The bubonic plaque; the flu pandemic of 1918; the a.i.d.s. epidemic. More human beings have been lost to the ravages of disease and natural disaster than any idiocy man can heap upon his own kind. Human beings can deliver horror upon each other and that is a matter of the will and choice. Disease is another matter. A.i.d.s. is a horrid disease I would not wish upon my worst enemy.
Last night, the PBS program 'Frontline' detailed a history of the disease from origin to attempts to treat it. Of course, being a socialist funded under-taking, PBS was obliged to castigate a 'nanny' federal government for not finding a cure and to villify a sitting president for not caring about the consequences of other people's poor life choices.
While a.i.d.s. is a blood disease, it is common sense and common knowledge that abberant behaviors, such as I.V. drug use and promiscuious sex (both hetro & homo) are the most common methods of infection. An attempt to mediate an 'innocent' face upon this horrid disease was presented by the tragic tales of young hemophiliacs like Ryan White, but most of the focus was upon the beleaguered peoples of Africa and the anquished homosexuals of North America.
But this PBS program barely mentioned the true lesson learned from the 30 years of this epidemic nightmare: personal responsibilty & personal accountability. This is a lesson summed up very well by this young African man. Afterall, we can't even cure the common cold.
The best news in decades. HIV infection rate stable for first time ever.
The incidence of new HIV infections appears to have stabilized for the first time in the 25-year history of AIDS, although the global pandemic will still have a deep, long-term impact, a new UN report said.
While the world is at last making progress against the disease, thanks to a massive increase in spending, better access to drugs and growing awareness, huge problems remain, the UN agency coordinating the fight against HIV/AIDS warned.
"New data shows that the AIDS epidemic is slowing down globally," said executive director of UNAIDS Peter Piot at the launch of the Global AIDS report.
Of course, nowhere in this report does it mention that the U.S. is the most generous of industrialized nations in terms of monetary & medical donations.
And this just in from the 'can we be anymore revolting & stupid?' department.
Dutch Pedophiles To Launch New Political Party.
~Coming soon to a liberal agenda near you.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Back to work
Trends You Don't Hear About
The Iraqi economy: GDP doubled from 2003 to 2004, and was up double digits in 2005. Inflation and unemployment have both been falling steadily. Yes, the terrorists are still at it, but in the background you will notice all those people going to work, all the new cars and all the new construction. While big companies have stayed away from Iraq, and all those nasty headlines, smaller firms have been more aggressive. Life goes on.
Iraqi Agriculture: For thousands of years, Iraq was a food exporter. But as oil became a larger part of the economy over the past half century, agriculture declined. Now, for the first time in half a century, Iraq is exporting food. Agriculture has come back big time, mainly because many of the regulations government bureaucrats have piled on farmers for decades, have been eliminated. A farmer can now make a lot of money, growing food in the most productive agriculture land in the region.
Iraqi Currency Exchange Rates: The Iraqi currency (the dinar) trades in a narrow range, against the dollar, that is controlled by the Iraqi Central Bank. For the last few years, the exchange range has been around 1,470 dinars to the dollar. But the dinar floats against other local currencies (like the Kuwaiti dinar and the Iranian rial), and has gotten stronger against both of those currencies. That's a big deal, as it means that the Iraqi economy is getting stronger, and people, in and out of, Iraq, have confidence in the Iraqi economy, and currency.
Iraqi U.S. Bases Taken Over by Iraqi Troops: Since last Fall, over fifty U.S. bases have been transferred to Iraqi control. American troops are moving to larger, consolidated, bases out in the countryside. These require fewer troops to defend, and keep U.S. troops out of sight. Iraqi soldiers and police are taking care of security in many areas where American used to do it. This is why you keep hearing reports of plans to pull most American troops out of Iraq in the next 12-18 months.
Why No One Can Trust Anyone in Ramadi
n some towns outside Iraq, like Ramadi, Sunni Arab anti-government ("bring back Saddam") groups are losing out to al Qaeda. While al Qaeda has been driven out of most Sunni Arab towns, in Ramadi, al Qaeda has concentrated its forces and is fighting the secular anti-government groups. The secular Sunni forces have been taking some heavy blows from Iraqi and Coalition forces, on the one hand, and al Qaeda on the other. Al Qaeda is trying to leverage Iraqi/Coalition success, to strengthen its own campaign to take over the anti-government activity in Ramadi, through assassinations, kidnapping, and intimidation of secular Sunni Arab anti-government leaders.
The government and Coalition commanders are not doing anything to help this process, as they go after whoever they get a lead on. There are, however, suspicions that some useful leads have been phoned in by al Qaeda. This is an old technique in military history. During World War II, the war in Yugoslavia saw the various partisan groups spending more time fighting each other, than against the Germans and Italians who were trying to control the country. Indeed, during World War II, more Yugoslavs were killed by other Yugoslavs, than by Germans and Italians. Ramadi is following the same pattern, as are other anti-government Sunni Arab cities. The Coalition and the government wants to pacify these places, but these towns are full of dozens of family, clan, mosque, tribe and gang based armed groups that hate each other more than they hate Americans or a democratically elected government. There's a blood lust that has developed in these places, a war fever that will only go away once enough of the gunmen have killed each other off.
The Best and Worst Signs I've Seen in Iraq.
U.S. Will Reinforce Troops in West Iraq
Last week, U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad conceded, in answer to a question about Ramadi in an interview with CNN, that parts of Anbar were under insurgent control. Ramadi is the capital of the overwhelmingly Sunni province. The difficulties facing stretched-thin U.S. Marines in Ramadi suggest the continuing obstacles to a reduction of American forces in Iraq.
"We hope to get rid of al-Qaeda, which is a huge burden on the city. Unfortunately, Zarqawi's fist is stronger than the Americans'," said one Sunni sheik, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of insurgent retaliation. He was referring to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, an umbrella group for many of the foreign and local resistance fighters in Iraq. Local Sunni leaders often insist that the most violent insurgent attacks are by foreign fighters, not Iraqi Sunnis.
The U.S. military said Monday it was deploying the main reserve fighting force for Iraq, a full 3,500-member armored brigade, as emergency reinforcements for the embattled western province of Anbar, where a surge of violence linked to the insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq has severely damaged efforts to turn Sunni Arab tribal leaders against the insurgency. God bless you , Holly & all your commrades.
Lost in translation
What is wrong with the likes of cnn and google, et al?? Are these just bureaucratic snafoos and evidence of poor judgement or does the word 'traitor' need to come back into the debate?
Many thanks to the Mudville Gazette for all they do.
The Iraqi economy: GDP doubled from 2003 to 2004, and was up double digits in 2005. Inflation and unemployment have both been falling steadily. Yes, the terrorists are still at it, but in the background you will notice all those people going to work, all the new cars and all the new construction. While big companies have stayed away from Iraq, and all those nasty headlines, smaller firms have been more aggressive. Life goes on.
Iraqi Agriculture: For thousands of years, Iraq was a food exporter. But as oil became a larger part of the economy over the past half century, agriculture declined. Now, for the first time in half a century, Iraq is exporting food. Agriculture has come back big time, mainly because many of the regulations government bureaucrats have piled on farmers for decades, have been eliminated. A farmer can now make a lot of money, growing food in the most productive agriculture land in the region.
Iraqi Currency Exchange Rates: The Iraqi currency (the dinar) trades in a narrow range, against the dollar, that is controlled by the Iraqi Central Bank. For the last few years, the exchange range has been around 1,470 dinars to the dollar. But the dinar floats against other local currencies (like the Kuwaiti dinar and the Iranian rial), and has gotten stronger against both of those currencies. That's a big deal, as it means that the Iraqi economy is getting stronger, and people, in and out of, Iraq, have confidence in the Iraqi economy, and currency.
Iraqi U.S. Bases Taken Over by Iraqi Troops: Since last Fall, over fifty U.S. bases have been transferred to Iraqi control. American troops are moving to larger, consolidated, bases out in the countryside. These require fewer troops to defend, and keep U.S. troops out of sight. Iraqi soldiers and police are taking care of security in many areas where American used to do it. This is why you keep hearing reports of plans to pull most American troops out of Iraq in the next 12-18 months.
Why No One Can Trust Anyone in Ramadi
n some towns outside Iraq, like Ramadi, Sunni Arab anti-government ("bring back Saddam") groups are losing out to al Qaeda. While al Qaeda has been driven out of most Sunni Arab towns, in Ramadi, al Qaeda has concentrated its forces and is fighting the secular anti-government groups. The secular Sunni forces have been taking some heavy blows from Iraqi and Coalition forces, on the one hand, and al Qaeda on the other. Al Qaeda is trying to leverage Iraqi/Coalition success, to strengthen its own campaign to take over the anti-government activity in Ramadi, through assassinations, kidnapping, and intimidation of secular Sunni Arab anti-government leaders.
The government and Coalition commanders are not doing anything to help this process, as they go after whoever they get a lead on. There are, however, suspicions that some useful leads have been phoned in by al Qaeda. This is an old technique in military history. During World War II, the war in Yugoslavia saw the various partisan groups spending more time fighting each other, than against the Germans and Italians who were trying to control the country. Indeed, during World War II, more Yugoslavs were killed by other Yugoslavs, than by Germans and Italians. Ramadi is following the same pattern, as are other anti-government Sunni Arab cities. The Coalition and the government wants to pacify these places, but these towns are full of dozens of family, clan, mosque, tribe and gang based armed groups that hate each other more than they hate Americans or a democratically elected government. There's a blood lust that has developed in these places, a war fever that will only go away once enough of the gunmen have killed each other off.
The Best and Worst Signs I've Seen in Iraq.
U.S. Will Reinforce Troops in West Iraq
Last week, U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad conceded, in answer to a question about Ramadi in an interview with CNN, that parts of Anbar were under insurgent control. Ramadi is the capital of the overwhelmingly Sunni province. The difficulties facing stretched-thin U.S. Marines in Ramadi suggest the continuing obstacles to a reduction of American forces in Iraq.
"We hope to get rid of al-Qaeda, which is a huge burden on the city. Unfortunately, Zarqawi's fist is stronger than the Americans'," said one Sunni sheik, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of insurgent retaliation. He was referring to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, an umbrella group for many of the foreign and local resistance fighters in Iraq. Local Sunni leaders often insist that the most violent insurgent attacks are by foreign fighters, not Iraqi Sunnis.
The U.S. military said Monday it was deploying the main reserve fighting force for Iraq, a full 3,500-member armored brigade, as emergency reinforcements for the embattled western province of Anbar, where a surge of violence linked to the insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq has severely damaged efforts to turn Sunni Arab tribal leaders against the insurgency. God bless you , Holly & all your commrades.
Lost in translation
What is wrong with the likes of cnn and google, et al?? Are these just bureaucratic snafoos and evidence of poor judgement or does the word 'traitor' need to come back into the debate?
Many thanks to the Mudville Gazette for all they do.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Decoration Day
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. A hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead".
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868.
It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Source
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. A hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead".
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868.
It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Source
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Ralph Bennett has great suggestion
Go and Find a Soldier's Grave
You can have that hamburger and beer later, and maybe relax in the hammock and not give a thought to that one whose life span is now an incised line in stone -- that one who represented you, like no Congressman could.
Go and find a soldier's grave.
Remember what duty costs.
Then just bow your head and, as Gen. George S. Patton said, do not mourn that such men died, but thank God that such men lived.
You can have that hamburger and beer later, and maybe relax in the hammock and not give a thought to that one whose life span is now an incised line in stone -- that one who represented you, like no Congressman could.
Go and find a soldier's grave.
Remember what duty costs.
Then just bow your head and, as Gen. George S. Patton said, do not mourn that such men died, but thank God that such men lived.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Krykee! Who needs powerball?
Boortz weighs in on the U.S. senate's dream come true deal for illegal aliens.
The Senate has passed, and will now send to a conference committee with the house, a bill on illegal immigration. Here is how the bill proposes the 12 million illegal aliens in this country be handled:
1. Those who have been in the country illegally for between 2 and 5 years...get to join a temporary worker program. That means they get to stay here. That means their illegal actions are being forgiven and rewarded. That's amnesty.
2. Those who have been in the country illegally longer would go on an 11-year probation, then get citizenship. Again ... .amnesty. And just how in the hell are they going to prove they've been here for more than 5 years? Why, with the same forged documents they used to get jobs!
3. Oh...and they'd have to learn English, pay a penalty and clear up any back taxes. OK ...so they have to buy their amnesty. And learn English? Mark these words. They'll have to answer a multiple-choice quiz on some simple English phrases. That's it. You could learn what they will have to know in one weekend.
I want to thank Jerry Agar, over at kmbz.com, for telling me about this probative list of questions that Ms. Jan LaRue, chief counsel for Concerned Women for America, has for the bone head legislators in our federal government.
Let me begin with the obligatory disclaimer that I am not anti-immigrant. Two of my grandparents came through Ellis Island from Hungary and one came from Greece. I am an unhyphenated American who refuses to obliterate an important distinction. The "Melting Pot" shouldn’t be demeaned by melding the illegal with the legal.
Despite the risk of encountering a fresh batch of slings and arrows, I'd like to ask a few questions of those in our federal government who are determined to reward those who've rejected our national sovereignty by entering our country in disobedience to our generous immigration laws, and are demanding equal rights and status with those who followed the rules.
1. Is there a chance that some of these "guest workers" could take the place of Americans in Congress who won't do the work?
2. Do you have a fence around your private property?
3. Have you hired any "vigilante”"security guards to patrol it?
4. Have you instructed your guards just to catch and release trespassers?
5. What's your feeling about the Mexican government providing its migratory citizens a brochure with directions to your house and its key entry points?
6. How do you feel about those who've entered the United States illegally having an equal right to enter your home and remain as "guest occupants"?
7. Are their spouses, children, parents, siblings and other relatives welcome to join you?
8. Are you willing to foot the bill for their medical care and education or will you ask Vincente Fox to cut you a check?
9. How long would those with "temporary status" and "near-permanent convertible status" have to reside in your home before they qualify for "legal permanent residence" and become eviction-free?
10. When would they have voting rights in your home owner's association?
11. Do you expect those who’ve been in your home between two and five years to leave when you tell them to, go to one of 16 "ports of entry" to receive amnesty, and return with lawful occupancy permits for your home?
12. Just how much lettuce are you consuming?
13. Since you keep reminding us that it's impossible to round up 12 million illegals, how are you going to round up 10 million and take them back to the border?
14. Call me a cock-eyed skeptimist, but I need an explanation for why you think that 10 million illegals are going home voluntarily to wait in line for re-entry when they weren't willing to do that in the first place.
15. Could you provide a couple of thoughts about how you're going to keep your next batch of immigration laws from becoming "broken" and "unenforceable"?
16. By the way, are you as eager for decent, hard-working, law-abiding Americans to leave America as Vincente Fox is about decent, hard-working Mexicans leaving Mexico?
17. Why do you suppose he's so eager for his people to leave while he makes it so hard for decent, hard-working, law-abiding Americans to reside in his country?
18. To those telling us how "unchristian" we are because "Jesus would never turn anyone away": Have you read the part where He said, "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber." How about, "Depart from Me, I never knew you." Then there's that whip He used to drive some out of the Temple. You might want to ponder it before you tell me he was enforcing the Law.
19. On a related note, when did the United States become a church? Just an FYI: The Supreme Court shot down that one some time ago. There was something about a wall of separation, as I recall.
20. Has the Secret Service been instructed to cease arresting those who jump the White House fence, or are we still of the opinion that they're not all harmless tourists?
21. After the Senate voted last week to allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal employment, even if the job was obtained through forged or stolen documents, Ken Lay called. He's clueless as to why the government is trying to deprive him and his family of the nest egg he worked so hard to provide for them at Enron. Why should securities and wire fraud stand in the way of amnesty? Is it because he was here legally?
22. Is the FBI using any undocumented guest workers to dig up that farm in Michigan looking for Jimmy Hoffa? He's going to be really ticked if they weren't union guys.
The Senate has passed, and will now send to a conference committee with the house, a bill on illegal immigration. Here is how the bill proposes the 12 million illegal aliens in this country be handled:
1. Those who have been in the country illegally for between 2 and 5 years...get to join a temporary worker program. That means they get to stay here. That means their illegal actions are being forgiven and rewarded. That's amnesty.
2. Those who have been in the country illegally longer would go on an 11-year probation, then get citizenship. Again ... .amnesty. And just how in the hell are they going to prove they've been here for more than 5 years? Why, with the same forged documents they used to get jobs!
3. Oh...and they'd have to learn English, pay a penalty and clear up any back taxes. OK ...so they have to buy their amnesty. And learn English? Mark these words. They'll have to answer a multiple-choice quiz on some simple English phrases. That's it. You could learn what they will have to know in one weekend.
I want to thank Jerry Agar, over at kmbz.com, for telling me about this probative list of questions that Ms. Jan LaRue, chief counsel for Concerned Women for America, has for the bone head legislators in our federal government.
Let me begin with the obligatory disclaimer that I am not anti-immigrant. Two of my grandparents came through Ellis Island from Hungary and one came from Greece. I am an unhyphenated American who refuses to obliterate an important distinction. The "Melting Pot" shouldn’t be demeaned by melding the illegal with the legal.
Despite the risk of encountering a fresh batch of slings and arrows, I'd like to ask a few questions of those in our federal government who are determined to reward those who've rejected our national sovereignty by entering our country in disobedience to our generous immigration laws, and are demanding equal rights and status with those who followed the rules.
1. Is there a chance that some of these "guest workers" could take the place of Americans in Congress who won't do the work?
2. Do you have a fence around your private property?
3. Have you hired any "vigilante”"security guards to patrol it?
4. Have you instructed your guards just to catch and release trespassers?
5. What's your feeling about the Mexican government providing its migratory citizens a brochure with directions to your house and its key entry points?
6. How do you feel about those who've entered the United States illegally having an equal right to enter your home and remain as "guest occupants"?
7. Are their spouses, children, parents, siblings and other relatives welcome to join you?
8. Are you willing to foot the bill for their medical care and education or will you ask Vincente Fox to cut you a check?
9. How long would those with "temporary status" and "near-permanent convertible status" have to reside in your home before they qualify for "legal permanent residence" and become eviction-free?
10. When would they have voting rights in your home owner's association?
11. Do you expect those who’ve been in your home between two and five years to leave when you tell them to, go to one of 16 "ports of entry" to receive amnesty, and return with lawful occupancy permits for your home?
12. Just how much lettuce are you consuming?
13. Since you keep reminding us that it's impossible to round up 12 million illegals, how are you going to round up 10 million and take them back to the border?
14. Call me a cock-eyed skeptimist, but I need an explanation for why you think that 10 million illegals are going home voluntarily to wait in line for re-entry when they weren't willing to do that in the first place.
15. Could you provide a couple of thoughts about how you're going to keep your next batch of immigration laws from becoming "broken" and "unenforceable"?
16. By the way, are you as eager for decent, hard-working, law-abiding Americans to leave America as Vincente Fox is about decent, hard-working Mexicans leaving Mexico?
17. Why do you suppose he's so eager for his people to leave while he makes it so hard for decent, hard-working, law-abiding Americans to reside in his country?
18. To those telling us how "unchristian" we are because "Jesus would never turn anyone away": Have you read the part where He said, "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber." How about, "Depart from Me, I never knew you." Then there's that whip He used to drive some out of the Temple. You might want to ponder it before you tell me he was enforcing the Law.
19. On a related note, when did the United States become a church? Just an FYI: The Supreme Court shot down that one some time ago. There was something about a wall of separation, as I recall.
20. Has the Secret Service been instructed to cease arresting those who jump the White House fence, or are we still of the opinion that they're not all harmless tourists?
21. After the Senate voted last week to allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal employment, even if the job was obtained through forged or stolen documents, Ken Lay called. He's clueless as to why the government is trying to deprive him and his family of the nest egg he worked so hard to provide for them at Enron. Why should securities and wire fraud stand in the way of amnesty? Is it because he was here legally?
22. Is the FBI using any undocumented guest workers to dig up that farm in Michigan looking for Jimmy Hoffa? He's going to be really ticked if they weren't union guys.
Cartoons sometimes speak louder than words
Only no one is laughing at this selection.
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Thursday, May 25, 2006
Maybe its time to buy a bicycle.*
I know.
It's not all that original, but it is funny in a frustrating kinda way. There is a lot of talk about bio-fuels and alternative fuels are those the ones with limp wrists?, but it will be the same 'ol, same 'ol until the consumer demands something different or better. Necessity is the mother of invention so let's get bzzzy, America!
California gas station's shocking sign of times
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gas really does cost an arm and a leg in places these days.
This weekend, a Manhattan Beach, California, gas station said the price of regular gasoline was -- an arm.
The price of mid-grade -- a leg.
The price of premium -- your first born.
Steve Grossi's lease on his Shell station was expiring on Monday, so when he ran out of gasoline to sell on Sunday, he put up the tongue-in-cheek sign.
"It started as a joke," said Grossi, 51, who operated the station for 11 years before Shell decided to sell the property. "It's a neighborhood station and it was a joke for the neighborhood."
Before he ran out of gas, Grossi was selling regular at $3.499 per gallon, then up to $3.699 for premium.
When he was out of gas, Grossi, who had been an independent Shell station owner for 28 years, was out of a job.
*When does the 'tele-porter' get invented? Oh, wait. Then the shipping companies will complain.
It's not all that original, but it is funny in a frustrating kinda way. There is a lot of talk about bio-fuels and alternative fuels are those the ones with limp wrists?, but it will be the same 'ol, same 'ol until the consumer demands something different or better. Necessity is the mother of invention so let's get bzzzy, America!
California gas station's shocking sign of times
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gas really does cost an arm and a leg in places these days.
This weekend, a Manhattan Beach, California, gas station said the price of regular gasoline was -- an arm.
The price of mid-grade -- a leg.
The price of premium -- your first born.
Steve Grossi's lease on his Shell station was expiring on Monday, so when he ran out of gasoline to sell on Sunday, he put up the tongue-in-cheek sign.
"It started as a joke," said Grossi, 51, who operated the station for 11 years before Shell decided to sell the property. "It's a neighborhood station and it was a joke for the neighborhood."
Before he ran out of gas, Grossi was selling regular at $3.499 per gallon, then up to $3.699 for premium.
When he was out of gas, Grossi, who had been an independent Shell station owner for 28 years, was out of a job.
*When does the 'tele-porter' get invented? Oh, wait. Then the shipping companies will complain.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Great googly-moogly
I know that google owns this site, but I have to call them out for the leftist-utopian-U.N.-butt-kissers that they are! Bunch o big brother, pointy-headed, new world weenies. Ok, ok. I'll stop sugar coating it and cut straight to the chase.
Search engine giant axes another news page, calls terrorism discussion 'hate content'.
Search engine giant Google has cut off its news relationship with a number of online news publications that include frank discussions of radical Islam.
When Google News launched its beta site in April 2002, it said its mission was to construct an unbiased news engine free of human intervention using new methods of aggregating news from sources worldwide.
According to the April Nielsen/NetRatings report, 49 percent of all searches conducted in the U.S. in March 2006 were carried out on Google.
Along with the dropping of conservative news providers, Google has received other complaints of liberal bias.
Want previous examples?
Google map says Taiwan part of China
Google blocks ad for anti-Clinton book
I'm sure if someone dug deep enough they would find that goggle particpated in that U.N. hypocricy of wiping Israel off the map.
I got yer google right here, buddy!
PS: If this hack's blog disappears for mysterious reasons, you'll know why.
like anybody would care. ha!
Search engine giant axes another news page, calls terrorism discussion 'hate content'.
Search engine giant Google has cut off its news relationship with a number of online news publications that include frank discussions of radical Islam.
When Google News launched its beta site in April 2002, it said its mission was to construct an unbiased news engine free of human intervention using new methods of aggregating news from sources worldwide.
According to the April Nielsen/NetRatings report, 49 percent of all searches conducted in the U.S. in March 2006 were carried out on Google.
Along with the dropping of conservative news providers, Google has received other complaints of liberal bias.
Want previous examples?
Google map says Taiwan part of China
Google blocks ad for anti-Clinton book
I'm sure if someone dug deep enough they would find that goggle particpated in that U.N. hypocricy of wiping Israel off the map.
I got yer google right here, buddy!
PS: If this hack's blog disappears for mysterious reasons, you'll know why.
like anybody would care. ha!
Repercussions
Agency Loses Data Containing Veterans' IDs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday warned military veterans about the potential for identity theft after personal data on up to 26.5 million VA clients was stolen from an analyst's home.
Veterans concerned about ID theft can go to firstgov.gov or VA.gov for more information. The VA has also set up a call center for information on the data theft and consumer identity protections. That toll-free number is (800) FED INFO (333-4636). The call center, opening Monday, will operate from 8 am to 9 p.m. EDT Mondays through Saturdays for "as long as it is needed," the VA said.
Me thinks this is more than just a second rate burglary orchestrated for domestic identity theft. We shall see.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday warned military veterans about the potential for identity theft after personal data on up to 26.5 million VA clients was stolen from an analyst's home.
Veterans concerned about ID theft can go to firstgov.gov or VA.gov for more information. The VA has also set up a call center for information on the data theft and consumer identity protections. That toll-free number is (800) FED INFO (333-4636). The call center, opening Monday, will operate from 8 am to 9 p.m. EDT Mondays through Saturdays for "as long as it is needed," the VA said.
Me thinks this is more than just a second rate burglary orchestrated for domestic identity theft. We shall see.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Think long & hard
During the U.S. civil war, Gen. William Sherman declared all newspaper reporters to be little more than 'spies'. He deplored their rutting around for camp rumors & innuendo and then publishing those bits of information to the aid of friend and foe alike. Gen. Sherman was convinced that if all reporters were killed today, there would be news from hell by breakfast tomorrow.
Attorney Gen.: Reporters Might Be Prosecuted
'"There are some statutes on the book which, if you read the language carefully, would seem to indicate that that is a possibility," U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said, referring to prosecutions. "We have an obligation to enforce those laws. We have an obligation to ensure that our national security is protected."
In recent months, journalists have been called into court to testify as part of investigations into leaks, including the unauthorized disclosure of a CIA operative's name as well as the National Security Agency's warrantless eavesdropping program.
Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said she presumed that Gonzales was referring to the 1917 Espionage Act, which she said has never been interpreted to prosecute journalists who were providing information to the public.
"I can't imagine a bigger chill on free speech and the public's right to know what it's government is up to -- both hallmarks of a democracy -- than prosecuting reporters," Dalglish said.'
I would prefer the feds quit wasting time & money on this Hoffa nonsense.
The new Iraqi government has much to say and a tough task to accomplish.
New Iraq leader vows security, reconciliation.
A day after he unveiled the lineup of most members of his coalition government, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he has drawn up a plan to bring the violence plaguing the country under control, starting with Baghdad. He also said his focus on security would be coupled with something Iraqis have seen little of in recent months: reconciliation.
"We have a new plan of reconciliation for Iraq to restore trust," he said, without giving details.
This is the first place I'd start, Prime Minister.
Violence Invades Baghdad's Emergency Rooms.
Located in west Baghdad, the bloodiest half of the Iraqi capital, Yarmouk has coped for three years with an unrelenting daily stream of wounded, dying and dead. The U.S. emergency room depicted in the HBO documentary "Baghdad ER," airing for the first time Sunday night, does similar work for wounded U.S. military personnel and Iraqi civilians, but compared to this one it's secure and well equipped.
"All the hot spots are around this hospital," Hussein said. By the end of his 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shift, he had treated about 100 patients, he said -- a normal work day, but "an indescribable burden."
Judge Throws Out Lawyer in Saddam Trial.
The squabble began when chief judge informed defense lawyer Bushra Khalil that she would be allowed to return to the court after being removed from a session in April for arguing with the judge. But when she tried to make a statement, he quickly cut her off, saying, "Sit down."
"I just want to say one word," she said, but Abdel-Rahman yelled at guards to take her away. Khalil pulled off her judicial robe and threw it on the floor in anger, then tried to push the guards who were grabbing her hands, shouting, "Get away from me."
As she was pulled out of the court, Saddam objected from the defendants' pen, and Abdel-Rahman told him to be silent.
"I'm Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. I am above all," Saddam shouted back.
"You are a defendant now, not a president," the judge barked.
And last, but not least,
Thank God for small favors.
Attorney Gen.: Reporters Might Be Prosecuted
'"There are some statutes on the book which, if you read the language carefully, would seem to indicate that that is a possibility," U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said, referring to prosecutions. "We have an obligation to enforce those laws. We have an obligation to ensure that our national security is protected."
In recent months, journalists have been called into court to testify as part of investigations into leaks, including the unauthorized disclosure of a CIA operative's name as well as the National Security Agency's warrantless eavesdropping program.
Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said she presumed that Gonzales was referring to the 1917 Espionage Act, which she said has never been interpreted to prosecute journalists who were providing information to the public.
"I can't imagine a bigger chill on free speech and the public's right to know what it's government is up to -- both hallmarks of a democracy -- than prosecuting reporters," Dalglish said.'
I would prefer the feds quit wasting time & money on this Hoffa nonsense.
The new Iraqi government has much to say and a tough task to accomplish.
New Iraq leader vows security, reconciliation.
A day after he unveiled the lineup of most members of his coalition government, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he has drawn up a plan to bring the violence plaguing the country under control, starting with Baghdad. He also said his focus on security would be coupled with something Iraqis have seen little of in recent months: reconciliation.
"We have a new plan of reconciliation for Iraq to restore trust," he said, without giving details.
This is the first place I'd start, Prime Minister.
Violence Invades Baghdad's Emergency Rooms.
Located in west Baghdad, the bloodiest half of the Iraqi capital, Yarmouk has coped for three years with an unrelenting daily stream of wounded, dying and dead. The U.S. emergency room depicted in the HBO documentary "Baghdad ER," airing for the first time Sunday night, does similar work for wounded U.S. military personnel and Iraqi civilians, but compared to this one it's secure and well equipped.
"All the hot spots are around this hospital," Hussein said. By the end of his 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shift, he had treated about 100 patients, he said -- a normal work day, but "an indescribable burden."
Judge Throws Out Lawyer in Saddam Trial.
The squabble began when chief judge informed defense lawyer Bushra Khalil that she would be allowed to return to the court after being removed from a session in April for arguing with the judge. But when she tried to make a statement, he quickly cut her off, saying, "Sit down."
"I just want to say one word," she said, but Abdel-Rahman yelled at guards to take her away. Khalil pulled off her judicial robe and threw it on the floor in anger, then tried to push the guards who were grabbing her hands, shouting, "Get away from me."
As she was pulled out of the court, Saddam objected from the defendants' pen, and Abdel-Rahman told him to be silent.
"I'm Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. I am above all," Saddam shouted back.
"You are a defendant now, not a president," the judge barked.
And last, but not least,
Thank God for small favors.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
The da vinci dud
Much ado about nothing, really. I have not read the Da Vici Code by Dan Brown and I probably won't see
the movie, either. This sort of thing just doesn't interest me. Give me a good documentary or unbridged dictionary anyday. Heaven. I'm in heaven, but... I digress.
From the reviews I've read and commentaries I've heard, the movie won't have long legs at the box office. It is too long, too ponderous and too introspective to the point of self absorption for a block buster movie audience. Just as well. It will give the faithful a chance to get their shorts out of a bunch over more hollywood pablum designed to accomodate some execuctive's laughter all the way to the bank.
Good thing all these christians aren't looking for 72 heavenly virgins or things could get messy.
Much ado about nothing, really. The bedrock faithful know the truth and those that just want mind candy time wasters don't want to know the truth anyways. I'm no expert on the bible, but from what I understand, Jesus couldn't have married any mortal woman because from the beginning of time His bride has been ordained to be THE CHURCH. Talk about an arranged marriage. And He couldn't have ignored His death on the cross because that would negate the ressurection and His eternal reign in Heaven in a glorified body. I think Easter, et al is a really important holiday for the christians.
People from a bygone era knew the facts about this christian stuff whether they believed it or not.
For example: The battle hymn of the republic. (...Jesus died to make men wholly; let us die to make men free; His truth is marching on......)
Or the apostle's creed: (...He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.)
And finally, who could forget Sidney Poitier in 'lilies of the field' singing with them nuns 'Amen!, Amen!, etc,.... basically singing the key points in the gospels from bethlehem to the resurrection. Not a word about being married or making babies.
I think ol Dan Brown just wanted to get some digs in at the catholic church and all them nuns who whipped him as a boy. Maybe it's a fetish thang. I don't know. Go see it if you like. Sit down and enjoy some hollywood fiction. Get a big greazy 'tub-o-death' and wash it down with a diabetic's nightmare. There will be something new to fascinate the public next week.
the movie, either. This sort of thing just doesn't interest me. Give me a good documentary or unbridged dictionary anyday. Heaven. I'm in heaven, but... I digress.
From the reviews I've read and commentaries I've heard, the movie won't have long legs at the box office. It is too long, too ponderous and too introspective to the point of self absorption for a block buster movie audience. Just as well. It will give the faithful a chance to get their shorts out of a bunch over more hollywood pablum designed to accomodate some execuctive's laughter all the way to the bank.
Good thing all these christians aren't looking for 72 heavenly virgins or things could get messy.
Much ado about nothing, really. The bedrock faithful know the truth and those that just want mind candy time wasters don't want to know the truth anyways. I'm no expert on the bible, but from what I understand, Jesus couldn't have married any mortal woman because from the beginning of time His bride has been ordained to be THE CHURCH. Talk about an arranged marriage. And He couldn't have ignored His death on the cross because that would negate the ressurection and His eternal reign in Heaven in a glorified body. I think Easter, et al is a really important holiday for the christians.
People from a bygone era knew the facts about this christian stuff whether they believed it or not.
For example: The battle hymn of the republic. (...Jesus died to make men wholly; let us die to make men free; His truth is marching on......)
Or the apostle's creed: (...He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.)
And finally, who could forget Sidney Poitier in 'lilies of the field' singing with them nuns 'Amen!, Amen!, etc,.... basically singing the key points in the gospels from bethlehem to the resurrection. Not a word about being married or making babies.
I think ol Dan Brown just wanted to get some digs in at the catholic church and all them nuns who whipped him as a boy. Maybe it's a fetish thang. I don't know. Go see it if you like. Sit down and enjoy some hollywood fiction. Get a big greazy 'tub-o-death' and wash it down with a diabetic's nightmare. There will be something new to fascinate the public next week.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Hardship
Omar, from over at Iraq the Model, posts on nothing in particular, but it is obviously particular; the daily struggle of urban civilians in a war zone.
First of all we're having a hard time getting reliable electricity and internet access, as you could tell from Mohammed's latest post, thus we're getting fewer hours of online time and this of course is not enabling us to read enough material that is needed to know what's going on and connect events and news.
There's also our satellite TV receiver which died all of a sudden (maybe the news it was forced to show was the cause of death!).
I'm also not getting my newspapers regularly enough for a number of reasons, so we're technically not receiving enough material to be able to blog in the way we wish we were especially when it comes to things happening outside Baghdad.
Some might wonder how someone living in a place as eventful as Baghdad would face difficulty choosing a story to write about. Yes Baghdad is full of events, almost no day passes without breaking news or big stories about the government, the al-Qaeda, security, economy, etc, etc.
Of course most of headlines bring bad news and every once in a while we find some good news or potentially good news but regardless of that, they all can be considered as good raw material for blogging but the thing is that we're growing numb over news whether good or bad.
I would almost say that living in the slums of Washington D.C. is a step up. At least there is reliable electical power.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament Approves New Cabinet.
In a show of hands, the 275-member parliament approved each Cabinet minister proposed by incoming Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The new ministers then took their oaths of office in the nationally televised session in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.
That completed a democratic process that began following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
In his first address, al-Maliki told parliament that he would make restoring stability and security the top priority of his new administration. He said he would "work fast" to improve and coordinate Iraqi forces so they can reduce attacks by insurgent groups and militias.
Amen.
To the east, Iran's president, Herr whos-its is still a nut case.
It is a frightening scene that hearkens back to a monstrous crime: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who openly denies that the Holocaust ever happened, now seeks to recreate the catastrophe's earliest moments.
As columnist Amir Taheri discloses elsewhere in today's Post, Ahmadinejad has pushed through the parliament, or Majlis, a law requiring all Jews in Iran to sew yellow strips of cloth to their clothes - and wear a special ID insignia.
And not just Jews: All non-Muslims, including Christians, Hindus, Bahai and Buddhists, must wear clothes that conform to a specific color scheme for their respective faiths - badges that warn Muslims against having physical contact with "unclean" people.
My sympathies to the people of Iran.
Even farther east, the world's tallest peak has been bested x 2?
Playboy Model Climbs Mount Everest.
No, I don't have any photos.
And what is the deal with hot teachers this millenium? It used to be school marms were little more tame & held to higher standards.
Even though this is a non-nude fashion portfolio, it might not be safe for work.
First of all we're having a hard time getting reliable electricity and internet access, as you could tell from Mohammed's latest post, thus we're getting fewer hours of online time and this of course is not enabling us to read enough material that is needed to know what's going on and connect events and news.
There's also our satellite TV receiver which died all of a sudden (maybe the news it was forced to show was the cause of death!).
I'm also not getting my newspapers regularly enough for a number of reasons, so we're technically not receiving enough material to be able to blog in the way we wish we were especially when it comes to things happening outside Baghdad.
Some might wonder how someone living in a place as eventful as Baghdad would face difficulty choosing a story to write about. Yes Baghdad is full of events, almost no day passes without breaking news or big stories about the government, the al-Qaeda, security, economy, etc, etc.
Of course most of headlines bring bad news and every once in a while we find some good news or potentially good news but regardless of that, they all can be considered as good raw material for blogging but the thing is that we're growing numb over news whether good or bad.
I would almost say that living in the slums of Washington D.C. is a step up. At least there is reliable electical power.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament Approves New Cabinet.
In a show of hands, the 275-member parliament approved each Cabinet minister proposed by incoming Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The new ministers then took their oaths of office in the nationally televised session in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.
That completed a democratic process that began following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
In his first address, al-Maliki told parliament that he would make restoring stability and security the top priority of his new administration. He said he would "work fast" to improve and coordinate Iraqi forces so they can reduce attacks by insurgent groups and militias.
Amen.
To the east, Iran's president, Herr whos-its is still a nut case.
It is a frightening scene that hearkens back to a monstrous crime: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who openly denies that the Holocaust ever happened, now seeks to recreate the catastrophe's earliest moments.
As columnist Amir Taheri discloses elsewhere in today's Post, Ahmadinejad has pushed through the parliament, or Majlis, a law requiring all Jews in Iran to sew yellow strips of cloth to their clothes - and wear a special ID insignia.
And not just Jews: All non-Muslims, including Christians, Hindus, Bahai and Buddhists, must wear clothes that conform to a specific color scheme for their respective faiths - badges that warn Muslims against having physical contact with "unclean" people.
My sympathies to the people of Iran.
Even farther east, the world's tallest peak has been bested x 2?
Playboy Model Climbs Mount Everest.
No, I don't have any photos.
And what is the deal with hot teachers this millenium? It used to be school marms were little more tame & held to higher standards.
Even though this is a non-nude fashion portfolio, it might not be safe for work.
Friday, May 19, 2006
The real Iraq
A commentary by Amir Taheri.
Formerly the executive editor of Kayhan, Iran's largest daily newspaper, Mr. Taheri is the author of ten books and a frequent contributor to numerous publications in the Middle East and Europe. His work appears regularly in the New York Post.
A partial reading:
But more sober observers should understand the real balance sheet in Iraq. Democracy is succeeding. Moreover, thanks to its success in Iraq, there are stirrings elsewhere in the region. Beyond the much-publicized electoral concessions wrung from authoritarian rulers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, there is a new democratic discourse to be heard. Nationalism and pan-Arabism, yesterdays hollow rallying cries, have given way to a big idea of a very different kind. Debate and dissent are in the air where there was none beforea development owing, in significant measure, to the U.S. campaign in Iraq and the brilliant if still checkered Iraqi response.
The stakes, in short, could not be higher. This is all the more reason to celebrate, to build on, and to consolidate what has already been accomplished. Instead of railing against the Bush administration, Americas elites would do better, and incidentally display greater self-respect, to direct their wrath where it properly belongs: at those violent and unrestrained enemies of democracy in Iraq who are, in truth, the enemies of democracy in America as well, and of everything America has ever stood for.
Is Iraq a quagmire, a disaster, a failure? Certainly not; none of the above. Of all the adjectives used by skeptics and critics to describe today's Iraq, the only one that has a ring of truth is messy. Yes, the situation in Iraq today is messy. Births always are. Since when is that a reason to declare a baby unworthy of life?
Formerly the executive editor of Kayhan, Iran's largest daily newspaper, Mr. Taheri is the author of ten books and a frequent contributor to numerous publications in the Middle East and Europe. His work appears regularly in the New York Post.
A partial reading:
But more sober observers should understand the real balance sheet in Iraq. Democracy is succeeding. Moreover, thanks to its success in Iraq, there are stirrings elsewhere in the region. Beyond the much-publicized electoral concessions wrung from authoritarian rulers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, there is a new democratic discourse to be heard. Nationalism and pan-Arabism, yesterdays hollow rallying cries, have given way to a big idea of a very different kind. Debate and dissent are in the air where there was none beforea development owing, in significant measure, to the U.S. campaign in Iraq and the brilliant if still checkered Iraqi response.
The stakes, in short, could not be higher. This is all the more reason to celebrate, to build on, and to consolidate what has already been accomplished. Instead of railing against the Bush administration, Americas elites would do better, and incidentally display greater self-respect, to direct their wrath where it properly belongs: at those violent and unrestrained enemies of democracy in Iraq who are, in truth, the enemies of democracy in America as well, and of everything America has ever stood for.
Is Iraq a quagmire, a disaster, a failure? Certainly not; none of the above. Of all the adjectives used by skeptics and critics to describe today's Iraq, the only one that has a ring of truth is messy. Yes, the situation in Iraq today is messy. Births always are. Since when is that a reason to declare a baby unworthy of life?
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Chuck Norris on a port-a-john
Midnight in Irag has more musings on the daily details of this war in Iraq. I'm sure most of you have heard that the life of a soldier is marked by long stretches of boredom punctuated by moments of shear terror. This is about one of those long stretches. The mundane business of answering nature's call. Even in war, the ubiquitous port-o-john makes an appearance.
Also, Chuck Norris wisdom.
that's spooky!
Every time Marines go to the field a train of port-a-johns follows in trace. It has been determined that port-a-johns are both more sanitary and more convenient than digging a cat-hole with one's entrenching-tool. I'll definitely agree with the 'more convenient' part. The sanitation issue is another matter. Regardless, it appears this trend has followed us to OIF, and with it follows those expertly crafted limericks that we all love to hate: port-a-john graffiti.
During my trip into country I was exposed to several inter-service camps, and consequently, graffiti of all types. Many would-be artists sign their unit at the bottom of their creations, and I managed to notice some definite trends in those fleeting minutes spent staring at a plastic wall. First, soldiers love to complain. They complain about how long they've been deployed, their officers, the cleanliness of the port-a-john, and everything else under the sun. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of gripes from Marine and Air Force units, but the Army really served up a glass of whine in the Taqaddum port-a-johns. Next, Marines seem to prefer drawing pornography. I won't say much more about this one, but some of those drawings had to take 20 minutes to complete. Two minutes is enough for me inside these monstrosities, and anyone inside for more than ten either needs to be rescued or must be painting the Sistine Chapel. Last, the problem is immense, and it really saddens me that I share the same species (and possibly public school system) with those responsible for resorting to port-a-john graffiti to make their voice heard.
With all that said, I'm not going to lie, some of it is hilarious. Some of my favorites include 'Where did you get that grenade?' and 'Chuck Norris can believe it's not butter.' It's the random, off the wall stuff that really makes me laugh. 'I love lamp' also comes to mind. One of the more involved quotes read 'Anyone can pee on the floor. It takes a hero to poop on the ceiling.' Perhaps as juvenile and debasing as it may be, port-a-john graffiti has brought a smile to my face on more than one occasion. I don't condone it and I certainly don't take part in it, but I think most of us would be lying if we denied it has pulled a laugh from us at one time or the other.
If this guy ever writes a book of his experience in Iraq, I'm buying it.
Also, Chuck Norris wisdom.
that's spooky!
Every time Marines go to the field a train of port-a-johns follows in trace. It has been determined that port-a-johns are both more sanitary and more convenient than digging a cat-hole with one's entrenching-tool. I'll definitely agree with the 'more convenient' part. The sanitation issue is another matter. Regardless, it appears this trend has followed us to OIF, and with it follows those expertly crafted limericks that we all love to hate: port-a-john graffiti.
During my trip into country I was exposed to several inter-service camps, and consequently, graffiti of all types. Many would-be artists sign their unit at the bottom of their creations, and I managed to notice some definite trends in those fleeting minutes spent staring at a plastic wall. First, soldiers love to complain. They complain about how long they've been deployed, their officers, the cleanliness of the port-a-john, and everything else under the sun. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of gripes from Marine and Air Force units, but the Army really served up a glass of whine in the Taqaddum port-a-johns. Next, Marines seem to prefer drawing pornography. I won't say much more about this one, but some of those drawings had to take 20 minutes to complete. Two minutes is enough for me inside these monstrosities, and anyone inside for more than ten either needs to be rescued or must be painting the Sistine Chapel. Last, the problem is immense, and it really saddens me that I share the same species (and possibly public school system) with those responsible for resorting to port-a-john graffiti to make their voice heard.
With all that said, I'm not going to lie, some of it is hilarious. Some of my favorites include 'Where did you get that grenade?' and 'Chuck Norris can believe it's not butter.' It's the random, off the wall stuff that really makes me laugh. 'I love lamp' also comes to mind. One of the more involved quotes read 'Anyone can pee on the floor. It takes a hero to poop on the ceiling.' Perhaps as juvenile and debasing as it may be, port-a-john graffiti has brought a smile to my face on more than one occasion. I don't condone it and I certainly don't take part in it, but I think most of us would be lying if we denied it has pulled a laugh from us at one time or the other.
If this guy ever writes a book of his experience in Iraq, I'm buying it.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
It's agreed.
Most folks not engrossed with WWF matches or who's-doing-who in hollywood agree that President Bush's proposals on immigration reform were tepid, at best. Most folks also agree that this nation loves immigrants. Legal immigrants. And since the prime focus of this debate is the porous U.S. / Mexico border, those same folks are quick to add that they love legal Mexican immigrants, but something has to be done to manage our own borders in a safe, just and comprehensive way.
What to do?
The U.S. senate has its own ideas.
Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to know who is going to pay for all this?
I think scrapple face has a handle on the real shananigans.
No respect, so kiss my
A bloody past.
The eleventh president of the United States.
What to do?
The U.S. senate has its own ideas.
Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to know who is going to pay for all this?
I think scrapple face has a handle on the real shananigans.
No respect, so kiss my
A bloody past.
The eleventh president of the United States.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Is there an echo in here?
Not much new in last night's speech. The President spoke on many issues that have been floating in the ether for years. The few items that he sounded moderately passionate about was the the end of catch and release doh! and the emphasis on learning and speaking the English language as a necessary tool for success in this country. All else seemed to be crumbs to pacify. Most of his suggestions will die in squabbling congressional committees.
I give Mr. Bush a 5.
The folks over at Power Line wrote about GW sailing down the porcelain portal.
As soon as he started talking about guest worker programs and the impossibility of deporting 11 million illegals, it was all over. President Bush keeps trying to find the middle ground, on this and many other issues. But sometimes, there isn't a viable middle ground. This is one of those instances.
Some folks liked the speech.
President Bush did exactly what he had to do tonight: Hit the middle, agreeing to the fence, to a large increase in Border Patrol personnel and funding, tamper-proof identification, National Guard back-up of ICE for at least a year, the end of catch-and-release, blunt talk on the impossibility of mass deportation, an insistence on English, and a commitment to a guest worker program that will take pressure off enforcement by funneling large numbers of immigrant workers into the legal line.
The Captain's Quarters split the difference.
My initial reaction? President Bush tried reaching for the center -- a position he has occupied on this issue all along. He tried a one-from-column-A, two-from-column-B approach that probably will leave all sides more or less dissatisfied. His declaration that catch-and-release would end was the most welcome news in the entire speech. He delivered that well and sounded forceful and presidential, but most people will wonder why this practice didn't end on September 12, 2001. His tone remained measured and firm and he insisted that Congress pass a comprehensive plan that includes both tight security and normalization.
I still prefer Burt Prelutsky's analysis that he wrote two weeks before GW even walked up to the podium!
Dang, this guy is good.
Is there an echo in here?
I give Mr. Bush a 5.
The folks over at Power Line wrote about GW sailing down the porcelain portal.
As soon as he started talking about guest worker programs and the impossibility of deporting 11 million illegals, it was all over. President Bush keeps trying to find the middle ground, on this and many other issues. But sometimes, there isn't a viable middle ground. This is one of those instances.
Some folks liked the speech.
President Bush did exactly what he had to do tonight: Hit the middle, agreeing to the fence, to a large increase in Border Patrol personnel and funding, tamper-proof identification, National Guard back-up of ICE for at least a year, the end of catch-and-release, blunt talk on the impossibility of mass deportation, an insistence on English, and a commitment to a guest worker program that will take pressure off enforcement by funneling large numbers of immigrant workers into the legal line.
The Captain's Quarters split the difference.
My initial reaction? President Bush tried reaching for the center -- a position he has occupied on this issue all along. He tried a one-from-column-A, two-from-column-B approach that probably will leave all sides more or less dissatisfied. His declaration that catch-and-release would end was the most welcome news in the entire speech. He delivered that well and sounded forceful and presidential, but most people will wonder why this practice didn't end on September 12, 2001. His tone remained measured and firm and he insisted that Congress pass a comprehensive plan that includes both tight security and normalization.
I still prefer Burt Prelutsky's analysis that he wrote two weeks before GW even walked up to the podium!
Dang, this guy is good.
Is there an echo in here?
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Rod Serling back from dead; writes most bizzare twilight zone ever.
Either that, or some conservative journalists have commandeered the offices of the Associated Press during this weekend and have actually published a positive human interest story related to the war in Iraq. I'll bet ya frogs to turtles this story gets buried on page 23a and doesn't see the light of day come Monday morning.
Grief Compels Marine's Dad to Support War
By TERRY KINNEY
Associated Press Writer
May 13, 2006, 8:08 AM EDT
FAIRFIELD, Ohio -- A soft-spoken suburban real-estate broker, John Prazynski didn't consider himself political and never expected to become a public figure, much less a pro-war activist. But in the year since his son Taylor, a Marine, died in Iraq, Prazynski has devoted much of his time to supporting the troops through fundraisers, two trips to Camp Lejeune, N.C., and interviews backing the war effort. "I could easily have gone the other way," Prazynski said. He says his activism is a tribute to his son, trying to "make something positive happen out of something so negative. That's what Taylor would want us to do."
Marine Lance Cpl. Taylor Prazynski, 20, died May 9, 2005, of shrapnel wounds from a mortar shell that exploded near him during combat in Anbar Province. In his last phone calls, the fun-loving, popular man who had spent much of his senior year of high school helping special-needs students told his father he wanted to become a special education teacher.
Since his son's death, Prazynski, 43, has been interviewed repeatedly about the war while organizing a series of 5-kilometer runs and motorcycle rides to raise money for scholarships for students who attend his son's high school. "I do this to keep Taylor's memory alive," Prazynski said. On opening day of the baseball season in Cincinnati, he joined President Bush and two wounded soldiers on the field in pregame ceremonies. Prazynski said he wanted to thank Bush for his support "and give him two thumbs up with his positive stance on security, military and veterans' issues."
The former Air Force tech school instructor shares the pain -- but not the viewpoint -- of Cindy Sheehan, who became a high-profile war protester after her son Casey was killed in Iraq in April 2004. "She's grieving, as we are," Prazynski said. "She's chosen to direct her energies in a different direction. I say God bless her. "My son died for the Constitution that allows her to do what she's doing. Her son died, and God bless him, too, to support and defend the Constitution that gives her the right to speak freely, and I'm all for that right. "I just don't think that I clearly understand what her agenda is." Sheehan, who helped found Gold Star Families for Peace, has called for the impeachment of Bush, whom she says duped America into invading Iraq.
Prazynski understands the constant hurt of losing a child, and why such a loss has turned some grieving parents against the war. Even now, he said, "Every day is painful." The father searched the Internet and found several groups he felt he could support, but chose Impact Player Partners because it was based in nearby Cincinnati. The nonprofit group, an advocate for wounded and disabled veterans, invited Prazynski to take part in the opening day presentation with Bush. Prazynski also works with the Washington-based Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and hopes to raise donations for its activities by running in the Marine Corps Marathon in October. "We're so grateful for his participation," said TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll. "It's an incredible opportunity to honor and help all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one."
Prazynski's last trip to Camp Lejeune -- some 700 miles on a motorcycle -- was another step. "That's part of the healing process, to meet parents of other Marines and soldiers who died and just be able to talk to them," he said. On his way home, Prazynski made a spur-of-the-moment 300-mile side trip. "I went up to Arlington (National Cemetery) and visited Taylor's grave, and the other Cincinnati fallen heroes and the other men he served with. That's part, I guess, of how I deal with things," he said. "I spent most of Saturday afternoon in Arlington. It's just peaceful; I could probably sit there for days, seriously."
Grief Compels Marine's Dad to Support War
By TERRY KINNEY
Associated Press Writer
May 13, 2006, 8:08 AM EDT
FAIRFIELD, Ohio -- A soft-spoken suburban real-estate broker, John Prazynski didn't consider himself political and never expected to become a public figure, much less a pro-war activist. But in the year since his son Taylor, a Marine, died in Iraq, Prazynski has devoted much of his time to supporting the troops through fundraisers, two trips to Camp Lejeune, N.C., and interviews backing the war effort. "I could easily have gone the other way," Prazynski said. He says his activism is a tribute to his son, trying to "make something positive happen out of something so negative. That's what Taylor would want us to do."
Marine Lance Cpl. Taylor Prazynski, 20, died May 9, 2005, of shrapnel wounds from a mortar shell that exploded near him during combat in Anbar Province. In his last phone calls, the fun-loving, popular man who had spent much of his senior year of high school helping special-needs students told his father he wanted to become a special education teacher.Since his son's death, Prazynski, 43, has been interviewed repeatedly about the war while organizing a series of 5-kilometer runs and motorcycle rides to raise money for scholarships for students who attend his son's high school. "I do this to keep Taylor's memory alive," Prazynski said. On opening day of the baseball season in Cincinnati, he joined President Bush and two wounded soldiers on the field in pregame ceremonies. Prazynski said he wanted to thank Bush for his support "and give him two thumbs up with his positive stance on security, military and veterans' issues."
The former Air Force tech school instructor shares the pain -- but not the viewpoint -- of Cindy Sheehan, who became a high-profile war protester after her son Casey was killed in Iraq in April 2004. "She's grieving, as we are," Prazynski said. "She's chosen to direct her energies in a different direction. I say God bless her. "My son died for the Constitution that allows her to do what she's doing. Her son died, and God bless him, too, to support and defend the Constitution that gives her the right to speak freely, and I'm all for that right. "I just don't think that I clearly understand what her agenda is." Sheehan, who helped found Gold Star Families for Peace, has called for the impeachment of Bush, whom she says duped America into invading Iraq.
Prazynski understands the constant hurt of losing a child, and why such a loss has turned some grieving parents against the war. Even now, he said, "Every day is painful." The father searched the Internet and found several groups he felt he could support, but chose Impact Player Partners because it was based in nearby Cincinnati. The nonprofit group, an advocate for wounded and disabled veterans, invited Prazynski to take part in the opening day presentation with Bush. Prazynski also works with the Washington-based Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and hopes to raise donations for its activities by running in the Marine Corps Marathon in October. "We're so grateful for his participation," said TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll. "It's an incredible opportunity to honor and help all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one."
Prazynski's last trip to Camp Lejeune -- some 700 miles on a motorcycle -- was another step. "That's part of the healing process, to meet parents of other Marines and soldiers who died and just be able to talk to them," he said. On his way home, Prazynski made a spur-of-the-moment 300-mile side trip. "I went up to Arlington (National Cemetery) and visited Taylor's grave, and the other Cincinnati fallen heroes and the other men he served with. That's part, I guess, of how I deal with things," he said. "I spent most of Saturday afternoon in Arlington. It's just peaceful; I could probably sit there for days, seriously."
We can't be having that, now can we.
I'm no spook expert, but from what I understand the C.I.A. is responsible for conducting foreign & international intelligence gathering operations for the U.S. of A. This knowledge can be particularly useful in a global war on terror if the agency can ever pull its head out of its collective butt.
President Bush has nominated U.S. Air Force General Michael V. Hayden as the next director of the C.I.A.
Mostly democratic critics have questioned the wisdom of putting a military officer in charge of the civilian spy agency. Hayden is a military man who understands the workings of the military and the intelligence community. This knowledge & experience might come in handy by making a more efficient union between military and bureacratic operations.
He understands both sides of the equation.
Golly.
We can't be having that, now can we.
This is not the first time a military man has taken charge of the 'civilian' C.I.A.
Admiral Stansfield Turner was appointed head of CIA on 8 February 1977 by President Jimmy Carter; confirmed by a Democrat-majority Senate without dissent on 24 February 1977 and sworn in on 9 March 1977. Like Mr. Carter, Admiral Turner's performance in office was less than stellar.
President Bush has nominated U.S. Air Force General Michael V. Hayden as the next director of the C.I.A.
Mostly democratic critics have questioned the wisdom of putting a military officer in charge of the civilian spy agency. Hayden is a military man who understands the workings of the military and the intelligence community. This knowledge & experience might come in handy by making a more efficient union between military and bureacratic operations.
He understands both sides of the equation.
Golly.
We can't be having that, now can we.
This is not the first time a military man has taken charge of the 'civilian' C.I.A.
Admiral Stansfield Turner was appointed head of CIA on 8 February 1977 by President Jimmy Carter; confirmed by a Democrat-majority Senate without dissent on 24 February 1977 and sworn in on 9 March 1977. Like Mr. Carter, Admiral Turner's performance in office was less than stellar.
Friday, May 12, 2006
AU-en
I have probably never mentioned this before (ha!), but my kid is an army grunt stationed in Tal Afar. Well, she is home on leave and I am happy as a dad with his kid home on leave.
Do the math.
She is here for two weeks. If I'm lucky, I may get to pry her away from her friends for about 37 minutes of quality daughter/dad time. When her leave time is up, she is off to Iraq again, but not to Tal Afar. Her unit is heading down the road to someplace else after being replaced by some Iraqi regulars. That's all I have to say about that.
This next bit is almost as good. Congress Passes $69 Bln Tax-Cut Measure; Bush Plans to Sign It. The legislation would extend until 2010 the 15 percent rate on dividends and most capital gains, preventing tax rates from increasing at the end of 2008. The measure also would stop a $31 billion tax increase from the alternative minimum tax on millions of households with incomes as low as $50,000.
YEEEHAAAW!
A big thumbs up to congress & the president. An added treat is how much the leftist utopians are gnawing their tongues over this one. Ha!
And to beat all, the price of gold has gone through the roof. Gold prices surged to a new 26-year high above $725 an ounce Thursday on inflationary worries expressed by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Ain't it sweet?
Hark! Doth the leviathan stir from slumber?
Pentagon Exploring Border Control Patrols.
The Pentagon is looking at ways the military can help provide more security along the U.S. southern border, defense officials said Thursday
Or maybe that's just hell freezing over.
(*AU-en = golden)
Do the math.
She is here for two weeks. If I'm lucky, I may get to pry her away from her friends for about 37 minutes of quality daughter/dad time. When her leave time is up, she is off to Iraq again, but not to Tal Afar. Her unit is heading down the road to someplace else after being replaced by some Iraqi regulars. That's all I have to say about that.
This next bit is almost as good. Congress Passes $69 Bln Tax-Cut Measure; Bush Plans to Sign It. The legislation would extend until 2010 the 15 percent rate on dividends and most capital gains, preventing tax rates from increasing at the end of 2008. The measure also would stop a $31 billion tax increase from the alternative minimum tax on millions of households with incomes as low as $50,000.
YEEEHAAAW!
A big thumbs up to congress & the president. An added treat is how much the leftist utopians are gnawing their tongues over this one. Ha!
And to beat all, the price of gold has gone through the roof. Gold prices surged to a new 26-year high above $725 an ounce Thursday on inflationary worries expressed by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Ain't it sweet?
Hark! Doth the leviathan stir from slumber?
Pentagon Exploring Border Control Patrols.
The Pentagon is looking at ways the military can help provide more security along the U.S. southern border, defense officials said Thursday
Or maybe that's just hell freezing over.
(*AU-en = golden)
Monday, May 08, 2006
Did everyone have a good laugh?
It's not really all that funny; this 'blooper' reel of Zarqawi making the rounds on the internet. It's like a tragic parody of the world's sickest home videos complete with poor range discipline and a fashion statement on his shoes. This guy ain't wanting for groceries, either.
Snap out of it!
Get back to business!
This murderous warlord has fomented months of bloody assaults on innocent Iraqis shopping at markets; against children on street corners and families at weddings, not to mention almost daily explosions of IEDS against coalition forces. This man is no bafoon. The video maybe a tragi-comedic relief in this stalemate, but let us not forget Zarqawi's debut video and the horrorible screams of one man as his head was sawn off for the camera's audience.
Enough of Zarqawi already. He has followers, you know; imitators who seek to champion his cause utilizing his methods: guerilla warfare, indiscriminant bombings, kidnappings & executions. Video can be a powerful weapon. It can magnify the monsters larger than they actually are and cause paralysis in a terrified population. The medium becomes a weapon and perception more effective than reality. Now comes word from the Mudville Gazette that a cruesome video thought to be of Atwar Bahjat's execution is not.
Who?
Shortly after the bombing of the Samarra shrine, an Iraqi journalist covering the aftermath was kidnapped and murdered along with her film crew. Her story was mentioned briefly in the western media, but was covered extensively in the Middle East.
The video is certainly of some poor soul screaming out at being butchered to death.
Some people
wonder why the Jihadists do what they do. Right now, I do not.
A closing thought
I cannot for the life of me understand why we in the West pay money to go to a movie house and watch a bloody horror film.
Snap out of it!
Get back to business!
This murderous warlord has fomented months of bloody assaults on innocent Iraqis shopping at markets; against children on street corners and families at weddings, not to mention almost daily explosions of IEDS against coalition forces. This man is no bafoon. The video maybe a tragi-comedic relief in this stalemate, but let us not forget Zarqawi's debut video and the horrorible screams of one man as his head was sawn off for the camera's audience.
Enough of Zarqawi already. He has followers, you know; imitators who seek to champion his cause utilizing his methods: guerilla warfare, indiscriminant bombings, kidnappings & executions. Video can be a powerful weapon. It can magnify the monsters larger than they actually are and cause paralysis in a terrified population. The medium becomes a weapon and perception more effective than reality. Now comes word from the Mudville Gazette that a cruesome video thought to be of Atwar Bahjat's execution is not.
Who?
Shortly after the bombing of the Samarra shrine, an Iraqi journalist covering the aftermath was kidnapped and murdered along with her film crew. Her story was mentioned briefly in the western media, but was covered extensively in the Middle East.
The video is certainly of some poor soul screaming out at being butchered to death.
Some people
wonder why the Jihadists do what they do. Right now, I do not.
A closing thought
I cannot for the life of me understand why we in the West pay money to go to a movie house and watch a bloody horror film.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Stick fighting in Iraq and wrapped in stone
Next I tried to whack him in the leg. My efforts were rewarded with a strike to both my hand and my forearm before I had closed half the distance to him. I repeated this again and took a broomstick to the side of my shoulder. It was at this point I noticed a trend: He was hitting me at least two times before I ever got my baton close to him. At this point, satisfied that he indeed was an accomplished stick-fighter (because he could beat me, high standard, huh?), we walked back inside. When inside I asked him to tell me the key to stick-fighting in three sentences or less. His reply was 'Hit your opponent three times before he gets to you.' 'Sounds familiar,' I thought.
Read the whole story in Beaten senseless.
And when is 'bigger', not better, and 'more', too much?
So perhaps you're wondering what I'm up in arms about. I'm protected from bullets and shrapnel, what else could I want? Well, I'd kind of like to be able to move. I'd also enjoy the ability to answer the call of nature without a massive disarmament. A Marine fully outfitted with protective gear resembles an awkward combat rolley-polley. Kevlar and ceramics aren't light, either. Nor are they breathable. A full combat load of protective gear, weapon, and ammunition weighs in excess of 60 pounds (This is a change from my initial NYT post. After comparing my gear to 45lb plates in the gym, I have determined it is significantly heavier), and this assumes all personal gear is vehicle-mobile. In a fast-paced, hot, and stressful environment this can quickly become more than challenging for even the most physically fit Marine.
Perhaps there are lessons to be learned from the middle ages in A knight's tale.
Read the whole story in Beaten senseless.
And when is 'bigger', not better, and 'more', too much?
So perhaps you're wondering what I'm up in arms about. I'm protected from bullets and shrapnel, what else could I want? Well, I'd kind of like to be able to move. I'd also enjoy the ability to answer the call of nature without a massive disarmament. A Marine fully outfitted with protective gear resembles an awkward combat rolley-polley. Kevlar and ceramics aren't light, either. Nor are they breathable. A full combat load of protective gear, weapon, and ammunition weighs in excess of 60 pounds (This is a change from my initial NYT post. After comparing my gear to 45lb plates in the gym, I have determined it is significantly heavier), and this assumes all personal gear is vehicle-mobile. In a fast-paced, hot, and stressful environment this can quickly become more than challenging for even the most physically fit Marine.
Perhaps there are lessons to be learned from the middle ages in A knight's tale.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
From the department of redundancy department
Mexico's Fox to sign drug-legalization law. Krykee! And all this time I thought Mexico officially encouraged the torrent of cocaine and marijuwana cascading across the porous U.S. / Mexico border.
But today, in a sudden reversal,, Mexico's presidente Fox decides
not to support this legislation. Of course, objections from the U.S. of A. had no influence what so ever on his decision.
In the northern carribean, better known as 'the gulf coast', showing off a bad case of closing the barn door after the animals are out, New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, reveals his plan for city wide evac in case of a hard strike hurricanne. Ok, ok. I should cut the guy some slack for trying to learn from his deadly mistakes, but I can't for the life of me figure out why any reasonable person would want to re-elect this guy.
The most common sense component of Mr. Nagin's plan is the same component that applies to any predictable natural disaster like this: Both Mr. Nagin and a top aide emphasized that citizens would primarily be responsible for looking out for themselves when a storm threatens.
"Everybody has the personal responsibility to develop their own evacuation plan," said the head of the city's homeland security office, Terry Ebbert, the point man in managing last year's catastrophic storm.
I still wanna know who is Howard Stern and why does anybody care?
Sirius Satellite Radio reported a net loss of $458.5 million, or 33 cents a share, for the January-March period compared with a loss of $193.6 million, or 15 cents a share, a year ago. Sirius reported stock compensation expenses of $284.6 million, of which about $225 million went to Stern and his affiliates, a company spokesman said.
What suit thought up that bone head idea?
And finally, I like a nice pair as much as the next guy, but if a woman wants people to take her seriously then I suggest putting on a bra.
Rosie Perez, are you listening?
I'm glad you got to plug your new movie on 'the late show' but no one is going to take that serious subject seriously when the point girls are center stage & your strapless gown is waaaay past its design limits.
FYI, Rosie.
But today, in a sudden reversal,, Mexico's presidente Fox decides
not to support this legislation. Of course, objections from the U.S. of A. had no influence what so ever on his decision.
In the northern carribean, better known as 'the gulf coast', showing off a bad case of closing the barn door after the animals are out, New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, reveals his plan for city wide evac in case of a hard strike hurricanne. Ok, ok. I should cut the guy some slack for trying to learn from his deadly mistakes, but I can't for the life of me figure out why any reasonable person would want to re-elect this guy.
The most common sense component of Mr. Nagin's plan is the same component that applies to any predictable natural disaster like this: Both Mr. Nagin and a top aide emphasized that citizens would primarily be responsible for looking out for themselves when a storm threatens.
"Everybody has the personal responsibility to develop their own evacuation plan," said the head of the city's homeland security office, Terry Ebbert, the point man in managing last year's catastrophic storm.
I still wanna know who is Howard Stern and why does anybody care?
Sirius Satellite Radio reported a net loss of $458.5 million, or 33 cents a share, for the January-March period compared with a loss of $193.6 million, or 15 cents a share, a year ago. Sirius reported stock compensation expenses of $284.6 million, of which about $225 million went to Stern and his affiliates, a company spokesman said.
What suit thought up that bone head idea?
And finally, I like a nice pair as much as the next guy, but if a woman wants people to take her seriously then I suggest putting on a bra.
Rosie Perez, are you listening?
I'm glad you got to plug your new movie on 'the late show' but no one is going to take that serious subject seriously when the point girls are center stage & your strapless gown is waaaay past its design limits.
FYI, Rosie.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
I'm sorry. I was distracted.
Some people are already oppossed to the next war, but only if it is commanded by a republican president. I guess little matters like Iran shelling Iraq citizens doesn't really rate on the 'I hate GW' meter.
Iranian forces launched a similar artillery attack April 21.
Did you know that? I didn't know that.
Iran also reportedly has moved forces to its border with Iraq near the mountainous region near Haj Omran that is used by anti-Iranian Kurdish fighters. The Turkish deployment boosted an already large garrison in the region that by some estimates tops 250,000 soldiers. Talabani has expressed concern over reported Iranian and Turkish troop concentrations on Iraq's borders.
There were initial reports that Turkish troops had crossed into Iraqi territory, but Turkey denies all culpubility.
Meanwhile, talks continue.
Iranian forces launched a similar artillery attack April 21.
Did you know that? I didn't know that.
Iran also reportedly has moved forces to its border with Iraq near the mountainous region near Haj Omran that is used by anti-Iranian Kurdish fighters. The Turkish deployment boosted an already large garrison in the region that by some estimates tops 250,000 soldiers. Talabani has expressed concern over reported Iranian and Turkish troop concentrations on Iraq's borders.
There were initial reports that Turkish troops had crossed into Iraqi territory, but Turkey denies all culpubility.
Meanwhile, talks continue.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Opt me out!
One more malaise on the American people they will sleep through...til it hits their mailbox. I am being lazy so I stole this from boortz.com. I just don't feel like paying into this ponzi scheme supported by the federal government today. Besides, I'm out protesting illegal immigrants.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE - THE PICTURE IS BLEAKER THAN EVER.
Most Americans believe that there is something out there called a Social Security trust fund. They believe that when the government collects its Social Security taxes every year, it takes the money left over after paying all benefits and puts that money aside for future retirees. Americans actually believe this --- but they're wrong. The Social Security trust fund exists in name only. There is no money there. Not one single dollar. It's all gone.
I say opt me out and I will provide for my own retirement, thank you. But nothing will change because the American people are too fat, dumb and happy with the status quo. Besides, providing for one's own retirement is too risky, according to the politicians. Golly, I feel soooo much better.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE - THE PICTURE IS BLEAKER THAN EVER.
Most Americans believe that there is something out there called a Social Security trust fund. They believe that when the government collects its Social Security taxes every year, it takes the money left over after paying all benefits and puts that money aside for future retirees. Americans actually believe this --- but they're wrong. The Social Security trust fund exists in name only. There is no money there. Not one single dollar. It's all gone.
I say opt me out and I will provide for my own retirement, thank you. But nothing will change because the American people are too fat, dumb and happy with the status quo. Besides, providing for one's own retirement is too risky, according to the politicians. Golly, I feel soooo much better.
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