San Antonio Spurs (#2, 58-23): Two late losses have left San Antonio looking at home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs only.
4) Houston Rockets (#4, 52-29): Houston will play Utah in the first round of the playoffs, and the way the two teams are going (the Rockets are red hot, the Jazz, with losses in seven of their last ten games, are most definitely not), Houston could very swell sweep the series.
5) Toronto Raptors (no ranking, 47-33): The Craptors no more. Toronto will be dangerous come playoff time in the weak Eastern Conference.
Dropped out: Utah Jazz (#5)
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Boston Celtics (#1, 24-57): Red Auerbach must be rolling over in his grave at the way this team is playing.
2) Memphis Grizzlies (#2, 21-60): I can't help but think that the University of Memphis basketball team could give the Grizzlies a good game.
3) New York Knicks (no ranking, 32-49): So many bad teams, so little time. I can't stand Isiah Thomas or Steve Francis, so it it pains me not at all to see the Knicks struggling like this.
4) Minnesota Timberwolves (no ranking, 32-49): Was it really just a few seasons ago that the T-Wolves won 60 games and almost made it to the NBA championship series?
5) Seattle Supersonics (no ranking, 31-50): The only thing "super" about this team is its ever-growing loss total.
Dropped out: Milwaukee Bucks (#3), Sacramento Kings (#4), Atlanta Hawks (#5).
Minneapolis Cabbies
This is a story that has troubled me for some time. On one hand, the knee-jerk reaction is to think that no one should have to compromise their religious principles for their job, but that analysis can't and shouldn't end there. Yahoo is reporting that the organization in Minneapolis which is in charge of airport cabs has enacted a new discipline system for cabbies who refuse to transport passengers carrying alcohol: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070416/ap_on_re_us/muslim_cabbies_alcohol. Approximately 70% of those cabbies are Muslim. What I have never understood is how picking up a passenger who has alcoohol in any way violates Islam. No one is making these cabbies drink the stuff. The next question is, where would they go next? Would they start refusing to carry passengers who had pork products? What if a passenger identified him- or herself as Israeli?
As an aside, you can bet the bank on CAIR getting involved in this very shortly.............
As an aside, you can bet the bank on CAIR getting involved in this very shortly.............
Monday, April 16, 2007
Virginia Tech Shootings
This story is still developing so I may be updating this post, or creating supplemental posts on the same subject. As I write this, all of the news services are reporting that at least 31 people have been shot to death, and 17 more wounded in shootings at the Virginia Tech University campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. No one has yet given any great detail as to the identity of the shooter, though one report described him as "Asian, with a maroon cap and black leather jacket", and ABC News is reporting the gunman took his own life. For what it's worth, it never entered my mind until I heard it on a talk show that this might be a case of "sudden jihad", and I doubt very, very much that such will turn out to be the case.
I am never sure what to make of these mass killings beyond the obvious, self-evident conclusion that they are horrible events and that my heart goes out to the victims and their families. Still, the talk shows are already filled with callers who are screeching about blame, causes, etc. The gun control advocates and the NRA supporters are already spouting off, as are those who blame video games for every ill in our society. I would prefer to let the dust settle before any of those determinations are made, and this brings up one other point. The president of Virginia Tech University almost immediately issued a statement that there will be a ceremony tomorrow so that the "healing can begin". To me, this smacks of just so much psycho-babble. It's nonsense. What is this rush to "heal"? Can't we come to terms with what happened first (the who, the why, etc.)?
Update (5:20 p.m.): Both MSNBC and Fox News have increased the death toll to 32, not including the gunman.
Update (7:30 a.m. April 17): The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the shooter may have been from China: http://www.suntimes.com/news/343354,vatech041607.article. As well, the wounded total is now up to 28. Simply awful..............
Update (7:45 a.m.): The gunman was a student at Virginia Tech: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070417/ap_on_re_us/virginia_tech_shooting
Update (8:18 a.m.): Predictably, there is a hue and a cry about the "American Gun Culture": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18149774/. Given that preliminary indications are that the shooter was NOT American and had been in this country for less than eight months, this seems to me like it would fall neatly into the "rush to judgment" category................
Update (9:30 a.m.): ABC News is reporting that the gunman was a permanent resident from South Korea by the name of Seung Hui Cho. http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3048108. He apparently left a very disturbing note before he committed his horrific crime. One thing that has become pretty clear is that there was no link here to organized terrorism.
Update (9:43 a.m.): An Israeli professor was among the victims: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3388753,00.html.
Update (12:22 p.m.) ABC News has updated its report to indicate that the shooter bought his first gun on March 13, over a month before his massacre. http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/04/first_gun_bough.html. Clearly, this was something that was a long time in the making............
Update (3:25 p.m.): AOL is providing a link to a blog entry supposedly from a classmate of the gunman in which he describes plays purportedly written by Seung Hui Cho: http://newsbloggers.aol.com/2007/04/17/cho-seung-huis-plays/. This gets more bizarre by the minute.
Update (6:50 p.m.): More from ABC News. This time it's a touching portrait of two of the deceased heroes of yesterday's massacre: http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3049678&page=1. The first is of that same Holocaust survivor who gave his life so that his students could escape. Heart-rending...........
Update (6:35 a.m., April 18): Obvious error in one of my earlier posts; Seung Hui Cho had been in this country for about 15 years. So, the debate about the so-called "gun culture" is a fair one. I'll have more to say about this issue in a future post, and what I have to say may very well surprise some of you................
Update (6:50 a.m.): Today's Wall Street Journal Editorial on the massacre: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009956.
Update (7:17 a.m.): Sigh. I've avoided this until I saw it in at least one print outlet's online edition, but here it is: http://www.nypost.com/seven/04172007/news/nationalnews/va__tech_killer_revealed_nationalnews_.htm?page=2. Seung Hui Cho had the name "Ismail Ax" written in red on one of his arms. Of course, Ismail Ax is and Islamic name, though there is no indication anywhere that I've seen that Cho was either a Moslem or had converted. Still, I do find it strange that for the most part, this whole "issue" has been ignored by the MSM..................
Updated (8:09 p.m.): This wack job sent a video to NBC news in between killings: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18169776/. If he wanted to die and had a persecution complex, fine. Why did he have to take 32 innocent lives with him?
Updated (1:11 p.m., April 19): A lot of people are questioning NBC's decision (followed by the other networks) to air the footage of Seung Hui Cho which he mailed to NBC after the first murders, http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/04/19/video-virginia.html. I have to say that I understand those concerns, and in fact agree with them. Did we, the public, REALLY need to see that footage?
I am never sure what to make of these mass killings beyond the obvious, self-evident conclusion that they are horrible events and that my heart goes out to the victims and their families. Still, the talk shows are already filled with callers who are screeching about blame, causes, etc. The gun control advocates and the NRA supporters are already spouting off, as are those who blame video games for every ill in our society. I would prefer to let the dust settle before any of those determinations are made, and this brings up one other point. The president of Virginia Tech University almost immediately issued a statement that there will be a ceremony tomorrow so that the "healing can begin". To me, this smacks of just so much psycho-babble. It's nonsense. What is this rush to "heal"? Can't we come to terms with what happened first (the who, the why, etc.)?
Update (5:20 p.m.): Both MSNBC and Fox News have increased the death toll to 32, not including the gunman.
Update (7:30 a.m. April 17): The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the shooter may have been from China: http://www.suntimes.com/news/343354,vatech041607.article. As well, the wounded total is now up to 28. Simply awful..............
Update (7:45 a.m.): The gunman was a student at Virginia Tech: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070417/ap_on_re_us/virginia_tech_shooting
Update (8:18 a.m.): Predictably, there is a hue and a cry about the "American Gun Culture": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18149774/. Given that preliminary indications are that the shooter was NOT American and had been in this country for less than eight months, this seems to me like it would fall neatly into the "rush to judgment" category................
Update (9:30 a.m.): ABC News is reporting that the gunman was a permanent resident from South Korea by the name of Seung Hui Cho. http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3048108. He apparently left a very disturbing note before he committed his horrific crime. One thing that has become pretty clear is that there was no link here to organized terrorism.
Update (9:43 a.m.): An Israeli professor was among the victims: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3388753,00.html.
Update (12:22 p.m.) ABC News has updated its report to indicate that the shooter bought his first gun on March 13, over a month before his massacre. http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/04/first_gun_bough.html. Clearly, this was something that was a long time in the making............
Update (3:25 p.m.): AOL is providing a link to a blog entry supposedly from a classmate of the gunman in which he describes plays purportedly written by Seung Hui Cho: http://newsbloggers.aol.com/2007/04/17/cho-seung-huis-plays/. This gets more bizarre by the minute.
Update (6:50 p.m.): More from ABC News. This time it's a touching portrait of two of the deceased heroes of yesterday's massacre: http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3049678&page=1. The first is of that same Holocaust survivor who gave his life so that his students could escape. Heart-rending...........
Update (6:35 a.m., April 18): Obvious error in one of my earlier posts; Seung Hui Cho had been in this country for about 15 years. So, the debate about the so-called "gun culture" is a fair one. I'll have more to say about this issue in a future post, and what I have to say may very well surprise some of you................
Update (6:50 a.m.): Today's Wall Street Journal Editorial on the massacre: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009956.
Update (7:17 a.m.): Sigh. I've avoided this until I saw it in at least one print outlet's online edition, but here it is: http://www.nypost.com/seven/04172007/news/nationalnews/va__tech_killer_revealed_nationalnews_.htm?page=2. Seung Hui Cho had the name "Ismail Ax" written in red on one of his arms. Of course, Ismail Ax is and Islamic name, though there is no indication anywhere that I've seen that Cho was either a Moslem or had converted. Still, I do find it strange that for the most part, this whole "issue" has been ignored by the MSM..................
Updated (8:09 p.m.): This wack job sent a video to NBC news in between killings: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18169776/. If he wanted to die and had a persecution complex, fine. Why did he have to take 32 innocent lives with him?
Updated (1:11 p.m., April 19): A lot of people are questioning NBC's decision (followed by the other networks) to air the footage of Seung Hui Cho which he mailed to NBC after the first murders, http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/04/19/video-virginia.html. I have to say that I understand those concerns, and in fact agree with them. Did we, the public, REALLY need to see that footage?
Venezuela
Where Fidel Castro left off, Hugo Chavez has picked up, though I don't think that even Castro was ever this overtly bellicose towards the United States.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-04-15-iran-nuclear_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-04-15-iran-nuclear_N.htm
Fireboming of Montreal Jewish Institutions
Here is the article from Canada's CBC on the two individuals who the police arrested. BIG shock as to their "ethnicity". Of course, it probably gave the CBC great pain to report this.........
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2007/04/13/arrests-jewish.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2007/04/13/arrests-jewish.html
The TRUTH about Don Imus
This is from Pravda, so it MUST be true. The scary thing is, people will read it and believe it..................
http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/89728-0/
http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/89728-0/
More "Love" for Israel out of Europe
H/T to Pam at Atlas Shrugs for this one. British journalists (through the umbrella organization "National Union of Journalists") have voted to boycotto Israeli good because of Israel's actions during last summer's war in Lebanon. See the story at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1176152792457&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull. Funny how there is no similar call for a boycotto of Lebanese, Syrian or Iranian goods on their part. Don't give me any B.S. that this is "anti-Israel". This IS anti-Semitic, plain and simple........................
P.S. Here is a great blog entry from Toby Harnden, a foreign reporter for London's Telegraph newspaper, on his view of what the NUJ did (hint: It's not too good): http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/foreign/tobyharnden/april07/savageisrael.htm
P.S. Here is a great blog entry from Toby Harnden, a foreign reporter for London's Telegraph newspaper, on his view of what the NUJ did (hint: It's not too good): http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/foreign/tobyharnden/april07/savageisrael.htm
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Serial murder is okay if the victims are engaged in "un-Islamic" activity
Stories like this make me wonder if the Mullahs who run Iran are really from the same planet as me: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,266203,00.html. I really don't see how this type of thinking can be seen as anything other than insane............
Hockey Talk
I just got done watching the Detroit Red Wings effortless 3-1 win over the (to this point) completely overmatched Calgary Flames. I was one of those who while not predicting a Calgary win did think that Detroit would be in for a battle. That may still end up being the case, but through the first two games (both Detroit wins), the Red Wings have outscored the Flames 7-2 and outshot them by the stunning margin of 97-35. If not for the stellar play of all-world goalie Mikka Kipprusoff, the two games could each easily have ended up 8-1.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Spain
Hmmm, wasn't Spain's decision to pull its troops out of Iraq supposed to decrease the threat of terrorism against that country? Read the following article, http://www.eux.tv/article.aspx?articleId=6283. Surprise, surprise, that strategy doesn't seem to have worked all that well. The lesson I take from this is that even if the angry left in this country has its way and we pull all of our trips out of Iraq IMMEDIATELY, that won't pacify the Islamofascists. Of course, I doubt that the Democrats are listening anyway, since their position on Iraq has everything to do with political expediency and nothing to do with reality............
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Don Imus, Part Four
This sad situation has played out to its inevitable end this afternoon, with CBS radio firing Don Imus from his show. I will stress again that I am NOT a fan of the I-Man, or the sycophants on his show. However, how what happened to him can be seen as anything other than a witch hunt is beyond me. That two racist, race-baiters like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson can be considered arbiters of anyone else's behaviour is beyond me. That Imus' foul comments merited his losing his job (while he was in the midst of raising money for a ranch where he hosts kids who have cancer no less) while black rappers and comedians use language that blows away anything Imus ever said is beyond me. That Keith Olbermann did everything but cackle with glee as he announced Imus' firing by MSNBC and then listed "who's next" and no one said a word to him is beyond me. That all of the various talking heads--Chris Matthews, Tim Russert, Andrea Mitchell, Pat Buchanan, etc., etc.--who used his show to promote books, appearances, and the like, watched this whole circus over the last week and said nothing is beyond me.
All in all, I am completely disgusted............
P.S. For a viewpoint that is out of the mainstream (but does come from an African American), see this great piece from Jason Whitlock, a sportswriter in Kansas City and a semi-regular on ESPN's The Sports Reporters: http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html
All in all, I am completely disgusted............
P.S. For a viewpoint that is out of the mainstream (but does come from an African American), see this great piece from Jason Whitlock, a sportswriter in Kansas City and a semi-regular on ESPN's The Sports Reporters: http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html
Don Imus, Part Three
So now we have Jesse Jackson on Keith Olbermann's show (see the link at http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=d00e637a-a6a9-40c1-b63d-6935a448a10a&f=00&fg=email). Olbermann, on yesterday's show, drew up an actual hitlist of who should be "next". Shocker of shockers, ALL of the "targets" were conservatives and/or Republicans, beginning with Rush Limbaugh, and continuing through Glenn Beck and Neil Boortz. I guess that in the absence of the so-called Fairness Doctrine, this is what the Left in this country has in mind when it talks about "balance". Don Imus is no conservative, mind you, which is what makes this situation somewhat bizarre. Still, you can be sure that the witch hunt is only beginning................
President Jimmy Carter
Readers of this blog will soon discover that I can't stand President James Earl Carter, who will be henceforth referred to as "President Peanut Farmer". We all know about his "Palestine: Peace, not Apartheid" book. Well, here is a link to the magazine published by the Simon Wiesenhal Center, which includes an exchange between President Peanut Farmer and Rabbi Marvin Hier, the head of the Center, as well as a report on Iran's Holocaust Denial Conference.
http://www.wiesenthal.com/atf/cf/%7BDFD2AAC1-2ADE-428A-9263-35234229D8D8%7D/RESPONSE_SPRING_2007.PDF
http://www.wiesenthal.com/atf/cf/%7BDFD2AAC1-2ADE-428A-9263-35234229D8D8%7D/RESPONSE_SPRING_2007.PDF
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
More athletes acting out criminally..............
................only this time, they're getting called out on the carpet for it. Adam "Pacman" Jones and Chris Henry have been suspended for the entire season and eight games, respectively,
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17949870/. These are two bad, bad guys who, if not for athletics, would undoubtedly have been behind bars long ago. The only way to get at them is to hit them in the pocketbook, and I am glad that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is doing the right thing here. These guys are zeros, not heroes.........................
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17949870/. These are two bad, bad guys who, if not for athletics, would undoubtedly have been behind bars long ago. The only way to get at them is to hit them in the pocketbook, and I am glad that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is doing the right thing here. These guys are zeros, not heroes.........................
We've done Damascus. Now, let's visit Teheran!
Congressman Tom Lantos, an outspoken supporter of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's trip to Damascus (I still can't over that shot of her wearing the Hijab. I just can't.), is now advocating a trip to Iran. See the link below for the story. I have to ask, "Is Lantos living on the same planet as me?" He can't be this clueless, can he? What is with Democrats and their bizarre desire to constantly visit with and support this country's enemies? Don't give me the "We talked to the Soviets" argument. It's not at all the same thing. For one, the USSR, evil though its government may have been, was rational in the sense that it did not want either itself or its country to die (hence the concept of "Mutually Assured Destruction"). For another, the Soviets weren't--at least as far as I can recall--actively proclaiming their intention to kill off (by way of analogy) all Poles, or Czechs, or Germans, as Iran is doing with Israel. I have to think that JFK is weeping in his grave at what has become of his party.......................
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/10/BAGV9P6C0S6.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/10/BAGV9P6C0S6.DTL
Duke Lacrosse Case
All charges have just been dismissed against the three Duke students originally accused of rape. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18046103/. What has always amazed me about this case was how quickly the media jumped on these three kids. Now, they have been completely vindicated and exonerated.
One side issue to this story, which ties in with my Imus posts below: If I recall correctly, one of the first people to condemn these kids was none other than the Reverend Al Sharpton, on whose show Don Imus appeared, and who has been outspoken in his calls for Imus' firing. Well, Sharpton's link to a racially-charged non-story is nothing new (anyone else remember the name Tawana Brawley?). Any of you think that Sharpton will issue anything close to the apology that Don Imus issued, and which Sharpton deemed inadequate? Me, neither............
One side issue to this story, which ties in with my Imus posts below: If I recall correctly, one of the first people to condemn these kids was none other than the Reverend Al Sharpton, on whose show Don Imus appeared, and who has been outspoken in his calls for Imus' firing. Well, Sharpton's link to a racially-charged non-story is nothing new (anyone else remember the name Tawana Brawley?). Any of you think that Sharpton will issue anything close to the apology that Don Imus issued, and which Sharpton deemed inadequate? Me, neither............
Don Imus, Part Two
My thanks to Pam at Atlas Shrugs for reminding me of this story: http://www.forward.com/articles/imus-cbs-bosses-money-grubbing-jews/. You see, Don Imus doesn't just insult African Americans. He insults EVERYONE. He is who he is. Racially-offensive remarks are nothing new to the guy. Yet, strangely, I don't recall hearing anyone in the MSM screeching that he should be fired, or advertisers pulling their ads from his show, when he made his comments about Jews. Just saying.......................
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
From the "I couldn't make this up if I tried" Department
Apparently, Israel is the ONLY violator of women's rights, at least according to he U.N. Not Pakistan, where honor killings are still commonplace. Not Saudi Arabia, where women are generally treated like chattel. Not anywhere in the Muslim world, for that matter. Only Israel.
Unbelievable........................
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ODY4NzU5MzRiNGViMjk5MTFjNmY4NDE4YTc1ZTU2NDk=
Unbelievable........................
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ODY4NzU5MzRiNGViMjk5MTFjNmY4NDE4YTc1ZTU2NDk=
Monday, April 9, 2007
Don Imus
I have waited to post on this, while the situation "played itself out" a little bit. As I am sure that all of you are aware, syndicated radio talking head Don Imus, on his show last Wednesday (April 4) was discussing the NCAA Women's Basketball Final, and referred to the Rutgers Women's team as a "nappy-headed ho's". Now, I will be the first to admit that I have no idea what "nappy-headed" means, but it is obviously nothing good. So, a huge kerfuffle has erupted, with both CBS Radio and MSNBC suspending the show for two weeks and all manner of talking heads screaming that Imus should be fired, which is run out of WFAN in New York City.
First of all, Don Imus has made a career out of being an insulting boor, so why would his comments be surprising to anyone? Over his career, he has made it his life's calling out of offending everyone, be they Jews, Women, Hispanics, you name it. Why now is there is such an outcry? Second, the screaming about the language he used seems more than a little hypocritical, considering the fact that you can and will hear much, much worse when you listen to your average rap song. Yet, rappers such as 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and others have made themselves millionaires. Why is it okay (or at the very least, the criticism is fairly muted) for the so-called "rap community" to use language that puts what Don Imus said to shame, but when he says something that is admittedly stupid, his job is on the line? Where are the calls for boycotts of rap artists? I'm just asking............
First of all, Don Imus has made a career out of being an insulting boor, so why would his comments be surprising to anyone? Over his career, he has made it his life's calling out of offending everyone, be they Jews, Women, Hispanics, you name it. Why now is there is such an outcry? Second, the screaming about the language he used seems more than a little hypocritical, considering the fact that you can and will hear much, much worse when you listen to your average rap song. Yet, rappers such as 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and others have made themselves millionaires. Why is it okay (or at the very least, the criticism is fairly muted) for the so-called "rap community" to use language that puts what Don Imus said to shame, but when he says something that is admittedly stupid, his job is on the line? Where are the calls for boycotts of rap artists? I'm just asking............
Nancy Pelosi goes to Damascus, Part Two
Leave it to the Philadelphia Inquirer to publish an Op-Ed PRAISING Nancy Pelosi's ill-advised trip to Damascus (link below). I suppose that the source of the Op-Ed should be considered. The Republicans in general and President George W. Bush in particular have done and can never do anything right in columnist Trudy Rubin's mind. The fact that other notable publications such as the Washington Post and the voice of Lebanon, the Lebanon Star (see the link below, thanks to www.oceanguy.com) disagree completely with her is irrelevant.
In my previous post on the subject, I had focussed on her misstatements about Israel, but it turns out that she was also busy trying to sell out Lebanon. The more that comes out about this trip, the worse it sounds..............
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/6923637.html
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=5&article_id=81211
In my previous post on the subject, I had focussed on her misstatements about Israel, but it turns out that she was also busy trying to sell out Lebanon. The more that comes out about this trip, the worse it sounds..............
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/6923637.html
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=5&article_id=81211
Saturday, April 7, 2007
One P.O.'d Habs Fan..............
..............is what I am right now. It's bad enough that Montreal was eliminated from the playoffs on the last night of the season, but to have it down by the Toronto Maple Leafs is unbearable. All the Canadiens needed to do was get the game to overtime and the Leafs were out. But no, that was apparently a little too much to ask of this collection of gutless weasels. They blow a late second period two goal lead, and give up two third period goals to lose the game 6-5. And once they fell behind, they mustered the grand total of three shots on net. Unbelievable. This has me aggravated enough that I am going to have trouble sleeping tonight..........
P.S. It's now Sunday morning. I'm still ticked off............
P.P.S. It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm still aggravated. I've been reduced to watching the New Jersey Devils-New York Islanders game and hoping that the Islanders somehow win and thereby keep the Leafs out of the playoffs that way...................
P.P.P.S. It took my least favourite aspect of the sport, but the Islanders prevailed 3-2 after a shootout, but not before #&*$^*&@#!! New York gave up the tying goal in regulation with 0.9 seconds left in the game. I nearly had a heart attack. Still, all's well that ends well, and there will be ANOTHER season without a Stanley Cup in Toronto, the city that thinks it invented the sport of Hockey. Heh heh heh...........
P.S. It's now Sunday morning. I'm still ticked off............
P.P.S. It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm still aggravated. I've been reduced to watching the New Jersey Devils-New York Islanders game and hoping that the Islanders somehow win and thereby keep the Leafs out of the playoffs that way...................
P.P.P.S. It took my least favourite aspect of the sport, but the Islanders prevailed 3-2 after a shootout, but not before #&*$^*&@#!! New York gave up the tying goal in regulation with 0.9 seconds left in the game. I nearly had a heart attack. Still, all's well that ends well, and there will be ANOTHER season without a Stanley Cup in Toronto, the city that thinks it invented the sport of Hockey. Heh heh heh...........
University of Florida
As a Gator-hater, it truly pains me to write this, but there is little doubt that the University of Florida is the absolute epicenter of the college sporting world right now. Unquestionably, the two biggest titles in U.S. college sports are the NCAA Tournament Title and the BCS title, and now UF has sandwiched two Tournament titles around a BCS title, victimizing the Ohio State Buckeyes twice in the last three months in order to achieve this feat.
As a University of Miami alum and fan, I don't know that it gets much more painful than this. Oh well, at least they're not from Florida State............
As a University of Miami alum and fan, I don't know that it gets much more painful than this. Oh well, at least they're not from Florida State............
MORE people looking out for my welfare!!
It's nice to know that so many people have my best interests at heart!!! ;-)
From Dr. Colins Beck.(Re: Transfer of $26,000,000.00)(Twenty Six Million USD)Hello,I am Dr.Colind Beck, the Auditor General of C. B.A.O.Bank Of Senegal, during the course of our auditing, I discovered a floating fund in an account opened in the bank in 1990 and since 1993 nobody has operated on this account again.After going through some old files in the records I discovered that the owner of the account died without a [heir] hence the money is floating and if I do not remit this money out urgently it will beforfeited for nothing.The owner of this account is Mr. Loannard Howell, a foreigner, a miner and an industrialist.He made millions of dollars before he died isteriously .Since 1993 no other person knows about this account or any thing concerning it.My investigation proved to me that the account has no other beneficiary and that Mr.Loannard Howell until his death was the manager Howell Coy.(pty). SA. We will start the first transfer with six million dollars [$6,000,000.00] upon successful transaction without any disappoint from your side, we shall re-apply for the payment of the remaining amount to your account.The amount involved is (USD $26M) Twenty six million United States Dollars only. I want to first transfer $6,000.000 [Six million United States Dollar] from this money into a safe foreigners account abroad before the rest, but I don't know any foreigner.I am revealing this to you with believe in God that you will never let me down in this business. Also send your private telephone number and fax number including the full details of the account to be used for the deposit. I need your strong assurance that you will never let me down in this business proposition. With my influence and the position of a bank official whom is working in our favour we can transfer this money to any foreigner's reliable account which you can provide with assurance that this money will be intact pending our physical arrival in your country for sharing.The bank official will destroy all documents of transaction immediately we receive this money leaving no trace to any place and to build confidence you can come immediately to discuss with me face to face after which I will make this remittance in your presence and three of us will fly to your country at least two days ahead of the money going into the account.At the conclusion of this business, you will be given 35% of the total amount, 60% will be for me, while 5% will be for expenses both parties might have incurred during the process of transferring.Reply to my private mail, (colins_1970@yahoo.co.uk )I am waiting for your reply.Best Regards,Dr.COLINS BECK.
From Dr. Colins Beck.(Re: Transfer of $26,000,000.00)(Twenty Six Million USD)Hello,I am Dr.Colind Beck, the Auditor General of C. B.A.O.Bank Of Senegal, during the course of our auditing, I discovered a floating fund in an account opened in the bank in 1990 and since 1993 nobody has operated on this account again.After going through some old files in the records I discovered that the owner of the account died without a [heir] hence the money is floating and if I do not remit this money out urgently it will beforfeited for nothing.The owner of this account is Mr. Loannard Howell, a foreigner, a miner and an industrialist.He made millions of dollars before he died isteriously .Since 1993 no other person knows about this account or any thing concerning it.My investigation proved to me that the account has no other beneficiary and that Mr.Loannard Howell until his death was the manager Howell Coy.(pty). SA. We will start the first transfer with six million dollars [$6,000,000.00] upon successful transaction without any disappoint from your side, we shall re-apply for the payment of the remaining amount to your account.The amount involved is (USD $26M) Twenty six million United States Dollars only. I want to first transfer $6,000.000 [Six million United States Dollar] from this money into a safe foreigners account abroad before the rest, but I don't know any foreigner.I am revealing this to you with believe in God that you will never let me down in this business. Also send your private telephone number and fax number including the full details of the account to be used for the deposit. I need your strong assurance that you will never let me down in this business proposition. With my influence and the position of a bank official whom is working in our favour we can transfer this money to any foreigner's reliable account which you can provide with assurance that this money will be intact pending our physical arrival in your country for sharing.The bank official will destroy all documents of transaction immediately we receive this money leaving no trace to any place and to build confidence you can come immediately to discuss with me face to face after which I will make this remittance in your presence and three of us will fly to your country at least two days ahead of the money going into the account.At the conclusion of this business, you will be given 35% of the total amount, 60% will be for me, while 5% will be for expenses both parties might have incurred during the process of transferring.Reply to my private mail, (colins_1970@yahoo.co.uk
Friday, April 6, 2007
NBA Top Five and Bottom Five this week
TOP FIVE
1) Dallas Mavericks (#1, 62-12): They're having a dream season, but the Mavs will have to answer questions until they win a title.
2) San Antonio Spurs (#2, 54-21): San Antonio might meet Dallas in the second round of the playoffs, which would be an incredible matchup.
3) Phoenix Suns (#3, 56-19): Phoenix has to worry about finding its mojo again before the playoffs start.
4) Houston Rockets (no ranking, 47-28): A team on the rise, but a first round meeting with San Antonio would likely end Houston's post-season hopes in a hurry.
5) Utah Jazz (#5, 48-26): If the Jazz played the Lakers in the first round, I would pick Los Angeles to win the series.
Dropped out: Detroit Pistons (#4)
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Boston Celtics (#1, 23-51): Boston is doing its best to make sure that it gets either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant (assuming that they do declare for the NBA draft, as expected).
2) Memphis Grizzlies (#2, 19-57): Memphis is a staggering 44 games behind Dallas in the Southwest Division.
3) Milwaukee Bucks (#3, 26-48): Milwaukee and Memphis are the only two NBA teams to win as few as one game in their own divisions this season.
4) Sacramento Kings (no ranking, 30-44): There must be something about that Kings name, because the Sacramento NBA franchise is as bad as the Los Angeles NHL franchise.
5) Atlanta Hawks (#4, 27-48): I can't remember the last time the Hawks were truly good.
Dropped out: Indiana Pacers (#5)
1) Dallas Mavericks (#1, 62-12): They're having a dream season, but the Mavs will have to answer questions until they win a title.
2) San Antonio Spurs (#2, 54-21): San Antonio might meet Dallas in the second round of the playoffs, which would be an incredible matchup.
3) Phoenix Suns (#3, 56-19): Phoenix has to worry about finding its mojo again before the playoffs start.
4) Houston Rockets (no ranking, 47-28): A team on the rise, but a first round meeting with San Antonio would likely end Houston's post-season hopes in a hurry.
5) Utah Jazz (#5, 48-26): If the Jazz played the Lakers in the first round, I would pick Los Angeles to win the series.
Dropped out: Detroit Pistons (#4)
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Boston Celtics (#1, 23-51): Boston is doing its best to make sure that it gets either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant (assuming that they do declare for the NBA draft, as expected).
2) Memphis Grizzlies (#2, 19-57): Memphis is a staggering 44 games behind Dallas in the Southwest Division.
3) Milwaukee Bucks (#3, 26-48): Milwaukee and Memphis are the only two NBA teams to win as few as one game in their own divisions this season.
4) Sacramento Kings (no ranking, 30-44): There must be something about that Kings name, because the Sacramento NBA franchise is as bad as the Los Angeles NHL franchise.
5) Atlanta Hawks (#4, 27-48): I can't remember the last time the Hawks were truly good.
Dropped out: Indiana Pacers (#5)
NHL Top Five and Bottom Five This Week
TOP FIVE
1) Detroit Red Wings (#1, 49-19-13): That potential first round playoff matchup with Calgary would have to make Detroit nervous, given how Flames goaltender Mikka Kipprusoff has played of late.
2) Buffalo Sabres (#4, 52-21-7): Clearly the team to beat in the East, and the Sabres will be the only NHL team to score more than 300 goals this season.
3) San Jose Sharks (51-26-4): Shark attack in the West! San Jose is catching fire at exactly the right time.
4) Vancouver Canucks (#5, 48-25-7): New Jersey West continues to play painful-to-watch but effective Hockey.
5) Dallas Stars (#3, 48-25-7): Is this finally the year where goalie Marty Turco lifts his play in the playoffs?
Dropped out: Minnesota Wild (#2)
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Philadelphia Flyers (#1, 21-47-12): The Flyers clinched the number one spot long ago.
2) Edmonton Oilers (#2, 31-43-7): Think that Oilers fans wouldn't like to get their hands on Mrs. Chris Pronger right now?
3) Phoenix Coyotes (#3, 30-45-5): Will someone please shoot this team and put them out of Wayne Gretzky's misery?
4) Boston Bruins (no ranking, 35-40-6): Boston has become "just another team", which doesn't seem right for an Original Six squad.
5) Los Angeles Kings (no ranking, 26-41-14): The Kings get crowned on a nightly basis.
Dropped out: Washington Capitals (#4), Chicago Black Hawks (#5)
1) Detroit Red Wings (#1, 49-19-13): That potential first round playoff matchup with Calgary would have to make Detroit nervous, given how Flames goaltender Mikka Kipprusoff has played of late.
2) Buffalo Sabres (#4, 52-21-7): Clearly the team to beat in the East, and the Sabres will be the only NHL team to score more than 300 goals this season.
3) San Jose Sharks (51-26-4): Shark attack in the West! San Jose is catching fire at exactly the right time.
4) Vancouver Canucks (#5, 48-25-7): New Jersey West continues to play painful-to-watch but effective Hockey.
5) Dallas Stars (#3, 48-25-7): Is this finally the year where goalie Marty Turco lifts his play in the playoffs?
Dropped out: Minnesota Wild (#2)
BOTTOM FIVE
1) Philadelphia Flyers (#1, 21-47-12): The Flyers clinched the number one spot long ago.
2) Edmonton Oilers (#2, 31-43-7): Think that Oilers fans wouldn't like to get their hands on Mrs. Chris Pronger right now?
3) Phoenix Coyotes (#3, 30-45-5): Will someone please shoot this team and put them out of Wayne Gretzky's misery?
4) Boston Bruins (no ranking, 35-40-6): Boston has become "just another team", which doesn't seem right for an Original Six squad.
5) Los Angeles Kings (no ranking, 26-41-14): The Kings get crowned on a nightly basis.
Dropped out: Washington Capitals (#4), Chicago Black Hawks (#5)
Gotta love the E.U.
Read this article to find out how the E.U. nations, including France, Germany and Italy, continued to do business as usual with Iran while it held the kidnapped British troops. It's sickening, quite frankly................
http://www.realite-eu.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=9dJBLLNkGiF&b=2299861&ct=3721969
http://www.realite-eu.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=9dJBLLNkGiF&b=2299861&ct=3721969
Blogging for a living!
Why? Read below the e-mail I just received. I'm about to be rich, so I'll have lots of free time to do this! The fact that I never entered this lottery is irrelevant.
AWARD NOTIFICATION RESULT !!!E.U LOTTO AWARD NETHERLANDSLUCKY NUMBER: 44/42/09-ANL/06 TICKET NUMBER: 67-84-501 YOUR REF NUMBER: AD/GU888/68/06.NHKINDLY RESPOND TO E-MAIL: euresult@aol.comFINAL NOTICE OF WINNING
We are delighted to notify you of the result of the free lotto E.U programsheld on 5th of April, 2007 your email address were attached to one of the ten winning Ticket numbers (67-84-501) - with Game (Number 7387). You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 1,500,000.00euro (One million five Hundred Thousand Euro) CONGRATULATIONS!
All participants were selected through a computer ballot system from oursponsors databases, including over 5,000 companies and 20,000 individual E-mail addresses and names submitted by our agents drawn from Asia, Africa, Europe, North And South America, Oceania and around the world.
To file for your urgent claim, please contact our affiliate agent. CONTACT AGENT : MRS. LUCY HANSE.U LOTTO AWARD AGENCY ROTTERDAM THE NETHERLANDS REPLY E-MAIL: euresult@aol.com Tel: 0031 633 733 265 It is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and to minimize identification difficulties advise you to keep this informationconfidential until your claim is processed successfully and to avoid unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants. All winnings must be claimed not later than 2 weeks upon receipt of this notification, after this date all unclaimed winnings will be null and void. In Order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications remember to quote your ticket number and game numbers in all correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agents as soon as possible. Congratulations once more and thank you for being part of our promotional program.
Yours faithfully
Mrs. Tracy Damwijk
Award Centre Co-coordinator
E.U Lottery International office
NOTE: Do not reply this mail. You are to contact your claims officerimmediately via the provided email address. In order to avoid unnecessarydelays and complications, please remember to quote your reference number inevery one of your correspondences.
AWARD NOTIFICATION RESULT !!!E.U LOTTO AWARD NETHERLANDSLUCKY NUMBER: 44/42/09-ANL/06 TICKET NUMBER: 67-84-501 YOUR REF NUMBER: AD/GU888/68/06.NHKINDLY RESPOND TO E-MAIL: euresult@aol.comFINAL NOTICE OF WINNING
We are delighted to notify you of the result of the free lotto E.U programsheld on 5th of April, 2007 your email address were attached to one of the ten winning Ticket numbers (67-84-501) - with Game (Number 7387). You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 1,500,000.00euro (One million five Hundred Thousand Euro) CONGRATULATIONS!
All participants were selected through a computer ballot system from oursponsors databases, including over 5,000 companies and 20,000 individual E-mail addresses and names submitted by our agents drawn from Asia, Africa, Europe, North And South America, Oceania and around the world.
To file for your urgent claim, please contact our affiliate agent. CONTACT AGENT : MRS. LUCY HANSE.U LOTTO AWARD AGENCY ROTTERDAM THE NETHERLANDS REPLY E-MAIL: euresult@aol.com Tel: 0031 633 733 265 It is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and to minimize identification difficulties advise you to keep this informationconfidential until your claim is processed successfully and to avoid unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants. All winnings must be claimed not later than 2 weeks upon receipt of this notification, after this date all unclaimed winnings will be null and void. In Order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications remember to quote your ticket number and game numbers in all correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agents as soon as possible. Congratulations once more and thank you for being part of our promotional program.
Yours faithfully
Mrs. Tracy Damwijk
Award Centre Co-coordinator
E.U Lottery International office
NOTE: Do not reply this mail. You are to contact your claims officerimmediately via the provided email address. In order to avoid unnecessarydelays and complications, please remember to quote your reference number inevery one of your correspondences.
Nancy Pelosi goes to Damascus
Thanks to Atlas Shrugs for linking to the Washington Post editorial on Speaker of the House Pelosi's pratfalls abroad. You can find it at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306.html. The editorial is particularly striking given the barely-disguised antipathy held by the editorial staff at the Post towards President Bush.
The fact of the matter is that the country should have ONE voice for foreign policy. If the opposing party doesn't like it, well, go win the next election. Speaker Pelosi seems to feel as though as a result of the 2006 mid-term elections she has now been given the title of Shadow President. Worse yet, her naivete and wrong messages are causing more problems, and the picture of her, dhimmi-like, wearing an Islamic head scarf is just appalling.
P.S. More on the same subject from the Wall Street Journal: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009903
The fact of the matter is that the country should have ONE voice for foreign policy. If the opposing party doesn't like it, well, go win the next election. Speaker Pelosi seems to feel as though as a result of the 2006 mid-term elections she has now been given the title of Shadow President. Worse yet, her naivete and wrong messages are causing more problems, and the picture of her, dhimmi-like, wearing an Islamic head scarf is just appalling.
P.S. More on the same subject from the Wall Street Journal: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009903
Thursday, April 5, 2007
The MSM................
...........continues to delude itself. See this article on the alleged "growing pragmatism" of Iran's leadership: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070405/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_willing_to_compromise. It's enough to make a sane person hurl. Let's see, Iran kidnaps British troops from foreign waters, holds them hostage for almost two weeks, scores an incredible PR victory when the Brits go European on Iran and do nothing, and once it has achieved all that it possibly can achieve, it "releases them as a humanitarian gesture". And yet this is hailed by the lapdog, dhimmi-loving MSM as "pragmatism". There is no such thing as a pragmatic member of the Iranian government. It's nauseating, frankly, and a complete oxymoron. Consider it an equivalent to "Gentle Nazi", or maybe "Peaceful Terrorist".
What the Arab States mean by "Peace"
Here is their idea of a peace plan: We tell you what to do, when and how you should do it, and you say "yes". No negotiation, no compromise, nothing. And yet the MSM here in the West is crowing about this so-called "peace initiative"? Am I missing something? Worse yet, note how the article doesn't even mention that the Saudi Peace plan obligates Israel to grant a "right of return" to every single Arab "refugee", which would of course be the end of Israel in relatively short order. The MSM doesn't seem to want to be bothered with that little detail either.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/845088.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/845088.html
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Tax Cuts
This was sent to me in an e-mail today.
Subject: Tax Cuts
CLEAR EXPLANATION OF TAX CUTS
Sometimes politicians, journalists and others exclaim; "It's just a tax cut for the rich!" and it is just accepted to be fact, without questioning it. But what does that really mean? Just in case you are not completely clear and/or do not understand this issue, the following should help, if you are a reasonable person.
Let's put tax cuts in terms everyone can understand. Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1...
The sixth would pay $3...
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in t he bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until on day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20."Drinks for the ten of you now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% > savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 inste ad of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. "I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girl s, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking somewhere else where the atmosphere is friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, PhD
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia
CLEAR EXPLANATION OF TAX CUTS
Subject: Tax Cuts
CLEAR EXPLANATION OF TAX CUTS
Sometimes politicians, journalists and others exclaim; "It's just a tax cut for the rich!" and it is just accepted to be fact, without questioning it. But what does that really mean? Just in case you are not completely clear and/or do not understand this issue, the following should help, if you are a reasonable person.
Let's put tax cuts in terms everyone can understand. Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1...
The sixth would pay $3...
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in t he bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until on day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20."Drinks for the ten of you now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% > savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 inste ad of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. "I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girl s, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking somewhere else where the atmosphere is friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, PhD
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia
CLEAR EXPLANATION OF TAX CUTS
Commando Basset Hounds
This one may set a new "high" in terms of Commando Basset behaviour. Sadie, the smallest of our three bassets, likes to dig. Hence, we have a lot of holes in our backyard, where the commando bassets roam free several times a day. Well, Sadie was digging yet another hole yesterday, and this apparently intrigued Phoebe, who is easily mystified by Sadie's (and everyone else's) activities.
The problems began when Phoebe chose to observe Sadie from right behind Sadie. This meant, of course, that everytime Sadie dug, she would spray dirt in Phoebe's face. This would upset Phoebe, who would proceed to howl at Sadie, which affected Sadie not at all, focussed as she was on her goal of excavating our entire backyard.
Eventually, Phoebe headed over to where Flash was and howled at him, apparently seeking a friendly ear. Flash, using all of his nonexistent mental acuity, must have decided that the situation merited investigation, and he slowly shuffled over to where the digging was going on, being delayed only slightly when he tripped over one of the other holes Sadie had created. Eventually though, he got there, and true to form, he too positioned himself directly behind Sadie, who promptly began to shower him with dirt as well. This upset Flash, who howled at Sadie. Not one to take any guff, Sadie howled right back at him, and Phoebe then added to the cacophony by howling at both other dogs. I couldn't help but think that I was witnessing the canine equivalent of a Pauly Shore or Carrot Top movie (only more intelligent).
At this point, and in an effort to avoid a "Disturbing the Peace" charge, I intervened by bribing the dogs to come into the house with the promise of a dog biscuit. Of course, I have been left with holes in the backyard large enough to swallow a Ford Excursion, but that is a small price to pay for the privilege of owning the three dumbest dogs in the world...................
The problems began when Phoebe chose to observe Sadie from right behind Sadie. This meant, of course, that everytime Sadie dug, she would spray dirt in Phoebe's face. This would upset Phoebe, who would proceed to howl at Sadie, which affected Sadie not at all, focussed as she was on her goal of excavating our entire backyard.
Eventually, Phoebe headed over to where Flash was and howled at him, apparently seeking a friendly ear. Flash, using all of his nonexistent mental acuity, must have decided that the situation merited investigation, and he slowly shuffled over to where the digging was going on, being delayed only slightly when he tripped over one of the other holes Sadie had created. Eventually though, he got there, and true to form, he too positioned himself directly behind Sadie, who promptly began to shower him with dirt as well. This upset Flash, who howled at Sadie. Not one to take any guff, Sadie howled right back at him, and Phoebe then added to the cacophony by howling at both other dogs. I couldn't help but think that I was witnessing the canine equivalent of a Pauly Shore or Carrot Top movie (only more intelligent).
At this point, and in an effort to avoid a "Disturbing the Peace" charge, I intervened by bribing the dogs to come into the house with the promise of a dog biscuit. Of course, I have been left with holes in the backyard large enough to swallow a Ford Excursion, but that is a small price to pay for the privilege of owning the three dumbest dogs in the world...................
More anti-Semitism out of Scandinavia
This is from the excellent Finnish blog, http://tundratabloid.blogspot.com, which is on my blogroll. I would say that old stereotypes die hard, but the fact of the matter is that when the MSM accepts these stereotypes as facts, and publishes them as such, supported by so-called academics and politicians (Walt & Mearsheimer, anyone? Jimmy Carter? Michael Scheuer? Congressman James Moran of Virginia? Cynthia McKinney? Pitchfork Pat Buchanan?), they cease to be just stereotypes and become something much more insidious.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Another Finnish Newspaper Publishes an anti-Semitic Screed......!
The Finnish newspaper, Kaleva published (02.04.07) an anti-Semitic screed by a Markku Juutinen, who's outraged over the acquisition of Finland's MTV broadcasting network by the Swedish media group, Bonnier AB .The target for his outrage .... are Jews. This is not the first time in recent history that a Finnish newspaper has published anti-Semitic articles, and one more example of some in the Finnish news media that have lost their sense of propriety and common sense.Upon reading such an overtly anti-Semitic op-ed, how can any sane newspaper editor (ANYWHERE) dare even hesitate for a moment --let alone publish -- before hitting the delete button? What's next for Finland, the publication of the discredited Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion?A brief Google search of Markko Juutinen's name, reveals that the author of the offending op-ed writes under the pseudo, Kalevi Kallio, and has penned equally disgusting rants at the Free Word forum.I translated the racist op-ed in its entirety, the original is not viewable online. Don't read it on a full stomach. *L* KGSNote: If you're as disgusted as I am, let the Kaleva's EIC read your comments.risto.uimonen@kaleva.fi
The mass media has very great influence. Briefly put, the news media enjoys a hegemony through today's mass media which can effectively manipulate peoples' opinions. What is in question is a different kind of psychological warfare. Who is to decide who will be allowed to go to war and against whom? It can be roughly said that, whoever runs the media, runs the state.After a closer inspection it looks like our telecommunications and mass media are governed by the same kind of forces, whose influence are most effective in the regions of the United States and European Union. These forces who rule the mass media, subjugate their targeted groups with the influences of dangerous and sick minded brainwashing, which can be observed to have had influences in women, our youth and in children. The latter being mentioned is in connection with the entertainment industry.With what's been presented thus far, Finland's anti-democratic development should be of grave concern, in which the (Finnish) MTV media group is being moved entirely under the ownership of the Bonnier media group. In connection with this, the expression "Swedish ownership" is misleading", the question is more about a political, ideological and immensely secretive organizational branch of the Zionist Bonnier family dynasty, who are the same force of kindred spirits which own and rule the mass media in North America.A few of the media in the US I'll mention, is Time Warner, cable TV and news channel, CNN and Disney, whose leader and CEO is Michael Eisner, .... is a Jew. He has been called a "control freak" by a certain media critic. The Disney empire own many television production companies (Walt Disney Television, Touchtone Television, Buena Vista Television) and cable networks, whish has over a 100 million subscribers.When it comes to movies, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group includes Walt Disney Pictures, Touchtone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and CaravanPictures. In addition, Disney also owns Miramax Films whose CEO's are the Weinstein brothers, Bob and Harvey who have produced such obscene movies such as The Crying Game, Priest and Kids. Bonnier's family dynasty thoroughly owns and runs the Swedish, and in part other EU countries mass media through both its own media empire and modern day garbage culture market place.Thanks to this, there is no need to wonder who or whom enjoys complete total power in Sweden, from top to bottom. The power in question which has close ties to Israel, is now more intensively than ever, taking a foothold into Finland. This development worsens society's already sick mental state in political areas as well as in the different areas of culture.Update: Here is another disgusting example of how portions of the Finnish media are responsible for helping to promote anti-Jewish sentiment throughout the country. This time it's a subtle message coming straight from the pages of the foreign news section in the Turun Sanomat.This is how indoctrination works, and the brain washing is very effective since all of Finland's major news papers are situated in cities where there is no competition. My paper, the Keskisuomalainen, is a paper not by choice, but by the mere fact that ther is no other newsdaily to choose from.But then again we are back at square one, because the Helsingin Sanomat has no rival in Helsinki either, it remains an unchallenged force and able to establish the pace for the rest of the country in much the same way the Washington Post and the New York Times tries to do for the US market. But here in Finland, the result is even more devestating than one can imagine.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Another Finnish Newspaper Publishes an anti-Semitic Screed......!
The Finnish newspaper, Kaleva published (02.04.07) an anti-Semitic screed by a Markku Juutinen, who's outraged over the acquisition of Finland's MTV broadcasting network by the Swedish media group, Bonnier AB .The target for his outrage .... are Jews. This is not the first time in recent history that a Finnish newspaper has published anti-Semitic articles, and one more example of some in the Finnish news media that have lost their sense of propriety and common sense.Upon reading such an overtly anti-Semitic op-ed, how can any sane newspaper editor (ANYWHERE) dare even hesitate for a moment --let alone publish -- before hitting the delete button? What's next for Finland, the publication of the discredited Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion?A brief Google search of Markko Juutinen's name, reveals that the author of the offending op-ed writes under the pseudo, Kalevi Kallio, and has penned equally disgusting rants at the Free Word forum.I translated the racist op-ed in its entirety, the original is not viewable online. Don't read it on a full stomach. *L* KGSNote: If you're as disgusted as I am, let the Kaleva's EIC read your comments.risto.uimonen@kaleva.fi
The mass media has very great influence. Briefly put, the news media enjoys a hegemony through today's mass media which can effectively manipulate peoples' opinions. What is in question is a different kind of psychological warfare. Who is to decide who will be allowed to go to war and against whom? It can be roughly said that, whoever runs the media, runs the state.After a closer inspection it looks like our telecommunications and mass media are governed by the same kind of forces, whose influence are most effective in the regions of the United States and European Union. These forces who rule the mass media, subjugate their targeted groups with the influences of dangerous and sick minded brainwashing, which can be observed to have had influences in women, our youth and in children. The latter being mentioned is in connection with the entertainment industry.With what's been presented thus far, Finland's anti-democratic development should be of grave concern, in which the (Finnish) MTV media group is being moved entirely under the ownership of the Bonnier media group. In connection with this, the expression "Swedish ownership" is misleading", the question is more about a political, ideological and immensely secretive organizational branch of the Zionist Bonnier family dynasty, who are the same force of kindred spirits which own and rule the mass media in North America.A few of the media in the US I'll mention, is Time Warner, cable TV and news channel, CNN and Disney, whose leader and CEO is Michael Eisner, .... is a Jew. He has been called a "control freak" by a certain media critic. The Disney empire own many television production companies (Walt Disney Television, Touchtone Television, Buena Vista Television) and cable networks, whish has over a 100 million subscribers.When it comes to movies, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group includes Walt Disney Pictures, Touchtone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and CaravanPictures. In addition, Disney also owns Miramax Films whose CEO's are the Weinstein brothers, Bob and Harvey who have produced such obscene movies such as The Crying Game, Priest and Kids. Bonnier's family dynasty thoroughly owns and runs the Swedish, and in part other EU countries mass media through both its own media empire and modern day garbage culture market place.Thanks to this, there is no need to wonder who or whom enjoys complete total power in Sweden, from top to bottom. The power in question which has close ties to Israel, is now more intensively than ever, taking a foothold into Finland. This development worsens society's already sick mental state in political areas as well as in the different areas of culture.Update: Here is another disgusting example of how portions of the Finnish media are responsible for helping to promote anti-Jewish sentiment throughout the country. This time it's a subtle message coming straight from the pages of the foreign news section in the Turun Sanomat.This is how indoctrination works, and the brain washing is very effective since all of Finland's major news papers are situated in cities where there is no competition. My paper, the Keskisuomalainen, is a paper not by choice, but by the mere fact that ther is no other newsdaily to choose from.But then again we are back at square one, because the Helsingin Sanomat has no rival in Helsinki either, it remains an unchallenged force and able to establish the pace for the rest of the country in much the same way the Washington Post and the New York Times tries to do for the US market. But here in Finland, the result is even more devestating than one can imagine.
Hate Crime?
Montreal police are loathe to call this one, but I have little doubt that that will turn out to be the case with this incident:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2007/04/04/qc-benweider20070404.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2007/04/04/qc-benweider20070404.html
Iran
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is (rightfully) declaring victory and releasing the 15 British troops who were kidnapped by the Iranians almost two weeks ago. See the story at
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/04/04/iran.sailors/index.html.
Once again, the West has been humiliated by Iran..............
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/04/04/iran.sailors/index.html.
Once again, the West has been humiliated by Iran..............
Parent Job Description
Someone forwarded this to me in an e-mail, and I thought that it was really cute.........
PARENT - Job DescriptionIf it had been presented this way,I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!
POSITION :Mom, Mommy, Mama, MaDad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION :Long term, team players needed, for challengingpermanent work in an often chaotic environment.Candidates must possess excellent communicationand organizational skills and be willing to workvariable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.Some overnight travel required, including trips toprimitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also r equired .
RESPONSIBILITIES :The rest of your life.Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of apack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability forthe quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help thembecome financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :While no health or dental insurance, no pension,no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays andno stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Forward this on to all the parents you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do...or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.
PARENT - Job DescriptionIf it had been presented this way,I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!
POSITION :Mom, Mommy, Mama, MaDad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION :Long term, team players needed, for challengingpermanent work in an often chaotic environment.Candidates must possess excellent communicationand organizational skills and be willing to workvariable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.Some overnight travel required, including trips toprimitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also r equired .
RESPONSIBILITIES :The rest of your life.Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of apack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability forthe quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help thembecome financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :While no health or dental insurance, no pension,no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays andno stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Forward this on to all the parents you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do...or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Imperial Hubris?
How about anti-Semitic hubris? Michael Scheuer is the author of the book "Imperial Hubris", a not-too-subtle swipe at American policy in the Middle East. Central to its thesis is a belief that Israel controls to a significant degree American foreign policy. Well, in this article, Scheuer goes a step further and just accuses Jews of manipulating the foreign policy of this country to suit their own ends, citing as examples the establishment in the United States of the Holocaust Museum (!!). Read about halfway to two-third of the way down to find these quotes, which come in response to questions from a person who obviously has some issues with Jews.
http://www.cfr.org/publication.html?id=7771
http://www.cfr.org/publication.html?id=7771
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