After direct flights that transmogrified into connecting flights, and then delayed flights, I have finally arrived home.
Too tired to blog.
Will try again tomorrow.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Baltimore
Flying to Baltimore tomorrow morning, returning on Monday, so probably no blogging until Monday evening.
Gilmore
Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore on Thursday entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination with an Internet-driven announcement he said allows him to talk directly to voters.
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
I rate his chances as zero.
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
I rate his chances as zero.
Irrational
The current debate about global warming is "completely irrational," and people need to start taking a different approach, say two Ottawa scientists.
Carleton University science professor Tim Patterson said global warming will not bring about the downfall of life on the planet.
Patterson said much of the up-to-date research indicates that "changes in the brightness of the sun" are almost certainly the primary cause of the warming trend since the end of the "Little Ice Age" in the late 19th century. Human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the gas of concern in most plans to curb climate change, appear to have little effect on global climate, he said.
- Stephanie Stein, Standard-Freeholder (read full story here)
Carleton University science professor Tim Patterson said global warming will not bring about the downfall of life on the planet.
Patterson said much of the up-to-date research indicates that "changes in the brightness of the sun" are almost certainly the primary cause of the warming trend since the end of the "Little Ice Age" in the late 19th century. Human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the gas of concern in most plans to curb climate change, appear to have little effect on global climate, he said.
- Stephanie Stein, Standard-Freeholder (read full story here)
Good vs. evil
"If we leave Iraq there will be chaos, there will be genocide, and they will follow us home," the Arizona senator [John McCain] said, calling the war against al-Qaida "a struggle between good and evil."
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Lieberman
"The challenge before us, then, is whether we respond to al-Qaeda's barbarism by running away, as it hopes we do -- abandoning the future of Iraq, the Middle East and ultimately our own security to the very people responsible for last week's atrocities -- or whether we stand and fight.
To me, there is only one choice that protects America's security -- and that is to stand, and fight, and win."
- Joe Lieberman, Washington Post (read full comments here)
I agree with Lieberman.
To me, there is only one choice that protects America's security -- and that is to stand, and fight, and win."
- Joe Lieberman, Washington Post (read full comments here)
I agree with Lieberman.
Julius Caesar
Caesar: Life of a Colossus (2006) by Adrian Goldsworthy
This biography of Caius Julius Caesar examines the man and Rome in great detail.
By the time of Caesar's birth in 100 BC, Rome had already crushed Carthage (146 BC) and was the dominant power in the Mediterranean.
Caesar was born into a family of patricians, the oldest aristocratic class in Rome.
Caesar's father died when he was only 16, leaving him as the head of household.
Caesar married, then fled Rome over troubles with the Roman dictator Sulla.
Caesar spent time with King Nicomedes of Bithynia (north coast of modern Turkey). There were allegations that Caesar and the King were homosexual lovers, and the scandal pursued Caesar for the rest of his life.
After Sulla's death, Caesar returned to Rome, but then on a trip to Rhodes, he was kidnapped by pirates. Caesar was released upon payment of a hefty ransom. Caesar gathered an extra-legal military force and captured the pirates. He had developed such a high regard for the pirates that he had their throats cut before they were crucified to spare them a lingering death.
Caesar became a notorious womanizer. One of his lovers was the mother of Brutus, the one Shakespeare described as "the noblest Roman of all." Many of Caesar's affairs were with the wives of Roman senators.
Caesar was a successful politician and held a number of posts: questor, aedile, propaetor (Spain), consul, and proconsul (Gaul).
Caesar had a long and successful military career in Gaul and Gaul is where Caesar accumulated his fabulous wealth. Caesar also had military expeditions in Britain and Germany.
One of Caesar's most famous battles was against Vercingetorix at the Siege of Alesia. It was the "doughnut" where Caesar was laying siege to Alesia while being attacked from outside by forces trying to rescue Vercingetorix.
Caesar returned to Rome, crossing the Rubicon with his legions, engaging in Civil War with Pompey and many other prominent senators. Pompey was assassinated by his own men in Egypt.
Caesar waged successful campaigns in Macedonia, Egypt, Africa (against King Juba and his Numidians), and Spain.
Caesar's next plan was to leave for a campaign against the Parthians to avenge Crassus' defeat at Carrhae. He would be gone from Rome for years.
Just days before his scheduled departure, Caesar was assassinated by a group including Cimber, Casca, and Brutus. Caesar's last words were "you too, my son" to Brutus.
Dozens of senators were involved in the plot. Within three years, most of the conspirators were dead, some by suicide.
This is a fascinating book, with many entertaining anecdotes and interesting details about Julius Caesar and Rome. Well worth reading.
This biography of Caius Julius Caesar examines the man and Rome in great detail.
By the time of Caesar's birth in 100 BC, Rome had already crushed Carthage (146 BC) and was the dominant power in the Mediterranean.
Caesar was born into a family of patricians, the oldest aristocratic class in Rome.
Caesar's father died when he was only 16, leaving him as the head of household.
Caesar married, then fled Rome over troubles with the Roman dictator Sulla.
Caesar spent time with King Nicomedes of Bithynia (north coast of modern Turkey). There were allegations that Caesar and the King were homosexual lovers, and the scandal pursued Caesar for the rest of his life.
After Sulla's death, Caesar returned to Rome, but then on a trip to Rhodes, he was kidnapped by pirates. Caesar was released upon payment of a hefty ransom. Caesar gathered an extra-legal military force and captured the pirates. He had developed such a high regard for the pirates that he had their throats cut before they were crucified to spare them a lingering death.
Caesar became a notorious womanizer. One of his lovers was the mother of Brutus, the one Shakespeare described as "the noblest Roman of all." Many of Caesar's affairs were with the wives of Roman senators.
Caesar was a successful politician and held a number of posts: questor, aedile, propaetor (Spain), consul, and proconsul (Gaul).
Caesar had a long and successful military career in Gaul and Gaul is where Caesar accumulated his fabulous wealth. Caesar also had military expeditions in Britain and Germany.
One of Caesar's most famous battles was against Vercingetorix at the Siege of Alesia. It was the "doughnut" where Caesar was laying siege to Alesia while being attacked from outside by forces trying to rescue Vercingetorix.
Caesar returned to Rome, crossing the Rubicon with his legions, engaging in Civil War with Pompey and many other prominent senators. Pompey was assassinated by his own men in Egypt.
Caesar waged successful campaigns in Macedonia, Egypt, Africa (against King Juba and his Numidians), and Spain.
Caesar's next plan was to leave for a campaign against the Parthians to avenge Crassus' defeat at Carrhae. He would be gone from Rome for years.
Just days before his scheduled departure, Caesar was assassinated by a group including Cimber, Casca, and Brutus. Caesar's last words were "you too, my son" to Brutus.
Dozens of senators were involved in the plot. Within three years, most of the conspirators were dead, some by suicide.
This is a fascinating book, with many entertaining anecdotes and interesting details about Julius Caesar and Rome. Well worth reading.
McCain & Murtha
Republican presidential contender John McCain dismissed a demand by a prominent House Democrat that he apologize to U.S. troops in Iraq for making a joke about an explosive device, saying critics should "lighten up."
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Instead of referring to Murtha as a prominent House Democrat, how about they call him a public embarrassment?
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Instead of referring to Murtha as a prominent House Democrat, how about they call him a public embarrassment?
Darrell Scott
Darrell Scott the father of a victim of the Columbine High School shootings, address the House Judiciary Committee....you WILL WANT to pass this on
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every p sychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy - - it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to underst a n d, That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact.
What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA.
They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive l aws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools.
Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.
Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him.
To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please send this out to everyone you can.
- freerepublic.com
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every p sychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy - - it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to underst a n d, That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact.
What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA.
They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive l aws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools.
Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.
Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him.
To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please send this out to everyone you can.
- freerepublic.com
Clinton drawl
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton is heading south and the question is: Will she use her occasional Dixie drawl?
Scott Huffmon, a political science professor at South Carolina's Winthrop University, said Clinton's strong ties to the black community - due in part to her husband, who is still extremely popular among black voters - should preclude her from adopting a new twang.
"Southerners have a lot of pride in their accent, but they are also sensitive to it," Huffmon said. "If people think, 'Hey, this is how she sounded in Arkansas,' it will be one thing. But if it at all seems that it's a disingenuous use, it will be to her detriment."
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
The Clinton drawl is so cynical and manipulative. Which is why it appeals to liberals.
Scott Huffmon, a political science professor at South Carolina's Winthrop University, said Clinton's strong ties to the black community - due in part to her husband, who is still extremely popular among black voters - should preclude her from adopting a new twang.
"Southerners have a lot of pride in their accent, but they are also sensitive to it," Huffmon said. "If people think, 'Hey, this is how she sounded in Arkansas,' it will be one thing. But if it at all seems that it's a disingenuous use, it will be to her detriment."
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
The Clinton drawl is so cynical and manipulative. Which is why it appeals to liberals.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday Night Fights
Super Featherweight Jason Litzau (20-1, 18 KOs) bounced back from the first loss of his career with his normal exciting performance. Litzau won a good action unanimous decision over veteran Aldo Valtierra (24-7, 13 KOs) in front of his hometown fans at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minnesota. Litzau will willing to trade all night long and after a break following an eighth round head butt, an angry Litzau unleashed a left-right combination to floor Valtierra. In the end, scores were 98-92, 99-90, 99-90.
- Jesse Kelley at fightnews.com
Jason Litzau would be more effective if he did more boxing and less showboating.
I am a huge Jason Litzau fan, but when he faces better competition, the showboating could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
No question that he is entertaining, but does he want to be an entertainer or a champion?
- Jesse Kelley at fightnews.com
Jason Litzau would be more effective if he did more boxing and less showboating.
I am a huge Jason Litzau fan, but when he faces better competition, the showboating could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
No question that he is entertaining, but does he want to be an entertainer or a champion?
Media demands
For cranky right-wingers who think politicians don't listen to them, this week I give you elected Democrats running like scared schoolgirls from the media's demand that they enact new gun control laws in response to the Virginia Tech shooting.
- Ann Coulter (read full column here)
- Ann Coulter (read full column here)
Bar the press
The head of the Democratic Party said Wednesday that the best way to get presidential candidates to talk frankly about issues is to lock out the media.
During the Mortgage Bankers Association conference, a banker expressed frustration with candidates who only talk in sound bites and wondered how that could be changed. Howard Dean, once a presidential candidate, offered a simple solution.
"I suggest you have candidates in to meetings like this and bar the press," Dean said.
- yahoo (read full story here)
During the Mortgage Bankers Association conference, a banker expressed frustration with candidates who only talk in sound bites and wondered how that could be changed. Howard Dean, once a presidential candidate, offered a simple solution.
"I suggest you have candidates in to meetings like this and bar the press," Dean said.
- yahoo (read full story here)
Slur by Clinton
Jewish leaders criticized Hillary Clinton even as she won support Monday from the Anti-Defamation League as she continued to deny she made an anti-Semitic slur to her husband's former campaign manager in 1974.
The ADL said in a statement that it believed the first lady when she said she never called Paul Fray, Bill Clinton's campaign manager for his failed bid for Congress, a "f--king Jew bastard" during an argument after the loss 26 years ago.
President Clinton jumped to his wife's defense and told the New York Daily News Sunday, "She might have called him a bastard, I wouldn't rule that out. She's never claimed that she was pure on profanity."
- NewsMax (read full story here)
An old story, but worth remembering.
The ADL said in a statement that it believed the first lady when she said she never called Paul Fray, Bill Clinton's campaign manager for his failed bid for Congress, a "f--king Jew bastard" during an argument after the loss 26 years ago.
President Clinton jumped to his wife's defense and told the New York Daily News Sunday, "She might have called him a bastard, I wouldn't rule that out. She's never claimed that she was pure on profanity."
- NewsMax (read full story here)
An old story, but worth remembering.
McCain
"We face formidable challenges, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them."
"I'm not the youngest candidate. But I am the most experienced."
"I know how to fight and how to make peace. I know who I am and what I want to do."
- John McCain, quoted by AP/Forbes (read full story here)
"I'm not the youngest candidate. But I am the most experienced."
"I know how to fight and how to make peace. I know who I am and what I want to do."
- John McCain, quoted by AP/Forbes (read full story here)
More liberal hypocrisy
"One of the great tragedies of this administration is that the president failed to keep this country unified after 9/11. We have to protect our country from terrorism - it shouldn't be a Democratic fight or a Republican fight."
- Senator Clinton, quoted by AP/Forbes (read full story here)
This comment comes from one of the chief practitioners of divisiveness.
More of the same old "do as I say, not as I do."
- Senator Clinton, quoted by AP/Forbes (read full story here)
This comment comes from one of the chief practitioners of divisiveness.
More of the same old "do as I say, not as I do."
Scandinavian
Winning with the Scandinavian (1993) by Ron Harman and Shaun Taulbut
Like most chess books, the reader has to sit in front of a chess board and move the pieces to get the most out of it. Unless you are one of the few chess players who can visualize chess positions in your head, in which case you would not need this book in the first place.
And like most "system" books, many chess games soon depart from the main lines to such an extent that the book is no longer directly applicable.
Nevertheless, this is an interesting book on the Scandinavian (Center-Counter) Defense used by chess players like Bent Larsen, Ian Rogers, Jon Speelman, Michael Adams and Julian Hodgson.
Castellyi - Vinoles (1485)
1. e4 d5
2. exd5 Qxd5
3. Nc3 Qd8
4 Bc4 Nf6
Modern Variation
1. e4 d5
2. exd5 Qxd5
3. Nc3 Qa5
4. d4 Nf6
The authors explore many other variations including Alternative Queen Retreats, Scandinavian Gambit, Panov-Botvinnik Attack, and Icelandic Gambit.
Contains many annotated games including games by Morphy, Tarrasch, Alekhine, and Karpov.
A fun book, well worth reading, more than once.
Like most chess books, the reader has to sit in front of a chess board and move the pieces to get the most out of it. Unless you are one of the few chess players who can visualize chess positions in your head, in which case you would not need this book in the first place.
And like most "system" books, many chess games soon depart from the main lines to such an extent that the book is no longer directly applicable.
Nevertheless, this is an interesting book on the Scandinavian (Center-Counter) Defense used by chess players like Bent Larsen, Ian Rogers, Jon Speelman, Michael Adams and Julian Hodgson.
Castellyi - Vinoles (1485)
1. e4 d5
2. exd5 Qxd5
3. Nc3 Qd8
4 Bc4 Nf6
Modern Variation
1. e4 d5
2. exd5 Qxd5
3. Nc3 Qa5
4. d4 Nf6
The authors explore many other variations including Alternative Queen Retreats, Scandinavian Gambit, Panov-Botvinnik Attack, and Icelandic Gambit.
Contains many annotated games including games by Morphy, Tarrasch, Alekhine, and Karpov.
A fun book, well worth reading, more than once.
Governor Doyle seeks huge tax increase
A proposed state tax on oil company profits will inevitably be passed on to consumers at the pump, a report to be released today says.
The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, a conservative think tank based in Thiensville, contends that a provision in the proposal aimed at keeping the tax from being passed on to consumers will be overturned in court, as has happened in other states.
Doyle's Revenue Secretary Michael Morgan foresees no problems for his department to enforce a provision that would bar oil companies from passing on the tax at the pump.
- jsonline (read full story here)
Doyle and his cronies never pass up a chance to be dishonest about tax increases.
The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, a conservative think tank based in Thiensville, contends that a provision in the proposal aimed at keeping the tax from being passed on to consumers will be overturned in court, as has happened in other states.
Doyle's Revenue Secretary Michael Morgan foresees no problems for his department to enforce a provision that would bar oil companies from passing on the tax at the pump.
- jsonline (read full story here)
Doyle and his cronies never pass up a chance to be dishonest about tax increases.
Obama accuses Giuliani
Democrat Barack Obama rebuked Republican White House rival Rudy Giuliani Wednesday for suggesting the United States could face another major terrorist attack if a Democrat is elected in 2008.
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Translation = Only liberals should be allowed to say what they believe.
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Translation = Only liberals should be allowed to say what they believe.
Franklin cougar
Franklin police contacted the Southeast Region of the Department of Natural Resources in Milwaukee about 2:30 p.m. with a report of a "large cat sighting, some sort of lion," DNR warden Gervis Myles said.
- jsonline (read full story here)
- jsonline (read full story here)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride (2007) by Michael Wallis
This is an exhaustively researched biography of Billy the Kid (also known as Henry McCarty, Henry Antrim, and William Bonney).
Billy was born in New York City in 1859. His mother was an Irishwoman named Catherine McCarty. Catherine, her two sons, and a man named William Antrim (not Billy's father) moved west after the Civil War. Billy's mother died of consumption (tuberculosis) when Billy was 14.
Left to fend for himself, Billy became adept in the art of self-defense (with handguns) and crossed over to the wrong side of the law.
Billy got involved with Jesse Evans and his gang of cattle rustlers/horse thieves.
Later, in the Lincoln County Wars, Evans and Billy were on opposite sides of the conflict. Billy fought for the Tunstall/McSween/Chisum faction, which was the losing side.
Billy was a hero among the Hispanic people in the Southwest. They saw him as a sort of Robin Hood character. Billy had several girlfriends among the Hispanic population. Billy could have left the area and started a new life, but he refused to leave his girlfriends behind, and his fate was sealed.
Billy was shot and killed by Pat Garrett in New Mexico Territory in 1881. According to the author, Garrett was not sure it was Billy. It was dark, and Garrett thought it was Billy, but he was not sure until after he shot him.
Garrett was himself gunned down many years later. The killers were never identified. Garrett seemed like the kind of guy that made a lot of enemies. But maybe it was someone avenging Billy's death.
This is an exhaustively researched biography of Billy the Kid (also known as Henry McCarty, Henry Antrim, and William Bonney).
Billy was born in New York City in 1859. His mother was an Irishwoman named Catherine McCarty. Catherine, her two sons, and a man named William Antrim (not Billy's father) moved west after the Civil War. Billy's mother died of consumption (tuberculosis) when Billy was 14.
Left to fend for himself, Billy became adept in the art of self-defense (with handguns) and crossed over to the wrong side of the law.
Billy got involved with Jesse Evans and his gang of cattle rustlers/horse thieves.
Later, in the Lincoln County Wars, Evans and Billy were on opposite sides of the conflict. Billy fought for the Tunstall/McSween/Chisum faction, which was the losing side.
Billy was a hero among the Hispanic people in the Southwest. They saw him as a sort of Robin Hood character. Billy had several girlfriends among the Hispanic population. Billy could have left the area and started a new life, but he refused to leave his girlfriends behind, and his fate was sealed.
Billy was shot and killed by Pat Garrett in New Mexico Territory in 1881. According to the author, Garrett was not sure it was Billy. It was dark, and Garrett thought it was Billy, but he was not sure until after he shot him.
Garrett was himself gunned down many years later. The killers were never identified. Garrett seemed like the kind of guy that made a lot of enemies. But maybe it was someone avenging Billy's death.
Recent plantings
Recent plantings:
Saturday
(1) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
(1) American Filbert (Corylus americana)
(3) Columbine (Aquilegia x Biedermier Dwarf Mix)
(48) Pansy (Acquarelle Felix Golden)
Sunday
(1 oz.) Wildflower Seed Mix (Scarlet Flax, Ox Eye Sunflower, New England Aster, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Purple Prairie Clover, Plains Coreopsis, Evening Primrose, Mexican Hat, Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Gaillardia, Cornflower Mix, Dwarf Blue Cornflower, Corn Poppy, Shasta Daisy, Greyheaded Coneflower, Clasping Coneflower, Thickspike Gayfeather, Lavender Hyssop)
(1oz.) Shady Area Wildflower Seed Mix (Dwarf Columbine, Giant Columbine, Tussock Bellflower, Monkeyflower, Purple Coneflower, Rocket Larkspur, Baby's Breath, Corn Poppy, Sweet William, Clarkia, Baby Blue Eyes, Candytuft, Chinese Forget-me-not, Forget-me-not, Spurred Snapdragon, Johnny Jump-up, Lace-leaf Coreopsis, Shasta Daisy, Chinese Houses)
(1 oz.) Purple Prairie Clover Seed
(1 oz.) WLN Deer Resistant Seed Mix (Little Bluestem, Sideoats Gramma, Black Eyed Susan, Canada Milkvetch, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Prairie Blazing Star, Stiff Goldenrod, Hoary Vervain, Lupine, Purple Coneflower, Pale Purple Coneflower, Smooth Penstemon, Lavender Hyssop, Nodding Pink Onion)
(1 oz.) Bird 'n Butterfly Seed Mix (Purple Coneflower, Peennial Lupine, Black Eyed Susan, Prairie Blazing Star, Yellow Coneflower, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Ox Eye Sunflower, Scarlet Sage, Purple Prairie Clover, Canada Milkvetch, Partridge Pea, Hoary Vervain, Brown Eyed Susan, Pale Purple Coneflower, Stiff Goldenrod, Lavender Hyssop, Bergamot, New England Aster, Marsh Milkweed, Blue Flax, Sideoats Gramma, Little Bluestem)
(1 lb.) Buffalo Grass Seed
Tuesday
(1) English Ivy
(24) Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea, 'Excelsior')
Saturday
(1) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
(1) American Filbert (Corylus americana)
(3) Columbine (Aquilegia x Biedermier Dwarf Mix)
(48) Pansy (Acquarelle Felix Golden)
Sunday
(1 oz.) Wildflower Seed Mix (Scarlet Flax, Ox Eye Sunflower, New England Aster, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Purple Prairie Clover, Plains Coreopsis, Evening Primrose, Mexican Hat, Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Gaillardia, Cornflower Mix, Dwarf Blue Cornflower, Corn Poppy, Shasta Daisy, Greyheaded Coneflower, Clasping Coneflower, Thickspike Gayfeather, Lavender Hyssop)
(1oz.) Shady Area Wildflower Seed Mix (Dwarf Columbine, Giant Columbine, Tussock Bellflower, Monkeyflower, Purple Coneflower, Rocket Larkspur, Baby's Breath, Corn Poppy, Sweet William, Clarkia, Baby Blue Eyes, Candytuft, Chinese Forget-me-not, Forget-me-not, Spurred Snapdragon, Johnny Jump-up, Lace-leaf Coreopsis, Shasta Daisy, Chinese Houses)
(1 oz.) Purple Prairie Clover Seed
(1 oz.) WLN Deer Resistant Seed Mix (Little Bluestem, Sideoats Gramma, Black Eyed Susan, Canada Milkvetch, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Prairie Blazing Star, Stiff Goldenrod, Hoary Vervain, Lupine, Purple Coneflower, Pale Purple Coneflower, Smooth Penstemon, Lavender Hyssop, Nodding Pink Onion)
(1 oz.) Bird 'n Butterfly Seed Mix (Purple Coneflower, Peennial Lupine, Black Eyed Susan, Prairie Blazing Star, Yellow Coneflower, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Ox Eye Sunflower, Scarlet Sage, Purple Prairie Clover, Canada Milkvetch, Partridge Pea, Hoary Vervain, Brown Eyed Susan, Pale Purple Coneflower, Stiff Goldenrod, Lavender Hyssop, Bergamot, New England Aster, Marsh Milkweed, Blue Flax, Sideoats Gramma, Little Bluestem)
(1 lb.) Buffalo Grass Seed
Tuesday
(1) English Ivy
(24) Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea, 'Excelsior')
The Ant and The Grasshopper
(many thanks to Mark for calling this to my attention)
There are several versions of this story. I got this one at Right Truth.
The following is the Democratic "common good" version of the old favorite, the Ant and the Grasshopper:
Remember the ant and the grasshopper?
OLD VERSION . . .
The ant works hard, in the withering heat, all summer long.
He builds his house and stores supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks that the ant is a fool.
He laughs, dances and plays the summer away, preparing nothing for the coming winter.
Winter comes, the ant is safe and warm.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
The moral to the story being: BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW VERSION . . . (sad but true)
The ant works hard, in the withering heat, all summer long.
He builds his house and stores supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks that the ant is a fool.
He laughs, dances and plays the summer away, preparing nothing for the coming winter.
Winter comes, the ant is safe and warm.
The shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and fed, while others are cold and starving!
CBS, NBC, ABC & CNN show up to provide pictures of shivering grasshoppers, next to a video of an ant in his comfortable home, with a table filled with food.
America is stunned by the sharp contrast! How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer this way?
Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah, with the grasshopper.
Everyone cries when they sing "It's Not Easy Being Green".
Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house, where the news stations film the group singing "We Shall Overcome".
Jesse then has the group pray for the grasshopper's sake, and reminds the group to contribute to his group, so that he can "continue the fight" for grasshoppers, everywhere!
Ted Kennedy & John Kerry exclaim, in an interview with Tom Brokaw, that the ant has gotten rich, off the back of the poor grasshopper!
Both call for an immediate tax hike, to make the ant pay "his fair share"!
Finally, the EEOC drafts the "Economic Equity For Grasshoppers Act", retroactive to the beginning of the summer.
The ant is fined for failing to hire the proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his house is confiscated by the government.
Hillary Clinton gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper, in a defamation suit against the ant.
The case is tried in federal court, with a jury comprised of unemployed welfare recipients.
Surprise! The ant loses the case!
The story ends, as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food, while the government house he lives in (which happens to be the ant's old house) crumbles around him, due to lack of maintenance!
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found, dead, in a drug-related incident.
The house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders, who terrorize this once-peaceful neighborhood.
The moral of this version? Don't vote for Democrats or liberals.
There are several versions of this story. I got this one at Right Truth.
The following is the Democratic "common good" version of the old favorite, the Ant and the Grasshopper:
Remember the ant and the grasshopper?
OLD VERSION . . .
The ant works hard, in the withering heat, all summer long.
He builds his house and stores supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks that the ant is a fool.
He laughs, dances and plays the summer away, preparing nothing for the coming winter.
Winter comes, the ant is safe and warm.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
The moral to the story being: BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW VERSION . . . (sad but true)
The ant works hard, in the withering heat, all summer long.
He builds his house and stores supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks that the ant is a fool.
He laughs, dances and plays the summer away, preparing nothing for the coming winter.
Winter comes, the ant is safe and warm.
The shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and fed, while others are cold and starving!
CBS, NBC, ABC & CNN show up to provide pictures of shivering grasshoppers, next to a video of an ant in his comfortable home, with a table filled with food.
America is stunned by the sharp contrast! How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer this way?
Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah, with the grasshopper.
Everyone cries when they sing "It's Not Easy Being Green".
Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house, where the news stations film the group singing "We Shall Overcome".
Jesse then has the group pray for the grasshopper's sake, and reminds the group to contribute to his group, so that he can "continue the fight" for grasshoppers, everywhere!
Ted Kennedy & John Kerry exclaim, in an interview with Tom Brokaw, that the ant has gotten rich, off the back of the poor grasshopper!
Both call for an immediate tax hike, to make the ant pay "his fair share"!
Finally, the EEOC drafts the "Economic Equity For Grasshoppers Act", retroactive to the beginning of the summer.
The ant is fined for failing to hire the proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his house is confiscated by the government.
Hillary Clinton gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper, in a defamation suit against the ant.
The case is tried in federal court, with a jury comprised of unemployed welfare recipients.
Surprise! The ant loses the case!
The story ends, as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food, while the government house he lives in (which happens to be the ant's old house) crumbles around him, due to lack of maintenance!
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found, dead, in a drug-related incident.
The house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders, who terrorize this once-peaceful neighborhood.
The moral of this version? Don't vote for Democrats or liberals.
Another Earth?
For the first time astronomers have discovered a planet outside our solar system that is potentially habitable, with Earth-like temperatures, a find researchers described Tuesday as a big step in the search for "life in the universe."
- AP (read full story here)
- AP (read full story here)
B. Hussein Obama
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said he had no idea longtime friend and now-indicted fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko was behind problem buildings in the South Side district that Obama once represented as a state senator.
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Ethically challenged.
He did not want to know.
- AP/Forbes (read full story here)
Ethically challenged.
He did not want to know.
Kryptonite
A mineral recently discovered in Serbia has the same composition as kryptonite - the fictional substance that robs Superman of his powers - the British Museum said Tuesday.
- AP/azcentral (read full story here)
- AP/azcentral (read full story here)
Tancredo
Republicans "have a very visceral reaction to people who they feel are beating the system," Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio said.
A lesser-known candidate could vault to prominence just by running anti-immigration commercials in an early-contest state like Iowa, Fabrizio said, calling it a "sleeper issue."
That's the hope of Tom Tancredo, a Colorado congressman who launched a longshot campaign for the GOP nomination on Iowa talk radio earlier this month.
"My purpose is to flush everybody out on this," Tancredo said in an interview. "Either they weren't talking about it at all, or when they were, they pretended like they invented the idea of border security."
- AP (read full story here)
A lesser-known candidate could vault to prominence just by running anti-immigration commercials in an early-contest state like Iowa, Fabrizio said, calling it a "sleeper issue."
That's the hope of Tom Tancredo, a Colorado congressman who launched a longshot campaign for the GOP nomination on Iowa talk radio earlier this month.
"My purpose is to flush everybody out on this," Tancredo said in an interview. "Either they weren't talking about it at all, or when they were, they pretended like they invented the idea of border security."
- AP (read full story here)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Sharpton the Pardoner
Some call him a politician, but that is too limiting. Sharpton calls himself “Reverend,” but doesn't seem to have a congregation. His trade isn’t one we easily recognize today, because the Catholic Church stamped it out in 1418. Sharpton is a pardoner -- he pardons sin in return for payment. The sin he specializes in expiating is whiteness.
In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1400), one of the pilgrims in the story, the Pardoner, is an itinerant con-man who preaches sermons that accuse his hearers of great sins, so they will repent and buy his fake indulgences and relics. He confides to his traveling companions that he takes no vow of poverty, and lives well.
- Duncan M. Anderson at Human Events (read full story here)
In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1400), one of the pilgrims in the story, the Pardoner, is an itinerant con-man who preaches sermons that accuse his hearers of great sins, so they will repent and buy his fake indulgences and relics. He confides to his traveling companions that he takes no vow of poverty, and lives well.
- Duncan M. Anderson at Human Events (read full story here)
Evil
The Vatican's second-highest ranking doctrinal official on Monday forcefully branded homosexual marriage an evil and denounced abortion and euthanasia as forms of "terrorism with a human face."
- Reuters/Yahoo (read full story here)
- Reuters/Yahoo (read full story here)
McCain buys into global warming
McCain also termed global warming "a serious and urgent economic, environmental and national security challenge" and added that "the problem isn't a Hollywood invention."
McCain favors climate-change legislation that would set caps on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and offer incentives for industries to come up with new energy sources.
"The world is already feeling the powerful effects of global warming, and far more dire consequences are predicted if we let the growing deluge of greenhouse gas emissions continue, and wreak havoc with Gods creation," he said.
- AP (read full story here)
McCain favors climate-change legislation that would set caps on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and offer incentives for industries to come up with new energy sources.
"The world is already feeling the powerful effects of global warming, and far more dire consequences are predicted if we let the growing deluge of greenhouse gas emissions continue, and wreak havoc with Gods creation," he said.
- AP (read full story here)
Electronic smog
So far only a few, faint warnings have been raised, mainly by people who are so sensitised to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobiles, their masts and Wi-Fi that they become ill in its presence. The World Health Organisation estimates that up to three out of every hundred people are "electrosensitive" to some extent. But scientists and doctors - and some European governments - are adding their voices to the alarm as it becomes clear that the almost universal use of mobile phones may be storing up medical catastrophe for the future.
- The Independent (read full story here)
Which is a more serious threat, electronic smog or global warming?
- The Independent (read full story here)
Which is a more serious threat, electronic smog or global warming?
Sanctuary
Mayor Gavin Newsom vowed Sunday to maintain San Francisco as a sanctuary for immigrants and do everything he can to discourage federal authorities from conducting immigration raids.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have since May 2006 conducted raids across the country, including arrests in San Rafael, Oakland, Richmond, San Pablo, Santa Clara and other cities across the Bay area. Immigration officials have said they were executing arrest warrants for immigrants who had committed crimes or were in the country illegally and had ignored final deportation orders.
- San Francisco Chronicle (read full story here)
Illegal immigrants who commit crimes should get sanctuary in San Francisco?
Remind me not to drink the water in San Francisco.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have since May 2006 conducted raids across the country, including arrests in San Rafael, Oakland, Richmond, San Pablo, Santa Clara and other cities across the Bay area. Immigration officials have said they were executing arrest warrants for immigrants who had committed crimes or were in the country illegally and had ignored final deportation orders.
- San Francisco Chronicle (read full story here)
Illegal immigrants who commit crimes should get sanctuary in San Francisco?
Remind me not to drink the water in San Francisco.
The return of the son of PC games, Part II
Not so long ago, PC titles were the mainstay of video gaming, but they have slumped in recent years, overshadowed by a new generation of game consoles. Now they are showing signs of a comeback.
Most prominent has been the strength of one of the most popular video games ever for PCs, World of Warcraft, a role-playing online adventure game that now has more than eight million subscribers.
- NY Times (read full story here)
Most prominent has been the strength of one of the most popular video games ever for PCs, World of Warcraft, a role-playing online adventure game that now has more than eight million subscribers.
- NY Times (read full story here)
The Solution
I have spent the better part of this tour trying to come up with easy ways for us all to become a part of the solution to global warming. Although my ideas are in the earliest stages of development, they are, in my mind, worth investigating. One of my favorites is in the area of forest conservation which we heavily rely on for oxygen. I propose a limitation be put on how many squares of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting. Now, I don't want to rob any law-abiding American of his or her God-given rights, but I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where 2 to 3 could be required.
- Sheryl Crow (quoted at washingtonpost.com, read full story here)
We can prevent global warming if we just stop using toilet paper?
- Sheryl Crow (quoted at washingtonpost.com, read full story here)
We can prevent global warming if we just stop using toilet paper?
Anti-energy
The power company that owns four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River says the dams provide a crucial source of so-called clean energy at a time when carbon emissions have become one of the world’s foremost environmental concerns.
But the American Indians, fishermen and environmentalists who want the dams removed point to what has happened since the first one was built nearly 90 years ago: endangered salmon have been blocked from migrating, Indian livelihoods have been threatened, and, more recently, the commercial fishing industry off the Oregon and California coasts has been devastated. They say the dams are anything but clean. They say the river is a mess.
- NY Times (read full story here)
No matter what energy source is used, someone has an objection to it.
But the American Indians, fishermen and environmentalists who want the dams removed point to what has happened since the first one was built nearly 90 years ago: endangered salmon have been blocked from migrating, Indian livelihoods have been threatened, and, more recently, the commercial fishing industry off the Oregon and California coasts has been devastated. They say the dams are anything but clean. They say the river is a mess.
- NY Times (read full story here)
No matter what energy source is used, someone has an objection to it.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Obama
Wooing black voters while tackling questions about his experience, Democrat Barack Obama said Saturday that his years as a community organizer and accomplishments in the Illinois state Senate have prepared him well for the presidency.
- AP (read full story here)
If being president of the country is about the same as being a community organizer, then we have a lot of people that are qualified to be president.
- AP (read full story here)
If being president of the country is about the same as being a community organizer, then we have a lot of people that are qualified to be president.
Huckabee
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said a concealed handgun carried by a faculty member or student at Virginia Tech might have reduced the toll from Monday's shooting spree by a student.
- AP (read full story here)
I agree with Huckabee.
- AP (read full story here)
I agree with Huckabee.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Russia's enemy
At their first meeting with journalists since taking over Russia’s largest independent radio news network, the managers had startling news of their own: from now on, they said, at least 50 percent of the reports about Russia must be “positive.”
In addition, opposition leaders could not be mentioned on the air and the United States was to be portrayed as an enemy, journalists employed by the network, Russian News Service, say they were told by the new managers, who are allies of the Kremlin.
- NY Times (read full story here)
Russians are not our friends, and they are not to be trusted.
If they want to portray us as their enemy, it is OK with me.
In addition, opposition leaders could not be mentioned on the air and the United States was to be portrayed as an enemy, journalists employed by the network, Russian News Service, say they were told by the new managers, who are allies of the Kremlin.
- NY Times (read full story here)
Russians are not our friends, and they are not to be trusted.
If they want to portray us as their enemy, it is OK with me.
The worst ex-president
Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday that if she is elected president, she would make her husband a roaming ambassador to the world, using his skills to repair the nation's tattered image abroad.
- AP (read full article here)
Then maybe Clinton will replace Carter as the worst ex-president of all time.
- AP (read full article here)
Then maybe Clinton will replace Carter as the worst ex-president of all time.
B.O.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Friday issued a call to save future generations from global catastrophe as he offered an energy proposal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
- AP (read full story here)
If B. Hussein Obama really wanted to save future generations, he would develop a plan to combat the evils of islamo-fascism.
- AP (read full story here)
If B. Hussein Obama really wanted to save future generations, he would develop a plan to combat the evils of islamo-fascism.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Bomb Iran
Sen. John McCain has a message for any critics who thought his musical joke about bombing Iran wasn't funny: Get a life.
- AP (read full story here)
I thought it was humorous.
And I cannot stop singing it.
- AP (read full story here)
I thought it was humorous.
And I cannot stop singing it.
IT matters
(from PC Mech newsletter 186)
Weekly Rant: If Software Could Fly
by Tana George
Maybe you have heard the popular joke about a group of project managers who are asked to say how would they feel if they were to fly on a plane and the flight software were developed by their team. Most of the managers were really scared by such an idea, and only one was not worried at all. When asked why he wasn't afraid, he answered that having in mind the skills of his team, they would hardly be able to write a program that will make the plane move, not mention take off and fly in the air.
So, this guy really had a reason to stay calm -- his team wouldn't take a software-managed flight possible, while all the others knew that even the most vigorous tests can't catch all bugs but when the organization in a team is lousy and testing is skipped, then God save the users (or passangers).
Well, this is a joke only. Don't get scared to fly. Even though there is a lot of software on a plane, there are strict regulations about its quality and reliability, so boarding a plane is hardly that risky. But what about other areas where software of suspicious quality is used? What about banking, where billions are involved, or medicine, where human's life is at stake? No software, no problem?
Weekly Rant: If Software Could Fly
by Tana George
Maybe you have heard the popular joke about a group of project managers who are asked to say how would they feel if they were to fly on a plane and the flight software were developed by their team. Most of the managers were really scared by such an idea, and only one was not worried at all. When asked why he wasn't afraid, he answered that having in mind the skills of his team, they would hardly be able to write a program that will make the plane move, not mention take off and fly in the air.
So, this guy really had a reason to stay calm -- his team wouldn't take a software-managed flight possible, while all the others knew that even the most vigorous tests can't catch all bugs but when the organization in a team is lousy and testing is skipped, then God save the users (or passangers).
Well, this is a joke only. Don't get scared to fly. Even though there is a lot of software on a plane, there are strict regulations about its quality and reliability, so boarding a plane is hardly that risky. But what about other areas where software of suspicious quality is used? What about banking, where billions are involved, or medicine, where human's life is at stake? No software, no problem?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Religion of peace
Knife-wielding attackers slit the throats of three people at a Christian publishing house in conservative eastern Turkey yesterday.
- timesonline (read full story here)
Gay Patriot comments on the story here.
- timesonline (read full story here)
Gay Patriot comments on the story here.
Ham steak hate crime
One student has been suspended and more disciplinary action could follow a possible hate crime at Lewiston Middle School, Superintendent Leon Levesque said Wednesday.
On April 11, a white student placed a ham steak in a bag on a lunch table where Somali students were eating. Muslims consider pork unclean and offensive.
- sunjournal.com (read full story here)
I love a good grilled ham steak.
Just one more thing I will have to give up when America goes Muslim.
On April 11, a white student placed a ham steak in a bag on a lunch table where Somali students were eating. Muslims consider pork unclean and offensive.
- sunjournal.com (read full story here)
I love a good grilled ham steak.
Just one more thing I will have to give up when America goes Muslim.
Ed Koch calls out Al Sharpton
Former Mayor Ed Koch surprised an almost exclusively black audience yesterday by telling the Rev. Al Sharpton he had spoiled his chance to become "a crossover leader" by refusing to apologize for "the Tawana Brawley hoax."
- New York Post (read full story here)
- New York Post (read full story here)
Timing is everything
As some commentator noted, if Imus had made his remarks this week instead of last, his verbiage would’ve been lost in the truly grisly details coming out of Virginia Tech. The incident of Imus would’ve been seen as the trivial thing it was - if it was even remarked upon at all. Imus would still have a job.
- Gates of Vienna (read full article here)
Maybe not. Obama tried to connect the two.
- Gates of Vienna (read full article here)
Maybe not. Obama tried to connect the two.
NBC exploits America's misery
"We have covered this story—and our unique role in it—with extreme sensitivity, underscored by our devoted efforts to remember and honor the victims and heroes of this tragic incident."
- NBC, quoted by AP/breitbart.com (read full story here)
Translation = We milked it for everything it was worth.
- NBC, quoted by AP/breitbart.com (read full story here)
Translation = We milked it for everything it was worth.
Hairy Reed is losing the war
The war in Iraq "is lost" and a US troop surge is failing to bring peace to the country, the leader of the Democratic majority in the US Congress, Harry Reid, said Thursday.
- breitbart.com (read full story here)
Sweetness & Light comments on the story here.
- breitbart.com (read full story here)
Sweetness & Light comments on the story here.
Skeptics
Skeptics of the seriousness of global warming complained on Wednesday of not being heard by the public or policy makers while warning governments to take a second look at the scientific consensus on climate change.
Scientists who doubt the scope and cause of climate change have trouble getting funding and academic posts unless they conform to an "alarmist scenario," said Roger Helmer, a British member of the European Parliament, at a panel discussion on appropriate responses to rising global temperatures.
- Reuters (read full story here)
Scientists who doubt the scope and cause of climate change have trouble getting funding and academic posts unless they conform to an "alarmist scenario," said Roger Helmer, a British member of the European Parliament, at a panel discussion on appropriate responses to rising global temperatures.
- Reuters (read full story here)
Roy Spencer
Roy Spencer is speaking up about his belief that Earth is not headed toward a global warming disaster.
Spencer, a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and former NASA scientist, said he knows he's in the minority with his opinions, but he doesn't believe manmade influences are causing catastrophic climate changes.
- The Huntsville Times (read full story here)
Spencer, a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and former NASA scientist, said he knows he's in the minority with his opinions, but he doesn't believe manmade influences are causing catastrophic climate changes.
- The Huntsville Times (read full story here)
moveon.org, please move on!
The link in Winged Hussar 1683's comment about Sharpton got goofed up somehow, so here is one that works.
You can read his blog here.
He is obviously not cutting Sharpton any slack, nor should he.
You can read his blog here.
He is obviously not cutting Sharpton any slack, nor should he.
Bomb Iran
Republican presidential contender John McCain, known for having a quirky sense of humor, joked about bombing Iran at a campaign appearance this week.
In response to an audience question about military action against Iran, the Arizona senator briefly sang the chorus of the surf-rocker classic "Barbara Ann."
"That old, eh, that old Beach Boys song, Bomb Iran," he said in jest Wednesday, chuckling with the crowd. Then, he softly sang to the melody: "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, anyway, ah ..." The audience responded with more laughter.
- AP (read full article here)
Now he has done it. I cannot stop singing "Bomb Iran" to the tune of "Barbara Ann."
In response to an audience question about military action against Iran, the Arizona senator briefly sang the chorus of the surf-rocker classic "Barbara Ann."
"That old, eh, that old Beach Boys song, Bomb Iran," he said in jest Wednesday, chuckling with the crowd. Then, he softly sang to the melody: "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, anyway, ah ..." The audience responded with more laughter.
- AP (read full article here)
Now he has done it. I cannot stop singing "Bomb Iran" to the tune of "Barbara Ann."
Edwards
Quad-City barbers put down their shears and sputtered words like “preposterous” and “impossible” Wednesday when they heard of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards spending $400 for a haircut. In the Quad-Cities, $10 or $12 is about average.
- Quad City Times (read full article here)
Yeah, but if his hair gets him elected, then the $400 was well spent.
- Quad City Times (read full article here)
Yeah, but if his hair gets him elected, then the $400 was well spent.
Hurting the economy
Sen. Chris Dodd, splitting with his Democratic presidential rivals over the best way to cut pollution and curb global warming, wants to tax corporations for their carbon dioxide emissions.
- AP (read full article here)
Hurting the economy is an integral part of the liberal condition.
- AP (read full article here)
Hurting the economy is an integral part of the liberal condition.
Licking Sharpton's shoes
Democratic presidential contenders are scrambling for support in what's being dubbed the Al Sharpton primary.
The civil rights leader livened up the 2004 Democratic primary with his pompadour hairdo and sharp, witty oratory. This election, the high-profile Sharpton, fresh from the fight over Don Imus' derogatory remarks, is attracting all the party's major candidates this week for his annual National Action Network convention.
- AP (read full article here)
The civil rights leader livened up the 2004 Democratic primary with his pompadour hairdo and sharp, witty oratory. This election, the high-profile Sharpton, fresh from the fight over Don Imus' derogatory remarks, is attracting all the party's major candidates this week for his annual National Action Network convention.
- AP (read full article here)
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Volcanic eruption
Thousands of people were evacuated after a long-dormant volcano erupted late Tuesday and again early Wednesday, provoking avalanches and floods that swept away houses and bridges.
The Nevado del Huila volcano's eruptions were its first on record since Colombia was colonized by the Spanish 500 years ago.
- AP (read full article here)
There was no mention of how many millions of tons of greenhouse gases were released in the eruption.
Maybe the Goracle thinks that global warming CAUSED the eruption?
The Nevado del Huila volcano's eruptions were its first on record since Colombia was colonized by the Spanish 500 years ago.
- AP (read full article here)
There was no mention of how many millions of tons of greenhouse gases were released in the eruption.
Maybe the Goracle thinks that global warming CAUSED the eruption?
Clinton
"This decision marks a dramatic departure from four decades of Supreme Court rulings that upheld a woman's right to choose and recognized the importance of women's health. Today's decision blatantly defies the Court's recent decision in 2000 striking down a state partial-birth abortion law because of its failure to provide an exception for the health of the mother. As the Supreme Court recognized in Roe v. Wade in 1973, this issue is complex and highly personal; the rights and lives of women must be taken into account. It is precisely this erosion of our constitutional rights that I warned against when I opposed the nominations of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito."
- Senator Clinton (link here)
I have a lot more faith that Roberts and Alito will protect the rights of all Americans than I have faith that Clinton and her cronies will.
- Senator Clinton (link here)
I have a lot more faith that Roberts and Alito will protect the rights of all Americans than I have faith that Clinton and her cronies will.
Russian tunnel
Russia plans to build the world's longest tunnel, a transport and pipeline link under the Bering Strait to Alaska, as part of a $65 billion project to supply the U.S. with oil, natural gas and electricity from Siberia.
- Bloomberg.com (read full article here)
- Bloomberg.com (read full article here)
Self Defense
Only one policy has ever been shown to deter mass murder: concealed-carry laws. In a comprehensive study of all public, multiple-shooting incidents in America between 1977 and 1999, the inestimable economists John Lott and Bill Landes found that concealed-carry laws were the only laws that had any beneficial effect.
And the effect was not insignificant. States that allowed citizens to carry concealed handguns reduced multiple-shooting attacks by 60 percent and reduced the death and injury from these attacks by nearly 80 percent.
- Ann Coulter (read her column here)
Once again, Ann Coulter has it figured out.
And the effect was not insignificant. States that allowed citizens to carry concealed handguns reduced multiple-shooting attacks by 60 percent and reduced the death and injury from these attacks by nearly 80 percent.
- Ann Coulter (read her column here)
Once again, Ann Coulter has it figured out.
Partial Birth Abortions
he Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure Wednesday, handing abortion opponents the long-awaited victory they expected from a more conservative bench.
The 5-4 ruling said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and President Bush signed into law in 2003 does not violate a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.
- AP/ajc
(Read full article here)
Partial birth abortions were legalized murder.
The 5-4 ruling said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and President Bush signed into law in 2003 does not violate a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.
- AP/ajc
(Read full article here)
Partial birth abortions were legalized murder.
The Right of Self Defense
Just as I have said before, it is a fools paradise to believe that gun control stops crime when there is absolutely no statistical evidence to prove otherwise. Criminals - or those who would want to hurt you, or our kids, will continue to do so because no law, restriction will stop a killer from killing or from obtaining the means to do so. Except a well placed bullet to their head.
- Macsmind (read full article here)
I agree.
If one of the Virginia Tech students had pulled a gun from her purse and shot Cho in the head, the killing would have stopped right there.
- Macsmind (read full article here)
I agree.
If one of the Virginia Tech students had pulled a gun from her purse and shot Cho in the head, the killing would have stopped right there.
Defeat as the liberal first option
Moreover, there are always horrific consequences to "losing" a war. In Vietnam, for example, after the Democrats betrayed the South Vietnamese by withholding the air support and aid we promised them, South Vietnam was conquered, millions of civilians died as a result, America lost prestige around the war and confidence in our military, our enemies were encouraged, and even today, the terrorists in Iraq are emulating the same strategy that the Vietnamese were using. So, going into any conflict, defeat cannot be an option.
- Right Wing News (read full article here)
For liberals, defeat is always the first option in any armed conflict.
- Right Wing News (read full article here)
For liberals, defeat is always the first option in any armed conflict.
Dearbornistan
Two Detroit-area men have been charged with spying for Saddam Hussein’s intelligence service, supplying the executed dictator’s regime with information about its enemies in the United States, according to federal court documents unsealed today.
Ghazi Al-Awadi, 78, of Dearborn, allegedly told the Iraqi Intelligence Service in 1997 that he killed his son-in-law because the man belonged to an anti-Hussein political party, court documents said.
- Detroit Free Press (read full article here)
Gay Patriot discusses the story here.
Ghazi Al-Awadi, 78, of Dearborn, allegedly told the Iraqi Intelligence Service in 1997 that he killed his son-in-law because the man belonged to an anti-Hussein political party, court documents said.
- Detroit Free Press (read full article here)
Gay Patriot discusses the story here.
Liberals call for more gun control
Ever quick, pro-gun advocates and supporters of the National Rifle Association were first in line to offer pundits with pathetic excuses (if the victims were armed, they could have protected themselves) and callous indifference to the great toll on human life.
Without stronger gun-control laws, the slaughter of innocents in America will continue.
America's fixation with violence and lack of strict handgun-control laws work hand-in-glove to make tragedies like the Virginia Tech massacre all too common.
- Miami Herald (read full editorial here)
According to liberals, self-defense is a pathetic excuse?
Liberals would prefer that dozens of people are massacred rather than people be allowed to defend themselves.
Without stronger gun-control laws, the slaughter of innocents in America will continue.
America's fixation with violence and lack of strict handgun-control laws work hand-in-glove to make tragedies like the Virginia Tech massacre all too common.
- Miami Herald (read full editorial here)
According to liberals, self-defense is a pathetic excuse?
Liberals would prefer that dozens of people are massacred rather than people be allowed to defend themselves.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
B. O.
Michelle Malkin calls out Barack Obama for his incoherent speech in Milwaukee where B. Hussein Obama tries to connect the Virginia Tech massacre to Don Imus and several other factors.
Read her comments here.
Read her comments here.
Charlton Heston
With a view to Monday's deadly shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, European newspapers are blaming the lack of gun control measures in the United States and implying that Charlton Heston is indirectly responsible for the scope of the killings.
- Spiegel (read full article here)
Typical of clueless European liberals.
- Spiegel (read full article here)
Typical of clueless European liberals.
Gun control
Monday’s fatal shooting of 32 students on a Virginia college campus has thrust the issue of gun control back towards the top of the political agenda and put the country’s powerful gun lobby on the defensive.
But it is far from certain that the Democrats will seriously challenge the gun lobby even after this week’s tragedy. Scarred by the role that gun politics played in the defeats of Al Gore and John Kerry in the past two presidential elections, analysts say many Democrats would be reluctant to support draconian laws that risk alienating gun-owners.
- Financial Times (read full article here)
We can never let down our guard. Gun control is always lurking in and around the liberal agenda.
But it is far from certain that the Democrats will seriously challenge the gun lobby even after this week’s tragedy. Scarred by the role that gun politics played in the defeats of Al Gore and John Kerry in the past two presidential elections, analysts say many Democrats would be reluctant to support draconian laws that risk alienating gun-owners.
- Financial Times (read full article here)
We can never let down our guard. Gun control is always lurking in and around the liberal agenda.
There is money in fossils
If you were looking for the skeleton of a prehistoric mammoth, Monday was your day to buy. Christie's auction house sold one for $421,200 - a world record.
The 10,000-year-old skeleton of a 13.5-foot-long rhinoceros sold for a record $162,000. That of a 7.5-foot-high prehistoric cave bear from the Russian Urals sold for $63,180.
- AP (read the full article here)
The 10,000-year-old skeleton of a 13.5-foot-long rhinoceros sold for a record $162,000. That of a 7.5-foot-high prehistoric cave bear from the Russian Urals sold for $63,180.
- AP (read the full article here)
Media bias
Although the media are thought to be too liberal by most people, they remain in denial. Goldberg writes in Arrogance: “By and large, these are people who see themselves as incredibly decent, even noble. They’re the good guys trying to make the world a better place. That’s why many of them went into journalism in the first place—to make the world a better place. Bias is something the bad guys are guilty of.”
- Sheila Gribben Liaugminas, Crisis magazine (read the full article here)
Excellent article on media bias.
- Sheila Gribben Liaugminas, Crisis magazine (read the full article here)
Excellent article on media bias.
Defenseless
A Virginia Tech official in 2006 praised the defeat of a proposal to allow students with state-issued concealed handgun permits to carry their handguns on college campuses in Virginia. At least 30 unarmed students were killed on the VA Tech campus Monday morning by a single gunman.
After the proposal died in the state's House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety, The Roanoke Times quoted VA Tech spokesman Larry Hincker as celebrating the defeat of the bill.
"I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the General Assembly's actions," Hincker said on Jan. 31, 2006, "because this will help parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus."
- One News Now (read the full article here)
After the proposal died in the state's House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety, The Roanoke Times quoted VA Tech spokesman Larry Hincker as celebrating the defeat of the bill.
"I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the General Assembly's actions," Hincker said on Jan. 31, 2006, "because this will help parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus."
- One News Now (read the full article here)
Protection denied
I have heard several anti-gun activists intimate that lax gun control laws are partly to blame for the shooting at Virginia Tech. As it turns out, exactly the opposite is true. An article at One News Now points out that several school shootings have been successfully interrupted by law-abiding citizens with concealed weapons. A recent legislative decision by the Virginia Legislature which stripped students from exercising their second-amendment rights on Virginia campuses denied this protection to students at Virginia Tech.
- redstate.com (read the original and comments here)
- redstate.com (read the original and comments here)
The other n-word
Given the clues "N_ggers" and "People who annoy you" what is the word?
The obvious answer is Naggers. People who nag. We all know them.
But black rappers would answer with the other n-word using "i" instead of "a."
(With apologies to South Park)
The obvious answer is Naggers. People who nag. We all know them.
But black rappers would answer with the other n-word using "i" instead of "a."
(With apologies to South Park)
The liberal double standard
We must begin to address why prominent Black Americans can get away with saying the most racist, most anti-Semitic, most bigoted statements--and get away with it, unscratched, while White Americans lose everything over it.
- Debbie Schlussel (link to full article here)
This is the liberal double standard. If liberals were not hypocrites, then they would not be liberals.
If liberals were really concerned about racism, then they they would be against all racism. But we see that they are only against certain types of racism. And liberals use those particular cases to practice the politics of personal destruction. All the while decrying the politics of personal destruction.
- Debbie Schlussel (link to full article here)
This is the liberal double standard. If liberals were not hypocrites, then they would not be liberals.
If liberals were really concerned about racism, then they they would be against all racism. But we see that they are only against certain types of racism. And liberals use those particular cases to practice the politics of personal destruction. All the while decrying the politics of personal destruction.
Stalinists
For the wonderful people, it's not the words you use, but what the wonderful people choose to pronounce you meant by them. Heaven help us if these Stalinists are ever completely in charge of speech in this country.
- David Limbaugh (link to full article here)
Stalinism is a good description for the tyranny of the left in modern America.
- David Limbaugh (link to full article here)
Stalinism is a good description for the tyranny of the left in modern America.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tommy
Republican presidential candidate Tommy Thompson told a Jewish group Monday that earning money is "part of the Jewish tradition," a remark for which he later apologized.
- AP link here
Tommy said what he meant and meant what he said. Then later, he thought that his remarks might be construed as negative, probably after his handlers talked to him about it.
But there was no "misspoke."
- AP link here
Tommy said what he meant and meant what he said. Then later, he thought that his remarks might be construed as negative, probably after his handlers talked to him about it.
But there was no "misspoke."
McCain on spending
Presidential hopeful John McCain on Monday stressed the need to fight wasteful government spending and held fellow Republicans accountable for Washington excess.
"We did some good things," the four-term Arizona senator said in prepared remarks. "But we left some big things undone because they were too hard and too politically risky."
McCain said the GOP forgot "who we were: tight-fisted stewards of the federal treasury who keep our priorities straight. We asked Americans to make us the governing party, and we rewarded them by becoming the party of government."
- AP link here
More than a little truth to this criticism.
"We did some good things," the four-term Arizona senator said in prepared remarks. "But we left some big things undone because they were too hard and too politically risky."
McCain said the GOP forgot "who we were: tight-fisted stewards of the federal treasury who keep our priorities straight. We asked Americans to make us the governing party, and we rewarded them by becoming the party of government."
- AP link here
More than a little truth to this criticism.
McCain
Sen. John McCain said Monday the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech does not change his view that the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to carry a weapon.
- AP link here
If students had been allowed to carry in self-defense, it might have been a lot less of a tragedy.
Blogger AndrewsDad addresses the self-defense issue here.
- AP link here
If students had been allowed to carry in self-defense, it might have been a lot less of a tragedy.
Blogger AndrewsDad addresses the self-defense issue here.
A Conservative Perspective
Five Marquette University students and a new alumnus provide a straight forward, conservative perspective on Marquette, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and US news here.
Sharpton & rappers
And the Rev. Al Sharpton says he will widen his crusade to go after other pollution on the airwaves, including hip-hop pollution. I hope he delivers.
- Clarence Page at Real Clear Politics
Not likely, but this is another thing we can hope for.
- Clarence Page at Real Clear Politics
Not likely, but this is another thing we can hope for.
Old Timer
Do not be judgmental… but be tolerant of others:
An old man was sitting on a bench at the mall. A young gothic dressed in black walked up to the bench and sat down. He had spiked hair in all different colors: green, red, orange, blue, and yellow with his face stained white.
The old man just stared at his hair, body piercing, tattoos, etc.
Every time the young man looked, the old man was staring.
The young man finally said sarcastically,"What's the matter old timer, never done anything wild in your life?"
Without batting an eye, the old man replied,"Got drunk once and had sex with a peacock. I was just wondering if you were my son."
An old man was sitting on a bench at the mall. A young gothic dressed in black walked up to the bench and sat down. He had spiked hair in all different colors: green, red, orange, blue, and yellow with his face stained white.
The old man just stared at his hair, body piercing, tattoos, etc.
Every time the young man looked, the old man was staring.
The young man finally said sarcastically,"What's the matter old timer, never done anything wild in your life?"
Without batting an eye, the old man replied,"Got drunk once and had sex with a peacock. I was just wondering if you were my son."
Fearmongering
Global warming poses a "serious threat to America's national security," and the United States probably will be dragged into fights over water and other shortages, top retired military leaders warn in a new report.
Joining calls from scientists and environmental activists, the retired U.S. military leaders are calling on the U.S. government to make major cuts in emissions of gases that cause global warming.
- AP/ajc
Raising taxes and exerting more government control might advance the cause of liberalism, but it is going to do little for national security.
Joining calls from scientists and environmental activists, the retired U.S. military leaders are calling on the U.S. government to make major cuts in emissions of gases that cause global warming.
- AP/ajc
Raising taxes and exerting more government control might advance the cause of liberalism, but it is going to do little for national security.
Edwards the Southerner
Presidential candidate John Edwards visited his small town birthplace Monday to announce a plan to help rural economies and tout himself as a Southern Democrat with Dixie appeal.
Edwards added the six-page Rural Recovery Act to his growing list of policy proposals, which also include a withdrawal of forces from Iraq, universal health care and a repeal of some of President Bush's tax cuts to pay for it.
- AP
It is going to be interesting to see how higher taxes, more government control, and Soviet-style health care play in the South.
Edwards added the six-page Rural Recovery Act to his growing list of policy proposals, which also include a withdrawal of forces from Iraq, universal health care and a repeal of some of President Bush's tax cuts to pay for it.
- AP
It is going to be interesting to see how higher taxes, more government control, and Soviet-style health care play in the South.
More dishonesty from the NY TImes
This is another dishonest editorial from the NY Times regarding the Georgia Thompson conviction.
The NY Times incorrectly states that the Adelman bid was the lowest. It was not. The bid was later assigned to another bidder, which was the lowest.
The NY Times also chooses to omit mentioning that, before the trial, the evidence in the case was first reviewed by the Wisconsin State Attorney General and the Dane County (Madison) D.A., both prominent Democrats.
But the NY Times never lets facts get in the way when they are trying to politicize a case.
Conservatives despise the NY Times for this kind of dishonesty.
Liberals admire the NY Times for the same reason.
The NY Times incorrectly states that the Adelman bid was the lowest. It was not. The bid was later assigned to another bidder, which was the lowest.
The NY Times also chooses to omit mentioning that, before the trial, the evidence in the case was first reviewed by the Wisconsin State Attorney General and the Dane County (Madison) D.A., both prominent Democrats.
But the NY Times never lets facts get in the way when they are trying to politicize a case.
Conservatives despise the NY Times for this kind of dishonesty.
Liberals admire the NY Times for the same reason.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
European resistance
But if, as Belien predicts will be the case within a few years, European Europe finds itself not merely threatened by Islamization but actually under the thumb of a Leftist-Islamist Coalition regime, then out of that catastrophe there could arise a new European right, different from any seen before, which knows that it has lost control of its civilization, and knows that it has no alternative but to fight to win it back.
- View From The Right (amnation.com/vfr)
Not likely, but we can always hope.
- View From The Right (amnation.com/vfr)
Not likely, but we can always hope.
The Real Reason Imus Was Fired
In a clear sign of its intent to reign in dissident American media personalities, and their growing influence in American culture, US War Leaders this past week launched an unprecedented attack upon one of their most politically 'connected', and legendary, radio hosts named Don Imus after his threats to release information relating to the September 11, 2001 attacks upon that country.
Unable to attack such a powerful media figure as Don Imus, directly, the US War Leaders, and as we have seen many times before, resorted to a massive media attack against him using as the reason a racial slur against a US woman's basketball team, but which has been pointed out by other media outlets was not by any means a rare occurrence for the legendary radio icon to make.
- Pravda
This would be humorous if it were not so pathetic.
The Russians are not our allies. The Russians are not our friends.
Are the Russians saying that Al Sharpton is a US War Leader? Or are they saying that Sharpton is the dupe of US War Leaders?
Unable to attack such a powerful media figure as Don Imus, directly, the US War Leaders, and as we have seen many times before, resorted to a massive media attack against him using as the reason a racial slur against a US woman's basketball team, but which has been pointed out by other media outlets was not by any means a rare occurrence for the legendary radio icon to make.
- Pravda
This would be humorous if it were not so pathetic.
The Russians are not our allies. The Russians are not our friends.
Are the Russians saying that Al Sharpton is a US War Leader? Or are they saying that Sharpton is the dupe of US War Leaders?
Botox John
Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) reopened the door to a possible 2008 presidential campaign during a book signing in Denver and then again, in an interview with 9NEWS.
"Could that change?" Kerry said. "It might. It may change over years. It may change over months. I can't tell you, but I've said very clearly I don't consider myself out of it forever."
- 9news.com
He is not out of it yet? Another shambling undead political corpse?
Scary thought.
"Could that change?" Kerry said. "It might. It may change over years. It may change over months. I can't tell you, but I've said very clearly I don't consider myself out of it forever."
- 9news.com
He is not out of it yet? Another shambling undead political corpse?
Scary thought.
Sharpton's hallucinations
The Rev. Al Sharpton said he was outraged that Germans were "depicting blacks as target practice."
"I think this is an incredibly racist kind of insult to African-Americans and it speaks to the kind of institutional racism that people think we are hallucinating about," he said.
- AP/yahoo news
Why does the white racist liberal media always go to Sharpton for comments? They think Sharpton is the only legitimate spokesperson for all black people?
"I think this is an incredibly racist kind of insult to African-Americans and it speaks to the kind of institutional racism that people think we are hallucinating about," he said.
- AP/yahoo news
Why does the white racist liberal media always go to Sharpton for comments? They think Sharpton is the only legitimate spokesperson for all black people?
Good question
"If the accuser lied under oath to the grand jury, why isn't she being charged?"
- Walter Farrell, former professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, now a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Excellent question.
Eugene Kane and Walter Farrell are trying to imply that she was not lying, because if she was, she would be charged.
Of course, they both know that the case is a lot more complicated than that, but intellectual dishonesty has always been the trademark of liberals like Farrell and Kane.
- Walter Farrell, former professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, now a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Excellent question.
Eugene Kane and Walter Farrell are trying to imply that she was not lying, because if she was, she would be charged.
Of course, they both know that the case is a lot more complicated than that, but intellectual dishonesty has always been the trademark of liberals like Farrell and Kane.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Imus Lynch Party
Imus threw himself on the mercy of the court of elite opinion – and that court, pandering to the mob, lynched him. Yet, for all his sins, he was a better man than the lot of them rejoicing at the foot of the cottonwood tree.
- Pat Buchanan
Buchanan is exactly correct.
- Pat Buchanan
Buchanan is exactly correct.
American terrorists
Gay Patriot reviews recent cases of American terrorists caught helping the islamofascists.
Clinton cronies
Sweetness & Light documents the role of Clinton cronies in the downfall of Imus.
Sheesh. It all goes back to a petty grudge because Imus called Hillary a "buck-toothed witch."
Go figure.
Sheesh. It all goes back to a petty grudge because Imus called Hillary a "buck-toothed witch."
Go figure.
Malkin rips Sharpton
There is, contrary to Geraldo's assertion, a world of difference between Imus's career of dumb remarks and Sharpton's career of malicious racial demagoguery.
There is no ideological difference between the hate-mongering likes of Malik Shabazz and Al Sharpton.
Sharpton, with the help of willing media, is exploiting the Imus matter to further rehabilitate his image without having to renounce any of his past poisonous behavior. Now, he's playing martyr with the latest reports of death threats against him.
- Michelle Malkin
Some solid punches landed.
There is no ideological difference between the hate-mongering likes of Malik Shabazz and Al Sharpton.
Sharpton, with the help of willing media, is exploiting the Imus matter to further rehabilitate his image without having to renounce any of his past poisonous behavior. Now, he's playing martyr with the latest reports of death threats against him.
- Michelle Malkin
Some solid punches landed.
When will Al Sharpton apologize?
A Feb. 26 2003 piece by Jeff Jacoby outlines part of the shameful history of Al Sharpton.
When will Al Sharpton apologize for all the harm he has done?
When will Al Sharpton apologize for all the harm he has done?
Some conservatives won't get the joke?
Now that Giuliani is running for the Republican presidential nomination, experts and political observers are wondering whether those well-photographed and widely documented performances - and others - could damage his campaign. Some say conservatives won't get the joke and will be turned off by what they see as yet another peek at Giuliani's exotic, big-city liberal side.
- AP
I think most conservatives are concerned about policy issues, not about comedy gags.
- AP
I think most conservatives are concerned about policy issues, not about comedy gags.
Doomed by human error
A command sent to the wrong computer address caused a cascade of events that led to the loss of the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft in November, NASA investigators reported Friday.
The error by ground controllers in Denver caused the spacecraft to mistakenly think its solar panels were stuck. By trying to free them, one of its onboard batteries overheated, eventually causing a loss of power.
- Los Angeles Times
Further proof that IT matters.
The error by ground controllers in Denver caused the spacecraft to mistakenly think its solar panels were stuck. By trying to free them, one of its onboard batteries overheated, eventually causing a loss of power.
- Los Angeles Times
Further proof that IT matters.
Kentucky Fried T-rex
Unleashing a new, highly sensitive medical analyzer on fossilized bones, the scientists have for the first time determined the precise molecular code of a dinosaur protein.
The feat, long presumed impossible because so little protein is present in dinosaur remains, opens the door to a redrawing of the evolutionary tree - one based on molecular evidence instead of the crude comparisons of bone shapes and sizes that experts now rely on.
The first results, described in today's issue of the journal Science, show that T. Rex's collagen - the fibrous protein forming the scaffolding that supports minerals in bone - is extraordinarily similar to that of the modern chicken, confirming current thinking that dinosaurs' nearest cousins are birds.
- LA Times, Washington Post, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A close link between T-rex and a chicken seems counterintuitive.
It makes one wonder sometimes.
The feat, long presumed impossible because so little protein is present in dinosaur remains, opens the door to a redrawing of the evolutionary tree - one based on molecular evidence instead of the crude comparisons of bone shapes and sizes that experts now rely on.
The first results, described in today's issue of the journal Science, show that T. Rex's collagen - the fibrous protein forming the scaffolding that supports minerals in bone - is extraordinarily similar to that of the modern chicken, confirming current thinking that dinosaurs' nearest cousins are birds.
- LA Times, Washington Post, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A close link between T-rex and a chicken seems counterintuitive.
It makes one wonder sometimes.
Counterjihad Summit
Because of the previous experiences of SIAD (Stop the Islamification of Denmark), none of this could be discussed ahead of time. In the past, when SIAD’s events were publicized in advance, groups of leftist thugs known as “Anti-Racism Squads” broke up the meetings by physically attacking SIAD members and injuring some of them.
So the Counterjihad Summit was organized without advance publicity. In addition, there was strict security, and the location was known only to the leaders of SIAD.
- gatesofvienna.blogspot.com
Every time I start thinking Europe is already lost, I hear about some resistance group.
So the Counterjihad Summit was organized without advance publicity. In addition, there was strict security, and the location was known only to the leaders of SIAD.
- gatesofvienna.blogspot.com
Every time I start thinking Europe is already lost, I hear about some resistance group.
Sheepdogs
"This letter was written by Charles Grennel and his comrades who are
veterans of the Global War on Terror. Grennel is an Army Reservist who
spent two years in Iraq and was a principal in putting together the first
Iraq elections, January of 2005.
It was written to Jill Edwards, a student at the University of Washington
who did not want to honor Medal of Honor winner USMC Colonel Greg Boyington.
Ms. Edwards and other students (and faculty) do not think those who serve
in the U.S. armed services are good role models.
To: Edwards, Jill (student, UW)
Subject: Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs
Miss Edwards, I read of your "student activity" regarding the proposed
memorial to Col. Greg Boyington, USMC and a Medal of Honor winner. I
suspect you will receive a bellyful of angry e-mails from conservative folks
like me.
You may be too young to appreciate fully the sacrifices of generations of
servicemen and servicewomen on whose shoulders you and your fellow students
stand. I forgive you for the untutored ways of youth and your naiveté. It
may be that you are, simply, a sheep. There's no dishonor in being a sheep
- - as long as you know and accept what you are.
William J. Bennett, in a lecture to the United States Naval Academy
November 24, 1997 said: "Most of the people in our society are sheep.
They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another
by accident." We may well be in the most violent times in history, but
violence is still remarkably rare.
This is because most citizens are kind, decent people who are not capable
of hurting each other, except by accident or under extreme provocation.
They are sheep.
Then there are the wolves and the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy.
Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without
mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are
capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so,
you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial.
Then there are sheepdogs and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock
and confront the wolf. If you have no capacity for violence then you are a
healthy productive citizen, a sheep.
If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow
citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf. But what if
you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens?
What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the
unchartered path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the
universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.
We know that the sheep live in denial, that is what makes them sheep.
They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world. They can
accept the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire
extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their
kids' schools. But many of them are outraged at the idea of putting an
armed police officer in their kid's school.
Our children are thousands of times more likely to be killed or seriously
injured by school violence than fire, but the sheep's only response to the
possibility of violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or
harm their child is just too hard, and so they chose the path of denial.
The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the
wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though,
is that the sheepdog must not, can not and will not ever harm the sheep.
Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be
punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in
a representative democracy or a republic such as ours. Still, the sheepdog
disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the
land. They would prefer that he didn't tell them where to go, or give them
traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports, in camouflage
fatigues, holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog
cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, "Baa." Until the wolf
shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely
sheepdog.
The students, the victims, at Columbine High School were big, tough high
school students, and under ordinary circumstances they would not have had
the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just
had nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and
SWAT teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to
physically peel those clinging, sobbing kids off of them.
This is how the little lambs feel about their sheepdog when the wolf is at
the door. Look at what happened after September 11, 2001 when the wolf
pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than ever before, felt
differently about their law enforcement officers and military personnel?
Understand that there is nothing morally superior about being a sheepdog; it
is just what you choose to be. Also understand that a sheepdog is a funny
critter: He is always sniffing around out on the perimeter, checking the
breeze, barking at things that go bump in the night, and yearning for a
righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn for a righteous
battle. The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the
sound of the guns when needed, right along with the young ones.
Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep
pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day. After
the attacks on September 11, 2001, most of the sheep, that is, most citizens
in America said, "Thank God I wasn't on one of those planes." The
sheepdogs, the warriors, said, "Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of
those planes. Maybe I could have made a difference." You want to be able
to make a difference. There is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog,
the warrior, but he does have one real advantage. Only one. And that is
that he is able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98
percent of the population.
There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of
violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory crimes of
violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast
majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language:
slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their
victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd
that is least able to protect itself. Some people may be destined to be
sheep and others might be genetically primed to be wolves or sheepdogs. But
I believe that most people can choose which one they want to be, and I'm
proud to say that more and more Americans are choosing to become sheepdogs.
Seven months after the attack on September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer was
honored in his hometown of Cranbury, New Jersey. Todd, as you recall, was
the man on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania who called on his cell phone to alert
an operator from United Airlines about the hijacking. When they learned of
the other three passenger planes that had been used as weapons, Todd and the
other passengers confronted the terrorist hijackers. In one hour, a
transformation occurred among the passengers - athletes, business people and
parents -- from sheep to sheepdogs and together they fought the wolves,
ultimately saving an unknown number of lives on the ground.
"There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of
evil men." - Edmund Burke. Here is the point I like to emphasize,
especially to the thousands of police officers and soldiers I speak to each
year. In nature the sheep, real sheep, are born as sheep. Sheepdogs are
born that way, and so are wolves. They didn't have a choice.
But you are not a critter. As a human being, you can be whatever you want
to be. It is a conscious, moral decision. If you want to be a sheep, then
you can be a sheep and that is okay, but you must understand the price you
pay. When the wolf comes, you and your loved ones are going to die if there
is not a sheepdog there to protect you. If you want to be a wolf, you can
be one, but the sheepdogs are going to hunt you down and you will never have
rest, safety, trust or love. But if you want to be a sheepdog and walk the
warrior's path, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day
to dedicate, equip and prepare yourself to thrive in that toxic, corrosive
moment when the wolf comes knocking at the door.
This business of being a sheep or a sheep dog is not a yes-no dichotomy.
It is not an all-or-nothing, either-or choice. It is a matter of degrees, a
continuum. On one end is an abject, head-in-the-sand-sheep and on the other
end is the ultimate warrior. Few people exist completely on one end or the
other. Most of us live somewhere in between.
Since 9-11 almost everyone in America took a step up that continuum, away
from denial. The sheep took a few steps toward accepting and appreciating
their warriors, and the warriors started taking their job more seriously.
Its ok to be a sheep, but do not kick the sheep dog. Indeed, the sheep dog
may just run a little harder, strive to protect a little better and be fully
prepared to pay an ultimate price in battle and spirit with the sheep moving
from "baa" to "thanks".
We do not call for gifts or freedoms beyond our lot. We just need a small
pat on the head, a smile and a thank you to fill the emotional tank which is
drained protecting the sheep. And when our number is called by "The
Almighty", and day retreats into night, a small prayer before the heavens
just may be in order to say thanks for letting you continue to be a sheep.
And be grateful for the thousands - - millions - - of American sheepdogs who
permit you the freedom to express even bad ideas.
- quoted from arboristsite.com
[Many thanks to Mark for calling this to my attention]
veterans of the Global War on Terror. Grennel is an Army Reservist who
spent two years in Iraq and was a principal in putting together the first
Iraq elections, January of 2005.
It was written to Jill Edwards, a student at the University of Washington
who did not want to honor Medal of Honor winner USMC Colonel Greg Boyington.
Ms. Edwards and other students (and faculty) do not think those who serve
in the U.S. armed services are good role models.
To: Edwards, Jill (student, UW)
Subject: Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs
Miss Edwards, I read of your "student activity" regarding the proposed
memorial to Col. Greg Boyington, USMC and a Medal of Honor winner. I
suspect you will receive a bellyful of angry e-mails from conservative folks
like me.
You may be too young to appreciate fully the sacrifices of generations of
servicemen and servicewomen on whose shoulders you and your fellow students
stand. I forgive you for the untutored ways of youth and your naiveté. It
may be that you are, simply, a sheep. There's no dishonor in being a sheep
- - as long as you know and accept what you are.
William J. Bennett, in a lecture to the United States Naval Academy
November 24, 1997 said: "Most of the people in our society are sheep.
They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another
by accident." We may well be in the most violent times in history, but
violence is still remarkably rare.
This is because most citizens are kind, decent people who are not capable
of hurting each other, except by accident or under extreme provocation.
They are sheep.
Then there are the wolves and the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy.
Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without
mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are
capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so,
you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial.
Then there are sheepdogs and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock
and confront the wolf. If you have no capacity for violence then you are a
healthy productive citizen, a sheep.
If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow
citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf. But what if
you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens?
What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the
unchartered path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the
universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.
We know that the sheep live in denial, that is what makes them sheep.
They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world. They can
accept the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire
extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their
kids' schools. But many of them are outraged at the idea of putting an
armed police officer in their kid's school.
Our children are thousands of times more likely to be killed or seriously
injured by school violence than fire, but the sheep's only response to the
possibility of violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or
harm their child is just too hard, and so they chose the path of denial.
The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the
wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though,
is that the sheepdog must not, can not and will not ever harm the sheep.
Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be
punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in
a representative democracy or a republic such as ours. Still, the sheepdog
disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the
land. They would prefer that he didn't tell them where to go, or give them
traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports, in camouflage
fatigues, holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog
cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, "Baa." Until the wolf
shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely
sheepdog.
The students, the victims, at Columbine High School were big, tough high
school students, and under ordinary circumstances they would not have had
the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just
had nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and
SWAT teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to
physically peel those clinging, sobbing kids off of them.
This is how the little lambs feel about their sheepdog when the wolf is at
the door. Look at what happened after September 11, 2001 when the wolf
pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than ever before, felt
differently about their law enforcement officers and military personnel?
Understand that there is nothing morally superior about being a sheepdog; it
is just what you choose to be. Also understand that a sheepdog is a funny
critter: He is always sniffing around out on the perimeter, checking the
breeze, barking at things that go bump in the night, and yearning for a
righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn for a righteous
battle. The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the
sound of the guns when needed, right along with the young ones.
Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep
pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day. After
the attacks on September 11, 2001, most of the sheep, that is, most citizens
in America said, "Thank God I wasn't on one of those planes." The
sheepdogs, the warriors, said, "Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of
those planes. Maybe I could have made a difference." You want to be able
to make a difference. There is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog,
the warrior, but he does have one real advantage. Only one. And that is
that he is able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98
percent of the population.
There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of
violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory crimes of
violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast
majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language:
slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their
victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd
that is least able to protect itself. Some people may be destined to be
sheep and others might be genetically primed to be wolves or sheepdogs. But
I believe that most people can choose which one they want to be, and I'm
proud to say that more and more Americans are choosing to become sheepdogs.
Seven months after the attack on September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer was
honored in his hometown of Cranbury, New Jersey. Todd, as you recall, was
the man on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania who called on his cell phone to alert
an operator from United Airlines about the hijacking. When they learned of
the other three passenger planes that had been used as weapons, Todd and the
other passengers confronted the terrorist hijackers. In one hour, a
transformation occurred among the passengers - athletes, business people and
parents -- from sheep to sheepdogs and together they fought the wolves,
ultimately saving an unknown number of lives on the ground.
"There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of
evil men." - Edmund Burke. Here is the point I like to emphasize,
especially to the thousands of police officers and soldiers I speak to each
year. In nature the sheep, real sheep, are born as sheep. Sheepdogs are
born that way, and so are wolves. They didn't have a choice.
But you are not a critter. As a human being, you can be whatever you want
to be. It is a conscious, moral decision. If you want to be a sheep, then
you can be a sheep and that is okay, but you must understand the price you
pay. When the wolf comes, you and your loved ones are going to die if there
is not a sheepdog there to protect you. If you want to be a wolf, you can
be one, but the sheepdogs are going to hunt you down and you will never have
rest, safety, trust or love. But if you want to be a sheepdog and walk the
warrior's path, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day
to dedicate, equip and prepare yourself to thrive in that toxic, corrosive
moment when the wolf comes knocking at the door.
This business of being a sheep or a sheep dog is not a yes-no dichotomy.
It is not an all-or-nothing, either-or choice. It is a matter of degrees, a
continuum. On one end is an abject, head-in-the-sand-sheep and on the other
end is the ultimate warrior. Few people exist completely on one end or the
other. Most of us live somewhere in between.
Since 9-11 almost everyone in America took a step up that continuum, away
from denial. The sheep took a few steps toward accepting and appreciating
their warriors, and the warriors started taking their job more seriously.
Its ok to be a sheep, but do not kick the sheep dog. Indeed, the sheep dog
may just run a little harder, strive to protect a little better and be fully
prepared to pay an ultimate price in battle and spirit with the sheep moving
from "baa" to "thanks".
We do not call for gifts or freedoms beyond our lot. We just need a small
pat on the head, a smile and a thank you to fill the emotional tank which is
drained protecting the sheep. And when our number is called by "The
Almighty", and day retreats into night, a small prayer before the heavens
just may be in order to say thanks for letting you continue to be a sheep.
And be grateful for the thousands - - millions - - of American sheepdogs who
permit you the freedom to express even bad ideas.
- quoted from arboristsite.com
[Many thanks to Mark for calling this to my attention]
Independence
Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani called for a national campaign to achieve energy independence during a Missouri campaign stop Saturday.
The former New York mayor said a national program to tap new energy sources, akin to the 1960s technological race to beat the Soviets to the moon, would give Republicans a positive issue to stand for in the 2008 White House race.
- AP
I am in favor of energy independence.
The former New York mayor said a national program to tap new energy sources, akin to the 1960s technological race to beat the Soviets to the moon, would give Republicans a positive issue to stand for in the 2008 White House race.
- AP
I am in favor of energy independence.
B. Hussein Obama
Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign has returned more than $50,000 in political contributions after discovering the donors were lobbyists.
While shunning lobbyists money, the Obama campaign still has relied on political and policy advice from Washington lobbyists and does accept donations from lobbyists spouses.
- AP
It is easy to be cynical about this.
While shunning lobbyists money, the Obama campaign still has relied on political and policy advice from Washington lobbyists and does accept donations from lobbyists spouses.
- AP
It is easy to be cynical about this.
The Other Al
WCBSTV.com learned early Saturday that the National Action Network has increased the Rev. Al Sharpton's security due to a number of death threats in the wake of the firing of radio host Don Imus by MSNBC and CBS Radio.
“We have no way of knowing the seriousness of these threats, but they have intensified greatly in the last two days as Rev. Sharpton was figured prominently in the firing of Don Imus," Attorney Charlie King said in a statement early Saturday morning.
- CBS
Sharpton has a talent for attracting negative attention.
“We have no way of knowing the seriousness of these threats, but they have intensified greatly in the last two days as Rev. Sharpton was figured prominently in the firing of Don Imus," Attorney Charlie King said in a statement early Saturday morning.
- CBS
Sharpton has a talent for attracting negative attention.
Buying Al Franken
Scores of actors, writers, producers and others from the entertainment industry have contributed to Al Franken's Senate campaign, helping the Minnesota Democrat get off to a strong fundraising start.
Franken, a former "Saturday Night Live" star who hopes to take on GOP Sen. Norm Coleman next year, raised the maximum $4,600 from actors such as Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jason Alexander and Larry David, according to a campaign finance report filed Friday.
- AP
Franken, a former "Saturday Night Live" star who hopes to take on GOP Sen. Norm Coleman next year, raised the maximum $4,600 from actors such as Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jason Alexander and Larry David, according to a campaign finance report filed Friday.
- AP
Overheard
Strangely, it’s a little difficult to tell from the transcript which statements were made by the Democrat and which were made by the Islamist. See if you can tell...
10. “Everything will be OK just as soon we get a Democrat in the White House.”
9. “I agree: the U.S. should apologize for… what were we talking about again?”
8. “After we overcome the remaining Christians, then we can really remake the world!”
7. “Pelosi knows who’s really in charge. Did you know she has a burqa by Prada?”
6. “Essentially, I hold my office for life. Can you believe who people will vote for?”
5. “Where would we be without the New York Times!”
4. “I oppose increased border security -- I have a lot of supporters sneaking into America illegally.”
3. “Murtha is a useful idiot. Stepping stones are useful, right?”
2. “I receive a ton of my contributions from cab drivers in D.C.”
1. “So all you do is have your major backers break their donations up into lots of little checks from the unions they control, and then route those as “earmarked” for whatever candidate you want through your PAC, rather than sending in one oversized illegal check. Then it doesn’t matter what limits the law puts on you! I’m telling you, you could learn a lot from how we do politics in my country.”
- Mac Johnson
How do you tell the difference between a liberal and an islamofascist?
10. “Everything will be OK just as soon we get a Democrat in the White House.”
9. “I agree: the U.S. should apologize for… what were we talking about again?”
8. “After we overcome the remaining Christians, then we can really remake the world!”
7. “Pelosi knows who’s really in charge. Did you know she has a burqa by Prada?”
6. “Essentially, I hold my office for life. Can you believe who people will vote for?”
5. “Where would we be without the New York Times!”
4. “I oppose increased border security -- I have a lot of supporters sneaking into America illegally.”
3. “Murtha is a useful idiot. Stepping stones are useful, right?”
2. “I receive a ton of my contributions from cab drivers in D.C.”
1. “So all you do is have your major backers break their donations up into lots of little checks from the unions they control, and then route those as “earmarked” for whatever candidate you want through your PAC, rather than sending in one oversized illegal check. Then it doesn’t matter what limits the law puts on you! I’m telling you, you could learn a lot from how we do politics in my country.”
- Mac Johnson
How do you tell the difference between a liberal and an islamofascist?
Friday, April 13, 2007
No sympathy for Duke players
But perhaps the outpouring of sympathy for Reade Seligman, Collin Finnerty and David Evans is just a bit misplaced. They got special treatment in the justice system--both negative and positive. The conduct of the lacrosse team of which they were members was not admirable on the night of the incident, to say the least. And there are so many other victims of prosecutorial misconduct in this country who never get the high-priced legal representation and the high-profile, high-minded vindication that it strikes me as just a bit unseemly to heap praise and sympathy on these particular men.
- Terry Moron, ABC News
Wasn't Ms. Anonymous telling us that ABC News was some sort of right-wing organization?
The above diatribe does not sound very right-wing to me.
- Terry Moron, ABC News
Wasn't Ms. Anonymous telling us that ABC News was some sort of right-wing organization?
The above diatribe does not sound very right-wing to me.
Defiant
A small California radio station says it would run a "Best of Imus" series next week in defiance of the firing of radio host Don Imus after he made a sexist and racist joke on his nationally syndicated show.
Fred Lundgren of KCAA-AM in San Bernardino, Calif., says his station would kick off the series Monday with the program that ended Imus' 40-year career, in which he referred to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed ho's."
Lundgren said, "I'm not going to let networks dictate to me who I run on my station."
- CBS/AP
It looks like he is also NOT going to let Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson dictate to him.
Fred Lundgren of KCAA-AM in San Bernardino, Calif., says his station would kick off the series Monday with the program that ended Imus' 40-year career, in which he referred to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed ho's."
Lundgren said, "I'm not going to let networks dictate to me who I run on my station."
- CBS/AP
It looks like he is also NOT going to let Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson dictate to him.
Exploding sausage
A woman diner was left with horrific burns after a Portuguese sausage dish exploded in her face.
The woman, who spent two weeks in hospital and has since undergone two skin graft operations, said it was like being hit by a "flame-thrower".
- thisislondon
The woman, who spent two weeks in hospital and has since undergone two skin graft operations, said it was like being hit by a "flame-thrower".
- thisislondon
Welcome to America
Anyone in Syria--from the worst terrorists at Islamic Jihad, HAMAS, and assorted other terrorist groups headquartered in Syria--can claim to be a "refugee" from Iraq. And we have no way to stop them from claiming that status or keeping them from entering the country. Mohammed Atta Bin Allah can claim he is Ahmed from Baghdad, and the Citizenship and Immigration Services employee must accept that claim at face value. Welcome--up to 7,000 (or more) Islamic terrorists--to America! Welcome!
The only thing that is being done is a taking of fingerprints--fingerprints which will only be connected to whatever name and claim the fingerprintee gives the Arabic translator.
- Debbie Schlussel
The only thing that is being done is a taking of fingerprints--fingerprints which will only be connected to whatever name and claim the fingerprintee gives the Arabic translator.
- Debbie Schlussel
Ticket to power
Turn to the Washington Post and read about Sen. Joe Biden contradicting the administration and the military's claims that the "surge" in Iraq is producing dividends. Don't be misled, chides Biden. Don't dare focus on any good news coming out of Iraq that doesn't fit into our anti-Bush, anti-war template. Talk all you want about increased security in Baghdad, but the chaos on the city's periphery more than outweighs any gains we've made. The surge, says Biden, is doomed to fail.
Is it too harsh to infer that Biden and his ilk are rooting for failure in Iraq? If bad news doesn't immediately jump out at them, they redouble their efforts to find it, because bad news is their currency. It is their ticket to political power.
- David Limbaugh
You can be outraged, but you cannot be surprised.
Democrats have always sought ways to create bad news, and then exploit it.
Is it too harsh to infer that Biden and his ilk are rooting for failure in Iraq? If bad news doesn't immediately jump out at them, they redouble their efforts to find it, because bad news is their currency. It is their ticket to political power.
- David Limbaugh
You can be outraged, but you cannot be surprised.
Democrats have always sought ways to create bad news, and then exploit it.
Employment rights
But since the [Largo] City Commission's two votes to fire him in February and March, [Steve] Stanton has been recruited to join a national fight for transsexual employment rights.
Stanton, who is married and has a teenage son, has said he is beginning the process of legally changing his name to Susan.
- AP/Miami Herald
Stanton, who is married and has a teenage son, has said he is beginning the process of legally changing his name to Susan.
- AP/Miami Herald
The next Joey Harrington?
Brady Quinn already has taken a down-and-out football team and turned it around. He figures he can do it again.
That's why the Notre Dame quarterback believes he is highly qualified to immediately help a troubled NFL franchise - and why he should be the first Fighting Irish player taken with the opening pick in the NFL draft in 35 years.
NFL draft history is littered with failed college quarterbacks, such as Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, Todd Marinovich, Rick Mirer, Joey Harrington and others.
- AP/Miami Herald
If Brady Quinn turns out to be in the same list as Ryan Leaf and Rick Mirer, it is going to be painful to watch.
That's why the Notre Dame quarterback believes he is highly qualified to immediately help a troubled NFL franchise - and why he should be the first Fighting Irish player taken with the opening pick in the NFL draft in 35 years.
NFL draft history is littered with failed college quarterbacks, such as Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, Todd Marinovich, Rick Mirer, Joey Harrington and others.
- AP/Miami Herald
If Brady Quinn turns out to be in the same list as Ryan Leaf and Rick Mirer, it is going to be painful to watch.
The Religion of Peace
More than 90 years ago, when Turkey was still part of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish nationalists launched an extermination campaign there that killed 1.5 million Armenians. It was the 20th century’s first genocide.
Turkey has long tried to deny the Armenian genocide.
- NY Times editorial
Ex-Wisconsin congressman Jim Moody was a long-time denier of the Armenian genocide.
Turkey has long tried to deny the Armenian genocide.
- NY Times editorial
Ex-Wisconsin congressman Jim Moody was a long-time denier of the Armenian genocide.
Biden gets hawkish
Delaware's Joe Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Democratic presidential candidate, called Wednesday for the use of military force to end the suffering in Darfur.
- delawareonline
So while the Democrats are complaining non-stop about the fact that we haven't surrendered in Iraq yet, about overstretch of the military, about how we can't win because it's a civil war, Joe Biden wants to start a new ground war in Sudan.
- RWN
RWN has a lot more to say about it here.
- delawareonline
So while the Democrats are complaining non-stop about the fact that we haven't surrendered in Iraq yet, about overstretch of the military, about how we can't win because it's a civil war, Joe Biden wants to start a new ground war in Sudan.
- RWN
RWN has a lot more to say about it here.
Brodhead
I join with everyone who cares about justice in welcoming the North Carolina State Attorney General’s announcement that the remaining charges have been dropped against David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann. This announcement comes at the end of an extraordinarily painful year for the young men and their families. They have carried themselves with dignity through an ordeal of deep unfairness.
- Duke President Brodhead
I remember Brodhead from when he was at Yale. I once thought he was a decent guy, now I think he is smarmy.
His present tone is very different than his previous anti-player rants.
He has obviously shifted into defense mode. He expects that the players' attorneys are going to sue him and Duke, rightfully so.
- Duke President Brodhead
I remember Brodhead from when he was at Yale. I once thought he was a decent guy, now I think he is smarmy.
His present tone is very different than his previous anti-player rants.
He has obviously shifted into defense mode. He expects that the players' attorneys are going to sue him and Duke, rightfully so.
Jesse and Al's excellent adventure
In the grand scheme, Don Imus is no threat to us in general and no threat to black women in particular. If his words are so powerful and so destructive and must be rebuked so forcefully, then what should we do about the idiot rappers on BET, MTV and every black-owned radio station in the country who use words much more powerful and much more destructive?
No. We all know where the real battleground is. We know that the gangsta rappers and their followers in the athletic world have far bigger platforms to negatively define us than some old white man with a bad radio show. There’s no money and lots of danger in that battle, so Jesse and Al are going to sit it out.
- Jason Whitlock
No. We all know where the real battleground is. We know that the gangsta rappers and their followers in the athletic world have far bigger platforms to negatively define us than some old white man with a bad radio show. There’s no money and lots of danger in that battle, so Jesse and Al are going to sit it out.
- Jason Whitlock
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Crocodile
A zoo worker had his forearm reattached Thursday after his colleagues recovered the severed limb from the mouth of a 440-pound Nile crocodile, an official said.
- AP/azcentral
Ouch.
- AP/azcentral
Ouch.
Hairy Reed
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) compared President Bush to former President Nixon today....
- politico.com
I voted for Nixon.
And I would vote for Nixon again, if the choice was Nixon vs. Clinton, or Nixon vs. Edwards, or Nixon vs. Obama....
- politico.com
I voted for Nixon.
And I would vote for Nixon again, if the choice was Nixon vs. Clinton, or Nixon vs. Edwards, or Nixon vs. Obama....
When will Sharpton apologize to Duke players?
Prosecutors dropped all charges Wednesday against the three Duke lacrosse players accused of sexually assaulting a stripper at a party, saying the athletes were innocent victims of a "tragic rush to accuse" by an overreaching district attorney.
- AP
- AP
The liberal/islamofascist alliance
The liberal war against America is no more likely to suddenly become benign, and henceforth cease being a threat to the future of the country, than is the threat of militant Islam. Both result from ideologies whose leaders believe in their own inherent intellectual, moral and (most importantly) spiritual supremacy. As such, they currently benefit from a collaborative effort to tear down the strongholds of American tradition and its Judeo-Christian roots.
From the onset of the terror war, the left has epitomized Lenin’s characterization of “useful idiots.”
- Christopher G. Adamo
From the onset of the terror war, the left has epitomized Lenin’s characterization of “useful idiots.”
- Christopher G. Adamo
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The plague spreads
A radio station fired its longtime morning DJ Wednesday after he encouraged listeners to repeat talk-show host Don Imus' racially charged comments in an on-air contest.
- CBS/AP
How much further will this plague spread?
- CBS/AP
How much further will this plague spread?
Imus B. Stupid (revisited)
Again, if this language is unacceptable for whites, then it is so for blacks as well, or anybody else who uses it.
- Macsmind
I wish this was correct, but alas, it is not.
A man once had a dream that people would be judged by their character, not by the color of their skin.
That was a long time ago.
The modern dream is that some people get special privileges based on the color of their skin.
And one of those special privileges is that black people get to use language that is denied to white people.
- Macsmind
I wish this was correct, but alas, it is not.
A man once had a dream that people would be judged by their character, not by the color of their skin.
That was a long time ago.
The modern dream is that some people get special privileges based on the color of their skin.
And one of those special privileges is that black people get to use language that is denied to white people.
Imus B. Stupid
Now, if Imus had called the basketball players "fat, race-baiting black men with clownish hairstyles," well, then perhaps Sharpton would be owed an apology.
- Ann Coulter
Heh. Always funny. Always on target.
- Ann Coulter
Heh. Always funny. Always on target.
Nifong
As the sexual assault case against three Duke University lacrosse players ended Wednesday, Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong was meeting with his own attorney to discuss his own defense to ethics charges in the case.
The North Carolina State Bar has lodged two complaints against Nifong in connection with his handling of the Duke lacrosse case. If he is found guilty of the charges against him, he could be disbarred.
- WRAL
He should be disbarred.
He should be charged with malfeasance.
The North Carolina State Bar has lodged two complaints against Nifong in connection with his handling of the Duke lacrosse case. If he is found guilty of the charges against him, he could be disbarred.
- WRAL
He should be disbarred.
He should be charged with malfeasance.
B. Hussein Obama
Democrat Barack Obama on Wednesday became the first presidential candidate to call for radio host Don Imus to be fired for making racially and sexually charged comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team.
- AP
Another first for B.O. What a guy.
- AP
Another first for B.O. What a guy.
Consternation
The Democrats' choice of Denver to anoint their presidential nominee in 2008 has stirred up angst among unions, one of the party's core groups, because of Colorado's reputation as an unfriendly place for organized labor.
"There is consternation about the fact that a nonunion venue was chosen," said Mitch Ackerman, president of the Colorado Council of the Service Employees International Union. "And there is some consternation that this is a town where workers really struggle to form unions."
- AP
Things must be pretty bad. He used the word "consternation" twice.
"There is consternation about the fact that a nonunion venue was chosen," said Mitch Ackerman, president of the Colorado Council of the Service Employees International Union. "And there is some consternation that this is a town where workers really struggle to form unions."
- AP
Things must be pretty bad. He used the word "consternation" twice.
Voter fraud
Democrats say the threat is overstated and have opposed voter identification laws, which they say disenfranchise the poor, members of minority groups and the elderly, who are less likely to have photo IDs and are more likely to be Democrats.
- NY Times
Macsmind has some good analysis of the story here.
- NY Times
Macsmind has some good analysis of the story here.
Coyote attacks baby
Wildlife officials are investigating what could be the first coyote attack on a human in New Jersey following a backyard attack on a toddler that was foiled by an 11-year-old.
The toddler's grandfather, Philip Palludan, who [says] he is familiar with coyotes having seen them out West, said the animal that attacked the toddler was about the size of a German shepherd.
- AP
They grow really big coyotes in New Jersey.
Or small German shepherds.
The toddler's grandfather, Philip Palludan, who [says] he is familiar with coyotes having seen them out West, said the animal that attacked the toddler was about the size of a German shepherd.
- AP
They grow really big coyotes in New Jersey.
Or small German shepherds.
More hypocrisy from Edwards
"What he said is wrong because it's wrong. It has to be condemned, we have to speak out when people use this kind of language. This is a very serious matter, it should be taken very seriously."
- Democratic candidate John Edwards, referring to Imus
People use that kind of language every day. It is routinely ignored by liberals unless they can use it to advance the cause of liberalism.
- Democratic candidate John Edwards, referring to Imus
People use that kind of language every day. It is routinely ignored by liberals unless they can use it to advance the cause of liberalism.
Undead
Three years ago, it took a nasty, industrial-strength assault by Karl Rove & Co. to oust Democratic leader Tom Daschle from his Senate seat. But if Republicans thought they had seen the last of the resilient South Dakotan, they were wrong. He’s back, this time behind the scenes, as a sort of secret sauce in the surging presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama.
- Howard Fineman
This is more pathetic than scary, sort of like a grade-B horror movie.
Picture Daschle's rotting political corpse, shambling along.
- Howard Fineman
This is more pathetic than scary, sort of like a grade-B horror movie.
Picture Daschle's rotting political corpse, shambling along.
The Groveler
As usual, just like Kramer a/k/a Michael Richards, the even less sympathetic Imus made the grovelling White Man's Mea Culpa World Tour. Yes, what Imus said was racist, but he has a history of that and of saying anti-Semitic things far worse. There was no grovelling tour for those comments. The over-reaction to these comments is absurd. As is his extreme, shameless, phony grovelling to racists, who've said as bad, if not far worse.
- Debbie Schlussel
- Debbie Schlussel
Scarred for life
The 10 members of the Rutgers team spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday about the on-air comments, made the day after the team lost the NCAA championship game to Tennessee.
Some of them wiped away tears as their coach, C. Vivian Stringer, criticized Imus for "racist and sexist remarks that are deplorable, despicable, abominable and unconscionable." The women, eight of whom are black, called his comments insensitive and hurtful.
"It kind of scars us. We grew up in a world where racism exists, and there's nothing we can do to change that," said Matee Ajavon, a junior guard. "I think that this has scarred me for life."
- AP/Washington Times
If this is the worst adversity she ever faces in her life, it is going to be a pretty easy life.
Some of them wiped away tears as their coach, C. Vivian Stringer, criticized Imus for "racist and sexist remarks that are deplorable, despicable, abominable and unconscionable." The women, eight of whom are black, called his comments insensitive and hurtful.
"It kind of scars us. We grew up in a world where racism exists, and there's nothing we can do to change that," said Matee Ajavon, a junior guard. "I think that this has scarred me for life."
- AP/Washington Times
If this is the worst adversity she ever faces in her life, it is going to be a pretty easy life.
Liberal censorship
"I am incredulous that PBS would invest so much of our tax money into contracting professionals for a documentary on a subject -- the struggle for the soul of Islam -- which is one of the most vital debates of the 21st century and then censor its release," said Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, chairman of the Arizona-based American Islamic Forum for Democracy who is featured in the documentary.
- Washington Times
You can be outraged by this, but you cannot be surprised.
Liberals routinely use censorship to advance the cause of liberalism.
- Washington Times
You can be outraged by this, but you cannot be surprised.
Liberals routinely use censorship to advance the cause of liberalism.
Fredheads
Former Tennessee Republican Sen. Fred Thompson told FOX News on Wednesday that he’s in remission from cancer.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t satisfied in my own mind as to the nature of it and the fact that not only will I have an average life span, but in the meantime, I will not be affected in any way by it,” Thompson said.
Thompson, who is considering a run for the White House in 2008, said he hasn’t had any symptoms or sickness from indolent lymphoma, a form of cancer.
- Fox News quoted on Sweetness & Light
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t satisfied in my own mind as to the nature of it and the fact that not only will I have an average life span, but in the meantime, I will not be affected in any way by it,” Thompson said.
Thompson, who is considering a run for the White House in 2008, said he hasn’t had any symptoms or sickness from indolent lymphoma, a form of cancer.
- Fox News quoted on Sweetness & Light
Rhetorical question
Is the Sharpton & Jackson Circus truly committed to cleaning up cultural pollution that demeans women and perpetuates racial epithets?
- Michelle Malkin
Obviously not. Sharpton & Jackson are looking to use the Imus issue to advance the cause of liberalism. Period.
Other people can demean women and perpetuate racial epithets with complete immunity.
Business as usual in the liberal world.
- Michelle Malkin
Obviously not. Sharpton & Jackson are looking to use the Imus issue to advance the cause of liberalism. Period.
Other people can demean women and perpetuate racial epithets with complete immunity.
Business as usual in the liberal world.
Arab News
Prince Turki said that before Sept. 11, 2001, public surveys showed that 45 percent of Americans believed that the Kingdom was a friendly nation. “After it was announced that 15 of the 19 hijackers who took part in the attacks were Saudi, public surveys showed that 60 percent believed that Saudi Arabia was a hostile country,” he said.
- Arab News
Why was the change so small?
- Arab News
Why was the change so small?
Pelosi
Should Pelosi spend three years in jail? I'd say it's a start. Then we can work on the treason part...
- granitegrok
- granitegrok
Negativism
It’s unfortunate that the MSM has decided to dwell on the bad news — and the words of an angry cleric because the surge has shown real signs of progress. Perhaps Americans might have a more favorable opinion of the war in Iraq if the MSM presented a more accurate picture of the situation on the ground.
- Gay Patriot
Negativism by liberals is just one of those unfortunate facts of life.
- Gay Patriot
Negativism by liberals is just one of those unfortunate facts of life.
Edwards
Our old buddy Jim Geraghty (and his readers) provide the real scoop on John Edwards' plan to "simplify" taxes with something called a "Form One". The verdict - the plan is a joke (kind of like John Edwards), and creates all kinds of problems.
- Ankle Biting Pundits
- Ankle Biting Pundits
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)